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House of Assembly Session 2022/2023 230 speeches

July 14, 2023

Official Hansard Report - House of Assembly

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Session Summary

Simplified for You

The Premier announced that government pensions will increase by 4.1% in August to match inflation, raising basic pensions from $1,107 to $1,152 per month. He also reported that government finances performed better than budgeted in 2022/23, with revenue higher than expected and the deficit 37% smaller than projected at $44 million. Several ministers provided updates on major infrastructure projects, including the near-completion of new water systems for St. George's and upgrades to the island's CCTV network.

Chamber House of Assembly
Date Jul 14, 2023
Session 2022/2023
Transcript View PDF
Speakers 19
Speeches 230

Key Topics

Social insurance pension increase of 4.1% to match inflationGovernment's 2022/23 budget performance showing better results than expectedEast End water and sewage infrastructure project nearing completionTourism recovery statistics and Bermuda Tourism Authority annual reportCCTV network upgrade across the islandCollege Promise Programme's first graduating class

Bills & Motions

Contributory Pensions (Amendment of Benefits) (No. 2) Order 2023 - tabled for consideration (will be debated next week)
Digital Asset Business Exemption Order 2023 - tabled for information
Various annual reports and financial statements tabled, including Tourism Authority accounts showing a small surplus

Notable Moments

The Premier highlighted that unemployment has fallen below pre-pandemic levels with 1,812 more people employed than last year
The Works Minister announced that St. George's sewage will no longer be pumped overboard once the new treatment facility opens, marking a major environmental improvement
The Education Minister celebrated the first graduates of the College Promise Programme, with each receiving an additional $7,500 for further education

Debate Transcript

230 speeches from 19 speakers
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning, Members. The Acting Clerk will lead us in prayer. PRAYERS [Prayers read by M r. Clark Somner , Acting Clerk ]
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Before we start, could I have the two Whips join me a minute? [Pause]
The Speaker The Speaker Members, the House is now in session. [Gavel] CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES [Minutes of 30 June 2023 ]
The Speaker The Speaker Members, the Minutes from the sitting of the 30th of June have been circulated. Are there any amendments, corrections required? There are none. The Minutes will be confirmed as printed. Thank you. [Minutes of 30 June 2023 confirmed] MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER OR MEMBER PRESIDING APOLOGIES
The Speaker The Speaker The only announcements we received today are that the Deputy Premier, Honourable Roban, and MP Curtis Dickinson will be absent today. MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. PAPERS AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS TO THE HOUSE
The Speaker The Speaker This morning we have six communications. The first is in the name of the Premier. Premier, would you like to present your communicat ion this morning? Hon. E. David Burt: Good morning to you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. OFFICE OF THE INFORMATION COMMISSIONER FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the audited Financial Statements of the …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Would you like to continue on to the next? Hon. E. David Burt: Absolutely, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. DIGITAL ASSET BUSINESS EXEMPTION ORDER 2023 Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the Digital Asset Business Exemption Order 2023, made by the Minister responsible for Finance in exercise of the …
The Speaker The Speaker And they say three is a charm. Would you like to do the third one? CONTRIBUTORY PENSIONS (AMENDMENT OF BENEFITS) (NO. 2) ORDER 2023 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 1670 14 July 2023 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Premier. The next communication/paper this morning is from the Minister of Tourism. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, good morning. I rise in behalf of the Minister of Tourism.
The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. BERMUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY 2022 YEAR IN REVIEW AND BERMUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2022 Hon. Kim N. Wilson: I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the Bermuda Tourism Authority 2022 …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister, are you going to do the second— [Inaudible interjection]
The Speaker The Speaker Oh, okay. Good. I was caught up in those nice- looking colours you are wearing today. [Laughter]
The Speaker The Speaker Red and blue looks good this morning. And the last [communication/paper] is in the name of the Minister of Economy and Labour. Minister. LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT NOVEMBER 2022 Hon. Jason Hayward: Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. PETITIONS
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS AND JUNIOR MINISTERS
The Speaker The Speaker We have seven Statements this morning. And the first is from the Premier. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will do my first Statement now if I may.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Go right ahead. 2023 SOCIAL INSURANCE BENEFITS INCREASE Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you. Mr. Speaker, in this Government’s 2017 Election Platform, we pledged that we would increase pension benefits by the rate of inflation. And earlier today with the tabling of the Contributory Pensions (Amend-ment of Benefits) Order, …
The Speaker The Speaker Mr. Premier, thank you for that. Would you like to do your second Statement? UPDATE ON 2022/23 GOVERNMENT’S FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide this Honourable House and the people of Bermuda with an update on the latest estimates …
The Speaker The Speaker Mm-h mm. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, when all of the figures I just mentioned are tabulated, the 2022/23 budget deficit is now projected to be $44 million, which is $26 million (37 per cent) below the original 2022/23 estimate of $70 million. Additionally, net debt at the end …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Mr. Premier. Mr. Premier, let me make a comment on both of your Statements. They were full of content in a short space. I like the length of them. We look forward to see-ing more of that length. [Laughter]
The Speaker The Speaker Minister of Works. Minister of Works, you have the floor.
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Mr. Speaker, I will try and meet your request. [Laughter] COMMISSIONING OF EAST END WATER FACILITIES
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Mr. Speaker, I rise to provide this Honourable House and the people of Bermuda with an overview of the status of the East End Water and Wastewater Infrastructure project . Mr. Speaker, colleagues may recall in December 2022 I provided this House with an update regarding the Bermuda Land Development …
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Progress! Progress!
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch We have completed all main line trenching totalling approximately 17 miles of pipe, noting that each trench has three or four pipes in it. The only remaining works are the final connections to the new pump and lift stations. All remaining connections are being completed as the lift or pump …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Minister Campbell, I believe you have the next Statement this morning. Hon. Vance Campbell: That is correct, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. BERMUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY 2022 ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS Hon. Vance Campbell: Good morning. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to inform this Honourable House of the outcome of the Bermuda Tourism Authority activity in accordance with the 2022 Annual Report and Ac-counts tabled in this Honourable House …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Economy and Labour. Minister Hayward. Hon. Jason Hayward: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. NOVEMBER 2022 LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT HIGHLIGHTS Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to provide to the Members of this Honourable House an overview of the November 2022 Labour Force Survey Report . Mr. Speaker, the latest Labour Force Survey results show (1) …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of National Security. Minister Weeks. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning to you.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning to you. UPGRADE OF THE CCTV NETWORK UPDATE Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide this Honourable House and the public with an update on the upgrade of the Island’s closed- circuit television (CCTV) network. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members may be aware that in …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Education. Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning to you too, sir. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Good morning to my colleagues. FIRST COHORT OF COLLEGE PROMISE GRADUATES 2023 Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, today I rise to inform honourable colleagues and the people of Bermuda about the successes to date of the College …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, this brings us to a close of the Statements by Ministers and Junior Ministers this morning, so we will move on. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. QUESTION PERIOD
The Speaker The Speaker There are no written questions this morning. The questions today will come from the State-ments that have been delivered today. And, Ministers, there are Members who wish to ask questions of your Statements. We are going to begin with the Premier. Premier, you have questions for your Statement this morning. …
The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the latest actuarial reports on the Contributory Pension Fund were tabled in this House, and that information is public information for the Honourable Member. However, if he wishes to have me provide specific information inside of the brief when we debate this matter …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Opposition Leader, once it is public knowledge, it is there for anyone to achieve the answer. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Okay. Supplemental then?
The Speaker The Speaker Supplemental. Yes. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: The Premier can confirm that there is a dramatic deficiency in regard to the assets and liabilities. Can the Minister tell us what plans he has in place to address these deficiencies?
The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I am happy to reread my Statement for the Honourable Member if he wishes.
The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. Hon. E. David Burt: It will say, “Mr Speaker, many are concerned with the state of the Contributory Pension Fund and its ability to continue paying benefits as our population ages. Mr Speaker, the work is well advanced on finalising the revisions to the public pension system …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Second question or second supplementary? Second question? QUESTION 2: 2023 SOCIAL INSURANCE BENEFITS INCREASE Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Second question. The Premier just touched on this question. So he said to address the deficiency they will possibly have to increase the contributions as well as extend the …
The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I will refer to my Statement. And it says that “work is well advanced on finalising the revisions to the public pension system, with final consultations commencing next week before the Cabinet takes under consideration the proposals to bring t o this Honourable …
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: So am I right —
The Speaker The Speaker Your microphone. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Am I correct in stating that we have made a payment increase, but we have not worked out the contributory side at this point of view? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Member is incorrect! And the reason why he …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Supplementary? No? No further questions. Premier, that is the end of questions for your first Statement. For your second Statement, the Oppo-sition Leader would also like to put questions to you. Opposition Leader. QUESTION 1: UPDATE ON 2022/23 GOVERNMENT’S FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you. Just …
The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: I am sorry, Mr. Speaker. I do not understand what is being asked. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: We have a shortfall when it comes to the Current Account expenditures, the ex-penses of government. The revenues minus expenses equals net shortfall if the expenses exceed …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Yes? You got your answer? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes.
The Speaker The Speaker Second question? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: My second question.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. QUESTION 2: UPDATE ON 2022/23 GOVERNMENT’S FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: The Premier indicated that he made a capital expenditure of $43 million to the Bermuda Housing Corporation in regard to housing. [Inaudible interjection] Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Four-point -three [million]? So my question to him …
The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: I can say that none of the money that went to Housing went there. So I will leave it at that. But if he wants to submit a written question for the Minister to get specific information he can do that. That information is not …
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? No. Okay. Premier, that is the end of questions for your second Statement. We will now move on to the third Statement, which was presented by the Minister of Works. Minister, MP Cannonier has questions for you. QUESTION 1: COMMISSIONING OF EAST END WATER FACILITIES
Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Yes. Thank you, thank you, and good morning, colleagues and Speaker. I just wanted to get a confirmation. When the Minister was talking about the upgrade of the system, so as it stands today, is it fair to assume that Southside and St. George’s Corporation, and the hotels, will be …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister.
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary?
Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Supplementary, yes.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. SUPPLEMENTARIES
Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Just to make sure that I am not missing other stakeholders, are there any other stakeholders that might benefit at first (other than those three) outside of Southside, St. George’s Corporation and hotels? Bermuda House of Assembly Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch: Yes. There are some private houses that …
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary?
Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Yes, and supplementary. And those particular ones, the private ones, they do . . . sorry, they are on Southside and in St. George’s Corporation, not outside?
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Mr. Speaker, yes. There are some . . . well, all of Southside is on both water and sewage. Some of St. George’s, a very small number of people in St. George’s . . . I could give you the number. [Pause]
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch In St. George’s there are only 23 people on potable water and 99 in St. David’s. And flushing water, there are 70 people in St. George’s, or there were. I think that has been turned off now. And wastewater collection, there are 540 in St. George’s in 291 in St. …
The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary or second question?
Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Second question, yes, thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead. QUESTION 2: COMMISSIONING OF EAST END WATER FACILITIES
Mr. L. Craig Cannonier So then on page 3 in the fourth paragraph, you mentioned the commissioning stage. So we are not at 100 per cent as of yet, and I believe the Honourable Minister mentioned that it would be around, before the end of the summer that it would be up. The question …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister.
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Mr. Speaker, it will not be by the end of this year. There is a long- term plan to expand the number of clients who are on there. But it means running new pipes. So it means budgeting and planning for that. There is the ability to be able to …
Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Supplemental.
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary, yes. SUPPLEMENTARY
Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Okay. Thank you very much. What I neglected to say is congratulations. It is good to hear this information. I am very, very, very much happy to hear it. St. George’s has been looking for this for several years. [Inaudible interjection]
Mr. L. Craig Cannonier So I will not interpolate, yes. So with the . . . with the . . . threw me off of my question. [Laughter]
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Sorry.
Mr. L. Craig Cannonier The number of homes. I got it, the number of homes. I am happy about the . . . very happy about it. When is that 100 per cent capacity? And I am not sure if we are talking about potable water and re-verse osmosis, but I am assuming it …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister.
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Mr. Speaker, all in the numbers I just gave [the Honourable Member]. So all of the people who are currently on, they will come on when the new system comes online.
Mr. L. Craig Cannonier My apologies. Maybe I was not clear. When I say outside of those particular, when it is 100 per cent, do you anticipate being able to do . . . because it will be available eventually to the private sector. Are you saying it is another phase then after the …
The Speaker The Speaker You have got 200 per cent you are playing with. The 100 per cent is what is currently being done now.
The Speaker The Speaker And I think the Minister said once it operates, all of those folks are on. But you are asking after 1682 14 July 2023 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly that, on a long- term plan are the other residents being considered?
Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Yes. Will that 100 per cent be able to supply 2,000 homes?
The Speaker The Speaker I needed that little clarity for myself, so that is why I interrupted.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay.
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch So the short answer is yes, we will be able to accommodate as many people as want it. There is the ability to . . . there are about . . . we are not sure how many reservoirs there are on Southside that are currently operational, but we guess …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. No further questions? Thank you, Minister and MP Cannonier ; thank you for your participation. Members, the next Minister who has questions this morning from a Statement is the Minister of Na-tional Security. Minister of National Security, MP Pearman would like to put questions to you.
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning to the listening public.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. QUESTION 1: UPGRADE OF THE CCTV NETWORK UPDATE
Mr. Scott Pearman And thank you, Minister, for your Statement today on the new contract awarded for CCTV to Digicel. My first question is, you have said that there will be a $4 million contract for Digicel, but I am curious: Who will actually provide the monitoring services from the control room? Will …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: The cameras will be monitored by Com- Ops, the police service.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY
Mr. Scott Pearman Yes. Thank you. Supplementary. Do you anticipate any increase in the number of people required to monitor it, given that there are going to be more cameras now?
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: At this point, Mr. Speaker, no. It is a modern system, so I do not see why we may need more people. But at this point my answer is simply no.
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Second supplementary or second question? QUESTION 2: UPGRADE OF THE CCTV NETWORK UPDATE
Mr. Scott Pearman Second question, please, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Minister. You said that it is going to be built upon the current system. What aspects of the current CCTV system will remain, if any?
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Not much will remain. A lot of the infrastructure as far as where the cameras were, they will remain. But other than that, the system is going to be a modern, new, upgraded system.
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY
Mr. Scott Pearman Yes, a supplementary. So the cameras that are there now will remain? Or they will be taken down and replaced by the new cameras? Hon. Michael A. Weeks: The cameras will be replaced, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Second supplementary?
Mr. Scott Pearman No, third question now, please,
Mr. Speaker. The Speaker Third question. Bermuda House of Assembly QUESTION 3: UPGRADE OF THE CCTV NETWORK UPDATE
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you very much. The CCTV cameras, will they include speed and red lights, running of red lights, at this phase? [Inaudible interjections] Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Speaker, speed and red lights will be a part of our second phase. This part, this one here, as I said in …
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? [Inaudible interjection]
Mr. Scott Pearman I am delighted by some of the interpolation that is coming from the Deputy Speaker. And I would just like to assure him that I am sure that none of the 36 Parliamentarians are speeding or running red lights. I very much hope not. [Inaudible interjections and laughter] SUPPLEMENTARIES
Mr. Scott Pearman There we go. So it would be a nice picture of me, though, would it not? So, Minister, just a supplementary on that. So the licence recognition will be part of this phase, but the speed and the red- light-running will not be part of this phase; is that correct? …
The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary?
Mr. Scott Pearman Yes, second supplementary. In terms of the speed and the running of red lights, what is the timeframe on that, and is there any particular reason that this is not being rolled out now, given that these cameras were, as you described them, four different cameras in a box, et …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Everything will be done in phases. And the first phase will end by December. And in phase 2, we would have the speed and red lights.
Mr. Scott Pearman And when is phase 2? [Inaudible interjection and laughter]
The Speaker The Speaker I think somebody answered it for you. Mr. Scott Pearman: Yes. The answer I think was, Phase 2 is after phase 1. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [Laughter]
The Speaker The Speaker All your questions are done. Members, that was the end of questions for Statements this morning. That brings [Question] Period to a close. Members, we will now move on. CONGRATULATORY AND/OR OBITUARY SPEECHES
The Speaker The Speaker Let me reset the clock for us. Premier, are you standing to start us off this morning? Hon. E. David Burt: Absolutely, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker You have your three minutes, sir. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I rise on a sad note this morning. And I would like to ask that this Honourable House do send a letter of condolence to the family of my constituent. This lady passed away in her 94th year. …
The Speaker The Speaker I think you should associate the whole House. Hon. E. David Burt: I will associate the entire House, absolutely, Mr. Speaker. I used to remember the fact that I would be overjoyed when I would either visit her house, stop by to drop off our annual Christmas baskets or when …
Mr. Speaker. Thank you. The Speaker Thank you, Premier. 1684 14 July 2023 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? MP from constituency 28. MP Lister, you have the floor.
Mr. Dennis Lister III Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning.
Mr. Dennis Lister III And good morning to the listening audience. On a sad note, Mr. Speaker, I would like to send condolences to a family of a constituent of mine, Mr. James Landy, who passed in his 95 th year. And he was a resident of Spicery Road in Warwick, Mr. Speaker. Ninety …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Thank you. Going from the west to the east. MP Foggo, would you like to have your three minutes now?
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Thank you. I will not take three minutes. Mr. Speaker, I would like to send out condolences to the Pitcher family. I think all of us are familiar with Dolly Pitcher and the fact that she is an icon—
The Speaker The Speaker Another one we should associate the whole House with, yes.
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Yes. I would like to associate the entire House. She is an icon in St. David’s. And we will greatly miss her food come County Cup or any other occasion that is going on down there. Yes.
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member You cannot cook.
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo He said I cannot cook! I am a very good cook, Mr. Speaker. [Laughter]
The Speaker The Speaker Are you implying that you are going to take over for Dolly Pitcher?
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo I will not do that. [Laughter]
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Mr. Speaker, indeed St. David’s has lost quite a few people recently, not just Dolly. We have young Mr. Hall, Hall –Foggo family. And from down in so far, and then Lana Flood— all from the same area. And young Mr. Hall sadly passed of cancer. I think he was …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. MP Jamahl Simmons, I see you sprung real quickly. Would you like your three minutes?
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning, sir.
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons I rise on a sad note today to pay tribute to Mr. David Darrell, a Senior Branch Pilot and a man who was known [as] ––I know many Members of the House would like to be associated with this – –a Senior Branch Pilot for over 40 years serving our …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, yes, yes.
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons But he unfortunately was not perfect. Despite many years in the West, he was still a staunch St. George’s supporter every Cup Match.
The Speaker The Speaker He had his faults.
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons But our community mourns, and we will miss him. And particularly to his brother Ne-ville who was a standing candidate for the Progressive Bermuda House of Assembly Labour Party for many years, we send our deepest condolences. I also would like to send condolences to the family of Mr. Kenyatta …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. MP Jackson, would you like your three minutes?
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead.
Ms. Susan E. Jackson I would like to send condolences to the family of Faith Shastri -Tatem. She was a member, a longstanding member of the Somerset com-munity and certainly came from some deep roots with the Tankard family and the Joell family.
Ms. Susan E. Jackson And there is an association right through the Joell roots to the House of Parliament, as he, her great -grandfather, would have been the first Black Member of Parliament in Bermuda. So she has very deep roots within the House of Parliament. And as a very s oft-spoken, quiet, hardworking …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Is there any other Member? MP Caesar. You have your three minutes.
Ms. Crystal Caesar Yes. Thank you. Good morning. I rise on a sad note to recognise the passing of one of my constituents, Mrs. Wendy Lambert.
Ms. Crystal Caesar Mrs. Lambert, a very, very gentle, kind person. So I associate the Premier and all others in the House who would like to be associated with this. I know her daughter, Carla, very well. And I sent her my condolences in addition to her husband, Carlton, and her son, Carnell …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Caesar. MP Scott Simmons, would you like to have your three minutes?
Mr. Scott Simmons Yes. Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Thank you very much, yes?
The Speaker The Speaker Sure.
Mr. Scott Simmons There seems to be some shock that I am wearing blue- and-blue, which I am not. [Laughter]
Mr. Scott Simmons I told the Honourable Member that I am wearing red today.
The Speaker The Speaker Ah-ha!
Mr. Scott Simmons Nonetheless, Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to offer my condolences and join my honourable colleague in wishing certainly our condolences to the Lambert family on the loss of Mrs. Wendy Lambert. She was absolutely, as the Honourable Member h as mentioned, a wonderful, wonderful, wonderful person who …
The Speaker The Speaker Sixty.
Mr. Scott Simmons Sixty years of service!
The Speaker The Speaker Sixty years of service.
Mr. Scott Simmons Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Correct.
Mr. Scott Simmons Sixty years of service. Everyone was familiar, of course, Mr. Speaker. So she who must be obeyed, I am on my feet today, she is very clear. So I will speak today on those qualities, 60 years. Every-one will remember that Mr. Kelly Zuill is familiar with of course the …
Mr. Scott Simmons —and that you had bought a ticket, that you were on Gospel Train. [Inaudible interjections and laughter]
Mr. Scott Simmons So, Mr. Speaker, I wanted today to congratulate him and certainly his contribution to religion in Bermuda, to the support within our religious community and certainly the way that he had handled that religious part in a way that has been both an inspiration, a spiritual inspiration to so many …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Member wish . . . Minister of Education, you have your three minutes. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would ask that the entire House join me in congratulating Dr. Duranda Greene, who will retire from Bermuda …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, yes, yes, yes. [Desk thumping] Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, Dr. Greene spent 38 years at the Bermuda College, 16 of which were as the President, the first Black female president, I might add. Ms. Greene’s invaluable contributions, wisdom and dedication to the success of Bermuda College …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Opposition Leader, would you like three minutes on the clock? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I would like to associate myself with the comments made by the Minister of Education. I had [Dr. Greene] on the top of my list. One thing I liked about Dr. Greene, she made a sterling contribu-tion to the development and delivery …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Does any other Member . . . MP De Silva, would you like your three minutes? Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead, sir. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Mr. Speaker, it must be Royal Gazette day. Because I know my colleague, Jamahl Simmons, congratulated— [Inaudible interjection] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, we had someone else to congratulate at the Royal Gazette. And that is none other …
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member You mean 54. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: And I would certainly suggest that she be given a medal in the near future, too. [Laughter] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP De Silva. MP Famous. [Pause]
The Speaker The Speaker Minister Furbert, he is yielding to you. [Laughter] Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, colleague. Mr. Speaker, they are back here making some comments about my blue dress.
The Speaker The Speaker It would look nice in red. A little red in there would be good, eh? Hon. Tinee Furbert: Red with the dress. [Laughter] Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Speaker, I would just like to take the opportunity to congratulate all of those persons who participated in the Premier’s Concert. What was …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister . . . yielding still, eh? MP Swan, would you like three minutes?
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to have a letter of thanks and congratulations sent to the Bahamas on their celebration of their 50 th anniversary of independence, and also to acknowledge the Bermuda contingent led by the Honourable Walter Roban; PLP Party Chairman, Dawn Simmons; …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, sir. Thank you, sir. MP Famous, you have your three minutes now.
Mr. Christopher Famous Good morning, Mr. Speaker, colleagues and people of Bermuda. Mr. Speaker, I would like to give condolences to the family of Mr. Boyd Smith of Cherry Dale.
Mr. Christopher Famous [Mr. Smith] was a man for the people is all I would say. I also would like to give congratulations to Dr. Greene on her 40 years of service to the people of Ber-muda. I had the privilege through the Minister of Education of serving with her on the board …
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member And they recognise it.
Mr. Christopher Famous —and they are starting to recognise it. Mr. Speaker, when colonialism started to end 50 years ago, some independent countries, namely, Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados and Guyana realised we have to work together. And over the last 50 years al-most every English- speaking island in the Caribbean and N orth Atlantic …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Does any other Member . . . MP Richardson, Anthony Richardson, you have the floor.
Mr. Anthony Richardson Good morning, Mr. Speaker and to my colleagues in this listening audience.
Mr. Anthony Richardson I will be very brief, Mr. Speaker. I do not normally say that. But I just wanted to certainly be associated with the condolences that were extended on behalf of Mr. Boyd Smith and also Ms. Violet Charves. Both of them are my constituents and played a very key role …
Mr. Anthony Richardson Well, again, I did not know that was even possible until it happened in this in-stance. Another person who is very, very quiet, very unassuming. If you see him you would not even realise it, but he is one of those persons who believes in personal integrity, believes in taking …
Mr. Anthony Richardson We are seeing that there is a “Burgess” piece in that, but I will leave that alone. My last comment, Mr. Speaker, is with respect to Mr. Rick Richardson. He is the producer of the Victory documentary in terms of the 1981 general strike. And I say that because I …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Member.
Mr. Anthony Richardson Oh, no! Oh, dear. Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Member. We appreciate that. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? No one is moving. We will move on. Thank you, Members, for your contribution. MATTERS OF PRIVILEGE
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. NOTICE OF MOTIONS FOR THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE ON MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS GOVERNMENT BILLS
The Speaker The Speaker There is one Government Bill to be introduced this morning in the name of the Premier. Premier, would you like to present your Bill this morning? FIRST READING INVESTMENT FUNDS AMENDMENT ACT 2023 Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I am introducing the following Bill for its first reading so …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. [There are] no further Bills. NOTICE OF MOTIONS
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. ORDERS OF THE DAY
The Speaker The Speaker We have on our Orders of the Day (I heard somebody just whisper it out that there is one Order). That matter is the second reading of the Cus-toms Tariff Amendment (No. 2) Act 2023. And that is in the name of the Premier and the Minister of Finance. Premier, …
The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? There are none. Continue, Premier. BILL SECOND READING CUSTOMS TARIFF AMENDMENT (NO. 2) ACT 2023 1690 14 July 2023 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members are now requested to give consideration …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. E. David Burt: —MP Cannonier, which is being made around upgrading the infrastructure of the coun-try. The scale of roadworks that is going to be done cannot be done just by Works & Engineering. And therefore, there will need to be private sector partners as well. The fact …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Would any other Member like to make a contribution? Opposition Leader, you have the floor, sir. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, generally speaking, we support the amendment. But we have some general comments we would like to share with the community. In …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Member. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution?
Mr. Jache Adams Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. MP Adams, you have the floor.
Mr. Jache Adams Mr. Speaker, what we have heard over the last 10 minutes is an Opposition Leader who only does his research through the Royal Gazette. [Laughter]
Mr. Jache Adams Because he has literally just repeated what is reported. And what he is not repeating are the facts. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Premier for bringing this Bill forward. I believe these amendments are both necessary and demonstrate the Government’s continuing to identify ways to provide relief to our people …
Mr. Jache Adams Exactly. We will get to that. But first, regarding the amendment to the loose- leaf tobacco, Mr. Speaker, for instance this is pretty much a no- brainer for me simply because the [Customs] Collector within her remit is already applying the said rate of $500 per kilo. So what we …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution? Minister Wilson, okay. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Deputy, she moved a little ahead of you. I was looking in this corner. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: No problem. No problem.
The Speaker The Speaker That red and blue just keeps catching my eye, see? [Laughter] Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I will be very brief, actually. And I thank the Honourable Member who just took his seat for his comments, which will make me even briefer. Mr. Speaker, you may …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Deputy. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Finance Minister and Premier for bringing this Bill to the House, this amendment, because, Mr. Speaker, one thing about this Government as you will see, the record will show that …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Deputy. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution?
The Speaker The Speaker Minister Burch.
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch In spite of the fact that others seem to want to speak on Public Works, I will not bother to repeat what they said. But I will say that I am delighted with the reduction in Customs duties to aid in asphalting in the country. I was interested to hear …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? There are none. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. First of all let me try to tackle a few questions that were raised. I am grateful for the contribution of Ministers …
Mr. Speaker I get the point of which the Opposition Leader is making. But as the Ministry has reported when asked by the Royal Gazette, before there is any further consideration of special relief, we have asked the company to supply audited financial statements! They have not supplied audited financial statements. I …
The Speaker The Speaker We will take your point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Imputing improper motives] Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: The Minister of Finance is imputing improper motives. Thank you. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, if I may, I am not in any way, shape or form saying that the Honourable …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Deputy Speaker. And, Members, I just want to note as the Deputy comes, the time on the clock. But you have not seen the gavel going in my hand, which means we are going to continue right through lunch this morning and finish this matter. And we can …
The Chairman Chairman Honourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] for further consideration of the Bill entitled the Customs Tariff Amendment (No. 2) Act 2023 . Finance Minister and Premier Burt, you have the floor. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Chairman, thank you very much. Mr. Chairman, thank you, …
The Chairman Chairman Continue, Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, clause 1 provides the citation of the Bill. Clause 2 amends the duty rate for loose- leaf tobacco under Heading 98.01 of the First Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act 1970. Clause 3 amends the following …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Finance Minister, Premier Burt. Any further speakers? There appear to be none. Premier, do you want to move these clauses? Hon. E. David Burt: Absolutely, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I move that clauses 1 through 3 be approved.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 1 through 3 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. No objections. Approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 3 passed.] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I move that the preamble be approved.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. The preamble is approved. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I move that the Bill be reported to the House as printed.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. The Bill will be reported to the House as printed. [Motion carried: The Customs Tariff Amendment (No. 2) Act 2023 was considered by a Committee …
The Chairman Chairman Mr. Speaker. House resumed at 12:3 4 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF COMMITTEE CUSTOMS TARIFF AMENDMENT (NO. 2) ACT 2023 1698 14 July 2023 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Members, are there any objections to the Customs Tariff Amendment …
The Speaker The Speaker Any objections? There are none. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.]
The Speaker The Speaker Continue, Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. BILL THIRD READING CUSTOMS TARIFF AMENDMENT (NO. 2) ACT 2023 Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill entitled the Customs Tariff Amendment (No. 2) Act 2023 be now read a third time by its …
The Speaker The Speaker The Bill has been read the third time by its title only and is now passed. [Motion carried: the Customs Tariff Amendment (No. 2) Act 2023 was read the third time and passed.]
The Speaker The Speaker Mr. Premier. ADJOURNMENT Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that this Honourable House do now adjourn until Friday, July 21, at 10:00 am.
The Speaker The Speaker Are there any Members who wish to speak to that? There are none. The House now stands adjourned. [Gavel]
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Members, for this early day. I trust you all will have a great weekend, and we look forward to seeing you next week. The House is now adjourned. [At 12:3 5 pm, the House stood adjourned until 10:00 am, Friday, 21 July 2023.]
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