Hansard — September 10, 2021 — Bermuda Parliament

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning, Members. The House is now live, an d we will ask Ms. Beale to open with prayer. Ms. Beale. PRAYERS [Prayers read by Ms. Kara Beale, Assistant Clerk ]

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Ms. Beale. Members, the House is now in session. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES [Minutes of 23 July 2021 ]

The Speaker The Speaker The Minutes of July 23 have now been circulated. Are there any amendments or corrections to those Minutes? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Opposition Leader. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker, as you know, there were irregulari ties on the motion to adjourn. And these irregularities resulted in various miscommunic ations and other issues. When t he debate took place, it was perceived to be inequitable. And so we in the Opposition …

The Speaker The Speaker Well, I am going to say that this is a conversation that needs to be had off -air. You and I need to arrange a time to have a conversation regar ding this so that I can try and get a better understan ding of what your view is on …

The Speaker The Speaker I do not have a problem deferring it until we have that discussion. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Any other amendments? There are none. The Minutes have been deferred until the next sitting. [Minutes of 23 July 2021 deferred] MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR

The Speaker The Speaker There are none. ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER OR MEMBER PRESIDING MOTION TO ADJOURN 16 JULY 2021

The Speaker The Speaker Members, I wanted to take this opportunity to address the last sitting that took place on the 23rd of July. But before I speak to the 23rd of July, I should speak to the 16th of July. On the 16th of July , MP Cannonier rose on the motion to …

The Speaker The Speaker There are none. PAPERS AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS TO THE HOUSE The S peaker: There are four papers today. The first is in the name of the Premier. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. PROCLAMATION PROPOSED TO BE MADE BY HER EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR —SECTION 4 OF THE PUBLIC HO LIDAYS ACT 1947 Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the consideration of the Honourable House of Assembly the Proclamation proposed to be made …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Premier. The next is also in your name, Premier. BERMUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY 2020 YEAR IN REVIEW BERMUDA TOURISM AUTHORITY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. The third one is yours as well, Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I just did both.

The Speaker The Speaker Oh, okay. Thank you. You did them together, all right. And the final this morning as to Papers and Communications is the Public Health Extension from Minister Wilson. Ministe r Wilson. Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. PUBLIC HEALTH (COVID- 19) EMERGENCY EXTENSION (NO. 5) 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. 5) Order 2021 , proposed to be …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. That brings us to a close of the Papers and Communications. PETITIONS

The Speaker The Speaker There are none. STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS AND JUNIOR MINISTERS

The Speaker The Speaker We have eight Statements this mor ning. The first is in the name of the Premier. Premier, w ould you like to present your Statement at this time? Hon. E. David Burt: Yes, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to confirm that your honourable offices did receive a minor …

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Yes. All right. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much

The Speaker The Speaker We have been updated. UPDATE ON MOVING BEYOND THE PANDEMIC Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you. Mr. Speaker, when this Honourable House rose on the 23 rd of July, the countr y eagerly anticipated Cup Match, witnessing the annual classic and e njoying this summer highlight with family and friends. …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Mr. Premier. The second Statement this morning is in the name of the Deputy Premier. Deputy Premier, would you like to present your Statement at this time? Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES ACT 2021 Hon. Walter H. Roban: Good morning to you, an d good morning to the listening public and colleagues in the House of Assembly. Mr. Speaker, today I am tabling the Bill ent itled the Invasive Alien Species Act 2 021 , legislation …

The Speaker The Speaker Continue. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you. “Humanity faces the twin threats of climate change and biodiversity loss which, together, are undermining nature’s capacity to sustain healthy life, nutritious diets and national economies. The two are inextric ably linked and need to be tackled together urgently, with equal ambition.” They …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Deputy Premier. The next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Finance. Minister Dickinson, would yo u like to present your Statement at this time? Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: If it pleases you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. PROGRESS REPORT —CONDUCT FRAMEWORK FOR THE FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, the purpose of this Statement is to provide an update on the pr ogress being made to enhance the conduct framework for the financial services sector in Bermuda. The enhanced framework is …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. The next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Education. Minister, would you like to present your Statement at this time? Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: If it pleases you, Mr. Speaker. I am just waiting for my video to come on. I …

The Speaker The Speaker You go right ahead, Minister. THE IMPACT OF COVID- 19 ON IN -SCHOOL LEARNING FOR CHILDREN Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with my honourable colleagues and the community at large an update on the impact of COVID -19 in our public and private …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. The next Statement this morning is from Mi nister Furbert on behalf of the Ministry of Works and Engineering. Minister Furbert, would you like to put your Statement? FIFTH UPDATE ON THE STIMULUS PROGRAMME Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, Mr. Speaker, and …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. The next Statement this morning is that in the name of the Minister of Health. Minister, would you like to present your Statement at this time? Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Yes, thank you. Good morning again, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. HEALTH INSURANCE AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Today I will be tabling in this House a Bill entitled the Health Insurance Amendment Act 2021 , which introduces amendments to the stan d-ard premium rate and enhanced benefits under the Health Insurance Plan [HIP] and FutureCare. The …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. The next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Labour. Minister, would you like to put your Stat ement? Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Jason Hayward: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Good morni ng. PROGRESSING IMMIGRATION REFORM: EXPANDING PRC'S FOR LONG -TERM RESIDENTS Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I rise before this Honourable House to inform you that today the Go vernment will table the Bermuda Immigration and Pr otection Amendment Act 2021, which makes legislative amendments to advance comprehensive immigration …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. The next Stat ement, Minister, is also yours. Would you like to pr esent that one at this time? TABLING OF THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AMENDMENT ACT Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce to the Honourable House the tabling of the Financial Assistance Amendment …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. We appreciate that. Members, that brings us to a close of the Statement period for this morning. And we will now move on to the other items on the Orders for the Day. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

The Speaker The Speaker There are none.

The Speaker The Speaker Today is the second Friday of the month. And for the listening audience, on the second Friday of the mont h we include Premier’s Questions under Question Period. So today we will start with the Premier’s Questions at this point. And again, for the listening audience, the Premier’s Questions is …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier, the first question this morning to you is from the Opposition Leader. Opposition Leader, would you like to put your question? QUESTION 1: EFFICACY OF SAFEKEY Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question to the Premier r evolves around the effi cacy of …

The Speaker The Speaker Mr. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the question from the Honour able Opposition Leader, and it is a question that has been posed a lot of times. And I think what is important, Mr. Speaker, is that we give cont ext to …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary, Opposition Leader? SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes. Can the Premier also speak to the use of SafeKey for private family events —i.e., wa kes, marriages, birthday parties —so that the community is clear as to [the] numbers that they have to limit them-selves to and …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. 1892 10 September 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I think was indicated by the Honourable Minister of Health when the announc ements to the Public Health Regulations were made (I want to say on August …

The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary?

Mr. Scott Pearman Supplementary, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker No. Only the person asking the question is able to have a supplementary.

Mr. Scott Pearman Noted. T hank you.

The Speaker The Speaker So, Opposition Leader, do you have a second supplementary? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Not on that topic, no.

The Speaker The Speaker Would you like to go to your second question? QUESTION 2: COVID -19 SPIKE, RESOURCES B EING MADE AVAILABLE TO TH E HOSPITAL Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: My second question is, With the current spike, can the Premier provide details on the resources that he is making available for …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary, Opposition Leader? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No, I have no supplementary.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Would you like to put your third question? QUESTION 3: COVID -19, CRAFTING PUBLIC HEALTH MEASURES GOING FORWARD Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: My third question is this: The Premier said in the previous Statement that, g oing forward, the communi ty will have to …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Opposition Leader for his question. I think that it is important for us to recognise the basis of all public health intervention work is to prevent the health care system from becoming overwhelmed. And it is …

The Speaker The Speaker Do you have a supplementary, Oppos ition Leader? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No, Mr. Speaker. I am done. Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay, Opposition Leader. You have asked your three questions. The next Member who has indicated that they have a question for y ou, Premier, is MP Tyrrell. MP Tyrell, would you like to put your question?

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Good morning, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. Thank you for that. My video should be coming up shortly.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. QUESTION 1: SUCCESS OF CURRENT TO URISM SEASON

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Yes. Premier, changing direction, with our peak tourism season coming to a close, would you say that Bermuda has had a successful tourism season? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, may I answer? 1894 10 September 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Yes. Contin ue. Hon. …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary?

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell No follow -up, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you.

Mr. Vance Campbell Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Hello. Mr. Vance Campbell: Yes, Mr. Speaker. I was just wondering if you have me in your queue.

The Speaker The Speaker No, no. No, no. No, no, no, no. No, no. No supplementaries. The only person who has su pplementaries is the person asking the question.

Mr. Vance Campbell No, Mr. Speaker. I am just making sure you have me in line to ask a question.

The Speaker The Speaker I have a list of all Members who were provided by the Whips from either party. If you are on the Whip’s list, you are on my list. Okay? If you are not on the Whip’s list, you are not on my list. All right? The next Member who is …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Well, Mr. Speaker, I thank the Honourable Member for his question. I think the Mini ster of Health provided a very comprehensive update last week, Wednesday. And I know the Ministry of Health is committed to continuing to keep the public informed through technical updates …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? Hon. Michae l H. Dunkley: Second question, Mr. Speaker. Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: You only get one question. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Supplementary question then.

The Speaker The Speaker You have one question. When an Honourable Member asks a question, they have a single question and two s upplementaries. So, if you would like to, you can ask a supplementary. If you have no more supplementaries, then we will move on. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: It is actually a …

The Speaker The Speaker Put your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I thank the Premier for taking this into consideration. In the Premier’s Stat ement the Premier said something along the lines, “As long as we are able to properly manage the care for those who need medical attention generally and those persons …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the question of how close . . . the hospital does have excess capacity. The Bermuda Hospitals Board does also have additional capacity at the custom -built Lamb Foggo [Urgent Care Centre] in St. David’s as well. So the …

The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Speaker. The Honourable Premier is preaching to the converted on that point, and I fully support that. But the situation is changing quickly.

The Speaker The Speaker Your question? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Second suppl ementary. Can the Honourable Premier inform the Honourable House if the hospital recommended curfews or a lockdown at this point? Hon. E. David Burt: It is not for the hospital to recommend public health policy. That comes from the Ministry of Health.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Thank you. The next Member who has indicated a question for the Premier is MP Adams. MP Adams, would you like to put your questions at this point?

Mr. Jache Adams Good morning, Mr. Speaker. 1896 10 September 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Good morning. QUESTION 1: SAFEKEY, ADDITIONAL STEPS FOR PROTECTION

Mr. Jache Adams Just adjusting my camera here. Mr. Speaker, just to piggyback on the Oppos ition Leader’s question in recognition of the wider use of SafeKey and the continued rise of cases, would the Honourable Premi er share with this Honourable House any additional steps that businesses can take to protect their …

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Go right ahead, Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Honourable Member for his question, and I think one of the most important things which must be recognised is that it is essential that businesses do whatever they can to …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Would you like a supplementary?

Mr. Jache Adams No supplementary. Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Thank you. Premier, the next Member who h as a question for you is MP Jackson. MP Jackson would you like to put your question? QUESTION 1: COVID -19 TRAVEL AUTHORIS ATION FORM

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes. Good morning, Mr. Speaker, and good morning, Premier. My question is around technology. I am just wondering if the Premier would provide his position on advancements and improvements that can be made to improve the service of the hotline, the travel authorisation app, the long lines at the Perot …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank y ou. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: I thank the Honourable Member for her question, Mr. Speaker. And I just want to touch on the various items that she had said because I think she said travel authorisation testing, and there may be one other point which I may …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker You had a supplementary question?

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes, M r. Speaker, I do.

The Speaker The Speaker Put your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARY

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes. I just wanted to focus in on the travel authorisation form for a moment, as it causes so much angst for returning residents. And I personally have seen peopl e, tourists, visitors wanting to get to the Island and are unable to board a flight because the travel authorisation …

The Speaker The Speaker Member, Member. Let me pause you for a minute. I trust that you would be able to hear the alarm going off beside me indicating that the 30 minutes for the Premier’s Questions has come to a close. So, I will ask that we end the Premier’s Question Period at …

The Speaker The Speaker Member, the Minister is indicating that because of the sensitivity of the question, for security purposes it is probably best that the answer is not provided in a public space. But she is prepared to provide it to you privately under the guidance that you keep it out of the …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. We will ensure that the Minister gets the answer to you privately. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker And I would ask all Members to respect the sensitivity of that answer. And I do not have a problem with you, MP, sharing it with your colleagues. But I would ask that everybody respect the sensitivity and keep it out of the public space. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Put your second question. QUESTION 1: CCTV CAMERA SYSTEM MAINT ENANCE BUDGET Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Second question: Will the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House the total amount budgeted in the current fina ncial year to support system maintenance and system upgrades to the CCTV system? …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? You are muted. Hon. Renee Ming: You are muted. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Supplementary, yes. The Minister did say for maintenance and cameras. How much is going to be spent on maint enance? And what is the amount for the spend on new cameras …

The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: No, Mr. Speaker. Third question.

The Speaker The Speaker Third question. Go right ahead. QUESTION 3: CCTV SYSTEM, EXPANSION PLAN FOR BROA DER USE Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Will the Honourable Mini ster please inform this Honourable House what the long-term plan and strategy are for the use of technology throughout the CCTV system by expansion for broader use? …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker for the Honourable Minister’s answer. That is what I was looking at with the expansion or broader use. The Minister did say for the next financial year, I belie ve, that this would be looked at. Is there …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Second supplemental? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: No, Mr. Speaker. I appr eciate the answer to those questions, and I look forward to talking to the Minister about the first question asked.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Thank you. Hon. Renee Ming: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Members, that brings to a close the written questions for today. So we will move on to the questions on the Statements that were given this morning. The first Statement this morning was by the Premier in reference to moving beyond the pandemic. And, Premier, you have one Member who …

The Speaker The Speaker Oh, okay. All right. So we will pass on that. The second Statement this morning was that of the Deputy Premier. Deputy Premier, you have Members who have indicated they have questions for you. And Opposition Leader, would you like to put your question now? QUESTION 1: INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Minister. [No audible response] The Speake r: Is the Deputy Premier at his — Hon. Walter H. Roban: I am sorry.

The Speaker The Speaker Oh, okay. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, I did not realise you were calling me. Sorry.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Was there a question for me? I totally mi ssed it.

The Speaker The Speaker The Opposition Leader put a question to you in reference to your invasive species Statement this morning. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes.

The Speaker The Speaker Opposition Leader, would you like just to repeat the question? Hon. N. H. Cole Simon s: Yes. Can the Minister share with the public what programmes he has in place to eliminate those invasive animals —i.e., turtles in the canals, at mangroves, other animals —that have been released into the …

The Speaker The Speaker Is there a supplementary? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No.

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Oh, yes. Mr. Speaker, I have a quick supplementary.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, MP Jackson. SUPPLEMENTARY

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes. Thank you. I am just wondering if the Minister has or is incorporating into the legislation anything around bringing back and increasing the population of certain species that have since been decreased, such as our land crabs, which were super popular with fishermen, et cetera. Hon. Walter H. Roban: …

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Further supplementary?

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Not from me.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Opposition Leader, do you have another supplementary? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No. I am fine, thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Minister, the next MP who has indicated they have questions for you on that Statement is MP Pearman. MP Pearman, would you like to put your question?

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Minister, in your Statement to the House— Hon. Walter H. Roban: We cannot see the Honour able Member, Mr. Speaker. [Inaudible convers ation] Hon. Walter H. Roban: Oh, I am sorry. He is the same room with the other Members. Sorry.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, yes, at the Opposition office there. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes. Okay. Sorry.

Mr. Scott Pearman Can you hear me, Minister? Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes. QUESTION 1: INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES ACT 2021

Mr. Scott Pearman Excellent. In your Statement on invasive alien species in the new Bill that you propose to pass, you stated to the Honourable House that you want to emphasise that “we are not intending to make criminals of persons who may have species that they are not even aware are growing …

Mr. Scott Pearman Supplementary, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker I understand you want to — Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Member looks like he is going to — [Crosstalk]

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Minister. There will be a full debate on what this legislation entails. So, Member, when you ask a question, do not sort of anticipate the debate. But I will allow you to ask the question under guided conditions. SUPPLEMENTARY

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Obv iously, I am asking questions about a Ministerial Statement given this morning to the House, assuring the House and the public that he is not intending to make criminals of persons. And the Bill actually would make criminals of persons. So supplementary, Mr. Speaker, would …

Mr. Scott Pearman Minister, I am asking you if you are prepared to change it. And I am giving you for ewarning two weeks before the debate. Hon. Walter H. Roban: That is getting into debate on the Bill now, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Member and Minister. No, no, no. I will step in here. Member and Minister, I gave a guideline that we did not want to anticipate t he debate. The Member has put out his concern. And, Minister, I would just ask you to anticipate that it will be part of …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Thank you. Hon. Walter H. Roban: I anticipate. That is my answer. I anticipate.

Mr. Scott Pearman Mr. Speaker, thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker No problem. MP Pearman, do you have any further?

Mr. Scott Pearman No further supplementaries, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker No further? Okay. We will move on. The next Statement this morning that there are questions for is by the Minister of Finance. Minister of Finance, the Opposition Leader would like to put a question regarding your Statement this morning. Opposition Leader. QUESTION 1: PROGRESS REPORT —CONDUCT FRAMEWORK FOR THE …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Is there a supplementary? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I have a second question.

The Speaker The Speaker Second question? Put your second question. QUESTION 2: PROGRESS REPORT —CO NDUCT FRAMEWORK FOR THE FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: As the Minister of Finance knows, most companies have a complaints manag ement programme. They also have a complaints regi ster. And you will also know that …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Go ahead. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned in my previous answer, the objective here is to set a standard. And while I appreciate that a number of different organisations may have different levels of reporting and ways of dealing with complaints, the intention here is …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. No further questions? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No further questions. Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. That is the last question for you, Minister. The next Statement this morning that has questions is the Statement from Minister Furbert. Minister Furbert, you have two Members who have indicated they have questions for y ou. The first is MP Pearman. MP Pearman, would you like to …

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Minister. Minister, in your Statement to the House t oday you spoke about the stimulus project in fixing the stairs at Elbow Beach at the public access point to the tune of some $200,000. How does the Ministry or the relevant decision- maker decide …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Pearman, Member. I believe that the smaller the projects are. That is where the stimulus comes in because we can get it done ver y quickly. There are some major pr ojects that have to be done, and those ones are more …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES

Mr. Scott Pearman Yes, supplementary, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Bermuda House of Assembly Minister, does that mean that Works & Engineering will now be freed up to do more public works projects, if work they would otherwise do is being ou tsourced to third parties? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Well, not necessarily. So …

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you. Second supplementary, Mr. Speaker?

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Go ahead with your second.

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you. Minister, does this mean that t he money for this stimulus programme is coming out of the Works & Engineering budget, or is it coming from somewhere else? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Out of Works & Engineering.

Mr. Scott Pearman Is it anticipated that this will be a budgetary extension or not? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: No. No.

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Any further questions? No further questions. Okay. The second Member, Minister, who has question for you is the Opposition Whip. Opposition Whip, would you l ike to put your question? QUESTION 1: FIFTH UPDATE ON THE STIMULUS PROGRAMME

Mr. Jarion Richardson Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Honourable Minister. When will the Honourable Minister be able to inform this House of the full number of j obs that have been provided to date? I know that he provided some as it related to one specific project. But not …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplem entary? SUPPLEMENTARY

Mr. Jarion Richardson I would. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As it relates to the total unemployment rate that we have seen recently, is there a success metric for determining that the Economic Stimulus Pr ogramme is contributing to the macroeconomy? Has that been determined by the Government? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Statistics have …

Mr. Jarion Richardson Those are all my questions,

Mr. Speaker. Thank you. The Speaker Thank you, Opposition Whip. Minister , that concludes the questions for you. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker The next Statement this morning that has questions is the Statement from the Minister of Health regarding the Health Insurance Amendment. And the first MP who has indicated he has questions is MP Pearman. MP Pearman, would you like to put your question at this time? QUESTION 1: HEALTH INSURANCE …

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Minister. Minister, on page 7 of your Statement, you spoke to a $30 increase in the HIP premium and a $30 increase in the FutureCare premium. For the benefit of the listening audience, is that a $30 i ncrease per month on the HIP …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary?

Mr. Scott Pearman No supplementary. Thank you,

Mr. Speaker. The Speake r Second question?

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Mr. Speaker, I have a supplementary.

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary from MP Jackson. Put your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARY

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes, thank you. Good morning, Minister. Just a quick question. Given the fact that the premiums are increasing on a monthly basis, is there any capacity for no- claims discount or benefits for those, especially those on F utureCare, that if they are not claiming, that they may be able …

Ms. Susan E. Jackson You are on mute.

The Speaker The Speaker Minister, I think your microphone is muted. We see your mouth moving but did not hear you. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: I am sorry. Yes, I am sorry. I thank the Honourable Member for that question. The Honourable Member would probably recall that when it comes to the HIP policies …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary?

Ms. Susan E. Jackson No supplementary. Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Thank you.

Mr. Scott Pearman My second question, Mr. Speaker?

The Speaker The Speaker MP Pearman, would you like to put a second question now? QUESTION 2: HEALTH INSURANCE AMENDMENT ACT 2021

Mr. Scott Pearman Yes, thank you. Now going back to page 5 of your S tatement, Minister, in the top paragraph, given the increase in the premiums for HIP and FutureCare, will the subsidy percentages identified by you in your Statement to the House change or not?

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: I do not have that information offhand, but I believe that this is part of the calculation with respect to the MRF . So the amount that is being proposed that is in the Bill, it includes what the MRF transfer will be, which includes …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary or new question?

Mr. Scott Pearman Supplementary, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Put your suppl ementary. SUPPLEMENTARY

Mr. Scott Pearman Minister, just so we are clear because that was some complicated language, even though those third- party recipients will be paying more in premium, the Government is not proposing to either decrease or increase its subsidy level; is that correct? Hon. Kim N. Wilson: That is correct. Part of the …

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Minister. Thank you,

Mr. Speaker. No further questions. The Speaker Okay. Thank you. And, Minister, the next MP who has questions for you is MP Dunkley. MP Dunkley, would you like to put your question? QUESTION 1: HEALTH INSURANCE AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon to the Honourable Minister. Honourable Minister, you …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, supplementary. Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead. SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Micha el H. Dunkley: The Honourable Minister mentioned on page 4 of the Statement that the head-count has been reduced over the past two years from people paying in, from 49,000 to just over 46,000 [people]. Does the Honourable Minister think that this trend will continue?

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: I thank the Honourable Member for that question. And I have to answer it by saying that is a very good question. I would not have any knowledge as to whether or not that trend would co ntinue. I cannot offer any comment on that, …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Supplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, supplementary.

The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Well, if we assume that it will continue, what will be done to address the situation? Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, that is somewhat of an arbitrary question. I cannot necessarily answer a question that I do not know whether or not that …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Another question? You have had your two supplementaries. This would be your second question. QUESTION 2: HEALTH INSURANCE AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, another question, Mr. Speaker. That is a matter that needs to be addressed because it is alarming. So, the second question, Mr. Speaker, …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Supplementary. Yes, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Put your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, I was looking for some concrete steps to take place. But the Mini ster did mention the introduction of universal health care. How will the introduction of universal health car e decrease the burdensome cost of health insurance that everyone …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister, yes. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, as we have spoken about in this House before, the introduction of universal health coverage will assist dr astically with respect to our health care costs. We have a very, very high health spend, almost . . . and we may be …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Is there a supplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Speaker. I assume that that microphone is not closed.

The Speaker The Speaker Put your supplement ary. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Members, Members. I know you all are looking at the clock. We are gone past the 12:30. After this question for this Statement, we will break for lunch and come back and do the questions t o the r emaining two Statements. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. No further supplementaries? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I would like to, but I think I have used them , Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. There are no further. [Laughter]

The Speaker The Speaker With that, Members, I am stopping the clock right now. There is a little over 18 minutes left for the Question Period. But we will resume with the last two Statements when w e come back because there are Members who have indicated they have questions for the remaining two …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Any objections? No objections. Members, we adjourn for lunch at this m oment. Thank you. Proceedings suspended at 12:39 pm Proceedings resumed at 2:00 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair]

The Speaker The Speaker Good afternoon, Members. It is now 2:00 pm and we will resume this afternoon’s debate. The House is now in session. QUESTION PERIOD [Continuation thereof]

The Speaker The Speaker Members , when we broke for lunch we were still on the Question and Answer Period on the statements this morning. We had two Statements r emaining on the Order Paper for which Members had questions. They are both on Statements by the Mini ster of Labour, so we will …

Mr. Jarion Richardson I would, thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Honourable Minister for your Statement. Would the Honourable Mini ster be able to i nform us whether the state of the economy influences his decision- making regarding immigration?

The Speaker The Speaker Minister? Hon. Jason Hayward: The primary driver behind this policy was work that was previously done that ident ified the issues facing long -term residents as a problem. I would say that part of immigration solutions can benefit the economy overall, but that was not the driving factor of the …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Do you have a supplementary? SUPPLEMEN TARY

Mr. Jarion Richardson I do, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Honourable Minister inform us what is the state of the economy or is there a specific ec onomic metric that you would use that would allow an immigration pathway to full rights, including residency, work, participation in elections?

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I believe the question transcends my Statement. The Member is asking about economic metrics. My Statement today was pertaining to progressing immigratio n reform as it pertains to long- term residents.

The Speaker The Speaker Member, the Minister is indicating that the line of question that you are presenting was not contained in context of the statement this morning and the question should draw from the context of w hat was in the Statement that was presented.

Mr. Jarion Richardson Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a second question.

The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. QUESTION 2: PROGRESSING IMMIGRATION REFORM: EXPANDING PRCs FOR LONG -TERM RESIDENTS 1908 10 September 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Jarion Richardson : My second question is, the Minister had mentioned bipartisan committee at page 2, to which committee is he referring?

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, the Progressive Labour Party Government committed to working on comprehensive immigration reform in a bipartisan way. The Government did invite the Opposition to provide names of representatives to be part of a bipar-tisan committee. The names that were presented were: Michael Dunkley and Ben …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES

Mr. Jarion Richardson I would seek clarification. So, the Ministerial Statement about it being bipartisan was inaccurate? Or does it refer to . . . I can change it to does it refer to the previous iteration of the bipartisan committee under the then Honourable Minister Caines? Hon. Jason Hayw ard: So, the …

Mr. Jarion Richardson Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Any furth er questions?

Mr. Jarion Richardson Yes, sir, supplementary.

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary, okay.

Mr. Jarion Richardson The work of a number of working groups . . . their considerations have been presented as part of these reforms. Will the work of that Reform Committee be presented? Or will just the results of it be presented as in this Ministerial Stat ement and as in the legislative …

The Speaker The Speaker Any further question?

Mr. Jarion Richardson Yes, supplemental. For the avoidance of doubt then, there is, in fact . . . yes, Mr. Speaker? The Speaker: That is your s econd supplemental on that one.

Mr. Jarion Richardson Okay.

The Speaker The Speaker So, you can put a third question.

Mr. Jarion Richardson I do not have a third question on this topic . Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Minister, that was the only Mem ber who had a question for you on that Statement, however, the same Member has a question for you on your Stat ement in reference to financial assistance. Opposition Whip, would you like to put your question to the Minister? QUESTION 1: THE …

Mr. Jarion Richardson Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Honourable Minister let us know . . . at one point he described in his Statement that medical opinions of medical professionals would be requested as part of determining if a person is dis abled and, therefore, eligible for an award under financial …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: That is correct, Mr. Speaker. Disabilities vary. Some persons who have disabilities still have the ability to participate in the workforce, and what we are asking is that this be ide ntified from a doctor’s standpoint so that we can pr ovide the employment services to …

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. SUPPLEMENTARIES

Mr. Jarion Richardson In the case where a job can be performed, even though a person is disabled in another way, is the medical professional ex pected to distinguish or make his opinions specific to the job that the person is seeking? I am just trying to get some clarity around what exactly …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary?

Mr. Jarion Richardson I do, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay.

Mr. Jarion Richardson Mr. Speaker, have the var ious medical industry bodies —medical representative bodies —been consulted in developing this process? Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, what I will say to that is that this has already been in practice with the Department of Financial Assistance. What we are doing is placing it …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. You have had two supplementaries on that. Do you have a second question? QUESTION 2: THE TABLING OF THE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AMENDMENT ACT

Mr. Jarion Richa rdson I do, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in his Statement the Honourable Minister spoke about a three- year period . . . a threeyear-long agreement with Workforce Development. And I do not remember the exact wording he used, but it was the agreem ent that will see the development …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker , the two are not married up. The personal employment plan period is set for a period of three years. The Member would know that we came to this Honourable House and passed a Bill which extended financial assistance from five years to …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary?

Mr. Jarion Richardson I do, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Put your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARY

Mr. Jarion Richardson Does this three- year agreement period with Workforce Development contain any kind of accountabilities or consequences for non-compliance with the development plan? Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, the amendments that are going to be made to the Financial Assistance Act makes this a mandatory requirement. As a result of it …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary?

Mr. Jarion Richardson I have none. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Honourable Minister.

The Speaker The Speaker No third question? Thank you, Member. Members, that brings us to a close of the Question Period for today. 1910 10 September 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly We will now move on to the next item on the Order Paper, which is the Congratulatory and Obit uary …

The Speaker The Speaker Does any Member wish to make a contribution?

Mr. Vance Campbell Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, I hear . . . Is that MP Wade? MP Campbell. MP Campbell, you have your three minutes.

Mr. Vance Camp bell Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like congratulatory r emarks to be sent to one of my constituents, 19- yearold Bermudian biomedical engineer student, Kameron Young, daughter of Angela Young and granddaughter of Kenyetta Young. Over the s ummer she successfully completed a virtual internship in Spanish with …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Campbell. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution?

Mr. Jason Wade Mr. Speaker

The Speaker The Speaker MP Wade.

Mr. Jason Wade Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker You have your three minutes.

Mr. Jason Wade Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I just want to send an early Birthday shout -out to on e of my constituents, Ms. Dulcie Zuill, who is 102 on Monday. Kelly Zuill, one of my constituents as well, one of my advisors you could say during the run- up to …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Wade. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Minister, Minister Scott. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Yes, sir.

The Speaker The Speaker You have got your three minutes. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like a letter of congratulations sent out to three individuals: Omar Dill, Malik Robinson and Oral Barnett. These are three young Bermudians who have completed both formal and on- the-job tr aining to become …

Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Associate me, please. Thank you. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: I associate the Chairperson of the Bermuda Airport Authority, MP Lovitta Foggo and also the Government Whip, Scott Si mmons.

Mr. Scott Simmons Thank you, Minister. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: And the s yllabus included both a theoretical and simulator -based practical trai ning. And for me this is exciting because I did sit in a nother seat at the time that they were initially onboarded and to, once again, be able to …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister Scott. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Bermuda House of Assembly Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -Wade: I would like to assoc iate myself with the remarks of Minister Scott, especially since Malik is my younger cousin. Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay, MP Simmons -Wade.

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker MP Tyrrell.

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Thank you, Mr. Speaker —

The Speaker The Speaker You have your three minutes.

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell —and good afternoon all. Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, on a sad note, I ask that letters of condolence be sent to the family of Ms. Clara Jones, a previous constituent of mine from Bulkhead Drive, who passed recently. Ms. Jones was very popu lar in the area and, …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Tyrrell. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution?

Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Yes, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker MP Foggo, you have your three minutes.

Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, I would like to be associated with the [congratulatory remarks about the] three young gentleman who have been recently called as air traffic controllers. They have acquitted themselves extrem ely well and have done Bermuda proud and are a tes-tament to the fact that, particularly, …

The Speaker The Speaker MP Foggo, the alarm that signifies . . . that signals that your three minutes are up.

Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Mr. Speaker, I think you only gave me one minute.

The Speaker The Speaker Well, that was a long one minute then. Thank you for your contribution.

Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo So I say thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?

Mr. Christopher Famous Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker That sounds like MP Famous?

Mr. Christopher Famous Yes, Mr. Speaker , can you see me?

The Speaker The Speaker I see you are wearing red today. 1912 10 September 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Christopher Famous: What does it say, Mr. Speaker? I am sorry, let me help you. Manchester United.

The Speaker The Speaker Wrong team.

Mr. Christopher Famous Mr. Speaker —

The Speaker The Speaker You have got the wrong team. If you said “City” you might have had some encouragement from me.

Mr. Christopher Famous Oh, you finally like blue and blue.

The Speaker The Speaker Only for City. I figured I would say that just to get you excited. But go ahead, sir.

Mr. Chri stopher Famous Mr. Speaker, I want to give a round of thanks and appreciation to the hundreds of staff over the last 18 months who have been taking swab tests, administering vaccinations, helping out down at the hospital . . . I should not say “helping out,” but helping those in need …

Mr. Christopher Famous I just wanted to give condolences to the [INAUDIBLE] and Devonshire community and Loyal Hill. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Mr. Speaker. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, Mr. Speaker. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker. I cannot hear you, Mr. Speaker. The Clerk: Mr. Speaker, you are muted. The Speaker: Okay. I was still muted, gentlemen, sorry about that. Deputy Premier, are …

The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. Hon. Walter H. Roban: I wish to be associated with the condolences given by the Honourable Member who sits in constituency 11. I have known Mr. Shawn Outerbridge for a considerable number of years. I know he is a member of the family connected with MP Weeks. …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Deputy. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker I am trying to catch the voice for the next person. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Opposition Leader.

The Speaker The Speaker Oh, Opposition Leader, yes, you have your three minutes. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to associate myself with the comments made in regard to the air traffic controllers. I would like to send condolences to t he family of the late Livingston Tuzo. He …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Mr . Opposition Leader. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution?

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker MP Jackson, you have your three minutes.

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Thank you. I just wanted to take a few moments to send condolences to the family and friends of Charla Furbert. She I first met in the Auditor General’s Office some years ago where she was instrumental in intr oducing me to the workings of the Office of the Auditor …

Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Can you associate me, please? Thank you.

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes, absolutely. I believe that we should associate the entire House because it is the resource and the commitment of individuals like Charla Furbert that really help us to understand the workings of government and, in particular, the most important area of finance. And so, I just real ly would …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Jackson. I think, yes, it is fitting that the whole House should be associated with those remarks of condo-lence because for those of us who have sat on the finance house com mittees over the past years would have had direct association with her and we did …

The Speaker The Speaker Deputy Speaker. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker You have your three minutes. Go right ahead. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Mr. Speaker, I would like to be associated with the remarks concerning Ms. Young, who happens to be a blood cousin of mine and, as you probably know, she is the only grandchild of BIU stalwart Kenyetta …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Deputy Speaker. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Any other Member? 1914 10 September 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Hello, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. MP —is that MP Dunkley? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Dunkley.

The Speaker The Speaker You have your three minutes. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, th ank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to be associated with the condolences to Shawn Outerbridge and his family on his recent and very sudden passing. I saw him just a couple of days before he passed when I …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP. Does any other Mem ber wish to make a contribution? Any other Member? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Premier, you have your three minutes. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to ask this Honourable House to extend condolences to the family and friends of my late constituent Mr. Walter Welch, who passed away in his 54 th year …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Mr. Premier. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? No other Member?

Mr. Michael A. Weeks Yes, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker MP Weeks, you have your three minutes.

Mr. Michael A. Weeks Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You see I got my name sorted out.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, yes.

Mr. Michael A. Weeks Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I would like to start off by as king to be associated with the comments for Shawn Outerbridge. He was a good friend of mine. He and I met in the army a while back in the Regiment. So much so he became godfather to one …

The Speaker The Speaker It has not been done yet, but go ahead.

Mr. Michael A. Weeks Okay. I would like to ask that the House, Mr. Speaker, recognise and bring and Bermuda House of Assembly send c ondolences to the family of Marilyn Outerbridge.

The Speaker The Speaker Mm-hmm.

Mr. Michael A. Weeks She was not in my constit uency, but she was right on the border, so, we consi dered each other to be in the same community. Mr. Speaker, we had . . . she was a v ery spi ritual woman and when I first became an MP, she actually …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Weeks. MP Weeks, in the comments you just made for Ms. Outerbridge, I thought you may have mentioned a few years back, in your younger years, when she was a familiar face on the Berkeley Hill Road.

Mr. Michael A. Weeks Yes, Mr. Speaker, yes.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, yes, she used to feed us our lunch. We got lunch from her back in the day.

Mr. Michael A. Weeks Yes, yes, yes, I remember that, but I was trying to get my three minutes in.

The Speaker The Speaker All right, yes, I know her from way back in those days, how’s that?

Mr. Michael A. Weeks Same here, same here, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?

Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -Wade Yes, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, MP Simmons -Wade. Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -Wade: Yes, Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my condolences to the family of the late Dennis Joaquin. He was a constituent of mine. He worked for BELCO for many, many years. But most recently he has been known for the murals …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Simmons -Wade. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?

Mr. Hubert (Kim) Swan Yes, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, MP Swan.

Mr. Hubert (Kim) Swan Good day, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker You have your three minutes.

Mr. Hubert (Kim) Swan Yes, Mr. Speaker. It would be remiss of me not to offer congrat ulations to St. George’s Cricket Club for ensuring that we cel ebrated our most iconic holiday this year. The end result was not what we had planned for, Mr. Speaker, so, for that I want to offer, …

Mr. Hubert (Kim) Swan But congratulations to St. George’s on winning the league and congratulations to Somerset on winning the cup and congratulations to all concerned for putting on the Cup Match Classic. On a sadder note, I would like to be associa ted with the condolences sent out to the Harvey family, a …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Swan. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Any other Member? No other Member? Before we move on, I would just like to start where MP Swan just ended and add my condolences to the those expressed for the Bradshaw family. As …

The Speaker The Speaker There are none. PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS

The Speaker The Speaker There are none. NOTICE OF MOTIONS FOR THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE ON MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE

The Speaker The Speaker There are none. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS GOVERNMENT BILLS

The Speaker The Speaker There are six Bills to be introduced t oday. The first is in the name of the Deputy Premier. Deputy Premier, would you like to introduce your Bill at this time? FIRST READING INVASIVE ALIEN SPECIES ACT 2021 Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, Mr. Speaker, good afternoon.

The Speaker The Speaker Good afternoon. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, I am introducing the following Bill for its first reading so that it may be placed on the Order Paper for the next day of meeting: Invasive Alien Species Act 2021. Thank you very much.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Deputy. The next item is in the name of the Minister of Finance. Minister of Finance. Bermuda House of Assembly FIRST READING SEGREGATED ACCOUNTS COMPANIES AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, I am intr oducing the following Bill for its first reading so that it …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. The next item is in the name of the Minister of Health. Minister. FIRST READING HEALTH INSURANCE AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, I am introducing the following Bill for its first reading so that it may be placed on the Order Paper for the …

The Speaker The Speaker The next item is in the name of the Minister of Transport. Minister. FIRST READING MOTOR CAR (LIVERIES) AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Yes, good day, Mr. Speaker. I am introducing the following Bill for its first reading so that it may be placed on the Order Paper …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. And the next two items are in the name of the Minister of Labour. Minister, would you like to present your items? FIRST READINGS BERMUDA IMMIGRATION AND PROTECTION AMENDMENT ACT 2021 FINANCI AL ASSISTANCE AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. Jason Hayward: Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. I am introducing the …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. That brings us to the close of the Bills that are to be introduced today. NOTICE OF MOTIONS

The Speaker The Speaker There are none. ORDERS OF THE DAY

The Speaker The Speaker The first item to be debated today on the Orders of the Day is the second reading of the Gaming Amendment Act 2021 in the name of the Premier. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, can you give me 15 seconds, please?

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, okay. [Pause]

The Speaker The Speaker For those in the listening audience, we are still in session. The Premier is just making an adjustment before he starts the debate on the first item for debate this afternoon. And Premier, are you ready? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, my sincere apol ogies.

The Speaker The Speaker For the listening audience, we are going to do the Gaming Amendment Act 2021 and the Premier will present the item at this moment. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you and apologies again, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill entitl ed the Gaming Amendment Act 2021 be …

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? There are none. Continue on, Premier. BILL SECOND READING GAMING AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce to th is Honourable House for its second reading the Gaming Amendment Act 2021. 1918 10 September 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Premier . Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, Mr. Speaker, thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Opposition Leader, you have the floor. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am satisfied with the progress being made. I note the Premier’s comments in regard to a prohibition of MPs from being on the Board, and I am satisfied in the transparency that he provided …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Opposition Leader. Does any other Member wish to make a contributio n at this time? Any other Member?

Mr. Hubert (Kim) Swan Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker MP Swan, you have the floor.

Mr. Hubert (Kim) Swan Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Opposition Leader started off on a good note when he indicated his support for the inten t of the Bill and some of the initiatives that he articulated. And then, in somewhat typical fashion, he slipped away into the line of the great critic. And …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP, for your contribution. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Any other Member? Hon. E. David Burt: I [can] close, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker No other Member? Premier, would you like to wrap up your matter here? Hon. E. David Burt: Sure, I can—

The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. Hon. E. David Burt: —Mr. Speaker. Thank you very much, I am grateful for the support of Honourable Members around this. There were a few questions which I will endeavour to do my best to answer. I believe there was a question about cruise ship gaming proceeds, …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Premier. Deputy Speaker. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House in Committee at 3:16 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BIL L GAMING AMENDMENT ACT 2021

The Chairman Chairman Honourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole House for further consider ation of the Bill entitled the Gaming Amendment Act 2021 . Premier, the Honourable David Burt, you have the floor. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I would like to …

The Chairman Chairman Continue. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, clause 1 provides the citation for the Bill. Clause 2 amends Schedule 1 paragraphs 2A and 7 of the Act. Paragraph 2A is amended by replacing “unwilling” with “unfit” to perform duties as a reason for the …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Mr. Premier. Are there any further speakers? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No, Mr. Chairman, I am satisfied with the Premier’s comments.

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Honourable Opposition Leader, Mr. Cole Simons. 1922 10 September 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Premier, do you want to move this Bill? Hon. E. David Burt: Certainly, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I move that clauses 1 and 2 be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 1 and 2 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear t o be none. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 and 2 passed.] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you then, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I move that the preamble be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. The preamble is approved. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the Bill be reported to the House as printed.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as printed. Are there an y objections to that? There appear to be none. The Bill will be reported to the House as printed. Mr. Speaker. [Motion carried: The Gaming Amendment Act 2021 was considered by a Committee …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Deputy. Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Gaming Amendment Act 2021 being r eported to the House as printed? There are none. The Bill has been reported as printed. Now, that brings us on to the next item on the Order Paper for this …

The Speaker The Speaker Oh, I am sorry. Okay, the next is the Human Rights Amendment Act 2021. My apologies. The second reading of the Human Rights Amendment Act 2021 would be the item to be debated at this time, and this is in the name of the Minister for Social Development, Seniors and …

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? There are no objections. Continue, Minister. BILL SECOND READING HUMAN RIGHTS AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to lead the debate today on the Bill entitled the Human Rights Amendment Act 2021. Mr. Speaker, the Human Rights …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes, Mr. Speaker, I would like to have a few words.

The Speaker The Speaker MP Jackson, you have the floor.

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I thank the Minister today for having a second reading of this Bill. And I certainly would like t o share the fact that the Opposition in general are most favourable about this Bill and I personally am in favour of this Bill. As I …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Jackson. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?

Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Yes, Mr. Speaker.

Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -Wade Yes, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker MP Foggo, you have the floor.

Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It gives me great pleasure to be able to speak in support of the legislation that the Minister is bringing today. While I will echo some of the sentiments shared by the person who just spoke to the amendments that are coming forward, I definitely want …

Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo —did not appreciate the issues as they were brought before them or did not have the capacity, I guess , to make the right decisions. Many of us realise that quite a few . . . Mr. Speaker, can you mute your microphone, please? [Crosstalk]

Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Mr. Speaker, can you mute your microphone? The legalities that pertain to many of the i ssues t hat were brought before the Human Rights [Commission] were not necessarily understood from a legal capacity. And so, while I will not say that, per1926 10 September 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Foggo. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?

Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -Wade Yes, Mr. Speaker, Ianthia Simmons -Wade.

The Speaker The Speaker MP Simmons -Wade, yes, you have the floor.

Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -Wade Mr. Speaker, for those individuals who are listening today who do not have a true understanding of the role and the responsibility of the Human Rights Tribunal, it is important to know and understand this is very similar to a court. So, I echo the sentim ents in terms of …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Simmons -Wade. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?

Mr. Scott Pe arman Thank you, Mr. Speaker, MP Pearman.

The Speaker The Speaker MP Pearman, you have the floor.

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My colleague, the learned Ms. Susan Jac kson, has already spoken in depth to the Bill, so I will just add a few bits and bobs. But let me start by agreeing with the previous speaker from the other side of the aisle, MP Si mmons …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Pearman. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? No other Member? Minister. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, you can do a wrap up and then take us to Committee. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that the Bill be committed.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. The Deputy is going to be called on to Chair the meeting in Committee, but on his behalf, let me just indicate that he— Hon. Tinee Furb ert: Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker —like other Members, have had some challenges today with the Internet and his camera is probably going to be off during this [meeting] so that he can keep a strong enough Internet — Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Speaker, apologies . . . (I don’t know if he can hear me.) …

The Speaker The Speaker Oh. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes, I am here. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Speaker, I apologise. In my newness on the first Bill, but I would like to s peak to some of the questions that were asked in the debate.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Go right . . . Well, let me finish what I was saying so when we get there it is understood. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Sure.

The Speaker The Speaker The Deputy when he takes the Chair, proba bly will keep his camera off because of the tec hnical challenge right now, in trying to keep his bandwidth strength so that he doesn’t lose his connection while he is in the Chair. Okay? So, Members just bear with us during …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. And you can now move us into Committee. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you. I move that the Bill be committed.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank y ou, Minister. Deputy Speaker. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House in Committee at 4:09 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL HUMAN RIGHTS AMENDMENT ACT 2021

The Chairman Chairman Honourable Members, we are no w in Committee of the whole [House] for further consider ation of the Bill entitled the Human Rights Amendment Act 2021 . Minister Furbert, you have the floor. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Chairman, with your leave I would like to move clauses 1 through 12.

The Chairman Chairman Continue. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Chairman, the Bill amends the Human Rights Act 1981 (the “principal Act”) to make provision for the Human Rights Tr ibunal (the “Tribunal”) and other associated matters. Clause 1 provides the citation for the Bill. Clause 2 amends section [2] of the principal Act to …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister. Are there any other speakers?

Mr. Scott Pearman Mr. Chairman, it is MP Pearman.

The Chairman Chairman Mr. Pearman, you have the floor.

Mr. Scott Pearman Mr. Chairman, this is our third time lucky in as many sittings. And I am sorry, I am not doing this on purpose, but again the Bill that we have been provided appears to differ from the Bill from which the Minister is working.

Mr. Scott Pearman I do not know why. What seems to be the case is that the Minister is identifying as clauses one fewer than we have, suggesting either that we have a more recent version of the Bill with an additional cl ause inserted or that she has the more recent version …

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Just one second, Mr. Pearman. Just one second. I, too, have that same Bill that you have.

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman C ould you clear that up, Minister? Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Chairman, could you give me one minute?

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Hon. Tinee Furbert: I will take a look. Sorry about that. [Pause]

The Chairman Chairman Minister, are you . . . have you got it? Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Chairman, I do note what clause yourself and MP Pearman are referring to.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Tinee Furbert: There are 13 clauses. The 13th clause is the commencement of the Act.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. But you . . . that is what I have on my paper, but you said clause 12 provides for the commencement, and every other one was one less . I mean, there was no change in the wording or anything. I read the same words that you are …

The Chairman Chairman Yes, so, it looks like just . . . and I think I picked it up right back there around clause 7 when I noticed a difference. [Inaudible interjection]

The Chairman Chairman When it was clause 7, you said clause 6 and I just thought that you just missed the number. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Let me just . . .

The Chairman Chairman Yes. [Pause]

The Chairman Chairman On your Bill you have the last clause as 13? Hon. Tinee Furbert: I see it now, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Hon. Tinee Furbert: On my paper it actually misses clause 4, which is actually supposed to be amending section 13B of the principal Act to add as a—

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Hon. Tinee Furbert: —as a function of the Selection and Appointment Committee.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Hon. Tinee Furbert: So that is actually missed. It is supposed to be clause 4. And clause 5 —

The Chairman Chairman Mm-hmm, amends section 14D. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Yes.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Well, I think we can continue. We are just mindful of the numbers on that. Thank you, Mr. Pearman. Do you want to continue?

Mr. Scott Pearman Yes. As I understand it then, Mr. Chairman, you and I have the same version.

Mr. Scott Pearman And that is the correct version. And the Minister’s brief version omitted clause 4—

Mr. Scott Pearman —relating to the amendment to section 13B, but that was an error, and we should presume that the document you have, Mr. Chairman, and the document that we have is correct and i s the Bill that will be for debate and for publication.

The Chairman Chairman Correct. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Yes, Mr. Chairman, I would confirm that as well.

Mr. Scott Pearman Great. In which case I will use the numbering here, and if the Honourable Minister would simply add one number to what I say, or if it is not clear, I will read the heading as well to try to make it more clear. My first question, Mr. Chairman, with …

Mr. Scott Pearman —relates to clause 7 of the Bill and that is on page 2. And that is the clause which repeals and replaces section 19 of the principal Act. What it is doing is removing a clause in the principal Act, the 1981 Human Rights Act, relating to the procedures of …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Mr. Pearman. Minister. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Chairman, please give m e one second.

The Chairman Chairman Go ahead. Mm -hmm. [Crosstalk] 1932 10 September 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you, MP Pearman for noting that. There is now a Schedule in Schedule 3 at [paragraph] 24 with the removal of sections 8 and 11 from …

Mr. Scott Pearman Section 19B. Thank you, Mini ster. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers?

Mr. Scott Pearman Yes, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Continue, Mr. Pearman.

Mr. Scott Pearman This would now be under our clause 8, which is the clause inserting [new] sections 19A through to 19E. And the question is at page 3 in relation to the proposed insertion of clause 19B. And it is underneath subsection (1), so it is [new section] 19B(1) and it is …

The Chairman Chairman Yes, yes. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you. [Pause] Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Chairman, I am just wanti ng to ask if MP Pearman has any other questions while we . . .

Mr. Scott Pearman Sure. I am happy to move on, Mr. Chairman, with your leave.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Continue.

Mr. Scott Pearman I have a further question there at new [section] 19B under subs ection (2). Subsection (2) says, “No person shall — (a) without reasonable excuse fail to furnish partic ulars in compliance with a requirement under subsection (1).” Right? [New section 19B,] subsection (1) above, if you look at it, …

The Chairman Chairman Yes. You can.

Mr. Scott Pearman My next question is at [new section] 19C on page 4, and that was the bit about the press. The Honourable Minister referenced the M edia Council [of Bermuda] in her response in the d ebate. I am just curious whether or not the Media Council [of Bermuda] been consulted …

Mr. Scott Pearman Under [new section] 19E, at the bottom of page 4, and it is going to give various i mmunities to members of the Tribunal, being those e njoyed by magistrates. I was just wondering if a couple of practical examples could be given as to what that means in practice. …

Mr. Scott Pearman We are still under my clause 8, and we are on page 4, and we are at the last of the new 19s, [new section] 19E. I believe you said it was the fifth insertion. And it is the one about immunities. And it says that members of the Tribunal …

Mr. Scott Pearman —all the clauses in the Bill all at once, Mr. Chairman, or should I stop at a particular clause?

The Chairman Chairman Well, Minister, are you comfortable with MP Pearman continuing with the questions? Hon. Tinee Furbert: Yes, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Continue, Mr. Pearman.

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Minister. Thank you, Mr. Chair man. The next question arises under our clause 11, which is on page 5 of the Bill, and that is inserting Schedule 3. The Schedule you referred to earlier. It inserts a very long Schedule 3. And my question is on the third …

Mr. Scott Pearman It is under my clause 11. Sorry, it is page 8 of the Bill, before the Explanatory Mem orandum.

Mr. Scott Pearman And it is clause 23. And clause 23 requires the Tribunal to provide a decision in relation to the complaint containing the Tribunal’s findings to the parties and to the Executive Officer within 30 days of the conclusion of the heari ng. And I have two points arising from this. …

The Chairman Chairman That’s fine.

Mr. Scott Pearman —on the clauses. Thank you, sir. Thank you, Minister.

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Mr. Pearman. Minister. [Pause] Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Yes, thank you. Continue. Hon. Tinee Furbert: I am going to answer some of the questions that were posed.

The Chairman Chairman Mm-hmm. Yes. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In regard to the . . . I think it is clause 8.

The Chairman Chairman Mm-hmm. Hon. Tinee Furbert: And the questions around whether or not it shall be “bound by any rule of ev i1934 10 September 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly dence in civil or criminal proceedings.” I just wanted to mention, as I mentioned in my brief, Mr. C …

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Again, clause 8 in regard to . . . there was questioning around [if there was any] co nsultation [with] the Media Council [of Bermuda], Mr. Chairman. There was no consultation [with] the Media Council. I do not understand why that would be a question as …

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Hon. Tinee Furbert: There was a question in regard to whether or not there would be a fee of the assessors in Schedule 3 [paragraph] 15.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Hon. Tinee Furbert: The fee. And yes, if anyone is called in, they are at the same fee schedule of a Tr ibunal member.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Hon. Tinee Furbert: And in proceedings, again, Schedule 3 [sic], I believe there was a question in r egard—

The Chairman Chairman [That was] 23. It wa s about the 30days. Hon. Tinee Furbert: About whether or not there was a written decision. And so, yes, there will be a written decision. Any decision that is made to the Executive Officer is a written decision. And then there was a question in …

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Keeping in mind that a magi strate . . . that is their job. That is their full -time job. Persons who participate in a Tribunal are persons who give of their time. The reason for 30 days is so that this information can get in …

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Any further speakers?

Mr. Scott Pearman Nothing further from MP Jackson or myself, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Minister, there appears to be no further speakers. Do you want t o move the Bill, move the clauses? Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I now move that clauses 1 through 13 be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 1 through 13 be approved. Are there any objections? There appear to be none . Approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 13 passed.] Hon. Tinee Furbert: I now move that the preamble be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Appr oved. [Inaudible interjections]

The Chairman Chairman Now, do the Schedule. You have a Schedule there. Schedule 3. [Inaudible interjections] Hon. Tinee Furbert: I now move that the Schedule be approved. Bermuda House of Assembly

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Schedule be approved. Are there any objections? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: The Schedule passed.] Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I now move that the Bill be reported to the House as printed.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. The Bill will be reported to the House as printed. [Motion carried: The Human Rights Amendment Act 2021 was considered by a Committee of the …

The Chairman Chairman Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Minister. Thank you. House resumed at 4:38 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF COMMITTEE HUMAN RIGHTS AMENDMENT ACT 2021

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Deputy. Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Human Rights Amendment Act 2021 being reported to the House as printed? There are no objections. The Bill has been reported as printed. That brings us to a close of that item for t oday. We will …

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections to that? There are no objections. Continue, Minister. BILL SECOND READING MARINE AND PORTS SERVICES AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Mr. Speaker, the purpose of my statement today is to introduce a Bill designed to amend the Marine and Ports Services Act 2021 to …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Speaker . MP Pearman.

The Speaker The Speaker MP, you have floor.

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and my thanks to the Minister. Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to . . . and I am grateful for having had the opportunity to discuss the proposed Bill with the Minister, and indeed, his PS. And so, I really do not have all that …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Pearman. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. MP Tyrrell.

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the opportunity to speak on the Marine and Ports Services Amendment Act 2021. Let me say that I am happy to support the Minister on what I would describe as common- sense amendments which surely will bring Bermuda more in line wi th …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? None. Minister. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Shadow Minister did bring up . . . and I will address the two questions that he did bring up. One, when he talked about …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Deputy. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes, Mr. S peaker.

The Speaker The Speaker You have the Chair. House in Committee at 4:53 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL MARINE AND PORTS SERVICES AMENDMENT ACT 2021

The Chairman Chairman Honourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] for further consider ation of the Bill entitled Marine and Ports Services Amendment Act 2021 . I am going to ask MP Foggo to take over for me at this point. Minister Foggo.

Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo I am here, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. [Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo, Chairman]

The Chairman Chairman Minister, can you continue, please. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you, very much. Madam Chairman, the purpose of the Bill is to amend the Marine and Ports Services Act 2021 (the “principal Act”) to make provision for pilotage dues derived from Part [III] of the Marine Board Act 1962 and …

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 1 through 6 be dealt with. Are there any objections? Approved. Continue. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you, Madam Chai rman. 1938 10 September 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Clause 1 is the short title of the Bill to be i …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister. Are there any Members who wish to speak to the clauses?

Mr. Scott P earman Thank you, Madam Chairman. MP Pearman.

The Chairman Chairman Will that be MP Pearman?

Mr. Scott Pearman That’s right, Madam Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Okay, MP Pearman, you have the floor.

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, very much. Thank you, Minister, an d thank you for your response in the debate in respect of clause 2 which is the definitional issue. Again, I would just emphasise that having two terms defined differently in two different Acts is an unhelpful thing, and the way to …

Mr. Scott Pearman Right. And then all the other bits on pilotage that have been inserted, [secti ons] 32A to 32G, all come from the previous Act and therefore there are some questions that I did have that I would have put if these had been new laws. But I suppose if they …

Mr. Scott Pearman At the equivalent rate, as the Consolidated Fund would have otherwise paid the pilot? Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: That is correct.

Mr. Scott Pearman Okay. Thank you, Minister. Those are my questions. That is all I have.

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, MP Pearman. Are there an y other Members who wish to speak to the clauses? There being no other Member — [Inaudible interjection]

The Chairman Chairman Minister. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you, Madam Chai rman. I move that the preamble be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the preamble be approved. There is no objection, so move on, Minister. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: I move that the Bill be r eported to the House as printed.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved— The Deputy Clerk: Madam Chairman, would you have the Minis ter move the clauses first?

The Chairman Chairman I was going to get to that. Thank you, [Mr. Somner]. I appreciate that. Please move the clauses. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Sorry about that. Thank you, very much. I move that the clauses be approved. [Crosstalk] Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Yes. I move that clauses 1 through 6 be …

The Chairman Chairman Are there any objections? [Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 6 passed.]

The Chairman Chairman Is there a Schedule to be moved, Minister? Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: No, there are no Schedules.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Continue, Minister. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: I move that the preamble be approved.

The Chairman Chairman We already did that. [Crosstalk]

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Hon. W. Lawren ce Scott: I move that the Bill be r eported to the House as printed.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections? There being no objections . . . [Motion carried: The Marine and Ports Serv ices Amendment Act 2021 was considered by a Commi ttee of the whole House and passed without amend-ment.]

The Chairman Chairman Mr. Speaker. House resumed at 5:03 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF COMMITTEE MARINE AND PORTS SERVI CES AMENDMENT ACT 2021

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Madam Chairman. Members, are there any objections to the Marine and Ports Services Amendment Act 2021 being reported to the House as printed? There are none. The [Bill] has been reported as printed. Mem bers, that brings us to a close of the items on the Order Paper …

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. Tinee Furbert: I am going to move that Stan ding Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move that the Bill entitled the Human Rights Amendment Act 2021 be now read for the third time by its title only.

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? There are no objections. Continue, Minister. [ Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING HUMAN RIGHTS AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. Tinee Furbert: I move that the Bill be now read a third time by its title only and passed.

The Speaker The Speaker Members, the Bill has been read a third time by its title only and it is now passed. Thank you, Minister. [ Motion carried: The Human Rights Amendment Act 2021 was read a third time and passed.]

The Speaker The Speaker Minister Scott. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Yes, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker It is time for you to do your third reading. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I move that Standing Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move that the Bill ent itled the Marine and Ports Services Amendment Act 2021 be …

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections to that? There are none. Continue, Minister. [ Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING MARINE AND PORTS SERVICES AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: I move that the Bill be now read a third time by its title only and passed.

The Speaker The Speaker Members, the Bill has been read a third time by it s title only and it is now passed. Thank you. [ Motion carried: The Marine and Ports Services Amendment Act 2021 was read a third time and passed.]

The Speaker The Speaker Mr. Premier, would you like to move us to . . . I should acknowledge that the Premier’s matter will have its third reading at the next sitting. So Mr. Premier, would you like to move us to the next item on the Order Paper? ADJOURNMENT Hon. E. David Burt: …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Mr. Premier. Does any Member wish to speak to this matter?

Mr. Christopher Famous Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Sounds like the MP from down in Devonshire. MP —

Mr. Christopher Famous Mr. Speaker. The S peaker: MP Famous — [ Crosstalk]

The Speaker The Speaker You have your 20 minutes. Go right ahead. HONOURABLE SPEAKER’S FOURTH ANNIVERSARY

Mr. Christopher Famous Mr. Speaker, first let me start by saying that today marks the fourth anniversary of us calling you “Mr. Speaker.” It may have slipped some people’s mind, but it didn’t slip my mind. So Happy Anniversary , Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker All right. Comes with a cake?

Mr. Christopher Famous I beg your pardon?

The Speaker The Speaker Does it come with a cake? B ermuda House of Assembly Mr. Chris topher Famous: Yes, well, . . .

The Speaker The Speaker Red and blue, right?

Mr. Christopher Famous I bringing it up there the next Cup Match. [ Laughter]

The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. COVID -19, BRINGING OUT THE BEST AND THE WORST

Mr. Christopher Famous Mr. Speaker, I do not like to quote English people, but today I am. There is a saying, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” But let me start with the best of times, Mr. Speaker. Let me start by thanking the frontline wor kers …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Any other Member? Any other Member? Any other Member? No other Member? Consider the House closed. Members, have a good weekend. [At 5:20 pm, the House stood adjourned until 10:00 am, Friday, 24 …

September 10, 2021

Session Summary

Key Topics

Bills & Motions

Notable Moments

Debate Transcript