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House of Assembly Session 2025/2026 339 speeches

November 7, 2025

Official Hansard Report - House of Assembly

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Session Summary

Simplified for You

This was primarily a day for ministerial statements rather than debates on bills. The Premier announced Bermuda's support for Jamaica's Hurricane Melissa recovery, including $80,000 in medical supplies and potential Royal Bermuda Regiment assistance. The Deputy Premier provided updates on housing projects that will deliver over 60 new affordable homes by mid-2026, including modular housing solutions. The Minister of Home Affairs announced a new initiative where major retailers will offer 20% discounts on essential items like baby formula, rice, and cleaning supplies for nine months starting November 1st.

Chamber House of Assembly
Date Nov 7, 2025
Session 2025/2026
Transcript View PDF
Speakers 16
Speeches 339

Key Topics

Hurricane Melissa relief efforts for Jamaica and review of Bermuda's hurricane preparednessHousing crisis updates with 304 people on waiting lists and new affordable housing projects underwayCost of living initiatives including price reductions on essential goods and landlord-tenant law reformsPublic health alert about leptospirosis cases and prevention measuresSupporting Bermudian workers amid demographic challenges in the workforce

Bills & Motions

No bills were debated or voted on in this sitting. Several reports were tabled including Bermuda Hospitals Board Annual Reports for 2022 and 2023, and proposed Clean Air Amendment Regulations 2025 for consideration.

Notable Moments

The Minister of Health issued a public health alert about three confirmed cases of leptospirosis in humans this year, emphasizing the need for better rodent control and hygiene practices
Only 18 out of 585 new jobs created between 2023-2024 went to Bermudians, highlighting workforce demographic challenges
The Premier declined to answer questions about corporate income tax payments, citing ongoing OECD negotiations

Debate Transcript

339 speeches from 16 speakers
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Deputy Speaker Disclaimer deputy speaker The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for informational purposes only. The printed version remains the official record. BERMUDA HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY :0 4 AM Sitting Number 20 of the 20 25/2026 Session [Ms . Lovitta F. Foggo, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Good morning to the House. We will start with opening prayers. PRAYERS [ Prayers read by Mr. Clark Somner, Clerk ]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Members. [ Gavel] CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES [Minutes of 26 September 2025 ]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker First on the agenda, as per normal, [is] confirmation of the Minutes [of 26 September 2025] . There are no objections. [Minutes of 26 September 2025 confirmed] MESSAGES FROM THE G OVERNOR The Deput y Speaker: There are none. ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER OR MEMBER PR ESIDING APOLOGIES
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Members, I think you are clearly aware, because I am sitting here, that the Honourable Speaker is absent today. The Government Whip, Member Tyrrell, is absent. And the Opposition Whip, Member Cannonier, is likewise absent. And there have been no other notices of absenteeism for today. AUDITOR GENERAL ’S REPORT …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Members, we have a report from the Office of the Auditor General. This report has been received, and it is in regard to Ministerial Travel, Meal, and Hospitality Expenses (and that is the title) . And the report has been submitted in compliance with section 13 of the Audit Act …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker There are none. PAPERS AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS TO THE HOUSE
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker That brings us to P apers and other Communications to th e House. And I call first on the Minister of Health. Minister Wilson. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, g ood morning, Madam Deputy Speaker. BERMUDA HOSPITALS BOARD ANNUAL REPORT S 2022 AND 2023 Hon. Kim N. Wilson: I …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister. Minister, there is a second. You said the 2023 as well? You did. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: They were combined. I moved the motion combined. Thank you.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you very much, Minister. The next one comes from the Minister of Home Affairs. Minister Lightbourne. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Good morning, Madam Deputy Speaker. REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF BERMUDA ANNUAL REPORT 2019 –2020 Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister. Next on the agenda is the Minister of Tourism and Transport, Culture and Sport. Minister. Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. ROAD TRAFFIC (APPROVED SPEED DETECTION DEVICES) ORDER 2025 Hon. Owen Darrell: I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister. And I now call on the Minister of Public Works. Minister Adams. Hon. Jache Adams: And Environment. Thank you.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker And Environment. CLEAN AIR AMENDMENT REGULATIONS 2025 Hon. Jache Adams: Madam Deputy Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the consideration of the Honourable House of Assembly, the Clean Air Amendment Regulations 2025, proposed to be made by the [Minister of] Environment in exercise of the power …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister. That brings us to Petitions. PETITIONS
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker There are none. STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS AND JUNIOR MINISTERS
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker We have several on the [Order] Paper. And I now call on the Premier and Minister of Finance. Hon. E. David Burt: Good morning, Madam Deputy Speaker. HURRICANE MELISSA RELIEF EFFORT Hon. E. David Burt: Madam Deputy Speaker, the world has been gripped by the images of damage caused by …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Premier. I now call on the Deputy Premier to give his Statement . Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. BERMUDA’S HOUSING CRISIS , UPDATE ON PROGRESS TO ADDRESS Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I rise today to update this Honourable House and …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER OR MEMBER PRESIDING HOUSE VISITOR
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Before I call on the next Minister, I would like to recognise that we have in- house the President of the Senate, Mrs. Joan D illas-Wright. [Desk thumping]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Yes. And in the Gallery , we have our former Sergeant -at-Arms, Mr. Albert Fox. [Desk thumping]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Yes. Thank you. And he is from Constituency 3, St. David's. Okay. I call on the Minister of National Security. Minister, you have the floor to give your Statement . [Statements by Ministers and Junior Ministers continuing] Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Good morning, Madam Deputy Speaker. Good morning, colleagues. Good …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister. I now call on the Minister of Health. Member, you have the floor. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you. Good morning again. LEPTOSPIROSIS, KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY PROTECTED FROM Hon. Kim N. Wilson: This morning I would like to advise the public about a public health alert regarding …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister . I call on the Minister of Home Affairs . Minister . Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Good morning, Madam Deputy Speaker . 1528 7 November 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly THE AFFORDABLE BERMUDA AGENDA: COST OF LIVING REPORT Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: This morning I rise …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister. That ends — [Crosstalk ]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Yes, that's right. The Landlord and Tenant Act. Sorry. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: That's okay.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker I was going to skip that. [Laughter] Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT 2025 CONSULTATION UPDATE Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: I also rise to update this Honourable House on the work that the Ministry of Home Affairs has pursued to modernise Bermuda's landlord and …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister. And that does indeed conclude St atements by Ministers. 1530 7 November 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker There are none. QUESTION PERIOD
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker The first item up is for a written response from the Premier to Member D eCouto. QUESTIONS: CIT [CORPORATE INCOME TAX] PAYMENTS, AGGREGATE AMOUNT OF FIRST INSTALMENT
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Will the Honourable Premier and Minister of Finance please provide for this Honourable House the aggregate amount of the first instalment CIT payments for the largest 5, 10, 25, and 50 CIT payers, where ‘largest’ is with respect to the size of each CIT payers first instalment payment, expressed as …
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Will the Honourable Premier and Minister of Finance please provide for this Honourable House the percentage of the total of the first instalment of CIT payments, broken out by industry of the CIT payer, where industry is indicated on each CIT Payer’s Annual Declaration to the Registrar of Companies?
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Member, have you received your written responses?
Dr. Douglas DeCouto No, I have not, Madam Deputy Speaker .
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Okay. Premier? Hon. E. David Burt: Madam Deputy Speaker , as given to the answers when similar questions were asked before, I must defer the answer to the questions in the interests of the Government in the sense of negotia-tions that are taking place at the OECD at this time. …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Okay. Thank you, Minister. So, you have been informed about the sensitivity of the items?
Dr. Douglas DeCouto I have been informed of the Government's view as to the sensitivity, Madam Deputy Speaker . Thank you. The Deputy Speaker: Okay. Thank you, Member. We shall move on. The next item up was with the Minister of Housing and Municipalities. There were written responses from him to Member Fah …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Member, did you receive your written responses ? Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . I have indeed received the written responses.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Member. That takes us to the Minister of National Security and the response is to be oral. I ask . . . from Robert King. Member King, can you put your question to the Minister so he can give you the response? QUESTION 1: HM CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Minister . Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . Madam Deputy Speaker , consultation is ongoing with the Department of Planning, Corporation of St. George's and various other stakeholders while the technical design is finalised. Our schedule is for construction to begin in 2026 Quarter 2, and …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Okay. Thank you, Minister. Any supplementals to that question? There are none? We will— Hon. Robert King: No, thank you.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. We will move on. That takes me to the questions from [MP] Ben Smith. QUESTIONS: BEHAVIOURAL SUPPORT STAFF RATIOS FOR EACH SCHOOL IN THE BERMUDA PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM
Mr. Ben Smith Will the Honourable Minister please provide a list of all public preschool, primary, middle, and senior schools along with the number of full -time guidance counsellors, occupational therapist and behavioural support staff cur-rently assigned to each school ?
Mr. Ben Smith Will the Honourable Minister please provide this Honourable House with the number of teachers, school leaders, and support staff who have received formal training in restorative practices and trauma- informed care as required under the 2025 Code of Conduct , including the type of training provided, the date(s) it was …
Mr. Ben Smith Will the Honourable Minister please provide this Honourable House with the current student -to-guidance counsellor, student to occupational therapist and student -to-behavioural support staff ratios for each school in the Bermuda Public School System?
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Did you receive your written responses ?
Mr. Ben Smith Yes, thank you, Madam [Deputy Speaker] .
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Member. That brings us along to q uestions coming from the Opposition Leader to Minister Adams. These questions . . . the responses were also written. QUESTION: GREENLAND FARM SEWAGE RUNOFF Hon. Robert King: Will the Honourable Minister please provide this Honourable House with a list-ing of the …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Have you received those written responses ? Hon. Robert King: Yes. Good morning again.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker You received the written responses? Hon. Robert King: I have; h owever, it is in the —
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Oh, no. Y ou received the written responses ? Hon. Robert King: I . . . I received —
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker We don't debate them on the floor. Hon. Robert King: No? O kay, sorry.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Yes. Hon. Robert King: I have received a written response.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker I have one — Hon. Robert King: Yes, I have received a written response. 1532 7 November 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Deputy Speaker: I have one question here , so I would expect that you would get a singular answer to this question . . …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Okay , so. Hon. Robert King: Yes.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker So, we will deal with, y ou can deal with that by putting other , future questions to him. Yes. With the Minister of Tourism and Transport, Culture and Sport, his answers are to be oral. So, I ask for Member Dwayne Robinson to put his questions to the Minister.
Mr. Dwayne Robinson Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . QUESTION 1: NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY PLAN, SCHEDULING OF NEW PLAN
Mr. Dwayne Robinson Question one: Will the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House when a new National Road Safety Plan will be rolled out to the public? Thank you. Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . A new National Road Safety Plan will be introduced by the Bermuda Road Safety …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Supplemental?
Mr. Dwayne Robinson Yes, Madam Deputy Speaker . SUPPLEMENTARIES
Mr. Dwayne Robinson Will this plan include collaboration with Public Works and the Ministry of Public Works on identifying hotspots of accidents and making them safer? Thank you. Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . I am happy to report that the Bermuda Road Safety Council are doing amazing work for …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Further supplemental or are we on question two?
Mr. Dwayne Robinson Second supplemental. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . Will the Minister consider implementing an annual or biannual update to our National Road Safety Plan on an ongoing basis or for a forward- going basis? Thank you.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Minister . Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . And I know that in this Honourable House we do know that we have the immediate past C hairman of the Road Safety Council sitting right behind me. I am happy to report that a lot of the communications …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. We are now on question two. Put your question to the M inister, please. QUESTION 2: BERMUDA ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL RECOMMENDED LEGISLATIVE OR POLICY CHANGES
Mr. Dwayne Robinson Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Will the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House about any legislative or policy changes that have been recommended by the Bermuda Road Safety Council between October 2022 and October 2025? Thank you.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker And I'm reminded that oral responses are brief , so hopefully the Minister will be able to give you a brief response that satisfies you. Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. There have been several policies that have been recommended, and some are in the various stages of …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister. Supplemental? SUPPLEMENTARY
Mr. Dwayne Robinson Yes. Just to see if I can seek a bit of clarification as to, I guess, specifically —
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Ask your question
Mr. Dwayne Robinson Yes, can I get some insight on the specific road safety legislation or recommendations made? Because I know obviously the Minister cannot list all of them in his answers, but I'm just trying to narrow it down to some f urther policy.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Are you are asking him to speak to details of future legislation? Is that what you're asking him to do?
Mr. Dwayne Robinson No; more so legislative direction. So , it's not actually Bills.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker We will see how the Minister chooses to handle that. I don't know that he can at this point in time. Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. My answer previously remains , thank you.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister. Would you have a second supplemental , or do we move to question three? QUESTION 3: BERMUDA ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL STRATEGY TO REDUCE IMPAIRED DRIVING
Mr. Dwayne Robinson Question three, Madam Deputy Speaker. Thank you. Will the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House on the Government strategy to reduce impaired driving in Bermuda?
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Minister. Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. As the Honourable Member from the other side will know , in the past few years there have been many strategies that have come into place. Some sit within my Ministry and some sit within other ministries that are proving to …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister. Member, do you have any supplementals or is that is ? SUPPLEMENTARY
Mr. Dwayne Robinson I have a supplemental, Madam Deputy Speaker. Is there any consideration given to strengthening the penalty for causing death through driving dangerous ly and impaired?
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Minister. Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. That will be a discussion that will be held at another place. And when we have that discussion and decisions are made, it will be brought to the appropriate place. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister. Further supplemental? That's it. Let's move on. There is another question for you, Minister, from Member DeCouto . And that question was to be answered orally. [Member] DeCouto, can you put the question to the Member. 1534 7 November 2025 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of …
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Given the recent Pink Ferry breakdown since the last session, will the Honourable Minister please advise this Honourable House whether or not the Min-istry has a specific plan to modernise the Pink Ferry service? Thank you.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Minister. Hon. Owen Darrell: Madam Deputy Speaker , I must say that, you know, through a technicality as to what the Honourable Member from the other side has done here, I a m going to give the same response that I gave previously . But it is almost as if …
Dr. Douglas DeCouto P oint of order .
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Your point of order? POINT OF ORDER [Imputing improper motive]
Dr. Douglas DeCouto The Member is imputing improper motive, Madam Deputy Speaker. I act here on behalf of my constituents who are quite anxious to know the topic of these questions. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Member. Minister. Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you. Madam Deputy Speaker. I actually wanted him to say that. [Lau ghter] Hon. Owen Darrell: I will repeat the same response that I did give before. This review of the Pink Ferry route is currently in process, and this review will …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister. Are there any supplemental questions? SUPPLEMENTARIES
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you. Does this review consider purchasing new ferries? Thank you.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Hon. Owen Darrell: Madam Deputy Speaker, surely the Member from the other side would know that a review considers all options. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister. Any further . . . last supplemental .
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Thank you. Another supplemental. Does this review consider using other boats currently available in Bermuda, perhaps on a charter basis from private individuals? Thank you.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Minister . Hon. Owen Darrell: Madam Deputy Speaker, the review that is currently being done will help to inform all future decisions. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister. So, that brings us to our S tatements from Ministers. I do have for Minister D e Silva, the O pposition Leader from c onstituency 10 wishes to put a question to you, Minister D e Silva. Hon. R obert King: Good morning again.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Yes. QUESTION 1: BERM UDA’S HOUSING CRISIS: UPDATE ON PROGRESS T O ADDRESS Hon. Robert King: The question is in reference to the 304 applicants for housing; 72 were designated as critical. Can the Honourable Minister and Deputy Leader inform this Honourable House what “ critical” criteria is? Hon. Zane …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Okay. Second supplemental or second question? You're done? [No audible response]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Do any other persons have supplementals? No. So that takes us to the Minister Weeks. I think the Member from c onstituency 7 has a question for Minister Weeks on the hurricane response. You have a [supplemental]? Hon. Michael Fahy: Madam Deputy Speaker, I did have questions for …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Yes, you did. Yes, you did. Sorry, I do apologise. Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Because I do have you down. You have the floor. QUESTION 1: BERMUDA’S HOUSING CRISIS : UPDATE ON PROGRESS TO ADDRESS Hon. Michael Fahy: Okay. Thank you very much. The Honourable Minister had made mention of the emergency housing plan for 2025 to 2027 being de-veloped. Will the Minister table …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Supplemental? SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. The Minister made mention that within that plan that part of that was for the purposes of bringing in, or part of that plan was modular and container homes and 11 have been apparently brought into the Island …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Second supplemental ? Hon. Michael Fahy: In relation to those 11 modular homes, can the Minister advise whether or not that they have been tested for the purposes of hurricane strength and match Bermuda's building codes given the various statements we've heard today about strengthening hur-ricanes ?
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Okay. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, they have.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Second question? QUESTION 2: BERMUDA’S HOUSING CRISIS : UPDATE ON PROGRESS TO ADDRESS Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Given that H OME has identified that there are 1,100 homeless , or people facing homelessness , and that there are 304 applicants at BHC looking for …
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Really? Come on. Hon. Michael Fahy: No, no. Will the Minister consider using empty school buildings to provide immediate shelter for those in need?
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Minister . Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: We are looking at all options.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Supplemental? Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you. No supplemental.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker I mean— Hon. Michael Fahy: Next question.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Yes, okay . Question three. QUESTION 3: BERMUDA’S HOUSING CRISIS : UPDATE ON PROGRESS TO ADDRESS Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you. Again, the Minister made mention of a statement of the Affordable Housing Strategy 2025– 2035, which he said will be presented to the Cabinet in due course. Given the …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Okay. Supplemental to that? SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you. Can the Minister also advise this Honourable House today which entities have been consulted in preparation of that strategy report? Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I would be glad to send that list to the Honourable Member, but I …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Second supplemental? Hon. Michael Fahy: No, simply to thank the Minister for undertaking to provide that list.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Okay. Thank you. That moves us on, sorry, to Minister Weeks , and the Member from constituency 7 has a question for you, M inister Week s. QUESTION 1: HURRICANE RESPONSE 2025
Ms. Robin Tucker Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . And thank you to the Minister for his Statement. I have a simple question, and that is as it relates to hurricanes and power outages and things . Is the Minister or has the Minister considered working proactively with the Minister of Public Works …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Minister Week s. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker, and thank you for that question. Public Works is very diligent in trying to maintain cutting foliage , I think, on public lands, but residents also have a part to play in trying to make sure …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Thank you, Minister. Do you have a supplementary to that or a s econd question ?
Ms. Robin Tucker A supplement ary, Madam Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Okay. SUPPLEMENTARIES
Ms. Robin Tucker And that is, can the Minister speak specifically to the government areas, not the residential? It's very clear that the residents are required to cut the trees on their property, but there are considerable areas whereby . . . well, the railway trails, the Tribe Roads , and some of …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Minister. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you for that. So, for clarity, the Ministry of Public Works is part of the Emergency Measures Organisation. Every Ministry that's a part of the Emergency Organisation knows what it is that they have to do in order to help us prepare and mitigate …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Okay. Thank you. Second supplemental?
Ms. Robin Tucker Yes, please, Madam Deputy Speaker Can the Minister speak to whether that proactive work is going to commence like now, now that we are coming to or at the end of the hurricane season, so that when we get to hurricane season we're not trying to cut trees down? Thank …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Are you asking him to speak on another Ministry?
Ms. Robin Tucker No, I'm asking him whether there is collaboration or discussion between the two ministries to get the work done on the EMO side.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Minister . Hon. Michael A. Weeks: The EMO meets regularly during the year, and we discuss strategies and ways to mitigate any damages that may affect our country.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Okay. Thank you. Second question?
Ms. Robin Tucker No, thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . Bermuda House of Assembly The Deputy Speaker: There is no second question. Thank you, Member . That takes us to questions from Member Smith from constituency 31, is it?
Ms. Linda Smith Yes, it's [constituency] 31. Thank you.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Put your question. And that is to the Minister of . . .
Ms. Linda Smith Of Health.
Ms. Linda Smith Yes. Thank you. QUESTION 1: LEPTOSPIROSIS, KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY PROTECTED FROM
Ms. Linda Smith My question is specific to a comment that the Minister made about there being a coordination, or there will be a coordination between Public Works, Health, and the Environment to try to protect the community against the bacterial diseases brought about by rodents. My question is, w ill that also …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Yes, thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . The frequency of trash collection obviously is a matter for the Ministry responsible for Public Works. However, what I can say is that the Ministry of Health does continue to work closely with them to provide data and …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Any supplemental questions? SUPPLEMENTARY
Ms. Linda Smith Yes, I do. In relationship to the coordination between Public Works, Environment, and Health, do we feel that we have enough resources to prevent this from becom-ing a more serious problem than it is at the moment?
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Yes, thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. The Environmental Health officers, as well as those under DENR [Department of Environment and Natural Resources ], do continue to coordinate with respect to matters that are surrounding the [ leptospirosis ] bacteria disease. We are confident that . …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister. Second supplement al or second question?
Ms. Linda Smith Yes, I do.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Second question or second supplement al?
Ms. Linda Smith Second question, please.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Second question. QUESTION 2 : LEPTOSPIROSIS, KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY PROTECTED FROM
Ms. Linda Smith Yes, thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Are we looking at other additional ways to perhaps stem the rodent population beyond baits and traps, something that perhaps would have a more fundamental outcome? Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Madam Deputy Speaker, as I indicated in the S tatement, I gave a number …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Supplemental?
Ms. Linda Smith Thank you. I do have a supplement al.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Okay. SUPPLEMENTARIES
Ms. Linda Smith Is the objective here control or eradication? Hon. Kim N. Wilson: I'm not sure if the objective with respect to [ leptospirosis ] is to ensure that the public are aware of it so that we can take our own measures. We can control it. People can travel overseas and …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Second supplemental or . . . next question?
Ms. Linda Smith Yes. Yes, please. My question really is in relationship to the rodent population that we have here. You know, there are certain things that we do to help control it, but there may be other things that could be done, and this is really the basis of the question, that …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker So, you're asking her to . . .
Ms. Linda Smith I'm asking her whether we would consider, for instance, trying to perhaps be more aggressive with the rodent problem.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Yes, I'm not quite sure that any country has eradicated the population of rodents when you've got trash, farmland, et cetera, et cetera. If they have, I welcome that information. However, again, it's a matter of trying to control it. We are certain and confident …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister. Third question? QUESTION 3 : LEPTOSPIROSIS, KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY PROTECTED FROM
Ms. Linda Smith Yes, I do. What, if anything, is the Ministry of Health going to do to monitor any additional cases and take action if necessary? Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Madam Deputy Speaker , as I spoke in the [Statement] , the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit are well -equipped. They did COVID …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Supplemental?
Ms. Linda Smith No. Thank you, Minister, and thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker .
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker That moves us to Minister Hayward. We have two Members having questions to ask of you.
Mr. Scott Pearman Madam Deputy Speaker, if you recall, I have questions on this S tatement as well.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker On which S tatement?
Mr. Scott Pearman On the H ealth Minister's Statement.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Okay . I put you down for something else. Sorry.
Mr. Scott Pearman No, no, I'm grateful. QUESTION 1 : LEPTOSPIROSIS, KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY PROTECTED FROM Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Scott Pearman: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . I thank the Honourable and Learned Minister for Health, Kim Wilson, for her presentation, and I hope I pronounced this correctly, for keeping our …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Supplemental? SUPPLEMENTARY
Mr. Scott Pearman Yes, supplementary. [I am] e xtremely grateful for the Honourable Minister's endorsement of the services of Vector Control with which the Opposition agrees. The supplemental question is, Is it anticipated with the issue with leptospirosis that Vector Control might receive additional funding in light of this matter? Hon. Kim N. …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Second supplemental or second question?
Mr. Scott Pearman Yes, I just thank the Honourable and Learned Minister for her answer and encourage her to take a look at whatever it was the Falkland Islands did. Thank you.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. That moves us along to Minister Hayward, and we have two Members who have questions of him. Hon. Jason Hayward: Madam Deputy Speaker , I just want to rise on a point of order.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Certainly. I'm sorry. I was looking down. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. Jason Hayward: I think the Member is inadvertently misleading the House regarding the eradication of rats in the Falkland Islands.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Okay. Thank you. Hon. Jason Hayward: And so, I would ask that he provide the factual information regarding the Falkland Islands. I believe what is stated is what he believes to be correct, and it's not actually correct based off of — [Inaudible interjections]
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Ask Google. Hon. Jason Hayward: That is correct. 1540 7 November 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Scott Pearman: If it assists the Honourable Member, I was not making assertions of fact. I was just sharing with the Honourable Minister — [Laughter]
Mr. Scott Pearman —something that I believe to be the case, and indeed “ Professor Google” can no doubt enlighten us both. [Inaudible interjections]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Hon. Jason Hayward: So, he must withdraw his statement. [Inaudible interjections]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Well, what the Member is suggesting is that while you may have reported on something that you believe to be true, you don't know that it's actually a fact. So maybe you want to err on the side of caution and say and continue that you believe that to be …
Mr. Scott Pearman Honourable Madam Deputy Speaker , I'll do whatever you direct me to do. I did say “I believe. ” I referred it, and I was trying to be helpful, and indeed my suggestion was taken as a helpful sug-gestion by a very helpful response by the Honourable Minister of Health. …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Okay. And what I will remind the entire House is that as parliamentarians, we are duty - bound to report on facts.
Mr. Scott Pearman If you'll permit me to read from Google. Yes, the Falkland Islands have successfully eradicated rats from numerous islands as part of a large- scale conservation effort to restore native bird population. Thank you, Honourable Madam Deputy Speaker .
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, M ember, for the clarification. [Crosstalk and laughter ]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker We shall continue. And I think what the M inister is getting at is that it may not be totally . . . they may not be totally erected . . . I'm sorry, eradicated from the Falkland Islands. Mr. Scott Pearman: I will gladly accept that. I will gladly …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Yes, thank you. We will continue. I call on the M ember from constituency 25 to put his question to M inister Hayward. Thank you. QUESTION 1: SUPPORTING BERMUDIAN WORKERS
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . My question concerns the portion of the s tatement that refers to the amendments to the work policy that all work permit holders have proficiency in the English language. It is my understanding that there could be up to 150 Cuban nationals working …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Minister . Hon. Jason Hayward: At this point, the expectation for all workers in Bermuda is that they are proficient in the English language. There have been no formal complaints provided to the Department of Immigration as it pertains to the nationals which are working at the site …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Do you have a supplemental?
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you, supplemental.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Okay. SUPPLEMENTARIES
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Did the employer of these Cuban nationals make representations to the G overnment that they speak English in compliance with the policy? Thank you.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Minister . Hon. Jason Hayward: At the time in which those work permit applications would have been submitted, the policy where all employers now have to prove English proficiency for their employees wouldn't have been in place. And so as of November 1, all employees and any new …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister. Second supplemental or second question?
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Second supplemental, Madam Deputy Speaker .
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Okay.
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Thank you, Minister , much appreciated. So, can you confirm that we should expect that upon renewal of these Cuban nationals' work permits that they will all be English speakers or have Englishspeaking proficiency? And because the question was asked, I just used this as a specific example. I find, …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Minister . Hon. Jason Hayward: It currently stands that all individuals working in Bermuda should have proficiency in English. Prior to November 1, there was not a test or a burden of proof required. Now we are requiring persons to provide that burden of proof. What we are …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Member, do you have a second question? QUESTION 2: SUPPORTING BERMUDIAN WORKERS
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . Does the Honourable Minister have a view of the prevalence of non- native English speakers in the work permit population? Thank you.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Minister . Hon. Jason Hayward: We do have a total breakdown of work permit holders by nationality. We know that persons emanate from countries which are not Englishspeaking countries, but we cannot make an assumption that all of those individuals are not proficient in English because t hey …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister. Supplemental? [No audible response.]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker No supplemental. Third question? [No audible response.]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker No third question. I move to Member Robinson from c onstituency 30, I believe it is. QUESTION 1: SUPPORTING BERMUDIAN WORKERS
Mr. Dwayne Robinson Yes, Madam Deputy Speaker . Thank you. My question for the Minister is as . . . let me declare my interests . I also work in the field of immigration as my day job. I just wanted to ask the Minister about the additional work permit policies as mentioned …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Minister . Hon. Jason Hayward: The answer is yes.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Supplemental? [No audible response.]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker No. Second question? 1542 7 November 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly QUESTION 2: SUPPORTING BERMUDIAN WORKERS
Mr. Dwayne Robinson Yes. My second question, Madam Deputy Speaker. It was mentioned in the Statement as well about maternity and paternity leave. And I just wanted to ask the Minister if there has been any consideration of a shared parental leave scheme similar to [the] one in the UK. As we know, …
Mr. Dwayne Robinson —as a father, I did utilise that. So, I appreciate that. But I just wanted to get that clarity from the Minister if [there] was any intention to update that policy or consider any alternatives. Hon. Jason Hayward: The only policy that the Ministry is currently looking at is extending …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Supplemental to that question? Third question? [No audible response.]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker No third question. That moves us on to the Minister who gave a [Statement] on affordable . . . I'm trying to think of it. I think it's Minister Lightbourne. Member Fahy from constituency 20. QUESTION 1: THE AFFORDABLE BERMUDA AGENDA: COST OF LIVING REPORT Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you, …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Minister. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . Through engagement with the stakeholders, the Ministry has understood the operational expenses, and it is the intention that at the conclusion of the nine-month period we would be able to have evolved policies under legislation relating to lowering the operational …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Supplemental? Hon. Michael Fahy: No, I have a . . . a—
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Second question? QUESTION 2: THE AFFORDABLE BERMUDA AGENDA: COST OF LIVING REPORT Hon. Michael Fahy: Second question. Yes. Given the price of food in Bermuda, will the Minister undertake to work with the Ministry of Health to consider removing [the] sugar tax?
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Minister. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . The Ministry has received over 300 individual recommendations. We are systematically going through them. The Affordable Bermuda A genda tabled today marks phase one, and so we will continue to refine proposals as stated in the Statement and enact them …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister. Do you have a supplemental to your second question? SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Michael Fahy: I do. It was actually a fairly simple question. Will the Minister give consideration to working with the Minister of Health to remove [the] sugar tax? It's the same question, unanswered. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Second supplemental or third question? Hon. Michael Fahy: Third . . . well, supplemental.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Second supplemental. Okay. Hon. Michael Fahy: So, based on that answer, would the Minister essentially accept that she will collaborate, given the S tatement that it is a collaborative Government, with the Ministry of Health to remove [the] sugar tax? Bermuda House of Assembly The Deputy Speaker: Okay. Minister . …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Okay. Thank you. Third question? Hon. Michael Fahy: No, Madam Deputy Speaker .
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker All right. And what wasn't clear to me is whether or not you were asking her questions on her last [Statement], because I asked you if it was on both [Statements] , and I wasn't clear of your response. Hon. Michael Fahy: So, I do have questions —
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Yes. That’s why — Hon. Michael Fahy: —on the Minister's second Statement as well.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Yes. Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you. Yes.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker So, you may ask your . . . Member, you may ask your question. Hon. Michael Fahy: In relation to the second S tatement —
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Yes. Hon. Michael Fahy: —on landlord/tenant ?
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Yes. Yes. QUESTION 1: LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT 2025 CONSULTATION UPDATE Hon. Michael Fahy: Okay. Yes. Thank you. It's a very brief question. The Minister undertook to continue consultation until the final legislation reflects what the public deserves. I think that is what was said in the S tatement. Can …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Minister . Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . We are working with Chambers to get a date, but first we are looking to refine and further review the policies and the recommendations that the Ministry has received. And so, I would not be able to declare a …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Do you have a supplemental? Hon. Michael Fahy: I do not. Thank you.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Okay. Second question? None? Hon. Michael Fahy: I do not.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Thank you very much. And that ends [the] q uestion and a nswer period. So, we will now move on to C ongratulatory and Obituary Speeches. [Pause]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker One second. I’ll get this down. I cannot get this thing to work. [Inaudible interjection]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Yes. I'm pushing the buttons and it's not making any changes. CONGRATULATORY AND/OR OBITUARY SPEECHES
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Okay. I recognise the Premier. Premier . Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Deputy Speaker . Madam Deputy Speaker , since it has been a while since we have been here, I have a few requests for the House to send letters of condolences. First, of course, …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Are there any other Members who wish to . . . I recognise the M ember from constituency 30. Member, you have the floor.
Mr. Dwayne Robinson Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . I just want to send a congratulatory message to Ms. Carla Zuil l for 10 years of the Women Empowerment Summit. This was a grassroots organisation that has helped many women in our community. And as a close personal friend of mine, I wanted …
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Wow! Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: And what a great milestone that is for two very well -known people in Bermuda. Thank you very much.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Member. Are there any other M embers who wish to speak? I recognise the Minister from c onstituency 4. Minister, you have the floor. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I would like to send condolences to the Bayston and Burgess family on the tragic death …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister. Does any other person wish to speak? I recognise the M ember from constituency 28. Member, you have the floor.
Mr. Dennis Lister III Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I would like to ask this House to send condolences. I will list off a few of my constituents who have passed since we last sat in this House: Mr. Richard Outerbridge of 20 Sun Valley Road; Mr. Clev ie Wade, Jr. of 22 Camp …
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Associate me with that.
Mr. Dennis Lister III I will a ssociate MP . . . I will associate the whole House. She received that earlier this year, but she only made it public last week. But also, that follows on from last year. In 2024, she received a Bermuda Best of the Year Award also for being …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Are there any other M embers who wish to speak? I recognise the M inister from constituency 16. Member, you have the floor. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . I would like to start on a sombre note. I would like this H ouse …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister. Are there any other [Members] who wish to speak? I recognise the M ember from c onstituency 20. Member, you have the floor. Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . Many of you know that six weeks ago tomorrow, my mother passed away . And …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Member. Are there any other M embers who wish to speak? I recognise the M ember from c onstituency 7. Member, you have the floor.
Ms. Robin Tucker Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . I want to start by just giving a list , since we weren't here for a while. So , we did speak this morning in the Prayer Breakfast acknowledging Michael Markham's passing. Also, two family members, Lucinda “ Susie ” Pilgrim, and as well …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Member. Does anyone else wish to speak? I recognise the Member from constituency 2. Member, you have the floor. Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . I would like to be associated with the condolences extended [to] Member Fah y …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker And the Premier.
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan I would also like to extend congratulations to the St. George's Foundation, in particular Mr. Stuart Smith, on the fine work that they continue to do restoring forts. The recent one just highlighted was Fort Albert, and it's there for all to see. I'll associate the whole House. I know …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Member. Are there any other M embers who wish to speak? I recognise the Member from constituency . . . oh, he sat down. I recognise the Member from constituency 14—
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member [Constituency] 15.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker [Constituency] 15, yes. Hon. Owen Darrell: Pembroke East. [Laughter] Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . A couple of sports [congratulat ions] that I would like to give this morning. And the first is to Bermuda's National Women's Netball Team. You will know, Madam Deputy Speaker , that …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Are there any other M embers who wish to speak? I recognise the M ember from c onstituency 25. Member, you have the floor.
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you, Madam Speaker. I jumped the gun last time. [Laughter]
Dr. Douglas DeCouto I would like to thank St. Mary's Church for their “[Remembrance of] A ll Souls” service on Sunday night, a service of remembering those who we've lost. I want to thank Minister Weeks for his moving remarks at that service. Thank you to Father Williams for inviting me [and to] …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, M ember. Are there any other M embers who wish to speak? I recognise a member from constituency 24. Member, you have the floor.
Mr. W. Lawrence Scott Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . I just wanted to be associated with the Premier's condolences to Ja irus Landy. His son, Michael -Jay Landy, is my longest -serving friend. So, we can congratulate him on that. But with Mr. Jai rus Landy, I grew up with him. A little …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, M ember. Are there any other M embers who wish to speak? I recognise the M ember from c onstituency 36. Member, you have the floor.
Rev. Dr. Emilygail A. Dill Good morning. Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . I would like to take the time this morning, first of all, associating myself with the myriad of condo-lences that have been offered this morning, but I'd also like to take a special moment to reflect and ask that condolences be sent …
Rev. Dr. Emilygail A. Dill [I] associate MP Dickinson and her other students who are here today. I would like to also offer condolences to the families of two individuals who lost their lives, tragically, in road accidents. Mr. Jermaine Darrell, who was making great progress and making quite a contribution, and also Mr. Stuart …
Rev. Dr. Emilygail A. Dill And MP Wilmot would like to be associated with that as well. Last but not least, the Minister who deals with sports ran out of time, so I want to take the time to Bermuda House of Assembly congratulate the p ickleball family of Bermuda. I understand that the Bermuda …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, M ember. Are there any other M embers who wish to speak? I recognise the Member from constituency 1. Member, you have the floor.
Mrs. Renee Ming Thank you, and good afternoon, Madam Deputy Speaker . I would just like to be associated with the comments for Brijette Basden, definitely one gone too soon. And I would also like to be . . . I'm sorry, give condolences to the family of —and I'm sure you'd want …
Mrs. Renee Ming We had an excellent speaker in Mr. Gil Tucker, who obviously [gave] us an interesting message for us to listen and pay attention to. And he is a St. George's supporter, but he has deep roots in St. George's as well. And I would also like to be associated with …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Fubler .
Mrs. Renee Ming Fubler, sorry. So, she wouldn't be an aunt to me; we call her sister. And she was actually really just so unassuming about her birthday being mentioned on Sunday in church and everyone coming over to her and saying happy birthday. But she is . . . if I'm blessed …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Any other M embers who wish to speak? I recognise the M ember from constituency 13. Member, you have the floor. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Madam Speaker. And I will pre- emptively associate the M ember from [constituency] 36 with these comments of the good …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Condolences? You mean congratulations. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Congratulations of that particular church. So, both of the officers came from that church. Also, congratulations to the young people who did present at the following Sunday from coming from that district conference. They gave a very good account for themselves, …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Member. 1550 7 November 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Are there any other M embers who wish to speak? I recognise the Member from constituency 10, the Opposition Leader . Member, you have the floor. Hon. Robert King: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. First off, …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Are there any other M embers who wish to speak at this time? There being none, I would just like to add my voice to the condolences and send our condolences to the Fogg o family and condolences to the Trott family. St. David's has certainly lost their …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker —with the . . . yes? [Inaudible interjection]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Okay. And so, I will continue at this point before we go to lunch. MATTERS OF PRIVILEGE
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker There are none. PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker There are no personal statements. NOTICE OF MOTIONS FOR THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE ON MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker There are none. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS GOVERNMENT BILL FIRST READING COMPANIES (PROHIBITION OF BEARER SHARES AND NOMINEES DIRECTORS ) AMENDMENT ACT 2025
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker I call on the Minister of Finance and Premier to introduce his B ill. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Deputy Speaker . Madam Deputy Speaker , I'm introducing the following Bill for its first reading, so it will be placed on the Order Paper for the …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Premier. PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BILLS
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker There are none. NOTICES OF MOTIONS
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker There are none. ORDERS OF THE DAY
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker At this time, I would like to call on the Premier to take us to lunch. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Deputy Speaker . Bermuda House of Assembly Madam Deputy Speaker , if I may, adjourn the Honourable House for lunch until 2:00 pm. Thank you.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker This House stands adjourned until 2 :00 pm. [Gavel] Proceedings suspended at 12: 22 pm Proceedings resumed at 2:00 pm [[Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Good afternoon, Members . [Gavel]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker You can take your seats. Yes. We shall continue. ORDERS OF THE DAY
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Members, w e definitely finished off just before we were beginning O rders of the Day, so we will move to O rders of the D ay. And I do understand that we will be doing [items] No. 1 and 2. So, Members , I call on the Minister for …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Any objections? There are none. Minister, continue. BILL SECOND READING REVENUE AMENDMENT ACT 2025 Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Madam Deputy Speaker and Honourable Members of this House, I rise today to introduce the Bill entitled Revenue Amendment Act 2025. The Bill amends the Revenue Act 1898, the principal Act , …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Minister. Do any other Members wish to speak to the Bill? I recognise the Member from constituency 10, [the] Opposition Leader. Opposition Leader K ing, you have the floor. Hon. Robert King: Yes. Good afternoon, Madam Deputy Speaker and Members of the House. Regarding the Revenue Amendment Act …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Are there any other Members who wish to speak to the Bill entitled the Revenue Amendment Act 2025? There being no other . . . Minister . Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker , and thank you for that, Opposition Leader. At this point in time, I …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Minister, thank you. Continue. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: I now, Madam Deputy Speaker, move that the Bill be committed.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker It has been moved that the Bill entitled the Revenue Amendment Act 2025 be committed. Are there any objections to that? There being none, I call on the Member Linda Smith to take the C hair. [Pause] House in Committee at 2:0 9 pm [Ms. Linda Smith, Chairman] COMMITTEE ON …
The Chairman Chairman Good afternoon, Honourable Members. We are now in Committee of the whole [House] for further consideration of the Bill entitled the Revenue Amendment Act 2025 . I call upon the M inister in charge to take the floor. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: I like that, Madam Chairman. I am in …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you. I know it is a bit of a training programme, and I appreciate your indulgence here. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: I will make it easy for you today. Madam Chairman, I would like to move all eight clauses, if it pleases you.
The Chairman Chairman Are there any objections? If there are no objections, please proceed. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Madam Chairman. Clause 1 provides the citation for the Bill. Clause 2 amends s ection 2 of the Revenue Act 1898 by inserting new definitions of “ advanced passenger information, ” “passenger data, …
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 1 through 8— [Inaudible interjection]
The Chairman Chairman Sorry? Oh. Would any Member like to speak to the movement of those clauses? Hon. Robert King: Yes, good afternoon, Madam Deputy Speaker —Chair . Sorry, Madam Chairman. Regarding the clause, regarding . . . Hold on a second. L et me just find the section. [Regarding] amending section 3A, …
The Chairman Chairman Minister, you have the floor. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Madam Chairman, which clause is it, first of all? And I do not think that is proper. I mean, I think they would have to have brought an amendment, a written amendment to this. Airlines do not have access to criminal …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any comments from Members? Hon. Robert King: Just for clarification, I take the point. Thank you. What I am looking for is that the person will voluntarily or be required to inform that the person has [a criminal record]. So , I take your point, Minister, …
The Chairman Chairman Any objections? Comments? Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Madam Chairman, comments will be taken as noted. I move that the preamble be approved.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved — [Crosstalk]
The Chairman Chairman We need to move the clauses first. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Oh, I would like to move all clauses 1 through 8.
The Chairman Chairman Be approved? Hon. Michael A. Weeks: To be approved.
The Chairman Chairman Yes, okay. The Member has moved for clauses 1 through 8 to be approved. Any objections? If not, then the clauses are approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 8 passed.] Hon. Michael A. Weeks: I move that the preamble be approved.
The Chairman Chairman The Minister has moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections? Hon. Michael A. Weeks: 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? If not, the Bill is being reported to the House as printed with no amendments. [Motion carried: The Revenue Amendment Act 2025 was considered by a Committee of the whole House and …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Members, it has been reported to the House that the Bill has been approved as printed. Any objections to that? There are none.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker We shall continue. The next item up for debate is the Charities . . . What is it called exactly? [Inaudible interjection]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Charities Amendment Act [2025] . Thank you. Minister, you have the floor. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Good afternoon and thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . I move that the Bill entitled the Charities Amendment Act 2025 be now read the second time.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker It has been moved that the Bill entitled the Charities Amendment Act 2025 be read a second time. Are there any objections to that? There are none. Minister, continue. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . BILL SECOND READING CHARITIES AMENDMENT ACT 2025 Hon. Tinee Furbert: The purpose …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Would any other Members like to speak to the Bill entitled the Charities Amendment Act 2025? I recognise [the] Member from constituency 7. Member, you have the floor.
Ms. Robin Tucker Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . First, I would like to sincerely thank Minister Furbert and her team for meeting in advance of today to discuss this Bill and give opportunity for questions for MP Pearman and myself. So again, thank you to her and her team for doing so. …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Would any other Members like to speak to the Bill entitled the Charities Amendment Act 2025? I recognise the Member from constituency 22. Member, you have the floor.
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . I too just want to commence my remarks with a sincere and heartfelt thanks to the Minister, Minister Tinee Furbert, for inviting both MP Tucker, the Shadow Minister, and myself to meet not only with the Minister but to have an opportunity to speak …
Mr. Scott Pearman I am getting some chirping from the Deputy Premier about declarations of interest. I will say no more. Thank you very much, Madam Deputy Speaker .
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Are there any other Members who wish to speak to the Charities Amendment Act 2025? There being no other . . . Minister . Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . I want to thank my honourable colleagues for their support for this Bill. I also just want …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker It has been moved that the Bill entitled the Charities Amendment Act 2025 be committed. I call on the M ember from constituency 32 to assume the C hair. Member. House in Committee at 2 :35 pm [Mr. Scott Simmons , Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL CHARITIES AMENDMENT ACT 2025
The Chairman Chairman Members, we are now in Committee of the whole House for further consideration of the Bill entitled the Charities Amendment Act 2025. I call on the Minister in charge. Minister, you have the floor. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, this Bill amends the Charities Act 2014 …
The Chairman Chairman Go ahead, Minister, [with] the clauses. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move clauses 1 through 4 be approved.
The Chairman Chairman The Minister has asked that clauses 1 through 4 be considered. Yes, go ahead, M inister. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Clause 1 provides for the citation for the Bill. Clause 2 amends section 18 of the Act to expand the categories of privately funded charities to exempt it from registration under …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you very much, Minister . Would any other M ember wish to speak to the Bill? I recognise Ms. Tucker.
Ms. Robin Tucker Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I do just have one question . I would just like to know as it relates to clause 2 [(c)], the new insertion [of subsection] ( 5)(aa) —
Ms. Robin Tucker —where there is a requirement for providing the R egistr ar of a company with a copy of the service agreement . I just wanted to know, for companies that may have private or sensitive information contained in their service agreement, will they have the opportunity to redact that information …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you very much, Ms. Tucker. Would any other Member wish to speak to this Bill? I do not recognise any other M ember. Minister . Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Chairman, I just want clarity in regard to the—
The Chairman Chairman Go right ahead. Hon. Tinee Furbert: —question [subsection] (5)(aa) in the current legislation. [There] i s no [subsection] (5)(aa) .
The Chairman Chairman Ms. Tucker .
Ms. Robin Tucker This is the new insertion in clause 2, where it amends section 18. So that is the new [subsection] (5)(aa) , the new insertion, where it is requiring to supply the R egistrar with a company of the service agreement between the CSP and the charity. It is on page …
Ms. Robin Tucker It is [clause] 2(c). [Clause] 2(c). Thank you.
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member So, it is 2(c) or (5)(aa) ?
The Chairman Chairman Very well, you can take your seat, MP Tucker. Minister . Hon. Tinee Furbert: That . . . Mr. Chairman?
The Chairman Chairman Go ahead. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Chairman, that information will be provided in the service agreement.
The Chairman Chairman Ms. Tucker, satisfied? [The Minister] said the service agreement.
Ms. Robin Tucker Sorry. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So, for clarity, I am not quite sure I understand—
The Chairman Chairman Go ahead.
Ms. Robin Tucker —the question, the answer . So just for clarity, there is going to be a requirement for the service agreement to be given to the Registrar . And so I am just wondering if a particular service agreement contains private or sensitive information, whether that information can be redacted. O …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Shadow Minister. Minister . Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So, the RG [Registrar General] has a discretion to ask for information, and so that will be at the determination of the Registrar General.
The Chairman Chairman Thank you very much, Minister. Thank you. She's satisfied. Thank you very much. 1558 7 November 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Does any other M ember have anything to contribute to this discussion on the Bill? Minister . Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would …
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 1 through 4 be approved. Is there any objection to that motion? Agreed to . [Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 4 passed.]
The Chairman Chairman Minister . Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the preamble be approved.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Is there any objection? There is none. Minister . Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Chairman, I move that the Bill be reported to the House as printed or amended.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as printed— Hon. Tinee Furbert: As printed.
The Chairman Chairman Sorry? Hon. Tinee Furbert: As printed.
The Chairman Chairman As printed. Is there any objection to the motion? There doesn't appear to be an objection to the motion. Agreed to. The Bill will be reported to the House as printed. [Motion carried: The Charities Amendment Act 2025 was considered by a Committee of the whole House and passed without …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister. [Gavel] House resumed at 2 :43 pm [Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo, Deputy Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF COMMITTEE CHARITIES AMENDMENT ACT 2025
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Members, the Bill entitled Charities Amendment Act 2025 has been reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections to that? There are none. Members, at this time, that means that we have dealt with all of the Government business of today. So, I will call on Members to …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker It has been moved that the Revenue Amendment Act 2025 be read the third time by its title only. Are there any objections to that? There are none. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Minister . BILL THIRD READING REVENUE AMENDMENT ACT 2025 Hon. Michael A. Weeks: I move that the Bill be now read a third time by its title only and passed.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker It has been moved that the Bill be read a third time by its title and passed. Are there any objections? There are none. So approved. Thank you, Minister. [Motion carried: The Revenue Amendment Act 2025 was read a third time and passed.]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker I call on Minister [Furbert] . Thank you. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. Tinee Furbert: Madam Deputy Speaker , I move that Standing Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move the Bill entitled the Charities Amendment Act 2025 be now read the third time by its title …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Continue, Minister. BILL THIRD READING CHARITIES AMENDMENT ACT 2025 Hon. Tinee Furbert: I move that the Bill be now read a third time by its title only and passed.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker It has been moved that the Bill be read a third time by its title only and passed. Are there any objections? There are none. So moved. [Motion carried: The Charities Amendment Act 2025 was read a third time and passed.]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker That brings me to the final Orders of the D ay, and I will call on the Deputy Premier. ADJOURNMENT Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I ask that the House now do adjourn until 10:00 am, November 21, 2025.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. It has been moved that the House do now adjourn until November 21, 2025. Are there any objections? There are none. Does anyone wish to speak to that motion? There are none. [Gavel]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker So moved. [Gavel] [At 2:45 pm, the House stood adjourned until 10:00 am, Friday, 21 November 2025. ] 1560 7 November 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly [This page intentionally left blank.]
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