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House of Assembly Session 2021/2022 424 speeches

February 4, 2022

Official Hansard Report - House Of Assembly

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Session Summary

Simplified for You

This was primarily a session for government ministers to present statements rather than debate bills. The Premier announced major progress on reopening the closed Fairmont Southampton hotel, which employed 845 people and housed nearly 30% of Bermuda's hotel guests before closing. The Health Minister announced significant relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, removing SafeKey requirements for most venues and increasing gathering sizes from 20 to 100 people. The Finance Minister presented concerning findings that Bermuda's main pension fund is projected to run out of money in 22 years without major reforms.

Chamber House of Assembly
Date Feb 4, 2022
Session 2021/2022
Transcript View PDF
Speakers 21
Speeches 424

Key Topics

Tourism recovery plans including Fairmont Southampton redevelopment and new marketing strategyPublic health COVID-19 restrictions being relaxed as Bermuda moves to "living with COVID-19"Pension fund financial challenges - the Contributory Pension Fund facing depletion by 2044New "no-fault" divorce laws to make divorce proceedings less contentiousGang violence crisis with estimated 200-250 active gang members in Bermuda

Bills & Motions

Matrimonial Causes (Faultless Divorce) Amendment Act 2022 - introduced by Attorney General (allows divorce without proving fault/blame)
Gaming (Designated Site) Order 2022 - submitted for Fairmont Southampton casino license
Public Health (COVID-19) Emergency Extension Order 2022 - submitted to continue modified emergency powers
Various COVID-19 regulation amendments - submitted to formalize the relaxed restrictions

Notable Moments

Premier criticized calls for another America's Cup bid, saying "rinse and repeat is not a tourism strategy"
Health Minister thanked the community for enduring 26 months of pandemic restrictions
National Security Minister revealed children as young as 8 are being recruited by gangs

Debate Transcript

424 speeches from 21 speakers
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning, Members. PRAYERS [Prayers read by Ms. Kara Beale, Assistant Clerk ]
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Ms. Beale. Members, the House is now in session. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES [Minutes of 10 December 2021]
The Speaker The Speaker Members, the Minutes from the 10th of December 2021 have been circulated. Are there any omissions or amendments or corrections required? There are none. The Minutes will be confirmed as printed. [Minutes of 10 December 2021 confirmed] MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER OR MEMBER PRESIDING OMBUDSMAN’S REPORT ENTITLED : A FUTURE FOR CRIMINAL INJURIES COMPENSATION
The Speaker The Speaker I have received the Ombudsman report entitled: A Future for Criminal Injuries Compensation. The Ombudsman for Bermuda’s Own Motion [Systemic] Investigation into the A dministration of the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme by the C riminal Injuries Compensation Board. This report has been submitted to me in accordance with sections 5(2)(b) …
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. PAPERS AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS TO THE HOUSE
The Speaker The Speaker Members, there are quite a few this morning. I think there are 30- odd, 32 roughly . So, we will start this morning with the communication from the Premier. Premier, would you like to present yours? Hon. E. David Burt: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. BETTING REGULATIONS 2021 Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Hon-ourable House of Assembly the Betting Regulations 2021.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Continue. GAMING (DESIGNATED SITE) ORDER 2022 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have the honour to attach and submit for the consideration of the Honourable House of Assembly the Gaming ( Designated Site) Order 2022 proposed to be made by the Minister responsible for Gaming …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. The next series of comm unications are from the Minister of Finance. Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. 252 4 February 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly ECONOMIC SUBSTANCE AMENDMENT ACT 2021 COMMENCEMENT DAY NOTICE 2021 COMPANIES AND PARTNERSHIPS (ELECTRONIC REGISTRY) AMENDMENT ACT 2020 COMMENCEMENT DAY NOTICE 2021 COMPANIES AND PARTNERSHIP (ELECTRONIC REGISTRY) AMENDMENT ACT 2020 COMMENCEMENT DAY NOTICE (NO. 2) 2021 COMPANIES (FORMS) …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. The next series of communications is in the name of the Attorney General. Attorney General, would you like to present yours? Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Good mor ning, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS AMENDMENT REGULATIONS 2020 STATUTORY INSTRUMENTS (SECOND SCHEDULE) AMENDMENT ORDER 2021 PROCEEDS OF CRIME (DESIGNATED COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES) AMENDMENT ORDER 2021 INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS AMENDMENT REGULATIONS 2021 INTERNATIONAL SANCTIONS (LIBYA) AMENDMENT REGULATIONS 2021 Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: I have the honour to attach and submit for the information …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. The next series of communications are in the name of the Minister of Health. Minister, would you like to present yours? Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you. Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. PUBLIC HEALTH (COVID- 19) EMERGENCY EXTENSION (NO. 2) ORDER 2022 Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the consideration of the Honourable House of Assembly the Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extension (No. 2) Order 2022 proposed to be made …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, that is the end of the communic ations to the House for this morning. We will now move on to the next item. STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS AND JUNIOR MINISTERS
The Speaker The Speaker We have, roughly, six Statements this morning. The first Statement is in the name of the Premier. Premier, would you like to present your Statement ? Hon. E. David Burt: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. TOURISM 2022— A CR ITICAL YEAR FOR RECOVERY Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, we are six weeks shy of the second anniversary of the declaration of the global pandemic. In those two years the world’s econ-omy has been buffeted by the strongest headwinds in a generation. The …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Premier. The next Statement, Members, is in the name of the Minister of Finance. Minist er, would you like to present your Statement at this time? Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: If it pleases you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Continue. ACTUARIAL REVIEW OF CONTRIBUTORY PENSION FUND 2020 Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, in accor dance with section 35 of the Contributory Pensions Act 1970 , I am pleased to table the Contributory Pension Fund (CPF or the Fund) Actuarial Report as at August 1, 2020. The main purpose …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Health . . . yes, sorry. The Attorney General. I am sorry; I skipped one. Madam Attorney General, I was jumping over you that time. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Yes. [INAUDIBLE]
The Speaker The Speaker Would you like to put your Statement now? [Crosstalk] Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. A BILL ENTITLED THE MATRIMONIAL CAUSES (FAULTLESS DIVORCE) AMENDMENT ACT 2022 Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to lay before this Honourable House the Bill entitled the Matrimonial Causes (Faultless Divorce) Amendment Act 2022 . This Bill amends the Matrimonial Causes Act 1974 to …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Madam Attorney General. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Health. Minister of Health, would you like to put your Statement at this time? Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. LIVING WITH COVID -19 THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members, as I reflect back on the past 26 months, it actually pains me to recall the huge devastation caused to, and sacrifices made by, so many people in our community …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister, we appreciate that. Members, the next Statement on the Order Paper is that of the Minister of Trans port . . . I am pausing only because I have a note that there may be a matter that needs to be resolved. Let me resolve that. Bermuda …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. Renee Ming: Yes, I can do it.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Members, please indulge and let the Minister go whil e we resolve this other matter. Give the Minister a moment, please, Members. Hon. Renee Ming: Sorry. Were you speaking to me, Mr. Speaker?
The Speaker The Speaker I am j ust saying to Members to give you a moment to get yourself . . . Hon. Renee Ming: Yes, I am just trying to find my glasses.
The Speaker The Speaker No problem. I know you were not expecting it right now, so I am asking them to give you their indulgence. Hon. Ren ee Ming: Gang Violence Update.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Continue. GANG VIOLENCE UPDATE Hon. Renee Ming: Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to provide an update to this Honourable House on the issue of gangs in Bermuda. Mr. Speaker, you will r ecall that I provided a Statement to this Honourable House some three months ago …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, I thank you for your indulgence in allowing the Minister of National Security to go ahead of the Minister of Transport. Minister o f Transport, your Statement is the last Statement to be done. Let me just say to Members, it appeared at the time that …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, that brings us to a close of the Statements for this morning. We now move on to the other [ items] on the Order Paper. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. SPEAKER’S CAUTION RE: INAPPROPRIATE QUESTION PERIOD PROCEDURES
The Speaker The Speaker The next item is Question Period. But before we actually start the Question Period, let me just make a comment here in that it is a little disturbing this week to see matters that were going to be ad-dressed and questions that were put to Ministers this week being part …
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. QUESTION 1: UNFUNDED LIABILITY FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE SUPERANNUAT ION FUND, THE GOVERNMENT HEALTH INSURANCE FUND, AND THE MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATURE AND MINISTERIAL FUNDS Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Will the Honourable Mini ster, this is the Minister of Finance, please confirm for this Honourable House the total …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Minister, would you like to reply? Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, before I get into the substantive answers, we do not have figures yet for December 31, 2021, as that was a mere five weeks ago, and so the numbers are not readi ly avai lable. Bermuda …
The Speaker The Speaker You have a supplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I don’t, unless others do.
The Speaker The Speaker Any others have a supplementary on that? None. MP Dunkley, would you like to put your second ques tion? QUESTION 2: ACTIONS TAKEN TO CLEAR UNFUNDED LIABILITIES Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Honourable Minister of Finance please inform this Honourable House of the action the …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members will be aware that the accumulation of the significant unfunded liabilities or obligations with r espect to t hese funds has been an ongoing matter that extends for decades. I am advised by the Public Funds Investment Committee that I am …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Not myself, Mr. Speaker, perhaps others.
The Speaker The Speaker Any Member? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, M r. Speaker .
The Speaker The Speaker None? Oh . . . yes, Opposition Leader. Put your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Minister’s answer. And I would like to know when he envisions having the r eport completed and when he envisions making that report public.
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, I didn’t mention a report. I mentioned the scope of work that is being done and a series of recommendations. I have committed this year t o try to bring some conclusion to the recommendations and implementations of the recommendations. Honourable Members should …
The Speaker The Speaker No further supplementaries?
Mr. Scott Pearman Supplementary, Mr. Speak er. Pearman.
The Speaker The Speaker MP Pearman, put your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARY 266 4 February 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Scott Pearman: Thank you. Thank you, Honourable Minister. In terms of the review that is ongoing, are all potential solutions on the table? Are there any pote ntial solutions that are not …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: There are four levers that can be tinkered with. One is contribution rate, contr ibution amounts. The other is retirement age. The third is the scope of the benefits . And the fourth would be the investment performance. And all four levers are under active …
The Speaker The Speaker Any further supplementary? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: None from me.
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. MP Dunkley, would you like to put your third question? QUESTION 3: UNFUNDED PENSION LIABILITIES INCLUDED IN THE GOVERNMENT’S TOTAL OUTSTANDING DEBT AS OF MARCH 31, 2020, MARCH 31, 2021, AND DECEMBER 31, 2021 Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Honourable Minister of …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, the total pension and other employee obligations net of the underlying assets, and unamortised experience gains or losses are recorded on the statement of fi nancial position in the audited statements of the Consolidated Fund. As of the 31 st of March of …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Not from myself, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Any Member have a supplementary? There are none. Thank you for that series of questions and answers. We will now move on to the next question on the Order Paper today. That question is from the O pposition Leader, again to the Minister of Finance. Opposition Leader, would you like …
The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. QUE STION 1: TAXES AND FEES DUE TO GO VERNMENT AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2021 Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Will the Honourable Mini ster please confirm for this Honourable House the total amount of the accounts due Bermuda Government in taxes and fees as at December …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, I would refer Honourable Members to my prior comments with r espect to December 31 being a mere five or six weeks ago, and financial statements and the work being done to close the quarter has not yet been completed. What I …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No. That is it for me.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Any other Member? Opposition Leader, would you like to put your second question? QUESTION 2: ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE RECOVERED DURING THE FISCAL YEARS 2020/21 AND 2021/22 TO DATE Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Will the Hon ourable Mini ster please confirm to this Honourable House the amount of accounts receivable …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, amounts paid can be tracked at an individual level. However, due to the nature of our reporting systems determining the total amounts collected for dates outside of year ends is an onerous and time- consuming exercise. What we can report is that for …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Any supplementary? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No, that is fine. Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Would you like to put your third question, O pposition Leader? QUESTION 2: ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE RECOVERED BY OARRS AND FEE S DUE AND PAID TO EY Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Will the Honourable Mini ster please confirm for this Honourable House the total receivables recovered by Oarrs Inc., …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, Standing Order 17(g)(vi) precludes the asking of the question if the question is likely to prejudice a matter which is under tr ial and therefore sub judice. With proceedings in train and counsel instructed on both sides, this question goes to the heart …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you.
Mr. Scott Pearman Supplementary, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary. Is that, MP Pearman?
Mr. Scott Pearman MP Pearman.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. SUPPLEMENTARY
Mr. Scott Pearman Yes, Minister, the allegation that matters are sub judice and before the courts, could you simply confirm what matter before the court you are referring to? Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: The G overnment and Oarrs are engaged in a dispute with the courts with respect to the provision of certain …
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Minister. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Thank you. No further supplementaries? Thank you, Members. That brings those questions to a close. We will now move on to the next questions this morning and those questions are from the Oppo-sition Whip to the Minister of National Security. Opposition Whip, would you like to put your question? …
Mr. Jarion Richardson Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House if Government policy, explicitly or implicitly, prohibits the continued existenc e of gangs, or criminal organisations howsoever described?
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Renee Ming: This Government neither supports nor condones gangs or criminal organisations. We have laws that are in place that provide penalties, i ncluding incarcerati on for criminal offences. This Government has a policy of providing programmes to at - risk youth to minimise the likelihood of them …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary?
Mr. Jarion Richardson Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Put your supplementary SUPPLEMENTARIES
Mr. Jarion Richardson The Honourable Minister referred to gang culture as a cancer whi ch needs to be arrested and eliminated. Did the Minister just say she neither . . . she doesn’t deny . . . she neither supports gang culture nor denies gang culture whilst cal ling it a cancer?
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, that is not what the Minister said.
The Speaker The Speaker Well, the Minister is going to clarify. The Minister will have the opportunity to clarify herself. Go ahead, Minister. Hon. Renee Ming: Okay. Member, I did not in any way say that. And if you were unclear, I w ill just read to you again what I said. I said, …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you for the clarity, Minister.
Mr. Jarion Richardson Supplemental as well. [I NAUDIBLE] Mr. Speaker, I was referring to a statement made by the Minister this morning in her Ministerial Statement. Can I not refer to that?
The Speaker The Speaker Your ques tion right now should be based on your question that is written. If you want to address the Ministerial Statement, you can address the Ministerial Statement when we get to Ministerial Statements. But the Question Period right now is still on the written qu estions.
Mr. Jarion Richardson Okay. Thank you. Thank you for the clarification, Mr. Speaker. I will move on to question number two.
The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead. QUESTION 2: CURRENT GANGS AND NUMBER OF MEMBERS ON ISLAND
Mr. Jarion Richardson Will the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House the current gangs and number of members on Island?
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Renee Ming: Mr. Speaker, I think that the question that I have from the Member says, Will the Ho nourable Minister please inf orm this Honourable House the current gangs and confirm ed numbers of me mbers on Island. Is that correct?
The Speaker The Speaker Number of members on the Island. Hon. Renee Ming: Yes. But he left out the word “confirmed.”
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Actually it is left of f the question that is written before us on the Order Paper as well. But the gist of it is, current numbers of gangs and current numbers of members. Hon. Renee Ming: Okay. I think the Honourable Member will appreciate that we cannot provide …
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary?
Mr. Jarion Richardson None for now, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Would you like to do your third question? QUESTION 3: PLAN TO REDUCE THE RECRUITMENT AND PARTICIPATION IN GANGS
Mr. Jarion Richardson Yes, Mr. Speaker. Will the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House what the plan is to reduce the recruitment and participation in gangs? Hon. Renee Ming: Surely. I remind my honourable colleague of my statement to this Honourable House on the 26 th of November where I stated that …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES
Mr. Jarion Richardson Yes, thank you. I thank the Honourable Minister. Honourable Minister, could you clarify what is meant when you said financial assistance would be provided? Hon. Renee Ming: At times, Member, we may have someone who may need assistance with actually just negotiating or navigating through financial assistance, and so we …
The Speaker The Speaker Further supplementary?
Mr. Jarion Richardson Yes, Mr. Speaker, suppl ementary.
The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary.
Mr. Jarion Richardson Thank you. Who determines which services get matched with which case? Will the Honourable Minister please clarify who determines which services get matched with which case? Hon. Renee Ming: The Gang Violence Reduction Team has outreach services, and they can consist of . . . some of them may be …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Members, that brings us to— Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Mr. Speaker.
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member I have a question. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: I am not as good as . . . I would like to ask a question if possible.
The Speaker The Speaker Sure. Go ahead. Supplementary from the Deputy Speaker. Deputy Speaker, put your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Minister, what year did the Governor deny approval for former Premier, Dr. Brown, to bring in assistance to deal with the prolifer ation of gangs? Hon. Renee Ming: Member, if my …
The Speaker The Speaker Further supplementary? [Crosstalk]
The Speaker The Speaker Further supplementary? Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: I am fine, Mr. Speaker, thank you. [Crosstalk] 270 4 February 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Ms. Susan E. Jackson: Mr. Speaker, I have—
The Speaker The Speaker I see someone’s microphone flashing here. Is that MP Jackson? SUPPLEMENTARY
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes, good morning, Mr. Speaker. I have a question. I am just curious with r egard to the plan to reduce the recruitment and partic ipation in gangs. Minister, are you seeing an influx or an i ncrease in children or young adults actually moving off Island in order to …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Renee Ming: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Member, I think we are aware of some persons who have relocated themselves ; but I cannot say to you at this time that it would be a trend.
The Speaker The Speaker Any further supplementary from any Member?
The Speaker The Speaker Any Member? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker MP Dunkley. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Honourable Minister for the answer to the questions . I think we all agree that gangs are a cancer and a culture that we must eliminate. The question to the Honourable Minister, does the Honourable …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Renee Ming: Mr. Speaker, the Bermuda Police Service does have their operational responsibilities with the Governor. They are also . . . they prioritise the matters that the Island has in front of them. So, I ca nnot say that the reduced budget or any reduction in persons …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister, let me just bring to your attention. We are still responding to the written questions, so any reference to your Statement we can leave until we get to questions to the Statement. Hon. Renee Ming: Okay.
The Speaker The Speaker If you need to direct people to that, just direct them to that and that question can come back at that time, but I would not want you to bring the St atement into this line of questioning because this line of questioning is specifically to the written questions that …
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Thank you. Supplementary from anyone else? No supplementaries? The next question is actually a written question. The previous three questions were all for oral response. The fourth question is from MP Jackson to the Minister of Transport and was seeking a written response rather than an oral r esponse, …
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes, I’m sorry. I would suspect that they are en route. I have not received them through the tablet as yet, but I am waiting for r esponses.
The Speaker The Speaker They should be up on the SharePoint where you can retrieve them off the SharePoint.
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Thank you so much. QUESTION 1: AIRLINE ROUTES SERVICING BERMUDA; M INIMUM REVENUE GUARANTEE COSTS JANUARY 2019 –JANUARY 2022
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Will the Honourable Minister please provide this Honourable House a list of all the airline routes servicing Bermuda detailing airlin e, route, flight schedules and government Minimum Revenue Guarantee costs between January 2019 and January 2022? QUESTION 2: MAINTENANCE/PURCHASE OF PILOT, TUG AND FERRY BOATS APRIL 2019– MARCH 2021
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Will the Honourable Minister please provide this Honourable Bermuda House of Assembly House a list of all maintenance and purchases of Pilot, Tug and Ferry boats from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2021? QUESTION 3: TCD LICENSING AND PERMIT REVENUE COLLECTED UNDER PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLE 2019 –2022
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Will the Honourable Minister please provide this Honourable House a list of TCD licensing and permit revenue collected under public service vehicle, listed by company and vehicle quantity and type from 1 January 2019– 30 January 2022?
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Thank you. Members, that brings us to a close of the wri tten questions. We will now move on to the questions that arise out of this morning’s Statements. The first Statement that has a question this morning is the Statement by the Minister of Finance. Minister of Finance, …
The Speaker The Speaker Oh. It may have come . . . down in line . . . Yes. There it is. It was out of the order that I picked. Okay. I will put you on for the Minister of Finance. Let him do his because he has only got one question to …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister of Finance and Opposition Leader. QUESTION 1: ACTUARIAL REVIEW OF CONTRIBUTORY PENSION FUND 2020 Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you. Can the Minister of Finance provide us with the value of the CPF [Contributory Pension Fund] as at the end of 2017, 2018 and 2020? Hon. Curtis L. …
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. N. H. C ole Simons: Yes. The Minister stated that the fund earned a nominal rate of return net over investment expenses of 4 per cent per annum and a real return of 3.6 per cent. Can the Minister confirm the performance of the benchmarks used to …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, I believe that information is contained inside of the report which was tabled today, so it is out in the public domain.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Second supplementary? Or further suppl ementary by anybody, any Member ? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: My second supplementary.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: He goes on to say that the net assets of the fund grew 2.2 per cent over three years. Is this growth capital appreciation, or is it a combination of capital appreciation and capital contr ibutions?
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: The growth is the result of capital appreciation. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Do you have a second question? Y ou used your supplementaries up. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, my second question. 272 4 February 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly QUESTION 2: ACTUARIAL REVIEW OF CONTRIBUTORY PENSION FUND 2020 Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: The second question pertains …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: The reason for the reduction has come up as a result of people having de-ceased, people having l eft the Island and then the obvious one, people having retired.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Supplementary? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No, that’s it. Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Third question? QUESTION 3: ACTUARIAL REVIEW OF CONTRIBUTORY PENSION FUND 2020 Hon. N. H . Cole Simons: The final question that I have is, Total expenses for the three- year average 4.2 per cent of the average fund, up from 0.37 [per cent] over the previous three years. To me …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, I don’t have that information available to me but I can certainly i nvestigate and revert.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. The Minister has indicated he will seek the information and have it made available for you later. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you very much.
The Speaker The Speaker That was your third question. Any su pplementaries to it? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No, that is it. Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Okay , Minister of Finance , that is the only Member who indicated that they had a question for you. So we will now move on. Thank you for your question, Opposition Leader, and answers, Minister. The next we will go to the Premier on your Statement this …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes— Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you. [Crosstalk] Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I can make this suppl ementary, Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: That i s perfectly fine. I am happy to clarify on a supplementary.
The Speaker The Speaker I took it as clarity ; you simply asked one point. Was it for visitors and locals as well? So that is a yes or no answer. Hon. E. David Burt: It is not a yes or no answer, Mr. Speak er. That is what I am saying. Hon. Michael …
The Speaker The Speaker Well, do it as a supplementary then. Okay. It is a supplementary. You can answer it as a supplementary, Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Absolutely. Mr. S peaker, as the Honourable Member will be aware, Bermuda cannot deny a returning resident from entering the country if they have not had …
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: No, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Premier for that answer and that is certainly I think to be welcome news by the community. Second question, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Second question.
Mr. Scott Pearman Supplementary, Mr. Speaker, MP Pearman.
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary from MP Pearman. Go ahead. SUPPLEMENTARIES
Mr. Scott Pearman Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Honourable Premier, when will that start? Is that the first of April , or will it be an earlier date? Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, may I respond?
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, go right ahead. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much. As was stated by the Honourable Minister of Transport in his Statement, we are looking to bring in the order of changes for testing at an early as possible date from the date of which we are targeting …
Mr. Scott Pearman Second supplementary, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary, go ahead.
Mr. Scott Pearman Yes, Honourable Premier, given that those are all going to happen on or around the 7 th 274 4 February 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly of March, why are other matters being delayed to the 1st of April? Hon. E. David Burt: What other matters are you …
Mr. Scott Pearman The Statement to the House t oday referred to some matters would not take effect until the 1 st of April. Hon. E. Dav id Burt: Sorry?
Mr. Scott Pearman The Statement given to the House today that some of the matters would not take effect until the 1st of April. I am just wondering, why the two dates? Hon. E. David Burt: I am not certain which matters you are referring to, Mr. Pearman, so if you can clarify …
Mr. Scott Pearman I’m sorry. Are all changes going to happen on or around the 7 th of March? Or are some not going to happen until the 1st of April? Hon. E. David Burt: There are numerous changes that are set to take effect. I think what the Minister of Health had …
Mr. Scott Pearman Right. And my question was why the difference between the two dates? Hon. E. David Burt: Well, on your border policy, the border policy is for policies at the border. The Minister of Health in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer makes determination as to what the conditions in the …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. No further supplementaries?
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Mr. Speaker, I have a supplementary.
The Speaker The Speaker You have a supplementary?
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes, just some—
The Speaker The Speaker Put your supplementary, MP Jackson.
Ms. Susan E. Jackson It is regarding mask wearing. I am curious whether there will be any particular accommodation made for our school children and mask wearing in the classrooms and inside buildings.
The Speaker The Speaker Let me just ask you to ho ld that question. Because, again, the Statement that we are speaking to right now is in reference to the border crossings and how people are arriving into our borders and the restriction adjustments.
The Speaker The Speaker The question you are asking would be better suited to the Minister of Health.
The Speaker The Speaker And that matter addresses the r estrictions within the country itself. Okay?
The Speaker The Speaker No problem. MP Dunkl ey, you didn’t have a third question? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: No, but I do have a second question, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker You have a second question? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes.
The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead. Bermuda House of Assembly QUESTION 2: TOURISM 2022— A CRITICAL YEAR FOR RECOVERY Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: To the Honourable Premier. Honourable Premier, in regard to your Stat ement and your comments on the work being done to open up the Fairmont Southampton, can you give this Honourable …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, supplementary to the Honourable Premier. Honourable Premier, in the third paragraph on the second page you mentioned the introduction into the Legislature today of a Designated Site Order for the property, which is the first step to secure a casino licence. …
The Speaker The Speaker Put your supplementary. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, to the Honourable Premier. Premier, do you believe that there is a top number of casino licences that are feasible for Bermuda to make it a successful industry? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I will not be drawn into a …
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary . . . third question r ather. Yes. QUESTION 3: TOURISM 2022— A CRITICAL YEAR FOR RECOVERY Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Honourable Premier. Further down the page the Honourable Premier gives an update on the work being to the property on the South …
The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I can advise that any costs that were paid were done according to the contract, and there were no additional matters that were outside of the contract that were done in that separation.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, just supplementary. Is that contract available for public consum ption? Or can the Premier provide the costs associated? 276 4 February 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. E. David Burt: I am happy to undertake that. That woul d …
The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, sir, second suppl ementary. Honourable Premier, you mentioned, and I quote, “ There were several issues which arose during this period which ultimately resulted in BDCL parting ways with the . . . codevelopers.” Can you name what those issues were? Hon. E. …
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Those are your two supplementaries. Any other Members have supplementaries? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker No other Member? Premier , that brings to a close the questions for you on your Statement this morning. We have done the Minister of Finance. We will now move on to the Minister of Health. MP Dunkley, you actually have a question here for the Minister of Health. Would …
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? Hon. Michael H. D unkley: Okay. Let me ask it a di fferent way as a supplementary.
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary, yes. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, a supplementary. So where will SafeKey be required? Hon. Kim N. Wilson: There will be no legislative r equirem ent for SafeKey to ever be used. If businesses on the other hand wish to operate their businesses in a manner that suggests …
The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: No.
The Speaker The Speaker Or second question? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I will take any other su pplementaries on this from coll eagues before I move on to another question.
The Speaker The Speaker [Does] anyone have a—
Ms. Susan E. Jackson I have a quick supplementary, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker MP Jackson. Bermuda House of Assembly SUPPLEMENTARIES
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes, with regard to SafeKey, is Government committed to making any continued payments toward SafeKey? Do we pay at all for that service for that application, and if so, will Government continue to pay it even though it will not be in use ot her than those who voluntarily wish …
Ms. Susan E. Jackson And so will there be costs?
The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary?
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Second supplementary. Sorry, Mr. Speaker.
Ms. Susan E. Jackson So will Government be charged for the use of that SafeKey then? I am just trying to determine what the ongoing cost would be of having SafeKey. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Right. The cost associated with SafeKey obviously would be for the administration of the test, the person who is …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you.
Mr. Scott Pearman Supplementary, Mr. Speaker. MP Pearman.
The Speaker The Speaker MP Pearman. Yes. SUPPLEMENTARIES
Mr. Scott Pearman Minister, if SafeKey is being scrapped, why would the Government wish to conti nue costs simply on occasions when someone might voluntarily choose to use it? That does not sound very sensible. Hon. Kim N. Wilson : The cost associated with Saf eKey is not with respect to the booking …
Mr. Scott Pearman Second supplementary.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, put your second supplementary.
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you. So, Minister, when you said that emergency powers were only to be continued for mandatory mask wearing, that is not entirely true. They may be conti nued as well for SafeKey in certain circumstances. Is that more precise? Hon. Kim N. Wilson: No, that is not precise. What …
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Any further supplementary? 278 4 February 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Second question, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Put your second question, MP Dunkley. QUESTION 2: LIVING WITH COVID -19—THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Honourable Minister, can the Honourable Minister give some clarification? Currently schools are required to do testing of their students, both public and private schools. …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson : Mr. Speaker, I would invite the Honourable Member to direct that question directly to the Minister of Education with respect to the testing regime which does come withi n his remit. I hate to speak out of school but he is far more equipped …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Supplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Not unless others have, but I have a third question.
The Speaker The Speaker Third question? Put your third question. QUESTION 3: LIVING WITH COVID -19—THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Honourable Minister said she would meet with the group who had some concerns about our children wearing face masks in school. Has that meet-ing been set …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I did indicate that I would make a consider ation to do that. I have been liaising with . . . I suspect it is the head of that group and she has invited me to collect the data that we …
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Will the Honourable Mini ster keep colleagues in the House updated on the r esults of that meeting? Hon. Kim N. Wilson: I suspect they will do that i nstead, but yes, absolutely. And again, I indicated that we would try to do that, …
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Second supplementary? None? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: No, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Good. MP Jackson, you had indicated you had questions. Did you cover your base in the supplementaries or did you still have questions you wanted to put?
Ms. Susan E. Jackson I would still like to ask the question just briefly.
The Speaker The Speaker Put your question. QUESTION 1: LIVING WITH COVID -19—THE PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY
Ms. Susan E. Jackso n Good morning, Minister. I am just curious, on page 5, where you say from April onward the public health emergency will be in place to support only the continued requirement to wear a mask indoors. I am just wondering whether there will be any accommodation made for children in our …
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Thank you. No supplementary.
Mr. Scott Pearman Supplementary, MP Pearman.
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary. Hon. Mic hael H. Dunkley: Supplementary to that question, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: In light of the fact that our children not only work together in the classroom with a mask on and they play together outside in the sc hool fields without a mask, how do we believe that masks are being effective in the school …
Mr. Scott Pearman Supplementary, MP Pearman.
The Speaker The Speaker MP Pearman, put your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARY
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Minister. I understood your answer to be that from the 1 st of April o nward the we aring of masks will be the only reason for continued emergency powers. And I just want to make sure I am not confused. You mentioned large gatherings. Will they not …
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: The regulations that we just announced today deal specifically with the removal of SafeKey as well as large group gatherings will i ncrease to 100. However, in order for us to continue any public health measures, such as the mandatory wearing of masks indoors, …
The Speaker The Speaker Members , we have used the a llotted timeline for our question- and-answer period. We started at 11:20 and it is now 12:20 which signifies we have used up our 60 minutes and you hear the alarm going off here beside me. So, Members, thank you for your participation in …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister of Education. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Yes. 280 4 February 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Minister of Education, you have your three minutes. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I come here with a heavy heart as …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Mr. Speaker.
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. Members Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker I hear the voice of the Deputy Speaker. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Deputy Speaker, would you like to have your three minutes? Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Mr. Speaker, I would like to be associated with the remarks concerning Daemon Bell, a constituent of mine.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: He was a great guy. His daughter was the love of his life and certainly his wife was his partner. I am sure they are going through some problems right now. Mr. Speaker, also I would like for this House to express our gratitude …
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Mr. Speaker, I would like to ass ociate myself. [Audio feedback]
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. We have an association from MP Caines —
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Mr. Speaker, we cannot hear you.
Mr. Wayne Caines MP Caines, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker MP Caines, thank you.
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Oh, I think it might be on my side.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, because the other Members have responded to me. Bermuda House of Assembly An Hon. Member: Mr. Speaker.
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Okay. I can hear you now, Mr. Speaker. [Crosstalk]
The Speaker The Speaker Which Member would like to make a contribution at this tim e? [Crosstalk]
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo I would like to speak, Mr. Speaker,
The Speaker The Speaker MP Foggo, are you hearing me? B ecause you indicated that you cannot hear me.
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Yes, I hear you now, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. B ecause I was going to pass you over if you couldn’t hear me.
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Yes. No, I can hear you now. Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Make your contribution.
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I sadly take this opportunity to give condolences to the Saunders family. I think you would remember Mr. Edward “Butch” Saunders. He was a stalwart of the PLP. He was a constituent of [number] 3 and I guess an activist to a large degree …
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. Members Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Foggo for that. Members, my clock has 12:30, and if we had just a couple of more Members who wanted to partic ipate in condolences I would suggest we take them, but it seems we have quite a few more Members who would like to participate in …
Mr. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt premier Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that this Honourable House do now adjourn f or lunch until 2:00 pm.
The Speaker The Speaker Members, the House now stands adjourned until 2:00 pm. Proceedings suspended at 12:30 pm Proceedings resumed at 2:00 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair]
The Speaker The Speaker Good afternoon, Members, it is now two o’clock and we can resume the debate. I trust that everyone has been able to appreciate the time that we took for lunch and the House is now in session. For the listening public, we are still on the Congratulatory and Obituary Speeches. …
The Speaker The Speaker MP Swan, you have your three minutes.
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Yes, Mr. Speaker. Following on from the MP from constitue ncy 3, I would like to be associated with those cond o282 4 February 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly lences t o the Bascome and Foggo family of St. George’s, of which she is one. I knew …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution at this time? An. Hon. Member: Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Yes, Mr. Speaker .
The Speaker The Speaker I recognise, I think that is the voice of MP Simmons. MP Simmons?
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to join the condolences extended by all the previous Members, particularly to my cousin many times removed from the east, Mr. Edric Pearman, 104 years old— his sister just went 100. Long-lived, with tremendous contributions made to our country. But I rise today …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Mem ber wish to make a contribution at this time? Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Mr. Speaker. An. Hon. Member: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, I hear a female voice. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Attorney General.
The Speaker The Speaker Madam Attorney General, you have your three minutes. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, I would like to associate myself with the remarks of MP Simmons, in particular with regard to Grace Elizabeth Outerbridge. She is, in fact, as he mentioned, the …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Madam Attorney General. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? An. Hon. Member: Yes.
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. Members Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker I hear MP Tyrrell; but I am trying to get him to focus in there. MP Tyrrell, are you trying to make your contribution now?
Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell I am, Mr. Speaker. I have been trying for the last 10 minutes.
The Speaker The Speaker Can we adjust your volume so we can get you a little . . . your audio?
The Speaker The Speaker We are having a difficulty hearing you at this time.
The Speaker The Speaker Let me make a suggestion, I am going to take the next person while you sort that out and we will come back to you after this person, okay? An. Hon. Member: Mr. Speaker?
Mr. Christopher Famous Mr. Speaker. An. Hon. Member: Mr. Speaker?
The Speaker The Speaker MP Famous, is that you next?
Mr. Christopher Famous It is MP — An. Hon. Member: Mr. Speaker?
The Speaker The Speaker Well, I was calling on MP Famous. Let MP Famous go and we will go back after that to let MP Tyrrell sort himself out.
Mr. Christopher Famous Mr. Speaker, how are you? I would like to add to the condolences for Ms. Francine Simons. I served with her on the executive in 2012 at a time when a lot of people were (how can I say it?) not as supportive as they should have been. She was …
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Please associate me, Member. MP Foggo. Thank you.
Mr. Christopher Famous Oh, yes, she was for Somerset, but she is from St. George’s. But anyway . . . Also, on Anita Masters, a stalwart in constitue ncy 29. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Greg Swan, who was a boss of mine at BELCO, but more than a boss, h e was a mentor …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution at this time? An. Hon. Member: Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Can you hear me now, Mr. Speaker? 284 4 February 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Yes, MP Tyrrell, we hear you pretty clearly now.
Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Thank you very much. I apol ogise for my technical difficulties earlier.
The Speaker The Speaker No problem.
Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Mr. Speaker, firstly, let me associate with the condolences for Daemon B ell. Da emon and, in fact, his recently deceased mother, Pat Bell, were great friends of my family, attending many of our functions. So, I certainly would like to associate myself to those condolences. I also wanted to …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you for your contribution, Member.
The Speaker The Speaker I think that is MP Simmons -Wade. Am I correct? Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -Wade: Yes. I would like to yield to the Premier.
The Speaker The Speaker Oh, okay. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. You have your three minutes. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I would like to be associated with the condolences which have been given [for] the chairman of the Public Services Commission, the late Greg Swan; to the former National Footballer, Mr. Osagi Bascome; and certainly be as-sociated with the condolences which were just …
The Speaker The Speaker Mr. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: And I just want the House to send condolences . . . a letter of condolence, certai nly, to her family —Rochelle, Melanie, Kimberly and Eddie. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Mr. Premier, that alarm was yours. Any other Member that would like to make a contribution at this time? Mrs. Ianthi a Simmons -Wade: Yes, Mr. Speaker. Ianthia Simmons -Wade.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. We will let you go now as you yielded to the Premier. You have your three minutes.
Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -Wade Yes. I would like to extend my condolences and I associate my remarks with Anita Masters. She was a stalwart for constituency 29. She was very much a team player, but she was humble, she was quiet, she was loyal. She was very, very committed. She came out to senior …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP. Would any other Member wish to make a contribution? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, Mr. Speaker. An. Hon. Member: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Opposition Leader, you have your three minutes. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to send condolences to the family of Ms. Joy Mitchell. Ms. Mitchell was a nurse for many, many years. She was a member of the Red Cross for many years and …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution?
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. Members Yes, Mr. Speaker. 286 4 February 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: I heard voices; I need to see you somebody.
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. Members Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay, MP Weeks, I see you pop up on the screen there.
The Speaker The Speaker MP, you have your three minutes.
Mr. Michael A. Weeks Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon to you.
The Speaker The Speaker Good afternoon.
Mr. Michael A. Weeks Mr. Speaker, I would like to be associated with the remarks of condolence for Ms. Francine Simons. She was always supportive of me when I first came into the party and I am friends with her son, Lionel, and you know, he is a good friend of mine. So, when …
Mr. Michael A. Weeks Yes. I spent my time at Fry eburg Academy. So, I know the family well and Greg was like a big brother to me and a fraternal brother to many. Mr. Speaker, as I close I would like to be associated with the remarks for Pastor Leroy Bean. Y ou …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Hon. Renee Ming: Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Minister Ming, you have your three minutes. Hon. Renee Ming: Thank you. First of all, Mr. Speaker, I would like to be associated with the comments for Ms. Francine Simons, Mr. Osagi Bascome, and also Mr. Edward Saunders. And I would also like to extend thoughts and prayers to the …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution?
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Is that MP Jackson?
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker MP Jackson, you have your three minutes.
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Thank you very much. I would like to begin by associating myself with the Premier’s condolences to the Harris family and the loss of Elaine Harris, who is a relation by ma rriage. And I will certainly miss her warmth, I will miss her smile, and I certainly send all …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution?
Mr. Anthony Richardson Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker MP Richardson?
Mr. Anthony Richardson Yes, I will turn the video on, just a second.
The Speaker The Speaker You have got your three minutes.
Mr. Anthony Richardson Okay, good afternoon. Mr. Sp eaker, I would like to give congratul ations in the first instance, recognising persons’ birt hdays. There are four. And I will not say their actual ages, but it is interesting that they are turning 70, 60, 50, 40. I will not say who goes …
The Speaker The Speaker MP, your three minutes are up. I appreciate your contribution.
The Speaker The Speaker Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker MP De Silva. How are you today? Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker You have your three minutes. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to be associated with the condolences for my old golfing buddy, Greg Swan. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to be associ ated with the condolences for Mr. Edric Pearman, …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Anyone else? No one else? Well, before we move on, I would just like to add my name to some of the remarks that have been expressed at this time. First, I would like to be added to …
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. NOTICE OF MOTIONS FOR THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE ON MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IM PORTANCE
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. Bermuda House of Assembly INTRODUCTION OF BILLS GOVERNMENT BILLS
The Speaker The Speaker There are two Government Bills to be introduced at this time. And we will call on the Attorney General to introduce her matter. FIRST READING MATRIMONIAL CAUSES (FAULTLESS DIVORCE) AMENDMENT ACT 2022 Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am introducing the following Bill for its …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. And Minister of Health, would you like to i ntroduce yours? FIRST READING PHARMACY AND POISONS AMENDMENT ACT 2022 Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am introduc ing the following Bill for its first reading so that it may be placed on the Order …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. OPPOSITION BILLS
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BILLS
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. NOTICES OF MOTIONS
The Speaker The Speaker There is a Notice of a Motion to be i ntroduced in the name of the Premier. Premier, would you like to introduce that motion? 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 …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. That, Members, takes care of the preliminary business on the Order Paper. Now we get down to the real Orders of the Day. ORDERS OF THE DAY
The Speaker The Speaker There are four items on the Order t oday and we are going to do two of those items. And the first item to be debated today is in the name of the Minister of Finance, whic h is the second reading of the Proceeds of Crime Amendment Act 2021. …
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: —as opposed to the more rigorous enhanced follow -up, which many countries around the globe are undergoing. Nevertheless, Bermuda continues to work to address deficiencies identified by the assessors as well as to take action to give effect to the recommendations made in the report. …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, M r. Speaker, thank you very much.
The Speaker The Speaker Opposition Leader, you have the floor. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you. On behalf of the Opposition, I would just like to say that in general we support these amendments. We understand what the Minister of Finance is doing to make sure that we are compliant with international regulations …
The Speaker The Speaker Are you done? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Pardon?
The Speaker The Speaker Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Hon. N. H. Cole Simon s: I am not finished. I am not finished.
The Speaker The Speaker Oh, oh, okay, you went quiet on me that time. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No, the line must have gotten cut off a bit.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: So, Mr. Speaker, as you know, we are in the digital age and what jumped to mind, as far as I am concerned, is the extension of the transfer of funds. Mr. Speaker, as you know, in today’s digital market, we have many methods …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Opposition Leader. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
Mr. Jache Adams Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, MP Adams, you have the floor.
Mr. Jache Adams Thank you, sir. How are you? I hope all is well this afternoon.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, we are fine here.
Mr. Jache Adams Mr. Speaker, I will be brief this afternoon and start off by saying that I support the Bill and thank the Minister and his team within the Ministry of Finance for the work in which they do. Mr. Speaker, from my understanding this is not expected to be a contentious …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution?
Mr. Jarion Richardson Thank you, Mr. Speaker, MP Richardson.
The Speaker The Speaker Opposition Whip, you have the floor.
Mr. Jarion Richardson Thank you. I will follow in the previous speaker’s spirit in that I thank the Honourable Finance Minister for bringing this before the House. Mr. Speaker, it is no small thing for a country like Bermuda to keep up with the ever -evolving and shifting goalposts of regulatory standards. It …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution at this time? There are none. Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank honourable colleagues for their contributions. To answer some of the questions that have been posed, let me start …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Deputy Speaker. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House in Committee at 3:10 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL PROCEEDS OF CRIME AMENDMENT ACT [2022]
The Chairman Chairman Honourable Members, we are now in Committee of the who le House for further consider ation of the Bill entitled Proceeds of Crime Amendment Act [2022]. Minister in charge, Finance Minister Curtis Dickinson, you have th e floor. AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 1 Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. …
The Chairman Chairman Are there any objections to that? Approved. [Motion carried: Amendment to clause 1 passed.] Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Chairman, this Bill seeks to amend the Proceeds of Crime Act 1997 and the Proceeds of Crime (Anti -Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorist Financing) Regulations 2008 . Mr. Chairman, I move clauses …
The Chairman Chairman Continue, Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Clause 1 is the citation. Clause 2 amends section 42A(1) of the Pr oceeds of Crime Act 1997 by: (1) amending paragraph (d) of the definition of “AML/ATF regulated financial institution” to limit the application of the A ML/ATF regulations to those insurance marketplace …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Any further speakers? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman Chairman Honourable Opposition Leader Cole Simons, you have the floor. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you very much. [Clause] 2(a) when it says “ in paragraph (d) by deleting the words ‘broker, only in so far as he acts as a broker ’ and substituting broker or an insurance marketplace …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, MP Simons. Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Chairman, as I mentioned in the substance of my brief, the activities that have been carved out have been identified as being activities of very low risk from a money laundering and terrorist financing perspective. And so, what we sought …
The Chairman Chairman Yes, you may continue. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: I thought the Honourable Member listed off in his first question a series of activ ity, I think he mentioned long- term tail, worker’s comp and other things. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Right. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: So, those would be …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: What the Minister of F inance is saying is that the Government takes the view that there are no real challenges in the long tail bus i-ness, i.e., the casualty, the worker’s comp, and life from a KYC and AML point of view. …
The Chairman Chairman Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: There are a couple of things. One, there is an existing body of legislation that covers insurance companies. That is the Insu rance Act. And so, those activities will be captured in that Act in the first instance. Long- term insurers are also still covered …
The Chairman Chairman Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: They remain covered by the Insurance Act. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Okay, if that is the answer, then I accept that. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: This is the Proceeds of Crime Act. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: So, as long as they remain covered …
The Chairman Chairman Are there any further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister, do you want to move this clause? Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: I move that clauses 1 and 2 be approved.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 1 and 2 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 and 2 passed as amen ded.] Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Chairman, I move clause 3.
The Chairman Chairman Continue. 296 4 February 2022 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Clause 3 amends the Pr oceeds of Crime (Anti -Money Laundering and Anti - Terrorist Financing) Regulations 2008 to: (1) Insert the definition of “digital asset” and “digital asset business” in regulation 2(1) by …
The Chairman Chairman Any speakers to the amendment? There appear to be none. Any objections to the amendment? There appear to be none. Amendment approved. [Motion carried: Amendment to clause 3 passed.] Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: [Continuing with clause 3.] (3) Add a new paragraph (e) to the definition of “occasional transaction” in …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister of Finance Dic kinson. Any speakers? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, Mr. Chairman, just a question.
The Chairman Chairman MP Simons, continue. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Clause 3(2)(b)(e) indicates “a transfer of funds, any transfer where no account is used to process the transaction.” Are we talking about money shops where we transfer funds to (for lack of a better word) developing countries? So, we have a lot …
The Chairman Chairman Okay. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Thanks. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: That is the only question I have.
The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Bermuda House of Assembly Any further speakers? [Pause] Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Chairman, I am advised that this provision relates specifically to digital asset companies that may not use the services of a bank and use digital wallets to transfer. So— Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Oh, …
The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: So, yes, Mr. Chairman. So, how would you address the scenario that I just described through the money shops taking $200 from Bermuda and sending it overseas to family members, who may not necessarily have a bank account? How do we ensure …
The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers? There appear to be none, Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Chairman, I move that clause 3 be approved.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clause 3 be approved as amended. Any objections? Approved. [Motion carried: Clause 3 passed as amended.] Hon. Curtis L. Dick inson: Mr. Chairman, I move that the preamble be approved.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections to that motion? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No.
The Chairman Chairman There appear to be none. Approved. Hon. Curti s L. Dickinson: Mr. Chairman, I move that the Bill be reported to the House as amended.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as amended. Any objections to that? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No, sir.
The Chairman Chairman There appear to be none. The Bill will be reported to the House as amended. Thank you, Minister Dickinson and thank you, Opposition Leader Cole Simons. Mr. Speaker. [Motion carried: The Proceeds of Crime Amendment Act 202 2 was considered by a Committee of the whole House and passed with …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Deputy Speaker. Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Proceeds of Crime Amendment Act 2022 being reported to the House as amended? There are no objections? The Bill has been reported. Thank you, Members. That brings that Bill to a conclusion. We will now move …
The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? There are none. Proceed, Minister. BILL SECOND READ ING MOTOR CAR INSURANCE (THIRD- PARTY RISKS) AND PUBLIC CARRIAGE AMENDMENT ACT [2022] Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The purpose of this Bill is to amend the Motor Car Insurance (Third- Party Risk) Act 1943 …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution?
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker MP Jackson, you have the floor.
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Minister for bringing this amendment to the House of Assembly. It is a great relief to find that the Minister is making an adjustment upward for claims that are applied to those that are in se vere road crash accidents and also those …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker MP Tyrrell.
Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Yes, and you can hear me very clearly now I take it.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, you have the floor.
Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It is a great opportunity to speak on this Bill. Let me say that I wish to lend my support to the Mini ster and his technical officers for the work that they have done here. I would certainly say that the Shadow Minister …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
Mr. Dennis Lister III Yes, good afternoon, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker MP Lister?
Mr. Dennis Lister III Yes, that is me.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. You have the floor.
Mr. Dennis Lister III Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will not be long, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the listening audience and to my fellow colleagues, Mr. Speaker. I just want to add a few comments to this piece of legislation. I also w ant to thank the Minister of Transport and his team …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Any other? None? Minister. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that the Bill now be committed.
The Speaker The Speaker Deputy Speaker. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. House in Committee at 3:40 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman] COM MITTEE ON BILL MOTOR CAR INSURANCE (THIRD- PARTY RISKS) AND PUBLIC CARRIAGE AMENDMENT ACT [2022]
The Chairman Chairman Honourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole House for further consider ation of the Bill entitled the Motor Car Insurance (Third - Party Risks) and Public Carriage Amendment Act 2021 —it should read 2022. Minister in charge, Transport Minister, La wrence Scott, you have the floor. AMENDMENT …
The Chairman Chairman Are there any objections to this amendment? There appear to be none. Approved. Continue, Minister. [Motion carried: Amendment to clause 1 passed. ] Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to move all three clauses, clauses 1, 2 and 3. The Chai rman: Continue, Minister. Hon. …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister. Are there any further speakers?
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes, Mr. Ch airman.
The Chairman Chairman Yes, MP Susan Jackson, you have the floor.
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Thank you. I would like to ask the question to the Minister whether any of this will be retroactive and if it is retr oactive, how far back might the Minister consider going? And the other [question] is that I am curious whether the Memorandum of Understanding will have to …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, MP Jackson. Minister. Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The answer is no to both of those. This is not going to be retroactive. It will come into effect once it goes through the legislative process. And no to your other question …
The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the preamble be approved.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. The Clerk: Approve the clauses, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman Chairman Yes, yes. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Oh! Yes, I move that the clauses, clauses 1, 2 and 3 be approved.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 1, 2 and 3 be approved. Are there any objecti ons to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 1, 2 and 3 passed as amended.] Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you. And I move that the Bill be reported to …
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as amended. Any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The Chairman Chairman The Bill will be reported to the House as amended. Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Minister. [Moti on carried: The Motor Car Insurance (Third- Party Risks) and Public Carriage Amendment Act 2022 was considered by a Committee of the whole House and passed with amendment.] House resumed at 3:45 pm [Hon. …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Deputy. Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Motor Car Insurance (Third- Party Risks) and Public Carriage Amendment Act 2022 being r eported to the House as [amended]? There are none. The Bill has been reported to the House as [amended] Members, I want to …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister of Finance? Minister of Transport, being you just completed your Bill, I am sure you are sitting in front of your microphone. Would you like to do your third readi ng? Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Yes, I can, if that pleases you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Mr. Speaker, I move that Standing Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move the Bill entitled Motor Car Insurance (ThirdParty Risks) and Public Carriage Amendment Act 2022 be now read the third time by its title …
The Speaker The Speaker Members, are there any objections to that? There are none. Continue, Minister. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING MOTOR CAR INSURANCE (THIRD- PARTY RISKS) AND PUBLIC CARRIAGE AMENDMENT ACT 2022 Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill now be read a third time …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister of Finance? Minister of Finance? Minister of Finance? [No audible reply]
The Speaker The Speaker Members, we now move on to the m otion to adjourn. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, can I move that Bill? The Clerk: Any other Minister can move it. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Can I move that Bill?
The Speaker The Speaker No one is moving; no one is taking any action. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, with your leave, I would like to move that [Standing Order] 21 be suspended to enable us to read for the third time the Pr oceeds of Crime Amendment …
The Speaker The Speaker Any objections to that? No objections. Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] [Crosstalk] Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, I am sorry, BILL THIRD READING PROCEEDS OF CRIME AMEND MENT ACT 2022 Hon. Kim N. Wilson: I move that the Bill be now read a third time by its title …
The Speaker The Speaker Members, the Bill has been read a third time by its title only and is now passed. [Motion carried: The Proceeds of Crime Amendment Act 2022 was read a third time and passed.] Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker It has been done for you, Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: It has been done? Thank you, sorry.
The Speaker The Speaker No problem. Any time a Minister is not in his seat some other Minister needs to move quickly or I will proceed forward. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Okay.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay? Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker We are now on motion to adjourn. Would someone wish to speak? Does any Member wish to speak on the motion to adjourn? Oh, sorry, — Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: You have got to move the motion, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker We need to move it. Yes, Premier or Deputy Premier, would someone like to move the motion to adjourn? Premier? Deputy Premier? ADJOURNMEN T Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, I would like to move that the House do now adjourn and return in two weeks’ time.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. MP Wilson has moved us to the motion to adjourn. She has moved that the House will now adjourn this evening and return in two weeks’ time, which would be the 18th of . . . of . . . An. Hon. Member: February.
The Speaker The Speaker February. Gee, I was getting lost that time. Are there any objections to that . . . or does any Member wish to speak to that, rather? Does any Member wish to speak?
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Yes, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Deputy Speaker, I hear your voice. Deputy Speaker, you have your 20 minutes. APPOINTMENT OF NEW OMBUDSMAN Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr .: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, at this point I would like to say thanks to the outgoing Ombudsman Ms. Vicky Pea rman who, I think we …
The Speaker The Speaker Deputy, you seem to have drifted out. [No audio for approximately 17 minutes.]
The Speaker The Speaker To the listening public, if you are still listening, trying to tune in to today’s broadcast of the House of Assembly, unfortunately, the virtual platform that we use, which is Webex, has crashed— not just in Bermuda, but worldwide it seems. So our broadcast for today’s business will not continue. …
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