Premier Burt announced a $15 million relief package to help working families deal with rising costs, including tax rebates for workers earning under $96,000 and $150 payments to parents for school supplies. The Health Minister outlined improvements to the travel authorization system to make it easier for repeat visitors. The Works Minister announced plans to merge two government corporations to reduce costs and duplication, while also launching a study of the Government Quarry operations.
Economic relief package for working families worth $15 millionTravel authorization process improvements for tourists and residentsMerger of two government corporations (WEDCO and BLDC)UN Ocean Conference attendance and marine protection effortsGovernment Quarry Depot feasibility study
Bills & Motions
Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for 2022/23 was tabled to fund the relief package
Various regulations from 2021 related to unemployment benefits were tabled
Customs Tariff Amendment Act was mentioned as coming later in the session
Notable Moments
Opposition Leader questioned whether the Premier's economic package announcement was interfering with later legislative debate on the same topic
Premier emphasized this relief package is "just the start" of government assistance for working families
Works Minister noted it has taken 20 years to move forward on merging government corporations, calling for faster government action
Debate Transcript
858 speeches from 35 speakers
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning, Members. The House is about to begin its session for today. Ms. Beale, will you lead us in prayer this morning? PRAYERS [Prayers read by Ms. Kara Beale, Assistant Clerk ]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Ms. Beale. Members, the House is now in session. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES [Minutes of 1 July 2022]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe Minutes of the 1 st of July have been circulated. Are there any amendments or omissions? There are none. The Minutes will be confirmed as printed. [Minutes of 1 July 2022 confirmed] MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER OR MEMBER PRESIDING APOLOGY
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWe have been notified by Minister Wayne Furbert that he will be absent today and un able to attend any of today’s session. Members, just for your clarity, the SharePoint is back up. At our l ast sitting we had a problem with SharePoint. The SharePoint is back up and …
We have been notified by Minister Wayne Furbert that he will be absent today and un able to attend any of today’s session. Members, just for your clarity, the SharePoint is back up. At our l ast sitting we had a problem with SharePoint. The SharePoint is back up and functioning. However, some Members may need to update their password if they are having a problem accessing the SharePoint. Just go online and update your pas sword if you are having a challeng e getting access. MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. PAPERS AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS TO THE HOUSE
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThis morning, Members and listening audience, we have 30- odd papers and communic ations —actua lly three pages of them. Starting with the Minister of Finance, Premier, would you like to present your long list of communic ations this morning? Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning. SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE ( NO. 1 ) FOR 2022/23 Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, pursuant to the powers conferred by section 96 of the Schedule to the Constitution of Bermuda, I have the honour to attach and submit for the consideration of the Honourable House of Assembly Supplementary …
Good morning.
SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE ( NO. 1 ) FOR 2022/23
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, pursuant to the powers conferred by section 96 of the Schedule to the Constitution of Bermuda, I have the honour to attach and submit for the consideration of the Honourable House of Assembly Supplementary Estimate ( No. 1) for Fiscal Year 2022/23. Mr. Speaker, there is a long list of Regulations from 2021, so I will go ahead and do them now.
PUBLIC TREASURY (ADMINISTRATION AND PAYMENTS) (SUPPLEMENTAL UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT) A MENDMENT REGULATIONS 2021, ET AL. Hon. E. David Burt: I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the Public Treasury (Administration and Payments) (Supplemental Unemployment Benefit) Amendment Regulati ons 2021; Public Treasury (A dministration and Payments) (Supplemental Unemployment Benefit) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2021
1568 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly PUBLIC TREASURY (ADMINISTRATION AND PAYMENTS) TEMPORARY UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT) REGULATIONS 2021 and 2022, ET AL • Public Treasury (Administration and Pa yments) (Temporary Unemployment Benefit) (No. 3) Regulations 2021; • Public Treasury (Administration and Pa yments) (Temporary Unemployment Benefit) (No. 3) Amendment Regulations 2021; • Public Treasury (Administration and Pa yments) (Temporary Unemployment Benefit) (No. 3) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2021; • Public Treasury (Administration and Pa yments) (Temporary Unemployment Benefit) (No. 3) Amendment (No. 3) Regulations 2021; • Public Treasury (Administration and Pa yments) (Temporary Unem ployment Benefit) (No. 3) Amendment (No. 4) Regulations 2021; • Public Treasury (Administration and Pa yments) (Temporary Unemployment Benefit) (No. 3) Amendment (No. 5) Regulations 2021; • Public Treasury (Administration and Pa yments) (Temporary Unemployment B enefit) (No. 3) Amendment (No. 6) Regulations 2021; • Public Treasury (Administration and Pa yments) (Temporary Unemployment Benefit) (No. 3) Amendment (No. 7) Regulations 2021; • Public Treasury (Administration and Pa yments) (Temporary Unemployment Benefit) (No. 4) Regulations 2021; • Public Treasury (Administration and Pa yments) (Temporary Unemployment Benefit) (No. 4) Amendment Regulations 2021; • Public Treasury (Administration and Pa yments) (Temporary Unemployment Benefit) (No. 4) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2021; • Public Treasury (Administration and Pa yments) (Temporary Unemployment Benefit) (No. 4) Amendment (No. 3) Regulations 2021; • Public Treasury (Administration and Pa yments) (Temporary Unemployment Benefit) (No. 4) Amendment (No. 4) Regulations 2021; • Public Treasury (Administration and Pa yments) (Temporary Unemployment Benefit) (No. 4) Amendment (No. 5) Regulations 2021; • Public Treasury (Administration and Pa yments) (Temporary Unemployment Benefit) (No. 5) Regulations 2021; • Public Treasury (Administration and Pa yments) (Temporary Unemployment Benefit) (No. 5) Amendment Regulations 2021; • Public Treasury (Administration and Pa yments) (Temporary Unemployment Benefit) (No. 5) Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2021; • Public Treasury (Administration and Pa yments) (Tem porary Unemployment Benefit) (No. 5) Amendment (No. 3) Regulations 2021; • Public Treasury (Administration and Pa yments) (Temporary Unemployment Benefit) (No. 5) Amendment (No. 4) Regulations 2021; • Public Treasury (Administration and Pa yments) (Temporary Une mployment Benefit) (No. 5) Amendment (No. 5) Regulations 2021; • Public Treasury (A dministration and Pa yments) (Temporary Unemployment Benefit) Amendment Regulations 2022.
CONTRIBUTORY PENSIONS TEMPORARY ORDER 2021 Hon. E. David Burt: Contributory Pensions Temp orary Order 2021.
PUBLIC SERVICE SUPERANNUATION TEMPORARY ORDER 2021
Hon. E. David Burt: The Public Service Superannuation Temporary Order 2021.
ECONOMIC SUBSTANCE AMENDMENT REGULATIONS 2021
Hon. E. David Burt: Economic Substance Amendment Regulations 2021.
ECONOMIC SUBSTANCE AMENDMENT (NO. 2) REGULATIONS 2021 Hon. E. David Burt: Economic Substance Amendment (No. 2) Regulations 2021.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. The next communication this morning is in the name of the Minister for Ec onomy and Labour. Minister, would you like to present yours? GUIDELINES: SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS FOR APPROVED RESIDENTIAL SCHEMES Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information …
Thank you, Premier. The next communication this morning is in the name of the Minister for Ec onomy and Labour. Minister, would you like to present yours?
GUIDELINES: SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS FOR APPROVED RESIDENTIAL SCHEMES Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the Guidelines: Submitting Applications for Approved Residential Schemes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. And the next two are in the name of the Mini ster of Tourism. Minister, would you like to present yours at this time? Hon. Vance Campbell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Bermuda House of Assembly BERMUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY ANNUAL REPORT 2021 BERMUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR …
Thank you. And the next two are in the name of the Mini ster of Tourism. Minister, would you like to present yours at this time?
Hon. Vance Campbell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Bermuda House of Assembly BERMUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY ANNUAL REPORT 2021
BERMUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2021
Hon. Vance Campbell: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the Bermuda Tourism Authority Annual R eport 2021 and the Ber muda Tourism Authority Consol idated Financial Statements year ended December 31, 2021. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Thank you, Ministers, for the communications that were presented this morning. We will now move on. PETITIONS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are no ne. STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS AND JUNIOR MINISTERS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWe have some 13 Statements this morning. We will start with the Premier. Premi er.
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberMr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, we just cannot see the Premier’s Statement on the Shar ePoint site. So can someone just confirm that it is available for us?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerIt is available in the SharePoint.
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberOne moment. Let me just check.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. You are probably making reference to the first Statement.
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberYes, Mr. Speaker, I am.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier, this is the Statement that I should have made a comment about, first off, correct? Members, I am going to ask your indulgence. That particular Statement is very time- sensitive. And the time sensitivity relates to a matter later on today. Once we have passed that period, I am …
Premier, this is the Statement that I should have made a comment about, first off, correct? Members, I am going to ask your indulgence. That particular Statement is very time- sensitive. And the time sensitivity relates to a matter later on today. Once we have passed that period, I am going to seek the indulgence of the House for that Statement to be delivered at t hat point —once we have passed that time period. When we get to that point and it has not been resolved, we will put it for another time. But the intention is that we will have it resolved today. And at that point —or later in the Orders of the Day, not necessarily at that point, but once it is resolved— I will allow the indulgence of the House to accept it, at which time I will also allow a period for questions to the Statement itself. But all other Statements will flow as listed on your Orders for today and will be included in the normal Question Period. Thank you, Members. We will start now with the Statement this morning which is actually the Premier’s second Statement regarding the Government’s relief package. Mr. Premier.
ECONOMIC RELIEF PACKAGE FOR WORKING FAMILIES
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr Speaker, by any measure Bermuda is an affluent society. But that affluence has created a soc iety in which economic pressures make it increasingly difficult for many hardworking people to keep up. L egitimate aspirations are frustrated by runaway costs of basic items which are necessities for life in this community. The high cost of living creates circumstances which sometimes defy economic theory but create a reality which the Government has a responsibility to address. Mr. Speaker , the package of relief we provide today is the start. This is what we can do now , and the start point must be to provide assistance to those who need it most. Today’s relief package is a beginning and represents a deliberate effort of this Government to put more money into the pockets of the people who need it most. Today’s relief provides support in key areas identified as critical to the people of Bermuda who need that hand- up and the support of their Government to thrive. Mr. Speaker , in the 2022/23 Budget Stat ement this Government promised “relief now and more relief to come,” and it is in keeping with that promise that I introduce a relief package which will provide working families direct support during this period of global inflation. Mr. Speaker , the challenges of today’s ec onomic climate are not unique to Bermuda, as many countries around the world are grapp ling with inflation and supply chain disruptions. We have seen the con-sequences of governments not acting to protect their citizens against these increases. In Bermuda this Government acted early and, as we have done since returning to office, provided rel ief to the workers of this country. We acted early to protect the people of Ber-muda from rising fuel prices. One of my first actions upon resuming the role of Minister of Finance was rejecting the increases requested by fuel companies. We have worked with the fuel importers to keep prices at the pump frozen. Without this action, the average working family would be paying $23 more to fill up their cars that they use to transport their family to school, camp, activities and work. Without this action, taxi and minibus operators would be paying $35 more 1570 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly each time they filled up their tanks to transport tourists around our I sland. Mr. Speaker , while we have heard a lot of comment from the Opposition, the fact is no one on this Island has paid more at the pump t han they did in February to refill their vehicles —despite the significant fuel price increases that other countries around the world are experiencing. Mr. Speaker , the Government has listened to the concerns of many Bermudians regarding the cost of livin g, and our record has shown that we have been responsive to the needs of the people. In this year’s budget, we again reduced payroll tax es for persons making less than $96,000 a year , reduced vehicle l icensing fees , and provided land tax relief for chariti es and registered care homes. Yet we recognise more can and must be done. This Government has always looked out for working people and families, and we have always done what we can when we can to pr ovide support where it is needed. Since we have been in of fice, the cumulative payroll tax savings for a worker making $48,000 a year is just under $5,000. That is $5,000 more that a parent has had in their pocket to provide for their fami ly. Mr. Speaker , within the Budget Statement under the theme of “ more rel ief to come, ” I announced that if the Government outperformed expectations , we would ensure that half of the savings would be used to provide further relief. This strategy placed further i mportance on the Government’s fiscal management , as it has been desi gnated as the means to create capac ity to provide more support for the people of Bermuda. Mr. Speaker , it is encouraging to report, as I mentioned in previous S tatements, for fiscal year 2021/22 original estimates anticipated a budget deficit of $124.7 mi llion. The most recent revised figures anticipate a $30 million improvement with the deficit for the year forecasted to be $94.6 million. These results are a direct reflection of the G overnment’s fiscal pr udence, the I sland’s expanding international business sector and increased revenue gained from the travel authorisation fee. Mr. Speaker , in keeping with our promise to return half of the amount of any improved performance to the taxpayers in this country, the Cabinet , on behalf of this Progressive Labour Party Gover nment, has approved a $15 million economic relief package to ease the burden on working families in Bermuda. Mr. Speaker , I am pleased to inform this Honourable House that part of that relief package will include a payroll tax rebate for workers making less than $96,000, which makes up 75 per cent of Berm uda’s workforce. Individuals earning less than $60,000 annually will receive a $250 rebate, and those earning between $60,000 and $96,000 will receive a $100 r ebate. It is expected that by Sept ember applications will be made available where 75 per cent of Bermuda’s workers will be eligible to apply for their rebate. Once approved, the applicant will receive a direct deposit in their bank account. Mr. Speaker , also as part of the relief pac kage, the Government will provide $150 to parents and guardians for each student enrolled in public school. This payment is to assist with school essentials , as we recogni se the financial burden encountered annually when preparing to send children back to school. Mr. Speaker , as the father of two children who seem to be growing by the day, I know that last year’s shoes and uniforms may not fit in September. The Minister of Education will be sharing further details pertaining to the rollout of this initiative in the coming weeks. Mr. Speaker , with this payroll tax rebate and school supply support, a family of four with two school -aged chi ldren can receive up to $800. We are determined to put more money back into the pockets of working fa milies. Mr. Speaker , as part of this relief package, the Government will purchase and distribute LED light bulbs to families to assist in reducing their energy bills. It is widely known that the cost of energy in Ber-muda is amongst the highest in the world and is a contributory f actor to the country’s high cost of living. In response, the LED lights distributed under this pr oposal will use up to 85 per cent less energy , which will reduce the household energy costs for Bermuda’s families. The Deputy Premier will share more details about this investment that will reduce energy bills , in August. Mr. Speaker , our fellow Bermudians who r eceive financial assistance are often seniors, differently abled or those who have not yet found employment. They have themselves and their families t o feed and to support. These are our fellow Bermudians whose circumstances mean that they need help. This relief package contains a 15 per cent increase in the food allowance budget for the Department of Financial A ssistance to provide more support to fami lies in need of food assistance. Mr. Speaker , earlier today I tabled a Suppl ementary Estimate that Honourable Members will be invited to support , which will fund the following: • the payroll tax rebate; • the school supply support ; • the purchase of LED lights for Bermudian families; and • an increase in the food allowance budget for the Department of Financial Assistance. Mr. Speaker , the $15 million relief package also includes an extension of duty relief on the importation of vehicle fuel to ensure the ongoing freeze in fuel prices at the pump. This extension will help fam ilies, taxi operators, fishermen, tour operators and l ocal businesses. The amount of this relief for this fiscal year is estimated to be $6.4 million. The Customs Tariff Amendment Act that I w ill table in this Honourable House later today will grant the Minister of Finance the ability to vary the rate of vehicle fuel duty. Mr.
Bermuda House of Assembly Speaker , it must be noted that fuel taxes were doubled under the previous administration. However, this Government is c ommitted to reducing the tax burden in Bermuda, and over the last five years we have continuously reduced taxes for working families. Mr. Speaker , many will say this relief package is not enough, and as a Government , we get it . But it is also critical that we balance being fiscally respons ible while providing relief. This package is not perfect , but it is a start and will make a difference in the lives of many Bermudians who want to know the Gover nment is on their side and has their best interests at heart. Mr. Speaker , I must also emphasise that this package is not the end of the relief that this PLP Go vernment will deliver. The cost of food is increasing, and in concert with the Cost of Living Commission, food importers and supermarkets, this Government will reduce the price for essential goods that many families must buy weekly. In consultation with the Commission, the Government will reduce the duty on staple goods and will ensure those savings are passed on to consumers.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order? POINT OF ORDER [Standing Order 20, A nticipati on] Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: From an operational perspective, would this be perceived as anticipating a debate that is to come this afternoon? Because the Premier is speaking about his economic package and we have legislation that is …
Point of order?
POINT OF ORDER [Standing Order 20, A nticipati on] Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: From an operational perspective, would this be perceived as anticipating a debate that is to come this afternoon? Because the Premier is speaking about his economic package and we have legislation that is going to be debated this afternoon on the supplemental estimates, which is exactly the same thing. So I just question whether you would deem this as anticipating a debate that i s going to occur this afternoon.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI note your point of concern and point of order. Premier and Opposition Leader, if the Premier gets into details of issues, then he could cross that line. If he is giving an overview from the perspective of what has been done or intends to be done, it is acceptable. …
I note your point of concern and point of order. Premier and Opposition Leader, if the Premier gets into details of issues, then he could cross that line. If he is giving an overview from the perspective of what has been done or intends to be done, it is acceptable. But if he gets into issues in the Statement that start being as detailed as the debate would be, then there would be a concern.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker, he gave the value of the supplemental in his Statement, several amounts of the supplemental in his Statement.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI am going to allow it to continue at this point, Opposition Leader, only regarding what has been given to the Premier to make sure he does not go too in- depth int o anything further , other than giving the number s that has been given. Okay? Hon. N. …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I must also emphasise this package is not the end of the relief this PLP Gover nment will deliver. The cost of food is increasing, and in concert with the Cost of Living Commission, food i mporters and …
Thank you.
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I must also emphasise this package is not the end of the relief this PLP Gover nment will deliver. The cost of food is increasing, and in concert with the Cost of Living Commission, food i mporters and supermarkets, this Government will r educe the prices for essential goods that many families must buy weekly. In consultation with the Commi ssion, the Government will reduce the duty on staple goods and ensure those savings are passed on to consumers. Part of this $15 m illion relief package i ncludes a provision for this duty relief that will result in reduced prices for working families. Mr. Speaker , this is incredibly complex work, but it is work that I hope will engender bipartisan support in this House, as it reflects what we all promised to do on entering elected service: to serve the people. Mr. Speaker , it is im portant to reiterate that these relief items would not be possible without the increase in revenue received from the travel author isation and tourism -related taxes. Bermuda’s budget, like [those of] many countries around the world, has been negatively affected by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, as the Minister of Tourism will share with this Honourable House later today, Berm uda is enjoying a stronger than expected tourism season. T his increased revenue from the travel authoris ation and tourism taxes has exceeded the losses from the war in Ukraine and is supporting this relief to wor king families. Mr. Speaker , I wish to also advise this Ho nourable House that Cabinet will shortly be invited to approve further measures which will be directed to meeting the staffing shortages in key areas like the Bermuda Police Service and the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service to ensure the safety and security of Bermuda. Additional measures will also include i ncreased provision of mental health options for Berm udians, ind ependent living coordinators for young persons ageing out of care, support for increased local entertainment, resources to boost youth employment and expanded summer camp slots . Mr. Speaker , next Monday will mark five years since this PLP Government was elected. During that time workers have seen their taxes cut ; support for the vulnerable has been increased; seniors have seen their pensions rise; and Bermudians have received increased scholarships, training and apprenticeships. In May, Standard & Poor ’s said, “ the economic recovery is underway in Bermuda . . .” Mr. Speaker , as our economy recovers, Bermuda can be assured that this Government is committed to providing even more r e1572 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly lief to ease the burden on working families. For five years we have demonstrated that commitment, and today we add to that record by delivering a first -of-itskind relief package for the working families of Berm uda. Thank you, Mr Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Deputy Premier. Deputy Premier. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWould you like to present your Stat ement now? Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo right ahead. UNITED NATIONS OCEAN CONFERENCE 2022 Hon. Wal ter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the Honourable House of my attendance at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, which w as held from the 27th of June to the 1st of July 2022. …
Go right ahead.
UNITED NATIONS OCEAN CONFERENCE 2022
Hon. Wal ter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform the Honourable House of my attendance at the United Nations Ocean Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, which w as held from the 27th of June to the 1st of July 2022. Mr. Speaker, more than 6,000 participants from more than 150 countries attended the conference, according to the organisers, including 24 heads of state and government. Mr. Speaker, I made my decision to attend for a number of reasons. First I was afforded the honour to attend the conference as the member of the Waitt Foundation Delegation and to actively participate in presenting the great work we have accomplished in partnership with Waitt. Honourab le Members would be aware that Bermuda has a successful partnership with the Waitt Foundation and the BIOS [Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences], which has achieved much in our own effort to protect our exclusive economic zone [EEZ] and developed a strateg y to pursue Bermuda’s opportunity in the blue economy . The EEZ is the area of the ocean that extends 200 nautical miles ( or 370 kilometr es) from each nation’s coasts. Second, the Waitt Foundation, as a nongovernment organisation (NGO) , had a substantial presence at the conference creating the perfect opportunity to showcase Bermuda. We also demonstrated, outside of the work with Waitt and Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme ( known as BOPP), Bermuda’s mature and very advanced regulatory framework for marine protection, conservation and management of our oceans around us. Third, Bermuda also made representations as the lead country of the Sargasso Sea Commission, which is one of the pioneer initiatives led by Bermuda to protect and manage the open ocean. The Sargasso Sea Commission was established through the signing of the Hamilton Declaration in 2014. It is a voluntary organi sation of 10 countries in the Atlantic area who have agreed to high seas protection and conservation of the area known as the Sargasso Sea. Bermuda is the only land mass that exists within this area. Protection of the high seas is considered one of the last frontiers and is described as the unfinished agenda of international marine conservation and pr otection of these important ecosystems . Bermuda proudly has led the Sargasso Sea Commission for nearly a decade. We endeavou r to work with our global and Atlantic partners to further expand its reach. It is currently under the acting chairmanship of Dr. Tammy Warren, Bermuda’s Chief Marine Conse rvation Officer. Dr . Warren accompanied me as part of the Bermuda delegation, providing excellent —I r epeat, excellent —guidance and advice on all marine matters. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, 26 July, on our first full day in Lisbon we attended at the invitat ion of the French Government a luncheon to promote the SA RGADOM Project, a project which will contribute to the protection of biodiversity and ecosystem services in the high seas on the Thermal Dome in the Pacific and the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, 27 June, the Bermuda delegation attended the Blue Prosperity Leadership Forum Luncheon in the Ocean ário de Lisboa panoramic room. This event was led by Waitt Institute Founder and Chair, Mr. Ted Waitt. This luncheon brought together heads of delegations and core Blue Prosperity Coalition members. It provided the opportunity for informal dialogue among ocean leaders working toward achieving lasting marine protection and sustainable blue economies. In addition to Bermuda, Fiji, Samoa, Maldives, Tonga, Azores, Cabo Verde and the Waitt Institute's founding partners, Ocean 5 and Oceano Azul were invited to attend the event. Bermuda, as one of the coalition partners, is most advanced in the development of our work with the foundation. I share d with other countries details of Bermuda's journey in developing our own blue eco nomy and Marine Spatial Plan. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, 28 June, we met with Mr. Ted Waitt, Founder of the Waitt Institute and Foundation, to discuss the organisation’s ongoing partnership with Bermuda to support our marine spatial planning, protected areas and blue economy. We particularly discussed with Mr. Waitt how the foundation could support our plans to develop capacity on-Island to build, install and maintain our rene wable e nergy infrastructure of the future. There will be in the future more renewable energy installed commercially and in homes that must be maintained and operated. Energy security for Bermuda will only come if we are independent in harnessing the power of the sun, wind and ocean, but also in the management, operation and maintenance of the infrastructure. The Waitt team
Bermuda House of Assembly expressed enthusiastic support for supporting the training and development required. Later that day I spoke at the first session of the Blue Economy Investment Forum sponsored by the Portuguese Government. The event provided another great opportunity to investigate new funding opportunities and showcase Bermuda's blue economy work. A senior journalist from CNN moderated the session, and Bermuda shared the podium with international participants, the World Wildlife Fund [WWF] and the Government of Kenya. Mr. Speaker, on the final day, Wednesday, 29 June, along with Dr. Warren, I attended a morning meeting on behalf of the Sargasso Sea Commi ssion, the University of Brest and key stakeholders to di scuss the work of the commission and recent developments. At the meeting I led a call to galvanise support for the commission's work and to increase the number of member countries. I have in fact alr eady officially reached out to a specific country in the Atlantic to consider membership. Later that day we attended an event focused on Sustainable Financing co- hosted by the UK and Fiji and chaired by [Rt. Hon.] Lord [“Zac”] Goldsmith, Mi nister of State for the Pacific and the International Env ironment. After the session, I briefly met with Lord Goldsmith and had the unexpected opportunity to speak with the recently re -elected Secretary -General of the Commonwealth, Rt. Hon. Baroness Patricia Scotland, wh o everybody knows is a great friend of Bermuda, Mr. Speaker. At that event Lord Zac Gol dsmith announced that more than 100 nations have now pledged to protect 30 per cent of their oceans by 2030. Bermuda is already, Mr. Speaker, on path with a plan to succ essfully protect 20 per cent of our own EEZ. Mr. Speaker, following my own presentation to support the expansion of the size of the Sargasso Sea Commission and [the] work of the Sargasso Sea Commission team at the conference, Dr. Warren and I were able t o meet with two members of the European Parliament, Pierre Karleskind, Chair of the Committee on Fisheries, and Catherine Chabaud, member of the Development, Environment and Fisheries committees, to advocate for the recognition and eventual support for EU membership of the Sargasso Sea Commission and their signing of the Hamilton Declaration 2014. To achieve the support of the Commission by the Eur opean Union would be a great achievement, and we are pleased to have made a significant step to reach this goal . Mr. Speaker, this conference overall proved to be an excellent opportunity to showcase what Berm uda has done to develop our blue economy and Marine Spatial Plan. I met and spoke with leaders and infl uencers in environmental protection and sustainability , impressing the need to act now. As a small island na-tion, [we are well aware that] climate change, env i-ronmental protection, and sustainability are vital to our future. Mr. Speaker, there have been those who co nstantly question the value of our attendance at these international conferences and [whether] Bermuda is getting value for money. I would like to address these questions. Bermuda has a tradition, Mr. Speaker, of punching above her weight, particularly in the tourism world and the world of financi al services. We are now becoming known for our record of success in conser-vation, environmental protection, energy transition and climate action. I would hope people are pleased to hear we are not just known for our role as an offshore financial centre. In fact, Mr. Speaker, Bermuda’s positive reputation in the environmental space was proven to me at this conference time and time again. A number of at-tendees I met also came to the Ocean Risk Summit of 2018 and the recently held Climate Risk Summit. I was able to have a preliminary discussion with som eone who was very much involved with the organis ation of the Ocean Risk Summit about the possibility of having another one in Bermuda. In 2018 the ocean was not even on the global agenda. We are now in 2022, and the ocean is very much at the top of the global agenda. To some degree, Mr. Speaker, Bermuda pioneered part of this global discussion. It is now the time to consider reconvening the Ocean Risk Summit to continue the conversation and devise a further plan of action. Mr. Speaker, Bermuda is an ocean community. The care and protection of the ocean must be a top priority for the Government and the people of Berm uda. An unhealthy ocean threatens everything including the food we eat and our natural environment. The pollution from human activity threatens the whole planet. Our robust planning and environmental protections have made Bermuda a place that is safe and healthy to live. If Bermuda is not attending these events to either protect our EEZ and our Internat ional Commi ssion for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas [ICCAT] quota, standing with other ocean and coastal comm unities with a voice or participating in making rules that govern activity on the global ocean, we will be invis ible while others will make the rules for us. Who will speak for us, Mr. Speaker? No one questions the ex-pense to protect Bermuda’s economic future. The same [effort] and care must be taken for Bermuda’s environmental future. The health of our oceans is Bermuda’s economic future. Mr. Speaker, the United Nations Ocean Conference also produced a document called the Lisbon declaration entitled Our ocean, our future, our respo nsibility in support of the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable De velopment: “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.” Mr. Speaker, this Government has already set Bermuda on a path to achieve this goal. 1574 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly More information will be provided to show what Bermuda will be doing to fulfil this. Mr. Speaker, this Government will continue to support making sure Bermuda has a voice where we can be heard making representations to protect our environmental future of Bermuda and the world. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Health. Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning. TRAVEL AUTHORISATION PROCESS UPDATE Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Sp eaker and Honourable Members, in early June I announced changes to the travel authorisation [TA] that improved the process for travellers, and we continue to see travellers having better experiences due to those changes. The i mprovements included …
Good morning.
TRAVEL AUTHORISATION PROCESS UPDATE
Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Sp eaker and Honourable Members, in early June I announced changes to the travel authorisation [TA] that improved the process for travellers, and we continue to see travellers having better experiences due to those changes. The i mprovements included the following: 1. All travellers can start the TA process up to 30 days before their departure date. They can then go online, fill out the form and pay $40 early rather than waiting until just prior to their travel date. We continue to encourage appl ying for a TA as early as possible to prevent the TA ’s becoming an urgent matter , when that situation can be avoided . 2. All travellers , Mr. Speaker, receive a pending review response, and then later an email is sent closer to their travel date reminding them to upload their negative test result. The TA r eview is completed once the test is uploaded, and at that point the traveller receives a final response. 3. Residents who do not intend to upload a prearrival test receive an approved TA based on their vaccination certificate, and they are tested on arrival at the L. F. Wade International Airport . 4. Cruise passengers with Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines —who are t he majority of our cruise visitors —get an approved TA based on their vaccination certi ficates. Their negative test result is checked at the pier when they board the ship, and they do not need to upload it . 5. TAs continue to be prioritised as follows: for air arrivals by arrival date, and for sea arrivals by departure date. That was June. Mr. Speaker, starting last Sunday , July 10, 2022, another set of improvement s to the travel authorisation form launched successfully. There are additional upgrades in progres s and being completed which will provide an enhanced travel experience, which I will now explain. First, Mr. Speaker, the TA application form has been simplified to exclude questions that are no longer relevant, given the current status of the COVID -19 pandemic, such as asking travellers to pr ovide a list of the countries visited prior to arriving in Bermuda, and how many family members are travelling in their party. The answers to those questions were relied upon to guide our travel surveillance pol icy, b ut at this time that information is not required. Second, Mr. Speaker, repeat travellers to Bermuda can automatically complete their TA based on past applications. This very key improvement allows the repeat traveller to avoid duplication of effort. To ex plain, Mr. Speaker, I note the following: • At the beginning of the application process, repeat travellers will be asked to provide their email address . • A one -time verification code will be sent to that email address. Once that code is entered into the appli cation form, it will bring up a list of traveller names who have submitted prev ious travel authorisation applications linked to that email address. The relevant name or a family member’s name can then be selected, and all general information from their previous application will automatically load into a new application form. General information includes the traveller’s name, contact details and passport details . • The verification process ensures that trave llers will not see TAs for anyone not tied to their email address, in order to protect priv acy. • As a security measure, the one- time code will only be valid for 10 minutes . • Travellers will only have to complete new i nformation pertaining to their new trip, and that is the flight or cruise details. All of the information is editable except for the name and birthdate. Mr. Speaker, there i s a third improvement. Vaccinated residents previously needed to upload their vaccination certificate to the TA each time they completed the application. I am pleased to say that the TA system and the Island’s vaccination data are now linked. Locally vaccinated residents, residents who have been vaccinated oversees and have added their overseas doses to their Bermuda vaccine record and repeat visitors will no longer have to up load their vaccine documentation. Again, this is another signif icant improvement using technology that will assist in ensuring a smoother traveling journey for visitors and residents alike. Also, Mr. Speaker, the TA process used to r equire the traveller to read and acknowledge legal di sclaimers and confirm the accuracy of the information they provided by initialling in two places: on the appl iBermuda House of Assembly cation form and on the approved TA waiver. This has now been condensed, and the traveller provides initials only on the approved TA waiver. Mr. Speaker, as I said, these upgrades and enhancements were introduced last Sunday, and the call centre has received numerous compliments about them. But it does not stop there. We continue to further refine the system to create, as best as possible, a stress- free TA experience for the traveller. Mr. Speaker, future travel authorisation improvements will i nclude the following: • A faster application review process by aut omating the review of vaccine and test doc uments to confirm that they meet Bermuda’s entry requirements. This feature will expedite the review process which is currently largely manual . • Additional features to ease the application process for families and groups travelling t ogether are in development. Now that families can auto- complete their family’s TAs based on previous applications, the next step is to group those family applications together so that they can be reviewed and approved si multaneously to avoid the current mix of approval times for families travelling t ogether . • The ability for travellers to check on the status of their TA application is another feature that is anticipated in the near future. • The ability for travellers to change the travel date on a TA application if travel plans have changed will soon b e an option for the traveller as well. Currently, when travellers’ plans change and they need to revise their travel date, they must contact the call centre to have the changes made. Mr. Speaker, as I have noted previously, there are three key things to remember about Travel Authorisations: 1. They are there to protect our borders, to en-sure to the extent possible that we can pr event cases of COVID -19 from being imported. This protects both our visitors and our res idents . 2. The TA scheme is vital to help fund the I sland’s COVID -19 response. The TAs pay for the pandemic support that they provide, which includes testing at the borders, community testing for those who are unable to pay for testing, and case management for those who test positive and the associated administr ation. 3. The TA form also captures information used by the Bermuda Tourism Authority, the D epartment of Immigration and HM Customs. The Ministry of Health continues to work with all of our stakeholders to provide a Travel Authoris ation process that is streamlined for travellers and that contributes to a safe Bermuda community for all of us. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Works. Minister. QUANG O OPERATIONAL CHANGES
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchThank you. Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to provide a further update on operational changes at two quangos , namely, the West End Development Corporation [WEDCO] and the Bermuda Land Development Co mpany [BLDC]. Mr. Speaker, before getting into the specifics of those changes, it is …
Thank you. Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to provide a further update on operational changes at two quangos , namely, the West End Development Corporation [WEDCO] and the Bermuda Land Development Co mpany [BLDC]. Mr. Speaker, before getting into the specifics of those changes, it is worth providing some bac kground to the genesis of this entire project, a project that actually began on the 16th of July 2002 when the Cabinet decided that the Central Policy Unit should complete a review of 17 quangos, which focused on the following objectives: 1. determine whether Bermuda’s q uangos as currently constructed are meeting g overnment’s aims and if not , recommend methods of achieving alignment; 2. determine whether there is accountability to the government and if not, recommend an adequate structure to accomplish this; and 3. develop mechanisms for ongoing review. Mr. Speaker, the scope of the review covered a wide range of topics covering the establishment and governance of each body; its existing relevance, feasibility, effectiveness and levels of accountability to Government; expenditure; income; w hether the work could be more effectively (or more efficiently) carried out within Government proper or by some other means; determine governance and best practice in other jurisdictions; and to develop a mechanism for ongoing review. All are laudable goal s emanating from a report entitled “UNTANGLING BERMUDA’S QUANGOS —A review of Quangos in the Bermuda Government” presented in October 2003 and the subsequent SAGE Commission Report presented a decade later in 2013. Mr. Speaker, this Government took the dec ision early in our Administration shortly after returning to Government in July 2017 to have another look at the reports and their recommendations with a view to actioning some of those items. Upon assuming this role, I asked the three managers to meet on a regular basis to discuss ways we could merge operations ut ilising the recommendations of the quango report as the basis for those discussions. As a result, the follo wing decisions were made: • On the 28 th of September 2018 a freeze on all new hires was is sued to all three quangos . 1576 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly • Effective November 1, 2018, the then BHC [Bermuda Housing Corporation] General Manager, Major Barrett Dill, assumed management responsibility for the BLDC as interim CEO, in addition to his responsibilities at BHC . • Effective Nove mber 1, 2018, as well, the BHC CFO, Mr. Mark Melo, assumed financial r esponsibility for the BLDC in addition to his r esponsibilities at BHC. • The BLDC Board remained intact and conti nued their work under the new management team. • Effective January 29, 2021, the W EDCO [West End Development Corporation] General Manager assumed responsibility for BLDC as the interim CEO . Mr. Speaker, the Ministry viewed these changes as an opportunity to immediately effect some cost savings by reducing duplication of roles, com bining responsibilities and bringing a sharper focus to deliver on the Government’s mandate to control costs and operate more efficiently. Mr. Speaker, the Cabinet has approved the merging of the West End Development Corporation and the Bermuda Land Deve lopment Company into one new entity, as these two quangos share similar objectives, mandates, skills, accounting procedures and staffing levels. After much consideration, I confirm that the Bermuda Housing Corporation will remain a single entity as it has different mandates, goals and objectives. Mr. Speaker, this Government believes in fi scal prudence. This move should not come as a shock to anyone. As I have said previously on numerous occasions, it makes no sense that on an island of only 21 square mil es we have two organisations, two CEOs and two CFOs, and all of the attendant offices, machinery and staffs carrying out very similar functions for the most part, with the full demonstration of unnecessary bureaucracy on display. Mr. Speaker, a phased approach to the mer ging will begin shortly with the establishment of a team of technical officers to design an initial roadmap for how the merger will occur. While the team of technical officers lays out the path forward, it is the Gover nment’s intention dur ing the next session to bring forth legislation to effect the amalgamation. Mr. Speaker, importantly, the Government does not wish to see redundancies, nor are any anti cipated. The initial staffing of the new entity will see minimal duplication of roles, but note that reductions will occur over time through natural attrition through retirement. The reasoning behind this direction is the benefit of ensuring that any important institutional knowledge is retained into future operations, while avoiding severa nces. As a part of the merger, there will be an ongoing assessment of staffing to determine what positions are required and what the full compl ement should be over the forthcoming years. Mr. Speaker, the Permanent Secretary of Public Works joined me in v isiting the respective staffs and boards of the affected bodies to inform them of this decision in advance of this Statement today. Many welcomed the move and are looking forward to the future. Mr. Speaker, both WEDCO and BLDC have collective bargaining agreements [CBAs] with the Bermuda Public Services Union and the Bermuda I ndustrial Union —some with differing provisions. An i ntegral part of the ongoing discussions will occur with both unions to agree any amendments to form new combined CBAs. Mr. Speak er, this is a move for the future. We view these changes as an opportunity which will effect cost savings by reducing duplication of roles, combi ning responsibilities and bringing a sharper focus to deliver on the Government’s mandate to control costs and operate more efficiently. It is anticipated that this process will take 18 months to finally become one entity, thus allowing sufficient time to resolve the changes needed operationally to effect a smooth transition. Mr. Speaker, I suspect that colleagues will have little trouble in doing the math on how long it has taken to get this across the finish line. Just look at the second paragraph of this Statement for the date this project started—July the 16 th of 2002! Twenty years, and we still are not there yet. But I wish to give an u ndertaking that I shall not rest until this is accomplished. I have already marked my calendar for January 16, 2024. We have got to find a better and quicker way to make progress, going forward. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the BLDC Chairperson, Ms. Lovitta Foggo, JP, MP; members of BLDC board; the WE DCO Chairperson, Mr. Neville Tyrrell, JP, MP; and the board at WEDCO for their continued service. Thank you Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Min ister. Members, the next Statement is also in the name of the Minister of Works. Minister, would you like to continue?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo right ahead. QUARRY DEPOT FEASIBILITY STUDY
Lt. Col. Hon . David A. BurchAs this Honourable House may be aware, the Ministry of Public Works issued a request for proposals (RFP) two weeks ago on Friday, July the 1 st, 2022, for a financial feasibility study on the Government Quarry Depot located in Hamilton Parish. Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, some background …
As this Honourable House may be aware, the Ministry of Public Works issued a request for proposals (RFP) two weeks ago on Friday, July the 1 st, 2022, for a financial feasibility study on the Government Quarry Depot located in Hamilton Parish.
Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, some background first: The mandate for the Quarry Depot is to act as the Go vernment’s functional authority on all matters related to fleet management, mechanical engineering and maintenance activities including ensuring all Gover nment vehicles are TCD [Transport Control Depar tment] tested and licensed annually. Its primary function is to manage the distribution and maintenance of approxim ately 800 motor vehicles and equipment, as well as operate and maintain the Government’s lim estone quarry, and asphalt and recycling plants. As many currently serving in this House on both sides of the aisle can attest to, due to a plethora of reasons inc luding lack of financial investment under successive Governments, inadequate strategic planning and ineffective management, the facilities and staffing expertise at this location have deteriorated significantly almost to the point of exhaustion over the last 30 years. Subsequently, this has caused Go vernment’s assets to become increasingly unreliable and more expensive to maintain, thereby resulting in heightened criticism from the general public and go vernment employees who rely on the services provided by the quarry team. Mr. Speaker, I would also mention that major infrastructure investments are required for the majority of the facilities located within the site. Retrofitting these assets has a conservative cost estimate in the tens of millions of dollars . Mr. Speaker, many in the public may question whether the Government is doing anything to improve the conditions at the quarry. The short answer is yes. As of June 2022, the Government completed a major infrastructure investment programme which installe d two new buildings that will be used for a heavy equipment workshop and a stores facility; both were desperately required. The Ministry of Public Works has also hired a consultant to manage the quarry operations following the sudden departure of the princ ipal mechanical engineer. This has proved very suc-cessful. For example, since the addition of this new manager in May 2022, the refuse truck operational fleet has increased from two operational trucks to nine and as high as twelve on occasion. The goal is to m ethodically tackle the most critical vehicles such as those used for garbage collection, then work through the remainder of the fleet. However, Mr. Speaker, this Administration recognises this is not enough to address all of the quarry’s outstanding is sues. For example, here are several questions worth serious consideration: 1. Should the Government invest the tens of mi llions of dollars required to bring the quarry up to standard? 2. Should the Government lessen the remit of quarry management and, if so, to what? 3. How much money does the quarry save the government and the taxpayer by the services it provides in- house? 4. Are the succession and training plans ad equate? 5. What is the best direction the Government should take in planning for the future to ensure value for money? These are the types of questions we are anti cipating the Financial Feasibility Study will answer. Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Public Works is aware of the sensationalism stemming from certain media outlets regarding the notions of potential priva tisation and redundancies . In fact, these are not bad words. But if we want to have the best review of the quarry operations, we simply cannot park this idea to the side, as the Government needs to have a thorough, unbiased and independent review to m ake the most effective decisions moving forward. The report will provide recommendations for the Government to consider. This consideration will not occur without the full involvement of the Bermuda Industrial Union with whom a collective bargaining agreem ent exists and we fully support. To be clear, the Government views the Bermuda Industrial Union as a partner and will have open dialogue with them throughout this process. Our union partner has also been made aware of the intention of Government to avoid r edundancies. Regardless of the rumours that may arise in the media or elsewhere, this Government has not —and will not —make any dec isions on the way forward for the Quarry Depot until the report has been completed and properly scrut inised, shared and discus sed with the Bermuda Industrial Union. Mr. Speaker, it is time to be honest with ourselves. We must take a serious look at how we do things and then take the necessary steps to effect i mprovement. The review at the Quarry Depot is the beginning of taking such steps to improve our operations and make them more efficient. I am confident that t ogether we can agree a plan to make significant i mprovements to the operations at the Quarry Depot. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members , the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Education. Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Good morning, Mr. Speaker. I was just checking my sound is okay.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning, good morning, good morning, good morning. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Good morning. Just chec king my sound is okay. I was having computer difficulties earlier this morning.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerNo problem. Go right ahead. 1578 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly SCHOLARSHIP AND AWARDS RECIPIENTS 2022 Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, this Stat ement is for the 2022 scholarship and awards recip ients. Mr. Speaker, I would like to celebrate and commend the …
No problem. Go right ahead.
1578 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly SCHOLARSHIP AND AWARDS RECIPIENTS 2022
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, this Stat ement is for the 2022 scholarship and awards recip ients. Mr. Speaker, I would like to celebrate and commend the recipients of the various scholarships and awards provided by the Ministry of Education. Through our mandate to support continuing education, the Ministry funds scholarships and awards helping over 65 individuals to attend college and university. There are nine scholarship and award categories pr ovided by the Ministry of Education, which are in addition to those granted through the College Promise Programme administered by Bermuda College. Within these categories is the Bermuda Government Scholarship, our flagship scholarship, first awarded over 100 years ago when access to college and university education was the purview of the few. Mr. Speaker, today, while there is much more to be done, significant investments continue to be made by the Government of Bermuda, the private sector and community or ganisations to ensure equit able access to further and higher education for Berm uda’s current and aspiring students. As the Minister of Education for this PLP Government, I am proud to be here today and say that despite the challenging ec onomic times, our S cholarships and Awards budget has steadily increased to the $1.4 million we see t oday. This represents a significant increase over the previous Government’s Scholarships and Awards a llocations, which saw one awards budget allocation go down as low as $40,000. That same award category stands at $500,000 today. The current budget of $1.4 million for Scholarships and Awards, combined with the $300,000 F inancial Aid grant to Bermuda College and the College Promise Programme for CedarBridge and Berkeley Institute students, brings the allocation for students seeking funding for education close to $2 million annually. This is a $1 million increase in funding for our students since I first became the Minister of Education in 2017. Mr. Speaker, historically, many s cholarships, especially those of high financial value, were targeted toward students who demonstrated academic excel-lence regardless of financial need or other barriers to the pursuit of success. The Ministry applauds students who are at the top in their s chools and areas of study. We also recognise that all people have inherent gifts and talents and that many who have passions and interests require financial help to pursue dreams of university, college and other types of career training. Therefore, aside f rom the Bermuda Government Scholarship, which is established by statute, every other scholarship and award category includes fina ncial need as a criterion. This is to ensure that most funds are distributed to persons whose potential might not be fully real ised without financial help to pursue education and training beyond senior school. Mr. Speaker, in addition to the College Promise Programme, the Ministry grants the following scholarships and awards annually: 1. the Minister’s Achievement Scholarship to help high- achieving graduating students of CedarBridge Academy and the Berkeley Inst itute attend overseas post -secondary educ ation; 2. the Minister’s Exceptional Student Award for graduating students or school leavers with disabilities for local or overseas pos tsecondary study; 3. the Minister’s Technical and Vocational Award for graduating public school students or recent public school alumni attending Bermuda Co llege for local or overseas post -secondary study; 4. the Minister’s Applied Science Scholarship for gradu ating public senior school students who attended the Applied Technology Dual Enrolment Diploma Programme with Bermuda College and who plan to continue the programme to obtain an associate’s degree; 5. the Further Education Award for current college or univers ity students with sophomore standing for continu ing post-secondary study; 6. the Non- Traditional Student Award for persons aged 25 and over pursuing postsecondary study; 7. the Teacher Education Scholarship for current college or university students with sophom ore standing for study of selected subjects and/or areas of teaching needed in the Bermuda Public School System; 8. the Bermuda Government Scholarship (as I previously mentioned) for well -rounded senior school or college or university students up to the age of 25 who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement; and finally, 9. the Bermuda College Book Award provides funding for books for Bermuda College st udents in financial need. Mr. Speaker, in total, over 65 individual st udents ranging from recent senior sc hool graduates to older students pursuing non- traditional pathways are among our worthy recipients. I would like to highlight many of those students in a number of categories, beginning with the Minister’s Scholarships. The Mini ster’s Scholarships and Awar ds are valued at $5,000 for local studies and up to $25,000 for overseas stud-ies. They are tenable for the duration of the student’s full-time post -secondary programme of study for up to four years. The recipients are as follows: The recipients for the Min ister’s Achievement Scholarship, which is worth $25,000 per year for up to four years of overseas study, are
Bermuda House of Assembly i. D’Angele A. R. Symonds, who will attend Keele University in England to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science. Miss Symonds i s a recent graduate of CedarBridge Academy, where she was the Deputy Head Girl . ii. Nayasa Burgess, who will attend North Car olina A&T [ Agricultural and Technical ] State University to pursue a Bachelor of Animal Science majoring in Biology. Miss Burgess graduated from the Berkeley Institute in June where she was Head Girl. For the Minister’s Exceptional Student Award, which is worth $25,000 per year for overseas study , up to four years , and $5,000 per year for study at Berm uda College for two years, • Iziah Tucker , who graduated from Bermuda College’s Culinary Arts Programme in May and is an alumnus of the Berkeley Institute. He will attend Humber Institute of Technology & Advanced Learning, Ontario, to pursue a Diploma in Nutrition and Healthy Lifestyle Promotion. For the Minister’s Technical and Vocational Award , again $25, 000 [per year] for overseas study up to four years, and $5,000 [per year] for study at Bermuda College up to two years, • Roneeya Jones, who graduated from Berm uda College with an Associate Degree in Sc ience (Pre- Health) in May 2022. She is an alumna of the Berkeley Institute and will enter Winston -Salem University, USA, with advanced standing. For the Minister’s Applied Science Scholarship ( five awards for $5,000 each for study at Berm uda College [tenable for one year]), • Aaron- Claude White, who graduated from CedarBridge Academy in June 2022. He was a dual enrolment student and will continue his studies through the Associate of Applied Sc ience (Plumbing Technology) programme at Bermuda College. Other recipients whom I am proud to a nnounce in this House are as follows : For the Non- Traditional Studen t Award, worth $20,000 per year for overseas study up to four years, i. Akelah Hendrickson, an alumna of Bermuda College, will attend the University of Wolverhampton in England to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mental Health; and ii. Amber Douglas is a current student at Ryerson University in Canada pursuing a Bachelor of Human Resource Management Degree. In 2021, she graduated with an A ssociate of Arts De gree in Business Admi nistration from Bermuda College and in 2019 received a Certificate in Human Resources Management and General Management. For the Teacher Education Scholarships worth $20,000 per year for overseas study up to four years, i. Malay Robinson, who will enter Kean University to pursue a major in English (K through [12])Teacher Education [ Bachelor of Arts] . She is a 2020 graduate of the Berkeley Inst itute, where she was Head Girl. She graduated from Bermuda College in May 2022, receiving an associate’s degree; ii. Tamara Simmons, who is an alumna of CedarBridge Academy and the Bermuda College, where she received an Associate of Sc ience Degree in Education. She will complete a Postgraduate Certificate in Education in England before undertaking studies toward becoming a special education teacher; iii. Aaliyah Lee, an alumna of the Berkeley Inst itute and Bermuda College, graduated with an Associate of Arts Degree. She will attend Kean University and become a teacher of Spanish. These Teacher Education Scholar ships are given to candidates pursuing initial teacher training who, as a condition of their scholarships, will be employed in public schools to educate and support public school students in subject and teaching areas of great need to the public education system. Mr. Speaker, the Ministry awarded a total of 50 Further Education Awards, including 10 awards for students pursuing graduate studies. While Further Education Awards and other scholarships and awards are primarily given to students pursuing undergrad uate study to assist persons in getting a first college or university degree, the Ministry is doing what it can to support students undertaking graduate studies. These awards will provide funding for one year of study up to a value of $10,000. Time does not permit me to name each recipient, but they too are saluted for their perseverance toward the completion of their undergraduate and graduate degrees. Mr. Speaker, Bermuda Government Scholarships are awarded annually to the most deserving candidates r ecommended by the Board of Education. Each Bermuda Government Scholarship recipient r eceives funding toward the cost of tuition and accom-modation of up to $35,000 per year for up to four years. I am pleased to share with this House that this year’s recipie nts of the Bermuda Government Scholarship are as follows: i. Jerzi Riley, a 2022 graduate of Saltus Gram-mar School, will attend the University of Central Florida, USA , to pursue a Bachelor of A ctuarial Science Degree. She was a prefect and recipient/winner of the Denton Hurdle Award ; ii. Giovanni Hollis is pursuing a Bachelor of Sc ience Degree in Industrial Engineering at Northeastern University in Boston, where he 1580 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly was on the Dean’s list and participated in several leadership experiences with various companies in the United States. He graduated from Warwick Academy. The Bermuda College Book Awards are d etermined by the Bermuda College closer to the start of the academic year. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Chai rpersons and members of the Minister’s Scholarsh ips and Awards Committee, the Education Board’s Scho larship Committee, and the Scholarship and Awards team within the Ministry of Education Headquarters. The time of chairpersons and other committee me mbers is volunteer -based because they care deeply about young people contributing to Bermuda’s educ ational and social development. Before closing, I would also like to thank our recipients and other applicants for continuing to push forward through these difficult times. I encourage them to continue working toward their dreams and aspirations. I kindly ask Members of this Honourable House to support my commendation not only of the recipients but of all persons and organisations that have helped them on their pathway toward continuing success. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is also in the name of the Minister of Education. Minister, would you like to continue? Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo right ahead. TABLING OF A BILL ENTITLED BERMUDA COLLEGE AMENDMENT ACT 2022 Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, this morning I would like to give brief remarks regarding a Bill ent itled the Bermuda College Amendment Act 2022 , which I intend to table later today. The Bill …
Go right ahead.
TABLING OF A BILL ENTITLED BERMUDA COLLEGE AMENDMENT ACT 2022
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, this morning I would like to give brief remarks regarding a Bill ent itled the Bermuda College Amendment Act 2022 , which I intend to table later today. The Bill proposes a simple change—to allow the Bermuda College to appoint its own auditor. The Bermuda College initiated the proposal as a result of recent changes to the accreditation standards of the New England Commission of Higher Education [NECHE], the accrediting body of our only tertiary educational institution. As a condition of con-tinued accreditation, Bermuda College must [have], along with all other colleges and universities that wish to obtain or maintain NECHE accreditation standards, “sufficient autonomy and control of its programs and operations consistent with its mission to be held d irectly accountable for meeting the Commission’s Standards f or Accreditation .” Mr. Speaker, as with other quangos, the Bermuda College Act 1974 requires the accounts of the college to be audited annually by the Auditor General. This process is also supported by the Audit Act 1990, which gives responsibility to the Auditor General to audit all government -controlled entities. I am very pleased that the audits of the Bermuda College are and continue to remain up to date due to diligence by the college under continuing difficult circumstances. It should also be noted that external auditors are regularly used, but solely within the discretion of the Aud itor General. All audits, whether conducted by the A uditor General or an external auditor, are fully financed by the college. For reasons well known to Honourable Members, the college has fallen behind on its audits in the past. It does not wish for these unfortunate circum-stances to ever reoccur in the future due to circumstances beyond its control. Further, it requires autonomy and flexibility to remain compliant with i ts accred itation standards. Mr. Speaker, as [the Bermuda College is] Bermuda’s only higher education institution and a twoyear institution, it is paramount that the students of Bermuda College be able to transfer their hard- earned credits to overseas educational institutions. As an ac-credited institution, Bermuda College has a number of well-established transfer agreements with overseas academic institutions that allow graduates to transfer into the third year of a four -year degree programme or the secon d year of a three- year degree programme. This provides significant value for money for students of all ages and their families. Without these agreements, many students would not be able to afford to travel overseas to obtain bachelor’s and master’s degrees or access fields of study not yet available or feasible to deliver in Bermuda. The risk of losing accreditation would damage the college’s reputation and the prospects of current and future students. The lack of accreditation would be a loss of critical p ersonal and professional educ ational growth opportunities and a massive hit on the continuing development of Bermuda’s workforce. Mr. Speaker, this accreditation also affords the college the ability to offer several professional certifications, programmes and courses through its Div ision of Professional and Career Education (otherwise known as PACE) for students at all stages in life who wish to pursue various passions, career enhancement or career changes. Further, the Bill respects the role of the Audit or General as per the Audit Act [1990]. It will require consultation with the auditor before the college selects an external auditor, and the Bill en-sures that any auditor appointed by the college is ent itled to practice as a public accountant under the Ch artered Professional Accountants of Bermuda Act 1973. The college will ensure that copies of the audited f inancial statements are provided to the Auditor General. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to engaging Members of this Honourable House on efforts to ensure that the Bermuda College can continue to steer
Bermuda House of Assembly its own course for the benefit of current and future students, the Bermuda economy, and for the benefit of the larger community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Thank you, Minister. Member s, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Social Development and Seniors. Minister, would you like to present your Statement at this time? Hon. Tinee Furbert: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning. STATE OF GOV ERNMENT GRANT SUPPORTED NURSING HOMES Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight to the Honourable Members and the public about the unprecedented financial challenges that many of our nursing homes are currently experiencing and the recent financial relief provided to those nursing …
Good morning.
STATE OF GOV ERNMENT GRANT SUPPORTED NURSING HOMES
Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight to the Honourable Members and the public about the unprecedented financial challenges that many of our nursing homes are currently experiencing and the recent financial relief provided to those nursing care homes that received a grant from the Social Development and Seniors Ministry’s remit. Mr. Speaker, the public is reminded that all residential care homes and nursing homes must adhere to the regulations provided in the Residential Care Homes and Nursing Homes Act 1999. According to this Act, a nursing home is defined as “a residential care home which provides nursing services,” whereas a residential care home is defined as any establis hment where room and board, and personal care are provided for two or more unconnected persons who do not require nursing services. A nursing home r equires service from a general nurse [or] nurse specialist as defined by the Nursing and Midwifery Act 1997. Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members, as you are aware, the impacts of the COVID -19 pandemic are unprecedented not just in Bermuda, but globally. On the 7th of February 2022, according to the Bermuda COVID -19 Health Ministry dashboard, there were 11,058 confirmed cases of COVID -19 with 10,628 recovered. At the time, 119 deaths were recorded. The age group of 60 to 79- year-olds recorded 47 deaths (39 per cent) due to COVID -19, an d the age group of 80 and above recorded 45 deaths, or 38 per cent of the total number of deaths attributed to COVID -19. Mr. Speaker, as you can imagine, the oper ations of many nursing homes in Bermuda have been significantly impacted by the death tolls of their senior residents. Many of these homes experienced not only an increase in resident deaths, but temporary cess ation of day care services, along with a suspension of new client admissions. It must be noted that the intr oduction of these necessary he alth protocols intended to stop the transmission of COVID -19 in the residential care homes has had a significant impact on the current and future operations of these crucially i mportant facilities. Mr. Speaker, to provide you with additional context, it is important to note that in addition to the loss of revenue from the fees collected by the nursing homes, these facilities also had increased expenses due to a rise in spending for medical supplies, personal protective equipment [PPE] such as masks, glove s, and gowns, et cetera, and additional cleaning supplies needed for sanitisation. Mr. Speaker, adding to the problem, these care facilities also experienced staff burnout and staff shortages due to sickness and quarantine rules that led to many homes havi ng to hire additional staff, further constraining their already limited and taxed operations. Consequently, Mr. Speaker, these challenges created a knock -on effect that continues to impact the financial viability of many of these facilities on our I sland t oday. Currently, there is a global trend that many nursing homes/care facilities are contemplating closing or have closed due to the financial hardships and staff shortages. The stark reality is that many nursing homes, including Bermuda’s facilities, were already operating at a deficit prior to the COVID -19 pandemic, with some facilities still struggling to keep their doors open. On the 6 th of June 2022, the news and media company, Axios, in an article entitled “Nursing homes face closure risks amid staff shortages post -COVID,” [reported on] a survey that was conducted in May 2022 involving 759 facilities. Mr. Speaker, this survey showed that operating costs at nursing homes have increased by an average of 41 per cent over the past year, with 59 per cent of nursing homes saying they are currently operating at a loss. Nearly 60 per cent of nursing homes in the US are operating at a financial loss, and nearly three- quarters are concerned about possible closures. Mr. Speaker, I would like to let Honourable Members and the public know that I was approached by the representatives of the three nursing homes that the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors have traditionally provided grants to on an annual basis. The representatives of these three institutions indica ted that if they did not receive additional funding, they may no longer be able to continue operating. Mr. Speaker, this would have resulted in the following number of seniors as of December 31, 2021, being displaced by possible closures: • Packwo od Home, a 30- bed facility , was at 60 per cent capacity with 18 occupying residents; • Lorraine Rest Home was operating at 77 per cent capacity with 23 residents in its 30- bed facility; and • Matilda Smith had 18 occupying residents , or at 75 per cent capacity , in its 24- bed facility. Mr. Speaker, as you are well aware, the cl osure of any se nior home impacts the family members of that resident and the lives of staff and their families. 1582 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Members are reminded that during fiscal year 2021/22 the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors was authorised to provide a total of $2.69 million in grants and contrib utions to various entities. The three nursing homes were awarded annual grants in the following amounts: • Packwood Home, $300,00 0; • Matilda Smith, $225,000; and • Lorraine Rest Home, $825,000. Mr. Speaker, I met with representatives of the three nursing homes on the 28th of February 2022 to gain an understanding of the true viability of each ent ity and what was each organisation’s i mmediate next steps to mitigate the situation. The homes had already faced lower occupancy levels due to outbreaks, li mited admissions due to the various restrictions, i ncreased staff sick pay, and the suspension of day care programmes. The representatives indicated that these challenges were added to the ever -present issues of residents’ inability to cover the full costs of their fees and increasing staffing costs. The representatives stated that in order for these homes to remain oper ational, they would h ave had to reduce staff –client rat ios, decrease staffing hours, and make other oper ational changes. Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight that the nursing homes are required to provide nursing ser-vices. It should be noted that providing nursing home care to a resident can cost as much as $12,000 per month. However, these three nursing homes are charging, at least on average, $5,000 per month. Fi gures received for this month (July 2022) have indicated that the Department of Financial Assistance has paid a total of $555,466 to the nursing homes for 146 seniors. Mr. Speaker, I requested that the three nur sing homes under the Ministry’s purview submit the amounts required after considering their payroll expenses and other financial deficits. Each care facil ity representative indicated every option that was being explored so as to prevent their doors from closing. The nursing homes requested an injection grant, a stimulus, to assist them through this hardship. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to report that Go vernment exercised its commitment to our seniors and staff who support them by providing a stimulus grant of $508,000 in total that was distributed as follows and based on their requested amounts: • Packwood Home—$123,000; • Matilda Smith- Williams Seniors Residenc e— $85,000; and • Lorraine Rest Home—$300,000. These care homes have now commenced mi tigation measures to reali se cost savings , which i nclude, but are not limited to the following: • increasing the intake of clients; • developing consistent fundraising plans; and • restructuring staffing and shifts. The outcomes of these measures are to be reported to the Ministry. Mr. Speaker, moving forward, all standard grants awarded to care homes by the Ministry of S ocial Development and Seniors will now have specific conditi ons attached that include, but are not limited to the following: • participating in the Bermuda Health Council financial audit; • maintaining their charity status; and • maintaining their compliance with regulatory standards. Mr. Speaker, the Government’s 2020 platform recognises the need to uphold its mission to ensure that social policies and services are in place to pr otect, assist, inform and empower the most vulnerable within our community —in this instance, our seniors. Mr. Speaker, the Government is pleased that there is evidence that community partners and the third sector are reaching out to support the financial burden that is being felt by this vulnerable group in our community. Mr. Speaker, the Government cannot do it alone, and we encourage passi onate members of the community and organisations to continue to partic ipate in contributing ideas to develop a shared vision for health and social care reform for seniors. We must rethink and restructure how facilities are financed, as the reimbursement sy stem is inadequate across the board. Mr. Speaker, the Ministry intends to work collaboratively with the Ministry of Health to prepare a revised long- term care strategy to address the issues of sustainable long- term care options. Some long- term solutions may include care insurance, establishing a fund to support long- term care, tax incentives to encourage saving for long- term care and an increase of the Financial Assistance Department’s allowance for nursing homes based on tiers of complexities of care. Further, the Bermuda Health Council, which is responsible for long- term care regulations, has begun the process to conduct a financial audit of all licensed care homes in order to help identify the operational costs based on the care needs of its residents. This work is essential to developing sustainable system - wide solutions and creating sound future projections in the area of long- term care for the Island’s residents. Mr. Speaker, I want to paint a picture for you. I want Members of this House and members of the public to think about this. A young adult starting work or having a career at the age of 18 to 20 may consider retiring at the age of 65. That is a career spanning approximately 45 years. That individual could possibly live an additional 35 years . Mr. Speaker, I have seen seniors save for retirement, not thinking they would outlive their savings. So we must now work longer or have a steady income longer because pensions are not fully the answer. There have been studies that show a country’s
Bermuda House of Assembly median level of wealth is usually an indicator as to how long an individual can afford long- term care. There are some seniors in our community who were consistently in a low -income bracket, always worked hard to make ends meet, could not save and could not capit alise on any type of steady income. This, co mpounded by any unexpected or unanticipated health issues or conditions, will ultimately create a greater degree of dependency on the state. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage more people and organisations to invest [in] and support our seniors and their caregivers to improve long- term health care. If we start to make a difference today, the care of seniors in the future will improve. I would like to thank all persons who work in the field of caregiving and organisations that support our seniors through financial and in- kind donations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Economy and Labour. Minister, would you like to present your Statement? Hon. Jason Hayward: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning. ECONOMIC INVESTMENT CERTIFICATE IN BERMUDA , UPDATE Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I am elated to rise to present to th is Honourable House an update on investment in the Economic Investment Certificate in Bermuda . The total number of Economic Investment Certificate [EIC] holders has exceeded our …
Good morning.
ECONOMIC INVESTMENT CERTIFICATE IN BERMUDA , UPDATE Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I am elated to rise to present to th is Honourable House an update on investment in the Economic Investment Certificate in Bermuda . The total number of Economic Investment Certificate [EIC] holders has exceeded our expect ations. As of July 11, 2022, the total amount invested stands at $349.6 million since the programme was launched on March 1, 2021. This investment includes over $94 million in real estate purchases and over $255 million investe d into new and existing busines ses. I can confidently say that this strategy to increase inward investment in Bermuda has proven to be a success. Mr. Speaker, s ince the program me’s ince ption, the investments to date represent 19 applications being approv ed, covering 48 persons including d ependents. There is an active growing pipeline of over 41 persons who have registered their expressions of interest in the program me. The total investments in the EIC pipeline now exceed $88 million. While EIC recipients are only required to invest a minimum amount of $2.5 million into the Bermudian economy, we find they generally invest much more. Bermuda continues to be a place where savvy, affluent indivi duals come to invest, work and play. Most important, it speaks to their confidence in our I sland home and this Government's ability to lead. Mr. Speaker, i t is common knowledge that affluent individuals worldwide continue looking to live in places that meet specific criteria. They often seek safety and stability [in] sophisticated, connected areas with a temperate climate and a well -regulated bus iness environment. These individuals and their families have the means to make significant financial inves tments, develop businesses, and create job opportunities which can benefi t Bermudians. Bermuda must continue to take advantage of these opportunities. The objective of the EIC is to fully harness immigration as one of many tools for creating ec onomic growth for Bermuda while considering our limited space and ensuring that Bermudians fully benefit. The EIC must stimulate economic activity, create the environment for job creation and help market Berm uda as a place to reside and do business. Under the Economic Investment Certificate and Residential Certificate Policy, which was rev ised and launched in March 2021, EIC holders who seek to reside in Bermuda indefinitely may apply for a Res idential Certificate (RC) after five years. It is essential to highlight that applicants must first possess an EIC to be eligible for the RC. Should the EIC or RC hol der’s spouse or dependent want to work in Bermuda, they will be subject to the Bermuda Work Permit Pol icy. Mr. Speaker, under the revised policy, qualif ying investments are possible in Bermuda in any one or more of the following areas: 1. purchase Bermuda real estate; 2. invest in the development and launch of a new Bermuda- based business; 3. purchase Bermuda Government bonds; 4. contribute to Bermuda's Sinking Fund; 5. contribute to the newly established Bermuda Trust Fund; 6. donate to a Bermuda register ed charity; 7. make a direct or indirect equity investment in an existing Bermuda- based business, excluding exempted undertakings; or 8. invest in such other social or practical venture that benefits Bermuda as may be determined by the Minister. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the [ Bermuda] Business Development Agency [BDA] team for all of their efforts to promote the EIC. The feedback r eceived continues to be positive, and clients are pleased with the five- business -day turnaround time for application approvals, t he seamless application process and their dedicated concierge service. I highlight the BDA's work in promoting the EIC internationally and online. The BDA has featured the EIC program me at events and conferences in Bermuda, the US, the UK and the Caribbean, inclu ding hosting a webinar in November 2021. These efforts have been instrumental to the program me’s su ccess. The Government was confident that the opportunity to live and reside in Bermuda would be highly 1584 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly sought after , and this performance of nearly $350 mi llion in investment after 16 months is a strong valid ation of that belief. Mr. Speaker, t he Ministry of Economy and Labour remains committed to establishing effective policies that foster job expansion and economic growth. The EIC directly aligns with Bermuda's Ec onomic Recovery Plan. Through the National Economic Recovery Plan, the Government continues to take decisive action to restore consumer and business confidence and stimulate our economy, creating a clear path to growth and employment. Mr. Speaker, c omplete information about the Economic Investment Certificate, including the policy, Frequently Asked Questions, and the Expression of Interest Form, is available on the Bermuda Business Development Agency website. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The S peaker: Thank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement is also in the name of the same Minister. Minister, would you like to present your second Statement?
APPROVED RESIDENTIAL SCHEMES GUIDELINES Hon. Jason Hayward: I am pleased to rise today to provide to the Members of this Honourable House an overview of the Approved Residential Schemes Guidelines [the Guidelines] . These Guidelines will function as one of a range of economic development tools to facilitate economic development and regeneration within economic empowerment zones (EEZs). Amendments made in 2019 to the Economic Development Act 1968 allowed for the designation of Approved Residential S chemes within the EEZs , as well as the removal of restrictions , allowing nonBermudians to purchase residential units forming part of an Approved Residential Scheme. The amendments now permit a restricted person, both local companies and exempted companies , to purchase any unit that forms part of an Approved Residential Scheme, without restriction. This also applies to the rental of property. This increases the [number of] potential participants in the Approved Residential Scheme, and in doing so further di versifies the scope of potential demand for residential units in the EEZs through an Approved Residential Scheme develo pment. Mr. Speaker, Approved Residential Schemes are essentially development proposals either fully comprised of residential units or m ixed uses comprised of commercial spaces and residential units. Given the most recent approval of the North East Hamilton Local Plan 2022 prepared by the Depar tment of Planning with partnership involvement of the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation [ the BEDC ] as now the operable plan regulating the deve lopment and use of land in North East Hamilton, an economic development tool such as the Approved Residential Schemes provides a tangible mechanism and pathway to bring the development vision and o bjectives of the local plan to life within the EEZ. In anticipation of facilitating development i nterest in the North East Hamilton EEZ, the BEDC has developed an online platform identifying potential properties with supporting information, which could be ideal for development. It should be noted that a number of properties within the North East Hamilton EEZ have already been identified to be included in this program me. Mr. Speaker, as further properties are ident ified, they will be added to the online platform. Lik ewise, similar platforms will be developed for the Somerset and St. George’s EEZs. A breakdown of the properties already ident ified within the North East Hamilton EEZ are as follows: • 23 properties have been identified; • 11 properties are for sale; • six properties have previous planning approval for multi -storey, mixed- used or residential development; and • six properties are in derelict or vacant condition which could be ideal for red evelopment. Mr. Speaker, o ne of the identified barriers which prevent ed previous approved development pr ojects as previously identified from progressing past the planning approval stage was access to the right supportive economic development tools and processes to facilitate conversion of developer interest into reality. We believe that the implementation of Approved Re sidential Schemes will assist in removing those barr iers. The Guidelines set out the policy for A pproved Residential Schemes and the process for ap-plying to the Minister for a development project. To offset the potential negative impact of the EEZ regeneration, when reviewing an application the Minister shall consider affordability as well as how the deve lopment project will prevent the displacement of current lower -income residents and persons currently operating businesses in the area. Mr. Speaker, t he Guidelines were approved by Cabinet last week , and the BEDC is in the process of commencing formal public outreach and a PR campaign with community stakeholders, the public, and developers to progress the cr eation of key develo pment projects. The BEDC has also been informally meeting with developers and arranging site visits to highlight the identified opportunity properties since 2021 , with referrals and connections from the Ec onomic Development Department and the Bermuda Business Development Agency.
Bermuda House of Assembly In this regard, the Uptown Development Pr oject Team with private sector experts in real estate, development, architecture, design, planning, property valuation, mapping and Geographic Information Sy stems has been formed since May 2022 to assist BEDC in moving this initiative forward. Along with the BEDC team, the project team has already commenced engagement with stakeholders . And any property owner, business owner, resident, or interes ted developer can contact t he team at uptowndevelopment@bedc.bm . Mr. Speaker, i t is also important for the BEDC and the project team to establish physical presences in all three EEZs as a clear indicat or of the Gover nment’s commitment to continued economic growth and regeneration of the zones. As such, the BEDC has undertaken significant renovations over the last year in creating new branch offices and start -up inc ubator hubs in the EEZs. These hubs wil l also be the epicentr es for the project team to be embedded in the zones to connect with the communities they are as-sisting in regenerating and to facilitate the hands -on interactions with investors and developers mere steps from identified development op portunity sites. Formal launches of these hubs will be in August 2022. I wish to reiterate that this Ministry is resolute that this initiative will prevent the displacement of cur-rent residents and business owners in the EEZs and that rents and the costs of doing business will remain affordable for tenants and residents. The Ministry would like to take this opportunity to thank the Members of this Honourable House for the opportunity to address them in this regard. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Tourism. Minister, would you like to present your Statement? Hon. Vance Campbell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo right ahead. TOURISM UPDATE Hon. Vance Campbell: Mr. Speaker, t oday I will pr ovide an overview of the Bermuda Tourism Authority's Annual Report and Audited Financials for the 2021 fiscal year and the state of tourism so far this summer. The Authority is guided by the National Tourism …
Go right ahead.
TOURISM UPDATE
Hon. Vance Campbell: Mr. Speaker, t oday I will pr ovide an overview of the Bermuda Tourism Authority's Annual Report and Audited Financials for the 2021 fiscal year and the state of tourism so far this summer. The Authority is guided by the National Tourism Plan and founded on five key values: 1. Performance and Accountability 2. Passion and Pride 3. Leadership and Collaboration 4. Honesty and Integrity 5. Awareness and Resp ect Mr. Speaker, the production of this Annual Report is structured on the seven pillars of the N ational Tourism Plan— Awareness, Green (Ecotourism), Infrastructure, Local Engagement, Innovation, Teams and Groups, and Year -Round Tourism. It reflects the organisation's values —delivering on performance and accountability while highlighting the strategic efforts of the organisation during a critical juncture on our road to recovery. Mr. Speaker, the publication features the activities from each division of th e organisation, hig hlighting its success, challenges and objectives. From tourism standards and training to business intell igence, operations, marketing, communications, and sales and experiences, the Bermuda Tourism Author ity shared the organisation's journey over the period ending December 2021. The Annual Report is avail able in the Corporate Reports section of the GoToBermuda.com website. Mr. Speaker, the Bermuda Tourism Authority derives its income from Government in the form of a grant and from visitors either staying at hotels and vacation rental properties or arriving by cruise ship. The 2021 budget was formulated based on an expected increase in visitor arrivals versus 2020 figures . Revenue was expected to rise with expenditures correlating with the anticipated additional income. How-ever, with a COVID -19 spike in case numbers, international travel continued to be challenging and the overall revenue from visitors was substantially be low budget, primarily in the income from the cruise ship passenger fees. Despite the shortfall in income, the Authority was able to end the year with a small surplus through a combination of deferral of some programmes and events, revisiting of staffing levels and tight budgetary control on other expenditures. I commend the Author ity on achieving an eighth consecutive year with F inancial Statements of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, having received an unqualified audit opinion from the Auditor General. Mr. S peaker, six months into 2022, global tourism is finally seeing glimmers of good news with a significant uptick compared with 2021. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation world tourism barometer, global tourism has grown 182 per cent in the first quarter of 2022 compared with 2021. And according to their projections, international tourism arrivals are expected to reach at least 55 per cent of 2019 levels. In Bermuda, our tourism product is likewise seeing incremental growth. Mr. Speaker , Bermuda's May 2022 tourism measures showed that Bermuda had welcomed over 41,000 air visitors year to date, representing tripledigit percentage growth over 2021 and a 56 per cent decrease against 2019 figures. When considering only year-to-date air vacation and leisure visitor arrival numbers, 26,878, once again we see a triple- digit pe rcentage increase over 2021, about a 57 per cent r e1586 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly duction when compared to pre- pandemic levels. For the month of June, Bermuda welcomed 19,600 total air visitors, which w as 43 per cent below 2019 numbers but 94 per cent above last year. This takes us to a total of 60,955 air visitors for 2022 year to date, which is 52 per cent below 2019 numbers and double the 2021 figure. There has been good news on the cruise front this June with a total passenger count of 58,468. The total number of arriving cruise passengers year to date has risen to 123,013 after a slow return to cruise travel since the lows of 2020 and 2021. Tourism fi gures reflect that the gap between 2019 and 2022 cruise passenger numbers for June was 26 per cent. Year -to-date numbers show a 47 per cent decline compared to the same period in 2019. Mr. Speaker, vacation rentals have shown remarkable recovery, with occupancy growing to 75 per cent for May 2022 (59 per cent year to date) from a high of 62 per cent occupancy in May of 2019 and a year -to-date of 52 per cent in 2019. Mr. Speaker, those numbers continue to grow, and the occupancy rate for vacation rental was 78.9 per cent for June 2022, an increase of 16 per cent versus 2019, and 22 per cent versus 2021. The year - to-date occupancy remains just over 62 per cent, with a year -to-date increase of 17 per cent versus 2019 and 16 per cent versus 2021. Mr. Speaker, from Carnival in Bermuda, to Bermuda Race Week, plus summer festivals, live entertainment, high- end sport fishing competitions and a boost in weddings and leisure travellers, Bermuda's 2022 summer season has had a relatively strong start. Bermuda's Caribbean heritage infused with a unique Bermuda flavour serves as the foundation for Carnival in Bermuda, a weeklong festival that helped launch our summer season this year. This event attracted international visitors to parties, J’Ouvert celebrations, authentic Bermuda raft -ups and the pinnacle event, Revel de R oad. International revellers celebrated the start of summer alongside Bermudian festival -goers while broadcasting the energy and excitement of the fêtes across social media channels. Bermuda Tourism Authority was a proud event sponsor as part of the Experi ence Investment Programme. Mr. Speaker, our maritime tourism strategy supported the return of Bermuda Race Week, the A nnapolis to Bermuda Race and the continued outreach to the world's superyacht community. The Newport Bermuda Race returned to Bermuda, providing the Island with a welcome boost of 2,000 participants plus their family and friends. Bermuda's role as first -time host port for the Clipper Round the World Race has been years in the making. It was a huge success with global visibility and a surge of visitors to the Island. Mr. Speaker, the programme included a significant local engagement component, with two Bermudians qualified and accepted into the programme and one successfully sai l-ing from Seattle to Panama. Mr. Speaker, hundreds of Bermuda's school children were invited to experience the yachts and meet the adventurers in person. Some crew members were enlisted to support Bermuda's environmental projects and worked to help restore the Island's mangrove forests by planting mangrove saplings. Mr. Speaker, historically, Bermuda’s entertainment sector has always represented an exciting, memorable slice of Bermuda’s tourism product. Yet for years we have seen the platforms for our enter-tainers gradually reduced. It is hoped that 2022 will be the starting point for revitalising and investing in Bermuda’s entertainment product. The BTA’s Experience Investment Programme led a call inviting tourism entrepreneurs and promoters to up the ante by providing unique, culturally authentic entertainment experienc-es. We look forward to the return of Made in Bermuda Nights, an entertainment series starting this August and featuring local entertainment showcases. Berm uda's entertainers, whose livelihoods were decimated by COVID -19-induced lockdowns, restrictions, and a catastrophic drop in visitor arrivals, are finally begi nning to see a silver lining. Mr. Speaker, with BTA -sponsored events and grant programmes for qualified experiences, this administration is committed to providing a shot in the arm to local enter tainment. We salute the local prom otors and business owners for their role in creating o pportunities to enjoy Bermuda's culture with weekly musical line -ups around the Island. Mr. Speaker, from the East to the West, live entertainment is on the r ebound. At the White Horse Pub in St. George’s the return of live music for the High Notes on the Harbour series supports tourism experiences in the Town of St. George’s. Likewise, a host of venues in the Royal N aval Dockyard feature artists entertaining our cruise and air visitors. Entertainment abounds with offerings at Buna Gallery and Coffee House, The Reefs, Aurora at Newstead, VIDA, West End Sail Boat Club, Anchor Restaurant, Hog Penny Pub, the Frog & Onion Pub, and Bone Fish Bar & Grill, to name just a few. Each week, the BTA -sponsored Harbour Nights boasts an array of performances including Gombeys, DJ’s, dancers, and musical acts. Local en-tertainers are booked at hotels and restaurants around the Island. Hindsight & Friends at the Loft, Si lver City, Live Wire s and the Kings Band, Mia and James, and Working Title Band are just some of the performers that fill Bermuda's weekly calendar with live music. Mr. Speaker, we acknowledge that while pr ogress has been made, more must be done to support our entertainment c ommunity. Mr. Speaker, airlift and hotel capacity have not yet returned to pre- pandemic levels. We know that airlines’ scheduling decisions are primarily driven by the combination of hotel inventory and visitor demand. While global travel has seen a signif icant uptick for
Bermuda House of Assembly summer 2022, the airline industry has been under much scrutiny and pressure during travel’s COVID -19 recovery period. Resources are scarce, and schedules have been slashed globally. Additional hotel i nventory and continued growth in air vi sitation are i mperatives that will influence airlines to schedule addi-tional service. The resumption of the weekly Ponta Delgada flight to the Azores and the planned return of the JFK route are encouraging news, especially when considered in the context of Charlotte, Toronto and Heathrow routes which have come online for the first time or returned within the past two years. Mr. Speaker, our people will be the engine driving the rebirth of tourism in Bermuda. I would like to repeat that, Mr. Speaker: Our people will be the engine driving the rebirth of tourism in Bermuda. Mr. Speaker, the team at the Bermuda Tourism Authority has been singly focused on that aim. They have made sacrifices, and the organisation has been restructured to optimally achieve the goals of the Tourism Strategic Recovery Plan. Leadership at the Bermuda Tourism Authority has advised me that there has been pr ogress on staffing with the appointment and promotion of Bermudians to several key posts. The Authority is in the midst of continued recruitment efforts for the organisation, including for the restructured Sales Div ision. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, turning the tide on losses incurred by the pandemic has been mission critical for the men and women who work each day for the Authority. Rebuilding the tourism sector has not been easy, yet the work continues. The recovery efforts led by the BTA are also borne by the stakehol ders across the industry. The hoteliers, bartenders, taxi drivers, spa technicians, restaurant workers, boat tour operators and entertainers are valued contributors to achieving this mission. And let us not forget the retai lers who depend on their business growing by visitors to the Island. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the r esilience and talent of all who have pl ayed a part in keeping this essential industry on the path to recovery. As I close, Mr. Speaker, I would like to warmly acknowledge the dedicated board of directors, team members and partners who work diligently for this country, whether from the BTA’s loc al headquarters on Church Street or their locations abroad. As Minister of Tourism, I lend this Government’s support to achieving the National Tourism Plan’s aims and ex ecuting the tactics outlined in the Strategic Recovery Plan. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, the final Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Transport. Minister, would you like to present your Statement at this time? Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo right ahe ad. SKYPORT MINIMUM REVENUE GUARANTEE Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Mr. Speaker, on the 12 th of November 2021, I advised this Honourable House of the payments made as set out in the Project Agre ement between Skyport and the Bermuda Airport A uthority. I wish t o …
Go right ahe ad.
SKYPORT MINIMUM REVENUE GUARANTEE
Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Mr. Speaker, on the 12 th of November 2021, I advised this Honourable House of the payments made as set out in the Project Agre ement between Skyport and the Bermuda Airport A uthority. I wish t o provide the House with an update on the latest MRG [minimum revenue guarantee ] payment made to Skyport earlier this month. Mr. Speaker, on the 8th of July 2022, Skyport provided the Airport Authority with a formal notice of the shortfall of $3,474,927.53 between the actual ai rport regulated revenue collected for the period from the 1st of April 2022 to the 30th of June 2022, and the guaranteed minimum regulated revenue for the same period. Mr. Speaker, in late 2021 I advised the House that the Project Agreement contains a pre- determined schedule of the guaranteed minimum regulated rev enue amounts for each calendar quarter of the 30- year contract. The Go vernment continues to honour its obligation in this regard, including making this latest MRG payment of $3,474,927.53 to Skyport. Mr. Speaker, to date we have made seven MRG payments to Skyport totalling $47,392,811.82, including this payment. Although w e are trending in the right direction, each quarterly payment has been lower than the previous year’s quarterly payment — even with the increased airlifts and passenger traffic, we anticipate that MRG payments for the remainder of 2022 and into early 2023 to be approximately $5 mi llion. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, that brings us to a close of the Statements period for this morning. We will now move on to the next item on the Order Paper. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES The S peaker: There are none. QUESTION PERIOD
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, there are not any written questions today, so the questions will focus on those that have been submitted in reference to Statements given this morning by Ministers and Junior Ministers. Members, the 60 minutes allotted for this stage will be noted. And if time is left, that time will …
Members, there are not any written questions today, so the questions will focus on those that have been submitted in reference to Statements given this morning by Ministers and Junior Ministers. Members, the 60 minutes allotted for this stage will be noted. And if time is left, that time will be put aside for the Statement that could come later in the day, for which I will seek the indulgence of the House in reference to the Statement that the Premier 1588 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly had intended to give, but it is time sensitive at this moment. Once we have passed that stage, I will allot that time. If the time is used completely during this morning’s session, we will determine a time that will be allotted to questions in reference to that Statement at the time that it is presented. So I will seek your i ndulgence, Members, when we get to those stages. And I will keep you apprised at the appropriate time. So, Members, we are now going to start our clock for the 60- minute period to star t for the questions this morning in reference to the Statements that have been given. The first Statement this morning that has questions is for the Premier’s Statement regar ding the Government Relief Package. The Opposition Leader would like to put a ques tion to you at this time, Premier. Opposition Leader, would you like to put your question?
QUESTION 1: GOVERNMENT RELIEF PACKAGE
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just have two brief questions. It actually pertains to the education. Mr. S peaker, the Premier indicated that “the Government will provide $150 to parents and guardi-ans for each student enrolled in public school.” Mr. Speaker, as far as I know, the Ministry of Education looks out for the interest and provides education services f or all students in Bermuda, and not just the public school students. Mr. Speaker, you will note that a number of single parents, through scholarships, may have challenges with finances even though [their chi ldren] are in the private schools. How do they address those parents and pr ovide them support? How do they address the parents who have children who are home- schooled? Do they not matter? I would like to ask the Premier what relief will he provide students who are—
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberPoint of order, Mr. S peaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I am asking the question. What is your point of order? POINT OF ORDER
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberMr. Speaker, the Honourable Member just asked four questions in a row.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, the point of or der is noted. Member, the question should be sort of a si ngle question, and then you could submit your suppl ementaries after it and additional questions. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Okay. So my first question is, Can the Premier please tell us how …
Yes, the point of or der is noted. Member, the question should be sort of a si ngle question, and then you could submit your suppl ementaries after it and additional questions.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Okay. So my first question is, Can the Premier please tell us how he intends to address the single parents who are struggling with students who attend some of the private schools, and those parents who are home- schooling their children?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to the Hono urable Member for highlighting the relief that this Government is providing to the people of this country. This economic relief package is a start. It is a start. During the debate later today, the supplementary …
Thank you. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to the Hono urable Member for highlighting the relief that this Government is providing to the people of this country. This economic relief package is a start. It is a start. During the debate later today, the supplementary estimates for the Minister of Education will be di scussing matters related to the school relief. I am cer-tain the Honourable Shadow Leader can propose those questions, and the Minister of Education can respond in kind. But what I will say is that we are proud of this package of relief that is provid ing help for working families. And there are multiple areas of relief that are available not only in energy costs, but also the relief which we have provided insofar as payroll tax rebates as well.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Just stick to the topic right now, which is the education. Supplementary? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Supplementary, yes.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPut your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Would the Premier think that the Statement, the way it is currently structured, can be construed as discriminatory? Discriminatory against public school, private schools and home schools?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker , I do not accept what the Honourable Opposition Leader is saying. What I am saying is that the Government has a co nstrained budget. We are doing what we can to support the students in this country. And the Honourable O pposition …
Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker , I do not accept what the Honourable Opposition Leader is saying. What I am saying is that the Government has a co nstrained budget. We are doing what we can to support the students in this country. And the Honourable O pposition Leader is certainly welcome to debate this matter when we deal with it in the Supplementary E stimate [debate] later today.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No. Those are my questions. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Bermuda House of Assembly Premier, in reference to that question, MP Cannonier also has questions for you. MP, would you like to put your questions? QUESTION 1: GOVERNMENT RELIEF PACKAGE
Mr. L. Craig CannonierOkay, video is up. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning to everyone. And good morning to our Premier this Question Period. On page 2, the Premier in the second par agraph makes the statement, “While we have heard a lot of comment from the Opposition, the fact is no …
Okay, video is up. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning to everyone. And good morning to our Premier this Question Period. On page 2, the Premier in the second par agraph makes the statement, “While we have heard a lot of comment from the Opposition, the fact is no one on this Island has paid more at the pump than they did in February to refill their vehicles . . .” I guess my question is, Is he making this statement based on the fact that there was a misleading previous statement by the Premier that said, “At this time it is primarily being borne by the Ministry of Finance in the form of reduced taxes” when he was talking about the fact that people are not paying more at the pumps? Is that what he is referring to?
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberDeclaration of interest?
Mr. L. Craig CannonierI have made my declaration, many, many times over and over and over, and ev eryone knows.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I will respond in t his fashion: The Statement speaks for itself. Nobody in this country has paid more at the pump since Febr uary—no one. Those are the facts, Mr. Speaker. This Government has fulfilled its pledge and is acting in the …
Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I will respond in t his fashion: The Statement speaks for itself. Nobody in this country has paid more at the pump since Febr uary—no one. Those are the facts, Mr. Speaker. This Government has fulfilled its pledge and is acting in the interest of the people of this country to protect them from price increases due to global events.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY
Mr. L. Craig CannonierSupplementary, yes. Since the inception of holding the prices up until this point, what percentage decrease has the Government tak en on taxes on fuel to accommodate this price freeze?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, it is stated inside my Ministerial Statement that the expected amount that this will cost the Treasury this year is $6.4 million.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierNo, Mr. Speaker. He did not answer the question. I asked specifically what percentage up until this point —what decrease in percen tage to government —duty for government —has this Government sacrificed up until this point?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYou are looking for a percentage rather than a dollar response?
Mr. L. Craig CannonierWell, I already stated prev iously we know that the Government gets 50 per cent, the retailer gets 27 per cent and the wholesaler is 23 per cent. What reduction did this Government put in place up until now to accommodate the price freeze?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I have the full -year figure. If the Honourable Member is asking for the fi gure between April up until July, I can seek to get those figures to him. I believe it is in the range of about $1.5 million, but I …
Premier.
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I have the full -year figure. If the Honourable Member is asking for the fi gure between April up until July, I can seek to get those figures to him. I believe it is in the range of about $1.5 million, but I am not entirely certain. So I have to look to get those figures to him. I do not want to provide incorrect information to the Honourable House.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Do you have an additional question? Because you have used your two supplementaries on the first question.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPut your second question. QUESTION 2: GOVERNMENT RELIEF PACKAGE
Mr. L. Craig CannonierSecond ques tion: Since the price freeze, which I believe was in February or March, we are now into July, the Government takes a percentage of fuel for its duty. I would like to know, not in dollar value, has the Government reduced its fee or taxes on fuel from …
Second ques tion: Since the price freeze, which I believe was in February or March, we are now into July, the Government takes a percentage of fuel for its duty. I would like to know, not in dollar value, has the Government reduced its fee or taxes on fuel from the inception of February –March, when we had the freeze put in place, to now?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the fuel price mechanism that has been put into place was put into place following discussions with importers to know that the Government will reduce taxes in order to keep the price at the pump the same. As I said in my Mini …
Premier.
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the fuel price mechanism that has been put into place was put into place following discussions with importers to know that the Government will reduce taxes in order to keep the price at the pump the same. As I said in my Mini sterial Statement, later today there will be a Customs Tarriff Amendment (No. 2) Bill that will be tabled that gives the Minister of Finance the power to vary such items. And the agreement that was made will ensure that the commitments made by the Government of Bermuda to make sure that the fuel taxes are varied to keep the price at the pump will be in effect.
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Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Supplementary, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary, yes. SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes. In response to that answer by the Honourable Premier, are the wholesalers and retailers in full support of Government’s measures to date?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I can say that there are many different issues related to fuel supply in this country. And I am not going to say that all wholesalers or retailers are going to support it. But what I can tell you is that this Government …
Premier.
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I can say that there are many different issues related to fuel supply in this country. And I am not going to say that all wholesalers or retailers are going to support it. But what I can tell you is that this Government has acted t o ensure that no one in this country has paid more at the pump since February. And those are measures that I would hope would be widely supported. What we must do is we must balance the i nterests of all [INAUDIBLE] increase in prices throughout the world where we have seen countries reporting record prices. The same cannot be said for Bermuda, as no one has paid more at the pump since February because of the actions of this Government.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, supplementary, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSecond supplementary. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, second supp leme ntary, Mr. Speaker. Can the Honourable Premier provide to this House information in regard to any commitments that Government might have made? Have they been fully honoured since the freeze in February? The Oppos ition supports the ability to make …
Second supplementary.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, second supp leme ntary, Mr. Speaker. Can the Honourable Premier provide to this House information in regard to any commitments that Government might have made? Have they been fully honoured since the freeze in February? The Oppos ition supports the ability to make sure we get a better deal for Bermudians. But we also support making sure that our relationships continue to get strengthened, because we are going to need strong relationships to get through this very difficult time we face. So has the Government made any commitments or promises to the wholesalers in Bermuda in regard to fuel prices that have not been met?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the Government meets all of the commitments of which we have made. The fact is that this is a complex mechanism, but it is something that is being done to protect the people of this country from the increasing price of global fuel. …
Premier.
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the Government meets all of the commitments of which we have made. The fact is that this is a complex mechanism, but it is something that is being done to protect the people of this country from the increasing price of global fuel. And no one has paid more at the pump since Febr u-ary, Mr. Speaker. And any commitments made will be honoured. Later today there will be a Bill tabled which will ensure that this can have full statutory effect.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Those are your two supplementaries. [Inaudible interjections]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDoes any other Member have a supplementary or a question? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I have a question, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. One second. [Inaudible interjections]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP De Silva. MP De Silva. MP De Si lva. MP De Silva. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: He is gone now, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerHis mic was on, and for some reason I went in there and we shut it off from here. Normally, I cannot. MP Cannonier, were you finished with your questions? Because you had asked t wo and a supplementary came off of your second question. Do you have a third …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. MP Dunkley, you can put your question. QUESTION 1: GOVERNMENT RELIEF PACKAGE Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Honourable Premier mentioned commi tments that were made to the wholesalers. And he mentioned that later toda y the commitment will be met. Up until today, [or] …
Okay. MP Dunkley, you can put your question.
QUESTION 1: GOVERNMENT RELIEF PACKAGE
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Honourable Premier mentioned commi tments that were made to the wholesalers. And he mentioned that later toda y the commitment will be met. Up until today, [or] up until, say [yesterday] , July 14 th, has Government met any commitments that were promised in February?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the commitments were made to reduce the pri ce of gasoline taxes to Bermuda House of Assembly keep these prices stable. That is the mechanism that the Government has put into place. The fact is that it was done immediately. It takes time …
Premier.
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the commitments were made to reduce the pri ce of gasoline taxes to
Bermuda House of Assembly keep these prices stable. That is the mechanism that the Government has put into place. The fact is that it was done immediately. It takes time to make sure that legislative matters can catch up and other matters will catch up. I am not entirely certain why the Opposition is harping on this when people in this country have not paid more than they have paid in the prices in Febr uary. I am not entirely certain what point they are attacking today. But I will just . . . not for me to giv e political advice to the Opposition, but there are 13 Statements on Government policy. There will be a time to debate this Bill when this Bill is brought up for debate. Mr. Speaker, the fact is this was done very quickly. We have put these things into ef fect. We are making sure that any commitments made will be met because we believe that we must have stable fuel supply in this country, but we also believe in protec ting consumers against the global rise in fuel prices.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerJust be mindful that even though there is an opportunity to debate some of this under differing Orders of the Day, Question Period is open for questions. So Members have the right to ask questions as they see fit. Any other questions, MP? Or supplementary or other? Hon. Michae l …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Okay. Premier, those are all the questions that were down for you this morning on that Statement. We now move on. Deputy Premier, you have a question in regard to your Statement. The Oppos ition Leader would like to put questions to you. Opposition Leader. QUESTION 1: UNITED …
Thank you. Okay. Premier, those are all the questions that were down for you this morning on that Statement. We now move on. Deputy Premier, you have a question in regard to your Statement. The Oppos ition Leader would like to put questions to you. Opposition Leader.
QUESTION 1: UNITED NATIONS OCEAN CONFERENCE 2022 Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Deputy Premier indicated that he attended a function in which the Fr ench Go vernment [conveyed] their interest in basically helping to make contributions to protect the vital works of the Sargasso Sea. My question is, Has the French Go vernment made a decision to become a signatory to the Hamilton Declaration?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, I did not hear the full question of the Honourable Opposition Leader. Could he repeat the question, please?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Has the French Gover nment made a decision, or are they close to making a decision, to become a signatory to the Hamilton Declaration? Hon. Walter H. Roban: The answer is no. The French Government is a member of the European Union. And so …
Yes. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Has the French Gover nment made a decision, or are they close to making a decision, to become a signatory to the Hamilton Declaration?
Hon. Walter H. Roban: The answer is no. The French Government is a member of the European Union. And so any decisions, presumably, for the French or any other European country wi ll be done under the European Union banner. All of the French are participating and have given some money. They gave a global facility support to the work of the Sargasso Sea Commission. They are not at this point entertaining membership. But that would come under the banner of the European Union. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe Speakersupplementary? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, sir.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPut your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you for introducing the EU [European U nion]. [His] Statement said that [he was] pleased to have made significant steps to the EU providing more support to the Commission. Can he explain what significant steps the EU has made in …
Put your supplementary.
SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you for introducing the EU [European U nion]. [His] Statement said that [he was] pleased to have made significant steps to the EU providing more support to the Commission. Can he explain what significant steps the EU has made in coming closer to achieving his goal of their being more involved w ith and approving their participating in the Sargasso Sea Commission or the Hamilton Decl aration?
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Member has actually paraphrased more so than act ually quoted what I said. And what exactly is in my Statement is, “To achieve support for the Commission by the European Union would be a great achiev ement, and we are pleased to have made a significant step to reach this goal.” That is what my Statement says, Mr. Speaker. May I repeat it?
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons : I am just asking what that significant step is. That is all I am asking. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Well, that is not what the question was completely, Mr. Speaker. [Inaudible interjection]
Hon. Walter H. Roban: The meeting that I had with the two member s of the European Commission, Parliament was the step. That was the first time such a meeting had been had with anybody from the Europe-an Union at that level. That is the step.
1592 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Okay.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: And they expressed suppor t for making steps for the European Union to recognise the Commission. That is the significant step, and we will follow up with communications with them shortly.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I accept that.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, the second suppl ementary.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: [The Honourable Minister] also indicated that there was a country that he was working with or negotiating with to become a member of the Sargasso Sea Commission. Can he share the name of the country? Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, I would prefer …
Yes.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: [The Honourable Minister] also indicated that there was a country that he was working with or negotiating with to become a member of the Sargasso Sea Commission. Can he share the name of the country?
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, I would prefer not to at this time, as I have not received a response yet from that country. Although I met them at the [conference], I would not want to go ahead of where we are with our communication with them. And as soon as I do have more official data with them, that will be a part of the package of other developments that are announced around the Commission.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you. My second question?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSecond question, yes. QUESTION 2: UNITED NATIONS OCEAN CONFERENCE 2022 Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Can the Minister provide a current update as to where we stand with our own Bermuda economy and Marine Spatial Plan?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, that was not the topic of my statement; it was to report on the UN con-ference. We will in the not -too-distant future be provi ding a lot more information. The approval of the plan officially has to go through the governmental process …
Minister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, that was not the topic of my statement; it was to report on the UN con-ference. We will in the not -too-distant future be provi ding a lot more information. The approval of the plan officially has to go through the governmental process of Cabinet approval. A nd once that is done, I will be in a position to be more open as to [sharing information], other than what has already been in the public. And there is substantial information already in the public domain about what we are doing. And anyone can go to the B ermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme website to get an overall update on the progress of our work with the Waitt Foundation. But as it relates to our blue economy and Marine Spatial Plan work, that is being considered by the Cabinet in the not -too-distant future, and following their approval, more can be said publicly.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary, yes? SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I will read what the Minister said, and then I will ask my question. On page 3 he said, “I shared with the other countr ies details of Be rmuda's journey in developing our own blue economy and Marine Spatial Plan.” So …
Supplementary, yes?
SUPPLEMENTARY
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I will read what the Minister said, and then I will ask my question. On page 3 he said, “I shared with the other countr ies details of Be rmuda's journey in developing our own blue economy and Marine Spatial Plan.” So he shared details of their journey. And I am not asking about the Waitt Foundation. What I am asking is, if he can explain to foreign countries about Bermuda’ s journey, I would have thought that he could give us an update on what he shared with those countries in a status report. So he addressed part of the status report, but as far as the details that he shared with other countries, he might give us an up-date on that because I am only questioning his Stat ement.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Well, all I did was talk about the journey that we have gone with them, and the fact that we created the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Pr ogramme, which was a st akeholder group that includes all of our local stakeholders and internal stakeholders. There was …
Minister.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Well, all I did was talk about the journey that we have gone with them, and the fact that we created the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Pr ogramme, which was a st akeholder group that includes all of our local stakeholders and internal stakeholders. There was the public consultation process that went on. There was the survey that was done. And I talked about how all of that went. And it is all information that has been presented to the House and to the public already. I did not disclose anything to the Blue Pros-perity Coalition that is not already in the Bermuda public domain.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you very much. That is it, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerNo further questions? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Minister, that was the only question for you on that matter this morning. Thank you for your participation. We move on to the next Statement, which is from the Minister of Health. Minister, MP Dunkley has questions for you on your Statement. MP, would you like to put …
Thank you. Minister, that was the only question for you on that matter this morning. Thank you for your participation. We move on to the next Statement, which is from the Minister of Health. Minister, MP Dunkley has questions for you on your Statement. MP, would you like to put your question?
Bermuda House of Assembly QUESTION 1: TRAVEL AUTHORIS ATION PROCESS UPDATE
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Honourable Minister: We appreciate the st reamlining of the TA [travel authorisation], but we still love the opinion that the TA must end. But that is for another time. To the Honourable Minister: Can the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House: Were the enhancements or the stream lining to the TA done in- house or by outside consultants?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, the enhancements that I spoke about in my Statement that have taken place heretofore with respect to the travel authoris ation have been a com bination of enhancements conducted by external contractors, who are assisting with respect to this process, as well as …
Minister.
Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, the enhancements that I spoke about in my Statement that have taken place heretofore with respect to the travel authoris ation have been a com bination of enhancements conducted by external contractors, who are assisting with respect to this process, as well as some in- house functionality. But as I spoke about, many of them were technical in nature, so they were completed by outside sources.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Supplementary, Mr. Speaker?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Can the Honourable Mini ster please inform this Honourable House the cost for these enhancements paid to outside consultants?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, I do not have that information in front of me. It is quite detailed insofar as the contract (as is a matter of public record) is with resQwest. However, I can endeavour to get that. Or another suggestion is that if written questions …
Minister.
Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, I do not have that information in front of me. It is quite detailed insofar as the contract (as is a matter of public record) is with resQwest. However, I can endeavour to get that. Or another suggestion is that if written questions were put to the Ministry with respect to that so that I can provide full details of the contract and the costs ass ociated to date. But I do not have that information in front of me. And I will take their lead. I c an present it to the Honourable Member or I can wait until written questions are posed and I can present that infor-mation. But as you can appreciate, it is quite detailed. It was a question that was put to this Honourable House several months ago along the same lines, and it is detailed insofar as the nuances of the costs ass ociated with the contract. But I do not have that infor-mation in front of me, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMember Dunkley, the response is bas ically twofold, meaning the information is qu ite exte nsive. And providing it in an oral format may not suffice because of the extent of the information. So it could be responded to at a later date via a written question if you would …
Member Dunkley, the response is bas ically twofold, meaning the information is qu ite exte nsive. And providing it in an oral format may not suffice because of the extent of the information. So it could be responded to at a later date via a written question if you would like to put in a written question.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, may I make this suggestion then? I am happy to provide questions to the Honourable Minister to answer. But in the meantime, if the Honourable Minister can give an un-dertaking to the House that the actual contract itself with resQwest and any outside consultant is tabled, I think it would be a big help to us in the Opposition and would be helpful for the people of Bermuda.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerNoted. Minister, you noted the Member’s further r esponse? Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Yes, Mr. Speaker, I have noted his fu rther response. But there is a mechanism in which that could take place, which is, of course, as you rightly suggested as the Speaker of the House, through written …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerHold on. I would also note that, yes, the mechanism for questions is written. But the comment from the Member was that the contract could be tabled like other communications that are tabled before the Chamber. I just want to clarify that. He was not asking for it as a …
Hold on. I would also note that, yes, the mechanism for questions is written. But the comment from the Member was that the contract could be tabled like other communications that are tabled before the Chamber. I just want to clarify that. He was not asking for it as a question. He was asking for it to be tabled, as other [items] are tabled under the Papers and Other Communications to the House period. And I am just leav-ing it at that.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, and the reason why I couched it like that is because I know today is supposed to be the last sitting of the House. So why wait two months for the House to come back on i mportant national business?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWell, it would have to be tabled when we come back for the next sitting in September. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: And that is why, Mr. Speaker, I will ask that it be done in two ways, for the Minister’s consideration. Because it cannot be that difficult just to table …
Well, it would have to be tabled when we come back for the next sitting in September.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: And that is why, Mr. Speaker, I will ask that it be done in two ways, for the Minister’s consideration. Because it cannot be that difficult just to table a version of the contract or send a version of the contract out.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. No problem. We will address it in September. Do you have a supplementary? 1594 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: A second question, Mr. Speaker?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSecond question. Go ahead. QUESTION 2: TRAVEL AUTHORIS ATION PROCESS UPDATE Hon. Michael H. Dunkley : Can the Honourable Mini ster state what the budget is for the funding of resQwest or any outside contract that the Government is operating under?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, again you would note the content of today’s Ministerial Statement deals specifically with the update of the processes concer ning the travel authorisation. If the Honourable Member is seeking further details as it relates to the contract terms, the budget and so forth, …
Minister.
Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, again you would note the content of today’s Ministerial Statement deals specifically with the update of the processes concer ning the travel authorisation. If the Honourable Member is seeking further details as it relates to the contract terms, the budget and so forth, I would invite the Hon-ourable Member t o submit questions in writing. As you rightly said, Mr. Speaker, those are quite extensive responses that would be more appropriate, I would suspect, to be addressed in writing so I could provide full details of same. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. And, M ember, when you ask a question, be mindful that it should relate to content of the Stat ement itself and not the . . . your question is a valid question as to a budget, but it did not form part of the Statement that was given …
Yes. And, M ember, when you ask a question, be mindful that it should relate to content of the Stat ement itself and not the . . . your question is a valid question as to a budget, but it did not form part of the Statement that was given this morning. Do you have a supplementary?
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, yes, I do. I can accept that because that is the Speaker’s ruling. But if streamlining enhancements had to be made, the funding has to be available, Mr. Speaker. So, another question, Mr. Speaker?
The S peaker: Put your supplementary or additional or third question.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: It is another question, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerIt is your third question. QUESTION 3: TRAVEL AUTHORIS ATION PROCESS UPDATE Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: On page 6, t he Minister says, “the call centre has received numerous compl iments about . . .” the changes. Can the Minister please inform the Honourable House if the call centre for …
It is your third question.
QUESTION 3: TRAVEL AUTHORIS ATION PROCESS UPDATE
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: On page 6, t he Minister says, “the call centre has received numerous compl iments about . . .” the changes. Can the Minister please inform the Honourable House if the call centre for the Government is still receiving concerns, complaints or issues over the travel authorisation?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be able to announce that we are receiving quite substa ntial compliments and commendations with respect to the new improvements that have been made to the travel authorisati on experience. The majority, regrettably, of the concerns that have been …
Minister.
Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be able to announce that we are receiving quite substa ntial compliments and commendations with respect to the new improvements that have been made to the travel authorisati on experience. The majority, regrettably, of the concerns that have been raised seem to come from that Honourable Member who is asking questions. But needless to say, I will admit that there were challenges previously as it related to the travel authorisation process. However, we have streamlined it, and we have done tremendous steps to make a stress -free experience for the travellers.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, supplementary because the Minister went all around to not answer the question. So supplementary question to the Honourable Minister, and I only speak for the people we work for, Mr. Speaker. Let me make that clear. But a suppl ementary for the …
Supplementary?
SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, supplementary because the Minister went all around to not answer the question. So supplementary question to the Honourable Minister, and I only speak for the people we work for, Mr. Speaker. Let me make that clear. But a suppl ementary for the Honourable Minister: So can the Hon-ourable Minister confirm that all complaints have gone away?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, I cannot get the video up, but can you hear me?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Go ahead. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Okay. Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that no complaints, save from this Honourable Member, have come directly to me. I am not saying that it is complaint -free, because obviously if you provide any type of service there will be people who may …
Yes. Go ahead.
Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Okay. Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that no complaints, save from this Honourable Member, have come directly to me. I am not saying that it is complaint -free, because obviously if you provide any type of service there will be people who may find themselves disadvantaged from the service. I can say that the most recent complaints that have come to me resulted from individuals who were attempting to upload their TA at three in the morning for travel first thing in the morning on that same day. And as we have said previously, we are encouraging members of the publi c to upload their TAs . . . they can do it up to 30 days prior to travel. And last -minute uploading of information could pose problems, as the TA call centre does close at 8:00 pm. So the complaints that I have received, Mr. Speaker, all relate to persons , unfortunately, who unavoidably have not followed the requisite instructions as it relates to uploading their TAs in a timely manner [INAUDIBLE] . Thank you.
Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Supplementary?
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: No, Mr. Speaker. We will be talking more about this later.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Minister of Health, those are the only questions for you this morning on your Statement. We will move on. The next Statement that has questions this morning . . . oh, Members. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, I note that it is that time.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, before we move on to the next, I am just noting the time. We are now at the time that actually I am going to ask us to yield and ask the Premier or Deputy Premier to put the appropriate statement at this time in regard to the time …
Members, before we move on to the next, I am just noting the time. We are now at the time that actually I am going to ask us to yield and ask the Premier or Deputy Premier to put the appropriate statement at this time in regard to the time on the clock.
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI am forwarding the time [left on the] clock for the questions. We have 28 minutes and 21 seconds left on the timeclock for questions. Premier, would you like to put the motion right now? Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that …
I am forwarding the time [left on the] clock for the questions. We have 28 minutes and 21 seconds left on the timeclock for questions. Premier, would you like to put the motion right now?
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that this Honourable House do now adjourn for lunch to return at 2:00 pm.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Are there any objections? There are none. The House now stands adjourned and will return at 2:00 pm. Thank you, Members. Proceedings suspended at 12:36 pm Proceedings resumed at 2:00 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood afternoon, Members. Good afternoon, l istening audience. Members, it is 2:00 pm now and we will be proceeding today’s business. QUESTION PERIOD [Continuation thereof]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerBefore we broke for lunch period we were on the questions from the Statements this mor ning. Thus far, we had questions put to three of the Statements. We are now on the Statement that was presented by the Minister of Works. Minister of Works, you have questions this morning …
Before we broke for lunch period we were on the questions from the Statements this mor ning. Thus far, we had questions put to three of the Statements. We are now on the Statement that was presented by the Minister of Works. Minister of Works, you have questions this morning from MP Cannonier. The clock will resume. We have 28 minutes and 21 seconds left on the ti me period. MP Cannonier, would you like to put your question?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWe are doing the quango. QUESTION 1: QUANGO OPERATIONAL CHANGES
Mr. L. Craig CannonierYes, thank you, Mr. Speaker, just a basic question. We know that this has been going on for some time now. This is clearly stated in the Statement here. What I was curious about . . . the question was, When we did the amalgamation of the BHC [Bermuda Housing …
Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker, just a basic question. We know that this has been going on for some time now. This is clearly stated in the Statement here. What I was curious about . . . the question was, When we did the amalgamation of the BHC [Bermuda Housing Corporation] and the BLDC [Bermuda Land Development Company] and then now we are talking about, as of January 29, 2021, WEDCO [West End Development Corporation] and BLDC, did we do an increase of salaries for these guys as well? I understand that they were taki ng on more of a commitment with two major, major, major corporations under their belt. Did we increase their salaries?
Mr. L. Craig CannonierSo on page 3, when the Minister says “The initial staffing of the new entity will see minimal duplication of roles, but note that reductions will occur over time . . . .” And then continues on about the benefits of this here. Can the Minister tell us an idea …
So on page 3, when the Minister says “The initial staffing of the new entity will see minimal duplication of roles, but note that reductions will occur over time . . . .” And then continues on about the benefits of this here. Can the Minister tell us an idea at the end of the fiscal year, what kind of do l1596 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly lar savings will we make within 2022? Or is this antic ipated to be made in 2023, further on down the road where we will see the benefit of this amalgamation financially?
Lt. Col. H on. David A. BurchMr. Speaker, we have actually already seen some reduction in expenses. The former substantive CEO of BLDC left the company about two and a half years ago, so a portion of that salary went to the replacement but the majority of it would have stayed in the coffers of BLDC. …
Mr. Speaker, we have actually already seen some reduction in expenses. The former substantive CEO of BLDC left the company about two and a half years ago, so a portion of that salary went to the replacement but the majority of it would have stayed in the coffers of BLDC. The same is the case for the CFO who left about a year and a half ago. So, his salary would be a savings. There have been two management voluntary separations from BLDC over the last two years, and so their salaries wou ld be in the coffers of the BLDC as well. None of those people have been replaced by substantive people. In the case of the two managers who left, one of the managers was for development and new opportunities. That responsibility has been assumed by the interim CEO. And the other was marketing of various properties at Southside. That r esponsibility was shared with the person who does that at WEDCO, and they have done that for the last year and a bit.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister, you have questi ons from the Opposition Whip. QUESTION 1: QUANGO OPERATIONAL CHANGES
Mr. Jarion RichardsonGood afternoon, Mr. Speaker, and Honourable Minister, and listening public. My question, Will the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House whether he intends to table or publish the report or review referred to in his Minist erial Statement?
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchWhat report are you referring to? I referred to two reports. The first was “UNTANGLING BERMUDA’S QUANGOS [—A review of Quangos in the Bermuda Government”] dated 2003. That is in the public domain. And I referred to the SAGE Commission Report of 2013 and that is a lso in the …
Mr. Jarion RichardsonMr. Speaker, may I clarify the question? The S peaker: Okay. Clarify, yes.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, sir. Yes, my question related to page 1, the last paragraph, starting with “ Mr. Speaker, the scope of the review covered a wide range of topics . . . .” So I probably used the wrong word, but it would be then “the review.” Does the Honourable …
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchThat is in reference to “UNTANGLING BERMUDA’S QUANGOS.” It follows on from the three items that were t he aim of the exercise and so I listed those three items and then I r eferred to “the scope of the review covered a wide range of topics covering the establishment …
That is in reference to “UNTANGLING BERMUDA’S QUANGOS.” It follows on from the three items that were t he aim of the exercise and so I listed those three items and then I r eferred to “the scope of the review covered a wide range of topics covering the establishment . . .” and so all of that is included in the report “UNTANGLING BERMUDA’S QUANGOS.” It is qui te a substantive report. It not only covered the matters at BLDC and WEDCO and BHC but also 14 other quangos that it made recommendations on as well.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Thank you. That concludes that Statement; however, Mi nister, your second Statement on the Quarry, you have questions as well. Opposition Whip, would you like to put questions? QUESTION 1: QUARRY DEPOT FEASIBILITY STUDY
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, would the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House when the r eports will be completed, that is, the report referred to on page 3, [the] third paragraph referred to?
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchMr. Speaker, the RFP has just been issued and it lists a number of signif icant dates [when] things are due. I do not recall off the top of my head when that is due, but I would think it would be several months. Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: …
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Honourable Minister inform this House whether he intends to circulate the report to this Honourable House either after or before the BIU [Bermuda Industrial Un ion] gets to see it?
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchMr. Speaker, it will be after the BIU gets to see it. But certainly it will be t abled in the House.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, second question. QUESTION 2: QUARRY DEPOT FEASIBILITY STUDY
Mr. Jarion RichardsonWould the Honourable Mini ster please inform the Honourable House the cost of the consultant referred to on page 2, third paragraph, “hired . . . following the [sudden] departure of the pri ncipal mechanical engineer.”
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchI don’t have that information at the top of my head, but I can get it and pr ovide it.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThird question. Continue. QUESTION 3: QUARRY DEPOT FEASIBILITY STUDY
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you. Would the Honourable Minister clarify for this Honourable House the status of replacing the principal mechanical engineer referred to on page 2, third paragraph?
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchThe status is that it is caught up in the bureaucracy of government. It is a source of significant frustration to me as the Minister that a number of posts in this Ministry cannot be substantively filled until there is a review of the job descriptions. In this particular case, …
The status is that it is caught up in the bureaucracy of government. It is a source of significant frustration to me as the Minister that a number of posts in this Ministry cannot be substantively filled until there is a review of the job descriptions. In this particular case, we are looking to try and get permission to advertise as soon as possible. The consultant is on a six -month contract with the o ption to extend it. But with . . . hiring in Government these days is, in a word, a “mess” and requires a real intervention to try and sort out the challenges. As an example, we have an Acting Buildings Manager in the Department of Public Lands and Buildings who has been acting for three years. He is more than competent to do the job. He cannot be assigned to the post substantively until his job description is . . . or the job description for that post is reviewed and renewed. I don’t know . . . it is a little u nusual that it takes more than three years to be able to do that. So, I shall keep the House informed with the progress that we make in terms of filling the post of principal m echanical engineer.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonNone, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Honourable Minister.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Member. Minister, another Member also has questions for you here. MP Cannonier, would you like to put your question to the Minister? QUESTION 1: QUARRY DEPOT FEASIBILITY STUDY
Mr. L. Craig CannonierYes, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Minister for his candi dness thus far. On page 1, the Honourable Minister speaks of understanding, knowing that both sides of the aisle can attest to some of the challenges there. We certainly can. But what I can say …
Yes, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Minister for his candi dness thus far. On page 1, the Honourable Minister speaks of understanding, knowing that both sides of the aisle can attest to some of the challenges there. We certainly can. But what I can say is that while we were Government there was an inquiry into some of the land that was adjacent to Tucker’s Point. And there was interest from Gencom in the property. I wanted to find out whether or not the Minister has had any r equests to further any talks concerning some of the land that was adjacent to Tucker’s Point.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMember, be mindful that your questions should be generated around the subject of the Statement that was given. And I am not sure whether your question really fits the subject. The subject was around the combining of the . . . not the combining, the inquiry whether to outsource the …
Member, be mindful that your questions should be generated around the subject of the Statement that was given. And I am not sure whether your question really fits the subject. The subject was around the combining of the . . . not the combining, the inquiry whether to outsource the quarry. And I am not sure that question falls within that remit even though it is a valuable question.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierLet me restate the question then, Mr. Speaker, if it pleases . . . Considering with the review that is going on, having a consultant that is there hired to take a look at things, are they also considering selling off of some of 1598 15 July 2022 Official Hansard …
Let me restate the question then, Mr. Speaker, if it pleases . . . Considering with the review that is going on, having a consultant that is there hired to take a look at things, are they also considering selling off of some of 1598 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly that property or leasing some of that property to a pr ivate sector?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood question. Minister, he framed the question in a way that you can respond now. How is that?
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchI am aware of Gencom’s interest in a possible purchase of the quarry and I have had one meeting [with them] since being the Minister. That was a casual conversation. They have gone away to do some research and [will] come back with a formal proposal. We will talk with …
I am aware of Gencom’s interest in a possible purchase of the quarry and I have had one meeting [with them] since being the Minister. That was a casual conversation. They have gone away to do some research and [will] come back with a formal proposal. We will talk with an ybody. But it is not forming part of the current review of the quarry.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY
Mr. L. Craig CannonierYes, supplementary. With the possibili ty of privatisation, with it will all of the scope of work that takes place at the quarry still be maintained with the potential selling of the operations? For instance, asphalt. Will asphalt still fall under this or will that be sectioned off to go …
Yes, supplementary. With the possibili ty of privatisation, with it will all of the scope of work that takes place at the quarry still be maintained with the potential selling of the operations? For instance, asphalt. Will asphalt still fall under this or will that be sectioned off to go som ewhere else? Does it encompass the whole operation or will the Minister be sectioning some of this stuff off to go somewhere else, the private sector?
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchThat is what w ill form part of the review. Whether there is an option to cease doing some of the things at the quarry or add to them. As an example, one of the challenges that we are facing at the moment in terms of being able to provide …
That is what w ill form part of the review. Whether there is an option to cease doing some of the things at the quarry or add to them. As an example, one of the challenges that we are facing at the moment in terms of being able to provide the services to, particularly, Government in the maintenance and repair of vehicles, is that from a car point of view we have virtually every make of car in the country. And I am not sure that we have the skill set or the ability at the quarry to service all of those vehicles. And so there will be a particular look at how we address that. One of the things that is required in terms of enforcing the rules from a Public Works point of view is that we should be allowed to exclusively retain the responsibility for the purchase of cars so that we are not in the position t hat we are in now where individual departments and ministries have been going off and doing that on their own and then looking for the quarry to be able to service vehicles that we have no experience in [servicing]. The Speaker: Supplementary?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWe will now move on to the questions for the next Statement this afternoon, the second Statement by the Minister of Education. Minister of Education, your second Statement regarding the Bermuda College Amendment Act. The Opposition Whip would like to put a question to you. Opposition Whip. QUESTION 1: TABLING …
Mr. Jarion RichardsonYes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, would the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House of some of the circumstances tha t led to Bermuda College falling behind on its audits, specifically on page 2, second par-agraph where he states, “For reasons well known to Honourable Members, the college …
Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, would the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House of some of the circumstances tha t led to Bermuda College falling behind on its audits, specifically on page 2, second par-agraph where he states, “For reasons well known to Honourable Members, the college has fallen behind on its audits in the past. It does not wish for these unfortunate circumstances to ever reoccur in the future due to circumstances beyond its c ontrol.”
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you. Mr. Speaker, may I?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, yes. Go ahead, Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: That Statement stated that Honourable Members would well know because the Auditor General at that particular time refused to audit the Bermuda College statements until the lease b etween Bermuda College and Coco Reef was tabled in the House of …
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you. Actually, no question, Mr. Speaker. I’ll put it to a par liamentary. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: No problem. Appreciate it. Thank you for your participation. Minister, that is the only question for you. Thank you. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWe will move on to the next Statement that has questions this morning and that is for the Mi nister for Social Development and Seniors. MP Dunkley has questions for [the Minister]. MP, would you like to put your question? QUESTION 1: STATE OF GOVERNMENT GRANT SUPPORTED NURSING HOMES Hon. …
We will move on to the next Statement that has questions this morning and that is for the Mi nister for Social Development and Seniors. MP Dunkley has questions for [the Minister]. MP, would you like to put your question?
QUESTION 1: STATE OF GOVERNMENT GRANT SUPPORTED NURSING HOMES
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon. To the Honourable Minister, Lorraine Rest Home now, with the increase in the grant funding, r eceives $1.125 million, or about $49,000 per resident. Packwood Home is about $423,000, or about $23,000 per person, and Matilda Smith, $310,000 or about $17,000 per person. Can the Honourable Minister please provide some understanding on how the additional funding was decided and overall how they look at what is required to fund each of those rest homes? Obviously, there is such a disparity. [I am] just looking for a better understanding on how the monies were decided and each amount to the places that I have listed.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I believe the answer . . . I know the answer was actually in the Statement —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister, can I just ask you to get a little closer to your microphone? Your audio is a little low right now. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Are you able to hear me?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, that is better. Hon. Tinee Furbert: I will turn up my volume a bit. Is that better?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMuch better. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Okay. Good. The answer is actually in the Statement, Mr. Speaker, when we spoke to the nursing homes [they] actually expres sed their own interest in regard to the value that was needed. It was looked at based on the . . . also the …
Much better. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Okay. Good. The answer is actually in the Statement, Mr. Speaker, when we spoke to the nursing homes [they] actually expres sed their own interest in regard to the value that was needed. It was looked at based on the . . . also the financial state of each nursing home, and if anyone were to study the Budget Book they would note that over the last couple of years the nursing homes . . . actually the grants that they have been getting varies across nursing homes.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, supplementary, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Honourable Minister , why is it a fact that Matilda Smith Williams averages about [$]17,200 a year in funding per resident in that home whereas Lorraine Rest Home is at [$]48,900 per res ident in that home. This is a three- fold increase. What …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Honourable Member for that question. I would say that the numbers that the Member is sharing with the House are not accurate numbers. Anyone . . . not anyone, but to run a nursing home there are a variety of …
Minister.
Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Honourable Member for that question. I would say that the numbers that the Member is sharing with the House are not accurate numbers. Anyone . . . not anyone, but to run a nursing home there are a variety of operational costs within running a nursing home. I cannot speak specifically how these nursing homes are utilising their funds, but like I mentioned in the Statement, there is a significant amount of financial deficit amongst all of the three nursing homes that I spoke of today.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, the numbers that I gave are accurate numbers. The Honourable Minister might not support those numbers, but they are accurate numbers based on the information that the Minister gave. So, what we are trying to do is just find out what the reason …
Supplementary?
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, the numbers that I gave are accurate numbers. The Honourable Minister might not support those numbers, but they are accurate numbers based on the information that the Minister gave. So, what we are trying to do is just find out what the reason is for the large disparity between the amounts given to rest homes, especially when you break it down to individual occupants. If the Minister gives t he reason that there are greater financial difficulties in one than the other, then the supplementary is, How will those homes get on top of their financial difficulties? Just receiving funding is not going to help them. How will they get on top their fina ncial difficulties?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerJust for clarity, your question . . . you are indicating that the numbers that you are using are the numbers that came out of today’s Statement? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. 1600 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. T inee Furbert: Mr. Speaker, those numbers did not come out of my Statement. Those were numbers that were calculated by that Member. QUESTION 2: STATE OF GOVERNMENT GRANT SUPPORTED NURSING HOMES Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: …
Thank you.
1600 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. T inee Furbert: Mr. Speaker, those numbers did not come out of my Statement. Those were numbers that were calculated by that Member.
QUESTION 2: STATE OF GOVERNMENT GRANT SUPPORTED NURSING HOMES
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Well, I can you a detailed account of the numbers. But if you put the numbers together, those are the numbers that came out of your Statement. It is a fact. You said that Lorraine Rest Home was $825, 000 [INAUD IBLE] support in the budget, and another $300,000 in additional funding. That makes the $1.125 million. I can go through those numbers, but I do not want to waste valuable time in the House. So how does the Minister expect . . . this is the question, Mr. Speaker. How does the Honourable Minister expect that these homes will get on top of their financial difficulties?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Speaker, we must have an appreciation that each of these homes are private businesses that are responsible for their own financial affairs. I cannot share with this House, Mr. Speaker, whether or not the homes will be able to get out of their financial difficulties …
Minister.
Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Speaker, we must have an appreciation that each of these homes are private businesses that are responsible for their own financial affairs. I cannot share with this House, Mr. Speaker, whether or not the homes will be able to get out of their financial difficulties in which they are in. But they have all made a commitment to conditions which have been placed upon this grant to actually give us a r eport back as far as their financial state. Mr. Speaker, without going into detail in regard to the financials of the nursing homes, because I think that is . . . that any private businesses’ information, the Government has shown through allowing for these grants that we are committed t o our seniors.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. New question? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Final question, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. QUESTION 3: STATE OF GOVERNMENT GRANT SUPPORTED NURSING HOMES Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Obviously, the One Bermuda Alliance su pports any initiative we can undertake to put our seniors in a better position. Does the Minister have any concerns that the cost for individu-als to be living in these …
Yes.
QUESTION 3: STATE OF GOVERNMENT GRANT SUPPORTED NURSING HOMES
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Obviously, the One Bermuda Alliance su pports any initiative we can undertake to put our seniors in a better position. Does the Minister have any concerns that the cost for individu-als to be living in these homes is too prohibitive for the average person and family to meet?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinist er. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you for that question, MP Dunkley. I know I mentioned in my Statement already the average or estimated cost to take care of a senior in our nursing homes is about $12,000 per person. And that was actually indicated from a long- term care …
Minist er.
Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you for that question, MP Dunkley. I know I mentioned in my Statement already the average or estimated cost to take care of a senior in our nursing homes is about $12,000 per person. And that was actually indicated from a long- term care report (which is public ) that was done back in 2017. We are now in 2021, so we are endeavouring to get some more updated information in regard to the care of our seniors, particularly in our nursing and reside ntial care homes. But, yes, the cost is unsustainable. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Supplementary, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary. Yes. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, so the cost, as the Minister has said, is unsustainable. On page 6, the Honourable Minister said that one of the mitigation measures to reali se cost savings is to increas e the intake of client s. If the costs are unsustainable …
Supplementary. Yes.
SUPPLEMENTARY
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, so the cost, as the Minister has said, is unsustainable. On page 6, the Honourable Minister said that one of the mitigation measures to reali se cost savings is to increas e the intake of client s. If the costs are unsustainable and families cannot afford that type of care, then how is that mitigation measure going to be successful?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We, the Government, give substantially to the care of our seniors, particularly in our nursing and residential care homes. That amount is subsidised greatly through many mediums, and it includes war veter-ans, it includes financial assistance [and] it includes grants, and so …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: No thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have no further questions now.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Minister, that is the end of the questions for your Statement this morning. We will now move on to the next Statement. The next Statement is that from the Minister of Economy and Labour. Minister, you have questions on both of your Statements. We will do the first …
Thank you. Minister, that is the end of the questions for your Statement this morning. We will now move on to the next Statement. The next Statement is that from the Minister of Economy and Labour. Minister, you have questions on both of your Statements. We will do the first one now and that is from the Opposition Whip. Opposition Whip, would you like to put your questions to the Minister?
QUESTION 1: ECONOMIC INVESTMENT IN BERMUDA UPDATE
Mr. Jarion RichardsonYes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Honourable Minister please clarify where on page 3 of his Statement he said qualifying Bermuda House of Assembly investments are possible in one of nine areas: purchase of real estate; invest in the development and launch of new Bermuda businesses; purchasing Government bonds; …
Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Honourable Minister please clarify where on page 3 of his Statement he said qualifying
Bermuda House of Assembly investments are possible in one of nine areas: purchase of real estate; invest in the development and launch of new Bermuda businesses; purchasing Government bonds; cont ributing to Bermuda’s Sinking Fund; contributing to the Bermuda Trust Fund; donating to a charity; make a direct or indirect equity i nvestments; and invest in other social practical ve ntures. Would the Honourable Minister be able to outline how much of t his $349.6 million came from each one of those area?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, within in the Statement the $349 million is broken down in the following ways: Injection into an existing business, equated to $49.1 million; in jection into a new business was $209.1 million; real estate investment was $91.4 million.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY
Mr. Jarion RichardsonYes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Honourable Minister be able to confirm then that there are no investments in the purchase of Bermuda Government bonds, contributions to Bermuda’s Sinking Fund, contribution to Bermuda Trust Fund, donation to Bermuda Registered Charity, or number eight, invest in any other social or …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Jason Hayward: It is confirmed, Mr. Speaker. [Timer chimes]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, that bell signifies the fact that we have used up all the allotted time for our ques-tions this morning. The other Statements that had questions will have to . . . we won’t get to today. However, I am mindful of the fact that it is possible that another …
Members, that bell signifies the fact that we have used up all the allotted time for our ques-tions this morning. The other Statements that had questions will have to . . . we won’t get to today. However, I am mindful of the fact that it is possible that another Statement will be done later in the day based on, as I indicated when we started the Statements, that there was matter that was very time sensitive that the Pre mier would like to make a Statement on if they cross the appropriate measures or resolutions that have to be done. If we get to that point, I will seek the indulgence of the House at the appropriate time and let the Premier put the Statement and I will assign a timeline for questions based on that. Thank you for your participation, Members. We will now move on to the next order on the Order Paper. CONGRATULATORY AND/OR OBITUARY SPEECHES
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. MembersMr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Wade, you had my attention first. You can go ahead and take your three minutes.
Mr. Jason WadeI appreciate that, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to take this o pportunity to congratulate MP Kim Swan on being given the sponsor’s exemption for this year’s PGA Tour Event. As an avid new golfer, I would say in the last five years, I have heard the …
I appreciate that, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to take this o pportunity to congratulate MP Kim Swan on being given the sponsor’s exemption for this year’s PGA Tour Event. As an avid new golfer, I would say in the last five years, I have heard the stories of how MP Swan has impacted the golf world when it comes to Berm uda and internationally and at many courses on this Island. I had the privilege of taking a lesson from MP Swan when I was going through what they call “the shanks.” He got me out of the shanks very quickly. So I know how skilled he is when it comes to teaching. I have seen the efforts that he has put in the golf course since I’ve joined the golf round so I just want to congratulate him on this momentous achievement. I want to also congratulate the golf professional at Ocean View Golf Course, Mr. B rian Morris, it is his birthday today. So I just want to send him con-gratulations. Mr. Morris is an inspiration not only to the golf community, not only to the Ocean View communi-ty, but he is an inspiration to Bermuda as a whole. As many know, Mr. Morris i s battling cancer, but he comes to work every day with a smile on his face and he is a true inspiration to anybody who is fighting something in their lives. So I just wanted to congrat ulate him on this birthday today, wish him a happy birthday and we wish him many more. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Jason Wade. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister Scott. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Yes, Mr. Speaker. The Speake r: You have your three minutes. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you. I would like to be associated with congratulatory remarks for our fellow colleague, MP Kim Swan. But also I would like to have the House send a …
Minister Scott.
Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The Speake r: You have your three minutes.
Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you. I would like to be associated with congratulatory remarks for our fellow colleague, MP Kim Swan. But also I would like to have the House send a letter of condolence to the family of Robert Lowe. I 1602 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly declare my interest. He is a family me mber of mine. His mother and my grandfather were brother and si ster. Robert was the youngest of 17 children, with one of his brothers having sat there in the seat that you occupy right now.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, yes. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Former Speaker Stanley Lowe. He was an avid [fisherman] and actually he was the person who took me out on my first boat ride, leaving Jew’s Bay and going out into the Great Sound there and caught a couple of Sailor’s Choice an d …
Yes, yes.
Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Former Speaker Stanley Lowe. He was an avid [fisherman] and actually he was the person who took me out on my first boat ride, leaving Jew’s Bay and going out into the Great Sound there and caught a couple of Sailor’s Choice an d the like. But he was always quick to give words of wisdom to me. Also, he was a handyman and a very hard worker. And so, once again, he was always willing to assist the family and such a good man taken at such a young age. So I just wanted to make sure t hat the House sends a letter of condolence to [the family of] Mr. Robert Lowe who might have started out in Sunn yside Park but resided at Khyber Pass . Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Simmons -Wade, you have your three minutes.
Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -WadeYes, good afternoon everyone. I would like to send my congratulations out to Dr. Claudette Fleming who is retiring after 22 years of service with the Age Concern. Her legacy for the se niors in Bermuda, I can say it is nothing short of ama zing. She has offered additional …
Yes, good afternoon everyone. I would like to send my congratulations out to Dr. Claudette Fleming who is retiring after 22 years of service with the Age Concern. Her legacy for the se niors in Bermuda, I can say it is nothing short of ama zing. She has offered additional services. She has been an advocate for our seniors. The Age Concern has offered classes to our seniors and she h as ce rtainly improved the lives of our seniors. As [part of] the third sector, she has worked along with government. She also has sat on numerous committees and boards, and I applaud her for the service and ever ything she has done for our seniors. She has a legacy that will live on for many, many years. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister Weeks, you have your three minutes. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon to you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood afternoon. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Speaker, I would like to start off my remarks by associating [myself] with the remarks concerning [MP] Kim S wan. Kim Swan has taught me the art of golf, so much so that I refer to him a lot of times as my …
Good afternoon.
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Speaker, I would like to start off my remarks by associating [myself] with the remarks concerning [MP] Kim S wan. Kim Swan has taught me the art of golf, so much so that I refer to him a lot of times as my Sifu. So my hats off to his achievement so late in his career. I would also like to be associated with the r emarks for Brian Morris. I too find him an inspir ation, like MP Wade said. He is definitely an inspiration. He always has that smile on his face and words of encouragement. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate eight new correction officers who had their passing out parade last Friday, July 8. There were seven men and one woman, Mr. Speaker. These graduates completed a 10- week training course to become full -time correction officers. I want to thank them, Mr. Speaker, for answering the call to service and wish them every success in their new and rewarding careers. Mr. Speaker, before I close, I also wish to congratulate the 12 youth who have taken part in the Junior Leaders programme. The Royal Bermuda Re giment Junior Leaders is the Regiment’s Youth Pr ogramme. Young peo ple age 13 to 17 have been participating in this annual summer camp since July 3. They have been involved in hands -on training, including fundamental military training in field craft, first -aid, personal foot drill and other areas. The Junior Leaders progr amme mirrors the school year, and participants attend on Friday nights and participate in a weekend training camp once a month, culminating with an annual summer camp in Bermuda and/or overseas. With those remarks, Mr. Speaker, thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution?
Mr. Neville S. TyrrellMr. Speaker, first of all, let me associate with the condolences for Mr. Robert Lowe. Mr. Lowe was actually a constituent of mine, one that I got to talk to quite often because he obviously knew a lot about politics fr om his family members, of course. Bermuda House of …
Mr. Speaker, first of all, let me associate with the condolences for Mr. Robert Lowe. Mr. Lowe was actually a constituent of mine, one that I got to talk to quite often because he obviously knew a lot about politics fr om his family members, of course.
Bermuda House of Assembly One of things I know Robert and I did talk about a lot was the . . . he gave support for the revision of the payroll tax for taxi drivers because he also was a taxi driver. A very nice fellow. I am sure he will be missed by his family and friends. On a happier note, Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the House to send congratulations to Mr. Tarik Bean -Darrell. Now let me first declare my interest. He is actually the chair of my branch constituency. But he is well deserved an yway. He received an iROCK award from the Church of the AME Bermuda Conference, Young People Department for spearheading the COVID -19 response in the school system. Tarik’s efforts in working alongside stakeholders helped to keep the children in school as long as possible. So he was certainly . . . I think he is deserving of some congrat ulations from the House. And it would be very remiss of me, Mr. Speaker, if I did not associate with the congratulations to my very good friend, [MP] Kim Swan, and wish hi m all the best in the upcoming Bermuda Championship. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Tyrrell. Would any other Member like to make a contribution at this time?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYou have your three minutes.
Mr. Jache AdamsYes, I certainly do not plan on b eing that long, but Mr. Speaker, I certainly wish to be associated with my good colleague and cousin in congratulating him, [MP] Kim Swan, on his accomplishme nts and I certainly will do my best to see to it to be in …
Yes, I certainly do not plan on b eing that long, but Mr. Speaker, I certainly wish to be associated with my good colleague and cousin in congratulating him, [MP] Kim Swan, on his accomplishme nts and I certainly will do my best to see to it to be in or around the Championship supporting him. But, Mr. Speaker, I also wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate a constituent of mine, Cora Wells, who received the Honorary Special Recognition Award most recently in the Caribbean Women Inventors & Innovators [ Network ] event back in May in Ant igua. I know first -hand the passion that Cora Wells holds as the founder and CEO of Connectech which is a non- profit organisation basically aiming to culti vate and inspire our young people in the form of technol ogy and coding and the like.
Mr. Jache AdamsSure. And certainly, you know, I have gotten to know the Wells family quite well and so I certainly want to wish and say a job well done and congratulate her on a well -deserved award. And Mr. Speaker, finally, I want to basically congratulate a very, very, very good …
Sure. And certainly, you know, I have gotten to know the Wells family quite well and so I certainly want to wish and say a job well done and congratulate her on a well -deserved award. And Mr. Speaker, finally, I want to basically congratulate a very, very, very good friend of mine, Mrs. Tianny Butterfield. Tianny was recently elected to the se at of the Municipal Residents’ Councillor for the Corporation of St. George’s. I know how passionate she is. I know her work ethic. I know her energy that she will bring and I am sure she will do a great job. She is certainly an advocate for St. George’s and in fact she will often tell me how she supports the St. George’s team in St. George’s which only proves to me, Mr. Speaker, that not everyone is perfect. And so with that, I thank you and I appreciate your time. [Laughter]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay, MP. Tha nk you for your contributions. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberMr. Speaker. Another Hon. Member: Yes, I do, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYou have your thr ee minutes.
Ms. Lovitta F. FoggoThank you, Mr. Speaker. The Member who just took his seat, or turned off his microphone—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerHe got you in front of the camera that time, eh?
Ms. Lovitta F. FoggoYes, he did. And you know, it is not usual for people to use expletives when they are in the House of Assembly. So we are going to forgive him this time because what he said was tantamount to that. [Laughter]
Ms. Lovitta F. FoggoNo, I wanted to congratulate young Ms. Butterfield for a job well done. In fact, there were two outstanding candidates who put themselves forward for councilman in the elections in St. George’s and young Ms. Butterfield was victorious, and I have no doubt she will bring her A game to …
No, I wanted to congratulate young Ms. Butterfield for a job well done. In fact, there were two outstanding candidates who put themselves forward for councilman in the elections in St. George’s and young Ms. Butterfield was victorious, and I have no doubt she will bring her A game to that position and she will ensure that she provides the represent ation that she pledged to do. So congratulations to her and I look forward to working with her in her capacity as all of the eastern end works diligently to make sure that the east remains numero uno in Bermuda. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
1604 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: You did not mention in crickets, so we understand that.
[Laughter]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDoes any other Member wish to make a contribution? Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Minister Furbert, you have the floor. Hon. T inee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to also be added to the congrat ulatories to our colleague, Mr. Kim Swan, [MP] as well as to be associated with the comments from MP Ianthia Simmons -Wade to Dr. Claudette …
Yes. Minister Furbert, you have the floor.
Hon. T inee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to also be added to the congrat ulatories to our colleague, Mr. Kim Swan, [MP] as well as to be associated with the comments from MP Ianthia Simmons -Wade to Dr. Claudette Fleming who, like she said, represented our seniors for a number of years. And I believe that she did also mention that even though she will be resigning from her current seat with Age Concern, she will no doubt still be i nvolved in some capacity with Age Concern and, of course, represent ing our seniors here in Bermuda. I would also like to send congratulations to our bocce team members, particularly, Mrs. Yushae D eSilva -Andrade that recently represented Bermuda within our bocce team. So although she did not win, as I am sure she would have liked to, I know she put her best foot forward particularly representing Berm uda. And the bocce team will be returning for championships in August. So hopefully we get some good results out of that. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Mi nister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, Premier. You have your three minutes. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I may have missed i t earlier so I am uncertain if it was done, and if it was then I would ask to be associated. But I would certainly ask …
Yes, Premier. You have your three minutes.
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I may have missed i t earlier so I am uncertain if it was done, and if it was then I would ask to be associated. But I would certainly ask to extend sincere condolences to the family of Ms. Vida Uriel Smith, mother of Gregory Smith and Crystal Burgess, who works with myself w ithin the Ministry of F inance. Aunt Vida, as I am sure, Mr. Speaker, you r ecall . . . as she was called, was a valued member of the branch that you are very familiar with in . . . in Sandys for many years and she was assisting wher-ever and whenever she could. She will certainly be fondly remembered and sorely missed by all of us within the Progressive Labour Party. And I am certain she will be missed in the Sandys community. My heartfelt condolences go out to Crystal, to Gregory and to Ms. Smith’s entire f amily. And certai nly condolences to the PLP family in Sandys where I know this was an incredible loss. I would also like to, if I could, Mr. Speaker, be associated with the congratulations that were exten ded by the Minister of Social Development and Seni ors to Dr. Claudette Fleming on retiring from a role after 22 years of service as the Executive Director at Age Concern. Her unwavering dedication to seniors certainly grew Age Concern from a small charity to a highly respected organisation. I have always been able to rely on Dr. Fleming for frank counsel and advice on issues whenever I went to her. And I certainly wish her the best in her future endeavours. And I am sorry I didn’t get on early, Mr. Speaker, because I am not typically the type of person to do birthdays on congrats and obits, but I do want to be associated with the remarks not only to one f amous golfer in Bermuda, to Mr. Kim Swan, our colleague MP Kim Swan for his sponsor’s exemption. But also to another famous golfer, for his sponsor’s exemption from last year, Mr. Brian Morris, who is a constituent of mine. I was canvassing in the Mount Hill area two weeks ago. I had the opportunity to stop in and spend an hour with Brian and to catch up and to talk with him. I reminded him that July 15 is the time I always stop in Mount Hill to go say hello so hopefully I have a moment to slip out there later, but I certainly want to extend congratulations to him. He is certainly an inspiration to many, and it is wonderful to see him celebrate another birt hday and for his friends and fa mily to recognise and to celebrate with him. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mrs. Renee MingGood afternoon, Mr. Speaker. [No audible response]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI was muted. My apologies. MP Ming, you have your three minutes.
Mrs. Renee MingThank you for saying you were muted, Mr. Speaker, because I was beginning to say This can’t be the Somerset to St. George’s stuff coming here
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. You don’t want to hear from us St. George’s folks after the 29 th but you will hear from us up until then. [Laughter]
Mrs. Renee MingFirst of all, Mr. Speaker, and the listening audience, I would like to be associated with Bermuda House of Assembly the comments for Ms. Vita Burgess [sic] . I am sure that she will truly be a mi ss. I know her daughter, Crystal, as well and I definitely have …
Mrs. Renee Ming—in my thoughts and prayers. I would also like to be associated with the comments for [MP] Kim Swan. Those of us who have been around Kim for some time know that golf is truly one of the things that he loves and so to be given this o pportunity …
—in my thoughts and prayers. I would also like to be associated with the comments for [MP] Kim Swan. Those of us who have been around Kim for some time know that golf is truly one of the things that he loves and so to be given this o pportunity . . . we are definitely happy for him and we wish him all the best. And I would also like to be associated with the comments for the newes t councillor, Tianny Butterfield. She is definitely a born St. Georgian. And I am sure that she will put her best foot forward in all her efforts into ensuring that St. George’s does well, stays well, and that we can . . . that she gives the best that she can while she sits in that role. And we truly do wish her all the best. So, Mr. Speaker, on that note, I will end.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. I appreciate your comments. Any other Member wish to make a contrib ution this afternoon? Hon. Vance Campbell: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister Campbell, you have your three minutes. Hon. Vance Campbell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like congratulatory r emarks go out to Chloe Morton who is a Berkeley Inst itute student who has been awarded a bursary for a two-year International Baccalaureate programme in India. She will …
Minister Campbell, you have your three minutes.
Hon. Vance Campbell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like congratulatory r emarks go out to Chloe Morton who is a Berkeley Inst itute student who has been awarded a bursary for a two-year International Baccalaureate programme in India. She will be studying at the United World Colleges [UWC], Mahindra College. Also, Mr. Speaker, our young people have been excelling on the sports front. Mr. Campbell Pat-ton who won f irst place in the Atlantic Coast Championships in New York. I would like for congratulatory remarks go out to him. We have our Bermuda Swimming Team, a 22-member team, down in Barbados. They are wi nning medals on a daily basis, so I would like congrat ulatory remarks to go out to them. And finally our squash team who won three silver medals in the recent Caribbean Junior Squash Championships in Georgetown, Guyana. So our young people are excelling. And finally, I could not let this go by. GoT oBermuda, the yacht participating in the clipper race won the last leg of the Clipper Round the World [Yacht] Race from New York to Londond erry, Ireland. So they were improving. They got a third place and then a second place on the Bermuda leg and finally they captured first place. So congratulations to them as they advertise Bermuda as they sailed around the world. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Any other Member? No other Member? Before we move on, I would just like to add some words to some of the comments that were made already. I would like to associate myself first with …
Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Any other Member? No other Member? Before we move on, I would just like to add some words to some of the comments that were made already. I would like to associate myself first with the condolences that have been expressed to the family of Ms. Vita Smith. As was indicated, I would have been associated with her for a number of years and the activities that took place in the West End of the Island in previous capacities of mine. She was always one of the diligent, committed workers to make sure that what was done, was done correctly, and we would know what was needed to be done. And we always appreciated her. But not only in that capacity, she was just a very nice person to have around, to chat with, and to talk about what we were doing and the concerns in the community at the time. M y cond olences go to her family, her sons. Actually, she went to Southampton Glebe with me back in the day. So to Gregory and to Michael and their sister, Crystal, who is a few years younger than us boys were, but my condolences are extended to the entire f amily and we share in their loss. Also, I would like to be associated with the condolences expressed to the Lowe family in the passing of Mr. Robert Lowe. As you know, the Lowe family is a very huge family in the Southampton community. And his loss will b e not only part of the fam ily’s loss, but the community’s loss as well. And lastly, I would like to add to the cond olences to the family of Mr. Arnold T odd. I have known Mr. Todd for many years and I would just like to make sure that we properly acknowledge his passing and give condolences to his wife, his daughter and his son. His wife was actually my teacher in high school back in those years. We share in their loss. With those remarks we will now move on.
MATTERS OF PRIVILEGE
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. 1606 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly NOTICE OF MOTION FOR THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE ON MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are two Government Bills to be introduced this afternoon. The first is in the name of the Premier, Minister of Finance. Minister, Premier, would you like to introduce your matter? FIRST READING CUSTOMS TARIFF AMENDMENT (NO. 2) ACT 2022 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, …
There are two Government Bills to be introduced this afternoon. The first is in the name of the Premier, Minister of Finance. Minister, Premier, would you like to introduce your matter?
FIRST READING
CUSTOMS TARIFF AMENDMENT (NO. 2) ACT 2022
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am introducing the following Bill which, according to section 36(3) of the Bermuda Constitution, requires the Governor’s recommendation so it can be placed on the Order Paper for the next day of meeting. I also want to confirm, Mr. Speaker, that the Governor has confirmed in accordance with my advice that this will be tabled under the Provisional Collection of Revenue Act, the Customs Tariff Amendment (No. 2) Act 2022.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Mr. Premier. And just to confirm that we are i n receipt of the necessary documentation from the Governor. Thank you. The next item is in the name of the Minister of Education. Minister. FIRST READING BERMUDA COLLEGE AMENDMENT ACT 2022 Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, …
Thank you, Mr. Premier. And just to confirm that we are i n receipt of the necessary documentation from the Governor. Thank you. The next item is in the name of the Minister of Education. Minister.
FIRST READING
BERMUDA COLLEGE AMENDMENT ACT 2022
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am introducing the following Bill for its first reading so that it may be placed on the Order Paper for the next day of meeting: the Bermuda College Amendment Act 2022. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BILLS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. NOTICE OF MOTION
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. ORDERS OF THE DAY
The SpeakerThe SpeakerNow, Members and listening audience, it brings us to the Orders of the Day. The first item this afternoon is the second reading of the Bermuda Monetary Authority Amendment (No. 2) Act 2022 in the name of the Minister of Finance, Premier. Minister, Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, …
Now, Members and listening audience, it brings us to the Orders of the Day. The first item this afternoon is the second reading of the Bermuda Monetary Authority Amendment (No. 2) Act 2022 in the name of the Minister of Finance, Premier. Minister, Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill entitled the Bermuda Monetary Authority [Amendment] (No. 2) Act 2022 be now read for the second time.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections? There are none; continue. BILL SECOND READING BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY AMENDMENT (NO. 2) ACT 2022 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank yo u, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present the Bill entitled the Bermuda Monetary Authority Amendment (No. 2) Act 2022. The purpose of …
Are there any objections? There are none; continue.
BILL
SECOND READING
BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY AMENDMENT (NO. 2) ACT 2022 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank yo u, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present the Bill entitled the Bermuda Monetary Authority Amendment (No. 2) Act 2022. The purpose of the Bill is to provide for the following: • to update certain provisions under the Third Schedule of the Bermuda Monetary Authority Act 1969; • to primarily correct fees incorrectly stated u nder certain headings of the Fourth Schedule under the Bermuda Monetary Authority Act 1969; • to make consequential amendments to the Banks and Deposit Companies (Fees) Act 1975 to correct an annual fee incorrectly stated under Part I of the Second Schedule. Mr. Speaker, by way of background, the Bermuda Monetary Authority, who I will refer to going forward as “the Authority,” undertook a comprehen-sive review of its target operating model together with its fee structure in 2018. At the end of the review pr ocess, which culminated with a comprehensive stak eholder consultation process, the Bermuda Monetary Authority Amendment (No. 3) Act 2018 which contained the fee Schedules for the years 2019, 2020 and 2021 was passed by the Legislature. Mr. Speaker, in 2021 the Fourth Schedule of the Act was repealed and replaced with a consolidatBermuda House of Assembly ed fee schedule, and reference to the individual fees by year was removed. A similar exercise was also completed in relation to the Banks and Deposits Companies (Fees) Act. Mr. Speaker, section 20A of the Bermuda Monetary Authority Act 1969 provides that every person, body or entity specified in the Third Schedule operating in or from within Bermuda shall be subject under this Act or the Regulations made thereunder to supervision, regulation and inspection by the Author ity. As noted [earlier], it is proposed to amend the Third Schedule to the Bermuda Monetary Authority Act 1969 to update certain provisions. Mr. Speaker, it is proposed to update the Third Schedule of the Act by making reference to i nvestment businesses similar in the manner in which other financial institutions are referenced in the Schedule. Mr. Speaker, Members will recall that the Fund Administration Provider Business Act was e nacted in 2019. The Fund Administration Provider Business Act 2019 sets down a framework for fund administration businesses. Mr. Speaker, prior to the enactment of the Fund Administration Provider Business Act 2019 mat-ters related to fund administration businesses were set out under the Investment Funds Act 2006. Mem-bers will recall that the Investment Funds Act 2006 now provides the supervisory framework for inves tment funds. Mr. Speaker, it is proposed to update the Third Schedule of the Bermuda Monetary Authority Act 1969 by reassigning the definition of the term “fund administration provider business” to the “Fund Administration Provider Business Act 2019.” Mr. Speaker, section 20B of the Act provides that the fees prescribed in the Fourth Schedule of the Bermuda Monetary Authority Act 1969 shall be paid by certain financial institutions. In accordance with the legislation specified in the various heads of the Fourth Schedule of the Bermuda Monetary Authority, as noted above, it is proposed to amend the Bermuda Monetary Authority Act 1969 to correct fees incorrectly stated under certain headings of the Fourth Schedule. The House is advised that the heads of the Fourth Schedule of the Bermuda Monetary Authority Act 1 969 under which some minor changes to fees are proposed are as follows: • Insurance Act 1978; • Proceeds of Crime (Anti-Money Laundering and Anti -Terrorist Financing Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2008; and the • Digital Asset Business Act 2018. Mr. Speaker, a summary of the changes pr oposed in respect of the fees set out above are as follows:
Fees Related to the Insurance Act 1978 Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the relevant changes to be made in this area are as follows: The registration fee for Class 3 insurers carr ying on a run- off general business , where gross r eserves are less than $35 million and assets are less than $70 million, shall be changed from $28,500 to $33,600. The registration fee for Class 3 insurers carrying on run- off general business , where gross r eserves are less than $100 million and assets are less than $200 million, shall be changed from $33,600 to $38,760. The annual fee for insurance marketplace providers where gross premiums are expected to exceed $5 million but not to exceed $100 m illion shall be changed from $12,000 to $9,000. The annual fee for insurance marketplace providers where gross prem iums are expected to exceed $100 million shall be changed from $15,000 to $11,500. The annual fee for c ollateralized insurers where assets held as collateral exceed $350 million but not exceed $2 billion shall be changed from $30,000 to $22,000. The annual fee for Class IIGB insurers . . . these are insurers who carry on general business in an innovative manner where gross premiums are expected to exceed $20 million but not exceed $35 mi llion shall be changed from $30,500 to $30,000. Mr. Speaker, as noted above, it is proposed to amend the Fourth Schedule to the Bermuda Monetary Authority Act 1969 to primary correct fees incorrectly stated under certain headings of the Fourth Schedule of the Bermuda Monetary Authority Act. In this case, the error appears in the endnote. Accordingly, it is proposed to delete the reference to 2021 in the en dnote.
Fees Related to the Digital Asset Business Act 2018
Hon. E. David Burt: The relevant changes to be made in this area as follows: Mr. Speaker, the application fee payable by an entity seeking a Class T licence pursuant to section 12(6) of the principal Act will be separately r eflected as $1,000 to disti nguish this fee from the $2,266 payable (also pursuant to section 12 of the principal Act ) by an entity seeking Class F or Class M licence. The 10 different subparagraphs within par agraph 2, being (a) through (i) , which currently set out the fees payable by digital asset business upon the grant of a licence pursuant to section 16(1) of the principal Act , are to be rationalised into four subpar agraphs being (a) through (d). This change is designed to achieve presentational simplicity and will not result in any entities being subject to a different fee other than the one previously consulted upon. Mr. Speaker, consistent with the change to the registration fees, the presentation of the corr esponding annual fees will be similarly rationalised. 1608 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Accordingly, the 10 different subparagraphs within paragraph 3, which currently sets out the annual fees payable by digital asset businesses of the principal Act are to be rationalised into four subparagraphs. Again, this change is designed to achieve drafting and presentati onal simplicity and will not result in any ent ities being subject to a different fee than the one prev iously consulted upon.
Fees for the Banks and Deposit Companies (Fees) Act 1975
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the annual fees for banks are set out down in Part 1 of the Second Schedule to the Banks and Deposit Companies (Fees) Act 1975. As noted above, it is proposed to amend the Second Schedule to make consequential amendments to the Banks and Deposit Companies (Fees) Act 1975 to correct an annual f ee incorrectly stated under Part 1 of the Second Schedule. Mr. Speaker, in furtherance of the above, it is proposed to amend the annual fee for banks holding consolidated gross assets exceeding $5 billion but not exceeding [$10] billion to $1,772, 680. The f ee was changed to $1,250,000 in error in 2021. Mr. Speaker, I wish to reiterate that the amendments will result in the establishment of fees that were the subject of previous engagement with industry. Furthermore, while it is important that these amendments be approved so that relevant Schedules are accurate and comprehensive, I wish to advise Members that the number of institutions to which the specific amendments apply are very small and the fees actually paid by them this year was in keeping with what had previously been consulted upon. Mr. Speaker, clause 5 provides for the co mmencement of the Bill to come into operation. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to thank the Bermuda Monetary Authority, the Attorney Ge neral’s Chambers, and the Ministry of Finance with the assistance in the preparation of this Bill before us t oday. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOpposition Leader, you have the floor. [Inaudible interjections] Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker, generally speaking we support the legislation. I just have some comments that I would like to make, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: The Minister indicated that most of the adjustments reflected corrections to prev ious years and various updates. So I would just generally go through the legislation from a cursory perspective and, like the Premier did, he spoke about on page 2, the Class A …
Yes. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: The Minister indicated that most of the adjustments reflected corrections to prev ious years and various updates. So I would just generally go through the legislation from a cursory perspective and, like the Premier did, he spoke about on page 2, the Class A insurance run- off companies with assets between $35 [million] to $75 [million]. We saw an increase of 17.89 per cent. On the same run- off bus iness reserves were between $100 million and $200 million, the increase was 15.0 per cent. I fin d those errors very, very interesting. And how were they . . . how were the mistakes made, quite frankly, Mr. Speaker? Because that is a large adjustment. So my question to the Premier would be when will the [$33,000] or the [$3 3,600] and [$38,760] . . . will be effective January 1, so it will be retrospective. So if he could just provide further flesh around how the mistakes were made. And then if you go down and look at the i nsurance marketplace, and they provided adjustments on reductions. They reduced t he fees. We have spoken about how great the insurance industry is doing and how they are holding our economy, supporting our economy in ways that we can’t imagine because of the growth in the industry. So my question would be, Why are we reducing it if the industry is doing exceedingly well? And the same also applied to the c ollateralized insurers where they held collateral fee based on the assets in collateral. The other issues in regard to the digital asset business, I accept the changes that they have. They primarily pertain to the Class T licences and he clar ified what that was. The only question was the issue on “C ” where again the reduction was 33 per cent from $150,000 down to $100,000. This fee was pay able for a licence undertaken carrying on digita l asset business in accordance with 10(2)(c) and 10(2)(da) which does not maintain custody of client private keys. And so the question is, How can an error of this mag-nitude be made? So, again, if he could provide some clarity as to what is the cause of these errors? I see a number of the other items listed in the Schedule were in effect unchanged. So, I have no problems with that whatsoever. So my main thrust is errors were made and could the Finance Minister provide more details on the cause of the errors and what has he done to ensure that these errors are not made again? The same thing for the Bank and Deposit Companies fees. There was an increase of 41.8 per cent. That is colossal. And one wonders whether this was just an error or is this a retributio n for the challenges the Government has faced in getting support from these limited larger banks, as he said, the larger banks, because it only basically applies to two banks. Is this retribution for the challenges made because of the gaming situation, the cryptocurrency banking challenges and the cannabis challenges?
Bermuda House of Assembly So, again, I invite the Premier’s comments. And in general we understand what is going on and we are supportive. But we need more information. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Opposition Leader. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Any other? There appears to be none. Premier. [No audible response.]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier? Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Hon. E. David Burt: My apologies, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Honourable Member for his questions and for his overall support of the legislation. The questions of which he asked is why are the fee corrections being made …
Premier? Does any other Member wish to make a contribution?
Hon. E. David Burt: My apologies, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Honourable Member for his questions and for his overall support of the legislation. The questions of which he asked is why are the fee corrections being made required? The fee schedule is applicable to regulated financial instit utions are detailed and inherently complex with almost 400 different free provisions spanning more than a dozen sectors. In the process of repealing and replac-ing the fee schedules in place for 2021, a small number of errors and omissions, less than 10 per cent, occurred. It is essential that the fee schedules reflect those previously in place and also agree with industry stakeholders, which is why corrections are being made via this Bill. While not related to errors or omi ssions, the opportunity has been taken to simplify the fee schedule in place pursuant for Digital Asset Bus iness Act 2018 consolidating the current 10 different licensing fees and 10 different annual fees to four di fferent licensing fees and a similar number of annual fees. I should note as mentioned in my previous remarks that notwithstanding the small number of er-rors and omissions in the existing Schedules, all regu-lated institutions did in fact pay the correct fees in keeping with what had previously been consulted u pon. It is an important thing to note, Mr. Speaker, that when fees are done by the BMA [there is] this entire consultation process with industry feedback that happens and takes place. And so even though there were fee errors, the industry knows the fees that they were consulted upon and the fees of which they were su pposed to pay, and those were the fees that were paid. I think there was a question as to why it is coming in retroactively. This is because this is the date that the 2002 Schedules ca me into force with the Bermuda Monetary Authority Amendment (No. 2) Act 2021, and it is important that there be no question of the fees previously paid in line with the correct amounts due are supported in law. In regard to the general comments about the errors of which were made and how those things may be prevented in the future, I know that the Bermuda Monetary Authority does stellar work . And I cannot speak to what may have taken place then, but I am certain that they will take note of what has taken p lace and continue to do the stellar job of which they do to minimise any of these challenges in the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: My apologies, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier, I think you need to pass us on to the next stage. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with that I move that the Bill be committed.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Deputy Speaker. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House in Committee at 3:14 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman ] COMMITTEE ON BILL BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY AMENDMENT (NO. 2) ACT 2022
The ChairmanChairmanHonourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] for further consider ation of the Bill entitled the Bermuda Monetary Author ity Amendment (No. 2) Act 2022 . Premier Burt, you have the floor. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Chairman, I would like to, if I may, move …
The ChairmanChairmanContinue, Minister, Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much. Clause 1 provides a citation for the Bill. Clause 2 amends the Third Schedule to the Bermuda Monetary Authority Act 1969, “Financial I nstitutions.” Claus e 2 amends the Third Schedule to the principal Act in relation to the …
Continue, Minister, Premier.
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much. Clause 1 provides a citation for the Bill. Clause 2 amends the Third Schedule to the Bermuda Monetary Authority Act 1969, “Financial I nstitutions.” Claus e 2 amends the Third Schedule to the principal Act in relation to the Investment Business Act 2003 by updating the definitions of “Financial Instit utions” to be in accordance with the definition of “I nvestment Provider” under the most recent amend-ments made to the Investment Business Act 2003. Clause [2] further amends the Third Schedule to the Act by reassigning the definition of “Fund Administr a1610 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly tion Provider Business” to the Fund Administration Provider Business Act 2019 and by deleting a reference to the Investment Funds Act 2006. Clause 3 amends the Fourth Schedule to the principal Act to correct fees incorrectly stated in amendments to the principal Act made in 2021 so as to ensure that all fees previously consulted on by the Authority are correctly ref erenced. In this regard, corrections are made to certain fees set out under the headings; “Insurance Act 1978”; the “Proceeds of Crime (Anti -Money Laundering and Anti -Terrorist F inancing Supervision and Enforcement) Act 2008” and the “Digital Asset Busines s Act 2018.” Clause 4 amends the Second Schedule to the Banks and Deposit Companies (Fees) Act 1975 to correct an annual fee incorrectly stated under Part I of the Second Schedule. Clause 5 provides for the Bill to come into operation on 1 January 2022.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Mr. Premier. Are there any further speakers? Mr. Simons? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No, thank you.
The ChairmanChairmanThere are no further speakers. Mr. Premier, do you want to move the next step? Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I move that clauses 1 through 5 be approved.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that clause 1 through 5 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 5 passed.] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the preamble be approved.
The ChairmanChairmanIt 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 Bur t: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the Bill be reported to the House as printed.
The ChairmanChairmanIt 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 report ed to the House as printed. [Motion carried: The Bermuda Monetary Authority Amendment (No. 2) Act 2022 was c onsidered …
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 report ed to the House as printed.
[Motion carried: The Bermuda Monetary Authority Amendment (No. 2) Act 2022 was c onsidered by a Committee of the whole House and passed without amendment.]
The ChairmanChairmanMr. Speaker. House resumed at 3:18 pm [Hon. Dennis P. L ister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF COMMITTEE BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY AMENDMENT (NO. 2) ACT 2022
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Deputy Speaker. Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Bermuda Monetary Authority Amendment (No. 2) Act 2022 being reported to the House as prin ted? There are none. The Bill has been reported as printed. Thank you, Members. This now moves us on to the …
Thank you, Deputy Speaker. Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Bermuda Monetary Authority Amendment (No. 2) Act 2022 being reported to the House as prin ted? There are none. The Bill has been reported as printed. Thank you, Members. This now moves us on to the next item on the Order [Paper ] today. The next item is consideration of the Contributory Pensions ( Amendment of B enefits) Order 2022, again in the name of the Minister of F inance and Premier. Premier, would you like to present your matter?
Hon. E. David Burt: Certainly, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that consideration be given to the draft Regulati ons entitled the Contributory Pensions (Amendment of Benefits) Order 2022 proposed to be made by the Minister of Finance in exercise of the powers conferred by section 37 of the Co ntributory Pensions Act 1970 .
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections? There are none. Continue, Premier. DRAFT ORDER CONTRIBUTORY PENSIONS (AMENDMENT OF B ENEFITS) ORDER 2022 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the tabling of the Contributory Pensions (Amendment of Benefits) Order 2022 on July 1, 2022, was a reflection of this Government’s …
Are there any objections? There are none. Continue, Premier.
DRAFT ORDER
CONTRIBUTORY PENSIONS (AMENDMENT OF B ENEFITS) ORDER 2022
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the tabling of the Contributory Pensions (Amendment of Benefits) Order 2022 on July 1, 2022, was a reflection of this Government’s resolute and unwavering commitment to improve the quality of life of our senior citizens.
Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, you will recall t hat in the Go vernment’s 2017 Election Platform this Government pledged to put our seniors first with initiatives such as an annual cost of living increase for social insurance pension at the rate of inflation. And this was to lessen the hardships that many of our seniors endure. Mr. Speaker, like most other countries Bermuda currently provides retired individuals with a combination of social insurance from the contributory pension fund and an occupational pension from their employer. In a perfect world, social insurance should provide a first tier or basic pension which would most likely be supplemented by a second tier or occupational pension. Through no fault of their own, currently a number of retired persons are not receiving an oc-cupational pension and are therefore relying on their social insurance as their sole source of income. Ideally, Mr. Speaker . . . this is not an ideal situation, and the Government continues to do its upmost to ensure that seniors who rely heavily on social insurance benefits are cared for suitably. Notwit hstanding the above, the contributory pension fund benefit provides an important base retirement income. Currently, the match from pension paid under the contributory pension fund remains around 26 per cent of the medium annual gross earnings for Bermudians as indicated in the Bermuda Job Market Employment Brief provided by the Department of Statistics. This compares closely to the UK where the full basic state pension has a percentage of average earnings around 24 per cent. Mr. Speaker, the purpose of the Order is to increase pensions and other benefits under the Contributory Pensions Act by 2.75 per cent backdated to August 2021 when increases are typically made to the benefit [INAUDIBLE ] the Government Actuary the 2.75 per cent increase in benefits would represent a small negative impact to the overall development of the fund. And this retroactive payback would cost the fund approximately $4.4 million. Mr. Speaker, there are seven types of benefits paid under the Contributory Pensions Act 1970. All of the pensions and allowances will be increased by 2.75 per cent. These pensions and allowances are (1) contributory old age pension; (2) contributory old age gratuity; (3) contributory widows’/widowers’ allo wance; (4) contributory widows’ or widowers’ gratuity; (5) contributory disability benefit; (6) non- contributory old age pension; and (7) the non-contributory disability benefit. Mr. Speaker, the basic contributory pension is $1,077.14 per month. The maximum contributory pen-sion currently payable, which includes additional i ncrements, is approximately $1,570.00 a month. Alt ogether, Mr. Speaker, some 14,990 persons currently receive benefits under the Act. The proposed 2.75 per cent increase with additional increments will ra ise the basic contributory pension to $1,106.75 per month and the maximum benefit to approximately $1,610.00 per month. The retroactive payment will be reflected as a lump sum in the September [ 15], 2022, payment. Over time, Mr. Speaker, pensions get paid on the 15 th of the month and the retroactive payment will be reflected as a lump sum in the September 15, 2022 payment. And that amount will be up to $473.00. After that, benef iciaries should expect to see their 2.75 per cent i ncrease in their regular monthl y payment on the 15th of each month. And it is important to recognise, Mr. Speaker, that this means that seniors will receive between an extra $355.00 to an increase of $516.00 per year. Mr. Speaker, this 2.75 per cent increase marks the fourth pension i ncrease that this Progressive Labour Party Government has put through since its re -election five years ago. Honourable Members will be reminded that the former Government made seniors wait five years for a pension increase, which was the longest period in time between increases since the United Bermuda Party was in office when pensions were increased every two years. Elections, Mr. Speaker, do make a difference. We promised that we would increase pensions by the rates of inflation and we have kept our promi se. A reminder, Mr. Speaker, that in August 2017, just a month after our election, an increase came into effect of 1.75 per cent. In August 2018, Mr. Speaker, an increase of 1.40 per cent. In August 2019, an i ncrease of 1.20 per cent, and in August 2021, with this particular increase, Mr. Speaker, of 2.75 per cent, and it will come into effect on that date. Mr. Speaker, we promised to ensure that we would increase pensions by the rate of inflation. And certainly as we have seen this time the rate was i ncreased above the rate of inflation. Mr. Speaker, as mentioned during the tabling of the Contributory Pe nsions (Amendment of Benefits) Order 2022, the overall CPI rate increased 0.5 per cent between the period of August 2019 to July 2020 and 0.4 per cent f rom August 2020 to July 2021. However, it was noted that the food component for the relevant periods increased 2.8 per cent and 2.3 [per cent], respectively . Mr. Speaker, given the importance of proper diets to the overall health and well -being of our sen ior citizens, it was determined by the Ministry of Finance that an increase above the prevailing CPI rate would be appropriate in the circumstances. This 2.75 per cent increase therefore fully covers the rate of infl ation, but also allows some recognition for the specific impact on seniors on limited incomes due to the i ncrease in food prices. Mr. Speaker, it should also be noted that, as we discussed earlier and will be di scussed later today, additional assistance will be pr ovided to seniors who may also b e clients of the D epartment of Financial Assistance. Mr. Speaker, the 2020 Actuarial Report for the contributory pension fund was tabled on February 4, 1612 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly 2022. The 2021 increase in benefits would normally be accompanied by a corresponding increase in contributions by an actuarially recommended rate of 4.0 per cent above the benefits rate. It should also be noted that contributions were last increased in August 2018 by 4.2 per cent. Honourable Members will certainly recall that in the 2018 Throne Speech the Government an-nounced that the Bermuda social insurance system would be changed from a fixed- rate contribution to one based on a percentage of income. Therefore, it is proposed that contribution increases will be incorporated to the proposed changes in the framework which is expected to be completed in this particular fiscal year. Mr. Speaker, as stated previously, when the [2020] Actuarial Report was tabled, important work has been done on assessing the current state of the contributory pension fund and how t o consider to a ddress the funding gaps that exist. We have certainly devel oped a common set of facts around the fund's status. We have developed a preliminary set of recommenda tions, and we have done preliminary consultations with key stakeholders with our unions and also in the business community. The legal analysis of the various options are ongoing and it is intended that these discussions will result in changes to the critical issues relating to funding that have been further highlighted in the Actuar ial Report and will result in a more progressive fram ework for our contributions. Mr. Speaker, as I have said on a number of occasions in the Honourable House, this Government was not elected to maintain the status quo. As such, the historic and unfair s ystem that sees a CEO ma king $400,000 annually pay the same amount in contr ibutions per week as a worker making $40,000 annually cannot and should not continue. Contributions that are based on a percentage of income have been i ncorporated in just about all countries around the world. And Mr. Speaker, it should be important to note that all these countries who have moved from a [INAUD IBLE] system, had a system like ours at one time, where everyone paid the same amount. But some of these changes were made before I was born, Mr. Speaker, the change into a more pr ogressive system. But here we find something that is not a system that is keeping up with the times. We found a number of things, Mr. Speaker, as you know, inside of the Government which were not keepi ng up with the times. But in this particular case, we are determined to ensure that the recommendations that we made when we were in Opposition and the recommendations and the things in which we promised are carried out and brought forward into law. Despi te the feedback of some who would say that this is not the correct way to go, the Government is firmly of the position that we must make our system more fair. And this change, Mr. Speaker, will result in the increase of take home pay for low income workers while also ensuring that our pension fund is sustaina-ble into future generations. And there is a current theme today, Mr. Speaker —increasing the amount of money in working people’s pockets. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members are a dvised that both the benefi t and the contribution rates increased during the [interim] period of the actuarial review between 2017 and 2020. Benefit rates i ncreased by 1.7 per cent, 1.4 per cent, and 1.2 per cent, respectively. And contribution rates increased once over the period b y 4.2 per cent. Considering the position of the fund, it is anticipated that the fund can withstand another year’s delay in contribution increases. However, it is critical at this juncture that any f uture increases in contributions come into force next year, August 2023. Mr. Speaker, as of December 31, 2021, the fund had net assets of over $2.3 billion, representing approximately 12.4 times the annual value of benefits paid in the 2020/21 fiscal year. The effect of this is that if the contributory pension fund [CDF] would r eceive no further contributions from any of us, Mr. Speaker, it could still continue to pay out pensions at the prevailing rate for almost 12 years. However, the reality is that contributions will continue through time and will be increas ed from time to time. In addition, the prudent investment position of the fund assets is also an important factor in the fund financial position. In this regard, Government’s investment strategy for pension fund assets is achieving good results. As mention ed above, as at December 31, 2021, the contributory pension fund stood at $2.3 billion. The nominal rate of return for the 10 years preceding July 2020, has been 6.1 per cent. Mr. Speaker, as evidenced in the 2020 Act uarial Report which was tabled in this Honourable House the viability of the fund in the short to medium term is good with the fund being positive for the next 22 years. However, recognising the long- term challenges of the fund, the Ministry will continue to monitor the performance of the fund. And it should also note that the policy of the fund is not based on full actuarial funding but it is based on sustainable funding. That is, contributions plus investment income should cover benefits and administration expenses on an annual basis while th e fund builds up sufficient reserves to cover several years of benefits and expenses to wit hstand any future adverse circumstances. Mr. Speaker, despite the short -term outlook of the fund, we have to make sure that we address our pensions to ensure their long-term sustainability. This Government will take the necessary difficult decisions which were required in that regard and we look forward to bringing those forward to the House of A ssembly in the next session. This increase for our seniors will obviousl y place a little bit more strain on our pension system. However, Mr. Speaker, taking care of
Bermuda House of Assembly our seniors, especially in a time during global rising inflation is a priority for this Government. I have no doubt, Mr. Speaker, that we will continue to strike t he right balance between social responsibility and fiscal responsibility, and I am pleased to represent a Gov-ernment that keeps it promises to the electorate, takes care of those persons who are vulnerable and makes sure that our senior citizens get the pe nsion increases that they deserve. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOpposition Leader, you have the floor. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker, we are facing challenges that are basically unprecedented around the world. In fact, most countries face the same challenges that we face: an ageing population and the ageing population outweighs the size of [t he popul ation …
Opposition Leader, you have the floor.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker, we are facing challenges that are basically unprecedented around the world. In fact, most countries face the same challenges that we face: an ageing population and the ageing population outweighs the size of [t he popul ation of] new, young employees joining the workforce. Obviously, Mr. Speaker, this will have a dramatic i mpact on any country’s national pension plan. And again, we are no different. I heard the Premier indicate that if we conti nue on the current path the plan, which has an asset base of $2.13 billion, will have a lifespan of 12 years. Again, only time will tell. Mr. Speaker, he also spoke about the issue of regressive and progressive contributions to the pen-sion plan. Mr. Speaker, I share his concern in regard to the contributions across the whole workforce and, yes, it is time that we examine a more progressive method of calculating contributions to the contribution pension plan, the National Pension Plan. So I am for examining an option in that space after consultation with the stakeholders and to make sure that we have a contributory pension plan that is sustainable, that everyone is prepared to support. “Everyone” meaning the unions, employers and government. It has to be a collaborative approach and it has to be effective and well managed. Mr. Speaker, when it comes to the issue of the 2.75 per cent increase, the Premier has mentioned time and time again, he used the CPI based on August 2021. And things have progressed he said. He basically tied and correlated the 2.75 per cent to the food cost increase at that time, which was between 2.3 [per cent] and 2.8 per cent. I understand that. But we have progressed further. And I would expect that given our current inflation, which in my estimation is around 10 per cent . . . and it may be transitory infl ation, and it may not be. If it is transitory, that would be good for our economy. But [according to] most of the economists, reports that I have read, at this time there is no indication that it is transitory. The Federal R eserve Banks, the central banks, are trying keep inter-est rates high to prevent inflation or to mitigate the impact of inflation. And so we just have to see how that pans out going forward. But the 2.75 [per cent] at this point in time will do very little to help the pensioner in 2022. As was said by the grocery stores, one gr ocer’s office said that this year’s inflation in regard to food costs was 8.0 per cent. It was the energy company saying that just for the last quarter they ha d seen an increase in fuel prices, wholesale prices, go from 40.0 per cent to 43.0 per cent. If you look at the infl ation in the UK, that is currently hovering around 7.5 per cent. In the US, the inflation is hovering around 8.0 per cent. Now, as we are an import nation with supply chain issues, obviously, the goods that arrive at our shores will have to be loaded by another possible 1.5 [per cent] to 2.0 per cent for the local retailers and for shipping. So, Mr. Speaker, if you compare the current inflation in Bermuda, of between 8 per cent and 10 per cent, to the 2.75 per cent that the Government is giving in contributions, you know it is not going to go very far, especially —especially —if we have seniors depending on these payments as their sole source of income. And as the Premier knows, and most people know, a number of our seniors live on the contributory pension distributions. Now, I understand that gover nment is supporting them in other ways, but here we are discussing the pension plan. I would invite the Government to reconsider and provide another a djustment of . . . and that adjustment can be placed until we see whether the current 10 per cent inflation that we have [experienced] this past year, continues. Because if we are truly going to help our people, especially our seniors, then surely we have to do more than give them a token increase of 2.75 per cent. In fact, Mr. Speaker, I have a colleague of mine who is still working. She is in her 60s, and she said to me, Cole, it is a crying shame. I went to the grocery store and I went to buy a gallon of cooking oil and three weeks ago that cooking oil cost $12.00. T oday it is $25.00, more than a 100 per cent increase. And there was a sign next to the cooking oil which said, (something to the effect) Due t o supply chain issues and due to the war, we have had to increase our price. I understand that. I understand that! But people cannot afford those types [of] appreciation in pri ces. And that is why I think the Government could have dug deeper in their pock ets to provide more support than the 2.75 [per cent]. And the Premier stated, this is based on 2020/21 numbers. But most of the chal-lenges and the inflation numbers are—
Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
1614 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Point of order.
POINT OF ORDER [Misleading]
Hon. E. David Burt: The Honourable Member may be inadvertently misleading the House. What we said was that the rates of inflation were less, and we increased above the rates that were reported in the previous years to take into account the increased inflation. So this increase is act ually above the rate of inflation. So I do not want the Honourable Member to say that it was just taking into account previous years.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. Opposition Leader, just be mindful of his intervention. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, I recognise his intervention.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: The reality is, in July of 2022, in May of 2022, in April of 2022 the inflation rate of this country went from 8 per cent to 22 per cent from the previous year. And so— Hon. Jason Hayward: Point of order, Mr. …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, the Opposition Leader cannot make up an inflation rate. The Depar tment of Statistics produces the annual inflation rates month over month, for each month, year over year. The inflation rate is not ranging between 8 [per cent] …
Point of order.
POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, the Opposition Leader cannot make up an inflation rate. The Depar tment of Statistics produces the annual inflation rates month over month, for each month, year over year. The inflation rate is not ranging between 8 [per cent] to 10 per cent. When he began his submission he stated that in his opinion, but he is refusing t o say in my opinion, moving forward, and he continues to put out an inflation rate that is inaccurate and I do not want the Opposition Leader to continue to mislead the members of the public.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker, I thank him for his contr ibution—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: —and for the opportunity to speak. Mr. Speaker, it is a fact that 95 per cent of our groceries are imported from the US or the UK. And if they are imported from the UK then we will see the prices of our …
Thank you.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: —and for the opportunity to speak. Mr. Speaker, it is a fact that 95 per cent of our groceries are imported from the US or the UK. And if they are imported from the UK then we will see the prices of our goods increased accordingly. And to me, that is indisputable. Added to which we have to pay shipping costs to get our food supplies, clothing and everything, to this country. Add to which the retailers get their slice of the pie. And so if generall y speaking, as I said earlier, the US and UK, our main import countries, if their rates of inflation are around 8 per cent and we add our 2 per cent, or 1.5 per cent for shipping and for our retailers, then to me it is not un-reasonable to expect inflation to be around 10 per cent in this country. And that is where I am being more pragmatic and not just looking at statistics. I am providing the reality of the situation, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am not going to say much more. At the end of the day, I reco gnise that we have to ensure that our contributory pension plan is sustainable and it cannot continue in the manner that it is currently managed. And I recognise that, yes, it is time for us, in essence, to look at how we can make the pension plans more sustainable given our ageing population and we would examine a more progressive manner. As for the statistics that Minister Hayward had talked about, I take the view that the Statistic Depar tment needs to be more current in calculating Berm uda’s current inflationary rates. To be two or three years behind is not good enough. Other countries can do it—
Hon. Jason Hayward: Point of order.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: —in a more proficient manner, and other countries 10 times the size of this country can do it.
Hon. Jason Hayward: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: So why can’t we, a small Bermuda, do a similar thing and be more current in providing these types of statistics for the people and businesses of this country. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOpposition Leader, you have completed your comments? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I have, thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDoes any other Member wish— Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Hon. Walter H. Roban: If you don’t mind, I thought I heard Minister Hayward attempting to do a point of order, but perhaps you didn’t hear it, during the comments of — Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: No, I missed it at the time. But the o pportunity …
Yes.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: If you don’t mind, I thought I heard Minister Hayward attempting to do a point of order, but perhaps you didn’t hear it, during the comments of —
Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: No, I missed it at the time. But the o pportunity is for any other Member to speak now, so if Minister Hayward would like to speak now he has the floor. Does any other Member wish to speak?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. MP Adams, you have the floor.
Mr. Jache AdamsThank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I said when this Government put forth legislation to eliminate the land taxes for nursing homes, I said that you do not have to be a senior or close to being a senior to care about how our seniors are being treated. You …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I said when this Government put forth legislation to eliminate the land taxes for nursing homes, I said that you do not have to be a senior or close to being a senior to care about how our seniors are being treated. You see, the Progressive Labour Party without question reveres our se niors, the seniors of this country, which is why in the midst of a global pandemic , we remained fiscally pr udent, created capacity and are now [have] the ability to keep our promise of increasing the social insurance pensions at the rate of inflation. Mr. Speaker, notice that we did not just focus on the increase going forward. This G overnment also saw fit to backdate the increase so that not only will our seniors see an increase in their payments going forward, but as the Premier stated, will receive an a dditional lump sum payment between $300 and $500. Once again, not only are we keeping our promises of increasing the pensions, but we are also keeping our promise in putting money back into our people’s pockets. You see, Mr. Speaker, this Government has to make difficult decisions every single day. But I can assure you, and the listening public, that [an] increase in pensions that would provide relief and lessen the burden for many of our seniors was not a difficult de-cision at all. I am proud to stand by a Government that has not lost sight of that. You see, Mr. Speaker, I commend the Premier for this piece of legislation b ecause I know our seniors have not forgotten how a former Minister of Finance, Bob Richards, told our seniors directly to their faces that, money doesn’t grow on trees. Our seniors have not forgotten how long they h ad to wait for a pension increase under the previous administration. Mr. Speaker, what I find interesting is that the Opposition Leader made a comment to the fact that the 2.75 per cent increase was not enough. However, he failed to acknowledge that he w as around the Cab-inet table when the former administration did not give a pension increase at all.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Point of order, Mr. Speaker. The Honourable Member —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. Point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: The Honourable Member is unintentionally misleading the House. I was not around the Cabinet table at the time. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerNoted. Be mindful of that, Member.
Mr. Jache AdamsI am mindful of that. He was in the Government at the time. The people of Bermuda have not forgotten at all what this Government has done, and continues to do, on their behalf. Mr. Speaker, it is important then to note that we have not come with excuses. We …
I am mindful of that. He was in the Government at the time. The people of Bermuda have not forgotten at all what this Government has done, and continues to do, on their behalf. Mr. Speaker, it is important then to note that we have not come with excuses. We are here with results. Seniors in this country will see a 2.75 per cent increase in their pension which, for the record, as our Premier stated, is above the stated rate of inflation. That is because, again, we recognise the cost of i ncreased food prices. I then find it interesting, Mr. Speaker, that when the Opposition Leader speaks of inflation the only thing he speaks of in his finger -in-the-air math, is the fact that we are importing food. But we recognise that the reported state of inflation encompasses far more aspects of society than just the cost of food. Mr. Speaker, I then—
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker, I cannot have—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order? Is that a point of order? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPut your point of order. POINT OF ORD ER [Misleading] Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I cannot allow this young Member to mislead the House. I spoke about food imports. I spoke about trading imports. I spoke about fuel imports. I spoke about all the imports which drive our economy. …
Put your point of order.
POINT OF ORD ER [Misleading]
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I cannot allow this young Member to mislead the House. I spoke about food imports. I spoke about trading imports. I spoke about fuel imports. I spoke about all the imports which drive our economy. So I wish he would stop misleading the House and the people of this country.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. 1616 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Member, be mindful of what the Member actually did . . . what his comments actually did say while you address your comments.
Mr. Jache AdamsUnderstood, Mr. Speaker, but Mr. Speaker, let me say that the reported state of infl ation encompasses far more than just importation of any kind. So, Mr. Speaker, I then get back to the Premier’s comments and say that I also look forward to us as a Government addressing a …
Understood, Mr. Speaker, but Mr. Speaker, let me say that the reported state of infl ation encompasses far more than just importation of any kind. So, Mr. Speaker, I then get back to the Premier’s comments and say that I also look forward to us as a Government addressing a signific ant concern that many of my constituents speak to me about. And that is regarding the social insurance contributions. You see, we quite rightly said that we were not elec ted to maintain the status quo. And the fact that in 2022 an entry -level employee is c ontributing the same as a CEO is outdated, and, quite frankly, unfair. Social insurance contributions, based on a percentage of income is not a unique concept, as our Premier prev iously stated. This happens all around the world. And we take pride in being able to put forth an initiative, or driving an initiative, that will allow many of our workers to increase their take- home pay while ensuring that our pension fund is sustainable for decades to come. And finally, Mr. Speaker, let me say this, and this is more on a general concept because we are keeping our promises to the seniors of this country. We are proud of our record of how we have treated the seniors of this country, whether it be the work that we have done under FutureCare, or whether it be us building affordable housing such as the Harmony Hall project which I have mentioned in this House several times before. Now, once again, we are keeping our promise again proudly by increasing the social insurance support for our seniors in this country. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. MembersYes, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP . . . I heard two voices that time. [Cros stalk]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDeputy Speaker? Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDeputy Speaker, you have the floor. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Mr. Speaker, I am so happy and I am sure the majority of Bermuda is so happy to know that the Progres sive Labour Party Government is going to institute a new system based on the ability to pay …
Deputy Speaker, you have the floor.
Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Mr. Speaker, I am so happy and I am sure the majority of Bermuda is so happy to know that the Progres sive Labour Party Government is going to institute a new system based on the ability to pay . . . or how much you pay, when it comes to social insurance pensions.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDeputy Speaker, let me remind you. I know you were experiencing trouble earlier with your camera. If it is resolved, we can turn it back on. If you are still having trouble, I will just acknowledge that you are having trouble. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre you still having trouble? Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: It should be . . .
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOh, okay. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I forgot that time. So that is good news —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerIt looks like you still may have a problem, I see a red and blue tie you are wearing. Hon. Der rick V. Burgess, Sr.: No, this is the Berm uda Tourism tie, it has got no red in it. It is all light blue and dark blue. I believe …
It looks like you still may have a problem, I see a red and blue tie you are wearing.
Hon. Der rick V. Burgess, Sr.: No, this is the Berm uda Tourism tie, it has got no red in it. It is all light blue and dark blue. I believe they are St. George’s colours. Isn’t that one of your favourite teams, Mr. Speaker? Yes, it is.
[Laughter]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo right ahead, sir. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Mr. Speaker, I am so happy to hear that because, based on this new sy stem, I think that this will translate to other systems that are in place being changed to this here. Mr. Speaker, I was happy to hear …
Go right ahead, sir. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Mr. Speaker, I am so happy to hear that because, based on this new sy stem, I think that this will translate to other systems that are in place being changed to this here. Mr. Speaker, I was happy to hear the Oppos ition Leader, who happens to be my blood cousin, ur ging us to make another adjustment for the increase in pensions, particularly for our seniors. As he said, and correctly, the seniors depend on pensions as one of their sole sources of income, probably the only [source], Mr. Speaker. But I am reminded that back in 2015 I recall the previous Government, which he so proudly wears the flag for, took away pensions for war veterans who entered into a rest home. So, if that war veteran had a spouse, that $800 that they were ge tting at the time, was taken to defray expenses at the rest home. So this surviving spouse had nothing com-ing into their household. But I am so glad that the PLP Government’s Finance Minister at the time, Curtis Dickinson, rei nstate d their pension to them in 2019. And he also went a step further, Mr. Speaker. The Government went a step further. They increased the pension from $800, which was put in place in 2007, to $1,000 a month.
Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, let me give you a little bit of hi story on that pension, because before the PLP Go vernment under Premier , the Honourable Dr. Ewart Brown who put the pension in, we had Home Guard. Those were the soldiers in the war that did not go overseas but they served in the country as the Home Guard. And up to that point, they received no war ve teran’s pension. The PLP Government fixed that. And they were so happy, overj oyed. Not only them, but their widows started to receive $800 a month. And as I said earlier, under Curtis Dickinson as the former F inance Minister and under the leadership of David Burt, we increased it to $1,000. So, it shows you that this Government is sincerely concerned about our seniors and you see what the Premier says when we said earlier about changing the system, Mr. Speaker . And, Mr. Speaker, as I reflect on the remarks made by my cousin , Cole (my blood cousin, again) , he said a 2.75 [per cent] increase is very little help. But let me remind my cousin Cole, the Honourable Member cousin Cole Simons , and his colleagues , that they ceased, I think for about four years, giving an increase to seniors. And they made that derogatory statement . . . I will not repeat it ; I think it is too insulting to r epeat. I think it was just the slip of the tongue from the Member who said it at that time, Mr. Speaker. So, here it is that this Government has given four increases in five years, and [the OBA] gave one increase in four years, Mr. Speaker. Our pensioners, need every dollar they can get because they came along at a time when things were not so good, Mr. Speaker. So, I support this Bill. I support this O rder. And, Mr. Speaker, I thank the Premier and Finance Minister for giving seniors this increase. I am sure they will appreciate it. [It will be] backdated to August 1, 2021, and they will get a lump sum of almost $500 . . . I think about $470, something like that, som ewhere in that area. I think the seniors will appreciate that. Yes. Do they need more? You always need more, particularly our seniors at 65 living in the most expensive place in th e world, Mr. Speaker. And then again, let me remind the Opposition that it was they who i ncreased expenses to seniors when they cut the benefit to the hospital for seniors by 10 per cent. So, that increase, the expense f or seniors . . . just like when they ceased giving them yearly increases , it increased expenses to our seniors. Where was the heart? Where was the thought of the segment of our population who should never be penalised? Let me put it that way. I do not think that is what they meant to do. But they were penalised by not receiving an increase in their pensions, Mr. Speaker . So, this Government has shown them that [we] have a heart. The Premier said a couple years ago that he would make sure that our seniors, our pensioners , got an increase each year. And he has lived up to that word. And on behalf of our seniors, I thank him for that. As you know, Mr. Speaker, being the most senior person in Parliament today in Bermuda, it was a mandate of the Progressive Labour Party in the 1960s to have pensions for our people. And I am sure our forefathers in the Progressive Labour Party are smiling in heaven at the Pearly Gates because this Government not only has a pension, but we are ma king sure we are attempting to take care of our seniors, particularly our seniors. Yes, I know it is not enough. I understand that. But there is only so much oil in the well. And as money becomes available, I am sure that this Government will do what it needs to do to accommodate our seniors to have a more comfortable life tha n they had. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Deputy. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -Wade: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -WadeThank you so much, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I certainly applaud our Government for all it has done for our seniors. Unfortunately, we are going to be in a situation where 33 per cent of our population will be over the age of 65 by 2036. This Government has …
Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. First of all, I certainly applaud our Government for all it has done for our seniors. Unfortunately, we are going to be in a situation where 33 per cent of our population will be over the age of 65 by 2036. This Government has shown significant commitment to our seniors not just in the pension, not just living up to their promise to increase the pension every year , unlike the Opposition. Yes, they did increase the pe nsion, but in my rec ollection they increased it during an election year. This Government is committed to the seniors every single year not just in pensions but in providing affordable housing, making sure there is significant ly more money that is put in for caregivers, ensuri ng that individuals over 50 years old can borrow money so they can renovate their houses. Also, I think more importantly, this Gover nment is committed to ensuring that every single Mini stry is going to review what they do and what changes they can make to support our seniors. There is a lot of 1618 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly focus today , because this is on pensions , talking about the increase of pensions —2.75 [per cent]. Well, maybe it is not a lot of money, but I will say that our seniors are extremely frugal. And for some of us 2.75 per cent seems like that is not going to make a difference but our seniors, many of whom are on a budget, will find money for extra food or even in some cases extra services. So, as a senior, I think it is important for us to revere our seniors. I think it is important for us as a Government (which we have [done] ) to show our commitment to our seniors. And over the next I would say four or five years, it is going to be so important to ensure that every Ministry looks at the impact of our ageing population. People ask, Well, how does this affect the Mi nistry? It affects the Ministry because, one, you are g oing to have fewer people who are able to drive so it is going to affect transport. It will affect our healthcare system because we are going to have an ageing population and there are going to be chronic diseases. It is going to affect our social programmes in terms of what we do and the things that we have to do to entertain our seniors. So, pensions are a small part of it. We are going to have a shrinking population in terms of who is working to contribute to the country. But I think for us as a country, I think we have an amazing track record in terms of working on behalf of our seniors. I encourage everyone to play a role in terms of supporting our senior po pulation and to stop and think of what it is going to be like when you have a shrinking population and 33 per cent of your popul ation are seniors. I support our Government for making the effort to provide more money for caregivers. I support our Government for providing more money to nursing homes to assist those individuals who are not able to stay at home. And I think as a country it is important for everyone in this House, everyone in our listening audience, to start thinking and planning for your older age. Many of us do not. And I think it is important for this Government to show its commitment and to continue to show its commitment to our seniors. It is good to say what Mr. Simons has said, that he does not think it is enough and we should give more. But at the same time, we are giving many more things to our seniors besides the increase in pensions . Services and benefits are worth money. They are worth money and there is a value to that money. And I think that seniors appreciate the opportunity to hav e more [INAUDIBLE ]. So, I think that is just as important as that 2.75 [per cent]. In reality I think our seniors are benefiting much more than 2.75 [per cent], so I ap-plaud and I support our Government for this increase in our pension every single year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Mr. Richardson, are you still there?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Mr. Richardson, you have the floor.
Mr. Anthony RichardsonGood afternoon to you, Mr. Speaker, my fellow colleagues and those in the listening audience. I want to start off with a slight segue which really refers to what MP Cole Simons talked about. Because I think it is important, as one of our colleagues says quite frequently, that we …
Good afternoon to you, Mr. Speaker, my fellow colleagues and those in the listening audience. I want to start off with a slight segue which really refers to what MP Cole Simons talked about. Because I think it is important, as one of our colleagues says quite frequently, that we have a common set of facts. And in this instance, I am sure that MP Cole Simons would know that it is not appropriate for us to give our opinions in certain things because it does creat e some level of confusion. So, to go back to his earlier comment, to say that he thinks , and based on his opinion and all those sorts of things, that infl ation is 8 per cent , is at some level not relevant to the discussion because we all have an opinion in that r egard. The fact is that in Bermuda the cost of living (or the CPI ) is calculated by the civil servants in the Department of Statistics. And the math that is used for calculations has been consistent for many, many years. And for all of us now to suddenly say I think, I think, I think, and therefore it should be changed is obviously not correct. If, as the Minister has said, there will be a look at the basket of goods and those things , once that happens you will have a factual basis to talk about the rate of inflation in Bermuda. One quick example, Mr. Speaker, is that ma ybe a week or so ago it was reported in the press that the rent s in Bermuda had increased by 30 per cent. I had made the statement that this is factually not correct because the avera ge rent s have not increased by 30 per cent. And then a realtor who is also in the press said that those rates of increase might be cor-rect for houses in the high- end market , but that is not relevant in the overall context because most if not all of Bermuda residents do not stay in those high- end properties and so, therefore, we have to remain rel evant. The Minister has also tried to clarify the fact that the rate of inflation consists of many items. So, we cannot say, Okay, fine. Food has increased by 8 per cent or 10 per cent and therefore that is the rate of inflation. It is based upon all of those goods. So, I would encourage MP Cole Simons, who I want to say knows better, and the same for all of our colleagues, let’s make sure that when we are making these co mments that we do speak from a factual basis because we otherwise cause undo challenges and concern to those in the community. Moving on from that, Mr. Speaker , the Act that we are using as a basis to increase the pensions goes back as far as 1970. A nd I say that because I was
Bermuda House of Assembly always reminded that the establishment did not easily agree with this whole process called social insurance. They were, in my words, dragged kicking and screaming to allow it to take place. And so, it was through largely the eff orts of the BIU and other social activists who were able to get to a point whereby we have what is to some level now a social net, a financial net for those who retire and get to the stage of receiving their pensions. And so, I wanted to make sure that those in the listening audience, and even some of our colleagues who may be younger or not as aware, [know] that this whole process for social insurance and now the pensions was based largely on the efforts of the BIU and others who were trying to ensure that persons had some level of financial security or fallback once they retire d. The other point I want to make, Mr. Speaker , [and] the Premier spoke about it today and about two weeks ago in terms of in the future, there will be a change in the actual way people make payments into the plan. I want to repeat it to make sure that we all get it , that i t is very, very clear , because it is quite i nteresting that we are going to now change it so that those persons . . . and actually it will include some of the Government Ministers and Members of Parli ament. They will now possibly pay more than those persons who earn a lot less. So, it is not just to socalled other people. All of us are going to pay more because that represents a fairer system. As MP Adams said, it is not something new or just for Bermuda. It actually happens on a worldwide basis whereby when it comes to those social aspects, those persons who earn more will pay more even though the ultimate benefit will be the same. And so, if I earn $150,000, for example, I will pay more into the plan than a person who earns $50,000, but when we get to the stage of retirement, we will have an equal benefit. Speaking about equal benefit, a senior did say to me recently when talking about the fact that som etimes when you have a job you will get your pay stub and your pay stub will show a deduction for your s ocial insurance contributions, and the question was: How can they check to make sure that this money is being passed along to the Social Insurance Depar tment? So, I want to use this opportunity to remind everybody in the listening audience to go to the Social Insurance Department [INAUDIBLE ] you can, and I have been there before, and they are very, very hel pful. But you do have to go and make the effort and just ask them , because one of the most disconcerting things that can happen is that you work for 20, 30, 40 years and you reach retirement age and your social insurance (or your old age pension as we call it) is a lot less than you expect ed. Guess why. Because your employer has not made the contributions even though they deducted it from your salary for all those years. So, I want to say again to everyone in the li stening audience, go and check to see that all of your contributions have been made by your employer. Waiting until you retire is too late. It can be fixed but there is a lot more effort to fix it at that stage as opposed to just going once a year or once every other year to make sure that it is done. Because clearly, it is better to catch it after year one or year two than after year 20 or 25 because th en you have some significant challenges. The other point I want to make is that your pension will be based upon your contributions. Your contributions, of course, meaning what has been de-ducted from your pay plus what your employer has paid goes into the plan and they will calculate your pension based upon the number of payments that have been received. So, it is very, very important for everyone to go and check that their contributions are being made. I think the last point I will make, Mr. Speaker, is that we are referring today to the rate of increase as being 2.75 per cent. The Premier has noted that this level is higher than inflation. And I will take the point that MP Cole Simons has said on behalf of t he OBA that he wishes things would support a higher rate. But my point is that the actual rate itself is less important than what it can buy. And I know that from my past, right, a lot of times it was not so much the rate of i ncrease but what it can buy. And the reference sometimes was, based upon the increase, if the person receiving the money can buy a loaf of bread and a can of cream, for example. I do not know necessarily what is going to be the correct example for today , but I think that is what is more relevant and, certainly, if I or anyone is to receive, let’s say, an extra $200 a month, $250 or $400, that money can be spent on something that is important to them . And it is more than zero. So, I want to encourage ev eryone to certainly celebrate the amount that they will receive individually because, as I said earlier, they now can afford to buy that one thing, or more than one thing actually, that they would not have been [ INAUDIBLE]. I think all the previous speakers and probably all of our Member s today support what is being pr oposed in terms of giving an increase to our seniors. We look forward to the continuous annual increases. As the Premier has said and others have said also, the Progressive Labour Party Government certainly celebrates our seniors and has made a pledge to ensure that we do always give these increases. We take the point that Bermuda does have some significant fiscal or money challenges. And we have to be mind-ful of that. But also as the Premier said earlier , we have to balance out the social need with the financial need. And I have always been proud to say that on the Government’s side, the PLP’s side at least, there has always been a greater focus on the people than on the business. Some will criticise that sort of a sentiment . But if you think about it, people are more important than 1620 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly money. Money allows us to do certain things and at some point, money may run out. But in the meantime, we have to be sure that we allow our seniors to have some level of comfort (if that is the ri ght way to put it) because there is nothing worse than having worked all these years, really worked hard and come to a point in retirement and you cannot get a reasonable pension. I will also emphasise of course that the idea of the co ntributory pension is not meant to be the only source of income. It is meant to be in conjunction with other sources of income. But having said that, I recognise that for some and maybe for many, based upon life’s circumstances, their contributory pension (or old age pension as we refer to it sometimes) ends up being largely that amount of money that they have to rely on from month to month as living expenses beyond retirement. So, again, I thank all of those who have spoken and have supported what is being anticipated as the increase for seniors. And we look forward to the rest of the debate. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Tyrrell, you have the floor.
Mr. Neville S. TyrrellThank you for recognising me, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, firstly, let me say thank you to the Minister of Finance and Premier for bringing this Contributory Pensions (Amendment of Benefits) Order. It is something that is certainly encouraged. And I applaud [the Premier] and his technical office …
Thank you for recognising me, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, firstly, let me say thank you to the Minister of Finance and Premier for bringing this Contributory Pensions (Amendment of Benefits) Order. It is something that is certainly encouraged. And I applaud [the Premier] and his technical office rs for continuing in this vein. I am going to be brief , because most of my comments that I would like to have gone into have already been stated by some of my colleagues . But some of them can be repeated just to emphasise the social conscience of this PLP Government. So, bear with me and I will try not to be too repetitious. Many have already said that these increases are just minimal and will have little effect. Well, let me say to some people, maybe in this House and certai nly in the listening audience, that unless you walk in the shoes of the person who is looking very gladly toward these increases, I would say you probably need to give a rethink. This is not a handout. It is something that this Government has promised for many years in terms of increasing the social insurance pension. And I certainly can say from the feedback that I am getting from my constituents, it is something that they are very, very happy about. Let me also . . . but I want to repeat this point that has already been stated that the social insurance was not intended to be a stand- alone pension. Many people did not appreciate that or understand it, but it came [to the] fore because people felt that it should be a top- up to an existing pension. But one of the things is there was no compulsory pension around at that time, so some people did not have a pension at all. That is why a lot of our seniors are in a position of having to rely on this social insurance aspect of the pension plan. So, again, I applaud this Government for their social conscience in terms of continuing this. Let me also say that was a lot of in terest cr eated when it was first announced earlier this month that this Government had intended to stick to its promise of increasing the pensions. As you can see, we have done it on a regular basis since we have been in Government . And if you want to compare that to the number of times that the previous administration . . . I will let people do the math on that. And let me also, Mr. Speaker, take this opportunity to encourage those who are presently in the work force who are in the compulsory pension plan that they . . . yes, they have to [make] their contributions and they are matched by their employer, but I would again encourage persons to do additional voluntary contributions. And the reason I say that is b ecause it is twofold. One, it increases your am ount at the end because it is a defined contribution plan, so you will certainly have a larger pool to draw down from. And also, if after some time you have built up your voluntary contributions and you find that there is a rainy -day requirement, you can actually withdraw from your voluntary contributions. So, it is something that I definitely encourage people to do. It is just unfortunate that some people have come through because, as my colleague said, circumstances in life and have had to depend on this social insurance. But they certainly look forward to it. And I would encourage this Government to continue with it. Let me also repeat a statement that was made by one of my colleagues , because I actually happened to be in that meeting when a previous Mi nister of Finance, in another administration actually, in response to a question from the audience asking about increases to pensions (I am going to use the word) , had the nerve to actually say , Money doesn’t grow on trees. Well, I can certainly say that I am sure that this statement must have contributed to not only his demise but the demise of his party at that time. So, I would hope that I would never ever hear that stat ement again. Certainly, you will not hear it from this side of the Government. So, Mr. Speaker, as I said I want to be brief. It is a promise that we have made and a promise that we have kept. So, again, I thank the Minister of F inance, Premier Burt, for encouraging this continuation
Bermuda House of Assembly and I look forward to seeing it happening for many more ye ars to come. Obviously, I have a vested interest as well. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, for the time. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Tyrrell. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerM inister Furbert, you have the floor. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, we are debating the Contributory Pe nsions (Amendment of Benefits) Order 2022, Mr. Speaker. And I would . . . for those of us in this room who are not within that category of what …
M inister Furbert, you have the floor.
Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, we are debating the Contributory Pe nsions (Amendment of Benefits) Order 2022, Mr. Speaker. And I would . . . for those of us in this room who are not within that category of what we would define as being a senior, I want us to remember that we will all be seniors one day. And if I had to bank my money on a Government who I know is committed to our seniors and who has constantly kept a promise to increase our seniors’ pensions, that would be our Government —the Progressive Labour Party. They have shown commitment to this cause. They have written it in their platform, and they have executed on this pen sion increase since it was outlined in our platform. Mr. Speaker, I want to say that this pension does mean a great deal to our seniors. And actually, quite a number of seniors have stopped me and said, When am I getting my increase? and, I am so grateful for this increase. I am sure the Premier would know that if anyone’s p ension is late they do not hesitate to contact you to let you know that their pension is late. And so, they do rely on this pension, and I am sure they are grateful for any increase that they can get due to Bermuda’s cost of living and our inflation rates. Mr. Speaker, recently my son took on a su mmer job. And I have to think, Wow, this is the start of his working period. This is the start of him working and having to possibly have a social insurance number, so this would be the start of a collection of his contribut ory pension. This contributory pension, Mr. Speaker, is very important. My colleagues have mentioned a lready, particular for seniors, when [ one] is able to benefit from the proceeds of the contributory pension, one looks forward to it. You know, it can be one’s only source of income when someone turns the age of 65. And so, it is important to everyone who is listening today to make sure that when our youths are having their first opportunity to work, that you make sure that your son or daughter or grandchild has the opportunity. And make sure you sign them up for a social insur-ance number so that they can start to have the contributory pension taken out of their wages. Mr. Speaker, every penny counts for our seniors. Every penny. For all of us, for many people, all of our pennies count. So, any increase (ours this time being 2.7 [per cent]) is a help. It is truly a help in any aspect. I actually remember recently reading a report from Age Concern back in 2021. And this report shares that many of our seniors are actually living below an income of $36,000. And the things that they come and ask for help with are usually on the items of groceries, rent and electricity, prescriptions and medical supplies, Mr. Speaker. So, again, this increase in whatever capacity, however a senior wants to use it — maybe for more groceries, maybe for more prescri ptions, maybe for helping to pay for electricity —then they have the option to be able to use it in that way. I also want to just take the opportunity to speak to our National Pension Scheme. And this also an addition to our social insurance benefit. This N ational Pension Scheme, which started not too long ago, was meant to be an addendum or an addition to our social insurance pension because we knew that the pension, as far as the contributory pension with Government , was not going to be enough to allow a senior to age with a low income. And so, the National Pension Scheme was put into place so that seniors could have additional funds to access. And I believe this was started under the Progressive Labour Party, the National Pension Scheme. So we , again , are a Government that is committed and a Government that keeps its promises to our seniors. Many people, particularly throughout this pandemic, have had the opportunity to benefit by being able to withdraw from that pension scheme. The Government did allow for that. And I know many, many people took advantage of that. But I want the many people who did take from that scheme to recognise that they did take from a scheme t hat was orig inally designed for hardship and/or retirement. And so, if they have depleted those funds and do not have the opportunity to put [money] back into those funds, then that is less money for [them] as [they] turn over the age of 65. Mr. Speaker, again, every dollar counts. I r emember that as a child, my grandmother would send me to the grocery stores, and I would go to many di fferent grocery stores because she wanted to benefit from the sales at the different grocery stores . And it was also her way of pinching those pennies to make the money that she had stretch a long way. So, our seniors know how to make money stretch a long way. Again, they will be very grateful and appreci ative—and they are grateful and appreciative —of that back pay as well as that 2.7 per cent of an increase that they will get. Again, this Government’s commi tment and promise to our seniors . . . a nd I am going to end on that note, Mr. Speaker . Debating this Bill today is an easy one. It is an easy decision to make be-cause we know that it is impacting and having a val uable benefit on one of our most vulnerable groups and that is our seniors. 1622 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Cannonier, you have the floor.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierThank you, Mr. Speaker. And good afternoon to colleagues and Bermuda. If we take a look at where our seniors currently are, it is pretty tough. And I would concur with just about every comment that has been made that the increase that is being given is vitally needed. Now, …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And good afternoon to colleagues and Bermuda. If we take a look at where our seniors currently are, it is pretty tough. And I would concur with just about every comment that has been made that the increase that is being given is vitally needed. Now, certainly we can debate whether or not it is enough. But I will say that it is badly needed. All 36 of us, in our efforts to canvass and our efforts to talk to people, recognise that it is really tough to make ends meet right now and , more importantly , for those seniors who have blazed the trail for many of us coming behind, of course, so that we can live a better life. There has been a lot of talk about money doesn’t grow on trees and the likes and making a play at that. And I guess what I want to say to that is I do not know if there is a household in Bermuda that has not heard that term come from parents or an uncle or grandparents or the likes where, H ey, money doesn’t grow on trees . And I am sure that during these ec onomic times right now, this Government is definitely realising that it does not grow on trees. It is tough right now. Coming after COVID -19, and these are just our realities, having to do something like this had to be pretty difficult to come up with the monies to do it. And so, I can appreciate the effort by our Government in trying to and of course providing this benefit to our seniors. I do not think any increase is going to be turned down or scoffed at by our seniors. Certainly not. We as politicians , quite frankly , may have different priorities which I believe is why some are saying that it should be more because priorities fit in different areas depending on which Government is Gover nment at the time. Again, I go back to the fact that as we give more during this very difficult economic time (and we are seeing giving across the board, quite frankly), at some point in time if we do not see the benefit of revenues inc reasing at the rate that we are giving out we are going to be behind the eight ball. And so that elas-tic band will come back as we stretch it out. There is going to be a pullback, and we do not want to be in a position whereby as in the past when we were g iving away things like free bus fare and the likes, only to now we are giving college and the things . . . only to have to pull it back. We have seen that already happen in previous Governments when it came to ensuring that we were giving back to the publi c. There needs to be a balance. Certainly, there needs to be a balance, as we heard , talking about social factors and the economy. But let’s just be real. And I heard money is not everything from a previous Member , or something to that effect. Government i s working off of revenue which is the way that it gives back. It can come up with programmes. But every programme it does is going to cost money. So, we have got to find a way to balance things. And as I have said already, this increase is needed. Where the debate comes in, and I believe as I have listened to this debate it is fair to see that . . . listen, this [2.75] per cent or whatever the Government is saying the inflationary rate is . Is this a real number? And in my opinion, I would dare say that if t here is anyone , whether it be an accountant or the like on either side of the Government or Opposition, that were to state that they truly believe that this is the inflationary rate of Bermuda, it would be very difficult for them to go out there leaving Government and finding a job. B ecause everyone can feel that it is greater than that. They can feel it. So, you know, we have got to be real here. I am giving the Government its due for this inflationary rate of 2.75 per cent to social insurance. I am not going to scoff at it . But I certainly will not sit by and believe that, Oh well, because a former Finance Premier made a comment . . . and maybe at the time it might not have been the right time to say it , but to say that money doesn’t grow on trees is a fac t. Well, maybe not a fact, because we make money out of paper, right? So, maybe it does grow on trees. But, you know, to use this comment over and over and over as if it is some bad thing . . . Listen, it is tough, and we realise that. And during our term as Government in only [INAUDIBLE] four years, [INAUDIBLE] study was done, i t was recommended that we give an increase to social insurance, and we did it. We did do it. Based on the study that was given, it was done. There were other priorities as well. So, Governments are always trying to balance out the priorities here. And whether I believe this is electioneering or , using the Premier’s term , whether I believe it is [ INAUDIBLE] or not, the fact is that seniors need it at the end of the day. But I would dare say that as we move forward the reality is that our people are suffering, and just giving away is not the solution. We keep hearing about the changing of the system and how we a pproach things . Well, I want to hear what that is. So far, we are just giving away. And at some point in time that elastic band is going to come back. So, I appreciate the intent of this O rder because of what it will do for our seniors. They are . . . Man, I cannot tell you the things that I hear are going on. I am sure there are MPs saying, as the Minister today was saying that it is tough for them out there. They need it badly. So, Government [INAUDIBLE] over here taking shots at each other is not going to work because there is enough stuff to throw around. The priorities are there.
Bermuda House of Assembly You said you were going to give to the seniors. Well, you have given it. And I am sure that there are going to be other things coming up that people are going to be looking for more and more and more. The question is: How is this Government going to balance out the giving and the giving when w e need to stim ulate this economy like nobody’s business ? We are way behind, and we need to get caught up to balance the budget. So, with that in mind, Mr. Speaker, both Go vernments have given increases to seniors. And we are not going to scoff at this here. It is sorely needed. We need to get moving on. But what we want to hear is: What is the new way forward here? We are hearing about the giveaways. Show us where you are going to be making some money. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Cannonier. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP . . . MP . . . MP De Silva. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, good afternoon, Mr . Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood afternoon. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Mr. Speaker, listening to the comments made by Honourable Member Cannonier, I just found I ha d to tune in. And I am very, very conscious of the comment that was made by the former Minister Bob Richards to our seniors at …
Good afternoon. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Mr. Speaker, listening to the comments made by Honourable Member Cannonier, I just found I ha d to tune in. And I am very, very conscious of the comment that was made by the former Minister Bob Richards to our seniors at a meeting one day, that money doesn’t grow on trees . [Honourable Member] Cannonier] said that we keep using that time and time again. The fact of the matter is, Mr. Speaker, at that particular meeting, the former F inance Minister did say that. And what the Honourable Member Cannonier and others may have forgotten is that right on the heels of that comment all of a sudden the OBA Government found $100 million to have a boat race. That is what made that sting a lot. And that is why it still stings today, Mr. Speaker. For the Honourable Member to say that he does not know if this O rder is part of electioneering . Mr. Speaker, we just had an election. We have a vast majority in the House. And to say that this is electio neering is nonsense.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading]
Mr. L. Craig CannonierYes, Mr. Speaker. Unfort unately, the Honourable Member may be misleading the House unintentionally. I never said that this was electioneering. I said whether I believe it or not in a general statement to any of us whether we believe that to be the case or not. No one ever …
Yes, Mr. Speaker. Unfort unately, the Honourable Member may be misleading the House unintentionally. I never said that this was electioneering. I said whether I believe it or not in a general statement to any of us whether we believe that to be the case or not. No one ever said that this was electioneering.
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Mr. Speaker, I stand by it. The Hansard can prove that. I will put everything I own on the line that the Honourable Member said electioneering when he spoke. I will put everything I own on the line for that.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYou can move forward now. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That is why when that particular Member gets on his feet to speak you have to wonder where his mind -set is because in one breath he says this is good for the seniors, and …
You can move forward now. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That is why when that particular Member gets on his feet to speak you have to wonder where his mind -set is because in one breath he says this is good for the seniors, and then he says the elastic band is going to come back. And then he goes on to say he could not tell you how many stories he has heard from seniors who are struggling and really, really need a bump. So, you cannot speak out of both sides of your mouth. It is either you support giving the seniors extra money or you do not.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading]
Mr. L. Craig CannonierThe Honourable Member is misleading the House. I stated several times over and over and over that I supported this increas e. And I also stated to clarify that with different Governments, it is a priority as to where you put emphasis. Each Government decides to put its emphasis within …
The Honourable Member is misleading the House. I stated several times over and over and over that I supported this increas e. And I also stated to clarify that with different Governments, it is a priority as to where you put emphasis. Each Government decides to put its emphasis within certain places. We gave an increase. So, to continue on in this vein is misleading; entirely misleading. No one ever said this was electioneering. We used the word “electioneering, ” but no one ever said that it was an electioneering plot.
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Mr. Speaker. I will move on.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, I know you are capable enough to move on and not get caught up in the sidetracks. So, just move on and be mindful of what was actually said. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. 1624 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda …
Yes, I know you are capable enough to move on and not get caught up in the sidetracks. So, just move on and be mindful of what was actually said. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. 1624 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly You see, Mr. Speaker, the former Premier Cannonier just said that all Governments give i ncreases. But if my memory serves —
Mr. L. Craig CannonierPoint of order, Mr. Speaker. That is not what I said at all. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I actually agree with you. I am giving you a compliment actually. But if you want to correct me, go ahead.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers. Members! Speak to the Chair. One of you speak at a time. You made your point of order. Continue on, Member. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, what I am saying, if I r emember correctly, is that we also had on …
Members. Members! Speak to the Chair. One of you speak at a time. You made your point of order. Continue on, Member.
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, what I am saying, if I r emember correctly, is that we also had on an OBA Government one of the longest periods where there were no increases whatsoever. In fact, I remember Premier Burt coming in and saying and promising the seniors of this country th at they would get an increase every year if he had anything to do with it. And true to his word, since he has been Premier . . . and I stand to be corrected, but I think there has been an increase for our seniors every year. I did not hear any points of order on that, Mr. Speaker. You see, Mr. Speaker, the other thing the Honourable Member Cannonier said was, you know, sooner or later the elastic band is going to contrac t, right? Now, you would know, Mr. Speaker, that just a short two months ago, Standard & Poor ’s reaffirmed Bermuda’s A+ sovereign credit rating. That is fantastic. We also have had an increase in businesses, rei nsurance and insurance coming to the Island, Mr. Speaker. You will know that we have pushed hard to try to get Fairmont Southampton off the ground and running. And these are the types of things that we are doing, Mr. Speaker. And of course, we had Moody’s that affirmed Bermuda’s A2 rating. We have had Standard & Poor ’s reaffirm Bermuda’s A+ rating. So, these positive ratings that we continue to receive, Mr. Speaker, by independent —independent —folk s have reaffirmed that this Government is on the right track. And this, Mr. Speaker, in spite of us having to borrow $200 million for Morgan’s Point. Another $44 million of taxpayers ’ [money] has had to pay Skyport. And we have had to deal with a pandemic. So, this Gover nment has done very well.
Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: The Honourable Member is misleading the House. It is $47 million, not $44 million that were paid to Skyport.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerNoted. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Well, thank you, Minister, I appreciate that. That is another $3 million. Yes, thank you very much. You see, Mr. Speaker, in spite of some very serious headwinds and challenges that this country has faced, and in spite of us having to deal …
Noted.
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Well, thank you, Minister, I appreciate that. That is another $3 million. Yes, thank you very much. You see, Mr. Speaker, in spite of some very serious headwinds and challenges that this country has faced, and in spite of us having to deal with the $200 million at Morgan’s Point that the OBA was r esponsible for , the taxpayers of this country paying out . . . In spit e of that, we continue to get good ratings and we are continuing to try to do the best we can for our people in terms of any benefits that we can squeeze out, Mr. Speaker. And you will know, the Premier announced just last week that our revenues were up a nd that is going to assist, Mr. Speaker. And as tourism recovers and as our Ministers work very hard behind the scenes to get this E conomic [Recovery] P lan of ours back on track and get this country back on track, Mr. Speaker, we will see more positive new s coming up and we will do more for our people and we will create jobs. It has been tough. The world over, Mr. Speaker, has experienced unprecedented challenges with r egard to this pandemic. Bermuda has been no exception. But in spite of that, the Progress ive Labour Party Government has done very well indeed. And some may say that this is a small token for our seniors . But as the Premier said (and he said it several times over the past several months), we have done , and we will continue to do, and there is more to come. And as the economy gets back on track, if we have to do more for our seniors in particular and our people who are struggling , we will do so. So, having said that, Mr. Speaker, I thought that I would just emphasise to our people . . . because when we get these negative things thrown at us by the OBA, we just have to highlight and continue to hig hlight what we have done and what we are going to continue to do. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Any other Member? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes. Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Dunkley, you have the floor. Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, while it might be tempting to deal with some of the comments made by the Member who just spoke before me—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDon’t get sidetracked. Just go ahead and continue. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I will not get sidetracked.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDon’t get sidetracked. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr . Speaker, it is tempting but I will not get sidetracked because I thought they added little to the debate. And I have no intention here today to play party politics and go back and talk about what one did and what …
Don’t get sidetracked.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr . Speaker, it is tempting but I will not get sidetracked because I thought they added little to the debate. And I have no intention here today to play party politics and go back and talk about what one did and what the other did not do and who is the best going forward. The fact is, Mr. Speaker, we have faced unprecedented times here in Bermuda. In my lifetime . . . and I am pushing up against that senior level of 65. Just one more year and that clock will turn on me if God gives me strength and breath to deal with it. One more years’ time and I will pass that age of 65 and I will be a senior. And I can reflect back when I was a young man thinking about how far out in time it was , and believing , Wow, there is so much life to live. There is so much to do. But it is here in a minute when we all, if we are blessed, turn the age of 65 and become a senior. Mr. Speaker, it is clear from our conversation here tonight, the One Bermuda Alliance supports this increase for seniors. It is the right thing to do, Mr. Speak er. But based on these unprecedented times, our seniors are feeling the pressure more than I think they ever have in my lifetime, certainly my adult lif etime, Mr. Speaker. So, I understand and appreciate that Government is in a very difficult position because there are no easy decisions to make when you face these unprecedented times with the economy not g oing well, with COVID -19 still amongst us (even though the Government says we are trying to learn to live with it), and the high number of seniors who now are becoming a larger percentage of our population. And that number will only continue to grow. Seniors must be sitting back reflecting on [how] they never thought it would be so difficult. They never thought it would be so difficult to be in a very difficult position through the two and a half years of COVID -19 where they are concerned about their health and their safety because of the ease in the transmission of the disease and what they were told about the pandemic and how it could take place in the community. And I think people remember Gover nment’s initial forecast that 700 people could die. The fear went rampant through the communities. The sen-iors stayed close to the house. They locked themselves down because there was an uncertainty about the futur e. Just think about that for a minute, Mr. Speaker. As seniors think about the uncertainty of the future with more hanging over their heads about what the pandemic can mean to them, can do to them, where it can put them, it is a very, very difficult pos ition to be in. And now with this rampant inflation that we have, Mr. Speaker, being a small Island, a very r emote Island, our costs in many areas are difficult to control because everything is imported. Everything is imported to the Island. So not only do th e seniors have the increased cost s to deal with, and we know that our seniors have been wrestling with and fighting with and trying to control the cost of healthcare in Bermuda which has seen double- digit increases for many years , over the past 10 to 15 ye ars, but seniors have all the other increases to deal with—the cost of food, the cost of electricity, the cost of household goods. Some seniors have to pay rent. Some seniors have to pay the cost of maintenance of the property that they might have worked hard all their life to save and buy, and now they have to maintain it because Bermuda [has a] harsh climate, going forward. So, we support this 2.75 per cent increase, Mr. Speaker. And I am not going to get into a debate about whether it could be more or w hether it could be less. Obviously, as I think the Honourable Member , the Deputy Speaker said, seniors would be happy with more. But this is a much- needed push on the pensions for our seniors. While we talk about social insurance, Mr. Speaker, I think that people throughout our community, whether it be an employee or employers, were very grateful for the social insurance holiday that was allowed during the first part of COVID -19. That went a great way to ease a lot of the pain that an employer or an employe e might have felt going forward. But we are in a real predicament now because with our soci ety living longer [and the] pension fund [is] under extreme pressure because of more people taking the benefits out of it , Government has rightly made a commitment t hat we will look at making the fund more sustainable and [take] a different approach to it. And the Opposition is not going to argue with that at this point in time. We will have a debate on that. We need to make it sustainable. The social insurance, the government pension, is a small bookend for what many people are entitled to for their contributions all their life, and it should mean som ething as we go forward. The good thing in the longer term, Mr. Speaker, is that the private pension now , I think, has been in place for about 25 years, maybe going on 26 years. This will start to have more of an impact on people who retire in future years , which should give two mechanisms for people to weather any storm that might surface during their life, and hopefully people have also saved and have a third mechanism to do it. But we are here debating this Contributory Pension Order 2022 that my colleagues have rightly supported, Mr. Speaker. And I know there 1626 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly will be more of a debate on it, probably in a year’s time, w hen we look at making sure the fund is sustainable and look at how it should be funded going forward. So, we support this here today. The real challenge that I have, Mr. Speaker, is that I cannot believe that the numbers that G overnment has put out in the public forum about the rate of inflation are correct. It is impossible for me to believe that our inflation rate is in the mid two percentage points, Mr. Speaker. Now, Government has defended the number repeatedly, Mr. Speaker. And I would ask Government to exercise some caution in that regard, Mr. Speaker , because my colleagues have said it over and over again, and I am going to amplify it here t onight at the tail end of this debate as I have an oppor-tunity to speak about it. I like former Premier Cannoni er’s analogy about it that those who support the Government’s rate of inflation might have difficulty finding a job if they went to look for a job because the analogy is along the lines that any employer would have to look at somebody who supported that number without questioning it and wonder what the background to it was. I agree with that 100 per cent. How is this number possible, Mr. Speaker? Now I have heard Government Members talk about , Well, we measure it this way. And this is the basket of goods i t is measured under. I get all that, Mr. Speaker. I was the Premier. The Department of Statistics came under me for years when I was the Premier, Mr. Speaker. I had the opportunity to question the number, to support the number, to be involved in the discus sion. But right now, Mr. Speaker, with the knowledge that I have and my background in economics—I graduated with a degree from university in ec onomics —this number cannot be right. If it is, Mr. Speaker, it is a miracle from above. I would like the Governm ent to explain how it happened. How can the number be correct when our main trading partners, the US and the UK, are three to four times higher, Mr. Speaker , when most of what we . . . most of the goods in that basket, whether it is healthcare, whether it is food, whether it is fuel, whether it is construction, whether it is travel, hous ehold goods —I could go on and on and on— when the vast majority of that has a big part of the weighting to be imported into Bermuda, Mr. Speaker , it is simply not possible. What makes it even more difficult , [is] for me to listen to the Government say , This is our rate of inflation, and this is what the Department of Statistics says. And we support it . Mr. Speaker, ask the man in the street. They do not support it. Ask the people who comment on economics regularly in Bermuda. They do not support it, Mr. Speaker. I raise this because if the G overnment of the day is using numbers that many people believe in their opinion are incorrect . The likelihood of us making poor decisions is greatly increased; greatly increased. Mr. Speaker , Bermuda has always been an other world . But if our inflation rate is 2.5 per cent over the past couple of months, Mr. Speaker, we truly are a miracle , and we have nothing to worry about in getting out of the mess we are in, Mr. Speaker. But it is not the case. And so, Honourable Premier and colleagues, please understand and accept that people do not believe that number. And if there is one thing we can take out of this debate today —because this Order wi ll be passed with our full support —it is the Government should take a look at those numbers and make sure we put ourselves in a better position going forward because I do not believe them . And I am not the only person in that case. Every member of the Opposition has spoken to it, and people of the public do not believe it. And if Government continues to take that approach, Mr. Speaker, the trust that people might have in them will be eroded. If people do not believe som ething , how are they going to listen t o the people who say the number ? How are they going to listen to them and believe that what they say is actually truthful, Mr. Speaker? Our inflation rate is not there. And so, I ask that it be revisited because statistics going forward are going to be more important and more critical than at any time in the past 20, 30 years, Mr. Speaker , because information is key to making decisions. The Premier knows that full well. He is an information person. We all know that. Information is key to making decisions. Correct information is essential. And so, Mr. Speaker, while we support the order and seniors can get some measure of comfort from it, there is still much that we have to do because we are not over this hump to any extent . We are not over this hump. There are many, many more cha llenges to face us , and so we should not beat ourselves on the chest too hard. We should not pat ourselves on the back too much because the road is long with many twists and turns, Mr. Speaker . But we can make that road shorter and straighter with trusted i nformation that allows the people to believe what is being said by the leadership. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Dunkley . Does any other Member wish to make a contribution?
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberMr. Speaker . Another Hon. Member: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI hear two voices. Minister Hayward, your camera popped up as well. Would you like to make a contribution at this time? Hon. Jason Hayward: Yes, certainly, Mr. Speaker. Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Go right ahead. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, if we looked at what the Government …
I hear two voices. Minister Hayward, your camera popped up as well. Would you like to make a contribution at this time?
Hon. Jason Hayward: Yes, certainly, Mr. Speaker.
Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Go right ahead.
Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, if we looked at what the Government has done today, it is in alignment with the social protections that we have been providing individuals in our community since we became the Government. It is also part of the Progressive Labour Party’s overall ethos in terms of the way in which we put people first. And so, all of us in this House today support the Order that is in front of us to increase the pension for our seniors. Our seniors actually appreciate the increase. I have met with a number of constituents who have fixed income, and their only income is the pension they receive from the Gov-ernment. Many do not have workplace pensions and have [only] one stream of income. And these people will greatly appreciate what the Government has done. There has been a lot of talk in terms of the consumer price index and our rate of inflation. Mr. Speaker, the rate of inflation for April 2022 came out today. And in that release, the April rate of inflation was 3.5 per cent. This is the highest rate of inflation that Bermuda has had in a decade. Mr. Speaker, the report reflects all of the trends of which persons are speaking about . If we look at the sectors in particular, the sectors are trending extremely high. Food up 5.4 per cent. Fuel and power up 8.3 per cent. Transport and foreign travel up 9 per cent. Education, recreation, and reading up 5 per cent. Healthcare and personal care up 4.3 per cent . Tobacco and liquo r, Mr. Speaker, actually fell. And rents had a small dip as well. I came t o this House , and I explained that our economy is structured differently. Our household expenditure patterns are structured differently. As a r esult, the weights within our basket are different. An d as a result, we have never had what I considered to be pegged rates with people who conveniently want to choose whether it be the UK or the United States. It is wrong to continuously . . . It is one thing to say you disagree. But then to discredit the workers within the Department of Statistics as if they are pu tting out some erroneous and false data . . . It is not productive. It is not healthy.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Point of order, Mr. Speaker
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. POINT OF ORDER Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I do not think any Member of the Opposition has in any way discredited members of the Department of Statistics, Mr. Speaker. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker [INAUDIBLE ] Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: They were not even raised. The …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers . Members . Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: The figures can be wrong if— Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker . Mr. Speaker . Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: —it is done from a wrong aspect, Mr. Speaker. Let’s not get this into a personal affair. The S peaker: Members . Members, …
Members . Members .
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: The figures can be wrong if— Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker . Mr. Speaker .
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: —it is done from a wrong aspect, Mr. Speaker. Let’s not get this into a personal affair.
The S peaker: Members . Members, I got your point. I got your point. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, you cannot di scredit people’s work and don’t feel as though that the workers have ownership of the numbers that they produce. I have met with the workers withi n the D epartment of Statistics, and they do feel hard done by people’s continuously questioning the authenticity of their numbers. If you do not feel that way, then you can reach out to the Department of Statistics directly and their staff , and you can apo logise for the way in which you continuously make them feel. But within this consumer price index, Mr. Speaker, that was released today, the food sector reported an increase in potatoes of 24.4 per cent ; steak , 21.0 per cent ; pineapple, 17.6 per cent ; frozen ent ities, 12.8 per cent ; bread , 8.3 per cent ; and baby food , 6.7 per cent. These are the prices that people feel. The report reflects the high prices which these individuals, these Members of the House are actually tal king about it. I have not seen them crushing the individual items within this, which are growing by double digits year over year. The report reflects that. What the Opposition is not taking the time to do is read through the report and understand how the numbers are actually derived. I went through great pains to explain the methodology used. In a Ministerial S tatement , it was clear that the Members of the Opposition that asked the questions at the time were not cognisant of how the inflation rate was produced. Nevertheless that is a side t rack from the work that the Government is doing in terms of ensuring that we have social protections in place for our seniors. And I wholeheartedly support this particular Order . I know that our seniors actually appreciate this. We said that we were going to put people first, and we continue to do so. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? 1628 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes. Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDeputy Premier, you have the floor. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Minister Hayward for his very precise and eloquent delivery that he just made because he has actually taken away certainly at least half of what I [wanted] to allude …
Deputy Premier, you have the floor. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank Minister Hayward for his very precise and eloquent delivery that he just made because he has actually taken away certainly at least half of what I [wanted] to allude to. But I could never have dealt with this matter as well as he has. He has clearly the professional background to deal with it. And I commend him for having come to this House already and attempted to give . . . though it appears as if even two former Pr emiers do not seem to have listened to what he has said or gone back and reviewed what he said or how he has tried to explain how our statistical information around inflation is accumulated and how it is produced. And that is . . . His explanations have been helpful to me. It is unfortunate that seemingly even some people in the community have ignored, or . . . Perhaps as the Honourable Member who sits for constituency 17 has said, I think there may be some people in the community who do not understand how our statistical modelling and the process for calculating inflation is done. And yes, unfortunately, Mr. Speaker —and I say this with regret , not to direct fingers —but I have sat in this House and repeatedly had Members of the OBA—repeatedly even going bac k to when they were in Government —negatively speak about the people in [the] statistics [department] , even when they were in Government . It is unfortunate, Mr. Speaker. It is the implication not necessarily —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWait. Wait. Wait. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley : Point of order.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWait. Wait. Wait. No, I am taking a point of order. Wait a minute. Minister, just remember that when we come to this House, Members . . . it is the process of Parli ament to scrutini se what is before us. So, when Members come and question, it is …
Wait. Wait. Wait. No, I am taking a point of order. Wait a minute. Minister, just remember that when we come to this House, Members . . . it is the process of Parli ament to scrutini se what is before us. So, when Members come and question, it is not necessarily to question the individuals . They question the process , and they may look at it from a different viewpoint from you. But they ha ve the right to question because that is the whole thesis of why we come to P arliament. So, I am not going to let you get caught up on, I said it is half an apple, and you are saying it is a quarter of an apple. Let’s just put your point forward and go forward. Let’s not keep tearing people apart because they look at a percentage different at some degree because the process here is for us to ask questions and to scrutini se. And if that is their a pproach for scrutini sing, let’s just move on because we have been here a long day on this matter already. Thank you.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThat is for all Members. That ain’t for you. That is for all Members. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker , I hear you and I note your c omments, but that is not where I was going. I was making reference to facts that I have wi tnessed in …
That is for all Members. That ain’t for you. That is for all Members. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker , I hear you and I note your c omments, but that is not where I was going. I was making reference to facts that I have wi tnessed in this House. That is all I was doing. But I will move on, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Because what I would like to say . . . because Minister Hayward has covered . . . I do not need to say much more. I was compl ementing what he said by making reference to things I had wi tnessed. But I …
Thank you.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Because what I would like to say . . . because Minister Hayward has covered . . . I do not need to say much more. I was compl ementing what he said by making reference to things I had wi tnessed. But I would like to continue on, Mr. Speaker, and address is this particular O rder, the Contributor y Pensions (Amendment of Benefits ) Order 2022, which we are discussing today . And it is welcoming of course that the Opposition in their . . . in the , in the . . . you know , a considerabl e amount of their comments have been compl imentary to this because it is bringing about something that is very important for our co mmunity, for our seniors population. Any commitment this Government has [made], virtually since 1998 , [has] sought to follow [through] with ensuring that there was a reasonable increase in the r ate of pension for our seniors population. Now, Mr. Speaker, the word electioneering has been mentioned today , but I won’t get too far into that. But what I will say is this: This is good economics—plain and simple. It is good economics, Mr. Speaker, because our seniors are a particular type of demographic. They are not taking their pensions and investing it in derivatives and mutual funds and, you know , equities. They are using this to maintain and to maintain their daily lives. So whatever money the Gove rnment contributes to them, it goes back out into the community. It supports services. It supports employment. It supports economic activity. If that is not the one reason why we should maintain a steady pension increase for them, that is the one thing. It is just good economics in the type of economy that we have to find ways that the Government can ensure [that] economic activity goes on in the country in every way we can and use our revenues and purchasing power to ensure that. Some people forget becaus e sometimes they talk in this House, Mr. Speaker, about the Gover nment almost like the Government is some sort of parBermuda House of Assembly asite on the Bermuda economy and the Bermuda s ociety. But the Government is also an economic actor just like the banks are, just like the other services that are operating in this country are, just like construction industry and the real estate industry are. The Government itself spends money and affords distribution of economic activity throughout the country. If the Government did not exis t in the size and in the level of momentum that it uses in its own spending power, this economy would be considerably smaller at least by a quarter or 20 per cent. And we know how much of a distress that would bring to the community. It was one reason why during the pandemic the Government was able and did . . . And it made economic [sense] as well as social sense and [created] a sense of stability to give people money to spend who were asked to stop working because gi ving people purchasing power through th e Gover nment’s own ability helped the community economically. It kept some businesses going. It kept people being able to take care of essential services that people in the community provide. This pension operates in the same way. Those seniors will go out and spend their money on local services which actually help to employ people, that help to create jobs . That creates a level of ec onomic activity. Mr. Speaker, if there is one reason why this pension increase and maintaining a steady i ncrease in pension for our seniors makes sense, that is the one reason. That is why we all should be happy about this pension. We all would love to do more, but everything has to be done within the reasonableness of what is affordable. And the Government today has talked quite a bit about that during this session, about what we are attempting to do to afford a level of stimul us and ec onomic buoyancy in our community. And we are doing very little different from other properly . . . democratic and operating governments are doi ng in the world right now . Trying to find ways to support the economy, support the civil society, support the activity and welfare of citizens as the global economic situation r emains in distress with pressure on prices. You know , we see what is happening with the different federal reserve governments and central banks around the world, what they are doing, Mr. Speaker. So, we are doing and using the levels that we have available. And we are affording our seniors a level of increase in their pensions that will help. It will help them. It helps the economy. It helps the welfare of the community. So that is the one reason, Mr. Speaker, to do this. It is the right one. And I am thankful to the Premier and his team who have put this t ogether. And I know there w ill be a continuous endea vour. This is one of the long- standing promises of the Progressive Labour Party from its coming to Gov-ernment —to seek ways to support the welfare of our seniors in the different ways we ca n. And we have done our best to do that ev er since we have been in the Government. Every year. Yes, it means readjus ting priorities, but it makes eminent sense. It makes sense for our seniors. It makes sense for the welfare of the community. And it is good economic sense, Mr. Speaker. So, I certa inly . . . and I do not need to repeat all the wonderful things my colleagues have already said on this debate, but that is the one thing that I would like to say. This makes good economic sense. And I am glad, and I hope every year we are able to do similar provisions for our seniors as we go along. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker .
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Premier? [No audible response]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier? Hon. E. D avid Burt: Mr. Speaker. I will, Mr. Speaker .
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay . No other M ember seems to want to make a contribution. You can go ahead and wrap this up. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have had a lot of persons contributing to our first item of eight today , so I will …
Okay . No other M ember seems to want to make a contribution. You can go ahead and wrap this up.
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have had a lot of persons contributing to our first item of eight today , so I will do my best not to take too long to sum up. But I must pick up where the Honourable Minister of Economy and Labour left off. Just like the Deputy Premier, I want to commend him because in this H onourable Chamber, Mr. Speaker —recogni sing what you said— there is scrutiny . But there is also the need to make sure that we are being honourable. And the honourable former Premier said that when he sat in this seat he had charge of the Department of Statistics, so he should know and understand how this works . The Minister of Economy and Labour came to this Honourable Chamber a month ago, explained the rational e, went on the news media, explained the rational e. Ministers would have had an opportunity . . . I mean, Members would have had an opportunity to question him in all the places. And Mr. Speaker, I understand what the O pposition is trying to do. But it is not helpful. And when I say it is not helpful, Mr. Speaker, it is not helpful because you hear what the honourable former Premier said—the people do not trust the numbers. They do not trust the numbers . When he knows full well that Ministers have absolutely no involvement in the pr oduction of statistics. And if he really wants Bermuda to be in a difficult and bad place, then Ministers will get involved in the production of statistics . Because by inference, Mr. Speaker, what he is trying to say when 1630 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly he is asking the Minster of Labour to seek out what is going on . . . Does he want us to just make up different numbers? Does he want us to change the way that these things —
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: The Honourable Member is misleading the House. That is not what I said. The Ministers and the Premier have every right to question everything that comes across their desk. That is the intention. Let’s not get into some nefarious …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, let’s try and k eep to the points that need to be made to move us forward. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate that , because he said to ques tion. Yes, we do, Mr. Speaker. But if we are questio ning and the numbers …
Members, let’s try and k eep to the points that need to be made to move us forward. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate that , because he said to ques tion. Yes, we do, Mr. Speaker. But if we are questio ning and the numbers come that way, does he want us to do something else? That is the point that I am trying to make. And it is not helpful. I understand the political tack that the Opposition is on. I understand what their pollsters and consultants have said, Run the trust narrative. Run the trust narrative. But you heard —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. Point of order. Put your point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading ; imputing improper motive]
Mr. L. Craig CannonierThe Premier, the Honour able Member, certainly is misleading the public and the House. No consultation from a consultant . . . Imput ing improper motives. We are simply questioning things. There are no ulterior motives. We could say [som ething] similar [abou t] him.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, let me remind you of a comment I made earlier in this debate . That the pr ocess . . . the real reason we come to Parliament is for the scrutiny of the matters set before us. That scrutiny naturally brings questions. And if we cannot exercise a …
Members, let me remind you of a comment I made earlier in this debate . That the pr ocess . . . the real reason we come to Parliament is for the scrutiny of the matters set before us. That scrutiny naturally brings questions. And if we cannot exercise a question or questions regarding matters before us, then we need not be here. So be mindful that is the reason why we are here. Continue on.
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I am very mindful of the reason why we are here. It is to put forward items. And I am very mindful of the reason why the Oppos ition is here. It is to ask questions. But there is a diffe rence, Mr. Speaker, between asking questions, saying that the Government should ask questions and then going to another line that they do not trust the numbers because it is an attack on the dedicated apolitical public servants of this country. Do you think that it is convenient for the Government to put out statistics that do not mesh with what else is going on in the world? But those are the realities —the numbers —that are here. Because as the Minister of Labour said, one of the key contributors to the increase in prices is increase in rents, and the statistics have shown that in Bermuda those things have not gone up over the period over which they were measured. No one is questioning the i ncrease in food prices, Mr. Speaker. I spoke about that in my Statement. But what I am imploring Honourable Members opposite [to do] is to listen to what the Mi nister of Economy and Labour said, the public officers who served you when you were in Government, who do their job without fear or favour. [They] feel hard done by. If you really want to understand what is going on, you will take the information and the invitation from the Minister of Economy and Labour and go and talk to the people in Statistics so you can understand. But it does no benefit to the reputation of this country. It does no benefit to the hard work of which we must do during a difficult economic time and economic period, to cast aspersions on public officers who are doing their job. The Minister of Labour explained that these statistics are produced in accordance with internatio nal standards. He explained that the basket of goods in this country is different. He came to P arliament and gave a Statement on it. Members had the opportunity to ask questions, and he has extended another oppor-tunity. And so, it is my hope that instead of trying to undermine public officers who are doing their best in following international standards , to plea se understand the impact that your words have not only on them but on the international view . Because at the end of the day the statistics are as they are produced. And nobody who sits around this table on a Tuesday has any impact on what they say. And for you to say that the Government should or the Government must , you are implying that we have the ability to change them , and therefore you are implying that we are somehow making them less than what they are. And that is not correct , and that is my opinion of the impl ication, Mr. Speaker. Let me move on to the point of the actual brief. I am pleased for the support of Honourable
Bermuda House of Assembly Members. I think that is important to note and to recognise, Mr. Speaker, that senior citizens in this country who can receive t he maximum pension would have under this Progressive Labour Party Government seen an annual increase in pensions compared from 2017 up until now that they will get $1,300 more dollars a year, Mr. Speaker. That is what this Gover nment has put in place. And I know that it is inconvenient for Members opposite to talk about who did what when, but it is important to note that we made a promise, after being incredibly critical of the approach of the former Government , to the seniors of this country when they were in Government . We made a pledge five years ago to increase seniors’ pensions by the rate of inflation, and we have delivered on that pledge. A nd we will conti nue to deliver on that pledge as we go forward until we have substantive pension reform, Mr. Speaker. So, I think that it is important for all persons to remember, Mr. Speaker, of course, that elections have consequences. And the consequences of our election were that the seniors of this country know that they have a Government that would not tell them , No pension increase for you. But would say , We will make sure that your pensions increase so that you can keep up with the increas e in the cost of living . And the records, Mr. Speaker, are clear, and the senior citizens who are listening to this on the radio would know, hear, and understand that it is this Progressive Labour Party Government that has delivered for the seniors of this country, kept their promises to increase the rate of pensions to make sure that their purchasing power can keep up. And wi th that, Mr. Speaker . . .
[Pause]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes? Hon. E. David Burt: I move that the draft O rder be approved—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDo you have it in front of you, Premier ? Hon. E. David Burt: —and that a suitable message be sent to Her Excellency the Gov ernor.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Thank you. Members, are there any objections to that? No objections? [Crosstalk ]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe appropriate message will be sent to— [Inaudible interjection]
The SpeakerThe Speaker—the Governor. [Motion carried: The draft Order entitled Contributory Pensions (Amendment of Benefits) Order 2022 was approved.] [Inaudible interjection]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier, your microphone is still live. Members, that brings us to a conclusion of [Order] No. 2. We will now move on to [Order] No. 3 which is a second reading of the Banks and Deposit Companies Amendment Act 2022. Again, in the name of the Minister of Finance, Premier …
Premier, your microphone is still live. Members, that brings us to a conclusion of [Order] No. 2. We will now move on to [Order] No. 3 which is a second reading of the Banks and Deposit Companies Amendment Act 2022. Again, in the name of the Minister of Finance, Premier . Minister .
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill entitled the Banks and Depos it Companies Amendment Act 2022 be now read the second time.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections? There are none. Continue. BILL SECOND READING BANKS AND DEPOSIT COMPANIES AMENDMENT ACT 2022 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the primary purpose of the Banks and Deposit Companies Amendment Act is to provide the Bermuda Monetary Authority, herein after referred to …
Are there any objections? There are none. Continue.
BILL
SECOND READING
BANKS AND DEPOSIT COMPANIES AMENDMENT ACT 2022
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the primary purpose of the Banks and Deposit Companies Amendment Act is to provide the Bermuda Monetary Authority, herein after referred to as “ the Authority ” with an express power to issue codes of conduct in relation to the manner in which an institut ion conducts deposit -taking busines ses and to allow for the regulation of banking fees sim ilar to provisions that exist in major countries. This is also seen as an important provision to enhance consumer protection in this sector. Mr. Speaker, section 8(2 ) of the Banks and Deposits Companies Act 1999 requires the Authority to keep under review the operation of the Act and development s in the field of deposit taking which appear to the Authority to be relevant to the exercise of its po wers and the discharge of its duties. Mr. Speaker, Members are advised that the Authority before this point did not have a specific power to enforce consumer pr otection. However, certain Acts made explicit note of the Authority’s role in protecting the clients and potential clients of regi strants. It is noted that the relevant provisions are pr imaril y concerned with preventing bre aches of law r ather than focusing on fair outcomes for consumers especially. Mr. Speaker, following discussions with the Ministry and relevant stakeholders, the Bermuda 1632 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Monetary Authority proposes to expand its statutory remit to include protection for customers and the pr omotion of the fair treatment of financial service customers. The new regime is intended to build upon existing conduct requirements to create fairer outcomes for customers as they engage with the financial services marketplace. It is also proposed that the requirements will be based on the standards set down by IOSCO [Inter-national Organization of Securities Commissions], IAIS [International Association of Insurance Superv isors], BIS [Bank for International Settlements], OECD [Organisation for Economic Co- operation and D evelopment], and the G20. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, those are a number of acronyms, and the listening audience may not be able to take those in. My computer has just died. I pulled up the definitions , and unfortunately, I cannot get those right now, but I think it is the International [Organization] of Securities Commission s, the International Association of Insurance Supervisors, the Bank for International Settlements, and of course, the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development , and the G20 high-level principles on consumer financial protections. Mr. Speaker, the Authority’s proposed a pproach to the supervision of conduct [of] business has been encapsulated by six high- level principles as follows: • The firm must ensure fair and equitable trea tment of its customers. • The firm must have continued regard for the interests of its customers in the conduct of its business. • The firm must ensure that communications with customers are fair, clear, and not mi sleading. • The firm must ensure the protection of the customers’ assets against loss, fraud, and misuse. • The firm must handle complaints and errors in a manner that is fair and expedient. • Where dealing with retail customers, the firm must ensure that individuals are aware of their responsibilities wit hin the business relatio nship and have access to appropriate financial educational resources. Mr. Speaker, in furtherance of the above, the Authority proposes to amend existing codes of practice and conduct for each regulated sector to specif ically include conduct of business principles on a phased basis starting with the banking and insurance sectors . The codes will cover matters related to d uties, requirements, and standards to be complied with and the procedures and principles to be observed by the pers ons licensed or registered under each Act. There will be a requirement to amend the i nterpretation provisions under each Act as a cons equence of this proposal. Mr. Speaker, further to the aforementioned, there will be a requirement for the Authority to publish draft codes . As well, the Authority will be required to take into consideration any repr esentation made to it about draft codes prior to finali sation. Failure on the part of an institution to comply with the provisions of such codes shall be taken into con-sideration by the Authority in determining whether the business is being conducted in a prudent manner as required by the minimum criteria for licensing. Similar provisions relating to codes have a lready been set down in section 2B A of the Insurance Act 1978 . Mr. Speaker, section 39(1)(a) of the [princ ipal] Act gives the Authority a power to obtain information and reports from a licensed institution. It is proposed to repeal section 39( 1)(a) by replacing it with a provision that expands the Authority’s powers to obtain information and reports regarding a code of conduct and the implementation of such a code from a licensed institution. It is also proposed to am end this provision to include a power to obtain information and reports regarding safeguarding the interests of clients and potential clients of an institution. A similar prov ision has been set down in section 29 B(4) of the I nsurance Act 1978. Mr. Speaker , the minimum criteria for licensing are set down in the S econd Schedule of the Act. The minimum criteria include matters related to the directors, corporate governance, conduct of business, [INAUDIBLE] supervision, integrity and skill, and mi nimum net as sets which presently s it at $10 million for a bank and $ 1 million for a deposit company. Mr. Speaker, paragraph 4 of the S econd Schedule of the Act covers matters related to the conduct of business including but not limited to matters related to capital : financial resources, liquidity, depr eciation, diminution in the value of assets, recordkeeping and systems , as well as requirements to comply with the Act, laws pertaining to anti -money laundering and antiterrorist financing and international sanctions. I t is proposed to amend paragraph 4 of the Second Schedule by including obligations to comply with codes of conduct. Now I will review the consultative process, Mr. Speaker. Members were advised that the consultation process would commence in August 2020 c oncluding in February of 2021. Reference is made to the follo wing consultation papers: • the Bermuda Monetary Authority Discussion Paper ; • a conduct of b usiness regulatory framework for Bermuda from August 2020; and • the Bermuda Monetary Authority Consultation Paper Proposal for a C onduct of Business Regulatory Regime in Dece mber of 2020. Mr. Speaker, the consultation package targeted a wide range of stakeholders, both the general public and relevant organisations and institutions. A stakeholders response letter was also published on
Bermuda House of Assembly the Authority’s website in April of last year to address the queries raised during the consultation process. Mr. Speaker, among results that can be extracted from stakeholder replies, the most prominent areas of actions include th ose related to scope, ti ming, and retail versus nonretail customers. F ollowing is a sum mary encompassing the main findings of the consultation. Mr. Speaker, the Authority advised that the new provisions will be incorporated into existing sec-tor-specific codes of conduct. Where there is no such existing code as in the case of deposit -taking instit utions, a new code will be drafted for consultation. The Authority also advised that the codes reflect the diversity of Bermuda’s financial services market, responses regarding timing, implementation, and the transition period. Mr. Speaker, after consulting on draft codes for each sector, the codes will come into effect upon publication. A transition period will be determined for each sector to provide institutions wi th the time to a djust to the new requirements. Mr. Speaker, the Authority consulted on a draft code of conduct for deposit -taking institutions which is expected to be issued as soon as the neces-sary legislative amendments are enacted. The Authority proposes a six- month transition period for deposit - taking institutions to comply with the code. Mr. Speaker, Members are advised that amendments to the insurance code of conduct have already been consulted on and will also be updated later this year to capture the conduct of business r equirements in addition to other matters. And finally , regarding timing and implement ation in the transition period, Members are further advised that consultation on the draft amendments to the code of practice for digital assets will begin this su mmer. [Inaudible interjections]
Hon. E. David Burt: In regard to—
[Crosstalk ] Hon. E. David Burt: MP De Silva, I think your microphone is live.
[Inaudible interjection]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo ahead. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, in regard to regul atory treatment of retail and nonretail customers . . . Mr. Speaker, the Authority advised that the codes are i ntended to be proportionate to the nature of the customer and that initial implementation will primarily be focused …
Go ahead. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, in regard to regul atory treatment of retail and nonretail customers . . . Mr. Speaker, the Authority advised that the codes are i ntended to be proportionate to the nature of the customer and that initial implementation will primarily be focused on retail cus tomers. And then finally, comments regarding cross - border scope . . . Mr. Speaker, the Authority a dvised the codes were intended to be applied in the same manner as all other provisions of the relevant fram ework. The Authority also accepts that an entity may comply with what they deem to be a higher standard required by a foreign jurisdiction. Regarding a jurisdictional review, Mr. Speaker, Members are advised the Authority conducted a jurisdictional review and noted while some jurisdi ctions such as New Zealand have separate supervisory authorities for each financial sector, the same regul ators also have responsibility for prudential and conduct supervision. In the United Kingdom, the Prudential Regulatory Authority acts as a prudential regulator for banks and insurance companies together with ot her financial institutions, but the Financial Conduct A uthority has a wide conduct remit including protection of consumers and financial markets. The Central Bank of Ireland has responsibility for multiple sectors for both prudential regulation, conduct of business, and consumer protection concerns. Given the scale of Bermuda’s financial services market, it is feasible for the Authority to assume the conduct of business mandate alongside its prudential responsibili ties. Mr. Speaker, Members are advised that the Authority is committed to working with stak eholders to ensure that the conduct of business regul atory regime is aligned with international standards while proportionate and effective for the Bermuda market. Mr. Speaker, Members are advised that the customer facing component of the conduct regime will be addressed through a fit -for-purpose regime which will come under the aegis of the Department of Co nsumer Affairs under the Ministry of Legal Affairs. Mr. Sp eaker, now moving on to banking fees and regulation- making power. Mr. Speaker, section 60 of the Act gives the Minister of Finance acting on the advice of the Authority the power to make regulations providing for a variety of matters including fees. It is proposed to amend the Act to grant the Minister po wer to make regulations for the purpose of regulating any commercial or operational business fee, charge, or penalties paid by the clients of an institution l icensed to carry on deposit -taking business for se rvices rendered. This power will allow the Mini ster to issue regulations on the advice of the Authority who under this legislation will now also have powers to play a greater key role in conduct matters. Mr. Speaker, fees charged to, in particular, individuals and small retail customers have been the subject of many discussions, and I have personally received a number of letters, phone calls, and emails expressing concern on this subject. Therefore, this Government believes that addressing such matters i s critical. Mr. Speaker, introducing regulations of this type is not unique to Bermuda. Our research has high1634 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly lighted that putting restrictions in place on fees that could be charged by banks is part of the conduct framework in many of the jurisdictions including our major trading partners. We recognise that financial institutions may have obligations to their shareholders, but it is important to ensure that there are mechanisms in place to safeguard the fact that customers’ rights and needs are given neces sary consideration. Getting the balance right and ensuring fairness and equity are key aspects of this Government’s platform and we see this legislation, but especially this partic ular part of this legislation, as another important and necessary component of our financial services fram ework. Mr. Speaker, in progressing the fee regime, I am certain that the Authority will ensure that there is appropriate consultation with all stakeholders and will allow both the general public and financial institutions to provide their views. Careful consideration will be given to all feedback so that we can have an appr opriate framework that works for Bermuda that makes sure that we protect our customers and ensures that the types of abuses which are seen, which have been outlawed in other jurisdictions, are no longer allowed to occur here. Mr. Speaker, we have already highlighted t oday the significant challenges that the increasing cost of living due to global inflation is having on our res idents. This Government has already taken steps to provide more relief within the framework of a prudent and robust fiscal and economic strategy. This Bill t oday will allow for similar considerations to be in place within a key financial services sector. And Mr. Speak-er, you and I will both admit that it will be difficult for persons be able to carry on business or live their lives without access to banking services. Mr. Speaker, banks globally have put even greater focus on the generation of fee income to sup-plement declining interest income while global interest rates were at historically low levels. This has led to excesses in certain areas, and governments and regulators have taken actions in other countries to address these issues. Bermuda is no different. And this Government will ens ure that in Bermuda we will do likewise. Mr. Speaker, the Bermuda Bankers Associ ation is aware of the Government’s position, and I have communicated— and it has been communicated to me—that they are looking to take steps to improve transparency in this are a. It is my hope that they will collectively address the escalating fees and also address the charges that are outside of global norms. Mr. Speaker, I have made it crystal clear that I prefer not to take a heavy -handed approach to ensure that customers’ interests are appropriately protected, so we will continue the dialogue with the hope that they can come up with an appropriate resolution. We want to ensure that customers have fair access to banking services, and they should not be disadvantaged by punitiv e fees when compared to residents in other jurisdictions. Mr. Speaker, before I close, I would just like to share with you an email that I received from a resident who shall remain nameless. The bank shall remain nameless. But I just want to share the experience because after this Bill was introduced, this citizen reached out to me. And in reaching out to me, she expressed her concern about a recent experience that she just had. And she said, Mr. Speaker, and I quote, “I am reaching out to you in light of a matter you are presently addressing in Cabinet and has been pu blished in local media. The situation concerning banking fees is of particular interest to me as I am presently facing exorbitant credit card fees from a local bank. I will be grateful for any advice or assistance you can give in my particular situation.” She went on, Mr. Speaker, to state that she had spoken to someone in card services who said that “an over -the-limit fee of $1,050 had been put on my account.” I asked her to explain how it wen t over , and how the bank arrived at the $1,050 fee. She said that she would write a letter to the Finance team to request review of [her] account and as a courtesy to try to have the fee removed. She even said it is possible that it may be a typographical error and maybe the fee should be $150. “I waited for about a week, but I ne ver heard anything back from the bank. I decided to call the bank again and I was able to speak to a person I will not name in remediation and someone else who both informed me that I went over my credit card limit and was charged $1,050. I explained that I did not go over and that it was a finance charge that took me over. They in turn explained that it is not the amount that the fee is calculated but each transaction over the credit limit has a fee of $50 and they said I had 26 individual transac-tions which should have been charged $1,300, but I was only charged $1,050.” Now, Mr. Speaker, this is just an example, and it is an example of which I shared when I was in Opposition and certainly a matter that we expect to fix while we are in Government. But that practice, Mr. Speaker, has not been able to take place in the United States of America and the United Kingdom for 12 years. After the last financial crisis, that practice was not allowed. These are the changes that we were elected to make, Mr. Speaker. And these are the changes that we will make. So with that, I wish to express my sincere thanks [to] the Authority, the Ministry of Finance t ogether with the Ministry of Legal Affair s and the Bermuda Bankers Association for their assistance with the development of this framework. And I sincerely hope that this Bill that we pass today will lead to a more fair customer experience as we promised, Mr. Speaker, a fairer and better Bermuda. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Thank you, Premier. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOpposition Leader, you have the floor. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin where the Premier ended. He spoke about the charges, the credit card charges that the bank impl emented, and he said a client was charged $1,100 to $1,200 for transactions that were …
Opposition Leader, you have the floor. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin where the Premier ended. He spoke about the charges, the credit card charges that the bank impl emented, and he said a client was charged $1,100 to $1,200 for transactions that were over the limit. And he said that this pract ice was outlawed in the US for the past 12 years. So, Mr. Speaker, my question to him is this: For the past 12 years, why haven’t we i mplemented a code of conduct for our financial services industry? I understand and I remember at the last sitting we debated the additional responsibility that the BMA had on its shoulders. Everyone is aware of the pr udential regulations that have been in place for a number of years. We know what it covers and we knew that the BMA is doing a great job at it. But why now, Mr. Speaker? As I just said, the PLP Government has been in since 2017 and they have had the opportunity to implement a code of conduct regulation under the BMA purview. And so, what was the impetus [at] this point in time now and not 12 years ago, as was brought to our attention by the Premier? Mr. Speaker, as was said in the Premier’s i ntroductory remarks, the primary purpose of the amendment is to provide the BMA with an express power to issue a code of conduct in relation to the manner in which an institut ion conducts deposit -taking business. In addition, the amendment will allow for the regulation of banking fees, similar to the provisions that exist in other countries. Mr. Speaker, again, we just introduced legisl ation at the last sitting that extended the mandate of the BMA to implement code of conduct regulations for our financial service industry, why didn’t we give them time to get the infrastructure in place and do a good job in that and not just rush this through? It has only been two weeks. The legi slation was implemented two weeks ago that gave the framework for the code of conduct in our financial service industry. And so, to come here two weeks later and say, Well, we are going to deal with the banks right now , when we know that the bank . . . and we know, and the Premier confirmed, that the banks and deposit -taking companies and other members of the financial service industry and insurance industry have been working with the BMA and the Ministry to put this code of conduct in place. What was the urgency? He is going to say, The increase in fees . Yes, I recognise that there were challenges with the fees, and I declare my interest; I am a banker. But I am looking at the bigger picture, and I think there was a systemic failure on the part of the Government in just bringing a code of conduct regulatory structure to the independent regulator. It should have been here years ago, and someone has dropped the ball. Mr. Speaker, I will get into some of the details of this. And I recognise and I support the f act that some countries have fees in the code of conduct regulations. I have studied Canada. I have studied the United States. And the Premier rightly says, Yes, there is legislation that provides consumer protection when it comes to business fees, the penalties, late fees, et cetera. And so, if we had had our regulatory code of conduct regulations in place 12 years ago, we could have addressed some of these issues by now. And the fact of the matter is, why would it be the industr y’s responsibility to recom mend that a code of conduct be included? That should have been incumbent upon the Government and the regulator. I mean, if I am in the banking industry, reinsurance industry —
POINT OF CLARIFICATION
Hon. E. David Burt: Point of clarification or informatio n. I just am not understanding the point the Member said, so I want to make sure I can provide and answer the question.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: My point is —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerRestate your position, Member. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I would be happy to. The Pr emier said that we have not had a code of conduct which has been in place in the United States for over 12 years. Correct? And so, if the i ndustry is working with …
Restate your position, Member.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I would be happy to. The Pr emier said that we have not had a code of conduct which has been in place in the United States for over 12 years. Correct? And so, if the i ndustry is working with the regulator (BMA) and Go vernment to craft a new code of conduct, it was not incumbent upon industry to ask for regulations in r egard to the code of conduct, regulations and protocols that we are implementing today. If we are following other financial service jurisdictions, it is incumbent upon the Government of the day and the regulators of the day to ensure that the code of conduct protocols are in place and are covered under the regulatory framework for the financial service industries, for the banking industries. As you said, Mr. Premier, we are just catching up to what has been going on in t he United States and the United Kingdom for 10 to 15 years, and the question becomes, What was the impetus for us to just begin it , given that we are 10 to 15 years late ? Now, as I said, most of the regulations that I have studied said in regard to fees, b anking fees, compliance fees, overdraft fees, for the general banking fees, the compliance fees, these are exempt for seniors and young people. And so, we are currently following some of the protocols that are in place in regard to the issuance of fees in other jurisdictions. The transaction fees, the personal savings accounts 1636 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly and checking accounts, we have waivers for seniors and young people. So again, we are in compliance. So, I would say and I agree with the Premier that I have no objections to includi ng the oversight of some of these fees into the code of conduct because it is industry practice here for the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. And it basically protects the consumer, and it also protects the institution. Mr. Speaker, another thing that I would like to raise is this: I take the view that our customers should also be as discerning in opening up a bank account as they are when they go into a clothing store or when they go to their doctor. They have to read the contracts. Most peopl e when they come in to open a bank account just sign the forms. Very few (I’m not saying everyone, very few) will actually read the contracts, read the terms of agreement. They are so keen on opening up a bank account, they just sign their life away. And t hen in that contract you will see a par agraph that speaks to bank fees and their ability to charge bank fees. They may not speak to the qua ntum of the bank fees, but it is there. I would encourage all Bermudians to read their contracts, read their banking agreements, read the terms and conditions of the agreements when they are going in to open their bank accounts, so that there can be no surprises because they know what to ex-pect. And if they see an increase, then it is incumbent upon them to call the manager of the bank or call the relationship manager and say, Listen, I see that the contract has a provision for fees. I would like for you to advise me when my fees are going up. Be just as discerning with your banking services as you would be at the doctor or as you would be when you are going to a clothing store or any other retail service that exists. And so, I think [of] “buyer beware”, and customers really, really need to pay attention to contracts when they open up a new bank account.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerContinue on, MP Opposition Leader. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The other issue that I would like to speak to, as I said, generally, I acknowledge what the Premier is trying to do, the Minister of Finance, to provide some framework that will protect the consumer. …
Continue on, MP Opposition Leader.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The other issue that I would like to speak to, as I said, generally, I acknowledge what the Premier is trying to do, the Minister of Finance, to provide some framework that will protect the consumer. And I am for that. And I think most people in the financial service industry would protect the consumer. The other issue is the quantum of the fees obviously will depend on, as the Premier says, what the institution is prepared to negotiate with to ensure that they cover their expenses. I read an interesting article that in the l ate 1980s when we began to have online banking a number of Canadian banks, in essence, started to increase and include these banking fees to cover the transition to online banking. And these fees, in essence, were used build the infrastructure for online banking to buy the hardware for online banking. In essence, what was [happening] was that the fees were funding the evolution of the new banking channels which are available today. So, it is just a balance as to what is the purpose of raising the fees. And the other side of the equation is, what increase of fees can be absorbed by the community? Or is the community positioned to absorb these fees? And that is where you have to find the fine balance. I recognise that banks and financial instit utions have to look out for their returns on their inves tment. But they also have to look out and be cognisant of what the community can bear when it comes to fees. As I said, fortunately in Bermuda most of the service fees, compliance fees and general banking fees are w aived for seniors and young people. So, if you are between the age of, let’s say, 15,16 and 65 you would bear the brunt of most of the fees. And a nyone above 65, they will not have most of the service fees and compliance fees and banking fees. Now, if you have a credit card and you exceed the limit . . . I will just submit this comment. If you have a credit card and you exceed the limit, you are charged a fee for each transaction over the limit. Now in the early days, if you reached the limit of your credit card, they may give you one over -the-limit charge and then they will drop the card until you either put some money in or you ask for a temporary increase in your card’s [credit limit]. There was no such thing as allowing you to use your credit card time and time again after your limit had been exhausted. I agree with the comment the Premier made. As a banker my position would have been to allow that person the opportunity to have one over-the-limit charge and after that the card would be blocked until they put more money in the account or they use a nother credit card. And that way she would have not have accrued the $1,100 to $1,200 that came in b ecause she had multiple charges beyond her credit card limit. So, Mr. Speaker, generally speaking, I understand what the Premier is trying to do, and it is all part of the transition for some of our banking institutions from the manual, traditional banking in the 1970s and 1980s, to where we are in the 21 st century. You will note that a number of banks opening in the United States do not have offices. You can do everything online. And there are companies that are transitioning and are hybrid. They have offices, and then you can have online banking or total online banking, and these transitions cost money. These conveniences to our clients cost money. And so, the uses of these services
Bermuda House of Assembly have to be paid for. Do we have to protect them as consumers? Yes. But should they be expected to pay the fee? This is the service industry. You pay for the services that you get. Mr. Speaker, the last point that I would like to address is clause 5. Clause 5 amends the principal Act to insert in section 60(2) a new paragraph to pr ovide the Minister with the power to make regulations relating to commercial or operational business fees, charges, penalties to be imposed on the clients of an institution holding a deposit -taking licence. Mr. Speaker, to me this is overreach as I have ever seen. Mr. Speaker, we have provided the BMA, our financial service regulator, to implement a code of conduct that will cover these types of fees and these types of charges. Why don’t we just let them do their job without political interference? Mr. Speaker, I believe that if we left this process to an independent body, it would protect the Minister and it w ould protect other MPs from getting involved with the regulations and any commercial or operational business fees charged in the industry.
Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E . David Burt: Yes, Mr. Speaker. The Honour able Member is misleading the House. I think technically he should be discussing a clause [when we] are in Committee. But he said something in regard to polit ical interference. However, I think …
Point of order.
POINT OF ORDER [Misleading]
Hon. E . David Burt: Yes, Mr. Speaker. The Honour able Member is misleading the House. I think technically he should be discussing a clause [when we] are in Committee. But he said something in regard to polit ical interference. However, I think the Honourable Member should read the text where it says that codes are made on the advice of the Authority, just like the other codes are inside of there. Is he implying . . . he is implying something that does not exist, is what I am trying to say.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No, what I am saying Mr. Speaker, is this. Why —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMind the comment . . . mind the comment, be mindful. Don’t get into any clause matters that we should be dealing with in Committee. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Oh, okay. So, my point is we in the O pposition do not believe that the Minister should have any …
Mind the comment . . . mind the comment, be mindful. Don’t get into any clause matters that we should be dealing with in Committee.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Oh, okay. So, my point is we in the O pposition do not believe that the Minister should have any purview over the fees. He has given a framework through the BMA to address this issue. He is putting the infrastructure in place for all fees of the code of conduct. Hon. Jason Hayward: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. POINT OF ORDER Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, my point of order is when a ruling is made where another Member could not speak to a point of order, and then you allowed a Member to speak to a point of order. Was your ruling that Members …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWait. Let me be clear. You are not questioning my ruling, are you? Let’s be clear now. Hon. Jason Hayward: Yes, I am asking for clarity.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYou are asking for clar ity on a ruling that I made in reference to which matter? Hon. Jason Hayward: A point of order that was raised that was not entertained and I was wondering why—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI think you need to walk away from that. That Member knows why I took that posit ion. If you want to speak to that Member, I think you [need to] speak to that Member. But do not be questioning my ruling. I stand by my ruling. My ruling was …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMy ruling was correct. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, you provided for this House . . . and Members have a right to ask for clarity when —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThat Member knows why he cannot participate and how he has to be able to participate. You and I [will] have this conversation offline. We are not going to have it on the air. Or you can speak to your Member. Give me a call offline and we will have …
That Member knows why he cannot participate and how he has to be able to participate. You and I [will] have this conversation offline. We are not going to have it on the air. Or you can speak to your Member. Give me a call offline and we will have the conversation. Continue, Opposition Leader.
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I have a point of order.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order . POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Member is again misleading the House. There is no provision in any Act where the Bermuda Monetary Authority can prescribe anything without the Minister of Finance making regula tions. That is what it is! …
Point of order .
POINT OF ORDER [Misleading]
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Member is again misleading the House. There is no provision in any Act where the Bermuda Monetary Authority can prescribe anything without the Minister of Finance making regula tions. That is what it is! There is a code of conduct and a process to be fol-lowed, but for these things to come in these particular sections of which he is referring to, if you refer to the principal Act, there are numerous regulations that are 1638 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly there. And those things are done on the advice of the Authority. So, the Minister has to issue regulations. I am not entirely certain what the Honourable Member is getting at, but what he is getting at is not correct!
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Member, as you speak, just be mindful on the point that the Premier has made in reference to that. Continue on. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I recognise that the Minister of Finance collaborates with the regulator, the BMA, when crafting legislation and …
Okay. Member, as you speak, just be mindful on the point that the Premier has made in reference to that. Continue on.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I recognise that the Minister of Finance collaborates with the regulator, the BMA, when crafting legislation and regulations. Once they have reached consensus then the responsibility for monitoring and regulating the industry should lie solely with the regulator. That is the extent. And in arriving at the final piece of regulation, with the consensus be-tween the regulator and the Ministry of Finance, once that is encoded, then as far as we are concerned, the Minister should have no involvement whatsoever in regard to oversight and regulations. He does not have it on prudential side after the legislation is in place, and he should not have it in the code of conduct side once we have finalised the code of conduct structure that is being crafted to fall under the BMA that will run parallel to the prudential regulation. So, Mr. Speaker, generally, I see what the Gover nment is doing. I do not think it is unreasonable. My only comment would be, as I said when I opened, we are behind other jurisdictions and the BMA is working with industry, and at least we are making the progress that should have been made by this Go vernm ent some 12 to 15 years ago. And on that note, Mr. Speaker, I conclude my contribution. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Opposition Leader. Does any other Honourable Member wish to speak? Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, Deput y Premier, you have the floor. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the opportunity to speak on this important Bill, the Banks and Deposit Companies Amendment Act 2022. It is actually the product of considerable work done over a considerable amount of time. The …
Yes, Deput y Premier, you have the floor. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the opportunity to speak on this important Bill, the Banks and Deposit Companies Amendment Act 2022. It is actually the product of considerable work done over a considerable amount of time. The Honourable Opposition Leader who just concluded his submission seemed to suggest other-wise, as if somehow this amendment was rushed t ogether after a more recent discussion with the bankers by the Government, and it is being dictated. Now I am using this word “ dictating” because this is the very word that the Honourable Opposition Leader himself seemed to have used in the media recently, in a r e-cent article dated July 12 about this particular measure. And it is very interesting becaus e I know having listened to the Honourable Premier’s submission, Mr. Speaker, it is very clear that this was not the case. And one of the reasons I am making myself available to speak on this measure, Mr. Speaker, is because I did have responsibility for c onsumer affairs under Government at one point. It is now in the hands of the Honourable Attorney General and Minister for Const itutional Reform, but I also had responsibility. And a considerable amount of work was done by my Ministry on this measure, on this issue of banking conduct. We did considerable work which I do believe did feed into the work of the Ministry of Finance. And the Premier did move consumer affairs matters to the Attorney General, but I know that this amendment to the Banks and Deposit Companies Act is principally being dealt with by the Ministry of Finance and this particular measure is being handled in amending banking legislation and not consumer protection legi slation. Because if you go around the world, Mr. Speaker, banking conduct is very much handled from a consumer protection approach, and much of the work that my Ministry did at the time did sort of shape it and the responsibilities for, I guess, overseeing banking conduct would be clearly with the BMA, but also with the Government under the banner of consumer affairs, and that was how it was evolving, in that we would do work that would feed into the work that the BMA would do. Because up until very recent-ly, Mr. Speaker, the BMA stayed focused on the pr udential side. If you rec all, the Honourable Premier, Minister of Finance, brought an amendment to the banking legislation to further, I guess, crystallise the power of the BMA to deal with consumer protection. It was not clear. It was more so implied up until that amendment. So, yes, for a considerable amount of time . . . and not only has this work been done by the Ministry of Finance, but also done by the Ministry of Home A ffairs, [since] consumer affairs is now under the banner of the Attorney General Chambers and the Ministry for Constitutional Reform. But we were doing consider able work with the BMA. And I can assure you, despite the utterances of which I [read] coming from the O pposition Leader in the newspaper where he makes certain assertions about ultimatums by the Premier to provide the Bermuda Monetary Authority, and I am quoting him, Mr. Speaker, with your permission, 1 “with the power to impose codes of conduct on how instit utions conduct deposit -taking business .” And the Honourable Opposition Leader says, “This caught the bankers by surprise, as the Bermuda Bankers Association members were already looking at
1 Royal Gazette 12 July 2022
Bermuda House of Assembly these matters at issue, under the guidance of the f inancial services regulator .” That is true! And I can say that the consumer affairs team that I once had respons ibility for has for a consider able amount of time, going back to when I originally took over the responsibility for consumer affairs, were for a considerable amount of years after this Gover nment came into play to discussing these issues with the BMA and r epresentatives of the bankers, beyond banks, who regularly meet with the BMA around matters. And these issues of consumer protection and consumer . . . came up because of the experience of consumer affairs with often finding themselves being confronted by members of the public coming to them around financial services issues that had to do with the banks. And the stories that certainly I became aware of around, particularly, Mr. Speaker . . . and let’s make this clear. This legislation and this framework and these purposes of which we are seeking to bring about are not about interfering with the relationship that banks have with the customers because the pr esumption is that people enter into a relationship with the banks governed by particular legal instruments and the terms of that relationship, whether it is to borrow a loan or to set up an account or to carry out cer-tain financial services is done and once they go through a process with the customer, the customer signs and is aware of what services they ar e getting and what their responsibility is and then the bank is also aware of what responsibility they have to fulfil for the customer. Where we have found historically , Mr. Speaker . . . and let’s face it, there are very few people in this country who do not have a story about some unpleasant experience with the banks. To say that this is not the case is actually not true. There are many stories people have about their, sort of, experience with the banks. But where it really gets very sensitive, Mr. Speak er, is clearly when that relationship gets into distress. Perhaps it is around a loan, or a mortgage that a customer perhaps has been delinquent in paying or has not met the obliga-tions that are clearly laid out in their agreement with the bank as to what they should be paying, how they pay it, and when they should pay it. That is usually when the situation gets a little bit difficult. And, actually, Mr. Speaker, there are a number of recent cases in court which have crystalised these situations , and that have gone against the banks because it was clear that the relationship after it came into distress with wha tever bank it was, with a customer, that the bank did not necessarily treat the customer fairly. These are the issues that we, as a Government, have b een confronted with. Now, I do note, Mr. Speaker, that the Honourable Opposition Leader mentioned about the Premier’s reference to . . . sorry, practices related to certain types of charging was made unlawful in other jurisdi c-tions. And I think we have to sort of understand that in places like the United States there are . . . although there is a federal regulator of the financial services system, and there are other agencies, each state has its own regulator around its banks. Although banks have a federa l responsibility, there is each state. So you have to be very careful when you say “United States” does whatever. But other jurisdictions like the US and different states in the US and different regul atory bodies in the US that overs ee state banks and also federal banks, or different parts of the banking financial services system, those practices have been outlawed. Certainly they have been in the UK and in other parts of the world. In fact, one of the documents that I had the benefit of referencing when I was dealing with this matter was the G20[/OECD] High- Level Principles on Financial Consumer Protection issued in October 2011, which actually outlines very clearly a framework for what consumer protection should look like around banks across the OECD. Thi s is an OECD document. So the issues of ensuring that consumer protection is a high priority for the financial services system, Mr. Speaker, has been in place for a while. Now, I do also remember, Mr. Speaker, that a former Finance Minister, not associat ed with the Pr ogressive Labour Party, had a lot to say about getting tough on banks because, presumably, he himself as Minister, was knowledgeable of some of the exper iences that local customers had had with banks, and the issue of high fees and interest r ates. I had som ebody come to me just recently saying how their interest rate had changed four times within a very short period of time, Mr. Speaker, and obvious ly that is a concern that their interest rate had changed multiple times within a very short per iod of time. Those are the things that people have some discomfort with. So, going back, Mr. Speaker, there was a former Finance Minister who also spoke about getting tough on banks, but nothing happened. Nothing really happened. There were discussions, we heard. But this Government has gone beyond discussions. We have sat in forums with representatives of the banks, the banking association and others. We have sat with the BMA. And we have now come up, after a considerable amount of time in discussions wi th the Ministry of F inance, with the Consumer Affairs, with the Ministry of Home Affairs, now under the Attorney General, to a framework that is going to allow the BMA to actually create a uniform standard of banking conduct around different aspects of banking that are related to how they interact with consumers. In Bermuda this has never been in place. Each bank has its own kind of framework. In other jurisdictions there is a basic framework that is legislated that the banks then have to follow as a minim um standard. We do not have that. So despite all of the discussions that the Opposition Leader refers to, there has never been that. That is what our legislation is 1640 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly going to create, or contribute to creating, and this will obviously be conducted by the Ber muda Monetary Authority as the regulator of the banking and financial services industry. Not dictated by the Government, as was the reference by the Opposition Leader in his a rticle of June 12, Mr. Speaker. There is no dictate here. There has been a call b y the public to have a fairer playing field with their relationship with the banks. Now, I know that the Opposition Leader also made reference of having spoken to a local bank chief executive. We only have a handful of banks, so that could only have been [out of] a handful of people. We do not have hundreds of banks here like some other jurisdictions. So, I don’t know who the Opposition Leader was referring to, but it could only have been [someone out of a] handful of people. But this is not about a fight. And the Premier made that clear. He is committed to working as the Finance Minister, in his responsibility, in working with the banking industry to move this process forward in a way that will ensure that we all come to a situation that is fair and equita ble to all participants. But ultimately, it is about the protection of the consumer because that is what is i mportant. The UK Government dealt with this back in the 1980s. But I can also say, Mr. Speaker, that I had a conversation in my capacity in my Mini stry with one of the economic advisors to Bermuda who actually played a very major role to advise the Government of Bermuda in the shaping of the financial services framework and the consumer protection framework in the UK back when they did it in the 1980s. And they are pleased with us going in this direction. They say it is important to do this. It is very important. And I can also declare my interest. I also worked for a major bank for many years. In fact, I worked alongside the Honourable Shadow Finance Minister, the Opposition Leader. We worked in the same capacity. He was in private banking and I was also in private banking on the compliance side. So we worked together. So we have an understanding of the nature of how banks operate. But it is important, Mr. Speaker, that we i mprove the playing field, just as this Ministry did for debt collection. We evened out the playing field for consumers so that when their relationship with a bank gets distressed it is very clear what the obligations are, and what the standards are for them and for the bank with which they have the relationship so that there is a fair and transparent process that manages the situation if it gets into distress. This is not to poke into the daily activities of banks. Obviously there are going to be some issues in the regulation of fees. Ev ery bank that we have in this country, Mr. Speaker, is responsible to an overseas regulator because most of them are owned by banks that are regulated and operated outside of Bermuda. Just about every bank. So, as the Premier outlined, these are standards and processes and frameworks that they all deal with in other jurisdictions that they operate in. So what is happening in Bermuda is modernisation. It is updating because every bank that operates her e has to follow these, sort of, regulations somewhere else where they operate. So I look forward to this process going forward as the Premier has devised, as he presented, and that we will improve the relationship that our consumers have with our banks for the betterment of banking in Bermuda for years to come. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Before I call on any other Member to make a contribution on this matter, I noticed that MP Famous is present now. Mr. Famous, I am just going to call on you to resolve an outstanding matter so that you will be able to participate in any …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes sir. MP’S APOLO GY FOR USING UNPARLIAMENTARY LANGUAGE IN THE HOUSE
Mr. Christopher FamousOkay. That’s what I wan ted to know. Mr. Speaker, I am a tradesman and som etimes when I am on the job I use colourful language. And sometimes the colourful language is to help the other tradesman do his job a little bit better. Som etimes we use a …
Okay. That’s what I wan ted to know. Mr. Speaker, I am a tradesman and som etimes when I am on the job I use colourful language. And sometimes the colourful language is to help the other tradesman do his job a little bit better. Som etimes we use a hammer when we could have used a carving knife. A carving knife would have done a be tter job than the hammer. I recognise, Mr. Speaker, that there are people in this community that are a little upset that I used a hammer a few months ago. So, to them who have always put their faith in me, I know I upset you and what . . . I am still that guy. So, Mr. Speaker, I acknowledge that and thank you very much.
Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Thank you, sir, for your apology. Member, you are able to participate on any matter openly and freely when you like.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI don’t know if you wish to speak on this, but if —
Mr. Christopher FamousYes, I am going to speak but ot hers are going to speak before me, Mr. Speaker. But I do have one point of order . Can I use a point of order?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Does any other Member wish to contribute to the Bank and Deposit Companies Amendment Act 2022 at this time? Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister Furbert. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYou have the floor. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Speaker, I want to first start by thanking the Honourable Premier , Minis ter of Finance for bringing this Bill forward. No doubt it is very over due, Mr. Speaker, very overd ue. Our people’s consumer financial protection is vital. Banking is …
You have the floor. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Speaker, I want to first start by thanking the Honourable Premier , Minis ter of Finance for bringing this Bill forward. No doubt it is very over due, Mr. Speaker, very overd ue. Our people’s consumer financial protection is vital. Banking is an essential service, Mr. Speaker. We use it daily, weekly, monthly. And our people’s consumer financial protection is most important. I did have the opportunity to . . . Google is a good tool, Mr. Speaker, and I looked up banking conduct. I actually came across a document, it is Bermuda Banking Code of Ethical Conduct which was presented back in February 2020 and was written with the Bermuda Banking Association and four banks, HSBC, Clarien, Butterfield and Bermuda Commercial Bank. I do want to applaud the banks and the Bermuda Banking A ssociation for [ taking] a step in providing a banking code of ethical conduct. And this was supposed to be effective by February 2020. Mr. Speaker, while we are thankful for this document, this document definitely does not go far enough. I want to share a couple of stories, because particularly during the pandemic, when many mor tgage holders had the opportunit y from the banks, which I am sure many homeowners were very grateful for, they were allowed to delay their mortgage pa yment for at least up to three months, Mr. Speaker. Many people took that opportunity because many were unsure whether or not they would b e employed, whether or not their income was stable. Many people took on that opportunity. Then months later, many people also did not realise that their interest rate would rise because of this opportunity that they took to delay their mortgage payment. While this may not necessarily be about fee increases or fee changes, the important piece here also is proper communication to persons who use the banks’ services. I want to share a personal exper ience, Mr. Speaker. I had been with a particular bank for mos t of my banking life. When I started really young, I opened up a bank account. I think I was the age of 13 or 14. So, this particular bank was the only bank that I had dealings with at the time. So I found this banking relationship to be very special to me. As I got older and I got married, I went to the bank to get a loan for a car. And the bank did provide me a loan for the car, and they told me that in order for me to share this loan with my spouse that I would have to add my spouse to my account. And that was understood. Sure, no problem. But keep in mind that I was the primary bank account holder. This was the banking institution, the bank account , that I had there from the inception of my banking experience. Years later––and I am sure many of us has had the exper ience of our bank accounts being frozen–– I couldn’t quite understand, Mr. Speaker, why my bank account was frozen. I had nobody to contact. Nobody told me that my bank account was going to be frozen. I was like, who do I contact? I don’t under stand this. I called the bank to find out that the bank had changed their system and had made my spouse the primary bank account holder. Again, Mr. Speaker, this code of conduct must also come down to communication with a person who utilises the services of the bank. I was very upset, Mr. Speaker. I was very annoyed that my bank account was frozen because of a system change that I had no idea about, and that my bank, the [account] of which I was the primary account holder, switched it into my spouse’s name. I do not know how many people this happened to. But basically I felt that as a bank user I should have been informed about this change. But I was not. Mr. Speaker, the Premier spoke about not being too heavy handed here. And I respect the Premier and hi s decision making, particularly when it comes to a banking code of conduct. But I just want to take the opportunity to share, if you will allow me, what some other Caribbean jurisdictions have done when it comes to banking service regulations . 1642 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Jamaica, Mr . Speaker, back in 2016 intr oduced a Bill to increase customer protection via the regulation of fees , charges, provision of information and mandatory service package to customers. I am sure this was music to the ears of many consumers. Allow me to share, Mr. Speaker, what the provisions included, what these provisions actually mandated. They mandated no charges for customer inquiries of any sort by any medium on any transaction; a minimum of 123 transactions by any medium per annum per account; no charges f or statements ; free cheques or similar instruments cashing and changing; a licence can freeze an active account with a credit balance and classify it as dormant, or close to zero balance in active accounts. However, in each instance this can only be done w here the customer has been given 90 days prior notice. Mr. Speaker, no modification of terms and conditions which would place the customer in adverse position or which would differ materially from the initial agreement. No increase in interest rates, annual fees or other fees, and no charges or other changes unless at least 45 days’ written notice has been provided to the client explaining that they can opt out of the changes and proposed changes. And the notice should state when the change will be effect ive and how the customer is to respond to the notice, and the consequences of failing to respond. Mr. Speaker, disclosure of all fees and char ges for automated teller s or any other medium for pr ocessing transactions prior to the completion of the transact ion and providing the option for the customer to either continue their transaction or cancel it free of all fines, charges and penalties. There is also a 72hour cooling off period after the execution of an agreement where a licensee has stated how the agreement can be terminated free of all charges. Las tly, Mr. Speaker, Jamaica’s mandate is the provision to customers of a key contractual term fact sheet. Anyone who would know, like the Leader of the Opposition spoke of, you know, reminding a per-son to us e the services at the bank to read all doc uments and all contracts to make sure that you understand those fees clearly. But I have to tell you som etimes, Mr. Speaker, those documents and those fees are written so tiny and so small it is almost like they want you to miss it. Mr. Speaker, this, in my opinion, is not proper banking conduct. We want customers to feel comfortable and to have a good relationship with our banks. Barbados introduced guidelines governing fees, and these guidelines stipulate the percentage charged for an application to not exceed 0.5 per cent of the loan amount. And the percentage used to calc ulate commitment/standby fees should not exceed 1.0 per cent of the loan. Additionally, Mr. Speaker, Barbados mandated that there is no charge for cheque cashing or transferring money between cus-tomer accounts at the customer’s bank , ATM third party withdrawals with respect to pensioners , or for making account inquiries at the customer’s bank ATM s. Again, they addressed notification giving 30 days’ effective of new charges. Mr. Speaker, the Opposition Leader also mentioned that the banks currently have in place where there are no fees for our youth and/or our seniors, but what was not shared, Mr. Speaker, was that there are no fees for persons w ho have lots of money in the bank. They are exempt from many fees. Many banks are putting an end to free accounts , their free chequing accounts because they evaluate their banking service and they actually can turn up unprofitable when customers use too many of the bank’s services but do not hold a sufficient amount of money in their accounts. So the banking industry, banking services are definitely, in my opinion, more attractive . . . or you get free services when you have more money in the bank. And I w ill end with this, Mr. Speaker, again our banks are essential services. No matter how much money you have in the bank, Mr. Speaker. We have a growing population of seniors on fixed incomes which we talked about earlier where every , every penny of theirs counts and we have to do our very best to pr otect people who have limited income and limited mon-ey. There may be some people out there who can afford these fees, Mr. Speaker. But there are many people out there who cannot. And they require the protection and the regulation of this part of the banking industry. So I am very happy, Mr. Speaker, that this Bill has come to the House. I encourage us as a Gover nment to examine this very closely, again being fair to our banking industry but also most importantly, being fair and up front with consumer financial protection for our people. I would say to our people that if you have the opportunity to shop around so that you could have access to many different types of banking institutions . . . we don’t have that luxur y, Mr. Speaker. In other jurisdictions we can go from bank to bank and figure out what the fees are, and we can say I want to use that bank. But we in Bermuda do not have that luxury. So we need consumer financial protection. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDeputy Speaker, would you like to make a contribution at this time? Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDeputy Speaker, you have the floor. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you so much. First of all, let me say that I want to thank the banks for the services that they provide to the general public, Mr. Speaker. But let me say, and I don’t say Bermuda House …
Deputy Speaker, you have the floor.
Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you so much. First of all, let me say that I want to thank the banks for the services that they provide to the general public, Mr. Speaker. But let me say, and I don’t say
Bermuda House of Assembly “but” to erase the complimentary remarks I made just now to erase them. Mr. Speaker, when you see that the banks have increased their fees by 400 per cent in three years is enough to alarm anybody. That is a lot of funds, Mr. Speaker, t hat is a lot of money. They do this, and have done this, in the name of more profits, Mr. Speaker. And the objective of the bank is to make more profits than they made the year before. They really do not care. So they put the fees up and the customer has to pay because they basically do not have any other solutions at that time for them to go somewhere els e to raise that type of money. Mr. Speaker, the banks in the past were owned by the foreign nationals who owned Butterfield and HSBC now. They have a not -so-good history, Mr. Speaker, because they got involved in the politics of the day, particularly if you belonged to the Progressive Labour Party or you were not toeing the line in their agenda, Mr. Speaker. As I have said before in this House that is why Dr. Kenneth Robinson, an educ ational officer in the Department of Education, went about trying to fix the curriculum that was set for Black people, the curriculum was at such a low level that he had to fix it, amongst other things. They pulled his mortgage even though Dr. Kenneth Robinson never missed a payment, never late for a payment. They pulled his mortgage. And there are other Bermudians who espoused their views on politics, particularly if they belonged to the party that is in government now, they either had their mor tgages pulled or they would not be able to get a mor tgage at that bank. Mr. Speak er, I can recall in 1998 there was a report by Mr. Tugwell. He was brought in by Butterfield Bank to clear up the mess that was going on there. And how I know this here is because they did an interview of him. They had a magazine, I think they called it Bo ttom Line. And in his comments he said that what they were doing at that bank, they were overlooking Bermudians, qualified Bermudians, and promoting others with fewer qualifications and less ability at that time on the job that the others were hired to do. So he went about changing that. Mr. Speaker, in his interview (I have a copy of it), he said that the chairman of the bank was giving preferential rates, banking fees to businesses, mainly his businesses and others. You know those preferential fees, pr eferred fees were never passed on to Black busines ses. None of the Black businesses got any money out of them. Mr. Speaker, he tried to correct that, but wit hin six months I knew (we all would have known) that he would have been fired. And Mr. Tugwell was a C anadian, White Canadian, who came down there, a man obviously of justice and principle and really wanted to see that this bank is run right and that people who deserved the promotions got the promotions. He was fired. Mr. Speaker, they never talk about the preferred rates given to others and not given to Blacks. And as we all know, they would say Blacks were a higher risk. So the interest rate for Blacks was higher, Mr. Speaker. I guess you see why [there is] the i ncome disparity, or those who are the haves and have - nots. We can see why that is the way it is today, b ecause of a lot of those policies that went on in those days, Mr. Speaker. And then they sponsored the go vernment party of that day. In fact, I have a letter dated 1990. They were in a meeting wi th the other bank, the other lead bank. Let me say it is not the bank owners there today. These were owned by Bermudians. And then it came up there about how much the politicians were asking for in this meeting. And the banks in turn, they said, What about this? What about that?, something to do with the bank, the business of the bank. Now, Mr. Speaker, that was not against the law, and it is not against the law today. But it was accepted, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if I push on a little further, we can all recall that the $200 million guarantee that the Government gave to Butterfield Bank, that guarantee did not cost them a dime. That $200 million obviously saved the bank, saved jobs and so naturally they got back to normal. Hundreds of jobs were lost. Hundreds of jobs were lost, Mr. Speaker, all in the name of prof-it. And, Mr. Speaker, most times businesses like that which get rid of people, most times, not all the time, they farm the work out to other countries that have a lower labour cost. So it is almos t like the slave trade in the modern days. Let’s see if we can get these folks for nothing in order to increase our profit. And, Mr. Speaker, this tells me that, do they have any interest in Bermuda or Bermudians? Not really. Not when they are here dismiss ing Bermudians and farming the work out to a country that has got a cheaper labour bill. But obviously most countries would; Bermuda is the most expensive place in the world to live. And they are not really concerned about that, Mr. Speaker, because one thing we all know in this country: These banks in Bermuda will not call you. And they never called you—they did not call us an yhow—in the times of recessions that they were going to lower your rate of interest. Mr. Speaker, I can recall one time going to the United States, 2008/09 during the so- called recession. A friend picked me up, and on the drive he says, Read this letter. It was a letter from his banker. And the letter said, Because of your good record paying your mortgage on time, you know, because of the recession and all that type of stuff, they lowered his interest rate 2 percentage points —2 percentage points! That is a big hit for the bank and a benefit, a big benefit to that customer. Mr. Speaker, they have not done it here. They have not done it here, Mr. Speaker. And, Mr. Speaker, even in the United States and in England, my country, they have I guess what they call it, buy-back points . If 1644 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly you spend so much a year or a month or whatever, you get points. And those points equate to dollars and cents . And you get money back on those points. And the amount is determined by how much money you have spent. But the rates in the United States can go anywhere from 2 [per cent] to 6 per cent based on the cards you get. And in England, they also have that in the UK. And in Bermuda I think it is less than 1 per cent—less than 1 per cent. So they make a whole lot of money even though they charge, I think it is 21 per cent, on your credit card. Mr. Speaker, being in Bermuda for the banks is just for profit and mak ing as much profit as they can. Because, Mr. Speaker, when the Government gave them that $200 million in a guarantee that saved the bank, who would have thought that the bank would say —they make so many millions a year, over $150 million a year. You would think that they would say, Let me give $20 million to the Bermuda Gover nment and earmark it for housing, because they really did something for us. We did not have to pay anything for the guarantee. They never did that. And each year they give away scholars hips, Mr. Speaker. And we thank them for that. But, Mr. Speaker, I would challenge them, each bank, to match what the Government has put, $1.4 million in scholarships. Most banks can do that. Butterfield and HSBC and Clarien can do that, each $1.4 [million ]. To me that would guarantee every child who has been ac-cepted into a university or college their tuition. And that is what they should be doing. That is what they should be doing. But no, they prefer to put it in their pocket as a bonus and live high on the hog, Mr. Speaker. So many things that this country has guaranteed for them, a profit of over $150 million a year, a guarantee of $200 million. And the $200 million was taxpayers’ money. The same people who fall behind in their mortgage, they call the m ortgage in. And those same people who guaranteed them $200 million to keep their bank open, to keep it running, their mor tgages are called. No consideration for them! And, Mr. Speaker, we do know as a business, each year every business including the bank t hey put a percentage aside for bad debt. And most of those accounts go into bad debt, so it does not figure into the next —it is not carried over; it is written off. Part of it is written off in essence, but the money is still pursued to collect. And that i s where they take the house and sell it. And that is more money onto the profit. They can work out a deal. They can say, Well, let’s forgive the interest for three years and let you catch up. Let’s work out a plan. They do not do that, Mr. Speaker. They just take our people out, Mr. Speaker. And that is sad, Mr. Speaker. Now, these banks, I can recall, and this was the old crowd. I was working one day some years ago, and there was this piece of land in Smith’s Parish. And this guy used to come to the bar and drink every day. And I said to him, because I saw him down there working on this land, building a house, I said, How did you get that land down there? He said, Well, the banks called me in and offered the land to me and financed for me to build a house. This fellow was a contractor. They do not do it for us. In fact, when a Black contractor goes to the bank to get money, it is difficult or they do not get it or they tell them, You can’t have that much. I can recall when PRO Active , who had been contracted by the government to build Berkeley, the banks would not give them an overdraft. Why? On a government job, they would not give him an overdraft, Mr. Speaker. And that shows you that they really do not have that type of trust in us. And, Mr. Speaker, what has gone on in this country, and the banks led the way back in those days, the salary equality or in equality. Mr. Speaker, they paid Whites, regardless of the qualifications of Blacks, more than Blacks. So it is no big secret why we have the disparity that we have today, Mr. Speaker. That is what they do, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, let me say this here. Again, let me finish in this way. Yes, we believe that the banks – –we should have extensive banking services. You do not need to go into a bank, one teller working and you have got a full line of people. And there is no effort made to get somebody else there to take care of the long line. I do not think that they are doing their best in handling banking services to the ordinary person. B ecause some people get preferred banking or premium or whatever they call it, and they do not have to stand in that line. But the average Bermudian has to stand in that line, and there is not always a full complement of staff who are working those desks, Mr. Speaker. And, Mr. Speaker, again I am asking the banks to stop giving money just to high achievers. Well, not stop, I should say but to start giving money to all those who qualify to enter university. And I cha llenge them to match government’s $1.4 million in scholarships this year. Because sometimes I hear that there is money left over in the kitty because there were not enough recipients or qualified applicants to take this money. And that should never happen. If you are allocating $1 million for education, there are enough p eople around and that $1 million will go. But if you are looking for people with a 3.5- plus GPA, then you will have some money left over. There are folks who have a 2.5 or whatever it is and they are accepted into college. They are entitled! They should be given that money. Because, you know, some of your best doctors, best accountants and best lawyers did not have a GPA of 3.5. Some were less than that. I am not trying to discourage people from studying. Sometimes people’s academic acumen kicks in later on in life. And they should not be pena lised at a very young age. So I am asking again for wage or salary equity at the banks, Mr. Speaker. And the Bill that the Premier has brought, I thank him for it.
Bermuda House of Assembly And I know that with his bringing a Bill of this magnitude, he will see to it that the banks do what they should be doing, being fair with everybody. And I am asking the banks, You need to give some money up. You need to build some housing for our people because you are making a lot of money in this countr y. Particularly when you have got that —I repeat again— that $200 million guarantee and it did not cost a dime. But right after you got that money, got back on your feet, you terminated many Bermudians and some foreigners . So, Mr. Speaker, with that I thank you for this time.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Deputy. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, Mr. Speaker. I will not be that long. This legislation is quite crucial because it fills in a missing piece of the puzzle that Bermuda has not had for some time, and that has been to our disa dvantage both internationally and locally. I do not want to …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will not be that long. This legislation is quite crucial because it fills in a missing piece of the puzzle that Bermuda has not had for some time, and that has been to our disa dvantage both internationally and locally. I do not want to go too much into the detail because it is actually not all that interesting.
[Laughter]
Mr. Jarion RichardsonBut, Mr. Speaker, I think it is fair to say that no one is a fan of the banks at the moment in Bermuda. But with all that being said, what this code or what we are about to do is enable the Bermuda Monetary Authority [BMA] to create a …
But, Mr. Speaker, I think it is fair to say that no one is a fan of the banks at the moment in Bermuda. But with all that being said, what this code or what we are about to do is enable the Bermuda Monetary Authority [BMA] to create a binding code on the banks. And this is quite important b ecause the banks have been unique amongst financial services companies in Bermuda. Whether it be i nvestment businesses, trust companies, corporate service providers, insurance companies, there have been binding codes on them for some time. This is especially important, Mr. Speaker, because what are called the authorising or regulatory Acts set ou t criteria that a person has to maintain in order to keep their licence and to avoid penalties from the BMA. This minimum criteria for licensing is e xplained, as it were, in codes, in guidance notes and things like that. So when it comes to regulating insurance companies or trust businesses and things like that, Mr. Speaker, the Bermuda Monetary Authority has a way of explaining what its expectations are and then binding those companies to that explanation. With the banks, it has lacked that for some years. I would agree with a number of speakers. We have seen the ramifications of that in conduct over the years. Most importantly, or I should say, this also pr ovides the banks with clarity about the things that they need to prioritise in the conduct of banking business in Bermuda. So it works a couple of different ways. The first is that it enables the Bermuda Monetary Authority to play a far more active, dare I say intrusive role into the day -to-day activity of banking. And it enables the bank to have a lot more clarity around the expect ations coming from the Bermuda Monetary Authority. It also provides, Mr. Speaker, for penalties to be applied against the banks should they fail to achieve compliance with the code. So this is an overall good thing, Mr. Speaker. I should add that although compliance can be overdone and regulation can be overdone, and this threatens the market. In this case we would anticipate that this additional clarity will provide stability into the market because businesses that are able to predict what the expectations of the regulators are, are more safe and secure. And they know how to prioritise their [INAUDIBLE ] engagement affairs and their almighty compliance to dollar that —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerHonourable Member, Honourable Member. You started off nice and clear. You are ge tting garbled in the volume, in the audio right now.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonOkay. I am probably talking too fast. Let me go into the Opposition Leader’s O ffice, Mr. Speaker. The S peaker: Sure. [Pause]
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, sir. So it is important that we put this in place. It is also important for our international partners to see that we have a lot more clarity around our legislative frameworks in Bermuda. So in all, it is quite a good piece. And of course, as I …
Thank you, sir. So it is important that we put this in place. It is also important for our international partners to see that we have a lot more clarity around our legislative frameworks in Bermuda. So in all, it is quite a good piece. And of course, as I said before, it has the downstream impact of making sure that the actual undertakings of the banks and the provis ion of service, the day -to-day provision of service to clients has got some clarity around it. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, the part that may be more contentious is the ability of the Minister of F inance, based on the advice of the Bermuda Monetary Authority, to make regulations concerning fees, which we have heard quite a lot about this evening. Mr. 1646 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Speaker, when we go into Committee, I will speak to any portion of that in more detail. But suffice it to say that other financial services companies in Bermuda, our insurance companies, our trust companies, et cetera, have been under this regime for some time. And I think it is only fair that we now roll out the same code of conduct, clarity and expectations to banks in Bermuda for the betterment of the banking public . Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Opposition Whip. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Adams, you have the floor.
Mr. Jache AdamsThank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, from the onset I will say that I support this Bill and emphasise that I understand and appreciate ––similar to what the Opposition Leader said––I appreciate the direction the Government is going. And in my opinion, I believe it was Minister Furbert who said …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, from the onset I will say that I support this Bill and emphasise that I understand and appreciate ––similar to what the Opposition Leader said––I appreciate the direction the Government is going. And in my opinion, I believe it was Minister Furbert who said that it is certainly a long time co ming. Mr. Speaker, when it comes to the codes of conduct, I can recall some months ago the former F inance Minister, MP Curtis Dickinson, provided a Statement in thi s House where he spoke to how this legislation is aimed to ensure that the local banks treat their customers fairly. So, Mr. Speaker, “fairly” is the operative word here. Because we are not here to upset the apple cart. We are not trying to be difficult, b ut it is incumbent upon this Government to ensure we do everything we can to protect the people of this country and see to it that they are treated fairly. Mr. Speaker, what is important to note about this Bill is that it is aimed to provide the BMA with the power to issue the codes of conduct. I mention this because I am reasonably certain that the Premier and current Minister of Finance, the former Minister of F inance, many if not all of my caucus colleagues and in fact the local banks themselves would a gree that an absolute gem to our economy is the strength of our regulator. The BMA do a remarkable job at what they do and are without a doubt an asset to the community. Mr. Speaker, I mention this because providing the BMA with the authority to issue a c ode of conduct removes any political agenda. I recall I believe it was the Deputy Premier and Shadow Minister of Finance who spoke about whether or not, or how this removes the political agenda by having the BMA involved. Gi ven the BMA’s stellar reputation it helps to ensure that the respective codes will be appropriate and, as I said earlier, fair. I am then further confident in this approach, knowing that the requirement will be based upon global international standards set by entities such as the OECD [ Organisation for Economic Co- operation and Development]. So what we have is a well - regarded regulator using international standards to ensure that Bermudians are treated fairly. So I ask, How could I not support it? Mr. Speaker, I believe the people of B ermuda will be encouraged to know or hear the six high- level principles the Premier spoke of —fair and equitable treatment of customers, continued regard for the i nterest of those customers, fair and clear communic ations that are not misleading, protection of the customer’s assets, handling complaints and errors in a manner that is fair and expedient, and ensuring that individuals are aware of their responsibilities. To know that these principles will now be enforced, and as the speaker before me spoke of, binding, it is a welcome breath of fresh air. Mr. Speaker, I am not saying whether these practices [currently] take place or not. Personally, I am not in any way, shape or form anti -bank. I know for instance many of my former co- workers go above and beyond to assist their customers. I believe to be in a place where these codes are in writing and will be enforced demonstrates we are heading in the right direction. Mr. Speaker, I am also pleased to hear of the mentioned consultation process that the Government has involved a range of stakeholders [in]. The Premier spoke of the stakeholder response letter published on the BMA’s website and further how we have taken the time to compile and address some of those raised queries. [This] only speaks to this Government’s commitment to transparency within our processes. So now, Mr. Speaker, this now leads me into the banking fees. And what can I say? I join the Premier, and in fact I thank him for bringing to our attention the emails that were sent to him. And unfort unately, we have heard similar stories far too often. It is i mportant for the listening audience to understand that this Government was not elected to maintain the st atus quo. Right now we are in a climate when a bank can issue whatever fee they want, char ge whatever they want and increase that fee whenever they want while boasting about the record- high profits that they are experiencing. Mr. Speaker, we know that the two main dri vers of revenue for local banks are interest income, which is essentially the profit that they make off of the customer’s deposit by either lending it or investing it in the market, and then there is non- interest income, which is primarily the fees they charge for the services they provide. The banks may take a view of our Premier. The banks may take a view of this Government. But we are representatives of the people, and the people are saying that a system that has been [char gBermuda House of Assembly ing] exorbitantly high interest rates, as well as exorbitantly high banking fees is simply unacceptable. Mr. Speaker, it is worth putting out there the [real] impact that these banking fees are having on the community. Right now if a customer were to open a bank account and deposit $500 in the account, just by doing nothing but leaving the funds in the said account you are losing money because within a year the bank will have slowly chipped away more in fees than they put back in interest if they put back anything in interest at all. Again, Mr. Speaker, I am not anti -bank. I understand how they operate; I also understand the value they add to our community when we get into the details of money multiplier effects and the sort. But surely, middle ground can be found. The Opposition Leader said (and I stand to be corrected) that the banks need to be cognisant of what the community can bear. And I wholeheartedly agree. The Government has accepted the social r esponsibility by ensuring that we implement or we . . . that there were no across -the-board increases in fees. And we do not believe it is out of scope for the l ocal banks to do something similar. So, Mr. Speaker, as I close with this, it is my hope that the banks are able to address these issues without, as the Premier says, the Government’s heavy hand. But if they are unable and unwilling to do so, I appreciate how this piece of legislation now gives the Minister the ability to act. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Any other Member? There appear to be none. Premier .
Mr. Christophe r FamousThere is a rhyme, Mr. Speaker, some people made it up a few months ago, a few years ago. They call it, Two -way, OBA. Two - way, OBA. Mr. Speaker, earlier today or I should not say “tod ay” so I do not reflect on a previous debate. But …
There is a rhyme, Mr. Speaker, some people made it up a few months ago, a few years ago. They call it, Two -way, OBA. Two - way, OBA. Mr. Speaker, earlier today or I should not say “tod ay” so I do not reflect on a previous debate. But over the months, the OBA have been going around, rightfully in their position as the Opposition, for quite some time, five years and counting, saying, Oh, the Government is not doing enough to curb the cost of living for the people of Bermuda! Oh, the Government doesn’t care about the people of Bermuda! Okay, fine. Then reflecting on this debate, I heard the Opposition Leader saying, Why now? Why is the Government putting things in place to curb costs? Why now? Mr. Speaker, you are an astute financial guy, are you not? Why now? Why not now? It is not as if the banks are not making a profit, Mr. Speaker. It is not as if the banks are the mom -and-pop shops in our neighbourhoods struggling to survive, Mr. Speaker. And if I can, Mr. Speaker, I would like to read som ething fr om the paper that the Deputy Speaker does not spend money on. With your permission, Mr. Speaker?
Mr. Christopher Famous“Butterfield Reports First Quarter 2022 Results.” May 2, 2022. Financial highlights for the fir st quarter 2022: Net income of $44.4 million. Net income, Mr. Speaker. HSBC, Mr. Speaker, from that same paper that the Deputy Speaker does not like to buy: “HSBC Holdings plc has bounced back with after …
“Butterfield Reports First Quarter 2022 Results.” May 2, 2022. Financial highlights for the fir st quarter 2022: Net income of $44.4 million. Net income, Mr. Speaker. HSBC, Mr. Speaker, from that same paper that the Deputy Speaker does not like to buy: “HSBC Holdings plc has bounced back with after -tax profit of $4.2 billion—an increase o f $2.2 bill ion—for the third quarter compared with . . . 2020.” So it is not as if they are broke, Mr. Speaker. Why not now? Let us go back to the Oppos ition Leader. Why now? Why now?
[Inaudible interjections]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerContinue, MP Famous. Continue.
Mr. Chris topher FamousMr. Speaker, the Oppos ition Leader went on to say about, Buyer beware! They should be discerning, they should read the fine lines! What the Opposition Leader failed to say is, people have to put their money in the bank. They do not have any choice, Mr. Speaker. They do …
Mr. Speaker, the Oppos ition Leader went on to say about, Buyer beware! They should be discerning, they should read the fine lines! What the Opposition Leader failed to say is, people have to put their money in the bank. They do not have any choice, Mr. Speaker. They do not have a choice whether to take this account or not take this account and they rush to sign up accounts, and they do not “read the bottom line.” They have no choice but to comply with whatever the fees are, Mr. Speaker. It is not like you have a choice of KFC or Mr. Chicken, right? If you do not have a bank account, you do not exist in this world! Mr. Speaker, moving on. Some people leave money in the bank and do not touch it. Let us say $10,000. A year later they go back, check their bank account, and they have got less than $10,000 in the account. Mr. Speaker, basically, they have been nic kel- and-dimed out of their own money. They have not touched the money. They have not made withdrawals. They have not done anything but just leave the money there. But they have not earned any money, but the 1648 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly bank took their money. They might do better to keep their money in the freezer, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am going to close up here because I am sure there is someone else on my side who would like to speak and perhaps even an Oppos ition Member who would like to speak. Mr. Speaker, there is a saying: A penny saved is a penny earned. You know that saying, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, whether it is this issue, whether it is food, gas or whatever, this Government is doing what it can to help Bermudians save their money, cut down on their course. Right, Mr. Speaker? It may not be everything to all people, but it is something to everyone. And that is something which the Opposition Leader cannot talk about. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. Would any other Member like to make a contribution at this time?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Anthony Richardson. You have the floor.
Mr. Anthony RichardsonYes, sir. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I am actually smiling as we go through and I listen to this debate today. And I am smiling because recently what I have been doing is using this phrase, right, which is a real phrase. And that is that capitalism is about exploitation. …
Yes, sir. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I am actually smiling as we go through and I listen to this debate today. And I am smiling because recently what I have been doing is using this phrase, right, which is a real phrase. And that is that capitalism is about exploitation. Some people find that to be offensive, but at the end of the day that is what it is. If you run a business, the idea is to pay as little as possible for your employees or your goods or whatever you are doing, and to maximise the amount of money that you generate— period. And I would also—I will not say to commence but just clarify the fact that in one of my jobs, right, I actually worked in a relatively senior position at one of the local banks. And t hat is why I am smiling today because if I was still at that bank, what they would be telling me today is or what I would do for myself is say, Okay, fine, listen . At this point in time, there is a challenge because somebody or whatever entity is now sayin g that you are charging too much money for, let us say for your over -limit fees. And if the amount is, let us say, half a million dollars, the instruction, direc-tion or challenge would be, okay, stop charging that. But find another way to generate the same amount of money. Because as MP Burgess said earlier, the goal is going to be to make more money this year than they made last year. And I cannot have a halfway or one way or another hit to my bottom line without finding another way. And so I am saying that to say that, make no mistake: The banks will of course make some adjustments in terms of what is being reques t-ed. But we have to be mindful of the other fees that will either be increased or substituted to compensate for the loss of revenue that is going to come from the reductions or the inability to charge multiple fees for over limit. I will also say this. And I know it is obviously more than just the over -limit fees, but I want to use that as an example because it is actually quite incred-ible when you think about it in terms of, they will say to me that you have a $1,000 limit, for example. And that is partly through my discussion, partly what I have in my account and all those kinds of things. And to make sure, when you go to use the card, guess what? You are at your limit. What is ironic, though, is that then you can still use it. As everybody understands now, every time you use it, it does not stop you from going over. It says, Okay, guess what? You’re over, and now I’m going to charge you more. And what is horr ible is that sometimes, because you really do not know the balance, you might go over by, say, $20. And ev ery time you go over by $20, they charge you $50, which means that of course the fee for going over limit is much more than the actual amount that you have gone over limit. So, for me, I think it is a much bigger picture now to talk about, and that is, what is the role of bank-ing in our society? MP Burgess (again) talked about the discrimination that happened in the past, and it may still ha ppen. One of the things that I did when I was at the bank was to really understand and take time to read the mortgage documents. And I was actually shocked to find out that the mortgage document itself said that the bank reserves the right to call your mortgage even if you have always made your pa yments on time. Prior to that I had thought that the bank can call your mortgage if you were, you know, in some level of delinquency or some level of arrears, whether it be one month, three months or twelve months. So I was quite shocked. In my youthful exuberance, what I did was I actually spoke to the then president of the bank. And he was unaware that the bank documentation said that. He undertook to make sure that this clause was then removed. I think from that time forward it was removed, but it still means that some people who have mortgages that have been there for a while, their document might still reflect the fact that even if — [INAUDIBLE ] call your mortgage. And we do know from a discrimination point of vie w, many Bermudians now still think about that before they speak publicly in terms of opposing whatever might be the status quo or doing those things which they think may cause their head to be above the radar. So as a consequence, many people in Bermuda remain afraid to really speak to what their beliefs are in a public setting, which means that Bermuda is not getting the full benefit of our collective thought processes because we are afraid.
Bermuda House of Assembly So what am I really saying? Today it is interesting that the Government is going to use what is well known as an “excellent regul ator,” the BMA, as —I was going to say tool, but more so as a process to cause the banks, hopefully, to come into line with what is practical. I will also reflect on my previous job in terms of , one of the descriptions for annual increases was, What can you do to generate a certain amount of money but cause the least angst amongst the customers? So what I will say in this instance is clearly we are at a point whereby the over -limit fees are a st ep too far because we do have this pushback. And as everyone has been saying already, for the first time we get to a stage whereby the Government is going to intervene in the marketplace effectively to cause them to treat us more fairly. The other big- picture point I want to make is this idea of how the banks determine interest rates in that there may be a base rate of, say, 5 per cent, and then they may add to or take away from that depending on what they deem as you being risky. So if A nthony has a relati vely small balance and Speaker Li ster has a bigger balance, the chances are— this is the hypocrisy almost —that Speaker Lister, who has a big balance, will ultimately be charged less interest than Anthony, who has a smaller balance. And that is not intuitive in the sense that the person who can pay the most ends up being charged the least, obviously because they are deemed to be less risky. But when you think about those sorts of things, right, some of the banking concepts, they ac-tually are definitely counterintuitive because you would think that if Anthony has the least money, you want to make sure he is able to pay going forward. So why charge him more? If anything, charge him the same or less, not more than the person who can afford to pay more. So in Berm uda, we have to start to talk about these things more so that there is a greater understanding of what the banks are supposed to do and what they are not supposed to do, what they are doing and what they are going to do and then for us to make our decisions. I will not say all of the names, but it is not true that we have to always use the traditional banks for our banking services. There are some options, and we have to take time to investigate those options and not be tied to what we think always has been and always has to be. So we can start to think a little bit differently. MP Burgess also referred to the fact that some time ago one of our banks had significant financial challenges, and the Government stepped in to assist them. There were actually some charges for them providing that support. However, it has been very interesting that since that time the bank has changed hands in terms of who the majority owners are. And the new owners almost have no regard for their own history. Like you almost forget t he fact that, guess what, the Government of Bermuda assisted you to allow you to carry on your business, and now they do not see themselves as necessarily having to undergird, support or otherwise provide assistance to us as Bermudians or residents who ult imately helped them. But that goes back to my earlier point, that we have to be realistic and understand that this is pure capitalism as more exploitation. So yes, you helped me in the past. I have paid [you] what I could pay in that regard. And now I am l ooking forward. So my forward is going to be, what about my revenue base? What about my income? What about my shareholders’ return? Because that is what the current focus is. So I guess I will conclude by saying what I said in the beginning. That is that p art of me smiles as we have this discussion because clearly the banks have a responsibility to their shareholders, which means they must now tamper down the public oppos ition to their high fees, which they will do. But again, they still want to maintain —they have to maintain their level of returns. And so we have to look for what will be the substitution that they will put in place to make up for what is now going to be a revenue shortfall. I guess I want to keep saying this —sorry. The bigger point now and the ultimate solution is going to be to ensure that we carry on with what the Government has done [ INAUDIBLE] and then once again the banks will respond to increased competition by trying to preserve their levels of income. And then they will make some adjustments, obviously to try to encourage the Bermuda residents and the business community to remain with that bank as opposed to moving around. And then we will hopefully see, based upon the competition, some reductions in fees. We have to make no mistake about it either because as we have seen already, some of the banks —or all of the banks actually have significantly reduced their level of employees, again trying to drive more revenue to the bottom line. And this is probably going to be something that we s ee more and more into the future. If we recall, even MP Cole Simons, putting on his banking hat, has said that in response to the new dual bank, which is going to be more dig ital, other banks may see that they have no choice but to reduce their headcount i n order to ensure that they are able to maintain their level of income. So this will be a very interesting space to watch, which I look forward to. But again, I want to encourage us also to have a big- picture focus and know that, guess what? The banks are not in it for us as customers or res idents. They are in it for their shareholders. And the shareholders demand a certain level of return. Otherwise, that CEO person will no longer be there. So thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? 1650 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, MP De Silva, you have the floor. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, I do. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think this date today is appr opriate.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerJust a reminder for your video to be on. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: My video is on, Mr. Speaker. I see me.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWe do not see you. We hear you nice and clear, though. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Oh, wait a minute. Okay. I see my picture, Mr. Speaker. What am I doing?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerKeep talking as you try and adjust it. Just keep talking. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Okay. All right. Can you see me now, Mr. Speaker? I hit one of these other buttons in the area. No. [Pause] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I have mine . . …
Keep talking as you try and adjust it. Just keep talking. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Okay. All right. Can you see me now, Mr. Speaker? I hit one of these other buttons in the area. No.
[Pause]
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I have mine . . . mine says a dual camera, Mr. Speaker. What does that mean? No. Can you hear me?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWe hear you loud and clear. Just keep talking. Keep talking. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Okay. All right. I think this legislation is appropriate for the climate that we are currently living in, Mr. Speaker. I think some points have been made today, and some additional things need …
We hear you loud and clear. Just keep talking. Keep talking.
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Okay. All right. I think this legislation is appropriate for the climate that we are currently living in, Mr. Speaker. I think some points have been made today, and some additional things need to be added. One of my colleagues, I think it was MP Famous, who talked about the monthly fee that the bank currently charges. And as he pointed out, if you made a small deposit of, say, 1,000 bucks, Mr. Speaker, and a lot of our people are not making tens of thousands of dollars every month, and they may make small deposits. Well, if you put in $1,000 and like Famous was saying, you know, if you have a fee once a [month], $10 –$18 a month, and they can vary, it will not take long, a couple of years — if you do not make any further deposits and they do not give you any interest, you are going to have a negative return. What MP Famous did not say, unless I missed someone else and they said it, was that the bank will take that money. And they then lend it out at anywhere from 6.5 [per cent] to 12.5 per cent. And these are the types of things I think we need to look at. And I will go through a few more points, Mr. Speaker. But maybe the time has come for a serious look at, like we talk about comprehensive immigration reform, maybe it is time for comprehensive banking reform. I think if we take little steps like this we will get there. But there are many, many things that the banks do during the course of a year that really hurt the common, everyday, grassroots man. And of course we have heard talk about shareholders. And I will declare my interest; I have shares in the bank, too. But the fact of the matter is that the amount of fees, the amount of money that is made off of fees is certainly very, very [disproportionate] as to the return one gets for the monies that they deposit. And I am not sure if it has been mentioned yet, and I do not think it has. But every time you do a transaction, Mr. Speaker, there is a charge of 50 cents. Now, once upon a time if you remember, Mr. Speaker, you used to write a cheque and they used to charge you 25 [cents] or 50 cents. Then they said, Well, look. If you go online, you won’t have that charge. Then before you know it, they started char ging you for every transaction that you make online. And if you add these up over the course of a year, it can be quite substantial. And of course, if you put ev erybody on the Island collectively together, it is huge. It is a huge amount. So, Mr. Speaker, I think that as we continue to look at these things —and one of the other things that we seriously need to look at, Mr. Speaker, and we have heard talk about mortgages being called and things like that. And I can speak from personal exper ience that, you know, I have had some challenges with the banks in my day. But I have also been witness to some horror stories of [real people]. One of the things we need to do as well, Mr. Speaker, and you will be familiar. You will be very familiar. Someone would get a $1 million mortgage. They spend four or five, six, seven, eight years paying it down. Someone in the family gets in trouble, because a lot of people combine their resources to make a purchase of their first home. A lot of times families share it, as you know. And sometimes people get in trouble. And the difference between Bermuda and the States, Mr. Speaker, is they have taken out a mor tgage on a house, say, $1 million. And they have got the principal down to $800,000. Well, they got into some trouble for whatever reason, the bank takes the house from the folk and they get it appraised. Of course, it might be appraised at $1 million, it might be appraised at $900,000. But what happens is the bank will do a fire sale. And I think MP Burgess mentioned it. And sometimes they sell these things to their friends. What happens is, after the house is sold, you have a balance left on that mortgage. So folks lose their house and they still have a debt to pay! And I well know one particular person, Mr. Speaker, who lost their house. The bank fire- sold it, and they had $400,000 left, which they are still paying
Bermuda House of Assembly today. In the States, it does not happen that way. I think we need to seriously look at that. Now, Mr. Speaker, the other thing that if we are going to talk about bank reform and some of the things that we are doing—in most places in the world when somebody is arrested, they are innocent until proven guilty. And I know that the banks here in Bermuda, if one is arrested, the banks put the squeeze right on them. Mr. Speaker, that in itself has to stop. Because it has crippled some people in this country. That in itself is rotten to the core, I think. When som eone might be falsely arrested, and the bank says, Well, I’m sorry, mate. You know, you’ve been arres ted. We can’t do any more business with you. Look. You’ve got some things going on here. You’ve got to pay this mortgage off. You’ve got to pay this loan off, because you know what? We’re just a little concerned about that. Mr. Speaker, that is a biggie, because as we know, some people are arrested in this country for political affiliation or other reasons. I believe that ev eryone is innocent until proven guilty. The last thing I would like to discuss, Mr. Speaker, is the administration fee. You will be familiar with that, Mr. Speaker, I am sure. You go to the bank. You know, you’re going to them with hat in hand trying to get a loan, trying to get a m ortgage on a house. And you get your term sheet. They always have this thing called the administration fee. Now, if you are going to borrow $1 million, that administration fee could be anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 to $18,000, just a one- time fee. They call it a finder’s fee/administration fee. Mr. Speaker, when the banks are declaring millions and millions of dollars of net profit per quarter, they should not have any problem sitting down with the government of the day —I am not just saying the PLP Gove rnment —any government of the day and saying, Now, listen. Let’s have a discussion about what the man in the street is paying overall to be able to put his money in the bank and do business with the banks here in Bermuda. So I think this legislation is good . I think the timing is good. The climate is right. And I will encourage our Premier and Ministers and colleagues to let us see what we can do going forward to assist and build on this legislation that obviously we will pass today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Any other Member? Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Hello, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood evening. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, there were a few questions that were asked, and I will do my best to try to answer them as I close this out and take us into Committee. Let me start, I guess, on matters related to customer responsibility. There was …
Good evening. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, there were a few questions that were asked, and I will do my best to try to answer them as I close this out and take us into Committee. Let me start, I guess, on matters related to customer responsibility. There was a question that was asked, and it was on the question of customer responsibility t o understand the terms and conditions . This point is captured in the draft code and also noted as one of the high- level principles . What was interes ting, Mr. Speaker, was that . . . I welcome certainly the comments from Honourable Members on this partic ular Bill. And during that time I got a message from my mother. And my mother stated that she had a very similar experience as Minister Tinee Furbert, wherein she said that her credit card was somehow switched, and she was automatically demoted from being the primary cardholder to some other thing. So there are certainly a lot of things that are being said today by Honourable Members that are resonating with me mbers of the community. And I think that the listening audience can hear the fact that we are certainly pr ogressing through this particular regime. Mr. Speaker, there were a lot of comments and thoughts surrounding the regulation- making po wer of the Minister of Finance. The Opposition Leader [implied] that the Minister should not be in the process of producing regulations in the realm of the deposit - taking business. We should be reminded, Mr. Speaker, that the Banks and Deposit Companies Act, like many other financial services statutes, already makes provision, in this case at section 60, for the Minister of Finance to issue, acting on the advice of the Authority, such regulations. The new regulation- making power to be added by way of this Bill is entirely consistent with that approach. I am not entirely certain what the O pposition Leader is getting at, but he might be able to enlighten us in Committee. Now I will say that there was a comment (I would say) from the Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Minister of Finance, saying, Why introduce a code of conduct now, not previously? I am not entirely certain w hich point he was trying to make. But, Mr. Speaker, I am going to refer you, with your permi ssion, as I know the hour is getting late . . .
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAll right. Continue. Hon. E. David Burt: But I am going to read to you from one of my first contribut ions in this Honourable House back in 2013. It says: “Mr. Speaker, certain fees at local banks punish and compound distress for those in financial difficulty. One key issue …
All right. Continue.
Hon. E. David Burt: But I am going to read to you from one of my first contribut ions in this Honourable House back in 2013. It says: “Mr. Speaker, certain fees at local banks punish and compound distress for those in financial difficulty. One key issue is credit card over -the-limit fees. This is something that is seemingly impossible, as credit cards have ‘limits’; however, [card issuers] allow customers to exceed their limit and then charge a fee every time they do . . .” This was something that was addressed in the recent changes to US credit card laws. 1652 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly “Mr Speaker, we suggest that the OBA co nsider legislation providing restrictions on over -the-limit transactions, namely: “A customer must inform a card issuer that they want to allow transactions that will take the customer over their credit limit. Otherwise, if a transaction would take a customer over the limit, it may be turned down. “If a customer does not opt -in to over -the-limit transactions and a card issuer allows a transaction through, the issuer cannot charge the customer an over-the-limit fee. “If a customer opts -in to allow ing transactions that take them over their credit limit, the card issuer can impose only one over -the-limit fee per billing c ycle.” And that, Mr. Speaker, was from the Progressive Labour Party Budget Reply in 2013, February or March. Now, Mr. Speaker, I got to look at the Hansard. There was no response from the Government in 2014, nor in 2015, nor in 2016 when those recommendations were made. So I will take the Opposition Leader’s point that this should have been implemented a long time ago. I agree. And I will take the Opposition Leader’s point that here we are in 2022, and we are just now bringing a Bill to the House to make this a reality. So I can accept a measure of criticism because I am disappointed that this is here. But what I can say is that I am also grateful that we are pushing this particular matter forward. But I think it is also interesting to note, Mr. Speaker, because this is not my first time in serving as Minister of Finance. But this is certainly something that I have always considered important. And I certainly accept what the Opposition Leader is saying, that nothing was done prior to our coming back into office. But here is the truth, Mr. Speaker. Tomorrow is County Game. And it is the first coming in of the season. Mr. Speaker, I r emember a few days after the election in 2017, I attended County Game in the mor ning and I had a meeting here the afternoon, Saturday afternoon (I will never forget it) with the then Chair of the National Anti -Money Laundering Committee. And this wo nderful lady, someone whom you know, Mr. Speaker , ruined my honeymoon because in effect she basically said, I don’t know what you think you might be doing for the next two years. But I will tell you what you must do as Minister of Finance. And it is that you have to get the country ready for national anti -money laundering assessment because the ball was dropped by the former Government. Now, that is not a quote, Mr. Speaker, from this lady. But what was said is that there was a whole lot of work that needed to be done because there was a whole lot of work that was left undone. And, Mr. Speaker, in 2017/18, up to the assessment, the Ber-muda Monetary Authority was focused on the impending CFATF [Caribbean Financial Action Task Force] assessment. And it would have been difficult to take on conduct at that time. The Authority had to assess the result of the assessment and make the necessary amendments. All right? So that is where we stand. But it is also important to note that in my brief I said that the Bermuda Monetar y Authority went out to consultation on conduct in 2020. I believe the former Minister of Finance mentioned it in his budget speeches, probably in 2019. And here we are bringing it today, Mr. Speaker. So, yes, it is overdue. But here is the truth, Mr. Speaker. This Government time and time again has demonstrated that we make a promise to the electorate and we keep a promise to the electorate. And that is why the electorate trusts us, Mr. Speaker, with their votes and their confidence. B ecause they know when they go to the polls, what we put down on a piece of paper is what they will get, Mr. Speaker. Just one final point, Mr. Speaker.
[Inaudible interjections]
Hon. E. David Burt: The Opposition Leader also said something about the banks should not infer, the banks should do this themselves, and that is what it is. Mr. Speaker, the banks are not going to self -regulate themselves. And I know that the Honourable Oppos ition Leader is a banker. But they are not going to self - regulate themselves.
Hon. N. H. Col e Simons: Mr. Speaker, point of order.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Unfortunately, the Premier is misleading the House. Hon. E. David Burt: Unintentionally. Maybe I misunderstood, so please, go ahead. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: What I said was, you do not think that the banks would regulate themselves, …
Point of order.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Unfortunately, the Premier is misleading the House.
Hon. E. David Burt: Unintentionally. Maybe I misunderstood, so please, go ahead.
POINT OF ORDER [Misleading]
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: What I said was, you do not think that the banks would regulate themselves, and they did not have to. It is for the Government and the Regulatory Authority to be responsible for code of conduct regulations and prudential regulatio ns, not the industry themselves. That is what I said, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Premier, just keep in mind his clarification. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. But I think it is important to note that the i ndustry did not ask for a code of conduct. That was Bermuda House of Assembly something that came from the …
Thank you. Premier, just keep in mind his clarification. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. But I think it is important to note that the i ndustry did not ask for a code of conduct. That was
Bermuda House of Assembly something that came from the Government. It was started under the former Minister of Finance, and it has continued under this Minister of Finance. And t oday we are seeing the Bill that is being brought into place with the added impact of ensuring that there is the ability to set limits on fees to make sure that we deal with the things that are affecting the persons who vote for us. So with that, Mr. Speaker, I now move that the Bill be committed.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Mr. Premier. Deputy Speaker. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House in Committee at 8:11 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman ] COMMITTEE ON BILL BANKS AND DEPOSIT COMPANIES AMENDMENT ACT 2022
The ChairmanChairmanHonourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] for further consider ation of the Bill entitled the Banks and Deposit Companies Amendment Act 2022 . Premier and M inister of Finance, David Burt, you have the floor. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. …
Honourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] for further consider ation of the Bill entitled the Banks and Deposit Companies Amendment Act 2022 . Premier and M inister of Finance, David Burt, you have the floor.
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, given that I see there is going to be intense debate on clause 5, I would like to move clauses 1 through 4.
The ChairmanChairmanContinue. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, clause 1 provides a citation for the Bill. Clause 2 amends section 2 of the Banks and Deposit Companies Act (the principal Act) to provide for the definition of “code,” which shall have the meaning given in …
Continue.
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, clause 1 provides a citation for the Bill. Clause 2 amends section 2 of the Banks and Deposit Companies Act (the principal Act) to provide for the definition of “code,” which shall have the meaning given in section 8A, and is similar to the definition of “code” embedded under various Regulatory Acts administered by the Authority. Clause 3 inserts new section 8A codes. Mr. Chairman, clause 3 amends the principal Act to insert a new section 8A to empower the Authority to issue codes of conduct. Persons carrying on deposit -taking business shall be required to observe such codes in initially meeting minimum criteria for licensing r equirements and thereafter while holding a licence. A failure to observe the codes may lead to regulatory sanctions, including revocation of licence.
The ChairmanChairmanAre there any further speakers? Hon. E. David Burt: Sorry, Mr. Chairman; my fault. I was just having trouble turning the page.
The ChairmanChairmanOkay. Hon. E. David Burt: Clause 4 amends the principal Act by repealing and replacing section 39(1)(a) to r equire institutions to additionally provide any infor-mation the Authority may reasonably require, relating to the following: codes issued by the Authority and the implementation of such code; and safeguarding the interests …
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Mr. Premier. Are there any further speakers?
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you. Would the Honourable Premier be able to clarify clause 4 amending section 39(1)(a), [the] power being given to the BMA to coll ect information as it r elates to compliance with the code of conduct, and a nother power being given to acquire information related to (and I …
Thank you. Would the Honourable Premier be able to clarify clause 4 amending section 39(1)(a), [the] power being given to the BMA to coll ect information as it r elates to compliance with the code of conduct, and a nother power being given to acquire information related to (and I quote here) “[(iii)] generally for safeguarding the interests of clients and potential clients of the inst itution;” ? Mr. Chairman, when we look at information requests from the regulator, they can be quite labor ious and sometimes quite difficult to fulfil. So I was hoping the Honourable Premier could speak to why these specific provisions have been enshrined in this Regulatory Act. And how that . . . Yes. To that point, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanMr. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Chairman, stand by. I do not know if there are any further questions on these clauses. [Pause] Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Chairman, this particular clause is just making sure that the Bermuda Monetary Authority also has the power to gather information 1654 …
Mr. Premier.
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Chairman, stand by. I do not know if there are any further questions on these clauses.
[Pause]
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Chairman, this particular clause is just making sure that the Bermuda Monetary Authority also has the power to gather information 1654 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly with regard to the codes and following the rules of the latest code of conduct.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you. In relation to clause 3, [where] proposed section 8A(2) says [in part], “the Authority may issue a code of conduct for the pur pose of providing guidance as to the duties, requirements and standards to be complied with, and the procedures (whether as to identification, record- keeping, internal …
Thank you. In relation to clause 3, [where] proposed section 8A(2) says [in part], “the Authority may issue a code of conduct for the pur pose of providing guidance as to the duties, requirements and standards to be complied with, and the procedures (whether as to identification, record- keeping, internal reporting and training or otherwise) . . . .” would the Honourable Premier be able to speak to why those specific regul atory items were enshrined in the legislation? Because there are a number of points that could be there, and it seems quite specific that these ones were included and others were excluded. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The Chair man: Any further questions on that clause? There appear to be none. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Can the Honourable Member please confirm the clause again?
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, Mr. Chairman. The clause is cl ause 3 inserting section 8A, specifically section 8A(2), starting with, “Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1).” [Pause] Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Chairman, if I may, I am tr ying to actually follow what the Honourable Member is not necessar …
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The clause is cl ause 3 inserting section 8A, specifically section 8A(2), starting with, “Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1).”
[Pause]
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Chairman, if I may, I am tr ying to actually follow what the Honourable Member is not necessar ily trying to get at, but the question which he is trying . . . If I could ask him just to clarify, because I am having trouble following specifically.
The ChairmanChairmanMP Richardson, can you clarify, please?
Mr. Jarion RichardsonYes. Thank you, Mr. Chai rman. So the topics are identification, recordkeeping, internal reporting, and training or otherwise. Those are topics in regulatory compliance, Mr. Chai rman. And there are a number of other topics that go with this. So basically, the Authority will have the abi lity to generate …
Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chai rman. So the topics are identification, recordkeeping, internal reporting, and training or otherwise. Those are topics in regulatory compliance, Mr. Chai rman. And there are a number of other topics that go with this. So basically, the Authority will have the abi lity to generate a code addressing these topics. Some of these topics might be addressed in other codes, other Regulatory Acts. For example, Mr. Chairman, we see identification. Identification of whom? And that also follows that identification of wh om is already a nswered in the anti -money laundering regulations, sir. And then I have another one here: Internal reporting. Internal reporting of what ? And to whom? So it just seems that these are very specific topics that are addressed in other places in the regulatory framework. So I was just trying to get from the Ho nourable Premier why these ones were inserted here, given that they also live in other places. Mr. Chairman, thank you.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, MP Richardson. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank yo u very much. So just a few things. I appreciate the clarify now. Under procedures, certainly those things are done. It is just giving the example of various proc edures. But I think it is also important to know, from …
Thank you, MP Richardson.
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank yo u very much. So just a few things. I appreciate the clarify now. Under procedures, certainly those things are done. It is just giving the example of various proc edures. But I think it is also important to know, from a conduct perspective, not just an actu al overall thing, from a conduct perspective, if a bank is, as we all know, you know, takes a year to do your KYC, that is a problem if you cannot do something. So standards can also be issued and conduct matters can be issued in that area. So I take the point of which the Honourable Member is saying that there would be things which are specified with respect to those procedures, but this is dealing with the conduct matters that they have related to those procedures. So it has outlined the specific procedures to be applicable to so there is not any question as to whether or not those things can be a part of it, but also the point of including those is that knowing that they are in other places, but also that there could be conduct matters that are related t o those processes.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you. Any further speakers on clauses 1 through 4? There appear to be none. Premier, Minister. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I move that clauses 1 through 4 be approved.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that clauses 1 through 4 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 4 passed.] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move clause 5. Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: Continue. Hon. …
It has been moved that clauses 1 through 4 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 4 passed.]
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move clause 5.
Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: Continue.
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you. Mr. Chairman, clause 5 amends the principal Act to insert under section 60(2) a new paragraph (ab) to provide the Minister with the power to make regul ations relating to any commercial or [operational] b usiness fee, charge or penalty to be imposed on the cl ients of an institution holding a deposit -taking licence, in furtherance of carrying on its business.
The ChairmanChairmanAre there any speakers to clause 5?
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, Mr. Chairman. Undoubtedly as the Honourable Premier is aware, the Bermuda Monetary Authority applies pri nciples when enacting or undertaking certain superv isory activities. And he mentioned one of them, which is proportionality, Mr. Chairman, which basically means that we apply a suitable standard based on the nature, …
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Undoubtedly as the Honourable Premier is aware, the Bermuda Monetary Authority applies pri nciples when enacting or undertaking certain superv isory activities. And he mentioned one of them, which is proportionality, Mr. Chairman, which basically means that we apply a suitable standard based on the nature, size and scale of the financial company or the financial institution. As it relates to clause 5, given that thi s power will reside with the Minister upon the advice of the Bermuda Monetary Authority, my question to the Honourable Premier is, How will the proportionality principle . . . how does the Honourable Premier intend to utilise this power? Will he utilise pr oportionality and other guidelines? Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanAny other questions on clause 5? There appear to be none. Premier. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Chairman, I had anot her.
The ChairmanChairmanOh, I am sorry. Honourable Cole S imons, c lause 5? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes. [The Explanatory Memorandum] says about clause 5 “. . . the Minister with the power to make regulations relating to any commercial or operational business fee . . . .” Is the Minister …
Oh, I am sorry. Honourable Cole S imons, c lause 5? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes. [The Explanatory Memorandum] says about clause 5 “. . . the Minister with the power to make regulations relating to any commercial or operational business fee . . . .” Is the Minister indicating that he will make the power in collaboration with the regulator, and the regulator at the end, once the regulations have been completed after the discussion, the regulator will enforce? Or does this mean that the Minister [unilatera lly] can have the power to make the regulations rela ting to commercial and operational business fees, charges and penalties? So my first question was, Is it in conjunction with the BMA and, once they achieve consensus, then the BMA’s responsibility is to manage and enforce legislation after they have received consensus, and the Minister will step back because they have del egated authority to the BMA? Or does this mean the Minister will make the regulations [unilaterally] and the BMA must follow, must police the regulations?
The ChairmanChairmanAny further questions on clause 5? There appear to be none. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Chairman, in the time that the Honourable Members of the Opposition have asked this question, I have just gone to Bermuda Laws and typed in, “acting on the advice of the A uthority.” …
Any further questions on clause 5? There appear to be none. Premier.
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Chairman, in the time that the Honourable Members of the Opposition have asked this question, I have just gone to Bermuda Laws and typed in, “acting on the advice of the A uthority.” And I have gotten back 31 various different Acts that are dealing with financial services regul ations that contain this exact same provision. Regul ations can only be issued by Ministers of the Gover nment. However, the Authority will be responsibl e for applying the principles of which they use going through the process of which the Authority is famous for knowing —consulting with industry; applying pr oportionality; consulting with stakeholders, which has to include the Ministry of Finance, the peopl e of this country, the banks and others; and then will come up with the regulations of which they believe to be correct. That is what it is. So, Mr. Chairman, that is what is here. And I have firm, full confidence in the Bermuda Monetary Authority now that they have this power, [through] the conversations and discussions of which I have had, that they will do what is in the best interest of the tota lity of the banking sector while ensuring that consum-ers are protected and ensuring that there are not actions which are taking place in this country, such as I had in the principles embedded in this Bill, where there was someone who wrote to me, telling me about the over -limit fees, the practices which are no longer allowed, which if the Opposition would have followed the advice of which I had given or the request in 2013, we would not be discussing this right now. But all I am saying, Mr. Chairman, is that is the process. And it is reflected in 31 different Acts from a very quick search on Bermuda Laws. It is no rmal. That is the way that laws are written, and that is the way that any —any—regulations with the exception of certain regulations under the Bermuda Monetary Authority Act, are issued and are made.
The ChairmanChairmanAny further comments from clause 5? There appear to be none. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that clause 5 be approved.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that clause 5 be approved. 1656 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Clause 5 passed.]
The ChairmanChairmanContinue. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will move clause 6 and clause 7 if I may.
The ChairmanChairmanYes, you may. Continue. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much. Clause 6 amends the principal Ac t in the Second Schedule to impose an obligation on [institutions] to observe the measures set out in any codes issued by the Authority, and further provides for the Authority to consider …
Yes, you may. Continue.
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much. Clause 6 amends the principal Ac t in the Second Schedule to impose an obligation on [institutions] to observe the measures set out in any codes issued by the Authority, and further provides for the Authority to consider the level of an institution’s observance of the codes when determini ng whether or not the instit ution is conducting its business in a prudent manner. Clause 7 provides for clause 5 under the Bill to come into operation on such day as the Minister may appoint by notice published in the Gazette .
The ChairmanChairmanAny comments on clauses 6 and 7?
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, Mr. Chairman. My question is, When does the Premier anti cipate bringing the regulation into force? Thank you, Mr. Ch airman.
The ChairmanChairmanAny further questions coming from clauses 6 and 7? Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The answer to the question is, when the draft regulations are made it can come into effect.
The ChairmanChairmanAny further questi ons from clauses 6 and 7? There appear to be none. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that clauses 6 and 7 be approved.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that clauses 6 and 7 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 6 and 7 passed.] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the preamble be approved.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you. I move that the Bill be reported to the House as printed.
The ChairmanChairmanIt 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 r eported to the House as prin ted. [Motion carried: The Banks and Deposit Companies Amendment Act 2022 was considered by …
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 r eported to the House as prin ted.
[Motion carried: The Banks and Deposit Companies Amendment Act 2022 was considered by a Commi ttee of the whole House and passed without amendments.]
The ChairmanChairmanMr. Speaker. Hous e resumed at 8:28 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF COMMITTEE BANKS AND DEPOSIT COMPANIES AMENDMENT ACT 2022
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Deputy. Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Banks and Deposit C ompanies Amendment Act 2022 being reported to the House as print-ed? There are none. The Bill has been reported as printed. Members, thank you for your participation. This now moves us on to …
Thank you, Deputy. Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Banks and Deposit C ompanies Amendment Act 2022 being reported to the House as print-ed? There are none. The Bill has been reported as printed. Members, thank you for your participation. This now moves us on to the next item on the Order Paper today, which is [Order] No. 4, the second reading of the Domestic Partnership Amendment Act 2022 in the name of the Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs. Minister.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes. Good evening, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood evening. Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Walter H. Roban: I move that the Bill entitled Domestic Partnership Amendment Act 2022 be now read a second time.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections? There are none. Continue. BILL SECOND READING DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP AMENDMENT ACT 2022 Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speak er, I rise to intr oduce for the second reading the Bill entitled the D omestic Partnership Amendment Act 2022. The Bill seeks to (1) extend the transitional …
Are there any objections? There are none. Continue.
BILL
SECOND READING
DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP AMENDMENT ACT 2022 Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speak er, I rise to intr oduce for the second reading the Bill entitled the D omestic Partnership Amendment Act 2022. The Bill seeks to (1) extend the transitional period under section 54 of the Domestic Partnership Act 2018 (the principal Act) to March 14, 2022, to confirm the validity of same -sex marriages formalised according to the law of Bermuda prior to the date of the Privy Council judgment; and (2) to recognise certain same- sex ma rriages formalised overseas during the extended tra nsitional period. Mr. Speaker, section 53 of the principal Act provides that a marriage is void unless the parties are, respectively, male and female. Mr. Speaker, section 54 of the principal Act provided for a transitional per iod (a) during which certain same- sex marriages entered into in Bermuda or on Bermuda registered ships would be valid, and (b) before or during which certain overseas same- sex marriages could be recognised in Bermuda. The transitional period was defined as the period from 5 May 2017 (the date of the Supreme Court judgment in Godwin and DeRoche v. the Regi strar General and others ) until immediately before the commencement date of the principal Act on 1 June 2018. On 6 June 2018, the Supreme Court (under Chief Justice Kawaley) determined that section 53 was unconstitutional, but his judgment was stayed pending appeal. On November 23, 2018, the Court of Appeal upheld the Supreme Court decision (though on different grounds) and refused to extend the stay previously granted by the Supreme Court. Cons equently, from that date same- sex marriages conduc ted in Bermuda and on Bermuda registered ships were not invalidated by section 53, and certain overseas same -sex marriages could be recognised in Bermuda. Mr. Speaker, on the 14 th of [March] 2022, the Privy Council overturned the decision of the Court of Appeal and determined that section 53 was not u nconstitutional. This casts doubt on the validity of same -sex marriages conducted in Bermuda or on Bermuda registered ships since 1 June 2018, and the recognition in Bermuda since that date of overseas same -sex marriages. Mr. Speaker, the uncertainty over the validity and recognition of same- sex marriages potentially has widespread negative effects on the rights previously enjoyed by couples involved who were married lawfully und er the law as it existed at the time and who may suffer the loss or interruption of certain rights and benefits. It is therefore not tenable to leave the Act as it is without making appropriate amendments. Mr. Speaker, in closing, the Domestic Par tnership Amendment Act 2022 will ensure that the a ppropriate amendments are made to safeguard the l egitimacy and acceptability of marriages between same -sex couples who were married under the law as it existed at the time. Mr. Speaker, I now move that the Bill enti tled the Domestic Partnership Amendment Act 2022 be read for the second time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Would any other Member wish to speak to this matter?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Pearman, you have the floor.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Mr. Speaker. The OBA supports this Bill. This is an i mportant issue both for our community and for equality of treatment. The Opposition raised the issue publicly this past spring, inviti ng the Deputy Premier to fix the gap in the existing law. The One Bermuda Alliance …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The OBA supports this Bill. This is an i mportant issue both for our community and for equality of treatment. The Opposition raised the issue publicly this past spring, inviti ng the Deputy Premier to fix the gap in the existing law. The One Bermuda Alliance is pleased to see the Deputy Premier stepping up to correct the flaw in section 54 of the Domestic Partnership Act. The fact is that these same- sex marriages occurred when citizens were following the law of the land as it stood at the time, and rightly so. Therefore, it is right that this is being formally recognised by the Legislature today. Mr. Speaker, today is only one step, but it is the right step. And the Deputy Prem ier, Minister for Home Affairs, has the support of the One Bermuda Alliance on this Bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Member. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Famous, you have the floor.
Mr. Christopher FamousYes, Mr. Speaker. What this Bill demonstrates is that this Government or any Government of Bermuda has the abi lity and flexibility to write our own laws in regard to how 1658 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly we deal with th ings in our country. …
Yes, Mr. Speaker. What this Bill demonstrates is that this Government or any Government of Bermuda has the abi lity and flexibility to write our own laws in regard to how 1658 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly we deal with th ings in our country. I say that, Mr. Speaker, [against] the backdrop that last week on July 6, someone in a place far away from us decided that they were going to attempt to legislate for us. So I will not get into that at this point. What I will say is that the One Bermuda Alliance have agreed that this Gover nment can legislate for the people of Bermuda. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Famous. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? No other Member? Minister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I appreciate the support that has been shown for this amendment. And just a few closing comments on this part of …
Thank you, MP Famous. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? No other Member? Minister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I appreciate the support that has been shown for this amendment. And just a few closing comments on this part of the debate. What this is a part of is a process, the process which started with the Privy C ouncil decision in March of this year, which essentially said that this jurisdiction, its Legislature and the process can make good laws, laws that are consistent with international best practice, laws that all legal minds who have put their attention to t hese matters have done it in the proper way and also law that is fair, that is respectful of the constitutional and human rights of all persons. There may be different views on the matter when it comes to same- sex marriage. But let us be clear, this Gover nment always desired to ensure that people’s rights were respected. That is why we have made sure that we have a framework that recognises the rights that people are entitled to and tries to fairly address those rights in a manner that certainly the Government had to navigate certain political consi derations. But at every time and every step it was a desire to respect people’s rights and what they are entitled to, consistent with our own Constitution, consistent with international convention, international human rights practice and everything else that we have attempted to address with the body of legislation that we created under the Domestic Partnership Act. To address one point that was made by the Opposition Member where he suggested that there was a fla w in the Domestic Partnership Act and that our attempt is to seek to address the flaw, there is no flaw. And we are not addressing a flaw. What we are ensuring is consistency in legislative practice. The legislation already created a transitional framework , and we are ensuring that that is consistent. So there was no flaw. If anything, we are looking to ensure that where the court, the Privy Council, did not make clear on a particular point, we are making sure legislatively that point is addressed and is dealt with legislatively. And it is not because the Domestic Partnership Act was faulty; it was just that this was a matter that the court, in all of its deliberations around the points that were being addressed in the decision, this was a point that it did not address. And we did not want to leave a gap in any way that could be left to interpretation. And that the rights of persons who received those rights lawfully at the time will be respected going forward. So there was no flaw. If anything, we are making sure that our laws address a gap that the court did not a ddress. So with that, Mr. Speaker, as there are no more comments that I have to address, I move that the Bill be committed.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Deputy Speaker. Hon. Derrick V. Burge ss, Sr.: Thank you, thank you, Mr. Speaker. House in Committee at 8:39 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP AMENDMENT ACT 2022
The ChairmanChairmanHonourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] for further consider ation of the Bill entitled the Domestic Partnership Amendment Act 2022 . Minister Roban, you have the floor. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wish to move clauses 1 through 3 of the …
The ChairmanChairmanContinue. Hon. Walter H. Roban: May I do so?
The ChairmanChairmanYes, you may. Continue. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Bill seeks to amend the transitional p eriod in section 54 of the Domestic Partnership Act 2018 (the principal Act) in light of the Privy Council judgment in Attorney General for Bermuda v. Ferguson and others (2022) …
Yes, you may. Continue. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Bill seeks to amend the transitional p eriod in section 54 of the Domestic Partnership Act 2018 (the principal Act) in light of the Privy Council judgment in Attorney General for Bermuda v. Ferguson and others (2022) UKPC 5 (United Kingdom Privy Council 5). Clause 1 is self -explanatory. Clause 2 amends section 54(1) of the princ ipal Act to replace the definition of “transitional period” so that it extends from the 5 th of May 2017 (the date of the Supreme Court judgment in Godwin and DeRoche v. the Registrar General and others ) until 14 March 2022 (the date of the Privy Council judgment in Attorney General for Bermuda v. Ferguson and others ), but not including the period between 1 June 2018 and 23
Bermuda House of Assembly November 2018. Subsection (3) makes a consequential amendment to section 54(5). Clause 3 subsection ( 1) provides that a notice of marriage [given] under section 10 of the Marriage Act 1944 or section 6 of the Maritime Marriage Act 1999 relating to a same- sex couple after the 14 th of March 2022 shall be treated as a notice of an intended domestic partnership or maritime domestic par tnership under section 7 of the principal Act. Subsection (2) provides that an application for a special l icence relating to a same- sex couple made after the 14th of March 2022 shall be treated as an application for a special lic ence under section 10 of the principal Act. I did say from clauses 1 through 3, Mr. Chai rman.
The ChairmanChairmanYes, you did. Hon. Walter H. Roban: So I will stop there.
The ChairmanChairmanAre there any further speakers on clauses 1 through 3?
The ChairmanChairmanMP Pearman, you have the floor.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, and thank you, Honourable Deputy Premier and Minister. I have two questions on clause 2 of the Bill. And I think that this is clear, but I just want to clarify. The position is that any same- sex marriages that occurred between the 5th of May 2017 through …
Thank you, and thank you, Honourable Deputy Premier and Minister. I have two questions on clause 2 of the Bill. And I think that this is clear, but I just want to clarify. The position is that any same- sex marriages that occurred between the 5th of May 2017 through to the 14th of [March] 2022 will now be legal, firstly. That is my first question. Then secondly, a period in the middle, from the 1 st of June 2018 to the 23rd of November 2018 will be dis applied. But you answered, I believe, in a question when you gave your Statement to the House back in June with that is because there were no marriages in that interim period. Is that correct? Hon. Walter H. Roban: The answer to your first question is yes, and the second is that from the June 1, 2018, to 23 [November], that is the date of the stay on the Supreme Court.
Mr. Scott PearmanRight. And I think you answered to this Honourable House with respect to that second point, that there were no marriages in that period. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Absolutely.
Mr. Scott PearmanI am grateful. Thank you, Mini ster, and thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, thank you, MP Pearman. Any further speakers on the clauses 1 through 3? There appear to be none. Minister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will now just go through clause 4.
The ChairmanChairmanFirst move clauses 1 through 3. Hon. Walter H. Roban: I am sorry. I wish to move clauses 1 through 3, Mr. Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that clauses 1 through 3 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 3 passed.]
The ChairmanChairmanContinue, Minister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I now wish to move clause 4, which deems the Bill to have come into effect on 14 March 2022, the date of the Privy Council judgment in Attorney General for Bermuda v. Ferguson and others . Thank you very …
The ChairmanChairmanAny comments on clause 4, Members? There appear to be none. Minister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Chairman, I now wish that we could move clause 4, please. Hon. Walter H. Roban: It has been moved that clause 4 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to …
Any comments on clause 4, Members? There appear to be none. Minister.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Chairman, I now wish that we could move clause 4, please.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: It has been moved that clause 4 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Clause 4 passed.] Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With that, I wish to move the Schedule as applicable . . . but I do not believe there are any Schedules with this particular Bill.
The ChairmanChairmanRight. Do you want to move the pr eamble? Hon. Walter H. Roban: I wish to move that the pr eamble be approved. 1660 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections to …
Right. Do you want to move the pr eamble?
Hon. Walter H. Roban: I wish to move that the pr eamble be approved.
1660 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: I move that the Bill be repor ted to the House as printed.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections to that? There are no objec tions. The Bill will be reported to the House as printed. [Motion carried: The Domestic Partnership Amen dment Act 2022 was considered by a Committee of …
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Minister. Thank you, Mr. Pear man. Mr. Speaker. House resumed at 8:45 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF COMMITTEE DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP AMENDMENT ACT 2022
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Deputy Speaker. Members, are there any objections to the Domestic Par tnership Amendment Act 2022 being reported to the House as printed?
Mr. Scott PearmanYes. We would call for names. From the Opposition. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Mr. Somner. [Pause]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMr. Somner. Give me just a moment, Members. [Pause] The Assistant Clerk: We will be calling for the name vote. There is a two- minute warning to get online to vote. And cameras must be on.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, Ms. Beale is goi ng to lead us through the vote. First thing would have been the two - minute warning to get Members in the House. We will run that two- minute now. Ms. Beale, the two minutes are running now. And then once the two minutes are …
Members, Ms. Beale is goi ng to lead us through the vote. First thing would have been the two - minute warning to get Members in the House. We will run that two- minute now. Ms. Beale, the two minutes are running now. And then once the two minutes are up, you can start calling indivi dual Members. When you respond, Members, you will have to have your camera on, as well.
[Pause]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerFor the listening audience, the matter that is before us right now is that when it came down to moving the Bill, there was a call for a vote. S o when you hear silence right now in this regard, there is no one really speaking because we have to …
For the listening audience, the matter that is before us right now is that when it came down to moving the Bill, there was a call for a vote. S o when you hear silence right now in this regard, there is no one really speaking because we have to give a period for Members to be in their seats. And at that time, the vote will start to be called by name. Once the allotted time for Members to be in the ir seats is completed, then we will start that process. We have got about 40 seconds left. At that time you will hear the Assistant Clerk calling out individual names, and the Members will be responding in favour of or opposed to . [Pause]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMs. Beale, you can start the names. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Excuse me, Mr. Speaker. I would like some clarity as to what we are exactly voting on.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe question that was put by me was, Were there any objections to the Bill being reported to the House as printed? And the Honourable Member called for names. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Okay. Oh. I was not aware.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSo we called for the vote. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, just for further clarity, should there not be three Members who call for names? Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, there should have been three. In the room where they put up acknowledgement I was watching because he was in the collective Opposition room. I just took it at that when they [spoke] up. I should have clarified it more, so thanks for pointing it out to me. But …
Yes, there should have been three. In the room where they put up acknowledgement I was watching because he was in the collective Opposition room. I just took it at that when they [spoke] up. I should have clarified it more, so thanks for pointing it out to me. But yes, they did. So at this point, Members, we are just going to take the names. If you vote, the question is, Are there any objections to its being reported to the House? “No”
Bermuda House of Assembly means it wi ll be reported; if you say “Yes,” it will not be reported because the question is —
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, point of order. Mr. Speaker, point of order.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. POINT OF ORDER Hon. E. David Burt: I am not trying to question what you a re saying. But I am not entirely certain that this would be the correct interpretation. The question that there were objections to, of course, is to see if there is no objection. And …
Yes.
POINT OF ORDER
Hon. E. David Burt: I am not trying to question what you a re saying. But I am not entirely certain that this would be the correct interpretation. The question that there were objections to, of course, is to see if there is no objection. And then the motion is approved without objection. But if there is an objecti on, then we are voting on the motion. And the motion, as I understand it, is that the House accepts the report of the Committee. So, the affirmative would be the House accepts the report, and then the no vote would be the House does not accept the report. I am not trying to question, but I think that is the crux. I do not want us to get it off wrong, [and cr eate] confusion.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerTo be clear. To be clear, Premier, you were actually . . . you put it in the context that we can accept for clarity. [Laughter]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSo the vote yes is that the matter would be reported to the House, because that is what the original question was. So if you are in favour of the Domestic Partnership Amendment Act 2022 being reported to the House without any amendm ents, r eported as printed, you say …
So the vote yes is that the matter would be reported to the House, because that is what the original question was. So if you are in favour of the Domestic Partnership Amendment Act 2022 being reported to the House without any amendm ents, r eported as printed, you say “Yes.” If you are opposed to its being reported as printed, you say nay, “No,” et cetera. Is everyone clear? Is there any other unreadiness? No other unreadiness. Ms. Beale, you can start calling individuals by name. Remember when you respond, your camera should be on.
DIVISION [Report of Committee of the whole House on the Domestic Partnership Amendment Act 2022]
Ayes : 26 Nays: 0 Mr. Jache Adams Lt. Col. Hon. David Burch Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr. Hon. E. David Burt Ms. Crystal Caesar Hon. Vance Campbell Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Hon. Michael H. Dunkley Mr. Christopher Famous Hon. Jason Hayward Ms. Susan E. Jackson Mr. Dennis Lister III Mr. Scott Pearman Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain Mr. Anthony Richardson Mr. Jarion Richardson Hon. Walter H. Roban Hon. W. Lawrence Scott Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons Mr. Scott Simmons Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -Wade Hon. N. H. Cole Simons Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Hon. Michael A. Weeks Hon. Kim N. Wilson
Absent: 9 Mr. Wayne Caines Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva Mr. Curtis L. Dickinson Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Hon. Tinee Furbert Hon. Wayne L. Furbert Mrs. Renee Ming
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Ms. Beale. Thank you, Members. The vote has been in favour of the Domestic Partnership Amendment Act 2022 being reported to the House as printed. And it has now been reported. [Motion passed by a majority on division: The Domestic Partnership Amendment Act 20 22 was reported to …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, this brings us to a close on that matter. We will now move on to the next item on the Order Paper , which is [Order] No. 5, the second reading of the Quarantine Amendment Act 2022, in the name of the Minister of Health. Minister. Hon. Kim N. …
Members, this brings us to a close on that matter. We will now move on to the next item on the Order Paper , which is [Order] No. 5, the second reading of the Quarantine Amendment Act 2022, in the name of the Minister of Health. Minister.
Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill entitled the Quarantine Amendment Act 2022 be now read a second time.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections? 1662 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly There are no objections. Continue, Minister. BILL SECOND READING QUARANTINE AMENDMENT ACT 2022 Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, thank you. I would like to introduce again the second reading of the Bill entitled the …
Are there any objections? 1662 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly There are no objections. Continue, Minister.
BILL
SECOND READING
QUARANTINE AMENDMENT ACT 2022
Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, thank you. I would like to introduce again the second reading of the Bill entitled the Quarantine Amendment Act 2022. Mr. Speaker, this Bill amends the Quarantine Act 2017 (hereinafter I will refer to that as “the Act”) to ensure that emergency orders made by the Quarantine Authority, such as the Quarantine (COVID -19) (No. 3) Order 2020 which applies to all travellers whether residents or visitors, equally applies to any officer or member or crew of certain armed forces who are travelling to Bermuda. Currently, Mr. Speaker, the Act and regulations made under the Act do not apply to any conveyance forming part of the UK or Commonwealth armed services or the armed forces of any country designated under the UK’s Visi ting Forces Act 1952. Mr. Speaker, the first line of defence from global public health threats is the security of our ports and our airport. Control of the arrival of travellers, ships and aircraft at our borders is fundamental to the safety of Bermuda to protect against imported communicable diseases. The Quarantine Act was promulgated in 2017 exactl y for the purpose of modernising and strengthening our response to international public health threats. Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Members of this House will know that the world continues to suffer because of the highly infectious disease of COVID -19 caus ed by the novel coronavirus. This led to the World Health Organization [WHO] declaring a public health emergency of intern ational concern in 2020. The WHO has reaffirmed the COVID -19 public health emergency as recently as this week, Mr. Speaker. This Bill ensures that the prov isions of the Quarantine (COVID -19) Order apply as necessary to certain armed forces while a public health emergency continues. To be clear, Mr. Speaker, the amendment to this Act will ensure that only emergency orders made by the Quarantine Authority apply to armed forces conveyances travelling to Bermuda. Outside of a public health emergency, the Act and regulations made under the Act continue to not be applicable to the previously stated armed forces. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The S peaker: Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Good evening, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: MP Dunkley, you have the floor.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I thank the Minister for her brief. So, Mr. Speaker, I must have heard it hundreds of times the Government say that we have to learn to live with COVID -19. Now here we are, two and a half years after COVID -19 first became very prevalent throughout the world, and th is Government is enacting new measures to combat COVID -19, Mr. Speaker. The message seems to be quite mixed in my view, Mr. Speaker. Because while we have to learn to live with COVID -19, while we have to get back to normal, I think everyone is well aware that COVID -19 is still in our community. And, Mr. Speaker, protecting borders is something that every Government should do in the appropriate method and standard. But, clearly, everyone in Bermuda is well aware of COVID -19. Everyone has been preached too i ncessantly about what we can do to help manage the pandemic, what measures we can take ourselves, Mr. Speaker. And now two and a half years in, Mr. Speaker, it is highly unlikely that protecting our borders with a measure like this will do much to stop COV ID-19 from coming into the Island. Why, Mr. Speaker? Because it is here. I noticed that the Minister wore her mask when she spoke tonight , and I noticed that she did not wear her mask when she spoke earlier this morning. So maybe the mask was just an effect for the legisl ation we are doing—
Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Point of order, Mr. Speaker. Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. Let’s hear your point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading and imputing improper motive] Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Honourable Member is misleading, and I believe it is intentionally, this Honourable House to impute i mproper motive. I am wearing my mask currently …
Point of order. Let’s hear your point of order.
POINT OF ORDER [Misleading and imputing improper motive]
Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Honourable Member is misleading, and I believe it is intentionally, this Honourable House to impute i mproper motive. I am wearing my mask currently now because I have other members of my staff in my of-fice. I am adhering to the Government -led protocols as it relates to wearing your mask while in enclosed spaces in the company of other people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Member, just be mindful in response. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you. I thank the Minister for that clarification, Mr. Speaker. But, Mr. Speaker, legislation such as this at this stage in the pandemic certainly has minimal, if any, impact on the pandemic on our Island. As …
Thank you, Minister. Member, just be mindful in response. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you. I thank the Minister for that clarification, Mr. Speaker. But, Mr. Speaker, legislation such as this at this stage in the pandemic certainly has minimal, if any, impact on the pandemic on our Island. As I was
Bermuda House of Assembly referring to earlier, COVID -19 is here and it is spreading rapidly throughout our community. Protecting our borders with these types of measures is certainly not going to help in any great deal or way. I will stick specifically to the Quarantine Amendment Act because that is what this piece of legislati on is , and I will not wander any further off of that because we will have opportunity later in the day, Mr. Speaker. But if we are going to learn to live with COVID -19 we all know the practices that are expected of us and people have been pretty good at following it today after all. I doubt that there is a family in Bermuda that has not been impacted in some way or another by a COVID -19 infection. Thousands of people in Bermuda have had it, and at this point in time the current r eported government numbers are quite high. And Go vernment has said on repeated occasions that these are not all of the numbers we are aware of because those are only through government testing. So, Mr. Speaker, while the Government has the numbers to pass this legislation, we belie ve that it is a heavy - handed approach at this stage in the pandemic and one that is not going to measure much success at all. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Member. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Any ot her Member? No other Member? Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Government has indicated previously, and we will continue to reiterate the message, COVID - 19 is still …
Thank you, Member. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Any ot her Member? No other Member? Minister.
Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As the Government has indicated previously, and we will continue to reiterate the message, COVID - 19 is still amongst us. We are in the midst of a public health emergenc y still, and we need to ensure that persons take steps to learn to live safely with COVID - 19. Mr. Speaker, currently, the visiting forces who come to our shores, many of them can be doing cross- Atlantic excursions going to a particular port of call. Many of them are obviously occupying very, very small, close proximity quarters. Some of them may be coming for shore leave, having been on a ship for many, many months. The reality is that the majority of ships that do pass in Bermuda have adhered to our regulations but they don’t have to. Any number of ships that are pursuant to the Visiting Forces Act of 1952, which is a UK Act applicable to Bermuda, do not have to adhere to our requirements as it relates to coming ashore. This is just a safety net to ensure that if a conveyance does come to Bermuda that they will be required in circumstances where the quarantine authority indicates that we are still in a public health emergency they will be required to adhere to our Quarantine (COVID -19) (No. 3) Order. And, with that, Mr. Speaker, I would like to move that this Bill be committed. The Speaker: Thank you, Minister. Deputy Speaker.
Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
House in Committee 9:05 pm
[Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman]
COMMITTEE ON BILL
QUARANTINE AMENDMENT ACT 2022
The ChairmanChairmanHonourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole House for further consider ation of the Bill entitled the Quarantine Amendment Act 2022. Minister Wilson, you have the floor. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to move all three [sic] clauses, please.
The ChairmanChairmanContinue, Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. C hairman. This Bill seeks to amend the Quarantine Act 2017 as it relates to the application of emergency orders to the armed forces. Clause 1 is the citation. Clause 2 amends section 15 of the Quarantine Act 2017, which provides …
Continue, Minister.
Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. C hairman. This Bill seeks to amend the Quarantine Act 2017 as it relates to the application of emergency orders to the armed forces. Clause 1 is the citation. Clause 2 amends section 15 of the Quarantine Act 2017, which provides for certain armed forces to be exempt from the provisions of the Act and regulations. The new subsection (3) provides that notwit hstanding the exemption in sections 15(1) and (2), the Quarantine Authority may make emergency orders pursuant to section 9 that apply to any officer or member of the crew travelling on a conveyance for ming part of the specified armed forces who intend to be landed in Bermuda. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Minister Wilson. Are there any further speakers? There appear to be none. Minis ter. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the preamble be approved.
The ChairmanChairmanDo the clauses first, Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Chairman, I move that all three [sic] clauses be approved.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that the three [sic] clauses be approved. Are there any objections to that? 1664 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly There appear to be none. Approved. [Clauses 1 and 2 passed.] Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that …
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none; the preamble is approved. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Chairman, I move that the Bill be reported to the House as printed.
The ChairmanChairmanIt 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 r eported to the House as printed. Thank you, Minister Wilson and MP Dunkley. [Motion carried: The Quarantine Amendment Bill 2022 …
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 r eported to the House as printed. Thank you, Minister Wilson and MP Dunkley.
[Motion carried: The Quarantine Amendment Bill 2022 was considered by a Committee of the whole House and passed without amendment.]
The ChairmanChairmanMr. Speaker. House resumed at 9:08 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF COMMITTEE QUARANTINE AMENDMENT ACT 2022
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, are t here any objections to the Quarantine Amendment Act 2022 being reported to the House as printed? There are none. The Bill has been reported as printed. Thank you, Members, for your participation. That now moves us on to the next item on the Order Paper, [ Order …
Members, are t here any objections to the Quarantine Amendment Act 2022 being reported to the House as printed? There are none. The Bill has been reported as printed. Thank you, Members, for your participation. That now moves us on to the next item on the Order Paper, [ Order No.] 6, consideration of the Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extension (No. 5) Order 2022, again in the name of the Minister of Health. Minister.
DRAFT ORDER
PUBLIC HEALTH (COVID- 19) EMERGENCY EXTENSION (NO. 5) ORDER 2022
Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to invite this Honourable Chamber to consider the order entitled Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extension (No. 5) Or der 2022 . Mr. Speaker, Members will be aware the current public health emergency Order is scheduled to lapse on the 29th of July 2022. The emergency orders which have been in place since the 30th of June 2020 following the state of emergency that was put into place on the 1 st of April 2020 are made pursuant to section 107A of the Public Health Act 1949 and declared that a public health emergency exists in Bermuda due to a communicable disease that poses a threat to the Island. Mr. Speaker, the virus that causes COVID -19 spreads easily and quickly, but we can slow its spread by following basic public health advice such as wearing a well -fitting mask to cover our nose and mouth, as well as physically distancing and practicing good hand hygiene. We can also avoid the three Cs — closed spaces, crowded places and close contact set-tings —to reduce the opportunities for infection to spread. Mr. Speaker, in addition, getting vaccinated adds a layer of protection particularly with respect to the likelihood of hospit alisation or death. We are fortunate that in Bermuda the community has responded well to the Government’s mass vaccination campaign as well as the vaccine offered to participating medical practitioners, health services and pharmacies. The COVID -19 vaccinat ions were available from the 11 th of January [2021] until the 30th of June 2022. And we have now fully vaccinated 75 per cent of our popul ation. That figure rises to 84 per cent when you consi der just the eligible population. And we will be seeking more of the COVID -19 vaccine as I announced prev iously, Mr. Speaker, in the autumn. Mr. Speaker, [as mentioned to this House on several occasions it is clear that we must ensure that we live safely with COVID -19 because it will be with us for a long time both loc ally and globally. Even now there are greater numbers of people visiting the hosp ital’s emergency department with symptoms , and admissions to KEMH are increasing, Mr. Speaker. It is declared as a public health emergency of international concern by the Worl d Health Organization, again, in January 2020, and confirmed as a global pandemic in March of that year, that the COVID -19 pandemic is not over yet. In fact, Mr. Speaker, following deliberations of the 12 th meeting of the International Health Regul ations 2005 Emergency Committee, the IHR Commi ttee, they met as recently as the 8th of July 2022. And the WHO director confirmed on the 12th of July 2022 that the pandemic continues to constitute a public health emergency of international concern. It is i mportant for all of us to understand, Mr. Speaker, the novel coronavirus state of play in the world right now. Mr. Speaker, at that IHR Committee meeting, concern was expressed regarding the current global COVID -19 situation. Persons with COVID -19 reported to the WHO have increased 30 per cent in the last two weeks preceding that meeting. The case count is
Bermuda House of Assembly largely driven by the omicron variants and BA.4 and BA.5 and the general relaxation of public health measures around the world. And I can just pause, Mr. Speaker. We are still waiting for analysis that have been sent overseas, but there is a very strong likel ihood and we are fairly convinced, subject to confirm ation which we should receive any day now, that BA.4 and BA.5 similarly are the dominant variants here i n Bermuda as well as in other jurisdictions. Mr. Speaker, please note that this concern is based on reported cases. Like Bermuda, changes in testing policies globally, being a reduction in official testing and an increase in home testing means that there is under -counting of actual COVID -19 cases. Worryingly, Mr. Speaker, this impedes assessments of circulating an emergent variance as a reduction in testing also results in a reduction in genomic sequencing. Mr. Speaker, as noted by the IHR Committee, there is an urgent, ongoing need to reduce the spread of SARS- CoV2 virus. The epidemiology of the novel coronavirus remains unpredictable as the virus continues to evolve through sustained transmissions in our communities. Mr. Speaker, to quote the final state ment of the IHR Committee, “. . . the trajectory of viral evolution and the characteristics of emerging variants of the virus remain uncertain and unpredictable, and, in the absence of the adoption of [public health measures] aiming at reducing transmission, the resul ting selective pressure on the virus increases the probability of new, fitter variants emerging, with different degrees of virulence, transmissibility and immune escape potential.” Mr. Speaker, it is not possible to repeat this too many times. It is critically important for all of us to be responsible, consistent and unrelenting in our use of personal protective equipment, such as face masks, and our behaviours, such as practising phys ical distancing, good hand hygiene and staying at home when we are sick, and in our activities by avoi ding closed spaces, crowded places and close contact settings, as well as taking a risk -based approach to mass gatherings. Mr. Speaker, the WHO continues to recommend countries apply public health measures which ar e in proportion to their situation based on di sease prevalence, population protection and health system capacity. On these points, Mr. Speaker, let us be clear. Bermuda is in a state of community transmission with respect to the highly infectious omicron variant. While we are fortunate to have high vaccination rates , we continue to experience hospital admissions and deaths. Our health system is susceptible to significant pressures due to COVID -19. Mr. Speaker, Bermuda only has one hospital. Currently one t hird—one third, Mr. Speaker —of all of our acute care wing at KEMH is occupied with people who, unfortunately, are suffering from COVID -19. Furthermore, Mr. Speaker, two of our long-term care wards at the hospital are in quarantine due to additional positiv e cases. What does this mean, Mr. Speaker? This means that people in acute care beds cannot be transferred to the long- term care ward even if they are ready. A further knock -on effect, Mr. Speaker, is that the acute care beds become unavailable for those members of our community who are needing admi ssions following post -surgery. And that can obviously cause surgeries to be postponed. Mr. Speaker, while the Government has r elaxed various public health measures, there are some settings where restrictions c annot be eliminated. Mr. Speaker, as a reminder, we must all wear a face mask in the following circumstances: While travelling by bus or ferry, excluding the outdoor decks; taxi limousine or minibuses, both passengers and operators; working in or visiting our health service providers, such as doctors or dentists, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, et cetera, and health services such as the hospital dental facilities, laboratory facilities as well as residential care facilities; whilst visiting or working at the correctional facilities, Mr. Speaker, as well as i nside the L. F. Wade International Airport building. Also, Mr. Speaker, several businesses have set their own mask requirements for staff and customers. These are appropriate for their establishments, and all members of the public must comply with their requirements. These include those working in, or visi ting or using, government services as masks are r equired by all staff and customers in all government buildings and offices. Mr. Speaker, the coronavirus is very easily transmitted. It is mainly spread from person to person by small virus -containing droplets that are exhaled when an infected person is speaking, singing, coughing, sneezing or breathing. This is why mask wearing is impor tant. COVID -19 is a respiratory disease. Well - fitting masks are a simple and very effective form of personal protective equipment, forming a barrier from getting and spreading respiratory infections. In add ition, Mr. Speaker, to the continued requirement t o wear masks indoors as previously stated, we all rec-ognise it is important to apply essential controls at our border, which are specific to and meet the challenges of the impact of COVID -19 on our Island community. Mr. Speaker, as the Minister of Health, I consulted with the Chief Medical Officer and determined that a communicable disease of the first category, namely , COVID -19 and its variants of concern, does persist and continues to pose a severe threat to the public health of Bermuda. To control and c ontain the spread of infection, public health measures, such as those provided for in regulations made under s ection 107B of the Public Health Act 1949 will continue to be relevant and necessary beyond the 29 th of July 2022. Mr. Speaker, this Order before us now will e xtend the Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Order 2021 made pursuant to section 107A of the Public 1666 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Health Act 1949 and empower the Governor to make public health emergency regulations under section 107B of that Act which imposed extraordinar y measures necessary in the interest of public health to prevent, control and suppress COVID -19. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members will be aware that the Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extensions (No. 4) Order 2022 was made under the affirmative resolut ion procedure for 60 days expiring on the 29 th of July 2022 when the House is not in session. However, we know, Mr. Speaker, that the COVID -19 pandemic continues globally and is still pervasive in Bermuda. We also know that a public health emergency will c ontinue to exist on our Island beyond the 29 th of July 2022. Mr. Speaker, therefor e, in accordance with sections 107A (3) and (4) of the Public Health Act 1949, I bring the Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extension (No. 5) Order 2022 to this Honourable Chamber to seek approval for the extension of the public health emergency for a further 60 days ending 26 September 2022. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Dunkley, you have the floor. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Honourable Minister for her brief. So here we go again, Mr. Speaker. Here we go again. The Opposition has been very supportive of public health emergency extensions u p until very r ecently …
MP Dunkley, you have the floor.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Honourable Minister for her brief. So here we go again, Mr. Speaker. Here we go again. The Opposition has been very supportive of public health emergency extensions u p until very r ecently . I think Members will recall that . . . I believe it was May 20th when we had the last debate, we were very forceful in our commentary about extending the public health emergency. And tonight, we certainly do not differ from that position. Mr. Speaker, in my view it is very debatable that the mandate and Government restrictions that are being proposed are having a positive impact in our fight against COVID -19. And why do I sa y that, Mr. Speaker? Because it's clear that COVID -19 is in our community to a wide extent, much wider than the numbers actually show. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that with a great deal of hesitancy up until about a year ago, Government now readily will say t hat there is community transmission, Mr. Speaker. So while we are here tonight on July 15 to debate the Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extension, (No. 5) Order 2022, and we have had two years of this, now, countries throughout the world are opening up. Mr. Speaker, I ask the question to the Ho nourable Minister and her colleagues, What do they see that we don't see? What risks do we feel by mai n-taining this public health emergency extension that they don't feel or envision? Mr. Speaker, I heard what the Honourable Minister said about the hospital and that the numbers have increased. And that is worr ying. But, Mr. Speaker, it is because it is being spread rapidly through the community, by community transmission. It's a fact, Mr. Speaker, but that's what's happening. It's not coming in in large numbers through the airport, Mr. Speaker, although one might think it would be. I don't think testing is showing that, Mr. Speaker. Yes, there are people coming in with it. But, Mr. Speaker, when you get on a plane to come to Bermuda, you board in London, or if you board in the US, as I have not too long ago from Atlanta, I think my wife and I were one of a handful of people who were wearing a mask during the flight, Mr. Speaker. In fact, many of the people when they disembark the plane had to get a government -issued mask as they headed to the airport because they didn't even carry a mask. Mr. Speaker. So, countries all around us are loosening up . They are opening up, and they seem to be doing okay. Now, Mr. Speaker, it is very difficult for Gover nment to argue that because of our restrictions our numbers are better than theirs, because I don't think that's the case, Mr. Speaker. And so, after over two years of COVID -19 and fighting it, I think, Mr. Speaker, that Berm udians know what's expected. But the Government continues to preach the message, and I applaud them for that, Mr. Speaker. But quite clearly at some time . . . and I make an analogy to a child because I've got a grandson who brings joy to my eye every time I see him through the day. Mr. Speaker, at some time you have to ween that child off the diaper. The same thing with COVID - 19. We know what we have to do. At some time we have to be weaned off these restrictions, Mr. Speaker, because enough is enough. You can't learn to live with COVID -19 with public health emergency exte nsions every two months, Mr. Speaker. And in all likel ihood, because the security the Government feels by having this authority and this power and the ability to extend it, we come back i n September it is going to be rolled over again, Mr. Speaker. But how hypocritical can we be, when the honourable Government and the Minister just read out, you know, avoid closed spaces, crowded places . . . you know, the three Cs that go on and on and o n, Mr. Speaker. But here we are. Crowded places. And for one minute I am not criticising these events that I mention. But we had the carnival. It was a crowded place. We have County Game tomorrow ; it is going to be a private place. We have Cup Match coming up. It's going to be a crowded place, Mr. Speaker. So, on one hand, you can’t say we’ve got these emergency orders in place, with crowded places, closed places, that type of stuff, and then the other hand be out there and have these events. They just don' t add up. Even
Bermuda House of Assembly that child that I referred to earlier could see that it's hypocritical, Mr. Speaker. So, sometimes you have to wean the child off the diaper. Mr. Speaker. That's clearly what the world is doing. Just this week, the Virgin Islands relaxed al l restrictions. The vast majority of jurisdictions you go to now when you get on the plane from Bermuda do not require COVID -19 tests. Go down the airport; get on to the States. No COVID -19 tests. The UK, the same thing. Many of the islands in the Caribbean, the s ame thing, Mr. Speaker. Now, the islands in the Caribbean, I am sure, have the same challenge as us —hospital space, Mr. Speaker. But they don't seem concerned about that, or not concerned enough to have these very restrictive and strong measures, Mr. Speaker. I think Bermuda has to be one of the most r estricted places in the world outside of China and Hong Kong, who still are very restrict ive about COVID -19, because they've never managed it. And they can't step away from their authoritarian rule because i t would be the underpinning of the government that they have. So, they aren't going to give in an inch in COVID -19. They are going to keep all of their r estrictions right to the end. And people aren't going to say anything, because they can't. But fortunat ely, here in Bermuda freedom of speech is essential, Mr. Speaker. And tonight, we cannot support this Order. We have learned to live with COVID -19. We have learned much about COVID -19. As I said in an earlier debate, every single family in Bermuda has been impacted and affected by COVID -19. Many people are still very concerned about it, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I am as well, because health is wealth. But we do not need this Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency E xtension (No. 5) Order 2022 to help us get through it this time. We have learned. Treat people that they continually need to be pounded by what we've heard for the last two and a half years. And on the other hand, will see all Government Members down at Cup Match enjoying the game and the crowded places. Are we going to mandate wearing masks at that Crown and Anchor? Mandate masks up in the stands ? Mr. Speaker, we have to move on because we know how to deal with it. And, yes, it is still a challenge for our community. A challenge. And now is the time to r emove some of these restrictions and move forward. And many people feel the same way, Mr. Speaker. So, while the Government has a position that they will defend to the end, they can win it quite easily because they have 30 Members, 30 votes in the House of As sembly, Mr. Speaker, now is the time to wean off the diaper. We can move from there, Mr. Speaker. Government policy has been very clear. And I think people understand it fully, Mr. Speaker. Now is the time for us to move on —
Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: —and, Mr. Speaker, —
Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: —we do not support this legislation.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order? Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order, Mr. Speak er. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I will accept the point of order from the Honourable Premier. The Speaker: Point of order . POINT OF ORDER Hon. E. David Burt: I just have a question, because I hear the …
Point of order?
Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order, Mr. Speak er.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I will accept the point of order from the Honourable Premier. The Speaker: Point of order .
POINT OF ORDER
Hon. E. David Burt: I just have a question, because I hear the Honourable Member speaking about r estrictions that we had. Could the Honourable Member, by any chance, help to elucidate persons to the r estrictions of which he is talking about? I am having difficulty following him, because he is talking about people in certain places. But there are no restrictions in place for that , so that is why they are able to do it. So I am just trying to understand what restrictions he is talking about.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, I am happy to answer that question.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo ahead, Member. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley : There are many r estrictions that are in place, and one of the restrictions and requirements is that we still have got to fill out the travel authorisation form. We still have to get a COVID -19 test to return to the …
Go ahead, Member. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley : There are many r estrictions that are in place, and one of the restrictions and requirements is that we still have got to fill out the travel authorisation form. We still have to get a COVID -19 test to return to the Island, Mr. Speaker. Those are all part of what we are talking about.
Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, point of order . POINT OF ORDER Hon. E. David Burt: And this is just in regard to germaneness . Mr. Speaker, the public health emergency is not tied to tra vel authorisation. So even if the public health emergency were to end, the travel authoris ations under the …
Yes, point of order .
POINT OF ORDER
Hon. E. David Burt: And this is just in regard to germaneness . Mr. Speaker, the public health emergency is not tied to tra vel authorisation. So even if the public health emergency were to end, the travel authoris ations under the Quarantine Act, which we just debated, can continue. They are not related. The public health emergency is due for domestic items inside the country. And that's why I was asking the Honourable Member if he could please elaborate what restrictions he was talking about. 1668 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the Honourable Premier’s clarification on that matter, Mr. Speaker. But when we are looking at COVID -19, I think it's all one big piece of the pie that we have to put together, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, make your point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Member is misleading the House. He cannot say it's all in one big pie. The public health emergency su pports very specific items and the only restrictions in the country are stated …
Yes, make your point of order.
POINT OF ORDER [Misleading]
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Member is misleading the House. He cannot say it's all in one big pie. The public health emergency su pports very specific items and the only restrictions in the country are stated in the Public Health Emergency Regulations, which re quire masks to be worn in hospitals, health care facilities and on public transport. There are no other restrictions in the country. I am just a little bit confused as to what restrictions he is talking about. And I think it's important. It cannot be all on big thing. If we are talking about something specific, then we have to say something specific. But we are debating a public health emergency O rder. That is what we are debating. And I think the Honourable Member should be specific to the issue that we are debating. You cannot say it's all one big thing; it's this or something else, Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, it is all in regard to the pandemic.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: We would not have had the last piece of legislation and we would not have this piece of legislation, Mr. Speaker. That in itself is very clear, Mr. Speaker. And so I appreciate the Honour able Premier — Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order, …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerLet me just add some clarity here. The piece of legislation that is before us speaks to the extension. It is clear, plain and simple. The TA falls outside of that extension in that if we took the emergency extension off the table today and it ceased tonight, that doesn't …
Let me just add some clarity here. The piece of legislation that is before us speaks to the extension. It is clear, plain and simple. The TA falls outside of that extension in that if we took the emergency extension off the table today and it ceased tonight, that doesn't mean that the TA ceases tonight. These are two separate pieces. And that's the point that the Premier is trying to make. And your conversation keeps tying the two together. If you can clarify that they are not tied toget her, then you on good ground. Your comment could simply say that you are concerned about the TA as well, but you cannot tie the TA into being part of the emergency extension. It does not fall under the emer-gency extension. I hope that just provides some clarity for you.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I've hardly talked about the TA in this section of the debate tonight, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Christopher FamousPoint of order, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: But, Mr. Speaker, on May 20, I talked about the TA quite a bit, Mr. Speaker. And here is why I did then, and here is why I raised it briefly tonight, Mr. Speaker. Very clearly, the Minister in her brief …
Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: But, Mr. Speaker, on May 20, I talked about the TA quite a bit, Mr. Speaker. And here is why I did then, and here is why I raised it briefly tonight, Mr. Speaker. Very clearly, the Minister in her brief read a couple of minutes ago talked about border control. The TA is part of border control, Mr. Speaker. That ties it all into the big picture. I will accept the point of order from MP F amous, I think it was.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYour last comment helps to clarify for you, Member, in that you said that the Minister spoke to border control. Yes, she spoke to border control, but even in the conv ersation on the border control it doesn ’t place TA under the extension. That’s what we want to clarify …
Your last comment helps to clarify for you, Member, in that you said that the Minister spoke to border control. Yes, she spoke to border control, but even in the conv ersation on the border control it doesn ’t place TA under the extension. That’s what we want to clarify here in this conversation. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: No, I understand that, Mr. Speaker. I understand that, Mr. Speaker. And that is why I raised border control before I was . . . well, after I was interrupted by points of order. And I ’ll take the one from MP Famous.
POINT OF ORDER
Mr. Christopher FamousYes, Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Member made a pointed . . . made it well out of his way to talk ab out people having to take COVID -19 tests to come here or return home. That could only be talking about the TA. The Speaker: Yes, he indicated that. …
Yes, Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Member made a pointed . . . made it well out of his way to talk ab out people having to take COVID -19 tests to come here or return home. That could only be talking about the TA. The Speaker: Yes, he indicated that. He had indicated that he made reference to the TA. The clarity that we are trying to get on the table righ t now is that they are not one and the same. And that going forward, the TA does not fall under the extension. Whether we agree with the TA or not, it still doesn't fall under the matter that is before us tonight. Continue on.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, I think I have acknowledged that, Mr. Speaker, and I have clearly acknowledged that. But the concern that I have raised tonight is still valid for the conversation we had about this emergency extension Order, Mr. Speaker, and I have gone throug h a number of different areas of concern in regard to that, Mr. Speaker. And I believe, as I think my colleagues will speak to further on in this
Bermuda House of Assembly debate when given the opportunity, that there are ot her ways we can do this without having this measure in place, Mr. Speaker. I know Government has been approached by people outside of the Opposition about this with some valid concerns about it, Mr. Speaker. And I believe that if we are sincere about learning to live with COVID -19 and move forward, there are other ways we can do it, Mr. Speaker. So, I have been pretty direct in my comments tonight, Mr. Speaker. I understand that Government has a significant majority, so they can t hey can do what they please. But the comments still stand. And, Mr. Speaker, there is always a time when we have to learn to live with COVID -19 in appropriate ways. And these restrictions and mandates can be done in other ways as Government would seem feasible. We need to move forward and put Bermuda in a better place, because it is going to be a long slog to get out of the hole that we [are in] , whether it's a poor economy in the beginning that's been further degraded by COVID - 19, and the necessary spending in many cases that Government has had to do to try to keep people in a reasonable position and to help get the country out of the health challenge that we have, Mr. Speaker. So for a great deal of time as we face COVID - 19, the Government chartered what I would say to be a reasonable approach to it. In the beginning, when there was a l ot that wasn't known, it was right to be cautious and prudent in everything that we have done. Now, after two and a half years, when we have learned so much more about COVID -19 and we know how to handle ourselves in situations ––and I think, generally, Berm udians have been very good about it – –there is no need for the emergency extension Order. I think we are more than capable of doing what's appropriate and allowing people to get back to more [normality] in their lives. And I think everyone in the country would appreciate that and the country would be better off, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order . POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Member is misleading the House. He cannot continue to say that there are restrictions and having people go back to normality in their lives when there are no r estrictions the country, save and …
Point of order .
POINT OF ORDER [Misleading]
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Member is misleading the House. He cannot continue to say that there are restrictions and having people go back to normality in their lives when there are no r estrictions the country, save and except for wearing masks in health care facilities [and] public transport ation. Does he mean that people should not have a mask on at the hospital ? He keeps on saying that we need to relax the restrictions. There are no restrictions in the country. Substantial restrictions ended on March 31. So what restrictions are you referring to? He is misleading the House. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: So a question to the Honourable Premier —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMember, you had concluded. But b ecause the Premier has put his questions for your comments, I am going t o allow you to respond to his point. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, a question to the Honourable Minister and to the Honourable Premier when he has an opportunity …
Member, you had concluded. But b ecause the Premier has put his questions for your comments, I am going t o allow you to respond to his point.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, a question to the Honourable Minister and to the Honourable Premier when he has an opportunity to speak. So the Premier is saying there is no other way that Gover nment could have their public mask mandates without this Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extension (No. 5) Order 2022? Is that what the Premier is insi nuating?
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Minister of Health will happily to speak to that. But if we could have a mask mandate without, we wouldn't have it, MP Dunkley. The only thing that is there is to require masks in those spaces.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I look forward for the Honourable Minister’s clarification. And also, Mr. Speaker, my final question to the Minister is, Having this public health emergency extension Order, can the Minister please confirm or deny that having this Order allows the Government to enact further restrictions through the period of the next 60 days of this Order as they deem fit and necessary? And I will wait for the Mini ster to confirm or deny that when the Minister has a chance to wrap up.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Member. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution?
Mr. Christopher FamousMr. Speaker, let me start off with the good news and then I will gravitate to something else. Mr. Speaker, I had the occasion of meeting a young lady who happens to be . . . was the Chief Medical Officer in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and is now …
Mr. Speaker, let me start off with the good news and then I will gravitate to something else. Mr. Speaker, I had the occasion of meeting a young lady who happens to be . . . was the Chief Medical Officer in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and is now the CEO of the hospital. One Dr. Braithwaite - [Tennant]. You can google her; she is real. I met her 1670 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report Berm uda House of Assembly earlier this year and when she heard that I was from Bermuda, we talked about the links between Bermuda and the Turks and Caicos, where, may I add, Mr. Speaker, th e [like] forms are there as well . Then she said, You know, I was glued to my laptop every night watching the press conferences with your Premier and with your Minister of Health. She was so informative. She was so patient . Every night I was listening to her and learning how to do the same thing with the people of Turks and Caicos Islands. Mr. Speaker, glowing remarks by one of our sister territories. Mr. Speaker, I went to Berkeley. And I am reading this paper here and the mask regulations say [on] a bus or ferry, a taxi or minibus, a limousine, L. F. Wade International Airport, hospital or other health services, a residential care establishment or facility, a corrections facil ity. There are no restrictions to going to, I don’t know, let’s say, the Royal Be rmuda Yacht Club. There are no restrictions to Somerset to watch the Cup come down to St. George’s. So I ’m sitting here wondering what is MP Dunkley going on and on and on about, [saying], Oh, you got to take the baby off the diaper , and what is all this Shakespearean sort of stuff? I’m taking a wild guess that persons who have their loved ones in residential care facilities want to ensure that people wear masks around their seniors. I'm taking a wild guess that those who are at the hospital do not want a breakout. I'm taking a wild guess that those who are on buses with, I don’t know, maybe 50 other people maybe don't want to catch COVID -19. Mr. Speaker, one only needs to google the keywords “COVID -19 numbers rising.” CBC, The Guardian , BBC’s Dateline [London] , all say COVID -19 is rising again. UK COVID -19 rose by 20 per cent in a week. This is one day. This is only one day ago, they were saying that COVID -19 cases continue to rise. “[Seventh] wave of COVID -19 rising across the province . . . ,” CBC, Canada. So, Mr. Speaker, I'm kind of wondering if in the real world COVID -19 is rising, in Bermuda we have limited restrictions in sensitive areas, what is MP Dunkley droning on about? Does he want our country to catch another outbreak? Does he want persons in rest homes to catch an outbreak? Does he want pri soners up at Westgate to catch an outbreak? Because those are [the places] where the restrictions are, Mr. Speaker. I am yet to understand what he is saying. So, let me close with this , Mr. Speaker. I have watched, literally watched, Minister Wilson and her team (I see her more than her team, obviously) put their lives, reputations, mental health on the line to protect this country. And yet, time and time again, like Groundhog Day, MP Dunkley and others are contin uously, continuously, continuously attempting to u ndermine or infer things that don't exist. What restrictions? He cannot answer that. So, Mr. Speaker, I fully support this. I will fully support it when she brings it again, and again, and again, because, as all the newspapers say COVID -19 cases are rising, and all of us have lost someone from COVID -19. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, let me just remind everyone that this is an Order and is not a . . . which means that we will not go into Committee, which means Members can speak back and forth. Normally when we are in the House Members are only allowed to speak once, and …
Members, let me just remind everyone that this is an Order and is not a . . . which means that we will not go into Committee, which means Members can speak back and forth. Normally when we are in the House Members are only allowed to speak once, and then a matter goes into Committee. 2This is an Order which doesn't go into Committee. So you can speak back and forth as many times as you like. Prem ier. Hon . E. David Burt: All right, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I had not intended on speaking, but I know that we have other items do this evening. And I am trying my best to try to short circ uit this co nversation, discussion. I am going to try to be as polite as possible, but I see what is at play here. You know, I see what is at play here from, you know, the posts on social media this morning from the Shadow Minister of Health, and I see what's in play here about, you know, a political strategy in somehow trying to say the Government is overbearing or doing other things. And then, you know, we hear the whole thing about you know, Oh, who is going to be at County Game, who is going to be at Cup Match. Mr. Speaker, the Government committed in February to ending the substantive public health emergency, save and except the requirements for mask wearing in certain places. There are no r estrictions on gathering. There are no restrictions on who can go where. There can be 10,000 people at Somerset Cricket Club. We allow people and bus inesses to make their own decisions. The only place where there are legal mandates that currently exist in this country are for mask wearing in certain places, like an airport, to protect our Customs workers, be-cause what would happen then, the complaints , if there was an outbreak there in a busy tourism season, which the Minister of Tourism reported that we are having? We know that we have an outbreak. Are we going to say that you want people at the door of the hospital to fight with someone to put on a mask, to go in the hospital, Mr. Speaker, in a place where there are vulnerable persons in a residential care facility , in a rest home? Do we want the nurses to start fig hting people at the door and saying, Oh, you know . . . No, Mr. Speaker, those are the only restrictions in place in this country. And, Mr. Speaker, the fact is that the Cabinet went through this at length to say, Can we end the public health emergency? Because we do not like the public health emergency because the connotation of 2 See procedural correction at page 1675
B ermuda House of Assembly which it brings and still require masks [at] these places. And the answer was no. We went back and tried again, again and again with different things. The an-swer from the Attorney General's Chambers was no. Now, the Shadow Minister of Health isn’t a lawyer. I'm not a lawyer. The Minister of Health is a lawyer, the Attorney General's Chambers . . . no one understands this stuff. So I really don't want us to over-politicise where we are, or to get inside of a di fferent space. People are free to make their own dec isions. When the Minister of Health says that she is advising peoples to avoid closed spaces, she's advis-ing people to have this type of you know, these . . . these . . . the rules where you don't wear a mask, when you're close to someone, when we don't [do] this and all the rest. That is standard public health guidance, but there is no legal requirement to follow them. That's where we are as a country. So to hear that we are one of the most restrictive places, I just had to do one simple google to see so many islands where there is required mask wearing in all indoor spaces. So we can't say that we are an outlier on March 31, when it comes to restrictions that exist here on Island. They all went away, save and except for the mask wearing in the seven places where the Honour-able Member for constituency 11 just stated. Yes, people are getting the coronavirus. Yes, there is transmission. That's what happens living with COVID -19. We are living with it. We are seeing it in our communities. And I worry for our hospital and I worry about the Minister of Health and her team who are under so much stress. But we are not going back, Mr. Speaker. And it's important for people to recog-nise that they must make their own decisions. We have multiple tools. We have antivirals. We have other things. But people need to understand that this virus can kill you, that this virus can make you ill, that this virus can give you long COVID -19. And this new strain that we have is infectious and far more dangerous than the earlier omicron strains. That's why we're seeing the level of hospitalisation. I asked the Minister of Health earlier how many people are in hospital. You want me to tell you, Mr. Speak er? [There are] 56. And here we have an Opposition who wants to vote down a public health emergency so there is no mask wearing inside of the hospital, so there is no mask wearing inside of nursing homes. Come on now, Mr. Speaker. We can play pol itics, but let’s not play politics on this. During the pandemic, there was a wonderful relationship between the Opposition and the Gover nment. This is not a space to play politics. We have ended just about every single rule that exists. The only protections that we have are at our borders, in our health care facilities, in public transport and our correctional facilities. That’s it. We have seen everyone running around. We know there is going to be 3,000 people at St. David’s Cricket Club tomorrow. We know this. We there will be 8,000 people at Cup Match. We saw the people at carnival. The country's back open. There are no restrictions. People need to be careful. It is no different than what in Florida . . . except for the fact that if you go into hospital, a nursing home, on public transport, where there are senior citizens who are catching the bus who don't have a choice, wear a mask. That is it. So, Mr. Speaker, I sincerely hope that I have answered the questions that the Honourable Shadow Minister of Health had. I know that he said that other Members are going to speak on this issue, I am hop-ing to bring clarity, because we do not want to make this political. The public health emergency substantively ended up March 31, 2022. That was what we said when we came back to this House in February. That is where we are currently. The only people who are denied freedom of movement in this country are those who test positive. We are moving on. But we must maintain a level of protection for our most vulnerable, for our health care facilities, for our health care workers and for our border agents. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Mr. Premier. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm slightly disappointed by the last speaker. I listene d carefully to the Honourable Minister of Health, and I also listen carefully to the Shadow Minister. And to try to take some of the parlour games out of this, let me start by thanking the Honourable …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm slightly disappointed by the last speaker. I listene d carefully to the Honourable Minister of Health, and I also listen carefully to the Shadow Minister. And to try to take some of the parlour games out of this, let me start by thanking the Honourable Minister of Health for the service that she has given to this cou ntry during a prolonged period of COVID -19. I, for one, think she has done a very good job managing a very difficult situation. On this particular issue, which is the extension of emergency powers, I agree with the Honourable— Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order . POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David Burt: The Honourable Member is mi sleading the House. The emergency powers are clearly defined under our Constitution. This is not emergency powers, this is not suspension of the Constitution, this is the extension of a public health emergency …
Point of order . POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David Burt: The Honourable Member is mi sleading the House. The emergency powers are clearly defined under our Constitution. This is not emergency powers, this is not suspension of the Constitution, this is the extension of a public health emergency which is stated on the Public Health Act , Mr. Speaker. 1672 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly The Spe aker: Thank you, Premier.
Mr. Scott PearmanI'm rather shocked to hear the Premier of Bermuda say that. He is well aware . . . and if he isn't well aware, then he's badly informed that we switched emergency powers out of the Const itution and into the Public Health Act, section 107A. And the Honourable Minister …
I'm rather shocked to hear the Premier of Bermuda say that. He is well aware . . . and if he isn't well aware, then he's badly informed that we switched emergency powers out of the Const itution and into the Public Health Act, section 107A. And the Honourable Minister for Health can confirm that— Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order? POINT OF ORDER Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I am very well i nformed, Honourable Member, because I was leading the Cabinet that changed that. But it is not correct to say “emergency powers.” This is a public health emergency. There is a difference. Emergency powers …
Point of order? POINT OF ORDER Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I am very well i nformed, Honourable Member, because I was leading the Cabinet that changed that. But it is not correct to say “emergency powers.” This is a public health emergency. There is a difference. Emergency powers are the ones that are in the Constitution. And the construct of the suspension of the Constitution is what is attempted to be conjured up here, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Scott PearmanThe Premier can have his argument, Mr. Speaker, but he can't hav e his facts. Emergency powers are emergency powers, whether they are wielded under the Public Health Act, whether they are wielded under the Constitution, or whether they are wielded under the Quarantine Act. All of them are emergency …
The Premier can have his argument, Mr. Speaker, but he can't hav e his facts. Emergency powers are emergency powers, whether they are wielded under the Public Health Act, whether they are wielded under the Constitution, or whether they are wielded under the Quarantine Act. All of them are emergency powers because they draw from an emergency situation and seek to impose the powers of the State upon the freedoms and liberties of the individu-al. So that's the position. And I suspect the Premier knows that. And maybe he doesn't want it to be said that this [Order] is about emergency powers because it doesn't suit him for this [Order] to be about emergency powers. But it is about emergency powers. The Premier made an interjection earlier when the Honourable Shadow Minister of Health was speak ing. And he was quite right in hi s interjection because he pointed out that the travel authorisation form is a restriction on personal liberty that flows from a different Act. It flows from the Quarantine Act. And this is not an attempt to extend that Act, this is an at-tempt this evening to extend until the 26 th of September the Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Order, 2021. And so in that respect, I agree with the Premier and his interjection was correct. And indeed, the Hon-ourable Shadow Minister of Health, Michael Dunkley, accepted that and agreed with him. But there are a few other things said by the Premier just now, and I wrote them down and I say them as quotes because I think they are important because he said, it's about connotation. It is about connotation, Mr. Speaker. It's about the perception that people hold for our Island when considering whether or not to travel here, and when considering what restrictions will apply to them while they're here, and what restrictions will apply to those of us who live here, resident, Bermudian and otherwise. And so you are right, Premier. It is about connotation. And at the moment, with the greatest of respect, in my opinion, we have a negative connotation in this regard. And I am not going to drift off into an argument about the TA because I've made arguments about the TA and we did so back in May and elsewhere. I said consistently that it needs to go. But the Premier said this as well. Mr. Speaker, People are free to make their own decisions . Well, respectfully, when emergency powers exist when they are under the Public Health Act or otherwise, that is not right. They are not free to make their own dec isions. They are required, by the imposition of emer-gency powers, to abide by the restrictions imposed by the Government. Now, the Premier then said this — Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Member is misleading the House. I am not going to accuse him of doing it in any other way. But people are free to make their own decisions, with the excep-tion of the spaces where …
Point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Member is misleading the House. I am not going to accuse him of doing it in any other way. But people are free to make their own decisions, with the excep-tion of the spaces where they are required to wear masks and the ones that have been out lined. That is all. Outside of that there are no restrictions, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Scott PearmanWell, I am glad that the Premier clarified, Mr. Speaker, because if you say that people are free to make their own decisions —except when I tell them they are not —then, with respect, they aren't free to make their own decisions. So I think the logic is flawed. The …
Well, I am glad that the Premier clarified, Mr. Speaker, because if you say that people are free to make their own decisions —except when I tell them they are not —then, with respect, they aren't free to make their own decisions. So I think the logic is flawed. The Premier also said this. It is a direct quote. “There are no legal restrictions.” That was a bizarre thing for the Premier to say, because of course, he then went on to say that yes, there are legal r estrictions. He referred to mask mandates. So it isn't right to say there are no — Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, point of order.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. B ermuda House of Assembly POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David Burt: The Honourable Member is mi sleading the House and taking this out of context. But let me help them again. There are no legal restrictions in the country outside of the mask requirement, which …
Point of order.
B ermuda House of Assembly POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David Burt: The Honourable Member is mi sleading the House and taking this out of context. But let me help them again. There are no legal restrictions in the country outside of the mask requirement, which I outlined. And the only other legal restriction is the requirement to isolate when you test positive. Mr. Speaker, I said that in my S tatement. I say now, those are the only things which are under the public health emergency.
Mr. Scott PearmanMr. Speaker, sometimes snappy sound bites don't hold up when tested against context. You did say there are no legal restrictions. I am glad for your clarification. Your clarification is correct. There are legal restrictions. So, respectfully, don't say there aren't when there are. It is misleading. Now, another thing— …
Mr. Scott Pearman—that the Premier said, before he tries to point -of-order me again. He said this —
Mr. Scott PearmanOh, here we go. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, The Honourable Member is misleading the House and the public. I was very clear in the things of which I had submitted and listed the things which are inside of the public health emergency Order.
Mr. Scott PearmanRight. Well again, I am quoting verbatim. I am glad that he at least accepts that my quote was accurate. And then he wants to elaborate on it. And I accept the elaboration as accurate, Mr. Speaker. The next quote was this quote. “ We are no t going back. …
Right. Well again, I am quoting verbatim. I am glad that he at least accepts that my quote was accurate. And then he wants to elaborate on it. And I accept the elaboration as accurate, Mr. Speaker. The next quote was this quote. “ We are no t going back. ” I again, respectfully, agree. But, Premier, you are looking in the wrong direction. We are not talking about whether we should go back. We are tal king about whether we as a jurisdiction need to move forward. And it is there that I would say that phrase that has been repeated as a mantra quite often by, indeed, this Premier and others, and me as well, which is that we have to learn to live with COVID -19. And we do. I suggest, Mr. Speaker, that the questi on is this: Is this still something that justifies continuing emergency powers? It won't surprise you, Mr. Speak-er, to hear me say no, it doesn't, because I said that before. But I say it again. One of the speakers, or perhaps two of the speakers earlier recognised that the Virgin Islands has this week or even today or yesterday dropped its r estrictions. And I make the pragmatic point that I made in previous debates, which is that if we needed to come back because the situation worsened, the House of Assem bly, as it has demonstrated time and again, can come back at the drop of a hat if it needs to do so. The key question, again, trying to take some of the heat out of it , is this: Are our numbers any better than anywhere else because of the restrictions that we have that they do not? Again, one of the earlier speakers cited the example (and I lived this example fairly recently) of a planeload of people that came to Bermuda without a mask mandate on the plane and then [they] had to put the masks on to arrive at the airport. And the point I make is not that those not wearing masks were right or those wearing masks were wrong. The point I make is that it should be a free choice. It should be that people are free, and really free , to make their own decisions. And at present, I respectfully do not think that they are. So, again, to parrot another earlier speaker, when do we say enough is enough? The Honourable Premier remarked about the importance of our Cu stoms officers at the airport, and I respect the job that they are doing. But does this go on forever? Do we have mask mandates forever? Perception is a very important thing, and that applies (and I appreciate that it is a separate issue) to the Travel Authorisation Form as well. But it certainly applies to this. And I would respectfully say to my honourable colleagues on both sides of the aisle, it is now time to do away with the emergency powers and we should not approve this extension until the 26 th of September. And if, God forbid, things were to get worse bet ween now and then, we can return. But at the moment, we have to respect the liberties of people to do as they wish. And we have to impose only the bare minimum of restrictions which, in my view, means getting rid of this restriction. For the sake of completeness, I would also get rid of the restriction under the Quarantine Act. But I think that goes without saying. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Does any other Member wish to speak? Minister.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierYes, Mr. Speaker. 1674 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly Probably more of a qualification . . . I am tr ying to gain a better understanding here. I think one of the concerns and arguments that some of us are hearing, whether it is …
Yes, Mr. Speaker. 1674 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly Probably more of a qualification . . . I am tr ying to gain a better understanding here. I think one of the concerns and arguments that some of us are hearing, whether it is Government officials or Oppos ition, really is [regarding] this measure that is in place to ensure nursing home workers and bus drivers, teachers, and to the effect of that, government wor kers, per se . . . w e are about to embark on one of the biggest holidays in Bermuda and we are all going to be enjoying a very cool beverage with one another. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Point of order, Mr. Speaker. I do apologise. I just want to clarify something with the Member.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Yes, Mr. Speaker. The Member is unintentionally misleading the House. Mask wearing is not required in schools. He men-tioned teachers, but mask wearing is not required in schools. It is optional.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierYes, that is correct. I should not have said teachers. But I was just trying to go through the list that had been put out earlier. I did name some of those—C ustoms workers, bus drivers and healthcare workers and the likes. Thank you for the clarification, Education Minister. Again, …
Yes, that is correct. I should not have said teachers. But I was just trying to go through the list that had been put out earlier. I did name some of those—C ustoms workers, bus drivers and healthcare workers and the likes. Thank you for the clarification, Education Minister. Again, as I said, some of the argument really is that it may appear to be a bit hypocritical that we are going to be allowed to follow up with one another, enjoying the holiday , per se , during this period of time, only to contract COVID -19 after having spent a great time enjoying one of the longest holidays that we have, to then come back to work, [having] contracted COVID -19 and wear a mask. Now, a mask certainly is not foolproof. It mitigates it but it certainly does not prevent you even if you do wear a mask from passing on the COVID -19 virus. And as we heard, we are getting . . . I was glad to hear that the Minister said that they had sa mples of different variants of COVID -19 because I was not sure whether or not we were testing for the new COVID -19 variants. But again, it goes back to the perception that we are speaking out of both sides of our mouths here and we are not reall y quite getting to grasp the fact that people are pretty much saying they are over it when it comes to COVID -19. They are being tested. They can personally go home and test themselves. And if they are positive with COVID -19 . . . we heard from Government officials already this evening that they are not telling. And [one] of the reasons (and we are not condoning this) is that they do not want to be on the Government list , per se. And we can see the implic ations of that where the cases are up. You know, we have gone and gotten vaccinated. But yet at the same time, we thought that by getting vaccinated it would help. But our numbers are still going up with us reac hing the stage of 70- plus per cent of immunisation on the Island. But yet COVID -19 is still rampant, per se. So, somewhere along the lines and som ewhere Government has got to find a way to get to the public to ensure that they understand that they are putting this measure in place, as they say, to help the situation. But quite frankly, the results are not showing that. The results are showing that we are still getting COVID -19. And this is a challenge that the Gover nment is going to have to deal with because everyone has followed procedure, yet COVID -19 is still here, alive and well. We cannot have people going through the biggest holiday on the Island, enjoying one another . . . and I have seen Government Members and O pposition Members under the same tent enjoying some of the Rum Swizzles that go around, and Dark ‘n’ Stormys and the likes. We have a pot ential situation here where it could go through the roof. But yet, these same people are going to go back to work , who have to—who are mandated to—wear a mask because of this measure, and they will go back to work with COVID -19. For sure, many of them will go back to work with COVID- 19 and the mask is only going to mitigate it to a certain degree because—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. POINT OF ORDER
Mr. Christopher FamousUnless the former Oppos ition Leader could point out in the regulations where it is Government mandated that persons have to wear a mask at work, I am thinking that maybe he may not be quite correct.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierThank you, Mr. Speaker. I think I already qualified. I am talking about what this emergency measure is going to put into place with bus drivers and the likes —those people who are affected by this measure—that they have to wear a mask. So, I am not sure what the …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think I already qualified. I am talking about what this emergency measure is going to put into place with bus drivers and the likes —those people who are affected by this measure—that they have to wear a mask. So, I am not sure what the Honourable Member is getting to. It does not make any sense to me. That is what we are talking about here. So, there is the hypocrisy that people are going to —
Mr. Christopher FamousPoint of order, Mr. Speaker. B ermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Point of order. POINT OF ORDER
Mr. Christopher FamousThe Honourable Member said that people are going to be going to Cup Match and then going back to work. He never once qualified it by saying bus drivers or prison officers. He made a general statement.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierThank you, Mr. Speaker. I think I did qualify before I made that statement.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAnd then after it, you mentioned that too. So, it is clear now. Continue. It is clear now.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierI did make it clear earlier when I mentioned it, and I was corrected that teachers do not fall under that. So, I said, “these same people are going to go back to work.” Those were my exact words: “these same people are going to go back to work .” …
I did make it clear earlier when I mentioned it, and I was corrected that teachers do not fall under that. So, I said, “these same people are going to go back to work.” Those were my exact words: “these same people are going to go back to work .” And so, that is where the challenge is going to be. And that is all I am pointing out , that this is where we are going to see pushback from the public. We are not necessarily saying it is just pushback from the Opposition. Some of us may not even agree . . . may agree on it. What we have right now is a bit of a dichot omy, a bit of a hypocrisy that we can go off and have a good time without wearing a mask but then those who fit under these emergency measures can go back to work and they have to wear a mask and talk to the very same people that they probably got COVID -19 from as a customer. And so, this is a real challenge for our Government going forward. I understand clearly that there was a bit of a challenge in understanding exactly what we were putting in place here. But now that it is made very clear, we have a challenge because we have followed the procedures of Government, and now the public bas ically . . . we are looking at the numbers as they are. People are not reporting it. And I do not know what the antidote to that is. But certainly, putting the emer-gency measures in is not going to solve the issue at all. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. PROCEDURAL CLARIFICATION BY THE SPEAKER [Standing O rder 19]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Member. Before I call on any other Member, let me just correct an error that I made earlier. Earlier I indicated that because we were [discussing] an Order, Members could speak repeatedly. That was an error. It was an error because the paperwork that I was looking at …
Thank you, Member. Before I call on any other Member, let me just correct an error that I made earlier. Earlier I indicated that because we were [discussing] an Order, Members could speak repeatedly. That was an error. It was an error because the paperwork that I was looking at that was supplied to me should have been applied to a later matter which we will do when we get to the Supplementary Estimates , and not to the O rder. But it was attached to O rder, and I just want to clarify that we are still in the House, and you will just speak once. [That was] my mistake and I just want to acknowledge the mistake and provide the clarity. So, Minister Hayward, would you like to make a contribution now? Hon. Jason Hayward: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo right ahead. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I think for the benefit of the public, the Government has transitio ned and shifted its stance as it pertains to COVID -19 and how we cope with it as a society. And as a result, we were seeing the majority of …
Go right ahead. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I think for the benefit of the public, the Government has transitio ned and shifted its stance as it pertains to COVID -19 and how we cope with it as a society. And as a result, we were seeing the majority of the restrictions actually removed from society. And for the most part, we trust people to govern themselves and self -regulate their business establishments as to how they deem fit. The Public Health Emergency Extension is for specific areas. The scenarios that are given are a lmost like . . . it makes no sense to have the extension in place to protect specific areas when we know that our hospital is an area that we should try to protect as much as we possibly can. Rest homes are an area that we should try to protect as much as we possibly can. And employees who have no choice but to [inte ract] with individuals on the front line of their duties — that would be bus drivers or persons who work within the airport —we should try to protect those individuals as much as we possibly can. And so, I think we have moved to a sensible position where we have allowed society to function. And that is why, yes, you do see an upswell. But we cannot have the discussion and not discuss all the measures that we have put in place in terms of the vaccination policy to get persons in a position where if they did contract the virus, the symptoms would be much milder and we would not have such a large strain on our healthcare system. But as the Premier indicated, the number of individuals within the hospital is rising. Unfortunately, persons are still succumbing to the COVID -19 virus. And so there may be a need to do other things as well, Mr. Speaker. And this particular Order gives that flexibility. But as it stands now, the Government’s pol icies have shifted. And so, will we get to a place where there is absolutely no restriction in our society? I t hink yes. Are we progressively getting there? I think by all measures we will say yes. We have not sought to expand the level of r estrictions in our economy, just issue out those areas that we designated should be protected remain pr otected. And I think it is as simple as that. I think we still are being responsible in terms of putting out guide-lines as it pertains to how people should interact with 1676 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly other persons. And I think that is important because we are not out of the woods yet. But, for the most part , the Government has allowed society to self -govern and I think that should be acknowledged. I do not think that it is being acknowledged as much as it should be, that there has been a shift in Government policy. There has been a transition. We have encouraged people to get vaccinated. But we still want to protect certain areas within our economy. And I think that is extremely reasonable. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Any other Member? There are none. Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I thank Honourable Members for their participation in a very important debate as it relates to the Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency …
Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Any other Member? There are none. Minister.
Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I thank Honourable Members for their participation in a very important debate as it relates to the Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extension (No. 5) Order 2022. Mr. S peaker, there were just a few questions that I will address before I sum up. Unfortunately, there was some misrepresentation that was made, perhaps a misunderstanding because we did recently report this. And this dealt specifically with the fact that an inference was made that there were not many people who were travelling to Bermuda and testing positive. And as recently as Tuesday, Mr. Speaker, out of the 70 people who were tested at the airport . . . You will recall that the persons who test at the airpor t are residents because visitors are required to have a pretest. Of those 70 persons, Mr. Speaker, who tested at the airport on Tuesday, 30 tested positive on arr ival. So, that is confirmation that we are collecting positive results at the airport. Mr. Speaker, it is interesting because we note that there are some comparisons with respect to other islands. And one of the questions . . . I think one of the only questions in the last 50- minute debate was asked at the very beginning of the debate. What do other jurisdictions see that we do not? As we have indicated before, I think that what they see is they have more hospitals. Bermuda has one hospital with just over 90 acute care beds. And as I said previously, Mr. Speaker, over one- third of the beds currently at the hospital are occupied with COVID -19 patients. We have seen this week, Mr. Speaker . . . We have already had 141 deaths on Island. This week alone we have had two and the week is not over yet. So, the reality of the situation, Mr. Speaker, i s that, as the WHO has indicated, there is still a pandemic of international concern. And it is affecting not just Bermuda but other jurisdictions. We are seeing other jurisdictions , our trading partners to the east and to the west , the United King-dom, Canada and America, are having increases of hospitalisations and increases of COVID -19 cases in the last several days. In fact, we all recognise that they are under -reported just like in Bermuda because of the situation of how many people are taking tests at home. Mr. Speaker, just as an example, you will recall that Canada , who had previously rolled back some of their border patrol measures and that vaccinated individuals travelling to Canada were not required to test on arrival , and this just came out, Mr. Speaker, because again of the variants that we have seen floating around, that the G overnment of Canada has just announced that mandatory random COVID -19 testing will resume at airports as of July 19 for fully vaccinated international a ir travellers. Testing will remain. However, the government has announced it will r esume testing fully vaccinated travellers in order to de-tect new COVID -19 variants. So, the reality is, Mr. Speaker, we know that these variants are still floating around. We know that there is still international concern that this pandemic is running rampant in all parts of the world. And, Mr. Speaker, I would like to believe (and perhaps I am naïve) that if the tables were turned and the Oppos ition was the Government and t hey were faced with trying to strike a proper balance with respect to public safety as well as ensuring that there is economic stimulation, that the only “restriction” (I am using that in inverted [commas]) that they would have imposed at this point would be mask s in certain high- risk ci rcumstances. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to think that the Opposition, if they were in Government, would have, having consulted the Chief Medical Officer who is eminently qualified to provide evidence and advice based on science, et cetera . . . having consulted the Chief Medical Officer, if the Chief Medical Officer had de-termined that a communicable disease of the first category —namely COVID -19 and its variants of current concern—still persisted in Bermuda and continued to pose a severe threat to public health in Bermuda and the only way you can control and contain the spread of infection is to impose measures and regulations made under section 107B , which we are debating right now, that this would be considered relevant and necessary for the protection and preservation of life and health and safety in Bermuda. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I would like to move that this draft O rder be approved and that a suitable message be sent to Her Excellency, the Governor.
The Speake r: Are there any objections? There are no objections. The suitable doc umentation will be drafted and sent to the Governor. Thank you, Members, for your participation.
[Motion carried: The Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extension (No. 5) Order 2022 was approved.]
Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: We will now move on to the next item on the Order Paper which is [Order] No. 7, consider ation of the Tourism Investment (Cambridge Beaches Resort and Spa) Order 2022 in the name of the Mini ster of Tourism. Minister.
Hon. Vance Cam pbell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that consideration be given to the draft O rder entitled the Tourism Inves tment (Cambridge Beaches Resort and Spa) Order 2022 , as made by the Minister responsible for Tourism under section 3 of the Tourism Investment Act 2017 together with the written agreement of the Mini ster of Finance in exercise of the power conferred by section 5 of the Tourism Investment Act 2017.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections? There are none. Continue, Minister. DRAFT ORDE R TOURISM INVESTMENT (CAMBRIDGE BEACHES RESORT AND SPA) ORDER 2022 Hon. Vance Campbell: Mr. Speaker, the purpose of bringing this Tourism Investment (Cambridge Beac hes Resort and Spa) Order 2022 before this Honour able House is to enable the …
Are there any objections? There are none. Continue, Minister.
DRAFT ORDE R
TOURISM INVESTMENT (CAMBRIDGE BEACHES RESORT AND SPA) ORDER 2022
Hon. Vance Campbell: Mr. Speaker, the purpose of bringing this Tourism Investment (Cambridge Beac hes Resort and Spa) Order 2022 before this Honour able House is to enable the grant of tax relief to the developers investing in the tourism product, Cambridge Beaches Resort and Spa, Cambridge Beaches Holdings Limited, which is in the national economic interest of Bermuda. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to invite this Honourable House to take this Order under consideration. Mr. Speaker, a key element of success in business is investment in the product to ensure that it is always fresh and serves to meet the demands of the customers that business aims to serve. Mr. Speaker, the hospitality business is no different. Destinations, hotels and attractions that seek to trade only in reputation can often lose their edge, proving to be more of what they w ere than what they need to be. Success in this aggressive and competitive tourism marketplace demands that every affiliated tourism business consistently stay at the cutting edge. Mr. Speaker, the Order before Honourable Members represents that kind of inv estment in a product proposed to be made by a key tourism site in Bermuda. As I indicated to this Honourable House on tabling this O rder, Cambridge Beaches is an iconic property located on the w est end of the Island. The current owners have taken the foundation laid by their predecessors and have determined to grow the status of the hotel to meet the true luxury standard befitting its location. There have been upgrades to the property already. And I am pleased to have had the opportunity to visit the hotel with the Honourable Member for con-stituency 31. The owners now plan to renovate all the existing cottages, restaurants, spa, public areas i ncluding the tennis courts, pools and grounds. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members will note that the terms of the O rder are consistent with the Tourism Investment Act 2017 and provide the relief sought for a period of 10 years. That relief is set out in clause 3 of the Order and again is consistent with the principal Act. Mr. Speaker, I would invite the attention of Honourable Members to clause 4 of the O rder which sets the important means by which the hotel qualifies for the exemption from the employer ’s share of payroll tax and for the exemption from land tax. They require a management training programme and 70 per cent Bermudian workforce, respectably. I mak e this point, Mr. Speaker, to emphasise that the field is set for Bermudians who choose a career in the tourism i ndustry. The opportunities are there. They are there to be taken. Mr. Speaker, I would echo comments I hav e previously made in this House with respect to the Tourism Investment Act. The relief provided by the Act is not just available to hotels. The Schedule to the Act sets out how new and existing restaurants can qualify for relief and, likewise , how an attraction can qualify. Mr. Speaker, the Government’s goal is to create the conditions that inspire investor confidence at every level of the tourism economy, sparking a desire to i nvest and reinvest as we continue to see the recovery of tourism for Bermuda. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to commend this Order for the support of this Honourable House. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Cannonier, you have the floor.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierThank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me first start off by thanking the Tourism Minister for bringing this to the table. Anything that is going to enhance or encourage our tourism product here in Bermuda is certainly vital and important. And some of these things have already been said in the …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me first start off by thanking the Tourism Minister for bringing this to the table. Anything that is going to enhance or encourage our tourism product here in Bermuda is certainly vital and important. And some of these things have already been said in the past about the tourism industry. Being familiar with Cambridge Beaches, I must say that it is a great resort. My first real introduc-tion . . . coming from St. Davis, unfortunately, it was many, many years later as an adult going up there. I used to go to the beach right next to it from a young [age]. But Cambridge Beach has certainly been a highlight for Bermuda. I think even recently, prior to COV ID-19 days, it was a great spot to go for brunch. People were coming from the east all the way out 1678 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly there just to enjoy the brunch that they had. And then I can recall even during COVID -19 they had put in a new restaurant on the beach side. My wife and I ha d the opportunity to enjoy the fruits of their labour in setting up that beautiful restaurant where you can dine outside. And so, I am in great support of Cambridge Beaches, understanding that it also has young, new leadership that is there. My prior conc ern was always that as we make some headway we were going to finally see other hotels of course looking to take opportunity and a dvantage of the concessions that were in place. So, the former hotel that we spoke of, Southampton Princess, when we debated that we realised that with those concessions that were extended we would see others also looking to take advantage of those concessions. I take note of these concessions where they were 10 years throughout each discipline, a full relief for duty , and 10 year s for the Hotel Occupancy Land Tax. So, what I was trying to reconcile here was that this is not a new build . This is a hotel that is a lready operating. It is already in place. It is already d oing business. And I recognise that it is renovations that they are doing. But I guess . . . what is the criter ion for the Minister, when he is looking at a hotel that is already in operation, to say that , okay, outside of just having the money to be able to renovate, and because they have the money to renovate they are going to put money into the facility. Is there a criterion for hotels that are already operating before we even say yes to them that we are going to give them these concessions? It is fine to say, W ell, I am going to give you concessions and based on those concessions we want you to comply with certain requirements , which is what we see here. But what is the basis behind the Minister and what format does he have in place or matrix does he have in place that says , Okay, we are going to give you concessi ons based on the fact of how you are already operating the hotel ? There may be scope for us to be doing something like this, esp ecially if we know that the hotel already has the finances to go ahead and do the renovations , which is pro bably the case here ( they have the money for the renovations ). But now that we have these concessions in place, well, why not apply for them , quite frankly? I say that because when the Honourable Mi nister gave a Statement in the last session that we had, I did ask how long he thought it was going to take for these renovations to take place. And his reply (and he can correct me), as I wrote on the Statement here, was that he believed it was going to be approximately around three years. So, bearing that in mind, if it is going t o be three years for some of these renovations, then the question is: W ell, why then the 10 years? It would be good to hear from the Minister as to why he believes . . . if the renovations are going to be over within three years, why does it have to be 10 years of concessions? And where is the justification in that, or the matrix that is being used to extend it to 10 years? As I continued looking on, if we look on page 2 of the Order here, section 3(1)(c) says, “for a period of ten years after the hotel’s opening date, exemption from the employer’s share of the payroll tax . . .” and it goes on. So I am trying to understand. Okay, so the hotel is already open. So what is this opening date that they speak of? It is not a complete renovation; these are renovations of certain cottages. So what constitutes in this particular case what a hotel opening date is? And if you go down further to section 3(1)(d), then it says, “for a period beginning with the sixth a nniversary of the opening date and ending on the tenth anniversary of that date . . .” So if the Minister can qualify exactly with the hotel that is already operatio nal, up and running, how we get to an opening date and hence up to the sixth anniversary it continues on? Certainly we recognise the terms and the conditions clearly. We have seen these stated before. But it kind of draws me back to the point of, okay, well, what matrix is the Minister using that says, Okay, well . . . because you are already up and going, an ongoing operation. What matrix is he using that says, Okay, well, we’re going to give you concessions. Because typically, with the concessions that we have done in the past, when you look at The Loren and you look at St. Regis and then you look at Southampton Princess, these are new builds , per se, and major, major renovation, meaning at Southampton Princess because it is closed down, and we want to see it get reopened. How do we get to the point with an esta blished hotel of saying that, okay, well, you fit under certain guidelines that all ow us to say, Yes, you can have these concessions ? It would be good to hear from the Tourism Minister. I will go back to saying, again, that we are here to support the Government in its attempts, in its efforts to get tourism back to where it is. We certai nly recognise that we do need more airlift and more hotel rooms. We recognise and acknowledge that Airbnbs are growing exponentially, which would suggest that we do need more rooms. So we get that. So hopefully the Minister can give us more clarification in this matter. As he has told us in the past he has been going around speaking to the hotel owners, and certainly he would have spent quite a bit of time with Cambridge Beaches in getting to understand a little more about their operation. So with that in mind, Mr. Speaker, I will allow someone else if they wish to speak to this particular Order.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Member. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Bermuda House of Assembly Ms. Crystal Caesar: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Caesar, you have the floor.
Ms. Crystal CaesarThank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, at this time I wanted to just acknowledge the concerted efforts of the new man-agement, new owners of the Cambridge Beaches. The Tourism Minister and I had occasion to meet with the management team. And I must say I was very i mpressed not …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, at this time I wanted to just acknowledge the concerted efforts of the new man-agement, new owners of the Cambridge Beaches. The Tourism Minister and I had occasion to meet with the management team. And I must say I was very i mpressed not just because it is in the best part of the Island, the home of the winners of Cup Match Cup—
Ms. Crystal CaesarYes. But also because of the makeup, the demographics of the s taff that they have there. It is a largely Bermudianised property. They have done their best to incorporate and continue to honour some of the history that Cambridge Beaches has had over the years in terms of the …
Yes. But also because of the makeup, the demographics of the s taff that they have there. It is a largely Bermudianised property. They have done their best to incorporate and continue to honour some of the history that Cambridge Beaches has had over the years in terms of the facilities. Also, to honour and continue to employ some long- time employees, but also some newer young people who are interested in the hospitality industry and they are grooming them up, growing them in the tourism industry and helping them to see a path to a career. We were there and we saw the significant investment that they are making. We as a Gover nment want to support that and ensure that people who are putting their money where their mouths are, that the Government supports that effort in assisting them to continue to be a vibrant tourism property. They are doing a number of different things which are going to revive the property and also bring a life to it that maybe it has not seen before, some additions and upgrading the property, which I think just goes to show that they actually care a bout their product. They want to see it do well. Again, they are throwing down the gauntlet and saying, This is what we would like to do. And we as a Government support that effort and are happy that they are actually using the vehicle of the Tourism Inves tment Act in order to do so. In so doing, [the owners] have been [taking] and will take advantage of some concessions which potentially will assist in . . . who knows, educating and/or grooming and/or training up additional people. And maybe assist in som e way in continuing to make the property successful. So I just throw my hat in the ring to just say congratulations to them on being proactive and giving back to the community, investing in the property and ensuring that they continue to contribute to Ber muda’s tourism product. And with that, I conclude my r emarks. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Caesar. Would any other Member like to make a contribution at this point? Any other Member? Minister.
Mr. Christopher FamousMr. Speaker, I got confused when the previous speaker talked about the best part. Was she talking about St. Regis? Because that is in the best part of the country.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerShe said the home of the Cup Match champions, where the Cup resides and will reside after the 29 th of July as well. Does that provide any more clarity for you?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerNo, no. I am just stating facts. [Laughter]
Mr. Christopher FamousOkay. So, Mr. Speaker, I just want to congratulate the Minister, the Member from constituency 21 who has been integral in forming and keeping relationships with hotel owners. Mr. Speaker, there is a thing called the litmus test. Well, those who have been propagating a rumour that tourism is dead …
Okay. So, Mr. Speaker, I just want to congratulate the Minister, the Member from constituency 21 who has been integral in forming and keeping relationships with hotel owners. Mr. Speaker, there is a thing called the litmus test. Well, those who have been propagating a rumour that tourism is dead and all things are going downhill and blah- blah-blah . . . the former Minister, the Member from constituency 12, indicated that there is a rise in the number of Airbnbs. Now, this could be because of lack of hotel beds until Fairmont takes off. But the point is if people were not coming into the Island, the Airbnbs would not be full either. The owners of Cambridge Beaches would not be talking about investing tens of millions of dollars in the property of the area of the former Cup Match champions. Mr. Speaker, if we take a moment and speak to a minibus driver, taxi driver, restaurants, especially up, way up west Dockyard there, it is clear that the mix of cruise visitors and stay -over visitors, it is clear that we are on the rebound. It is easy to say, Okay, we were at zero in 2020 so anything i s a positive. So I am just saying to the people, all of those who work in the hospitality industry, Thank you for all that you are doing for causing people to come here, or people to come back. Thank you to those who are putting their money where their mouth is . As the Member from 1680 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly constituency 31 [said], n ot only investing in property, but most important ly, investing in Bermudians. It is high time that we take a relook as a country and its pride in working in the hospitality industry. Mr. Speaker, as you know, we recently went to a service for a woman of virtue who spent her entire life in the hospitality life industry, ensuring not only that visitors were taken care of, but that the workers of Bermuda were taken care of. So I just want to commend the Mini ster and all those at the BTA [Bermuda Tourism Authority] and wherever else who have been part of the equation to help us rebound. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Any other Member? Minister. [No audible response]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Vance Campbell: I do not want to deprive an ybody who wants to speak, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerIt seems like they have allowed it to proceed back to you. Hon. Vance Campbell: Okay. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Hon. Vance Campbell: Mr. Speaker, the Cambridge Beaches is a property that sits on 20 acres on a peninsula surrounded by the calm turquoise waters of the western end of the Island. It is a favourite destination of boaters. They have an excellent reputation when it comes to their …
Yes.
Hon. Vance Campbell: Mr. Speaker, the Cambridge Beaches is a property that sits on 20 acres on a peninsula surrounded by the calm turquoise waters of the western end of the Island. It is a favourite destination of boaters. They have an excellent reputation when it comes to their restaurant. It is a popular spot. Every room has a view of the ocean. They have 86 rooms, three restaurants, two bars, a spa, four beaches, a marina and five pools. It first opened its doors in 1923, Mr. Speaker. It welcomed its first guests. That was almost 100 years ago. So it is an iconic property. But you can imagine 100 years is a long time. So the new owners, the current owners are interested in doing some upgrades to keep their property at th e forefront and on the cutting edge of what today’s traveller is looking for. So I am more than pleased to bring this Tourism Inves tment Order, Mr. Speaker. We have had a Tourism Investment Act in place since 2017 that provided for up to 10 years of relief in the areas as outlined in this particular Tourism Investment Order. It was put in place for this reason, to encourage investors to invest in Bermuda. And with that investment, it enhances the tourism product that we have. With a more modern product to offer, we become more attractive. If we become more attractive, more people want to come here. And if more people want to come here, we can sit down with the airlines and negotiate greater airlift. So that is why we do this, Mr. Speaker. Let us go to som e of the questions. So if we look at the definition, a certain definition, I want to point to the definition for a new hotel. So the definition for a “new hotel” (and it is critical that we are looking at this for a “new hotel”) means “(a) an hotel being developed on a vacant lot; (b) the redevelopment of an operating hotel with estimated development costs of not less than 50% of the appraised market value of such hotel and expended over a period not exceeding three years . . . .” So that is how we get to an operating hotel, and that is one of the criterion that the Mini ster would use in evaluating an application. If we go over, I believe it is Schedule 1, if we go to Schedule 1, it is reinforced at Schedule 1, that definition and the qualifying criteria. So what is available to a new hotel? Full relief from customs duty, and this is under section 5 of the Tourism Investment Act 2017: “(a) full relief from customs duty . . . (i) not exceeding ten years . . .” for a new hotel. Section 5(5) “(b) full exemption for hotel occupancy tax for a period—(i) not exceeding ten years from a new hotel’s opening date; . . . (c) full e xemption from an employer’s share of payroll tax for a period—(i) not exceeding ten years from a new hotel’s opening date . . . (d) full exemption for a new hotel from land tax commencing six years after the hotel’s opening date, subject to the hotel verifying in writing to the Minister in years six through ten that 70% of the hotel’s staff are Bermudian; . . . .” So we see why it is important to establish whether it is a new hotel, and it can be a new hotel according to the definition, whether it is operating or not, depending on the amount of money, as long as it is more than 50 per cent of the appraised value. Mr. Speaker, we see that some of the criteria are linked to an opening date. So if we can go to the definition of “opening date.” Again in the Act, under section 2, Interpretation, it says, “‘opening date’ means —(a) in relation to a new hotel, the date on which its initial licence to operate granted under the Hotels (Licensing and Control) Act 1969 comes into operation . . . .” Now this is not a new hotel that has just opened, as rightly pointed out by MP Cannonier. But it is a new hotel under the definition of “new hotel” because of t he expenditure being more than 50 per cent of the appraised value. So if we look at it under “opening date,” “(b),” it says, “in any other case, the date on which a tourism project, as provided in the developer’s application, is certified in writing by the Minister as complete . . . .”
Bermuda House of Assembly And it is important to note that when an appl ication comes before the Minister, it is vetted by the Bermuda Business Development Agency, first and foremost, our Tourism Regulations and Policy Unit and the Ministry of Finance. So the Minister has the advice of those three entities to call upon. So it was determined that this application met the criteria of a new hotel, and therefore was recommended and was eligible for the relief for 10 years and the other criteria that the renovations had to be completed within a three- year period. When it comes to completion, we have our Compliance Team at the Tourism Regulations and Policy Unit, who will inspect and advise the Minister that the project is complete. So I think with those comments, Mr. Speaker, I have answered all of the questions. And I stand to be corrected on that if I have not. And I am more than glad to support this applic ation and recommend that my colleagues also approve this application in this Tourism Investment (C ambridge Beaches Resort and Spa) Order 2022. So with that, Mr. Speaker, I move that the said draft Order be approved and that a suitable message be sent to Her Excellency the Governor.
[Pause] Hon. Vance Campbell: Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. I thought I put on my m icrophone on; sorry. Thank you, Members and Minister, for your participation. The appropriate documentation will be drafted . . . sorry. First of all, are there any objections? No objections. Thank you. [Motion carried: The Touri sm Investment (Cambridge Beaches Resort …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe appropriate documentation will be prepared and sent to the Governor. Thank you, Members and Minister, for your participation. That brings that matter to a close. Hon. Vance Campbell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank my colleagues.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWe now move on to [Order] No. 8, consideration of the Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for 2022/23, in the name of the Premier and Minister of Finance. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS 23(3) AND 43(3) Hon. E. David Burt: T hank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that …
We now move on to [Order] No. 8, consideration of the Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for 2022/23, in the name of the Premier and Minister of Finance.
SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS 23(3) AND 43(3)
Hon. E. David Burt: T hank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that Standing Orders 23(3) and 43(3) be suspended to enable the House to proceed with the consideration of the Order entitled the Supplementary Estimat e (No. 1) for 2022/23.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections? There are none. Continue. [Motion carried: Standing Orders 23(3) and 43(3) suspended.] BILL SECOND READING SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE (NO. 1) 2022/23 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. In accordance with Standing Orders 43(4) and 43(5), I move that the Supplementary Estimate for financial …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections? Without any objections, we now will take this into Committee and the matter will be dealt with in Committee for each of the estimates that are listed. Deputy Speaker. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House in Committee at 10:53 pm [Hon. Derrick …
Are there any objections? Without any objections, we now will take this into Committee and the matter will be dealt with in Committee for each of the estimates that are listed. Deputy Speaker. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
House in Committee at 10:53 pm
[Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Chairman]
COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY
SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE (NO. 1) 2022/23
The ChairmanChairmanHonourable Members, we are now in Committee of Supply for consideration of the Suppl ementary Estimate (No. 1) for financial year 2022/23 . Finance Minister, Premier Burt, you have the floor. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, this Schedule identifies four items containing $5,812,089 …
Honourable Members, we are now in Committee of Supply for consideration of the Suppl ementary Estimate (No. 1) for financial year 2022/23 . Finance Minister, Premier Burt, you have the floor.
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, this Schedule identifies four items containing $5,812,089 to be included in Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for 2022/23 made up of $5,312,089 on Current Account and $500,000 on Capital Account. Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for 2022/23 is directly related to providing relief to the people of Bermuda to address the increasing cost of living. The suite of relief measures included within this supplementary consists of the following: • payroll tax rebate for the Ministry of Finance; 1682 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly • school supplies support for the Ministry of E ducation; • financial assistance/food allowance increase for the Ministry of Economy and Labour; and • for the Energy Department within the Home Affairs for LED lights. The Ministry of Finance has received updated figures for the Government’s fiscal performance for the financial year of 2021/22 and updated projections for fiscal year 2022/23. The headline is t hat the fiscal year 2021/22 budget is forecast to be $30 million, and that is below the original projection of $124 million at $95 million. This updated projection has enabled us to provide this particular relief. Honourable Members will recall that the cr iteria for determining debatable supplementary est imates requires all items on Current Account be debated if the total Current Account spend for the Mini stry shows an increase of greater than 10 per cent, or $250,000 when compared to the original estimate. And also, Mr. Speaker, all capital items are debatable. Applying the criteria that I just described, all items on the Current Account and the Capital Account before us today are debatable. I will therefore move the approval of the following items: • Current Account s 1 through 3, which are all debatable; and • Capital Account 4, which is debatable. And if I may, Mr. Chairman, I am happy to commence in dealing with item number 1.
The ChairmanChairmanContinue. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I rise to provide a briefing on a supplementary budget increase for the Ministry of Finance, Head 10 . Mr. Chairman, earlier today . . . sorry?
The ChairmanChairmanHead 11, is it not? You have Heads 11, 16 and 5 5. Hon. E. David Burt: You are 100 per cent corr ect. My sincere apologies, sir. Head 11.
The ChairmanChairmanAll right. 3HEAD [10]—MINISTRY OF FINANCE Hon. E. David Burt: Earlier today I highlighted to this Honourable House the strong, unwavering commi tment that this Government has to providing assi stance to persons at the lower end of the economic spectrum to assist them with the challenges of living in …
All right.
3HEAD [10]—MINISTRY OF FINANCE Hon. E. David Burt: Earlier today I highlighted to this Honourable House the strong, unwavering commi tment that this Government has to providing assi stance to persons at the lower end of the economic spectrum to assist them with the challenges of living in a country that has an increasing cost of living which is being driven by increased global inflation.
3 See correction to Heads by Hon. Minister of Finance at page 1691 I also provided the facts that support how we have al ready taken active steps to demonstrate that commitment. In particular, Mr. Chairman, I noted what has been done to assist persons earning less than $96,000 a year who have seen their taxes cut since we have come into office, Mr. Chairman, totalling a relief for a worker who makes $48,000 a year that this person would have paid over the time that we have been in Government just under $5,000 less in taxes compared to previous administrations. The exact fi gure, Mr. Chairman, is $4,920. Mr. Chairman, it is noteworthy that persons in this category represent more than 75 per cent of the working population in Bermuda. We are now seeking to provide some further relief for our fellow residents in our beautiful Island home whose salaries do not exceed $96,000. To fun d this support, $3,813,398 will be allocated within the Current Account of the Consolidated Fund. With this supplementary increase, we propose to provide a pa yroll tax rebate for workers falling within the scope of this plan. Our proposal is that persons w ith an annual income of less than $60,000 annually will receive a $250 rebate, while those whose annual income is between $60,000 and $96,000 will be eligible for a $100 rebate. This may sound counterintuitive that those who pay more tax will get a lower r ebate. However, this is consistent with our statement in the 2022/23 Budget Statement that those who earn more can afford to pay more. Further, Mr. Chairman, I can assure you that it can be very challenging to make ends meet if you earn less than $60,000 per year. Therefore, we want to do as much as we can to provide assistance where it is most needed. Mr. Chairman, it is anticipated that by September 2022, the required mechanisms will be in place so that workers who qualify will be able to apply for their rebate. Once approved, the funds will be deposited directly into the applicant’s bank account. We will certainly ensure the information is well publicised so no eligible person will miss the opportunity. As I have said repeatedly today and on other occasio ns, as opportunities arise, we will reach out and lend a helping hand, not to make people dependent, but to help them to stand tall and have what is necessary to take care of their personal responsibil ities. Our commitment has been demonstrated for the past five years, and it will continue to be strong and resolute. Like every other country, Bermuda is subject to budgetary constraints. But to the extent that we can provide support in these ways, we will continue to do so, Mr. Chairman.
[Pause]
Hon. E. Da vid Burt: Mr. Chairman, you are on mute.
The ChairmanChairmanSorry, I was muted. Bermuda House of Assembly Any speakers for Head 11? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, Mr. Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanThe Honourable Cole Simons, you have the floor. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Chairm an. I would like to thank the Premier for his clarif ication. I have just two brief comments and more unless there are questions. Can the Minister provide de-tails on the number of …
The Honourable Cole Simons, you have the floor.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Chairm an. I would like to thank the Premier for his clarif ication. I have just two brief comments and more unless there are questions. Can the Minister provide de-tails on the number of people who fall in each category? And he also indicated that each person who falls into these categories must apply for the benefits. So what criteria and what tests will be available for the applicants who must apply for these benefits? B ecause it is not automatic, apparently.
The ChairmanChairmanAre there any further questions to Head 11? There appear to be none, Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Chairman. I thank the Honourable Opposition Leader and Shadow Minister of Finance for his question. To a nswer his first question regarding the number of people, those …
Are there any further questions to Head 11? There appear to be none, Premier.
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Chairman. I thank the Honourable Opposition Leader and Shadow Minister of Finance for his question. To a nswer his first question regarding the number of people, those matters are certainly in the public domain. We took the figure from the latest annual employment survey, which gave the full bands. But for the benefit of himself and listening audience, I will happily share the infor mation. For the persons who . . . the annual emplo yment survey, recorded 31,353 workers inside of the economy. And that was based on last year’s annual employment survey, Mr. Chairman. The number of persons who fall under the $60,000 bracket totalled 14,331, which is 46 per cent of the population, the working population. And in the band between $60,000 and $96,000, that is 9,036 persons, which is 29 per cent of the total working population. And with those two figures added together, that is what comes up with the 75 per cent figure of the working population to whom this matter applies to. The second question, I think it is a good question, and I could have been a little bit more exhaustive in my briefing. But I do apologise. It has been a busy day and a busy week. So I am certain the Honourable Member will understand. But the reason why, Mr. Chairman, this is being reflected as a supplementary estimate rather than something that is going to be done on the revenue side is because these payments are going to be made under regulations made under the Public Treasury (Administration and Payments) Act, which is the same mechanism of which was used to provide the supplemental unemployment benefit, the unemployment benefit and other items. The criteria —there will be r egulations, Mr. Chairman, that will be published that will specify the entirety of the eligibility criteria underneath the Public Treasury (Administration and Payments) Act. Those things are negative resolutions, so they will come here to be tabled by the time we next sit in September. But they will certainly be issued prior to that. The only el igibility that will need to be had is that the person is working and has contributed to payroll tax during that particular period. And so individuals who need to a pply, just get confirmation from the employer. We are trying to make it as simple as possible. We do not want it to be a very complex and drawn- out process, as we are trying to make it easy. But there is a need to verify. If it was done on the revenue side, Mr. Chai rman, it would have required the adjustment of tax rates. Given that it is only a small amount and given that our tax rates are very marginal, it was considered to be a little bit too complex. We were thinking about certain items such as, you know, reducing the amounts. As we stated in our election manifesto of the amount of those persons under $48,000 to zero rate of tax. But of course that would have meant too that we would have to adjust everyone else's tax rates up a little bit more in order to balance that out because we have a marginal tax system. So it is a little bit complex. But the way in which it [will be] is that they just have to be employed, paying payroll tax and have the employer verify that they are employed.
The ChairmanChairmanAre ther e any further questions? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Chairman, if I could add one further clarification.
The ChairmanChairmanMm-hmm. Hon. E. David Burt: Each person will only be eligible to be paid one time. That is key. So there may be people who have two jobs and they pay payroll tax twice. Each person will only be able to be paid once. So someone would not be able …
Mm-hmm.
Hon. E. David Burt: Each person will only be eligible to be paid one time. That is key. So there may be people who have two jobs and they pay payroll tax twice. Each person will only be able to be paid once. So someone would not be able to be paid multiple times. That is the only other clarification which I think is important.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanMr. Dunkley, you have the floor. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you. Question for the Honourable Premier: How will it be verified, the rate of yearly compensation to an employee?
The ChairmanChairmanPremier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It will be verified by the employer. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Premier. 1684 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: Are there any further questions on Head 11? There appear to be …
Premier.
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It will be verified by the employer. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Premier. 1684 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: Are there any further questions on Head 11? There appear to be none. Premier, do you want to move Head 11?
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I move that Head 11 be a pproved.
The ChairmanChairmanAny objections to Head 11 being approved? There appear to be none. Approved. 4[Motion carried: Head [10] —Ministry of Finance, approved.] The Cha irman: Head 16 is the next one. HEAD 16 —MINISTRY OF EDUCATION Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Honourable Members. Today I rise …
Any objections to Head 11 being approved? There appear to be none. Approved.
4[Motion carried: Head [10] —Ministry of Finance, approved.]
The Cha irman: Head 16 is the next one.
HEAD 16 —MINISTRY OF EDUCATION Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Honourable Members. Today I rise to provide a briefing on the supplementary budget increase for the Ministry of Educ ation, Head 16. Mr. Ch airman, the Ministry of Education recognises that many parents face a financial strain each year as they prepare for the start of the school year. This year, as part of a relief package for families within the public school system, the Ministry of Educ ation will be providing a school supplies grant of $150 per child enrolled in the Bermuda Public School Sy stem [BPSS]. It is anticipated an uptake of 90 per cent of this offer based on approximately 4,200 students enrolled in the BPSS, bringing the amount to $567,000 which will be allocated for the fiscal year 2022/23. While there was an initial thought of restricting the school supplies grant to uniform purchases, it is recognised that students’ needs for their return to school vary; therefore, the school supplies grant will be given directly to parents or guardians to be used in the best way they see fit to prepare their students for the upcoming school year. Mr. Chairman, in the coming weeks, using data that we have in our PowerSchool database, parents and guardians will be contacted for more information on how to apply for this grant. It is critical that we have accurate contact information for parents and guard ians. While the Ministry will be making public appeals in the coming weeks, I take this time to ur ge parents and guardians to log onto PowerSchool and check that their contact information is accurate and up to date ahead of time.
4 See correction to Heads by Hon. Minister of Finance at page 1691 Mr. Chairman, I have no doubt that the school supplies grant will be welcomed by our parents and guardians to assist with th e back -to-school expenses. I also recognise that there will be persons who are asked why this programme is restricted to public school students. Mr. Chairman, while the Ministry of Education is responsible for education in Bermuda, including private school s, funding for the provision of schooling is reserved for public schools only — Bermuda’s only comprehensive school system. As such, the provisions of the $150 per student grant will be provided to students within the public school sy stem. Mr. Chairman, the school supplies grant will go a long way to assist families. And I do hope in future years if a similar relief can be budgeted for, that it can possibly be expanded to more families. Mr. Chairman, this completes the Education Ministry’s Supplementary Budge t increase brief for the fiscal year 2022/23.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Minister. Are there any further speakers? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The ChairmanChairmanHonourable Member Cole Simons, Cole Hedley Simons. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: The Minister addressed my concerns in regard to private schools. Can he consi der making an exception for home- schooled students? They may suffer the same economic challenges as the public school students. And we also have single …
Honourable Member Cole Simons, Cole Hedley Simons.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: The Minister addressed my concerns in regard to private schools. Can he consi der making an exception for home- schooled students? They may suffer the same economic challenges as the public school students. And we also have single parents in some of these private schools whose chi ldren are there on scholarships and family financing. And again, I think the principle of the relief is worth examining the private schools on an as -needed basis. Because I recognise that the people in the private schools are of var ying social economic means. And it could be done on a needs basis versus a blanket basis to some of the private schools and I would dare say possibly some of the home schools. Because if we are trying to help the parents, let us help them across the board. The other question that I have is this: The Ministry of Education had or probably still has a su pplies room and inventory of supplies in the Ministry. Can the students avail themselves or the parents avail themselves to the supplies that already exist in our school shop in the Ministry? That will mitigate some of the costs and some of the funding required and can help other people who are not in the public schools. I accept [the Honourable Minister’s] comments in r egard to the shoes and uniforms or supplies such as pencils, books, rulers, textbooks and possibly laptops. If we have them in supply in the Ministry in the school shop, then maybe that will help provide the parents the relief that they need. So I would like for the Mini ster to speak to that.
Bermuda House of Assembly Thank you.
The ChairmanChairmanAre there any further speakers on Head 16?
Ms. Susan E. JacksonThank you. I would like to ask the Minister if the parents are going to have to inventory or in any way verify any of the supplies that they get for the children. That is all, Mr. Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, MP Jackson. Are there any other speakers? Minister Rabain. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank you for those questions because they are topical questions that I am sure the public is wondering [about] as well. In terms of, as I said …
Thank you, MP Jackson. Are there any other speakers? Minister Rabain. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank you for those questions because they are topical questions that I am sure the public is wondering [about] as well. In terms of, as I said in my brief, the funding that we have within the Ministry is allocated to st udents within the Ministry within the Bermuda public school system. That is something that has always been the case. As the Member who asked the ques-tion, being a former Minister of Education, he will be well aware of our current grants programme that is issued o n a yearly basis. This has always been issued under the auspices that anyone applying for the grant has to show that the programme that they are running will be for the benefit of public school students. And it has never been that we look at everyone else. It has always been the public school students. When we give grants to organisations who conduct programmes, typically public school students get to attend for free, but private school students and home- schooled students would have to pay because they are not part of that grant. So under those auspices, that is how this grant will be distributed. I also mentioned in my brief that if this is something that we can look to . . . but I think it is a great idea and som ething that we can look to budget in future years and possibly expand it beyond the reach that we currently have. But at the moment, this will be restricted to public school students based on how we currently have to distribute our public funds amongst the Bermuda public school system. And the quest ion about taking supplies from the supply room, those supplies have already been purchased and are already given to children free of charge. So I am not quite sure how that would allev iate having . . . the purpose of this is that there are things that are not supplied by the Department of E ducation in terms of things needed. Any one of us here who has a child in the public school system would know. At the beginning of the year, you get a listing of all of the different supplies that a child would need, and it adds up very quickly. It is not just shirts, un iforms, shoes, socks and the like. There are all sorts of other little bits and pieces, knick -knacks that you do have to purchase that do add up. And so we recognise that having this grant [being given] dir ectly to parents will allow them to utilise those funds to purchase those things that are required for the students to go into school. The supplies at our stores will be delivered to schools anyway for children to use. And so those are the things that are the basic supplies that they need, such as pens and pencils and books and things like that. But there are specialised items that schools sometimes request of for students that these funds will go to help purchase. For the question from [MP] Susan Jackson, I actually do not support what it is that you are asking, that we actually have parents prove that they are purchasing stuff for their students. I am of the firm belief that our parents who have children within the school system are responsible enough to r ecognise that their children need these things that are required for the children to utilise in the school system, and that's what that money would be utilised for. As I said in my brief, we thought about restricting it to school uniforms, but we recognise that there are parents out there who do not need school uniforms. They need other things. You know, geometry kits, dictionaries, you know, special types of pens and different things like that. So this will go a long way to assisting our parents and guardi ans in the public school system to ensuring that their kids have the things that they need to start school on the right foot. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Supplemental based on the Minister’s comments.
The ChairmanChairmanMr. Simons. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Minister, have you consi dered actually providing coupons issued by the retai lers? I am just giving an example. Gibbons Company for uniforms, Boyle and Gibbons for shoes and socks, or the Royal Gazette stationery store for books. I nstead of giving them …
Mr. Simons.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Minister, have you consi dered actually providing coupons issued by the retai lers? I am just giving an example. Gibbons Company for uniforms, Boyle and Gibbons for shoes and socks, or the Royal Gazette stationery store for books. I nstead of giving them cash, you can give them a coupon which basically says you can spend at Gibbons Company or Boyle or the Royal Gazette stationery store for your supplies. I am just using those company names as an example.
The ChairmanChairmanI am giving you l eeway, Mr. Simons. We are in Committee. Let me remind you. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes. So we are in Commi ttee, I can ask questions. 1686 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: Mr. Simons, did you hear …
I am giving you l eeway, Mr. Simons. We are in Committee. Let me remind you.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes. So we are in Commi ttee, I can ask questions.
1686 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: Mr. Simons, did you hear what I said? We are in Committee. I am giving you some leeway. You had better leav e that alone.
[Laughter and inaudible interjection]
The ChairmanChairmanYour questions should be based on what you have got in front of you. Continue, Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: I would say, actually, MP Simons, this is something that can be considered looking at. We originally thought about the coupons for uniforms, as I said in the brief. …
Your questions should be based on what you have got in front of you. Continue, Minister.
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: I would say, actually, MP Simons, this is something that can be considered looking at. We originally thought about the coupons for uniforms, as I said in the brief. But then we deci ded that, you know, they may not need uniforms. And then what would they do with it? And so we are still working out how the process will be for our students, for our parents to send in their information to qualify to get it. And so those are ideas that can be taken on board. I will commit to take them on board and di scuss them with the team and see what . . . and we will come out with what is best for our parents to get their students what it is that they need. I am positive that we will come out on top of that.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you.
The ChairmanChairmanAny further speakers? Thank you, Honourable Member Cole S imons.
Ms. Susan E. JacksonThank you. I am wondering whether the Minister might —I may have missed it, but if the Minister would not mind just saying whether the application for the school supplies [is based on] financial need, is [that] a consider ation? How will you prioritise? Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Financial …
Thank you. I am wondering whether the Minister might —I may have missed it, but if the Minister would not mind just saying whether the application for the school supplies [is based on] financial need, is [that] a consider ation? How will you prioritise?
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Financial need is not a consideration. The only qualification is that the student is enrolled in the public school system.
The ChairmanChairmanThat is it? No further speakers? Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Head 16 be approved.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that Head 16 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Head 16 —Ministry of Education, a pproved.]
The ChairmanChairmanThe next supplementary is Minister Hayward, Head 55. Minister Hayward. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanGo ahead, Minister Hayward. HEAD 55—MINISTRY OF ECONOMY AND LABOUR Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Chairman, Honourable Members, I rise tonight to provide a briefing on the supplementary budget increase for the Department of Financial Assistance, Head 55. I am going to speak to item number 31, Ministry of Economy and …
Go ahead, Minister Hayward.
HEAD 55—MINISTRY OF ECONOMY AND LABOUR
Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Chairman, Honourable Members, I rise tonight to provide a briefing on the supplementary budget increase for the Department of Financial Assistance, Head 55. I am going to speak to item number 31, Ministry of Economy and Labour, Financial Assistance, entitled Economic Relief Pac kage, Food Assistance. The Ministry of Economy and Labour is seeking a supplement al budget increase of $931,691 for the Department of Financial Assistance for fiscal year 2022/23. The additional funding is to provide food as-sistance relief for persons eligible to receive financial assistance who are finding it increasingly difficult to meet the constant rising food costs. The subsidy is based on the average increase of 15 per cent of what is generally provided for food assistance. Mr. Chairman, the details of expenditure for food assistance for each of the fiscal years is as follows: Ex penditure on food in fiscal 2021 was $6,037,277. Expenditure on food in fiscal 2021/22 was $6,151,289, an increase of $104,012, or 2 per cent over the prior year. Expenditure on food for fiscal 2022/23 was originally forecasted at $6,211,275, an increase of $59,986, or 1 per cent over the previous year. With this supplemental budget increase, the revised expenditure on food in fiscal 2022/23 will be $7,142,966, an increase of $931,651, or a 15 per cent increase over fiscal 2021/22. Mr. Chairman, this is in line with the Gover nment’s commitment to provide assistance to persons who are in need. Mr. Chairman, this completes the Ministry of Economy and Labour supplemental i ncrease brief for fiscal 2022/23.
The ChairmanChairmanAre there any further speakers?
The ChairmanChairmanIt is difficult hearing you, Brother Richardson, MP Richardson. Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Jarion Richardson: Yes. MP Richardson, please, sir.
The ChairmanChairmanYes. Can you come closer? I cannot hear you. The others can hear you, but it is difficult for me to hear.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonOkay. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I was hoping that the Honourable Minister would be able to give me a breakdown for how much the supplement will be per awardee under the Financial Assistance Programme. Because it looks like, by my math, it would be something in the range of $47 …
Okay. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I was hoping that the Honourable Minister would be able to give me a breakdown for how much the supplement will be per awardee under the Financial Assistance Programme. Because it looks like, by my math, it would be something in the range of $47 per month per awardee. And I was wondering what his numbers w ere.
The ChairmanChairmanAny further questions on Head 55? Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Chairman, you cannot do a simple division when it comes to food assistance for Financial Assistance. The food assistance rates are set on the Health Department nutrit ional rates. And so they are done by household composition size. So, …
Any further questions on Head 55? Minister.
Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Chairman, you cannot do a simple division when it comes to food assistance for Financial Assistance. The food assistance rates are set on the Health Department nutrit ional rates. And so they are done by household composition size. So, for example, current food allowance rates for zero to two months is $129 monthly, for two to four months is $160. And as the individual gets older, and then male or female, the rates actually change as it pertains to those individuals. For example, a pregnant teen would receive more than a normal teen. And so what you would have to look at is each household composition and add up the components based off of the Health D epartment Nutrition Services recommendations for that particular individual within the household. And that is how food rates are calculated. And that is why you cannot break it up and try to average it across the board.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Minister. Any further questions on Head 55?
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, sir. Would the Honourable Minister clarify that those rates are as outlined in the annual Department of Financial Assistance Report? He tabled one a few months ago, and at the back is the government nutr ition rate. Is that the rate which he is speaking of right now? …
Thank you, sir. Would the Honourable Minister clarify that those rates are as outlined in the annual Department of Financial Assistance Report? He tabled one a few months ago, and at the back is the government nutr ition rate. Is that the rate which he is speaking of right now? The Chairman: Minister
Hon. Jason Hayward: I do not have the report in front of me to determine whether or not the rates . . . but what I just referred to are those similar rates. But is it a schedule?
The ChairmanChairmanYes. Please proceed, Mr. Richar dson.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, Mr. Chairman. It is in the Schedule of Allowable Expenses, but it does not give a rate in that in that particular box. It only says, costs at government nutrition rate. So this was me trying to work out the actual benefit to t he individual awardee. It …
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is in the Schedule of Allowable Expenses, but it does not give a rate in that in that particular box. It only says, costs at government nutrition rate. So this was me trying to work out the actual benefit to t he individual awardee. It sounds like that is what he is tal king about.
Hon. Jason Hayward: Thank you. Okay. So the Schedule in the Financial Assistance is consistent with what is placed into the regulations. When you get to food, in the Financial Assist ance Regulations and in the Schedule of the Regulations, it does not have rates. For the rates you have to refer to the Financial Assistance Department food policy. And then those rates are the rates which are in alignment with the Health Department Nutrit ion Services, which gives you a breakdown. But these are not publicly published rates. Those rates will be policies that are contained within the Department of Financial Assistance.
The ChairmanChairmanAre there any further speakers?
Mr. Jarion RichardsonMr. Chairman, how do I get those rates for the purposes of scrutinising Mr. Ha yward's noble work?
The ChairmanChairmanMinister Hayward. Hon. Jason Hayward: The Member can simpl y request them from the Minister. [Laughter] Hon. Jason Hayward: I mean, I can read off the rates now in Parliament, but I do not think that would be a useful exercise right now, if the Member just wants the rates …
Minister Hayward.
Hon. Jason Hayward: The Member can simpl y request them from the Minister.
[Laughter] Hon. Jason Hayward: I mean, I can read off the rates now in Parliament, but I do not think that would be a useful exercise right now, if the Member just wants the rates for information. But I will endeavour. If an email is sent to respond and provide that individual with the rates, then they will be sent. But understanding that the rates I send will not be the most up- to-date because getting the supplemental funds allows us to 1688 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly revise the rates so that we can t ake into consideration current prices. And that was the purpose of the exercise. The purpose of the exercise was to get add itional funds so that we can revise the rates so that we can deal with current prices of food and so that we can provide those perso ns with more funds according to their nutritional needs. Of course, as you can anti cipate, as the price of food increases in the grocery shop and the rates remain the same, it means it diminishes the purchasing power. And you cannot get the same quantity o f goods for the same amount of money.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonTwo points. For the purposes of the Hansard and formality, I request those rates and will email the Honourable Minister for those rates. And the second question is for clarity. The CPI [consumer price index] just got released saying food prices increased 5.4 per cent. The rates that the Honourable …
Two points. For the purposes of the Hansard and formality, I request those rates and will email the Honourable Minister for those rates. And the second question is for clarity. The CPI [consumer price index] just got released saying food prices increased 5.4 per cent. The rates that the Honourable Minister sends me will not reflect that new information. Is that correct? Just trying to make sure I understand what I am looking at when I get the numbers.
The ChairmanChairmanCorrect. Any further speakers to Head 55? There appear to be none. Minister, do you want to move that head? Hon. Jason Ha yward: Mr. Chairman, if there be no further questions I would like to move Head 55.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that Head 55 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Head 55 —Financial Assistance, a pproved.]
The ChairmanChairmanThe next head up is the Energy D epartment —Head 66. And I think this is Minister Roban. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, Mr. Chairman. May I continue?
The ChairmanChairmanYes. Please do. 5HEAD [89] —DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY CAPITAL ACQUISITION Hon. Walter H. Roban: This is a presentation around Supplementary Estimate No. 1 for the Financial Year 2022/23 for the Department of Energy —Head 66, Capital Acquisition. Mr. Chairman, I rise to highlight the benefits of the capital allocation for …
Yes. Please do. 5HEAD [89] —DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY CAPITAL ACQUISITION
Hon. Walter H. Roban: This is a presentation around Supplementary Estimate No. 1 for the Financial Year 2022/23 for the Department of Energy —Head 66, Capital Acquisition. Mr. Chairman, I rise to highlight the benefits of the capital allocation for the economic relief package of $500,000 for LED lights, LED meaning light emitting diode. Mr. Chairman, one of the strongest themes in the Throne Speeches of this Administration has been that of reducing the cost of electricity for our residents. Ener gy conservation is one area in which we need to make more effort. And when we hear the words energy conservation, we think about doing without or doing less. Energy efficient appliances and fixtures are e xcellent no -effort means of conserving energy without stressing or drastic change. In an effort to demonstrate to the public the benefits of this from employing energy efficient measures, we are seeking this supplementary budget for the purchase of 150,000 LED bulbs. That number of bulbs is enough to benefi t every household in Bermuda and to demonstrate that there is a viable and necessary alternative to traditional incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs are an energy efficient lighting alternative to traditional fluorescent and incandescent lights. Mr. Chairman, inc andescent bulbs not only consume more energy, they also waste additional energy by giving off heat. The very definition of incandescent , Mr. Chairman, is the emission of electr omagnetic radiation from a hot body as a result of its high temperature. This ha s a knock -on effect on i ncreasing the cost of air conditioners and other cooling devices, having to work even harder to cool our homes and buildings. LED bulbs are up to 80 per cent more efficient, converting 95 per cent of the energy into light while only 5 per cent is expelled as heat. You can switch your regular bulb for a like- sized LED bulb. LED bulbs have a lifespan of approximately 15 to 20 years. Mr. Speaker, the previous LED exchange programme provided 12,000 bulbs to the community. The success of that programme was so great that it made sense to consider a wider application that could effect even more savings f or the public. Whilst the previous LED exchange potentially saved the public up to $488,000 annually, this programme is also an excellent in vestment. If all 150,000 bulbs are used, we estimate that the public will collectively save up to $5,856,000. This is a $5 million savings in electricity costs that the public can use for other essential items. Mr. Chairman, I have already begun discussions with my officers as to how we are going to di s5 See correction to Heads made by Hon. Minister of Finance, page 1691
Bermuda House of Assembly tribute these bulbs. While the bulbs will be available to all residents, we will start with the persons and fam ilies most in need, families and seniors who are clients of the Department of Financial Assistanc e and fam ilies and seniors who are tenants of the Bermuda Housing Corporation. In addition, we will be contacting and consulting with the charities and churches that are providing relief to persons in need. We will also inform the remaining residents after we have dealt with those particular critical groups, Mr. Chairman, on how the rest of our residents can take advantage of these bulbs. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Minister. Are there any further speakers on the Head 66?
The ChairmanChairmanMP Pearman, you have the floor.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you. Actually, Mr. Chairman, before I proceed just on the Head, I could not locate a Head 66 in the Budget Book. I found Energ y at Head 89, and I found the Capital —
The ChairmanChairmanI am having difficulty hearing you, Mr. Pearman.
Mr. Scott PearmanGreat. I apologise. I was looking down. I could not find Head 66 in the Budget Book. I found the Department of Energy at Head 89, and I found Capital Acquisitions for Energy at business unit 76889 at page C -16. I only point this out, not to be a …
Great. I apologise. I was looking down. I could not find Head 66 in the Budget Book. I found the Department of Energy at Head 89, and I found Capital Acquisitions for Energy at business unit 76889 at page C -16. I only point this out, not to be a pain, but just because it is $500,000 that needs to be recorded somewhere. And so I just raise that so the Minister can deal with it. It may well be the error is mine, and Head 66 is an existing head that did not previously appear in the Budget Book. But for completeness, I just mention that. I am grateful for th e information provided by the Honourable Minister/Deputy Premier. I just did some quick math there, and I think what he was sa ying is there are going to be 150,000 LED bulbs, which, if one thinks about 15,000 households, if that is correct, is about 10 bul bs per household. But I would be grateful if the Minister could assist because he was talking about the number of bulbs for each household. And I would be grateful to know the price and where these will be sourced from. And those are my questions. Mr. Chai rman. Thank you.
The ChairmanChairmanAny further speakers on Head 66? Thank you, Mr. Pearman. Minister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you. Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, can you see me on the video? I am sorry.
The ChairmanChairmanIt is okay if I do not see you. Hon. Walter H. Roban: I am sorry because I just noticed that my video thing was not on, and I do not want —
The ChairmanChairmanYes. It is late. It is late. Hon. Walter H. Roban: So I apologise. I genuinely thought I was on, so I apologise, Mr. Chairman. The Chairm an: That is all right. That is all right. Hon. Walter H. Roban: We have done our raw calc ulation at this point …
Yes. It is late. It is late.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: So I apologise. I genuinely thought I was on, so I apologise, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairm an: That is all right. That is all right. Hon. Walter H. Roban: We have done our raw calc ulation at this point at around . . . I think there are around 30,000 or so households in Bermuda. And so that would be about four to five bulbs per household. That i s our estimate at this point.
The ChairmanChairmanI did not get that. How many bulbs per household? Hon. Walter H. Roban: Potentially four to five bulbs per household.
The ChairmanChairmanFour to five — Hon. Walter H. Roban: That is based on our having around 30,000 households because, you know, this is for every household in Bermuda to benefit from. Al though we will be focusing, as I stated in my brief, on the most needy households first as first …
Four to five —
Hon. Walter H. Roban: That is based on our having around 30,000 households because, you know, this is for every household in Bermuda to benefit from. Al though we will be focusing, as I stated in my brief, on the most needy households first as first priority. But I believe there is something around 30,000 or so households in Bermuda, Mr. Chairman, I believe is the estimate. So that would come to about four to five bulbs per household.
The ChairmanChairmanThat would be five if it is 30,000. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes. So four to five, estimate based on an acquisition of 150,000. Our most recent aspiration of procurement has the bulb somewhere around $1.50 per bulb at the moment. And certainly, Mr. Chairman and to the Ho nourable …
That would be five if it is 30,000.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes. So four to five, estimate based on an acquisition of 150,000. Our most recent aspiration of procurement has the bulb somewhere around $1.50 per bulb at the moment. And certainly, Mr. Chairman and to the Ho nourable Member, we are going to go through the proper procurement process with this although we have our own numbers. So we will be subject to fol-lowing proper financial instructions for procurement for this consignment. And there are the proper rules 1690 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly around this, and we will be following them and using those options to c omplete the procurement
The ChairmanChairmanMinister. It cannot be $1.50 per bulb. Hon. Walter H. Roban: That is our estimate at this point, Mr. Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanWell, you have got 150,000 bulbs. They should only be— Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Chairm an, 150,000 bulbs.
The ChairmanChairmanRight, 150,000. I understand that you are spending $500,000. That is only $225,000 at $1.50. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Well, okay. Can I factor in there—
The ChairmanChairmanYou can get the information and get it to us. Hon. Walt er H. Roban: —the shipping that was fa ctored into there? Based on those whom we have spoken to so far, $1.50 per bulb. But you are factoring the shipping and the consignment and all those charges as …
You can get the information and get it to us. Hon. Walt er H. Roban: —the shipping that was fa ctored into there? Based on those whom we have spoken to so far, $1.50 per bulb. But you are factoring the shipping and the consignment and all those charges as well, Mr. Chairman. So we may spend around $480,000 or less. But I would ask that this is based on numbers that I have right now from those we have spoken to who are specialists in this area. So we may spend just slightly less than $500,000, Mr. Chairman.
[Inaudible interjections]
The ChairmanChairmanHang on, hang on, hang on. Hang on, Minister. Minister, hang on a second. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Sorry.
The ChairmanChairmanYou have to fix that because shipping charges and all that are included in the price of a bulb. So definitely if you can get the correct information to— Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes. Yes. All that will be a part of our procurement.
The ChairmanChairmanOkay. All right. Hon. Walter H . Roban: But I am just giving you the price that I have been given so far. So it is an est imate. The amount of money that has been provided for this exercise is $500,000. We will have to factor in the $500,000. …
Okay. All right.
Hon. Walter H . Roban: But I am just giving you the price that I have been given so far. So it is an est imate. The amount of money that has been provided for this exercise is $500,000. We will have to factor in the $500,000. And I can tell you now, Mr. Chairman, the $1. 50 that we have been given doesn't factor in the shipping. That is the raw cost of the bulb that we have been given. And that does not factor in the shi pping costs and everything else. And as you know, that could change because, you know, the costs around shipping now are quite—
The ChairmanChairmanI am very aware of that. But the question was, How much is the bulb? And that is not the correct answer, as you know. Everything has to be factored into the cost of bringing that bulb. What is the landed charge and fi nal charge, too? That is what …
I am very aware of that. But the question was, How much is the bulb? And that is not the correct answer, as you know. Everything has to be factored into the cost of bringing that bulb. What is the landed charge and fi nal charge, too? That is what the MP is asking for. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, I understand. And I do not have all the information yet.
The ChairmanChairmanThat is fine. That is fine. Hon. Walter H. Roban: But I am giving him what I have been given so far by the agents I have spoken to, and I am being very transparent with this. I certai nly will be happy to come back with the clear, precise …
That is fine. That is fine.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: But I am giving him what I have been given so far by the agents I have spoken to, and I am being very transparent with this. I certai nly will be happy to come back with the clear, precise numbers when we get those. But as you know, as I stated, this is subject to our going through the proper procurement proc ess under financial instructions. And those numbers could change slightly as a result of that. So I am not trying to be evasive, Mr. Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanUnderstood. We got you. We got you. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Okay.
The ChairmanChairmanAny further questi ons for the Minister on Head 66?
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Mr. Chairman. And actually, you identified a few lines, so it does look like if it is a buck -50 per bulb with the shipping costs, if it is right, it would be over $1.50 shipping per bulb as w ell on your numbers. But can I just …
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And actually, you identified a few lines, so it does look like if it is a buck -50 per bulb with the shipping costs, if it is right, it would be over $1.50 shipping per bulb as w ell on your numbers. But can I just check? You said financial i nstructions will be followed, so there will be an RFP [request for proposals], correct?
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes. We are following financial instructions on this. And, you know, there are options of which we can exercise. But everything we do on this will be subject to financial instructions.
Mr. Scott PearmanAnd finally, when do you think we would be completing the ordering of the LED bulbs, roughly? You know, [is it] weeks, months? Hon. Walter H. Roban: I cannot speak to that. But this will be done as soon as reasonably possible, subject to the process that we are going …
And finally, when do you think we would be completing the ordering of the LED bulbs, roughly? You know, [is it] weeks, months?
Hon. Walter H. Roban: I cannot speak to that. But this will be done as soon as reasonably possible, subject to the process that we are going to follow. Subject to financial instructions and some additional information that I will get from whoever is the chosen shipper for this particular consignment.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Mr. Chairman. Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: Any further questions on Head 66 for Minister Roban? There appear to be none. Minister, do you want to move that? Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chai rman. I wish to move Head 66.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that Head 66 be approved. Are there any objections to that?
Mr. Scott PearmanWell, Mr. Chairman, solely the point that I raised earlier that I cannot find the Head 66, I just —
The ChairmanChairmanYes. I think the Minister has taken note of that and will do the necessary — [Inaudible interjections] Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Chairman, if I may.
The ChairmanChairmanYes. CORRECTION TO HEADS BY HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FINANCE Hon. E. David Burt: Just looking here in Standing Orders, and apologies to the Deputy Premier, as this was certainly prepared by the Ministry of Finance. But the Honourable Shadow Attorney General is correct. This [Head 66] is supposed to be …
Yes.
CORRECTION TO HEADS BY HONOURABLE MINISTER OF FINANCE
Hon. E. David Burt: Just looking here in Standing Orders, and apologies to the Deputy Premier, as this was certainly prepared by the Ministry of Finance. But the Honourable Shadow Attorney General is correct. This [Head 66] is supposed to be Head 89. And also, as I read it earlier, so I am not sure the process of moving the amendment earlier, but Ministry of F inance Headquarters is supposed to be Head 10 and not 11. So that is an error. So Head 10 should be for Ministry of Finance. The Energy Department should be Head 8 9.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Premier, for your clarification and assistance.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, Minister. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: So Head 10, Head 16, Head 55 and Head 89 have been approved. Thank you for that, Mr. Premier. [Motion carried: Head 89, approved.]
The ChairmanChairmanMr. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I now move that Supplementary Estimate (No. 1), complete with Head 10, Head 16, Head 55 and Head 89 for the financial year 2022/23 as printed be reported to the House.
The ChairmanChairmanYes, it will be reported to the house as printed. [Motion carried: Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for financial year 2022/23 was considered by a Commi ttee of the whole House and passed without amendment.]
The ChairmanChairmanMr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, are you available? Mr. Speaker. They are up on break. Mr. Lamb, can you find the Speaker for us, please? [Pause] House resumed at 11:44 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF COMMITTEE SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE (NO. 1) 2022/23
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI heard you, Deputy. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Okay. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections to the consi deration of Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for 2022/23 being reported to the House? There are none. Thank you. Members, before we go on to the third readings, I just want to go back. Earlier today we indicated the possible indulgence that I was …
Are there any objections to the consi deration of Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for 2022/23 being reported to the House? There are none. Thank you. Members, before we go on to the third readings, I just want to go back. Earlier today we indicated the possible indulgence that I was going to seek from the House so that the Minister of Finance could read a Statement, the Premier could present a Statement. And it was time sensitive going to the earlier parts of the day and was unable to be done at that time. We have cleared the sensitivity that has allowed it to be done now, or earlier this evening, but now that we have completed the business of the day, so to speak, we will do it. So I am going to call on the Premier to pr esent that Statement now, and I will give some time for a 15 minute Question Period afterwards for questions.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier. 1692 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS AND JUNIOR MINISTERS [Reinstated] US$500 MILLION SENIOR NOTES DUE 2032 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to deliver this Ministerial Statement at this time. …
Premier. 1692 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS AND JUNIOR MINISTERS
[Reinstated]
US$500 MILLION SENIOR NOTES DUE 2032
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to deliver this Ministerial Statement at this time. In accor dance with section 2(3) of the Government Loans Act 1978, I am pleased to speak this evening to inform this Honourable House of the successful execution of a new issuance of $500 million of senior notes with a coupon of 5 per cent which concluded earlier today. On Wednesday, 6 July 2022, the Bermuda Government announced and began a three- day virtual roadshow with a series of fixed income investors. These meet ings were a part of the process of updating investors on the Government’s plans and recent performance, while evaluating market conditions and opportunities to refinance some or all existing debt scheduled to mature within the next 18 months. At the same t ime, it was also announced that Bermuda would concurrently offer to repurchase for cash two series of our outstanding USD notes that mature in 2023 and 2024 in a tender offer. Mr. Speaker, feedback from investors was resoundingly supportive for a proposed new offering. Consequently, on Monday, 11 July 2022, with the unanimous support of the Public Debt Advisory Committee, the Government launched a new issue with a target size of $500 million with the objective of prior itising costs and fully refinancing it s December 2022 and January 2023 maturities. Initial demand from i nvestors resulted in orders in excess of $2.5 billion covering more than five times the target size, which permitted the Government to tighten the spread to US Treasuries from initial price talk (known in capital markets parlance as IPT) of 250 basis points by 40 basis points. When compared with estimated fair value based on trading levels of Bermuda’s existing bonds, Bermuda paid negligible or even negative new issue premium, one of the lowe st to date in 2022, where other US high- grade issuers paid between 25 to 50 basis points only a few days earlier. While spreads in general are higher in this volatile interest rate env ironment, achieving this new issue premium is an e xcellent result from a highly successful execution. Mr. Speaker, Bermuda issued $500 million with a spread of 210 basis points, or 2.1 per cent, over US Treasuries, for an all -in placement yield of 5.084 priced with a coupon of 5.000 per cent. This resulted in gross proceeds of $496.74 million. The new iss uance and tender of the 4.138 per cent senior notes due 2023 closed earlier today. The Government i ntends to use all remaining net proceeds to redeem or pay the maturity of all outstanding near -term debt, including all notes due in January 2023 that were not tendered. Given current interest rate levels, the Government did not accept any tenders for the notes due in 2024. As a result, Bermuda’s remaining medium - term debt is approximately $450 million, with BD$ 50 million due in December 2023 and the remainder due in February 2024. The Government will continue to monitor market conditions and opportunities to r efinance these in due course. Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that while interest rates have increased, the Government conti nues to prudently and effectively [INAUDIBLE ] deficit of approximately $95 million, an improvement of about $30 million from original estimates. Additionally, we are committed to achieving our fiscal targets going forward. While annual interest expense will increase marginally by approximately $2.3 million following this refinancing, it represents only a 6 basis point increase in our average cost of capital while eliminating short - term refinance risk. Mr. Speaker, other details and highlights of the transaction include the following: • US$500 million 5.000 per cent 10-year senior notes priced at US Treasury plus 210 basis points , with a r eoffer yield of 5.084 per cent; • Proceeds earmarked to o pre-fund a $140 million 5.73 [ per cent ] private placement due in December 2022 ; o finance the tender of its $354 million 4.138 per cent senior notes due in January 2023; and o finance the intended make- whole r edemption to clean up any remaining 4.138 per cent senior notes due in January 2023; • The new deal came to mar ket on the back of heightened market volatility, including a June inflation report of 8.6 per cent in the United Stated, the Russian– Ukraine conflict, and a massive slowdown in both primary and sec-ondary fixed income market activity . • Marketing efforts were led by me as Premier and Minister of Finance ; the Acting Financial Secretary, Ms. Cheryl -Ann Lister; senior team members from the Ministry of Finance; and representatives from the Bermuda Monetary Authority . • Market response was exceptional, particularly given the backdrop, with an excess of $2.5 bi llion in orders out of a select pool of 93 names of participating accounts , which means that the offer was five times over -subscribed. And this allowed for the very low new issue pricing concession. Despite the s oft prevailing context, at US Treasury plus 210 basis point s, the deal priced only slightly above past -year avBermuda House of Assembly erage from 2013– 2022 of that average plus 203 basis points , reflective of Bermuda’s high quality/ratings, resilient economic performance, as well as ongoing fiscal prudence and a focus on debt management . • Based on quotations of existing notes at the opening of markets on 11 July 2022, estimated fair value of the new 2032 notes was 214 basis points above the US 10- year Treasury . With B ermuda issuing at 210 basis points above the US 10- year Treasury , that would mean there was negligible or even negative new issue premium, and this was one of the lowest for high- grade issuances in 2022. This indicates that investors fully absorbed the price adjustment, a testament to the strong credit position of Bermuda and the appropr iateness of the debt management strategy that was executed in this deal. Mr. Speaker, we wish to thank everyone who played a key role in supporting the Bermuda Gover nment i n this transaction. They include HSBC and Goldman Sachs as advisers and joint bookrunners, Milbank LLP as the Government’s US counsel, and all the other parties and advisors to the transaction. In addition, I would like to thank the local i ndustry profess ionals serving on the Bermuda Government’s Public Debt Advisory Committee who assisted with and fully supported the execution strategy taken by the Government. And finally, I wish to thank the Ministry of Finance team and the entire public service because putting together an offer memorandum, Mr. Speaker, requires input from all the various government departments, permanent secretaries and department heads. So I wish to thank all of the Finance Ministry team and the dedicated public officers who co-ordinated and led this important initiative and were supported by colleagues in all other ministries and authorities, including the Bermuda Monetary Authority, the Bermuda Business Development Agency and the Bermuda Tourism Authority. Mr. Speaker, our focus in these matters has been to ensure that Bermuda continues to implement a strong and robust fiscal and debt management strategy. The successful execution of this refinancing initiative, coupled with the recent positive asses sments by independent rating agenci es, reinforces that Bermuda is on the right track. We will continue to r emain focused, remain vigilant and prudently manage the assets of the Bermuda Government to ensure that we can protect and provide for the people of Bermuda in a fair, equitable and sustainable manner. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. Members, as I indicated, I will set aside 15 minutes for any questions that Members may want to put to the premier in reference to his Statement. Does any Member have a question? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I am sorry I did not have more time to go through this. I think there is a lot in here and, as a consequence, we actually deserve some more attention and more time.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerNormally when the Statements are gi ven, we would then do . . . well, we do not do too much time after. But I will give you a few minutes, yes. QUESTION PERIOD [Reinstated] QUESTION 1: US$500 MILLION SENIOR NOTES DUE 2032 Hon. N. H. Cole Simon s: I …
Normally when the Statements are gi ven, we would then do . . . well, we do not do too much time after. But I will give you a few minutes, yes.
QUESTION PERIOD [Reinstated]
QUESTION 1: US$500 MILLION SENIOR NOTES DUE 2032 Hon. N. H. Cole Simon s: I will try my best. Mr. Speaker, I note the Premier’s comments. And we basically have been to the market and were successful in raising $500 million at the rate of 5 per cent on a 10- year senior trader note. My question to the Minister of Finance is t his: If we were able to refinance these notes, the $140 million, $354 million back in December, I think we would have had even more favourable terms of f inanc ing. As you will note, the FOMC [Federal Open Market Committee] increased the interest rates 25 basis points in March, 50 basis points in May and 75 basis points in June, a total increase of 150 basis points, to 175 basis points . I am saying this because I remember measuring it before, I think possibly at the Budget Debate, that it would be prudent for us to start to refinance our debt when we had a much lower interest rate env ironment. And I was advised that we were working on it. But I take the view that our tardiness in not getting it done in December has cost the public purse approx imately a minimum of 175 basis points, more than we possibly could have enjoyed had we done it in D ecember and not now after the interest rates had i ncreased by 150 basis points to [210] basis points, to June of this year. So if he is just doing it now, based on the roads how that was held this week, then I think what he has done, given the current rates, is laudable. But I think he could have done better had he taken our ad-vice and had a roadshow near year -end when our i nterest rates or the US interest rates were much lower and we could have done a better job in reducing our interest, financing its interest expenses for the Consolidated Fund. So again, those are my brief comments. As I said, I wish I had more time because there is a lot in here and I did not have the opport unity to do the r equired scrutiny that I would like to have done. But on those remarks, as I said, timing is of the essence and 1694 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly I think this Government has lost an opportunity to get more competitive rates had they done so before the end of the year and the interest rates were much lower. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDid you have a specific question that you wanted the Minister to respond to? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: First of all, Why did the Mi nister of finance not refinance the debt? Because they knew that the maturities were due. Why did they not refinance the debt at the …
Did you have a specific question that you wanted the Minister to respond to? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: First of all, Why did the Mi nister of finance not refinance the debt? Because they knew that the maturities were due. Why did they not refinance the debt at the end of last year before the FOMC increased the interest rates by 150, 200 and 75 basis point s in the year 2022? It was far more expensive.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Thank you. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I can only speak for the time period on this particular matter [when] I took over the role of the Minister of Fi nance, so I know the Honourable Opposition Leader is referring to December. But …
Okay. Thank you. Premier.
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I can only speak for the time period on this particular matter [when] I took over the role of the Minister of Fi nance, so I know the Honourable Opposition Leader is referring to December. But allow me to say this: You cannot time markets. And I do not think that it is accurate or fair to tie FOMC rates to 10- year Treasury yields, which is what our things are typical ly priced against, because oftentimes, those yields move in anticipation of various moves. Now, what I will say is that certainly back in September the rates were certainly lower. There is no question about that. And what I can say is that upon resuming the role of Minister of Finance one of the things that we did . . . as you said, it was mentioned during the Budget Debate we had already started the process. This execution was actually a little bit delayed because of the market turmoil, the recent market turmoil that existed, and the advisers said it was not a good time. And they were correct, because if we would have gone a little bit earlier, even a month ago, 10-year Treasury rates were at about 50 basis points higher than when the time in which we actua lly had. But Mr. Speaker, you cannot time the market. Hindsight without question is 20/20. Yes, we could have gone further. There is an argument that can be made that the last time we offered, we could have gotten bigger and taken additional funds. There are many arguments that can be made looking at hindsight. I am appreciative that the Honourable Shadow Minister of Finance said that, given market conditions, this is an excellent execution. This is something that was r eflected by our joint bookrunners. We pressed them to make sure they tightened the spreads even further. They were going from historical spreads of recent high-grade issuances. Seeing that they were not able to get it, they were not able to tighten as much, but we pressed to get it as tight as possible especially given the extremely large order book that our marketing did attract. And it speaks to the high quality of the opinion of our Bermuda credit. I will accept and take his point. But I can say that we moved as quickly as possible to ensure that an offering memorandum was put out to make sure that we went to the market and started preparing the items. And so that is what I can state. Certainly when inflation rates started rising, Treasury rates grow far faster than FOMC rates, and FOMC rates were priced into Treasury yields as far back as March.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Supplementary? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No, that is it.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Any comment from anyone else?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Pearman, yes. QUESTION 1: US$500 MILLION SENIOR NOTES DUE 2032
Mr. Scott PearmanYes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Honourable Premier. I am just looking again at page 3. And I am just trying to wrap my head around . . . it is not about whether you get lower interest rates. I want to ask a question about the numbers at …
Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Honourable Premier. I am just looking again at page 3. And I am just trying to wrap my head around . . . it is not about whether you get lower interest rates. I want to ask a question about the numbers at page 3. And technica lly, to put it in simple terms, you borrowed $500 million at 5 per cent to pay off the $140 million at 5.73 per cent and the $354 million at 4.138 per cent. Jus t doing some quick numbers we are coming out behind on that. Would you agree with me that the debt service costs will go up because we are paying more on the $500 million we just borrowed than we were paying on the previous notes? If you do agree with me, are you able to say how much our debt service costs will go up?
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, that was covered in the Statement on the same page 3 that the Honour able Member is referring to, in the second paragraph.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, go right ahead. Bermuda House of Assembly QUESTION 2: US$500 MILLION SENIOR NOTES DUE 2032
Mr. Scott Pearm anIt may be my memory is faulty, but I thought that the previous Minister of Finance had come to this House at some point last year to discuss the forthcoming notes and talked about the Gover nment’s strategy for dealing with those. The impression given by the Statement to the …
It may be my memory is faulty, but I thought that the previous Minister of Finance had come to this House at some point last year to discuss the forthcoming notes and talked about the Gover nment’s strategy for dealing with those. The impression given by the Statement to the House is that this matter was picked up in July. Can you help this Honourable House on timings, and [whether] when you com-menced this process there was a previous process in motion that was stopped?
Hon. E. David Burt: I am happy t o answer the question. There was no previous process that was stopped. The Government had intended on going to the markets in November. When the former Minister of Finance came to this House he said that he intended, given market conditions, to move that n ew issue up. The process had already commenced, and we completed the transaction as quickly as possible. I would hope Honourable Members would r ecall that we want to certainly take advice based on market conditions. I am not sure if Members understand the extreme volatility that was existing in the markets in June where we actually saw 10- year rates shoot all the way up to 3.5 per cent. So it was a very difficult time. But the thing is that the Public Debt Advisory Committee advised that even though there w ere higher interest rates, it made sense to de- risk, as you ca nnot tell what the future may hold. So you are basically saying, Do we wait and hope to time the market? Or do we take advantage of a window where the exec ution may be good? So from that perspec tive, the original view was to go to the market in November 2023. The former Minister of Finance said we needed to move up the execution to go sooner. The process was certainly starting. I cannot remember the exact dates of the Cabinet papers which came down to select the bookrunners to go through that process. There was an abbreviated RFP process which was done, I want to say in March, to go ahead and make sure that we could start the particular process. But I am happy to respond with the specific dates for the Honourable Member if he wishes. And there might be an email that might pop into my box from one of the technical officers of the Ministry of Finance who are working on this July 16 morning.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary or new question?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo right ahead. SUPPLEMENTARIES
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you. Honourable Premier, thank you for that a nswer. I must confess that I am a little bit confused. At one point you said that there was not a pre- process. At the other you said that there was an announcement to the House back in November. Could you …
Thank you. Honourable Premier, thank you for that a nswer. I must confess that I am a little bit confused. At one point you said that there was not a pre- process. At the other you said that there was an announcement to the House back in November. Could you perhaps clarify why I am confused by your answer?
[Laughter]
Hon. E. David Burt: What you had indicated was that the former Minister of Finance had indicated a debt strategy. What I am saying is that the intention of the Government of Bermuda was to refinance the debt that was coming due in November of 2022. The statements were that, given the anticipation, that needed to be moved up. So it was moved up. And so that process about moving it up to go as quickly as possible was the idea. Now, the Minister of Finance resigned on February 14. I remember the convers ations with the former Minister of Finance to say that we are going to move up the debt of fering. So it was moved up. In regard to the specific dates as to when the RFP went out to select the bookrunners, when the Cabinet papers came down to select to go ahead and start the transaction, I will seek to get that specific i nformation if you wish t hose correct dates. I do not have it in front of me. I do not remember. But the ori ginal intention was to go to the markets in November 2022, and the decision was based upon advice from the Debt Advisory Committee that that should be moved up given anticipated market volatility and possible increase in interest rates.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you. Mr. Premier, thank you for that answer. When you are dealing with time periods, sometimes the expression moved up means bring forward and sometimes it means push back depending on the context. As context is often so important, could you explain whether you mean brought forward in time …
Thank you. Mr. Premier, thank you for that answer. When you are dealing with time periods, sometimes the expression moved up means bring forward and sometimes it means push back depending on the context. As context is often so important, could you explain whether you mean brought forward in time when you say moved up or whether you mean pushed back in time when you say moved up ?
Hon. E. David Burt: I will try and put it this way, Mr. Speaker, again. Move earlier . November 2022 was the intended date to go to the markets, and it was moved earlier to say that we need to go to the markets as soon as possible. We did not want to wait until November 2022 so we moved to an earlier time per iod.
1696 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Scott Pearman: Further supplementary, and I think it is my final one, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you. Mr. Premier, what would you give as the re ason for the failure to action the intended November 2022 refinance until July 2020 —wherever we are now? Hon. E. David Burt: I am not entirely certain I understand the question. November 2022 has not happened yet. [Inaudible interjections]
Mr. Sc ott PearmanRight. So when were you taking the decision about the November 2022 dates? When you say you decided to move it earlier, when was that decision taken, approximately? Last week? Months ago? Hon. E. David Burt: I cannot speak to when the advice was given to move it up from …
Right. So when were you taking the decision about the November 2022 dates? When you say you decided to move it earlier, when was that decision taken, approximately? Last week? Months ago?
Hon. E. David Burt: I cannot speak to when the advice was given to move it up from the intended dates because we have a Debt Advisory Committee. What I can say is that prior to the former Finance Minister’s resigning, the discussion was that we needed to move up those dates —I would assume that was based on the advice from the Debt Advisory Committee—and to bring it forward from November 2022 to an earlier point in time.
Mr. Scott PearmanI am grateful for the clarification. Thank you, Premier. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Does any other Member have a question for the Premier? There are none. That actually worked out. We have got one minute left in the 15 minutes. Thank you, Members, for your participation. Thank you, Premier, for the Statement. Members, we now resume with the regular Orders [of …
Thank you. Does any other Member have a question for the Premier? There are none. That actually worked out. We have got one minute left in the 15 minutes. Thank you, Members, for your participation. Thank you, Premier, for the Statement. Members, we now resume with the regular Orders [of the Day]. At this point, it is time for our third readings. Premier, would you like to do your third rea dings?
SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that Standing Order 21 be suspen ded to enable me to move the Bill entitled the Bermuda Monetary Authority Amendment (No. 2) Act 2022 to be now read for the third time by its title only. The Speaker: Are there any objections? There are none. None.
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill entitled the Bermuda Monetary Authority Amendment (No. 2) Act 2022 be now read for a third time by its title only and passed.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe Bill has been read for a third time by its title only and is now passed. [Motion carried: the Bermuda Monetary Authority Amendment (No. 2) Act 2022 was read a third time and passed.]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYou can do your next item. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that Standing Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move the Bill entitled the Banks and Deposit Companies Amendment Act 2022 be now read for the …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections? There are none. Continue. BILL THIRD READING BANKS AND DEPOSIT COMPANIES AMENDMENT ACT 2022 Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill entitled the Banks and Deposit Companies Amendment Act 2022 be now read for a third time by its title only and …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe Bill has been read for a third time by its title only and is now passed. [Motion carried: the Banks and Deposit Companies Amendment Act 2022 was read a third time and passed.]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. Bermuda House of Assembly The next is in the name of the Deputy Premier. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that Standing Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move that the Bill entitled the Domestic Partnership …
Thank you, Premier.
Bermuda House of Assembly The next is in the name of the Deputy Premier.
SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that Standing Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move that the Bill entitled the Domestic Partnership Amendment Act 2022 be read now a third time by its title only.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections? There are none. Continue, Deputy. BILL THIRD READING DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP AMENDMENT ACT 2022 Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, move that the Bill now be read a third time by its title only and passed.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe Bill has been read a third time now by its title only and has passed. Thank you. [Motion carried: the Domestic Partnership Amendment Act 2022 was read a third time and passed.]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerNone of the others require a third reading. Hon. E. David Burt: There is one more, I think, the Quarantine Amendment Act.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI beg your pardon? Hon. E. David Burt: I think there is one more, the Quarantine Amendment Act.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe Quarantine Amendment Act. The Minister of Health, that is right. Minister of Health, your Quarantine Amendment. Minister of Health. [No audible response]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister of Health. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. S peaker, if the Minister of Health is not there, I am happy to do it for her.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo ahead. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that Standing Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move that the Bill ent itled the Quarantine Amendment Act 2022 be now read the third time by its …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections? There are none. Continue. BILL THIRD READING QUARANTINE AMENDMENT ACT 2022 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill entitled the Quarantine Amendment Act 2022 be now read a third time by its title only and passed.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe Bill has been read a third time by its title only and is now passed. [Motion carried: the Quarantine Amendment Act 2022 was read a third time and passed.]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThat concludes the third readings. Thank you, Members. Thank you, Ministers, for your participation today.
Mr. Premier.
ADJOURNMENT
Hon. E. David BurtpremierThank you very much, Mr. Speaker. As a note, I do intend on speaking on the motion to adjourn. However, I do move that this Honourable House do now adjourn until the date of Friday, September the 16th, at 10:00 am.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDoes any Member wish to speak to that?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Lister, you have your 20 minutes on the clock. 1698 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly CULTIVATING POSITIVE LIFE VALUES TO AVOID GANG ACTIVITY
Mr. Dennis Lister IIIThank you, Mr. Speaker. It is a late hour, so I promise I will not be long. Mr. Speaker, it is not news to us, given the past recent months, that we have seen an uptick in anti-social activity, violent crimes, gang activity and acts such as t hat. So, …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is a late hour, so I promise I will not be long. Mr. Speaker, it is not news to us, given the past recent months, that we have seen an uptick in anti-social activity, violent crimes, gang activity and acts such as t hat. So, Mr. Speaker, I do want to speak about that tonight. I want to preface my comments, Mr. Speaker, with a rap lyric from rapper Meek Mill. And it says, “I ain’t come here to preach I just had to say somethin’ cause I’m the one with the reach.” Mr. Speaker, I use those lyrics because many of those involved in anti -social activity are young Black males. And while I might not be as young as I used to be, I still consider myself young and can relate to that demographic. Mr. Speaker, I would like to use my platform to speak to that young demographic and speak to the realities of gang street life or a life around crime. Mr. Speaker, the first point I want to talk about is limit ations. The street life, gang life, or whatever it wants to be called, Mr. Speaker, looks glamourous. It is a fast life. As they say, fast money. With fast money comes fast . . . I may mess it up. But money comes fast; money goes fast, Mr. Speaker. It looks glamourous, but it is only short term. Really, Mr. Speaker, that life, once y ou are in it, is a cycle that is hard to break. And it will impact you for the rest of your life. Mr. Speaker, when I was younger growing up, as all or most young people my age, I listened to rap music and the like. Mr. Speaker, some of the biggest rap ar tists when I was growing up were names such as Jay -Z, Snoop Dogg, T.I., 50 Cent and many others. Now, Mr. Speaker, 20 years ago I can say, when I was in my teens, I was listening to that music. Again, it sounds entertaining. It sounds fascinating, because there is an excelling life that was portrayed, Mr. Speaker. And it was very easy to believe that life that they rapped about. Yes, some lived it. Others may have just written about it. But they made it seem a glamourous lifestyle, Mr. Speaker. But, Mr. Sp eaker, as I got older, those rappers that I grew up with, those who lasted long in the rap game, as they got older, as they matured, the lifestyle matured. Their music matured. They went from rapping about selling drugs and the gang life and vi olence and s uch to, as you see, people like Jay -Z, Snoop Dogg, T.I. and 50 Cent, those are now hous ehold names outside of just those that listen to the rap music genre, Mr. Speaker. They are in movies. They are in TV shows. They are writers. They are involved in a lot of other things that, at the beginning of their careers they might not have even dreamed that they would have been in, Mr. Speaker. And what I noticed is that as they grew their lyrics changed. Their values changed as they grew in their rap careers. So, Mr. Speaker, from limitations to values. As you get older in life or as you grow in life your values will change. You as yourself should value yourself so that you do not get caught up in that lifestyle. Most people who get caught up in that lifestyle do not feel valued. Rather, they are told from young, or whatever life circumstances that come their way . . . they do not feel valued. It is about finding some value in your life or something that you want to do. Not everyone, Mr. Speaker . . . a lot of peopl e get caught up in that life because from a young age, they might not have been brave. So they might feel that If I’m not doing good in school, I’m not going to be a doctor. I’m not going to be a lawyer, you know, or a profession that is highly respected. So a lot of youn g men, especially —young women also, but young men especially —go through life feeling not valued or under -valued, Mr. Speaker. So what I say today is find something that you can value in life. A lot of people, who are not always, as they sa y, book -smart, are good with their hands. A lot of guys are good mechanically. Bikes —they can take a bike apart and put a bike back together. Some guys are good with spraying, you know, very creative, they have good ideas. All of those things . . . if a pe rson can have a passion for it, they can find a way to make that passion a way of life. But as I say, if there is something that you can make up and enjoy doing, it is not a job. It is a passion for you. So if you can find some value in something that you are good at, or again in yourself, that right there, Mr. Speaker, is the first step to not getting caught up in that lifestyle. B ecause when you value something, you make different decisions. As I said, going back to those rappers whom I named in the beginning, as they got older —yes, the more fame they got, the more money they got, the bigger the name they got —their values shifted and changed. Getting away from a life that either was in a violent lifestyle, drugs and crime, whether they portrayed it or not, their values changed. They got away from that. As they got older they made more money so their values, their worth increased. So your thoughts, your mindset, your lifestyle has to change because as you are now moving on up in life, you cannot always do the same things that you did. So, Mr. Speaker, usually what you are good at can help make a better life for you. As I said, if you can do something that you enjoy and that you can make money off of and it is positive, I encourage peo-ple to find that so that they can have some value in life and in themselves. Also, Mr. Speaker, realities of street life are that, yes, it is all so good and glamourous in the beginning. Most times young men are caught up in their teenage years because it is fun. It looks all exciting. But the older you get, Mr. Speaker, all of that comes back to you. You get later in life, in your late 20s ma yBermuda House of Assembly be, your 30s, your mid- 30s, and when you have a past that you cannot go certain places. You may have to look over your shoulder wherever you are because of things that you have done in your past. That is not a life that you want to live. It is a limited life because you cannot go everywhere. Even, Mr. Speaker, if you try to get out of that lifestyle, that lifestyle will impact you beca use if you have a record it is harder to get a job. If you have been locked up for different crimes you cannot go overseas if you have got a job and they want to train you, or if you just want to go overseas yourself to get education. So what you do in your early life will impact you in your later life, Mr. Speaker. So outside of the limitations that that life brings and also finding value in your own life . . . Mr. Speaker, I am talking about values. If you look back under MP Caines when he was Minister of National Security and they came up with the Redemption Farm Programme, even though as small and as simple as that seemed, there were young men . . . and I r emember one evening caucus. He invited them after they had their harvest. He invited them up to caucus to come meet with us. And just seeing the pride that these young men had, these were guys who were caught up in that gang life, you know. They were proud. They brought us some vegetables, some car-rots, and I cannot remember all of the vegetables. But the pride was here because this was something that they put time into. They grew, you know, however long that pr ocess takes, from [reaping] the harvest to tilling the field, sowing the seeds. Then they are feeding and watering, and finally to where they ar e harvesting. That process, it is like a mother birthing a child, that nine-month period that she goes through. Almost like she and that child, that connection, you know, it is closer. So similar to these young men, they ingrained themselves in that proces s so that when that harvest came they felt proud. And then even, Mr. Speaker, again I reme mber the next time Minister Caines had an update. He brought those same young men in because the follow-ing harvest, I believe we had a hurricane in Bermuda and the harvest was destroyed. Those young men again, yes, they were not happy this time. They were upset because that same energy and effort and time they put into growing those vegetables got destroyed. So even though bad things happen, it still shows that by put ting in that energy and valuing something, even though it went wrong, they themselves had that pride, that ownership of what they had done or accom-plished. So, Mr. Speaker, that small initiative, as si mple as it might have seemed, just growing vegetables, had a big impact on those participants who took part in it. Mr. Speaker, outside of the limitation in values, another key thing is having positive role models or examples for these young men to look up to. As I said earlier, growing up and even to this d ay the ge neration behind who are growing up, you may watch TV. A lot of what they see is negative role models gl orifying a life of crime, a life of gangs, drug dealing and things like that, Mr. Speaker. So we have to combat that with positive role models f or our young men to see. Mr. Speaker, a lot of that is in the school sy stem. Outside of school extra- curricular activities, whether it be sports or other activities, children, esp ecially young males, have to see good male role mod-els in front of them so t hat they can aspire to be like them and not like what they see on TV and in the rap videos. As I mentioned, Mr. Speaker, I had to learn growing up that a lot of it is just portrayed. A lot of it is just words written on a paper that they rap over a beat to. It is not all linked. Yes, some rappers have, but not all. Because it is basically a story they are telling to sell that to their listeners to make money. So again, they make it seem glorious. They make it seem attractive. There is a deeper and darker side to that lifestyle. It is like they say with an [ic eberg]; you only see 10 per cent of it above the water, while the 90 per cent underneath you will never see. And with crime, that street, that gang lifestyle, that 10 per cent that you see portrayed looks good, looks glamourous. On the dark side, the other side, that 90 per cent is what is not seen and how it impacts your life. As I said, once you get caught up in that lifestyle, it is a never -ending cycle. You get trouble on one end, you do something ba d on one end, you either do to someone or some negative impact comes back to you, and you are a person in that cycle. And it is hard to break. So, Mr. Speaker, as I said, I am not going to be long. I just wanted to be sure that I am impactful in my words to those . . . I know it is a late hour and many people might not be listening, Mr. Speaker. But I would still like to get the message out there that the lifestyle of the street, gangs, that crime lifestyle is not a lifestyle that anyone wants to be a part of. Yes, it looks glorious, but there is a dark side to it. And that is the side that will impact you for the rest of your life. So, Mr. Speaker, as we head from our last session before the summer break, and in two weeks’ time we will be heading to Cup M atch, celebrating our Emancipation, celebrating our Mary Prince and what she represented to Bermuda, Mr. Speaker. It should be a time for all Bermudians to come together, put down our differences (except for wearing the blue-and-blue, but put down our diff erences) so we can come together as a community so that we can help each other to make it a better community and work on reducing anti -social activity, violence and crimes. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity tonight. To the listening public and my fellow co lleagues, I wish you all a good night, a good weekend 1700 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly and a good Cup Match holiday when it comes. And may the best team win—red and blue. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution t onight? Any other Member? Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister of Education. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION ACCOMPLISHMENTS Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I go back to June 2017 when [INAUDIBLE ] led this country as the government. It was with that victory, the Progressive Labour Party pledged to put Bermudians first. And speaking as …
Minister of Education.
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I go back to June 2017 when [INAUDIBLE ] led this country as the government. It was with that victory, the Progressive Labour Party pledged to put Bermudians first. And speaking as the Minister of Education, I am speaking specifically about education. And public education was one of our top priorities on that platform. In our platform, Mr. Speaker, we spoke about the continued reduction in the i nvestment of education by the former Government, which was a reflection of what a Government’s prior ities really are. But Mr. Speaker, this lack of investment and overall [lack of] caring was evident because I reme mber being sworn in as a new Cabinet Minister, Mr. Speaker, less than a week later I was carrying a Cabinet paper to hire companies to go and commence work that needed to be done to abate mould at Del lwood Middle School. Mr. Speaker, this was a school that had closed early in the prior school year due to mould i ssues and yet, here we were over three months later after that school had closed and just over a month before school was ready to open, no work has started on remediating that school for the upcoming school year. That was indicative of what the former Gover nment’s . . . that was a reflection of what the former Government’s responsibility to education was, Mr. Speaker. But I'm not here to reflect on the things that were not done and the like. Because we are the Gov-ernment now, and we have to move forward with what it is. But, Mr. Speaker, we were very clear and very concise on how we viewed education and how i mportant it was on moving Bermuda forw ard, and how our priorities were the phasing out of the middle school and moving on with education reform. However, Mr. Speaker, we did not anticipate having to spend the first 18 months of our leadership of the country stabilising the Bermuda public school system, conducting safety and health inspections of all the buildings that were sorely needed, replacement of critical IT infrastructure so everyday tasks could be performed in what we would consider normal things in a school system at that time. We had our work cut out for us, but we put our shoulders to the wheel, Mr. Speaker, and we pressed on. Mr. Speaker, despite those beginnings, we can see the successes of continuing to grind, contin uing to implement the plan and continuing to move forward. Mr. Speaker, we are committed. We were committed to having a reformed public school system that will help our children to follow their passions and i nterests. We want to meet them where they are. We want them to build on the talents and capabilities and achieve their career and future aspirations. We want to create a school system where every one of our children has great learning outcomes and life opportunities for them, for our economy, and most i mportantly, Mr. Speaker, for our country. So, Mr. Speaker, over t hese last five years, many things were put in place that many doubted could even be done. To some, Mr. Speaker, we hav en't moved fast enough. To others, interestingly, we're moving too fast. So, you know, I [can] look back and think about the things that w e have done over the last five years for our school system and some of the things that we even take for granted now because these were things that should have should have a lways had been there. Mr. Speaker, I am talking about now every single one of our sc hools has high speed fibre optic Internet lines installed and Wi -Fi throughout the school systems. Mr. Speaker, five years ago, some of our schools still had dial -up. I don’t know if anyone r emembers what dial -up is. We had a modem; you a ctually had to di al over a phone line. That's what our schools had within them, Mr. Speaker. But all of them also had cable lines coming in, with dreadfully slow Internet. Today, Mr. Speaker, nearly all of our st udents have devices that can connect to that wireless network and connect to the school system, whether they are at home, whether they are in school, whether they are sitting in class with their Chromebooks while the teacher is teaching, while we have our blended learning curriculum that's being pushed throughout our primary schools. Mr. Speaker, every single student from P1 through P6 has a Chromebook. Virtually, every st udent in the middle school has a Chromebook, Mr. Speaker. And the senior schools actually deal with their own IT systems, but from my understanding, vi rtually every student in our senior school now has a device. Mr. Speaker. We have issued almost 600 d evices to staff, and we've implemented remote learning and remote teaching and the like with our students. Things we couldn't even have conceived five years ago, Mr. Speaker. We have interfaces throughout our system like Schoology, DreamBox math applications. We now do our registration online, again, five years ago not even heard of, Mr. Speaker. While those things are what would be considered standard i n the
Bermuda House of Assembly school system, five years ago they did not exist. But they do exist now. Mr. Speaker, there are certain people in our population that no matter what we do, no matter how hard we work, no matter what we put in place, they will never have anything good to say about education. But you know, Mr. Speaker, to those people, I welcome them with open arms. Come and sit down and talk with us. Let us know what your issues are because those are the people who are going to make our system better. Because those are the people who will consistently see something wrong. And so we need to be talking to them so we can fix what it is that they see. Mr. Speaker, you would have heard me speak in this House about our math intervention programme that we have implemented. A programme that has seen documented evidence of our primary schools raising their math level. When we look at some of the baseline scores from schools prior to the math intervention level and we look at them now, a year on, two years on, some schools have im proved threefold, Mr. Speaker, three times better than what their baseline average was. We have introduced Heggerty reading pr ogrammes for our reading intervention programme so we can measure how well our students are doing wit hin our reading. And we hear about this complaint on a regular basis and we tend to hear from people who haven't even stepped foot in our schools in years. Mr. Speaker, our social studies curriculum i nvolves Bermudian, Caribbean and African history — things that our people have been s truggling and as king for, they are there, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we will continue to forge ahead and provide the things that our schools need to succeed. We have had extensive consultation with our Parish Primary school project, Mr. Speaker, and we are forging ahead with selecting the necessary campuses to be redeveloped into Parish Primary schools. Last year, March 2021, legislation was passed that paved the way for the phasing out of middle schools and the introduction of Signature Schools. This September when our S1 students are i ncoming, S1 students will enter into the Berkeley Inst itute and CedarBridge Academy, they will be the bene-ficiaries of a new, revised curriculum that involves Signature School Learning Programmes throughout, Mr. Speaker. Thes e students at Berkeley will have the benefit of the Signature Programmes that I am i nvolved in, the finance and insurance along with health and social care. At CedarBridge, they will be involved in STEM, science, technology, engineering and math, or the tr ades and services, Mr. Speaker. The work to introduce an Education Authority is advancing every day, Mr. Speaker, and we are well on the way of moving forward to providing that service to raise the accountability within our school system. Mr. Speaker, we are moving forward with a revised education system that is being co- designed with our educators, with our students, with our par-ents, with the business society, and the local comm unities, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, while some of these things that we have accomplished in education over the last five years are quite visible, there are some things that are not as visible but still have the same impact. As I mentioned this morning, Mr. Speaker, there has been an injection of nearly $1 million over the last five years, that we spend annually more so to give our students opportunities, those who are looking to continue their education, whether they be out of school and mature adults, or students who are just graduating from high school. Mr. Speaker, only just yest erday I was at the ABIC Awards and I watched as one particular public school student received an award to further her schooling. And why did this student stand out to me, Mr. Speaker? This student is a beneficiary of a pr ogramme that we implemented back in 2017, called the College Promise Programme. The College Promise Programme allows any student graduating from Berkeley and CedarBridge who graduates with 3.0 or higher to attend the Bermuda College for free. So guess what, Mr. Speaker? This particular student was a graduate of the College Promise Programme. This student will be entering into the third year at Mount Saint Vincent University studying accounting with a dvanced standing. And guess what? [This student] has not had to pay one dime of tuition, except for now, and now she's getting an award from ABIC to help pay for that tuition. Mr. Speaker, I reflect on a conversation I had with a father who stopped me on the street. He said, Thank you for the College Promise Programme. I estimate that I saved at least $70,000 in tuition because my son has been able to go to the Bermuda College and finish his first two years for free, without having to pay a dime. Mr. Speaker, this is the type of impact a caring Government, a Government that wants to look out for i ts people and a Government that views educ ation as critically import ant, and that money should not be a barrier for holding anybody back who wishes to advance themselves. That is the type of important support systems that we have in place, which we have put in place in the last five years, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to now talk about the Bright Start Programme that now accepts three- yearolds into our preschools , yet another programme that helps reduce the economic burden on our parents by having a pr ogramme that takes in students now at three years of age instead of having to wait until they are four. I would be remiss to not mention about the curriculum improvements at the preschool level, the new Inquiry Programme that we have. The creative curricul um that we have for our preschools that comes complete with tablets for these three- and four -year1702 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly olds, Mr. Speaker. Yes, we have tablets for those young ones. And they are learning that at such an early age, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I could literally go on for hours about all of the things that we have done in education. But I also want to take time to point out to those people who will continue to snipe from the side lines instead of getting involved. Come, get involved with us. Come talk to us. Come and volunteer for one of our sessions of Learning First, [and] you can see how much progress we've made. You can see that there is still much work to do, Mr. Speaker, but we are moving forward. We are looking forward to introducing our new Signature Program mes in September 2023 that we are working on already, Mr. Speaker, 18 months in advance, a Signature Programme that will cover tourism and hospitality and education services. We are working on what Parish Primary Schools will look like at the campuses of F rancis Patton [Primary] and Purvis [Primary]. These are the types of things that we are working on, and we are keeping our shoulder to the wheel, and we are pushing forward, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we have continued, as I said, to provide more funding for Bermudians seeking to continue their learning. We are building a system from preschool to high school that will provide our country with graduates who can lead personally and professionally, compete locally and contribute globally, Mr. Speaker. That is t he motto of the Department of Education, if anyone did not know that. I want us to pause at this moment and really listen to this statistic, Mr. Speaker. This statistic should point out how much effort we have put into our system and how much we are seeing the fruits of our labour. For the first time in my memory, Mr. Speaker, we had more males graduate from high school this year from Berkeley and CedarBridge than we had f emales, Mr. Speaker. That is no attack on our female students because they are doing excellent as well, Mr. Speaker. But our male students seem to get the short end of the stick whenever anyone talks about public school education, Mr. Speaker. But they are doing it. They are graduating in numbers that we have not seen before. So, yes, the i nterventions that we have put in place which this Government has put in place over the last five years, Mr. Speaker, are working. We are seeing the fruits of our labour. We just need to continue to move forward. And we need people to come on board to help us out. Mr. Speaker, none of this could have been done without the bulk of the work done by the tho usands of hours that have been volunteered by our e ducators, by the Department of Education staff, our students, business partners and the general public. Their dedication and their willingness to be patient and trust in the development of the process is pric eless, Mr. Speaker. As the Minister of Education, I want to take this opportunity to thank every single one of you from the bottom of my heart. I urge you to conti nue to push forward. Listen to those detractors, not be-cause you want to be discouraged by them but learn from them. Soon they will come on board, join us in this journey because they too, will see the light of the things that we are producing from what we are attempting to do with our students, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if you permit me, I would like to read a quote from one of our transformation team members that just joined recently in May. And I want to say, Mr. Speaker, they said, quote, “Now that I've seen the work, it continues to amaze me. It fuels my drive to be a part of education. It's fantastic to see what we are getting from when we get people more informed and on board.” Mr. Speaker, these [comments] are coming from people who were rel uctant to join in. They come, they sit down, and they really see what we're doing. They really understand that we want them to be a part of what it is we're doing. We value their opinion. And we understand that we can't do it without them, and they cannot do it without us. And we are now starting to see people turn [180] degrees, Mr. Speaker, from not wanting to participate, to going out and finding people for us, to participate. As I said earlier, Mr. Speaker, I can speak to this forever. But I think we all, everyone who is listening to us today, gets the point. The last five years have been a non- stop movement forward. We have put things in place that have seen our students excel, pushed them to excel. But the job is far from done. Mr. Speaker. We will continue to forge ahead. We will continue to invite each and every one in Bermuda to join us on this journey. We need you, Bermuda. We invite you to come inside, help us out, so we can make public education the best possible place and the first choice of any one who wishes to send their chi ldren to school, Mr. Speaker.
CUP MATCH
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, I just want to finish up by encouraging all of our fellow Bermudians to be safe. Tomorrow will be the first of the Eastern County Games, Flatts versus St. David‘s, starting St. David’s. And in two weeks we will be celebrating the annual spectacle known as Cup Match. Mr. Speaker, while we joke around here about blue- and-blue and blue-and-red, and stuff, I understand that we are all on the same team, Mr. Speaker, and we want everyone to be safe. Please remember that COVID -19 is still out there with us. And while I want all of us have fun, I encourage you to act responsibly during these next couple of weeks. With that, Mr. Speaker, I thank you for that time. I thank my colleagues for this session that we have had. I look forward to a bit of summer break, but I look forward to seeing you back here in September. Thank you, colleagues. Thank you, Bermuda, for alBermuda House of Assembly lowing me to serve. And thank you, Mr. Speaker, for those few minutes.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution this evening? Any other Member? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: MP Famous is ready to speak tonight. He might be taking his time to unmute his m icrophone.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI'm good. Thank you. PLP POLICIES HELPING BERMUDIANS
Mr. Christopher FamousAll right. I won't be as long as the previous speaker. Mr. Speaker, I stated earlier I am grateful for those little walks of life that have pulled me aside and given me proper guidance and the proper to ols to use to deliver the job. Mr. Speaker, I am …
All right. I won't be as long as the previous speaker. Mr. Speaker, I stated earlier I am grateful for those little walks of life that have pulled me aside and given me proper guidance and the proper to ols to use to deliver the job. Mr. Speaker, I am going to start off my address speaking about a great lady, Vida Smith (nee) Burgess. A lso, known to many as Aunt Vida; mother of Greg, Mike and Crystal, a woman who spent her entire life in hospitality, a woman who spent her entire life fighting for workers’ rights, a woman whose name when you actually rearrange the letters is “diva.” And anyone who knew her can attest she was not just a diva in her dress and etiquette, but more importantly, in how she had human relations. Mr. Speaker, we celebrated her life and one day I was blessed to be given a county pass to come west, to come across the bridge. And I was more blessed to stand [at] the podium at St. James and speak to the life of this diva. Mr. Speaker, in life there are people who are your blood relatives and there are people who adopt you. As we say in our vernacular, Black people’s cousin. This was everyone's Black people’s auntie. If she was not your blood auntie, she still took you under her wing. And that speaks to who she was, but more importantly that speaks to who we are as Bermudians. We have a lot of negativity going on in our culture right now. That is somewhat alien to us. But I say to anyone who knows Aunt Vida, [knows that she] always was able to take somebody in just to give them a word, give them some love, even if it was tough love. As she used to say to me, Mr. Speaker, Christ opher, what is wrong with your people, what is wrong with our people? I said , I don't know, Auntie. And then she would give me some tough love. Mr. Speaker, this was a lady who to her dying breath supported this party, the Progressive Labour Party. Mr. Speaker, I'm proudly sitting right now at Alaska Hall inside of a room that I have set in for the last 10 years, more than 10 years. This is the “Ministry of Canvassing,” Mr. Speaker, which is a very i mportant ministry because we have to touch base with everyone in Bermuda. It's the same office that every leader of the PLP has set in for the last 60 years. Where, even when we were not Government, we sat down and we thought of policies to help the people of this country. Some of these policies were not readily understood, weren't readily appreciated it, some didn't actually even make it to fruition. But nevertheless, Mr. Speaker, for 60 years this party has been here, warts and all, serving the people of Bermuda. My only r egret, Mr. Speaker, is that these walls can’t talk. B ecause if they could talk, I would want to hear what the founders and everyone who served this great party would have to say in guiding us. We've been Government . . . as of Monday, we've been Government for 18 . . . sorry, as of Monday, the 18 th, we have been Government for five years. We have made hiccups here and there, but our intentions have always r emained the same: the betterment of the people of Bermuda. So to those who always have something negative to say . . . there is nothing we can say to change your mind. Just like the Education Minister said. But the result is what it is. We have a way to go. We still need to understand that we cannot just be passing legislation. We have to talk amongst ourselves and to our people about leadership. Even leadership is about doing and saying things that are not necessarily popular all the time, but needs to be said. We have to be philosophical amongst ourselves. Do not be afraid to have dis agreements because that's what strengthens us, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, let me move on because I know there are plenty of other speakers, and people are tired.
UK’S MANDATE TOWARDS THE OVERSEAS TERRITORIES NOT ABOUT PARTNERSHIP
Mr. Christopher FamousMr. Speaker, last week on July the 7 th, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, claimed he would resign after he saw all his compatriots jumping ship. He is still the prime minister. I didn’t know somebody could resign, and still be prime minister. But nevertheless . …
Mr. Speaker, last week on July the 7 th, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Boris Johnson, claimed he would resign after he saw all his compatriots jumping ship. He is still the prime minister. I didn’t know somebody could resign, and still be prime minister. But nevertheless . . . Mr. Speaker, a day before that there was a Lord Michael Cashman (it's in the newspapers so I am not making up tales) who put forward a Privat e Members’ Bill that, 1704 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly if passed, will force the Overseas Territories to do something that the people of people of the Overseas Territories are against. Now, some may say that this is just an isolated incident. This is just an individual. No, Mr. Speaker, you and I know better than that. Things don't happen in a vacuum. Mr. Speaker, let’s speak to the bigger issue. There are over 200,000 persons in the Overseas Ter-ritories of Anguilla, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Virgin Islands, Montserrat, and Turks and Caicos Islands. Not one of those persons, not one of the elected off icials can sit down and say, Hey, let’s go make legisl ation to tell the people of England what to do. Not one. Yet here we have . . . we are stuck in a system that someone in England has the au dacity to think that [they] can legislate for us. You haven't even talked to us, but you feel you have the audacity to talk to us. And I really hope that the Royal Gazette prints this. Mr. Speaker, in 2019, the UK Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee had a report called “[ Global Britain and the British Overseas Territories: ] Resetting the relationship.” Recommendation 9 in that report, Mr. Speaker, [states]: “ The UK Government should initiate a consultation with the elected governments of the OTs and wor k with them to agree a plan to ensure” (to ensure, Mr. Speaker) “that there is a pathway for all resident UK and British Overseas Territory cit izens to be able to vote and” (Mr. Speaker) “hold elected office in territory. . . .” What does that mean? It means somebody on a work permit in the Cayman Islands, from England, could vote and run for office in the Cayman Islands. It means a British lawyer in the Virgin Islands has as much voting rights as indigenous Virgin Islanders. It means, Mr. Speaker, quite s imply, any British person on a work permit in Bermuda can vote and run for Parliament in this country. That is a proposal from the Foreign Affairs Committee. Again, some may say, Hey, that's just an isolated inciden t. Nothing is going to come out of that. Guess what, Mr. Speaker? One of the persons behind that report is now running to become prime minister of the United Kingdom, Tom Tugendhat. He is one of five remaining candidates. Tom Tugendhat was the chair of the very same Foreign Affairs Committee that wrote that report. So, Mr. Speaker, on the eve of our Emancipation celebration, and on the eve of our five years in office, let us never forget, prime ministers come, prime ministers go. No matter which party is in power in the United Kingdom, their mandate towards the Overseas Territories is not about partnership. It's about colonia lism. Let us never forget that colonialism lives. So I go back to Aunt Vida. What would Aunt Vida say? She would say, Christopher, we have to stay to the wicket. Her son got u p and gave a very good presentation that she told one of her bosses that the people, the workers in her job, need union repr e-sentation. And the boss says, Oh, no, no, we don’t want no union around here. And she says, Well, no union, there's no Vida. And [if there’s] no Vida, no one else is going to be here. So, be like Aunt Vida. And, Mr. Speaker, I wish you all the best. May you come back down to the east next year to see our Cup. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I know that Minister Tinee is ready to go.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier, if they want to speak, they need to come to it themselves. You do not have to announce them, Premier. Does any other Mem ber wish to speak? Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister Furbert. MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND SENIORS ACCOMPLISHMENTS Hon. Tinee Furbert: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know that the night is late, Mr. Speaker, but I want to . . . I think it's important, Mr. Speaker, that we as MPs have the opportunity to speak particularly to …
Minister Furbert.
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND SENIORS ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Hon. Tinee Furbert: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know that the night is late, Mr. Speaker, but I want to . . . I think it's important, Mr. Speaker, that we as MPs have the opportunity to speak particularly to the listening public, if anyone is still up listening this evening. But there are many people who do [listen] because we represent people within our const ituency, and they want to hear from us, and they want to hear what we are doing as a Government for our people. Mr. Speaker, I want to share something this evening before I talk about the great things that this Government has done during this particular session. Something heavy has been on my heart, and I am going to speak about it because I am sure this partic ular person would not mind me speaking about it. But I receive many calls from seniors, at times. And this particular issue has really, really had me thinking and it has really, really made me concerned. And I know I say this a lot that we will, you know, if you're not over the age of 65, if you are not . . . if you are a senior, that we must all recognise that we will be a senior one day. Mr. Speaker , I have to also give accolades to former MP Louise Jackson, who also was a fighter for senior causes and seniors, you know, making sure that our seniors were treated with dignity and respect. I believe she shared several years ago the term of “granny dumping.” And you know, I constantly get calls from seniors who are in our hospital, Mr. Speaker, seniors who have their cognitive faculties, seniors
Bermuda House of Assembly who own their own homes, and can’t go home. So, it's almost like they are prisoners in the hospital, but they haven't committed a crime. And the only crime that there is, that I can make an analogy about, is that they've just gotten older. The last time I checked, any person who is over the age of 18 is considered an adult and usually is able to make decisions for themselves. I hear horror stories, Mr. Speaker, of seniors who own their own homes, can't get into their own homes to, you know, recover or get better. And family members who then rent their homes and pocket the proceeds of that rental income. It's a ver y sad thing, Mr. Speaker. Really, if we were to study the Senior Abuse Act, in my opinion this would be considered senior abandonment [by the family members] and neglect. We have a duty, Mr. Speaker, to look out for persons who need our help the most. Ther e are many reasons why someone would not be safely discharged [from] the hospital. I am sure everyone who is assessing the situation will check to see if a senior would be discharged into a safe environment, because we definitely want them to be discharged into a safe environment. And there are also other obstacles that could also prevent a senior from going home. And that could be their home not being accessible or the cost of home care where people think that they cannot afford it. Or even the cost of a nursing home can be very scary to persons and their families. And even the fear of even bringing a loved one home when they used to be at a certain ability of function, and they are now at a different ability of function. And they have more complex health c onditions that need to be attended to. But we have resources out there, Mr. Speaker. We have resources that are out there that can help our seniors to be able to live at home safely, and sometimes we just have to allow it to happen. In certain jurisdiction s there is a different sort of system that they would have where there would be another level of care before they actually returned back to home. So seniors would have the opportunity to go to a skilled nursing facility and have the opportunity to get r ehabbed up. Or, you know, if they are motivated to do rehab so that they can work on getting back to the function in which they were previously. And these sy stems will, you know, allow you to have that sort of a benefit for up to 100 days, and then you go hom e. You don't stay at the facility. You go home. We, unfortunately, don't have that sort of arrangement here in Bermuda, particularly for our seniors. So we are creating and developing a level of dependency because we don't give our seniors the opportunity to rehab up and then to go home with a certain level of function. So because they don’t have that opportunity, they go right into custodial care. And then there is what we call dependence, and they become dependent on someone to have to feed them, dress them, [and] bathe them. And so I envision, Mr. Speaker, a better system, particularly for us as we age, one where we are not considered d ependents where we can embrace healthy ageing and embrace having the opportunity to be able to do rehab and get our muscl es and our bodies stronger so that we can maximise our independence as long as we can. I envision a greater adult protection because when we compare our protection [programmes] for children, [there are] all sorts of areas: counselling and life sk ills, scre ening, investigations and residential homes , this particularly to assist with protection as well as a foster care system for our children. When we look at our adults, it doesn't compare. And [for] our seniors, that same service does not compare. And as we know, we have an ageing demographic. We are going to have to beef -up our system so that our seniors can be better protected. I encourage family members to have conversations with their seniors. And [seniors], communicate about what your wishes are. You know, [do] you want to stay in your home forever, no matter what? Do you mind if you go to a nursing home and get help there? We need to continue to have these sorts of communications, discussions, mediation bet ween family me mbers so that persons don't find themselves in difficult situations where family members are not accepting [their] seniors back into their own homes. Mr. Speaker, this Government has done a lot. We will continue to do a lot. We will continue to make sure that there are proper protections in place for vu lnerable people. Under the Ministry of Social Devel-opment and Seniors we have had the opportunity this year to work on strengthening our litigation guardian framework, another sort of protection that will allow children to have a voice in court. This session we also had the opportunity to allow for the designation of J amaica and Trinidad and Tobago to be approved juri sdictions for the adoption of children. We were able to pass legislation to change the Child Care Placement Board into the Children InCare Advisory Council , Mr. Speaker. We were able to engage our seniors through a campaign, the Dementia Care [in Bermuda] campaign, where we were able to educate many people in our community about de-mentia. What causes it, what can prevent it, how to help people who are living with dementia, how to understand people who are living with dementia. But we are looking to add more to dementia programmes as well. We were able to submit to the Governor the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and we are just waiting for a r esponse to see where we are as far as our strengths and weaknesses and what we need to continue to work on. We added an amendment to the Human Rights Act to introduce and strengthen the Human Rights Tribunal to make it separate from the Human Rights Mission so that anyone who has a complaint in 1706 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly with the Human Rights Commission, or the Human Rights Office, is given a fair trial with the tribunal. And then, you know, we have separated the actual Human Rights Commissioners to different persons who will serve on the Human Rights Tribunal. The Ministry of Social Development and Seniors, Mr. Speaker, remains connected with the community by offering a monthly talk show called the “Golden Hour” on Magic 102.7 where we speak about topics as it relates to seniors. And I know that they appreciate it because they tell me that they enjoy li stening to the content and they tune in because it's most informative and most educat ional. And more recently we changed the platform of our “Let’s Get Social,” which is the Ministry update to go live on Instagram to stay connected with a different demographic of our people who, you know, can interact live with any question that they may h ave. And I try my best to answer or share any updates as it r elates to what my particular ministries do, you know, if they have a question in regard to government in gen-eral. But most importantly, Mr. Speaker, what Bermuda should be extremely proud of is t he recent landmark collaboration and joint partnership that Bermuda has established with the United Nations Sustainable Development Programme, as well as UN Women, where they have agreed to get [UN]SDG funders to fund Bermuda to help to leave no one b ehind, particularly with their focus on women, youth, [and] persons with disabilities, but it does not exclude anyone. After we get our findings from our gender i mpact assessment, I think we may actually find some other details that would be very helpful to us as a country. But there are people out there globally who believe in Bermuda and believe in what we do as a jurisdiction and the benefits that we have for our people whom we know are helping to make a difference in our country. We must continue to stay eng aged and think globally because it's not just Bermuda; we have to do a lot of outreach to stay current, to stay relevant, Mr. Speaker. As far as our seniors, this Government works very hard and there has been a demonstration of that today, in providing the increase in our contributory pensions for our seniors, in increasing our drug benefits through FutureCare for our seniors, and also an increase and [a provision] for the Personal Care Benefit to occur through HIP insurance for our people. We have kept our promise to provide more affordable housing for our seniors, Mr. Speaker. We kept our promise to introduce a charter of rights for our seniors. And again, we kept our promise year after year to make sure that our seniors, some of whom do live in a very low income threshold, get their pension increase every year. So that is something to be very proud of . . . very proud of as a Government. We still have much work to do . . . much work to do, Mr. Speaker. But I believe we have the right people placed—the right people, the right Gover nment, the right party placed—to be able to carry out our people’s mandate and to do the right thing on be-half of our people. So I just want to say well done to all of us, actually. And especially, you know, our Premier is very hard-working and dedicated. He stays up very late at night working on behalf of the people in our country. The other night I know I was up pretty late myself and colleagues were like, Why is she sending me this note at this hour in the morning? But that's what we have to do, Mr. Speaker, when we are working on behalf of our people. Many sleepless nights and many long days. But we do this because we love, and love to serve our people. I want to end by wishing one of my constit uents a very happy birthday. Everyone kn ows Mr. Leroy Place. He turns 106 on June 24. And so I want to say a very happy birthday to Mr. Place. And I want to wish all of our seniors a happy Cup Match and a happy holiday. Continue to shield and guard yourself and stay safe. And we will be ready to come back in the next session to continue to do more work and continue to work hard on behalf of our people. And I will end there, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister Furbert. Would any ot her Member like to make a contribution at this time?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, MP Adams, you have your 20 minutes. PLP GOVERNMENT’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Mr. Jache AdamsGood evening, Mr. Speaker. I certainly wanted to start my contrib ution this evening on a lighter note and know that you and I share similarities in our support for our Cup Match team. You know very well how deeply rooted I am, and my family is up in the …
Mr. Jache AdamsAnd so we certainly look to keep the Cup in the next few weeks. Mr. Speaker, I also want to acknowledge and congratulate the Minister who spoke before me, Mini ster Furbert, on her contribution this evening because she certainly articulated a lot of the work that is being done …
And so we certainly look to keep the Cup in the next few weeks. Mr. Speaker, I also want to acknowledge and congratulate the Minister who spoke before me, Mini ster Furbert, on her contribution this evening because she certainly articulated a lot of the work that is being done within her Ministry. And I can certainly attest to, as a person in the room, her passion for seniors and her work for the ministry, and certainly it is recognised, and certainly I would say that is a job well done.
Bermuda House of Assembly But, Mr. Speaker, m y contribution today is sort of wanting to recognise that ––as each of us on either side of the aisle can attest to–– is that when you enter politics, you can expect to be criticised both inside and outside of Parliament. It makes sense because the decisions we make affect the lives of taxpayers, and so they are scrutinised and, quite frankly, deserve at least a . . . as a constituent once said to me, When it comes to politics and criticism, it just simply comes with the territory. When you couple that with t he fact that we are in the middle of unprecedented times, it is no surprise that the scrutiny is dialled up that much more. Mr. Speaker, it bears repeating that we are in unprecedented times. As a country, we have been spending more than we have been recei ving for almost 20 consec utive years. We have reached a point where we simply cannot afford to keep doing so. Industry experts, both within Government and outside of Government, within Bermuda and outside of Bermuda, all say that we are at a point where we cannot afford to borrow anymore. Mr. Speaker, this is happening at the same time the country is left to deal with the effects of a once- in-alifetime global pandemic. So the Government finds itself at a juncture when it cannot afford to borrow anymore, and the people of Bermuda are asking [for] and require more relief. But Mr. Speaker, we have not shied away from the task. We were elected on strong leadership. That is exactly what we will deliver. The discipline to remain fiscally prudent to get us back t o a balanced budget has never been more critical. In order to do so, we all know that we have to tighten our belts. There will be instances where we have to say no when other administrations have said yes. There are times when we will have to make unpopular decisions. So, we understand why some are frustrated. Mr. Speaker, we cannot then ignore the fact that much of the criticism is also based in political bias, sensationalised headlines, a desire to spread a juicy rumour rather than seek the facts. There are those who are so anti -PLP that if we were to say that the sky is blue, there would be comments in the blogs under particular articles to say that we were crazy. We have a particular media forum that is clearly not interested in balanced reporting [but] are committed to a daily onslaught of sensationalised rhetoric. We then have those who simply love to gossip and spread r umours and believe that because they received it in a WhatsApp forward, that somehow, therefore, it must be true. Mr. Speaker, the Progressive Labour Party did not sign the Morgan’s Point deal, did not sign the Skyport minimum revenue guarantee arrangements, or the Cross Island loan. The PLP did not start the global pandemic. We did not start the war in Ukraine. We did not cause inflation rates to rise, particularly in the US. Mr. Speaker, [some of] these are a result of decisions and actions made by others which this Gov-ernment inherited, all of which have had a profoundly negative impact on our economy, employment, cost of living resourc es, and so on. However, as a Gover nment we have committed to working tirelessly to nav igate this country through these unprecedented times. Mr. Speaker, the point of my contribution t oday is to first acknowledge that we understand that as politicians we wi ll be criticised. We understand the political climate we are in, but it is important that we remove the noise, that we remove the political bias and respect an independent assessment of this Gov-ernment’s performance so that we can have an honest depiction of where we are and how we are doing. So, Mr. Speaker, how are we doing? Well, before I answer I will remind the public that in October of last year, the Opposition Leader publicly stated that the credentials of the rating agencies, S&P and Moody’s, were impeccable and have stood the test of time. Those are not my words. The Opposition Leader said that the credentials of S&P and Moody's were impeccable and stood the test of time. He then went on to refer to them as the gold standard of intern ational credit rating agencies. Mr. Speaker, I took those words from the O pposition Leader and asked myself, What does the gold standard of international credit rating agencies have to say about this G overnment? Mr. Speaker, two months ago, S&P reported that economic recovery is under-way in Bermuda and will continue during the forecast horizon. They went on to say that they believe Bermuda can and is willing to implement reforms to ensure the long- term sustainability of public finances. Mr. Speaker, that could just be one. So I took the time to also read what Moody's, yet another gold standard rating agency, had to say about the performance of this Government. Just a few weeks ago Moody's reported that in the coming two to three years, they expect fiscal performance will be suppor ted by the recovery and economic activities. They said that they expect growth performance to regain m omentum, supporting a gradual downward trajectory in government debt. Mr. Speaker, the point I am making is this: Criticism, as my constituent s aid, comes with the job. And in a free and democratic society, criticism is also welcomed. Constructive criticism helps us as a Government to do better. And whilst I accept that we are not perfect and have made mistakes along the way, if you remove the emotive language and the biased opinions, just as S&P and Moody's have , you see that economic recovery is underway. Mr. Speaker, I will close with this. After almost 20 years of consecutive deficits, to then face having to honour an entire Morgan’s Point guar antee, to then be tasked with navigating through COVID -19, the Government had to prioritise fiscal prudence. We had to get our house in order, if you will, to then provide c apacity to provide relief to the people during these diff icult times. I have alread y received so much positive 1708 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly feedback from the relief package. I am now re - energised to get back to work so that we can do more. But beyond that, Mr. Speaker, I'm re- energised when I think about the introduction of a new, fully licensed bank that will help create more competition in the market. I think about the proven growth in the local FinTech industry that is producing jobs in this country. I think of the update the Minister of Tourism gave earlier today reporting the healthy improvement in our tourism figures. And it then becomes clear we are on an upward trajectory of economic growth and I can assure the public that we will remain true to our word when we say the better we perform the more relief we will provide, scrutiny and all. Thank you, Mr. Speak er.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Any other Member? Hon. Vance Campbell: Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerMinister Campbell. Hon. Vance Campbell: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYou have your 20 minutes. MINISTRY OF TOURISM ACCOMPLISHMENTS Hon. Vance Campbell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we've been sitting here a long time today. So what I would like to do is take us on a trip through time. I will take a short trip to yesterday to …
You have your 20 minutes.
MINISTRY OF TOURISM ACCOMPLISHMENTS Hon. Vance Campbell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we've been sitting here a long time today. So what I would like to do is take us on a trip through time. I will take a short trip to yesterday to start with. Yesterday we passed the Tourism Inves tment (Cambridge Beaches Resort and Spa) Order 2022. And it passed unanimously, Mr. Speaker. And I want to thank Members of the House for that. Mr. Speaker, that was my second important piece of legislation which we passed in my short time as Minister of Tourism, the first being the Fairmont Southampton Hotel Act 2022. Both are very important to the future of our hospitality and hotel industry and our economy as a whole. Both are evidence of the hard work put in by Members of this Government. That Tourism Investment Order, Mr. Speaker, had its beginnings back in 2017. But before we go to 2017, let’s go back to 2000. Mr. Speaker, in the year 2000 the Progressive Labour Party brought into being the Hotel Concession Act 2000. That Act allowed or provided duty relief for up to five years for capital expenditure as it related to hotels. So t his Government recognised the need to have some formal mechanism in order to encourage investment in 2000 in our hotel product. So if we fast forward, Mr. Speaker, to J uly 6, 2022, and, with your indulgence, Mr. Speaker, I would like to read extracts from an article.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThey are short pieces? Hon. Vance Campbell: Yes, short pieces. The first says, 6“Tax-payer funded financial breaks for the $376 million Fairmont Southampton refurbishment have set a ‘bad precedent’ for the E lbow Beach Resort as its owners seek a new buyer, a shadow minister believes. . . . “We …
They are short pieces?
Hon. Vance Campbell: Yes, short pieces. The first says, 6“Tax-payer funded financial breaks for the $376 million Fairmont Southampton refurbishment have set a ‘bad precedent’ for the E lbow Beach Resort as its owners seek a new buyer, a shadow minister believes. . . . “We were aware someone was interested in Elbow Beach. I do not believe they were looking for concessions before the Fairmont Southampton deal.” Now, how they would know that I'm not sure, Mr. Speaker. But I will deal with that in a minute. “Anybody coming down the line is now going to be interes ted in new concessions. As we said with that deal, it created a bad precedent which will impact on Bermudians. “The Fairmont Southampton deal has now set a precedent. People will now say, ‘hey, you’re obliged to give me these concessions. ’” Move a little forward from July 6. And by the way, Mr. Speaker, those comments were attributed to the Shadow Minister of Tourism, MP Craig Cannonier. So we fast forward to yesterday, Mr. Speaker, back to yesterday. We debated an Order on the Tour-ism Investment Act. It wasn't a special Act. It was based on what was allowed and put in place in 2017 by this Government, again recognising and formali sing incentives that had already been put out in a special Act in 2015. But recognising that, again, it was necessary to encourage investment not only in hotels this time, Mr. Speaker, but in restaurants and attractions, you know, the full gamut of our tourism products. So we're in 2017 and this Government is formalising that Act. But let’s go to 2015. You heard, Mr. Speaker, what I just read from July 6. We are now in July 2015, and we have the St. George’s Resort Act 2015. That was brought into being by the now Opposition. I searched, Mr. Speaker . . . and by the way, that Act doubled the previous, or the existing, provisions f rom a timeframe that was then found under the Hotel Co ncessions Act. It doubled the five years to ten years, and broadened the type of concessions that were a llowed. I searched, Mr. Speaker, on the Internet for comments from the now Shadow Minister along the lines of this, that he had concerns that anybody com-ing down the line is now going to be interested in these new concessions in 2015. I didn't see any comments about concerns of creating a bad prec edent which would have an impact on Bermudians. And neither, Mr. Speaker, did I see any concerns ex6 Royal Gazette , 6 July 2022
Bermuda House of Assembly pressed (couldn't find them) that people will now say, Hey, you are obliged to give me these concessions. I couldn’t find anything. To be fair, I actually believe it was necessary in order to attract and secure t he development of the St. Regis Hotel, just as this Gover nment believed the Fairmont Southampton Hotel Act 2022 was the first important step in securing the ren ovation of that hotel. If we fast forward in our time travel back to yesterday, Mr. Speaker, you heard from the current Health Minister about improvements being made in a certain area around access to our country. You heard from the current Minister of Tourism an update, which was reasonably positive, Mr. Speaker, on how our tourism industry was rec overing. Now, Mr. Speaker, let’s move on. Let's take our time travel back to July 1. So, our time travel has revealed that this Government has always been concerned about attracting investment in our tourism product and conti nues, right up until yesterday, to be concerned and to be out there doing what it can to improve the tourism product, enhance tourism in Bermuda. Now we are at July 1 of this year, Mr. Speaker. And on that day we listened at length . . . and many, [Members] spoke about the antisocial behaviour, or in particular gun crime, predominantly exhibi ted by young Black males. And rightly so. Mr. Speaker, I'm considering that we had been or were discussing the Criminal Code Amendment Act 2022. And rightly so, Mr. Speaker, because yet another young Black man had lost his life in the early hours of the morning, another victim of gun crime. And, Mr. Speaker, whilst I believe that this antisocial behaviour, that this scourge of gun crime is perpetuated by a minority of individuals, contrary to the old song, I do believe one bad apple can spoil the whole bunch, especially when it is left in the barrel with the good ones. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I thought it necessary not to pass up another opportunity today without addressing . . . I guess I didn't want to leave that image, that negative betrayal of our young Black men for the summer. I had to address it today. I believe, Mr. Speaker, for every young Black man involved in antisocial behaviour there are dozens who are doing the right thing. If we go back to yesterday on the congratulatory and obituary speeches, I spoke of many of our young people excelling in sports, sailing, rugby, swimming, squash. I spoke of a young lady Chloe Morton is going to India on a two year [International] Baccalaureate [programme] [NO AUDIO] . If we move to Monday of this week . . . sorry, Mr. Speaker, Tuesday of this week, I was fortunate enough to attend an ABIR r eception. The room was full of ripe, poised young individuals just out of high school. They represented themselves well in that env ironment, Mr. Speaker. And I expect big things from them. Many of them were young Black men. So what is doing the right thin g, Mr. Speaker ? Is it in school trying to get a degree to give yourself the best chance of gainful employment? And when I say a degree, it could be academic or technical. Is it already being gainfully employed and making a pos itive contribution to society, no matter what the job, whether you are at entry level or part of management , no matter the industry? And Mr. Speaker, this reminds me of a quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. If you don’t mind, Mr. Speaker, it's a short quote. It says, “No work is insignificant. All labor that uplifts humanity has di gnity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.” Is doing the right thing both of what I just mentioned previously? Are you in school and working at the same time? Are you trying to get into school or secure employment? There are many who are out there trying to find employment, but they are not involved in antisocial behaviour. They're not involved in gang activity. And for all, Mr. Speaker, of our young Black men . . . and this is not to exclude the rest of our young people. But I am speaking specifically to our young Black men who are trying to do the right thing. I see you. This PLP Government sees you and cares about you. We care about your success. We recognise your efforts. And we know the challenges that you face. Mr. Speaker, one of the benefits of being the Minister of Tourism and visiting hotels and some of our restaurants is that I am greeted very often by the top people in the hotel, the top managers in the hotel. And I am ple ased, Mr. Speaker, to say that many of those faces that are standing there waiting for the Minister to get out of the car and walk up to the front of the hotel are young Bermudians, some of whom are young Black men. In fact, if we go back to yesterday, the Cambridge Hotel —
[Timer chimes ]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister, that indicates that your 20 minutes are up, sir. Hon. Vance Campbell: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think I got th e point across.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you for your contribution. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution this evening? Any other Member ? Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDeputy [Premier]. MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS ACCOMPLISHMENTS 1710 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, sir, Mr. Speaker, I wish to make a contribution in this early hour of Saturday morning on the motion to adjourn. I want to thank you for …
Deputy [Premier].
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS ACCOMPLISHMENTS
1710 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, sir, Mr. Speaker, I wish to make a contribution in this early hour of Saturday morning on the motion to adjourn. I want to thank you for the opportunity. We've had a good legislative day, Mr. Speaker, but as you, who have been perhaps longer in this House than all of us, know, usually the last day of the session is long with a whole lot of legislative priorities met no matter which Government is in power. This is kind of the normal thing. So it's been a long, a very long day; a long legislative shopp ing list to cash in on. And I'm pleased, so pleased, that my Government, led by the Honourable David Burt, ably supported by a very c apable Cabinet and non- Cabinet Members as well has completed our punch list, our shopping list for this last day of this session before we adjourn for the summer. Mr. Speaker, we have had a number of very great submissions on the motion to adjourn, and I am so proud of all of my colleagues who have contributed this evening, those who have spoken to the issues that concern them, that they are passionate about, and also my Cabinet colleagues who have also given the highlight of their portfolio of education, social development and seniors, tourism, in particular, the Honourable Member who sits in constituency 19 and his overview of economic matters. I am just so pleased and proud of the accomplishment. As we come into, Mr. Speaker, a period where the PLP is five years coming up to the anniversary of our return to Government in 2017, certainly as the Minister of Home Affairs responsible for a number of departments, but most importantly . . . and all of my departments are important, Mr. Speaker, but certainly the work in the Environment and Planning are the two biggest parts of my Ministry. And I've just been so honoured to have cer tainly since 2018 had stewar dship over these key areas of Government. As I look back, Mr. Speaker, on the platform that goes back to 2017 and also the 2020 platform, I can look at what our Government committed to, the promises that we made to the people of Bermuda. And I am mindful that this is the Ministry of Home A ffairs, not just Environment. But there were some other matters that we committed to and we passed a Bill today related to that. And for all intents and purposes, that closes a chapter on, at least for this time on that matter. And I know that the future may shape these issues very differently than where they are now, but this Government has at all times, even with som etimes the occasional battles and challenges that we face in other forums, sought to do the right thing and with a balanced approach. So I am satisfied that the work . . . and as I speak about this I remember the Honourable Walton Brown, the late Walton Brown, and the work that he did in this area. And I don’t want to go awry of t he rules. I am not going to spend too much time speaking or reminiscing, but I am mindful of the commitment that he made to bring about success and a happy medium in this area and we have come up somewhat to a conclusion to that process. But I also speak, Mr. Speaker, about issues that the matters that we committed to going back to 2017, particularly around the Environment, Energy and Planning. And as I look at the 2017 platform “An Agenda for a Better and Fairer Bermuda,” I go to the pages that spoke about the environment, Mr. Speaker. And it talks about “Sustainable Solutions for Pr eserving and Protecting our Beautiful Home.” And the PLP made certain commitments around that. And I will just briefly go through some of those, Mr. Speaker. I can probably say that the work in this area has substantially been done. And I think that's a great sort of opportunity to show the country and to speak to this House about the work that we have delivered on. Some of the things that are under the PLP’s commitment to the environment and sustainable sol ution for preserving and protecting our beautiful home . . . we talked about leasing acres of arable land that are currently not being used in order to boost domestic food production. And as we are in an interesting period ri ght now, globally and in Bermuda, where food costs are such an important issue for many people, this is very important. And I can say , Mr. Speaker, that my Ministry of the Environment has begun work and discussions and the process of talking to the Ministr y of Public Works about how we can make more land available for domestic production. And with that is a discussion with our farmers on how we all can work together and create more local produce, seasonal produce that our residents can affordably access. And certainly even through the last couple of years of COVID -19, we made sure, Mr. Speaker, that farmers and fishermen were still out there feeding our country, ensuring that people have access to locally sourced produce and fish so that they can sustain themselves. We talked about promoting the development of community gardens. That has been done. And al though not under my Ministry, it has been done under the Parks Ministry under the leadership of Colonel Burch. We know that he and his Ministry had a very clear focused programme on the advantage of community gardens. We talked about reviewing and r eform of the Bermuda Plan to ensure it provides the right framework to balance sustainable development and to protect the environment. And the 2018 Berm uda Plan do es exactly that. It balances development with conservation, with community engagement. That is the new sort of focus of that plan. So that has been done. It talks about dealing with . . . advancing the current system of raw sewage handling and the work with the process to facilitate systems that will properly treat sewage. We know that the Public Works Ministry is right now devising a Island- wide water and sewage system that can advance this. So this work is happening, Mr. Speaker. And although we talked a bout pr oducing a green paper for consultation to establish a
Bermuda House of Assembly mandatory recycling programme and charge on si ngle-use plastics, we have already begun the process, Mr. Speaker, of dealing with single- use plastics. But there is work, I know, being done and dis cussed with Public Works about how we can advance recycling much more. Our recycling plant can do a lot more than what it is doing. And I know that there is a commi tment by the Public Works Ministry to do more. We talked about investing in the green economy. The green economy wasn't talked about prior to 2017 in any serious way, Mr. Speaker. But here we are. We're talking. We talked about the green economy and embracing private sector investment to develop largescale generation of alternative energy —water , wind and solar technology. That is being done. We produced an integrated resource plan in 2018, Mr. Speaker, and we are already delivering. We have a six -megawatt solar array down at the Finger and we are working with the Regulatory Authority, Mr. Speak er, to identify sites that we will be further developing for utility scale solar across the Island. So that is happening. That will be funded by private investment, not public investment. Although publicly this Gover nment has put tens of millions of dollar s into renew ables already within the government estate, or certainly facilitated that level of investment both private and public into renewables , that's happening as well. And we talk about ensuring energy equality by assisting those with fixed incomes to reduce their energy costs. Mr. Speaker, I will be bringing . . . I've talked about in the public about a green energy fund that will facilitate that very initiative . That will be coming and be crystallised much more very soon f or the public , more about t he green economy here, about outfitting of government buildings with renewable energy. The Minister of Economy [and Labour] talked about that. There are at least three major buildings in town that have been fitted with renewables. TCD, the Gover nment Post Office building and the Government Admi nistration Building all have solar deployed on them, Mr. Speaker. So these are things that have happened. And that's just in the 2017 platform. And I can go now, Mr. Speaker to the 2020 platform and talk about what w e talked about there around energy, the environment . And the key opening paragraph, Mr. Speaker, with that one, was that Bermuda is ideally positioned to become a leader in sustainability and renewable energy. Now, Mr. Speaker, I can talk over the last cou ple of years since the election of 2020, we have done a lot in this area of esta blishing Bermuda as a global leader. That's work that I am committed to, and I have been focusing on in my Ministry. Certainly in 2021 we made a clear statement around Bermuda’ s commitment to the Paris Accords, as well as building and climate action. Even prior to that, we had the Ocean Risk Summit here in 2018, which brought the issue of Ocean. And I spoke about that in my Statement today, about what we started with and where w e have gone in that. So we have done that. It's very interesting, Mr. Speaker, the interes ting exposure and observations that I have had travel-ling overseas on behalf of the Government and talking about Bermuda in our effort around sustainability and renewable energy. And I find interesting that often I am told about certain comments in the local media which suggest somehow that we aren't doing anything in the area of the environment. Well, guess what, Mr. Speaker? The rest of the world doesn't believe tha t. The rest of the world thinks Bermuda is doing a hell of a lot on the environment, if I can just be very informal there. Not only that, among small island communities, particularly the Overseas Territories, we are consi dered to be one of the leaders. And certainly the recent awards that we received at the Car ibbean Renewable Energy Forum are a testament to our leadership. But we talked about in the 2020 platform to advance legislation to bring down the cost of electric ity. Well, Mr. Speaker, that's going to be happening with legislation that I plan to bring which will deal with the issue of fuel costs. And that will help to bring down the cost of electricity. Other than that we worked with the regulator to actually bring down the cost of electricity as we ll. Obviously, intervening factors have perhaps slowed that process, but there is a deliberate effort by the regulator working with the Government and fulfilling Government policy to have a framework that actually looks for ways to bring down the cost of the high electricity rates that our people are feeling. So we will be doing more and legislation that this Government is going to be bringing will address that. The regulatory sandbox. That legislation has already been passed in this House. Support the d evelopment of electricity recharging infrastructure. The Government is already installing that. There are charging stations already all over the government estate. And the government is investing in electric vehicles. Introduction of legislation to eliminat e singleuse plastics by 2022. We are currently in the process of the consultation with stakeholders to bring about the elimination of single- use plastics in a staged approach. Mr. Speaker, that is happening right now. That report has already been circulat ed publicly. We have an enormous stakeholder engagement and we're doing it. Phasing out the purchase of new fossil fuel buses and investing in electric buses. We recently deployed through the leadership of the Ministry of Transport, 30 new buses that are all electric, with the supporting infrastructure being deployed, Mr. Speaker. We have increased the protections around a nimal abuse and we are bringing around regulations to do that as well. I am currently working on a tree planting initi ative and an act ion plan on tree planting to expand tree 1712 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly planting across the Island to re- green up areas of the Island with not only endemic trees, but also fruit trees and other species, so that we can put trees back in and create a much more greener footprint, lowering our carbon footprint and adding to climate action, Mr. Speaker. Introduction of a full scale development plan for the Exclusive Economic Zone. In 2018/19 we signed an MOU with the Waitt Foundation. The Blue Economy Strategy and the Marine Spatial Plan wil l be deployed and s going through the Cabinet approval process now and will be established. A great opportunity for small business entr epreneurs introducing competent the persons scheme which will allow individuals to be certified as compe-tent persons that qualifies them for planning concessions and fast tracking of applications. Along with our efforts to streamline the planning process, which we had great success in, Mr. Speaker, I am bringing that paper to Cabinet shortly and that legislation will be passed in this House and require all planning dec isions to incorporate equality impact assessments to ensure that historically deprived communities are a priority for infrastructure improvements. Well, there are a number of pieces to that. One of the greates t pieces to that is the North East Hamilton Plan, which is to bring much more equity to the investment in areas of our Island that have been traditionally deprived of significant commercial i nvestment. So the North East Hamilton Plan is a part of that same scheme, Mr. Speaker. And we are also working within the Planning Department to bring about equality impact assessments as well to be a part of the planning consideration. So, Mr. Speaker, what I can say is that a considerable amount of our environmental energy and planning initiatives over the past five years have been accomplished or are actively being worked on to the point where they should be completed within the next year’s session or so. And I am so proud of the work being done by so many people in my Ministry, the scientists, the people in the Ministry, the people in the Department of Planning, the people in the Department of Enviro nment [and Natural Resources], the people of the Land Title Registry, the people in the Registry General, the people I once worked with in Consumer Affairs, and certainly the people who are out there doing so much work in all these areas. And there is one thing that I have learned through my work, particularly in the env ironment side, Mr. Speaker. Bermuda has been doing much of what she has become very well known for for many years. And even though I am the Minister and Deputy Premier of the Progressive Labour Party Gover nment, I know that the work has been going on for years. And we were doing this work not because we were looking to lead globally but because it was the right thing to do. So the strong regulatory framework and robust commitment that this Island has to env ironmental protection, climate action and ocean pr otection through the remediation of seagrass, of mangroves, of management of our fisheries and also expanding opportunities into the exclusive economic zone are all things that we were committed to before they suddenly became a part of the global agenda. As I said earlier, we had the Ocean Summit, and we r ecently had a Climate Summit which attrac ted enormous international attention. And these things we have done not necessarily because we were look-ing for the fame, but because they were important around the bigger picture for Bermuda and what we are trying to do. And certainly I must commend me mbers of the international reinsurance community who helped to bring the Ocean Summit to Bermuda. Again, at that time, as I said, the ocean was not a part of the big picture that many people are pa ying attention to. B ut Bermuda is now globally seen to be a leader in this area of environment, of sustainabi lity. We are a voice with many other small countries, as was proven by the Bermuda presence at the COP26 last year, Mr. Speaker. And we are doing so much work. And we are working with the Overseas Territories and other nations whether the Congo, Fiji, Maldives, to advance through our leadership of the Sargasso Sea Commission, Mr. Speaker. We are advancing one of the greatest projects to protect the open ocean. We are the leader, and many countries are looking to Bermuda to continue to lead in this area. And it's exciting, Mr. Speaker. It's exciting, because I am proud of our Island —
[Timer chimes]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDeputy, Deputy, that’s your 20 minutes. Hon. Walter H. Roban: So thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the opportunity and Happy Cup match to all of our citizens. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Hon. E. David Burt: I do, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier. Hon. E. D avid Burt: Unless anyone else wishes to speak.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYou can go ahead. PLP GOVERNMENT’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, I thank all of the Honourable Members who have contributed to this motion to a djourn this evening. And thanks to all the Honourable Members who have …
You can go ahead.
PLP GOVERNMENT’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker.
Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, I thank all of the Honourable Members who have contributed to this motion to a djourn this evening. And thanks to all the Honourable Members who have contributed to the debate today. Mr. Speaker, we don't normally go this late. It's not very often. But that is what happens when you get a lot of work done. And, Mr. Speaker, we have been doing this now for five years. And to paraphrase Charles Dickens, it has been the best of times, and it has been the worst of times. As MP Adams said, public service is not easy. The criticism is constant, Mr. Speaker. But it is essential for us continue to push on, continue to keep wor king and, as those people, or graduates, or attendees at the Berkeley Institute will say Respice Finem . This Government . . . we are keeping the end in view b ecause five years ago, Mr. Speaker, we were elected to build a better and fairer Bermuda. We went up and down this country and earned the support of the voters. And, Mr. Speaker, over these last five years we have made progress in building that better and fairer Bermuda. Are we at an end? And have we made our destination? No. But we are keeping the end in view and we are progressing and making progress. You have heard from a number of Ministers this evening. You have heard from other Backbenchers who have spoken about the progress that this Government has made. And the truth is, Mr. Speaker, we’ve been dealt some tough hands. We’ve inherited some difficult problems. And as can be expected, we have made some mistakes along the way. But throughout it all, we remain focused on the people we were elected to serve. Mr. Speaker, I am going to take some time to highlight some of what we have accomplished over the last five years. I remember having a conversation with one of my predecessors, Dr. Ewart Brown, a while ago and remarking to him how I went to plant a tree and saw something that we had accomplished in our First 100 days that was inside of our election manifesto in 2017. We said we were going to get these things in 100 days. I remember looking at this and I was like, Wow! I forgot that we did this. And when you look back on the list, Mr. Speaker, there are some things because you work so hard and so long that you forget some of the things of which you have accomplished. But it is important that we cover some of them, because whether it's our i nvestment in education, our youth, our seniors in our community, whether it's the work in which we're doing in the environment, energy reform, which the Deputy Premier just spoke about, whether it's the work during the pandemic or the work that we've done to make our econom y more fair, we have accomplished a lot, Mr. Speaker. Now, remember we said that we were going to have our young people work and develop applic ations. We had a coding boot camp and we launched a tree format with the Bermuda College. One of the things that we did was save money by eliminating the online publishing in the Gazette and putting it online. We require all travel, Mr. Speaker, that is, Gover nment travel, to be booked and recorded under a business frequent flyer number where we have been able to provide students who are looking to go back to school who are on scholarships, our athletes who are looking to compete overseas who may not have the funds, we were able to provide that because we kept that promise and implemented an idea that was in our platform. When it comes to our seniors and healthcare, we provided better standards in our care homes by amending the Residential Care [Homes and Nursing Homes] Act [1999]. I remember I was with the Deputy Speaker and Sister Helena “Molly” Burgess to enact a Charter of Rights and Responsibilities for seniors [Bermudian Charter of the Rights and Responsibilities of the Elderly and Adults in Need of Long- Term Care and Assistance]. We expanded the whole healthcare and seniors care benefit which is providing emplo yment opportunities and dignity for seniors at home, Mr. Speaker, reducing our overall health care costs inside of this country. We initiated a programme for Bermuda Housing Corporation to facilitate interest free home i mprovement loans to help families modify their homes so they can live at home. And, Mr. Speaker, dealing with health, we installed fitness equipment in public parks throughout Bermuda to promote healthy lif estyles. And these are some of the things that we see that we forget that we accomplished, Mr. Speaker. We introduced the National Drug Formulary to set maximum pricing for common essential medic ations so that we can reduce prescription drug prices. And on prescription drugs, we promised that we would increase the prescription drug benefits for FutureCare, and we did that, Mr. Speaker. Not only did we do that, we introduced for the first time ever a prescription drug benefit on HIP, Mr. Speaker. In 2018, we reduced duty rat es in a number of areas from eggs, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, and duty rates on clothing, household items, linen and shoes. Mr. Speaker, we provided duty relief to spor ting clubs and youth programmes, gave tax holidays to new entrepreneurs and start -up businesses, eliminated payroll taxes for the disabled, gave payroll tax r eductions for workers, Mr. Speaker. And you have heard me speak about this repeatedly. But over the last five years, someone making $48,000 will pay $5,000 less in taxes than they would have before, Mr. Speaker. We introduced for the first time taxes on unearned wealth in this country, earning the Treasury in the first year $50 million. And we put that into educ ation and health care and into our youth develop, Mr. Speaker. And this year we started to reduce fees and not increase fees across the board and reduced fees 1714 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly with private car licensing, Mr. Speaker. And of course, we know that we have increased our pensions for our seniors every year. We promised that we would jump start ec onomic development and establish an economic devel-opment department. We increased funding to the BEDC, increased their guarantee capacity and allowed them to support more local businesses. We created a summer entrepreneurship programme through the BEDC to get more young people interes ted in entrepreneurship, created a Wage Commission to establish and setup the minimum living wage. I look forward to doing that when we come back to this House, Mr. Speaker. We introduced the Work from Bermuda Initi ative, Mr. Speaker, and the Economic Investment Certificate and Residential Policy, which has yielded $325 million of investment in this country. We introduced work permit moratoriums to the largest number of job categories in the history of this country, Mr. Speaker , to ensure that we provide opportunities for Bermudians. And, Mr. Speaker, we established the office of FinTech and are now recognised leaders globally in that market, creating dozens of jobs in this country for young Bermudians with more on the way. And something that I'm particularly proud of, Mr. Speaker, is that we awarded over $1 million in capital development grants to local community clubs to upgrade their facilities. And look at what we have seen across the country as a result of that investment, Mr. Speaker. We established the Commission of Inquiry i nto [Historic] Land [Losses], amended laws for litigation guardians, amended the Criminal Code to include luring and grooming, and we also made sure that we criminalised revenge porn and the notificat ion of sex offenders, Mr. Speaker. These are all things that we accomplished. Decriminalisation of cannabis, Mr. Speaker, making sure that we expunge criminal records of those found guilty of nonviolent cannabis possession. Created the Bermuda Coast Guard, Mr. Speaker, r eformed legal aid to make it more accessible and cost less money, and amended the Employment Act to allow paid maternity leave, and for the first time paid paternity leave, while also making sure that we did further amendments to strengthen our trade unions while at the same point in time putting in provisions against bullying and sexual harassment. Roadside sobriety was introduced, Mr. Speaker. We eliminated conscription, Mr. Speaker. In Planning, as the Deputy Premier spoke about, we streamlined the planning processes, and we have seen an increase in speed with planning applications. We introduced the Tourism Investment Act, Mr. Speaker, and the new Minister of Tourism is going to preside over a period of enhanced tourism inves tment. We introduced superyacht legislation, impl emented and negotiated with cruise ships and cruise Infrastructure tax. We did the work to formalise the vacation rental sector to make sure we can get more revenue and reduce the red tape there, Mr. Speaker. When speaking about red tape, we reduced red tape and simplified the system for entrepreneurs required to acquire a truck licence, and we have modernised our ageing bus fleet by making investments. And now we are on the track to have a fleet of 30 new electric buses and are transferring our fleet to all electric buses while also installing solar on government buildings and introducing electric charging infrastruc-ture for the government fleet of like cars and throug hout the country. The Minister of Education spoke at length about the investments that were made in education, by introducing the College Promise Programme, ensuring that no student was denied from going to the Bermuda College, increasing apprenticeships, doubling the amount of funding for scholarships, ensuring that more people can learn here at the Bermuda College, such as the Chartered Professional Accountants Act, to certainly allow people to get their ACCAs to work and to earn degrees here and things that we forgot about, Mr. Speaker, that we take for granted now. Like Wi -Fi in all of our primary and middle schools that didn't exist there. Chromebooks for our students, new enhanced math programmes, increasing standards of which we've seen across our schools, Mr. Speaker. That's what we're doing. We eve n did cultural things. Two weeks from now (or, sorry, two weeks from yesterday will be Fr iday) will not be Somers Day but will be Mary Prince Day because of the changes we have made. We launched the National Youth Policy, implemented the National Youth Pol icy Working Group and have also created a National Cultural Heritage Policy, Mr. Speaker. Look at the stuff of which we said were the di fficult things that we wanted to deliver. Immigration reform, something that has been controversial, but through consul tation we managed to make sure we delivered that, Mr. Speaker. And procurement reform to make sure that more Black persons in this country, Mr. Speaker, more women in this country, Mr. Speaker, more small businesses can get access to co ntracts. And we know what we did during the pandemic, Mr. Speaker. We provide d $500 a week for so many people in this country —millions of dollars in support . We provided money for small businesses to keep them afloat ; provided a stimulus package to make sure we can keep peop le at work and provided a significant number of resources, whether it be mental health or other support. And look at the amount of young people who are able to excel and learn skills during the pandemic. Mr. Speaker, we have accomplished a lot. Now, Mr. S peaker, it is important to recognise that these things aren't done alone. The dedicated and
Bermuda House of Assembly hard- working public officers of this country are the ones who helped us deliver. And they must be saluted because these things cannot be delivered without their support. Our party platform comes from our party executive, and I must thank the party executive and the members of the Central Committee for all their hard work and support throughout this country, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we are a better Government than w e were five years ago. We are more exper ienced. We are more discerning. We are certainly a little more tired and grey, but, Mr. Speaker, we are no less committed. And I want to thank all the Members of this PLP caucus for the work that they are doing because this is truly a team effort. And it isn't easy; but it is rewarding work. And we may not always get along, Mr. Speaker. It's a blessing and a curse to have 30 Members. But we all believe that we can work t ogether to make progress for the people that we serve. And it's important, Mr. Speaker, that I pay homage to this team from the east end of the Island to the west end of the Island. MP Renee Ming serving in a difficult time as Minister of National Security managing COVID -19 restrictions. An extremely h ard-working MP. And though her choice of colours is questionable, we cannot e xpect any different from an MP from St. George’s. [MP] Kim Swan, his work on the BTA, on the golf course and the source of sound political counsel. MP Lovitta Foggo, a former Mi nister delivering unemployment benefit, public service reform, eGazette, now the Bermuda Airport Authority, BLDC. [Hon.] Tinee Furbert, from Senator, to Junior Minister, to MP and now Minister. Tireless campaigner for inclusion. Cousin [MP] Derrick [Burgess], working hard chairing the Cost of Living Commission, the Parole Board, and contributing where he can. The tireless support of Minister Wayne Furbert, behind the scenes. On so many of those things I listed he has had a hand in. [MP] Anthony Richar dson, another promotion from the Senate who contributes to our public policy debate. Minister Vance Campbell, here from the Senate as well, but it is a reasoned voice and is going to be working to deliver investment in tourism. MP Chris Famous a great worker, great ser vant and now at the helm of the Bermuda Housing Corporation. One of the longest serving Ministers of Educ ation in this country's history, and has made incredible progress, the Honourable Diallo Rabain working day in and day out. MP Wayne C aines launching FinTech, piloting Immigration reform, eliminating [conscription], creating the Bermuda Coast Guard. MP Michael Weeks, passionate for the young people of this country, a true community servant. Let’s look at a Labour leader, Minister Jason Hayward, taking on the role of Minister of Economic Development and advancing the execution of the Economic Recovery Plan. MP Jache Adams, a hard worker, a polished speaker and someone who is advancing key econo mic initiatives as chair of the BEDC. MP Curtis Dickinson dealing with difficult i ssues in his time as Minister, Morgan’s Point, issues like pension reform, and working to put together an economic recovery plan for the people of this country. [Hon.] Lawrence Scott pushing forward r eforms in transport reducing bus cancellations. [MP] Ianthia Simmons -Wade advocate for our seniors, capable team player continuing to work. [MP] Neville Tyrell, former Minister, advanced the electric bus programme, chairing WEDCO. [Hon.] Colonel Burch, took a break but is still one of our hardest working Ministers delivering reform up and down. [MP] Dennis Lister [III], champion for road safety. MP De Silva, skilled negotiator responsible for the tourism infrastructure tax . Look at the work that MP Jason Wade has done at the CedarBridge Academy. [MP] Crystal Caesar, playing a role in speaking on tourism and making sure that she is represen ting entrepreneurs in this country. [MP] Scott Simmons, Government Whip, heading the Immigration Board, speaker on tourism, making sure that our young people and workers are involved in tourism. MP Jamahl Simmons. During his time as Mi nister, he piloted the Tourism Investment Act, making sure that we had a BEDC summer programme and doing so many things [with the] BEDC. Minister Wilson, managing a pandemic, advancing health care reform, dealing with difficult i ssues and serving this country with distinction. And the Attorney General for constituency 36, sex offender notification, upgrad es to liquor licensing, Cannabis Licensing Act and a sound provider of counsel, Mr. Speaker, at all times. This is the team in this House that has worked to deliver over the last five years, Mr. Speaker. It is an incredible honour to lead this proud team. And I also want to thank my hard- working senators that sit in another place. Mr. Speaker, as I close, I want to thank you for your service in this role. We certainly clash on occasions. We might have clashed once or twice today, but I am grateful for your service because I know the role that you have as Speaker of the House is not easy. Mr. Speaker, I must also thank my Deputy Premier for his tireless support and his distinguished leadership in making Bermuda an energy leader. His work in this area shoul d be applauded. Sometimes, 1716 15 July 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly now that I have taken on the role of Minister of F inance again, he gets sent on the road. The other day he said he is not travelling for me anymore because he's getting too tired. But his work and dedication and experience should be applauded. Mr. Speaker, I certainly want to also thank my personal staff who serve this office with distinction, led by one of the hardest working people in politics, Senator Owen Darrell, who has held the role of chief of staff for five years and com es to work every day, which is not easy when you work in this office, day in and day out in service, not of me, but for the people of this country who he cares deeply about. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I must thank my family, my parents, my sisters and brothers who give me support, my children who sacrifice time with their f ather so that he can serve the country that he loves, and my wife, who has had to put up with the most vile messages and the silly rumours. But through it all, we still find time to laugh. She supports me. She comforts me. She counsels me. She loves me. And I am truly blessed to have her in my life. Mr. Speaker, this week has been one of the longest in my life. I confided to my wife and my close friends on Wednesday than I have never felt mor e exhausted and stressed in the five years I've had this role than I did this week. But look at what we accom-plished. I am exhausted, Mr. Speaker. We are exhausted as a Cabinet, Mr. Speaker. We are exhaus ted as a team. But it would be difficult to be more proud. Mr. Speaker, most of Bermuda will expect to see me in Eastern Counties tomorrow. I must tell you, I will not make it. We are going to take tomorrow to sleep and try to recharge. And in two weeks, if God's willing, Mr. Speaker, I will see you in the West. And with that Mr. Speaker, I wish all of Bermuda a very Happy Cup Match, a safe Cup Match, and in closing to say that on behalf of this Government it has been an honour to serve you for the last five years and we look forward to continuing to serve to advance the interests of the people of this country. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Mr. Premier. It has been a long day. Many of you haven’t had these long sessions before. But that brings back memories of yesteryear for me. Not that I want to r epeat them too often, Premier. But thank you, Members, for your contributions today. And as we …
Thank you, Mr. Premier. It has been a long day. Many of you haven’t had these long sessions before. But that brings back memories of yesteryear for me. Not that I want to r epeat them too often, Premier. But thank you, Members, for your contributions today. And as we close tonight, we will return back to this place after the hol iday period. I wish everyone a very nice holiday, a safe holiday. Spend time enjoying the holiday, enjoying the Cup Match. But stay close to your family and apprec iate those loved ones that are around you. As always, this time of year, we hail the red and blue. We look forward to you coming up to the West End and enjoying the Cup Match wit h us and knowing that at the end of the game you will be seeing it sitting in the trophy cabinet up in the great SCC. So, with that, enjoy your holiday Members and be safe. This session is now adjourned.
[At 2:33 am [16 July 2022] the House stood adjourned until 10:00 am, Friday, 16 September 2022]