Ministers presented several major policy initiatives during this parliamentary session. The Deputy Premier introduced a new planning framework for North East Hamilton designed to encourage investment and development in that area. The Minister of Economy and Labour unveiled a 9-goal strategy to tackle youth unemployment and help young Bermudians develop career skills. The Transport Minister outlined plans to modernize the taxi and minibus industry to improve service, especially during evenings and weekends.
North East Hamilton Local Plan 2022 - new planning framework for developing the north-east Hamilton areaPublic service vehicle modernization - updating regulations and improving taxi/minibus servicesNational Youth Employment Strategy - comprehensive plan to help young Bermudians aged 18-26 find jobsCybersecurity workshop and upcoming legislation to protect critical infrastructureHurricane preparedness as the 2022 hurricane season begins
Bills & Motions
North East Hamilton Local Plan 2022 - presented for House consideration and approval
Air Navigation (Fees for Certificates and Services) Regulations 2022 - submitted for information
Cybersecurity Bill - Minister confirmed drafting instructions given, expected to be tabled later this year
No bills were read, debated or voted on during this session - this was primarily a statement and question session
Notable Moments
The session was briefly interrupted to announce Tropical Cyclone One approaching Bermuda, requiring residents to monitor weather updates
Opposition MPs questioned whether there are enough taxi drivers or just poor coordination, particularly for late-night airport pickups
Ministers emphasized that young Bermudians are leaving the island due to lack of opportunities, making job creation a priority
Debate Transcript
397 speeches from 25 speakers
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning, Members. Welcome this morning. Ms. Beale will lead us in prayer this morning. Ms. Beale. 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 20 May 2022]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe Minutes of the 20th of May have been circulated. Are there any amendments or adjustments to be made? There are none. The Minutes will be confirmed as printed. [Minutes of 20 May 2022 confirmed] MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER OR MEMBER PRESIDING
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. PAPERS AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS TO THE HOUSE
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWe have three this morning. The first is in the name of the Deputy Premier. Deputy Premier, would you like to pr esent your paper? Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes. Good morning, Mr. Speaker. And good morning to colleagues and the listening public.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning. NORTH EAST HAMILTON LOCAL PLAN 2022 TRIBUNAL REPORT DRAFT NORTH EAST HAMILTON LOCAL PLAN 2022 Hon. Walter H. Roban: I have the honour to attach and submit for the consideration of the Honourable House of Assembly the North East Hamilton Local Plan 2022 and the Tribunal Report Draft …
Good morning.
NORTH EAST HAMILTON LOCAL PLAN 2022
TRIBUNAL REPORT DRAFT NORTH EAST HAMILTON LOCAL PLAN 2022
Hon. Walter H. Roban: I have the honour to attach and submit for the consideration of the Honourable House of Assembly the North East Hamilton Local Plan 2022 and the Tribunal Report Draft North East Hamilton Local Plan 2022. The plan and the accompanying tribunal r eport can be found online at https://planning.gov.bm/index.php/neh- 2022/ . Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Deputy. The next [paper] this morning is in the name of the Mi nister of Transport. Minister of Transport. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning. AIR NAVIGATION (FEES FOR CERTIFICATES AND SERVICES) REGULATIONS 2022 Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: I have the honour to attach and subm it for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the Air Navigation (Fees for Certi ficates and Services) Regulations 2022, made by Her Excellency the Governor …
Good morning.
AIR NAVIGATION (FEES FOR CERTIFICATES AND SERVICES) REGULATIONS 2022
Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: I have the honour to attach and subm it for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the Air Navigation (Fees for Certi ficates and Services) Regulations 2022, made by Her Excellency the Governor in exercise of the powers conferred by Article 4(3) of the Air Navigation (Overseas Ter ritories) Order 2013 United Kingdom as applied to Bermuda.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. This brings us to a close for the Papers and Communications for today. 1378 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly PETITIONS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS AND JUNIOR MINISTERS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWe have five Statements this morning. The first is in the name of the Deputy Premier. Deputy Premier, would you like to put your Statement this morning? Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Good morning once again to everyone.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning. FINAL NORTH EAST HAMILTON LOCAL PLAN 2022 Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, today I laid for consideration and approval the final North East Hami lton Local Plan 2022 . The North East Hamilton Local Plan 2022 [“the Plan” ] has been prepared by the D epartment of …
Good morning.
FINAL NORTH EAST HAMILTON LOCAL PLAN 2022 Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, today I laid for consideration and approval the final North East Hami lton Local Plan 2022 . The North East Hamilton Local Plan 2022 [“the Plan” ] has been prepared by the D epartment of Planning [“the Department” ] to guide d evelopment within the north -eastern portion of the City of Hamilton. The Plan is accompanied b y a T ribunal Report detailing the consultation process, represent ations received and the findings and recommendations of the Tribunal. Once approved, notice of the Plan will be published in the official Gazett e and it will become operative. Mr. Speaker , I invite Members of this Honourable House and the public to access both the Plan and the accompanying tribunal report online at https://planning.gov.bm/ index.php/neh- 2022/ . Mr. Speaker , North East Hamilton is an area of unparalleled community spirit. However, it is also an area which has suffered due to a lack of inves tment in its infrastructure and environmental conditions. The area has been subject t o, and continues to experience, challenging socio- economic conditions which have contributed to negative perceptions of the area. These negative perceptions have caused a general reluctance within the private sector to invest in development projects within the area. Mr. Speaker , the right development in the right location can spur economic activity , and therefore it is essential that North East Hamilton is equipped with the appropriate planning policy framework which can assist in facilita ting investment. Mr. Speaker , the North East Hamilton area was intentionally excluded from the City of Hamilton Plan 2015, as it was considered that the area has a “distinct urban fabric . . . worthy of its own local plan.” The Department has explored a number of options for the preparation of a local plan for this area, attempting to ensure that it is sensitive to the needs and aspir ations of the people who live and work in the area. Mr. Speaker , the presentation of the Plan today repr esents the culmination of th at work. Mr. Speaker , the Plan establishes a change of approach in the traditional interpretation and applic ation of planning policy in Bermuda in that the entire ethos of the Plan is built around the concept of a doc-ument which is applied in its entirety. Such an approach allows for decisions to be taken through ba lancing all of the relevant factors and not mandating that a planning application must be refused because it fails to meet a single policy. Similarly, it also means that an application does not have to be approved just because it meets pre- conceived requirements. Mr. Speaker , this Plan allows for case- bycase assessments based upon the nature of development proposals and the circumstances of individual sites, and [the Plan] encourages developers and architects to put forward innovative designs which r espond to the established characteristics of the area. Mr. Speaker , within the context of ever - changing social, environmental and economic dynamics, I believe that it is imperative to have a planning syste m which has the ability to quickly pivot and r espond constructively to emerging opportunities. I b elieve that the Plan can assist in successfully achieving this whilst remaining true to sound planning principles. Mr. Speaker , the overarching vision of the Plan is “ To realise North East Hamilton’s economic potential in a manner which is cognisant of the esta blished environment, sense of community and cultural importance of the neighbourhood. ” Mr. Speaker , in order to realise this vision, the Plan sets a f lexible policy framework which affords greater decision- making discretion to the Develo pment Applications Board. This framework does not set any absolute parameters in terms of acceptable uses, designs or building heights in order to allow each development proposal to be considered on its individual merits. It does, however, contain all of the conventional planning considerations, ensuring that appropr iate decisions can be taken within a robust policy framework. Mr. Speaker , the Department undertook an extensive consultation exercise with internal and external stakeholders in preparation of the Plan prior to the formal public consultation phase. Feedback r eceived as part of [this] initial phase of the consultation process was considered before the Plan was formally published for public consultation. Mr. Speaker , a draft version of the Plan was released on 5 July 2021, marked by an onsite press conference attended by technical staff from the D epartment and myself. Throughout the month of July 2021 the Depar tment raised the profile of the Plan by distributing information leaflets, emailing local bus iBermuda House of Assembly nesses and holding stakeholder meetings. Alongside technical staff from the Department, I also appeared on a live radio show to publicise the release of the Plan and to participate in a question- and-answer session. Mr. Speaker , the formal public consultation phase commenced on the 2nd of August 2021, ending on the 8th of October 2021. During this period, any interested parties were invited to submit objections or representations on the content of the Plan. Details of this public consultation phase were published in the official Gazette and on the Department’s website. In addition, the Plan was highlighted by various local media outlets at key stages during the plan- making process. The Department also issued a press release before the closure of the consultation period in an effort to obtain as much feedback as possible. Mr. Speaker , due to the public health gui dance which was in place during the public consultation phase, it was determined that in -person consultation exercises would not be appropriate. Accordingly, the Department held a live, virtual town hall [meeting] on 2 September 2021. As part of this exercise, technical officers from the Department conducted a present ation, which was followed by a question- and-answer session. The broadcast was shown live on the g overnment’s YouTube and Facebook channels, as well as on CITV. This also provided the opportunity for what transpired to be a valuable question- and-answer session. Mr. Speaker , a total of three submissions were received as part of the formal public consultation phase. One of these submissions was confirmed [upon receipt] to be an objection . The Department subsequently held discussions with each of the parties who made formal submissions , and following those discussions it was confirmed that all of the cases r eceived were to be treated as representations , and not objections . This is a crucial difference, as it meant that there were no formal requests to change the content of the document. I think [it] is very important to note, Mr. Speaker , that [this] has been a success of this very meticulous process undertaken by the Depar tment. Mr. Speaker , in accordance with the Deve lopment and Planning Act 1974, I appointed a T ribunal on the 20th of January 2022 to process the submi ssions received. The T ribunal members consisted of Mr. John Payne (Chairman), Ms. Jennifer Haworth and Ms. Vanessa Turner. I wish to thank those Tribunal members for their participation and work as well , Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker , as noted within the Tribunal Report, upon consideration of the consultation process followed by the Department and the resolutions reached, it was determined that no formal hearings were required. The Tribunal concurred with the D epartment’s recommendations on each of the three cases and did not recommend any changes to the Plan, with the exception of minor changes reco mmended by the Department. Having received the final version of the T ribunal Report for my rev iew in April 2022, I confirmed my full agreement with the T ribunal’s findings and recommendations. Mr. Speaker , I believe that it is particularly pertinent to point out that the Tribunal concluded that the lack of objections is reflective of the flexible nature of the document, as well as the (quote) “vigorous consultation process used” (end quote) by the Depar tment. I wholehear tedly agree with these conclusions and believe that the Department has produced a document which could be the cornerstone of a tr ansformational approach toward planning within Bermuda. Mr. Speaker , the Government announced as part of its e lection platform a desire to transform the City of Hamilton into a liveable city , and voiced its support for major public and private sector bui lding projects including residential development in North East Hamilton. Through its flexible approach and co nsistent support for residential development within the area, this Plan will play a critical role in achieving these ambitions. Mr. Speaker , the 2021 Speech from the Throne detailed a commitment to ensuring that the North East Hamilton Plan would come before the legislature during this s ession. The presentation of the Plan today delivers on this commitment to the people of Bermuda. Mr. Speaker , again, I would like to take the opportunity at this time to thank the members of the Tribunal for their hard work and contributions to the North East Hamilton Local Plan 2022. In addition, I would like to recognise the efforts of Ms. Victoria P ereira, Director of the Department of Planning, and her team, notably Mr. Kenneth Campbell and Mr. Paul Mcdonald. Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is by the Minister of Transport. Minister, w ould you like to present your Statement at this time? Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo right ahead. PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLE MODERNISATION Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Mr. Speaker, earlier this year during the 2022/23 Budget Debate, I advised this Honourable House that one of the initiatives under the Ministry of Transport is to focus on moderni sing the local public service vehicle industry. Mr. Speaker, …
Go right ahead.
PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLE MODERNISATION Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Mr. Speaker, earlier this year during the 2022/23 Budget Debate, I advised this Honourable House that one of the initiatives under the Ministry of Transport is to focus on moderni sing the local public service vehicle industry. Mr. Speaker, this initiative aims to update the regulatory framework for public service vehicles. The project is a deliverable of the 2019 Transport Green Paper [“the Green Paper” ] and will include the moderni sation and harmoni sation 1380 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly of public service vehicles through a phased approach over five years. Mr. Speaker, the Green Paper identified that there are not enough public service vehicles after 5:00 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays to service visitors and residents alike, particularly at the airport, Dockyard, St. George’s and Front Street. Mr. Speaker, the overarching aim is to: 1. ensure a level playing field for the industry to better deal with the continuing and inevitable changes and meet customers' needs better; 2. improve the public s ervice vehicles sector to ensure improved service, customer and driver safety, and consumer protection; 3. regulate the provision of a robust public ser-vice vehicles licensing system, which ensures that the public [can] travel safely and receive good customer service , and that drivers and operators are not overly burdened by unnecessary conditions; and 4. expand capacity to accommodate future needs of residents and visitors. Mr. Speaker, Phase I, which includes consu ltation and feedback of key industry stakehol ders, i ncluding minibuses, dispatchers, limos and taxis, is near completion. The Ministry is currently reviewing the stakeholder responses. This phase also includes a review of current public service vehicle legislation, policies and procedures to ensure t hey are relevant, consistent and effective , and that they help protect stakeholders and users alike. Considerations are gi ven to ensuring the sector is up to date with the latest technology and consistent with the industry's best practices. Mr. Speaker, we are also working toward strengthening the transportation support to meet the projected increased service demands based on a forecast that predicts an increase in air, sea and cruise passenger arrival numbers between 2024 and 2026. Mr. Speaker, in closin g, Phase 2 will focus on opportunities and options that can be made available to improve the quality of life for owners and operators of public service vehicles, generating revenue for the Government and making it easier to enter the public service vehicle services industry. Thank you, Mr. Speaker .
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of National Security. Minister, would you like to present your Statement? Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning to you and good morning to co lleagues.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning. CYBERSECURITY WORKSHOP Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Speaker, you will recall from the 2021 Speech from the Throne that data [is] the new oil, and Bermuda must ensure that our cybe rsecurity defenc es are adequate to defend our I sland from dangerous online actors. We committed to …
Good morning. CYBERSECURITY WORKSHOP
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Speaker, you will recall from the 2021 Speech from the Throne that data [is] the new oil, and Bermuda must ensure that our cybe rsecurity defenc es are adequate to defend our I sland from dangerous online actors. We committed to intr oduce a CyberSecurity Bill, which will establish minimum standards for cybersecurity for critical assets such as energy supply, telecommunications, water infrastructure and government data. Mr. Speaker , I am pleased to inform this Honou rable House that work is underway on the l egislation , which I intend to table this calendar year. Mr. Speaker , the legislation is only a part of our cybersecurity strategy . Global trends and reports indicate that the number and severity of cyber incidents affecting individuals and organisations across nations will grow. This, coupled with the rapidly evol ving cyber -threat landscape, means that Bermuda needs to identify and classify cyberthreats ; enhance management of cyberthreats ; and provide support to organisations across all sectors on how to manage these threats , particularly our critical national infr astructure. Mr. Speaker , this week a cybersecurity wor kshop is being provided to both government and pr ivate sector stakeholders with responsibility for critical national infrastructure. Mr. Speaker , the five -day workshop, which ends today, is being presented by two experts from the International Telecommunic ations Union : Mr. Marwan Ben Rached and Mr. Pablo Palacios. The ITU is the United Nations’ specialised agency for information and communication technol ogies, and we are very fortunate to have these two subject experts on Island to present the workshop. The workshop will assist us in building national cyber resi lience and the protection of critical information infrastructure. Mr. Speaker , the wor kshop is also focusing on the functions and role of a National Cyber Security Incident Response Team ( or CSIRT ) to improve our ability to protect, detect and respond to cyberthreats. This includes providing technical training for gover nment cyber incident responders and the setting up of the following: • a threat -sharing platform; • security monitoring systems; • an incident management system; and • a digital forensics system . Mr. Speaker , the ITU emphasi se that at the national level cybersecurity is a sha red res ponsibility which requires coordinated action for prevention, preparation, response and incident recovery on the part of government authorities, the private sector and civil society. Mr. Speaker , this workshop is part of our commitment to meet that responsibility , including partnering with the private sector in protecting our cri tBermuda House of Assembly ical national infrastructure from the rapidly evolving cyberthreat. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is also f rom the Minister of National Security. Minister, would you like to continue with your second Statement? Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Yes, Mr. Speaker. As I get started, I sent you a WhatsApp. Can you take a look at …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAll right. Continue. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Okay. HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to advise this Honourable House that we have just entered hurricane season, which runs from June 1 until November 30. Mr. Speaker, based on records of the last 30 years, …
All right. Continue.
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Okay.
HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to advise this Honourable House that we have just entered hurricane season, which runs from June 1 until November 30. Mr. Speaker, based on records of the last 30 years, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climate Prediction Centre issues an annual hurricane activity prediction. They have predicted that this year will be above average. Mr. Speaker, the forecast for this year is 14 to 21 named storms, 6 to 10 hurricanes , and 3 to 6 major hurricanes (which is a Category 3 and above) . Mr. Speaker, the 2021 season saw no hurr icanes directly hit Bermuda , but two hurricanes came close: Hurricane Larry missed Bermuda by 140 miles to our east as a Category 1 hurricane; and Hurricane Sam missed Bermuda by 200 miles also to our east as a major Category 4 hurricane. Mr. Speaker, with this said, the early predi ctions for 2022 are that the season will be even more active with storms being more frequent and stronger. We have already seen the first hurricane of the year, Hurricane Agatha, hit Mexico on its Pacific coast and cross over into the Gulf of Mexico where it is gaining strength. Mr. Speaker, each year the government begins its preparations f or hurricane season in advance of the start -up of the season. In preparation for the 2022 season, the Emergency Broadcast Facility, 100.1 FM, has been checked and is in a good state of readiness. It is located on the new Government Tower at Prospect and is broadcasting every day at reduced power. Power will be increased if needed. The public is encouraged to familiarise themselves with the st ation by tuning in from time to time. Mr. Speaker, June is Hurricane Preparedness
Month [when] all residents are urged to prepare themselves for the hurricane season. During this month the Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation Team (DRRM) will coordinate a number of ac tivities to re -familiarise staff and train new staff with the Emergency Measures Organisation Operations Centre located at the Hami lton Fire Station. The month will also be used to test the equipment and conduct staff training for the Emergency Broadcast Facility [EBF]. The EBF will test its connections with the Bermuda Weather Service and the Government Facebook Live link. Mr. Speaker, residents are urged to take time out and think about their preparedness as a family in line with the five themes of hurri cane preparedness, which are as follows: 1. Monday —Personal Safety; 2. Tuesday —Family Safety; 3. Wednesday —Financial Security; 4. Thursday —Strengthen Your Home; and 5. Friday —Community and Neighbours . Mr. Speaker, next week the Emergency Measures Organisation executive will meet to assess the Government’s hurricane readiness, and I urge all residents to also assess their readiness. Mr. Speaker, we all understand that it takes only one hurricane to make 2022 an active season for Bermuda, and I urge all residents to be prepared. Now is the time to inspect, prepare and repair your house for hurricane season. Now is the time to look at your family plans and update them with any changes to phone numbers and other important i nformation. Now is the time to take stock of all medi cal prescriptions that your family and pets require and ensure that you have at least two weeks’ supply on hand. Now is the time to check your hurricane kit to make sure you have working flashlights, a portable radio with spare batteries and a stock of non-perishable food to last your family for seven days. Now is the time to ensure your house insurance policy is up to date. Now is the time to visit your vulnerable neighbours and ask them if they need any help with their preparations, keeping COVID -19 safet y preca utions in mind. Mr. Speaker, several years ago the Depar tment of Communications released their smartphone application called Tree Frog. This app will alert all users to news and alerts posted by the Bermuda Government and includes any alerts posted by the Emergency Measures Organisation that the public need to be urgently aware of. I urge all in this Honourable House and all of Bermuda’s residents to download and install this app, which is free, to ensure that you receive all emergency alerts. Mr. Speaker, each year during hurricane season Bermuda has an opportunity to demonstrate its strength and resilience. I am confident that with proper preparation, this year will be no different and we will safely weather any storms that may test our shores. The EMO, DRRM team and the Ministry of National Security will continue its work to ensure that we are well prepared.
1382 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Members. Members, I am going to ask for your indulgence. The Minister indicated, when he started this Statement , that he had s ent notification to me. I am going to seek your indulgence because there is a matter that he wants to address now that has some degree of urgency because it will affect us. So, based on that, I am seeking your indulgence to allow him to just add an additio nal paragraph as a comment to the Statement. Minister.
TROPICAL CYCLONE ONE
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Bermuda Weather Service, in conjunction with the National Hurricane Centre, has issued a tropical update bulletin for potential Tropical Cyclone One, which is forecast to pass at just over 200 nautical miles from Bermuda on Monday morning, with sustained winds of 35 knots. All residents should monitor the Bermuda Weather Service website during hurricane season so the y are informed of the latest developments of tropical cyclones in our region. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. And Members, thank you for the indulgence. The next Statement this morning is that from the Minister of Economy and La bour. Minister, would you like to present your Statement at this time? Hon. Jason Hayward: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning. NATIONAL YOUTH EMPLOYMENT STRATEGY Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present to this Honour able House Bermuda’s National Youth Employment Strategy . Mr. Speaker, yesterday I hosted a press conference at the Bermuda College, alongside the Director of Workforce Development and the Executive Director for …
Good morning.
NATIONAL YOUTH EMPLOYMENT STRATEGY Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to present to this Honour able House Bermuda’s National Youth Employment Strategy . Mr. Speaker, yesterday I hosted a press conference at the Bermuda College, alongside the Director of Workforce Development and the Executive Director for the BEDC, to announce the strategy. These two represent some of the key stak eholders that will be essential in executing this strategy. Today I will elaborate in more detail to this House the goals of the Youth Employment Strategy. Mr. Speaker, it is often said that our young people are our most precious resource. They are the future of our country. This Government has committed to and will bring about changes for the benefit of our youth. As highlighted in the 2021 Speech from the Throne and the Economic Recovery Plan, the Go vernment made a commitment to meet the identified needs of young persons between the ages of 18 and 26. Therefore, I am pleased to announce that the Mi nistry of Economy and Labour, in collaboration with several other government departments and youth- led organisations, are launching the National Youth E mployment Strategy. The Youth Employment Strategy aims to address unemployment by facilitating greater opportunities and educational pathways for all young Bermudians between 18 and 26 years old. The comprehensive strategy will ensure that our young people are prepared for the present and future world of work. Mr. Speaker, the Youth Employment Strategy aims to synergise all stakehol ders and leverage exis ting mechanisms in place to prepare our young people for career and financial success. And in doing so, we will achieve the following nine goals: Mr. Speaker, Goal 1 strives to ensure that young Bermudians are suitably qualified and p ositioned to take advantage of job opportunities within the local labour market. The first goal is to increase local training opportunities and promote pathways to securing employment. Achieving this goal includes the implementation of two strategic initiatives. The first strategy includes analysing labour market data to ensure training opportunities align with current and f uture demands. The second includes partnering with internal and external organisations to validate training programmes and fill the gaps in high- demand occupations. Goal 2 aims to increase access to young pe ople transitioning into the workplace. The second goal will expand career support services from high school to early employment. Achieving this involves ensuring that workplace readiness training and career guidance are provided from high school to early employment. Goal 3 will enrich the pool of local talent. The third goal is to support, promote and encourage Bermudians to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, otherwise known as STEAM. These types of jobs meet the rapidly changing demands of our local market. The demand for professionals with interests and academic bac kgrounds in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics is growing in B ermuda as more creative and tech- based job opportunities become available across various industries. To ensure the local labour force remains competitive, the Government encourages young people interested in STEAM to explore the opportunities available loc ally. To achieve this, we will support and expand the current number of training opportunities and ensure funding is made available for STEAM -related educational pursuits. Goal 4 will ensure that a greater number of young people receive relevant work exper ience and better prepare them for gainful employment. The fourth goal is to expand apprenticeships and inter nship opportunities. The strategy is to work with employers and look within the public service to expand apprenticeship and internship opportunities . We will also launch a campaign to educate employers and human resource professionals on the benefits of trainee schemes and apprenticeships.
Bermuda House of Assembly Goal 5 aims to increase public access to the relevant labour market information and career opportunities. Accompl ishing this goal focuses on sharing relevant labour market information in clear, easy -tounderstand formats using various communication methods that reach a broad section of the public. Mr. Speaker, Goal 6 is to encourage and foster the development of future business owners in our community, especially amongst our young people. The sixth goal is to support and promote youth entr epreneurship. Our strategy includes the continued support of organisations that provide services for young entrepreneurs, expandi ng programmes to promote entrepreneurship among young Bermudians and gi ving business mentorship opportunities for young e ntrepreneurs. Goal 7 aims to improve pathways to emplo yment and promote support services for vulnerable youth. Many vulnerable young people with no employment or educational pursuits can benefit from assistance to overcome barriers to employment and ac-cess to the labour market. These youth often have vulnerable backgrounds and face multiple obstacles to successfully entering the workplace. Improving the support offered will increase their level of preparedness and benefit the greater community. We will pr ovide specialised services for young persons requiring additional support to achieve this. Goal 8 will encourage young employees to realise their social and economic potential. The eighth goal is to revise policies to improve social protections for young people. It will involve reviewing our labour legislation to ensure our youth have specific protec-tions in the workplace, which include the following: • [protections from] racial and gender disparity; • [protections from] abuse of volunteer work; • a statutory minimum wage; and • offering financial support to those in need. Lastly, Goal 9. The ninth and final goal is to facilitate the repatriation of young Bermudians by encouraging them to return home to work, live and par-ticipate in the local economy. Mr. Speaker, the Department of Workforce Development will spearhead the implementation of the National Youth Employment Strategy. During the pre - consultation process, our internal and external stak eholders indicated that they are excited and willing to support the development and launch of the Youth Employment Strategy. Some of the work to be com-pleted by the Department includes modifications to the Bermuda Job Board, which allows the youth to regi ster for career opportunities, and executing the career mapping process, which is anticipated to be labour intensive. Mr. Speaker, in closing, this Government r emains committed to providing opportunities f or young Bermudians so that they may develop the ability and desire to guide and lead our country's path into the future. I urge everyone to review Bermuda's Youth Employment Strategy, available online at the Ministry of Economy and Labour on gov.bm . Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. This brings us to a close of the Statements for this morning. We will now mo ve on to the next item on the Order Paper. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. QUESTION PERIOD
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are no written questions this morning. The questions today are from the Stat ements that were given out this morning. Minis ter of Transport, we have indication that the Opposition would like to put a question to you r egarding your Statement this morning. And we will take that …
There are no written questions this morning. The questions today are from the Stat ements that were given out this morning. Minis ter of Transport, we have indication that the Opposition would like to put a question to you r egarding your Statement this morning. And we will take that question now. It is 10:41 am to start our 60 minutes. Opposition, put your question to the Minister of Transport.
QUESTION 1: PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLE MODERNISATION
Ms. Susan E. JacksonThank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning. And good morning, Minister. I have a few questions. I would like to begin with a reference that was made in the Statement about there not being enough public service vehicles after 5:00 pm Sunday, public holidays, et cetera. My question is, Is it …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning. And good morning, Minister. I have a few questions. I would like to begin with a reference that was made in the Statement about there not being enough public service vehicles after 5:00 pm Sunday, public holidays, et cetera. My question is, Is it that there are not enough public service vehicles? Or is it that there are not enough dri vers for those public service vehicles?
The Speake r: Minister.
Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: It is that there are not enough public service vehicles in operation at that time, or that they are not getting to those customers in a timely manner, thus making them wait outside of the industry standard or internati onal best practices of 15 minutes.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY
Ms. Susan E. JacksonYes, Mr. Speaker. So my question— and this is targeted at jobs and employment —I am just wondering if the Minister might be able to give us some information about whether the modernisation of the public service veh icles will include how new employment opportunities 1384 3 June 2022 Official …
Yes, Mr. Speaker. So my question— and this is targeted at jobs and employment —I am just wondering if the Minister might be able to give us some information about whether the modernisation of the public service veh icles will include how new employment opportunities 1384 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly for drivers might be available to attract individuals to the profession?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Keep in mind that the pu blic service vehicle industry’s primary goal is to provide safe and reliable transportation for residents and vis itors alike. As I said in my Statement, the Ministry is anticipating an increase in air arrivals, an increase in sea arrivals …
Minister. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Keep in mind that the pu blic service vehicle industry’s primary goal is to provide safe and reliable transportation for residents and vis itors alike. As I said in my Statement, the Ministry is anticipating an increase in air arrivals, an increase in sea arrivals and an increase in cruise arrivals. That increased number would automatically suggest that we need to increase our resources that are available or public service fleet size in order to meet the pending demand. If there is an increase in demand and an i ncrease in need to supply services, both would equal an increase in employment opportunities. And ther efore, the Ministry is looking to put or add opportunities and options —or add options to the modernisation concept, that provides additional employment opportunities, additi onal revenue -generating opportunities for those members and those industry stakeholders.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, MP. Put your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARIES
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you, Minister, for your helpful Statement. One of the areas you identified is the airport picking up, by taxis in particular. Is there some way to improve the way that airport dispatch communicates with the taxis? For example, the late- night -arriving flights, the …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you, Minister, for your helpful Statement. One of the areas you identified is the airport picking up, by taxis in particular. Is there some way to improve the way that airport dispatch communicates with the taxis? For example, the late- night -arriving flights, the Miami flight, is there not some way where they could inform people by social media or by message or text about a flight delay, time of arrival and the number of passengers so that drivers are aware what time they would need to be at the airport and how many people are likely to be coming? Because that flight often has a lot of people standing outside without any cabs coming. Thank you, Minister.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: I am glad that the Oppos ition raised that [question]. The simple answer is yes, there is always room for improvement. But being as though I am somebody who first -hand saw that there was a 90- minute wait for public service vehicles after a …
Minister. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: I am glad that the Oppos ition raised that [question]. The simple answer is yes, there is always room for improvement. But being as though I am somebody who first -hand saw that there was a 90- minute wait for public service vehicles after a delayed Miami flight, that is something that we find unacceptable. The Ministry is actively and aggressiv e-ly working with or trying our best within the confines of the project agreement to work with Skyport in order to provide not just a better transportation system or l ogistics, but to provide better accommodations and a better working environment for those public service vehicle operators who are down there for extended periods of time.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary, yes . Put your second supplementary.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Minister. I too was aware, as I was on your plane, the same plane, although I was in the back, Minister. But yes. I mean, it would seem that this is an easy fix just by greater communication between the drivers and the airport dispatch. Thank you, Minister.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. MP Jackson, do you have a second question?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPut your second question. QUESTION 2: PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLE MODERNISATION
Ms. Susan E. JacksonThank you. Again, I am just focusing on driver safety in the Statement. And I am just wondering whether in the modernisation of the public service vehicles whether there are investigations or discussions going on around the use of cameras or emergency alerts with police and things like that for …
Thank you. Again, I am just focusing on driver safety in the Statement. And I am just wondering whether in the modernisation of the public service vehicles whether there are investigations or discussions going on around the use of cameras or emergency alerts with police and things like that for the late night, after -hour drivers [who] are in that situation.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: I think it is safe for me to share and something that most of the public do not know is that the public service vehicle operators do have a panic button, which is required by law to have in the event of needing additional support …
Minister.
Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: I think it is safe for me to share and something that most of the public do not know is that the public service vehicle operators do have a panic button, which is required by law to have in the event of needing additional support and assi stance. And we are providing options that will allow for operators, if they choose, t o be able to take digital payments, thus hopefully [reducing the risk of] making them a target for robberies.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Jackson, do you have a suppl ementary for this?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThird question. Bermuda House of Assembly Continue with your third question. QUESTION 3: PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLE MODERNISATION
Ms. Susan E. JacksonThank you. This is around focusing on the key industry stakeholders. I see that much discussion has taken place wit h the actual public service vehicle industry. But I am wondering what consultation has actually been done with the customer experience side such as the hotel associations, St. George’s and …
Thank you. This is around focusing on the key industry stakeholders. I see that much discussion has taken place wit h the actual public service vehicle industry. But I am wondering what consultation has actually been done with the customer experience side such as the hotel associations, St. George’s and Hamilton’s chambers or corporations, WEDCO and Dockyard, the airpor t, et cetera?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: That consultation happened years ago and was part of and contributed most of the information provided in the 2019 Green Paper, which was mentioned in the beginning of my Statement. So once agai n the consultation has been had with those entities that you have …
Minister. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: That consultation happened years ago and was part of and contributed most of the information provided in the 2019 Green Paper, which was mentioned in the beginning of my Statement. So once agai n the consultation has been had with those entities that you have spoken about prior to our having the most recent consultation with the stakeholders.
Ms. Susan E. JacksonNo, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have completed my quest ions. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. And thank you, Minister. The next Statement that has questions this morning is the Statement from the Minister of Economy and Labour. Minister, you have a question from the Opposition. Opposition Whip, would you like to put your question?
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, Mr. Speaker. Actually, I have a question for the Honourable Minister Michael Weeks on Cybersecurity.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI am sorry. I skipped over that one; I am sorry. It is actually Minister Weeks . My apologies. Minister Hayward, it is not yours. Minister Weeks, my apologies.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, Honour-able Minister and good morning to the listening public.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood mor ning. QUESTION 1: CYBERSECURITY WORKSHOP
Mr. Jarion RichardsonIn respect to the matter in the Honourable Minister’s Statement where he spoke about cyber incident responders, which was on page 2 of 3 about halfway down ahead of the bullet points. Would the Honourable Minister be able to clarify what are these cyber incident responders? Hon. Michael A. Weeks: …
In respect to the matter in the Honourable Minister’s Statement where he spoke about cyber incident responders, which was on page 2 of 3 about halfway down ahead of the bullet points. Would the Honourable Minister be able to clarify what are these cyber incident responders?
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Well, the cyber incident r esponders —hopefully we will be putting a board t ogether of public and private subject -matter experts to monitor and ident ify what potential cybersecurity threats could be.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY
Mr. Jarion RichardsonYes, please, Mr. Speaker. Would the Honourable Minister please clarify if there have been any breaches of government c ybersecurity to date? Hon. Michael A. Weeks: To date, as far as my knowledge, MP, no.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Put your second question. QUESTION 2: CYBERSECURITY WORKSHOP
Mr. Jarion RichardsonWould the Honourable Mini ster be a ble to clarify in his Statement (this would be on the first page) , he raised the matter that he intends to table legislation in this calendar year to introduce a cybersecurity Act. Would the Honourable Minister be able to clarify what work …
Would the Honourable Mini ster be a ble to clarify in his Statement (this would be on the first page) , he raised the matter that he intends to table legislation in this calendar year to introduce a cybersecurity Act. Would the Honourable Minister be able to clarify what work is left outstanding before he will be able to bring that legislation to this Honourable House?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, MP. There is no real work outstanding. Drafting instructions have been given to Chambers. And hop efully in our next session I will be able to bring it to the House.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThose are all of my questions, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker [and] Honourable Minister.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Opposition Whip, did you still want to do your questions for Minister Hayward? 1386 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Jarion Richardson: I would. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister Hayward, the Opposition Whip does have a question that he would like t o put to you as well. QUESTION 1: NATIONAL YOUTH EMPLOYMENT STRATEGY
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning to the Honourable Minister. With respect to the matter that the Honourable Minister raised in his Statement of today on page 2, he spoke about the identified needs of young persons between the ages of 18 and 26. Would the Honour able Minister …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning to the Honourable Minister. With respect to the matter that the Honourable Minister raised in his Statement of today on page 2, he spoke about the identified needs of young persons between the ages of 18 and 26. Would the Honour able Minister be able to clarify, what are the needs that were identified in this process?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Jason Hayward: When you look at the picture as it pertains to our youth unemployment rate, it was clear that there are a number of barriers in place that actually prevent our young people from gaining gainful employment. And so what we looked at is, we ident ified …
Minister.
Hon. Jason Hayward: When you look at the picture as it pertains to our youth unemployment rate, it was clear that there are a number of barriers in place that actually prevent our young people from gaining gainful employment. And so what we looked at is, we ident ified the barriers in place. And then we looked at strategies that will alleviate some of those barriers. Some of those barriers are external to the individual, and some of those barriers are skill set challenges that individuals have. So when we talk about the support that we are providing, the goals are structured around providing support to alleviate those barriers. So when we talk about career advisement, we talk about providing employment services, we talk about training and development. We talk about awareness of the labour m arket and ensuring that persons actually have a full understanding of the occupations that are in our economy and the skill sets that are required for those occupations. When we talk about in- house barriers that exist because of lack of opportunity and exp erience . . . and that is why we start to talk about strategies of internships and a pprenticeships. And then we talk about how we can better engage with employers so that we can create our environments where the government and emplo yers are working on the same page to progress our young people through their career pathway contin uum.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary. SUPPLEMENTARY
Mr. Jarion RichardsonGiven t he ages of 18 to 26, what role has the Bermuda College played in identif ying these needs or providing solutions?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Jason Hayward: So, the ages of 18 to 26 were selected because our school system ends at the age of 18, our high s chool system. Workforce Develo pment responsibility begins at the age of 18. So an ything under 18 will fall under the education [system]. But …
Minister.
Hon. Jason Hayward: So, the ages of 18 to 26 were selected because our school system ends at the age of 18, our high s chool system. Workforce Develo pment responsibility begins at the age of 18. So an ything under 18 will fall under the education [system]. But you asked a specific question in terms of Berm uda College. It has been recognised that the community college is the bridge between jobs that are in d emand within our society and transitioning our young people on those particular educational continuums, or pathways. So the PACE [Professional and Career Education] Division is extremely important because the PACE [Divisi on] is the flexible arm of the Bermuda College which is able to adapt itself to the demands of the changing labour market. So Bermuda College has two critical functions. Number one is to better position our young people to take advantage of jobs that exist ; but then also [number two is to] provide the first step to a continuum of future education that will assist our young persons.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, you can put your second question. QUESTION 2: NATIONAL YOUTH EMPLOYMENT STRATEGY
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to the matter the Honourable Minister raised being Goal 9, wherein he said, “ The ninth and final goal is to facilitate the repatriation of young Bermudians . . . .” Would he be able to clarify or explain how increasing the number of …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo ahead, Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: So the strategy is a youth employment strategy. It is not just to tackle unemplo yment, but it is also to reduce barriers to our young people becoming gainfully employed. We recognise that our young persons are determining that they want B ermuda House …
Go ahead, Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: So the strategy is a youth employment strategy. It is not just to tackle unemplo yment, but it is also to reduce barriers to our young people becoming gainfully employed. We recognise that our young persons are determining that they want
B ermuda House of Assembly . . . they are emigrating [from] Bermuda because there is a lack of opportunity. Maybe the cost of living is an issue, and maybe there is a limited level of resources on the Island to support those individuals. So understanding that the Government needs to put strategies in place that make Bermuda a more attractive place so that we can retain our local talent, it is not just addressing unemployment . But some persons leave because of unemployment. But we want to see employment of our educated youth, and we want to ensure that our youth have opportunities in their own Island.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Cannonier, you can put a suppl ementary. SUPPLEMENTARY
Mr. L. Craig Cannoni erYes. Thank you. The Minister was talking about barriers, and I believe that some of the goals that have been outlined are also part of resolving some of those barriers. [I’m] just curious. In his findings, was there any one partic ular thing that stood out that was a barrier …
Yes. Thank you. The Minister was talking about barriers, and I believe that some of the goals that have been outlined are also part of resolving some of those barriers. [I’m] just curious. In his findings, was there any one partic ular thing that stood out that was a barrier above and beyond some of the other challenges? Was there an ything in particular that he was surprised at or that stood out as one main issue for our youth?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Jason Hayward: When we talk about our youth it is actually a broad group of individuals with different skill sets, different social/economic backgrounds. So no, there is not one major thing that stood out. But what was clear instead, as it pertains to one of the biggest hurdles, …
Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: When we talk about our youth it is actually a broad group of individuals with different skill sets, different social/economic backgrounds. So no, there is not one major thing that stood out. But what was clear instead, as it pertains to one of the biggest hurdles, is the hurdle of experience. Even the entry -level jobs within our economy require a level of experience when we look at the majority of jobs advertised. Notwithstanding that, our young people may have the ability or they may have the education or the willingness to do the job. The experience of getting in the door creates a barrier for our young persons. What we have seen through the Graduate Training Programme that we actually ran through the Depar tment of the Workforce Development is, notwithstand-ing [the fact that] those young people did not have the experience, they had the education and they had the willingness. Unless we placed those individuals into the world of work, what we saw is that after their i nternship a large proportion of those individuals were actually retained because they had an opportunity to show the value that they can bring to the workplace. So if it’s one thing, it is the lack of entry -level opportunities where persons can actually show and prove their worth and their value.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOpposition Whip, do you have a supplementary? Or Mr. Cannonier, MP Cannonier?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThird question, yes. QUESTION 3: NATIONAL YOUTH EMPLOYMENT STRATEGY
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you. The Honourable Minister h as poi nted out the nine goals of t he National Youth Employment Strat egy. Would he be ab le to speak t o how t his pl an differs from t he existin g work and goals of t he Department of Workforce …
Thank you. The Honourable Minister h as poi nted out the nine goals of t he National Youth Employment Strat egy. Would he be ab le to speak t o how t his pl an differs from t he existin g work and goals of t he Department of Workforce Development? Hon. Jason Hayward: Th e Youth Employment Strategy is a strategy that focuses primarily on our young people between the ages of 18 and 26. You would note that earlier we raised the National Reemployment Strategy, whic h is much broader than this particular demographic group. We recognise that this demographic group is the demographic group that is the most displaced from our workforce. For our young people, specific, geared strategies for them are required, [as well as] specialised employment services and support services. Some of the work that the Department of Work force Development currently does will fall in alignment with this strategy. But then it als o focus ed them to look at other areas where there are gaps as it pertains to the acces sibility of market information, the proper career guidance, forming greater levels of partnerships with employers . Apprenticeships have always been a feature of our economy, but they need to be extended and advanced. And so some of the work that is set out in the plan will be in alignment with what the Department of Workforce Development is currently doing. And where there are gaps the Department of Workforce Development we will put strategies in place. And other organisations [are involved], because it is not just the Department of Workforce Development that will be carrying out this particular plan. We will put this stra tegy in place so that we can close those gaps.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Supplementary? 1388 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly SUPPLEMENTARIES
Mr. Jarion RichardsonYes, Mr. Speaker. When does the Honourable Minister anticipate giving updates to this Honourable House?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Jason Hayward: I have had a habit, when we were rolling out the National Re- employment Strategy , of providing updates on a timely basis. And I will endeavour to do the same as it pertains to the initiatives that are focused within the Youth Employment Strat egy. …
Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: I have had a habit, when we were rolling out the National Re- employment Strategy , of providing updates on a timely basis. And I will endeavour to do the same as it pertains to the initiatives that are focused within the Youth Employment Strat egy. Certainly we will give updates based off of the activity that is actually taking place. S o I cannot commit to a quarterly timeframe, but I can commit to providing updates as we move through the execution and i mplementation of the strategy, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAll right. Further supplementary?
Mr. Jarion RichardsonYes, Mr. Speaker. What does the Honourable Minister see as a success metric? Hon. Jason Hayward: The successful metric to me would be a system in place that focuses on our young people. [Feedback]
Mr. Jarion RichardsonMr. Speaker, I think that one of the Honourable Mem bers has opened their micr ophone.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI’m trying to close that and figure out which Member it is right now. Ms. Simmons -Wade , if you can just mute yourself again. Thank you. Hon. Jason Hayward: The output would be a system in place that focuses on our young people in a sustainable manner. This problem …
I’m trying to close that and figure out which Member it is right now. Ms. Simmons -Wade , if you can just mute yourself again. Thank you. Hon. Jason Hayward: The output would be a system in place that focuses on our young people in a sustainable manner. This problem is not going t o be era dicated in one year, two years. And every generation of young persons coming behind the current generation will have their challenges. But we should always have as a feature of our system strategies and initiatives that actually focus on that particular demographic group so that we do not fall back into this area where we have over 30 per cent unemployment for that particular group.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThis brings us to a close to the question period for this morning. Thank you, Members, thank you, Ministers, for your participation. We now move on. CONGRATULATORY AND/OR OBITUARY SPEECHES
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWould any Member like to make a contribution? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMr. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYou have your three minutes. Hon. E. David Burt: Are you doing well today, Mr. Speaker?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, very well, thank you. Hon. E. David Burt: All right. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we often speak of a lifetime in public service in casual terms and usually refer to c areers of 30, 40 or perhaps even 50 years. Seventy years of s ervice brings new …
Yes, very well, thank you.
Hon. E. David Burt: All right. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we often speak of a lifetime in public service in casual terms and usually refer to c areers of 30, 40 or perhaps even 50 years. Seventy years of s ervice brings new meaning to the term a lifetime of service. The Britain and the world of 1952 is a thing of the past. But today, 70 years later, there remains a common presence that has weathered those changes, withstood personal challenges and adapted to the modern era in which we live. Mr. Speaker, Her Majesty the Queen is a ra llying symbol to many around the world, with unfailing calm and dignity. She has wowed presidents and ordinary citizens, mastered huge crowds and intimate gatherings. On the occas ion of this, Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, on behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda and certainly, Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Members of this Honourable House, I wish to convey and ask the House to convey warmest con-gratulations on this milestone the like of which we will not see again for many generations. Mr. Speaker, if I may offer a note of condolence?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo right ahead. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on a sad note, I would like to ask this Honourable Ho use to extend condolences specif ically to [her sons], Mr . Jesse [Seymour] and Mr. John Seymour, but also to the family of the late …
Go right ahead.
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, on a sad note, I would like to ask this Honourable Ho use to extend condolences specif ically to [her sons], Mr . Jesse [Seymour] and Mr. John Seymour, but also to the family of the late Ms. Jennifer Rose Seymour. And I am happy to associate all Members of the House with this note of condolence.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I know that words are not enough to make up for the immense loss. But I wish for the Seymour family to know that they are cerBermuda House of Assembly tainly in the thoughts and prayers of the Honourable Members. For those …
Thank you.
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I know that words are not enough to make up for the immense loss. But I wish for the Seymour family to know that they are cerBermuda House of Assembly tainly in the thoughts and prayers of the Honourable Members. For those persons who did not get to know Ms. Jennifer Rose Seymour, as many people refer to her as ”Aunt Jenny ,” she was a woman of faith, a woman of kindness, a woman who was always giving at every moment of her life to persons who were less fortunate than [she was]. She ministered through m usic, she ministered through food, she ministered through fellowship, and she was always someone whom you could count on to be there with a kind word and a smile. So with that, Mr. Speaker, I do wish to extend condolences to the entire family , certainly Jesse and John, having recently lost their father and now also lost their mother. And I just wish that they will be blessed and comforted with strength during this very difficult time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberMr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Foggo, I see you on the screen there.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI heard a second voice, but I see yo u there.
Ms. Lovitta F. FoggoYes, I am here. Can you hear me, Mr. Speaker? The Speaker: Yes.
Ms. Lovitta F. FoggoOh, okay. Thank you. Good morning. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express cond olences for [the family of] Ms. Relda Wellman. I am not sure if condolences were done—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThey were done at the last sitting, so—
The SpeakerThe Speaker—you can associate yourself, yes.
Ms. Lovitta F. FoggoThank you. Yes, I would like to associate myself, Mr. Speaker. Relda, though she was a Somerset girl, she lived in St. David’s for many, many years.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Still wore orange and blue. [Laughter]
Ms. Lovitta F. FoggoAnd [she] was a loyal suppor ter, Mr. Speaker. She is the sister of, I think everybody knows, of Orin Simmons. I would just like to identify the Simmons family. [Relda] will be greatly missed both in St. David’s and in the Somerset community where she will be eulogised today, …
And [she] was a loyal suppor ter, Mr. Speaker. She is the sister of, I think everybody knows, of Orin Simmons. I would just like to identify the Simmons family. [Relda] will be greatly missed both in St. David’s and in the Somerset community where she will be eulogised today, Mr. Speaker, as I understand it. Mr. Speaker, I w ould also like to give condolences to the Burgess family for Ms. Debra Burgess. And I think you would remember her. She attended the Berkeley Institute when we attended Berkeley I nstitute. Though she was a few years older than me, nonetheless, her stature, her great looks, and her acumen have everyone remembering who she was. She was the daughter of Mr. [Vernon] “Ghandi” Burgess, and everybody is familiar with who he is. Again, she has been a constituent of mine, the Burgess family living down in St. David’ s for many, many, many, many moons. And she was a resident on St. David’s Road, and she will be sorely missed by her family. It was a blow to her family because she was one of the younger children of Mr. Burgess. So she is leaving behind quite a few older siblings. So, Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the opportunity to express my condolences, and I will say that St. David’s has lost quite a few members of recent. And so we definitely are a community in mourning, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the opportunity to s peak.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, could I ask to be associated with those remarks? [Inaudible interjections] Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, Deputy Speaker, would you like to make your cont ribution? Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to be associated with the remarks concerning Jennifer Woolridge Se ymour. Jennifer was from Flatts, Jim Woolridge’s niece, from Flatts, Victoria, Sandys. Mr. S …
Yes, Deputy Speaker, would you like to make your cont ribution? Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to be associated with the remarks concerning Jennifer Woolridge Se ymour. Jennifer was from Flatts, Jim Woolridge’s niece, from Flatts, Victoria, Sandys. Mr. S peaker, I would like this House to send a birthday greeting to Ms. Florenz Maxwell, who turns 90—she went 90 on the 29 th of May, Mr. Speaker.
Ms. Lovitta F. FoggoI wish to be associated with the birthday remarks. Thank you.
Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -WadeAs well as I do (Mrs. Wade). 1390 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Maxwell is an author. She just wrote a book. Her latest book was called Girlcott. And this is due from the theatre …
As well as I do (Mrs. Wade).
1390 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Maxwell is an author. She just wrote a book. Her latest book was called Girlcott. And this is due from the theatre boycott in 1959. Ms. Maxwell was one of the members of the Progressive Group. A lovely lady; I just hope she lives for another 90 years, because she done a marvellous job in this country, and we thank her for her services to this country. Again, congratulations to Ms. Maxwell on her 90 th birthday. Thank you, Mr. S peaker. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Any other Members? Opposition Leader, it looks like I see you in the camera. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you. I would like to associate myself with the comments made by the Premier in regard to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the celebration of her [Platinum] …
Thank you. Any other Members? Opposition Leader, it looks like I see you in the camera. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you. I would like to associate myself with the comments made by the Premier in regard to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on the celebration of her [Platinum] Jubilee. It is unquestionable that by any standard and milestone, 70 years is a very, very long time to be en-throned. Indeed, it is her grit, her grace, her dignity and her personal lifelong commitment to public service that have enabled her to fulfil her duties with such aplomb. We applaud her dedication in supporting the Commonwealth and the British Overseas Territories, and respecting their individual sovereignties. We con-gratulate Her Majesty and wish her continued good health and many more years of reign. On the local front, Mr. Speaker, I would like to associate myself with the comments made in regard to Jennifer Seymour. I saw John this morning and I passed on my personal condolences. I would like to associate myself with the comments made with regard to Florenz Maxwell. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to send condolences to [the family of] a matriarch of Somerset, and that is Ms. Margaret Heyliger. She recently passed. She was the mother of Andr é, Angel, Ren ée and Ol iver. I have known her for quite some time. She was a long-time taxi driver. She loved to dance. She always danced wherever she went. And you could also find her out cutting her own lawn with her own mowing machine. She was a hard worker, a good mother, a good matriarch, and a role model for her family and the Somerset village. I would also like to send condolences to the family of Rosalind “Rozie” Simons, the wife of the late Leon Simons, mother of Troy Simons and companion of [Eugene] Gilbert. She was a dental assistant at the government school clinic for many, many years. She worked in retail at the Triangle Shop, Cecile Insiders and Louis Vuitton. Mr. Speaker, I would like to also send condolences out to the family of David Nicholson Lunn. He recently passed. He was a constituent of mine. He was a former policeman. He was an avid Rugby pla y-er, and he was instrumental in having the Rugby Classic being played in Bermuda. I send condolences to his wife, Felicity, and his four children. He was committed to Bermuda and loved Bermuda. It was an interesting funeral. The Irish Connection were out in full force yesterday, and they spoke very, very highly of him and his contributions to Bermuda. I would like to also send condolences out to the family of —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI believe your three minutes are about up, sir. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Okay. Did we do Wayne “Gussy” Augustus? If we did, I would like to just ass ociate myself with him because he is the husband of Holly Simons and father of Pier and Devon.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Thank you. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWould any other Member like to make a contribution at this time? MP Simmons , is that you?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. MP Simmons, you have your three minutes.
Mr. Jamahl S. SimmonsThank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise on a sad note today with the passing of a, what can you say? This man had a career that broadcasting legend, a former co-worker, a former mentor and eternal friend, the “Silver Fox,” Everest DeCosta. Hey spanned the golden age of …
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise on a sad note today with the passing of a, what can you say? This man had a career that broadcasting legend, a former co-worker, a former mentor and eternal friend, the “Silver Fox,” Everest DeCosta. Hey spanned the golden age of broadcas ting, a pioneer in talk radio. And like many people who came through the Bermuda Broadcasting Company, he was a tremendous mentor and guide and friend to many. I would also like to pass on condolences to the family of Mr. John Holden, a community activist and a person who was well known from the talk shows and from speaking out on issues. And I think that what is important to remember about Mr. Holden’s life — Hon. Michael A. Weeks: I would like to be associated.
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons—is that he was not afraid to stand alone. He once conducted a march on the former Government by himself because he felt so strongly about an issue. That passion and that love of our country is one that we will truly miss. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I finish with the …
—is that he was not afraid to stand alone. He once conducted a march on the former Government by himself because he felt so strongly about an issue. That passion and that love of our country is one that we will truly miss. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I finish with the sad news of the passing of Beatrice Kawaley, who recen tly celebrated 100 years. A resident of Scaur Hill, a constituent of mine, her legacy through all of the fields
Bermuda House of Assembly of her profession and the contributions she has given, not just to her family but to her community, will be greatly missed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Simmons. Is there any other Member who would like to make a contribution at this time? Mr. Scott Simmons: Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe Whip Simmons this time. [Laughter]
Mr. Scott SimmonsGood morning, Mr. Speaker. Good mor ning to the House. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join the Premier and the Opposition Leader and the whole House in extending to Her Majesty on this her Platinum Jubilee all of the best wishes and continued good health going forward. Mr. Speaker, …
Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Good mor ning to the House. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join the Premier and the Opposition Leader and the whole House in extending to Her Majesty on this her Platinum Jubilee all of the best wishes and continued good health going forward. Mr. Speaker, I recognis e the entire country and the world are appreciative of her service, and we of course in this House extend to her the very best on our behalf.
Mr. Speaker, I would like to also be associated with the letters of condolence being sent to [the family of] Ms. Heyliger. And I must note Mr. Everest DeCosta, whom I have dealt with on numerous occasions, and I have a tremendous amount of respect. He was well loved and revered in our community, and should be remembered for the service that he had given to this count ry. Mr. Speaker, I also wish to extend to the former Speaker of the House, Mr. Randy Horton, on be-ing appointed an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. Also to Ms. Ercinda “Cindy” Swan and Ms. Cecille Snaith- Simmons, the Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Horton, a former Speaker of the House, served as an MP for the Progressive L abour Party from 1998 until 2017, representing Sout hampton West, the constituency that I represent now. During his time in office, Mr . Horton also served as the Minister without Portfolio; Minister of Community A ffairs and Sport; Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Public Safety; and Minister of Education. Mr. Speaker, we salute these individuals for their dedicated service to this country, and we thank them —thank them for the time that they put in assisting our country. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Government Whip, Mr. Simmons. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Some Hon. Members: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Richardson, I saw your camera come first. Do you want to make a contribution? He looks like he is not ready. MP Weeks, Minister Weeks. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to be associated with the remarks for those persons who got …
MP Richardson, I saw your camera come first. Do you want to make a contribution? He looks like he is not ready. MP Weeks, Minister Weeks.
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to be associated with the remarks for those persons who got the Queen’s Honours, former Speaker Horton; Ms. Erci nda Swan, the wife of one of our own MPs from con-stituency 2. Job well done for her hard work in Project Ride! She is a real community activist. And for Mrs. Snaith -Simmons, the mother of another one of our MPs, MP Mr. Jamahl Simmons. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to be associated with the remarks for condolences for Mr. John Holden, John Holden III. He was one of my constit uents. And as the former person spoke, Mr. Simmons spoke about the contribution that Mr. Holden made. He was very much a community activist. He was al-ways there to give me some advice and what we should do as a party and as a country. He was very much country -driven and always wanted to do som ething and say something and inspire me and inspire us to do what is right for the country. So my condolences go to his family, who are also my constituents. And he is really going to be missed because he was always there front and centre in anything that we would do in the community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Richardson, I now heard you first that time.
Mr. Anthony Richard sonThank you. Good morning to you, Mr. Speaker, to the listening audience and to my fellow colleagues. I want to also be associated with the condolences for Sister Jennifer. I knew her quite well. And as an example of her incredible hospitality, she operated the restaurant, the Flame Restaurant on …
Thank you. Good morning to you, Mr. Speaker, to the listening audience and to my fellow colleagues. I want to also be associated with the condolences for Sister Jennifer. I knew her quite well. And as an example of her incredible hospitality, she operated the restaurant, the Flame Restaurant on North Shore. When we used to go there, especially on pro bably Friday evenings, my son has a penchant for pa ncakes. And when he would order pancakes, she would actually go through the process of making the pancakes from scratch and giving him a full batch. So if an order might, say, have three pancakes, she would give him like five or six, enough to take home with him just because of her passion for cooking. Another example was, as someone said earl ier, she had a big heart for those who were less fort u1392 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly nate. And she would take persons into her home when she stayed in Southampton and feed them, let them sleep there until they became well. On a brighter note, I want to recognise a few persons in my constituency who have what we call milestone birthdays. There are many, but I will just focus on four. And they are Sister Olney Bean, a well - known taxi driver. She actually turned 80 recently, and so we congratulate her. Also, Mr. Christopher Whittle from Tucker’s Town R oad turned 80. Mr . Bernard S imons turned 75, and so did Ms. Diana [INAUDIBLE]. So we want to thank them, congratulate them for what they do. And another family friend, who is not my constituent, is Ms. Muriel Richardson. She is a lady who works very hard. I refer to her as a workhorse. Again, she turns 83. And I just want to say again, congratul ations to all of them because we too look forward to being able to live to those longer years. So thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. MP Cannonier , would you like to make your contribution?
Mr. L. Craig CannonierYes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. And good morning to all. I would like to echo the sentiments of Minister Weeks on the appointment of Queen’s Honours, the OBEs that were appointed to Bermudi ans. I took a look at several of them, even abroad as well. But in particular, I …
Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. And good morning to all. I would like to echo the sentiments of Minister Weeks on the appointment of Queen’s Honours, the OBEs that were appointed to Bermudi ans. I took a look at several of them, even abroad as well. But in particular, I just wanted to say that it is great to see our colleague in Parliament, Randy Horton, former Speaker, receive his OBE from the Queen. In my dealings with him outside of politi cs and in politics I found him to be one of those who was always concerned about the future of Bermuda and i mproving Bermuda, whether it was through his being a principal/teacher, whether it was through his politics in the PLP —always very progressive in hi s approach. And it was good to be able to sign off on the recom-mendation that he receive an OBE from the Queen. So we are excited that this has happened to one of our parliamentarians . We should always extol our parliamentarians no matter what line they si t on when they make these achievements. So again, kudos to Randy Horton. We all know him as a loving man of athletic ability, cricket, football, you name it . He represented Bermuda all over the world. And it is good to have this appointment having been m ade to one of our fellow parliamentar ians. Kudos to Randy Horton!
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Cannonier. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, Mr. Speaker (Deputy Premier ). The Speaker: Deputy Premier , you have yo ur three minutes. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWe hear you, but we do not see you. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just getting the video up and going.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo right ahead. Hon. Walter H. Roban: I wish to be associated with the congratulatory remarks given to Her Majesty, as well as the remarks given to the Queen’s Honours persons, in particular Ms. Cindy Swan, Mr. Horton and certainly Ms. Cecile Snaith- Simmons , in particular, and others. I …
Go right ahead.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: I wish to be associated with the congratulatory remarks given to Her Majesty, as well as the remarks given to the Queen’s Honours persons, in particular Ms. Cindy Swan, Mr. Horton and certainly Ms. Cecile Snaith- Simmons , in particular, and others. I am unapologetic of my admirat ion in particular for Ms. Cecile Snaith- Simmons, and I often tell her when I see her, Your cookbook is my primary goto for all Bermuda recipes that I aspire to do as well as you at some point in my life. She has made an outstanding contribution to Bermuda through that, but also through her contribution as a healthcare professional for many years, and of course has contributed a fine Member of this Legislature. In fact, she is clearly associated with two fine Members, former Member and the current Mr. Simmo ns who sits in the Legisl ature. I would also like to pass on a condolence message, Mr. Speaker, if you will allow me, on the passing of a lady who is associated with a very popu-lar eatery in the Hamilton Parish community, Pizza House, Shirley Egenolf, who passed away. Her husband Franz is the owner of Pizza House, a long-established eatery up in the Hamilton Parish comm unity, which has served pizza Island- wide to us all. Certainly, the passing of his wife must be a deep feeling for their family. So we should make a note of condo-lences to them. But I am happy to be associated with the r emarks given by all Members to persons congratulatory and my condolence for this period. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Deputy. Would any other Members like to make a contribution at this time? Any other Members?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo ahead. Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Jache Adams: But I certa inly wanted to echo the sentiments of my colleagues on the remarks of those who received the Queen’s Honours. All three have a legacy as contribution to this country. And I will simply say that it is without …
Go ahead.
Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Jache Adams: But I certa inly wanted to echo the sentiments of my colleagues on the remarks of those who received the Queen’s Honours. All three have a legacy as contribution to this country. And I will simply say that it is without question well deserved. Mr. Speaker, on a separ ate note, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Jah- Nhai Pe rinchief on his second- place finish in the Men’s Triple Jump with a jump of 17.05 metres at the recent USA Track and Field San Diego Imperial Association event this past Sunday. Jah- Nhai continues to excel on the international stage. The Government is certainly proud to support him and we wish him all the best in his training as he prepares for the Commonwealth Games in the coming weeks. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Any other Member? [No audible response]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. Before we move on, I would just like to ass ociate my name with some of the comments that have been given this morning. I will start in the West End and associate myself with the condolences that have been expressed to both the Heyliger family and …
There are none. Before we move on, I would just like to ass ociate my name with some of the comments that have been given this morning. I will start in the West End and associate myself with the condolences that have been expressed to both the Heyliger family and to the Kawaley family, both well known in our community, and we understand the impact of their loss not only to the family but to the community in general. And Ms. Kawaley had reached the ripe old age of 100, which is just outstanding in itself. But to both families, the Heyliger and the Kawaley family, I associate my condolences. To the Woolridge/Seymour family, I have known both Jenni fer and her husband for many, many years. And I was saddened by first the loss of the husband and now Jennifer herself. And my condolences go out to both of her sons. And I just wanted to associate with the remarks that have been expressed already. To Ms. Maxwell, I would like to be associated with the congratulations that have been expressed to her. I think she is a fine contributor to Bermuda in general in many different ways. But I would just like to be acknowledged in the remarks to be sent to her. And to young Mr. Perinchief on his continued success in the athletic world representing Bermuda. And with those remarks, I would like to also mention the runners from the 24 th of May, the Berm uda Day Holiday, rather. I associate those who have won the race, particularly the senior race and also the junior race. I acknowledge the young people partic ularly in their efforts to perform at a young age and hopefully go on even at the later age when they m ature to be able to run in the senior race as well. Lastly, the acknowledgements that were expressed to the Queen on her long service and to the recipients of the Queen’s awards here locally, I would like to be associated with all of those things. With that said, I will move on.
MATTERS OF PRIVILEGE
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. NOTICE OF MOTIONS FOR THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE ON MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. NOTICE OF MOTIONS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. ORDERS OF THE DAY
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAgain, seeking the indulgence of the House, the first Order that would have been dealt with this morning would have been Order No. 2. But we are going to have that dealt with as the last Order. And we are going to ask that the third Order on the paper, …
Again, seeking the indulgence of the House, the first Order that would have been dealt with this morning would have been Order No. 2. But we are going to have that dealt with as the last Order. And we are going to ask that the third Order on the paper, the Second Reading of the Electricity Amend-ment Act in the name of the Deputy Premier and Mi nister of Home Affairs, be the first item dealt with this morning under our Orders of the Day. Deputy Premier, would you like to present your item at this time?
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Getting my video on. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am happy to begin the Order of Business for the day. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill entitl ed the Electricity Amendment Act 2022 be now read the sec-ond time.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections? There are none. Continue on, Minister. BILL SECOND READING 1394 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly ELECTRICITY AMENDMENT ACT 2022 Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. S peaker, I rise to introduce the second reading of the Bill entitled …
Are there any objections? There are none. Continue on, Minister.
BILL
SECOND READING
1394 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly ELECTRICITY AMENDMENT ACT 2022
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. S peaker, I rise to introduce the second reading of the Bill entitled the Electricity Amendment Act 2022. The Bill seeks to introduce a new a type of licence, an innovative licence, thus providing a regul atory sandbox for testing innovative energy technol ogies. Mr. Speaker, before the onset of COVID -19 and the economic challenges that followed in its wake, this Government recognised the need to find ways in which both local entrepreneurs and foreign investors could be attracted to establish business in Bermuda. The stress which the events of the past two years have brought upon Bermuda has made efforts to encourage innovative investors an imperative for this Government. Mr. Speaker, the Electricity Act of 2016 was written specifically to exclude innovators at that time due to the potential magnitude of risk to our grid and consequently to Bermuda’s residents and businesses. This was with good reason, as the independent regulator could not yet have the capacity to evaluate any potential newcomers and [to] avoi d the risk altogether was a prudent action. The Regulatory Authority (RA) has now been operating for almost five years in the electricity sector and more than nine years ind ependently, regulating the electronic communications sector. It is a natural progression, therefore, to entrust the regulation of the evolution of the electricity sector to the RA as we move forward in achieving the goals of the Integrated Resource Plan. Mr. Speaker, to achieve a meaningfully different result from the status quo of foss il fuel generated electricity, there had to be a meaningfully different framework. Bermuda cannot hope for a low -carbon future while holding on to the framework that suppor ted mostly fossil fuel generated electricity. Excluding advancements in the renewabl e energy sphere like floating wind, floating solar and ocean- wave technol ogy would mean that the only means by which Berm uda’s electricity can be generated is limited to the hand ful of tried- and-true solutions, some of which may not be suitable for our Isl and setting. Mr. Speaker, recently credible innovators have been approaching Bermuda seeking to develop innovative solutions for electricity generation offshore in our ocean, ranging from floating solar, photovoltaic arrays, floating offshore wind and ocean wave tec hnologies. Any of these innovations could be game changers for the future of electricity generation in Bermuda. If proven to be not only operationally feas ible, but economically feasible and viable, attracting innovators means attracting investm ent and the p otential for creating jobs, which is something we must all do our part to achieve in these challenging ec onomic times. Mr. Speaker, however, in no way should the stability of the electricity grid be put at risk. And I am going to repeat that, Mr. Speaker: In no way should the stability of the electricity grid ever be put at risk. Bermuda’s very prosperity has depended historically on a stable and reliable electricity service, providing energy to our international business sector and our touris m sector alike. Plainly stated, risking grid stabi lity puts the reputation of Bermuda at risk. Mr. Speaker, I must emphasise that these amendments do not —and I repeat do not fling open the gate, but rather provide a measured and structured manner in which these innovators might intr oduce their technology. Under the proposed amendment, innovators will be subject to scrutiny to ensure their credibility as developers and will have to meet a series of requirements before being allowed to con-nect to the grid. P rovided those requirements are met, the innovator will have the opportunity to test their i nnovative technology in Bermuda. These proposed amendments, with the proper safeguards, will not only invite energy investors to Bermuda, but may also help in lowering the overall cost of electricity, thereby also having an indirect effect on increasing Bermuda’s appeal to invest ors in other areas which require large amounts of electricity. Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Regulatory Authority have been in discussions over the past year to assess what policy changes needed to be framed by amendments to allow for such a sandbox. Currently, no exception can be made to the requirements for a licence for any operators in Bermuda. These proposed sandbox amend ments would allow for a different process, one that embraces innovation and introduces a special type of licence for novel solutions, namely, an innovator’s licence. This licence is for a finite period, long enough to prove vi ability. Mr. Speaker, it is not enough for an innovator to be merely experimenting. However, it is also nec-essary for an innovator to prove commercial viability. So they must prove commercial viability as well, Mr. Speaker. Therefore, holders of innovator’s licences will also need to be able to interconnect to the grid, provide technical requirements to do so and [prove] that they are met. Holders of innovators’ licences will be al lowed to test, prove and eventually market their development to the Bermuda public in accordance with the Int egrated Resource Plan to provide alternatives to the current fossil fuel [generated] power. Mr. Speaker, the rigour of the process goes from inception to end of life, as innovators would hold licences that would have conditions. For example, if the innovat or is unsuccessful in proving their techno logy, the Bill provides that the developer will be obliged to remove and dispose of the equipment. On the other hand, if the technology proves itself well commercially, the amendments allow that it be used to meet the goals of the Integrated Resource Plan.
Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, it can be confusing and timeconsuming for a foreign investor to navigate through the various departments to ensure all of the necessary permits or authorisations. These amendments allow for the RA to be the primary and central point of contact through which all permits are obtained. This co ncierge approach makes it easy and attractive for innovators, both foreign and local, to explore the possibil ities of their technology in the local setting. Fees wi ll also be collected, aligned with those used for the submarine communication sector, since most devel-opment will likely be in our near or offshore exclusive economic zone. Mr. Speaker, concerns have been raised about obtaining the independent environmental a ssessment that would also require public consultation. The Bill actually enshrines this requirement in the legislation. There have also been concerns raised about the impact on our environment and delicate biodivers ity. Mr. Speaker and Honourable Member s will r emember in my November 2021 press conference i ntroducing Seabased Limited I spoke to the significant discussions that were undertaken by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (known as DENR) to identify any area that could be used to test wave technology. That information bears repeating: DENR held multiple consultations with stakeholders, including the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Public Works, the Marine Resources Board and the Commercial Fisheries Council. DENR had to ensure that the location would (and I will outline this, Mr. Speaker) provide the needed amount of wave energy, produce minimal disruption to shipping lanes, strike a balance with the fishing industry in that area, have no impact on whales that may be migratin g through the area or on areas where commercially important fish species may spawn, not harm protected species, i ncluding coral and seagrass and, lastly, avoid impact to any marine heritage. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take the opportunity to remind the p ublic and Members of this House about our Throne Speech commitment that the Go vernment will be introducing a Marine Development Bill. The proposed Act, which is being progressed by the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme, will i nclude a marine spatial plan similar to the Bermuda plan that will (1) protect 20 per cent of our exclusive economic zone; and (2) identify areas that can intr oduce sustainable industries such as renewable ener-gy. I stress this point, Mr. Speaker, to remind Honourable Members that our endeavours to attract new i nvestors and developers will require environmental i mpact assessments both on land and in our ocean. Mr. Speaker, and finally, the Government of Bermuda will continue to work with the regulator, in particular, and the energy sec tors on modernising our regulatory framework with a view to making sure that Bermuda has an energy infrastructure and all that it needs, and that it is ready for the future as it rapidly evolves. Mr. Speaker, lastly, I would be remiss if I did not recognis e the efforts of the team responsible for producing this legislation, including Mr. Denton Wi lliams, Mr. Richard Ambrosio of the Regulatory Authority, Ms. Jeane Nikolai of the Department of Energy, Ms. Lorraine Welch of the Attorney General’s Chambers, and I will not forget to mention also the PS [Permanent Secretary] for the Ministry, Ms. Rozy Azhar. Mr. Speaker, I now move that the Bill entitled the Electricity Amendment Act 2022 be read a second time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Minister, for that presentation, for the second reading of the Bill. And thank you also for your Mini sterial Statement of the last sitting at which you gave some additional background in relation to this legisl ation. The Bill before the House today is …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Minister, for that presentation, for the second reading of the Bill. And thank you also for your Mini sterial Statement of the last sitting at which you gave some additional background in relation to this legisl ation. The Bill before the House today is an amendment to the primary Act, which is the 2016 Act. And we are supportive—the Opposition is supportive of this Bill. We absolutely recognise the benefit of developing alternative energy strategies for our Island, and we represent the additional potential benefit of making our Island a creative (and as the Minister has used the expression) sandbox, a creative sandbox in which potential alternative energy developers and start-ups can come and play. So we think that this is a positive step in terms of hopefully achieving alternative energy solutions to the energy problems that face our Island today. And those problems are significant because of cost that is imposed by the current energy providers. I think most Bermudians would say that one of the bi ggest bills every month is the energy bill. And we as the Oppositi on support green energy and alternative options. We also support the concept of competition because it is through competition of course that we can best have a chance at lowering prices through altern ative providers, alternative ideas, alternative concepts in the green energy space, and competition generally. And most of all, we appreciate the need to seek to lower the cost of living in Bermuda. And the cost of living, one of the major, major contributing factors to the cost of living, of course, is the cos t of energy pr oduction and the retail cost involved to every Bermudi-an from that. And frankly, if you distil this to its core, most Bermudians want to know how their energy bills might be reduced. 1396 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly So we are hopeful that this concept of a developmental sandbox for alternative energy providers is a positive idea. We hope that it bears fruit for the Island and for Bermudians as a whole. And as I said at the outset, we support the Bill. I do have some questions for the Honourable Minister which we would invi te him to address in his reply, and those are these: First is the way in which the Honourable Minister described the way that these potential alternative start -ups might come to our Island and use the sandbox. In that regard (and I raised this question previously when the Minister gave his Statement to the House) we do find it slightly curious that the Minister is choosing to have the regulator as both the concierge (if I could use that term) and the adjudicator, the ultimate adjudicator. To us, that seems a bit of a mismatch. And again I would repeat, we have the BDA; we have the Bermuda Business Development Agency. And it would have seemed perhaps slightly more logical, we suggest respectfully, that they would func-tion as the concierge bringing [potential alternative start-ups] into the Island, which is what they are there to do, and for the RA, as the Regulatory Authority, to keep ring- fencing its role as the proper adjudicator. Because it is the regulator who will in fact determine the terms and conditions on which any potential ener-gy provider will have to operate. And indeed it does that now with alternative energy providers who are already here, the solar business being an example. So we do find it curious that the BDA is being bypassed here and that t he RA is being asked to perform a concierge service that does not sit neatly alongside its regulatory adjudicator role. The second observation that we would make, and it is not specifically about Seabased, although the Minister did mention Seabased, the potential wave technology provider. And I will come back to Seabased in a bit. But just generally speaking, whether it is Seabased or anyone else, we would simply reiterate that the proper procedures should be followed. It is preferable for RFPs [requests f or proposal] to be done, and it is preferable for everybody to have an option here and not simply run with a most -preferrednation status for a particular provider. So we made that observation before in respect to Seabased. But I think as a general rule, a nd I hope the Minister would agree with me, that really the reason we have the RFP process is to make sure, wherever possible, there is a level playing field and a fair and scrupulous procedure with integrity and transparency. The third question I have for the Minister is, What will happen when any particular entity, having gone into our Bermuda sandbox and having created a viable business or alternative energy provision —what will happen when they come out of the sandbox? I ask because my understanding —and I am no expert. But my understanding is that there are three types of l icences available. There is the sort of transmi s-sion/distribution licence. There is, as I understand it, secondarily a bulk generation licence. And then thirdly is a large- scale self -supply licence. I may not have the terminology correct. But my understanding is there are three different categories of licences. So I would be curious if the Minister could elaborate on how he sees these players when they come out of the sandbox? What lice nce will they have after that? But the fourth point is ––and I am pleased to see that one of the concerns addressed previously is now recognised and dealt with in the Bill ––and that is the positive obligation imposed upon these developers to have a dispos al or clean- up requirement. And that is actually in the Bill; we can deal with some of that in Committee. But I guess my question is this; it is the practical questions. The law is the law, but the reality is the practical situation. You have a referee on a pitch during a rugby match, but it is also how the game is played. And how the game is played is that a lot of the types of entities that we would want to see using the Bermuda sandbox are likely to be start -ups. And by definition, this means they usuall y have very little funding behind them. They do not have an over - abundance of resources. They are novel, new, innovative companies starting in the beginning with very little cash or assets. And that is precisely the type of people the Minister has already said we are trying to attract into this sandbox, and rightly so. But that does mean that if the business fails, as most start -ups do, they are not going to have the assets left after failure to meet the obligation of di sposal and clean- up, in all practica l purposes. So fourth, I would invite the Minister to just address how he sees that situation working, because the need for disposal or clean- up will arise after the business has failed. Because if the business succeeds, then there will not be a need for disposal and clean- up. And it will likely be a failure where there are no financial assets remaining and the business therefore likely be insol-vent. So is there going to be some sort of reserve fund that the business must set aside at the outset as a sort of debenture or some sort of reserve fund in case the businesses which fail, and then have the clean- up or disposal obligation, are unable to meet it? Just be-cause it seems practically speaking that they may well be in that situation. So those are the four specific questions that I would invite the Minister to address. First, the Berm uda Business Development Agency in their concierge function and why they are not being used; second, the importance of the RFP process; third, what will hap-pen when these entit ies come out of the sandbox in terms of licensing, and how does the Minister see that happening and what sort of licence they have? And fourth, what is the situation in the likely event that an insolvent business that has failed in our sandbox has an obligation to clean up, to dispose, but has no as-sets to meet that obligation? Will there be a debenture of some sort that will be needed? It was not clear to
Bermuda House of Assembly me from reading the Bill that this is currently envi saged. So I would be grateful for clarity on those four points. Additionally, I would just like to touch on a couple of other aspects that the Minister mentioned in his Statement. First and very importantly, we are very pleased to see the recognition of the importance— and it is in the Bill, and we can cover it in Committee—of the environmental impact assessment. What I guess I would like to know about (and it will not surprise the Minister that I am asking) is, Who does the Minister envisage—
[Inaudible interjections]
Mr. Scott PearmanI will pause. M inister, you are not muted. [Pause]
Mr. Scott PearmanWho does the Minister envisage will be responsible for the environmental impact assessment, and will that be the entity itself, or will it be an independent third party by necessity? Turning to Seabased specifically, as the Mi nister mentioned it; I guess my final question for the Minister would be …
Who does the Minister envisage will be responsible for the environmental impact assessment, and will that be the entity itself, or will it be an independent third party by necessity? Turning to Seabased specifically, as the Mi nister mentioned it; I guess my final question for the Minister would be in terms of the Regulatory Author ity’s Integrated Resource Plan. How does the Minister see the Seabased proposal, which is as I understand it a wave energy proposal, dovetailing in with the Regulatory Authority’s Integrated Resource Plan? So those are our general observations. As indicated at the outset, the Opposition is supportive of the Bill. We support green energy. We support alternative energy strategies and solutions. We support competition. And above all, we would love to see something succeed that will lower the cost of living in Bermuda by lowering the cost of energy. So, Minister, thank you for your presentation. And yes, you have the support of the Opposition on this Bill. And I would be grateful for your answers on the queries posed. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Pearman. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
Mr. Christopher FamousYes. Good morning, Mr. Speaker. At the outset let me say I want to address your concerns later on today. I know that I have som ething pending to talk to you about.
Mr. Christopher FamousI just want to make sure you see me. Do you see me, Mr. Speaker? The Speaker: It looks a little hazy, but it looks like you have got too much blue on there. Continue on.
Mr. Christopher FamousAll right, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, good morning. Let me first declare, I will not say my “interest,” but my profession. I worked in the electricity field for the last 30 years of my life. So I look around at my colleagues in the room, and I do not think …
All right, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, good morning. Let me first declare, I will not say my “interest,” but my profession. I worked in the electricity field for the last 30 years of my life. So I look around at my colleagues in the room, and I do not think anyone else can speak to that, as well. Mr. Speaker, earlier today we heard the Mini ster of National Security speak about the impending threats of up to 21 hurricanes. We all know what hurricanes can bring, and we all know that if and when they do land, people are generally out of electricity, first and foremost. Mr. Speaker, yesterday there was a newspaper item with the President of the Bermuda Industrial Union speaking about the rising cost of li ving. The rising cost of living is food, electricity, gas oline, so on and so forth. Almost every business entity relies on electricity, Mr. Speaker. Every household relies on electricity. Well, unless you live in a cave, you rely on electricity. So everyone pays fo r electricity. Bermuda has the dubious . . . I should say one of the highest rates of electricity in [the world]. A lot of people think it is all going to profits. No, Mr. Speaker, it is going toward paying Bermudians who provide that service. Mr. Speaker , I brought those two things up because we have to think about hurricanes. Where are hurricanes coming from? Due to changes in our climate, changes in the temperature of the se awater. That is why we have increasing hurricanes. That is why we had devastation in The Bahamas, devastation in the Turks and Caicos, devastation in the Philippines, devastation in many places due to hurricanes. Now, Mr. Speaker, Bermuda produces less than 0.001 per cent of the world’s climate gases. But we produce it. It is the lea ding industrial nations such as China, America and Europe that are producing what is causing this rise. Mr. Speaker, we all, every country has signed a mandate. Well, almost every country besides Russia and China, I should say, have signed a mandate to low er their carbon emissions, their carbon footprint. Bermuda in our region is one of the leaders of lowering their carbon footprint, where we now have a solar farm that produces 6 per cent of our electricity. Tynes Bay produces 4 per cent of our electricity, and battery storage produces 10 per cent of our electricity. So we have lowered our carbon footprint. But we can do more. And there are plenty of 1398 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly professions there to do it, whether it is through the sea or through wind or through solar. There are many options, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I was happy to be invited to attend the CREF summit in Miami a few weeks ago. CREF stands for Caribbean Renewable Energy F orum. We had leading professionals from around the world with various forms of renewable energy, whet her they be solar, wind power or others [such as] ge othermal. We cannot use geothermal in Bermuda be-cause we do not have that. But we can use wind and solar. Mr. Speaker, with any new industry, there are going to be winners; there are going to be losers. There are going to be prototypes, and there are going to be successful things. I am speaking to you through my phone, which 20 years ago if you said we would be having Parliament through phones, somebody would think this guy needs to go to MAWI [Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute]. Mr. Speaker, I say that because as the Member from the Opposition spoke, yes, there may be some who may not make it. But unless we try, unless we provide legislation to allow persons to come here and try their innovations, no one i s going to make it. Our electricity bills are going to remain high. We are going to continue to contribute to the carbon footprint. Our carbon footprint is not going to lower. [The Honourable Member] raised some legi timate concerns in regard to the clean- up if something does not work. That probably has to be in the legisl ation, that the person has to put aside money for cleanup if it does not work out. But, Mr. Speaker, I am happy to hear the OBA finally supporting something that this Government has broug ht. I want to take this time to thank not just the Minister, but the women and men who stand behind him in this department, in this Ministry. Especially I want to speak about PS Rozy Azhar; Director Jeane Nikolai, who is one of the leading persons in this region. Everyone loves Jeane at CREF. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to this being passed, and I look forward to seeing the innovations that could come about. And I will address your concerns later on, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOpposition Leader, you have the floor. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker, it is very seldom that I share the sentiments of Mr. Famous. But today I think we are on the same page when it comes to lowering Bermuda’s carbon footprint. In addition, we are on the same …
Opposition Leader, you have the floor.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker, it is very seldom that I share the sentiments of Mr. Famous. But today I think we are on the same page when it comes to lowering Bermuda’s carbon footprint. In addition, we are on the same page in r educing the cost of energy. So I rise today as my co lleague, Mr. Pearman, said to support the legislation. I think green energy and competition are good for Bermuda, are good for our economy and are good for the cost of living in this country. When it comes to innov ation, we have always been a jurisdiction that prides itself on innovative initiatives and protoc ols. So this is no different, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as it pertains to the energy sector, the Minister is correct. We have solutions which range from floating solar photovoltaic installations, floating offshore wind, and ocean wave technology. Those are opportunities for us to be more competitive in the delivery of energy in this country. When it comes to the sandbox initiatives, I have listened carefully and I have endorsed what MP Pearman said. We have to be careful in having the regulator providing sales advice or concierge services to the innovators or developers if they are eventually going to be the regulators. So I am just marking that as something to pay attention to, to be on top of. But my main comment ––I am not going to be very long ––my mai n comment is this: We are in challenging times. And in challenging times there are also opportunities. The sandbox opportunities, to me, are very crucial. I think we as a country have a role to play in this space. Now when it comes to electricity, we talk about the use of the grid. My question is twofold. What happens and how does the Government intend to address the sandbox initiatives that are taking place in developing and driving energy from Bermuda, who is not on the grid? So they are using Bermuda as a . . . (what is the word I want?) development jurisdiction and not an implementation. Now let me give you an example of what I am talking about. If a person wants to have a sandbox at their home and they live on the water and they are trying to find some solution for current energy or wave energy or even, as the Minister said, photovoltaic i nstallations from their homes, and they have resources to operate because they live on the water, their sandbox is from their home. And they will not be required to go on the grid. So if they can have their business operate off the grid from the energy which they pr oduce, be it for residential uses or commercial uses like BIOS. I am not saying BIOS is doing it. I am calling BIOS because their operation is on the water. So if they had the resources they could, in essence, put together an energy infrastructure with wind turbines and wave currents and photovoltaic currents from their property. And they can generate energy for their own use. Once they have mastered the production of their energy, then they know they have infrastructure that is marketable. And as a consequence, they may say, Thank you, Bermuda. I’ve developed my product in Bermuda. And I’m not impacting the sandbox. I’m not impacting the grid. So I don’t think I need to be regulated.
Bermuda House of Assembly So there may be opportunities where infr astructures are developed in Bermuda, but not for Bermuda. And as we are basically surrounded by w ater, there may be, as we called them more recently, digital nomads who may be willing to operate in Ber-muda because of the fact that we are a small jurisdi ction. We are progressive. And we have water and green energy sources all around us. Green energy sources abound. So again, my question to the Mini ster is, Will we have regulation for entrepreneurs who develop a sandbox and operate from Bermuda, who craft their product in Bermuda, who craft their energy sources in Bermuda, but do not impact our grid? Will they be controlled, and will there be any framework under which they will operate? So that is my question there. I think that is my main issue. Because, you know, we are in a global economy. And if you look at oil, for example . . . I am not promoting oil , but pipelines are connecting oil and us. The vehicles are d elivering oil around the world. If you look at a global map of oil pipelines, they go all over the world. The same thing is [true about] cabling, cabling for our tel ephones, for Internet around the world. So we may have new infrastructure, pipelines, cabling for energy. So if I am an individual of high net worth and I want to live off the grid, so I set up a sandbox to have a slice of energy cable going forward— we are looking into the future—coming off the beach or off the cliff right into my house and not worry about the grid, how will we address that as well? So I am just thinking outside of the box, given that this is a new industry and we are looking at innovative entrepreneurs because you know innovative entrepreneurs always, always think outside of the box. So I think our legislation should be crafted to address those types of situations. So I think with those brief comments, I look forward to the Minister’s reply. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Opposition Leader. Would any other Member like to make a contribution at this time?
Mr. Wayne CainesMr. Speaker, I have had the opportunity to look at the legislation, to consider it. And I think it is excellent. It is an excellent opportunity for Bermuda. I would like to congratulate the Minister and his team. As you know, the Minister has been on a roadshow over the …
Mr. Speaker, I have had the opportunity to look at the legislation, to consider it. And I think it is excellent. It is an excellent opportunity for Bermuda. I would like to congratulate the Minister and his team. As you know, the Minister has been on a roadshow over the last few months and has acquitted himself and our country at the highest stature. He has represented us in the United Kingdom at global con-ferences. And as I have travelled in my professional capacity, everyone has remarked that our Minister has carried our flag and has represented the people of Bermuda very well. His team has worked really hard on the legi slation. It is evident from the legislation. They have done a yeoman’s service with the legislation. As we know, there are three types of licence. There is a bulk generation licence; there is a TD&R (transmission, distributio n and retail) licence. And there is also a l icence that allows us to have small scale, so like we see down at the wind farm. This sandbox legislation just allows us to have innovator technology —this licence, this legislation, as you coin it, allows us to have new alternative legisl ation that allows us to look at wind. It allows us to look at kinetic energy. It allows us to look at perpetual m otion. It allows us to look at wave energy. There are so many different technologies that are evolving in the utilities space. Rather than have people come from all abroad and say, Well, it’s too difficult. It’s too expen-sive, we have learned in the FinTech space. We have learned in other spaces, and it is clear now that we need legislation that allows for an environment where people can have “one throat to choke” and go into one area and practice and learn and have the legislation supportive of new and innovative technology. I think that is a most excellent opportunity for our country. As you know, Mr. Speaker, I declare my interest. I, as you know, lead—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI was about to call you on that in a m inute. So I am glad you did.
Mr. Wayne CainesYes, Mr. Speaker. As you know, I lead our local utility company. And I want to highlight the fact that we are supporti ve of the legislation. Most important, after 115 years in Bermuda we realise that it is time and it is the right road for Bermuda to look …
Yes, Mr. Speaker. As you know, I lead our local utility company. And I want to highlight the fact that we are supporti ve of the legislation. Most important, after 115 years in Bermuda we realise that it is time and it is the right road for Bermuda to look at innovation, for Bermuda to look at diversifying our energy mix. And we are excited to be a part of that pr ocess. Ou r long -term prognostications indicate and show that we too we will evolve this legislation. So the sandbox legislation allows us to play as well. So we are happy to be a part of this sandbox, and we are going to jump and we are going to scurry around in t he sandbox like everyone else and compete and show that we are indeed committed to lower-ing energy prices and providing an uninterrupted source of power for our country. So we thank the Minister for bringing this legislation. We believe it is in the best interest of our country. And BELCO looks forward, Mr. Speaker, to being a part of the energy mix in the future. Again to the Minister, thank you for the legislation. To his team, who have done yeoman’s service travelling around the globe, sharing this mess age at CREF, at all of the 1400 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly different conferences. They have done yeoman’s services. And in my professional capacity, our organis ation is ready to pitch in to help in that regard. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution?
Ms. Susan E. JacksonYes, Mr. Speaker. I have a few questions I would like to ask.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Jackson, you have the floor.
Ms. Susan E. JacksonThank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. So I am listening to the concept of this legislation. I am supportive of the legislation. I am excited about the fact that Bermuda is taking next steps as far as innovation in the sustainability of our energy in Bermuda. So I am making, …
Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. So I am listening to the concept of this legislation. I am supportive of the legislation. I am excited about the fact that Bermuda is taking next steps as far as innovation in the sustainability of our energy in Bermuda. So I am making, putting my sort of foot down on that. I am supportive of the Bill. But I do have a couple of questions to ask because I just want to have full understanding. I would like to begin by just raising what innovation could potentially mean for us. And I say that to say that, yes, right now we are dealing with innov ations that are coming through BELCO. We trust the utility. So therefore, any innovations that may come through the likes of BELCO we will have confidence in because we trust in that organisation. And with the new utility which has come online or potentially w ill come online, and I have heard it referred to as Seabased, again, we seem to have some familiarity with it. But this Bill is also opening up for other companies to come online and maybe people and tec hnology that we are not as familiar with. With that, we may find that what comes knocking at our door could be very unique energy -saving technologies or components of which we might want to consider. So my concern and my question to the Minister, Mr. Speaker, is, How are we going to handle the consequences of any new technology that may come into this sandbox that does not quite work out so well? There are a couple of questions. One is, [say] there was a company that came to Bermuda and they did their research, they did their environmental impact assessment and they really got things working, and they developed to such a point that they would like to plug into our grid and provide a service. Let us say the service that they provided was really economical to the point where it could affect the household elect ricity rates. Maybe those rates go down. It is a wonderful innovative system, and the technology is wonderful. Is it then possible for that technology company that is within that sandbox to then say, All right. My technology works. But I’d like to now unp lug it from Bermuda. And I want to take it to a big market where I can sell this technology to 100 million people instead of 65,000 people in Bermuda. And I am just curious whether the sandbox is going to allow for innovation to come to Bermuda, to do the research, potentially plug into our grid to make sure it works. The price goes down, everybody is excited. And then the sandbox technology unplugs and wants to go to a bigger market. If that is the case, I am just curious how that would impact the househol d who may see their energy prices go down for —I do not know. I do not know how that would work. But if their energy prices went down for six months or a year and then that technol ogy was then removed, what then would happen if we then had to rely back on t o our fossil fuels and solar power and whatever else may be plugged into the grid? So that was my question that I had for the Mini ster. The other is around the idea that if a company comes and they want to test their technology in Bermuda and they fail, i f they fail, chances are they have probably run out of money. They have probably run out of expertise. They probably have run out of a lot of things. So I am just wondering, what has been put in place to make sure that when an innovative technol ogy fails a nd has to be disposed of, through this legisl ation, what comfort does the Government have that this technology research, that this company in the sandbox would actually have the money to remove and dispose of any of its technology that is here? So is there going to be some kind of financial deposit that has to be made so that we do not end up with, you know, rusting turbines floating off of the North Shore? Are we going to have the money on deposit that will, if [this company] fails and leave their equipment, that we would have a deposit to remove it on their behalf? I just would like a little more assurance of that from the Minister, if it is possible.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWould any other Member like to make a contribution at this time? Any other Member? There are none, Minister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you for the contributions and queries from Members who have spoken on this Bill. I appreciate that the Opposition is expressing …
Would any other Member like to make a contribution at this time? Any other Member? There are none, Minister.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you for the contributions and queries from Members who have spoken on this Bill. I appreciate that the Opposition is expressing support for the initi atives that we are bringing forth and realise the role we are seeking to play in moving our country forward, particularly when it comes to our aspirations as relates to energy. There were a number of questions posed by Members. Some were a little repetitive, but I will ensure that my answers cover what has been queried. There was a question in relation to the role of the regulator as I guess adjudicator and also conc iBermuda House of Assembly erge and how there was a conflict. This is a question I answered before, and I will refer Honourable Members back to the primary legislation, the Electricity Act and the Regulatory [Authority] Act of 2011/2012, and the Electricity Act 2016 (sectoral), which governs the sector. One is the primary Act which governs the objects of the regulator; and two, the Electricity Act is the sectoral legislation . Within both legislative bod ies, the purpose that the regulator plays . . . the regulator also has an obligation to promote the clean options for energy ge neration in Bermuda. So their role of ensuring that Bermuda pursues a clean energy future is embodied in law. I think that needs to be understood. So that is their purpose, as well as to be an overseer of the energy sector. In addition, Mr. Speaker, when t he role of concierge comes up, I do not want people to get con-fused. They are not in this case going to be out there advertising Bermuda as a place to attract interested companies that might have innovative technology. That role can continue and has been p erformed by the BDA. So the BDA is not being struck from their role that they play as a sort of marketer of Bermuda as a business jurisdiction. They will continue to play a role. In fact, they have played a role with a number of interesting parties that ha ve come to Bermuda, interested in what we do in the area of, particularly as I reference in my Statement, subsea cables and other innovative technological areas. So the BDA will have a role to play in that. The concierge role that the RA plays is in the processing of the actual applications. They will ensure that an applicant, a credible applicant, once they ex-press a clear interest in Bermuda and formally make their application does not have to visit 10 or 12 different departments, the relevant departments . The concierge model will be facilitated through the RA. So they only have to go through the RA in order to access the Environment Ministry, to access even the company, if needed to be, some company matters that need to be dealt with, they can interact through the Registrar of Companies. They can interact through the Environment Authority or Public Works or Marine & Ports if need be. They will interact with those agencies of government through the RA rather than having to visit all of them. That is the concierge we are talking about. So it is only at the point of making an applic ation that this company would be afforded the conc ierge opportunity. They might actually be facilitated and be attracted through the BDA going out and looking at and speaking to innovators and showing that Bermuda is open. And certainly the BDA, once this legislation is passed, and I do have opportunities, and I have been working with the BDA in my Ministry on a number of initiatives that are purposed to attracting to Bermuda, to sho wing Bermuda’s offerings in the area of technology and telecommunication and as a place that is interested in innovation. So that role will conti nue. Going on to some of the other questions . . . but I hope that has answered the different iterations to the concierge role that people are interested in understanding. Going to some other questions that were asked, just give me a moment. I am just trying to bring it up on my device, Mr. Speaker. There was a question related to Seabased. And there is a referenc e to Seabased. Obviously, I mentioned Seabased as one of the companies that have expressed an interest. I do not want people to actually believe that somehow Seabased has already been decided on as an innovator that will get a l icence; they are not. They s till, subject to this legisl ation––and also when we [follow -up] with the regul ations these will outline spec ific guidelines on how a developer wishes to formally make their innovation application. That is being finalised right now by Chambers to be approve d. Though Seabased has signed an MOU [memorandum of understanding] with us, they have no specific commissions. They are an innovator. Seabased came to Bermuda; we did not go out and ask them to come. So we do not need to be concerned that there will not be a specific —I know that there was a reference to an RFP process. That would presume that we went out and wanted to attract a particular company and Seabased signed up. There was no such process because Seabased came to Bermuda asking if there would be an i nterest in this. But of course we are endeavouring now to create a legisl ative framework so that not only Seabased but others will be attracted to making a formal application to be a part of an innovative licensing process by which they could test their technology. So let us not conflate innovative versus those vying for space in the IRP [Integrated Resource Plan]. It is a first come, first served framework, and each applicant if they so wish to make an application under the innovator’s licence will be revi ewed on a case- bycase basis. So they will have to meet certain rigid r equirements. And Seabased, even though they are here, still have to complete all of the requirements that our framework will ultimately lay out. Just because they signed an MOU with the Government does not give them a position that is more attractive or more advantageous than any other possible innovator. If an innovator’s technology proves to be not only, as I stated in my Statement, commercially as well as technically and technological ly workable, i.e. —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: —there will be a very exhaustive process on how that happens.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister , I am going to ask you to note the time. It is now 12:30. Would you like to move us to 1402 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly lunch? Or if you are close enough to wrapping up to Committee, would you like to …
Minister , I am going to ask you to note the time. It is now 12:30. Would you like to move us to 1402 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly lunch? Or if you are close enough to wrapping up to Committee, would you like to go to Committee first?
[Crosstalk]
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes. Yes. I have answered the questions. And then I can, if you do not mind, Mr. Speaker, then we can go right to lunch. I should be finished within a minute. Is that okay?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. All right. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Okay. The IRP would be changed only after it is clear that this innovative tec hnology is commercially viable and is technically viable for the interest of Bermuda. Ultimately, I know there were some questions raised by the Honourable Cole Simons about certain …
Okay. All right.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Okay. The IRP would be changed only after it is clear that this innovative tec hnology is commercially viable and is technically viable for the interest of Bermuda. Ultimately, I know there were some questions raised by the Honourable Cole Simons about certain types of scenarios. But no one can create their own sandbox. The sandbox is what is prescribed by the law, which is the innovator licence. Now, anybody who com es up, he was describing more of a self -supply scenario. That is not really what this innovator licence is about. It is about people bringing technology that can ultimately benefit Bermuda and her wider energy needs, not their own specific commercial energ y needs that would allow them self -supply. Self -supply licences are different. And as Mr. Pearman talked about, there are different licences. There is the transmission and distribution licence, which is very different from a bulk generation licence. There is potentially a self -supply licence. And then of course there is going to be the innovator’s l icence. They are all different types of licences under our framework. And just going on further, Mr. Speaker, to get these questions answered. There was a questi on about the Bill and the licence required that —people were concerned about an innovator being financially viable enough to actually go through not only the f inancing, the development, the deployment operation and then end of life of their technology. As w e have done in other cases, we will have an exhaustive fina ncial review of any application to determine that an applicant has the financial viability to complete that full process. When you say start -up, we never mentioned the word “start -up.” That is real ly only a word that the Honourable Member Pearman used. But we are at-tracting and looking for companies that have shown that they have the financial viability to carry through the process of whatever innovation technology that they are carrying. We are not looking to go with risky companies that do not have at least some track record of showing that their technology is workable. Innov ation is important, but it must make financial sense, and certainly the regulation around this will require a cer-tain level of coverage and, I guess, indemnity, to e nsure that they can carry out that process. There was a question about the environmental impact assessment. This is a question I answered before—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister, you getting onto almost an additional five minutes. Now, you had asked for a m inute. That is why I was saying if you had much to say we could break and come back and do it. [Crosstalk] Hon. Walter H. Roban: Well, Mr. Speaker, I will end here, …
Minister, you getting onto almost an additional five minutes. Now, you had asked for a m inute. That is why I was saying if you had much to say we could break and come back and do it.
[Crosstalk]
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Well, Mr. Speaker, I will end here, and I will answer this last question when we come back if you do not mind.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerNo. Hon. Walter H. Roban: I now move that we adjourn. It is 12:33 by my clock. And I will move that we a djourn until two o’clock.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Members, the House now stands adjourned until 2:00 pm. Proceedings suspended at 12:33 pm Proceedings resumed at 2:00 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair] BILL SECOND READING ELECTRICITY AMENDMENT ACT 2022 [Continuation of debate thereon]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood afternoon, Members. It is now 2:00 pm and I trust everyone is back from their lunch. The House is now back in session. For the listening audience, when we broke for lunch, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Home A ffairs was wrapping up his presentation on the Electri …
Good afternoon, Members. It is now 2:00 pm and I trust everyone is back from their lunch. The House is now back in session. For the listening audience, when we broke for lunch, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Home A ffairs was wrapping up his presentation on the Electri city Amendment Act 2022. Then once he has completed that we will go into the Committee phase with this particular Bill. Minister, would you like to continue at this point?
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I was concluding my answers to the questions raised during the general debate. And I will go to what I believe was really like the last question that was posed. There were issues around the env ironmental impact assessment. And there were questions raised around whether they will be done by a third party or who would be responsible for . . . I think
Bermuda House of Assembly that was the general question. I think this was, again, raised in another discussion on this matter. As is the standard in Bermuda and elsewhere, environmental impact assessments and their being done is typically the requirement from a regulatory standpoint, and within our framework it is a requir ement. It is now a requirement within the development and planning framework for land development, for significant development, particularly around special development or ders. It is a requirement. And there will be a wide public consultation around that. There will be requirement under the legislation for the environmental impact assessment. Typically, it is the stan dard practice, and there is nothing unusual about this [case], that the developer finances that particular env ironmental impact assessment. But, as is the case, it is scrutinised by tec hnical persons representing the Government and any others who are part of the process. And certainly, this will be a transparent process to the public as well. But the environmental impact assessment is a requir ement under the law and will be done. And it must meet the requirements set out for qualifying for the innov ative licence and to participate within the framework. So we are confident that this process will be robust around this. It is a requirement for any pr oposed or future developer who wishes to apply for an innovative licence, [and they] will know that this is a requirement [for] whatever they [want] to do. Some other comments I would like to make, Mr. Speaker. As has been a theme of the presentation that I gave around this particular piece of legislation, it is to attract innovation. For quite some time now, and this is not something that is unique to this Government but certainly Bermuda’s history as a jurisdiction is that we have sought to embrace innovation, or attract i nnovation into markets that we [already] excel [in]. Ce rtainly, we were one of the original tourism innovators of the region. Everybody knows that. W e certainly brought innovation to the insurance and reinsurance sector, with captives, with insurance and reinsurance and interesting types of products that came out and have been a part of the global reinsurance market. The ILS (insurance linked- securitie s) framework of which we are seen as a leader, and even now around climate finance, Bermuda is looking to be an innovator and has a tradition of innovation. This is about that as well, continuing the tradition of innovation that this country has long been a part of. But it doesn’t just stop there, Mr. Speaker. This is not just about our own self -interest. But it is about contributing to the overall effort at climate action and mitigating the impacts of climate change on our country. But also this is an opportunity to participate in what is a global movement, which is the rising interest and opportunities to invest in renewable energy. Right now renewal energy is seen globally as a more lucrative investment if you are [looking] at the utility scale over any other form of energy. Whether you are talking about natural gas or you are talking about fossil fuel , that is seen as being where the greatest opportunity is. And this particular area of r enewable energy has expanded and grown by mult iples, tens . . . 80 [per cent] to 90 per cent, some of the sectors have grown in the past 10 years . . . and this has brought down costs by dramatic levels —because it is seen as a worthwhile investment. The awareness of what is happening in the climate space is real and ther e is pressure, certainly, [on] us as small islands, and we are not alone. Around the globe, and certainly in our region with our histor ical dependence of fossil fuels, it is hurting us economically. It is stifling our development. It is pushing costs on our citizens who have humble incomes that do not allow them to grow and develop, because of the high cost of energy. As has already been articulated, Bermuda has one of the highest costs per kilowatt hour in the r egion––and perhaps the world––for a jurisdict ion. The only way we can help our situation, in one of the many ways, is to find ways to decrease our dependence on fossil fuels and the shocks that this brings to our ec onomic livelihood, but also to have greater energy s ecurity, Mr. Speaker. This is cruc ial to our future deve lopment. So it is important that we continue on this path. Not only that, one of the things that is understood, Mr. Speaker, is that with the global effort to reach net zero by 2050, not only do some of the interesting technologies th at are emerging and known in the market now have to be developed and opportunities found to be tested so that they can add to the clean energy mix of the globe, but more innovation is required. Most of the technology that we have now can help us get partly there, but a lot of innovation and a lot of new technological development is going to be needed to get us to net zero by 2050. So Bermuda is playing a little role in a big pi cture by creating an opportunity for innovative technol-ogy to be tested here in this jurisdiction so they may serve the world. Not only our interest s, but also the global interest of converting to renewable energy, the wider energy transition. So I see this as a part of not only our little local picture, where we can attract i nvestment internationally, but also we have local innovators who are eager to be a part of the picture. This is an opportunity for them as well to bring innovation to the table, and we welcome that they can go to the regulator and find out how they can participate in the upcoming innovation licence in a way that can enhance Bermuda’s energy mix. So these are great opportunities, Mr. Speaker, that we can embrace. And, as I believe I have an-swered all of the questions, I now move that the Bill be committed.
The Spe aker: Thank you, Minister. Deputy Speaker. 1404 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. House in Committee at 2: 09 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman ] COMMITTEE ON BILL ELECTRICITY AMENDMENT ACT 2022
The ChairmanChairmanHonourable Members, we are now in Committee of whole [House] for further consideration of the Bill entitled the Electricity Amendment Act 2022 . Deputy Premier Roban, you have the floor. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to, Mr. Chairman, give you notice at this point …
Honourable Members, we are now in Committee of whole [House] for further consideration of the Bill entitled the Electricity Amendment Act 2022 . Deputy Premier Roban, you have the floor.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to, Mr. Chairman, give you notice at this point that I will be preparing an amendment in clause 7 , which I believe it has been circulated on SharePoint to all concerned. I hope you have the amendment —
The ChairmanChairmanYes, I have it. Hon. Walter H. Roban: —in front of you, Mr. Chai rman.
The ChairmanChairmanMm-hmm. Hon. Walter H. Roban: But firstly, I wish to get your permission and the permission of the House to move clauses 1 thr ough 6.
The ChairmanChairmanContinue. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the Bill seeks to amend the Electricity Act 2016 [ the Act ] to introduce a new type of licence for connected and related matters. Clause 1 provides for the title of the Bill. Clause 2 amends …
Continue.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, the Bill seeks to amend the Electricity Act 2016 [ the Act ] to introduce a new type of licence for connected and related matters. Clause 1 provides for the title of the Bill. Clause 2 amends a definition and inserts new definitions in section 2 of the Act for the interpretation of the Act. Clause 3 amends section 6 of the Act to i nclude innovation in the electricity sector as a purpose of the Act. Claus e 4 amends the Heading to Part 5 of the Act to include Innovative Licences. Clause 5 amends section 20 of the Act to make provision for the TD&R (which means transmi ssion distribution and retail) licensee to purchase electricity from an Innovative Licensee. Clause 6 amends section 26 of the Act with respect to licence conditions consequential upon the new Innovative Licence. Thank you, very much, Mr. Chairman, as I wish to move those first six clauses.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Deputy Premier. Are there a ny further speakers? [Crosstalk]
The ChairmanChairmanMP Pearman, you have the floor.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you. Mr. Chairman, before I ask questions on clauses 1 through 6, I have just learned for the first time that the Minister has an amendment to clause 7. We do not see anything on the SharePoint. Perhaps the mistake is ours.
The ChairmanChairmanIt was sent out because I have it m yself.
Mr. Scott PearmanSomeone is looking at the SharePoint no w to see if we can find it, but, with apologies, Mr. Chairman, we have not seen it.
The ChairmanChairmanOkay. I will just . . . the Clerk is [checking] this out. I will ask the Clerk to send that to you immediately.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, so much, Mr. C hairman. In the meantime, I am happy to put two questions that I have on clauses 1 through 6, if I may, with your leave.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Mr. Chairman. Minister, my first question is in relation to clause 5 of the Bill , on page 2. That is the amendment in respect of section 20 [of] the principal Act. As I understand it, the purpose of that clause, if I look at section 20 of …
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Minister, my first question is in relation to clause 5 of the Bill , on page 2. That is the amendment in respect of section 20 [of] the principal Act. As I understand it, the purpose of that clause, if I look at section 20 of the principal Act, section 20(1)(a), which is being amended, says that “a TD&R Licence that auth orises the holder to transmit, distri bute and retail electricity and to purchase electricity from Bulk Generation Licensees and distributed ge nerators;” and it will be adding “Innovative Licensees.” So if I understand it, what is being said here is that s omeone who is already a transmittal distribution and retail electricity licence holder will be able to purchase not only as they used to for bulk generators and from distributed generators, but also from these new categories of Innovative Licence holders. Is that right? Have I understood that correctly? That they can effectively sell the energy they produce to the TD&R l icence holder?
Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: Deputy Premier.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for allowing me to answer that. The answer is yes.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you. Mr. Chairman, a further question on clause 6.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you. Minister, clause 6 seeks to amend section 26 of the principal Act. And it does so by adding the I nnovative Licensee into the conditions that are already able to be opposed by the Regulatory Authority [RA] under the existing section 26 of the principal Act. And this …
Thank you. Minister, clause 6 seeks to amend section 26 of the principal Act. And it does so by adding the I nnovative Licensee into the conditions that are already able to be opposed by the Regulatory Authority [RA] under the existing section 26 of the principal Act. And this goes back to the point we raised in the debate which suggests that there would be the power here for the Authority to require a deposit from any particular entity in terms of clean- up and organisation in a di sposal. So the power is clearly there. Is this something that the Minister will take under advisement as to the wisdom of making sure that anyone who might be a start-up, as opposed to an established innovator, that it would be sensible to have a deposit for clean- up?
The ChairmanChairmanDeputy. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That use of the word “innovator” is Mr. Pearman’s language alone. That is not the language that I have used in any of my presentations. But I apprec iate his example that he is speaking today and of course that particular …
Deputy. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That use of the word “innovator” is Mr. Pearman’s language alone. That is not the language that I have used in any of my presentations. But I apprec iate his example that he is speaking today and of course that particular clause allows for conditions to be set by the regulator based on the submission and the licence application that has been put by that pr oposed innovator and on what is their capacity to fulfil the process of those conditions. Certainly, if those conditions merit some sort of indemnification or some sort of condition, a bond or whatever form t hat might take, I am certain that the regulator will take all that into consideration to ensure that the life of the actual licensee . . . and as already articulated by myself, Mr. Chairman, these licences are not permanent fixtures. They have a time. So, the conditions will be set to the time that they have to test the actual technology, and whatever conditions that ensures the success for the . . . the . . . integrity of that testing period. That will include conditions on the ult imate disposal of the act ual technology if it turns out to be not suitable. So, whatever conditions the regulator needs to set to ensure that, the regulator will set. And I am sure it could include some of the options that Mr. Pearman has actually outlined, irrespective of whethe r it is a . . . what type of company it is. But we are only looking to attract companies that we can reliably, sort of, ensure will go through the process in a way that is satisfactory to the interest of our country. The Chairman: Mr. Pearman.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, Minister, for that explanation. Mr. Chairman, those are the only questions I have for clauses 1 through 6. And I do now have the amendment which has been sent to me and I am grateful.
Ms. Susan E. JacksonIt is just following on with what the Minister had just mentioned, that scenario exactly. But what would be the consequences if that company decided that they did want to pull out of the Bermuda market after having established themselves, have a transmission licence, maybe our costs of electricity are …
It is just following on with what the Minister had just mentioned, that scenario exactly. But what would be the consequences if that company decided that they did want to pull out of the Bermuda market after having established themselves, have a transmission licence, maybe our costs of electricity are going down and then that company decides for whatever reason that they are going to up and leave? What would be the consequence? What would be . . . how would we protect ourselves?
The ChairmanChairmanDeputy. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Okay. Becaus e it is really a very hypothetical scenario, I will do my best to answer, because, you know, I can’t . . . I do not have a crystal ball —
The ChairmanChairmanDo your best. Hon. Walter H. Roban: —on anything, Mr. Chairman, but I will seek to give an appropriate answer —
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Deputy. Hon. Walter H. Roban: —certainly we realise the conditions of how any person or any entity that is properly licensed under the Innovative Licence and the guidelines that will follow, there will be a particular process and procedure for the conclusion of their operations in Bermuda. It …
Thank you, Deputy.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: —certainly we realise the conditions of how any person or any entity that is properly licensed under the Innovative Licence and the guidelines that will follow, there will be a particular process and procedure for the conclusion of their operations in Bermuda. It should be understood that all of the inves tment in relation to operating as an innovator within the space, is that of the developer. The Bermuda . . . okay, Bermuda, and whether that be the Government or the regulator or anybody, does not require to have any financial obligation in this. So all of the risk is on the innovator who gets the licence. They will carry the risk. We will ensure that any risk or that there is a 1406 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly proper procedure by the guidelines that have been laid out as to the process of which they commission and decommission themselves what has to be followed. So that will all be enshrined in proper law while coming out of the regulations that will be approved to handle that process.
The ChairmanChairmanAny further questions, Ms. Jackson?
Ms. Susan E. JacksonYes, it is just a bit of a supplementary. And I am sorry but —
The ChairmanChairmanThat’s okay. That’s fine. You are ent itled to that.
Ms. Susan E. JacksonThank you, Mr. Chai rman. So how about like redundancy? So if we did have an innovator [who] came in, got the transmission licence, got into the grid, and for whatever reason they decided that they wanted to decommission. As far as the actual energy concerned, has the RA or …
Thank you, Mr. Chai rman. So how about like redundancy? So if we did have an innovator [who] came in, got the transmission licence, got into the grid, and for whatever reason they decided that they wanted to decommission. As far as the actual energy concerned, has the RA or Gover nment thought about how we would have redundant energy supply to fill any gap that any innovative tec hnology company might have been providing us energy? They decommission; where are we going to get the energy to supplement any loss from a decommi ssioned innovator?
The ChairmanChairmanDeputy Premier. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In no way, and I think that the Honourable Member . . . I understand the question of the Honourable Member, but that is the whole purpose of having a different licence class. And in no way, because all of …
Deputy Premier.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In no way, and I think that the Honourable Member . . . I understand the question of the Honourable Member, but that is the whole purpose of having a different licence class. And in no way, because all of the technical requirements of being able to contact the grid will be carefully worked out with the transmission and distribution and retail operator —which right we have only one. And that is BELCO. So they will work out the appropriate requirements to interconnect with the grid through them. They will have the power of purchase arrangement with that innovator. But I can assure you, because BELCO knows its responsibility, they are not going to have an arrangement that puts at risk their ability to continuously provide power. So in no way . . . and I sincerely doubt that any agreement will be constructed this way, where there will be a dependence on a . . . on exper imental technology. It will be allowed to interconnect so that it can be assessed whether it is useful, whet her it is commercially viable. But in no way will the regulator or the TD&R operator find themselves for a brief period of time . . . because I think it needs to be remembered, as I said before, thes e innovation l icences are limited in time. So in no way will it create a dependence on the use of that power for continuous generation or transmission and distribution to our network. [This arrangement] is to assess their connections, to assess their abil ity to provide that power ec onomically and also technically and in a feasible way that does not disrupt any power supply. Right now that is not an issue, so I do not expect BELCO to be inter-connecting with some future innovator of which they will become dependent on because that dependence will only come after that innovator moves to being a bulk generator and their licence. So as an innovator, you are not in a . . . you will not be in a position where the grid will be dependent on what you are generating. That is just for the assessment of the suitability of your generation to Bermuda’s energy mix. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you. Any further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister, do you want to move the first six clauses? Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to move clauses 1 through 6.
The ChairmanChairmanTo be approved? You are moving them to be approved, right? Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes. Move them to be a pproved. Thank you, very much, Mr. Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanClauses 1 through 6 have been moved to be approved. Any objections to that? There appear to be none. Clauses 1 through 6 are approved. [Clauses 1 through 6 passed.]
The ChairmanChairmanNow you want to do the amendment for clause 7? Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, Mr. Chairman. I wish to move clauses 7 through—
The ChairmanChairmanJust do clause 7. Hon. Walter H. Roban: I’m sorry. Yes, of course. I’m sorry, Mr. Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanThat’s all right. Hon. Walter H. Roban: You are absolutely right. I am just moving clause 7 for the meantime. May I conti nue?
The ChairmanChairmanYes, you may. Bermuda House of Assembly AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 7 Hon. Walter H. Roban: All right. Mr. Chairman, at this junction, and with your indulgence, I intend to move a motion that will clarify section 32A(3). Section 32A(3) says: “For the avoidance of doubt, sections 21 to 32 will …
Yes, you may.
Bermuda House of Assembly AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 7
Hon. Walter H. Roban: All right. Mr. Chairman, at this junction, and with your indulgence, I intend to move a motion that will clarify section 32A(3). Section 32A(3) says: “For the avoidance of doubt, sections 21 to 32 will not apply with respect to Innovative Licences.” However, section 32B provides that section 23(1) will apply with specific modific ations, to quote . . . to ensure that there i s no perceived conflict with section 32A. Mr. Chairman, I wish to move the following [amendment]: That the Electricity Amendment Act be amended as follows: Clause 7, which seeks to insert sections 32A and 32B, is amended in section 32A(3), by inserting after the words “For the avoidance of doubt,” the words “except” (and these are the words I am inser ting in) “as otherwise expressly provided,”. So I am inserting in the words “except as ot herwise expressly provided,”.
The ChairmanChairmanAny speakers to that amendment? Thank you, Deputy [Premier].
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you. Minister, obviously I am thinking on my feet here, as I have only just seen the amendm ent, but I see the amendment and I think I understand what is happening. But I actually think that perhaps it will be helpful if we clarify it more broadly because …
Thank you. Minister, obviously I am thinking on my feet here, as I have only just seen the amendm ent, but I see the amendment and I think I understand what is happening. But I actually think that perhaps it will be helpful if we clarify it more broadly because I think the way you just put it is a little narrow. Of course, we have just gone through c lauses 5 and 6. And clauses 5 and 6 also make [sections] 21 through 32 applicable to Innovation Licence holders. Because you just made amendments to section 20, specifically, and section 26 of the primary Act. So, I understand the reason for the amendment, but I think for the record, I think what you mean is, except as otherwise expressly provided in this amending Act . It is not just clause 7 where there are expressed refer-ences to Innovative Licences, it is also in clauses 5 and 6 which refer to clauses wi thin sections 21 through 32. If what I just said makes sense and you agree, I am sure that this is what is intended, i.e., that other than how the amending Act refers to the Innov ative Licence holder, sections 21 through 32 are otherwise not applicable. So with that question, which I think is correct, that is my only further question. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Mr. Pearman. Deputy Premier. Hon. Walter H. Roban: I am not sure if his question was a comment. I can appreciate the Honourable Member’s query to clarify. This was an amendment that came as a result of our consultation with the transmission and distribution retailer, BELCO. B ecause …
Thank you, Mr. Pearman. Deputy Premier. Hon. Walter H. Roban: I am not sure if his question was a comment. I can appreciate the Honourable Member’s query to clarify. This was an amendment that came as a result of our consultation with the transmission and distribution retailer, BELCO. B ecause we . . . well, not we, but the regulators who advised us felt that this amendment would bring comfort to BELCO as well as the regulator. So it is done so as to eliminate a conflict that was felt was between . . . was within the clause. So that is why it has been drafted that way. It is done having had the consult ation with them too, and [they] believe that this wording is a lot more clear for them [as] it eliminates some of the uncertainly that they thought was with the clause and that is why we brought it.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Ministe r. I absolutely understand why the amendment is being made. If the amendment was not being made, then this amending Act would be defective because it can’t on the one hand try to amend [sections] and then on the other hand say that …
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Ministe r. I absolutely understand why the amendment is being made. If the amendment was not being made, then this amending Act would be defective because it can’t on the one hand try to amend [sections] and then on the other hand say that they do not apply. So I understand the amendment. I am grateful and it makes sense to me. The only point I was making was that there are a number of other places beyond clause 7 where Innovative Licence holders would be exempted from sections 21 through 32 and the examples I gave were in clauses 5 and 6 that we just dealt with. But I think we are all on the same page, Minister, and I do not think I need to belabour the point. I understand the clarity. I do have a further question.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Mr. Chairman. It is still on the same point. It is still on page 3 and clause 7, [new section 32A(3)], where we are sa ying that “For the avoidance of doubt,” (and now subject to the amendment) “except as otherwise expres sly provided . . . sectio …
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It is still on the same point. It is still on page 3 and clause 7, [new section 32A(3)], where we are sa ying that “For the avoidance of doubt,” (and now subject to the amendment) “except as otherwise expres sly provided . . . sectio ns 21 to 32 will not apply with respect to Innovative Licences.” I would just point out that in sections 21 through 32 “will not apply except as otherwise expressly provided” . . . that will oust se ctions 31 and 32 of the primary Act which deal with suspension of licences and refusal of licences. I just want to highlight that to make sure that this is correctly understood by the Ministry. That, in effect, someone who holds an Innovative Licence will not be subject to suspension or refusal under section 31 and 32 of the primary Act by reason of this clause. That is eyebrow raising. Perhaps it is intended. But I just want to check the Minister’s understanding. 1408 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: Minister Roban.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: I appreciate the Member’s analysis, but I am not sure that is how this is supposed to operate. We will take it under advisement, but I do not believe that is what actually will be the result of the clauses that we have proposed.
Mr. Scott PearmanYes, just a final point there. I mean, one would still expect that an Innovative Licence holder would still be subject to suspension by reason of section 31, or refusal of a licence by reason of section 32 of the primary Act. I will leave it there. I am grateful, …
The ChairmanChairmanThank you. Any further speakers to the amendment? Minister, do you want to move this amendment? Hon. Walter H. Roban: I wish to move the amendment to clause 7. Shall I continue to read on clause 7? Or do I just move this amendment?
The ChairmanChairmanJust the amendment. Well, you can — Hon. Walter H. Roban: I wish to move the amendment, Mr. Chairman, as read.
The ChairmanChairmanYes. Any objections to the amendment . . . [clause] 7. Any objections to that? There appear to be none. [Motion carried: Amendment to clause 7 passed.]
The ChairmanChairmanClause 7 as amended is approved. [Motion carried: Clause 7 passed as amended.]
The ChairmanChairmanContinue, Minister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Can I now move clauses 8 through . . .
The ChairmanChairmanThirteen? Hon. Walter H. Roban: —clause 13, Mr. Chairman?
The ChairmanChairmanYes. Please proceed. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you. Clause 8 inserts the headings “Appeals” and “Innovative Licences.” Clause 9 amends section 47 of the Act to make it clear that when the TD&R Licensee procures resources from Innovative Licensees, the generation procurement [process ] required by the Integrated R …
Yes. Please proceed.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you. Clause 8 inserts the headings “Appeals” and “Innovative Licences.” Clause 9 amends section 47 of the Act to make it clear that when the TD&R Licensee procures resources from Innovative Licensees, the generation procurement [process ] required by the Integrated R esource Plan will not apply. Clause 10 amends section 48 of the Act to provide for Power Pur chase Agreements to be concluded to set out the terms for the TD&R Licensee’s purchase of electrical power from an Innovative L icensee. Clause 11 amends section 54 of the Act to provide for certain matters to be prescribed by regul ations in relation to Inn ovative Licences. Clause 12 and the Schedule effect cons equential amendments, including amendments to the Electricity (Regulatory Authority Fees) Regulations 2021 and the Government Fees Regulations 1976 to provide for fees with respect to Innovative Licences. Clause 13 provides for commencement. That concludes my presentation on clauses 8 through 13. I wish to move those clauses, Mr. Chai rman.
The ChairmanChairmanAny further speakers to clauses 8 through 13?
Mr. Scott PearmanNot from me, Mr. Chairman. The C hairman: Thank you, Mr. Pearman. Any further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister, you can move them. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wish to move clauses 8 through 13 [be approved] as printed.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that clauses 8 through 13 be approved as printed. Are there any objections to that motion? There appear to be none; [they are] approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 8 through 13 passed.] Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Chairman, I wish to move the preamble.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections to that? The Deputy Clerk: Mr. Chairman, the Schedule needs to be approved as well. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Oh, I’m sorry.
The ChairmanChairmanYes. Hon. Walter H. Roban: My apologies. Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Chairman, I wish to move the Schedule [be approved] as printed.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that the Schedule be approved as printed. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. The Schedule has been [approved]. [Motion carried: The Schedule passed.] Hon. Walter H. Roban: May I now go to the end, Mr. Chairman?
The ChairmanChairmanYes, move it. Hon. Walter H. Roban: I now move that having a lready moved the preamble, I now move that the Bill be reported to the House as amended.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as amended. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. The Bill will be r eported to the House as amended. [Motion carried. The Electricity Amendment A ct 2022 was considered by a Committee of …
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Mr. Roban. Thank you,
Mr. Pearman and Ms. Jackson.
Hon. Walter H. RobanThank you, Mr. Chairman, and all those who have participated. Thank you, v ery much. House resumed at 2:35 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF COMMITTEE ELECTRICITY AMENDMENT ACT 2022
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Member and Deputy Speaker. Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the E lectricity Amendment Act 2022 being reported to the House as amended? There are none; the Bill has been reported as amended. Thank you, Members, for your participation on that item. The next item …
Thank you, Member and Deputy Speaker. Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the E lectricity Amendment Act 2022 being reported to the House as amended? There are none; the Bill has been reported as amended. Thank you, Members, for your participation on that item. The next item on the Order Paper this afternoon is the consideration of the Lease between the Ministry of Public Works and Gorham’s Limited in the name of the Minister of Public Works. Minister, would you like to present your matter?
[No audible response]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister, we see you but we don’t hear you.
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchOkay. Mr. Speaker, I move that consideration be given to the draft Lease Agreement between the Ministry of Public Works and Gorham’s Limited reference areas of all that property shown hatched in red on the plan labelled [ INAUD IBLE] 453— Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Can’t hear this. Can’t …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister, can you adjust your volume or get closer to the microphone so w e can hear you a little louder?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. That is much better. Continue. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes, that is fine. AGREEMENT LEASE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND GORHAM’S LIMITED
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchSorry, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I introduce the leasing arrang ement between the Bermuda Government and Gorham’s Limited for a period of 99 years. Mr. Speaker, in the 2020 election platform the Government promised to support our local com munity and sporting clubs in upgrading their respective facil ities. I …
Sorry, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I introduce the leasing arrang ement between the Bermuda Government and Gorham’s Limited for a period of 99 years. Mr. Speaker, in the 2020 election platform the Government promised to support our local com munity and sporting clubs in upgrading their respective facil ities. I am here to say that this is just one step of many to accomplish this goal. Mr. Speaker, honourable colleagues may r ecall in February of 2021 the Government announced the leasing of a s trip of land bordering the St. John’s Field and Gorham’s Limited yard. This agreement is 1410 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly another example of when those in Government and the business sector work together we can manifest substantial benefits for the community at large. Mr. Speaker, as the lease details Gorham’s has agreed to spend $350,000 to regrade and resur-face the Government’s adjoining St. John’s field which includes sludge prevention, suitable water catchment and a minimum regulatory playing area for recreational sporting activities. Gorham’s has further agreed to donate a minimum of $150,000 towards the renov ations or rebuilding of the existing clubhouse on said Field, or more commonly known as Western Stars Sports Club. To provide technical resources to assist with the preparation of plans and drawings including engineering plans and reports as necessary for the con-struction of a new boundary wall on the adjoining property with the value of such resources and related items to be a maximum of $45,000. To assist the tenants of the adjoi ning property with the design and costing of additions to the existing clubhouse on the adjoining property or new related construction including design options, quantity surve ying and the establishment of a workable budget for the same with a value of such assistance to be a max imum of $7,500. And to assist with promotional efforts, marketing and contact with other relevant organisations to secure funding for the facilities and the operation of the community and sporting programmes of the tenants of the adj oining property with a value of such assistance not to exceed $5,000. Simply put, Mr. Speaker, Gorham’s has co mmitted an amazing $557,500 to support one of the area’s community clubs. Mr. Speaker, in turn, the Government leases a portion of land adjacent to Gorham’s measuring a total area of 0.61 acres for 99 years. This land will be paved over with asphalt to improve access to the store, thus improving customer service for its customers and the community. Mr. Speaker, this agreement truly supports this administration’s ideal of a progressive society. I would first like to thank the board of directors and management of Gorham’s Limited who, without them, this would not be possible. I would also like to thank the board of Western Stars Community Club and all the technical officers who have worked tirelessly on this initiative. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I now move that this lease be approved.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution to this matter?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Cannonier, you have the floor. Mr. L. Craig Cannonier: Yes, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I would like to echo the sentiments of the Mi nister but I also thank the Minister for being involved in such a t ransaction where we have the private sector coming together …
MP Cannonier, you have the floor. Mr. L. Craig Cannonier: Yes, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I would like to echo the sentiments of the Mi nister but I also thank the Minister for being involved in such a t ransaction where we have the private sector coming together with Government to mete out what we would consider to be something social where Western Stars is involved in getting a much- needed uplift, not just for the field but in addition to the field. It is good to hear that even the club itself is getting an uplift as well. I must declare my interest. My grandson is a member there, so we attend all of their games, especially when they are at home. So I am very familiar with the club and with the field. I know that Minister Weeks is excited about this as well. But this is a great opportunity. I do have one or two questions concerning the lease. Outside of these questions, pretty much, this is a win -win situation. It is good; it is really good to see that we have this kind of cooperation. I want to thank . . . after having thanked the Minister, I would also like to thank Gorham’s and their board for extending themselves in this manner, for an area that really has been needing some upgrading. And I say upgradi ng because we also recognise, and the Minister would as well, that it runs along the canal there. I am sure the Minister, just like myself and a few others, know that this has been a real challenge, the canal. Understanding that even through their water canal there are endemic species, but it also is a waterway to release much of the water that is collected throughout the City of Hamilton, Pembroke area. It kind of all dumps into that one area and heads out toward the Mill Creek area, which has been a chall enge to keep clear. So, we have no challenges. The OBA supports this completely . . . the 99- year lease. And I guess I will just ask my questions. As far as the lease is concerned, I noticed that on . . . let me just go to it . . . that halfway through, section 4(4.2) where it mentions that the lease essentially can be terminated on 11 April 2071. I didn’t know if this was new or this is a standard that has been done, but I am just curious as to why it was put in there halfway through. Maybe it is just a m easure of . . . just to keep everyone on their toes to remind them that we do have a 99- year lease and if you are thinking of something, maybe now is the time halfway through that we think about terminating it. I am not sure that this is a standard, but it is the first time that I have seen that. So I am just curious as to why that clause was put in there about the 99- year lease. Also, when it comes to the canal, just looking on the attachment to the lease here, and they outlined a red area. That outlined r ed area is very close to the canal as well, And one of the challenges with this par-ticular area . . . well, not just this area, but other areas as well, is illegal dumping, machinery being found in the canals and the likes which is blocking and slowing
Bermuda House of Assembly down the process. Was there any conversation about any assistance there outside of water collection, which is great? The Minister did mention that they would be collecting a lot of water that comes into that area and use that water for the field. Obviously, I am assuming that it is going to be a well -plumbed- in irrigated area so they can provide sprinkling for the field to keep it in tip-top shape. I am assuming that. But for the canal, in and of itself, it is right next to the property and I was curious as t o whether or not there is going to be a wall built from the East End to the West End on the South Shore side there where the canal actually is. And that would also prevent people from coming in, at least from the field side, and throwing trash and junk over into the canal. Having seen that area before, as I mentioned, there has been all kinds of stuff thrown into the canal. I am just cur ious as to how that was going to be policed. And if they have not talked to Gorham’s about assisting at the club, would they be willing to talk to them about also helping to maintain this canal in as pristine condition as possible. The lease, in and of itself, as I said, Mr. Speaker, makes a whole lot of sense. It is really great to see this here. I think the biggest asset r eally is the collecting of the water. As I mentioned before, that area gets dumped with massive amounts of water when we get a few days of downpour, and it results in the flooding of Mill Creek. So to think that by collecting the water . . . I don’t know w hat size tank they plan on putting in place, and I don’t know if the Minister knows as well, but it would have to be something substantial for that area. And then also to be able to provide w ater for Western Stars. We agree with this. We are happy to see i t. We encourage the Minister to do even more of the likes if it is possible. As far as this leasing of the land, we have been big proponents of selling off of assets that we do have that we cannot maintain. So this actually falls into one of those areas that we believe is a win-win and a plus. So with that in mind, all I can say is thank you to all those involved. This is something that we all support and can’t wait to see.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Cannonier. Is there any other Member who wishes to make a contribution? Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerIs that Minister Weeks? Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Yes.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo right ahead. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Speaker, this is humbling. It almost brings a tear to my eye as I thank Colonel Burch for seeing this through. You know Western Stars, Mr. Speaker. You may or may not agree, but it is probably the most decorated club in …
Go right ahead.
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Speaker, this is humbling. It almost brings a tear to my eye as I thank Colonel Burch for seeing this through. You know Western Stars, Mr. Speaker. You may or may not agree, but it is probably the most decorated club in Bermy. You know, it has got more silver than Silver City.
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberNow, now, now, now, be careful [Minister] Weeks.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYou were almost on a good wicket and I think you are slipping now. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: But you know, Mr. Speaker, on a serious note, we have done all this, all that we have done for our community. Western Stars which i s also the home of the …
You were almost on a good wicket and I think you are slipping now.
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: But you know, Mr. Speaker, on a serious note, we have done all this, all that we have done for our community. Western Stars which i s also the home of the Dandy Town Hornets, has always been smack -dab in the community. And come what may, rain or shine, we have had hundreds and hundreds of youngsters come through those gates over the last maybe 6 or 7 decades. Actually, a hundred- plus y ears for cricket and 6 or 7 decades for football. Mr. Speaker, what this means to our comm unity cannot even be expressed here. It shows that commitment from our Government to stick to their promise of helping community clubs. When I talk to other members , we are all excited about this possibi lity. Many years go by where we are champions in var-ious aspects of our programmes, especially football programmes, from minors to adults. Can you imagine what is going to happen when we finally get to play on a flat service, Mr. Speaker? That is going to be som ething. It is going to be a sight to see. Cricket, football . . . our children just coming down there and developing their skills, Mr. Speaker. Hats off to Gorham’s. Many, many of our Western Stars executive have been in the community for the last 20 maybe 30 years. I have been on a few of those executives , Mr. Speaker, looking to get a community partner. When Gorham’s stepped up and agreed that for a strip of land that they would redo the field, at first it was unbelievable, Mr. Speaker. There is not much more to say. On behalf of the Western Stars and the Dandy Town community, thank you, Colonel, for making sure that this thing got across the finish line. Thank you, Gorham’s. Thank you, the new executive at We stern Stars that carried the baton that we finally see this through. But, Mr. Speaker, it would be remiss of me if I don’t say that there is nobody working on our club now, so I don’t know how far our community partners are going to go. We need some field lights. So this is a start, Mr. Speaker. This is a definite start. And I can’t wait [until] next year when the field reopens. When we all as a community, and Government, are down there to see the joy and the look in people’s eyes and the like when that fi eld is reopened. So thank you, Colonel, for doing what you have done for our community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 1412 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution?
Hon. E. David Burt: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Premier, you have the floor. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my intervention today will be brief, but I just need to follow along the lines. Certai nly, the Honourable Minister who just took his seat is a member of the Wester n Stars Sports …
Yes. Premier, you have the floor.
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my intervention today will be brief, but I just need to follow along the lines. Certai nly, the Honourable Minister who just took his seat is a member of the Wester n Stars Sports Club, as I am too. Although persons know that it is very difficult when I am at a game between Dandy Town and the Devonshire Cougars. But be that as it may, Mr. Speaker, I want to tip my hat to the Honourable Minister who is bringing this lease. But what I want to speak to, Mr. Speaker, is that it represents the ethos of this Government. And the ethos of this Government is to make sure that we put our money where our mouth is and deliver on our promises. And from east to west, whether it be in St. David’s, whether it be in St. George’s, whether it be in Bailey’s Bay, whether it be in Harris’s Bay, whether it be in Dandy Town, whether it be at Devonshire Rec, whether it be at PHC, [Pembroke Hamilton Club] Southampton Rangers, Somerset Cricket Club or even White Hill, Mr. Speaker, this Government has put its money where its mouth is, delivered on its election promises and done its work to invest in our community clubs. And a lot of times we speak about community violence. A lot of times we speak about gang violence. And we always talk about the fact that it is not going to be an overnight fix. But what is going to be necessary is that we invest in our community clubs, our comm unity organisations and be committed to those comm unity organisations, Mr. Speaker. And that is what we are doing today. That is what we have done and that is what we are going to continue to do, Mr. Speaker. It is about making sure that you deal with the total pi cture and the root cause. So I just want to applaud the Minis ter for his work on this. I sincerely know that it has been a long time coming. Last evening the Minister was with me in my constituency, speaking to members of not only the Western Stars Sports Club leadership but local community members and listening to the president talking about how they are going to change what they are doing there at Western Stars Sports Club. Speaking about whether or not how they are going to change and adjust their model.
[Inaudible interjections]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Weeks, you micr ophone is still on. [Inaudible interjections] The Speaker: MP Weeks. I got it. Go ahead, Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you. Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. But as I was saying, they were talking about how they were going to be changing the model …
MP Weeks, you micr ophone is still on. [Inaudible interjections] The Speaker: MP Weeks. I got it. Go ahead, Premier.
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you. Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. But as I was saying, they were talking about how they were going to be changing the model and looking at how they can do better, growing their pr ogrammes, making sure young men and young women get involved with community activities, finding different things to do. So the work of the Government is doing in supporting and upgrading this fac ility will make it a better space for the community, a better space for our young people and it is just another example of this Government continuing to deliver on its promises. In 2017 we said that we would invest in our community clubs and five years l ater, Mr. Speaker, there is tangible evidence of this investment from the East End of this Island to the West End of this Island. So with that, Mr. Speaker, I thank you for the contribution and congratulate the Minister again for the work on behalf of this Government.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Any other Member? Minister.
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchThank you, Mr. Speaker. To answer the Shadow Minister’s two questions, the [subclause] (4.2) i s standard for this type of lease and those dates. In relation to the canal, separate and apart from this agreement that we are talking about, the Ministry has put money in this year’s budget …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To answer the Shadow Minister’s two questions, the [subclause] (4.2) i s standard for this type of lease and those dates. In relation to the canal, separate and apart from this agreement that we are talking about, the Ministry has put money in this year’s budget to do some significant work on the canal, period, to try and ameliorate the flooding that takes place at Mill Creek. He is correct that the canal runs and takes a lot of the water from a number of areas. One of the biggest challenges we are having with flooding is people putting debris and garbage in the canal and causing blockages. We are looking at ways in which we can address that and encourage folk to be a lot more responsible. Part of this programme is Western Stars will clear their boundary to the border with BELCO on the southern side and take steps to pr event p eople from putting items in the canal on their side. There will also be some engineering work done on Bakery Lane to ameliorate the flooding that occurs there as well as a result of the raising of the field. Mr. Speaker, this is one of the tasks that makes this job so rewarding. As the Premier men-tioned, we were with Western Stars last night and I am convinced that . . . the country has talked about changing the trajectory of social clubs so that they do not rely wholly and solely on our bars selling alcoh ol to survive financially. Western Stars’ vision for their
Bermuda House of Assembly club and their community will deliver that. And I think that once the field is completed and the plans begin for the new building and the fund- raising that will go along with it, [this] will encour age many in this community, not just from West Pembroke, but many in this community to support their efforts as they deliver magnificent programmes for those young men and young women in this community. So with those remarks, Mr. Speaker, I move that the l ease be approved.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Are there any objections to the approval of the lease? There are none. The matter has been approved. [Motion carried: The Lease A greement between the Ministry of Public Works and Gorham’s Limited was approved.]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Members, for your partic ipation on that item. We now move onto the next item which is the second reading of the Land Valuation and Tax Amendment Act 2022 in the name of the Premier and Minister of Finance. Minister. Hon. E. David Burt: Greetings to you, Mr. …
Thank you, Members, for your partic ipation on that item. We now move onto the next item which is the second reading of the Land Valuation and Tax Amendment Act 2022 in the name of the Premier and Minister of Finance. Minister.
Hon. E. David Burt: Greetings to you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am just pulling up my recital. Forgive me, please. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill entitled the Land Valuation and Tax Amendment Act 2022 be read for the second time.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections to that? There are none. Continue, Premier. BILL SECOND READING LAND VALUATION AND TAX AMENDMENT ACT 2022 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present to this Honourable House the Bill ent itled the Land Valuation and …
Are there any objections to that? There are none. Continue, Premier.
BILL
SECOND READING
LAND VALUATION AND TAX AMENDMENT ACT 2022
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present to this Honourable House the Bill ent itled the Land Valuation and Tax Amendment Act 2022. This Bill seeks to amend the Land Valuation and Tax Act 1967 to provide a land tax relief to res idential care facilities and nursing homes. The relief provided by the Bill before this Honourable House, Mr. Speaker, does not break new ground. In fact, Mr. Speaker, by an Order under the 1967 Act, Lefroy House, along with other properties, including those of the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Aud ubon Society, were made exempt from land tax. Further, Mr. Speaker, since 1975, Westmeath Care Home has also enjoyed an exemption from land tax. The relief provided by this Bill fulfils the Government’s commitment ensuring equity in the application of the laws that we pass in this Honourable Chamber. Mr. S peaker, Honourable Members may recall that during [the] Budget Statement delivered earlier this year I announced the Government’s intention to eliminate land tax from residential care facilities and nursing homes. And, Mr. Speaker, it should be noted that this was a pledge inside of our 2020 Election Manifesto and it is a pledge that we are delivery t oday. Mr. Speaker, as a Government, in our Budget Statement we promised relief now and more relief to come. And we are proud of our record, havi ng recently reduced the cost of private licence fees by 10 per cent, instituting no across -the-board increase in Government fees , and some reductions in other places, reducing payroll taxes for workers making less than $96,000 for the third time since taking office in 2017, and having rejected recent requests to increase the price of gasoline and diesel, insuring that fuel prices remain stable in the face of rising prices, Mr. Speaker. However, Mr. Speaker, with that said, it is not lost upon us that more work is to be done. Like many other businesses, residential care facilities and nur sing homes face significant challenges brought on by the ongoing continuing impact of the COVID -19 pandemic. These facilities continue to provide essential services to the community and so it is imperative to identify viable options of relief that will help to alleviate some of the financial pressure these facilities now face while respecting the prescribed fiscal guardrails. Mr. Speaker, this Bill will eliminate land tax for these faci lities by exclud ing the underlying properties from the valuation list, which serves as the basis for land tax assessments. Only those residential care homes and nursing homes licensed in accordance with the Residential Care Homes and Nursing Homes Act 1999 will be eligible for relief from land tax purs uant to this Bill. Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that res idential care facilities and nursing homes are required to be licensed periodically by the Bermuda Health Council. A register of the licensed hom es must be maintained by the Bermuda Health Council and made publicly available. An annual review of the register will be conducted the Office of Tax Commissioner to ensure that only those facilities that maintain a valid l icence issued by the Bermuda Heal th Council will co ntinue to benefit from tax relief. Mr. Speaker, it is estimated that this proposed change will require land tax relief totalling $66,000 for the 12 residential care facilities and nursing homes that are not currently receiving relief. 1414 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, there are some who may say that this is not enough for our care homes. However, Mr. Speaker, that would ignore the fact of the additional government support that this Government has given to our care homes over the last two years during this p andemic. We have worked to assist these homes in difficult circumstances, and last week the Cabinet approved an additional grant boost to nursing homes who currently receive grants from the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors to stabilise their finances. Mr. Speaker, in addition to this additional grant, the Cabinet has requested the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors to update the 2017 Long Term Care [Action] Plan to ensure that our nursing homes will be on solid financial ground in the future. As our population ages, we must do all that we can to ensure that our seniors can live in dignity. Mr. Speaker, in closing, let it be without question that the Bermuda Government reveres its seniors. As Gandhi pointedly ar ticulated, “The true measure of any society can be found in how its treats its most vulnerable members.” As a Government we kept our promise to our seniors by expanding home healthcare benefits, kept our promise to our seniors to expand prescription drug coverage under FutureCare. We kept our promise to our seniors to increase their pensions to keep up with inflation, Mr. Speaker. We kept our promise to our seniors to introduce interest -free loans for home modifications so our seniors can age while at home. Mr. Speaker, with this Bill we are keeping true to our word for our Budget Statement to deliver more relief for Bermuda’s residents and businesses and, Mr. Speaker, we are delivering on our 2020 election promise to eliminate land tax for nursing and car e homes. This is a Government that delivers on its promises. As we heard in the last debate, Mr. Speaker, we have set out what we said we were going to do and we are delivering what we said we were going to do. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Mr. Premier. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Jackson, you have the floor.
Ms. Susan E. JacksonThank you. I would li ke to start off by thanking the Premier and Minister of F inance for the announcement that he has made today. It certainly has reduced my speech down significantly as it was reassuring to hear the changes, the relief that has been provided that goes …
Thank you. I would li ke to start off by thanking the Premier and Minister of F inance for the announcement that he has made today. It certainly has reduced my speech down significantly as it was reassuring to hear the changes, the relief that has been provided that goes beyond the land tax relief, but also reaches into [the Government’s] ability to provide grants and to help our nursing and our res idential [care] homes to stay afloat during this financial challenge, especially coming out of COVID -19. I don’t even know if people understand just how significant the costs have been for our senior homes, that being the nursing and the rest homes, through COVID -19: The unexpected expenditure for all of the protective equipment that they have had to bring in, the restrictions that hav e been placed on their ability to independently earn money through day care programmes and other ancillary programmes that many of the nursing and rest homes have in order to earn additional funding. And with so much of the cha llenge that the rest homes and the nursing homes have been facing I am hoping that with the announcement that the Premier has made this after-noon, that this relief will be coming to the care homes very soon. But there is one other section, Mr. Speaker, that still concerns me. And the Premier did mention that there has been relief in payroll taxes for those who are making $96,000 and below. And one of the major expenses for many of the nursing homes and rest homes is the wage and the salary costs. They are still very high and I know that there are some homes that are working with the unions to discuss ways in which we might be able to readjust the agreements so that there is a win- win. But unbeknownst to any of us, having to go home because [an employee has] been quarantined with a posi tive COVID -19 result, a rest home, nursing home not only is then faced with pa ying up to two weeks of sick leave . . . and this is not necessarily just one person getting sick for two weeks, right? There was a time during the height of COVID - 19 where you m ight have had three or four or more staff out two weeks, all at one time! And these care homes had to not only pay the sick leave for what may have been multiple staff at one time, but they still had to bring in additional staff to cover for those who were out ill. So I just really want to stress, absolutely, Mr. Premier, we are so grateful for the relief that you have brought today. But we are talking about some major financial expenditure that these homes have had to face in the last couple of years. And as the Premier had mentioned, they are ageing. And so we have to be very forward thinking. We have to start now. Let this be a lesson learned, that we have got to take a really good look at what are our residential and our other ageing and home programmes are going to look like moving forward. Because we are going to be faced with many more people who are going to be at an ageing stage where they are going to have to rely on a nursing home or a rest home, and we have to be prepared for that. As generous as the likes of financial assi stance, which many of our seniors depend on, it may not be sustainable. And I know that through the var iBermuda House of Assembly ous ministries and departments there is a lot of work going on to try and find a solution and a best way forward for financi ng and being able to care for our seniors as we move forward, but I just want to be a con-tributing voice to the urgency that we make every move that we can to set up a good framework, a good sustainable and healthy system as we all age. Hopefully, as was s poken by the Minister earlier today about a youth employment strategy, the more youthful, young people that we can get into the workforce so that we can grow our population, whet her they are living abroad now and coming home or coming to Bermuda to work, t hese are the kinds of things that we need to look at. And today marks a r eally good day to put our line in the sand, and it is star ting with our seniors, that we really begin to take a hard look at how we are going to make this situation with the rest homes and nursing homes a sustainable model. As has been used from references in the past, for us here in Bermuda, the rest homes and the senior homes [and] the nursing homes, it is a system that cannot fail in Bermuda. We have to make it work. B ecause the on ly other backstop after this this is going to be the hospital. And I would just be beside myself, and I am sure many in this community would feel so defeated if we end up in a situation where after we have been sheltered in place for two years so that we do not put a strain on the hospital, and then still as a consequence of COVID -19 a nursing home or a rest home closes and then we have seniors in the extend-ed care unit, the acute care unit at the hospital. And then there goes our red flag strain on the hos pital. So we do not need to, after all of this, end up in a situation where it was all in vain because we still end up putting a strain on the hospital because our rest homes and our nursing homes have to close b ecause they cannot maintain themselves financially because of COVID -19 and because of the expenses that they have incurred because of COVID -19. So, with that, I certainly am grateful. I am sure that the homes are feeling some relief and that this will be the first step in making sure that we give a concentrated effort to our future models of sustainable nursing [homes] and rest homes in Bermuda. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Jackson. Would any other Member like to make a contribution at this time? Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, S r.: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDeputy Speaker, you have the floor. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the rest homes and on behalf of the seniors of this country, we want to thank Premier Burt and Minister Tinee Furbert for all t hat they are doing to assist the homes. I …
Deputy Speaker, you have the floor.
Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the rest homes and on behalf of the seniors of this country, we want to thank Premier Burt and Minister Tinee Furbert for all t hat they are doing to assist the homes. I also want to thank the many organisations, particularly the churches, that render assistance to the homes on a regular basis. Mr. Speaker, we also have to thank the Minister of Health because during the period of C OVID -19 they gave us staff assistance at the homes. And we are so appreciative and grateful for that, Mr. Speaker. And the staff that laboured through that difficult period, we certainly want to thank them. Let me just remind the public that rest homes are not a profit business. They are not profitable. They have some requirements as by law, which is correct, for a certain amount of staff based on whether you are a rest home, nursing home, you have to have a certain number of staff and which is not a complaint of ours, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, taking care of the elderly is not a easy job. It is a 24/7 [job]. I just hope and pray that not many will need those services, but the [senior] popul ation is growing and presently we are short of beds in the privat e sector. Because one thing for sure, if these seniors who need the help are resident at the hospital it certainly costs much more than what is charged in the homes, Mr. Speaker. So those who can have res idence in homes, we would encourage them and the families and those who are in power to make sure that these folks have that opportunity to live in the homes. But, Mr. Speaker, we also want to make sure that the homes are running first class. I can assure you that I have been to the Sylvia Richardson [Care Facility] a few times, not many, but a few times, and I am very impressed with the way they run . . . it looks just great. It is clean and the staff are friendly. And I have been to a few others that I am very satisfied with. But, Mr. Speaker, one of my dreams is that even though people are old they should be afforded the benefits, the amenities that every other age group can get. And I am talking about a health spa and swimming pool. And I think a swimming pool at these rest homes is therapeutic and it wo uld assist the res idents in these homes to live a better life as far as m obility. And I know that, as I said, it was a dream, but I don’t think these dreams are too far -fetched if we move the way this Government is moving because this Government, the Progr essive Labour Party Go vernment, has ensured, as you heard from the Premier, that seniors get their pension increases each year. We do not make any off -handed responses to the public because we are in some difficult times. We do our best to take care of seniors. And I thank this Gov-ernment for that, Mr. Speaker. Again, Mr. Speaker, I will finish how I started, thanking everybody, the Premier [and] Minister Tinee Furbert, for all the assistance they are giving us. B ecause this is not the end; assistance will be needed continuously. And I know this Government; they have a heart. They have a social responsibility. And they will not let our seniors be left out in the dark. 1416 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Deputy Speaker. Would any ot her Member like to make a contribution at this time?
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. MembersYes, Mr. Speaker. I would like to.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Simmons -Wade. [Inaudible interjections]
Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -WadeYes, good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. I would like to echo the comments that were just made in regard to the support that has been pr ovided by Government to the various rest homes and nursing homes. One of the things I continue to bring up, and I have mentioned a …
Yes, good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. I would like to echo the comments that were just made in regard to the support that has been pr ovided by Government to the various rest homes and nursing homes. One of the things I continue to bring up, and I have mentioned a number of times in the House, is the importance of preparing for your old age. Nursing homes and rest homes are very i mportant, especially for individuals whose families are not able to take care of them. But I think what happens too often in Bermuda is people have a tendency to say when they are going to ret ire [that] they have a pension and an apartment. And they think that is going to carry [them] through their retirement. But unfortunately what happens is most people plan [their retirement] based on ageing well, [in good health]. They do not think about the fact that something could happen and it could be a situ ation where either they can be taken care of at home or they have to go into a rest home or a nursing home. What surprises me very often is, when people hear that a rest home is $5,000 going up to $1 0,000 or $15,000, the first thing people say is, Why are they charging so much money? But they are not taking into consideration that you have 24- hour care, you have electricity, you have food, you have supplies and so many more expenses that incur as you take care of a senior person. So what I do, even though Government has been extremely supportive to the homes, especially during the pandemic as supplies were provided (as MP Burgess said), food was provided, personnel was provided to help them through the financial challen ges. But what I do is encourage people to start planning for your old age, to discuss it with your family and not think just an apartment and a pension is going to carry you through. Because if you don’t age well, you could be in a situat ion where you do have to put someone . . . or you may have to go into a rest home or nursing home. And that could be $5,000; it could be $10,000. And this is what it costs. Government has been extremely supportive through financial assistance and all of th e other ince ntives that are here, but at the same time, in most cases it does not cover the entire cost. So I think it is i m-portant to get your house in order, to plan to discuss with your family and to take into consideration that an apartment and a pensi on may not help if you do not age well. We are living longer. We are going to have a significant ageing population. And you could age at home. But in some circumstances you cannot. And unfortunately what tends to happen very often is because the plans are not made, people will keep a family member home and in some cases they are not safe because they cannot provide the services. So what I encourage every one of us in this room and the listening audience, because we do have some seniors in this room, is to start thinking and planning where you want to be, who you want to take care of you, and looking at your finances to take into consideration the cost of long- term care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker.
[No audible response]
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker, I cannot hear you. Put your microphone on.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI was muted. Thank you. Opposition Leader, you have the floor. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker, I would like to pick up where MP Simmons -Wade left off. I thi nk she is spot on in that we have to prepare for our seniors and ourselves as we …
I was muted. Thank you. Opposition Leader, you have the floor. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker, I would like to pick up where MP Simmons -Wade left off. I thi nk she is spot on in that we have to prepare for our seniors and ourselves as we get near to [being a senior]. There is a concern that I have and others have that even if you have your seniors at home and if they are unwell, quite frankly, we are finding that the family members cannot even take care of them properly. So what happens is they try to find profes-sionals to come in to support their seniors and provide the appropriate senior care. This is happening up and down the Island. And this family support from these caregivers, these professional caregivers, they are, as MP Simmons -Wade said, they are getting paid on the average of $5,000 to $6,000 a month at home. Now, if you are not able to afford that I understand that there is some type of support from FutureCare or other health initiatives. So I would have preferred to have this debate with the Minister of Seniors here today so that she could add real colour as to what is going on in the real world in regard to healthcare for our seniors. I understand that the Finance Minister is providing some sort of concession. I have no problem with that whatsoever. The challenge that we currently have is that most of the seniors in our senior homes are supported by Government as it is. And so we have senior reside nts enjoying 70 per cent of their income from the people of Bermuda, and the few are getting support at home. And so whether you are in a care home or whether in your home with your family, if you
Bermuda House of Assembly get ill you are probably getting some type of support and i t is going to cost the family at least $5,000 a month. So why am I saying this? I would like to have seen today a complete strategy on how we are going to manage us seniors going forward. As you know, and as the previous Minister said, we have an ageing population. We baby boomers, and I am including m yself, are knocking at the door or have opened that door. And there are many, many more to come. Some people will need support financially, others will not. And so I think the Government should have a study so that they can position themselves to see how much senior care is going to cost the Government, period. A study that will look at the cost of living, housing, senior needs, and senior needs when they get ill, as Ms. Simmons -Wade said. We have high unemploy ment now. We are just fighting our way through a pandemic and the support needed from Government for senior care will potentially escalate. And we just can-not keep reacting, reacting, reacting. We need to be rather proactive in this space. And we have had various reports produced over the years on a strategy to maintain a quality of life for seniors to help them in their golden years, to help them in the event that they are physically challenged or challenged from a health perspective. And just throwing support at them is fine, but is it the most efficient and effective way to spread our resources to get the best outcome for our family members and our seniors? And so I invite the Government to see what can be done to have an overarching review of senior healthcare in this country and provide —
Hon. E. David Burt: Point of clarification or point of information, Mr. Speaker, if I may, if the Honourable Member will yield.
[Crosstalk ]
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I will yield.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier. POINT OF INFOR MATION Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I just want to refer back to my particular comments. Inside of this [statement] where I said to the Cabinet, in direct response to the same issues that the Opposition Leader is speaking about, and …
Premier.
POINT OF INFOR MATION Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I just want to refer back to my particular comments. Inside of this [statement] where I said to the Cabinet, in direct response to the same issues that the Opposition Leader is speaking about, and requested updates to the 2017 Long Term Care [Action] Plan. So I am going to email right now to Mr. Lamb to table that so it can be put on the Parliament website so people can see the Long Term Care [A ction] Plan. Most of the things have been execut ed. And we are going to update that. So I would hate to interrupt the Honourable Opposition Leader but I just want to let him know that what I have said in my Statement was precisely what he is discussing right now.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Just before we go back to the Opposition Leader, did you indicate that you are now sending it to us so that it can go on SharePoint? Hon. E. David Burt: Yes, Mr. Speaker. I am emailing it to table it to Parliament.bm right now.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, okay. And Mr. Lamb wi ll get it up on SharePoint at his earliest opportunity. Opposition Leader, please continue. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Premier, for your contribution and I look forward to seeing that r eport. And I hope that, as you said, this report is …
Yes, okay. And Mr. Lamb wi ll get it up on SharePoint at his earliest opportunity. Opposition Leader, please continue.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Premier, for your contribution and I look forward to seeing that r eport. And I hope that, as you said, this report is updated post-haste because the urgency is now. The other issue that I find interesting is that you could be at a senior residence and there are two beds and patients laying side by side and getting the exact same service. One person is paying nothing because the y are being subsidised by Government and the other person has to scramble to to raise funds to pay the monthly fees because they may have a house. And yet the service provided to both of them is exactly the same. And there is, to a degree, an el ement of inequity. I am not saying in which favour, but—
Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, point of information. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: —I think we need—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOpposition Leader, there is someone . . . Minister Hayward is trying to make a point of order. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes. POINT OF INFORMATION Hon. Jason Hayward: Yes. More of a point of information as it pertains to the information that is being provided. I recognise that …
Opposition Leader, there is someone . . . Minister Hayward is trying to make a point of order.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes.
POINT OF INFORMATION
Hon. Jason Hayward: Yes. More of a point of information as it pertains to the information that is being provided. I recognise that there are disparities between patients within residential and nursing car e homes. However, [owning] a house doesn’t prevent or prohibit one from receiving financial assistance. And so we want to be mindful when we are using these examples that we do not give the wrong impression because there is a large portion of seniors on fi nancial assistance who receive benefits who are homeow ners.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo ahead. 1418 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: And this is why I am saying that I look forward to the updated report that the Premier spoke about. Because 2017 is very different from the Bermuda we live in today. …
Go ahead. 1418 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: And this is why I am saying that I look forward to the updated report that the Premier spoke about. Because 2017 is very different from the Bermuda we live in today. And our senior population and the number of our seniors from 2017 to 2022/23 is different and the demands on our infr astructure and the demands on our Government has increased exponentially . So, I w ould invite the Premier to let us know when this report will be updated. I look forward to it, and if we can help in any way, we would raise our hands to do our bit to help deliver on these initiatives. Because this impacts everyone, every family, and it i s something that we need to address if we are to sustain ourselves as a country that takes cares of its people. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Opposition Leader. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Richardson, you have the floor. Opposition Whip.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for permitting me to contribute to this debate. I wanted to express my gratitude to— [Inaudible interjections]
Mr. Jarion Richardson—express my gratitude for the extension of relief and it is good news to hear that the Cabinet is also considering the amount of grant going into the rest homes and nursing homes. Mr. Speaker, as other speakers have said, this is going to become more and more of an …
—express my gratitude for the extension of relief and it is good news to hear that the Cabinet is also considering the amount of grant going into the rest homes and nursing homes. Mr. Speaker, as other speakers have said, this is going to become more and more of an issue as we have an ageing population in Bermuda. But I don’t think a lot of people are aware of just how much of an issue we already have as it relates to the nursing homes and rest homes. Specifically, Mr. Speaker, I refer to the annual repor t from the Department of F inancial Assistance, which was [tabled] on the 6 th of May by the Honourable Minister , Jason Hayward, where it in fact points out that half of all qualifying r ecipients for financial assistance are pensioners. And right now we are looking at . . . I want to say, the number in the report is [$]47 million. So half of all el igible recipients are receiving that. I would also stand to be guided by the Ho nourable Minister, but I am pretty sure that it reads that some 25 per cent of all e xpenditures from financial assistance are currently going to rest homes and nursing homes. So, again, that is a quarter of some $50 million, so something like $ 12 million. Again, I stand to be guided on the finite numbers. But that is an incredible amount of money. And Honourable Member Ms. Simmons -Wade pointed out just how much there is to consider in r etirement. And well knowing that we have an ageing population means there is more to be considered as persons age and retire. And well knowing that it is already costing government coffers so much that the 2017 report as mentioned by the Honourable Premier will be reconsidered. But I just wanted to introduce those facts from the perspective of the Ministry of Economy and Labour that those numbers that I just spoke about there are already costing Bermuda. So we do have to make sure that we are paying attention to our ageing pop ulation and that we are paying attention to our rest homes and nursing homes. Not just because of the money, Mr. Speaker, but really bec ause we have a moral imperative. We will be judged by how well we take care of our elders. And it will show. So, I just thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wanted to bring those numbers to your attention and Bermuda’s attention.
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. I certai nly echo the sentiments I believe of all of the contrib utors this afternoon on this Bill in sort of congratulating the Premier on putting forth this Bill. I certainly take note of MP Jackson who made a comment on some of the difficult …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I certai nly echo the sentiments I believe of all of the contrib utors this afternoon on this Bill in sort of congratulating the Premier on putting forth this Bill. I certainly take note of MP Jackson who made a comment on some of the difficult challenges that nursing homes are facing. And I certainly take the point and I certainly recognise that the things that she spoke of were real examples. I guess the only stru ggle that I had was the sort of correlation that was made in terms of payroll tax. And the reason that I stumble on that is because it would . . . I would . . . it would be remiss of me not to remind MP Jackson that the highest payroll taxes existed under the OBA Go vernment. And it is , in fact , the Progressive Labour Party that is putting in [legislation] to reduce payroll taxes. And so, it was a bit challenging for me to make that sort of correlation.
Bermuda House of Assembly Nonetheless, Mr. Speaker, I put myself forward because I recognise that I am some decades away from being a senior citizen. But I wanted to emphasise that you do not have to be on the verge of being a senior citizen to care about senior citizens. On many occasions, Mr. Speaker, this Government, in different forms, has articulated that we have an ageing population. I believe that it was in the most recent Budget Statement where the Premier mentioned that the projection showed that 25 per cent of our total population will be senior citizens within the next four years. That is a reality that we must all come to terms with. We are an ageing population— 25 per cent of the population will be senior citizens within the next f our years. So, Mr. Speaker, it is important that we put policies and initiatives in place that will protect the i nterest of our seniors. The Premier mentioned in his comments how the Government has expanded home healthcare benefits. He mentioned how annually we have increased our pension payouts to reflect inflation rates. There were a number of my colleagues who mentioned a lot of the positive things that we are d oing for nursing homes and our seniors, but one of the things that I would like to include is a recent example where the Government had upgraded, or made upgrades, to Harmony Hall. And a significant reason we did this is to help create more affordable housing for our seniors. You see, they were there for us , so I am proud to be a part of a Governm ent that ensures that we now are there for them. Mr. Speaker, this Go vernment has and will continue to be there for our sen-iors. This leads me to the Bill this afternoon which advances yet another election promise made by this Government. We said in our 2020 platform that we would eliminate land taxes for care homes. That is exactly what we will do. This is another election prom-ise executed by the Progressive Labour Party. Mr. Speaker, from the Premier’s comments earlier, I recognised the emphasis that was placed on the fact that these residential care facilities and nur sing homes must be registered with the Bermuda Health Council. And in my quick research over the lunch break, I noticed that there are currently 18 on the register. It is worth noting because sometimes the frustration gets lost in the details. And so we must reemphasise and remind the public that it is licensed or registered care homes that will receive this land tax relief. I am also encouraged to see that this Bill r evokes and amends exclusi on orders relating to Wes tmeath and Lefroy House, as we look to promote a more equitable approach in law. Mr. Speaker, this Bill is important to me because I have family members, including my mother, who once worked at a home. And I have other me mbers of my family who are currently residents at a home. So, I support this Bill because I recognise that it will help to keep some of those struggling care homes open. It will help to keep many of those who work at these facilities employed. Perhaps most i mportantly, as the Premier said, it is a means to help ensure that the valued services these homes provide to our seniors, is not compromised. So, Mr. Speaker, as I close, I certainly reco gnise that the social and economic impact far super-sedes the $66,000 in re lief. It further demonstrates the Government’s commitment to striking the difficult bal-ance between maintaining a social agenda, particular-ly for those more vulnerable amongst us, while staying disciplined enough stay within the prescribed fiscal guardrail s so that we continue our trajectory toward economic recovery. So with that, I thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWould any other Member like to make a contribution? No other. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if I may yield, I think the Honourable MP just wanted to declare a point of information on her speech. She just wanted to register an …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier, I would ask that she hadn’t –– she actually just asked to speak. I had indicated she had missed the opportunity. Are you saying that you need to correct som ething ? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I just want to—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerNo, no. I am asking the Member now. Member, are you saying that you need to correct something?
Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -WadeNo, I wasn’t correcting anything. I was just declaring an interes t. 1420 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Okay. Fine. You have declared your interest. I thought you were attempting to make a second speech.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Go ahead, Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speak er, I note, certainly , the comments of Honourable Members in the debate today and I am certainly grateful for the support, I would say, from both sides of the House on this particular …
Okay. Go ahead, Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speak er, I note, certainly , the comments of Honourable Members in the debate today and I am certainly grateful for the support, I would say, from both sides of the House on this particular Bill. If I may speak to a few of the points of which were raised, I not e that there was a point that was raised by MP Jackson where the Honourable Member for constituency 20 was saying that payroll taxes are crushing for some of these organisations that have significant payroll costs. And absolutely, Mr. Speaker, that is something that is recognised. I am informed that there has been some relief that has been provided. But part of the review, and I want to refer back to what I said, Mr. Speaker, because there was a Long Term Care Action Plan that was done in January of 2017. When this Government came in in July of 2017 did not just ignore that plan, we continued to execute on the things that had been set out in that Long Term Action Plan and we have executed on many of those particular items. But what is important is that we pick up on that and look at the additional support of which may be able to be provided with the aim of making sure that the nursing facilities and care homes can be sustainable in the long term. And we can look at the total spending that we have on senior care to make sure that it is aligned properly, correctly and we get the most bang for our buck. So, in that review that I had stated in my speech that the Cabinet has directed things such as payroll tax, things such as financial assistance, the payments and how those things are structured, things insofar as the transfer of persons from long- term facil ities at the hospital to other facilities are all things that will be considered as part of that updating of that r eview, Mr. Speaker. And so from that perspective it is certainly something that is recognised because I spoke about the supplementary grants. What we do not want is a situation where that is the answer. Where it is just continued grants, continued grants, continued grants versus looking at their view in a wider system. And I do know that there are some [who are] grateful , and I do know that MP Jac kson had said that her speech was a little bit shorter than it may have been as she wanted to speak about the grants, the need for grant support. But I think it is also important, Mr. Speaker, to recognise that the time of which it took is not just ins ofar as to take time, but it is to make sure that we get it right, to make sure that we are doing these things in a sustainable fashion, to recognise that we do not have unlimited resources in a government and in a country , and to make sure that we are making the changes which are required in order for these organisations to be sust ainable to do what they do well. And that is to take care of our persons who ar e unable to take care of themselves in many cases and instances, Mr. Speaker. And so I think that this is something that is important. Now, Mr. Speaker, I am certainly gratified to hear the concern, the matters which are coming from the other side. I just have to say, Mr. Speaker, what a difference six years makes! Because we know before what we heard from the One Bermuda Alliance, quotes such as (directed to our seniors ), Money does not grow on trees. But now we are hearing the calls about more relief that is needed. But have no fear, Mr. Speaker, and to the seniors of this country, it means have no fear , because one thing that is particularly important is that elections do matter. Elections do make a difference. And in this case, Mr. Speaker, the seniors of this country have a Government that deli vers for our seniors, that has kept our promise to our seniors, and we will continue to keep our promise to our seniors, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, one of the things that was mentioned certainly by many Members on this side, is the issue of pensions and the increase in the amount of social insurance. Mr. Speaker, when we come back the next time this House sits, there will be a pension increase order that will be tabled in this House as it is important that Gover nments keep their promises to those who kept their promise to us. Our golden gen-eration of seniors! And that, Mr. Speaker, is what the seniors of this country have inside of this Gover nment —making sure that we are doing right by them! And that, Mr. Speaker , is a commitment that we are very proud of. It is a commitment. This Bill today, is a commitment to our seniors to make sure that they have the care that is available to them and this Gover nment, working under the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, who has the responsibility for age and disability services, provides the grants for nursing homes and rest homes, and making sure to work with those in conjunction with the Ministry of Health, who certainly has responsibility with long- term care facil ities such as Lefroy House, Sylvia Richardson [Care Facility], and also certainly at the Bermuda Hospitals Board, we are going to continue the work and effort to make sure that the seniors have the care that is avai lable to them. So with that, Mr. Speaker, I do move that the Bill be committed.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. Thank you, Members. Deputy Speaker. Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House in Committee at 3:45 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman] COMMIT TEE ON BILL LAND VALUATION AND TAX AMENDMENT ACT 2020
The ChairmanChairmanHonourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] for further consider ation of the Bill entitled the Land Valuation and Tax Amendment Act 2022 . Premier David Burt, you have the floor. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I would like …
The ChairmanChairmanContinue, Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, clause 1 is self -explanatory. Clause 2 amends section 3 of the principal Act to exclude from the draft valuation list residential care homes and nursing homes licensed under the Residenti al Care Homes and Nursing …
Continue, Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, clause 1 is self -explanatory. Clause 2 amends section 3 of the principal Act to exclude from the draft valuation list residential care homes and nursing homes licensed under the Residenti al Care Homes and Nursing Homes Act 1999. Clause 3 revokes and amends exclusion orders superseded by the new provision which relate to licensed residential care homes (Westmeath and Lefroy House) already excluded from the draft valua-tion list by virtue of orders made by the Minister under section 3(1)(h) of the principal Act. Clause 4 provides for commencement on 1 July 2022.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Premier Burt. Are there any further speakers? [No audible response]
The ChairmanChairmanAre there any further speakers? Premier Burt, do you want — 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 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, Mr. Chairman. I move that the Bill be reported to the House.
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, Premier Burt and all other MPs who participated. Mr. Speaker. [Motion carried: …
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, Premier Burt and all other MPs who participated. Mr. Speaker.
[Motion carried: The Land Valuation and Tax Amen dment Act 2022 was c onsidered by a Committ ee of the whole House and passed without amendment.]
House resumed at 3:48 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair]
REPORT OF COMMITTEE
LAND VALUATION AND TAX AMENDMENT ACT 2020
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Deputy Speaker. Thank you, Member s. Are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Land Valuation and Tax Amendment Act 2022 being reported to the House as printed? No objections. The Bill has been reported as printed. Thank you, Members, for your participation. The next item on …
Thank you, Deputy Speaker. Thank you, Member s. Are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Land Valuation and Tax Amendment Act 2022 being reported to the House as printed? No objections. The Bill has been reported as printed. Thank you, Members, for your participation. The next item on the Order Paper today is Order No. 5 in which the Premier has a motion to move regarding that. Premier.
[No audible response]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier. Hon. E. David Burt: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. The motion for Order No. 5. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I did send you a message on that. I didn’t hear a response so I am not entirely . . . is there a way that we can have that carried over or . . . I’m …
Yes. The motion for Order No. 5.
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I did send you a message on that. I didn’t hear a response so I am not entirely . . . is there a way that we can have that carried over or . . . I’m sorry, Mr. Speaker. 1422 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThat is just the removal of it as the time had lapsed on it ? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I had asked if I could do the motion to reintroduce it or to extend it for a period . . .
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWell, we are going to have this conversation offline because the matter has died because of the situation . . . bec ause of time. But the situation that prevented it from being dealt with is still a live situ ation. So once that matter is resolved then it can …
Well, we are going to have this conversation offline because the matter has died because of the situation . . . bec ause of time. But the situation that prevented it from being dealt with is still a live situ ation. So once that matter is resolved then it can be retabled. But that matter that prevented it from being discussed is still current.
Hon. E. David Burt: Noted , Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Hon. E. David Burt: Shall I move under Standing O rder 25(3) . . . or are you saying that —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerCorrect. Yes. Go right ahead. Go right ahead and just move it. Yes. Hon. E. David Burt: Okay, Mr. Speaker. I don’t have the recital but Mr. Speaker, I am seeking—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerUnder the provision of Standing Order 25(3). Hon. E. David Burt: Yes, Mr. Speaker. I am moving under provision of Standing O rder 25(3), given that “interval of three calendar months has elapsed after notice of a motion has been given” I ask the House to renew the motion so …
Under the provision of Standing Order 25(3). Hon. E. David Burt: Yes, Mr. Speaker. I am moving under provision of Standing O rder 25(3), given that “interval of three calendar months has elapsed after notice of a motion has been given” I ask the House to renew the motion so that it can stand on the Order Paper in the hopes that we—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerNo, no, no, no, no. We are asking that it be withdrawn at this point , because it still can’t be dealt with because the matter that is blocking it from being dealt with is still a current matter. So it is best to remove it at this point and …
No, no, no, no, no. We are asking that it be withdrawn at this point , because it still can’t be dealt with because the matter that is blocking it from being dealt with is still a current matter. So it is best to remove it at this point and whenever the matter that is before the courts is settled, [then] we can reintroduce it.
MOTION [Withdrawn ( Standing Order 25(3) )]
MOTION TO TAKE NOTE OF THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO HISTORIC LAND LOSS IN BERMUDA
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, according to Standing Order 25(3) if I am unable to move the motion for the House to keep in on the Order Paper, Standing Order 25(3) deems that the motion is withdrawn.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Thank you, sir. Thank you, Premier, I appreciate that. With that, the rest of the items on the Order Paper are carried over for the next sitting. We will do our third readings now, Mr. Premier. And we can start with the Deputy Premier for your Electricity Amendment Act. …
Okay. Thank you, sir. Thank you, Premier, I appreciate that. With that, the rest of the items on the Order Paper are carried over for the next sitting. We will do our third readings now, Mr. Premier. And we can start with the Deputy Premier for your Electricity Amendment Act. Would you like to do your third reading?
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerContinue. Hon. Walt er H. Roban: I am just getting the video started; sorry.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerNo problem. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, I move that Standing Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move that the Bill entitled the Electricity A mendment Act 2022 , as amended, be now read the third time by its title only.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections to the matter being read a third time, as amended? There are none. Continue on, Deputy Premier. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING ELECTRICITY AMENDMENT ACT 2022 Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that the Bill be now read …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections? There are none. The Bill entitle d the Electricity Amendment Act 2022 has been read a third time by its title only, which includes the amendments that were made, so it is now passed. Thank you, Deputy Premier. [Motion carried: The Electricity Amendment Act 2022 was …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Deputy Premier. Bermuda House of Assembly Premier, would you like to do your third rea ding? 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 the Bill …
Thank you, Deputy Premier.
Bermuda House of Assembly Premier, would you like to do your third rea ding?
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 the Bill entitled the Land Valuation and Tax Amendment Act 2022 be now read the third time by its title only.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections? There are none. Continue. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING LAND VALUATION AND TAX AMENDMENT ACT 2022 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill entitled the Land Valuation and Tax Amendment Act 2022 …
Are there any objections? There are none. Continue. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.]
BILL
THIRD READING
LAND VALUATION AND TAX AMENDMENT ACT 2022 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill entitled the Land Valuation and Tax Amendment Act 2022 be 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 Land Valuation and Tax Amen dment Act 2022 was read a third time and passed.]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Members. Thank you, Mi nisters for your parti cipation today. We have gone through the Orders of the Day and we have now done our third readings and that leaves us with one item on the Order Paper.
Mr. Premier.
ADJOURNMENT
Hon. E. David BurtpremierThank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I mov e that this Honourable House do now adjourn until Friday, June 17, [2022] at 10:00 am. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker. I would like to speak.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDoes any Member . . . boy, before I even get it out. Opposition Leader, I take it you would l ike to make a contribution at this time. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker, I won’t be very long.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerLet me get the clock started so I can make sure you have your 20 minutes. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I probably won’t even take 20 minutes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo right ahead. TRAVEL AUTHORISATION FORMS Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: You know, I don’t speak too often on the motion to adjourn, but the issue that I would like to raise is an issue that has been in the p apers.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYour mi crophone died that time. You were live on video but your microphone just died. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: How about now?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, you are good now. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: The issue that I would like to raise has been raised many times in the paper and I would just like to get some clarity on where things stand on the travel authorisations. The Minister of Transport noted the challenges …
Yes, you are good now.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: The issue that I would like to raise has been raised many times in the paper and I would just like to get some clarity on where things stand on the travel authorisations. The Minister of Transport noted the challenges that he faced with shipping companies. And we continued to have st ories about people not getting off the ships because of the challenges with the travel authorisation. Mr. Speaker, this morning I had a phone call from a resident who represents the individuals with high net worth who we are trying to attract to this I sland. She is in her 70s. She has a $4 [million], $5 mi llion house in Bermuda. And she is not [very] computer literate. And so she came to Bermuda with one of her girlfriends. And because her girlfriend is younger [her girlfriend] completed the forms and had it all resolved for her. She called me up in frustration and said, Cole, I am a resident of Bermuda. I have a house in Berm uda. And it was so stressful. I had to show my doc uments four times when I came to the airport —four times! And why can’t we make that more efficient? She concluded by saying, Even though I have a house here, I have staff working for me and I contribute dramatically to our economy, I don’t think I can come back until the travel authorisation is addressed and made more user -friendly. Mr. Speaker, this is somebody who is commi tted to Bermuda. This is somebody who has been here for over 20 years. This is somebody who has spent millions and millions and millions in Bermuda. And she probably represents many other seniors —and we 1424 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly have just been talking about seniors —who have cha llenges with completing the travel authorisation forms. You have heard my Honourable Member Michael Dunkley speak about it. You had requests for a review by the Tourism Authority. If we want to kill tourism, then we can continue on the path that we are currently takin g as far as inconvenience is concerned. Mr. Speaker, I recently travelled to Germany and all I had to do, once, was show my travel certif icates. When I went to the UK, I did not have to show anything other than what I showed at the airport. Nothing else. People are going to the Caribbean. Some Caribbean countries are just asking for copies of your vaccination certificates. We must remain competitive. We must ensure that when tourists come to Bermuda it is a seamless transition that is convenient. I under stand, as I said in my opening remarks, from the Minister of Transport that the Cabinet is looking to see how we can make this more efficient. I invite the Premier to make this a priority. We are beginning our summer season, which is our peak season. And i f people like this lady who has an interest in Bermuda, who is a senior, feels that way, as she is almost virtually a “belonger” because she is a resident, then imagine the message that she can tell her friends, and what impact that would have on Bermuda. Like I said, she has the money to do whatever she wants. And she still loves Bermuda. But the cha llenges with the travel authorisation have caused her great anxiety. And she said to me, Mr. Simons, I will not come back even though I have my lovely home, and even though I love Bermuda, until the travel authorisation issue is resolved or made far more user - friendly . I am sure that she represents many more people like her and many people that we are trying to attract to this Island. So I invite the Government , the Premier , to make this a priority and do something or eliminate the travel authorisation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Mr. Speaker . Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDoes any other Member — Minister of Education. TRAVEL AUTHORISATION FORM S Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I actually want to thank the O pposition Leader for those comments that he did make. Often we hear within the House a person saying, you know …
Does any other Member — Minister of Education.
TRAVEL AUTHORISATION FORM S
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I actually want to thank the O pposition Leader for those comments that he did make. Often we hear within the House a person saying, you know , they have spoken to one person and that must be the experience of everyone. The Member himself just spoke about travel ling. He said he was in Germ a-ny, he was in the UK , and so obviously he had to fill out a travel authorisation to get back to Bermuda. But he did not mention that he had any issues with it coming back . This is not to downplay anyone who has had issues with the travel authorisation. We are listening. We are making the adjustments as we can. But, Mr. Speaker, I want to say hand over heart , overall, the travel authorisation process has worked the way it was designed to work . I have spoken to persons . As a matter of fact on the Miami flight that came in just earlier this week , I spoke to four people off of that flight , and they were astounded that the tra vel authorisation that they a pplied for online was sent to them within five minutes , and they were fine to get on the plane, do their thing, get to Bermuda, do their antigen test and, you know , go about their way . So for every bad story there are good stor ies as well . So it is just a matter of finding that balance, Mr. Speaker. And it is not going to get any better if all we do is concentrate on the bad things. We have to have that balance. And I can say , as I said hand over heart , that we are doing what needs to be done to curtail the issues with the travel authorisation that the minority experience , and address those . And it is a foregone conclusion that the travel authorisation will remain. That has been stated. No matter how many times the MP from const ituency 10 gets up and says we need to remove it , it will stay . So let ’s just work together and see how we can move forward with it versus continuously trying to start up or rouse up some conspiracy theory that it is not working for an yone when that is sim ply just not the case, Mr. Speaker.
LIVING WITH COVID -19
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: So, Mr. Speaker, that was not what I wanted to speak to. I actually wanted to speak to how well we have come through our COVID - 19 issues and the joys that we ha ve been se eing, or the freedoms that we have been seeing amongst our people over the last couple of weeks as we celebrated some events , Mr. Speaker. Back in 2020, Mr. Speaker, the coronavirus , or COVID -19 as we speak to it , almost overnight just changed the way that we operate within Bermuda. It impacted us in ways that we never thought in a million years we would be impacted by, as it was representative of a once- in-a-century pandemic that we were dealing with. Simple joys , like leaving home, were something we could not enjoy when we wanted to. We just couldn't leave our homes when we wanted to. Shopping for groceries on a designat ed day was something you had to do. Working from home , something, you know , that couldn't even have been fathomed two or three years befor e that . But, yes, we were there. The interruption of schooling for our children was one thing that really , as the Minister of Education,
Bermuda House of Assembly stood out for me. Parents , as a parent myself , subbing for our teachers while we were trying to juggle what we were do ing on our work computer and what our children were doing on their computers . So, these are the things that really did affect us in 2020. And, you know , we have made some progress . We have come through it because COVID -19, Mr. Speaker, tossed everything on its head . And although we are still living with the pandemic , no person in Bermuda can deny that the most recent testing and the data that came from that testing shows us that we are still here with COVID -19. However , this has not stopped us from living w ith COVID -19, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the days and the months and the years —yes, years , because we are talking about 2021 and we are now in 2022 —that have gone by, this Government has fought a good and strategic bat-tle against this. And while , as we just heard, our pe ople are not completely happy —some people are not completely happy —we have all benefited from the rock solid mitigation processes that have been put in place to ensure that we can at some point start to move toward what we would call norm alcy. And, Mr. Speaker, last Friday at the Bermuda Day parade was a testament of how far we have come. Mr. Speaker, anyone who attended the Be rmuda Day parade or any of the events that happened later that night . . . I know there was a huge concert up in Dockyard, and the like. We will be discussing how well things went off, how well we came through that, for years to come in my opinion. While the number of entries for the parade were not as high as in previous years, the ability for our people to get out and march, to dance, to jump around to the rhythmic and hypnotising beat of the Gombey drums, was something that we all cherished, whether you were there at the parade or watching on TV. And that is another thing to talk about, Mr. Speaker. For me, it was probably the first time I had seen such excellent coverage of the parade. People would say that it almost felt like they were there watching the coverage, watching people talk about , you know , the commentators they had, Ms. Heather Whaling, Mr. Smith . They did excellent job of commentating, Mr. Speaker. I have heard nothing but good reports from people when they speak of Bermuda Day 2022. So, for that, I believe hardy congratulations should go out to Minister Peets and his team at the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport. They did a stellar job. They put together an event that will be reme mbered for years and will grow from strength to strength as long as we continue our strong leadership in mitigating what this COVID -19 pandemic has brought upon us . Mr. S peaker, those of us who got up a little earlier on Bermuda Day got treated to the annual half marathon. I thought it was a great event . I was liste ning to the lead- up to it , and I understand that there were more competitors this year than spectators that were allowed last year . I believe they said it was 900 - plus spectators , I mean 900- plus runners that took part in that event . So that is a testament of where we have come to. Every Bermuda Day my family and I do our usual and get up and we go down to the l ane and watch the runners . But it was a special moment for me this year , Mr. Speaker, because my aunt was running. She had practiced for a year. She said this was on her bucket list ; she really wanted to do it . So it was exci ting to see her come through, as well as the other runners, as we all cheered and clapped. And we had just a good time meeting up with friends . Similar to the parade routes , what I recognis ed was that the people went to the same spots for the runners , as well . So you were meeting up wit h people you hadn't seen i n over a year. So that was a great thing to watch, Mr. Speaker. I just want to thank the runners for doing their best, everyone that com pleted the race or competed in the race. Thank you for helping bring that part of the traditi on back to its full glory . Mr. Speaker, what I really wanted to talk about involves me being the Minister of Education and, of course, a parent . I can personally testify and empathis e with what our parents , what our educators and what our students have go ne through over the last two years to get to where we are and get to where we find ourselves , Mr. Speaker. We have had to ju ggle keeping an eye on our students , as I said earlier , keeping an eye on our students while they're doing their Zoom , but we were trying to do our Zoom work . Our students had to adapt to classes without physica lly seeing their teachers , without physically seeing their friends . Our educators , almost overnight went from teaching in front of a class to teaching in front of a computer . All of these things could not have been predicted. Although it was something in our education reform we were working towards , the pandemic made us accelerate that . And I just want to say a huge shout -out to our parents , to our educators , and to our students who weathered that storm and have come through. In addition to all of these, Mr. Speaker, I can say that we managed to open our schools in September 2020, something many countries far bigger than us could not even begin to start doing. It was put in place with guidelines and restrictions that , you know , some people were not happy with. But it helped us to get our children back into the classroom . And it helped us to get our parents back into the work force. It helped us to get to the things that we all cherish , and that is , you know , starting to move beyond the pa ndemic . These guidelines did not make life inside our schools as easy as before. And, as I said, there were some things that people had to adjust to for normal cy. But I would like to now fast forward to 2022, Mr. Speaker, where we are now , as we say , living safely 1426 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly with COVID -19 in our schools . And for the first time in some schools since 2019—three years ago— our schools are starting to have those school events that really uplift our schools and bri ng that camaraderie back . I am talking about experiences like sports days , graduations , leaving ceremonies , parents being able to visit students on campus , exhibits and things along those lines that not only enhance the school spirit but enhance the perfor mance of our students and helps us to create these well -rounded students that we know Bermuda needs in order to profit. Mr. Speaker, I myself have made it a personal journey to try and visit as many of these events as possible over t he last few weeks . I have not been able to visit them all , but I ha ve had the pleasure of visiting many agricultural shows at Franci s Patton , at St. David’s Primary , at West Pembroke, the Commonwealth Games torch celebration at Paget Primary , Sports Day at C edarB ridge Academy , Sports Day at the Berkeley Institute , Sports Day at Whitney institute, Sports Day at Francis Patton. And the crown of it all was the Inter -School Sports Day that we had for pr imary schools earlier this week . To see all of our schools , we had public and pri vate (not all of them but the bulk of them ) celebrating, competing against each other , the camaraderie of seeing them stand on the podium and get their medals , get their certificates , their ribbons to say that , you know , they came . It was just a sight to s ee, Mr. Speaker. Just looking up in the stands seeing the parents cheering them on, you will not . . . it was just exciting for me to see that kind of return there, Mr. Speaker. And last but not least , Mr. Speaker, being able to attend the graduation of t he students that crossed the stage at Bermuda College a couple of weeks ago. They have not been able to celebrate with their famil ies in that [graduation] since 2019 . It was a beautiful thing watching them receive their diplomas and see the joy on their fa ces as they did that. Mr. Speaker, I understand and I apol ogise that I was unable to make all of these events . But I want people to know [INAUDIBLE] as I am sure the rest of Ber muda was . I do understand that it was a very successful sports day season with virtually every school , except for a couple, being able to put on sports . So I am looking forward to us moving from strength to strength when it comes to talking about that type of joy within our schools . The ability , Mr. Speaker, to get back to normal cy brings a renewed passion for school . And that i s something that we are sorely in need of. And talk about things like COVID -19 fatigue, COVID -19 fatigue is a real thing. Mr. Speaker . But the excitement and the smiles on our educators ’ faces when I visited t hese events were priceless . I wish that anybody who could have gone did go. A few MPs did attend some of these events , and I am sure that they can speak to exactly what I am sa ying. Looking around and seeing the sheer excitement of being out of the classr ooms, running around with their friends, their parents were cheering them on. Those are the things that we can take away from the excitement and the positive vibes that we are seeing now within our society . And, Mr. Speaker, the one thing that I can point out is that it is possible to have guidelines and regulations in place without sacrific ing the fun and ethos of these types of events . Mr. Speaker, as we are getting on and moving on with living with COVID -19 over the next four weeks we will start to see leaving ceremonies , we will start to see celebrations , we will start to see graduations for those. And as I did with the sports days , with the mini agriculture show, with all those other events, Mr. Speaker , I had my office reach out to every single school because I am going to try to attend every si ngle leaving ceremony , every single graduation I can physically attend. And I encourage Members within these Chambers to try to do that as well , especially the schools within your constituencies . Our students h ave come through a lot , Mr. Speaker . Our educators have come through a lot . Our parents have come through a lot . And they all deserve our support and congratulations for moving on to that next stage, whether it i s graduation from one of our senior schools , or it is a leaving ceremony that takes them to the next stage of their evolution within the Bermuda public school system . They deserve our celebration and they deserve us to be there to celebrate them as well , Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I started this off by giving a r ecap of where we started, the change of life as we now know it as a result of COVID -19. And I wanted to conclude by showing how our schools ha ve grown to live with COVID -19 and we are striving to get back a degree of normalcy . Mr. Speaker, COVID -19 is going to be with us for long time. Let’s just put that out there. However , we have seen that we just need to be careful about protecting oursel ves. But what we ha ve seen over the last few weeks doing that does not mean you cannot live your life . Our students are excited . And they have benefited from these events , like I have been talking about just now, Mr. Speaker . And we want to continue to move forward. We want well -rounded students We want a re warding school experience for our students . And I believe that we are in the process of moving back towards doing that for them . Mr. Speaker, Bermuda has w eathered the storm with st eadfast and steady leadership to deal with this COVID -19 pandemic . We are now reaping the rewards despite negative sayings that we do get from people about things like the TA and why they have to wear a mask when they get here. But we are reaping the rewards of steadfast leadership in the face of the COVID -19 pandemic . And we will continue to move from strength to strength, Mr. Speaker. I am sure, Mr. Speaker, and you see I got especially dressed just for you. I, like everyone else in Bermuda, is looking forward to when St. George’s lifts
Bermuda House of Assembly that Cup Match trophy later this summer . I, along with the majority of Bermuda, am lookin g for ward to that date—
Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order, Mr. Speaker. The Member is misleading the House!
[Laughter]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerHe was on a good wicket all this time until that came in.
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberWell done, Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Raba in: Mr. Speaker, in the coming weeks we will see things like Heroes Day holiday . I am sure this will bring more celebrations as we show how we can continue to move along to live safely with COVID -19. Mr. Speaker, …
Well done, Minister.
Hon. Diallo V. S. Raba in: Mr. Speaker, in the coming weeks we will see things like Heroes Day holiday . I am sure this will bring more celebrations as we show how we can continue to move along to live safely with COVID -19. Mr. Speaker, I am personally excited for the future. And I am excited for our country as we embrace moving along. Again , those who got a chance to see our children beaming over the last few weeks will realise how far we have come, Mr. Speaker . I look forward to these positive movement s. I look forward to us mov ing forward and dealing with COVID -19. I look forward to us continuing strong and steady leadership as we navigate towards exiting from this pandemic , which will probably be with us for another year or so, Mr. Speaker. So with that , Mr. Speaker , I just want to thank Bermuda for standing by us and coming through this fire with us over the last two years to get us to where we are today , Mr. Speaker, in a much better place living with COVID -19. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister . Does any other Member — Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDeputy Speaker? Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYou have your 20 minutes. HISTORY OF INEQUALITY IN EDUCATION Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you , Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker let me say that as a former hotelier who work ed for many years at the executive level in the tourist industry we always viewed one complaint as …
You have your 20 minutes.
HISTORY OF INEQUALITY IN EDUCATION Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you , Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker let me say that as a former hotelier who work ed for many years at the executive level in the tourist industry we always viewed one complaint as one far too many . Mr. Speaker, I say this to the whole of Bermuda and the rest of the 35 Members of these Chambers that we cannot take people for granted. People do not have to come to Bermuda. There are other places to go. So let's not take an a pproach of, What I say goes . Tourism does not work like that . That is a ll I will say on t hat, Mr. Speaker. Earlier this week the president of the Bermuda Industrial Union on behalf of the membership released a document . And in the document under “ H”, it says free college education for students up to $40,000 a year. Mr. Speaker, I'm a proponent of that writing. One may ask why. Mr. Speaker , many of our children at the start of the education system in this country were deprived of a proper education by the Government of the day , endorsed by the chief occupant of Gover nment House. Now some may get annoyed because I am bringing up history . Well, I didn't write the history . And one thing about history , it will not go away . But I believe that in order to know where you are you must know where you came from and how you got to where you are . Mr. Speak er, what I am about to say is not new speculation or stuff off the top of my head. This is written in the history books . Mr. Speaker, when Blacks , Negroes , were two -thirds of the student population we received only 18 per cent of government funds. The other schools received 82 per cent. This, again, was endorsed by Government House. Mr. Speaker , there was a time when Black children could not take the test to be a Rhodes Schol-ar because they thought that Black children were not endowed to have academic abil ities or a business acumen. In fact , Mr. Speaker, we had a member of the Education Board in those days who said, one said, trying to educate some people is like knocking their heads against a stone wall. Then another chairman of the Board of Education said it’s useless to provide secondary education for certain children because they were not endowed by the Almighty to absorb such an education . Mr. Speaker, that doesn't happen today . I don't think so. But the effect of what happened during those times affec ts us today . It has something to do with the behaviou r of some of our young people, because their parents and their grandparents were deprived of a proper education because of who they were. Mr. Speaker, we were entrusted during those days . In fact , under the Board of Education in those days White schools were encouraged to have boards and run their own schools . We had to come under the auspices of the Board of Education. So they set our curriculum and everything else like that . And I will venture out to s ay that when Doctor Kenneth Robinson went about trying to fix that he met up to some unfriendly fire. In fact, they took his mortgage even though he paid and he never missed a payment, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, during that time schools applied for governm ent funds to carry out extensions or renovations on the school . Berkeley, in 1933, applied for some government money to do some extensions , and 1428 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly the Government of the day , endorsed by the Governor at that time , said they would give them the money , but they must have their people on the board. So the Berkeley board was controlled by Whites . Yet the same procedure, as far as giving money to White schools , was not required, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, that takes me back to I think [it was] probably 2002 when the new Be rkeley was built . And because a Black firm got that contract, was awarded the contract, every day they were on that site it was almost like holy hell. The comments, the articles o n the front page of the newspaper were not encouraging. It was criticis m. But, Mr. Speaker, eventually that Black firm was terminated, after completing 83 per cent of the school, the $68 million contract . Mr. Speaker, when they were terminated $17 million was left unspent , and 17 per cent of the school had to be completed . Well, they gave the contract to a White construction firm, Mr. Speaker , and that construction firm spent more tha n what the Black firm, who built 83 per cent of school for. Eighty three per cent of the school cost $51 million . To complete the other 17 per c ent cost over $60 million. There never were any special r eports . There was no criticism from the Royal Gazette. In fact , when the White firm went to work up there, [and] they were awarded the contract after the proactive was terminated, all criticism in th e newspaper stopped. So, even though this happened in 1933 , it happened again in 2002 with this crowd, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it was when Howard . . . in fact at one time we had about 11 secondary schools . Eight were White, three were Black . And in that Black was Howard Academy . That school was founded by , I am told, a White guy named Mr. Skinner . Well, bless his soul. But, Mr. Speaker, when White schools were awarded £50 per child, Black schools were awarded £10 per child. And the point I am trying to make is that that's why I think for the next decade we should be affording all of those kids , predominately Blacks, who were denied proper education, whether it be facilities or whether it be funds . We need to fix that . If you want to call it a part of reparations , then call it that , Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do know my good friends from the White supremacist group will take me to task in the blogs . And that's fine with me, Mr. Speaker, because let me say this . I don't live as a racist, I don't act as a racist , nor do I think as a racist . Now, that may be disappointing to them . But I will call a spade a spade, Mr. Speak er. So, Mr. Speaker , again , I am supporting the position of the president on behalf of the workers of this country represented by the Bermuda Industrial Union for free education for the next decade for our children because of the history of a system when it was first started in Bermuda. We've been deprived; we have been left out with everything. And it is about time we start to make up for that , because as you probably know many , many of our parents today struggle . They struggle very hard to pay to send chi ldren overseas . Some children cannot go. And, Mr. Speaker, I don't know if I have got this right, but most times the recipients of schol arships are people who maybe have a 3.0 GPA, and they will get it before somebody who has a 2.5 or 2.4 [GPA]. Now, I believe that once a student qualifies to go to university , regardless of the G PA they should get those funds. A nd that's why I will continu e to say that our students need to be given free university educ ation for the next 10 years to make up f or what their parents , their grandparents , and the ir great grandparents did not have because . . . let me say this, Mr. Speaker . Your education today was based on the foundation that your great grandfather , your grandf ather, and father had, or what they did not have . So we have got to fix that . Thank you for this time and this privilege, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you Deputy Speaker. 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 20 minutes . BERMUDA DAY Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to start off by saying I am going to take my hat off to Minister Peet s and his team at the Youth, Culture and Sport for a …
Minister Weeks , you have your 20 minutes .
BERMUDA DAY Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to start off by saying I am going to take my hat off to Minister Peet s and his team at the Youth, Culture and Sport for a job well done this past weekend in preparing for Bermuda Day. Mr. Speaker, we don't have control of the weather, but the way that event was organ ised, that day was orga nised, even if it wasn't as bright and sunny , you know , we would have enjoyed ourselves . The Minister and his team showed some courage b ecause we have just come out of COVID -19 protocols. He took a chance in preparing for this . There weren’t as many floats , parade participants , as is normal . But what was there really helped to make Bermuda Day enjoyable. Mr. Speaker, all of that started from the Half Marathon. I knew from there that we were in for a heck of a day. I was down the lane where I always go with my family and I saw Minister Peets and some other MPs , the Opposition Leader and a few others . And we enjoy ed the occasion. So, Mr. Speaker, coming on after that when we were able to rather enjoy the parade it made me reflect on how we got to “Bermuda Day” and not the “ 24th of May.” This Gover nment , again, answer ed the call of the people, Mr. Speaker.
Bermuda House of Assembly We all like the festivities and the parade and all of the activities that come with it , but when this Government showed courage to change Bermuda Day to the Friday before the last Monday in May , it shows that we were thinking about what this thing . . . what this holiday , the toll it can take on participants if the holiday is held through the week and they have to go to school and work in the morning. This is new , Mr. Speaker, but I see it catching on . Not only do I see it catching on with the locals when they real ise that [with] Bermuda Day being held on the Friday before the last Monday in May benefit s us so that more and more people will take part . This also can become a part of our tourism product , whereas it could be a long weekend for tourists coming into Bermuda and join our festivities and get back home in time for their Memorial Day . Or Bermudians who need to travel can take a long weekend and take in Memorial Day . So this is a win -win situation , Mr. Speaker. I do not want to get too much in the history , but I get back to the festivities . Hats off again to Doctor Peets and his team . And I look to more Bermuda Days as we celebrate. As a matter of fact , Mr. Speaker, before I close, I knew there was something I wan ted to say. The t heme this year , “Togetherness ,” was fitting, Mr. Speaker. What we have been going through as a country over the last few weeks with the community violence, the theme “ Togetherness ” could not have been a better theme. When I walked around and I saw our res idents our people enjoying each other and going to those same spots , made me smile. I saw the tape on the ground, and I said , Yeah, here we are. We are very resilient people, Mr. Speaker. So that theme “ Together ness” is really fitting . And I encourage us to r emember that in spite of what we enjoyed on Friday on Bermuda Day, we have to remember that the country is in a situation where we have to address community violence. As I close, I still want to reach out to people, reach out to my colleagues , reach out to the listening audience, to do what you can do to reach someone. If you know something, say something. Our country is in need for community involvement , community toget herness, much like Bermuda Day. But rather than festivities we have to come together in a reflective way, Mr. Speaker, and real ise that it is going to take all of us together . Each one of us has to do our part and try to find a solution to what our communiti es are going through right now during this period . We cannot accept this to be the norm, Mr. Speaker. This is not the norm , and it will not be the norm if we come together to stamp it out. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Any other Member ?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Pearman. TRAVEL AUTHORISATION FORM S
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, you will be delight ed to know that I will be brief . I just want to pick up on a couple of things that have been said by speakers who spoke before me o n the motion to adjourn . I note that …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, you will be delight ed to know that I will be brief . I just want to pick up on a couple of things that have been said by speakers who spoke before me o n the motion to adjourn . I note that the Minister who just spoke was talking about ways in which we could enhance our tourism product . I entir ely agree. It is early June , Mr. Speaker, and you could walk down to Front Street and there are still lots of empty parking spaces and not a lot of people around. And that i s not a political observation; it is just looking around at what i s real . We need to get tourists back here. We need to grow our tourism product . And we need to do that as soon as we can. I would like to pick up on what the Minister of Education said earlier when he said in one moment that we all need to work together , that is a sentiment with which I wholly agree. And in the next moment he said what I say goes . The TAF? Well that's how it's going to stay. Well, respectfully , it is not easy to work together with someone who says my way or the highway. So let's look at th is. He said that when the Opposition Leader d escribed earlier people who have had bad experiences with the travel authorisation form, but that is balanced out by people who had good experiences with the travel authorisation form. Well, with the greatest of respect , Mr. Speaker, that's a complete nonsense. One bad experience is one bad experience t oo many . It is one person who says to heck with it I'm not going to Bermuda. One person sitting on a phone told they are the 90th caller in the queue . Why would t hey stay on the phone? Why would n’t they go somewhere else? Mr. Speaker, regrettably there are other juri sdictions that are eating our lunch, and we can't have a barrier to entry . We can't make it more difficult to come here. We can't inconvenience people and then say, Well, it's okay because some people weren't i nconvenienced, so it must be fine. One bad experience is one bad experi ence too many , as the Deputy Speaker observed when he spoke to this Honou rable House. One bad experience is one too many , and they need to stop. We want no bad experiences . We want to make it easier to come to Bermuda. And in order to do that when some people, indeed many people, complain about the hassle of the T ravel Authorisation form and about the additional cost it i mposes on a family of four who want to come to Bermuda, to describe that com plaint, as an earlier speak1430 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly er and Minister just did, as a “conspiracy theory ” . . . I mean, that is completely unhelpful . This is a perfectly legitimate view point that many in Bermuda hold. And when we speak out about it we're not speaking out about it because we're conspiracy theorists . We're speaking out about it because we want what's best for Bermuda. We want more tourists here. We want to work together with Minister Weeks so that we can enhance our tourism product . I mean, don't take it from me. Just look at the paper today . We got 1“Cruise reviewer : ‘TA is exercise in annoying bureaucracy. . .’” We've got another one, 2“Businesses want TA form -filling process to be scrapped.” These are not conspiracy theorists , Mr. Speaker. These are well -meaning, dedicated, caring Bermudians who want to see the barrier to entry lifted so that we can compete with those jurisdictions that are eating our lunch. Okay, we now know that the Government’s spokesperson [ INAUDIABLE ], I believe, and a Government Senator have confirmed that the reason the TAF is still here is for tax revenue. I personally would scrap the whole thing—the cost and the form . But I appreciate that there is a middle ground. If the r eason it exists is that the revenue is necessary then let's find another way to have that revenue without the hassle of the T ravel Authorisation form. As I said , Mr. Speaker, I would get rid of the whole thing, what I see as a stealth tax. But I also think the hassle is important and we cannot underestimate the importance of that . If I click and I fill the form in, if I get it back and just sign it again, it's a two -step process . I mean that's just silly . We could just change that overnight . Frankly , I would get rid of it . I think it is important, Mr. Speaker, to remember the words of the Minister of Education who spoke earlier . And again I quote. He said that we need to get on with it and we need live with COVID -19. Well, Mr. Speaker, I agree. Let's get on with it . Let’s recognise that we need to live with COVID -19, and let's get rid of the Travel Authorisation form. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you MP Pearman. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI am doing well. You have your 20 minutes . 1 Royal Gazette 3 June 2022 2 Ibid. TOURISM INDUSTRY HEADING IN RIGHT DIRECTION
Mr. Wayne CainesThank you. I won’t need as much , Mr. Speaker . I want to touch on a few topics really briefly . Mr. Speaker, we have had a really ener gised couple of weeks with the Sail GP. SailGP was an enterprise that a number of people supported and a …
Thank you. I won’t need as much , Mr. Speaker . I want to touch on a few topics really briefly . Mr. Speaker, we have had a really ener gised couple of weeks with the Sail GP. SailGP was an enterprise that a number of people supported and a number of people were lukewarm about . I think that it was a fantastic opportunity for us to highlight our sai ling history and the fact that we have always been sailors and that there are many things that we do exceedingly well with refer ence to nautical matters. And SailGP was a beautiful opportunity . It was good for us all to see everybody back in the country and travel ling and tourists that have come from near and far to spend the time with us . It was good to see our taxi drivers and our restaurant eurs all saying , Listen, you know what? We're back in the trade. Mr. Speaker, as you know , I am the chairman of the Bermuda Tourism Authority . And the Tourism Authority has been working tirelessly to bring events , such as the SailGP , and the Clipper race. And next week we will see the races, the yachts sail to Berm uda for races that will be starting , the Clipper race that's coming in summer . We are a country that is making our living in sailing. Oftentimes in Bermuda we do not understand that we are the commodity , that Bermuda is a beautiful place. And we see that there is a challenge where people disagree with the T A. And what we are prone to do is to focus on that which is causing us the most disquiet instead of looking at what is the benefit that we all aim to gain by rallying together . Now, as the chairman, I have heard the co ncerns around the T A. The concerns have been lodged in the right places . But guess what , Mr. Speaker? Recently , I was on professional business and I went to The Bahamas . They had rules and regulations with reference to my travel to The Bahamas . It wa s actua lly interesting to get to The Bahamas through Jamaica. Have you forgotten that we have to have a COVID -19 check to get into Canada and the United States of America ? There are countries all through the Cari bbean that have these forms . Yes, there are a few of them they have gotten rid of them . But in the mai n, there are countries in the Caribbean that have some form of border control mechanism that is a form , that is a payment , that is insurance throughout the Cari bbean . I have seen it and I have had t o do it . Yes, last week when I went abroad to California I had to do a test the day before to get to California. I had to do [it] two days in advance to get clearance to get to California, and then I had to come back and get another test because I had to get a test the day before to go to America. I could have simply said, Well, I'm not going to California because this is too inconvenient . I had to travel for business , so I had to make it happen. So this is a part of the world that we
Bermuda House of Assembly are in at the moment . And until things regularis e we have a TA form. I have spoken to the Minister of Tourism . He has indicated that there is a plan to make the form more simplified . Simplify the form so that more than one family member can use it at the same time, so it is a little more user -friendly . I think that is something that people are concerned about . The quickness, will there be more people answering the phone? The Minister said , We're going to get people answering at longer hours . They were going home at eight o’clock or nine o'clock at one point . Now they're working longer hours . So let’s analyse what the problem s are. Yes, people have been complaining of long telephone [waits]. Well, let's deal with that . People have been complaining that it is too cumbersome to use the forms and if you are a father you got to use the same form for your mom . Well let's fix that. And we've been giving indication that once this thing gets regularised that the form is going be made a lot more easier to manage. And that is something th at I believe is a step in the right direction. We all wish that we could get rid of all of the forms. I travel led last week , Mr. Minister . I had my birth certificate, I had my vaccine certificate, I had everything. They asked me everything when I was trave lling last week . And I travel quite often for work . It is cumbersome. It is more expensive. That is the world that we live in. And as Bermuda, we want to be a place where w e say listen , Let's just eliminate it to make it easier for people to come to Bermud a. I'm going to give everybody a newsflash: If you get rid of the form you still have to make sure that we have the best product in the Caribbean. You still have to make sure that we are the most hospitable people in the Caribbean. We still have to make su re that our hotels , our rooms , our service and our behaviou r is the best in the Caribbean. The thing that I think we need to put the most emphasis on is making sure that when a business come s to Bermuda that they have such a vibrant , such a friendly , such an experience that they can get nowhere else in the world that this is what they sell when they leave . Let’s not focus —and this is what we are prone to do—Oh, the TAs are why people are not coming. Let’s look at where we are. When we travel . . . are we going to make sure that our entertainers were giving the best entertainment on Island? Are we going to make sure that our hotel pricing is the fairest and people are getting the best room value, per stay, throughout the rest of the Caribbean? Those are the things that we have to make sure are going to keep us number one and people coming back to Bermuda. Yes? So we all are getting caught up, as we do ev erything, on the TA. Th e TA is what is topical now. Let's focus on making our product number one. Let's m ake sure that we encourage our young people to see tour-ism as a viable option so they are not just carry ing trays in the hotel , but they have the ability to go direc tly right up through their tourism trade. Yes? Let's look at tourism not only as a stop over when you're in Bermuda, or trying to get through school but you see it as a career . Let's look at our h otel offerings , and let's start to make sure that we get all of our hotels that are empty that are not being d eveloped . . . let's get the development . We see the potential of a renaissance with people again interes ted in Elbow Beach, with the hotels in the West End of the Island . We have seen hotel development that's taking off. What we need to do is continue to nurture that , continue to speak the bles sings and the beauty of our jurisdiction, and allow people to say I want to spend my vacation in Bermuda. We have a Tourism Author ity that has a clear plan for the summer as we get closer to our Emancipation celebration , which is Cup Match. We need to highlight that as we go up the hill into November and we go back to the PGA Championship, and we go to Black Golfers Week , and we go to all of the things in October/November. We see opportunities for people to come to Bermuda. And we want to continue to grow , and grow , and grow . We now know that the American Airlines flight is coming back in for New York City quite soon. What does that mean? That means our friends on the East Coast are going to be able to start getting back on the plane. The future for tourism is starting to look better and better every day. And what we need to do as a country is not to cry about the hole in the donut and eat that donut . We have an opportunity to say , you know what , Mr. Speaker?
Mr. Scott PearmanI'm not sure if the Honou rable Member perhaps misspoke, but he said that the American Airlines New York flight was coming back on soon. I believe the Honou rable Minister could confirm that it's not coming on until November . Thank you.
Mr. Wayne CainesI don't know what “soon” means to him . This is a flight that had disappeared—
Mr. Scott PearmanWell, during the tourism season might be good, Minister [sic]. 1432 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Wayne Caines: Well—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerRemember, he is speaking as a “Member” not as a “Minister.”
Mr. Wayne CainesWell, I just think that . . . and that is the spirit to which I speak . We are talking about the ability for us to see through what could fully be political ranco ur and say that we have a plan, and as a country we are starting …
Well, I just think that . . . and that is the spirit to which I speak . We are talking about the ability for us to see through what could fully be political ranco ur and say that we have a plan, and as a country we are starting to see green shoots for our tourism product coming back on its feet . I am saying , Mr. Speaker, that the TA is a form that we believe at this point to be necessary as a part of our public health practice in Bermuda. And we know that it is inconvenient to many , but we have to work through it . Mr. Speaker, to be clear for the Learned Member , there are times as a country where we are going do things that not everyone is going to agree with. But let's not focus on the fact that we have a TA that some people don't like. Let's focus on the fact that we have a country that people love, that we have a product that is second to none. Let’s make the product better . Let's get our kids involved. Let's get our people working again. And I believe that we can make the form better . I believe that we can make it more succinct. I believe that we can make it where more people answer the phone . And some of . . . because guess what , Mr. Speaker? We have gone to the agency and we have asked, what are the problems ? Wayne, people are waiting on the phone too long. I can go back to the Minister of Tourism and say, Listen, if you're not going to g et rid of the forms , you have to get rid of the wait. My dad has to fill out the form, my mom has to fill out the form, my daughter has got to fill out the form. It’s too much filling out of forms. Guess what they can say . Mr. Caines, we're going to put i n an algorithm and the algorithm is going to save the information. Because, Mr. Speaker, every time you go, you have to fill out the form every time. But we are going to put an algorithm in place and it's going to save the information and you are not going to have to fill it out every time. Okay, that's fine. If I'm a father I get to fill it out, then my wife has to fill it out, my daughter has to fill it out. Let's make that all easier. And so for all of the concerns instead of saying now , let’s just get rid of it, we have said, Listen, the Ministry . . . excuse me, the Tourism Authority has heard the concerns . I've taken the concerns of the Hotel Association, I’ve taken the concerns of the Hotel Owners Association, I've taken the concerns of the people th at are here in play, and we have said, Listen, these are the concerns. We are not going to get rid of the form at this point . That is perfectly clear. This is what we need to do to make it better . This is the lemonade. This is the lemonade; because we want people to come to Bermuda. Acknowledge that their concerns are important , that their concerns are valid, that we are not going to di smiss these concerns . Let’s take these concerns and say, This is how we will rectify . Mr. Speaker, we believe that in the cohort of things that we can have a country where our borders are safe, that if it is a revenue- generating mechanism that can be protected as well . But we need to make sure that we have this form be as user -friendly as possible. Mr. Speaker , I just wanted to speak generally around tourism . We believe that tourism is on the r ebound. We believe that there is a long- term plan for tourism in Bermuda, and we shared that in the Throne Speech, and we have a clear plan a nd tourism is loo king up. The hoteliers see the light at the end of the tunnel . We saw what that was. We're looking forward to the Clipper race that's coming up. This week we have another sailing event that's starting, the Spirit of Bermuda and the Newport Bermuda [Race]. Everything is happening in the next couple of days . We're looking at some really big things happening over the summer with hoteliers saying , Listen, things are starting to look up for the summer . So, after a really bleak period it is good to know that we are starting to see the green shoots . If you're in the city of Hamilton on the weekends now you see the life that is starting to come back to our country . And some of us thought that we wouldn't see it again, and now we're starting to see . It is good news. We cannot let those that seek to be pundits of everything continue to give us gloom and doom. When it was time for that we were sad. We were downtrodden. Now we see the green shoots and we have to encourage our young people. There is work in the tourism industry . People are looking for people in the hotel industry . People are looking for work in the restaurant industry . This is how you get involved. Yes, there is hope in our country . Tourism is a solid opportunity , and we have a good season coming forward. Do we have much more wor k to do? We have much work to do. Do we need to make sure that this TA form is regularised and at the appropriate time to do away with it? Of course we should. It was never planned to be a long- term solution. But right now we have to understand that as we travel through the world over the last few months most countries have restrictions when you come in, including America , including Canada, including Jamaica, including Barb ados, including The Bahamas that I've visited. And we are no different. We protect our borders . We do that which is best for our people . But, having said that , there is a way that we can do it and do it well , and still make sure that we keep tourists and make sure that our tourism product is the best . And that's what I want the essence of my time speaking to be, Mr. Speaker. We need to make sure that our product is the best . We need to make
Bermuda House of Assembly sure that our A irbnbs are clean and that we are friendly, that we are kind so that when people leave our Airbnbs and when they leave our ho tels that is what they are sharing when they go back . I went to Bermuda. Yes , I had this inconvenient form, but the people were so nice; the place that I stayed was so clean. We had so much fun when we went snorkelling, hors eback riding, when we went out on these diff erent experiences and we were riding around in the Twizy . You have to come to Bermuda. Those are the things that we need to push. In the long term we know that we have hotels that are coming on board, and those are things that we look forward to in 2023 /24. I believe that our industry is going in the right direction. I have heard what my Honourable and Learned colleague has said, and it has merit . But, again, let's continue to go forward and grow as a country . And today I believe there is much to be proud of in tourism . I believe , Mr. Speaker, there is room to grow and that we shall do it together . Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Any other Member ? [No audible response]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAny other Member ? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to speak , but I was aware that there were other Members who wanted to speak.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYou see I have the gavel in my hand. If you are going to speak you have the floor now. If not, the gavel goes down. Hon. E. David Burt: Not a problem. I do believe that MP Famous wanted to speak, but if he's not avail able—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMr. Premier, I have acknowledged you— Hon. E. David Burt: I got you, Mr. Speaker. I was just making sure, because I know I get in trouble som etimes when our people don't speak , so I am just trying to make sure.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYou have your 20 minutes . BERMUDA DAY Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, certainly I have not had the opportunity to contribute to some of the matters that were raised earlier in debate, but what I do want to certainly do is to …
You have your 20 minutes .
BERMUDA DAY Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, certainly I have not had the opportunity to contribute to some of the matters that were raised earlier in debate, but what I do want to certainly do is to congratulate the Minister who sits in another place, Dr. Peets, and the Ministry of Youth Culture and Sport , and the Depar tment of Culture , certainly , on a successful Bermuda Day celebration a week ago. Mr. Speaker, I know I saw you bright and early in the morning doing what you have done for many years , presenting the youth awards for the youth races. Certainly the day was a great day for all involved , and it felt really good to be back . It is kind of like the feeling I remember, it was almost when we were at last year's first County Game in the East and, you know, people just felt as though things were coming back . And of c ourse we know what we went through in 2021 with the Delta variant and other things after that. But now , Mr. Speaker, it feels as though we . . . I don't want to say turned the corner , but slowly and slowly we are regaining a normality to the types of things of which we were used to doing. And certainly Dr. Peets’ team worked incredibly hard so that we could cel ebrate our heritage throughout the month of May , and certainly culminating in Bermuda Day. I think what i s most important is that the theme this year was “Togetherness .” And togetherness is not an easy concept , Mr. Speaker, because we are a country of many different people, many di fferent thoughts , many different opinions , many different backgrounds , many different social strata, and it's difficult to demonstrate togetherness . But I think it's important that we recognis e that on holidays , such as Bermuda Day and other holidays , it is a time for us to demonstrate our togetherness and to demonstrate the fact that we can come together to celebrate who we are despite the differences and despite the challen ges, certainly , that we as a country do have .
TRAVEL AUTHORISATION FORM S
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I am not going to speak on the travel authorisation process . The Mini ster of Health has advised me that she is at an appointment with some member of her family , so I'm not going to speak on that . But I am sure the Minister will certainly address those issues the next time when the House is sitting. And I would certainly welcome and invite Honourable Members opposite to reach out to the Minister of Health directly to get a briefing and an update on what exactly is taking place with the travel authorisations . The one thing I will say , Mr. Speaker, is that we are committed to ex cellent customer service and we are going to make sure that we do better and better. And the vast majority of pers ons who travel to Bermuda do not have a challenge. But what I will say is that we want to make sure that there are fewer and fewer persons who have a chal lenge. But th e teams that work to process the travel authorisations , the teams that work on our borders , there are numerous 1434 3 June 2022 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly emails that I get on a daily basis at premier @gov.bm praising the team , thanking the team , recognis ing our protocols and certainly recogni sing th e fact that the process in Bermuda is a smooth and seamless one in most cases and incidences. There are spaces where we can do better , but as I said, I will let the Minister of Health address the Members of the Honou rable House [at the] next [sitting] on these particular matters . And I have asked Honourable Members opposite to go ahead and to follow -up, certainly , with the Minister responsible for Health.
PLP FULFILLING ITS ELECTION PROMISES
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, what I do want to close on, and I think that it's important , is that ele ctions certainly do matter . And not to reflect , Mr. Speaker, but every single time that we have come to this House of As sembly this session this Government has delivered on election promises . We laid out an econom ic recovery plan, and we are delivering on our economic recovery plan. Yesterday the Minister of Economy and Labo ur announced the youth emplo yment strategy . And this was a promise that was made in our election manifesto and something that formed a part of the economic recovery plan . We are delivering on what we said . And Mr. Speaker, I will give the Opposition credit , because what the Opposition does not say anymore is H ow are they delivering on the plan, because they can see week in and week out the work that this Government is doing in keeping its promises . Earlier today , with the Energy Regulatory sandbox , Mr. Speaker, another aspect of this Go vernment ’s economic recovery plan, which was deli vered in this House by the Hono urable Deputy Prem ier who is renown around the Caribbean and now being known around the world as a leading spokesperson on the future of energy , the protection of oceans , the protect ion of the environment , Mr. Speaker, because that is the space in which this Government is leading, Mr. S peaker. So the execution of these initiatives is testament that these are not just words, these are not just things which are put out in the public . These are actually promises that we have made and promises , Mr. Speaker, that we are delivering on. I am l ooking forward to coming back to the House in two weeks where there is going to be more items that we have promised that we will continue to deliver on for the people of this country , Mr. Speaker.
YOUTH EMPLOYMENT INITIATIVE
Hon. E. David Burt: I do want to certainly touch on the matter related to the youth employment initiative, Mr. Speaker, because I was incredibly , incredibly di sappointed, I will say , with the coverage in the daily newspaper . And the reason why I will say that I was incredibly disappo inted with the coverage in the daily newspaper , Mr. Speaker, is because of this. For some reason, Mr. Speaker, there was a view that what was revealed yesterday in some way shape or form was news that had never been shared before. So, Mr. Speaker, let me j ust share that it was decided that when the pandemic hit to have a labo ur force survey so that we could actually see and understand what was taking place, Mr. Speaker, and in 2020, late 2020 , November 2020, we commissioned a labour force survey . What I wa nt to make clear to Honourable Members , Mr. Speaker, is that in May 2019 the labou r force survey measured youth unemployment at 24. In November of 2019, youth unemployment had fallen to 18 per cent. In the November of 2020, after the onset of the pandemic , which was clearly understood, Mr. Speaker, yout h unemployment rose up to 32 per cent. Now, this was reported in this Honou rable House. It was reported in a press conference. And it was also reported by the daily newspaper , Mr. Speaker. So imagine my surpr ise that the report from the newspaper makes it seem as though this is something new that has been revealed. It is not something new that has been revealed, Mr. Speaker. It was in the public d omain in this House, it was the public domain in a press conference by the Minister of E conomy and Labou r, and, Mr. Speaker, the Royal Gazette even wrote a story about this survey a year ago. So here we find the coverage today , Mr. Speaker, saying that the Government has admitted, the Government has revealed . . . this is stuff that is inside of the public domain. But what is important to know , Mr. Speaker, is Recognise problems . What will you do about the problems? And, Mr. Speaker, what we have seen is the Government doing something about the issues with the National Youth Employment Strategy , Mr. Speaker. So my hope is that members of the media who seek to educate , will seek to educate and not play gotcha, because the fact is that the exact same news paper published the exact same statistics a year ago. So let's not focus on the fact that youth unemployment in Bermuda has increased after the pandemic, because unemployment increased after the pandemic. And that is the reason why we have an economic recovery plan. But the one thing that can be said is that the economy i s coming back, people are getting back to work , and we are going to continue to execute on our economic recovery plan making sure that we build and deliver and continue to create opportunities for young and not -so-young inside this economy, Mr. Speaker . That is what our focus has been . Our focus has been on dealing with the issues that matter to the people of this country . And the one thing that I will close with, Mr. Speaker , is that we will not be distrac ted from implementing what needs to be implemented to make sure that we take care of the people of whom
Bermuda House of Assembly we serve, Mr. Speaker. Look at this Government . We have frozen gasoline prices . Understand, Mr. Speaker, when gasoline prices in the United States of America are rising to record levels , Mr. Speaker, we have not had an increase in the price of gasoline since February—four months , Mr. Speaker! People around the world cannot say that . But that is this Government acting on matters which matter to the every day Be rmudian dealing with issues on the cost of living. And there are more measures that will come dealing with these particular matters , Mr. Speaker. So we are not going to be deterred. We are not going to be distracted and we are going to state what the facts are. This Government will continue to execut e on the initiatives of which we have laid out , Mr. Speaker. And I would hope that members of the media who have a responsibility to inform will try to make sure they take that responsibility to inform ser iously . With that, Mr. Speaker, I look forward to seeing you in two weeks . Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Mr. Premier. Thank you, Members , for your contributions today . I trust that you all will have a safe weekend and a safe two weeks to return (I was about to say next week , but the following week ). Stay well . See you on the …
Thank you, Mr. Premier. Thank you, Members , for your contributions today . I trust that you all will have a safe weekend and a safe two weeks to return (I was about to say next week , but the following week ). Stay well . See you on the 17th of June . The House now stands adjourned. [At 5:0 6 pm, the House stood adjourned until 10:00 am, Friday, 17 June 2022.]