This was a routine parliamentary session focused on ministerial statements rather than debates or votes. The Premier reported on his trip to London where he met with UK officials about Bermuda's autonomy, particularly regarding the UK's delay in approving cannabis legislation passed by Bermuda's Parliament. The Deputy Premier outlined Bermuda's environmental leadership role at the global climate summit. The Education Minister provided updates on how schools are managing COVID-19 safety measures and reported on Bermuda College's financial health and student aid programs.
Premier's report on meetings with UK Government in London about Bermuda's relationship and governance issuesBermuda's participation in the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in ScotlandBermuda College's annual financial report and student support programsCOVID-19 updates for schools and changes to public health restrictionsInternational Day of Persons with Disabilities recognition
Bills & Motions
Tourism Investment (The Loren at Pink Beach) Order 2021 - submitted for consideration
Public Health (COVID-19) Emergency Extension (No. 7) Order 2021 - submitted for consideration
Bermuda College financial statements and annual report - submitted for information
Notable Moments
Premier emphasized this is about constitutional principle, not just cannabis - stating "today it may be a regulated cannabis industry; tomorrow it may well be banking"
Deputy Premier highlighted Bermuda's ocean conservation efforts were recognized internationally, with the UK committing to prioritize climate funding for overseas territories
Health Minister announced relaxed COVID-19 restrictions including larger group sizes (50 instead of 30) and allowing restaurant raft-ups again
Debate Transcript
355 speeches from 17 speakers
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning, Members. Ms. Beale, would you lead us in prayer? PRAYERS [Prayers read by Ms. Kara Beale, Assistant Clerk ] CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES [Minutes of 12 November 2021]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Ms. Beale. Members, the House is now in session. The Minutes have been circulated. Are there any amendments or adjustments to be made to them? There are none. The Minutes will be [confirmed] as printed. [Minutes of 12 November 2021 confirmed] MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER OR MEMBER PRESIDING APOLOGY
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are two announcements this morning, one that I received notification from MP Tyrrell that he will be absent today, and I just wanted that noted because he did notify us. OVERSIGHT OF PUBLIC FINANCING AND GOOD GOVERNANCE FORUM REGISTR ATION OPEN
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe second [announcement] is just a reminder of a circulation from the CPA in reference to the Public Accounts Committee , the Oversight of Public Financing and Good Governance Forum that is going to take place next week. It was circulated to all Members. Members, if you wish to p …
The second [announcement] is just a reminder of a circulation from the CPA in reference to the Public Accounts Committee , the Oversight of Public Financing and Good Governance Forum that is going to take place next week. It was circulated to all Members. Members, if you wish to p articipate in that forum, please register for it. The Chairman of Public Accounts, Opposition Leader Cole Simons, will be participating in the discussion from one of the panels. So, feel free, Members, to register for that. That is actually Tuesday at 12:15 pm, Bermuda time. But please register before [then] . Thank you. Those are the announcements by the Speaker.
MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. PAPERS AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS TO THE HOUSE
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWe have papers to be submitted this morning. The first is in the name of the Premier. Premier. TOURISM INVESTMENT (THE LOREN AT PINK BEACH) ORDER 2021 Hon. E. David Burt: Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the consideration of the …
We have papers to be submitted this morning. The first is in the name of the Premier. Premier.
TOURISM INVESTMENT (THE LOREN AT PINK BEACH) ORDER 2021
Hon. E. David Burt: Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the consideration of the Honourable House of Assembly the Tourism Investment (The Loren at Pink Beach) Order 2021, proposed to be made by the Minister responsible for Tourism in the exercise of the power conferred by section 3(1a) in conjunction with section 5(1a) of the Tour ism Investment [Amen dment] Act [2019] .
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. The next is in the name of the Minister of Health. Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning. PUBLIC HEALTH (COVID- 19) EMERGENCY EXTENSION (NO. 7) ORDER 2021 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. 7) Order 2021, pro-posed to be …
Good morning.
PUBLIC HEALTH (COVID- 19) EMERGENCY EXTENSION (NO. 7) ORDER 2021
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. 7) Order 2021, pro-posed to be made by the Minister of Health in exercise 118 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly of the power conferred by section 107A of the Public Health Act 1949. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. The next two, in fact, are by the Minister of Education. Minister, would you like to do yours? BERMUDA CO LLEGE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2021 Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Yes, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach …
Thank you, Minister. The next two, in fact, are by the Minister of Education. Minister, would you like to do yours?
BERMUDA CO LLEGE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2021
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Yes, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the Bermuda College Audited Financ ial Statements for the Year ending March 31, 2021. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
BERMUDA COLLEGE ANNUAL REPORT 2020/21
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: And, Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the Bermuda College Annual Report 2020/21. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, that brings us to a close of Papers and Communications to the House. PETITIONS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS AND JUNIOR MINISTERS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, we have quite a few this morning. The first is in the name of the Premier. Premier, would you like to present your Statement this morning? Hon. E. David Burt: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning. JOINT MINISTERIAL COUNCIL 2021 Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members will be aware of the annual trek to London made by the heads of G overnment s of the Overseas Territories to conduct meetings with the Ministers of the UK Government on thos e issues that …
Good morning.
JOINT MINISTERIAL COUNCIL 2021
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members will be aware of the annual trek to London made by the heads of G overnment s of the Overseas Territories to conduct meetings with the Ministers of the UK Government on thos e issues that impact the peoples of the remaining British colonies. Mr. Speaker , following last year’s virtual meeting, I am pleased to advise Honourable Members that I attended the Joint Ministerial Council (or JMC , as it is known) for in -person meetings this year and was pleased to have been joined by colleague p remiers from other Overseas Territories. Mr. Speaker , Bermuda currently serves as the Chair of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories As-sociation (or UKOTA) . As such I was pleased to chair a meeting of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association political council as a preface to the JMC , and during which leaders had the opportunity to crystallise those issues on which we would present a united and settled position to the UK Government. Unsurprisingly, Mr. Speaker , there were common experiences shared with respect to the global pandemic and the impact of the coronavirus on our economies. Mr. Speaker , the meeting of the JMC consisted of a series of sessions on a variety of issues at which were present UK Ministers to lead discussions to the benefit of the Overseas Territories. These sessions included the following: • Environment and Oceans , led by Lord Goldsmith ; • IMO II Code led by Minister Courts and the UK’s Permanent Representative to the IMO [International Maritime Organization] , Katy Ware ; • Relationship between the United Kingdom and the Overseas Territories ; • Economic resilience; • Law enforcement ; and • Health issues ( regarding the COVID -19 and mental health) led by Minister Argar and Ian Cumming, NHS [National Health Service] Ambassador for the Overseas Territories . Mr. Speaker , the sessions were informative and afforded an opportunity to dir ectly address those UK Ministers and officials charged with policymaking and implementation which have direct effect on the Overseas Territories and specifically Bermuda. Mr. Speaker , Honourable Members will no doubt recall the tragic death of Sir David Amess , the MP for Southe nd and Chairman of the Bermuda All - Party Parliamentary Group. I had the opportunity in the company of the Speaker of the House of Commons to lay a wreath in his memory and on behalf of t he Government and the people of Bermuda. Mr. Speaker , following the recent changes in ministerial appointments in the U nited Kingdom, the Minister of State for the Overseas Territories is Amanda Milling MP. Honourable Members will have seen the media coverage of my meeting with her and the issues we discussed. Mr. Speaker , I would like to reiterate for this Honourable House that I took the opportunity to clearly set out the position of the Government of Bermuda on the grant of Assent to Bills pr operly passed by the Legislature. While it might be a convenient political point for Honourable Members opposite to make this about can-nabis and that legislation, Mr. Speaker , this is a matter
Bermuda House of Assembly of principle. Bermuda’s Constitution is an advanced one and one adopted as a precursor to self -determination. It is the well -honoured convention under that Constitution that Bills passed in the Legislature will not be denied the Assent of the Governor , and as I indicated to Minister Milling, that is our expectation wi th respect to the legislation on cannabis. Mr. Speaker , this stance is a necessary one because today it may be a regulated cannabis industry ; tomorrow it may well be banking. The Government cannot acquiesce to the delay or denial of those initiatives that will economically empower the people of this country and provide the access to capital that has been historically out of reach for so many. Mr. Speaker , in the wake of Brexit and the UK’s drift away from constructive E uropean Union engagement, Bermuda has been left to its own devices to ensure that our interest is safeguarded in key political centres like Brussels. Following the JMC , I took the opportunity to support the Minister of Finance in bolstering Bermuda’s reputation within the European institut ions and to meet with broader government and industry stakeholders. Mr. Speaker , I met with William Macfarlane, Director of Economics and Trade at the UK Mission to the EU and discussed the UK –EU and Bermuda– EU relationships post -Brexit , as well as areas where Bermuda and the UK Mission to the EU could deepen connections. This included in the important areas of vaccination certificate equivalence and EU mobility, climate change and follow -up from COP26, and financial services. In addition to meeting with EU policymakers, it is crucial to meet with those whose research and analysis inform those decision makers. I also met with one of the foremost thought - leaders in Brussels, Karel Lannoo, CEO of the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS). CEPS is among the most influential European think tanks and among the top 10 think tanks in the world. In addition to producing first -hand research and analysis on EU proposals and regulations of importance to Bermuda, Mr . Lannoo is also a regular speaker in hearings for national and international institutions, and in public and closed- door meetings with high- level actors. Mr. Speaker , this was an opportunity to discuss Bermuda’s broader interests vis -à-vis the European Union, ranging from financial services and Solvenc y II to innovations within Bermuda’s digital assets and renewable energy sectors. This meeting helped identify potential synergies with CEPS and for future areas of cooperation. And as a note, Mr. Speaker, the Brussels office has also joined as an official member of the Centre for European Policy Studies. Mr. Speaker , I also attended and delivered a keynote speech at a dinner with government and indus-try partners based in Brussels, organised by the Gov-ernment of Bermuda Brussels Office and the British Cham ber of Commerce— EU and Belgium. Engage-ments such as th ese create multipliers for positive messaging about Bermuda and ensure that thought -leaders and key stakeholders are well informed about the opportunities to do business on the I sland. Mr. Speaker , no visit to the U nited Kingdom is complete without engaging with Bermudian students who are living and working in England. Two events styled as “Dinner and Dialogue with the Premier” were hosted in London and Manchester [respectively] . Mr. Speaker , it is ins piring to share an evening with the diverse and talented women and men who are committed to their education and, in most cases , to returning to Bermuda to contribute to their native land. Mr. Speaker , this marks my fourth and most consequential JMC. The urgency that surrounds issues like the impact of climate change on Overseas Territories and the economic impact of the pandemic on such small island states provided a stark backdrop to the meetings and underscored the ongoing need for r egional cooperation. In the 20 months since the declara-tion of the global pandemic , the world has seen the introduction of a global minimum corporate tax and a de-finitive shift in the approach of the G20 countries to those of us who make a living in the area of financial services. The direct engagement and the importance of safeguarding Bermuda’s interests on the UK and EU stages has now taken on new significance as the world seeks to move beyond the pandemic. Thank you, Mr. Speaker .
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. The next Statement this morning, Members , is in the name of the Deputy Premier. Deputy Premier, would you like to put your Statement at this time? BERMUDA'S PARTICIPATION AT COP26 GLASGOW Hon. Walter H. Ro ban: Yes. Good morning, Mr. Speaker, and good morning to Members …
Thank you, Premier. The next Statement this morning, Members , is in the name of the Deputy Premier. Deputy Premier, would you like to put your Statement at this time?
BERMUDA'S PARTICIPATION AT COP26 GLASGOW
Hon. Walter H. Ro ban: Yes. Good morning, Mr. Speaker, and good morning to Members of the House and members of the listening public. Mr. Speaker , I wish to provide an update of my participation in COP26 (Conference of Parties) held in Glasgow, Scotland. Honourable Members of this House will be aware that I had an opportunity to represent Bermuda at this year’s UN Climate Change Conference COP26 in Glasgow from 31 October to 12 November. Through our London Office and UK representative, Bermuda holds Chairmanship of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA). UKOTA is recognised in the United Kingdom as the of-ficial association which exists to advance the interests of the United Kingdom Overseas Territories, facilitate cooperation between them and promote solidarity. The association demonstrates the collective partnership between the Territories and Her Majes ty’s Government of the United Kingdom. As such, the U nited Kingdom 120 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Government facilitated our presence at COP26 as part of the UK d elegation overflow , of which Bermuda led a delegation of seven from across the Territories. Mr. Speaker , it was an honour for myself to have led the delegation. Governments of the UK’s Overseas Territories are custodians of internationally important habitats which span the globe from the Antarctic to the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean to the Pacific. All 14 Territories are at the forefront of the impact of climate change as vulnerable small island states. We are also at the forefront of renewable energy ; natur ebased solutions ; adaptation and resilience; ocean protection ; and, with global leadership in catastrophic risk reinsurance , climate finance. Together with the UK , the Territories represent the world’s fifth- largest marine estate of which 75 per cent is protected, containing over 90 per cent of the UK’s biodiversity. We recognise that we are vital to the UK 's meeting its pledge by 2030 to protect 30 per cent of the world’s oceans. Bermuda is not immune or isolated from the impacts of climate change. Our Island is exposed to rising sea levels, increasingly severe and frequent storms, and to changes in ocean c urrents and weather patterns. Isolated, beautiful and unique, Bermuda is home to the most northerly coral reef system in the Atlantic Ocean which is a critical habitat for marine biodiversity as Bermuda is the only landmass in the Sargasso Sea, a floating rainforest of Sargassum seaweed that is a home and spawning site for several species of threatened and endangered marine wildlife. We are a treasure trove of environmental wealth, a capital of ocean conservation and a key player on the global stage of financial risk management . As an Island community vulnerable to the effects of climate change and as a global capital of climate- related financial risk management, we are determined that Bermuda will participate in the international response to ensure our coll ective safety and prosperity. To that end, we continue to declare that Bermuda is committed to increasing our protection of our fragile ecosystem, reducing our carbon footprint and mitigating the impact of climate change. Mr. Speaker , we are particularly proud of the work being done under the auspices of the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme, which will manage the marine spatial planning. The marine spatial planning will develop and legally adopt an enforceable, comprehensive EEZ -wide plan designed to sus tainably manage resources and protect 20 per cent of Bermuda's waters as a no- take fisheries replenishment zone. Our ambition looking forward is to be a thriving Blue Economy with the diversification of our national revenue and to strengthen our sustainable use of our ocean resources and economic growth, with improved livelihoods and jobs and continued ecosystem health. Mr. Speaker , all of Bermuda’s success and ambition in fighting climate change w ere featured at COP26 . I had the pleasure of chairing an Overseas Territory event in the UK Pavilion on Nature Day entitled “Our Vision for Healthy Oceans .” The event , organised through UKOTA together with the UK Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) , was thematically focused on rais ing awareness, protecting our oceans and how the Overseas Territories are taking action against climate change. The event importantly featured a powerful video collaboration of all of the Overseas Territories , highlighting how climate change impacts our marine life and sustainability. If any Honourable Member has not had the opportunity to see the video, I strongly encourage viewing this video , which can be found on the UK Government YouTube channel. Mr. Speaker , immediately after the event, I met with th e UK Minister for the Pacific and the International Environment, the Right Honourable Lord Zac Goldsmith, who later acknowledged, “What these leaders are doing is simply heroic. Our overseas territories are protecting an area of water bigger than India. It ’s one of the best Conservation wins of my generation.” Lord Zac Goldsmith’s acknowledgement went further with commitments in the Joint Ministerial Council [ JMC] in which the Premier , subject of the Statement he made today, presided as President of the UKOTA Political Council. The UK Government committed to work ing closely with Overseas Territory Governments where technical expertise was requested, and to prioritise climate change and environmental issues in future funding for the Territories. The Overseas Territories committed to continuing to formulate ambitious climate targets and policies. As Honourable Members of the House will note , last week I announced that Bermuda is the first Overseas Territory to participate in the UK Government’s Blue Shield P rogramme, which supports the implementation of a comprehensive monitoring and surveillance regime within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Mr. Speaker , while in Glasgow, I also participated in two other events. I was a guest speaker at the Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) luncheon, which was hosted by HUB Culture. I was also a guest panellist on Island Innovations Webinar@ COP. In London, we held an event with the BDA and the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR) to speak further to invited guests, including members of non-government organisations [ NGOs ] and environmental investment companies. Mr. Speaker , I am proud of the work achieved at COP26 in terms of heightened recognition within the UK and international community on Bermuda’s efforts and success in this space. We agreed that a greater level of engagement will continue for all Overseas Territories including at future conventions of biological diversity and climate change summits . Our efforts attracted the attention of and were welcomed by His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge at the JMC. His Royal Highness stated: “I am pleased the Overseas Territories were represented at COP26 and you were
Bermuda House of Assembly able to voice not only your concerns , but also your efforts to tackle the immens e problems that you face. ” Mr. Speaker , the work continues , and our partnership with the UK and our fellow Overseas Territories in tackling climate change and accessing international funding is at the forefront of this Government’s work. Mr. Speaker , in closing I want to recognise the stellar work of the London Office, Ms . Kimberley Durrant and her team, in organising UKOTA’s participation in COP26. Through the efforts of Ms . Durrant, UKOTA had the highest number of participants that it has ev er had the opportunity to [host at] a COP event. She worked tirelessly to ensure that our schedules, the videos, and the Nature Day event w ere well organised. Thank you very much , Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Education. Minister, would you like to present your Statement? Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Yes, Mr. Speaker. And good morning, colleagues.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo right ahead, Minister. BERMUDA COLLEGE 2020 ANNUAL REPORT, 2021 AUDITED STATEMENTS AND 2021 STUDENT FINANCIAL SUPPORT Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, this morning I rise before this Honourable House to lay the Bermuda College 2020– 2021 Annual Report and its 2021 Audited Financial Statements , as required …
Go right ahead, Minister.
BERMUDA COLLEGE 2020 ANNUAL REPORT, 2021 AUDITED STATEMENTS AND 2021 STUDENT FINANCIAL SUPPORT Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, this morning I rise before this Honourable House to lay the Bermuda College 2020– 2021 Annual Report and its 2021 Audited Financial Statements , as required under section 8(2) of the Bermuda College Act 1974. I will also give a report on the Government's $300,000 annual grant and the College Promise Merit Award programme, both of which are provided as financial support for students to attend the Bermuda College. Mr. Speaker, one of the main functions of the Bermuda College Boar d of Governors is to deliver an annual report on the c ollege activities and produce annual audited financial statements. I will first report on the Bermuda College Annual Report. The 2020 –2021 Annual Report highlights the resilience demonstrated by faculty , staff and students alike in ensuring that business operations, instruction and learning proceeded with minimum disruption despite the impact of the COVID -19 pandemic. The annual report also shows the progress made by the Bermuda College in key areas of its five -year strategic plan, Vision 2023: Delivering Success. Mr. Speaker, s ome of the operational, academic and technical activities undertaken by Bermuda College during the past year are as follows: • A virtual site visit of the college was held with the New England Commission of Higher Edu-cation (NECHE) accrediting agency. This cul-minated in NECHE accepting the first five -year interim report produced by Bermuda College. • More than $6 million was raised for capital projects and student financial assistanc e by the Bermuda College Foundation and its do nors. • The building commenced for a state- of-the-art Career Development Centre, renovation of one of its lecture theatres and upgrading of its IT infrastructure as a result of a generous gift of $3.8 million fr om Athene, Athene Life Re, Athora [Life Re] , Aspen Insurance Holdings and Catalina Holdings . • There was an increased enrolment of 6 per cent in the academic divisions during a challenging period when comparable institutions grappled with enrolment. Additionally, PACE serviced 1,181 students compared to 857 the previous year, an increase of 37 per cent. • During the past year, the c ollege graduated 139 students, including 32 in January 2021 when it held its first winter commencement in over a decade. There were 15 graduates of the Mount Saint Vincent University programme, which represented the largest cohort in 10 years. • In December 2020, a total of 296 students earned international qualifications and Workforce Development Certificates via the Division of Professional and Career Education (PACE); 109 public high school students earned their City and Guild Entry Level Introductory Award in Employab ility Skills, and 16 students earned the Certificate for Nursing Assistants [CNA]. Mr. Speaker, Bermuda College expanded its online programme offerings with signed articulation or transfer agreements with overseas institutions such as Southern New Hampshi re University, offering a B achelor of Arts in Psychology or General Studies , and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration or Technical Management; East Carolina Univ ersity in the area of Coastal and Marine Science; Walden University for Studies in Nursing from an RN to BSN programme; and Framingham State University, where the first co-hort of 13 students commenced the Graduate Pro-gramme in Educational Leadership. The college has also established partnerships with the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsur-ers (ABIR) and St. John's University in New York to develop a talent pipeline for Bermudians to enter the insurance/reinsurance industry. The Division of Profes-sional and Career Education recorded its first qualified Associate Chartered Certified Accountant (ACCA) graduate since the inception of the programme. The PACE Division also achieved a commendable 25 th ranking out of 200 community colleges in the Learning Resources Network, having registered over 90 students for online professional certif icate courses during the year. 122 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, student success undergirds all pedagogical strategies and initiatives in the college, and the following highlights are examples of student success: A partnership with Northampton University and the Bermuda Hospit als Board led to three nursing graduates from Northampton University's Bachelor’s of Mental Health Programme, of which two received excellence awards. In Computer Information Systems, a second- year student took part in the Technology Leadership Forum, a government -sponsored internship involving multiple companies. Two students also took ad-vantage of summer internships with @Company, a Silicon Valley tech start -up. (Sorry, Mr. Speaker. Something just went wrong with my computer just now . . . Okay.) Additi onally, two Earth and Environmental Studies students participated in a six -week -long weekend programme for Marine Science scholars at the Ber-muda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS). The aim of the programme was to reach students who could benefit from field and laboratory experience at BIOS. One student is now enrolled in the Marine Science Programme at Bermuda College; the other student will be attending the University of Plymouth in the fall to study Ocean Exploration and Surveying. Mr. Speaker, I will n ow shift to the fiduciary responsibility of the Bermuda College Board of Gover-nors. I am pleased to report that the 2021 audited fi-nancial statements for Bermuda College were unqualified. As such, in the opinion of the Auditor General, the statements prese nt fairly the financial position of Bermuda College at the end of the fiscal year 2021. The audited financial statements indicate that the Bermuda College had assets worth $22,692,466 and total liabili-ties of $17,336,538. Additionally, Mr. Speaker, it should be noted that Bermuda College currently has no long- term debt. Cash and cash equivalents for the period increased by 27 per cent to $3,807,943. The accounts receivable increased by 6.7 [per cent] to $1,133,591, and the accounts payable decreased by 22 p er cent and stood at $2,892,951 at the end of the 2021 fiscal year. Mr. Speaker, although there have been capital investments at the Bermuda College with the building of the Career Development Centre and upgrades to the IT infrastructure, this did not oc cur before March 31, 2021. As such, the capital assets reflected a depreciation as of March 31 and totalled $14,909,119. However, with the establishment of the Bermuda College Foun-dation, it is expected that there will be ongoing capital investments in the infrastructure. Mr. Speaker, the Government grant to the Bermuda College remained at $15,906,000 during the 2020/21 fiscal period while other revenue decreased by $577,704, or 2.6 per cent. However, total expenses also decreased by 9.2 per cent, resulti ng in excess revenue of $1,016,304 [for the year]. Mr. Speaker, the Bermuda College financial officers and the Office of the Auditor General have been working assiduously during the past year to ensure that Bermuda College complies with the financial sta ndards of its accreditors, NECHE and the Bermuda College Act. This goal has been achieved since the college submitted both its 2020/21 audited financial statements and its 2020/21 Annual Report by September 30, 2021. As of today, both documents have been presented to this Honourable House. Mr. Speaker, I extend thanks to the Auditor General, Ms. Heather Thomas, and her team in the Office of the Auditor General, for their efforts in bringing Bermuda College up to date with its audits. Additionally, thanks are given to Mr. Dwight Furbert, Vice President of Finance & Operations, and his team at the Bermuda College. Mr. Speaker, I will now report on the annual Government Tuition Grant of $300,000 given to Ber-muda College for financial support to students, and share information on the College Promise Merit Award programme. Mr. Speaker, let me speak first to the annual grant of $300,000. My honourable colleagues will recall that since September 2017 Bermuda College has been receiving an additional $300,000 specifically to support students in financial need. The purpose of the grant is to provide financial assistance to students in one of the three academic divisions or the Professional and Ca-reer Education (PACE) Division of the College. To qualify for the fun ding, students must demonstrate a financial need and current students must also have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher. The tuition awards range from 30 per cent to 100 per cent of the student's educational costs, with the educational costs defined as the value of tuition plus fees. Mr. Speaker, this semester 78 students received financial assistance from the tuition grants totalling $141,855. There were 25 students enrolled in the Mount Saint Vincent University Business of Administration degree programme; 23 were enrolled in business and finance programmes; 15 were enrolled in health programmes, and 15 in in- service programmes. Mr. Speaker, allow me to point out that since this tuition grant was instituted in 2017, a total of 174 students have graduated or earned a certificate. Of that number, Mr. Speaker, 99 have graduated with an asso-ciate degree, diploma, or certificate from the academic divisions, 40 students earned a Workforce Development Certificate from PACE, 29 have earned their bachelor' s degree from Mount Saint Vincent University, 2 students earned a master's degree from Miami University, and 4 students have earned their post -graduate Teaching Diploma from the University of West Indies. Our students are experiencing success from this tui tion grant, which we expect will trickle down into the economy as they pursue jobs in their respective fields of study. Mr. Speaker, on the other hand, the College Promise Merit Award programme was introduced in
Bermuda House of Assembly 2019 specifically for high school students. This programme allows qualifying public school students to attend the Bermuda College tuition- free immediately after their high school graduation. This is the third year of the programme, and I am pleased to share with my hon-ourable colleagues that since its inception in 2019, four students have graduated from Bermuda College. Currently, 65 students are participating in the College Promise programme at the Bermuda College this year, of whom 33 are new College Promise entrants and 32 are returning students. Mr. Speaker, this Government remains committed to supporting our Bermudian students. They are taking the opportunity t o pursue tertiary education and doing well in their pursuits. The Government will con-tinue to provide funding to ensure that no student is denied a Bermuda College education due to a lack of fi-nances. Mr. Speaker, in closing I want to commend the board ch air and members, faculty, staff and administration at the Bermuda College for their continued commit-ment to the operations and delivery of tertiary education at the Bermuda College during these unprecedented times. I invite this Honourable House to read the annual report for details of the Bermuda College's ac-complishments and successes for the 2020/21 reporting period. Lastly, I encourage the general public to take advantage of the various courses and pro-grammes offered at Bermuda College, where there are many paths —discover yours! Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Minister, I believe there is a second Statement in your name. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Yes, Mr. Speaker. But also, I would like to also point out that the Statement posted on the parliament website for the Bermuda College has some errors in it, and we …
Thank you, Minister. Minister, I believe there is a second Statement in your name.
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Yes, Mr. Speaker. But also, I would like to also point out that the Statement posted on the parliament website for the Bermuda College has some errors in it, and we did send an updated Statement a couple of days ago. So if we could get the correct one posted, I would really appreciate it.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerNo problem. We will have it adjusted on the SharePoint and put the amended version up. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe next Statement is yours as well, and you can present that now. COVID -19 UPDATE IN SCHOOLS Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I present a COVID -19 update on our school system. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning in this Honourable House …
The next Statement is yours as well, and you can present that now.
COVID -19 UPDATE IN SCHOOLS
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I present a COVID -19 update on our school system. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning in this Honourable House to provide an updat e on the ongoing impact of COVID -19 in our schools and the preventative measures that have been put in place in both our public and our private schools to keep our children safe. Mr. Speaker, you will recall that our Honourable Premier has shared with us repeatedly, and this morning I say it again, the coronavirus is with us and will continue to be with us for some time. We must accept and make adjustments for what has become our new normal. In our public and private schools, this has meant finding creativ e and engaging ways to ensure quality teaching and learning environments for students in the classroom, as this is where our children learn best. Mr. Speaker, the beginning of the 2021/22 school year was not without its challenges. Bermuda was in its fou rth and deadliest wave of community spread from the virus. Public school staff were being sent home in unsustainable numbers even before school buildings were fully open. Our private school partners did begin the school year with in- class learning. However , several schools were hit with positive cases, resulting in large numbers of students being placed in quarantine. One school had a delayed start, and another one completely closed for a week. Mr. Speaker the increased number of COVID - 19-positive cases c aused the Ministry of Education to make the difficult decision to begin the 2021/22 aca-demic year with remote learning for public schools. De-spite the setbacks, there has been continued collaboration with the Ministry of Health to put the appropriate safet y and health guidelines in place for our schools. Mr. Speaker, let me remind my honourable colleagues that toward the end of the 2020/21 academic year, through collaboration between the Department of Education and the Molecular Diagnostic Lab (MDL), a saliva screening pilot programme was implemented in both public and private schools. The pilot programme saw staff from MDL visit the various schools to conduct saliva testing on consenting students and staff. Ultimately, students and staff consenting to part icipate in the programme were tested at least once per month. The programme proved to be successful in identifying asymptomatic cases. Resultantly, the saliva screening programme was revised and has continued into the 2021/22 school year with all public sc hools testing weekly. At this point I want to extend my thanks to our parents and staff for supporting the programme and providing consent for their children to participate, as this will help to keep our schools safe. Mr. Speaker, both public and private schools have implemented key COVID -19 preventative safety measures to ensure safety in school buildings. Public schools introduced a pre- return testing policy in that all staff and students were required to have a negative COVID -19 test to enter school bu ildings after a break in school. Private schools, on the other hand, have im-plemented the lateral flow testing for staff and students up to twice a week in most schools, which includes teaching staff, administrative staff, and janitorial and security staff . 124 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, research has shown that in- person learning is best for our students. The focus of our schools has been to minimise continuous disruption of student learning due to identified positive COVID -19 cases in schools. The Ministry of Health has r eceived input from the Ministry of Education, Department of Education and our private schools which has resulted in a revised approach to how close contacts and casual contacts are now treated in the event of a positive case having been identified in schoo l. Instead of having a full class of students having to quarantine, the Department of Health risk assessment now allows persons deemed as a casual contact to remain in school if an initial negative PCR test is obtained. However, close contacts are still re quired to quarantine as per usual. We are pleased about the change in policy which has allowed more students to remain in school for in- class learning. Mr. Speaker, since schools have opened for the 2021/22 school year, there have been 38 positive COVID -19 cases to date— 14 in public schools and 24 in the private schools. I am certain that the safety measures that have been put in place have helped to identify positive cases earlier and also have allowed schools to remain open with continuous in- person learning for our children. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week the Ministry of Health advised that schools could move from phase 1 to phase 2 of the School COVI D-19 Guidelines, which means that our younger students from preschool to P3 do not have to wear face masks while inside the class-room. The intent is to review this policy in two weeks for a possible move to phase 3. Many in the community have advocated for a quicker move between the COVID -19 protocol school phases, as other entities in Bermuda have (quote- unquote) “opened up.” However, Mr. Speaker, I do wish to remind all that our schools are considered high- to medium- risk locations. Students are in classr ooms approximately three feet apart from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm daily. A relaxation in the school protocols too quickly, leading to an outbreak, could cause an entire class or year level to be quarantined. This would negate our recovery and our movement toward a new normal. Mr. Speaker, each child sent home typically results in that household being quarantined. A household in quarantine can affect a parent’s ability to work and other siblings’ ability to attend school. Those other siblings’ [situation] may result in fellow students at other schools being affected, and their respective house-holds as well. If we stop and think about this, it is easy to see the potential knock -on effects of a positive case in a school. We want to, and we will, ease the restrictio ns, but this will be done with the need to balance the safety of our children and the need for them to re-main in school. Mr. Speaker, in this last outbreak, approximately one- third of cases were children. And to my understanding, a few cases can be trace d back to parents’ sending their children to childcare settings where other children were infected and then returned home to infect household members. While children may not be as affected by COVID -19 as adults, children tend to be around their elders, who may be more susceptible to COVID -19 complications. With our prevalence of multi - generational households, this could be a real issue. The guidelines in schools have allowed us to have schools open and keep them open, but at the same time protect our community. Mr. Speaker, we will continue to do what is best for our students and their families to keep them in school and learning. While this may be an inconvenience to our adults at times, our focus will remain on keeping our schools safe for in- person lear ning. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this time to thank the staff at the Ministry of Education, Department of Ed-ucation, the Ministry of Health, the Department of Health School Surveillance Team, our private school partners, and the Schools Testing Team at the Bermuda Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory. It is genuinely the collaborative effort of all involved and their hard work and dedication to ensure that our schools have programmes that have enabled us to keep our students in school and be protected as muc h as possible from the COVID -19 virus. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Health. Minister, would you like to present your Statement now? COVID -19 PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT UPDATE Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, this time last year …
Thank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Health. Minister, would you like to present your Statement now?
COVID -19 PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT UPDATE Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, this time last year I provided this House with an update on COVID -19 public health guidance. At that time, we had about 270 confirmed positive cases and one or two people in hospital. That was the beginning of our second wave. As I speak to you today, with our fourth wave dwindling, we have had 5,730 confirmed cases of COVID -19, more than 300 hospitalisations and, sadly, 106 COVID -19-related deaths in the community. While the fourth wave exacted a toll on us all, we in the Ministry of Health are convinced it would have been worse if not for the level of vaccination in the community. Vac-cines do work. Our Island data prove this. Mr. Speaker, the next step for all of us in Bermuda is to learn how to live with COVID -19. The pandemic is not over, so we must continue to follow public health guidelines to keep ourselves, our families and our friends safe. As I have stated in this House before — and this is well worth repeating—success in dealing with COVID -19 requires a community effort. It is a community effort because this is one of the few situations
Bermuda House of Assembly where an individual’s decision to adhere to public health measures or not impacts all of us. In this pandemic , individual choices can, and do, have Islandwide consequences. In keeping with the decrease in levels of community transmission of the virus that causes COVID -19, the Government is making the following changes to the Public Health (COVID -19 Emergency Powers) (Phased Re-opening) Regulations 2021: • The size of large groups will now increase from 30 to 50, and this includes weddings and funerals as well as i sland boats , in respect of the use of SafeKey . • In restaurants, members clubs and bars, tables no longer need to be spaced six feet apart ; however, for the time being these establish-ments will still be restricted to seated service only. • With respect to recr eational boating, raft -ups are permitted once again. • Students enrolled in a school testing programme will be able to use a S tudent 7- day Pass (issued after a negative test result) to enable them to dine indoors with parents or guardians who have SafeKey . And this also will apply to their ability to attend youth sporting and recreational activit ies that also require a SafeKey. Mr. Speaker, h aving a school student testing programme in Bermuda’s publ ic and private schools has provided a great opportunity for flexibility when it comes to dining. It applies to students who are 11 years of age and under. For young children who are four years of age and under, they will be able to dine indoors at a restaurant as long as their parent or guardian has a SafeKey. We will be working with the schools to implement the Student 7- day Pass as early as next week. Additional public health guidance will be amended to state that remote working is no longer strongly reco mmended. Offices can be opened with proper public health measures in place. Also, movie theatres, galleries and museums are to be allowed [to be open], providing [there is] physical distancing of three feet with masks being worn at all times indoors. The l egislative and guidance changes will take effect, Mr. Speaker, from Monday, the 29 th of November. Mr. Speaker, I cannot overemphasise the importance of continuing with good public health measures: Wear your mask, wash your hands and maintain a physical distance of six feet from others in crowded indoor and outdoor settings, and particularly if you do not know the vaccination status of the people you are with. Again, to repeat myself: This is not the same as choosing not to wear a helmet or choosing not to use your seatbelt, where the person you are most likely to harm is yourself. Failure to follow publ ic health measures has a far more significant impact, as the virus spreads quickly throughout our Island home, affecting families, schools, businesses and more. Mr. Speaker, in addition to assessing and making changes to the Emergency Powers Regulations, the Government is reviewing the Island’s travel protocols as well. Taking into consideration vaccination levels within countries where the majority of our travellers are coming from, and vaccination levels here in Bermuda, we are looking at amending our r equirements to ensure we are competitive. We will be changing the pre-arrival test requirement to accept antigen tests, which are less expensive and easier for travellers to Bermuda to acquire, as well as PCR tests. We are also reviewing the follow -up test ing once on Island. The changes are aimed at allowing vaccinated visitors to begin enjoying Bermuda quickly with-out an extended period of quarantine upon arrival. Finally, Mr. Speaker, we are making adjustments to enable residents who travel abroad for les s than 72 hours to use their pre- departure test obtained in Bermuda as their pre- arrival test upon their return. This will facilitate quick trips overseas. These changes will require amendments to the Quarantine (COVID19) (No. 3) Order 2020, and will be fi nalised shortly. Mr. Speaker, visitors to the Island support our hotels, our restaurants, our bars and our taxis. They participate in a variety of experiences and visit the diverse attractions the Island has to offer. They rent minicars and mopeds, and i n general provide an invaluable boost to our local economy. In short, visitors support jobs. As we put in place protocols and policies which will support our economic recovery, it is only nat-ural to consider our border controls and traveller testing regime. Mr. Speaker, the Ministry has learned a lot about this particular virus and how to cope in a pandemic over the past almost two years. The learning curve was steep, and the impacts of COVID -19 on the Island and the world were unprecedented in our lifetime. As Christmas gets closer, I would like to take this opportunity to provide public health advice on how to manage as we live with COVID -19. And learn to live with it we must. The Government has worked to strike a balance between risk mitigation and the economic impact of taking precautions. With 70 per cent of the total population fully vaccinated, and 79 per cent of the eligible population vaccinated, the emphasis shifts to economic recovery. Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members, you will be aware that o ne of the most important steps an individual can take to stop the spread is to simply wear a mask. That remains! And it applies whether or not you are vaccinated. Masks should be worn by the following people: • workers at all workplace premises; • people using public transport ation or taxis; 126 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly • any person visiting any indoor establishment such as a grocery store, a shop, a bank, an office, et cetera, unless otherwise allowed by specific guidance such as that which would apply in bars, restaurants and gyms; and • in crowded outdoor settings when other persons are present and a distance of six feet cannot be maintained. Also, Mr. Speaker, a s we attend Christmas parties in the coming weeks, please be aware that social mixing is identified through contact tracing investi-gations as a primary means by which COVID -19 transmission occurs. Social mixing can lead to a less robust adherence to public health protocols, so I strongly encourage everyone to be careful and responsible. Mr. Speaker, above all, vaccination is key to living with COVID -19. It reduces the severity of COVID - 19 if you get infected, and it reduces hospitalisations as well as deaths. As reported yesterday, Mr. Speaker, the booster vaccine is now available to anyone 18 years of age or older who has had their second COVID vaccina-tion dose a minimum of six months ago. You can book an appointment on gov.bm by selecting Book a Booster Vaccine Appointment. Alternatively, individuals can call the Vaccination Hotline at 444- 2498 (selecting option 2) or email vaccine@ gov.bm . For those who are 65 and older, they can walk into the Pier 6 vaccination centre Monday to Friday to get their booster. Mr. Speaker, in closing I would like to say this Government is very aware of just how difficult it is to effect an economic rec overy while still in the midst of a global pandemic. At this stage it is critically important for personal responsibility to come to the forefront. Wear a mask; practice good hand hygiene; keep phys-ically distanced from others, particularly in indoor set-tings and crowded outdoor settings; download the WeHealth app; and avoid the three Cs of crowded places, closed spaces and close- contact settings. Mr. Speaker, we have worked hard and worked together to reach this point in the pandemic. Our con-tinued commitment to robust public health protocols is critical, and I want to thank the entire Bermuda community for all of their efforts. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. The next Statement this morning is by the Minister of Social Development and Seniors. Minister Furbert, would you like to present your Statement at this time? INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the International Day of Persons with …
Thank you, Minister. The next Statement this morning is by the Minister of Social Development and Seniors. Minister Furbert, would you like to present your Statement at this time?
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities is observed on the 3rd of December and has been promoted by the United Nations since 1992. The observance of the day aims to promote the rights and well -being of persons with disabilities at all levels of society and development. Also, it provides an oppor-tunity to raise awareness of the achievements and challenges persons with disabilities face within every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life in our community. Mr. Speaker, the UN estimates that approximately 15 per cent of the world’s population, which equates to one billion people, are living with some form of disability. Disability is defined by the UN as a condition or function judged to be significantly impaired rela-tive to the usual standard of an individual of their group. It is often used to refer to individual functioning, includ-ing physical impairment, sensory impairment, cognitive impairment, intellectual impairment, mental illness and various types of chronic disease. Mr. Speaker, under the Human Righ ts Act 1981, “disability” is defined as “the condition of being a disabled person.” The said Act defines “disabled person” to include physical disability; physical reliance, for example on a guide dog; or [the person] previously has had a mental impairment that has substantial and longterm adverse effects on the person’s ability to carry out normal day -to-day activities. Mr. Speaker, this year’s theme is Leadership and participation of person s with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post -COVID -19 world . With this theme in mind, the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors strives to make the promises made by the Government which impact persons with disabilities a reality. Mr. Speaker, the UN highlights the fact that evidence and experience show that when barriers to inclusion are removed and persons with disabilities are empowered to participate fully in societal life, the entire community benefits. Barriers faced by persons with disabilities are therefore a detriment to society as a whole, and inclusion and accessibility are necessary to achieve progress and development for all. Mr. Speaker, currently the Ministry is in the process of working with the UK to have the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities extended to Bermuda to ensure Bermuda is an inclusive society that recognises and respects persons with disabilities for their ability and not their disability. A formal register of persons with disabilities is being developed. The register aims to assist wi th data collection to provide projections for support, services and benefits, which will ultimately assist in improving quality of life. Also the register will ensure there is clarity of the current and fu-ture needs of persons with disabilities. Mr. Speaker, no person in our society should be left behind or feel ostracised because they have a disability. The Government encourages dialogue on all forms of disabilities. This provides a platform to edu-cate all sectors of our community to ensure persons with disabilities are given the dignity they deserve. I believe that more awareness of persons with disabilities
Bermuda House of Assembly ultimately will lead to more understanding and acceptance. Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight some events that will be taking place in the comm unity on Friday, December 3, in recognition of the International Day of People with Disabilities: Ageing and Disability Services will be Taking it to the Streets with the assistance of Media Maya to engage persons in the City of Hamilton (throughout the community) to start the conversation and bring awareness of persons with disabilities. Also, this provides an opportunity to determine if people in our community can identify unseen/invisible disabilities —for example, autism. The Intellectual Disabilities team at the Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute [MAWI] will be having their second motorcade. It is intended that the motorcade will start at 11:00 am from the Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute. More information will be provided through the media. Residents of Ber muda, I encourage you to show your support by standing along the motorcade route. WindReach [registered charity 92] is hosting a one-day free virtual conference on Zoom from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm entitled Common Ground 2021. The theme of the conference is enc ouraging advocacy to ensure persons with disabilities are given their right to be heard on issues impacting their lives and across the community. The event will be facilitated and moderated by oc-cupational therapist Alyssa Frick and Paralympian Jessica Lew is. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, December 4, Special Olympics Bermuda [registered charity 978] will be having their first Polar Plunge at Horseshoe Bay, starting at 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. The Polar Plunge is a fundraising event for the Special Olympics globally. This event has shown increased popularity in other ju-risdictions such as the US and Canada. Mr. Speaker, I encourage people to show support by attending at least one of the events I have mentioned. In closing, I quote the British neurologist Oliver Sacks: “I wish for a world” (in this case Bermuda) “that views disability, mental or physical, not as a hindrance but as unique attributes that can be seen as powerful assets if given the right opportunities.” Let us come to-gether as a community and provide opportunities for persons with disabilities so that we can create a better Bermuda. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Labour. Minister, would you like to present your Statement at this time? Hon. Jason Hayward: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning, Minister. LABOUR ADVISORY COUNCIL ITS ROLE AND FUNCTIONS Hon. Jason Hayward: I am pleased to rise today to provide to the Members of this Honourable House an overview of the role and functions of the Labour Advisory Council [the LAC] and the work that it will commence in …
Good morning, Minister. LABOUR ADVISORY COUNCIL ITS ROLE AND FUNCTIONS Hon. Jason Hayward: I am pleased to rise today to provide to the Members of this Honourable House an overview of the role and functions of the Labour Advisory Council [the LAC] and the work that it will commence in 2022. Mr. Speaker, the LAC was established in the 1960s in response to the labour and social unrest that was taking place during that time. It is a non- statutory tripartite government board tasked with advancing industrial relations and garnering consensus amongst its members to make recommendations concerning legislative amendments, policies and standards regarding Bermuda’s labour force. The LAC is chaired by the Minister of Labour and comprises representatives from government, employer groups and worker groups as equal and independent partners, together seeking solutions to the issues facing Bermuda’s labour force through social dia-logue. This form of social dialogue is referred as tripartism, and it is extremely effective as it allows for the views of each side to be taken into consideration when decisions are made, leading to more favourable outcomes for all stakeholders involved. Mr. Speaker, the LAC meets quarterly and has the ability to meet more frequently where necessary. Subcommittees of the LAC meet more regularly. The LAC will reconvene quarterly meetings in January 2022 and has a robust agenda that I will now share with the Members of this Honourable House. The agenda includes, but is not limited to 1. further amendments to the Employment Act 2000; 2. guidance on independent contractor contracts; and 3. inequalities in the world of work .
Further Amendments to the Employment Act Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, t he Ministry has identi fied areas within the Employment Act 2000 where further strengthening of workplace protection is re-quired. The LAC will be asked to review and opine on a policy document in this regard, which includes but is not limited to the following areas: 1. A requirement to notify the Ministry of Labour where an employer intends to engage in mass terminations of more than 20 persons. This will enable the Min-istry to provide the necessary assistanc e in a timely manner to employers as it relates to compliance with the Act, as well as to employees as it relates to seeking alternate employment and/or retooling them for the labour force. 2. Determining what constitutes the end of a layoff period. This w ill ensure that when recalling em128 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly ployees to work, there are measures in place that protect employees from consecutive layoff periods and clearly defining the end of the layoff period. 3. The publication of employment standards. This will ensure that all em ployed persons, particularly work permit holders, are aware of their rights and obligations under the Act and whom they may contact for assistance. 4. Workplace inspections by the Labour Relations Manager. This will ensure that employers maintain adequate employment records in accordance with the Act and that employees have the appropriate access. 5. Wage theft protections. This will strengthen employee protections ensuring that there are adequate provisions to protect employees from employers who a. fail to pay employees for all hours worked; b. fail to make appropriate overtime payments; c. fail to allocate tips to employees ; and d. illegally deduct or fail to make the appropriate statutory benefit payments.
Provide Gui dance on Independent Contractor Contracts Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, t he Minist ry has received a number of concerns from workers and mem-bers of the public pertaining to unfair contractual terms and employment contracts that seem to take advantage of the current economic climate in Bermuda and persons’ inability to find suitable and sustainable employment. The Act was amended to address this longstanding issue and allows for the Manager of the La-bour Relations Section, in consultation with the Labour Advisory Council, to issue guidance for the purpose of determining whether an employment relationship more closely resembles that of an employee than an independent contractor. The LAC will consider this issue and determine whether it is necessary to issue guidance in this regard and the contents of the same.
Inequalities in the World of Work
Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, on the 23 rd of November 2021, I attended the International Labour Organization Caribbean Labour Ministers Meeting in preparation for the 109 th Session of the International Labour Conference. The LAC will review and consider the report submitted to the 109 th Session of the International Labour Conference, entitled “ Inequalities and the World of Work .” The LAC will consider this report as it relates to Bermuda and will seek to address the following areas: • the economic and social implications of inequality in the workplace; • the main drivers of inequality inside of the labour market; and • what effective responsive policies and measures should be introduced to reduce inequality and promote productivity and growth, including in the context of the recovery from the pandemic. Mr. Speaker, the Ministry would like to take this opportunity to thank the Members of this Honourable House for the opportunity to address them in this regard. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of National Security. Minister, would you like to present your Statement at this time? Hon. Renee Ming: Yes. Good morning, Mr. Speaker and listening audience.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo right ahead. GANG VIOLE NCE Hon. Renee Ming: Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to provide an update on the work of the Ministry of Na-tional Security in addressing gang violence. Specifically, I will address some of the root causes, our existing gang violence reduction programmes, proposed programmes and …
Go right ahead.
GANG VIOLE NCE Hon. Renee Ming: Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to provide an update on the work of the Ministry of Na-tional Security in addressing gang violence. Specifically, I will address some of the root causes, our existing gang violence reduction programmes, proposed programmes and our multi -ministry approach. Mr. Speaker, there are many reasons why individuals join a gang. Unfortunately, it is a lifestyle t hat is glamorised in television, movies and music. A gang provides identity, respect, security, a sense of belonging and support that [gang members] may not be get-ting at home or from the community. The reality is that for some it provides a more attractiv e lifestyle than being a law -abiding productive member of society. Gangs offer social support systems and the opportunity for financial gains that our young people are struggling to find through traditional home and work pathways. Mr. Speaker, the fact i s that many of our young people are the victims of generations of economic inequality in Bermuda. The breakdown of the family unit, poor education and [lack of] employment opportunities make it very difficult to break the cycle and enable social mobility. Mr. Speaker, we will not police our way out of this problem. We must assist those who are in gangs with a way out and tackle the root causes. We must provide opportunities to the next generation that makes being a productive and law -abiding member of soc iety a better alternative than joining a gang. Mr. Speaker, through our actions and in some cases our lack of action, as a community we have created a gap that gangs are filling for our young people. The National Security Ministry’s Gang Violence Reduction Team [GVRT] offers several programmes that attempt to address this gap. Most recently, the Redemp-tion Farm programme has provided 15 men with a 30Bermuda House of Assembly week work placement. To date, 10 out the 15 trainees have transitioned into full -time or part -time employment or into educational pursuits. Mr. Speaker, the Gang Violence Reduction Team administers programmes within every level of our public school system that provide pro- social networks for students at medium to high risk for antisocial behaviour. Over the course of the summer the Gang Violence Reduction Team partnered with local companies to provide mentorships and internships to students involved in these programmes. The primary objective is to en-courage a transition away from antisocial behaviour into a l ife of meaningful work. Mr. Speaker, our goals are to • change the pattern of behaviour of individuals involved in group and gang violence, and reintegrate them back into mainstream society; • prevent preteens and adolescents from joining gangs and engaging in antisocial behaviour by re-establishing positive social bonds; • create opportunities of employment for young people and individuals who have previously not been employable due to antisocial backgrounds; • connect at -risk youth, men and women with the necessary helping agencies that will aid in addressing mental and social health issues; and • place more focus on fostering and sustaining positive interpersonal relationships. Mr. Speaker , the Gang Violence Reduction Team clients carry life histories mark ed by pov erty, violence, marginalisation and intergenerational abuse and neglect. Many have incarceration experiences or have pending charges and cases. The young men we support face additional challenges presented by institutionalisation, discrimination, community judgment, major educational gaps, negligible work history, and criminal records/criminal proceedings which can preclude employment. For many of our clients, [illegal] substances are a way of coping with the pain of gang involvement, homelessness, and mental health issues. Mr. Speaker, to meet our goals we are taking a multi -agency approach that includes the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport, the Ministry of Legal Affairs as well as the Ministry of Public Works. We will also be partnering with third sector agencies and employers to provide additional services and opportunities for our at -risk youth, including the following: • counselling services; • individual programme s of social support and care; • education assistance; • mentorship; • pathways to further education; • opportunities for social mobility; • career guidance; • family counsel ling and support; • financial assistance; and • employment opportunities. Mr. S peaker, there is no one- size-fits-all, and each at -risk youth will be assessed t o match the right services and programmes to meet their needs. Mr. Speaker, we must work to rebuild the sense of community that has eroded in recent years. Thank you, Mr. Spe aker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Acting Minister for Works and Engi-neering. Minister Furbert, would you like to present your Statement? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Yes. Good morning, Mr. Speaker, and good morning, Members and Bermuda.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning. TYNES BAY WASTE- TO-ENERGY FACILITY UPDATE Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Speaker, I rise to provide the House with an update on the present critical status of the Tynes Bay facility. Mr. Speaker, two weeks ago on November 10 in a press conference I spoke of the critical …
Good morning.
TYNES BAY WASTE- TO-ENERGY FACILITY UPDATE
Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Speaker, I rise to provide the House with an update on the present critical status of the Tynes Bay facility. Mr. Speaker, two weeks ago on November 10 in a press conference I spoke of the critical state of Tynes Bay and our need to invest heavily for it not to fail. This morning I will give an update of the ongoing battle the engineers and technicians at Tynes Bay are waging to get the plant back up and running, and the serious challenges we are all facing in terms of the Island’s ability to dispose of its waste. Mr. Speaker, the Tynes Bay facility is our only means of municipal solid waste disposal, and should the facility fail, it will mean the country’s reverting to landfilling. Mr. Speaker, sadly I must report that we may very soon be at that point. For the last two weeks, since my initial report, a crew of specialist boilermakers from Europe have been working nonstop to make repairs to both boil er units at the plant. At the same time, our contingency system, which normally bales refuse during these times of outages, also suffered a critical failure. In addition, the COVID -19 and supply chain issues in Europe have exacerbated the repair of the bal er to the point where our own employees had to skilfully fabri-cate replacement parts, using 3D printing technology, to rebuild a hydraulic ram. But sadly, even these efforts to get the system up and running have failed. Mr. Speaker, while we do have a replacement ram being air -freighted, the timing for its arrival and the space left in the bunker to stockpile the refuse that is collected daily are simply at odds. In order to preserve what little space we have left, bulky waste material is already being di verted for shredding at the Marsh Folly location for later disposal at Tynes Bay. But even this 130 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly will not buy us the amount of time we need. Mr. Speaker, with the tentative timeframe to have both boilers back in operation still being two weeks ahead, we will simply not have room to store any more garbage. As such, the Ministry is now preparing for its last resort for waste disposal, and that is reopening a portion of Marsh Folly for landfilling. We had hoped to avoid this outcome and have done so for the las t 10 years. But at this point the options are few. We anticipate needing to landfill for a period of perhaps one to two weeks while the boiler re-pairs are completed and the baling system is repaired. Once these alternatives are available, the landfilling w ill stop. While time is not on our side, we as a government are committed to doing something about it. I reported two weeks ago that we are looking to invest some $7.5 million into the plant to get it to a point of stabilisation. Since that time, engineers have now received the actual pricing from specialised waste- to-energy contractor, I.C.E. AG, out of Switzerland for the full scope of works necessary to get the boilers through the next three to four years. While our original in- house estimates were close, the true pricing is closer to $8.5 million. That cost may still rise, as much of it is based on the cost of steel and other materials, which are changing rapidly due to the global supply -chain crisis. Mr. Speaker, with the cost of baling and other asso ciated works such as quality assurance for insurance pur poses, crane hire and other on- island logistics added to this figure, the final total for the project may be closer to $9 [million] to $10 million and will take about 11 weeks for each boiler to be re paired. While this may seem like a lot of money, for comparison, the cost of full replacement, which is what we really need at this point, is closer to $150 million. And to be clear, the $10 million we are planning to spend now only addresses the boilers, which are at the heart of the plant and the most vulnerable at this time. But there are still many critical auxiliary systems at Tynes Bay that are past obsolescence that can just as easily shut down the plant if they are not soon replaced. So with life restored to the boilers, time will be of the essence to pursue the full solution of the $150 million investment. I am pleased to report that the Ministry of Public Works in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance have met and are meeting urgently to find cr eative financing solutions for such a large sum in our present financial state. Mr. Speaker, as mentioned, with the effects of the pandemic on [the] supply chain and even getting people mobilised, these costs cannot be cast in stone, and we are constantl y balancing the risk of getting support here as quickly as possible while also providing COVID -19 safety. With the support of our specialist contractor we are aiming to execute the works in February of next year, leaving little time to even prepare. But th e contractors and the Ministry are committed to getting the work done as soon as possible. I will en-deavour to continue to give updates on this critical work as it transpires. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, the final Statement this morning is that of the Minister of Transport. Minister, would you like to present your Statement? Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo right ahead. ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL —DESIGNATED DRIVER CAMPAIGN Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you. Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Transport acknowledges the sobering fact that 16 lives have been lost to road traffic accidents in 2021. I extend my condolences to the families and friends who are grieving the …
Go right ahead.
ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL —DESIGNATED DRIVER CAMPAIGN
Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you. Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Transport acknowledges the sobering fact that 16 lives have been lost to road traffic accidents in 2021. I extend my condolences to the families and friends who are grieving the untimely loss of a lov ed one. Mr. Speaker, with only a few weeks to go until Christmas, parties will be taking place, which is why the Bermuda Road Safety Council’s [RSC] slogan for December is Designate YOUR Driver! Mr. Speaker, a designated driver is crucial for everyone to enjoy a safe holiday season. Designated drivers are an integral part of keeping roads safe, and by educating friends and family we can work together to lower the number of accidents and deaths. Mr. Speaker, an alarming trend observed by the Road Safety Council is persons choos ing the person who seems least intoxicated of the group to get behind the wheel after a night of drinking, instead of a completely sober driver. That is why it is crucial to designate a driver before any drinking takes place. Mr. Speaker, with the holiday season approaching, there will be an increase in events and parties where alcohol will be consumed. The Bermuda Road Safety Council encourages all event planners, organisers and hosts of large events to incorporate a Transportation Plan. For assistance w ith implementing a Transportation Plan for your event, organisers should in advance of the event email bdarsc@gmail.com . And I will repeat that: bdarsc@gmail.com . Or contact the Road Traffic Officer at 707- 2349. Mr Speaker, we want everyone to have a safe holiday. If you cannot secure a designated driver, remember that there are always ways to get home safe without getting behind the wheel such as hiring a taxi or minibus, using HITCH or Home Safe, or calling a family member or friend to come and pick you up. Ad-ditionally, I would like t o acknowledge CADA for hosting their annual Let Us Drive initiative, which will take place on December 9, 11, 16, 17 and18, details of which will be announced in the media in days to come.
Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, in December the Bermuda Road Safety Council, in conj unction with the Ministry of Education, will launch the second annual P6 Road Safety Essay Competition on the topic, What dangers can you encounter when walking and riding your pedal bikes on the road, and what can you do to stay safe? Additionally, the fi rst annual M1 Road Safety Essay Competition is on the topic, Why do we have speed limits and why are they so important? Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Transport, the Road Safety Council and the Road Traffic Officer will continue to work with partner agenci es in the Bermuda Police Service and the Ministry of National Security to educate the public [on] dangerous driving on Bermuda’s roads. The Road Safety Council will continue with its monthly public education and awareness campaigns. Mr. Speaker, we recognise the impact that road sobriety checkpoints have had on road safety, and the Ministry of Transport will be working with the Bermuda Police Service and the Road Safety Council to reintroduce it for the holiday season. Mr. Speaker, the Ministry believes t hat if we start the conversation on road safety with our children and everyone we love [who uses] Bermuda roads, we can make better road safety decisions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, that brings us to a close of the Statements for this morning. We now move on to other items on the Order Paper. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. QUESTION PERIOD
The SpeakerThe SpeakerNext is the question- and-answer period for this morning. And this morning we do have writte n questions. So we will do the written questions before we go into the questions from this morning’s Statements. The first written question this morning is from the Opposition Leader to the Minister of …
Next is the question- and-answer period for this morning. And this morning we do have writte n questions. So we will do the written questions before we go into the questions from this morning’s Statements. The first written question this morning is from the Opposition Leader to the Minister of Finance. They have indicated that they requested an oral response. [Inaudible interjection]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister, did you want to get my attention? Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Yes, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 18(4), with the leave of the House I wish to defer the answers to these questions to the next day of sitting. I have spoken with the Opposition Leader, …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Thank you. That was going to be my next question, that the two sides have worked it out. If you are both in agreement, the House will abide by that. So, Members, you heard that. The written questions will be deferred until the next sitting for the Minister of …
Okay. Thank you. That was going to be my next question, that the two sides have worked it out. If you are both in agreement, the House will abide by that. So, Members, you heard that. The written questions will be deferred until the next sitting for the Minister of Finance.
QUESTIONS: COST OF GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS WITH KPMG, PWC, DELOITTE LIMITED AND EY BERMUDA 2020 -2021 [Deferred]
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Will the Honourable Minister please confirm for this Honourable House, the total amount paid by the Government individually to KPMG, PWC, Deloitte Limited and EY Bermuda for the period commencing April 1, 2020 ending October 31, 2021?
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Will the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House both the purpose and terms of engagement for each service agreement by company and by the engaging Ministry?
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Will the Honourable Minister please summari se for this Honourable House the details of the completed engagements by company and ministry for the said period, along with the engagements yet to be completed by company and ministry?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe second [set of] written questions this morning are from MP Dunkley to the Minister of Health. Again, there are three questions, and each has an indication for an oral response. MP Dunkley, would you like to put your questions? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes. Good morning, Mr. Speaker, and …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: The first question to the Honourable Minister —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAnd I should say that we have 60 minutes, starting now. QUESTION 1: TRAVEL AUTHORISATION APPLICATIONS —TOTAL REVENUE PAID TO GOVERNMENT 2020– 2021 Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 132 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The first question to the Honourable Minister: Will …
And I should say that we have 60 minutes, starting now.
QUESTION 1: TRAVEL AUTHORISATION APPLICATIONS —TOTAL REVENUE PAID TO GOVERNMENT 2020– 2021
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 132 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly The first question to the Honourable Minister: Will the Honourable Minister please provide this Honourable House the total revenue paid to Government as a result of the travel authorisation applications (TAA) submitted each month from November 1, 2020, through October 31, 2021?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, the total revenue paid to the Government as a result of the travel authorisations for the period November 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, is already in the public domain. The period July 1, 2021, to October 31, 2021, is as follows: • …
Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, the total revenue paid to the Government as a result of the travel authorisations for the period November 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021, is already in the public domain. The period July 1, 2021, to October 31, 2021, is as follows: • July 21— $1,514,799.69 • August 21 —$1,637,760.70 • September 21—$1,312,756.35 • October 21 —$1,466,423.70 • Total of the four months —$5,931,740.44 Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Supplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: No. Second question, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo ahead. QUESTION 2: TRAVEL AUTHORISATION APPLICATIONS —TOTAL FUNDS PAID OUT 2020 –2021 Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Honourable Minister please provide the House the total funds paid out to r esQwest, or any other entity or individual, due to contracts or expenses associated with …
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Honourable Minister please provide the House the total funds paid out to r esQwest, or any other entity or individual, due to contracts or expenses associated with the TAA for each month from Novem-ber 1, 2020, through to October 31, 2021? Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, the total funds paid to resQwest or any other entity or individual due to contract expenses associated with this travel authorisation each month for the period November 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021, are already in the public domain. The periods July 1, 2021 to October 31, 2021: are as follows: • July 21, Invoice 1833— $95,876 • August 21, Invoice 1904 —$111,462 • September 21, Invoice 2017—$89,320 • October 21, Invoice 2024 —$120,093 • Total —$460,751
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Third question, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPut your third question. QUESTION 3: TRAVEL AUTHORISATION APPLICATIONS —EXPIRATION AND TERMS OF RESQWEST CONTRACT Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Honourable Minister please provide this Honourable House the date on which the contract with resQ west expires and what are the terms of the current …
Put your third question. QUESTION 3: TRAVEL AUTHORISATION APPLICATIONS —EXPIRATION AND TERMS OF RESQWEST CONTRACT
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Honourable Minister please provide this Honourable House the date on which the contract with resQ west expires and what are the terms of the current contract?
Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, the contract with resQwest expired on the 31 st of March 2021 with a month- to-month termination clause, which went into effect on the 1st of April 2021. Contract terms of reference continue under the month- to-month extension. With respect to the travel authorisation contract and the terms and conditions, that matter is in the public domain. The following is with respect to the terms and con ditions of the lab portal contract: Development scope, phase 1. The scope of phase 1 is to create a system to enable the Bermuda Government and Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory to begin COVID -19 testing and to have the ability to run reports to provide res ults to their stakeholders. This will include the following functionality: 1.1 Create and control interval testing times at one location and [at] the Bermuda Government Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory. 1.2 Each location will be named and can be tracked to each appointment. 1.3 Set up multiple secure logins for administration. 1.4 Set up multiple website pages pointing to each location. 1.5 Set up appointment webpage for access by essential work class. 1.6 Set up appointment webpage for general public. 1.7 Provide unique appointment -booking ID. 1.8 Provide unique custom fields for data collection. 1.9 Set up appointment manifests. 1.10 Allow for updating appointment ID with test results. 1.11 Set up data reports to download to Excel. 1.12 T raining and administration of staff. 1.13 Provide additional administrative support as required, subject to additional fee as set out in Appendix 2. Section 2, Development Scope, phase 2. The scope of phase 2 is to enhance the system to provide additiona l functionality, which includes the following: 2.1 Ability to edit appointment times and locations. 2.2 Create inventory for additional locations. 2.3 Mass edit of appointment times and locations. 2.4 Timestamp tracking of edits and changes.
Bermuda House of Assembly 2.5 Set u p unique patient identifier to allow for retesting and tracking of appointments. 2.6 Provide additional data text fields. 2.7 Set up doctor, administration, personnel with logins and edit screens to review and update patient data and results. 2.8 Set up doctor, administration, personnel with access to add a new patient file. 2.9 Set up doctor, administration, personnel with ability to change time and location for testing. 2.10 You can download patient -to-patient when results are updated or changed. 2.11 Create webpage email for patient to review the information and results. 2.12 Update report, status change report and cancellation report. 2.13 Training of additional administration staff. 2.14 Provide additional administrative support as required subject to additional fee as set out in Appendix 2. 2.15 Set up server in conjunction with the Government to separate the Government data from all other data on the resQwest portal. Item 3, Development Scope, phase 3. Scope of phase 3 is to enhance the syst em to provide additional functionality, which includes the following: 3.1 Create the ability to generate a permanent client record for organisations such as long- term care residential homes, the Department of National Security, et cetera, in a system such that (a) lab tests can be booked against the permanent client record; and (b) all test results can be viewed within the client record. Item 4, System Description. 4.1 The supplier will be using resQwest, their proprietary software, at the server to del iver a customised solution to the COVID -19 lab testing system. 4.2 The software database hosted by Microsoft Resource Service is under the direct control of the supplier. 4.3 The system is accessed via Chrome Internet browser. 4.4 The system is accessed via a superior user login. Section 5, System Availability. 5.1 System access will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except during any downtime due to system maintenance and the circumstances which are not within the supplier’s contr ol. 5.2 Supplier will need to make every reasonable effort to conduct any such system maintenance out-side of the normal business hours, weekdays 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Atlantic Standard Time, and to advise client prior to any scheduled maintenance. Section 6, Maintenance and Operational Support. 6.1 Included in the administration fee as outlined in Appendix 2. 6.2 Use and maintenance of the software including hosting and maintaining servers. 6.3 Ongoing licence fees of database and software. 6.4 Updates i n patches to servers and database. 6.5 Monitoring of all software, servers and database performance. 6.6 Dynamic synching of data between servers. 6.7 Redundancy backup on a 24/7 basis, power supply and data file backup. 6.8 Server rental management and update. 6.9 Up to 2 GB monthly data traffic, use applicable excess traffic. 6.10 Daily review of traffic and system performance. 6.11 Minor modifications as required by resQwest. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Supplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, supplementary, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPut your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister did mention in reply to the question that we are on a month- to-month contract now since the end of March 2021. Is the Minister able to inform the Honourable House how long this month- tomonth …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Yes, Mr. Speaker. We are negotiating new terms and conditions. So it is hopeful that this will be resolved in due course. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I note that [this] is what the Minister said last time around. So, I look …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSecond supplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Supplementary. Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Go ahead. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Can the Minister confirm that from the original contract, when it went to month-to-month, that there are no changes in that contract? Hon. Kim N. Wilson : That is correct. 134 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Michael …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. That brings us to a close of the written questions. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker, I have a supplementary.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOh, a supplementary? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Opposition Leader, you want to put a supplementary. Go ahead. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes. Can the Minister confirm whether or not we will be able to bring that service that resQwest is providing in-house, in government , so that we will not have to outsource, given …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, I am unable to answer that. I do believe that part of the process has been facilitated heretofore. Mr. Speaker, resQwest is quite extensive. Insofar as whether or not Government will be looking to bring that in- house, those are discussions that we …
Minister.
Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, I am unable to answer that. I do believe that part of the process has been facilitated heretofore. Mr. Speaker, resQwest is quite extensive. Insofar as whether or not Government will be looking to bring that in- house, those are discussions that we can have. But I cannot answer that any further than that. And I would certainly disagree with the Honourable Member with respect to a “relaxed” contract. This is the contract that, the month- to-month continues on the same terms and conditions as when we first en-gaged resQwest. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Opposition Leader, d o you note the response? Any further supplementary from anyone? There are none. Members, we will now move on to the questions that have been indicated in refer-ence to the Statements that were made this morning. And the first question is in response to the …
Thank you. Opposition Leader, d o you note the response? Any further supplementary from anyone? There are none. Members, we will now move on to the questions that have been indicated in refer-ence to the Statements that were made this morning. And the first question is in response to the Premier’s Statement on the Joint Ministerial Council. Premier, you have a question from the Opposition Leader. Opposition Leader, would you like to put your question now?
QUESTION 1: JOINT MINISTERIAL COUNCIL 2021 Hon. N. H. Cole Simons : Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the Statement, the Premier said, “ I met with William Macfarlane, Director, Economics and Trade at the UK Mission to the EU . . . .” And they were, in essence, looking at how to deepen their connections. And he said, “ This included in the important areas of vaccination certificate equivalence and EU mobility, climate change and follow -up from COP26, and financial services. ” I accept those comments. My question to the Premier is, What are the next action points for Bermuda? And what are the next action points for the UK Mission to the EU in regard to these connections and these initiatives that he showcased in this paragraph?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Premier, would you like to respond? Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Opposition Leader will know that Bermuda is not a sovereign country. And therefore, our office in Brussels is not fully accredited for international representation and was only allowed …
Thank you. Premier, would you like to respond?
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Opposition Leader will know that Bermuda is not a sovereign country. And therefore, our office in Brussels is not fully accredited for international representation and was only allowed to be set up with the permission of the United Kingdom Government. We were actually due on that day to meet with the ambassador, the Permanent Ambassador to the European Union from the United Kingdom, and that meeting was confirmed. However, due to the challenges that the United Kingdom is currently having in its negotiations with the European Union over the Northern Ireland protocol, the ambassador was called away to join a Cabinet Minister who was currently meeting with the commission on those matters. In regard to the follow -up on those particular issues, the Bermuda representative in Brussels, Ms. Aliyyah Ahad, works closely with persons in the UK Mission on a number of instances, as that is the only way that there can be official representation on official issues. So the meeting that we took with William Macfarlane was speaking on these issues. And one of things that certainly we are working on is the issue of vaccination certificate equivalence, because there certainly is the —we are part of the UK vaccination programme, and it is a tie -in matter to make sure that persons who are travelling to Europe from Bermuda, [with their] vaccination certificate, can actually go ahead and be passported into the European Union’s vaccine and pass programme, which is required for entry int o a number of various establishments. In regard to further matters of engagement, I am happy, if the Honourable Leader of the Opposition would like to write to me, I can have the Brussels office provide him a full outreach of all of their items. Or I am happy to set up a meeting with the Honourable Opposition Leader if he would like to understand what Ms. Aliyyah Ahad is doing in the Brussels office, as she is a very bright, talented star and [is] stellar, and is doing great work on behalf of the Governmen t in Brussels.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? B ermuda House of Assembly QUESTION 2: JOINT MINISTERIAL COUNCIL 2021 Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would take the Premier up on his offer. And Ms. Ahad, I know she is a very competent and very bright young lady, so I do not question …
Supplementary?
B ermuda House of Assembly QUESTION 2: JOINT MINISTERIAL COUNCIL 2021 Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would take the Premier up on his offer. And Ms. Ahad, I know she is a very competent and very bright young lady, so I do not question her capabilities or how she is performing her responsibilities. On the last page, the Minister spoke about — “Mr. Speaker, this was an opportunity to discuss Bermuda’s broader interests vis -à-vis the European Union, ranging from financial services and Solvency II to innovations within Bermuda’s digital assets and renewable energy sectors. This meeting helped identify potential synergies with CEPS and areas for future cooperation. ” Can the Premier provide more details on this Statement , just for clarity? Like what synergies? And just provide more meat on this statement. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this meeting was at the advice of our Brussels representative. And the meeting was to discuss with the Centre for European Policy Studies and its CEO about what further engagement can hap-pen between the Government …
Thank you. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this meeting was at the advice of our Brussels representative. And the meeting was to discuss with the Centre for European Policy Studies and its CEO about what further engagement can hap-pen between the Government of Bermuda, as we are now official members of this particular think tank. The discussions were in regard to our future engagement that will happen from Ministers of the Government in Brussels —what events that we can jointly post, speaking engagements so that the Minister of Finance, who will be tr avelling to Brussels regularly on matters of economic diplomacy and engagement with Members of the European Commission on Tax and other matters to make sure that we can find ways to broaden the knowledge of what Bermuda does inside of Brussels and thought -leaders inside of Brussels. What this was is about further engagement. We have not been able to be on the ground in Brussels as a government or have any official government rep-resentative since November of 2019. And so we are, I do not want to say startin g from scratch, but we are continuing to make sure that we raise our profile and differentiate where Bermuda stands. So, it is important that we continue to spread the message. As it was stated in the Statement, this think tank is a very influential think tank in Brussels. It has a lot of thought -leaders. And what we want to make sure to do is that when we are spending our money and making sure that we are doing outreach, that we are doing an outreach to the persons who can actually impact decisions and imp act thought inside of Brussels. Bermuda is different. There was one meeting that was held with a particular member of the European . . . not of the European Commission, the Director General of FISMA [Fi-nancial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Mar-kets Union]. And one of the things of which was said in that meeting, which was attended by the Minister of Fi-nance, was the fact that Bermuda is held up as an ex-ample, by the European Union of small island states who are excelling at compliance. The challenge is that inside of the sphere of Europe, that is not always known, and we are often lumped in with other jurisdictions. So our challenge is to make sure that we can differentiate ourselves. And the Brussels representative has mapped out a strategy for engagement, and this is one of the strategies for engagement. So we want to meet with the CEO, take the opportunity to meet with the CEO. And Ms. Ahad is going to follow up on further matters so that when the Minister of Finance travels next year and I myself travel at the annual JMC, around the annual JMC we can have a series of engagements which are set up at a higher level so we can impact the thought leadership and clearly differentiate Bermuda from other jurisdictions. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you. I have no further questions.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerNone? Okay. Thank you. Premier, there are no further questions to your Statement. Members, the next Statement that Members have questions for is the Deputy Premier’s Statement this morning, on his recent t rip. Deputy Premier, you have a question from the Opposition Leader. Opposition Leader, would you like to …
None? Okay. Thank you. Premier, there are no further questions to your Statement. Members, the next Statement that Members have questions for is the Deputy Premier’s Statement this morning, on his recent t rip. Deputy Premier, you have a question from the Opposition Leader. Opposition Leader, would you like to put your question? QUESTION 1: BERMUDA'S PARTICIPATION IN COP26 GLASGOW Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you. On page 5, the Minister said that “ Bermuda is the first Overseas Territory to participate in the UK Gov-ernment’s Blue Shield Programme . . . .” Can the Minister provide details in regard to the arrangement that is in place for the Bermuda Blue Shield Programme, and what Bermuda’s responsibili ties will be? [ Inaudible interjection]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDeputy Premier. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes. The programme is totally funded by the UK Government. We do not have any details as to the cost that they will be deploying for the programme, particularly our participation. It will be open to other territories, so it may be a wider …
Deputy Premier. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes. The programme is totally funded by the UK Government. We do not have any details as to the cost that they will be deploying for the programme, particularly our participation. It will be open to other territories, so it may be a wider allotment of what they are doing. But we are the first, as my State-ment says, to be a part of it. But all of the funding related to this, Bermuda’s responsibilities will be outline d 136 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly to us further on as we engage further with the UK Government.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Supplemental.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo ahead. Put your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: So, we are at the starting point of this relationship. [Inaudible interjection] Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: And our roles and responsibilities have not been defined yet? Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes. We are to start, but the UK …
Go ahead. Put your supplementary.
SUPPLEMENTARY
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: So, we are at the starting point of this relationship. [Inaudible interjection] Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: And our roles and responsibilities have not been defined yet?
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes. We are to start, but the UK Government has already commissi oned the technology that we will be using as part of the programme. But yes, we are at the start of it. And there will be, obviously, you know, as the process has begun, more will be shared with us and we will have more discussions with the UK Government a s other components are put forward.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Okay. Thank you very much.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Supplementary or new question? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No. I am done, thanks.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYou are done? Okay. Deputy Premier, that was the only Member who had questions for you. We will now move on. The next Statement this morning that has questions is the Statement by the Minister of Education in reference to the COVID -19 update in the schools. And, Minister, you …
You are done? Okay. Deputy Premier, that was the only Member who had questions for you. We will now move on. The next Statement this morning that has questions is the Statement by the Minister of Education in reference to the COVID -19 update in the schools. And, Minister, you have a question from MP Jac kson. MP Jackson, would you like to put your question?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning. QUESTION 1: COVID -19 UPDATE IN SCHOOLS
Ms. Susan E. JacksonYes, thank you. The Minister has made it very clear that it would take 80 per cent of parental consent before schools would be opened —that is, consent for testing. I am just curious, what percentage of children do not have the consent and are still not i n school? …
Yes, thank you. The Minister has made it very clear that it would take 80 per cent of parental consent before schools would be opened —that is, consent for testing. I am just curious, what percentage of children do not have the consent and are still not i n school? The Speaker: Minister.
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, [and I thank that Honourable Member] for asking that question. Mr. Speaker, I can endeavour to get that in-formation. But from my understanding, all of our children have consent to the pre- entry. I do want to make sure that is clear. It is the pre -entry of testing that gets you into the school. And then the ongoing saliva screening is something that is a different regime. So, from my understanding, all of our students who want to be, who should be in school, are in school. I have heard that there is a cohort of parents who refuse to test their children and want to keep them home. And that is a policy that we are addressing. And I have asked for that data, and I will endeavour to get those data to the House so we can know that. But from my understanding, if it does exist, it is a very, very small number of persons who have not availed themselves of the pre- testing regime.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, MP Jackson.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister, that was the only question for you today. Members, the next Member who has indicated they have a question is for the Minister of Health in ref-erence to the Minister’s Statement on the update of COVID -19 manag ement. Minister, that question is from MP Dunkley. MP Dunkley, would …
Minister, that was the only question for you today. Members, the next Member who has indicated they have a question is for the Minister of Health in ref-erence to the Minister’s Statement on the update of COVID -19 manag ement. Minister, that question is from MP Dunkley. MP Dunkley, would you like to put your question at this point?
QUESTION 1: COVID -19 PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT UPDATE
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And to the Minister of Health, thank you for the Statement updating on the management of COVID -19. We certainly support many of the changes that have taken place. Question to the Honourable Minister: In regard to page 5, where the Honourable Minister says, “[we are] looking at amending our requirements to ensure we are competitive. ” Certainly we support that aspect
Bermuda House of Assembly of it. And in regard to that, is the Government currently considering any changes to the travel authorisation applicat ion?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I thank the Honourable Member for his question. The purpose of the travel authorisation serves a number of purposes. One is to ensure that we are able to keep contact with those individuals who may or may not test …
Minister.
Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I thank the Honourable Member for his question. The purpose of the travel authorisation serves a number of purposes. One is to ensure that we are able to keep contact with those individuals who may or may not test positive and we need to trace them. However, admittedly, there have been discussions concerning making sure it is a little bit more user -friendly. So we are looking to continue refining the TAA so that we can make sure that persons are able to not only provide the information, but easily (particularly for those of us who, like myself, are not necessarily tech- savvy) . So to that Honourable Member, we are looking at the TAA to see how we can perfect it and improve it s functionality. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Minister. Do not sell yourself short as far as tech- savvy is concerned.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary or new question? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: This would be a su pplementary, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, as you look to (and I will use these words, Minister) streamlining the form, will there be any consideration to reducing the fee? Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, I cannot answer that at this point. I think we would find that …
Okay.
SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, as you look to (and I will use these words, Minister) streamlining the form, will there be any consideration to reducing the fee?
Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, I cannot answer that at this point. I think we would find that the fee of $75 is quite economical, particularly in light of the numerous tests that persons do have included in that particular fee. So at this point, there has not been any discussion insofar as reducing the $75 travel authorisation fee. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Supplementary, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Go ahead. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: In light of the fact that the Minister stated that some of these changes are done, obviously to stay competitive, which is always critically important, and also for precautions in regard to health and how we have made some progress . . . …
Yes. Go ahead. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: In light of the fact that the Minister stated that some of these changes are done, obviously to stay competitive, which is always critically important, and also for precautions in regard to health and how we have made some progress . . . but in regard to the competitive aspect of it, Mr. Speaker, in light of the fact that some of our competing jurisdictions charge no fee for entry requirement forms, how does the Minister attempt to address that when it comes to competition and people making choices about w here they will travel or do business?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I think at this point the $75, recognising that some jurisdictions do not have a fee for travel authorisation, yet they do have fees for the requisite testing. So insofar as how much they are charging for a test as opposed …
Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I think at this point the $75, recognising that some jurisdictions do not have a fee for travel authorisation, yet they do have fees for the requisite testing. So insofar as how much they are charging for a test as opposed to perhaps having no fee for the travel authorisation, we think that we are still com-petitive in that regard. It is only $75, and the PCR test on day 4 and/or day 10, and the other testing as well as the departure test, most of the jurisdictions, the persons who travel from jurisdictions to Bermuda such as the United States require a test to get back into the United States. All of those tests are included in that one- off $75 travel a uthorisation fee.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Thank you, Minister. That is your second supplementary to your first question. Do you have a second question? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: No further questions, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Minister, those are all of the questions for you this morning. The next Minister who has questions this morning would be the Minister of Labour. Minister of Labour, the Opposition Whip has questions for you this morning. Opposition Whip, would you like to put your question? QUESTION 1: …
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Honourable Minister. Would the Honourable Minister, with respect to the matter raised by the Minister in his Statement on page 2, this is where “the [Labour Advisory Council] will be asked to review and opine on a policy document . . …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to the Honourable Minister. Would the Honourable Minister, with respect to the matter raised by the Minister in his Statement on page 2, this is where “the [Labour Advisory Council] will be asked to review and opine on a policy document . . .” One of the policy positions they will be asked to review is, number one, “ A requirement to notify the Ministry of Labour where an employer intends to engage in mass terminations of more than 20 persons . . . .” The LAC will be asked to consider whether there must be a re-quirement on the employer to notify the Ministry. My question to the Minister is, What specific actions can the Ministry take at this point to intervene 138 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly when we have mass terminations of more than 20 persons?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I believe that once we are notified that terminations are taking place within our employment establishment, we do make contact with the company. We do walk them through the legislation as it pertains to their requirements. And then we ask if we can have …
Minister.
Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I believe that once we are notified that terminations are taking place within our employment establishment, we do make contact with the company. We do walk them through the legislation as it pertains to their requirements. And then we ask if we can have an audience with the staff so we can provide them with information as to how they can receive support. But that is reactive at times after we may hear an announcement in the media or from a staff member who may complain. What we want to do is be a little bit more proactive so that we have the ability to provide these services in a more timely manner.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY
Mr. Jarion RichardsonYes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Supplementary. What are some of the potential interventions or actions that the Government will seek to raise at the LAC’s review of this policy? Hon. Jason Hayward: Well, number one, we have to deal with the matter on redundancy pay, ensuring that employees who are …
Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Supplementary. What are some of the potential interventions or actions that the Government will seek to raise at the LAC’s review of this policy?
Hon. Jason Hayward: Well, number one, we have to deal with the matter on redundancy pay, ensuring that employees who are being terminated, their redundancy pay calculations are actually correct. Number two, we want to see if there is any capacity for the company to retain the individuals whom they seek to make redun-dant in alternative positions within the company. Num-ber three, making sure that they have the necessary support from the company as it may pertain to future career advice. I believe we have been able to facilitate companies working with employment agencies to assist with finding their employees alternative employment. Once the persons are made redundant, if there is no support by the company, then the Department of Workforce Development may be able to assist employees. If individuals are in financial need, we can provide them with clarity on how they can apply for the social protections that the Government supplies. So certainly it will vary based off of different situations. But we want to seek to provide services to both companies and employees.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Further supplementary or new question?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. We will take the other supplementary before your new question. MP Jackson, put your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARY
Ms. Susan E. JacksonThank you, Mr. Speaker. It is just a quick question for the Minister. I am just curious whether within that policy there is any identification as to the reason why a redun-dancy is taking place? Whether there is a checkbox for if it is be ing outsourced or they are …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is just a quick question for the Minister. I am just curious whether within that policy there is any identification as to the reason why a redun-dancy is taking place? Whether there is a checkbox for if it is be ing outsourced or they are reducing the size of the business or any reason why redundancies are tak-ing place? Is that provided in the policy? I just do not know, and I would like to know the answer.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I think those will be some of the matters that the LAC are going to be asked to opine on. So there is no policy document that has been produced. But those are relevant questions that we have to determine whether or not this …
Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I think those will be some of the matters that the LAC are going to be asked to opine on. So there is no policy document that has been produced. But those are relevant questions that we have to determine whether or not this should be some sort of a statut ory requirement for a company to supply to the Ministry of Labour when these redundancies occur.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? No. Okay. Opposition Whip, would you like to put your second question? QUESTION 2: LABOUR ADVISORY COUNCIL ROLE AND FUNCTIONS
Mr. Jarion RichardsonYes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to the matter raised by the Minister in his Statement on page 3, number 4, still regarding the further amendments to the Employment Act that the LAC will consider. The Minister stated that one of the considerations for the LAC will be “workplace …
Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to the matter raised by the Minister in his Statement on page 3, number 4, still regarding the further amendments to the Employment Act that the LAC will consider. The Minister stated that one of the considerations for the LAC will be “workplace inspections by the Labour Relations Manager.” To that end, does the Honourable Minister or Government have a position on how employers would be selected for these reviews at this point?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I do not want to use the term selected for reviews. Most times, things would be based off of [the] level of intelligence or complaints received from employees. We have had employees complain about [the fact that] they do not have access to their …
Minister.
Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I do not want to use the term selected for reviews. Most times, things would be based off of [the] level of intelligence or complaints received from employees. We have had employees complain about [the fact that] they do not have access to their employment files. We have also had employees in domestic settings who have complained that their travel documents have been retained by their employer. These [things are] being said. Once that
B ermuda House of Assembly complaint is received, we should have the ability to go into the workplace and request [to see] that documen-tation, or ensure that the employee has access to that documentation.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonNo further questions. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Honourable Minister.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Minister, those are the end of the questions for you on your Statement this morning. We now move on. The next Statement that has questions this morning is the Statement from the Minister of National Security. Minister, you have questions from two Members, in fact. The first is …
Thank you. Minister, those are the end of the questions for you on your Statement this morning. We now move on. The next Statement that has questions this morning is the Statement from the Minister of National Security. Minister, you have questions from two Members, in fact. The first is from MP Dunkley. MP Dunkley, would you like to put your question now? QUESTION 1: GANG VIOLENCE Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Honourable Minister for the Statement this morning. On page 2, I believe, the Minister mentions the National Security Gang Violence Reduc-tion Team, GVRT. Can the Honourable Minister please inform the Honourable House who actually makes up the Gang Violence Reduction Team?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Minister. Hon. Renee Ming: Surely. Good morning, Member. Thank you for your question. The Gang Violence Reduction Team is made up of Past or Leroy Bean as the coordinator; Mr. Darren Wood and M r. Lynn Landy are the persons on a full - time basis. And then …
Thank you. Minister. Hon. Renee Ming: Surely. Good morning, Member. Thank you for your question. The Gang Violence Reduction Team is made up of Past or Leroy Bean as the coordinator; Mr. Darren Wood and M r. Lynn Landy are the persons on a full - time basis. And then there are persons who are called in to deal with situations as they arise sometimes.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Supplementary, yes, Mr. Speaker. Are the terms of their contracts the same as previously put out in the public domain? Hon. Renee Ming: Yes , they are. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, further supplementary, Mr. Speaker. How is success measured for the …
Thank you. Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Supplementary, yes, Mr. Speaker. Are the terms of their contracts the same as previously put out in the public domain? Hon. Renee Ming: Yes , they are. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, further supplementary, Mr. Speaker. How is success measured for the Gang Violence Reduction Team? Hon. Renee Ming: Mr. Speaker, that question is often challenging and difficult to answer. And I am sure the Member, having sat in this role, can appreciate that. But what we do, there are things [which] you can measure. And that would be like, for instance we spoke about the fact that we had 15 persons who were in our work placement programme, and 10 received full -time and part-time jobs. So we would see something like that as a success. But the fact that we are out there, we are engaging the community and our hope is that persons are continuing to look at a lifestyle that offers an alter-native to a gang lifestyle.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYou had two supplementaries. A second question, then, would you like to do your second question? QUESTION 2: GANG VIOLENCE Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, second question. Further on down on that page, the Honourable Minister mentions that the Gang Violence Reduction Team “administers programmes within …
You had two supplementaries. A second question, then, would you like to do your second question? QUESTION 2: GANG VIOLENCE Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, second question. Further on down on that page, the Honourable Minister mentions that the Gang Violence Reduction Team “administers programmes within every level of our public school system . . . .” Can the Honourable Minister please provide specific mention of what programmes are currently running in the public school sys-tem? Hon. Renee Ming: Surely. At the primary level you have the Kings Programmes, and the various schools have named their kings. One school calls their king “the Height King.” That is at the primary level, and that is where some at -risk students have . . . this is a programme where they come on a weekly basis. Actually, it is a few times a week. They come in, and there are counsellors and persons from the Gang Violence Re-duction Team who work with these children on a weekly basis. We recently started a Queens Programme in the sc hools that are identified as at risk. And that would be able to assist young women and to also encourage them at a very early age that there is an alternative to gang lifestyles. So that would be at the primary school level. There is an engagement programme that happens at the middle school level as well. And the Gang Violence Reduction Team basically can be found in our public schools almost on a daily basis. Then they also have an engagement programme at the high school level as well. And all of this is in hopes of continuing to have engagement and interaction and being able to constantly push the narrative that there is an alternative to a lifestyle of gangs. The Speaker: Further supplementary? 140 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Thank you. Supplementary?
SUPPLEMENTARIES
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, first suppl ementary, Mr. Speaker. The Honourable Minister, are the GREAT programmes still functioning in schools? Hon. Renee Ming: The GREAT programme was generally run by the BPS [Bermuda Police Service]. And I am not sure if it is completely functional. But it has actually been something that we are talking about [as to] if they had any benefit and [whether] to keep it going. The answer to that, MP Dunkley, is actually it is, yes. But what we are doing now is we are looking at all of our programmes to see what we can do to give and make them even more effective.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, second supplementary, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo ahead. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Are any of these programmes offered in private schools? Hon. Renee Ming: None of the programmes are actually offered in the private schools. But the private schools have access to the Gang Violence Reduction Team. And there has been occasion …
Go ahead. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Are any of these programmes offered in private schools? Hon. Renee Ming: None of the programmes are actually offered in the private schools. But the private schools have access to the Gang Violence Reduction Team. And there has been occasion when they have reached out for assistance if they have needed it. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAny further questions ? Your third question? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Third question, yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. QUESTION 3: GANG VIOLENCE Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: At the very end, the Honourable Minister said, and I quote, “We must . . . rebuild the sense of community that has eroded in recent years.” And I am sure most Members of Parliament will support that. So, in regard …
Yes.
QUESTION 3: GANG VIOLENCE
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: At the very end, the Honourable Minister said, and I quote, “We must . . . rebuild the sense of community that has eroded in recent years.” And I am sure most Members of Parliament will support that. So, in regard to that, Mr. Speaker, what are the initiatives and what is the plan to rebuild that sense of community?
Hon. Renee Ming: Mr. Speaker, I think on page 3 I spoke about what our goals are. And also on page 4 I spoke about the multi -ministry [approach] and the partnering with the third sector agencies and employers.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Supplementary, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary, yes. SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes. So, in regard to that, I acknowledge that. But a lot of that has been in place for many years. So, Mr. Speaker, what is going to be different this time around? And does the Minister have adequate funding to meet those …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Renee Ming: Surely. Some of the programmes that already exist ed continue t o go on. And that is because they are programmes that work. One view that we have taken that is different, MP, is that on page 4 you will see where we said that to …
Minister.
Hon. Renee Ming: Surely. Some of the programmes that already exist ed continue t o go on. And that is because they are programmes that work. One view that we have taken that is different, MP, is that on page 4 you will see where we said that to meet our goals we are taking a multi -agency approach. And we speak of the various ministries that we believe could have an impact on gang activity. So as we move forward, we are looking to have this not so much as just National Security being involved in this, but also the various ministries that can have some input in gang activity will be invo lved and will sit around the table, and we will have [that] discussion. And in terms of funding, we continue to work with the funding and ensure that there is funding for the programmes within the Gang Violence Reduction Team.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Second supplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, second supplementary. Thank you, Minister, for that answer. I am very familiar with the cross -ministry initiatives from my time at the Ministry. The supplementary, Mr. Speaker, the Minister has said in this Statement that we will not police our way …
Thank you. Second supplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, second supplementary. Thank you, Minister, for that answer. I am very familiar with the cross -ministry initiatives from my time at the Ministry. The supplementary, Mr. Speaker, the Minister has said in this Statement that we will not police our way out of this situation, and we fully support that. Can the Minister provide assurance that there is a very close working relationship with the police to ensure that all the goals are met in the most productive way and that offenders are also brought to justice?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Renee Ming: Surely. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Bermuda House of Assembly Yes, we do have a very good working relationship with the BPS. But the Gang Violence Reduction Team is still part of the Ministry of National Security. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you. I understand that.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. You used up all of your questions for this Statement. Honourable Minister, there is another Member who wishes to put a question to you. Before I acknowledge the Member, let me just say that, Minister Furbert, your Statement on Disability, there was a Member who has questions for …
Thank you. You used up all of your questions for this Statement. Honourable Minister, there is another Member who wishes to put a question to you. Before I acknowledge the Member, let me just say that, Minister Furbert, your Statement on Disability, there was a Member who has questions for that as well. So, I will come back to that one after we finish with Minister Ming. Minister Ming, the Opposition Whip has a question for you.
QUESTION 1: GANG VIOLENCE
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to the matter raised by the Minister in her Statement, specifically on page 3 of 5, that reads, “[The Gang Violence Reduction Task Force] cli-ents . . . .” Would the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House what portion, or by way of …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With respect to the matter raised by the Minister in her Statement, specifically on page 3 of 5, that reads, “[The Gang Violence Reduction Task Force] cli-ents . . . .” Would the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House what portion, or by way of percentage, or how many of the persons currently iden-tified by the Bermuda Police Service as either gang members or persons of interest concerning gang li fe are clients, as described here of the Gang Violence Reduction Team?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Hon. Renee Ming: Mr. Speaker, that question I would not have the answer to through my Statement. So I would have to revert to that Member with that information.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Well, no supplementary to that one. Do you have another question?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYour second question, yes. QUESTION 2: GANG VIOLENCE
Mr. Jarion RichardsonWith respect to that same Stateme nt, second question: What is the plan of the Gang Violence Reduction Team when self -identifying gang members or persons of interest concerning gang life, as identified by the Bermuda Police Service, refuse the opportunities that are provided by the Gang Vi olence Reduction …
With respect to that same Stateme nt, second question: What is the plan of the Gang Violence Reduction Team when self -identifying gang members or persons of interest concerning gang life, as identified by the Bermuda Police Service, refuse the opportunities that are provided by the Gang Vi olence Reduction Team? Hon. Renee Ming: I am sorry, Member. So you are asking me if the services of the Gang Violence Reduction Team are offered in terms of an alternative to a gang lifestyle? You’re asking me, What will that person do?
Mr. Jarion RichardsonMr. Speaker, with respect, I was asking, Is there a plan for the Gang Violence Reduction Team if a person turns around and says, I don’t want your help. I love the gang lifestyle and I want to stay in it forever. Does the Gang Violence Reduction Team have a …
Mr. Speaker, with respect, I was asking, Is there a plan for the Gang Violence Reduction Team if a person turns around and says, I don’t want your help. I love the gang lifestyle and I want to stay in it forever. Does the Gang Violence Reduction Team have a plan for that scenario?
Hon. Renee Ming: Mr. Speaker, my response would be that the Gang Violence Reduction Team continues to engage the community as a whole in terms of building relationships. And I would think that the continuing engagement and hopefully through the relationship, they can deter that person.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerIs there a supplementary to that or a further question? None?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerFurther question, yes. QUESTION 3: GANG VIOLENCE
Mr. Jarion RichardsonWith respect to the matter raised, still on page 3 of the Honourable Minister’s Statement, one of the goals is “to prevent preteens and adolescents from joining gangs and engaging in antisocial behaviour by re- establishing positive social bonds.” My question to the Honourable Minister is, How do you measure …
With respect to the matter raised, still on page 3 of the Honourable Minister’s Statement, one of the goals is “to prevent preteens and adolescents from joining gangs and engaging in antisocial behaviour by re- establishing positive social bonds.” My question to the Honourable Minister is, How do you measure how successful you are at that, at that goal of preventing preteens and adolescents from joining gangs?
Hon. Renee Ming: Mr. Speaker, I just answered a question with regard to, how do we measure the success of the Gang Violence Reduction Team? So I am not going to repeat that. And I also answered with regard to the programmes that we currently have availa-ble through the various school system.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAnd I take it that the answers that you gave to the first question, as they are similar to this third question, they can apply? Hon. Renee Min g: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That would be correct. 142 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: …
Mr. Jarion RichardsonNone. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Honourable Minister.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. We are going to go to the Statement by Minister Furbert in reference to the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. MP Pearman has a question for you, Minister Furbert. QUESTION 1: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Minister. Minister, in your Statement this morning to the House at page 2, you say that “the Ministry is in the process of working with the UK to have the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ex-tended to Bermuda.” What are …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Minister. Minister, in your Statement this morning to the House at page 2, you say that “the Ministry is in the process of working with the UK to have the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities ex-tended to Bermuda.” What are the practical impacts, a s you see them, of an extension of the 2006 convention to Bermuda? In practical terms, what do you think that would mean to the Island?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Tinee Furbert: The practical [benefit] is to identify the strengths and weaknesses of wher e Bermuda is as far as services for persons with disabilities. So that is a practical element. And then it gives us goals to work toward strengthening.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary. SUPPLEMENTARIES
Mr. Scott PearmanThe convention, by article 9, provides rights of access. Is that something that Government has prepared an impact assessment on?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Tinee Furbert: I thank you, Mr. Speaker. So access has been looked at in many policy papers throughout Bermuda. So access is an area in which we are looking at.
Mr. Scott PearmanYes. I mean, if the convention were implemented here, there would then be a legal obligation of access. So I am just wondering what that looks like in terms of the stated plan to extend the convention to Bermuda. Hon. Tinee Furbert: So, Mr. Speaker, that is a very broad …
Yes. I mean, if the convention were implemented here, there would then be a legal obligation of access. So I am just wondering what that looks like in terms of the stated plan to extend the convention to Bermuda. Hon. Tinee Furbert: So, Mr. Speaker, that is a very broad statement in regard to access. So, we will be looking at access. But then legislation could be created to determine what access could be for our country. But that is a very broad state-ment, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. You used your two supplementaries. Would you have a second question?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPut your second question. QUESTION 2: INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Mr. Scott PearmanWhat is the timeline in the Minister’s view of the extension of the convention and the granting of access? Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Speak er, we do not have control of that. But right now we are waiting for information back from Chambers.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Mr. Speaker. Minister, I mean, are you committed to this? Is this something that Bermuda can look forward to seeing and seeing soon? Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am sure that Member would know that I am very committed to thi s.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Members, we will move on to questions in reference to the Statement from the other Minister Furbert, the Tynes Bay. Minister, two Members have indicated that they have questions for you. The first is from MP Cannonier. MP Cannonier, would you like to put your question?
Mr. L. Craig CannonierYes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Is my video on? Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: No. Oh, here it is.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Oh! It was on that time; it has just gone off.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWe see you now. QUESTION 1: TYNES BAY WASTE- TO-ENERGY FACILITY UPDATE
Mr. L. Craig CannonierYes. So considering [what] the Acting Minister said, that the I.C.E . AG is actually coming in and are going to spend about 11 weeks to fix these boilers, is he saying that both boilers will be fixed in 11 weeks? Or is this something that, we will have one …
Yes. So considering [what] the Acting Minister said, that the I.C.E . AG is actually coming in and are going to spend about 11 weeks to fix these boilers, is he saying that both boilers will be fixed in 11 weeks? Or is this something that, we will have one fixed and then we will have a second one fixed thereafter?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Both of them should be fixed, Mr. Cannonier, Honourable Member, one after the other.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, supplemental. SUPPLEMENTARIES
Mr. L. Craig CannonierYes. So considering the dire state that we’re in right now, when exactly was the I.C.E. AG contacted to come in and assist us in helping to fix these boilers? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Honourable Member, you may recall that some machines went down a couple of weeks ago, which …
Yes. So considering the dire state that we’re in right now, when exactly was the I.C.E. AG contacted to come in and assist us in helping to fix these boilers? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Honourable Member, you may recall that some machines went down a couple of weeks ago, which we did notify the public about. And they were fixed. The boilers were actually fixed [with some] welding. But now there is another further breakdown.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierYou are saying in both? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Both of them went dow n, yes.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Another supplementary?
Mr. L. Craig CannonierSome of these things, for sure, are difficult to try and predict. But these things, these boilers, havi ng been involved in Tynes Bay, they do have a shelf life. Were we aware at any time that we were nearing the [time for the] rejuvenating of these boilers or having …
Some of these things, for sure, are difficult to try and predict. But these things, these boilers, havi ng been involved in Tynes Bay, they do have a shelf life. Were we aware at any time that we were nearing the [time for the] rejuvenating of these boilers or having to take some drastic measures prior to these last couple of weeks when they were notified?
Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I am glad the Honourable Member has asked that question. This information was [accessible] in 2009— at that time, the Progressive Labour Party spent $22 million to upgrade the system. That was [in] 2010, 2011. In 2012 another report was done. I think it was June in 2012. But from 2012, Mr. Speaker, from 2012 to 2017, no additional work was done on the boilers other than just the maintenance. [The] money was spent on another place for the America’s Cup instead of fixing the boilers tha t should have been taking place.
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Supplementary, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary from MP De Silva. Put your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Minister, I know you are Acting Minister. But was there any correspondence, paperwork found in the Ministry in 2017 after the OBA lost the election that gave any indication of what …
Supplementary from MP De Silva. Put your supplementary.
SUPPLEMENTARY
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Minister, I know you are Acting Minister. But was there any correspondence, paperwork found in the Ministry in 2017 after the OBA lost the election that gave any indication of what they had planned to do going forward?
Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I do not think so, Honourable Member. I do not know. But I can tell you right now, from 2012 to 2017 when this information came out that it would cost about $95 million around that time, June 2012, no further action was taken by our former Government from 2012 to 2017.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you. No. Thank you, Minister.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. MP Cannonier, do you have a supplementary or a further question? QUESTION 2: TYNES BAY WASTE- TO-ENERGY FACILITY UPDATE
Mr. L. Craig CannonierYes, I do. I would like for the Acting Minister to provide some information as to no investment into the Tynes Bay incinerator going forward from 2012 to 2017. Be-cause I am keenly aware of several . . . quite a bit of money that was invested in the Tynes …
Yes, I do. I would like for the Acting Minister to provide some information as to no investment into the Tynes Bay incinerator going forward from 2012 to 2017. Be-cause I am keenly aware of several . . . quite a bit of money that was invested in the Tynes Bay incinerators to operate during that period of time. So if he can provide that information, t hat would be great.
144 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Members can look into the Budget Book. It is all under expense and maintenance.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierProvide that information, friend. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: It is in the Budget Book.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWell, I will let the supplementary go because it will be related to that question that is being asked now. MP Pearman, do you have a supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY
Mr. Scott PearmanYes. I am curious, Minister, why did you stop at 2017 when that was four years ago? What have you done since 2017 if you are going to play politics? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Well, I am not quite playing politics, Mr. Speaker. In 2018 a further report and s …
Yes. I am curious, Minister, why did you stop at 2017 when that was four years ago? What have you done since 2017 if you are going to play politics?
Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Well, I am not quite playing politics, Mr. Speaker. In 2018 a further report and s tudy was done by the team down there at Tynes Bay. It was late 2018. We all know what happened in 2019. We got the information back in 2020, and the Government has been working on that process ever since then.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Cannonier, you indicated you have additional questions. Would you like to put your additional question? QUESTION 3: TYNES BAY WASTE- TO-ENERGY FACILITY UPDATE
Mr. L. Craig CannonierThank you, Mr. Speaker. Just curious as to whether or not the Gover nment is now looking at any other way, to energy management systems? The Speaker: Minister. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I will have to get back to you on that. Not that I am aware of, but I …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just curious as to whether or not the Gover nment is now looking at any other way, to energy management systems? The Speaker: Minister.
Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I will have to get back to you on that. Not that I am aware of, but I can get back to that Honourable Member. But we are in a critical stage right now. And the Government will be spending additional money to get the system back up in place within the next —by February. And then that would hopefully last about three years while we are working on the $150 million replacement.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Any additional questions, Members? None? Supplementaries? Thank you. We have MP Pearman who would also like to put questions to you, Minister. MP Pearman, would you still like to put your question? Or did your supplementary cover it?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Put your question. QUESTION 1: TYNES BAY WASTE- TO-ENERGY FACILITY UPDATE
Mr. Scott PearmanMinister, at page 4 of your Statement you refer to the work for each boiler to be repaired for 11 weeks’ period. At page 5, you say “we are aiming to execute the works in February of next year . . . .” Are the works referred to at page …
Minister, at page 4 of your Statement you refer to the work for each boiler to be repaired for 11 weeks’ period. At page 5, you say “we are aiming to execute the works in February of next year . . . .” Are the works referred to at page 5 of your Statement the boiler repairs? Or they the $150 million overhaul?
Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Just the boiler repairs, Honourable Member.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary, yes. SUPPLEMENTARY
Mr. Scott PearmanThe contractors therefore referred to at page 5 for the February works are the contractors I.C.E. AG out of Switzerland referred to at page 3, correct? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Yes.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Bermuda House of Assembly Members, that brings us to a close of questions for that Statement.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonMr. Speaker, I did post. My apologies for late notice, but I do have a question for the Honourable Minister. I think we have four minutes left in Question Period, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWell, we have still got one more Statement, too. But go ahead. Put your question. QUESTION 1: TYNES BAY WASTE- TO-ENERGY FACILITY UPDATE
Mr. Jarion RichardsonOh, my apologies. Thank you. Would the Honourable Minister in regard to the matter that he ra ised on page 4, the Honourable Minister said there are “many critical auxiliary systems at Tynes Bay that are past obsolescence that can just as easily shut down the plant if they are …
Oh, my apologies. Thank you. Would the Honourable Minister in regard to the matter that he ra ised on page 4, the Honourable Minister said there are “many critical auxiliary systems at Tynes Bay that are past obsolescence that can just as easily shut down the plant if they are not soon replaced.” Would the Honourable Minister be able to tell us jus t how many critical systems there are at risk at the moment that can shut down the plant? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: At this moment I cannot tell you, Honourable Member. I will get that information for you.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonDoes the Honourable Minister know the probabilities of critical failure at this point for those auxiliary systems? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I do not know exactly the percentage. But we thought that the boiler was fixed when we did the welding a couple of weeks ago. But things break down. …
Does the Honourable Minister know the probabilities of critical failure at this point for those auxiliary systems? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I do not know exactly the percentage. But we thought that the boiler was fixed when we did the welding a couple of weeks ago. But things break down. And unfortunately, the system—as we said, way back in 2009 this was identified as a problem.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonSupplementary, Mr. Speaker. The Speake r: Yes, put your supplementary.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThe repairs to the boilers, if they get made and the auxiliary systems are not repaired at the same time, would the repairs to the boilers be made redundant if the critical systems go offline? Hon. W ayne L. Furbert: I am sorry. Can you repeat yourself?
Mr. Jarion RichardsonSure. There are repairs to the boilers currently proposed. However, we still have critical auxiliary systems that can easily shut down the plant. If they do shut down, will the repairs to the boilers be redundant? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I cannot [make a comment] about that, not being a …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Members. That does bring us to a close for the questions for the Minister of [Works and Engineering]. The last Statement this morning is from the Minister of Transport. And, Minister, we have a question for you from MP Jackson. MP, would you like to put your question …
Thank you, Members. That does bring us to a close for the questions for the Minister of [Works and Engineering]. The last Statement this morning is from the Minister of Transport. And, Minister, we have a question for you from MP Jackson. MP, would you like to put your question to the Minister?
QUESTION 1: ROAD SAFETY COUNCIL —DESIGNATED DRIVER CAMPAIGN
Ms. Susan E. JacksonThank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning, Minister. My question is around supply and demand. So as we enter into the Christmas period, the holiday season, what consultation or conversations are being had with the taxis, with the minibuses, et cetera, to make sure that there will be enough taxis …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning, Minister. My question is around supply and demand. So as we enter into the Christmas period, the holiday season, what consultation or conversations are being had with the taxis, with the minibuses, et cetera, to make sure that there will be enough taxis and other transportation to meet the demands of the holiday -goers who may be in Hamilt on and around and about Bermuda who may need to have the hired service to get home from a party?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you for that question. Bermuda right now has 600 taxis and 150 minibuses that are readily available at any time to service the public. Therefore, we believe that the inherent in-frastructure that is already in place will be sufficient to handle the demand over …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY
Ms. Susan E. JacksonYes, Mr. Speaker. Will there be any way to track how much supply is out there that, of the 600 taxis, how many of them are working? And is there any consequence if the supply of taxis, as an example, is very low and difficult for clients to get transportation …
Yes, Mr. Speaker. Will there be any way to track how much supply is out there that, of the 600 taxis, how many of them are working? And is there any consequence if the supply of taxis, as an example, is very low and difficult for clients to get transportation home?
146 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Yes. So there is a legislative mandate for the dispatch companies for the taxis to provide a report to TCD [Transport Control Department] on a monthly basis. And that is the one way that we are able to track. But also, with the inve ntion or the introduction of electronic media, it is also able to get data from them as well. So, we are—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister and Member, that bell signifies that we just used up the hour for Question Period. I thank Members for their contribution. We have used the full hour, which is something that we do not always do. That was meaningful to have the interaction today around these questions. But it …
Minister and Member, that bell signifies that we just used up the hour for Question Period. I thank Members for their contribution. We have used the full hour, which is something that we do not always do. That was meaningful to have the interaction today around these questions. But it also brings us to 12:30. Mr. Premier, would you like to do the honour?
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, Mr. S peaker. Deputy Premier here.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDeputy Premier. Hon. Walter H. Roban: I move that we adjourn until 2:00 pm.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Members, are there any objections to that? Deputy, there are no objections. The House now stands adjourned until 2:00 pm. Members, enjoy your lunch. Proceedings suspended at 12:30 pm. Proceedings resumed at 2:00 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood afternoon, Members. It is now 2:00 pm and the House will resume in session for the afternoon. We are now in session. We had completed the Question Period when we stopped for lunch. The next item on the Order Paper this afternoon is Congratulatory and Obituary Speeches. Does any …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Swan. It sounds like you are down in the East End. You have your three minutes.
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. SwanSounds can be deceiving. I am hailing from the East End. Mr. Speaker, I [wish to send] condolences to the family of Rose Marie Douglas, a St. George’s lady through and through who passed recently. She is from Pain Lane West in St. George’s, and a St. Georgian all her …
Sounds can be deceiving. I am hailing from the East End. Mr. Speaker, I [wish to send] condolences to the family of Rose Marie Douglas, a St. George’s lady through and through who passed recently. She is from Pain Lane West in St. George’s, and a St. Georgian all her life. I know her mother very well, Ms. Theresa Callabras; her late father, Earlston Callabras; her daughter, Roche é, and her son, Romar; her grandchildren and her family and friends. And it is a sad occasion when someone so young passes. She has certainly had to suffer, Mr. Speaker. I know she has friends and relatives in this very Chamber, and I associate MP Foggo, MP Ming, and MP Richardson who is a very close, close relative, probably first cousin—
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan—as well. I am very sad to bring these condolences. She was a very intelligent and bright woman, Mr. Speaker, when I tell you the type of ideas that she came up with in finance because she loved working with numbers. You know, just an outstanding person. I am sure …
—as well. I am very sad to bring these condolences. She was a very intelligent and bright woman, Mr. Speaker, when I tell you the type of ideas that she came up with in finance because she loved working with numbers. You know, just an outstanding person. I am sure that others could attest to that. On a happier note, Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate a young man fighting adversity, Mr. Brian Morris, who brought to Ocean View Golf [Course], the Johnny Walker Classic. He revived the tournament which took place many decades before ––that I was a former champion of ––but this is the sixth year. It was an outstanding event that I played in. I want to congratulate Mr. Jarryd Dillas, the overall champion [and also] Mr. Nick Jones and Mr. Camiko Smith, who were joint low professionals in the event. They slipped ahead of an old fellow who was nipping around with nine holes to play, but his day will come soon, Mr. Speaker. But, Mr. Speaker, I just want to reiterate how sad I am [as I send] those condolences to the passing of Rose Marie Douglas. And to George and the family, my deepest, deepest —and her mom—my heartfelt condolences. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member — Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister of Education. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I ask that a letter of condolence be sent to the family of Florence [Patricia] Bell, affectionately known in my circle as “Ma” Bell, who unfortunately passed away this weekend. …
Minister of Education.
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I ask that a letter of condolence be sent to the family of Florence [Patricia] Bell, affectionately known in my circle as “Ma” Bell, who unfortunately passed away this weekend. Condolences to her one and only son, a very good friend of mine, Dameon Bell. You know, the County Game and Cup Match will not be the same without Pat Bell in the camp yelling at us young’uns to Move On! or Stop making that noise! and those sorts of things.
Bermuda House of Assembly Also, I wish to be associated with the congratulations to Mr. Brian Morris. I attended high school with Brian. He was a few years ahead of me, but we played football together, cricket togeth er, and I know he is going through a tough time. But he is still managing to move forward with the things that he is doing. I have heard nothing but great things about the golf tournament, the Johnny Walker Classic that he has revived up there at Ocean View. That does happen to be in my constituency as well. I was pleased last year to be one of the persons to give out the awards; and even more pleasantly surprised that my younger brother had won the amateur award from last year. But again, just to associate with the comments on Brian Morris. And condolences to the family of Ma Bell, or Florence Pat Bell from Hamilton Parish. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution?
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. MembersMr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Richardson, I caught your voice first.
Mr. Anthony RichardsonThank you. Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker, colleagues, and members of the listening public.
Mr. Anthony RichardsonI would like to take this opportunity to provide initial comments to congratulate four international business professionals: Noel Pearman, Marlon Williams, Jasmine DeSilva and Deshay Caines. Mr. Speaker –
Mr. Anthony Richardson—these four professionals launched the Association for Corporate Racial Equality [ACRE] and held a very informative virtual panel discussion on Wednesday, October 13. The theme of the discussion was “Connecting the Statistics to the Experience: A Conversation on Race and Bermuda’s International Business Sector.” The Association, they said, was done …
—these four professionals launched the Association for Corporate Racial Equality [ACRE] and held a very informative virtual panel discussion on Wednesday, October 13. The theme of the discussion was “Connecting the Statistics to the Experience: A Conversation on Race and Bermuda’s International Business Sector.” The Association, they said, was done in response to the historic and present underrepresentation of Black Bermudians in in ternational business. And, Mr. Speaker, I am sure that all colleagues will accept that diversity in the workplace is a very complex matter and I look forward to future contributions from this group. I also commend them for leading from the front because when you take these stances sometimes it does have an impact on your career. And I will finally conclude, Mr. Speaker, by saying that the group offered that Bermuda has a highly educated and naturally diverse population. The data have conclusively shown th at more diverse thought and inclusivity within organisations leads to better decisionmaking and better financial outcomes. As the global market is more competitive than ever, it is critical that Bermuda attract and retain the best from its full -time pool and leverages this natural advantage. As I said, Mr. Speaker, I look forward to more from this group and commend them for taking what is really going to be a very significant step in their careers and to which we will all benefit. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Richardson. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution?
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. MembersYes, Mr. Speaker. Certainly.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI am going to let ladies first. How is that? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I would ask if the Honourable Member would like to defer for one second.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. All right. Premier, you have your three minutes. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, so much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speak er, I would like to ask that this Honourable House send a letter of condolence to the family of Ms. Renee Terrance Robinson of 10 Vale Close, Pembroke. Ms. …
Okay. All right. Premier, you have your three minutes. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, so much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speak er, I would like to ask that this Honourable House send a letter of condolence to the family of Ms. Renee Terrance Robinson of 10 Vale Close, Pembroke. Ms. Robinson was a constituent of mine and my thoughts and prayers will certainly continue to be with her children, Dean, Dawn, and Michelle, and her extended family during their time of mourning. Mr. Speaker, I would also ask that this Honourable House, and I will associate Honourable Members with this, extend a letter of condolence certainly to the famil y of Ms. Terry Smith who was residing in the United Kingdom. Ms. Smith’s mother is Mrs. Carol Mi-nors, a public officer who works here at the Cabinet Office at the front desk. I certainly continue to pray for her for peace and comfort and certainly for her entire family with the untimely loss of her daughter. The final condolence that I would ask the Honourable House to send is a letter of condolence to the family of the late Ms. Dorothy Adina Morgan of 6 Lusher Lane, Warwick. Ms. Morgan was a family frien d of mine. I have known her all of my life. And certainly her loss after battling a long illness will certainly be felt by her family, her children Sharon, Norman, Devon, Tamika and her extended family. She will certainly be missed by myself. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier, thank you. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution now? 148 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -Wade: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Simmons -Wade, you have your three minutes.
Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -WadeThank you. Mr. Speaker, I ask that the House send condolences to the family of the late Rose Douglas who hails actually from St. George’s. She was an accountant by trade and she spent most of her life in the international business.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYou can associate yourself w ith that.
Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -WadeOkay. And she spent most of her life in the international business but when she branched off on her own she certainly worked with small businesses and most importantly with charities. She also was significantly involved in the community, especially with the [Bermuda] Society for the Blind [now named Vision …
Okay. And she spent most of her life in the international business but when she branched off on her own she certainly worked with small businesses and most importantly with charities. She also was significantly involved in the community, especially with the [Bermuda] Society for the Blind [now named Vision Bermuda] and the Bermuda Lawn Tennis Association. She was a great supporter of young people as they went into tennis. She was also very much the matriarch of the fami ly. She fought a long battle, and she has finally moved to a better place, and I ask that we send condolences to her family. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Minister Ming. Hon. Renee Ming: Sure. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I would like to send a condolence note today to the famili es of Kim Butterfield and Keenan Butterfield. They are all one family so you can imagine that their family is grieving at this time. I just want …
Okay. Minister Ming.
Hon. Renee Ming: Sure. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I would like to send a condolence note today to the famili es of Kim Butterfield and Keenan Butterfield. They are all one family so you can imagine that their family is grieving at this time. I just want them to know they are in our thoughts and prayers. And also to our St. George’s stalwart, Betty Brown. Anybody who knows St. George’s, knows Ms. Brown and her family; you know about her husband and his barber shop, if you go back maybe 60, 70 years. So I want the Brown family to know that they too—
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. SwanAssociate me, please. Hon. Renee Ming : —are in our thoughts and our prayers. I associate MP Swan and MP Foggo with those remarks. Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan: With both of those. Hon. Renee Ming: Yes. On a happier note, I would also like to congratulate someone who is …
Associate me, please.
Hon. Renee Ming : —are in our thoughts and our prayers. I associate MP Swan and MP Foggo with those remarks. Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan: With both of those.
Hon. Renee Ming: Yes. On a happier note, I would also like to congratulate someone who is well known to me, Ms. Nat asha Trott. She is endeavouring in her career, or passion, I should say, of being a referee as she was the first Bermudian female assistant referee to referee an international football match. I think that she has more and the best is to come, and we contin ue to support her even as a country. I would also like to extend congratulations to a colleague, Shawnette Griffin, she recently [received] a major promotion within one of our local financial services places. We wish her all the best. She is an inspiration to women all around [with her] hard work, dedication and sticking to it. They say if you stick to it, the runs will come. And I truly believe that this has happened for her, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOpposition Whip, you have your three minutes.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to congratulate Melissa Rodrigues McBeath on being recognised as a 2021 Rising Star in The Bermudian magazine. On occasion, Mr. Speaker, in my career, I have the opportunity to work with people who have joined the compliance industry with as much gusto and …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to congratulate Melissa Rodrigues McBeath on being recognised as a 2021 Rising Star in The Bermudian magazine. On occasion, Mr. Speaker, in my career, I have the opportunity to work with people who have joined the compliance industry with as much gusto and professionalism and consideration as I have ever seen. And Melissa Rodriguez McBeath has done exactly that and has been recognised for her incredible work in the financial services industry. She is one of a cadre of people in Bermuda who make financial services viable and contributes to our economy altogether. So I just wanted to congratulate another compliance professional for being recognised at just being excellent at her job and constantly representing Ber-muda. Thank you, very much, Mr. S peaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYou have your three minutes. Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Vance Campbell: Mr. Speaker, I would like birthday wishes and congratulatory remarks to be sent to Joslin Rogers, one of my constituents who celebrates her 103 birthday today.
Mr. Vance CampbellMr. Speaker, that is a remarkable milestone to reach. I hope to make it close to that myself one day. Also, Mr. Speaker, [I ask that] words of condolences be sent to the family and friends of Karen Lorraine Campbel l . . .
The SpeakerThe SpeakerTake your time, partner. Take your time.
Mr. Vance CampbellTamae and Ziara. Mr. Speaker, she was a good person and a dedicated long- term employee of the Bank of Butterfield. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Our condolences go out to the family.
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberI associate my remarks, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Do es any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Any other Member? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOk. MP Dunkley. You were a little faded that time. I was trying to catch your voice. You have your three minutes. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like the Honourable House to send condolences to the family of Thomas Dickinson who passed away last week. …
Ok. MP Dunkley. You were a little faded that time. I was trying to catch your voice. You have your three minutes.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like the Honourable House to send condolences to the family of Thomas Dickinson who passed away last week. He was a very devout family man, a good businessman, and certainly community minded. I always knew Mr. Dickinson as a man of character and integrity. And he was certainly devoted to his family and those around him. I was blessed to have known him young, and I actually served on a government board with him, so I had the oppor tunity to learn some things from him in our time in service together. He was a constituent of mine and I enjoyed the chats in his house because he paid attention to what was going on in the community. And that type of relationship is very, very healthy for a Member of Parliame nt to experience. So to his wife and children, deepest condolences on the loss of a good man. I also would like to be associated with the congratulations to Brian Morris on the Johnny Walker Clas-sic and all those winners in that golf tournament. I would like to carry this a bit further, Mr. Speaker, and congratulate Mr. Morris for his outstanding approach to life after being diagnosed with a very difficult challenge to face. He has tackled it head on. He has never given up. And he has demonstrated to people all over the Is-land that in spite of your challenges you can still live and be committed to whatever you are doing. And his approach and attitude are just simply amazing, in a very difficult period. And I hope God gives him the opportunity to live many, many more days. I am certainly pleased as a Bermudian to see how he conducted himself, and all the other Bermuda players in the PGA Tournament that we recently had. He certainly set the social media on fire with the interviews he gave and he is an outstanding role model. Now, Mr. Speaker, I would like to also pass on condolences to the family of Reverend Charles Winston Rawlins, one of former constituents in my first constituency. What a wonderful man! He would look for you to come by to share his thoughts on politics, and I appreciate that. And also to the Fowle family on the loss of Mr. Robert “Bobby” Fowle, who passed away just recently after a long and productive life. He was a Somerset man, as you would know, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: He was involved with a lot in his life and he had the love of many things that he did for the community, such as tennis and the ocean, and condolences to his family members on his passing. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Any other Member? There are no other Members? Okay. No other Members. Thank you, Members, for your contri bution at this time. We now move on. MATTERS OF PRIVILEGE
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. 150 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly NOTICE OF MOTIONS FOR THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE ON MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS GOVERNMENT BILLS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are four being introduced at this point. The first three are in the name of the Minister of Finance, but I understand that Minister of Transport is going to present them on the Minister’s behalf. Minister of Transport. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood afternoon. FIRST READING INSURANCE AMENDMENT ACT 2021 COMPANIES AMENDMENT AND VALIDATION ACT 2021 BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY AMENDMENT ( NO. 2) ACT 2021 CUSTOMS TARIFF AMENDMENT (NO. 2) ACT 2021 Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Mr. Speaker, I am introducing the following Bills for their first reading so they may be …
Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Mr. Speaker, I am introducing the following Bills for their first reading so they may be placed on the Order Paper for the next day of meeting: Insurance Amendment Act 2021; Companies Amendment and Validation Act 2021; Bermuda Monetary Authority Amendment (No. 2) Act 2021; and the Customs Tariff Amendment (No. 2) Act 2021.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. The next . . . actually, all four of them are in his name. That’s r ight. Thank you, Minister. NOTICE OF MOTIONS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. ORDERS OF THE DAY
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThat now leads us to the Orders of the Day. For the listening public, the first item this afternoon is the second reading of the Bermuda National Trust Amendment Act 2021 in the name of the Minister of Education. Minister, would you like to present your item at this time? …
That now leads us to the Orders of the Day. For the listening public, the first item this afternoon is the second reading of the Bermuda National Trust Amendment Act 2021 in the name of the Minister of Education. Minister, would you like to present your item at this time? Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: If it pleases you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerIt does; continue on. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill entitled the Bermuda National Trust Amendment Act 2021 now be read for the secon d time.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections? There are none. Continue, Minister. BILL SECOND READING BERMUDA NATIONAL TRUST AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, as the Minister responsible for the Bermuda National Trust, I a m enthusiastic about these much- needed changes to the Bermuda National Trust Act 1969, …
Are there any objections? There are none. Continue, Minister.
BILL
SECOND READING
BERMUDA NATIONAL TRUST AMENDMENT ACT 2021
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, as the Minister responsible for the Bermuda National Trust, I a m enthusiastic about these much- needed changes to the Bermuda National Trust Act 1969, otherwise known as the Act. I was happy to work with the Bermuda National Trust —
[Inaudible interjections]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Swan, you microphone is on. Hon. Diallo V . S. Rabain: I was happy to work with the Bermuda National Trust for the development of proposals to modernise and improve the governance of the Trust and to ease administration of what is largely a member -driven and volunteer -based …
MP Swan, you microphone is on.
Hon. Diallo V . S. Rabain: I was happy to work with the Bermuda National Trust for the development of proposals to modernise and improve the governance of the Trust and to ease administration of what is largely a member -driven and volunteer -based organisation. The Tru st was formally established in 1969 by the enactment of legislation that sets out the detailed principal objects of the Trust. The Trust continues to be governed by public rather than private legislation. Despite the Trust being a private charitable organi sation, the legislation affects members of the public directly and includes offences for breaches of regulations on Trust land. Additionally, the Act provides certain tax ex-emptions and a ministerial involvement which would not be achievable via private le gislation. Mr. Speaker, the Trust is an organisation that is critical to Bermuda’s sustainability and the preservation and remembrance of our natural built and cultural heritage. It is the mission of the Bermuda National Trust to protect and promote Bermuda’s unique natural and cultural heritage in perpetuity by acquiring and conserving land, buildings and artefacts, and inspiring appreciation and stewardship through advocacy, research, education and participation.
B ermuda House of Assembly The Trust cares for 277 acres of land, comprised of 82 properties that represent much of Bermuda’s heritage including historic houses, nature re-serves, islands and coastline, farmland, gardens and cemeteries. The Trust also includes three museums which display an outstanding collection of antique furniture, artwork and artefacts owned and made by Ber-mudians. I share the belief of the Trust that much of the history of Bermuda and her people can be taught in meaningful ways through its properties and collections. The storytelling illuminates Bermuda’s diversity and helps our community to understand how significant our heritage is for our everyday lives and for our individual and collective futures. Mr. Speaker, after years of considerable work, including extensive consultation with its members and affected parties, the leadership of the Trust sought sup-port for changes to the Bermuda National Trust Act 1969. In support of the Trust’s mission and responsibilities, it is important for these amendments to move for-ward. They would enable better governance and effi-cient administration for the Trust. They would be achieved by providing the Trust with more power and flexibility to run its affairs in keeping with the commitment to the integrity and aims as prescribed in the Ber-muda National Trust Act 1969. Mr. Speaker, in broad terms, the amending Bill proposed the following changes: 1.The bodies representing five specific charities on the Trust’s governing Council would no longer see members appointed.Instead, these positions would now beelected from the membership of the Trust. 2.The Council’s total membership remains at13 with 3 members appointed by the Governor on the advice of the Minister and 10 of the members elected from the member-ship of the Trust. 3.The Council would govern its own proce-dure and business affairs through the making of by -laws rather than regulations. 4.The Council would be empowered to appoint an auditor without the approval of theMinister. A small change is also proposed to ensure that all regulations will be made under the negative resolution procedure. These proposals were developed following considerable consultation with the members of the Trust, including the five- member charities, which are: Bermuda Audubon Society; Bermuda Historical Society; St. George’s Historical Society; Garden Club; and Keep Bermuda Beautiful Committee. The need for the Trust to charter to an independent course was understood and supported by the five- member charities. This particular change would mean that the majority of the Council of the Trust would be elected save the three members appointed by the Governor on advice of the Minister. Mr. Speaker, with those [brief] remarks I now present the Bill entitled the Bermuda National Trust Amendment Act 2021 and welcome comments from other Honourable Member s.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. 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. My few words are certainly in support of the amendments that are being made today. The National Trust has clearly grown and is a healthy institution that has certainly earned its independence. I see that the growth and expansion of their Council membership, along with the independents, will …
Thank you. My few words are certainly in support of the amendments that are being made today. The National Trust has clearly grown and is a healthy institution that has certainly earned its independence. I see that the growth and expansion of their Council membership, along with the independents, will provide the Trust with an opportunity to really move forward into the next generation. I am sure we will see some incredible developments from the National Trust moving forward. The existing, or the past r epresentation of the membership, which included the list that the Minister so kindly explained and defined for us, includ-ing the Audubon Society, Historical Trust, et cetera, will be able to continue to collaborate with the National Trust. Part of the benefit, I believe, of having had that representation on the Council in the past has given the Trust an opportunity to build what should be, you know, sort of infinite relationships with these other compatible associations and societies so that they will cont inue to work together in the future. But I certainly do see that the maturity of the Trust has gotten to a stage now where having its own by-laws, being able to elect its Council members from its membership is certainly something that is a positive move in our position here at the One Bermuda Alliance. The other piece too is that I just see that with this amendment the National Trust has an opportunity to really hone in [on] some expertise from their mem-bership to help them to advance their cause. You know, I just kind of perused the website for the National Trust and [noted] the magnitude and the scope of the activities that the Trust takes on. [This includes] being a sort of property management for residential rental of some of the historical buildings that fall under the National Trust. The management of certain properties, including historical cemeteries and the like, really requires some expertise. I’m hoping this expertise will come from the membership where there will be that skill set to be able to provide a strong and professional view of how to maintain and continue to sustain some of our historical landmarks. So without repeating myself, again, the One Bermuda Alliance openly supports the amendments 152 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly and we look forward to the National Trust gaining greater independence and certainly moving forward with their mission. 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 SpeakerMP Pearman, you have the floor.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Honourable Minister for his opening stateme nts from his brief and also his background explanation as to the reason for this Bill, and the changes to the governing structure of the National Trust, and in-deed his very elaborate and detailed explanation of the …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Honourable Minister for his opening stateme nts from his brief and also his background explanation as to the reason for this Bill, and the changes to the governing structure of the National Trust, and in-deed his very elaborate and detailed explanation of the Trust’s functions and what it does for Bermuda and why it is so useful and necessary to Bermuda. Mr. Speaker, the hallmark mission statement for the National Trust is to protect and “promote Ber-muda’s unique natural and cultural heritage, . . . forever.” And that is important. And it is an august body that has done a great deal through the years and now in continuing to be a steward for Bermuda’s natural her-itage, Bermuda’s built heritage, Bermuda’s cultural her-itage. In terms of the Bill itself, my honourable colleague, Susan Jackson, MP, has addressed the Bill. We in the Opposition are in supportive of it as she indi-cated. And it is nice also, if I may, just as an aside, ob-serve that when Bills come through this Honourable House with bipartisan support it shows that we are do-ing the people’s business and doing it together. In terms of the specifics of the Bill, Mr. Speaker, really this is about the governing structure and changes to the governing structure as the Honour-able Minister alluded to during his Statement. It is about [the] selection of the board members. It is about changes to the by -laws which are, of course, the constitutional provisions for the National Trust. The real hallmark of this Bill though, Mr. Speaker, is that it is an increase in direct democracy by the members for the mem bers and with representation of the members more definitively on the board, and that is to its credit. Mr. Speaker, just a few more brief observations. The Trust has explained that the governing struc-ture changes are there so the Trust can continue its mission to enhance, protect, support and educate Bermuda’s cultural, historic and environmental mandate. In short, Mr. Speaker, the National Trust is a guardian of our heritage, of our natural heritage, of our built heritage and of our cultural heritage. An d the motto of the Trust is really all that needs said, which is this: “For everyone, forever.” Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution? None? Minister. Hon. D iallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Members from the One Bermuda Alliance for their kind words and their support of these changes. Everything that they have said …
Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution? None? Minister.
Hon. D iallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Members from the One Bermuda Alliance for their kind words and their support of these changes. Everything that they have said I did articulate as I spoke to this. This has been a long- time coming. From my understanding in talking to the Trust, it is something that they have been attempting to do for just over two decades now. So, I am happy to say that we were able to work with them and work with the other member charities, as well as work with the G overnor to get this across the line. And we should we see the Trust go from strength to strength as a result of that. And so, with that said, Mr. Speaker, I now move that the Bill be committed.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Deputy Speaker. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. House in Committee at 2: 32 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL BERMUDA NATIONAL TRUST AMENDMENT ACT 2021
The ChairmanChairmanHonourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] for further considera-tion of the Bill entitled Bermuda National Trust Amendment Act 2021 . Minister Rabain, you have the floor. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Chairman, I would like to move all nine clauses since we all seem …
The ChairmanChairmanContinue. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Chairman, this Bill will amend the Bermuda National Trust Act 1969 to provide for: (a) an increase in the number of persons who may be elected to the Council of the Bermuda National Trust, (b) the removal of appointments to the Council by …
Continue.
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Chairman, this Bill will amend the Bermuda National Trust Act 1969 to provide for: (a) an increase in the number of persons who may be elected to the Council of the Bermuda National Trust, (b) the removal of appointments to the Council by entitlement; (c) the Council to make by -laws as to its rules of procedure and as to the conduct of the business and affairs of the Trust; and (d) the Council to appoint the auditor that audits the Trust’s accounts each year.
Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Chairman, I will now go through the clauses. Clause 1 is self -explanatory. Clause 2 amends section 1(1) to add a definition of “by -laws,” which are by -laws made by the Council under the new section 11A [ inserted by clause 7 ]. Clause 3 amends section 8(2) to clarify that by - laws may provide for the procedure for calling and holding general meetings of the Bermuda National Trust, but only to the extent that the by -laws do not conflict with the provisions of the Schedule to the principal Act , entitled the Regulations Governing the Calling and Holding of General Meetings of the Trust. Clause 4 amends section 9 to increase the number of persons who may be elected to the Council, to remove appointments to the Council by entitlement by repealing subsection (2), to re- word subsection (3) as a consequence of the amendments to subsection (1), and to provide that a quorum for any meetin g of the Council shall be one- half [of the number ] of members of the Council for the time being. Clause 5 amends subsections (1) and (2) of section 10 by replacing the word “regulation, ” each time it appears in those subs ections, with “by -law.” This reflects the amendments made to section 11 and the new section 11A [inserted by clause 7] . Clause 6 amends subsection (1) of section 11 by repealing paragraphs (a) and (b), which empower the Council to make regulations as to the procedure of the Council and as to the conduct of the business and affairs of the Trust, and subsections (2) and (4) are amended accordingly. These powers will in future be exercisable by the Council through by -laws. Clause 7 inserts the new section 11A, which empowers the Council to make by -laws as to its rules of procedure and as to the conduct of the business and affairs of the Trust. Such by -laws are not statutory instruments, but the by -laws must not conflict with any provisions of the principal Act or regulations, and must be approved by the Trust at a general meeting before they come into operation. Clause 8 amends section 12(2) to provide that the Council is to appoint the auditor that audits the Trust’s accounts each year. The section currently pro-vides that such auditor is to be elected each year at the annual general meeting and approved by the Minister. And finally, Mr. Chairman, c lause 9 is a transitional provision which provides for the amendments un-der clause 4 to come int o effect as of the date of the next annual general meeting of the Bermuda National Trust following the Governor’s assent to this Act. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Minister. Are there any further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister, do you want to move the clauses? Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Chairman, I move that clauses 1 through 9 be approved.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that clauses 1 through 9 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be n one. Approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 9 passed.] Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: 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 t o be none. Approved. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Chairman, I move that the Bill entitled the Bermuda National Trust Amend-ment Act 2021 be reported to the House as printed.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that the Bill, the Bermuda National Trust Amendment Act 2021 be reported to the House. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. The Bill will be reported to the House as printed. [Motion carried: The Bermuda National Trust Amendment Act 2021 was …
It has been moved that the Bill, the Bermuda National Trust Amendment Act 2021 be reported to the House. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. The Bill will be reported to the House as printed.
[Motion carried: The Bermuda National Trust Amendment Act 2021 was considered by a Committee of the whole House and passed.]
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain : Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you fellow Members.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you Mr. Chairman. House resumed at 2:37 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF COMMITTEE BERMUDA NATIONAL TRUST AMENDMENT ACT 2021
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Bermuda National Trust Amendment Act 2021 being reported to the House as printed? There are none. The Bill has been reported as printed. Thank you, Members. That now moves us on to the next item on the Order Paper. And …
Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Bermuda National Trust Amendment Act 2021 being reported to the House as printed? There are none. The Bill has been reported as printed. Thank you, Members. That now moves us on to the next item on the Order Paper. And again, for the 154 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly listening public, the next item that will be done this afternoon is the second reading of the Government Fees Amendment and Validation Act 2021 in the name of the Minister of Labour. Minister.
Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, sir. Hon. Jason Hayward: —I move that the Bill entitled Government Fees Amendment and Validation Act 2021 be now read a second time.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections to that? There are none. Continue, Minister. BILL SECOND READING GOVERNMENT FEES AMENDMENT AND VALIDATION ACT 2021 Hon. Jason Hayward : Mr. Speaker, I bring to this Honourable House today the Bill entitled the Government Fees Amendment and Validation Act 2021. The purpose of this Bill …
Are there any objections to that? There are none. Continue, Minister.
BILL
SECOND READING
GOVERNMENT FEES AMENDMENT AND VALIDATION ACT 2021 Hon. Jason Hayward : Mr. Speaker, I bring to this Honourable House today the Bill entitled the Government Fees Amendment and Validation Act 2021. The purpose of this Bill is to prescribe a fee of $2,625 for granting ministerial permission to reside in Bermuda under section 2 5(1) of the 1956 Act, pursuant to the grant of an economic investment certificate [EIC] and amends the Government Fees Regulations 1976 to validate certain fees imposed under those regulations. Mr. Speaker, the economic investment certificate was launched on March 1, 2021. The policy objective is to fully harness immigration as one of the major tools for creating economic growth for Bermuda while taking into account our limited space and ensuring that Bermudians fully benefit. It was designed to stimulate economic activity, create the environment for job creation and help market Bermuda as a place to reside and do business. Mr. Speaker, an EIC is granted to a person who satisfies the eligibility requirements, including an upfront investment of at least $2.5 million in the Bermudian economy, by the Minister responsible for immigration for the right to reside in Bermuda for five years. The economic investment certificate specifies that a fee of $2,625 will be charged for an EIC, which is the same as a resi dential certificate fee. The fee has been charged and received from the eight applicants to date. Mr. Speaker, the financial certificate fee of $2,625 will be charged to applicants after five years when the EIC holder seeks to apply for a residential certificate which shall give them the ability to reside in Bermuda indefinitely. Mr. Speaker, this Bill provides for the insertion of a fee of $2,625 for an economic investment certificate. The Bill also specifies that where before the commencement of this Bill a fee of $2,625 has been imposed for the grant of the EIC, the fee shall be deemed to have been validly imposed and paid as if it had been imposed and paid for after the commencement of this Bill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Min ister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Richardson, you have the floor.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank the Honourable Minister for bringing this Bill before this House. I won’t be long, Mr. Speaker. I have read the Bill and the necessity of introducing the fee is clear in this regard and consistent with the expectations we have outlined in Government Fees …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank the Honourable Minister for bringing this Bill before this House. I won’t be long, Mr. Speaker. I have read the Bill and the necessity of introducing the fee is clear in this regard and consistent with the expectations we have outlined in Government Fees Regulations 1976. So to that end, Mr. Speaker, this is reasonable. However, Mr. Speaker, I would take the opportunity just to point out that fees, government fees especially as it relates to immigration, can often hit at a very inopportune time in a person’s life and this would include other fees we have seen amended recently dealing with fam-ily members trying to remain in Bermuda. This particular fee does not deal with that issue. So, I just wanted to point out that fees typically do land at very difficult times for persons. And to that end, would the Honourable Minister be able to speak to how the fees are calculated, to as-sure Bermudians and Bermuda residents that these matters are dealt with prudence and commitment? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution at this time? There are none, Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, the fee for this particular certificate was established in alignment with the current fee for residential certificates underneath the fee Schedule. Both ultimately give …
Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution at this time? There are none, Minister.
Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, the fee for this particular certificate was established in alignment with the current fee for residential certificates underneath the fee Schedule. Both ultimately give persons the abil-ity to reside in Bermuda, so we thought that the most appropriate thing to do was to ensure that the fees are aligned w ith each other. With that said, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill be committed.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Deputy Speaker. Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House in Committee at 2:43 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chair man] COMMITTEE ON BILL GOVERNMENT FEES AMENDMENT AND VALIDATION ACT 2021
The ChairmanChairmanHonourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] for further consideration of the Bill entitled Government Fees Amendment and Validation Act 2021 . Minister Hayward, you have the floor. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Chairman, the Bill seeks to amend the Government Fees Regulations 1976 and to validate …
Honourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] for further consideration of the Bill entitled Government Fees Amendment and Validation Act 2021 . Minister Hayward, you have the floor. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Chairman, the Bill seeks to amend the Government Fees Regulations 1976 and to validate certain fees imposed under those Regulations. Mr. Chairman, I would like to move clauses 1 and 2.
The ChairmanChairmanContinue. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Chairman, c lause 1 is self - explanatory. Clause 2 amends Head 6 of the Schedule to the Government Fees Regulations 1976 (fees pre-scribed under the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956), to insert new paragraph (15A) which prescribes a fee of $2,625 for granting …
Continue.
Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Chairman, c lause 1 is self - explanatory. Clause 2 amends Head 6 of the Schedule to the Government Fees Regulations 1976 (fees pre-scribed under the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956), to insert new paragraph (15A) which prescribes a fee of $2,625 for granting Ministerial permission to reside in Bermuda under section 25(1) of the 1956 Act, pursuant to the grant of an economic investment certificate. This fee is the same as the fee imposed under paragraph (16)(d) for grant of a residential certificate under section 32(5) of the 1956 Act.
The ChairmanChairmanAny further speakers? No further speakers? Minister, do you want to move those two clauses? Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Chairman, I move that clauses 1 and 2 be now approved.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that clauses 1 and 2 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. Continue, Minister. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 and 2 passed.] Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Chairman, I now move clause 3.
The ChairmanChairmanContinue. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Chairman, c lause 3 validates any fee of $2,625 imposed under paragraph (16)(d) of Head 6 of the Schedule to the Government Fees Regulations 1976 in respect of the grant of Ministerial permission to reside in Bermuda pursuant to the grant of an economic investment …
Continue.
Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Chairman, c lause 3 validates any fee of $2,625 imposed under paragraph (16)(d) of Head 6 of the Schedule to the Government Fees Regulations 1976 in respect of the grant of Ministerial permission to reside in Bermuda pursuant to the grant of an economic investment certificate, by deeming the fee to have been imposed and paid under the new paragraph (15A) inserted by clause 2.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, Mr. Chairman. Would the Honourable Minister assist with a point of clarification in that when looking at Government Fees Regulations 19 76, and this validation under clause 3 saying that any fee that has been paid under [paragraph] (16)(d) . . . and Mr. Chairman, with your permission …
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Would the Honourable Minister assist with a point of clarification in that when looking at Government Fees Regulations 19 76, and this validation under clause 3 saying that any fee that has been paid under [paragraph] (16)(d) . . . and Mr. Chairman, with your permission I would read [ paragraph] (16)(d) just to make sure we are clear.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, Mr. Chairman. “(d) on the issue of a residential certificate,” (meaning the section, it relates) to persons who freehold property and are eligible for residential certificate. Would the Honourable Minister explain why the validation is neces sary as it appears? And I believe he spoke to applications that …
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. “(d) on the issue of a residential certificate,” (meaning the section, it relates) to persons who freehold property and are eligible for residential certificate. Would the Honourable Minister explain why the validation is neces sary as it appears? And I believe he spoke to applications that have been made and were successful already under this, and they are being attributed, it seems, to the economic investment certificate. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanMinister. Hon. Jason Hayward: So what that particular clause establishes is that where fees were paid for the eco-nomic investment certificate granted, they had to have been paid according to law. And so, those certificates which were inappropriately paid under the p aragraph (16)(d), are now deemed to have been …
Minister.
Hon. Jason Hayward: So what that particular clause establishes is that where fees were paid for the eco-nomic investment certificate granted, they had to have been paid according to law. And so, those certificates which were inappropriately paid under the p aragraph (16)(d), are now deemed to have been paid under the new inserted paragraph. So it creates that level of con-tinuity between the provision that was used to accept the fees, validating the fees under the appropriate section of legislation that is now in place.
The ChairmanChairmanContinue, Mr. Richardson. 156 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Jarion Richardson: Thank you, sir. So, this means that there wasn’t that provision before to attribute these fees to the economic investment certificate so it was used as a kind of . . . I …
Continue, Mr. Richardson.
156 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Jarion Richardson: Thank you, sir. So, this means that there wasn’t that provision before to attribute these fees to the economic investment certificate so it was used as a kind of . . . I don’t know, a workaround just to facilitate the process. Would that be fair, Honourable Minister?
Hon. Jason Hayward: I would not use the terminology that it was used as a “workaround.” W hen the economic investment certificate was actually implemented, it was a form of a residential certificate, albeit not under the relevant section that was prescribed under [paragraph] (16)(d). As a result now, we have section 15A which is specific to the relevant clause in the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act and so we are just ensuring that fees are paid underneath the appropriate fee Schedule.
[Inaudible interjections]
The ChairmanChairmanAny further speakers? Mr. Richardson, are you fine?
Mr. Jari on RichardsonI am fine, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, Honourable Minister.
The ChairmanChairmanAny further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister, do you want to move clause 3? Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Chairman, I now move clause 3.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that clause 3 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Clause 3 passed.]
The ChairmanChairmanContinue, Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Chairman, I now move the preamble.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Chairman, I move that the Bill be reported to the House as printed.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. The Bill will be reported to the House as printed. Thank you, Minister. Thank you, MP Richardson. Mr. Speaker. [Motion carried: The Government Fees Amendment …
It has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. The Bill will be reported to the House as printed. Thank you, Minister. Thank you, MP Richardson. Mr. Speaker.
[Motion carried: The Government Fees Amendment and Validation Act 2021 was considered by a Committee of the whole House and passed.]
House resumed at 2:49 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair]
REPORT OF COMMITTEE
GOVERNMENT FEES AMENDMENT AND VALIDATION ACT 2021
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Deputy, much appreciated. Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Government Fees Amendment and Validation Act 2021 being reported to the House as printed? There are no objections. The Bill has been reported to the House as printed. Members, that brings us to the end …
Thank you, Deputy, much appreciated. Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Government Fees Amendment and Validation Act 2021 being reported to the House as printed? There are no objections. The Bill has been reported to the House as printed. Members, that brings us to the end of the Orders for today. And I would just like to do the third read-ings at this point. Minister of Education, would you like to do your third readings?
SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, I move that Standing Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move that the Bill entitled the Bermuda National Trust Amendment Act 2021 be now read a third time by its title only.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections? There are none, continue, Minister. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING BERMUDA NATIONAL TRUST AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill be now read a third time by its title only and passed.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe Bill has been read a third time by its title only and has now passed. Thank you, Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Bermuda House of Assembly [Motion carried: The Bermuda National Trust Amendment Act 2021 was read a third time and passed.] The Spe …
The Bill has been read a third time by its title only and has now passed. Thank you, Minister.
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Bermuda House of Assembly [Motion carried: The Bermuda National Trust Amendment Act 2021 was read a third time and passed.]
The Spe aker: Minister of Labour.
SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21
Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I move that Standing Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move that the Bill entitled Government Fees Amendment and Validation Act 2021 be now read a third time by its title only.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections to the Bill being read a third time by its title only? There are no objections. Continue, Minister. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING GOVERNMENT FEES AMENDMENT AND VALIDATION ACT 2021 Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill be now …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe Bill has been read a third time by its title only and has now passed. [Motion carried: The Government Fees Amendment and Validation Act 2021 was read a third time and passed.]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Members, thank you, Minister, for your contribution today everyone. And we are now at that point where the Premier or Deputy Premier . . . Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDeputy Premier, yes. ADJOURNMENT Hon. Walter H. Roban: I so move, if you allow me—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Hon. Walter H. Roban: I so move that we adjourn until December 10, at 10:00 am.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerCorrect. Are there any objections to that? There are none. Does any Member w ish to speak to that? Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDeputy Speaker. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, sir. COVID -19—FREEDOM OF CHOICE FOR PREVENTION AND/OR TREATMENT Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Mr. Speaker, this morning I read online some good news. The report said that no one is in the hospital, and it is the first time since August. With that I want to thank and …
Yes, sir.
COVID -19—FREEDOM OF CHOICE FOR PREVENTION AND/OR TREATMENT
Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Mr. Speaker, this morning I read online some good news. The report said that no one is in the hospital, and it is the first time since August. With that I want to thank and congratulate the Government on the policy, the health care workers and all the fro ntline workers who are responsible for that, including the other doctors who I will talk about later. Mr. Speaker, this morning the Minister said it correctly. We must stop the spread of this virus. And we all know that vaccines do not stop the spread of the virus. It is a proven fact that the face mask and washing hands and keeping physical distance, as the Minister announced this morning, are the three things that stop the spread of the virus. You have got to wear your mask. So, Mr. Speaker, the Government has been steadfast in their policy and it has proven to work. Even the vaccines have been mostly effective in curbing the spread . . . not curbing the spread, but if one catches [the virus] the seriousness of it is cut if one has the vaccine. Mr. Sp eaker, I saw on television Monday night, one of the doctors came on and they were pushing for people to take the vaccine. What sort of annoyed me is that it made no mention about wearing the mask, social distancing, or the washing of hands. I think with any message we do on TV, or wherever, we need to start a statement with that and finish with that, Mr. Speaker. I even heard on one (not Monday night, another show) the one doctor say that if you take the shot you will not die. Well, Mr. Speaker, we do know that there have been some deaths of people who have been vaccinated. I am not criticising the vaccination; I think that is the choice of the patient and their doctor. None whatsoever! So, I do not have a problem with that. But, Mr. Speaker, let me go on to say that in September a public piece came out attributed to a doc-tor who said that he had treated 250 patients, some had been vaccinated, some had been unvaccinated. And he did say that the unvaccinated group were far more sick that the vaccinated group. Mr. Speaker, what he did say was that he treated them and no one died, the whole 250. And he was not using the method, the protocols that the Health Ministry has put in place. 158 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Whether we accept it or not, there are people who for health or for religious or personal reasons will not take the vaccine. And I suppose we have to think in these terms: If you have got to sign a waiver to take a medicine prescribed by a doctor, or anyone in the med-ical field, you would think twice. Why am I signing a waiver? I would get suspicious there. Unlike the vaccines that we took when we went to school for smallpox and measles and whatever, you got them and they lasted a lifetime. There was no controversy with that. Mr. Speaker, what this doctor said when he released his paper in September was, I take an oath. All physicians take an oath to first do not harm people. So if a doctor prescribes a medicine for you, who are insurance companies, who do not take an oath in the medical field, to say they are not going to pay for it? The insurance company does not . . . their stance on this here should not be overpowering the oath that all doctors have to take. No doctor is going to prescribe a medicine for you that he thinks won’t work, Mr. Speaker. And as this doctor, Dr. Kyjuan Brown, said, o ur main objective is to educate the variety of treatments which are available . I think that goes for any doctor. Some doctors will treat one ailment different from the other, and not prescribe the same medicine. (I am told.) But if you have insurance the prescriptions that they prescribe are paid for by the insurance company. And he also said vaccinated patients are still getting very ill from the disease. But it goes to show that . . . it tells me that . . . well, what is out there now is people seem to think, are saying, that the virus is spread by unvaccinated people. The vaccine will not stop a person from spreading it. Again, I will repeat it. Nor will it stop you from catching the virus. But what it does, and it is a proven fact . . . your sickness will not be as severe, even though there have been some deaths [among] those who have been vaccinated and more deaths [among] those who have been unvaccinated. That is clear to me. But we govern for all people. And if all people do not want t o take it for the reasons that I said earlier, then what we should be advising is that, Hey, if you don’t do this, you should be doing that. We have to protect everybody. And we want to protect [against] the spread of it. So if one is being treated by . . . there are numerous doctors in Bermuda that prescribe Ivermectin for this here, with success. Dr. Brown had 250 at that date (that was in September ), and had not lost a patient, the unvaccinated. And he said, let me repeat, that the unvaccinated were far sicker than the vaccinated. Even though it is the case, he did not lose any of them. And Mr. Speaker, that is why, I must say, I am a bit annoyed that the insurance companies have taken it upon themselves to tell a doctor, in other words, W hat you prescribed for your patient, we are not going to pay for, even though it is successful. Now, we know the insurance companies are not paying for the vaccine. And there is no liability to them or to the big pharma who made the vaccine, because you have got to sign a waiver. I don’t know why they won’t pay because they paid for Ivermectin before . And an insurance company really shouldn’t be ques-tioning a doctor based on a doctor who has a licence in Bermuda to practice, after taking the exams and the training, and taking an oath. They should not be telling a doctor what to prescribe, and that is what they are doing. Mr. Speaker, I have asked the Government, I said it last week, or the Ministry, that I think you need to advise the insurance companies that they should pay for Ivermectin because it is having success. Because Ivermectin is saving lives and the vaccine is saving lives, [but] they chose not to pay for Ivermectin because it is not one of the protocols that the Government is following. And that is okay. But because the Government is . . . and some doctors are following one protocol, it doesn’t mean that the other doctors who are following the other protocol are wrong. Dr. Kyjuan Brown can tell you that. He had 250 patients and not one of them lost . . . he did not lose any of them, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I do know that what I am saying this afternoon will not appear in the papers because the media seems to have taken—worldwide, Bermuda is no exception—a stance that they are not going to print anything about any adverse effects of taking the vac-cine. Oh, they are not doing that. And big pharma is making all the money. And, again, Mr. Speaker, I will not take [any] medicine, I don’t care whatever it is, where I have to sign a waiver that releases the company that made it from any type of liability. There has got to be something wrong there, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, again, I am calling on the Government to have this conversation with the insurance companies because there have been successes, not only from Dr. Kyjuan Brown, [but also] from other doctors, a couple of doctors . . . when I say a couple, I don’t mean a couple. Normally when we say “a couple” it is two. But there are a few doctors in this country who are prescribing Ivermectin and whatever else, and the insurance companies should be paying for that medication, Mr. Speaker. Let me say this, Mr. Speaker. I represent constituency 5. I have constituents who approve of the vaccination, and I have some constituents who approve of the Ivermectin and have taken both. I have to represent all of them—those who take the vaccination and t hose who take Ivermectin and whatever else the doctors prescribe for them. I cannot remain quiet whilst they are going through another protocol and the insurance companies are not paying, even though these folks have paid their premiums up to date, so the medicine is totally under their premiums and the insurance companies won’t pay. This is so unfair. They are acting like a dictatorship where they are going to tell you what to prescribe for your patients. They are not doctors. They are not medical doctors . They do not know that patient like
Bermuda House of Assembly the doctor does. And they should not be questioning the doctors’ prescriptions, what he prescribes for his patients, particularly when it works! So, again, Mr. Speaker, let me finish where I started off. I thank the Go vernment for the policy because no one is in hospital as I read online and that is a good thing. But please do not forget all the people — all of the people, including those who are vaccinated and those who are unvaccinated. Do not forget the doctors, those who followed the protocols set by the Health Department and those who follow another protocol. Both are working, both protocols are working. So we cannot be . . . Mr. Speaker, I will always fight discrimination anywhere. I have fought it all my life and I cannot stop and say nothing when I see discrimination right before my eyes. And some people are condoning it. You cannot do that, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Deputy. It is much appreciated. Any other Member who would like to make a contribution at this time? Any other Member?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Foggo, you have your 20 minutes. COVID -19—FREEDOM OF CHOICE FOR PREVENTION AND/OR TREATMENT
Ms. Lovitta F. FoggoYes, Mr. Speaker, given the speech coming from the previous speaker, I feel compelled to weigh in to this debate on the same line and length as the speaker who just took his seat. Mr. Speaker, I believe that I grew up in a country where one’s medical health is …
Yes, Mr. Speaker, given the speech coming from the previous speaker, I feel compelled to weigh in to this debate on the same line and length as the speaker who just took his seat. Mr. Speaker, I believe that I grew up in a country where one’s medical health is something that is personal between their doctor and themselves and how one chooses, if they are sick, to combat that illness. As long as they are going through legal means, it is their basic human right to do whatever is necessary to ensure optimal health for themselves. Mr. Speaker, the speaker who just took his seat spoke about situations where people have had to sign waivers so that if they experienced adverse complica-tions pharmaceutical companies are not held liable, where Governments are not held liable if they put in regulations that support the same direction as what has been advised by health organisations. And, Mr. Speaker, when there are other avenues on top of that where one can try and maintain optimal health, and if it has the blessing of their doctor, one would think that this would be sacrosanct for that person to indeed engage in that methodology to ensure their health. If, as the speaker who just took his seat said, doctors are writing prescriptions using methodologies which may not enjoy the, I guess, I don’t want to say approval, but enjoy the consent of those who operate in the health area, it should not be where that particular individual or individuals ar e, if you will, being punished. I think that any measure that is going to render someone in a better state of health, again, as long as they are engaging in legal means, would be welcomed because prolonged sickness sometimes greatly impacts governments in that they find where sometimes they have to kick in and support. And so when we are seeing constituents who are complaining that they are having to pay $600 for a prescription which is a substance that for the last 40 years or so has been accepted medicall y, and insurance companies are saying, We are not covering this, it raises all sorts of question marks. As far as I am concerned, I think that in this current environment where we have seen worldwide countries being plagued by the COVID -19 virus, I would think that engaging in measures that have proven to work would be something that any government would want because, clearly, and I believe it was in Florida where the new medical officer that was instated there quite a few months back made it very clear th at vaccines alone (speaking state wide) will not get us there. And so while I am not saying that anyone in particular has said no to this, it is, I think, a question for Government to look at from the view of if we want to be on top of this, perhaps we sho uld ensure that other methodologies are available more readily to persons, especially if it speaks to affordability to persons who are seeking to ensure that they do their part in this fight against COVID -19. Mr. Speaker, I think I can safely say that all of us on both sides of the fence, OBA/PLP, and every Member that sits in your respectful House wants to ensure that we win this war against COVID -19. Like the Honourable Member who just spoke, I too can attest to the fact that there are several doctors who I know, several, and if I am to believe the intelligence that comes to me, it is more than several who prescribe medicines such as Ivermectin, and those doctors have had a high level of success. And so I would say vaccines, Ivermectin , whatever tools ar e available in our fight against COVID -19, that we should readily utilise those tools to ensure that our people get through this war successfully. And I do call it a war, Mr. Speaker. I would hope that those insurance companies would have a revisit on thi s policy of not trying to—because we do pay our insurance premiums —that they would revisit that policy and include this medication so that persons do not find themselves paying exorbitant amount of monies. Further to that, I do not think that any of those insurance companies have a crystal ball where they could say hand over heart that the doctor 160 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly who is prescribing that medication, let’s say for instance, Ivermectin, is prescribing it for an individual who is suffering from COVID -19. I do believe that medical information is still considered confidential information between the patient and their doctor. And I think it is very presumptuous of insurance companies to assume . . . given if the person who just took their seat is correct, if it used to be covered, I think it is very presumptuous of them to assume that it is being used for COVID -19 in all instances and take the position that they are not going to cover this particular medication under insurance. As has been stated, those of us who work, and even some of us who do not work, have insurance cov-erage. And we expect under our coverage to be able to access certain medications. After all, that is why we invest our monies in these insurance companies who make billions of dollars with t hose monies. And certainly they should be at least, I guess, honouring their side of the contract by providing the funding to cover these medications. Mr. Speaker, we all have to do our part in combating COVID -19. I get that. But by applying practices that many would consider discriminatory, I do not think it brings us closer to winning that war. We all know that science is dynamic and constantly changing. And given the vast amount of evidence that has been acquired throughout this year with respect to COVI D-19, I would think that the intelligence demonstrates that, Okay, we just cannot employ this technique. If we really want to get on top of things, we must be open enough and determined enough and use all weaponry at our hands to overcome this battle that we find ourselves in. We know the impact that it has had on our economy. We know the impact that it has had on our loved ones. Mr. Speaker, I know that there is not one person who through all of this who does not want to see a successful control being real ised through all of this where, just like with the flu pandemic we can now walk around fairly freely, even though millions of people still die from the flu every year. We still have flu shots and the like that help tremendously, and other medications that help tremendously in the war against the flu where we do not operate as though we are behind the eight ball. We operate from a position of strength. We operate with confidence knowing that for the most part we can beat that. We need to arrive at that same place with respect to COVID -19. And so I for one feel that it is incumbent upon us as a community to be able to have the freedom to employ all successful methodologies that will allow us to get into the space that we all desperately wish to be in. We want to see Bermuda return to the days of pre . . . well, 2019. We are working tirelessly to bring about those sorts of conditions so that we can get back to operating in the same manner, if not in a better manner than what we currently are doing, and even than what we were operating at in 2019, if we can realise a better state. Mr. Speaker, I again hope that our community partners are listening and feel open enough to want to operate in a way that will allow us more readily, more speedily, more effectively to fight this war against COVID -19. And I want to thank all of those persons who have done their part in trying to do so, the doctors, the Health Department , the Government, all of the different actors who are working tirelessly to get on top of this. And I t hink the order of the day is a multi -pronged approach that will get us where we need to be. And on that note, Mr. Speaker, I thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI hear a voice; I am trying to recognise the voice. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Speaker, I am trying to—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Dunkley. MP Dunkley, you have your 20 minutes. COVID -19—NEED FOR MULTI -PRONGED APPROACH Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity this afternoon to speak on the motion to adjourn on a sub-ject that has been discussed by colleagues on …
MP Dunkley. MP Dunkley, you have your 20 minutes.
COVID -19—NEED FOR MULTI -PRONGED APPROACH Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity this afternoon to speak on the motion to adjourn on a sub-ject that has been discussed by colleagues on the other side of the House just prior to me. I certainly agree to the extent that if we are going to continue get on top of COVID -19, we must use a multi -pronged approach, as the Member who just spoke before me said, to deal with COVID -19. And before I get into that, Mr. Speaker, let me just say that one of the things that has concerned me and I am sure many other people within the community, is as we have started and commenced our journey to deal with COVID -19, division has raised its ugly head within our community on many different cir cumstances and issues. One place here is that as soon as vaccines were approved and they were started to get administered all over the world and certainly Bermuda, there was a division between those who supported vaccines and those who do not support vacci nes. Now, Mr. Speaker, I go on record that I do support vaccines. I have had the vaccination for COVID - 19. And I am very comfortable with the fact that I took it and I feel good after taking it. I do believe it offers for me a level of protection. But it doesn’t mean that I throw caution to the wind and I live my life like I used to in 2019 and early 2020 before the virus hit our shores. But, Mr. Speaker, the division within our community over vaccination is something that I think has impeded
Bermuda House of Assembly our progress to a great extent at times because it seems whether you sit on one side or the other, you form an inherent bias that it is not helping in our relationships in trying to deal with the pandemic that affects each and every one of us in Bermuda and people throughout the world. So I would hope that we could respect other people’s opinion. We do not need to keep bombarding people with what we believe is evidence on one side or the other, but we just need to listen to the facts as they are from reliable sources and move forward. The division stops us from dealing with the challenge we have, and that is COVID -19. I say that to start my comments because it is a very important point. I respect those who do not wish to get vaccinated. But I do not believe it is the right approach to take. The vaccines have worked. They went through a significant and lengthy trial period. And now they were approved by the FDA, after many people said they would not take them until they were approved. Now they were approved a couple of months ago, so I think that is further evidence that they are an important part of our fight against COVID -19, as vaccinations have been all through the history of mankind. Vaccinations have worked. They have gone through trial periods, and they have worked. Now, vaccinations for any disease are not 100 per cent effective. We know that. And so we have to guide ourselves and control our actions in an appro-priate way. So I fully support the continued need to wear masks as appropriate, the continued need to social distance as appropriate and the continued need to practice the proper hygiene at all times. These are effective ways of controlling the virus but they are not fool proof in themselves. Now that vaccinations became a part of what we can do in our tool kit in Bermuda since earlier this year, that helps us be more effective in our fight against COVID -19. Now, more recently, treatments are becoming known and are effective in dealing with COVID -19. And I think we should take advantage of any treatment that is approved to deal with COVID -19 because while vaccinations will curb the spread of the virus and will help people fight the virus themselves individually, if people get sick it is always good to have some treat-ment applications ready for them. Now, Mr. Speaker, the tw o Members who spoke just before me were talking a lot about Ivermectin. Now, Mr. Speaker, I am not a doctor. I am not a scientist. But I have followed most of the aspects of COVID -19 very closely for a period of time, since January of 2020 when I first rea d about it early in the media and saw it on the horizon. I continued to follow it and stay abreast of what is important about it and tried to do the best I could not only representing people but helping to protect myself and my family and the people around me. Mr. Speaker, the WHO recommends not using Ivermectin in cases with COVID -19, except in a clinical trial. Mr. Speaker, the Ivermectin was not approved by the FDA for the treatment of COVID -19. These are facts, Mr. Speaker. It is only approved by the F DA for treatment of intestinal parasitic diseases. Ivermectin is approved for animal use, but that Ivermectin is recommended not to be taken by humans. Mr. Speaker, those scientists who studied this, and the FDA, and the World Health Organization, currently say there is not enough high- quality evidence supporting the use of Ivermectin for treatment of COVID -19. And so I think we should listen to those people to whom we provide the responsibility to give us good advice. While I appreciate the comments from the two Members who spoke before me, I think that those that I just mentioned and the information they provide is important. And based on dialogue that is not in the motion to adjourn, I would look forward to hearing comments from the Minister of Health, t he Ministry of Health, the Bermuda Health Council and [Bermuda Medical] Doctors Association [BMDA] in Bermuda on what they believe the correct guidance is. Because while we as Members of Parliament have the responsibility of speaking on behalf of the peopl e we serve, and we continue even now 22 months into the pandemic while we continue to get in touch with our constituents about COVID -19 and many other issues, it is important that we hear [from] those who have the responsibility to do deal with these healt h issues. So while I have cited information from bodies who have a responsibility in the United States and worldwide it is very clear that the FDA has a rigid approval process and they have said up to this day it is not approved by the FDA. Now, Mr. Speaker, if there are doctors in Bermuda who have been approved for clinical trials, that is another matter in itself. And I think, Mr. Speaker, in fairness, we will see medicines quickly be approved after coming into the conversation about the treatment of COVI D-19. The simple fact is that COVID -19 is not going anywhere for a while. Viruses tend to stay [virulent] over t ime and this one has proven more virulent than many other viruses with just a new strain identified in South Africa just over the last couple of days and it has been given a name by WHO just today, Mr. Speaker. So, just like we were unsure about how to deal with COVID -19 in the spring of 2020, and then we found effective testing to help us to gauge the spread in our community and who had the virus, and just like we were unsure about how to provide an effective vaccination for COVID -19, that has now changed. I think that rapidly, and very rapidly, there will be treatments forthcoming that we can all put our hand on heart and say that there have been enough clinical trials about. We are confident in using these drugs on people. And with the guidance from the world associa-tions and the guidance from those who are trusted with the responsibility in Bermuda, Mr. Speaker, I think we can move forward in our journey back to a more normal society in dealing with COVID -19. 162 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly As I said, it is not going anywhere. You have to learn to live with it. But we must learn to live with responsibility, with responsibility by ourselves and in a responsible way. And we have to—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYou have a point of information?
Ms. Lovitta F. FoggoYes, just a point of information. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I am happy to take that.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe Member is prepared to yield. POINT OF INFORMATION
Ms. Lovitta F. FoggoThank you, Member. I just want to point out one thing. The FDA has approved Ivermectin for human use, for drugs in humans since 1996. I just want to point that out. That is why doctors have prescribed it in human use.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: That is correct, Mr. Speaker. But as I said earlier in my comments . . . and I stopped for the point of information because I think this is an important conversation we should have and I am interested in any information. But as …
Thank you.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: That is correct, Mr. Speaker. But as I said earlier in my comments . . . and I stopped for the point of information because I think this is an important conversation we should have and I am interested in any information. But as I said, Mr. Speaker, the Ho nourable Member said it is approved for human use, that is correct. But for intestinal parasitic diseases, Mr. Speaker; Ivermectin has not been approved at this point by the FDA for treatment of COVID - 19. And I think there is a difference there. It does not mean that with more clinical trials that this won’t be the case. What it does mean, Mr. Speaker, is that if we are to push forward with it at this stage in time we must do it with caution and all the expertise that is available for us to do it. That is simply my point. I am not speaking tonight to push back at MP Burgess or MP Foggo on what they said, I am just providing context in that the two most important things as we face this virus, Mr. Speaker, are the health of our people and the ability to get back on our feet. And as somebody who tries my best to live a healthy lifestyle, I will continue to stand up for the health of the people and what I believe is best for us to live that healthy life-style. So I hope I have provided some context to this situa tion. I would hope that we could make some rapid progress on treatments, Mr. Speaker, because that is needed now because the virus is going to be with us for some time. I would hope, Mr. Speaker, that as we continue to put a laser -like focus on COVID -19, and it is important to do so because it is not going anywhere even though the Throne Speech made references to it, I would hope that we also review what we have done in the past to deal with COVID -19 and look at some of those stats that we have, Mr. Speaker . As the Minister said this morning in the Statement that she gave, and I am not reflecting back on the Statement the Honourable Minister gave, but the Minister stated the fact that 106 of our loved ones have passed away since the advent of COVID -19 in Mar ch/April 2020. [There have been] 106. Mr. Speaker, if you compare that to other jurisdictions, we seem to have a higher percentage of our population who have been affected and who have passed on. And if that is the case, then perhaps the Minister —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading]
Ms. Lovitta F. FoggoYes, I think that the Member is unknowingly misleading the House. It is approximately . . . we have an approximate 98.2 per cent (I think) recovery rate which is in line with the rest of the world in terms of recovery for those who have been infected, based on …
Yes, I think that the Member is unknowingly misleading the House. It is approximately . . . we have an approximate 98.2 per cent (I think) recovery rate which is in line with the rest of the world in terms of recovery for those who have been infected, based on the number of people who have died, and the total number of people who have been infected with COVID -19. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I thank the Honourable Member for that point of order. Recovery rate is different from people passing away from the disease. I did not say “recovery rate.” I said—
Ms. Lovitta F. FoggoPoint of or der, Mr. Speaker. I will say it differently. Then like the rest of world, we have—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. POINT OF ORDER
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo—a death rate of approximately 1 per cent to 1.8 per cent, which is still line with what has been reported worldwide. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, again, I appreciate that point of order. But I think that percentage is high. I think that as we c ontinue to …
—a death rate of approximately 1 per cent to 1.8 per cent, which is still line with what has been reported worldwide.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, again, I appreciate that point of order. But I think that percentage is high. I think that as we c ontinue to move forward and put ourselves in a better position to deal with COVID - 19, we should look at the reasons why so many people have died in Bermuda and what we need to do to be a healthier community.
Bermuda House of Assembly That is my point, Mr. Speaker, because every death, it is one too many. And I think every politician will say that. I certainly share condolences for the families of those who have departed us through the COVID -19 pandemic. But one of the biggest challenges we face, Mr. Speaker, is that there are too many of us in Bermuda who have unhealthy lifestyles. As we face increasing insurance premiums, increasing cost of health insurance, increasing cost of health care it behoves us to look at healthier lifestyles because that can curb all those increases that I just mentioned, Mr. Speaker. So I speak tonight on a topic of critical and high importance for the community , one that is not going to go away. And I thank colleagues for raising it as well tonight. We have a lot of work to do. But with what Government has learned, we can make better decisions going forward to make our community healthier and more productive. 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 other Member? Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, Mr. Speaker. I would need to be the one closing tonight so —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDeputy, I haven’t recognised you yet. Hon. Walter H. Roban: I was trying to be sure that all Members have had an opportunity to speak.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDeputy, I am going to say this. No other Member moved. I was about to close the House. You spoke up. I am going to allow you to speak which means the House will now c lose when you finish. If you don’t speak — Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, …
Deputy, I am going to say this. No other Member moved. I was about to close the House. You spoke up. I am going to allow you to speak which means the House will now c lose when you finish. If you don’t speak —
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, Mr. Speaker, I know that. Thank you for your indulgence. I was attempting to make sure that everybody who wanted to speak tonight would have that opportunity which was why I —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWell, I am giving you the opportunity, no one else. Let’s be clear. No one else moved. So you have it now, or I will close the House. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Understood, Mr. Speaker. I am going to speak now.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Deputy. So you have your 20 minutes. COVID -19—COMMENDING AND THANKING FRONTLINE WORKERS Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, very much. Now, Mr. Speaker, thank you. Thank you for the opportunity to speak. We certainly have had a full legislative day thus far and I am h appy …
Thank you, Deputy. So you have your 20 minutes.
COVID -19—COMMENDING AND THANKING FRONTLINE WORKERS Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, very much. Now, Mr. Speaker, thank you. Thank you for the opportunity to speak. We certainly have had a full legislative day thus far and I am h appy to have the opportunity to speak now on the motion to adjourn on mat-ters which I think are important to mention. Firstly, Mr. Speaker, as has already been done, I would like to give recognition to our frontline persons who have been supporting the fi ght of the pandemic in Bermuda. Health care professionals and work-ers who have been flat out taking care of our country 24 hours a day, usually pushing themselves to the edge [dealing] with outbreaks and other things that happened, Mr. Speaker. And certain ly denied their opportunity to be with their families, and even had to perhaps, even more than many, deal with the tragedy of death in front of them with those families who have also suffered. So I take my hat off to those courageous health care workers i n all of the facets that they work whether it be in our acute care, whether it be in our seniors care, whether it be in caring for our young people, paediatric care protecting our youth and our young ones who have just come into the world and their mothers , and all who have been in the health care business inside and out-side of the hospital. You know, they all have been working to keep this Island safe, Mr. Speaker. I would also certainly commend the people who have also been working to administer our COVI D19 apparatus, the testers, who are not only testing every day but are testing people as they come into the Island and providing testing services. I must say, Mr. Speaker, I am so impressed with our local testing teams that in my recent experience overseas I would agree that our testing teams are better than the testing experience that I have had in other countries, of which I recently travelled to. And I believe that our young people, who seem to be the largest constituency of the staff, are just fantasti c. I perhaps am just echoing what others in the House would echo as well. I am so pleased and proud of all those who have been over the past two years participating in this effort to fight COVID -19 and assist us in protecting our shores.
SHORTAGE OF CHRISTMAS TREES
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, having said that, I would like to touch on a few other interesting things with the upcoming season. I think we have heard reports that we may actually have a shortage of Christmas trees this year, Mr. Speak er, very unfortunate. But I know from the responsibilities in my Ministry that this has nothing to do with anything that Bermuda is doing. That has to do with issues abroad in North America with supply chains, with issues of labour and access to labour in some of the places where we might access our Christmas trees. So there may be a severe shortage which will make trees more costly. 164 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly I also believe that there will be some trees available, but not as much as we may have been traditionally used to as a count ry with those trees that we bring in from North America, those pines, that we tradi-tionally have in our homes that give our homes that el-egant smell of Christmas that we all love to have. So, obviously, people should be prepared for that. It is an unfortunate circumstance as Christmas for many will be a very special time, particularly if their families can get together in ways that they normally cannot. But I can assure you, Mr. Speaker, if the situation as I speak now improves over the next upcoming week s, the Department of the Environment and the team there will be happy to play their role in assisting to getting trees available to people in the Island. Additionally, Mr. Speaker, we are now in a period ––and certainly having come out of the COP26 conference and the decisions that the globe has realised it has to make–– [in which] I believe there is a more heightened interest in the environment, Mr. Speaker, particularly locally. Last night I had the opportunity to witness a celebration of some of the champi ons at the BUEI [Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute]. It was an inau-gural environmental hero award ceremony held at the BUEI and a number of Bermudians of different backgrounds and different ages were celebrated for their contribution to protecting a nd supporting our environment. Scientists, citizen scientists, persons who are passionate about the environment were celebrated and given awards last night at the BUEI. I would like to thank all of them; some of them actually even work for government. And that is one of the wonderful things as well. So, a celebration of those people, because the environment has become an area of great concern to everyone. And in some ways, because of that, Mr. Speaker, perhaps even the whole way procuring trees from North America may not be as an environmentally friendly practice as we have become accustomed to because those trees have to be . . . and although they do not destroy whole trees to do it, Mr. Speaker, they do cut off a part of the top of them and that then has to be transported through usually a flatbed truck to a facil-ity, then packaged, then shipped on a ship to Bermuda. Well, there is a whole lot of CO 2 exhaustion that comes out of that process which perhaps in this age is some-thing that we need to think very carefully about as a country. I am not trying to be a Christmas tree hater; I am not, because I love those trees, Mr. Speaker. But I also understand that in this time of which we are looking to have more concern for nature, this is something that we shou ld think about. But as we confront a period where we may not have a shortage of Christmas trees, I believe that there is a local opportunity for a solution, Mr. Speaker. That solution is something that comes from the past. I would suggest that some of us w ho may want to make a change, or we are not going to have the opportunity to get a tree, think about a local option. How about going to one of the local plant nurseries and getting a cedar tree that has been planted in a pot that is growing and use that as your alternative Christmas tree? Or get another tree species that you like and use that as your Christmas tree option this year. As you may know, although you are not an old person, Mr. Speaker, by any way, but others who are listening may remember that back before we were able to import trees many people took a piece of a ce-dar branch and put it in their house and decorated it and that was their [Christmas] tree. I remember being told about that all the time by our elders that this is what they used to do before we were able to import all of these trees. They took cut a branch off a cedar, put it in a pot, and that was the [Christmas] tree in the house for the season. Well, as I have said we could go to one of the nurseries that are often growing cedars and use that, or another tree species and then when the season is finished, Mr. Speaker, take the decorations off and plant that tree in your yard or in a special place. You will have chosen a more sustainable option to celebrate Christmas by choosing a gr owing tree, but at the same time when Christmas is over you plant that tree and add to the pro-liferation of trees on our Island and provide a nature-based solution because that tree is a carbon capture, a natural carbon capture organism that can help to absorb the CO 2 from the environment and produce clean air that we all desire. I am just proposing that, Mr. Speaker, because we often have to make [lemonade out of lemons]. And I think this is a great option for many locals to think about. Contact one of the local nurseries and see if they have a cedar that they are growing or another tree option, Mr. Speaker, that might be suitable that you might like and you could use that as your alternative Christmas tree for 2021. Just a thought to put out there for everyone, all of our Members of Parliament, to members of the community, as we are concerned about nature, concerned about the environment. What can we do here to make a difference? That is just one thing over the holidays I think that might be just a little different than normal, particularly if there is a shortage of trees and you want to still have that Christmas feel. So, Mr. Speaker, those are just some of the thoughts that I would like to give people. But how much more time do I have left, Mr. Speaker?
[No audible response]
Hon. Walter H. Roban: I can’t hear you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSorry. I was still on mute. You have got 11 minutes. Bermuda House of Assembly BERMUDA’S COMMITMENT TO RENEWABLE ENERGY Hon. Walter H. Roban: All right. Mr. Speaker, I would like to just use some of that time to talk about some exciting things that certainly I am working on, …
Sorry. I was still on mute. You have got 11 minutes.
Bermuda House of Assembly BERMUDA’S COMMITMENT TO RENEWABLE ENERGY
Hon. Walter H. Roban: All right. Mr. Speaker, I would like to just use some of that time to talk about some exciting things that certainly I am working on, but this Government is so proud of working on and were included in our Throne Speech around the environment. The environ ment featured heavily in the Throne Speech this year because, really, Mr. Speaker, the care and attention to our environment is crucial to everything else we do. If we do not have a healthy environment, whether it be our oceans, our land or our air, Bermuda will not be a healthy place for us, for the biodiversity that we as an Island care about and rely on for our existence, and she won’t be attracting persons for all those who like to visit Bermuda. If our natural envi-ronment deteriorates, some of the very features that make Bermuda attractive for people to come here and that have attracted so many of us and have such great pride in, will no longer be available to us. So, we must care for our environment. And that is why within the Throne Speech I believe [ the] environment featured so heavily because the issue of climate change and how it impacts Bermuda as an Island is so important for all of us to give recognition to, and begin to take action against climate change. Mr. Speaker, I am particularly proud of a recent announcement that we made today. Well, first I will talk about the fact that with the support of the British Government we are going to have tools available to us that will assist us with the protection of our marine and ocean environment. The nearly 200 nautical square miles that circle Bermuda, we will be able to effectively provide surveillance management and protection with the Blue Shield initiative that we are going to be a part of. [We are] the first territory to be a part of [this initia-tive]. So, I am very proud that the British have invited us to be a part of that programme. And invited us to be the first territory to take up and be a part of the Blue Shield which will greatly help the efforts that we are doing to build the Blue Economy, to build sustainable fisheries, to build a strong renewable energy capability with the use of our oceans. Mr. Speaker, I was very excited about the announcement we made around fulfilling, which is a Throne Speech commitment, and if you just allow me to briefly refer to page 4 of the Throne Speech where —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, continue. Hon. Walter H. Roban: —we talked about a Bill that will facilitate renewable energy technology testing products here in Bermuda. We made an announcement this week which will support that effort. So that is a Throne Speech commitment. And it also was in our platform on page 27, …
Yes, continue.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: —we talked about a Bill that will facilitate renewable energy technology testing products here in Bermuda. We made an announcement this week which will support that effort. So that is a Throne Speech commitment. And it also was in our platform on page 27, Mr. Speaker, of the Progressive Labour Party platform on October 2020. So we are fulfilling a platform commitment [and] we are fulfilling a Throne Speech commitment. I must say, Mr. Speaker, I think this creates a great opportunity for so many who may have interest in bringing solutions to the table. There is a study, Mr. Speaker, which was done which states that right now the existing renewable energy technology options that are available will only take care of 60 per cent of the obligation to have net zero by 2050. So we have another 40 per cent of capacity to create. That is only going to come through innovation. That is only going to come through res earch. That is only going to come from experimentation. That is only going to come from us moving technology forward. So, Bermuda has an opportunity to play a role in that process of getting the globe to where it needs to be in 2050. And I am proud that Bermuda has already made a commitment in its integrated resource plan, Mr. Speaker, to have nearly 100 per cent, 85 per cent of its energy generation from renewables by 2035 at 85 per cent, whereas now we are at the other end of the scale with 90 -plus per cent. So, we have got to move the dial forward. And that will also bring about a number of other opportunities, Mr. Speaker. It will help to eliminate the CO 2 that transport produces, that the existing utility unfortunately produces from its use of fos sil fuel and that is providing unfortunate aggravation to some of the residents in the Pembroke area. So clean air is crucial and we are going to renewable [energy sources] to ensure clean air going forward. It will also deal with some of the issues of cost, Mr. Speaker. Think about it. If this Island does not have to import huge amounts of fossil fuel in the hundreds of millions of dollars a year, whether it be for transport or for energy generation, think about what that would do to your electricity bill. That would take the fuel service charge, the fuel adjustment rate that everybody has a problem with, which is about the cost of fuel, totally out of the picture. As we move toward renewables, that particular component of your bill will disappear and will begin to disappear. So that is the excitement and the opportunity that moving to renewables, that participating in the ef-fort to bring innovative renewable technology to the table . . . those are the opportunities that face Bermuda and that we can grasp. And I look forward to working with the utility and all those who participate in the energy market to see us, with the regulatory authority squarely involved, driving and regulating and assessing the performance of our energy market, working with all those parties to see that Bermuda has clean air, a clean natural environment, is producing clean energy, and our energy future is contributing to that. I am glad that I have been able to bring about Throne Speech commitments that makes us one step . . . I am gl ad that I am able to bring about ocean protection solutions that will ensure clean oceans for us, and I am looking forward to doing so much more with 166 26 November 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly all of my colleagues in Government and outside of Government to make sure that Bermuda achieves those goals and that we are seen as a leader right now in the environmental protection [effort] in moving toward solu-tions toward climate change. I am so happy that my Government is committed to these roles. I am happy and proud of the Throne Speech that we have been able to produce and outline an Economic Recovery Plan that is designed to re- energise our economic situation and put Bermuda on the right track, Mr. Speaker. So I am proud of all the work that we are doing. And with that, Mr. Speaker, I wish to close and wish all of our colleagues over the next period until we come again a safe and happy period over the next couple of weeks until we come again to this House. Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Deputy Premier. Members, I thank y ou for your participation and your attendance today. We trust that you will remain safe and healthy, and we will see you when we sit again on December 10 at 10:00 am. Best to you. The House stands adjourned. [At 3:54 pm, …
Thank you, Deputy Premier. Members, I thank y ou for your participation and your attendance today. We trust that you will remain safe and healthy, and we will see you when we sit again on December 10 at 10:00 am. Best to you. The House stands adjourned. [At 3:54 pm, the House stood adjourned until 10:00 am, Friday, 10 December 2021.]