Government announced that the aging Tynes Bay waste plant needs major repairs and a complete rebuild over several years to avoid potential service disruptions. Education Minister revealed the final decision on school consolidation, confirming which 10 schools will remain open as parish primary schools while 8 others will eventually close between 2023-2027. The Transport Minister reported another large payment to Skyport due to reduced airport revenues during the pandemic. Social Development Minister outlined various programs to help vulnerable groups including homeless persons and children transitioning out of government care.
Tynes Bay waste-to-energy plant requiring urgent repairs and full refurbishment over 3-5 yearsParish primary school consolidation plan reducing 18 schools to 10, with changes starting in 2023Airport minimum revenue guarantee payment of $7.6 million made to SkyportMinistry of Social Development programs including children aging out of care and seniors strategyGovernment quarantine site costs totaling $119,000 monthly
Bills & Motions
Tourism Investment (Nautilus Hotel) Order 2021 - submitted for consideration
No bills were debated or voted on during this sitting
Various government reports and audited financial statements were tabled for information
Notable Moments
Education Minister acknowledged the painful history of racial segregation in schools but emphasized decisions must prioritize children's best interests over politics
Strong community opposition mentioned regarding school closures, particularly in Sandys Parish
Government committed to honoring school histories through a Historical Legacy Committee and potential school renaming
Debate Transcript
493 speeches from 32 speakers
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerToday is July 23. We will have prayers by Ms. Beale. Ms. Beale. PRAYERS [Prayers read by Ms. Kara Beale, Assistant Clerk ]
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Ms. Beale. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES [Minutes of 16 July 2021 ]
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThe Minutes for the 16th of July. [Are there] any o bjections to confirming the Minutes? There appear to be none. The Minutes are confirmed. [Minutes of 16 July 2021 confirmed] MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThere are no messages from the Governor. ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER OR MEMB ER PRESIDING
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThere are no announcements. MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThere are no messages from the Senate. PAPERS AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS TO THE HOUSE
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerPremier Burt, you have one. Hon. E. David Burt: Good morning, Mr. Deputy Speaker. How are you? The Deputy Speaker: Good morning. I’m fine, and you? Hon. E. David Burt: I am not too bad, Mr. Deputy Speaker. TOURISM INVESTMENT (NAUTILUS HOTEL) ORDER 2021 Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Deputy …
Premier Burt, you have one. Hon. E. David Burt: Good morning, Mr. Deputy Speaker. How are you? The Deputy Speaker: Good morning. I’m fine, and you?
Hon. E. David Burt: I am not too bad, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
TOURISM INVESTMENT (NAUTILUS HOTEL) ORDER 2021
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the consideration of the Honourable House of Assembly the Tourism I nvestment (Nautilus Hotel) Order 2021, proposed to be made by the Minister responsible for Tourism with a written agreement from the Minister of F inance in exercise of the power conferred by section 5 of the Tour-ism Investment Act 2017.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Premier. Minister Dickinson, you also have one, a p aper. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Good morning, Mr. Deputy Speaker. The Deputy Sp eaker: Good morning, Minister. ISSUANCE OF NEW GOVERNMENT GUARANTEES Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the …
Thank you, Premier. Minister Dickinson, you also have one, a p aper. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Good morning, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy Sp eaker: Good morning, Minister.
ISSUANCE OF NEW GOVERNMENT GUARANTEES
Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the I ssuance of New Government Guarantees , in accor dance with section 2AA(3) of the Government Loans Act 1978. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister Dickinson. Minister Rabain, Minister of Education. BERMUDA COLLEGE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2020 Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Good morning, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the …
Thank you, Minister Dickinson. Minister Rabain, Minister of Education.
BERMUDA COLLEGE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2020 Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Good morning, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the Bermuda College Audited F i1802 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly nancial Statements for the year e nded March 31, 2020 . Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Minister of Educ ation, Mr. Rabain. PETITIONS
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThere are no petitions. STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS AND JUNIOR MINISTERS
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThe first Statement comes from the Honourable Colonel Burch. Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I will be reading the Statement for Minister Burch.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerContinue, Minister Rabain . TYNES BAY PLANT CRITICAL STATUS REPORT Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Deputy Speaker , I would like to provide this Honourable House with a report on the now critical status of the Tynes Bay Waste -to-Energy Facility, what it means to us as a community …
Continue, Minister Rabain .
TYNES BAY PLANT CRITICAL STATUS REPORT
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Deputy Speaker , I would like to provide this Honourable House with a report on the now critical status of the Tynes Bay Waste -to-Energy Facility, what it means to us as a community and what the Government is currently doing about it. Mr. Deputy Speaker , the Tynes Bay Facility , located on Palmetto Road in Devonshire, is a mass burn waste- to-energy plant which combusts refuse and produces high- pressure steam for power production, generating some 125,000 k ilowatt -hours (kWh) per day. Most of that power is sold into the B ELCO power grid. B ut about a third of it is utili sed internally, both to power the plant itself , as well as the Tynes Bay Seawater Revers e Osmosis plant next door, which produces some 750,000 gallons of fresh water per day, all from renewable energy. Mr. Deputy Speaker , you will recall that due to the synergistic relationship with the r everse osmosis plant, Tynes Bay was mentioned as an i ntegral part of the Water and Waste Water Master Plan. This plan will see Tynes Bay repurposed as a renewable energy hub for a combined waste and water utility that will treat sewage and will produce both potable and nonpotable water , with garbage as its primary energy source. We have high hopes for the success of this project as it will create a number of environmental benefits for the I sland as well as provide new opportunities for creative financing for the government. But while this plan will provide f or the future, we unfort unately still have to deal with the here and now. Mr. Deputy Speaker , the Waste and Water Master Plan remains the long- term solution for Tynes Bay, and the water and waste water infrastructure in general . But unfortunately , time has caught up with us and the plant’s current state now requires swift action even ahead of the Waste and Water Master P lan. Many of you may recall that the plant is now over 25 years old and has undergone one major refurbishment some 10 years ago. While thi s investment has pr olonged the life of the plant, there are now components that are reaching the end of their useful life, with full replacement being the only option. This means that a total plant upgrade— which will span some three to five years —needs to start now. Mr. Deputy Speaker , it is truly hard to depict the true value the service Tynes Bay provides to our community. While many focus on the collection ( and sometimes non- collection) of our garbage, few are fully aware of what happens to that garbage once it leaves our curbside week in and week out by the dedicated collections teams. To many it just magically disappears, but to the engineers, technicians and skilled personnel who work at Tynes Bay, it is a constant battle to process the never -ending s tream of garbage which arrives at a rate of some 200 to 300 tons per day. If not for Tynes Bay, that same garbage would find itself either destroying what’s left of Pe mbroke Marsh—in the form of an u n-engineered landfill—or festering on our cubsides and being burned in trash barrels like we used to do decades ago. This would result in an increase in the rodent population that no one wants to see. Mr. Deputy Speaker , this is certainly not the Bermuda we wish to return to, and thus it should be somewhat sobering to hear that , with the current state of the plant, we could return to th ese conditions at any time—if we do nothing. While I have painted a bleak outlook of the present reality, and it is indeed reality, I also wish to ensure the public that this G overnment has chosen to face this reality head- on and has already approved the go- ahead of a full refurbishment of the facility ahead of the Waste and Water Master Plan. Tynes Bay is simply too important a service to let fail. And while there will be years of hard work to arrive at a final solution, I can assure you that work towards that final solution has already begun. Mr. Deputy Speaker , I will continue to give updates of this work as it unfolds and will keep the public abreast of our challenges, solutions and inev itable successes. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker .
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Minister. [Do] y ou have another Statement, Minister, for Bermuda Co llege? BERMUDA COLLEGE: 2020 AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Yes, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker , this morning I rise before this Honourable House to lay the 2020 Audited Fina nBermuda House of …
Thank you, Minister. [Do] y ou have another Statement, Minister, for Bermuda Co llege?
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Yes, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker , this morning I rise before this Honourable House to lay the 2020 Audited Fina nBermuda House of Assembly cial Statements for the Bermuda College , as stipula ted in s ection 8 of the Bermuda College Act 1974. Mr. Deputy Speaker , I am pleased to report that the 2020 audited statements are “ unqualified” and as such, in the opinion of the Auditor General, the statements present fairly the financial posit ion of the Bermuda College as at March 31, 2020, and the r esults of its operations, changes in its net assets and its cash flows. The financial statements indicate that Bermuda College had assets worth $22,535,958 and total liabilities of $18,236,334. Additionally, Mr. Deputy Speaker , it should be noted that the Bermuda College currently has no longterm debt. Cash and cash equivalents for the fiscal period decreased by 10.7 per cent to $3,104,426 . The accounts receivable increased by 22.3 per cent to $1,062,359, and the account s payable increased by 9.8 per cent and stood at $2,957,052 at the end of the 2020 fiscal year. Mr. Deputy Speaker , the net book value of capital assets as at March 31, 2020, was $15,555,788 , down 6.6 per cent, or $1,093,366 , from last year’s total. With the Bermuda College Found ation now functioning, it is anticipated that the College’s asset base and associated depreciation will increase over time. Mr. Deputy Speaker , during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020, the Government o perational grant increased by $125,000 while other revenues increased marginally by $13,570. However, during the same period, academic services, administration expenses and public relations increased by $622,690 , resulting in a deficit of $483,616 at the end of the 2020 fiscal period. Mr. Deputy Speaker , during the past several years, Bermuda College and the Office of the Auditor General have worked assiduously to get the College’s audits up to date in order for the Bermuda College to comply with the financial standards of its accreditors. Last year, with the tabling of its 2018 and 2019 audi ted statements, all outstanding audits for Bermuda College were completed; and with the tabling of the 2020 audited financial statements, Bermuda College audits are all up to date. Mr. Deputy Speaker , looking ahead, the a udited file for the year ended March 31, 2021, is currently with the Office of the Auditor General and the audit is scheduled to begin planning meeting scheduled for July 16, 2021. The audit is expected to be completed by September 30, 2021, as per the Berm uda College Act. Mr. Deputy Speaker , in closing, acknow ledgement and thanks are given to the former Auditor General, Mrs. Heather Jacobs -Matthews ; the current Auditor General, Ms. Heather Thomas ; and the team at the Office of the Auditor General for their efforts in helping to bring Bermuda College up to date with its audits. Thanks are also extended to faculty and staff at the Bermuda College, under the leadership of Pres-ident, Dr. Duranda Greene, for their support and continued commitment to deliver quality tertiary education to the broad community. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker .
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Minister. Minister Rabain, you have another Statement. PARISH PRIMARY SCHOOL CONSULTATIO N DECISION Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Yes, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker , this Government promised that we would finally be the G overnment that took education reform seriously. If there is one thing on …
Thank you, Minister. Minister Rabain, you have another Statement.
PARISH PRIMARY SCHOOL CONSULTATIO N DECISION Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Yes, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker , this Government promised that we would finally be the G overnment that took education reform seriously. If there is one thing on which we all agree, it should be that our decisions around education must always consider what is best for our children today and for future generations. Over the past four years, we have set about bringing real and tangible education reform to provide an education system that puts our children firs t and prepares them for 21 st century opportunities within an equitable and sustainable system. Our children must be educated to lead personally and professionally, compete locally and contribute globally. Mr. Deputy Speaker , this morning I rise to share with my h onourable colleagues the decisions around the Parish Primary Schools Proposal. Last night I announced that the Bermuda Public School System would move forward with parish primary schools . This plan will see one primary school per parish, with two primary schools in Pembroke, for a total of 10 primary schools, 8 fewer than the 18 primary schools we currently use. Mr. Deputy Speaker , if there has been one consistent cry from the people of Bermuda about education, it has been said time and time again that the decisions around education need to be free of political influence and decisions should be more about what is best for our children. In fact, on Tuesday I accepted a petition supporting the retention of a particular school by four gentlemen from Sandys. I was struck by one of their comments which implored me, and I quote, “Do not make th is decision based on politics. Our chi ldren lose out when that is done.” Mr. Deputy Speaker , we used well -thought - out and defined criteria that identified the best existing school site in each parish that could be redeveloped or rebuilt into the primary school of the future. One that would provide the required facil ity to complement the current work being done to redesign how teachers teach and how children learn, the revising of the curriculum and the creating of an equitable system and to achieve the vision of primary schools that exist of and for the parish and th e community. Mr. Deputy Speaker , we have been hard at work since January 2020 preparing the proposal for parish primary schools and thinking deeply about how best to engage the public in a robust and meaningful 1804 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly consultation on the proposal. Starting from the consultation document released in December 2020, followed by 24 Zoom meetings with internal and external stakeholders, we spent a lot of time engaging with and listening to the public and their thoughts about the parish primary school proposal. The engagement sessions starting in January 2021 have led us to today, July 2021, and the decisions that were announced last night. Mr. Deputy Speaker , the engagement sessions garnered 12 1 written submissions, 434 individ ual questions and over 1,000 signatories. After the ori ginally scheduled engagement sessions, further sessions were conducted with representatives of St. George’s and the Sandys communities. As a result, there was a change in the proposal for Devonshire Parish based on the alternatives provided during the consultation sessions. This level of engagement is a testament to the importance of the decision, not just for Bermuda’s children today, but for honouring the past and, importantly, for our future generations. Mr. Deputy Speaker , the decision to have parish primary schools was solely based on the best possible sites currently being used within each p arish. This was a process that was fair, equitable, transparent and robust. As a result of this process, the follo wing sites are being redeveloped as parish primary schools : • St. George’s —East End Primary School site; • Hamilton Parish—Francis Patton Primary School site; • Smith's Parish —Harrington Sound Primary School site; • Devonshire Parish— Elliot Primary School site; • Pembroke Parish— Victor Scott Prima ry School site, and West Pembroke Primary School site; • Paget Parish —Paget Primary School site; • Warwick Parish —Purvis Primary School site; • Southampton Parish—Dalton E. Tucker School site; and finally, • Sandys Parish —Somerset Primary School site. In addition to the aforementioned, the Pr ospect Primary School s ite will be repurposed as an exceptionalities signature school. As a result, Mr . Deputy Speaker, schools not named above will eve ntually be discontinued to be used as primary schools . Mr. Deputy Speaker , to be crystal clear, I want to assure parents, educators and alumni that the decisions on parish primary schools will not have an i mmediate effect. There will be no closures of any prim ary schools this school year or the next school year. The eventual discontinuing use of any schools will be phased in over a period of no less than five years, starting after the 2022/23 school year , and more specifically between the years 2023 and 2027. In a few months a project and programme management firm will be secur ed, and a supporting team created to de-velop a specific plan with timelines for transitioning away from the primary schools that will no longer be used. This will be anchored by a capital works project and finance plan. These eventual changes will be chal lenging for many. We are acutely aware of the need to handle student and staff transitions throughout this process with care. We will engage and involve those directly affected and will share regular progress updates and implementation plans throughout the process. Mr. Deputy Speaker , decisions like these are not taken lightly and without considerable thought behind them. As previously mentioned, we had a robust and meaningful consultation process in which the pu blic was afforded the opportunity to expres s their opi nions and provide alternatives to the proposals. I am fully aware that today's decisions, while being welcomed by some in our communities, will displease others. I can state with confidence that throughout the consultation the majority of those engaged agreed— agreed and endorsed the direction education reform was headed, but not all agreed with the proposed school sites . Again, Mr . Deputy Speaker, I reiterate that we must always make decisions around school reform with our children’s best interes ts in mind. This must and always should be our guiding principle. Mr. Deputy Speaker, this process has been hard for some communities —that is, the parishes with multiple schools . While for others it has not —the parishes with one primary school. However, f rom St. George’s to Sandys, we are asking our entire country to put the needs of our children first. Some communities will see neighbourhood schools that have stood for generations eventually discontinued to be used, and that pain is not lost on me. Mr. Deputy Speaker , I have been open and transparent to everyone who has called, WhatsApp’ d, emailed or spoken to me face to face that our dec isions have to be based on what is best for our chi ldren and free from political pressures. I realise having this approach has not been received with open arms in our community. There is no secret that there have been some in the Sandys community who have been quite vocal in their opposition to the proposal that had the current Somerset Primary/Lagoon Pre- School site as the best site in Sandys to be redeveloped. Mr. Deputy Speaker , by way of some explan ation, the West End Primary School has a very powerful 150-year history, and I am ever grateful for the numerous documents that I have received detailing that rich and pow erful history. A history that has unfortunately been rooted in racial discrimination that has seen one school favoured over another in the past based on reasons of race. While this is a critical leg acy that must be recognised, as I have mentioned on many o ccasions, our process focused on the sites of current schools and which are best suited for redeve lopment for our children.
Bermuda House of Assembly I have and I am sure my fellow MPs have a lready been inundated with messages from members of the public once the announcement that the decision would be made public on Thursday evening went live. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party was borne out of the auspices of fighting the intolerable legacy of discrimination to ensure all Bermudians are treated fairly and equal, as well as given opportunities to succeed regardless of the colour of their skin. Despite many of us in the Progressive Labour Party sharing and being subject to the same history and legacy, we have decided that this decision must be de- politicised. T his does not mean dismissing the past; it is about privileging Bermuda’s children's f uture. I draw colleagues’ attention to the law of origin which states that a school must be student -centred . This is a simpl e yet all-encompassing fact inherent in the reason for the creation and existence of schools , and therefore inherent in the school's work. We must always follow that one guiding principle when it comes to education, which is always do what is best for our children. Mr. Deputy Speaker , throughout the consult ation process, I have personally been moved by the level of passion and reverence our communities have shown for the schools within their parish. In Sandys especially I have been reminded of the disgusting hi story of racism and segregation forced on our people that has led to unhealed trauma and pain that exists today. It is a shameful past that still lives within a certain segment of that community. However, as unsightly as it is, it is a rich history that we must honour in a meaningful way. On the other hand, there is a segment of the same community that is fully behind the proposal, as they see this as a means to finally achieve the equit able and fair system our forefathers fought for. These are real feelings felt by all and are not lost on me as the Minister of Education. I fully understand the resul ting huge burden of making a decision that places our children’s best possible chance to succeed before political pressures. Mr. Deputy Speaker, we have to, we must and we will honour the legacy, hist ory and culture of our schools, specifically our schools that provided our Black children with opportunities when the system of the day refused to do so. To this end, we recognise and celebrate our history and will create a Historical Legacy Committee. The idea of this committee is to determine the best way to document, record and share this rich history. Not only to preserve it for future generations but to help communities understand and cope with the intergenerational trauma and pain that still exists to day within our community as a result. Work towards the Historical Legacy [Committee] has already begun and further updates will be provided in due course. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the first step is to create a national framework within which ideas and pr oposals from members of our community can be developed, implemented, and shared with schools and the community. Some examples as suggested from the consultation process may include the following: • digitised oral histories ; • published written histories of primary schools ; • visual historical timelines ; • homecoming celebrations ; • permanent historical exhibits in parish primary schools ; • the potential renaming of some parish primary schools ; and • the rewriting of curriculum to include school and educational history. I have heard and I deeply understand the pr ospect of discontinuing the use of some schools, i ncluding those with rich histories and legacies. This is a very difficult and painful process for many community elders, alumni, parents and students; and I acknowledge that. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am, however, hear tened by the consistent thread throughout all of the information provided on the importance of history and legacy. It comes back to the guiding principle that all children should have an equitable, high- quali ty and world -class education. History teaches us many lessons, and that we need to do better for each and ev ery one of our children is one [lesson] that we have learned and, as a result of this process, [one that] we are working to realise. Today we stand at the cusp of a life -altering decision for our children, a decision that will chart the next chapter in the history of public ed ucation in Bermuda for generations to come. Mr. Deputy Speaker, we are not simply deci ding to discontinue using schools because it is som ething to do. We are opening new schools on sites that have been judged to be the best possible sites per parish. While we refer to these sites by the names of the schools that currently occupy that space, there is no reason why renaming school s to reflect the pr ogress and growth we as a country have made over the last 50 -plus years should not be considered. In fact, in some cases this should be considered mandatory. Our history in Bermuda, especially in educ ation, has been filled with examples of deliberate and purposeful exclusion of certain segments of society, mostly Black children, to our country’s detriment. We will start the process of writing a new chapter and cr eating new memories for our children and future generations to look back upon fondly. A future in which [all children] regardless of who they are, are able to best succeed. Time will heal all wounds, but only if we al-low them to be healed. Mr. Deputy Speaker, in the year 2021, in a nation as proud as ours, in an Island as small as ours, with so many assets in human capital, with the polit ical will of the Government, and holding our aspirations 1806 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly for young people close to our hearts, I ask Bermuda, Why shouldn’t each and every child in Bermuda r eceive a world- class education? When it comes to ed ucation, leadership is not about the next election; it is about the next generation. It is time for us to walk the walk and not just talk the talk about education reform. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Minister. Before I get to the next speaker, we have not seen anybody indicating that they want to ask questions at this point. So I am just putting that out there. The next Statement is from the Minister of Transport. Minister Scott, you have the floor. SKYPORT MINIMUM …
Thank you, Minister. Before I get to the next speaker, we have not seen anybody indicating that they want to ask questions at this point. So I am just putting that out there. The next Statement is from the Minister of Transport. Minister Scott, you have the floor.
SKYPORT MINIMUM REVENUE GUARANTEE
Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, on the 7 th of May 2021, I advised this Honourable House of the payments being made as set out in the project agreement between Skyport and the Bermuda A irport Authority. I wish to provide the House with an update on the latest MRG [minimum revenue guarantee] payment made to Skyport earlier this week. Mr. Deputy Speaker, on July 9 Skyport pr ovided the Airport Authority with a formal notice of the shortfal l between the actual airport regulated rev enues collected for the period from the 1 st of April to the 30th of June 2021, and the guaranteed minimum regulated revenue for the same period, which was an amount totalling $7,579,778.10. Mr. Deputy Speaker, earlier this year I a dvised the House that the project agreement contains a predetermined payment schedule of the MRG amounts for each calendar quarter of the 30- year co ntract. The Government has honoured all of its obligations in this regard, including making this latest MRG payment of $7,579,778.10 to Skyport. Mr. Deputy Speaker, to date we have made four MRG payments to Skyport totalling $32,772,548.48. W e received a contractual rei mbursement at the end of 2020 in the sum of $4,195,088.04, and therefore to date we have made net MRG payments to Skyport totalling $28,577,460.44. We expect to make additional MRG payments in 2021; however, we do not have estim ated amounts at this time. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the Bermuda Airport A uthority continues to do an excellent job in managing this complex matter as part of its oversight respons ibilities. The Bermuda Airport Authority has met, and continues to meet, all of i ts contractual obligations relating to the MRG payments. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Minister Scott. The next Ministerial Statement is from the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors. The Honourable Minister Tinee F urbert, you have the floor.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerGood morning. MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND SENIORS PROJECTS Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I rise today to update this Honourable House on the important project work that is being undertaken by the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors . Mr. Deputy Speaker, I will provide updates on the …
Good morning.
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND SENIORS PROJECTS
Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I rise today to update this Honourable House on the important project work that is being undertaken by the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors . Mr. Deputy Speaker, I will provide updates on the extension of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities [CRPD] to Bermuda, the Children’s Commission, litigation guardians, independent living, a Seniors Strategy, assisting the homeless and our engaging with the third sector. Mr. Deputy Speaker, this Honourable House will recall that the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors was created on the 9th of October 2020. The Ministry comprises the Department of Child and Fam ily Services, Ageing and Disability Services, and the K. Margaret Carter Centre, and also has responsibility for the Human Rights Commission and charities. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the 2020 Throne Speech stated that this Government would seek the extension to Bermuda of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, reaffirming that all persons, irrespective of their type of disability, must enjoy fun-damental human rights and freedoms. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am pleased to inform that technical officers have conducted a thorough r eview of the necessary articles of the convention to determine Bermuda’s current compliance and what is required to meet full compliance. It should be noted that compliance is Island- wide and not limited to go vernment departments and services. The good news is that Ber muda is compliant in many areas, but there is still much work to be done. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I will provide further updates as this initiative progresses. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the 2020 Throne Speech also advised that this Government would replace the Child Care Placement Board with a Children’s Commission whose remit will be to advocate for the chi ldren in care, promoting best -practice policy, pr ogrammes and service responses to meet their needs. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am pleased to inform that we have con ducted a review of the role of Children’s Commissions in other jurisdictions and have also reached out to key stakeholders in Bermuda for their views on the proposed Children’s Commission which I am currently considering. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I plan
Bermuda House of Assembly to bring legislation forward this year to give effect to the Children’s Commission. Mr. Deputy Speaker, in tandem with this work, we are collaborating with the Foreign and Common-wealth Office and have engaged consultants to con-duct a review of the litigation gu ardian and counsel services provided for under the Children Act 1998, as well as training. Mr. Deputy Speaker, to assist us in reviewing the litigation guardian service and any i mprovements that can be made, two highly experienced court professionals will be working with us over the next nine months. They will be supporting Bermuda to determine the model that works for us, taking into account the experiences of other jurisdictions. Their role is supportive and advisory. Mr. Deputy Speaker, they are currently meeting with key stakeholders in Bermuda about how the litigation guardian services can be —
[No audio]
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerGo ahead. Hon. Tinee Furbert: —litigation guardian service. The training will be open to all professionals including the litigation guardians themselves (of course), litigation counsel, members of the judiciary and social workers. This is not an exclusive list, and there are some key individuals who will also benefit from being …
Go ahead.
Hon. Tinee Furbert: —litigation guardian service. The training will be open to all professionals including the litigation guardians themselves (of course), litigation counsel, members of the judiciary and social workers. This is not an exclusive list, and there are some key individuals who will also benefit from being involved in this programme. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the 2020 Throne Speech also stated that this Government would fill the void that exists when young people “ age out ” of gover nment care. The Government will establish independent living coordinators who will devise individual plans for our young people coming out of care, to provide affordable housing options, post -secondary education and career advice, as well as access to physical and mental health care. Mr. Deputy Speaker, at age 18 children in care of the director, most of whom have spent the m ajority of their childhood with the Department of Child and Family Services [DCSF], are now expected to shift from being dependent on support from the department to young adults dependent on themselves, virtually overnight. Some have little to no support from their family. It is important that the Department of Child and Family Services continue to provide support services needed if agreed to [in order] to prevent adverse outcomes such as early parenthood, involv ement with the criminal justice system, poverty, hom elessness and dependence on financial assistance. Mr. Deputy Speaker, in order to reduce the barriers for successful transition to adulthood and i nvest in the success of these young people, the D epartment of Child and Family Services has developed an Indepe ndent Living Programme. This programme is designed specifically for children ageing out of [their] care who at 18 do not have an identified trans i-tion plan. Consideration will be given to those children who were involved with DCFS and have aged out within the previous 18 months, based on an esta blished criterion . Mr. Deputy Speaker, the Independent Living Programme will provide stable housing, and intensive support and guidance to assist these young persons in developing the life skills necessary to becom e successful and productive citizens. Programme deliver ables will ensure the young person has stable housing and support in educational and vocational training, and attains money management skills. [The pr ogramme will also] support the young person in buil ding and maintaining healthy relationships and lifelong connections with caring adults, establish connections to medical and social/emotional resources and assist the young person in securing and maintaining em-ployment. Mr. Deputy Speaker, collaboration w ill take place with Workforce Development to have the Ind ependent Living Programme participants engage with career development officers as a mandatory requir ement for employment readiness via their personal employment plan. This will also be a requirement for financial assistance eligibility under the new financial assistance reform. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the Department of Child and Family Services is working with the Ministry of Public Works to identify a physical location for the male participants of the I ndependent Living Pr ogramme. The amount of $500,000 has been allocated in this financial year for the property. [Teen] Haven is the identified residential location for the female pr ogramme participants. Under a memorandum of under-standing, the upper level of its bay view property will be dedicated for use by the Independent Living Pr ogramme. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the Independent Living Programme will be operational 24 hours [a day]. There will be professional staff (independent living coordinators) and support staff engaged to implement the programme. Staff will come on board trained in working with young persons with complex needs and will be equipped to deliver programming in accor dance with best -practice standards on youth indepen dent living services. Hav ing staff who fully understand trauma- informed strength- based service delivery and the performance quality improvement process will ensure a seamless and successful implementation of a quality programme. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the original timeline for this programme was scheduled for April 1, 2021, with an official launch/operational date of [June] 2021. However, as a result of the COVID -19 pandemic and its restrictions, the timeline for the launch has been pushed back, and the revised launch date is for September 2021. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the Ministry is also developing a National Seniors Strategy to meet the 1808 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly needs of the growing senior population in Bermuda to enable Bermudians to age well with dignity and r espect. I look forward to bringing the strategy to this Honourable House in due course. Mr. Deputy Speaker, one of the most vulner able groups in our community are the homeless, or those who are unsheltered. These individuals or fam ilies lack stable and appropriate housing. The economic effects of COVI D-19 have added to the numbers of the unsheltered, who were particularly challenged dur-ing the recent shelter -in-place phases. Mr. Deputy Speaker, this Government is co gnisant of the challenges of the unsheltered and is helping. This includes the initiati ves being managed by my colleague, the Honourable David Burch, Mini ster of Public Works, under the short -term economic stimulus package. Some $1,600,000 in Bermuda Housing Corporation [BHC] projects will produce 17 residential units. This is adding much- needed units to the housing stock of the BHC, who provide a signif icant service to those needing affordable housing. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the Ministry is this year providing some $550,000 in direct grant funds to support the operations at the emergency shelt er on North Street for the unsheltered. My honourable colleague is replacing the emergency housing shelter on North Street with a new facility this year which will provide a modern and more suitable facility to those most in need. Mr. Deputy Speaker, thi s Ministry provides a further $2,050,000 in grants to assist with housing for seniors and other vulnerable groups. This, combined with the work and funds provided by other entities within government, including Financial Assistance, ensures that those most in need are helped and will continue to be helped. Mr. Deputy Speaker, we will continue to fine- tune our response to assisting the unsheltered and collaborate with the third sector to ensure that resources are directed to those who are most in need. In closing, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would like to thank those organisations in the third sector who have worked so hard to provide assistance to the most vul-nerable in our community during this very challenging time. I have had regular meetings with them as we moved through each phase of the re- opening of Bermuda, to get updates on the challenges that their cl ients and their organisations were facing. Their sel fless work to help Bermudians in need is heart - warming, and I encourage my fellow Bermudians, if you can not give financial support to these entities, please give of your time. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I will continue to collaborate with the third sector groups to ensure that this Government is fully aware of the challenges faced by the third sector and their cli ents. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Minister Furbert. That is the end of the Ministerial Statements. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThere are no reports of committees. QUESTION PERIOD
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThis is the Question Period, and it lasts for 60 minutes. The first question is to the Honourable Minister Renee Ming. Minister, you have the floor. Hon. Renee Ming: Surely, Mr. Deputy Speaker, the question was: QUESTION: TOTAL COST TO GOVERNMENT FOR QUARAN TINE SITES [This Question was redirected to …
This is the Question Period, and it lasts for 60 minutes. The first question is to the Honourable Minister Renee Ming. Minister, you have the floor.
Hon. Renee Ming: Surely, Mr. Deputy Speaker, the question was:
QUESTION: TOTAL COST TO GOVERNMENT FOR QUARAN TINE SITES [This Question was redirected to the Ministry of National S ecurity on 16 July 2021]
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Will the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House of the total monthly cost to the Government for all of the quarantine sites from inception of the pr ogramme to July 10, 2021?
Hon. Renee Ming: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would just like to provide that amount. The weekend is July 11, so these values actually are at July 11. It is based on invoices received, and it would be $119,034.7 2.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you. Mr. Simons, do you have any further questions? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Minister. Hon. Renee Ming: You are quite welcome.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerSo far we have two [Members] who would like to ask questions. The Honourable Member Neville Tyrrell would like to ask a question of the Minister Scott. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I sent you questions, too. The Deputy Spe aker: Oh, my apologies. Hon. N. H. …
So far we have two [Members] who would like to ask questions. The Honourable Member Neville Tyrrell would like to ask a question of the Minister Scott.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I sent you questions, too. The Deputy Spe aker: Oh, my apologies.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I sent you a number of them.
Bermuda House of Assembly The Deputy Speaker: Okay. I do not see them, but that is no problem.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: They are in your in box. [Crosstalk]
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerContinue, Mr. Simons. Hold off, Mr. Tyrrell. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Okay. I have questions for the Minister of Works on the Tynes Bay plant.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerOkay. That is the first Stat ement? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: That is correct.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerOkay. QUESTION 1 : TYNES BAY PLANT CRITICAL STATUS REPORT Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: It states that most of the power is sold over the BELCO power grid. Can the Minister confirm the total revenues realised from BELCO from the sale of the energy for the past two fiscal …
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYes. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Deputy Speaker, that question is actually something that was not listed wit hin the Statement and that will actually require some research. I do believ e, following the rules of the House, questions should pertain to everything that is in the Statement, not …
Yes. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Deputy Speaker, that question is actually something that was not listed wit hin the Statement and that will actually require some research. I do believ e, following the rules of the House, questions should pertain to everything that is in the Statement, not requiring me to actually go and actually dig up that information like that. But I can endea vour to get that information to that Member from the Minist ry of Works.
[Crosstalk ]
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerAny further questions, Mr. S imons? SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, a second question. It says, “This plan will see Tynes Bay repurposed as a renewable energy hub—”
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerWhat page are you reading from, Member Simons? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Page 2. The Deputy Speaker: Page 2? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes. It says, “This plan will see Tynes Bay repurposed as a renewable energy hub for waste and water utility . . . .” Will …
What page are you reading from, Member Simons?
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Page 2. The Deputy Speaker: Page 2? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes. It says, “This plan will see Tynes Bay repurposed as a renewable energy hub for waste and water utility . . . .” Will this have an impact on the amount of energy sold to BELCO? That is a supplementary.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMinister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Again, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am just waiting for technical staff. Actually, the response here to the question, I guess it is responsive to the question that was first asked. A typical sale is 180 kWh per month. Whether the repurposing of the plant …
Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Again, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am just waiting for technical staff. Actually, the response here to the question, I guess it is responsive to the question that was first asked. A typical sale is 180 kWh per month. Whether the repurposing of the plant will have an effect on that is going to be som ething that I will have to get back to the Member on. I do apologise, Mr. Deputy Speak er, and I apologise to the Member. I was asked to read this only because the substantive Minister is having technical difficulties, while he is travelling, to be online.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMm-hmm. QUESTION 2: TYNES BAY PLANT CRITICAL STATUS REPORT Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: And then the second question that I have on page 4. “If not for Tynes Bay, that same garbage would find itself either destroying what is left of Pembroke Marsh . . . .” Can the …
Mm-hmm.
QUESTION 2: TYNES BAY PLANT CRITICAL STATUS REPORT
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: And then the second question that I have on page 4. “If not for Tynes Bay, that same garbage would find itself either destroying what is left of Pembroke Marsh . . . .” Can the Minister give an undertaking that he would share with this House the plans that they have for Pembroke Marsh going forward?
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: I can definitely take that undertaking on and make sure the technical officers have that question. And we can provide some clarity around that.
Hon. N. H. Cole Sim ons: Thank you very much.
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy Speaker[Are there] any further questions on the Tynes Bay [Plant] Critical Status Report?
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Richardson, c ontinue. QUESTION 1: TYNES BAY PLANT CRITICAL STATUS REPORT
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you. I thank the Honourable Minister. In his Statement or in the substantive Mini ster’s Statement, he said that some components were either deficient or not functioning. And then later on it 1810 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly said in the Statement that we …
Thank you. I thank the Honourable Minister. In his Statement or in the substantive Mini ster’s Statement, he said that some components were either deficient or not functioning. And then later on it 1810 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly said in the Statement that we are going into a full r efurbishment of the Tynes Bay facility. My question to the Minister would be, How long will the refurbishment take?
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you for that question, Honourable Member. I do want to say I think the Statement mentioned around five years. But I am waiting for our technical officers to get that particular answer.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerAny further questions, MP Richardson? SUPPLEMENTARY
Mr. Jarion RichardsonYes, sir , a supplemental on that one. Would the Honourable Minister be able to speak to the specific work that is going to take place at the site? And obviously, I am mindful that this may have to be looked up. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Yes. Thank you …
Yes, sir , a supplemental on that one. Would the Honourable Minister be able to speak to the specific work that is going to take place at the site? And obviously, I am mindful that this may have to be looked up.
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Yes. Thank you f or that question. Again I can undertake to get [that information]. The Statement did not [mention] exactly what works will be undertaken. I do know from actually being a Cabinet Minister and listening that there is going to be a full refurbishment. When [ I] say “full refurbishment and rebuild,” that is exactly what it sounds like, a vi rtually complete rebuild. And if we are talking about the entire plant, I was correct in saying that the estimate is around five years for a complete rebuild of the entire plant.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerAny further questions on this Statement?
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerPlease continue. QUESTION 2: TYNES BAY PLANT CRITICAL STATUS REPORT
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThe Minister s aid there are some 200 to 300 tons of trash processed at the facil ity. What are the plans going forward for all of that waste? Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you. Thank you, Member. The plan for that is to continue to have the plant …
The Minister s aid there are some 200 to 300 tons of trash processed at the facil ity. What are the plans going forward for all of that waste?
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you. Thank you, Member. The plan for that is to continue to have the plant operate as it has been operating, with fingers crossed that we do not have any catastrophic things that force the plant to not be able to operate. But as it is standing now, it is operating with the fixes that have been put in place. But we do recognise that those are not a s ustainable model. So we will continue to utilise it as it is while moving forward [as] the new plant continues.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonWhat correspondence or communication will go out to the public in relation to services at Tynes Bay, alterations to services at the Tynes Bay if a person wants to take trash or use any of those facilities? Where can they look up what they can and cannot do, or ar …
What correspondence or communication will go out to the public in relation to services at Tynes Bay, alterations to services at the Tynes Bay if a person wants to take trash or use any of those facilities? Where can they look up what they can and cannot do, or ar e we anticipating a full service going forward?
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: All government announc ements are issued by . . . we now have WhatsApp. We have the Tree Frog. We have the website. We have direct mailings. I am sure you have received direct mailin gs about what is going on at trash collection and recycling. There are numerous ways in which the public will be kept abreast, also including social media and traditional media. The Government has numerous ways that the public will be kept abreast of ever ything that is going on so they can know well in advance where we are and what restrictions there might be coming if those restrictions have to be put in place.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Thank you, Honourable Minister. Those ar e all of my questions.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you. Do any further Members have questions for the Minister on that Statement? Okay. The next questions we have are for the Minister of Education on primary schools. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I have a quest ion.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerContinue, Honourable Member. QUESTION 1: PARISH PRIMARY SCHOOL CONSULTATION DECISION Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: On page 2, the Minister indicated that “We used well -thought -out and defined criteria that identified the best existing school site in each parish . . . .” My question is for the edification …
Continue, Honourable Member.
QUESTION 1: PARISH PRIMARY SCHOOL CONSULTATION DECISION
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: On page 2, the Minister indicated that “We used well -thought -out and defined criteria that identified the best existing school site in each parish . . . .” My question is for the edification of the community: Can the Minister succinctly define what criteria were used in identifying those schools that will be used going forward?
Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you for that question. As I just talked about in the Statement, the criteria are in the public domain. It was part of the consultation documents. So I could say that the question you have asked, sir, has been in the public domain since December 2020. There are clearly defined 19 attributes. I actually do not have all 19 of them in front of me. But there were 19 clearly defined attri butes that were taken into account when we looked at each site. Each site was judged by the same criteria. And then parishes that had mult iple schools were then compared . . . the site s within those parishes were compared against each other. And the sites that had the highest score were the ones chosen. But again, the consultation document can be located on the Education Ministry’s website, www. moed.bm . It is approximately about 80 pages long. And I want to say just over 20 pages of that talk about what the criterion are and lists the actual score that each site got. So it is extremely transparent. All data and documentation are there for you to see. As we would say, it is already in the public domain. But if [he wishes] that number, I could send it to him directly, or he could go to the website and download it and look at it himself.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you very much.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerAny further questions on that Statement? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, I do.
Ms. Susan E. JacksonYes, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I have a supplementary to that question.
Ms. Susan E. JacksonGood morning. And good morning, Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Good morning. SUPPLEMENTARY
Ms. Susan E. JacksonMy question is, given the criteria in the public domain I would also like to ask, What is the Minister’s criteria or response t o grad uates and parents of high- performing schools that are now being closed? Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: I think that this was a question …
My question is, given the criteria in the public domain I would also like to ask, What is the Minister’s criteria or response t o grad uates and parents of high- performing schools that are now being closed?
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: I think that this was a question that came up during the consultation process. As I said, the consultation process went from December to now. Again, the answer to that question is within the various documents that were displayed, because it is one thing that we knew was going to be asked and so we ensured that we talked about it. We will say that high -performance schools are not an indication of whether the site itself is suitable for redevelopment. High- performance schools are what we would consider an intangible thing that is very difficult to measure. Because it does not take into account the facilities; it does not take into account services that are required for the individual children; it does not take into account equitable services being supplied throughout the system. So there are lots of different intangibles that go into [it] when you start talking about high- performance schools. So what we ar e assured of is that when we provide the necessary services and all of our schools are able to stand up and say that they have all of the tools that are required for all of those students to succeed no matter where those children come from, how much money their parents have or do not have, or what difficulties or specialties that they bring to the table, we will be able to make sure that they have ev erything that they need. So we feel, and the documentation and the data that we collected certainly do support, that mo ving to parish primary schools will provide all of our children [an opportunity] to succeed and [will] do away with the system of having some schools that seemingly succeed and others that do not.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerAre there any further questions? QUESTION 2: PARISH PRIMARY SCHOOL CONSULTATION DECISION Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I have another question. On page 3 of the Statement, the Minister ind icated that he will be engaging a “project and pr ogramme management firm” to deliver and manage the transition. My …
Are there any further questions?
QUESTION 2: PARISH PRIMARY SCHOOL CONSULTATION DECISION
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I have another question. On page 3 of the Statement, the Minister ind icated that he will be engaging a “project and pr ogramme management firm” to deliver and manage the transition. My question is, How much has the Gover nment budgeted for this management firm’s engage-ment over the number of years for the transition?
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: That is a good question. I do not have the exact figures, but that is something that was budgeted in this year’s budget for that en-gagement. So it is a question that I can endeavour to get back to the Member with, the exact number that was budgeted for this fiscal year for that. But it is something that has been budgeted for.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Supplemental.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYes. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Will this engagement be put out to open tender or will it be exempt? 1812 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: This engagement, as a matter of fact, Honourable Member, we are in the …
Yes.
SUPPLEMENTARY
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Will this engagement be put out to open tender or will it be exempt? 1812 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: This engagement, as a matter of fact, Honourable Member, we are in the pr ocess of discussing. We have been discussing it for the last month and a half with the Ministry of Works, which of course covers lands and buildings, which owns all of the school buildings, and OPMP [Office of Project Management and Procurement ]. We have been in discussions on how the RFP [request for proposal] for that process will work. The target date is September. We will be releasing an RFP for bids for that work.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: That is all I have. Thank you.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you. Any further questions on that?
Ms. Susan E. JacksonYes, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I still have a question for the Minister.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYes, Ms. Jackson. Continue. SUPPLEMENTARY
Ms. Susan E. JacksonThank you. Minister, just getting back to the criteria again, there was much said about the physical plant. But again, I am curious if the Minister might shed some light on what is being done to assess and adopt and save the quality teaching that has occurred within high-performing schools …
Thank you. Minister, just getting back to the criteria again, there was much said about the physical plant. But again, I am curious if the Minister might shed some light on what is being done to assess and adopt and save the quality teaching that has occurred within high-performing schools that are now closing? What is being done to save that information, to protect those elements within the school system that are working really well from a performance perspective so that those high- performance behaviours are transferred into this reformed physical plant that you mentioned?
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: And I thank you, Member, for that question. First, I want to correct a misnomer where you say “physical plant.” We looked at the physical sites to see if the sites could be redeveloped. I know it is a popular thing that the RG [ Royal Gazette] keeps mentioning that we have looked at physical buildings to see what buildings can be redeveloped. It is not. We have looked at the actual site to see if the site can support the redevelopment of the scho ols of the f uture. I just want to take that time to clarify that. In terms of what is working and what is not working within our system, as you would well know as I have done a briefing with you, education reform does not involve just the creation of phys ical buildings that will fit 21 st century learning. It also has to undertake the Learning First programme, a programme that has been put in place to examine how teaching is done, how learning is done and what we need to do in terms of retooling, retraining and helping our teachers b ecome better teachers and what is it they do, as well as revamping our curriculum so that it will become more relevant for the students whom we do have. The second part of that, as you would know as well, is the fading- out of the middle school system and reverting back to a two -tiered system. The work of that was done earlier this year when we passed the Education Amendment Act, which paved the way for that. And as has been put in the public domain, we will have the first of our two signature schools opening in the 2022 school year, and that is at the CedarBridge Academy and the Berkeley Institute. The third part, which again the Member is aware of, is the creation of the Education Authority. The purpose of the Education Authorit y is to look at how schools operate and the governance around how schools operate, and to produce more accountability within our education system. The Education Authority team has been busy interviewing and conducting question- and-answer sessions with all of our schools and our teachers and our principals, as well as our aided schools (because the school that you are referring to is an aided school) to discuss how they operate. What is it that they do? So we can incorporate pluses, we can incorporate the th ings that are being done well. We can look at the things that are not being done well and how we can improve them and produce a system that has the governance structure in place that produces children, produces the students whom we need for Bermuda to succ eed. So with all of that in mind, and combined, all three of those strands will in fact take a system that is disjointed, a system that is inequitable and a system that does not provide our children with the necessary tools to succeed at all times [and change it] into a sy stem that does exactly what we want it to do. And that is to give every single child in Bermuda access to a world -quality education and the opportunity to be successful.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierThank you, Deputy Speaker, and thank you, Minister. SUPPLEMENTARIES
Mr. L. Craig CannonierWhen talking about the school sites, Minister, I was just curious. You know, we are talking about plans for the teachers and st udents and the like. What about the actual school sites themselves that will be [INAUDIBLE]? Are there any plans that have been put in place for these …
When talking about the school sites, Minister, I was just curious. You know, we are talking about plans for the teachers and st udents and the like. What about the actual school sites themselves that will be [INAUDIBLE]? Are there any plans that have been put in place for these particular buildings, knowing that maintenance is difficult to keep up for Public Works? Has there been any talk about what to do with these sites?
Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Can you clarify your question, Member?
Mr. L. Craig CannonierSure. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Are you referring to sites that will be eventually discontinued or sites that — [Crosstalk]
Mr. L. Craig CannonierThat is correct. That is correct, Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Okay. Thank you. Thank you. That is a topical question. In terms of sites that will be discontinued, as I mentioned in the Statement, discontinuin g will not start to be phased in for several years from now. …
That is correct. That is correct, Minister.
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Okay. Thank you. Thank you. That is a topical question. In terms of sites that will be discontinued, as I mentioned in the Statement, discontinuin g will not start to be phased in for several years from now. And at that point, it will not be that all schools will cease to exist and will move to another. There will be an eventual movement. So it is something that will have to be planned while we talk about the project and pr ogramme management. This is something that will have to be planned and phased in over several years. However, during the consultation process there have been suggestions on what could happen with school sites that will eventually b e discontinued, such things as youth centres, day care centres. Some people even suggested government offices. When we talk about our historical legacy, our preservation committee, there is an idea of turning one of them into a museum of some sort, of educ ation. So there are a multitude of ideas, and there are also people who have come out of the woodwork to say, Hey, I have a plan. If you are not going to use this school, can I ut ilise this school for something? So that is still all in its very formative stages now. But [you] can rest assured that the public will be kept engaged. Of course, the Ministry of Works will have to be engaged because school buildings fall u nder them as well. But there will be robust plans as we move along to discuss what could be happening with the buildings that are no longer used. I think, also cri tically, especially in some areas public engagement will have to be part, a very critical part of that engagement as well to determine what happens to these schools, some of them which have been community school buildings for generations within their communities. So to answer your question succinctly, there have been a lot of ideas that have been put out. We are not quite at that space yet. But the ideas are being collated and will def initely come into play. And the public will know about them so that they can give their input as well.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierYes. The year 2023 will be here relatively quickly. It is not too far off, quite frankly, as we head to the other half of 2021. I was hoping that maybe (and I am hoping that you are thinking on these lines as well) this might be a revenue opportunity …
Yes. The year 2023 will be here relatively quickly. It is not too far off, quite frankly, as we head to the other half of 2021. I was hoping that maybe (and I am hoping that you are thinking on these lines as well) this might be a revenue opportunity also for government knowing that p otentially we could sell off some of these buildings. Renting always is a difficult thing. But I do believe and hope that you might be looking at that. Would you consider that as well, the sale of these properties?
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: At this point there is no idea that is off the table. As I said there are people who have come out of the woodwork who have come and said, Hey, I’m looking for a property. I’m looking to run something there. This would be a perfect opportunity for me to get it. So ther e have been people who have come and expressed various ideas. But at this point it is difficult to put the cart before the horse here. When it comes to education, we have always tended to make bold statements without the data, without the patience to back it up. This time we are trying to do things completely differently and walk before we run when it comes to education reform. As you heard me say in the Statement, first and foremost on our minds is what is best for the chi ldren. Once that is settled and that is answered and we move forward with that, then we can take on the rest of it. Although I do recognise that some of this stuff does have to be done simultaneously, rest assured there is nothing that is off the table when it comes to what needs to be done in order to ensure that our children get the best that we have to offer.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you. Thank you, Honourable Minister. Honourable Min ister, you said that there is nothing that is off the table. But presumably, after all of this time and consultation and your decision to close nine schools, you must have some plan on the table for what you will do with …
Thank you. Thank you, Honourable Minister. Honourable Min ister, you said that there is nothing that is off the table. But presumably, after all of this time and consultation and your decision to close nine schools, you must have some plan on the table for what you will do with the closed school sites.
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: I believe I just answered that question.
Mr. Scott PearmanYou didn’t. I just asked you if you have a plan that is on the table . You have just said that nothing is off the table. Is there a plan on the table? 1814 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: …
You didn’t. I just asked you if you have a plan that is on the table . You have just said that nothing is off the table. Is there a plan on the table? 1814 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: I said I believe I answered that question. The question prior to yours was, Do we have any idea of what is going to happen with the schools? And I extensively answered the question that there have been lots of suggestions. There have been things . . . and I even mentioned some of the suggestions that have come from the consultation process. I also reiterated that we are in the process of making the decisions to move forward. Now that we know what the decision is, we can start now looking at how that decision can be effected. As we said, after the 2022/23 school year is when we can start. And we can then start talking about the suggestions that have come. You are asking me, Is there anything on the table? So, since you have asked, I will reiterate what I said earlier. We have had suggestions of using—
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMinister, Minister, Minister. There is no need to repeat. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Okay. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYou have adequately answered the question. Any further questions? No further questions? The next questions I have are for the Minister of Transport, from the Honourable Member Scott Pearman to Mr. Scott.
Mr. Scott PearmanMr. Deputy Speaker, it is supposed to be the Minister of Finance. [Crosstalk ] QUESTION 1: SKYPORT MINIMUM REVENUE GUARANTEE
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and thank you, Minister of Transport. Thank you for your Stat ement to the House this morning on the minimum rev enue guarantee numbers for the quarter and Skyport. Minister, it is probably not a surprise, these numbers. But I would ask you …
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and thank you, Minister of Transport. Thank you for your Stat ement to the House this morning on the minimum rev enue guarantee numbers for the quarter and Skyport. Minister, it is probably not a surprise, these numbers. But I would ask you to indicate to the House where the situation stands now with the diminished airlift to Canada and the stunted airlift to the United States. How and when do you see those changing? Thank you.
Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: As of right now the airlift to Canada will be returning, as Air Canada has indicated that they are going to be putting their flights to [and from] Canada back on shortly. Also, the airlift to the United States has diminished, but that is also slated to return. But right now it seems as though international contractual travel is operating at about 30 [per cent] to 40 per cent of pre- pandemic numbers and is not anti c-ipated, meaning projected by IATA (whi ch is the International Air Transport Association), to return to preCOVID -19 numbers until 2024.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you. Minister, in terms of the Canadian airlift, you have indicated that it is likely to return. Can you give us some sort of rough estimate on the fine print? Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: As of right now, the communications that we have had is that it should be …
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Minister. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Supplementary?
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Thank you, Minister. In terms of the stunted air craft lift to the United States, again are you able to give us some sort of i ndication on the timeframe as to when we will see that returning to airlift capacity as opposed to numbers …
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Thank you, Minister. In terms of the stunted air craft lift to the United States, again are you able to give us some sort of i ndication on the timeframe as to when we will see that returning to airlift capacity as opposed to numbers on the plane?
Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: We are unable to do that at this time. Once again, the best that we have is the IATA projections, which would say that international commercial air travel will return to pre- COVID -19 numbers in 2024.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYes. QUESTION 2: SKYPORT MINIMUM REVENUE GUARANTEE
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you. Honourable Minister, IATA has indicated that we will be returning to pre- COVID -19 numbers in 2024 as you stated. Others have indicated that we might be closer to normalcy l evels, or at least Bermuda normalcy levels, in 2022. Do you agree with that or disagree with …
Thank you. Honourable Minister, IATA has indicated that we will be returning to pre- COVID -19 numbers in 2024 as you stated. Others have indicated that we might be closer to normalcy l evels, or at least Bermuda normalcy levels, in 2022. Do you agree with that or disagree with that? Is that too ambitious? Is that too negative? Do you have any sense of that which you can share with the House?
Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: I would be more incli ned to lean and rely on the IATA numbers, as IATA is one of
Bermuda House of Assembly the more trusted agencies and internationally recognised agencies. When it comes to Bermuda’s numbers, there are plans in place. And one way that we would be able to get back to pre- COVID -19 numbers prior to that would be based off of the Bermuda Government or the Ministry being able to successfully execute our air service development policy. That policy is what you have already seen go in place now, which is based off of the locally inspired routes, for example, the nonstop to the Azores route, which has been successful and has been extended past its original date. But we are also looking at basing it on the makeup of the community as a whole. So the Ministry is now focusing in on the Caribbean, a nd we believe that with our focusing in on the Caribbean, that will help us get flights back on track sooner. But I do want to state that we are looking at other destinations outside of the Caribbean that will help us get back on track. But that is why it is very important for our air service development to get back up and running to try to get us back on track prior to or sooner than 2024.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Minister. Mr. Deputy Speaker, supplementary?
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Minister. Just in terms of the returns to normalcy and the UK route, I understand that there are some pos itive signs in recent days and weeks in relation to the UK route. Are you able to give the House any update on that position? Hon. W. Lawrence …
Thank you, Minister. Just in terms of the returns to normalcy and the UK route, I understand that there are some pos itive signs in recent days and weeks in relation to the UK route. Are you able to give the House any update on that position?
Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Yes. British Airways has indicated that they are going to increase their fr equency, which is good. But keep in mind that although they are increasing their frequency it does not mean that they are matching the pre- COVID -19 frequency that they had before. So that is what we have to mai ntain where, yes, you do see that we have full flights coming in from the United States. But the United States air carriers are using smaller aircraft which car-ry fewer passengers. So we still do not have the same frequency, nor do we have the same seat availability, as we did pre- COVID -19.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Minister. Mr. Deputy Speaker, second and final supplementary?
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you. Thank you, Minister. Thank you for the clarity of that answer. Again, still on trying to get the return to normalcy here, could you share the same information in respect of Miami and New York, and in particular the American Airlines situation? Thank you. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: …
Mr. Scott PearmanYes, Miami and New York, and in particular the American Airlines situation. Thank you. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: So right now American Airlines is doing very well out of Charlotte. They are slowly re -introducing the Miami run. We will see that they [operate] on Saturdays, which means once a …
Yes, Miami and New York, and in particular the American Airlines situation. Thank you.
Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: So right now American Airlines is doing very well out of Charlotte. They are slowly re -introducing the Miami run. We will see that they [operate] on Saturdays, which means once a week out of Miami. When it comes to going out of New York, it goes back to what I mentioned before. The US international travel market is not where it used to be, and the airlines do not believe that they can support multiple air carriers out of JFK as they did pre-pandemic. And so once again that is where Bermuda has to start to take the bull by the horns and create an air service dev elopment strategy that is strategic, long - term, consistent and reliable, but also nimble when it needs to be.
Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy Speakerthe deputy speakerMember Tyrrell, Honourable Member Tyrrell, you had questions for the Transport Minister? QUESTION 1: SKYPORT MINIMUM REVENUE GUARANTEE
Mr. Neville S. TyrrellYes, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Thank you very much. Good morning, colleagues. Mr. Deputy Speaker, my question centres around the minimum revenue guarantee [MRG]. And I would like to ask the Minister, for the benefit of the listening public, What is his Ministry doing to reduce or stop these MRG payments? …
Yes, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Thank you very much. Good morning, colleagues. Mr. Deputy Speaker, my question centres around the minimum revenue guarantee [MRG]. And I would like to ask the Minister, for the benefit of the listening public, What is his Ministry doing to reduce or stop these MRG payments?
Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you, Member, for the question. The main thing that we are doing to stop the MRG payments, as I mentioned earlier, is with our air service development strategy. But I think it would be helpful for the House to know that the MRG is based off of departures, not necessarily arrivals. So that is why the Ministry is looking to go t o locally based and locally inspired routes, i.e., Azores, Caribbean. And we are also looking at West Africa, which is part of the African Diaspora Trail, and points in Western Canada right now, which will provide connectivity onward to 1816 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly the Philippines and India. So when we put that in place, given that those routes are locally driven, we will have persons who will be departing the Island, but also those persons will be inviting what we call VFRs (visiting friends and relatives), who will come in to visit their friends and relatives here in Bermuda because we have made it more convenient for them to get to Bermuda. So, therefore, when they visit, [when their stay is over], then they leave as well. But also, going to these routes will allow for us to be able to allow every possible demographic — those who currently are unable to travel to the United States, Canada or the UK due to extenuating circumstances. They will be able to travel to the Caribbean and/or West Africa, which increases our departure numbers and helps mitigate our risk against paying the MRG.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerAny further questions, Mr. Ty rrell? QUESTION 2: SKYPORT MINIMUM REVENUE GUARANTEE
Mr. Neville S. TyrrellSecond question, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I noted in the Statement that we are ex pecting additional MRG payments in 2021, Minister. How many more payments after 2021 are there likely to be? Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: I wish I could say that we would have no payments at the end …
Second question, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I noted in the Statement that we are ex pecting additional MRG payments in 2021, Minister. How many more payments after 2021 are there likely to be?
Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: I wish I could say that we would have no payments at the end of 2021. But I think that it is safe to say that we will be paying MRGs until 2024, which is when IATA (as I stated earlier) indicates that the international commercial air service will be returning to pre- pandemic numbers. But we also feel as though there is a possibility, based off of how successful our air servic e development strategy is, that we should be able to, may be able to stop ha ving payments prior to that.
Mr. Neville S. TyrrellMinister, is there anything else we can do to avoid these MRG payments? Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Contrary to popular belief, even if we were to cancel the agreement today we would still have MRG payments to make, but just to different entities. But what we can do, and what …
Minister, is there anything else we can do to avoid these MRG payments?
Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Contrary to popular belief, even if we were to cancel the agreement today we would still have MRG payments to make, but just to different entities. But what we can do, and what is b e-ing done (I should say), is that the Airport Authority is looking into, researching and doing their due diligence on every possible additional revenue stream. Right now to give an example so that does not seem too far -fetched is that the Airport Authority is looking at expanding Bermuda’s airspace, which means that this would provide us with additional air navigation services, revenues and other things like that. So every time an aircraft flies through that extended airspace, we would be paid by the airlines for that. And we are estimating that at this present time, for the first two weeks of July, we have had close to 800 flights fly through our airspace versus the roughly 40 flights that have actually landed at our airport.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerAny further questions or supplementary, Mr. Tyrrell?
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerOkay. The next questions were to the Minister of Social Development and Seniors, Ms. Furbert. I think — Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I have one, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerTo whom, Ms. Furbert? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerContinue. QUESTION 1: MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND SENIORS PROJECTS Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you. The Minis ter on page 1 opens her Statement by saying, “I will provide updates on the extension of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Di sabilities, to Bermuda . …
Continue.
QUESTION 1: MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND SENIORS PROJECTS
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you. The Minis ter on page 1 opens her Statement by saying, “I will provide updates on the extension of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Di sabilities, to Bermuda . . .” . Given that in the corporate community there is a lot of emphasis on diversity and ESG [environmental, social and governance] protocols, and as you will know the ESG protocols address social issues which cover employee and diversity [issues], my question to the Minister is this: Has this Minister embarked upon a campaign that will provide employment opportunities and employment support for the visually impaired, hearing impaired and people on the autism spectrum?
Bermuda House of Assembly Because they are deemed to be, fall in the category as persons with disabilities. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I apologise. My connection is not too great today, and I did miss some of the content of that question.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Simons, do you want to repeat that, please? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: As you know, in the corporate community a lot . . . do you hear m e, Minister? Hon. Tinee Furbert: Yes. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Okay. As you know, in the corporate community a …
Mr. Simons, do you want to repeat that, please?
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: As you know, in the corporate community a lot . . . do you hear m e, Minister?
Hon. Tinee Furbert: Yes.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Okay. As you know, in the corporate community a lot of emphasis has been placed on ESG, which is environmental, social, go vernance protocols, globally, from an investment point of view. And part of those ESG protocols, they examine social issues, and under the social issues are em-ployee and diversity [issues]. So my question to you is, Has the Gover nment embarked upon a campaign that will provide employment opportunities and employment support for the visually impaired, hearing impaired and people on the autism spectrum? Because they are other di sabilities, these people can be functional and should be able to find employment opportunities in our community.
Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Deputy Speaker, the question is one that I do not think would come out of my Ministerial Statement. However, at this present time there is no campaign that has been started in regard to employability for persons with disabilities. However, the transposition table which we have created does seek out a section in regard to employment opportun ities for persons with disabilities. So that is actually included in the transposition table. I apologise; I do not have the transposition table in front of me to be able to say exac tly what it states. But the UN convention will assess where we are and will make recommendations to us to where we need to get to.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Supplemental, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerContinue. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. N. H. Cole Sim ons: So are we saying that, gi ven the review by the UN for where we stand as a j urisdiction on the disability and compliance to the convention that we will do something to address the hearing and visually [impaired] and autistic …
Continue.
SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. N. H. Cole Sim ons: So are we saying that, gi ven the review by the UN for where we stand as a j urisdiction on the disability and compliance to the convention that we will do something to address the hearing and visually [impaired] and autistic spectrum popu-lations in employment, and we will have a plan for them sometime in the future?
Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I do not want to just speak to the population of autism. We are talking about a whole population of persons with dis abilities.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simon s: And I said that. I just said visually impaired—I just gave them as examples. Vi sually impaired, hearing impaired, autism. I go across this whole range of disadvantaged people.
Hon. Tinee Furbert: Yes. And currently, if anyone who is experiencing discri mination against any sort of employment sector, [they] should be supported by the Human Rights Commission because they do address issues of discrimination. The other area which does help persons with disabilities is the KMCC (K. Margaret Carter Centre), who also provides a working pr ogramme. That does not mean there is not much more—there is more work to be done as far as e mployment opportunities for persons with disabilities. I am just trying to seek through the transpos ition table. But I can share this t ransposition table; that is not an issue. I can do that, where you can take a look.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Simons, any further questions? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No further questions. Thank you.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerOkay. Mr. Pearman, do you have a question for the Minister? QUESTION 1: MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND SENIORS PROJECTS
Mr. Scott PearmanI do, thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Minister, thank you for your Statement to the House this morning. In respect to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, you said the “technical officers” (this is at the top of page 2 of your Statement) “have conducted a …
I do, thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Minister, thank you for your Statement to the House this morning. In respect to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, you said the “technical officers” (this is at the top of page 2 of your Statement) “have conducted a thorough review of the necessary articles of the convention to determine Bermuda’s current compliance and what is require d . . . .” And you said, “The good news is that Bermuda is compliant in many areas, but there is still much work to be done.”
Hon. Tinee Furbert: Surely.
Mr. Scott PearmanDoes that mean that we are not compliant in certain areas? 1818 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Tinee Furbert: Yes, Honourable Member. So with the transposition table, it looks at what areas we are noncompliant in, partially compliant and fully compliant. So there are …
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerSupplementary. Continue. SUPPLEMENTARIES
Mr. Scott PearmanMinister, you referred to a table which sets out compliance and noncompliance and some compliance. Will you table that document in the House? Hon. Tinee Furbert: I will be definitely giving an update in regard to where we are with the UN conven-tion. Today I spoke of —well, I can …
Minister, you referred to a table which sets out compliance and noncompliance and some compliance. Will you table that document in the House?
Hon. Tinee Furbert: I will be definitely giving an update in regard to where we are with the UN conven-tion. Today I spoke of —well, I can actually give you some information. The transposition table is currently with the Attorney General’s Chambers for a review. And then it will be exte nded to Government House, [at which time] we will await feedback from Government House in regard to the convention. But once we have more details in regard to that, I have no problem with sharing the transposition table. So we are definitely not compliant in some ar eas, but not just government ; it is Island -wide as well.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you. Pending your tabling that document, could you just at a very high level identify the areas of particular concern that you have? Hon. Tinee Furbert: I am sorry. Repeat that, Honourable Member.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Minister. Until we actually see that document, are you able to identify any high- level areas of concern that you have? Hon. Tinee Furbert: Yes. Actually, one of those areas is the employment of persons with disabilities in the private sector. Another area is social protection pr ogrammes …
Thank you, Minister. Until we actually see that document, are you able to identify any high- level areas of concern that you have? Hon. Tinee Furbert: Yes. Actually, one of those areas is the employment of persons with disabilities in the private sector. Another area is social protection pr ogrammes to reduce poverty, particularly with women, girls, wit h disabilities. But in due course I can definitely advise where we are with compliance and noncompl iance, or partially compliant.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYes. Continue. QUESTION 2: MINISTRY OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND SENIORS PROJECTS
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you. Minister, changing topics slightly to the issue of litigation guardians, which you have also dealt with in your Statement at pages 2 and 3, you have indicated in your Statement to the House that you are “co llaborating with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and have engaged consultants …
Thank you. Minister, changing topics slightly to the issue of litigation guardians, which you have also dealt with in your Statement at pages 2 and 3, you have indicated in your Statement to the House that you are “co llaborating with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and have engaged consultants to conduct a review of the litigation guardian[s] . . . .” You then refer in the paragraph thereafter to “two highly experienced court professionals will be working with us over the next nine months.” It is not clear if the consultants are the two highly experienced people you refer to. But my question is this: Who has been engaged and roughly at what cost?
Hon. Tinee Furbert: Actually, Honourable Member, I would like to change the expression because we are not ordering the Foreign Commonwealth Office. The Foreign Commonwealth Office is collaborating with the Ministry in regard to litigation guardians and cou nsel. The Foreign Commonwealth Office is ac tually r esponsible for the costs associated with the two co nsultants.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you. I did quote you as saying “collaborating with,” not “ ordering. ” But thank you. A supplementary, Mr. Deputy Speaker?
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you. Actually, it is the same question. Are you able to identify who has been engaged? Hon. Tinee Furbert: Yes. Give me one second, Honourable Member. I have their names in my head, but I definitely do not want to mess them up.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you. While you are getting that answer, I am happy to ask my second supplementary, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you. Minister, also still on the same issue, at the top of page 3 of your Statement you refer to the six - month training programme for litigation guardians. And you say it will be open to all. I am just curious whether or not the litigation guardians themselves …
Thank you. Minister, also still on the same issue, at the top of page 3 of your Statement you refer to the six - month training programme for litigation guardians. And you say it will be open to all. I am just curious whether or not the litigation guardians themselves will
Bermuda House of Assembly be required to attend this training or whether that i s a discretionary option open to them? So if you could answer that and the issue of who the consultants will be, I would be grateful.
Hon. Tinee Furbert: Sure. Yes, all who are current litigation guardians will be expected to participate in the training. And we will also open it up to other persons who are interested in litigation guardian training as well. For the two consultants, it is Anthony Dou glas, the ex -Director of Cafcass [ Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service]; and Cyrus Larizadah, a QC [Queen’s Counsel] from London.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Minister. I am actually familiar with both of them. And thank you for your answer. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Mr. Pearman. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerAre there any other questions? Because we do not have any, but if it is not . . . Okay. That is the end of Question Period. CONGRATULATORY AND/OR OBITUARY SPEECHES
Mr. Michael A. WeeksAll right. Well, Mr. Deputy Speaker, good morning to you. Good morning to my colleagues and to the listening public. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I rise today to ask that this House takes part with me in congratulating and recognising my constituent, Ms. Nicole Famous, who celebrates over a decade of …
All right. Well, Mr. Deputy Speaker, good morning to you. Good morning to my colleagues and to the listening public. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I rise today to ask that this House takes part with me in congratulating and recognising my constituent, Ms. Nicole Famous, who celebrates over a decade of the Natural Blessings Always movement on the same day that she cel ebrates her birthday, which is today. So happy birthday to Nicole! The movement was conceived in 2009 to celebrate the beauty of natural black hair. Ms. F amous wanted to highlight the beauty and diversity of black hair while celebrating self -love amongst our Black women. The programme was first launched as a small hair show for the community at the St. Paul AME Church Centennial Hall. The annual expo grew to incorporate charit able and community -giving initiatives. Mr. Deputy Speaker, each year the committee would identify community members who could benefit from the pr oceeds of the well -attended event. I too was there on a few occasions. They have donated, Mr. Deputy Speaker, BELCO vouchers, grocery vouchers and other vouchers from various vendors across the Island for our seniors in need. This expo has featured tutorials and demonstrations by local hair care professionals, barbers, as well as international leaders in the world of natural hair care. Mr. Deputy Speaker, 2020 would have marked the 10 th Natural Blessings Always hair expo. Of course, COVID -19 pushed this momentous occ asion back. But Nicole Famous has announced that the 2021 the Natural Blessings Always Hair Expo will be produced as a broadcast event and will air on Channel 82, the community station, on November 20, 2021. Over the years this organisat ion has also provided scholarships to students and donations to those in need. Today, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Ms. Famous has announced the presentation of a book bursary for S elah Ray, a Bermuda College student for 2021. I am proud of the work that my constit uent, Ms. Nicole F amous, has put into elevating her community, and I salute her and these contributions to Bermuda! Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Mr. Weeks. Any further speakers?
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. MembersYes, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerWe recognise the Honourable Member, Ms. Lovitta Foggo.
Ms. Lovitta F. FoggoYes. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Just two congratulatory remarks: Firstly, I would like the House to join me in saying a belated happy birthday to one of our former Members, Mr. Arthur Pitcher, who celebrated seven decades very recently. There are some here today who would r emember him …
Yes. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Just two congratulatory remarks: Firstly, I would like the House to join me in saying a belated happy birthday to one of our former Members, Mr. Arthur Pitcher, who celebrated seven decades very recently. There are some here today who would r emember him when he was in the House. Secondly, Mr. Deputy Speaker, another former member of the House, but part of the legislativ e staff, I would like us to congratulate Mr. Dominique Johns, who not only a few years back received his undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Management, but just recently graduated with his Master of Science degree in International Business. I highlight that because Dominique Johns —and many of us remember him because he worked in the House 1820 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly of Assembly —is one of Bermuda’s success stories. In spite of not having any assistance (or enough) because he was an orphaned child for quite some time and a n adult orphan, he decided that he wanted to serve Bermuda in a different capacity. And he went back to school, starting at Bermuda College, did extremely well and then from there, because of his grades, was able to secure a scholarship from the school he attended, Dalhousie University, on a partial scholarship from them. He is one of those Bermudians who had no finances, I guess, if you will, to rely on. Workforce D evelopment gave him a Mature Student Award; I think it was for $15,000. So he was the successful applicant of that award, I believe, under us. Then from there, when he pursued his master’s degree, again Wor kforce Development, wanting to ensure because the landscape has changed for those persons who need assistance —wanting to ensure that this young man did realise success, they introduced giving awards to one or two graduate students. And he was the recip ient, I believe, of a $5,000 award, which allowed him, though he had to work very hard in between, to realise his Master of Science degree. So, he is a shining example of what Gover nment has done over the years to help its people real-ise their dreams so that they can come back and be successful members of our society and give back to Bermuda. So, I wanted to—
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYes, D. P. Lister III, Honour able Member.
Mr. Dennis Lister IIIThan k you. Good morning, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Good morning to the listening audience and to my fellow colleagues. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would like to send some congratulatory remarks in this House to one other who is absent today, whose seat you are taking, the Speaker, Mr. Lister, the …
Than k you. Good morning, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Good morning to the listening audience and to my fellow colleagues. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would like to send some congratulatory remarks in this House to one other who is absent today, whose seat you are taking, the Speaker, Mr. Lister, the Speaker, MP Lister. He and my mother actually celebrate 40 years of mar-riage today. So I would like to send congratulations to them on their 40 years.
Mr. Dennis Lister III—as on Tuesday, July 20, my wife and I celebrate our first year of marriage. So I would like again for the House to send congratulations to my wife and me. And, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would just like to add to the Speaker of the House, those 40 years, …
—as on Tuesday, July 20, my wife and I celebrate our first year of marriage. So I would like again for the House to send congratulations to my wife and me. And, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would just like to add to the Speaker of the House, those 40 years, I can only wish them many more years of marriage and only wish that my wife and I c an enjoy a marriage as long as they have. So thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYes. Yes. Thank you, D. P. Lister III. Are there any further speakers? Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYes, Ms. Furbert. Hon. T inee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I would like to also send condolences to the family of the Outerbridges through Harlem Heights. I believe they had a loss of Ms. Yvonne Outerbridge, who is the mother of Ashton and Jeanne. And to the whole …
Yes, Ms. Furbert.
Hon. T inee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I would like to also send condolences to the family of the Outerbridges through Harlem Heights. I believe they had a loss of Ms. Yvonne Outerbridge, who is the mother of Ashton and Jeanne. And to the whole Harl em Heights family, I just want this House to send condolences to that family. Also, Mr. Deputy Speaker, just wanting to highlight some Special Olympians, give some con-gratulations to some Special Olympians whom we have. They are Bridgette Marshall, who pl ays tennis; Eden Woollery, who is an equestrian; Micah Lambert, who is a tennis player; Danielle Gibbons, she is the Athlete Leader; and Wayne Smith, who is a bowler. All of these athletes recently qualified to represent Ber-muda in the 2022 USA Summer Games in Orlando, Florida. So, I wanted to send special congratulations out to our Special Olympian team members.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerLet me associate myself with the remarks concerning Ms. Yvonne Outerbridge of Harlem Heights. Ms. Outerbridge was a lifelong member at St. John’s AME Church, and she will be sorely missed by the church family. Are there any further speakers?
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Swan, Honourable Member Swan, you have the floor.
Mr. Hubert (Ki m) E. SwanThank you for that. I am glad I was able to get in. Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would like to have a letter of thank -you and congratulations if possible sent to Nicholas and Alexandra Polvino. [PHONETIC] I had the honour of meeting them at Port …
Thank you for that. I am glad I was able to get in.
Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would like to have a letter of thank -you and congratulations if possible sent to Nicholas and Alexandra Polvino. [PHONETIC] I had the honour of meeting them at Port Royal Golf Course this week. They are celebrating their marriage in Ber-muda, it being delayed because of COVID -19. But they had planned to be here, and they made it to Bermuda. They enjoy golf, so he was able to play one round. And I invited them to come back and play golf with me because he was doing the right thing, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and spending the rest of the vac ation or honeymoon with his wife. But they are an example of a young couple starting off their lives as husband and wife in Berm uda. And I thanked them, and I wished them well, and I wished them many years of happiness. And may Bermuda be a part of not only their remembrance of their marriage, but that their future family could enjoy our lovely Island as many have in the past, doing it exactly that way. So I wanted to mention their marriage during these difficult times that we have all encountered and wish them well from the Parliament to the Polvinos [PHONETIC] from New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Their families are very much a part of our family now. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerHonourable Member, I trust you will provide the information, of address and proper name spelling, to the Clerk.
Mr. Christopher FamousYes. Sorry. My bandwidth is a little [erratic]. My video would keep cutting out.
Mr. Christopher FamousI just wanted to give condolences to the whole of Devonshire because we lost one of our friends, Mr. Kirby Grant, commonly known as “Gaffer.” He was born and r aised in Loyal Hill, a ttended Elliot, lived on Hermitage Road and Devon Spring Lane.
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberAssociate me, please.
Mr. Christopher FamousHe was a community g iant. Unfortunately, he was in an accident last year — An Hon. Member: I would like to be associated. Another Hon. Member: Associate, please.
Mr. Christopher Famous—and passed away earlier this week. He is survived by many children, many family members and the entire community. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYes. MP Tyrrell would like to be associated with those remarks. Any further speakers?
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThere are no personal expl anations. NOTICE OF MOTIONS FOR THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE ON MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThere are none. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS GOVERNMENT BILLS
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerPremier, Government Bills. FIRST READING GAMIN G AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. E. David Burt: Good morning again, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am introducing the following Bill for its first reading so that it may be placed 1822 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly …
Premier, Government Bills.
FIRST READING
GAMIN G AMENDMENT ACT 2021
Hon. E. David Burt: Good morning again, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am introducing the following Bill for its first reading so that it may be placed 1822 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly on the Order Paper for the next meeting: Gaming Amendment Act 2021.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Honourable Premier. The next is Ms. Tinee Furbert. Minister. FIRST READING HUMAN RIGHTS AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I am introducing the following Bill for its first reading so t hat it may be placed on the Order Paper for the next …
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Minister Furbert. The next is the Honourable Lawrence Scott. FIRST READING MARINE AND PORTS SERVICES AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Yes. Good day, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I am introducing the following Bill for its first reading so that it may be placed on the Order Paper …
Thank you, Minister Furbert. The next is the Honourable Lawrence Scott.
FIRST READING
MARINE AND PORTS SERVICES AMENDMENT ACT 2021
Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Yes. Good day, Mr. Deputy 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: Marine and Ports Services Amendment Act 2021.
The Deputy Speake r: Thank you.
OPPOSITION BILLS
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThere are no Opposition Bills. PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BILLS
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerNo Private Members’ Bills. NOTICE OF MOTIONS
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerNo notices of motions. ORDERS OF THE DAY The Deputy Speake r: The first Order we have is the consideration of the Tourism Investment (Nautilus H otel) Order 2021. Premier. Premier Burt. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 23 Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I move that Standing Order 23 …
No notices of motions.
ORDERS OF THE DAY
The Deputy Speake r: The first Order we have is the consideration of the Tourism Investment (Nautilus H otel) Order 2021. Premier. Premier Burt.
SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 23 Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I move that Standing Order 23 be suspended to enable th e House to proceed with the consideration of the Order entitled the Tourism Investment (Nautilus Hotel) Order 2021, proposed to be made by the Minister responsible for Tourism with the written agreement of the Minister of Finance in exercise of power conferred by section 5 of the Tourism Investment Act 2017.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerAre there any objections? There appear to be none. [Motion carried: Standing Order 23 was suspended.]
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerContinue, Honourable Premier. DRAFT ORDER TOURISM INVE STMENT (NAUTILUS HOTEL) ORDER 2021 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the purpose of this Tourism Investment (Nautilus H otel) Order 2021 is to permit the grant of tax relief to the developers investing in the tourism …
Continue, Honourable Premier.
DRAFT ORDER
TOURISM INVE STMENT (NAUTILUS HOTEL) ORDER 2021
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the purpose of this Tourism Investment (Nautilus H otel) Order 2021 is to permit the grant of tax relief to the developers investing in the tourism economy, Nautilus Hotel and Atlantic H otel Limited, which is in the national economic interests of Bermuda. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Honourable Members will recal l the Tourism Investment Act 2017 (which I will refer to going forward as “the Act”) which became operative in November 2017. The primary objective of the Act is to make Bermuda more attractive to foreign investors and to incentivise and assist local touri smrelated business owners to re- invest in their product. The Tourism Investment Act provides a scale of tax relief that can be accessed by developers through the grant of an Order approved by this House. And that scale ranges for relief from one year to t en years. By way of background, Mr. Deputy Speaker, the Nautilus property, located at 88 South Road, Warwick, is adjacent to the Azura Hotel residences located at 90 South Road, Warwick. The Church Bay Trust Company Ltd., licensed trust corporation and trustee of the Nautilus Trust, acquired the property on January 10, 2021, and is the sole shareholder in the Atlantic Hotel Limited. The trust submitted an applic ation for a tourism investment Order on behalf of the Atlantic Hotel Limited on March 25, 2021, requesting the maximum full 10- year exemption available under the law. The Nautilus property consists of 1.97 acres and is substantially zoned tourism, with the remainder being residential 2. The Nautilus property was ac-quired in order to serve as an expansion to project Azura, which has now been substantially developed by the principals of Church Bay Trust Company Ltd. The intent is to develop the Nautilus property in two phases. Phase 1(a) would redevelop the existing Na utilus main house into three units , creating between 20 and 24 new units. Phase 1(b) would renovate the r emainder of the existing Nautilus house and infrastrucBermuda House of Assembly ture, creating additional hotel -quality amenities including but not limited to landscaping, lighting, roadways and a new saltwater pool. The lower floor s of the existing residence building will be renovated to create two additional hotel residences, a total of six hotel keys, or suites. Phase 2 will consist of the creation of 20 add itional hotel residences, 9 two- bedroom suites and 11 three- bedroom suites. The total hotel inventory will include a potential maximum of 60 new or like- new keys, with a minimum of 24 keys if each owner only commits one mandatory key, or suite. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the trust has committed $3.5 million to th e acquisition of the subject property and a further $250,000 in closing costs. The construc-tion costs of phases 1(a) and 1(b) are estimated to be $3 million, and phase 2 of $18.5 million. The total budget for the project costs, including acquisition, renov ation, professional fees, transaction costs, r eserves and working capital, is estimated at $28 mi llion. Mr. Deputy Speaker, in meeting the criteria for a new hotel, following consideration of the Gover nment of Bermuda, this Order provides for the Nautilus property to receive, in summary: • full relief from customs duty for a period of six years from the commencement of this Order ; • full exemption from hotel occupancy tax for a period of six years from the hotel’s opening date; • exemption from the employers’ sh are of pa yroll tax for a period of six years from the ho-tel’s opening date, subject to annual verific ation of a management training programme for Bermudians; and • full exemption from land tax for one year star ting six years after the hotel’s opening date, subject to verification that the hotel employs 70 per cent Bermuda staff, and ending on the first anniversary of that date. Mr. Deputy Speaker, it is forecast that 100 to 150 construction jobs will be engaged during the three- to-four-year development process of the Naut ilus site. A similar number of jobs were created during the Azura development. The Nautilus development will also result in additional 25 -plus jobs of varying duration in support of the development’s design, engineering, financial, legal and associated disciplines. Upon completion of Nautilus, the combined A zura/Nautilus resort is expected to provide approx imately 80 hospitality jobs. Mr. Deputy Speaker, this is welcome news and signals a strong vote of confidence in Bermuda’s tourism and represents another product offering in support of rebuilding of the industry. Mr. Deputy Speaker, this Government is well aware of the cha llenges ahead for our Island. However, our collective, successful management of the pandemic has stood Bermuda in good [s tead]. The commitment and conf i-dence demonstrated by the Atlantic Hotel Limited is recognised and deeply appreciated. Bermuda cannot rest on its past laurels, and the constant renewal of our hotel product is critical. And this investment Order will help significantly in achieving this end. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
[Pause]
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Honourable Premier. Any further speakers?
Mr. L. Craig Cannoni erYes. I want to thank the Premier for the brief that he has given us. As I look at this, this is a very positive thing to see, that we continue to see many of these projects, especially knowing that when we were the Gover nment this was an opportunity …
Yes. I want to thank the Premier for the brief that he has given us. As I look at this, this is a very positive thing to see, that we continue to see many of these projects, especially knowing that when we were the Gover nment this was an opportunity t hat we took to extend and expand on the Azura. And now to see that under this Government those expansions continue to ha ppen. So I am glad to see that the Government has been working along with the team there to ensure that expansion in the tourism industr y continues to happen. It was good to also hear a briefing on exactly the kind of monies that will be spent, almost a total of about $28 million, I understand from the briefing that will be put into the economy, which is always a wel-come thing. From the briefing, however, I was not quite sure if the Premier said March 25 that they put in for concessions. So based on that, hopefully he can correct me as to whether it was March or January. I think he said March 25 they put in for concessions. Just based on t hat briefing he gave, I was just wondering and curious as to, here we are now many months later and we are putting in for the suspension of Standing Order 23(3). And we are just doing all of this in one go. So I was hoping that the Premier would have gi ven us an idea or an explanation as to why we are racing here to get such done when much of this was tak-ing place back starting in January 2021 and then March 25. So it would be good if the Premier could explain to us why we are coming to the House at this last minute to get this done. I am grateful that we are getting it done. But it would have been nice to have at least some heads -up. I also took note of what the Premier was sa ying as far as some of those concessions are co ncerned. And interestingly, now it looks as if the Go vernment has expanded on the concessions based on what we did in the beginning as a Government, offering five years’ extension. It looked like we are adding maybe six years to some of these concessions. And I was just curious as to some of why we were doing 1824 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly that as well. What led to the changing of the prec edent that was made in the past? But outside of that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am glad that the Minister is bringing this. It is good news for Bermuda. And we want to thank once again Naut ilus, Azura for expanding on this particular area and helping us to expand in the hotel industry. So those are my brief remarks. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member Cannonier. Are there any further speakers?
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. SwanYes, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I would like to echo the report of this conti nued development on what has been traditionally called Bermuda’s Gold Coast and congratulate Azura and Mr. John Bush, who is no stranger to development, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Right down there in your neighbourhood of Tucker’s Town …
Yes, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I would like to echo the report of this conti nued development on what has been traditionally called Bermuda’s Gold Coast and congratulate Azura and Mr. John Bush, who is no stranger to development, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Right down there in your neighbourhood of Tucker’s Town he was very instrumental in the development of the Tucker’s Point Club, which would have had its origin with the Progressive Labour Party Government even before the Azura came on the table. And the model that he has created through his years of experience in the industry is one that is wor king well. So the relationship that is being fostered by our Progressive Labour Party Government at this particular time is a carry -on from the relationship that would have been established even prior to the initi ation of the very successful Azura. And we thank the former speaker, the former Premier, who recognised the continuat ion of the Azura under a prior a dministr ation as well. I would encourage, Mr. Deputy Speaker, an yone in Bermuda who enjoys a good hotel product to pay the Azura a visit and to see the way in which the great architecture has been cr eated, something that stood out in my mind. And I am sure that it would carry forth into the Nautilus building, which is just to the west, a little bit even more elevated than the Azura property there. The Nautilus that is going to be a part of it is an ec o-friendly portion which features a rooftop that was near the ocean that was covered in Bermuda foliage, Bay Grapes and the like. It also provided a bit of eco- friendly electric vehicles, which the owners . . . and there is a combination of ownership and leaseback facilities that a llows the hotel product to function more economically and effectively. But if anyone knows how loud a vehicle could be, a bike and the like, going through, coming back maybe from a late night, there are certain areas where only electric vehicles and the quietness that they provide will be travelling through those areas there. I thought that was an outstanding feature and great thoughtfulness to moving forward in a more conservation- conscious manner. But I am sure that [with] the Premier’s bringing the recommended concessions, every effort will be made to make it possible for the success. Because the success that tourism brings is the success that allows us to employ greater numbers of Bermudians. I am certainly supportive of the t raining aspect. And I will declare my interest, Mr. Deputy Speaker, as a member of the Bermuda Entertainment Union. We look forward to some great Bermuda artists’ having just another venue to perform at, and sending a shout - out to our sister, VaVa [Selena Fields], our Entertai nment Union President, and all of our young entertai ners coming who are looking forward to availing themselves of these increased opportunities in emerging products that are growing out of our vision to provide not only great tourism products, but also experiences in support of these products with the help of the Bermuda Tourism Authority and the BTA’s experienced segment of the organisation. So in support of this, Mr. Deputy Speaker, you would know our passion [for] the tourism indust ry, and you well before me, having grown out of that industry and been very much a part of it all of our lives. So thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, for the opportunity to support this.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member Swan. Are there any further speakers? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerOkay. The Chair recognises the Honourable Cole Simons. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I will begin by stating that I suppor t this development. I also should indicate that I have an interest in that my family property and homestead is right …
Okay. The Chair recognises the Honourable Cole Simons.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I will begin by stating that I suppor t this development. I also should indicate that I have an interest in that my family property and homestead is right across the street from this hotel development. So I am just putting that out there. Mr. Deputy Speaker, as I said, I support it. But I just have a question that I would like for the Tourism Minister/Premier to address. I note that the Hotel Concessions (for the former Surf Side Beach Club) Order 2016 was granted for five years, and this one for the similar sister organisation is granted for six years. So if the Minister can provide his reasoning for the increase to six years. I am not saying it is bad; I am just asking for clarification as to why they i ncreased it to six years. The other issue that I would like to address is the concessions. If you refer to the previous Surf Side one, you will note that the exemptions for the hotel occupancy and the payroll tax exemptions and the hotel occupancy tax exemptions were linked to other
Bermuda House of Assembly services that will benefit Bermuda. For example, it said the hotel occupancy tax was linked to marketing of the hotel. So if the developer or the managers of the Nautilus Hotel and the Azura spent $100,000 in marketing of the hotel, which will benefit Bermuda, that will offset some of the exemptions granted on the hotel occupancy tax. So I would like for the Minister to speak to why that was not included in this concession tax. The same thing applied to the hotel occupancy. The previous [Order] for the sister company says [at section 3(1)(d)], “exemption from hotel occupancy tax . . . otherwise payable in respect of the hotel, for an amount equal to the sum expended by the hotel on entertainment . . . .” Again that would support our entertainment industry, and there was not a requirement under this concession. So I am just asking the Mini ster why. The same applies to the payroll tax. You can offset some of the exemptions by the inclusion of training Bermudians in the hotels. It was included and clearly defined in the [Hotel Concessions (Former Surf Side Beach Club) Or der] with quantifiable exceptions for each of the years for each exemption. So can the Minister please provide his reasoning for not granting a similar exemption programme as was done for the sister property that was the former Surf Side Beach under Order 2016? But generally speaking, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I think what they have done in Warwick at the Azura is first-class. It is tastefully done. I have been there many, many times. It is environmentally friendly. So you will have my support. I do have concer ns in regard to the number of units at Nautilus. But I would reserve further judgment on that until after I see the plans, because it is not a large property. And I know that they are going to have approximately 26 units (I think 26 units) on that pro perty . . . 24 units and 50 to 60 keys. So there will be a lot of traffic in that area. So I do have reservations, but I will reserve judgment until I have more details and can see what the master plan is, as I said, because I am concerned about the environment al impact as well as the increased traffic in the area. So those are my comments. But generally I will say that this tourism investment, Nautilus Hotel, has my blessing and I just would like to have more clarity as to why we have dissimilar hotel concessi on Orders for the same group of companies. But I understand we have to do what we have to do. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member Simons. Are there any further speakers? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Dunkley, you have the floor. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I am also pleased to support my colleagues and Members of the House today in this legislation that we are looking at here in regard to the development on the South Shore, on the Gold …
Mr. Dunkley, you have the floor.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I am also pleased to support my colleagues and Members of the House today in this legislation that we are looking at here in regard to the development on the South Shore, on the Gold Coast as it was referred to earlier. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I think we need to just reflect a bit and understand just how diff icult it has been for development to take place over time, a lot of the various mechanisms, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that both political parties when they have been the Government have tried to enact to make them be successful. So we are delighted here today to come to this Honourable Chamber at a special ses-sion and support it because the origins of this property, Azura, certainly were very difficult as we reflect back. I do not think many members of the public are aware or even Members of Parliament are aware, Mr. Deputy Speaker, but when I was the Premier, Mr. Bush approached me in total exasperation in not being able to move this project forward. We sat down, we brought other people in the room and we made sure that we could get this off the ground. And now we see the fruits of that labour taking place. I was blessed, along with colleagues, to be at the opening of the resort, I guess a couple of years ago. Mr. Deputy Speaker, as you might be aware, and certainly as the Opposition Leader who spoke just before me is well aware, it is a stunning property. Just about every view that you [take in] is amazing; and the next one is even better than the last one. So it is a stunning property, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I am pleased to see the success that is actually taking place there. They have a model that appears to work. They have a model that appear s to be successful. So I do not b elieve anyone in the House today is aggrieved in any way for coming back for a special session to deal with this legislation, because time is of the essence as we move forward. I think it is also appropriate to say, Mr. De puty Speaker, as I reflected on earlier we must appreciate the frustration that many developers have to go through in getting things done. Certainly when you are in the hospitality industry, when you are in [the bus iness of] building properties which peopl e will come and visit, we need to certainly accept that nothing is easy nowadays because of the cost of doing business in Bermuda and because of the competition that these people face from all over the world. So I want to commend the Government today for bringing this piece here, because it progressed in a very difficult environment. We need to continue to try to make that progress in a very difficult environment because quite often in today’s world and certainly when you factor in the pandemic that seems to con1826 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly tinue to grip parts of the world more strongly than ot hers, it is a statement that my father would always say, If you snooze, you lose. We have to take opportunity when it knocks. We have to do the best that we can. So I have no issue in supporting this today, and I wish them all the success as they develop a si ster property right there. Certainly as colleagues have referred to, Mr. Bush has a history of wanting to support Bermuda not only in the East End of the Island, but now he is working his way up to the West End of the Island, and this is good to see. Let us build on this successful model. [Mr. Bush] has done it with concessions, which we know have to be tweaked from time to time so we can ensure that people are successful with those. But he did not get a special development order; he has not had any guarantees. And it appears that this model is working. So congratulations to them! Congratulations to the Government for getting it done. They know that they have our support in the Opposition. To the pe ople of Bermuda, this will show that quite often governments do work together. So let us not always focus on the negative. Let us focus on the positive. Let us make this one work. And with the success of this development, Mr. Deputy Speaker (this is the last thing I will say), this will give the opportunity for more Bermudians to get back to work, to seek gainful emplo yment. And that is important. So thank you for the time, Deputy Speaker, and we support this and look forward to continued success. Th ank you.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member, Mr. Dunkley. Are there any further speakers? Okay. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you. Thank you, very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I appreciate the support of honourable colleagues. I am not entirely certain where there is this conversation regarding a special session; …
Thank you, Honourable Member, Mr. Dunkley. Are there any further speakers? Okay. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you. Thank you, very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I appreciate the support of honourable colleagues. I am not entirely certain where there is this conversation regarding a special session; this is the regularly scheduled session of the House of Assembly. So I am not sure where this special session matter is coming from. But what I will say is that I am grateful for the support of Members, allowing this to be moved today before we come back in September. Because the fact is that, as we all know, this Government is committed to economic recovery and committed to providing the conditions for jobs to be created. And a delay of six weeks is a delay of six weeks’ employment for persons. We are not trying to delay employment. So we are trying to move as quic kly as possible, as methodically as possible.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Point of clarification, Mr. Deputy Speaker, for the record.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerPremier, Premier, just one second. There is a point of clarification? Would you allow? Hon. E. David Burt: I do not need to yield, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Okay. Go ahead.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you. POINT OF CLARIFICATION Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I thank the Honourable Premier for his indulgence. The reason why I said “ special ” (and I could have chosen a different word) was last week was supposed to be the last session of Parliament. And so today was an …
Thank you.
POINT OF CLARIFICATION
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I thank the Honourable Premier for his indulgence. The reason why I said “ special ” (and I could have chosen a different word) was last week was supposed to be the last session of Parliament. And so today was an extra sitting, and we are happy to come back for this extra sitting; we are happy to come back anytime.
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Deputy Speaker, that is not correct.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerAll right. Hon. E. David Burt: That is not correct. The Depu ty Speaker: Continue. Continue, Honour able Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Deputy Speaker, the Honourable Member is incorrect. The schedule that was submitted to the Opposition and the schedule that was submitted was always that we were …
All right. Hon. E. David Burt: That is not correct.
The Depu ty Speaker: Continue. Continue, Honour able Premier.
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Deputy Speaker, the Honourable Member is incorrect. The schedule that was submitted to the Opposition and the schedule that was submitted was always that we were meeting on this day, the 23 rd of July. So this is not a special sitting. This is the day that we were always scheduled to sit, the Friday before Cup Match. As you see, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am wearing my red today.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerWell, well, well. What can I say? Hon. E. David Burt: I got it. That much being said, Mr. Deputy Speaker, so it is not a special sitting. It is a regularly scheduled sitting. But I am grateful that we are able to advance this matter today and grateful for …
Well, well, well. What can I say? Hon. E. David Burt: I got it. That much being said, Mr. Deputy Speaker, so it is not a special sitting. It is a regularly scheduled sitting. But I am grateful that we are able to advance this matter today and grateful for the support of Mem-bers of the Opp osition. There are just a few things of which I would like to say because I know that a number of questions have been asked. The first thing that I would like to say is that I think that it is important to recognise that, although the Nautilus property is on the same and adjacent to —noting that the Nautilus property is adj acent to the property which was the former Surf Side, which is Azura, I think that it is important that the Honourable Opposition Leader recognises that co ncessions of which were given ar e under two separate
Bermuda House of Assembly Acts, and they are two different Acts. So the hotel concession Order that was given by the former Government under the old Hotels Concession Act is a di fferent Order than this. And there are different prov isions inside of the Hotels Concession Act and the Tourism Investment Act. So I think it is important. When they are sa ying, What about the differences that exist in one or the other?, I think that it is important to recognise that they are two different Acts. So they are two different prov isions which are there. Concessions under the Hotels Concession Order are [under] a different Act, and h otels under a Tourism Investment Order are under a different [Act]; the Tourism Investment Act is different. So in this case, Mr. Deputy Speaker, they are two separate properties, and the concessions that existed previously under the Hotels Concession Act for the actual former Surf Side property (or the Azura property) still stand and are still maintained. These concessions are for the separate development, the separate development over on the Nautilus side. So there are the concessions which existed before, [and] have not disappeared. Those exist for the Azura site. And under the Tourism I nvestment [Act], these [concessions] are specifically for the additional development, additional units which are being used to add to additional hotel keys for the property. So they do work in tandem, as it is an overall development. But it is important to note that that is why they are separate. So it is not as though if there are not tax concessions for making sure there is Bermudian enter-tainment that will take place at the Azura Hotel. That is still continuing. That is not invalidated by this Order. The Honourable Member for constituency 2 spoke about the importance of Bermudian entertainment and the importance of promotion of Bermudians inside of the industry. And that is what this Government is commi tted to and it continues to be committed to. But it is important to know that [these] are two separate Acts, and so this is an Order under the Tourism Investment Act. [Pause]
Ms. Lovitta F. FoggoWe could not hear you, Premier. [Inaudible interjections ] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you. Okay. How much did you hear, Mr. Deputy Speaker?
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerWe have got seven minutes. Hon. E. David Burt: I am sorry. How much did you hear, Mr. Deputy Speaker?
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerI did not hear you. Hon. E. David Burt: Okay. Got it. The Deputy Clerk: We lost about the last 30 seconds or so.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerOh, we lost the last 30 seconds; I am sorry. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, what I am saying is that these concessions are not cookie cutter. Hence, you have to examine them based upon the circumstances that exist. As I …
Oh, we lost the last 30 seconds; I am sorry.
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, what I am saying is that these concessions are not cookie cutter. Hence, you have to examine them based upon the circumstances that exist. As I would have said in my brief, the deve lopers requested a full 10- year exemption. The Government examined what we are looking at with the Cabinet and the Minister of Finance and decided that six years is more appropriate. We have to have a del icate balance between what it is that we are doing i nsofar as economic development and what it is that we are doing insofar as revenue because any revenue forgone is money that is not coming into the treasury that can pay for other matters. So it is certainly important to provide emplo yment opportunities. It is certainly important to provide hotel development in Bermuda. It is certainly i mportant to make sure we upgrade our amenities that we offer for our tourism. But it is also important that we balance and take a balanced approach in these matters. So we examined these things on a case- bycase basis, and on this case the Government decided that this was what was most appropriate, given the circumstances. So with that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I do believe that I have answered the questions of which have been put forward, and I move that the said Draft Order be approved and a suitable message be sent to Her Excellency the Governor.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerAre there any objections to this Order being approved? There appear to be none. This Order is approved and [a message] will be sent to Her Excellency, the Governor. [Motion carried: The Draft Order entitled, Tourism I nvestment (Nautilus Hotel) Order 2021 was approved.]
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerAs it is 12:25, I think we will break for lunch at this time and return at two o’clock. So the House stands adjourned for lunch. Thank you. Have a great lunch. Proceedings suspended at 12:25 pm 1828 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Proceedings resumed …
As it is 12:25, I think we will break for lunch at this time and return at two o’clock. So the House stands adjourned for lunch. Thank you. Have a great lunch.
Proceedings suspended at 12:25 pm 1828 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Proceedings resumed at 2:00 pm
[Hon. Derrick V. B urgess, Sr., Deputy Speaker, in the Chair ]
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerGood afternoon, Members. We are back on air, in Parliament after lunch. I hope all have had a nourishing lunch for the mind, the body and the soul. We will continue the Orders of the Day. The second Order of the Day is consideration of the Public Health (COVID -19) …
Good afternoon, Members. We are back on air, in Parliament after lunch. I hope all have had a nourishing lunch for the mind, the body and the soul. We will continue the Orders of the Day. The second Order of the Day is consideration of the Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extension (No. 4) O rder 2021. I think the Attorney General, Minister Si mmons is going to do this Bill. Am I correct Minister Simmons?
Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Yes, you ar e, Mr. Dep uty Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYou may continue. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you and good afternoon. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I move that consider ation be given to the Draft Order entitled the Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extension (No. 4) O rder 2021, proposed to be made by the Minister of Health in exercise …
You may continue.
Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you and good afternoon. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I move that consider ation be given to the Draft Order entitled the Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extension (No. 4) O rder 2021, proposed to be made by the Minister of Health in exercise of the power conferred by section 107A of the Public Health Act 1949.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerContinue. DRAFT ORDER PUBLIC HEALTH (COVID- 19) EMERGENCY EXTENSION (NO. 4) ORDER 2021 Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am pleased to invite this Honourable Chamber to co nsider the Order entitled Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Exte nsion (No. 4) Order 2021 . Mr. Deputy Speaker, Members …
Continue.
DRAFT ORDER
PUBLIC HEALTH (COVID- 19) EMERGENCY EXTENSION (NO. 4) ORDER 2021 Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am pleased to invite this Honourable Chamber to co nsider the Order entitled Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Exte nsion (No. 4) Order 2021 . Mr. Deputy Speaker, Members will be aware that the current Public Health Emergency Order is scheduled to last until 23 August 2021. Emergency orders, which have been in place since 30 June 2020 following the state of emergency put in place on 1 April 2020, are made pursuant to section 107A of the Public Health Act 1949 and declare that a public health emergency exists in Bermuda due to a communicable disease that poses a threat to the Island. We live on a very small island and as we know from two very serious outbreaks in December of last year and in March/April of this year, COVID -19 can spread quickly and with devastating effect. It strikes at the heart of our community as hundreds of people test positive, thousands end up in q uarantine, and sadly, people succumb to it and die. To date, Bermuda has lost 33 lives to COVID -19. Mr. Deputy Speaker, we can slow the spread of the virus by following basic public health advice like wearing a mask to cover our nose and mouth, as well as physically distancing, downloading the WeHealth Bermuda app, and avoiding the three “C’s” of closed spaces, crowded places and close contacts. The more barriers and space there are between you and others, the harder it is for the virus to spread. Also, M r. Deputy Speaker, as we have di scussed in this Chamber before, we are fortunate in that we have added another layer of protection —the COVID -19 vaccine. As it has been said many times, vaccines save lives, and it is no different with the Pfi zer and the Ast raZeneca vaccines being used in Bermuda now. Both vaccines have proven to be highly effective after two doses. While you, as an immuni sed person, can still test positive, evidence shows you are likely to experience few, if any symptoms or be affec ted by only a mild version of the disease which your body is better able to fight off the virus. This means we can keep people out of the hospital and have fe wer deaths due to COVID -19. With a reduced viral load on your system, it is also hoped you are less likely to transmit the coronavirus as well, and research so far is promising. Mr. Deputy Speaker, this Government is firmly of the view that the COVID -19 vaccine is vital to our return to normal. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Bermuda’s goal of community immunity will be achieved when 70.0 per cent of the population or 64,054 people have been immunised. To date, 65.0 per cent of the population has been vaccinated with one dose and 63.7 per cent of the population has been immunised with two doses. When you take into consideration just the eligible Bermuda population, those who are over 12 years of age, 73.3 per cent of the population has received either one or two doses of the vaccine. These are great results so far and I will pause there to thank all those people who have t aken the step to get vaccinated. Your vaccination not only protects you, it also protects your family and our Bermuda community. Thank you. Mr. Deputy Speaker, as a Government, we recognise it will take more time to reach that goal of community immunity. Younger age groups, in partic ular, have not yet taken full advantage of the vaccines available. However, when the vaccine campaign b egan in January, the Government’s immediate goal was to protect our most vulnerable population— our seniors. I am extremely pleased to report that 81 per cent of people between 65 and 79 years old now have one or both vaccine doses and 87 per cent of seniors over the age of 80 have one or both doses. This means we are well on our way to protecting our senior population. To repeat —preventing infection, the onset of the disease itself, and community spread via a pr ogramme of mass vaccination will be a critical part of how we navigate our way out of this pandemic. We
Bermuda House of Assembly have all felt the impact that COVID -19 has had on us personally and we all now know it has impacted our Island’s economy. Getting vaccinated is an integral part of our ongoing collective effort to reduce the spread of the virus here on the Island. This is essen-tial, not only for our health, but also to allow us to r eturn to a sense of normalcy with our daily lives. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Honourable Members, as we all know, COVID -19 was caused by a new virus that spread quickly throughout the world. Unfortunat ely, it still exists, in large part, because it can be trans-mitte d so easily through people who are in close contact, both through coughs and sneezes. Mr. Deputy Speaker, as the Acting Minister of Health, I consulted with the CMO (Chief Medical O fficer) and he told me that a communicable disease of the first or second category, namely COVID -19, co ntinues to pose a severe threat to public health in Ber-muda. The outbreak this past spring which saw a sharp rise in positive cases and an increase in deaths highlighted the impact of variants of concern. In that outbreak it was a UK variant of COVID -19 B.1.1.7 which was the variant of concern. To control and con-tain the spread of infection, public health measures, such as those provided for in regulations, will continue to be relevant and necessary beyond 23 August 2021. This Order before us now will extend the Pu blic Health (COVID -19) Emergency Order 2021, made under the Public Health Act 1949, to permit the Governor to continue the Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Powers Regulations 2021, which impose extraordinary measures necessary in the interests of public health to prevent, control, and suppress COVID -19. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Honourable Members will be aware that the Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extension (No. 3) Order 2021 was made under the affirmative resolution procedure, effective 24 June 2021, for 60 days, expiring on 23 August 2021. However, the COVID -19 pandemic continues to rage on globally and a public health emergency co ntinues to exist on our shores. Therefore, in accor dance with sections 107A(3) and 107A(4) of the Public Health Act 1949 , I bring the Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extension (No. 4) Order 2021 to this Honourable Chamber to seek approval for the extension of the Public Health Emergency for a further 38 days, ending on 30 September 2021. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member Ms. Simmons. Are there any further speakers? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Dunkley, Honourable Member, you have the floor. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Honourable Deputy Speaker. It took a while to get on because my service was buffering a little bit, so let me know if my signal is not clear. It seems to be clear at the present …
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerOkay. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I am in God’s country in Devonshire, so I am surprised it does not work.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThat is down further in Hami lton Parish. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Well, okay. I am not going to argue about that one. An. Hon. Member: I concur. [Laughter] Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I thank the Acting Minister of Health and the Attorney General for providing the …
That is down further in Hami lton Parish. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Well, okay. I am not going to argue about that one. An. Hon. Member: I concur.
[Laughter]
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I thank the Acting Minister of Health and the Attorney General for providing the background to t he Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extension (No. 4) O rder 2021 and extending it until 30 September of this year, 2021. I will say a couple of things, Mr. Deputy Speaker. First and foremost, this Order carries very extensive and broad powers that the G overnment can enact. And I say that it is important because we have been under these conditions for, it seems like, a very prolonged period of time. As the Acting Health Mini ster has said, we still face a public health emergency, so this Order is necessary at this time. As we debate this today, I will try to keep my points succinct. But it is important that some of the things are said. As we debate this today, Mr. Deputy Speaker, we need to appreciate and realise that b ecause we have been in this pandemic period for some time, since March of 2020, Bermudians are very frustrated, they are very agitated, and many of them have been deflated by what is taking place. And this is not blaming any person or any entity or the Government in particular, this is just s tating the facts. What we have also seen, Mr. Deputy Speaker, is that, depending on who you are, what you do, and how you can support your family and your loved ones, everyone is in a different position. And so, here we are at the end of July of 2021, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and people from one end of the Island to the other end have been impacted di-rectly by COVID -19. And many of the people on the Island are feeling some challenges to their life that will be lasting for a period of time. Most of us have struggled to get through this period, whether it be our daily activities have been changed, been crimped, whether our mental health has been challenged because our life has changed—and I have said this before, but I 1830 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly think it bears repeating. And so, I think Berm uda is in a fragile position. A fragile position because the pa ndemic has impacted us —
[No audio]
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: —has for a long per iod of time, and now we are trying our best to get up and running again and get some normalcy back to what we normally do. We are not there yet. There appears to be light at the end of the tunnel, but when we debate an Order like this today, which extends the Public Health Emergency to the end of September 2021, it is clear, as the Minister said, that we are still in a public health emergency. And so, while people might think they see the light at the end of the tunnel, we are still in the tunnel and there is a lot of work that has to be done. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the second point that I would like to make is that it is noticeable—the change within the Government. And why do I say that? I say it on a couple of points, Mr. Deputy Speaker, because in the beginning of the pandemic the Government was very keen to consult with the Opposition about ever ything to do with COV ID-19. In fact, at that time (it was before the last election), the Honourable Premier would call the Opposition Leader (and at that time it was the Honourable Craig Cannonier) on great occ asion to have conversations to inform what was going on or to listen to what the Opposition Leader and his colleagues had to say. We have noticed that change in consultation. The consultation has dried up to a certain extent. And so here we are today with this Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extension (No. 4) O rder 202 1, and there has been a glaring lack of consultation on that. I say that because, Mr. Deputy Speaker, as Members of Parliament, we have been reached out to more than ever before through the pandemic because people want to know what is going on. People want to share their concerns with their duly elected MP and people want to hear opinions from their MP on what they think is going to take place and how we move forward together. And so, if Members of the House are kept in the dark in some ways, it is clear wh en constituents (or anyone throughout the Island) want to speak to us about these issues, we are unable to give them accurate information, which they should expect. Now, this Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extension (No. 4) Order 2021 is a very strong piece of legislation. The Government believes it is necessary and that is why we are here today. But af-ter 16 or 17 months of the pandemic, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would beg to state that there are many in the community who think we need to move forward and that these types of orders and the strong hand that they can show are not necessary at this time. The Honourable Acting Minister of Health stated the case on why they think it is necessary. And here we are, we seem to be stuck in a position where we have t he De lta variant impacting some people on the Island, mos tly brought into the Island because of travellers who have come in and tested positive. So, we have seen our rate creeping up very slowly, which is good news. And on one hand, while people talk about the strength of the Delta variant and how transmissible it is on the other hand, what the Government talks about is the light at the end of the tunnel, the vaccination and that is how we control COVID -19, and that ever yone should get the vaccination. We s ee that we are drifting because vaccination rates have basically stagnated since the end of May. The Government r eleased some figures just last night and the Minister also quoted some figures today during the brief. But if you take a look at the last three weeks, we have only seen an increase of 3.4 per cent in the vaccination rate. So, if that is the light at the end of the tunnel, we have risen from 30.0 per cent vaccination rate at the end of June to . . . sorry, [from] 60.3 per cent at the end of June t o 63.7 per cent on July 20, [this is] a small increase over three weeks. And, at the same time, we were told in the beginning of the vaccination . . . and Mr. Deputy Speaker, you are aware that the vaccinations really started in January to have a meaningful impact on our community and how we can control COVID -19. Vaccinations took off at a pretty good pace at the begi nning in January, February and March, and [now] we see them slow, so much so that the Government’s target for when we would get to that herd i mmunity or community immunity has changed over time. It was originally said that by Bermuda Day (which I believe was on May 28 this past year) we would be to that point. Well, Bermuda Day came and went and we are not there yet. We were told that we potent ially would be there by Cup Match. Well, Cup Match is here next week and it is obvious we are not going to make that 70 [per cent] or 75 per cent. But interestingly enough, Mr. Deputy Speaker, earlier this week, or I believe it was last week, Dr. Weldon s aid that because of the Delta variant that community immunity rate, the vaccination rate, would be bumped up to about 87 per cent. And the Gover nment has been somewhat restrained on any information on what the actual rate is at the present time. So, if the rate is in the upper 80s we still have a long way to go, Mr. Deputy Speaker. And that long way to go, Mr. Deputy Speaker, shows that the pandemic is still with us, it is still a pu blic health emergency to a great extent, but what do we do about it? And as the Attorney General has said, we know so much more now than we did in March of 2020, we know what COVID -19 is, we know the sym ptoms of COVID -19, we know how to deal with COVID - 19 by social distancing and wearing masks and ma king sure we practice the best of hygiene conditions, we do have certain drugs that work to help us fight COVID -19. There is some debate in the community
Bermuda House of Assembly about some of the drugs that are not used to a great extent that could be of a greater benefit, I might add as well. And we know that the vaccinations work. But, Mr. Deputy Speaker, one thing we also know is that there is a strong group of people who want to get vaccinated—and we have seen 63.7 per cent. But there is an equally vocal group of people who do not wish to get vaccinated. A nd it is clear to say, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that at this time that is the balance of that 63.7 per cent, so, you know, you have still got a significant minority who are not inclined to get it at this point. Now, I believe, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that people wi ll change their minds when they get better i nformation and more information and more accurate information. But my colleagues and I are very concerned because, as it stands today the rate has stalled, and the public health information required to have peopl e look at it and feel comfortable getting the vaccination is really not there. And so, what do we do about this? And this is a big —
[No audio]
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: —The bi ggest frustration is, I believe in the vaccine. I took the vaccine early on in the programme. I have had no side effects from taking the vaccine. I feel, Honourable Member, that it is a good thing for people to take. My family has taken the vac-cine at the same time. And I do everything I can to try to help convince people that they should be comfort able taking the vaccination as well because I respect their rights. I respect everyone’s right to decide on the future of their health, but I believe this is the way to go. But the challenge that we face as a community—and this is not just the Government’s challenge, it is a challenge for us all —is that we have got to get that 63.7 [per cent] to get much higher. If it does not, we could be back here in another month extending the Emergency Health Order again, for the fifth time or the sixth time or the seventh time. We could be doing this through Christmas. And in the winter who knows what will take place from there. And so, while vaccinations offer hope . . . and I would be remiss, Mr. Deputy Speaker, if I did not say that they are not perf ect. We do know they offer some protection, but we also know that you can still catch COVID -19, you still need to protect yourself. You can still spread it if you are vaccinated, we know that. But they offer help and they have done tremendous things in com munities throughout the world that get vaccinated. And that is one of the reasons why I think now, as we face a slight spike, that we are in a better position to contain it because our vaccination rate is reasonable, but we still have that long way to go, Mr. Deputy Speaker. So, I urge everyone today . . . all of us as Members of Parliament should be speaking positively about the vaccine and what can be done. And I a pplaud those in the medical community who have spo-ken out, like Dr. Ramon Arscott, just to name one. I thought the interviews that he did were first -class. They were simple, they were direct, they provided i nformation which was easy for everyone to understand and accept, and it was a compelling case, Mr. Deputy Speaker. And so, I urge people to g et vaccinated. And I urge people, as we have this conversation, to let us be respectful about it. There is too much disrespect going back and forth from some people who are vaccinated and blaming other people who are not vaccinated for, you know, prolonging this situation longer, or the non- vaccinated people saying you are infringing on their rights. Let us do this in a grown- up way so we can move forward because we are all tired, we are all agitated, we are all frustrated by COVID -19. Those feelings will n ot go away until we get in a better pos ition. And I am not comfortable here today with a nother Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extension (No. 4) because we have come so long, but we have still got a good distance to travel. And until people tell me a better way we can get out of this challenge that we are in, I believe in the science. I believe that the vaccinations will work. And I believe that the vaccinations are important for us to get. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I want to dwell on this point for just a bi t longer because, like you . . . I know you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. You exercise on a regular basis. You are just a couple of years older than me, but you have still got a spring in your step. You take care of your health. I know you exercise all the time. I know you eat right and you try to get a lot of sleep — that is the same thing I do. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I do that every day. And I learned a hard but valuable les-son when I was a young boy —I was not even a man at that time —when my father died early because he smoked cigarettes. And my doctor told me, he said, You know, you and your brother and your sisters, if you live healthy, you will live a long life, you don’t have to pass early like your father. And that is what I have tried to do. So, knowing that I enj oy life, a healthy life, I wanted to think about this vaccination process very clearly to make sure it was the right thing to do. And I thought through it, I listened to the people, I worked through it, I talked to people who are in the know — whether in the medical community or learned and studied people—and I took the vaccination. But then, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I went a step further.
Mr. Christopher FamousPoint of [clarification], Mr. Deputy Speaker. 1832 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: My family got the vaccination, Mr. Deputy Speaker. And I am happy to take the point of clarific ation.
Mr. Christopher Famous[Clarification], Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I do not think the Deputy Speaker is unmuted. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I do not think you are unmuted. You are muted.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerI am sorry, I had some tec hnical difficulties. Thank you, Mr. Dunkley for allowing the clar ification. Mr. Famous. POINT OF CLARIFICATION
Mr. Christopher FamousYes, I just want to concur with the Honourable Member from constituency 10. He was so excited to get the vaccine that he jumped in advance of his age group. [Laughter]
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThat is not a clarification. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I guess, you know, those are the games that some people will try to play during Parliament. And the Ho nourable Member, you know, is prone to like to do these types of things. But if the …
That is not a clarification. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I guess, you know, those are the games that some people will try to play during Parliament. And the Ho nourable Member, you know, is prone to like to do these types of things. But if the Honourable Member wants any further clarity, he can speak to me about it, Mr. Deputy Speaker. But he led me right to where I wanted to go. And I was so sold on the need for this vaccine that I asked my family to get it, Mr. Deputy Speaker. First, it was my 85 -year-old mother. You know, at a certain age our bodies start to be less resilient to things. But she had no hesitation in taking it. I would never, ever, ever suggest to my mother she do an ything that is not going to help her live a productive and happy life, but I was sold on the vaccine and took her there. And then, Mr. Deputy Spea ker, I have got two young daughters, one just had a baby, and the other one has not had any children yet, they both took the vaccine. Why . . . I would never jeopardise their ability, especially to have children or to raise a family, they took the vaccine. So, in short, the family has had it. None of us have had issues. Now, I have to say, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that just like anything that you can put in your body —you look at any prescription you get. You go to the dru gstore and buy a bottle of aspirin—ther e are warning labels on the back of it, all right? So, there can be some challenges that people can have, and with the vaccine there have been some from time to time. But the health authorities in countries have allowed it to be used for emergency applicat ion because of the pandemic. It was developed over a prolonged period of time through the years, they felt comfortable with the safety, and I feel very strongly that in a very short period of time it will be given the full approval. And so, I urge Bermudi ans to think outside the box a little bit. Because that is what it is here. Som etimes, Mr. Deputy Speaker, we in a small community will get into a box and we never think outside the box or listen outside the box. We have to listen outside this box here bec ause, just like you, I do not want to be in this position when we are in the Christmas ses-sion. We, as a community, have done a hell of a good job in following rules and regulations, which quite often we have not accepted. But we have followed them to a great degree, and it put us in a much better position. Let us not make this any more difficult on us because we want to get back to a better way of life and a lot of people need to get back to being able to pick up the pieces in the life that they lead, Mr. Deputy Speaker. And so, reservedly, I accept Government’s intention here today with the explanation that was [given]. It would have been nice to have some more communication on why we got to this point. We did not have that, but we had it in the beginning of COVID -19, and I hope we can get back to that type of communication again. We in the Opposition are willing to work with the Government to do everything we can to raise those vaccination rates to get to a level where we can have more freedoms put back in our lives, where our lives can be that much easier, where we can start to let down our guard just a little bit. We have all learned a couple of things in the last 16 months. One is, we have got our guard up, we do not get close to people anymore, we ha ve got a mask around us all the time. I was just looking at some of my masks, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and they are starting to look old and frayed because we have used them so much and washed them so much and gotten new masks. And, you know, I think masks are the most littered thing in Bermuda at this time. If you look down on the sidewalks and the streets, you will see masks at all times. So, we need to move forward. And the only way we are going to move forward is by vaccinations. And let us forget about some of these theories that if we close off the Island and we don’t allow anybody in, we can get rid of COVID -19. It is not going to happen, because as soon as you open up it can come back in. Look at Australia. Look at these other countries. And while we have had a couple of spikes, probably three spikes now, in COVID -19, we have managed to contain them because we had some good practices in
Bermuda House of Assembly place. And so, we need to continue to do that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, we need to continue to push to get the vaccinations to work. So, while we have been critical of some of the things that Government has done— and the record will state that —reservedly, we can support this legislation today. But we would like to see more communication to us and to the community on how long it wi ll be necessary and, before we take any further steps to have a No. 5 Order, on why that would be required at the time. So, let us get away from the drifting with the vaccination rates. Let us pump that up. Let us get to a more enviable position, and then some of the r estrictions that have been lifted can stay lifted and people can start to do the things they enjoy in life—next week’s Cup Match! And Cup Match is a SafeKey event and it will see a much more minimal crowd than we have ever had before. And I hope the event is a good event, again, because there is so much history, so much tr adition we need to remember. We need to enjoy that. I still think that there are many people who are not going to be able to attend Cup Match because of the limitations in s ize. And you have to admit, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that some people will be uncomfortable going around crowds. But we need to get back to the Bermuda we really enjoy, where you go to Cup Match and you can have a great time and not worry about a pandemic and a SafeKey and all these types of things, Mr. Deputy Speaker. We can only do that if we all get involved in the process and get the vaccination rate up to protect our community. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you for your remarks, Honourable Member Mr. Dunkley. The next speaker, I think, is Mr. Campbell.
Mr. Vance CampbellYes. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I would like to thank the Opposition’s spokesperson for their reserved support of the Extension O rder. The Government is aware that this brings, you know, it comes with extensive and more powers. And we do not take this lightly. But the Order is …
Yes. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I would like to thank the Opposition’s spokesperson for their reserved support of the Extension O rder. The Government is aware that this brings, you know, it comes with extensive and more powers. And we do not take this lightly. But the Order is necessary. You know it is obvious. There is enough information out in the community, press conferences and news articles, it is ver y obvious that the original reason for the initial Public Health Emergency Order still exists. It has been a long time—16, 17, 18 months — and people are getting tired. And we may have to do this a few more times. But, Mr. Deputy Speaker, not hing is more lasting or permanent than death. And that is what we are trying to avoid here by putting the Government in the best position to react. The rate of vaccination has slowed, but that is not unusual. There are usually spurts and lulls in a programme of this nat ure. And right now we find our-selves in a bit of a slow -down in the uptick in the vaccinations. And you know, a target is just that, a target, it is an estimation based on the best information avai lable at any particular time. So, forgive the Gover nment for having not met certain targets, but it is an estimation based on the best information available at the time. We know that the Chief Medical Officer has determined that a communicable disease—COVID - 19—continues to pose a threat to us, and we can see the damage that can be quickly done by just looking at what happened earlier this year. We need the public measures provided for in the regulations to continue to control and contain COVID -19 and its variants because it continues to rage in countries around t he world. You know we can look at what happened in BVI—over 2,000 cases and 16 deaths in two weeks. They had to reimpose a curfew from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am. They had to close bars and gyms and hai rdressers. Summer camps were postponed. And this was because they reopened their borders without a dequate measures in place. Barbados —night -time cu rfews reinstated, social gatherings banned, spectators banned from sporting events. Australia—the major cities of Melbourne and Sidney are in lockdown because of the Delt a variant, the spread of the Delta variant. The UK —enormous amounts of cases reported recently —in exces s of 51,000 in a 24- hour period; millions in quarantine, public services being can celled. Yes, we are taking a slow and measured . . . we are trying to strike that right balance between border protection and freedoms. It is controversial at times, but as we can see from recent data around the world the Delta variant is nothing to be played with. It is serious. That is not what we want for Bermuda. But y ou can say, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that Bermuda is open. We have lifted many of the r estrictions that we were previously under. There is no curfew. We do have the possibility for large cultural events. People can enjoy themselves more freely on the water and that goes for everyone, both vaccinated and unvaccinated. You know we just enjoyed the first round of the Eastern Counties and, previous to that, the Wes tern Counties. Bars and restaurants are open. Summer camps are open. We are seeing more people arriving on our shores. Hotels are seeing increased bookings. And there is the promise of cruise ships arriving in August. So, in spite of having the Emergency Orders in place until August, Bermuda is open. And that is not going to change by extending this to September 30. Bermuda will remain open. And we hope to achieve the 70 per cent, but it is taking a little longer than we anticipated. We have come this far, Mr. Deputy Speaker, by following the science. And most of us, or a vast majority of us, have done our part in connection with that, and we are grateful to the 99 per cent of the 1834 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly people in this country who follow the laws, the rules, and acknowledge and know that this virus is real. And with that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I will conclude my comments. Thank you.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member Mr. Campbell. Are there any further speakers?
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerI am sorry, Ms. Simmons, I could not recognise the voice. Honourable Member, Ms. Simmons -Wade, you have the floor.
Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -WadeMr. Deputy Speaker, I would first like to acknowledge the support of the O pposition to the Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extension (No. 4) Order 2021. First of all, for someone who has been very intimately involved with the vaccine programme, I would just like to update everyone who …
Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would first like to acknowledge the support of the O pposition to the Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extension (No. 4) Order 2021. First of all, for someone who has been very intimately involved with the vaccine programme, I would just like to update everyone who is listening in terms of what we as a Government are doing and what we are doing moving forward. As you are aware, the outreach vaccination programme went to all areas of the Island and we had great success. Many people came out, because we went into the community, to get their vaccines. Moving forward, we actually have a very aggres sive programme that is —
[Crosstalk ] Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: —Mr. Deputy Speaker, your microphone is on.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYes, I am trying . . . we have got some technical difficulties. Carry on.
Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -WadeOkay. Mr. Deputy Speaker, at the moment we are at 65 per cent, something that our Island should be extremely proud of in terms of the numbers coming up. But, Mr. Deputy Speaker, we must be mindful of the fact that the individuals left who are not vaccinated are those …
Okay. Mr. Deputy Speaker, at the moment we are at 65 per cent, something that our Island should be extremely proud of in terms of the numbers coming up. But, Mr. Deputy Speaker, we must be mindful of the fact that the individuals left who are not vaccinated are those individuals who are waiting, those individuals who are on the fence, and also those individuals who will never get the vaccine. Working along with the Ministry of Health, the Bermuda Health Council, and DCI [ Department of Communication and Information], we have deve loped an aggressive programme to get the information out to individuals who need that information and access to be able to decide if they are going to take the vaccine. This week alone government workers and Corporation of Hamilton workers and the Department of Comm unication had an opportunity to come and get the vaccine. On Wednesday night we offered the vaccine at Harbour Night for people who [might think] It’s there; I’m going to take it. This weekend on Sunday at the three cricket matches, we will also have the vac-cine available for individuals who wish to take it. On Saturday we are again going to go into the community. What we have shown that has been extremely successful is when we come to the community, people will get the vaccine. But we do have to be mindful. There are individuals who will never get the vaccine. And this is very much a personal choice. And this is something as a Government that we do respect. The only thing that we ask is for those individuals who decide not to take the vaccine, to comply with the rules and regulations so that they remain safe. We have to respect personal choice for individuals. I do believe that with the aggressive approach that we are taking, we will get to that 70 per cent, we will get to that 75 per cent. And the support of the people in the community will ensure that the numbers remain low and the Government will take the neces-sary action to ensure that the population is safe and that our borders are safe. We should be proud of our success. And I believe the Opposition has offered their support, and we certainly appreciate their sup-port in getting people who want to get vaccinated, vaccinated, and supporting those individuals who make that personal choice. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member Simmons -Wade for your remarks. Are there any other speakers?
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I will be brief. Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Deputy Speaker, what we are debating here today is yet another extension of emergency powers. And that phrase is being tossed around quite lightly of late. But we have to remind ourselves that emergency powers are …
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I will be brief.
Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Deputy Speaker, what we are debating here today is yet another extension of emergency powers. And that phrase is being tossed around quite lightly of late. But we have to remind ourselves that emergency powers are the most draconian of powers that governments are able to wield a gainst its citizens, the citizen and the state. And whenever you extend or create emergency powers, your question really is, On what basis? And on what justification? Mr. Deputy Speaker, I remember more than a year ago now, I guess, that we held a meeting of Pa rliament to first consider emergency powers in about April or, perhaps, it was May of last year. And at the time, the medical concerns over COVID -19 were so great that only a few MPs were allowed to attend the House. I remember the then Honourable Pat GordonPamplin came in with a plastic face mask, gloves and possibly even booties. And you are laughing, Mr. Deputy Speaker, because I remember you were there and you were sitting 10 chairs to my left, I think we were very, very socially distanced, but t here were about four or five of us present in the Chamber to di scuss it. And if you recall, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I gave perhaps a slightly self -indulgent speech, but I did thump the top of it, and I did so for an important rea-son. Because whenever you are dealing with som ething like this, with emergency powers, you really are at the outer limits of what governments —democratic governments —are allowed to do, and you are really rubbing up very strongly against the individual rights of citizens. We are dealing here with the civil liberties of individuals. We are dealing here with constitutional-ly enshrined rights. And so, I fully accept it as a tricky area, but you have to define the parameters of your decision -making. In my view then, as I expressed on the day — and we had a joke about it afterwards —but in my view then I stated something along these lines, that emergency powers must be no wider than is absolutely necessary, given that it is curtailing the civil liberties of individuals. And so, that really is the test. You need to contract emergency powers to their bare minimum. They should be no wider than is needed. You should not have slough or shadow along the outside of po wers that really have unintended consequences and restrictions that really are not fair and should not be in place. And the last time, Mr. Deputy Speaker . . . actually we lost Mr. Deputy Speaker. Oh, you are back. I do not know if you could still hear me, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I think we lost you for a moment. You can. The last time we were her e debating the extension of emergency powers was the sitting of the House, I think, four weeks ago or so. And at the time we were looking at a two- month extension. And the Loyal Opposition at that time suggested that we felt the most appropriate method was a one- month extension and to then take stock, look at the medical ev i-dence at the time. Because really it is the medical ev idence on the day, at the time, and as predicted, that governs how much we need. And so, we have not shifted off that position. Our view is that it is very easy for the House to come back in. We note the date to which the extension is going is well beyond our next sitting, our next sitting is on the 10 th of September. And as so many MPs o bserved last week when we discussed the issue of SDOs [Special Development Orders], it is very easy for this House to be recalled and to be court given that we do not need that many people to form a quorum. And so, that was our position then and that is our position now. I echo both the words and the s entiments of my honourable colleague, MP Michael Dunkley, who set out as the Shadow Health Minister in greater detail than I intend to our thinking on the issue. Mr. Deputy Speaker, it is an important issue. It is not just up there in the ether, it is not just philos ophy; it is real, it is pragmatic, it is day to day, it impacts upon each and every one of us. And we have seen some significant impositions on the civil liberties of people and, in some cases, on the constitutional liberties of people. There ar e cases going through the court that may be successful, they may be unsucces sful. Whether or not the court is satisfied that civil liberties—constitutional civil liberties —have been breached is a matter for the court. But, again, when we are looking at the decision-making, which is in the hands of the Government as imbued by Parliament, we must ask ourselves, is this broader than is absolutely necessary? And one of the issues that, it seems to me, is a hot -button issue, is the issue of making those who arri ve on our shores who are unvaccinated go and quarantine—at their expense— in a government facility. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I spoke on this issue b efore on the motion to adjourn, and I do not intend to repeat myself. But I would simply say, respectfully, that policy must come to an end. It needs to end. Another issue that, again, is a hot -button i ssue is the testing regime and the significance of tes ting that we see here in Bermuda when you contrast it with other places. I am delighted to read in the papers that we will be reducing our testing regime. And I think that that is an excellent thing and it is in accordance with the medical evidence which, after all, is one of the fundamental touchstones. I am slightly disappoin ted that we did not hear that in this Honourable House rather than getting to read about it in the press, but there we are. That seems to be the way of the world these days on this Island. But I do think that the r eduction of testing is sensible, and I am pleased to see it happening. And, again, it is consistent with the medical evidence as we know. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the third hot -button issue is the issue of the status of antibodies. We see much in the paper of late about very passionate and vocal 1836 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Bermudians who are expressing their views that where they have the antibody, that is as good as, or better than, or no worse than—and I do not know b ecause I am not a doctor —the vaccine. I am not going to get into the medical argument, but I recognise that, again, we are at that touchstone, we are at that friction point between civil liberties and emergency powers. I would invite the Government and those who are the decision- makers ––for it is not us who are in the Opposition who are the decision- makers ––to consider that status of antibodies. I am not saying it should be endorsed or not, I do not know. I do not have the medical expertise. But I would invite the decision -makers to consider the issue because there are a sufficient number of Bermudians who are quite passionate about it and their voice shou ld be at least li stened to and heard, even if the decision goes against them in the end, and it may well. Mr. Deputy Speaker, before I conclude, I just want to touch on the vaccination issue as opposed to the un- vaccination issue. On the vaccination issue, it is hopeful to see that our Island is . . . and I may not have the most up- to-date number today, but within the past 24 to 48 hours it was 63.7 per cent, which is heartening. And let us hope that we can get to the appropriate level of vaccination in Ber muda where we can achieve herd mentality . . . excuse me, herd pr otection rather, not herd mentality —herd protection . . . immunity. And I do note that this number has been shifting of late. We have seen a higher number being suggested by Dr. Weldon, again, I defer to the medical betters there who will know more than I. But right at the beginning, when we were blessed with the opportunity to have vaccines in Ber-muda well ahead of many, many, many other places in the world, I had the opportunity to be interv iewed on this on the television. My advice then remains just the same as my advice now: It is a matter of personal choice, yes, absolutely. But I would encourage an yone who is concerned about whether or not to have the vaccine, and who has not yet had the vaccine, to speak with their doctor. Because it is a personal choice, it is about the individual, but it is also about the community as a whole and the protection of all of us. And so, again, from my personal point of view, it is a matter of personal choic e, but I invite anyone with any questions to discuss the issue with their doctor, it is very important. So, with those brief words, I thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and I notice Mr. Famous is keen to inform us of his wisdom. Thank you.
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerYou talking to me made me change my format, now I need to change my screen format, again. That is why I do not see you.
Mr. Christopher FamousOkay. I wanted to make sure I was appropriately dressed this Friday. Hon. Renee Ming: You are appropriately dressed. You look amazing.
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerExactly. We do not have to worry about you, MP Famous.
Mr. Christopher FamousLet me take off the little red thing here. I do not want anybody to have the wrong idea.
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerNow, I know that you wish to make some compelling statements, so I do not want you using up your time having to convince us of how handsome you look. Because we have—
Mr. Christopher FamousAah! Hon. E. David Burt: You know the real challenge? [Crosstalk ]
Mr. Christopher FamousThank you, Madman Ac ting Speaker. Bermuda House of Assembly The Acting Speaker: Yes.
Mr. Christopher FamousMadam Acting Speaker, as you know, this issue has been one of the most contentious issues of our recent history. In Bermuda for 400 years we have been u sed to racial divisions. We have been used to economic divisions. And this week, we are used to Cup Match divisions, …
Madam Acting Speaker, as you know, this issue has been one of the most contentious issues of our recent history. In Bermuda for 400 years we have been u sed to racial divisions. We have been used to economic divisions. And this week, we are used to Cup Match divisions, Madam Acting Speaker. But what we are not used to is our people being divided for medical reasons on medical issues. We have it inside of our own families, inside of our organisations, inside of our neighbourhoods, and i nside of our country —whether it be the contention about vaccination or quarantine, wearing a mask, whether COVID -19 is real. Well, I am here to say to the people of Bermuda is that, unfortunately, COVID - 19 is real. Madam Acting Speaker, in America, to our west, less than 50 per cent of the persons are immunised. In the UK, to our east, less than 50 per cent are immunised. In Canada, to our north, less than 20 per cent are immunised. These are the countries that all visitors and all locals will travel to our country from. So, what does that mean, Madam Acting Speaker? That means there is a high probability that we can get the Delta variant. Hence, we are here t oday extending these powers as, the Honourable Member Scott Pearman said, emergency powers to prevent the next outbreak. Madam Acting Speaker, in the US the Delta variant is now raging— 95 per cent of all deaths are now attributed to those who have not yet been vaccinated. Madam Acting Speaker, in the UK, our mother country, there are 50,000 people being infected with the Delta variant every day, one of which was the Health Minister of the UK. He was in contact with the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister and they are both now in quarantine. And let us be frank, all three of these persons have been vaccinated. So, what does that tell us? That tells us that the Delta variant is nothing to play with. Madam Acting Speaker, in the US Virgin I slands the hospital is now overw helmed. Madam Acting Speaker, allow me to touch on something that the MP Dunkley spoke about. He said he is willing to assist us with the vaccination issue. Hmm. I find that interesting, because he was in the newspaper earlier this week almost gloating that our vaccination rate was at 60- something per cent, saying that the Government is not doing enough. Where is their programme? I am so thankful for persons like MP Ianthia Simmons -Wade and all those who work in the Health Department, the DCI, for doing such a tremendous job for the last few months to not only promote the need for vaccination, to promote the need to go to your doctor, but also to facilitate the logistics of moving vac-cination sites around this country to help bring our numbers up. Madam Act ing Speaker, let us take a little view while Mr. Dunkley gloats about our numbers sa ying they are not what they are supposed to be. Let us take a look around the region. In our fellow overseas territory of Montserrat, only 25 per cent of their population is vaccinated. In the British Virgin Islands only 35 per cent of their population is vaccinated. In Angui lla only 55 per cent of their population is vaccinated. In Turks and Caicos Islands only 60 per cent of their population is vaccinated. In Bermuda we ar e now at 67 [per cent], 65 [per cent] to 67 per cent. In Cayman Islands they are at 70 per cent. All other islands are below 40 per cent, Madam Acting Speaker. So, what does that say? In the region, we are the second highest immunised island in the region.
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay, thank you. I was just . . . something else was touched, thank you for that, sorry for disturbing.
Mr. Christopher Fa mousAnd in the western hem isphere we are second only behind the Cayman I slands. So, while Mr. Dunkley and critics want to say, You aren’t doing enough, is he really being fair to all the hard workers that have gone out to immunise? Let us look at some realities, …
And in the western hem isphere we are second only behind the Cayman I slands. So, while Mr. Dunkley and critics want to say, You aren’t doing enough, is he really being fair to all the hard workers that have gone out to immunise? Let us look at some realities, Madam Acting Speaker. Over the last 18 months thousands of our people have been unemployed, thousands are still unemployed now. We have taken a $350 million hit to Minister Dickinson’s pocket . . . sorry, I did not mean his pocket, but the gover nment’s pocket. And as MP Campbell said, all of that does not really matter because the most important number is that we have lost 33 Bermudians.
[Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Deputy Speaker, in the Chair ]
Mr. Christopher FamousBut we are doing a tur naround now, Mr. Deputy Speaker, due to the strict measures of this Government, unpopular measures, but effective— vaccination rates, quarantine and SafeKey. Well, you know what I find ironic? All of these things the OBA has attacked in the last month—all of them. Hon. …
Mr. Christopher FamousThe OBA said Do away with the travel authorisation form, just be like America, just get a negative test and allow people to come in. Well, what is happening in America right now? Florida 1838 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly is seeing record numbers. What …
The OBA said Do away with the travel authorisation form, just be like America, just get a negative test and allow people to come in. Well, what is happening in America right now? Florida 1838 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly is seeing record numbers. What is happening in England? They are seeing record numbers. The OBA, via their Opposition Leader, the Honourable Cole Simons, attacked the quarantine methodology, saying, Do away with the quarantine. And now suddenly, when they realise t hat what we are doing is correct, they suddenly want to jump on board and say, Hey, we want to help out with the vaccination rate. How can we help? I do not know; let us go ask their members who are down in Cabinet pr otesting against us. You know, there ar e OBA me mbers down there protesting against these measures that we are using to stop COVID -19 killing our people. So, the best way they can help is to stop pandering to conspiracy theories. That is the best way you can help, MP Dunkley. Let us go on. The Honourable Member from constituency 22, Scott Pearman, asked what the basis of these emergency measures is. It must have a b asis. I do not know, maybe we are trying to prevent lockdowns, maybe we are trying to prevent more deaths in our Island, maybe we ar e trying to prevent economic carnage. That may be the basis of why we are doing what we are doing. You know what is so funny, what is a small world, Mr. Deputy Speaker? My family comes from BVI, my mother’s family. And what is ironic is that my mother has a house, my mother’s sister has a house in the middle of Road Town, which is their capital. And two buildings down from that house there is a building blocking my view of the water and that building is owned by a law firm and that law firm is partially owned by the family that MP Scott Pearman comes from. Well, let us ask MP Scott Pearman what is ha ppening in the BVI when they do not have quarantine measures? Let us ask him, when the vaccination rates are low, what happens in the BVI? Because I am quite sure he will not get on the microphone and tell us the truth today. Well, let me tell you what is happening. When you have no mandatory quarantine, people go home, and they go about their business when they should be home. And now they have had 25 people die in one month because of this. So, let us ask what are the reasons, what is the basis? Saving lives, MP Scott Pearman, that is the bottom line. Mr. Deputy Speaker, let me conclude. Delta is real. Delta is real! It is so real that in the Cayman I slands they are not opening their borders until October and possibly November, until their people get to 80 per cent vaccination rate. They have just had two cases of Delta come up from quarantined persons. Let us say that those persons were not quarantined. What would have happened to the Cayman Islands? Let us ask Honourable Scott Pearman, because he has an office down there as well. Mr. Deputy Speaker, as MP Campbell, my MP, said, odds are we are going to be back here again to extend this because we have to underst and Delta is going nowhere. There is Lambda coming up. Why? The less people are vaccinated, the more these diseases can mutate. The biologists and MP Lovitta Foggo can attest to this. So, I say to the people of Bermuda, while the measures are unpopular, w hile some of you say you are not going to vote for me or anybody else again, the fact is, you are going to be alive to not vote for me. That is the fact. So, when we bring these measures, it is not because we want to be dictators, it is not b ecause we want to see OBA and their friends down on [the] Cabinet lawn, it is because we want to save our people’s lives and we want to save our economy. So, I commend not only the Health Minister, but her staff, everyone who has been employed in this operation—the people down at the airport, the people down at Perot Post Office —the people at all the vaccination sites. And for those who have differences of opinion, well, listen, we understand you, but just understand that at times we have to have these measures. And wit h that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I just want to make sure you see my right . . . am I properly dressed, Mr. Deputy Speaker?
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYes, you have light blue and dark blue on.
Mr. Christopher FamousSorry, I did not hear you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I had an audio problem.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYes, you have light blue and dark blue on that represents St. George’s.
Mr. Christopher FamousThank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and thank you to the people of Bermuda.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Honourable M ember. Thank you so much. Are there any further speakers? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerPremier, you have the floor, Honourable Member. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, can you hear me now?
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYes, I can hear you. Hon. E. David Burt: Earlier I had a live microphone and I was complimenting the Honourable Member from constituency 3, you know, she is wearing a very nice blue and blue dress today.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThat is wonderful. Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. E. David Burt: And so it is. Mr. Deputy Speaker, can I just please speak to the matter today?
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerCertainly. Hon. E. David Burt: The matter today is certainly about this Public Health Emergency Extension. And I, of course, support the Minister of Health, the Acting Minister of Health the Honourable Attorney General, in this extension. I think the extension is a very simple one. It allows for the …
Certainly. Hon. E. David Burt: The matter today is certainly about this Public Health Emergency Extension. And I, of course, support the Minister of Health, the Acting Minister of Health the Honourable Attorney General, in this extension. I think the extension is a very simple one. It allows for the Government to implement emergency measures should they be necessary, and it e xtends it until September 30, which is after the House sits twice the next time around. And so, I understand that certain Members want to point out the fact that, you know, Why are we extending it ? We can always recall the House if it is necessary. But what we are trying to do, Mr. Deputy Speaker, is to take account of everyone’s time, make sure that we try to plan things out in the best way pos-sible. But Mr. Deputy Speaker, I was quite shocked—quite shocked—to listen to the contributions of Honour able Members earlier today from the opposite side. Because, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would have thought, as the Honourable Member who just spoke, I would have thought that we . . . that we were . . . how would I put it, Mr. Deputy Speaker? That we were all on the same side, that we all wanted to ensure that this country was kept safe. But when you listen to the pandering of which we are hearing, when you listen to the veiled remarks, as the Honourable Member who just spoke, pandering to conspiracy theories, Mr . Deputy Speaker, it, without question, is not the way and the direction that we wish to go. And so, from my perspective, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I just want to say a few things. The reason why the One Bermuda Alliance is not the Government and the reason why the people of this country chose the Progressive Labour Party was due to strong leadership, because they knew this Government would take the actions required to keep them safe. That is something that is important for us to know and to recognise, Mr. Deput y Speaker. And so, when I hear the Honourable Member in one breath say that we should increase our vaccination figures, while in the next breath saying that the Government should drop the measures which are actually necessary to make sure that our country can be open, I actually do not think that they understand the issue. Mr. Deputy Speaker, this is not either/or. You do not get to say, We don’t get a Public Health Emergency , we don’t do vaccinations, we don’t need border controls . We know what happens w hen that takes place. If we want an open country, like we have mos tly now, we need strong protections at our border. And if you want weaker protections at the border, that means that you will have the need to have more r estrictions here. And so, for the One Bermuda Alliance to say that they do not support us extending this extension, or they support it, but you know, just a little bit of their concern about how these things are, Mr. De puty Speaker, the powers in the Public Health (COVID - 19) Emergency Extens ion (No. 4) Order 2021 become necessary when we have the virus spread domestical-ly which threatens our health care system. And the way that this happens is at the border! So, to say that you do not like a strong border policy, but then say you think the Government’s probably doing too much, you are talking about of both sides of your mouth. And that is not the leadership which this country needs or desires. I heard this comment, Mr. Deputy Speaker, from the Shadow Minister of Health, former Premier, speaki ng about the fact that, you know, we used to meet with the Government and we want to meet with the Government again. Well, here is the truth, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I will tell you a story. It was in April when we had a spike and the Opposition Leader reached out to ask to set up a meeting with his team, and the Government said yes, certainly, we will. Two days later, Mr. Deputy Speaker, the Opposition put out a statement attacking and spreading falsehoods about a Minister of this Government. And here is what the statement said, Mr. Deputy Speaker, (and I quote) talking about the Mini ster of National Security from constituency 1: 1“[T]he special consideration they gave to SailGP athletes to train, while our local and own elite athletes, who should be able to t rain for the 2021 Olympics, were sidelined.” Utter nonsense and falsehoods because the Minister of National Security gave permission for our elite athletes to train. And so, Mr. Deputy Speaker, when I saw that I wrote to the Honourable Opposition Leader a nd I said, You can’t want to come and sing Kumbaya and let’s meet together and let’s work through this issue when you are going to be putting out false statements attacking Ministers in this Government. And I said, The meeting is cancelled. Those are the f acts. So, I am happy to work with the Opposition and anyone else, Mr. Deputy Speaker, who wants to advance the interests of the country. But if you are going to slander hard- working Ministers of this Go vernment with falsehoods in the public domain, trying to score political points, then you are not really interested in working together. I can take valid criticisms of policy. That is the role of the Opposition. I can take valid criticisms when they come. But you cannot come into this Honourable House and sp eak out of both sides of your mouth. You either want to ensure that this country can remain open during a pandemic, when we see so many cou ntries around us closing, or you do not. You do not get
1 Royal Gazette 27 April 2021 1840 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly to pick a side—I mean, you have to pick a side. You cannot pl ay in the middle. Countries that play in the middle are going backwards. Countries that play in the middle are seeing spikes, seeing the reintroduction of curfews, seeing businesses close down. It is neces-sary that the leadership of the Government of this country speaks strongly because we want to keep our people safe. Now, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I just want to say one more thing because the Honourable Member who just spoke from constituency 11 spoke about the i mportance of the vaccination programme. And we heard criticism from Honourable Members opposite about the pace and the slow -down of Bermuda’s vaccination programme. Here is the truth. The Honourable Member from constituency 11 said that we are second only to the Cayman Islands in this hemisphere. Here i s what is important to note, Mr. Deputy Speaker, we are the only Government at that level that has not required vaccinations of anyone in the country —an important point. We have left it up to people’s choice. There are no differing restrictions inside the country between vaccinated and unvaccinated. The only change is at the border. But in the Cayman Islands, in the British Virgin Islands, in the Turks and Caicos Islands, do you know what they said? They said, If you are a guest worker, you must get a shot or you must leave. We have seen other places that have done that. That is not the direction that has been had because, Mr. Deputy Speaker, we are remaining consistent with our position where we have said it is a decision between you and your doctor. And so , it is important to note when comparing jurisdictions, that in Bermuda we have not gone as far as other countries have gone. And that speaks to our programme of sharing information, of encouraging vaccinations, and the fact that we have 65 per cent of the population —total population at least one dose— and at least 75 per cent of the eligible population, speaks to how well we are doing. So, yes, it is easy to criticise, it is easy to compare. But we must keep it in context because I promise you, Mr. Deputy S peaker, if the Government said We’re mandating this and this action, we know full well what we would hear from the Opposition. So, I close with this to say, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that you cannot talk out of both sides of your mouth on this issue. It is impor tant that we focus on what is necessary to keep the people of this country safe and to keep our economy open. The Extension of this Public Health Emergency is necessary because if it expires on August 24 we want to make sure that until September 30 it is f urther extended and if there is any need to change the requirements in place, then we can do so. But right now, Mr. Deputy Speaker, it is i mportant to note the only restrictions that exist inside this country are mask wearing indoors and, if you are havin g a large group, you need to let us know so that we can ensure that public health guidelines are fol-lowed to minimise the possibility of a super -spreading event. That is where we are because of the work which we have done to keep this country safe. So, in hearing the Shadow Minister of Health, I welcome Members of the Opposition if they wish to meet with me to discuss issues and come as honest brokers —very important. But as the Honourable Member who spoke before me from constituency 11 said, when your candi dates are running around on the Cabinet Office lawn shouting and booing and hissing and doing all those types of things, it is difficult to take you seriously. So, you are either for the protection of this country, for what is necessary to keep this economy open, for what is necessary to ensure that st udents remain in schools, or you are not. Valid criticisms of policy —welcome. But you cannot talk out of both sides of your mouth. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Honourable Premier Burt. Are there any further speakers? There appear to be none.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerHonourable Member Richar dson, you have the floor.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and good afternoon to my colleagues and the listening audience, again. I just wanted to follow up with some earlier comments that my colleagues had made from the O pposition benches and just reiterate some of the pos itives of a stakeholder engagement wi th …
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and good afternoon to my colleagues and the listening audience, again. I just wanted to follow up with some earlier comments that my colleagues had made from the O pposition benches and just reiterate some of the pos itives of a stakeholder engagement wi th the Oppos ition, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I only wanted to bring up this one point and I want it to be a little bit, so I will be succinct and I will wrap it up. But I wanted to bring up that the relationship between an MP and the constit uents is something quite different than the relationship between, for example, the Government and the m edia. And then, obviously, being a relative newcomer to your world, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am the one who is learning this on a daily basis. Mr. Deputy Speaker, when we had t hose earlier engagements and earlier consultations, there was some value had when we ran across constituents as we went about our day -to-day in our life and their as king us questions and we were able to reply from an informed position versus one where we w ere simply regurgitating whatever was released to the media. And I found this particularly helpful, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Just reflecting, the Honourable Minister for Home Affairs has invited me twice to be briefed by his departments —Planning Department. And what I
Bermuda House of Assembly found from that experience, Mr. Deputy Speaker, was not necessarily the value from just contributing to the debate, although that was very helpful. I found it hel pful to then move around the community and have something to add, have some more colour to bring to the conversation so that when one of my constituents asked me about SDOs, it was not just what was said in the House, but, Oh, and here is also some information that makes it out and gives further context and clarity . And so, with that said, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I just wanted to make the point that stakeholder en-gagement . . . and I am sorry that at some point it seems that there was . . . that this relationship broke down, because inevitably a positive relationship in that space will benefit all Bermudians. But I definitely want to reiterate what my earlier colleague said, just be-cause I am learning as a new MP, that there is a di fferent kind of relationship between me and the constituents. And I would like to facilitate that communic ation arr angement and maybe by doing so that would also help Bermuda and the Government in this fight. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member Richardson. Any further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister Simmons. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and Honourable Members for their contributions as well. There is very little for me to say to wrap up this debate this afternoon, but I will …
Thank you, Honourable Member Richardson. Any further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister Simmons. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and Honourable Members for their contributions as well. There is very little for me to say to wrap up this debate this afternoon, but I will say a few things very, very, very briefly. We have heard and seen and heard reported by the vocal minority that has adv ocated for their individual rights to be preserved. But what we have missed and what we never see on air is the very quiet minority that actually populates its space in a meaningful way. And I am referring to my team in the Attorney General’s Chambers that has been challenged throughout this pandemic with draf ting legislation, giving advice all hours at night or all hours in the morning to support the Government’s po licy. So, to that end I would like to thank Brian Eaton for his work in bringing this Order; [also] Par-liamentary Counsel Cathryn Balfour Swain for her tir eless work along with her team; and Deputy C hief Parliamentary Counsel Lorraine Welch, who is also acting as my Permanent Secretar y at this time; and Sakira Dill-Francois who has been in the trenches from day one to assist the Government with the other legal advisors. Mr. Deputy Speaker, we have heard from our resident historian, we have heard from MP Simmons - Wade, who is the unoff icial COVID -19 coordinator for the Government who can speak to all things relevant to our vaccine and other programmes. We have heard from the Opposition gloom and doom, positive indivi dual rights versus the Government’s view to protect our citizens. But t here is one thing that I think we all can agree on today, which is the need to protect our people. I am looking out the window from the Cabinet Office where I am sited today and I have seen a tran-sition. And I remember the time when we presided in this Chamber with regard to matters of state and there was a ghost town view out of this window. I can look today and see the success of the Government policy because our streets are busy, our shops are populated, and our people are back to work. And so, I think this Government has done a sterling job of striking the right balance between the need to preserve the pr otections of our people and the need to be mindful and stimulate our economy because to do otherwise would lead to results that we have seen from time t o time that we see worldwide. So, I have great pleasure to bring what is necessary in this Order to this House for consideration because there are times when it is necessary to suspend our constitutional rights, as dreadful as that may sound, in order to achieve benefits for the greater good. And in this particular instance we are talking about maintaining the health of our citizens and our safety. So, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I once again thank Honourable Members for their commentary. I admire the Opposition’s desire to continue to work with the Government when consulted and I reiterate my lead-er’s message to them that the genuineness and authenticity of intention is necessary to continue that consultation. With that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I move that the said Draft Order be approved and that a suitable message be sent to Her Excellency the Governor with regard to this matter.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerIt has been moved that the Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extension (No. 4) Order 2021 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. [Motion carried: The Draft Order entitled Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency …
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThe third Order of business today is the Financial Assistance Amendment and Validation Act 2021. Minister Hayward, I think that is you. You have the floor. 1842 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Jason Hayward: Good afternoon, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerGood afternoon, sir. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I move that the Bill entitled the Financial Assistance Amend-ment and Validation Act 2021 be now read a second time.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerContinue, Minister. BILL SECOND READING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AMENDMENT AND VALIDATION ACT 2021 Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I bring to this Honourable House today the Bill entitled the F inancial Assistance Amendment and Validation Act 2021. This Bill amends regulation 6A of the Financial Assistance Regulations 2004 w ith …
Continue, Minister.
BILL
SECOND READING
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AMENDMENT AND VALIDATION ACT 2021
Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I bring to this Honourable House today the Bill entitled the F inancial Assistance Amendment and Validation Act 2021. This Bill amends regulation 6A of the Financial Assistance Regulations 2004 w ith retrospective effect, and validates certain payments made under that regulation. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the purpose of this Bill is to amend regulation 6A(1) of the Financial Assistance Regulations 2004 to extend the maximum duration of a financial assis tance award for an able- bodied recip ient from five years to seven years. The amendment will also make the change retroactive, effective April 1, 2021, in order to validate payments made since the beginning of the 2021/22 fiscal year. The House will recall that with that, in accor dance with regulation 6A(1) of the regulations, payment of an award to an able- bodied recipient shall be li mited to a maximum period of five years, whether that period is continuous or an aggregate period made up of two or more awards. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the House should be advised that the five- year term for some financial assistance clients expired on March 31, 2021. This Bill amends the regulations to extend the five- year term to seven years. Accordingly, a retroactive amendment to the regulations will be required to address the issue with respect to payments made since April 1, 2021. This includes 100 persons who have received pa yments totall ing $700,046.56. This House will recall that the mission of the Department of Financial Assistance is to assist the vulnerable Bermudians to maintain a standard of living during challenging economic times. This cashless programme is designed to provide a financial stimulus to individuals and households as they navigate through economic hardship. Mr. Deputy Speaker, as of June 2021 the total number of persons on assistance was 2,306. The largest category pertained to pensioners, 1,037; fol-lowed by those with disabilities, 786; then persons employed with insufficient earnings, 245. The smallest category is able- bodied unemployed persons, 238, although this number continues to trend upwards monthly as a result of the current labour market condi-tions in the aftermath of the COVID -19 pandemic. I would also like to take this time to remind the House that the DFA also provides the following services to eligible persons on financial assistance, that includes rent, nursing and rest home fees, food allo wance, health insurance, disability service, BELCO a llowance, personal home- care allowance, medical supplies and equipment, and telephone allowance. Mr. Deputy Speaker, it is expected that the effects of the pandemic will be felt for some time into the foreseeable future. This could not have been pr edicted at the time the five- year term was introduced. This Government remains committed to assisting and supporting every Bermudian, especially those who face challenges in getting back to gainful and meaningful employment. Therefore, we will continue to pr ovide the necessary support, assistance, and r esources needed to carry Bermudians through this unprecedented time. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Minister. Are there any further speakers?
Mr. Jarion RichardsonThank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and thank you to the Honourable Minister for explaining this legislation. The Opposition supports supporting people — Bermudians —through economic tough times. It goes without saying that recent events, the pandemic, have challenged a lot of people in Bermuda and having a social safety net …
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and thank you to the Honourable Minister for explaining this legislation. The Opposition supports supporting people — Bermudians —through economic tough times. It goes without saying that recent events, the pandemic, have challenged a lot of people in Bermuda and having a social safety net is a key part of being a modern s ociety and modern democracy. So, it is important that we undertake these measures. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I will keep my comments brief because I have a question, really for the Honourable Minister, as it relates to the financial assistance programme. And that relates to the amount of time. We are extending the time from five to seven years and, obviousl y, Mr. Deputy Speaker, the pa ndemic has not been around for five years. So, my question is, how . . . what is this telling us? What i nformation is . . . is it telling us . . . not about the pandemic because that is quite understandable, but about the lengt h of time, particularly, an able- bodied person would be unable to find employment in Bermuda? Undoubtedly there are some questions. And the Honourable Minister being a statistician, I am i nBermuda House of Assembly terested in his point of view on this one. The labour and employmen t situation in Bermuda is, obviously, more complex than simply supply and demand. So I am raising questions about skills. I am raising questions about the Workforce Development and its trai ning programmes. Are they successful? Are they fit for purpose? It is not enough that we know we need to support people and that we do support people, but I am curious, what are some of the contributing factors and what is the Honourable Minister proposing to do about those on a going forward basis? That is all I have for this, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and, again, I thank the Honourable Minister for bringing this to the House.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member Richardson. Are there any further speakers?
Mr. Michael A. WeeksYes, Mr. Deputy Speaker. The Depu ty Speaker: That is the Honourable Michael Weeks. Mr. Weeks, you have the floor.
Mr. Michael A. WeeksThank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I am delighted to be able to rise and support this Bill here by Minister Hayward. This is just another indication, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that in spite of all the naysayers, what we are going through with this pa ndemic and the like, and how …
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I am delighted to be able to rise and support this Bill here by Minister Hayward. This is just another indication, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that in spite of all the naysayers, what we are going through with this pa ndemic and the like, and how people are trying to say that the Government is not doing much, we are a lways in tune with our people. And this here is a perfect example that we know what is out there, we know what is happening and the Minister of Labour and his Ministry have, through Workforce Development, been doing retraining. We have closed down different work categories to make sure that Bermudians have the opportuni ty. This, Mr. Deputy Speaker, is really in r esponse to one of the questions that the prior speaker asked as to what we are doing as a Government. And I could imagine that the relevant Minister, substantive Minister, will delve more into what we are doing, but it is obvious what we are doing with the closing of work categories, retraining and training for the everyday Bermudian. This extension, Mr. Deputy Speaker, is just to show that we know what is out there. And I personally do not want to politicise it b ecause it is our people. So, you know, I do not want to go back and forth as to whether or not we should do it. Our people are struggling, our people are hungry, and this Government is just reacting to the needs of our people. So, Minister, I take my hat off to you and I am glad that we are doing this here. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member Weeks. Are there any further speakers?
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYes, Honourab le Member Lovitta Foggo, you have the floor.
Ms. Lovitta F. FoggoThank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. My comments will be ever so brief. I think MP Jarion [Richardson] sort of hit on some of where I wanted to go when he talked about having social safety nets in place. We, here in Berm uda, like other jurisdictions, are a social democracy. …
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. My comments will be ever so brief. I think MP Jarion [Richardson] sort of hit on some of where I wanted to go when he talked about having social safety nets in place. We, here in Berm uda, like other jurisdictions, are a social democracy. And given the major impact that COVID -19 has had on us, those of us who live here (and even looking worldwide) can appreciate the impact that it has had on the economic lands cape. While as a Government we are challenged to ensure that we keep our finan-cial status stable, at the same time, we are fully aware of how this pandemic has impacted our people. And we have seen various job categories be affected, r etailers closing down. We look in IB and what has happened? We have seen [the effects of] operating on an online platform, continuing to work, we see the impact that this has had on workforces in that sector as well. So, the pandemic has changed the landscape considerably. A nd I think as a Government being r esponsive to the changes that have taken place and looking at the impact that it has had on our workforce, it is the responsible thing to do in terms of trying to ensure that while our people struggle to find emplo yment, c reate employment . . . because we cannot overlook the fact that this has whet the appetite for entrepreneurship as well. So while some businesses have closed, there are some of us who have been able to take advantage of the situation in the sense that with their ingenuity have been able to establish some businesses. And so, we do not want our people having to find shelter and get food in a way that is going to add to the negative side of trying to keep food in one’s mouth. We want to empower our people and provide a cushion, I guess if you will, that will keep them in good stead. We do not have the benefit of being able to look into a crystal ball and to measure whether or not the amendments that are being brought to the table today are exactly what are needed to help us go forward. We do not have that crystal ball. However, we do have a social and moral conscience which compels us to do something to try and keep everything moving forward for the benefit of our people. And so, while there may be those who may express concerns as to whether or not we are moving in the right direction, in situations such as this we have to err on the side that we feel is going to bring about the type of outcomes that we are looking for 1844 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly down the road. And let me say this, we are a dynamic Government, and if next week things change that allow the Minister or the Government to come back and make further amendments, let us say, for instance, where things go so great we do not need to extend it for seven years, I have no doubt that the Minister would do that as well. Because we are trying to make sure that we keep everything on an even keel, as best we can, in a stable position so that we can take care of our people. And that is, as you well know, Mr. Deputy Speaker, as a labour gov ernment, that is one thing that is always first and foremost in our minds, the conditions of our people and having an environment that, as best we can, allows them to be able to sustain themselves. And so, while questions may be asked in the broader publ ic in terms of if this is the right thing to do, we, as a responsible government have to do things in a manner that accounts for the conditions of all of our people and keeps them, if you will, in proper stead until such time that we can do even better. And so, on that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I thank you and I thank the Minister.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member Foggo. Are there any further speakers? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThe Honourable Opposi tion Leader Cole Simons, you have the floor. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I concur with what has been said. Yes, it is important that we provide a social safety net for those who are challenged economically. And for …
The Honourable Opposi tion Leader Cole Simons, you have the floor.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I concur with what has been said. Yes, it is important that we provide a social safety net for those who are challenged economically. And for those who are able- bodied, I believe that we need to give them further support if they are unem-ployed for five to seven years. My biggest concern is this: I would not want . . . and I am not saying it is happening, but it is my concern that a number of people may not be looking for jobs because they are comfortable with the safety net. And so, I would like to see some type of contingency attached to the safety net so that if you are an [able- bodied person] who is willing to work, let us show that y ou have demonstrated that you have been looking for a job. Let us show that you have demonstrated that you have tried to retool yourself to be more marketable in the community. Let us demon-strate that you are trying to be more entrepreneurial. Because it i s important that we try to empower these, I am going to say, young, able- bodied business [people] to let them feel that they are a part of Bermuda’s success. Going forward I recognise that we have had challenges with COVID -19, and we as a country will have to probably live with COVID -19 going forward, and a consequence, if the country has to live with COVID -19, everybody else has to live with COVID -19. And so, as human capital in this country, we all must adjust accordingly to live with the new paradigm. An d in regard to that adjustment, we all need to somehow prepare ourselves to be more marketable and be more useful in the economy. I mean you have heard the Premier talk about the “digital age” and the digital age in four or five years will, basically, pres ent an economy that is vastly different from what we have today —vastly different, Mr. Deputy Speaker. So, we all may have to retool ourselves. And so, I take the view that the best social support network is a job. And I would encourage the Government to continue its work in Workforce Deve lopment, continue its work in immigration, to ensure that we can help Bermudians retool themselves —not, with the professional side of it, in some cases, retool themselves in regard to personal skills, soft skills. B ecause y ou hear many, many stories in the community and you hear them on both sides, I have been hiring Bermudians and they come to work and their work ethic is this way . The latest one I heard was, I hired a Bermudian—and this was a Bermudian telling me this stor y from a small business —I hired a Bermudian, Cole, and he [the employee] said I’m going to be late for work. The employer said, I figured he was going to say to me that he got in around eleven o’clock . Well, the employer said that employee came in at four o’clock in the afternoon to knock -off at five o’clock, and said he was going to be “late” for work. And those are the challenges and soft skills that we need to address in this country to make it [INAUD IBLE] effectively and that we optimise the human capital that we have in this country. So, as I said as I opened up, yes, I am supportive of extending the social net from five to seven years. But along with that should be programmes to support the training that is due, support showing ev idence that this person is looking for jobs because they must take ownership of the challenges that they are facing and demonstrate that I, Cole Simons, or I, Der-rick Burgess, cannot help myself by staying on social assistance for five or seven years. It becomes a dependency point of view and, as a consequence, why should I go to work when I can stay home and receive social assistance or unemployment insurance? It is only maybe $100 difference. And I do not encourage that in this country because it does not serve the ind ividual well. And the other issue is, if they are adults and they have young children, it can go and become generational. So, I am supportive of this, but I would like to have some conditions attached to it in regard to trai ning in professional skills, in soft ski lls, and also, ev idence that an [unemployed person] is indeed looking
Bermuda House of Assembly for a job and not too comfortable living on the social assistance. I think, as I said, the best social support network is getting a job, be it starting your own bus iness. And actually, t hat leads me to another thought. I was talking to a young man and he stopped me in the street. I did not know him from Adam. He was doing some landscaping work. And he said Mr. Simons, you don’t know me, but you see me, I’m doing some landscaping. I have had my issues with the law and I have been up into the West End for a stay and no one could tell me anything. But I have learned and I am trying to be a different person. I would really like to make a better person of myself, and to do that I am considering opening a landscaping company b ecause I would feel fulfilled if I had my own landscaping company. So, I directed him to Workforce Development and I directed him to some other people that may be able to help him in that space. And he is an example of, if you do not provide the support, if you do not show that you are taking the initiative yourself, nobody will help you. And so, my point is, let us support those people who also want to help themselves. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member Simons. Are there any further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister Hayward.
Ms. Susan E. JacksonThank you and good afternoon. I just wanted to sort of preface my words, one, by saying that yes, absolutely, in the times of COVID - 19 we are having to stretch and make sure that we are supporting those that need us the most, and that is important and …
Thank you and good afternoon. I just wanted to sort of preface my words, one, by saying that yes, absolutely, in the times of COVID - 19 we are having to stretch and make sure that we are supporting those that need us the most, and that is important and I am grateful that the Government has the resources to be able to support those who are having a really difficult time with employment at this time. But the other side of it i s that these . . . you know, the Minister had mentioned that we are looking at a total population of able- bodied unemployed at about a little over 200 clients. And I would suspect that less than half of them are probably close to the five-year threshold. S o, I am not expecting that there would be a large number of people that are at the point where they would actually need this additional support beyond what they are already a part of within the sort of five- year parameter. And I am raising that [point] bec ause of the potential emotional fallout of being unemployed for five years, unemployed for six years, unemployed for seven years. You know, I cannot imagine the wear that this would have on a person’s attitude and their ability. I mean, it is tough, especi ally in a place like Bermuda where you see so many things around you that I would define as luxuries and, you know, being in a situation where you have a finite and very well - defined financial situation, such as being involved in being a client of Financia l Assistance, is not easy. I mean, these are the bare minimums. So, when people might say, O h, you know, you get used to and dependent on financial assi stance. Yes, you know, maybe. But I would imagine that most people would want more for themselves, that they would want to aspire, that they would like to travel and have some of the luxuries that they see around them on a daily basis. And so, I would suspect that most of the population of able- bodied unemployed have aspirations and would like to get out there and earn [enough] so that they can enjoy some of the benefits of having their own money to be able to spend as they like. Which brings me to the point of, the Minister . . . well, before the Minister was the Minister, the Mi nister and I worked on a wor king group that just looked at all facets of financial assistance. And it was a real eye-opener for me because I just was not aware of the intricacies of the programme. And one of the conversations and one of the things that was discussed quite a bit and w as reported in the report that was t abled in the House of Assembly back in 2018 was to see whether more able- bodied unemployed could connect with the Workforce Development and that through Workforce Development and retraining and working on life skills, that there was a good chance that we would be able to integrate those who are unemployed back into the working world. And I would be curious, if not in today’s debate, at some point, just finding out how that really is working out from a stati stical perspect ive, the number of people, able- bodied unemployed, who have engaged with Workforce D evelopment, have gone through the programme, how many have sought and secured some form of e mployment and are no longer a part of financial assi stance or other [programmes] . That would be an interesting piece because I am not quite sure how the performance is going with the relationship between Financial Assistance and Workforce Development. And given the fact that in 2018 there was talk about introducing programmes and mak ing that connection, and I am quite confident that this connection was made, whether it is really working. And I am not saying that in a negative way, but everything needs to be reviewed from time to time. And if now is a good opportunity to review that, given 1846 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly the fact that there are members in the financial assi stance programme that are able to be employed, if they are reaching the five- year mark and now extending into the seven -year mark, then maybe we might have to start looking at another way that Workf orce Development might be able to adjust or massage the pr ogramme a little to make it more effective. And if that is not the case, if Workforce Development has a solid programme and it is working really well and we still have able- bodied unemployed who are within Fina ncial Assistance, that we may need to look at what the definition of able- bodied unemployed is. I am saying all of that to say that it almost feels to me like the seven years is dragging people along and expecting something, and maybe that ex-pectation is just not ever going to become a reality. And if that is the case, then, you know, I just do not feel like we should keep dragging folks along with this possibility that something is going to happen and maybe it is not. And certainly, the idea of, you know, the taxpayer and them hearing in the newspaper that ablebodied unemployed individuals that are seeking this financial assistance from Government are getting a two-year extension, which means five years . . . you know, the perception of a tax payer may be, Oh, five years of some healthy, good- to-go human being si tting with their feet up, just getting a cheque for . . . (It is cashless) but getting the benefits of financial assi stance. And I do not think that is the case, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I t hink there is something else that may be going on. I guess my real question and plea to the Mi nister today is that maybe we can focus on this partic ular segment of Financial Assistance and really look, it might be a re- definition, it may be just a rejiggi ng of the expectation and maybe even taking a look at how the support services that are provided may be restructured so that they can possibly be more successful in providin g employment opportunities —long- term e mployment opportunities —for those that are able - bodied and currently clients of Financial Assistance. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member Jackson. Are there any further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister Hayward, you have the floor. Hon. Jason Hayward: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I pause because it is very difficult having a conversation about recipients who are on financial assistance. I …
Thank you, Honourable Member Jackson. Are there any further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister Hayward, you have the floor.
Hon. Jason Hayward: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I pause because it is very difficult having a conversation about recipients who are on financial assistance. I heard no mention of the socio- economic problems that lead some of these individuals to needing support from the Government. And unless we begin to address the root causes of why some of our people are in this condition and are dependent on the Government, I do not think it is appropriate to even mention that we are dragging an ybody along in a system. For the most part we isolate our conversation to individual s, but we do not speak about the families that these individuals support when they receive financial assistance, because financial assistance is not an individual assessment; it is ac tually a household assessment. S o, persons get on f inancial assistance because it is determined that the total income within their household does not meet basic expenditure. On September 20, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I r eleased a Statement to say that the Government was moving forward with financial assistance reform and that it had four major goals. And number one is to i ncrease sustainability of the financial assistance sy stem. We want to strengthen education training, em-ployment services for people who are on financial assistance, encourage individuals and families to be f inancially independent, and improve the system to better support people who are disabled. Those were the key strategic priorities. We have been working with those strategic priorities. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the House should be pleased to know that before the end of this session, the aim is to ensure that we table and amend the f inancial assistance legislation to enact part one of that reform strategy. However, I was forced to bring a sep-arate Bil l to the House today, Mr. Deputy Speaker, because we simply cannot wait. We are trying to supply support to individuals in a climate where we have a deteriorating economic situation. When the global health care crisis hit our shores and we were forced to s hut down the economy, over 10,000 persons, Mr. Deputy Speaker, were displaced from the workforce. The majority of those individuals received social support through the unem-ployment benefit. Most of those people are going back to work now, Mr. Deputy Speaker. But a large group of those individuals also, Mr. Deputy Speaker, find themselves displaced from the workforce, not just temporarily but now permanently. So while we only see the number of just over 200 individuals who are on financial assistance, there are over 2,000 individuals who actually collected an application. Many do not qualify based on their household circumstances. So we have many persons who need and require assi stance that simply do not qualify after doing a hous ehold assessment because someone in the household may be working. What is happening today in terms of us continuing those individuals who have been on financial assistance for five years is an acknowledgement of two things: (1) The economy is not in a place where they can readily find jobs; and (2) we have not dedicated the necessary resources ––successive admi nistrations have not dedicated the necessary resources to ensure we support those individuals. And that is why, Mr. Deputy Speaker, this particular administr aBermuda House of Assembly tion has said that we are going to do individual support service for each able- bodied person. So, I have spoken about personal emplo yment programmes, assessing where one is having a vision and determining where one wants to go and working with that individual along that conti nuum. The old way of sending someone out to just do job searches is not effective. And I continue to hear a Member call for that today, to prove that you are looking for work. If over five years and 600 applications later, if that person has still not foun d employment, it means that some sort of intervention is required and that is what we are going to provide, because you, like I, know that it is fine and dandy for us to find someone a job; whether or not that person can maintain that employment is another story. And so we are going to work on employability skills, but also social supports, Mr. Deputy Speaker. The mere fact that one does not have the abi lity to have somebody to watch their children prohibits that individual from being productive in the wor kplace, and limits the jobs that they can take on. So there may be jobs available in hospitality but the hours are [such] where the person, the individual may need support to watch their children, but they do not have anybody to assist them. And so, once y ou get to better understand the human side of most of these recipients you can empathise with some of those struggles. [It’s not just] cases of everybody kick ing back and being dependent on the system and just milking it for what it is worth. That is not t he reality, Mr. Deputy Speaker, so part of our plan is to do genuine financial assistance reform. Mr. Deputy Speaker, we want to ensure that work actually is beneficial so that it is not a dollar in and a dollar out. It makes no sense to have somebody work for a salary and deduct that entire salary from that individual, so it nets out where that person has no benefit from working. And so we discussed that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and we are going to reform that. Mothers should be able to retain some of their c hild support payments to provide for their children. We have to discuss the asset level that one could have and also receive social support. This is why the supplemental unemployment benefit is also important, because now we have a lot of homeowners who also need support. And so those persons filtering into the supplemental unemployment benefit based on our current legislation are abled- bodied individuals, or those persons under 65 who are homeowners, [and they] cannot qualify for financial assistance. We have to talk about the number of children who we support through the programme and the benefits that are su pported to those children, the number of individuals who receive health insurance through the Department of Financial Assistance. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the reality is, part and parcel of us being a labour government, is to ensure we have adequate social protections in place. But not just social protections in place that are simply a measure of last resort, protections that you can fall back on and spring up from. So it is our responsibility to assist in empowering individuals so that they can become financially independent. Like I stated, there are over 100 individuals and their families who would time out of financial assistance if we did not make this amendment. So we are talking about hundreds of people who require government support who no longer would get support. But what I am doing in terms of placing personal employment plans in place and r eforming financial assistance and ensuring that we empower people, should have been done on day one when that legislative change took place, Mr. Deputy Speaker. When the previous Government made a dec ision that they were going to cap individuals on fina ncial assistance and move to a 60- month period, it should have been accompanied with the social support services, the employment services, the mental health services and any other wraparound service that that individual needs so that they do not time out. And that is what we are doing now, Mr. Deputy Speaker, ensurin g that we have better placed people so that in two years’ time we are not talking about this same population of individuals continuously requiring our assistance. If after two years we have done nothing and they still require our assistance, Mr. Deputy Speaker, we have to accept as a Government that we have failed them. That is what we have to accept co llectively. And so we will do all that we can to ensure that we empower individuals. But just to talk about the magnitude of how this Government has helped individuals, we talk about over $70 million that has been spent on unemplo yment benefits and supplemental unemployment benefits. We now have to talk about an additional $47 mi llion that we give to individuals on an annual basis on top that $70 million. Som e departments do not even get that amount of money in annual funding, some ministries. The amount of money we spent out exceeds 10 per cent of government’s revenue and expenditure on an annual basis. Let’s just let that sink in. Mr. Deputy Speaker, that means that over $125 mi llion is spent on an annual basis between continuing our social support services to directly assist the fam ilies within this country. That is no drop in the bucket. No one can accuse this Government of not caring. No one can accuse thi s Government of not supporting the families within this country. Mr. Deputy Speaker, we have demonstrated our commitment through our actions. We have extended the supplemental unemployment benefit. We are now extending financial assistance. That is part of the ethos of this Progressive Labour Party Gover nment, supporting our people when they need it the most. And I think we have demonstrated that. Mr. Deputy Speaker, in our caucus in the Cabinet today we have not hesitated to make these decisions. Sup1848 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly porting our people has cost us more than the airport deal. It just goes to show you that when we have to redirect funds to other areas that each and every one of us who sit in here, our priority has to be the people of Bermuda, and not the pockets of the corpor ate world , or we should not be here. And we have demonstrated that when you see the level of funding that we have given directly to our people. On a monthly basis, Mr. Deputy Speaker, we give just roughly around $2 million, to just over 1,000 pensioners. We give over $1.25 million to just under 800 individuals who have disabilities. We support roughly around 250 low -income earners. These are people who put in a hard days’ work and do not r eceive a decent wage in return. So that is why it is i mportant that we ensure that we have and implement a living wage, because this will reduce the assistance that those 250 low -income earners actually require on a monthly basis, Mr. Deputy Speaker. And now we are supporting over 225 able- bodied individuals and that number is growing [every] month. The number of people who need financial assistance is growing [each] month as well, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and will grow because we also have an ageing population. Mr. Deputy Speaker, our unemplo yment rolls are not going anywhere anytime soon. So it is incumbent on us as a Government to continuously provide support for our people, and that is what we have done. I talked about the categories that we provide services for, but the largest expenditure area on a monthly basis is rent, Mr. Deputy Speaker. We talk about rent on a transactional term. But how about we talk about it in terms of substituting rent, where we provide $1.3 million in funding for housing people, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Everybody should be entitled to that basic need. T he majority of money that we spend as it pertains to financial assistance is to satisfy som ebody’s basic need for housing; somebody’s basic need for food; ensuring that people’s utilities are on; ensuing that people have access to health insurance. It can never be viewed as us dragging people along. This is keeping people afloat; because without the support that the Government provides, I am going to tell you the third sector, the charities of this Island, do not have the capacity to substitute the funding that Government is providing for families within this country. And even though you say, Well, look, Salvation Army does a lot with housing. Mr. Deputy Speaker, who provides their grant funding for that housing to continue on an annual basis? It is this Gov ernment. And so, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I hope that Bermuda is fully cognisant and when persons need assi stance this Government has continuously demonstrat-ed that we are able to provide that assistance. With that said, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I move that the Bil l now be committed.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Honourable Mini ster. The Bill will be sent to Committee. I call upon the Acting Deputy Speaker, Ms. Foggo.
Ms. Foggo.
Ms. Lovitta F. FoggoThank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. House in Committee at 4:19 pm [Ms. Lovitta F Foggo, Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AMENDMENT AND VALIDATION ACT 2021
The ChairmanChairmanHonourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] for further consider ation of the Bill entitled Financial Assistance Amendment and Validation Act 2021 . I call on Minister Hayward to proceed. You have the floor. Hon. Jason Hayward: Madam Chairman, this Bill amends regulation 6A of the …
Honourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] for further consider ation of the Bill entitled Financial Assistance Amendment and Validation Act 2021 . I call on Minister Hayward to proceed. You have the floor.
Hon. Jason Hayward: Madam Chairman, this Bill amends regulation 6A of the Financial Assistance Regulations 2004 with retrospective effect, and val idates certain payments made under that regulation. Madam Chairman, I would like to move clauses 1 and 2.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that the Minister continue with cl auses 1 and 2. Any objections to that? There being none, continue, Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Madam Chairman, I move clause 1. Clause 1 provides a citation for the Bill . Clause 2 subsection (1) amends regulation 6A(1) of the …
It has been moved that the Minister continue with cl auses 1 and 2. Any objections to that? There being none, continue, Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Madam Chairman, I move clause 1. Clause 1 provides a citation for the Bill . Clause 2 subsection (1) amends regulation 6A(1) of the Financial Assistance Re gulations 2004, to extend the maximum duration of a financial assistance award for an able- bodied recipient from five years to seven years. Subsection (2) deems the amendment to have come into operation on 31 March 2021 and val idates awards that have been made after that date and before the commencement of this Act .
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Minister. The Minister has moved both clauses 1 and 2. Do any other persons wish to speak on those clauses?
Ms. Susan E. JacksonYes, it is. Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: Okay, Member Jackson, you have the floor.
Ms. Susan E. JacksonThank you. I am just wondering if the Minister might be able to explain why it is being backdated to the 31st of March and why we have waited so long to introduce this at the end of July?
The ChairmanChairmanAre there any others who wish to speak to clauses 1 and 2?
The ChairmanChairmanMP Richardson, you have the floor.
Mr. Jarion RichardsonI have a query for the Honourable Minister. I have a question. How many awards . . . or what is the value of the awards that have been . . . the value of the funds that have been awarded since March 31, and how many beneficiaries did those …
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Member. Does any other Member have any other questions as it pertains to clauses 1 and 2? There being no other Member, Minister, you may respond. Hon. Jason Hayward: Madam Chai rman, the Bill will come into operation on the 31 st of March 2021 and that is …
Thank you, Member. Does any other Member have any other questions as it pertains to clauses 1 and 2? There being no other Member, Minister, you may respond. Hon. Jason Hayward: Madam Chai rman, the Bill will come into operation on the 31 st of March 2021 and that is to validate payments that have been made since then. The Government made a decision that we simply could not discontinue the payments for those recipients while we were in the pr ocess of drafting legislation and so we thought that once we drafted the legislation we would put a provision in place to val idate those payments that were actually made. Madam Chairman, the records indicate that over . . . that 100 individuals have been paid who would have timed [out] of the system from the end of March 2021 and the total value of the grants provided to those individuals is roughly $700,000.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to clauses 1 and 2. There being no other Members, Minister, I ask that you move the preamble. Hon. Jason Hayward: Madam Chairman, I now move that the preamble be approved.
The ChairmanChairmanThe Minister has moved that the pr eamble be approved. Are there any objections? No. The preamble is approved. Continue, Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Madam Chairman, I move that the Bill be reported to the House as printed.
The ChairmanChairmanThe Minister has moved that the Bill be reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections? There being none, the Bill will be reported to the House as printed. [Motion carried: The Financial Assistance Amendment and Validation Act 2021 was considered by a Commi ttee of the whole …
The ChairmanChairmanI call on Mr. Deputy Speaker to take the Chair. House resumed at 4:25 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Deputy Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF COMMITTEE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AMENDMENT AND VALIDATION ACT 2021
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you. Thank you, Ms. Foggo, Acting Deputy Speaker. Honourable Members, are there any objections to the Bill being approved? There appear to be none. The Bill is a pproved. Order No. 4 is being carried over. And so we can have the third readings now. Any third readings? Just …
Thank you. Thank you, Ms. Foggo, Acting Deputy Speaker. Honourable Members, are there any objections to the Bill being approved? There appear to be none. The Bill is a pproved. Order No. 4 is being carried over. And so we can have the third readings now. Any third readings? Just you, Minist er Ha yward, your third reading.
SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. Jason Hayward: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I move that Standing Order be suspended to enable me to move the Bill entitled the Financial A ssistance Extension [sic] and Validation Ac t 2021 be now read for the third time by its title only.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerAre there any objections to that? There appear to be none. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Deputy Speaker, if I could just correct that title, please?
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYes, please. 1850 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Jason Hayward: It is actually the Financial A ssistance Amendment and Validation Act 2021 to be now read for the third time by its title only.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerAre there any objections to the Financ ial Assistance Amendment and Validation Act 2021 being approved? There appear to be none; approved. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Deputy Speaker —
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerGo ahead. BILL THIRD READING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AMENDMENT AND VALIDATION ACT 2021 Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I move that the Bill be now read a third time by its title only and passed.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerAre there any objections to that? The Bill is passed. [Motion carried: The Financial Assistance Amendment and Validation A ct 2021 was read a third time and passed.]
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerI have an indulgence [request] from the Premier. I ask for the House’s indulgence for the Premier to read this Statement. Any objections to that? Mr. Premier. STATEMENT S BY MINISTE RS AND JU NIOR MINISTERS STATEMENT BY HONOURABLE PRE MIER SUPERVISED QUARANTINE—MOVING BEYOND THE PANDEMIC Hon. E. David Burt: …
I have an indulgence [request] from the Premier. I ask for the House’s indulgence for the Premier to read this Statement. Any objections to that? Mr. Premier.
STATEMENT S BY MINISTE RS AND JU NIOR MINISTERS
STATEMENT BY HONOURABLE PRE MIER
SUPERVISED QUARANTINE—MOVING BEYOND THE PANDEMIC Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am grateful for the i ndulgence of the House and for your permission to make this Statement at this time. Honourable Members will by now be aware of the judgment of the Chief Justice handed down earlier today. The court dismissed all claims by the appl icants and determined that the Government’s policy as set out in the Quarantine Order most recently made by the Honourable Minister of Health is lawful and not a breach of section 11 of the Bermuda Constitution. Mr. Deputy Speaker, we often confer on peaceful protest the description of “democracy in action.” That is an accurate description, but it bears r emembering that another cornerstone of democratic societies is the rule of law and the ability of ordinary citizens to seek justice in the courts. In this case, cit izens of this Island expressed that democratic right in a fair, transparent review of the evidence and the court has made a determination. Mr. Deputy Speaker, whilst the applicants may not have been successful it is democ racy that has emerged the victor. The Government’s case met the required tests and the evidence provided in support of the actions taken to keep this country safe has satisfied the supreme court of Bermuda of its found ation in Bermuda law and the Bermuda C onstitution. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the determination of this matter in the courts now provides the opportunity for the Government to continue to revise policies that meet the public health situation presented in this per iod of the pandemic and reflect the s uccess of our vaccination programme. Mr. Deputy Speaker, gover nance during a once- in-a-century pandemic is challenging, and policymakers must be nimble to adapt to changing circumstances. In the three months since the Government’s quarantine policy was fir st announced, Bermuda is in a different situation. Three months ago we were in the midst of a third wave which took 21 persons from us, and the Government was required to implement strong action to break chains of transmission. Three months ago schools, nurseries, restaurants, gyms, beauty salons, barber shops, movie theatres were all closed. Mr. Deputy Speaker, three months later, Bermuda is open. Our balanced polices, which have been confirmed by the courts as lawful, again see us being the envy of the world. Our airlines are full, our hotels are employing people, our local economy is reboun ding, and a vast majority of the people are following the laws that have been judged by our court as constit utional and judged by our country’s pandemic performance as effective. Most importantly, Mr. Deputy Speaker, three months ago, just 37 per cent of the population were full immunised. Today that number stands at just under 65 per cent. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Bermuda is one of the few countries that does not require vaccinations in any circumstances. Many of our fellow Overseas Territories have required work permit holders to be vaccinated. Not Bermuda! We have remained co nsistent with the message that vaccination is a personal choice between the individual and their doctor. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am proud of the pr ogress that we have made and proud of our persi stence in sticking to the principle of leaving vaccinations up to the individual to choose. Mr. Deputy Speaker, no one likes to limit rights and freedoms of
Bermuda House of Assembly the individuals. It is the last thing that a government wishes to do. However, as we have seen time and time again, and as we are seeing now around the world, governments that do not take the virus seriously end up worse off with more restrictions, a weaker economy, more suffering of people, and increased death. Mr. Deputy Speaker, now that the judgment has been rendered, I am able to advise Honourable Member s and the public that as we approach 65 per cent of the total population being fully immunised, there wi ll be revisions to the approach to the policy on supervised quarantine. Mr. Deputy Speaker, it is my expectation that as soon as next week we will be pos itioned to announce these changes, setting out clearly how we can pivot on the basis of the success of our vaccination programme and the effectiveness achieved in mitigating the risk against dangerous var iants entering the Bermuda population. Mr. Deputy Speaker, these changes will address adjustments that can be made immediately , changes that will come into place when we reach 65 per cent of our population being immunised, and, most importantly, what the s upervised quarantine regime will look like when 70 per cent of the population are immunised or when the current Quarantine Order expires on September 30. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am grateful for the feedback that the Government has received from Members of my parliamentary caucus, members of the public, and those persons who have given reasoned and thoughtful feedback in a respectful fashion that is befitting our democracy. I am confident that the roadmap that we will share will address some valid concerns that have been raised and will be appropr iate to ensure that as our vaccination rates rise, our policies are suitably adjusted. Mr. Deputy Speaker, as I close , I am bound to express my thanks to Queen ’s Counsel, Mr. Delroy Duncan, and his team who lead the Government’s case; the Deputy Solicitor General, Ms. Shakira Dill - Francois; the Honourable Minister of Health; the Chief Medical Officer; the Chief Strategy Officer, the Permanent Secretary of Health; Dr. Carika Weldon and Dr. Joanna Peden for their invaluable expert evidence provided to assist the court. Mr. Deputy Speaker, this is an important case. The precedent it sets will no doubt be cited for many years and in many courts. Bermuda is fortunate to have a judicial system that can determine complex and sensitive cases in a timely manner. This case is now over. The Government’s policy has been tested and has withstood that challenge. Now, as a country, Mr. Deputy Speaker, we must move forward in the spirit of collective unity of purpose that is required for our Island home to move beyond this pandemic. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Honourable Premier David Burt , for the Sta tement. Mr. Burt, will you move us to motion to a djourn? ADJOURNMENT Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I move that this Honourable House do now adjourn until Friday, September 10. I do …
Thank you, Honourable Premier David Burt , for the Sta tement. Mr. Burt, will you move us to motion to a djourn? ADJOURNMENT
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I move that this Honourable House do now adjourn until Friday, September 10. I do know, I think, someone wants to speak on the motion to adjourn.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYes, I hear you very well. MISUSE OF PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGE ON MOTION TO ADJ OURN
Mr. Neville S. TyrrellThank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Thank you for the opportunity to speak on the motion to adjourn this evening. Mr. Deputy Speaker, with the annual Cup Match holidays coming up next week I had intended speaking to the historical relevance and significance of the two days, that is Emancipation Day …
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Thank you for the opportunity to speak on the motion to adjourn this evening. Mr. Deputy Speaker, with the annual Cup Match holidays coming up next week I had intended speaking to the historical relevance and significance of the two days, that is Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day. I had even expected to thank Somerset Cricket Club for agreeing to come to St. George’s next week, bringing the Cup and hopefully leaving it. But, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am going to change my tack. Having witnessed what I describe as a display of poor and irresponsible politics during the motion to adjourn at our last sitting, which was, in my opinion , an attempt to score points and sensationalise a project g oing on at the NSC [National Sports Centre]. Mr. Deputy Speaker, before anyone from the Opposition rises up on me with a point of order, I declare my interest in the matter. For context, I will also caption my comments today with the following quote: Honourable Member, were you taken in hook, line and sinker? Mr. Deputy Speaker, let me make my first declaration of interest. I am the most recent past chairman of the Board of Trustees of the NSC, one year this month, having served three years prior to that. With th at background, I feel I can comfortably state that I reasonably understand and know a little bit of how the NSC energy project was progressed and how it reached its present stage. Mr. Deputy Speaker, last week Friday, on two separate occasions, and I onl y thought about the second one later on, an Honourable Member from the Opposition delivered to the public, in my opinion, comments not supported by evidence on the NSC energy project. The first time, as I said, that he did this was at a press conference held under the banner of the OBA. The second time and what distressed me most was when the Honourable Member rose on the 1852 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly floor of the House during the motion to adjourn using a privileged position to again spout his unsubstantiated comments. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am not referring to just any Honourable Member with limited experience in these Chambers. I am referring to a seasoned Honourable Member who at one time, although briefly, held the positions of leader of his party, leader of the then Government and Premier of Bermuda—a ll very powerful positions in Bermuda. So I am not talking about a rookie Honourable Member. It was an Hon-ourable Member who fully understood the protected privileged position while speaking on the floor of the House of Assembly. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I have no issue with his ability to present on either occasion because that is what freedom of speech is about. However, his unsubstantiated comments made him come across as a bully, which is not surprising with some of the previous perform ances that we have seen from him on the floor of the House. And to top it off , it came across as one who had not done his homework on the subject matter. Further to that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, what the Honourable Member also appeared to have done was to take on face value the words of what I would describe as a disgruntled former trustee recently r esigned from the Board of the NSC. Now, for the second time, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I will declare my interest. It becomes a little painful though for me to have to do this, but I will do it. It is common knowledge that we as Honourable Members in these Chambers do get protection on that which we say on the floor of the House. And Mr. Deputy Speak-er, I would imagine, and you can correct me if I am wrong, but privileged protection comes with us speaking factually , supported by evidence. I will move on. Therefore, Mr. Deputy Speaker, it is just my opinion that Honourable Member Cannonier having released not only unsubstantiated comments may have stepped over the line when he called out two names of persons associated with the NSC energy project , one being an Honourable Member of this House, who actually later on in that same motion to adjourn took the opportunity to respond and clarify those unsubstantiated comments made by the Honourable Member Cannonier. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I know I may be taking a while to get to what brings me some real distress by that Honourable Minister comments, but I needed to set the stage. Mr. Deputy Speaker, it is my opinion that the former powerful Honourable Member went extremely low in naming a private member of this community who is a senior member on staff at the National Sports Centre. A senior Member who up to this date has been a responsible employee with many years of good service, a star in his own right who is looked up to by not only his colleagues at the National Sports Centre, his employer, the Ministry responsible for Sport, but also contractors, vendors and clients, all associated with the use of the facilities at the National Sports Centre. Mr. Deputy Speaker, that private ind ividual, as stated, is an employee at the NSC, was the other person called out during those unsubstantiated comments by the Honourable Member, an individual who does not enjoy the protected House privilege of being able to respond. Mr. Deputy Speaker, if it has not already been figured out , the private individual maligned by the Honourable Member is my blood. My ride or die. My favourite son, and for those who know me, he is my only son, but the favourite son. And it is on his behalf that I speak today. Mr. Deputy Speaker, let me bring this to a close because as I said it is really painful for me to have to do this. I really could care less that the Honourable Member Cannonier, firstly, failed to do his homework. And secondly, based his unsubstantiated comments on documents he received that also fail to show the accuracy of the progression of the energy project at the NSC. What I do care about, Mr. Deputy Speak er, is the public humiliation caused to my favourite son, a young man with a family of his own and a wider family who loves him, whose reputation today has been nothing short of sterling in all matters undertaken by him in this country. Mr. Deputy Speaker , just like all of us here in this House, reputation is what we all will be judged on, reputation and performance. So I state that this was a needless tarnish on another young man’s reputation. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I have made my point. I got it off my chest. I will now leave it to the Honour able Opposition Member to reflect on his actions. Mr. Deputy Speaker, before I take my seat, let me take this opportunity to wish yourself and all other Honourable Members regardless of whatever team they support, a good holiday break. And to all of Bermuda a safe and enjoyable Cup Match holiday. And finally, of course, all the best to St. George’s Cup Match team. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Mr. Tyrrell. Are there any further speak ers?
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerIt sounds like Mr. Famous. MISUSE OF PARLIAMENTARY PRIVILEGE ON MOTION TO ADJOURN
Mr. Christopher FamousMr. Deputy Speaker, I would like to start off where my honourable cousin [last] spoke about. His ride or die. His favourite son . . . that we know about. And I do not know, Mr. Dep uty Speaker, I know that we go at each other ( “each other” …
Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would like to start off where my honourable cousin [last] spoke about. His ride or die. His favourite son . . . that we know about. And I do not know, Mr. Dep uty Speaker, I know that we go at each other ( “each other” meaning as MPs ), one side against the other.
Bermuda House of Assembly Sometimes we go at each other, you know, in our i ndividual caucuses. That is par for the course. Som eone once said, This is not a Sunday school. This is a construction site. So, going after each other is what we do. Sometimes we go at each other with facts, sometimes we go at each other with hyperbole, and sometimes we just go at each other just because. But what we do not do is go after each other’s families. We do not go after each other’s wives or husbands or significant others. And we do not go after each other’s children. But what I heard last week was an Honourable Member —nine years in the House, so he should know the rules —going after a member of the public who happens to be the child of another Honourable Member , with the most salacious accus ations, unfounded, unsubstantiated. In some places he could be sued for what he said, but he hid behind pri vilege. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am not going to stay long because my honourable cousin who has a silky tongue laid it out very, very well. I am not so privileged to have a silky tongue. So let me end this part with this. That person who the Honourable Member Can-nonier went after, is my cousin. He is the first gran dson of Charles “Boo” Brown. So, what I am telling that Honourable Member is that this family will not stand for any attacks on any members of our fam ily any day—never!
CUP MATCH— HISTORY OF THE FRIENDLY SOCIETIES
Mr. Christopher FamousLet me move on, Mr. Deputy Speaker, to something a little bit more cheerful. Mr. Deputy Speaker, you know how you love history, and you know how many people love history. So ye sterday we were treated to a history lesson by an elder in the community , Mrs. Joy …
Let me move on, Mr. Deputy Speaker, to something a little bit more cheerful. Mr. Deputy Speaker, you know how you love history, and you know how many people love history. So ye sterday we were treated to a history lesson by an elder in the community , Mrs. Joy Wilson -Tucker. She taught us the history of the Friendly Societies and the history of the beginning of Cup Match. For those who don’t know, the Friendly Soci eties were formed by Black men, originally, to help put Black people in a better position after emancipation. Mr. Deputy Speaker, we know that when we were freed the white man left us with nothing. T hey got money from England and we got zero. No schools. No churches. No homes. Nothing. As the Colonel would say, Not one dicky bird. So Friendly Societies spread throughout the Island were formed where people went and took care of each other. They took care of the sick. They helped people put their children through school. They helped people build homes. And they built clubs; two of the clubs, one in St. George’s and one in Somerset. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the original cricket games that took place during this time of the year were held between the Friendly Societies. In actuality, there were three different days: One in June, one in July and one in August, and whoever won the most games was the winner. Moving forward, there was a game between a lodge in St. George’s, Lodge 899, and a lodge in Somerset, Lodge 1026. And this was the start of what we know as Cup Match. And what other people do not know is that the colours that each team has wa s based off of lodge colours. Red and blue was for a specific lodge in Somerset. Navy blue and baby blue was for a specific lodge in St. George’s. Another day I will tell what these colours act ually mean, but I just wanted to . . . it is important for people to understand the origins of Cup Match came out of not who could spend the most money, who would get the most drunk, but Black people helping each other when white man gave us nothing. Let me move on, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
MARY PRINCE DAY/EMANCIPATION
Mr. Christopher FamousLast week you spoke about emancipation. Is that correct, Mr. Deputy Speaker? And you said, We are not free. Correct, Mr. Deputy Speaker? I have to concur with you. But b efore I concur with you, let me move on to something. Last year then Minister Foggo took the bold …
Last week you spoke about emancipation. Is that correct, Mr. Deputy Speaker? And you said, We are not free. Correct, Mr. Deputy Speaker? I have to concur with you. But b efore I concur with you, let me move on to something. Last year then Minister Foggo took the bold step and took away the name Sir George Somers out of our emancipation and gave us Mary Prince Day . So I want to again thank her for being bold. I want to thank her and her committee for putting Mary Prince Park in Devonshire, the parish in which Mary Prince was born. I also want to put something out here. The Mary Prince tours are being sold out . The y are sold out. And they also need benches down at Mary Prince Park. So , if she can pull the ear of the Minister of Works and Engineering, or the acting Minister, and get some benches down at Mary Prince Park the people of Devonshire and those visiting us will be eterna lly grateful. So let me move on to your thing, Mr. Deputy Speaker, our thing. We are not free. Mr. Deputy Speaker, three weeks ago, as you know, I was in BVI. While I was there I was observing, not just the lack of COVID -19 protocol that was putting the country in danger, but guess what, Mr. Deputy Speaker? There was a commission of inquiry going on. Yes! Three gentlemen from England who do not have any ties to the BVI were down there interrogating the people of BVI. Two of them were practicing lawyers. Coming down there and having a commission of inquiry and they hadn’t even applied to pass the BVI bar exam. Think about that. They were painting every single politician down there as corrupt. Oh, you gave a contract to Derrick. Oh, you gave a c ontract to John. Oh, you gave a contract to so- and-so. Well, on an island of only 30,000 people, who else are you going to give contracts to but the people of that island? I saw the similarit y of what certain people in our party went 1854 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly through. You gave a contract to so -and-so. They have got the same last name as that person. That ’s corru ption. So help me out here, Mr. Deputy Speaker. If you cannot give contracts to people you know who are qualified for the job, who should you give contracts to? People who ar e not qualified, or people you don’t know? Because I remember the OBA gave a contract for some outrageous amount of money to someone to build an island for $35 million. That was never called corruption—a no-bid contract. I wish MP Zane De Silva was here to clarify because I am quite sure he never saw a tender for that. My point, Mr. Deputy Speaker, is this: We are not free. We often equate ourselves as Bermudians as we are different from the islands. Well, guess what. In 2010, the British went down [to T urks and Caicos] and painted every politician as corrupt and dissolved part of their Constitution and imposed direct rule. In 2021, [just] 10 years later, they are now in the British Virgin Islands doing the same thing with a wider brush. Painting every politician, no matter what side of the fence they are on with the same brush. You are corrupt. You gave a contract to your cousin. Well, in a population of only 30,000 where 10,000 people are relatives, it is almost impossible not to give a contract to somebody you know. Oh, sorry, you should have called someone from England and gave them the contract. Then it would not be corruption. So I say to the people of Bermuda, 2010 [it was] Turks and Caicos, in 2021 it’s BVI. How long before they attempt to say, There is corruption in Bermuda and we need a commission of inquiry ? Oh! My bad, they did that already!
[Laughter]
Mr. Christopher FamousWhen are they going to come back and do it again? Be careful, Bermuda. POLITICIANS: POPULISM VERSUS REALISM
Mr. Ch ristopher FamousI am going to move on, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I am going to close with this. There are two terms: Populism and realism. There are polit icians all around the world who like to say things that are popular to try to sound good to a certain segm ent, to …
I am going to move on, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I am going to close with this. There are two terms: Populism and realism. There are polit icians all around the world who like to say things that are popular to try to sound good to a certain segm ent, to try to appeal to the emotions of people , to try to say, Hey, all Bermudians are supposed to be working. But they ain’t going to say, Some Bermudians need to learn to do their job , because that is not popular. They are going to say, Hey, all Bermudi ans need to be on financial assistance. But they are upset when we say, Hey, people on financial assistance need to learn how to budget. They say, Hey, all Bermudians should have a good education. But they are upset when education reform takes place. They just want to be popular but they do not do their homework and tell the people the real story. Prime example: Honourable Member Mi-chael Dunkley wanted to be popular. Hey, let’s get rid of the TA form. He did not do his homework and realise that every count ry has a TA form. Opposition Leader Cole Simons, Hey, let’s get rid of quarantines. He did not do his homework and realise without mandatory quarantines people are going to break the rules and you will have outbreaks in your country. I say this —
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Deputy Speaker, the Honourable Member is misleading the House.
Mr. Christopher FamousOh, really? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I have indicated that we would —
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Simons, you have to call a point of order. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I’m sorry. I said a point of order, misleading the House.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerOkay. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: My point was that we would prefer to have the quarantine at home. I never, ever said to dismiss quarantine.
Mr. Christopher FamousHome quarantine does not work. Go to BVI and look at the morgue and they will tell you that home quarantine does not work. Home quarantine did not work in Bermuda in March. We have 21 deaths to show for that. So, continue to try to be popular, Mr. Opposition …
Home quarantine does not work. Go to BVI and look at the morgue and they will tell you that home quarantine does not work. Home quarantine did not work in Bermuda in March. We have 21 deaths to show for that. So, continue to try to be popular, Mr. Opposition Leader. The facts show that you were wrong. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I say this to the yo ung Members, to the Members my age and the older Members. Yes, to get elected or re- elected you need people to vote for you so that means that they have to be on your side. But in between that, you have to be firm and stand up to the people and tell them t he truth. Do not just look for the easy way out because, Hey, people are protesting. Let’s go send some of our candidates down there so it looks like we are supporting them. No! You can’t be on two sides of the fence! You cannot say, Yes, you want to help with the vaccination, but no we don’t agree with quarantine. You cannot do that!
Bermuda House of Assembly And I say this to all of the politicians, it is very easy to get up and say something in the motion to adjourn. It is very easy to send something to the m edia. But it ain’t s o easy to actually be a real leader. So with that Mr. Deputy Speaker, you see what I have on?
Mr. Christopher FamousI am going to go one step further than my cousin with the silky tongue. I know St. George’s is going to win the Cup Match this year because in the history of Cup Match there has only been one team that has ever said, Hey, we don’t want to …
I am going to go one step further than my cousin with the silky tongue. I know St. George’s is going to win the Cup Match this year because in the history of Cup Match there has only been one team that has ever said, Hey, we don’t want to play Cup Match! And that was not St. George’s. So, to my people down in St. George’s, the long- suffering people, our drought is over! This is our time. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member Mr. Famous. Are there any further speakers? [Inaudible interjection]
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Cannonier. You have the floor. NATIONAL SPORTS CENTRE CONTRACT
Mr. L. Craig CannonierI am just trying to get my video on here. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. And good evening colleagues. I am actually quite int erested in some of the comments that have already been made concerning the National Sports Centre and the questions that I had been asking. And I …
I am just trying to get my video on here. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. And good evening colleagues. I am actually quite int erested in some of the comments that have already been made concerning the National Sports Centre and the questions that I had been asking. And I listened very intently to two speakers coming, I assume, to the defence of certain individuals. I want to be very clear, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I have not called anyone out in specifics. I have simply asked questions based on the facts that I do have in front of me. I was asked to forward those facts on. I have forwarded those facts on. To date, I have not received any answers to the nine questions that I put forward, nor the questions that I asked in the House of Assembly during the motion to adjourn. And that is fine if we are not going to have any answers forthco ming. But it is interesting to hear one Member —
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Cannonier, let me pause for a second. The Speaker has received the information that he requested and I would urge you to take this up when the Speaker returns. And if I could urge the rest of the speakers, if you can stay away from the NSC until the …
Mr. L. Craig CannonierThank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, but that is unfortunate because two speakers have already talked about it and I need to respond to it based on the comments that they have already made concerning this particular matter.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYes, Mr. Cannonier, I know Mr. Tyrrell spoke, and he spoke properly. I had no problem with him defending his family member because his name was called. I don’t think he went out any further than that. And I would urge you to stay clear of that until the Honourable …
Yes, Mr. Cannonier, I know Mr. Tyrrell spoke, and he spoke properly. I had no problem with him defending his family member because his name was called. I don’t think he went out any further than that. And I would urge you to stay clear of that until the Honourable Speaker gets back. I am sure he will analyse what has been sent and he will take it further, if necessary.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierMr. Deputy Speaker, if an Honourable Member is speaking to this particular subject and says that the facts were not in order or these were not the facts, then I need to speak to that particular matter. There is no way in the motion to a djourn that a Member …
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Cannonier! Stop right there. Mr. Cannonier, I have made the decision. I am asking you and the rest of the Members to stay away from that. The Speaker has received inf ormation that he requested from you. He is not here. [Crosstalk]
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Cannonier. I just learned that after the previous two speakers.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierQuite frankly, that is not fair and equitable in the House of Assembly where Members can get up and speak. 1856 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Deputy Speaker: Mr. Cannonier. Mr. Cannonier!
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Cannonier! You heard what I said. Now, please do not question th e Speaker. I am asking you to leave it alone. I will have no more of that. Now, if you go there, then it will be an early night for you.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierMr. Deputy Speaker, I can’t believe that we are in the House of Assembly discus sing a matter that two Members have spoken to whet her directly or indirectly and I cannot defend the pos ition that we have. That can’t be right.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Cannonier. This is the last time I will tell you. I have told you that the Speaker has the requested information. He is not here today. I just learned that.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierMr. Deputy Speaker, I am asking a question. Two Members have spoken and you have allowed two Members to speak to a matter without the Opposition being able to speak to the matter.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Cannonier, you started it last week. And—
Mr. L. Craig Cannonier[INAUDIBLE] I have the right in the motion to adjourn to speak. The Dep uty Speaker: Mr. Cannonier, you have the right to speak. I made the ruling. Let’s move forward, please. We are not going to discuss that.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierMr. Deputy Speaker, let me ask this question then. For the comment that was made about that we should not be attacking anyone’s children. Is that fair for me to respond to?
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Cannonier, I am not going back and forward with you. I made the ruling.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierIt is a wrong ruling! This cannot be— The Deputy Spe aker: Mr. Cannonier! This is the last time—
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Cannonier, this is it. Move on please.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierWe will take note of that and, Mr. Deputy Speaker, this cannot be the right decision. We will take it up with the Speaker for sure. But I know that we will not be back in the House until Se ptember —until September! And we know that because of this …
We will take note of that and, Mr. Deputy Speaker, this cannot be the right decision. We will take it up with the Speaker for sure. But I know that we will not be back in the House until Se ptember —until September! And we know that because of this issue there are many unanswered questions. So it cannot be a place where I cannot ask questions as well. And that I cannot —
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Cannonier. Mr. Cannonier. This is the last time I will speak to you about this, you know. I am asking you to move on.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierThis is my subject. No one else will need to move on. The motion to adjourn was made. Two Members have spoken and I —
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Cannonier, leave the Chambers, please. Leave the Chambers. [Mr. L. Craig Cannonier left the Chamber at 5:04 pm (Standing Order 10(5))]
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerAny further speakers? Are there any further speakers on the motion to adjour n? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I happy to close but I do not know if other Members wish to speak. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerI hear the Honourable Member Michael Dunkley. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I will not speak to the subject that you prohibited my honourable colleague from speaking to.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Mr. Dunkley. NATIONAL SPORTS CENTRE CONTRACT Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: But what I do want to speak to, Mr. Deputy Speaker, is the fact that Hon-ourable Members spoke to a subject that my colleague had referred to and took personal attacks on my colleague. Bermuda House of Assembly …
Thank you, Mr. Dunkley.
NATIONAL SPORTS CENTRE CONTRACT
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: But what I do want to speak to, Mr. Deputy Speaker, is the fact that Hon-ourable Members spoke to a subject that my colleague had referred to and took personal attacks on my colleague.
Bermuda House of Assembly One of those Honourable Members called him a “bully.” Craig Cannonier has never been a bully in his life, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Craig Cannonier is one of the nicest persons you will ever meet. And that comment was inappropriate to make at the time. And two things bother me about that , Mr. Dep uty Speaker : (1) The comment was inappropriate be cause an yone who knows the Honourable Member Craig Ca nnonier, who knows of him or his family, knows that that is the furthest thing from the truth. (2) I think Ho nourable Members took that approach be cause they wanted to distract from the real question at hand. You have pr ohibited speaking to that, and I will certainly follow that ruling, although I believe that we should have the o pportunity to speak to it. But I will follow that ruling and hopefully when we come back in Septem ber the Speaker will allow this matter to be pr ogressed. But I am sure that it can be progressed out side of the House.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerI am sure the Speaker will let this matter carry on when he returns. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Well, I would hope so but it has to be a nswered sooner than that because questions remain and the questions remaining cannot be sideshowed by the fact that two individuals attacked …
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerWhat is your point of order, Mr. Famous? There is a point of order, Mr. Dunkley. POINT OF ORDER
Mr. Christopher FamousI did not attack any Honourable Member. I simply said that Honourable Member needs to des ist from attacking anyone outside of these Chambers and my family. Thank you. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Well, Mr. Deputy Speaker, while I appreciate his intent for the point of order I think it …
I did not attack any Honourable Member. I simply said that Honourable Member needs to des ist from attacking anyone outside of these Chambers and my family. Thank you.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Well, Mr. Deputy Speaker, while I appreciate his intent for the point of order I think it was not appropriate because the fact of the matter is that it was a veiled threat when he said, Don’t attack members of my family. Honourable Members in the Opposition are free to ask questions how they choose. The Honour able Member Cannonier and former Premier of this country put together a well -presented piece l ast week. It was fair, it was balanced. He asked questions. Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Since that time —
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Dunkley, there is a point of order. Mr. Premier. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David Burt: The Honourable Member is mi sleading the House to say that it was fair and complete because it was discussed last week that issues that were raised on the floor of the …
Mr. Dunkley, there is a point of order. Mr. Premier.
POINT OF ORDER [Misleading]
Hon. E. David Burt: The Honourable Member is mi sleading the House to say that it was fair and complete because it was discussed last week that issues that were raised on the floor of the House were false. I accept your ruling. But I think it is al so important, Mr. Deputy Speaker, which you may not know, is that the Opposition has asked questions on this very matter in the other place in the correct fashion. And that should be noted. And those questions will be answered on Wednesday when the other place meets because the questions were asked as per the Standing Orders if answers want to be received. I just wanted to let that be known, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Premier. Mr. Dunkley, carry on. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I appr eciate the Premier’s interjection in this, Mr. Deputy Speaker. There are two things I want to say. I stand by what my honourable colleague said and, secondly, we had to ask in the other place because we …
Thank you, Premier. Mr. Dunkley, carry on.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I appr eciate the Premier’s interjection in this, Mr. Deputy Speaker. There are two things I want to say. I stand by what my honourable colleague said and, secondly, we had to ask in the other place because we did not have the time frame to ask in this Honourable House or we would have.
Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThere is a point of order, Mr. Dunkley. Honourable Premier. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Deputy Speaker, the Honourable Member is misleading the House. This issue was first raised more than four weeks ago by the Members of the Opposition and they had adequate time to …
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerCarry on, Mr. Dunkley. Hon. Michael H. Dunkl ey: Honourable Premier is free to decide which way his colleagues want to speak, but if an honourable colleague of mine wanted to speak on the motion to adjourn they are entitled to speak on the motion to adjourn. The best thing …
Carry on, Mr. Dunkley. Hon. Michael H. Dunkl ey: Honourable Premier is free to decide which way his colleagues want to speak, but if an honourable colleague of mine wanted to speak on the motion to adjourn they are entitled to speak on the motion to adjourn. The best thing the Government could do wou ld be to have an open i nquiry into what took place, because valid questions have been asked about this. And that is all I will say 1858 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly about this subject because you do not wish it to be discussed and I will leave it alone, respecting your wish. The Deputy S peaker: Yes. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: But I think the Government needs to appreciate and understand that this matter is not going anywhere. The Opposition while we might only be six in the House and three in the other place, we will continue to question, we will continue to sup-port, and we will continue to do our job to make sure that we represent the views of the people and the people get a full airing of issues. Sometime, Mr. Deputy Speaker, it feels like because the Government has got 30 Members in the House, and five in the other place, that they think that they can shout loud from the rooftop and—
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Dunkley, can I just respec tfully ask you to pause? Mr. Dunkley, I was not here last week. I had to leave early to go to a funeral. I was not privy to the comments that were made. I have been told after these two speakers who spoke first …
Mr. Dunkley, can I just respec tfully ask you to pause? Mr. Dunkley, I was not here last week. I had to leave early to go to a funeral. I was not privy to the comments that were made. I have been told after these two speakers who spoke first that the Speaker requested some information and he received it. So I do not think it would be fair that I entertain this since I know nothing about it. The Speaker has asked for something. He has got it. And I think it would be ap-propriate that he deal with it upon his return. So unfortunately it is September, but that is what it is. I am not try ing to stifle your debate, but if I am going to entertain this here I think I should be familiar with it, and I am not at this point. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Deputy Speaker, condolences on the funeral that you attended last week.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I accept — [ No audio] Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: [INAUDIBLE ] my co lleagues have already done that. I have moved on from there.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I have moved on from there. The point I am making now, Mr. Deputy Speak-er— [ No audio]
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYou are not coming through, Mr. Dunkley. You are breaking up. Mr. Dunkley, we cannot hear you. You have gone mute. I think you have got some problems with your . . . Turn off your video, Mr. Dunkley. It might be better. I hear you now. Continue. [ No …
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYou are still . . . Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Am I [INAUDIBLE].
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerNo. It is still not working. Turn your video off and see if that helps. Your camera off. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Is that any bet ter? [ Crosstalk]
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerI am still not getting you. It is breaking up. No, I . . . I still can’t hear you. I see your mouth moving, but I can’t hear you. Do you have your camera off? No, you don’t have it off. Turn your camera off and see if that …
I am still not getting you. It is breaking up. No, I . . . I still can’t hear you. I see your mouth moving, but I can’t hear you. Do you have your camera off? No, you don’t have it off. Turn your camera off and see if that is any better. You have not turned it . . . try now, Mr. Dunkley. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Is that any better, Mr. Deputy Speaker? The camera is off.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerContinue. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYes, I hear you now. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: All right. I will leave the camera off while I finish what I have to say.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerOkay. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Deputy Speaker, one of the challenges of democracy . . . how mu ch time do I have left?
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYou have got . . . you have only used up seven minutes. OPPOSITION MEMBERS HAVE A RIGHT TO SPEAK Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Okay. Thank you. O ne of the challenges of democracy, Mr. Deputy Speaker, is that elections have consequences. And out of those consequences you need to …
You have got . . . you have only used up seven minutes. OPPOSITION MEMBERS HAVE A RIGHT TO SPEAK Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Okay. Thank you. O ne of the challenges of democracy, Mr. Deputy Speaker, is that elections have consequences. And out of those consequences you need to move forward with the Government that is elected and the Opposition that is duly elected as well. In October 2020, the PLP had a resounding victory. And tonight I am not interested in getting into
Bermuda House of Assembly the politics around the election. I just want to make it very clear for colleagues who are in the House and those who are listening on the radio that while the Opposition might be small in numbers, we will never be afraid to stand up for the people that we serve. The Government does have significant numbers on the benches. In fact, Mr. Deputy Speaker, half of them do not even have to show up to the House of Assembly and they still can be comfortable in every piece of legislation that they pass. The Government, the Premier and Cabinet Members can make poor decisions that backbenches do not support but in reality, they do not need the backbench support because the numbers are so deep and strong in that regard. The people of Bermuda should be assured that we as the Opposition will continue to fight on their behalf. We will continue to listen to what they have to say. And we will support the Government as has been done quite often through today. But we will not be afraid to be critical. And that is what is happening with this issue with the National Sports Centre. And that is what has happened with other issues as we have gone through this pandemic period. And for the Government to come back and try to attack us . . . let us be very clear, Mr. Deputy Speaker. We will continue to listen to the people, speak to the issues and not be bullied into any attacks from a Government that has a huge majority. Mr. Deputy Speaker, it is very clear, as I said earlier in the debate, and I won’t reflect on that de-bate, but it is very clear that the mood of this country right now is one of frustration. The mood of this country right now is one of being agitated. The mood of this country right now is one of lacking confidence and being very questionable about where we s tand and where we are going. And while the Government wants to paint a picture that we are moving forward to a better place, many people do not buy into that. And you hear Members of the [Government] talk about being popular or dealing with reality, those are nice conversation pieces to have. But as we all circulate in the community it is very clear to me by people who speak to me now who never really wanted to talk politics, now want to talk because they are very concerned about the future and they are very disa ppointed in some of the things that are taking place in this country. And I am not going to use the motion to adjourn to get into specifics on these policies because I do not have enough time. And frankly, I have done it on a number of occasions and I will do it again in the future. But what I am doing is, the Government needs to do a better job of listening to what the people have said. Because like somebody told me just yesterday, it appears that the Government now is tone deaf. Now, I understand t hat it is very difficult because I had the responsibilities of the Premier of this country. And I understand if you try to please everybody, you are in deep trouble. You will not please anybody and you will not move the country forward. I understand that. But the challenges we face now call for better communication from the Government about these i ssues. It does not come from cross -communication. It comes from better communication. And I realise that it has been a very stressful period for the past 16, 17 months as we have fought the pandemic, and many people have worked day and night, seven days a week, and have never taken a day off. And those people, including our elected Members, should be thanked for what they have to do. But the strong will survive an d we are not out on the other side of this pandemic yet. And so while the Government might have mighty numbers from the election, and some people might question where their vote went, the Government needs to appreciate and realise that the small Opposition will continue to stand up and speak. And they should not dismiss us without listening to the message because we are speaking on be-half of the people. More and more people are reac hing out to us. So when I hear comments like, Well, Opposition Members were down on the Cabinet grounds protesting and saying things (I am adlibbing now) that were discourteous . . . well, Mr. Deputy Speaker, in the history of protest on the Cabinet lawns or on the Sessions House grounds, tell me when O pposition Members have not been in those protests? That statement just made no sense. And it was trying to incite that those people did not have a right to be there. Of course those people have a right to be there. I do not care if they are not a member of any political party. They have a right to be there and a right to be heard. And so we should not try to demean or belittle individuals for what they are doing. The PLP when they were the Opposition, they encouraged that. They lauded that. Man, I think they even set up a separate c ampaign with the People’s Campaign which has disappeared now. So we need to understand and respect the people’s rights in a democratic country such as we live in, to do what they have to do —
Mr. Christopher FamousPoint of order. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley : —Mr. Deputy Speaker, and not demean what they are bringing to the table.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Dunkley, there is a point of order. What is your point of order, Mr. Famous? POINT OF ORDER 1860 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Christopher Famo us: I only referred to the two OBA candidates who were down there protesting. I did not …
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Dunkley, carry on. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. But the Honourable Member himself I think needs to reflect back on when the shoe might have been on the other foot on other occasions. But we do not need to debate that. My point is simple. …
Mr. Dunkley, carry on. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. But the Honourable Member himself I think needs to reflect back on when the shoe might have been on the other foot on other occasions. But we do not need to debate that. My point is simple. Everyone has a right to be heard and to be seen on these issues. And I know that people’s nerves are frayed because we have gone through this for an extended period of time now, but we need to be a little bit more understanding and realise that the pressure valves are probably at a higher level now in most people. And we can work through this together, but people need to accept the criticism and not come back with personal attacks but look at it in the vein of Well, could we do better? I think we all know that we can do better than what we are doing. So Mr. Deputy Speaker, we do break for about two months. I do not think it is going to be an easy two months because we still have challenges facing us. And in spite of the optimistic forecast, the Government will take we still have significant challenges opening up the economy. We still have signif icant challenges in the hospitality industry because of the lack of people wanting to work in that industry and that was discussed briefly during the debate today. We still have significant challenges because our transport ambassadors are not working at full throttle, and so we need to understand that criticism is not meant for game. It is meant so we can all push forward. Politicians in the House of Assembly all got elected in their own right. They have that right to speak. Just like my honourable colleague from constituency 12. He has the right to speak, and he spoke very well last week on that issue. And he will speak to it again. It is sad when another Honourable Member will call him a bully. That is absolutely disgraceful and—
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberAnd I accept that. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: The Honourable Member who made that comment might have done it because he was a bit upset because his family was involved. But it still does not make it right, Mr. Deputy Speaker. So I speak tonight on two clear points. I …
And I accept that.
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: The Honourable Member who made that comment might have done it because he was a bit upset because his family was involved. But it still does not make it right, Mr. Deputy Speaker. So I speak tonight on two clear points. I will support my colleague in his right to speak, and secondly that the Government is not perfect. They have made a number of mistakes. And we will balance our criticism in an appropriate way so the message gets heard and hopefully we can move forward together. CUP M ATCH —SAFETY REMINDERS
Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: But, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I take this opportunity to wish you and colleagues in the House of Assembly and the people of Bermuda an enjoyable Cup Match holiday. I am sure it will be much more difficult and diff erent from previous Cup Matches and when we get to a week’s time, I am sure there will be a lot of St. George’s supporters, but this time in a week, we will be wondering what happened. And some of them might have to retract some of the very confident statements they have been making over the past couple of hours and over the past couple of days. Unfortunately, Mr. Deputy Speaker, as I wind down, I was in Zoom parliament in my office earlier today and the girl said, Make sure before you come out of your offi ce, you let us know. And I thought, That’s strange. They won’t let the boss come out of the office. Well, unfortunately, when I came out of the office it was a sea of blue and blue. And I almost had to call in sick for the rest of the day because I could not walk through the office when it looked blue and blue. But I appreciate the . . . certainly the competitive spirt of Cup Match. I think it shows that we as Bermudians love to have that banter back and forth and stand up for what we believe is best. But at the end of the day the game will be played on the field and the best team will win. And we as Bermudians should take a lesson from that. We will go into battle and we will be conf ident about what we stand for, but at the end of the day, we are still on e people, Bermudians, and we have many challenges to face together. It does not matter if we are Black or white, rich or poor, Somerset or St. George’s. There are about 64,000 of us on this Island and we have a lot of work to do together and I look forward to better days ahead. So, Mr. Deputy Speaker, happy Cup Match. To the people of Bermuda, stay safe on the roads. I am very concerned about our driving habits. And if you are going to drink, don’t drive, call one of our great taxi ambassadors and take a taxi. Stay safe to everyone and God bless you and guide you. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Mr. Dunkley, for your comments. I wish you a good holiday, but may your team not win, Mr. Dunkley. [Laughter]
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you so much. Are there any further speakers? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Simons — Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Deputy Speaker, a point of order. [Laughter] Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I will accept wha t you said, May my team not win. I will take the draw because the Cup will stay west. [Laughter]
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Simons, you have the floor. NEED TO RAISE THE BAR IN THE SPEAKER’S CHAMBERS Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am not going to speak to the content of the National Sports Centre. I am going to speak about the process. And let’s make it clear, …
Mr. Simons, you have the floor.
NEED TO RAISE THE BAR IN THE SPEAKER’S CHAMBERS
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am not going to speak to the content of the National Sports Centre. I am going to speak about the process. And let’s make it clear, the process. First, let me start by apologising for the fact that you have been placed in a distinct disadvantage. And I am saying that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, because as a manager, as a business executive, when I am not going to be in the office I hand my files over to my assistant —
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerHonourable Member, Honourable Member — Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I am speaking to the process!
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerHonourable Member. Mr. S imons, Honourable Member, with all due respect to you and the Speaker, I prefer you not to go down that road. I know where you are going. Leave that alone. You saw — Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: It sounds l ike you think you know …
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerOh, yes, because you are sa ying that the files should have been passed on to me. That is what you are saying. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No, no, no, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I am not saying that.
Ms. Lovitta F. FoggoWell, what are you saying? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: If you allow me to conti nue. . .
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerBe careful. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No, I am fine. I will be car eful. What I am saying is this. The file may n ot have [been] provided to you, but you could be briefed. But my bigger point is this: When we were debating this issue last …
Be careful.
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No, I am fine. I will be car eful. What I am saying is this. The file may n ot have [been] provided to you, but you could be briefed. But my bigger point is this: When we were debating this issue last week, the Speaker asked that we send him the information. So, we sent some of the infor-mation on Friday. And then we sent the compl eted package on Monday. And, Mr. Deputy Speaker, today is Friday. I have not heard from the Speaker. And these are facts.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Simons, let me say this here. I am one of those folks that does not like to di scuss people when they are not present. — Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I am just stating facts.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy Speaker[INAUDIBLE ]— Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I am not casting aspersions on him. I am just giving you the facts. [Crosstalk]
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerI prefer you to leave that alone. The Speaker will be back. You can see him before he comes back in Parliament and voice your displeasure, but I am not going to allow anyone to be talking about the Speaker in his absence. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Okay, well …
I prefer you to leave that alone. The Speaker will be back. You can see him before he comes back in Parliament and voice your displeasure, but I am not going to allow anyone to be talking about the Speaker in his absence. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Okay, well — [Crosstalk]
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: —I will not involve the Speaker. I will speak about his Chamber and not him. And as far as I am concerned, Mr. Deputy Speaker, if this Chamber had not had the opportunity to review the files then all I am asking is to give me a call and say, I wa s unable to review the file at this point in time.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMr. Simons, you can call the Speaker on Monday and I am sure he will be glad to talk to you. I would ask you, sir, please do not go there. You are a very respectful person; you are from a very respectful family. How do I know that? Hon. …
Mr. Simons, you can call the Speaker on Monday and I am sure he will be glad to talk to you. I would ask you, sir, please do not go there. You are a very respectful person; you are from a very respectful family. How do I know that?
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I accept that and thank you for those comments. But at some point, Mr. Deputy Speaker, we have to raise the bar when it comes to efficiency within the House of Assembly and within th e Speaker’s Chamber. This is not the first time that the protocols have not been dealt with in an efficient manner. And all I am saying is this cannot continue if we want the best decisions of our Parliament and if we want to have respectful debates, Mr. D eputy Speaker. So in regard to this matter, I will take your ru ling and say, Let’s raise the bar of efficiency within the 1862 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Parliament and within the Speaker’s Chambers so that we won’t have to go in this . . . have a repeat of this situation whereby nobody is aware of the decision of the Chamber.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYes, but — Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: [INAUDIBLE] but I will move on.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYes. Mr. Simons, let me say this. You and I both know that if you have any suggestions for the Speaker t o raise the bar, if it has to be raised, he will only be so glad and willing to accept your request. And so, the Speaker is very …
Yes. Mr. Simons, let me say this. You and I both know that if you have any suggestions for the Speaker t o raise the bar, if it has to be raised, he will only be so glad and willing to accept your request. And so, the Speaker is very open. He talks to any and everybody. Move on, please. Thank you.
CUP MATCH—THE SPIRIT OF BERMUDA
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: So I will move on to the issue of Cup Match (something lighter).
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerWell, I hope you are for St. George’s. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Deputy Speaker, this country needs a celebration. Mr. Deputy Speaker, we have had a divided community, a tense community. And despite our differences when it comes to our Cup Match teams, we know this is the …
Well, I hope you are for St. George’s. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Deputy Speaker, this country needs a celebration. Mr. Deputy Speaker, we have had a divided community, a tense community. And despite our differences when it comes to our Cup Match teams, we know this is the holiday for Berm udians. We know that this is the holiday of all holidays for this country. We have the Emancipation Day and we have Mary Prince Day. And we salute the heroine of this country as we recognise and honour how far we have come in regard to Emancipation Day. But as I said, let’s bring our country together and celebrate Cup Match with love. We must socialise and celebrate the holiday together. W e must rekindle our friendly spirit of competition. We must remember that the families of this country, the people of this country, are looking at us and saying, Let’s join hands and bring our country together because it serves no purpose for us to r emain divided. And we should lead that charge in r egard to the atmosphere of this country. Mr. Deputy Speaker, with that said, Cup Match will be used as the tool to bring the people t ogether. We all know that we have people who support Somerset, unfortunately —
[Laughter]
Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: —and people like myself who supports St. George’s.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerWell, that’s good, cousin. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: But we all know, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that when we are around that field, when we are walking around the Cup Match fields, whether it is in Somerset or St. George’s, there is a spirit of cam araderie. There is a …
Well, that’s good, cousin. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: But we all know, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that when we are around that field, when we are walking around the Cup Match fields, whether it is in Somerset or St. George’s, there is a spirit of cam araderie. There is a spirit of oneness. And there is a spirit of love, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and that is what we need to capitalise upon and further develop acros s this community beyond Cup Match.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMm-hmm. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Because this energy that is prevalent up and down this country must change.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYes. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: It must change. We must listen more. We must be responsive. We must respect people’s differences. We must honour people’s diffe rences. And at the end, despite our differences, we must recognise at some point that we have to do something collectively, despite our …
Yes. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: It must change. We must listen more. We must be responsive. We must respect people’s differences. We must honour people’s diffe rences. And at the end, despite our differences, we must recognise at some point that we have to do something collectively, despite our differences, for the benefit of all this country. And so all of us have to give something to make this work. And if we all give our bit for the betterment of this country, we can assure everyone that the division found in Bermuda today will dissipate. And so on that note, I say, Happy Cu p Match to everyone. As many people as possible should go down to Cup Match and enjoy the spirit of Bermuda. Or, if you are not going to Cup Match, go to the beach, or go camping. Because the same spirit of love, oneness, can be found throughout the Island, and that is what makes Cup Match special in Bermuda. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Mr. Cole Simons. Those were very good comments about St. George’s. Very good. The House recognises the Honourable Mini ster Renee Ming, w ith those beautiful colours in back of her. Hon. Renee Ming: Good afternoon, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I am hoping you can see me.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerOh, I see you very clearly, and it is a beautiful light blue and dark blue background. It is so wonderful. CUP MATCH— CELEBRATING THE HISTORY Hon. Renee Ming: Thank you. I am hoping all my colleagues can actually see it because it is that time of the year where …
Oh, I see you very clearly, and it is a beautiful light blue and dark blue background. It is so wonderful.
CUP MATCH— CELEBRATING THE HISTORY
Hon. Renee Ming: Thank you. I am hoping all my colleagues can actually see it because it is that time of the year where of course, you know, we would be wearing our colours, Mr. Deputy Speaker, and repr esenting our teams.
Bermuda House of Assembly I wanted to take a moment today, Mr. Deputy Speaker, to first of all reflect on the Cup Match hol iday. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Emancipation [Day] is probably one of our most important holidays. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the reason why we celebrate Cup Match has ne ver, ever been one that I would take in a vein that is not extremely important. And in our areas and our Cup Match teams, it is critically important for us to remember why we celebrate Cup Match. We all know the history of it. We all know about it. We had a history lesson today so I do not even need to go down that path. But my real message would be for us to r emember why because it is no secret that we are living in a time when where it would appear that we are di-vided, but Mr. Deputy Speaker, I believe th at differences of opinion do not necessarily divide us. And that we still have many things in common with each other. And so, it is important for us as a country, as an island, as Bermudians, not to forget those commonal ities that we have. And even in the midst of looking for the things that make us common, the things that draw us together, Mr. Deputy Speaker, it is about our fam ilies, it is about our friends, it is about the things that truly make us unique as Bermudians. So, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am definitely one who puts in a lot of time and energy around the Cup Match holiday. The social media banter . . . and it is just that, banter, Mr. Deputy Speaker, because there is no seriousness of it. I wish nothing bad against my Somerset friends, other than that, you know, of course I would love to see our Cup, my Cup, St. George’s Cup, come home. But you know what? At the end of the day if that did not happen, we would just start this up again next year, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Again, r emembering why we had this holiday and why we cel ebrate it and why it is critically important to us as a country to recognise and to celebrate our emancipation. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would just like to give a big shout -out to those Cup Match teams. Tomorrow it will be the final tria l matches and all of our young, seasoned and experienced players will be out there gunning for their spot in the Cup Match Classic. It is unfortunate that my godson, Macai Simmons, who I knew was going to have a great year, will be unable to be out there r epresenting us. But that is okay because Macai will be around to go another day. But there will be some new St. George’s upstarts coming out and they are going to get an opportunity to show what they are worth this year and that they can get out on that stage and perform. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I truly do wish our captain, Onias Bascome, all the best. These are St. George’s people, Mr. Deputy Speaker, so I have seen . . . I don’t want to call them “little boys” because now they are young men, but we have seen these young men grow up, watch them mature and, you know, we are proud of them. And it would be hard not to be proud of our young men. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I take a lot of pride in the fact that these young men play Cup Match, and they recognise that it i s a match, but it is bigger than them. It is one of those things where I don’t know what it is like to play Cup Match, and I am sure I will never know. But I am sure that as they walk onto the field on Thursday and Friday it has got to be heart -warming to be playing at that level. So, I truly do wish each and every player all the best. I do believe it is our time—#ItsOurTime. That is for St. George’s. It is our time. It truly is. And Mr. Deputy Speaker, I am making no pr ediction here today. I am merely maki ng a statement. But I do feel that the Cup will be remaining in the eastern parish—
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerYes. Hon. Renee Ming: —for the next year. I also would like to say that Cup Match may be a little different this year, but the reason we celebrate rem ains the same. And I think that is important for us to remember as well. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would …
Yes.
Hon. Renee Ming: —for the next year. I also would like to say that Cup Match may be a little different this year, but the reason we celebrate rem ains the same. And I think that is important for us to remember as well. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I would like to wish each and every one a safe and enjoyable Cup Match hol iday. We know things now that we did not know last year in terms of COVID -19. And I am j ust going to tell everyone to be personally responsible as we move about. We know what we are dealing with as well, Mr. Deputy Speaker. So I am not going to speak to the country today in a way that we don’t know, because we are well aware. But we also need to be able to start being accountable. So if we are going out and we know what the guidelines are, we just need to know things for our personal safety and for our friends and for our family. Let’s make sure that we have a safe holiday, an enjoyable holida y and get some time with your friends and family. I truly do wish everyone all the best. Unfortunately, Mr. Deputy Speaker, I have to close on this. May St. George’s win. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER OR MEMBER PRESIDING APOLOGIES
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerHonourable Members, just let me . . . I forgot to do this this morning. The absence of the Honourable Member Kim Wilson and the Honourable Member Colonel Burch. I should have a nnounced this early this morning. They asked to be excused today. Are there any further speakers? The …
Honourable Members, just let me . . . I forgot to do this this morning. The absence of the Honourable Member Kim Wilson and the Honourable Member Colonel Burch. I should have a nnounced this early this morning. They asked to be excused today. Are there any further speakers? The Speaker recognises the Honourable Member Lovitta Foggo. Ms. Foggo, you have the floor. 1864 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly [Motion to adjourn, continuing]
MPs WORKING FOR CONSTITUENCIES
Ms. Lovitta F. FoggoThank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, it is Cup Match and Cup Match is my favourite time of the year. Hands down. It is Bermuda’s most famed holiday. And indeed, the spirit behind Cup Match and all that it represents — Emancipation Day, Mary Prince Day —I believe …
Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, it is Cup Match and Cup Match is my favourite time of the year. Hands down. It is Bermuda’s most famed holiday. And indeed, the spirit behind Cup Match and all that it represents — Emancipation Day, Mary Prince Day —I believe was an incremental step in naming those days towards Bermudian sovereignty. And so it is understandable why we as Bermudians celebrate this famed holiday. Mr. Deputy Speaker, there was a time, and part of the reason for Cup Match comi ng about was the fact that persons said, hands down, I don’t care what is expected of me as a labourer, there will be no work taking place today (and I will go on and say) and tomorrow . And that action continued for many, many years until the Government recognised it as an official holiday. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the holiday will not pass without my going to the Mary Prince Park to sit there and reflect and to be inspired and to think about what Lovitta Foggo must do in her capacity as an MP to help my Bermudi ans along so that when she finishes writing her ticket she will be able to say that she did all that she was supposed to do to try and assist her si sters and brothers. Because guess what? We are our brother’s keeper and we are the voice of those we represent. And having said that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, what I really wanted to speak to today to stand as a reminder is that much of the work that we do down in the eastern area, in particular, and there are other Members who are in other areas doing similar work, but I am going to speak about the eastern area. In particular, I am going to speak about constituencies 1, 2 and 3. Because we recognise where we are and the state that we are in in Bermuda today, we collectively believe it is our duty as representatives of our people to, in whatever little way we can, provide assistance to those who find themselves currently still in need of assistance. And I say this in backdrop of the legislation, the amendment to the legislation that was just made. And having heard som e comments regarding what people think about the Government and the like, we are as a party and as Government Members who do have differing positions and who do voice our concerns and dissent and our approval, all of those things, amongst ourselves. But I think collectively we all understand and appreciate that we are here to serve the very people who entrusted us to take care of their needs and their concerns in a way that is benef icial for all. And so we in the east still provide . . . I will call it a co mmunity service, every weekend with very few days off throughout the year, in between. Many persons within our constituencies who, again, are in need and it helps them get over the hump. Because as the Minister pointed out, our job is to assist and help our people to move forward in a way where they can be productive within their societies. And I think the service we provide and the little bit of help that it does give, at least allows them to be able to manage and move forward for another day. I want to s ay that this service that we provide is symbolic I think of the pledge of all of us within the PLP party [which we] took collectively and within our own spirits when we put ourselves forward. Recogni sing that we are in this position to assist and help our people when and where we can. In fact, Mr. Deputy Speaker, we just on our lunch hour drove down to St. George’s Cricket Club w here the Government gave a monetary presentation to the president of St. George’s Cricket Club. And while traveling down there, an d I think the Minister from constituency 1 can attest to the fact that while traveling down there I took constituency calls. And I say that to say that we are being respon-sive to the needs of our people. So when people would suggest that we do not listen, and [do not] try and meet the needs and concerns of our people, here is a situation, you are just out of the House, calls are being made and I am there problem -solving in trying to get to the bottom of the issue. So that persons who have been affected can be restored to their level of comfort. I would go as far as to say, Mr. Deputy Speaker, on both sides of the fence. I think most people who put themselves out for service . . . because you would know, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that this type of service requires much of us. And once we put ourselves forward like that, let’s face it, we have a target on our back (for whatever reason) because many people see us as being able to answer all and do all though yet we are still just people who rely on the i ntelligence and the advice, the information through the government offices and what each of us have indivi dually to share with each other, to problem solve and provide solutions, ideas if you will, for our people so that collectively everyone can realise and understand that we in our positions are there trying to assist and meet their needs. I just wanted to remind people that myself, and I can say with certainty, and my colleagues, though being human, we try our best to address concerns and issues to the best of our ability and in a way to meet our constituents’ needs. And so I thought [there was] no better time than Cup Match to reiterate my pledge to the good people of St. David’s and co llectively to the people of Bermuda, that I am here to serve and I am here to work with my partners to try and ensure that we have a better Bermuda for tomor-row and a better Bermuda for Bermudians. And so I wanted to say that today, Mr. Deputy Speaker, because I think it is important that when we go on our
Bermuda House of Assembly break that people understand a nd know, in spite of all the challenges that we are all confronted with as a people, and it is all of us, that we are here to do the people’s business and we are here as best we can to serve them on a parochial level as well as on the na-tional level. I rem ember the very first time I said in my maiden speech, I made a pledge and a promise to the people of Bermuda when I took to my feet that I would serve them with the aplomb that is required when one stands in this office, the office of the MP. And I will continue to do that, Mr. Deputy Speaker, because it is both a privilege and an honour. And going back to the Cup Match, Mr. Deputy Speaker, let me just say this. Hail to St. George’s. Hail to the blue and blue. And I have no doubt, like those of us who support the right team, that we will be vict orious in our hometown of St. George’s. So, Members, all of you, please have a wonderful Cup Match. To the great people of Bermuda, we stand with you. And for those of you who are com-ing to the east, please enjoy the great victory for the blue and blue team that you will experience come Thursday and Friday. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member Foggo. Are there any further speakers?
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. MembersYes, Mr. Deputy Speak er.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMP Richardson. IN SUPPORT OF MP CANNONIER
Mr. Jarion RichardsonYes. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I intend to be brief. I just wanted to rise this evening to lend my support to my Opposition colleague, the Honourable Craig Can nonier. There was an unenviable position and decision that had to be reached as it related to a contentious topic …
Yes. Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I intend to be brief. I just wanted to rise this evening to lend my support to my Opposition colleague, the Honourable Craig Can nonier. There was an unenviable position and decision that had to be reached as it related to a contentious topic this evening. It had to be reached based on information you received after someone spoke and any reasonable Opposition Member would obviously have to contest that. And with respect, I submit that I would like to speak for the Honourable Craig Cannonier, or support him. Mr. Deputy Speaker, the reason is I have not really spoken during motion to adjourn and the Honourable Craig Cannonier was someone who I did not know particularly well prior to entering this political environment. But he was someone who spoke to me and asked me questions and I often challenged him when I saw him in the street. I speak up for him t onight because he got me involved. He got me to step forward when a lot of other people in Bermuda were stepping back from our problems. And that is not to say, Mr. Deputy Speaker, that there is any one sol u-tion or any one group. But there are 36 Members in this Honourable House all of whom volunteered to step forward into the fray of problems and solving them for the betterment of the country and the people of Bermuda. And that says something, Mr. Deputy Speaker. I could have not stepped forward.
[Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo, Acting Speaker, in the Chair]
Mr. Jarion RichardsonI sat down with the Honourable Member and a few other colleagues at lunch when we were getting involved in . . . when they were asking my interest in this space. And, Mr. Deputy Speaker . . . my apologies, Madam Acting Speaker, I did not see the change. …
I sat down with the Honourable Member and a few other colleagues at lunch when we were getting involved in . . . when they were asking my interest in this space. And, Mr. Deputy Speaker . . . my apologies, Madam Acting Speaker, I did not see the change. I had served about I think about seven years in the Bermuda Police Service and I have done about five years in the Bermuda Regiment. I have had the opportunity to attend various training courses and came across a lot different people from different worlds. And in the Regiment there was an incredible amount of lessons learned, just about Bermuda and about people in general, how to work with people, learning about people from different communities, di fferent families within t he one Bermuda family. And then with the police, you know, when we saw the pr otests against police abuse and we have concerns about systemic racism in policing, you know, policing was not easy and I did see . . . I don’t think I got to see the best of Berm uda all the time. I did a lot though, to be fair. Parish const ables, I was taught and raised by some great police sergeants including one who passed away (may he rest in peace) who was instrumental in raising me as a young constable, Sergeant Greg Grimes. He showed me a lot. And so did Sergeant Michelle Simons. It just showed me a lot. And I walked away from that whole experience, entered the corporate world, and with the exception of some charities I joined, I figured my time in service was over. I had done by bit for Queen and Country, so to speak. And I just sort of said, Well, an ything that happens now is just somebody else’s problem. And like I said, I came across the Honourable Member Craig Cannonier and we had a lot of conver-sations and he started ch allenging me on what I am going to do. If I have an opinion about something that is wrong, what am I going to do about it? And so we are sitting around this lunch and I said, Look, let’s be honest here. There is a lot of stuff wrong. There is millions of d ollars spent on bus schedules. That doesn’t seem to be going right. Ed ucation seems to be heading in the wrong direction. And I do not want to belabour the point, but I said, There are quite a few things here that require i mprovement, modification. And I s aid, So, just walk me through this. Why do you want to be the one to fix it? Why would you run headlong into such a challenge? 1866 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly And he and the colleagues turned to me and said that basically it was because they had children and they need Bermuda to be the k ind of country where their kids have a future. I cannot imagine a bet-ter reason to get stuck into the fight of working for the betterment of Bermuda. I get that we all come from different political dispositions. I get that we all have different thoughts and considerations. I get that this place is going to be contentious. But I am proof positive that there is space for the Honourable Craig Cannonier to raise questions, challenge authority and serve his country. He intr oduced me to this world. I hope and pr ay that I am effective and of use to my constituents and to the coun-try in general. And I just wish him all the best in his continued efforts to do the very basics of politics in the Opposition ranks, which is to hold power to account. With that, I thank y ou.
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any other Members who wish to speak?
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. MembersYes, Madam Acting Speaker.
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerI hear two voices I believe. I am going to take Member Lister. Member Lister, you have the floor and you have 20 m inutes. CUP MATCH— ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS
Mr. Dennis Lister IIIThank you, Madam Acting Speaker. I will be brief tonight. I will not be using my full 20 minutes. I want to thank the listening public, my fellow colleagues, and I want to send everyone a Happy Holiday coming up, but enjoy the weekend as it comes. Madam Acting Speaker, …
Thank you, Madam Acting Speaker. I will be brief tonight. I will not be using my full 20 minutes. I want to thank the listening public, my fellow colleagues, and I want to send everyone a Happy Holiday coming up, but enjoy the weekend as it comes. Madam Acting Speaker, much has been said tonight about Cup Match so I do not want to get into too much detail. But everyone who knows me knows where I stand. I am Somerset through and through. Born and raised with Somerset my whole life. So, you know, I am red and blue. There is no question about that. I just want to say to all those St. George’s fans out there. As much as St. George’s likes to say they are as far from red and blue as possible, I want them all to remember that they all have a little red in them. It is called blood. We all share red blood, Madam Acting Speaker.
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberMy blood is blue. [Laughter] Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr.: So with that, Madam Ac ting Speaker, in my comment s tonight I just want to speak to road safety. As we head into the weekend and into the upcoming Cup Match holiday, where people will be having fun, they …
My blood is blue. [Laughter]
Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr.: So with that, Madam Ac ting Speaker, in my comment s tonight I just want to speak to road safety. As we head into the weekend and into the upcoming Cup Match holiday, where people will be having fun, they will be either going to the game or going to different events over the holiday period, I just want to remind people that while you are out and about traveling on our roads, whether you are on a bike, in a car, or even if you are out and about in a truck, however it is you are traveling. And even if you are planning to go out and socialise and consume alcoh ol, please remember to plan ahead. If you are going out to drink, plan how you will get home, whether that means hiring a taxi, a minibus, calling a friend or family member, or prearranging transportation with either HomeSafe or Hitch. R emember the options out there so there is no reason why while we are celebrating and enjoying the Cup Match holiday to go out and irresponsibly drink and having to drive or ride home under the influence, Madam Acting Speaker. I just want everyone to enjoy the holiday whether you are a blue and blue or red and blue, enjoy the holiday. Hopefully the best team wins. Look for a nice time where we all can relax with friends and family. And just to . . . as we all know, these past 18 months have been an [abnormal] and different t ime and we are going to celebrate the Cup Match holiday so we can spend the time with friends, relax and let some of the stresses of the day -to-day life get away from us and take the time to rejuvenate, refresh and just to catch up. So, like I said, my comments are brief tonight, Madam Acting Speaker. I just want everyone to enjoy the holiday, be safe and remember to not drink and drive. Remember to slow down and to drive with care and caution. Thank you, Madam Acting Speaker.
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. You definitely saved yourself, because when you were saying som ething about red and blue, it certainly sounded like expletives to me, so I was getting a bit concerned. So, you are off the hook. [Laughter]
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay, that sounds like MP Weeks. MP Weeks, you have the floor. MARY PRINCE EMANCIPATION PARK
Mr. Michael A. WeeksThank you, Madam Acting Speaker. It would be remiss of me not to speak of Eman cipation [Day] and Mary Prince Day . I have heard many Members talk about the significance of this holiday, but what I really want to do, Madam Ac tBermuda House of Assembly ing Speaker, …
Thank you, Madam Acting Speaker. It would be remiss of me not to speak of Eman cipation [Day] and Mary Prince Day . I have heard many Members talk about the significance of this holiday, but what I really want to do, Madam Ac tBermuda House of Assembly ing Speaker, is talk about Mary Prince and Mary Prince [Emancipation] Park. We have come a long way in acknowledging what Mary Prince means to the history of Bermuda. I have said it before and I say it again, we have to now focus attention on Mary Prince [Emancipation] Park. Mary Prince [Emancipation] Park is a place that I a lways go with my wife to sit down and eat lunch, but that is not what I am talking about right now. What I am talking about is that it is time for us on the first anniversary is the attention that we must give to the park. It needs more than benches. It needs bat hrooms. And I am not just talking about porta- potties. We need to treat this as our national park! So, we need to create jobs for someone, one or two people even, who are going to maintain this national park of ours that we have now put in place. It is more than a name. We need to make it such that it will be inviting to tourists, it will be inviting to our schoolkids and even on our Black History Tour. And I know Mary Prince [Emancipation] Par k, and other Mary Prince s ites. We need to make this park one of national significance. We need to make this park on par with Queen Victoria Park, [formerly] Par -La-Ville Park, and it is up to us as the current Government, Madam Acting Speaker, to make this so! We cannot keep talk ing about somebody going down there to cut the grass, you know, or you go on down there and there are no benches. To me, Madam Acting Speaker, that is ridic ulous. It is time for us to invest some time, energy and money into Mary Prince [Emancipation] Park , [one of Bermuda’s] National Parks. [It needs] some bat hrooms, benches, and probably a little building that has the history of Mary Prince; even a little statue of some sort to make this park meaningful to us, more than the second day of Cup Match.
WATER SPORTS SAFETY REMINDERS
Mr. Michael A. WeeksBut moving on, Madam Ac ting Speaker, before I go, as the Chairman of the W ater Safety Council, I want to kind of echo the sent iments of the last speaker who is the Chairman of the Road Safety. Much of what he said pertains to what I want …
But moving on, Madam Ac ting Speaker, before I go, as the Chairman of the W ater Safety Council, I want to kind of echo the sent iments of the last speaker who is the Chairman of the Road Safety. Much of what he said pertains to what I want to say as far as using the water. I want everyone to enjoy the water, boating and the like, but please, recognise that you are not on the water alone and there are other people on the w ater and you need to respect the water m uch like you have to respect the road. So, enjoy yourselves while you are on the water but be mindful of the rules. Don’t drink and boat! You know, plan to have someone who is not going to be drinking to operate the crafts, because it doesn’t take long to get in some kind of acc ident or mishap. So, let’s enjoy ourselves, but reme mber to act responsibly and safely. And as I close, Madam Acting Speaker, I want to make it clear, as everyone else has made it clear who they support. I support Somerset Cricket Cl ub through and through.
Mr. Michael A. WeeksAnd I heard people say may the best team win. I am not one of those to say such a thing. Somerset will take the Cup down to St. George’s, show it around and when they leave, they will take it back. Thank you, Madam Acting Speaker.
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerI know you don’t want me to mute you, Member. [Laughter]
Mr. Michael A. WeeksEveryone have a great Cup Match. Thank you, Madam Acting Speaker.
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any other Members who wish to speak?
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. And you look so nice in your attire. You have the floor, MP Swan. ENJOYING BERMUDIAN ARTISTS
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. SwanThank you very much for those salutations. They are much appreciated. I am going to start off in the west today. I am going to start off in White Hill, from where my origins originate and wear my tourism hat, as I often do and often enjoy doing and say …
Thank you very much for those salutations. They are much appreciated. I am going to start off in the west today. I am going to start off in White Hill, from where my origins originate and wear my tourism hat, as I often do and often enjoy doing and say that the Bermuda Tourism Authority has been doing some great initiatives during this COVID -19 period, Madam Acting Speaker, with regard to reaching out and encouraging young entr epreneurs to find their way in Bermuda tourism exper iences. And on July 25 at a location I, as well as most people, know, Buna Gallery and Coffee House, where Dr. Dana Selassie has an establishment, you will be able to partake in some g reat Bermuda artists: Ras Solomon, Joy Barnum and Live Wires and the Kings Band. And I am so excited, Madam Acting Speaker, that I cannot see that line- up being able to host all of the people who want to and should be there! So, I am hoping that this will be a once per month situation, a regular occurrence where the visitors throughout the Island can do what we do best, join in with Bermudian artists and enjoy Bermudian artists, and maybe som ething like this would even spill over to nearby White 1868 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Hill field and then have the after party at Buna Gallery. But the first one will be at Buna Gallery and Coffee House, and it is a great initiative that is supported by the Bermuda Tourism Authority on July 25. And there are many other initiatives to encourage entrepr eneurs. You know, COVID -19 has dealt the entire globe a terrible blow, but out of adversity throughout the history of mankind, people have risen up out of [ INAUDIBLE ] and there is no better time for persons to look at what the opportunities are than now. A nd that is just one example of a very talented Bermudian who has taken their talents and their academic and educational talents and married them up with their arts and cultural talents turning it into a business where persons can learn—particularly those of us of African descent and those who are not of Afr ican descent who live within a country with a large population of persons with African descent —about our culture as we have learned about theirs. And I just want to say that this is a great celebration.
UTILISING BERMUDA’S HISTORIC FORTS FOR TOURISM
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. SwanI am going to move a little bit toward the east. I am just going to stop off at Port Royal and Whale Bay, where a vision that I have been speaking about for several years, . . . and when I was appointed by the Premier to be a …
I am going to move a little bit toward the east. I am just going to stop off at Port Royal and Whale Bay, where a vision that I have been speaking about for several years, . . . and when I was appointed by the Premier to be a part of the gover nment golf courses as chairman and on the Tourism Authority, I had given a mandate with regard to forts, but no money! But that is fine! Because you have to have a vision, and a vision will attr act the type of funding that is necessary first and foremost. And Madam Acting Speaker, I am speaking particularly to Whale Bay Fort, Alexandra Battery, Martello Tower out there in Ferry Reach, Fort George up on the hill, and you know what? For good measur e I want to mention that great fort up on the battery in St. David’s, as well. These particular locations, in addition to the other forts that are located in the Island, present an opportunity for us , Madam Acting Speaker, to be able to utilise some infrastructure that can take the pressure off our townships and areas that are popular for tourists. I will use Whale Bay Battery as an example because it will be the spotlight of the world when the Bermuda Championship is held through global telev ision. And that particular location, if done right, and I have done some preliminary work in that area and I have spoken to it, and I have even reached out to UNESCO in my efforts, but that particular fort, along with Martello Tower and the other forts that I men-tioned present a unique opportunity to take the pressure off minibuses traversing to public areas mostly to look for places where people can get a vantage spot and use the bathrooms as well. And their price points might not be pitched to the price point of pers ons who come to play golf. But if you had a fort that housed bathrooms, that had shops, that had souvenir shops, that had refreshment stops, that had vantage points, that had telescopes that you could see the whales out there jumping, had proper parking, w as done in conjunction with the neighbouring business like I am responsible for there, that in itself presents a unique opportunity for us to have economies of scale to the largest order and improve upon both infrastructures that the one infrastructure that is there currently functioning at a high level for the Government of Bermuda and another one that can serve as a much- needed audience that we need to facilitate and attract more of them. So, I am looking for us with the right vision to find the funds and trust me, I know in my heart of hearts they will come and it will service those areas well. And when we restore those forts in those areas, not only do we tell the story about the military stories associated and the geographical reasons why those forts we re placed in those strategic locations, you also tell the history of those communities. Whale Bay, for instance, has a huge history dating back to the Ba scome family and the Santucci’s, offspring of the Bascome and the Smiths that come out of the Bascome and the Pitts and all the Beans and all the families of Whale Bay and Evans Bay and Rose Hill and the like and Jumpsy Paul’s Farm and before that golf course was even there. And that type of history and the hist ory that emerged out of there with the Herman “Tucci” Bascome, the great golfer who was also at Ocean View Golf Course came because of a part of the hist ory that the tour guides would tell and captured in those particular beautification efforts that take place. And likewise, that would happen at Martello Tower and Fort George Hill, because you could tell the story of when Herman “Tucci” Bascome came to St. George’s to play against the legendary Louis Rafeal Corbin who was one of the forebears of the desegregation of golf in the whole United States of America in the 1930s and 1940s. Because they could not stay in the hotel, the St. George’s Hotel where the golf course was located, they would stay in the fort! And then they would get up at the crack of dawn and play golf. So, we can incorporate . . . and you know, Madam Acting Speaker, I want to thank you, because you have been thanked already for your vision to be able to bring forth the Mary Prince [Emancipation] Park. But also during your tenure as a Minister you brought forth the story in real life of Louis Rafeal “Kid” Corbin from St. George’s who is connected with all of the families in St. George’s in some real way. You were part of making sure that this documentary exists today. And I want to thank you for that, because it is something that took pl ace during your tenure and it is serving our communities very, very well, and will continue to serve us well, as Dr. Jeffrey Sammons from New York University continues on with that work and writes that book.
Bermuda House of Assembly Just this week I had a visit from the food and beverage director of the Viking cruise ship [Viking Ocean Cruises]. Thanks to Mr. Clement Talbot, the former chairman of the golf course, and the former Deputy Speaker, Mr. Lister. They took the time to take him around Bermuda and bring him to Port Royal. A nd I took him to Whale Bay Battery, and we stood up there and I shared with him the vision and I showed him that this fort has the greatest vantage point that exists in that community and how great functions could be held there. As a food and beverage man he said, Man, you can sell that vision! If only you had the money . I said, I am standing beside a banker right now. You have to have the vision that a banker could buy in [INAUDIBLE ] to his wealth management clients. So, I just want to say, Madam Acting S peaker that we are moving forward with these types of initi atives. And I want to thank the Minister of Transport because we would not have had the Viking [repr esentative] there if not for a good word put in his ear about homeporting and also but for a Mini ster to follow through on a good word about homeporting, to the extent that other jurisdictions picked up on it and were able to move on a dime and capitalise on it. So, that visit by the food and beverage manager of Viking meant a lot to me personally and to be able to share that. Because that coastline could also serve as a great beach for persons who are coming to play golf and who do not want their folks down at the Hors eshoe stepping over people there. They could also use the Whale Bay area as well, Madam Acting Speaker. You know, as I am traversing through the I sland, I am just going to move to Devonshire and say that I am appreciative and know that there was some discovery or revelations about Mary Prince’s connection with a building in Devonshire. An d I just want to say that these types of revelations are very important and get the attention of all of us. But we would not have known that, unless it was the for the good work of people like Dr. Clarence Maxwell and others around the world who are sharing with us today things that we were not taught in school , Madam Acting Speaker. That is why what you were able to do for us, for Louis Corbin, and what you were able to do in the space of time with the cultural significance and historical signi ficance of t he Mary Prince [Emancipation] Park is so important to us today. And I thank you once again for that.
CUP MATCH— CELEBRATING THE HISTORY
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. SwanAs I move east, because on the road to Damascus this young fellow grew up in White Hill. But his uncle before him played cricket for the Rangers, Carl Anderson, the late Carl Anderson who died only about 18 months ago. And he came from White Hill, Whale Bay, born …
As I move east, because on the road to Damascus this young fellow grew up in White Hill. But his uncle before him played cricket for the Rangers, Carl Anderson, the late Carl Anderson who died only about 18 months ago. And he came from White Hill, Whale Bay, born in Whale Bay and guess what? In 1960 and 1961, a left arm bowler that bowled very sim ilarly, not too dissimilar from Clarence Parfitt was in [ Calvin ] “Bummy” Symonds ’ reserve for “Bummy” Symonds St. George’s Cup Match team. I get ribbed all the time and reminded I am from White Hill, yes, I am, and proudly so. But I can tell you that many a Cup Match team were skipped over White Hill and went to my uncle down in Rangers and picked over Ranger’s boys long before they looked at the White Hill fellows. And we got the guys who retired from Cup Match and then they came down and played in White Hill. And like St. David’s, my White Hill cousins, we had a special synergy with the blue and yellow from St. David’s and the blue and ye llow from White Hill we were very . . . oh boy, kindred spirits, to the extent that [Elliott] “Jonah” Pitcher, when he won County game for St. David’s in 1969 or 1970s era, he was recalled to St. David’s during a mutiny to keep him aside, but when he was playing for Somerset Bridge Recreation Club. And that leads me to my blue and blue heri tage of today. On the road to Dam ascus Saul saw the light, and he switched. And yes, he is now St. George’s! And yes, he is blue and blue. And yes, he is proud to say that the only other team otherwise than Somerset Bridge Recreation Club that he played for, St. George’s Cricket Club were on this Cup Match in memory of my opening bat partner for the second team led by Ricky Hodsoll, Larry “Cocky " Steede. I am dedicating this Cup Match to my open bat partner on the second team, Larry Cocky Steede. I want every St. George’s player that sui ts up in the trial match tomorrow to play their heart out because Larry Steede did not play first team cricket. Like me, he only suited up for the second team. I played one Cup Match trial because I always carried my whites. If someone was a little slow getting there and I made sure that I got there, I got a hit because I was an opening bat for the second team. Of course, they threw the spin on and [Elden Ray] “Chick” Adams sent be back to the pavilion early. I could handle the fast pace. But they switched it up on me. They knew that little spin would get me out of my crease, and rightfully so. But I just want to say, Madam Acting Speaker, that Cup Match is about family and it is about cel ebrating our emancipation. Our forefathers, and yes, my forefathers fr om the west, the Ratteray family and the Swan family and the Anderson family and the Hall family and all the families of Somerset, the Simmons and the Simons and the Hunts, and all those who knew that they had an in to get picked before us White Hill fello ws. Cup Match means a lot to every family throughout the Island. Even if you come from the central parishes, Cup Match means something to ever yone. And the common denominator is love. Let’s not forget that it brings us together and whether or not you go to the game for varying reasons, take a little time out to reflect on the journey that our forefathers had to make to get us where we are 1870 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly today, notwithstanding our challenges in life. Those before us had far greater ones than we have today, let me tell you that. They had persons who could make laws to hold them back. We are in a position to make laws to lift us up. We are in a position to do things to lift us up. Let us continue our best efforts to do just that. And Madam Acting Speaker, I love Cup Match because I get it. I get it tough. Because when my White Hill cousins come down and do see me with my blue and blue, they give it to me harder than anyone else. But I am telling my St. George’s boys and I am a Stadium links St. George’s. I am a Wellington back roads St. George’s, North Shore St. George’s boy when it comes to Cup Match. There are different e nclaves in our St. George’s community that represent: Back o’ Town, Riverside Drive. Oh yes! Out there in Underwood Cricket Club and out in Ferry Reach and all of that makes up St. George’s. But I am here to tell young St. Georgians that get in that team, win this one for Larry “Cocky” Steede, may he rest in peace. Thank you, Madam Acting Speaker.
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you Member. Are there any other Members who wish to speak?
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Vance Campbell, you have the floor. CUPMATCH—THE SPIRIT OF BERMUDA
Mr. Vance CampbellMy comments, Madam Acting Speaker will be brief, especially since many of the previous speakers have already spoken about the reason why we celebrate Cup Match. Whether you choose to celebrate it or not, lovely beaches, in our parks, at home or you plan on attending the game, I just …
My comments, Madam Acting Speaker will be brief, especially since many of the previous speakers have already spoken about the reason why we celebrate Cup Match. Whether you choose to celebrate it or not, lovely beaches, in our parks, at home or you plan on attending the game, I just ask that you take one moment to reflect on the reason why we have this major holiday. The other thing I would like to do is to encourage people to enjoy it responsibly. And the two chairmen of the Water Safety and Road Safety committees have spoken on those issues. But the main reason I want to speak today and as I said, I will be brief, is I want to congratulate President Neil Paynter and his team for doing an excellent job in ensuring that there will be a Cup Match and those of us who are attending appreciate it great-ly. The field looks immaculate. I was down there last night. But once those bleachers are decorated with the various colours, blue and blue, and those other ones, it will look like a sight only to be found here in Bermuda. So, I just wanted to give a shout -out to President Neil Paynter and his crew for getting Cup Match on. Because they had short notice and so, I think a great deal of thanks should go out to them for ensuring that we do not miss another year of Cup Match. Thank you, Madam Acting Speaker.
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Member Campbell. Are there any other Members who wish to speak on the motion to adjourn? There being no other Members — Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, Madam Acting Speaker .
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerIs that the Deputy Premier? Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, it is, Madam Acting Speaker.
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerDeputy Premier, you have the floor. CUP MATCH—H ISTORY OF THE FRIENDLYSOCIETIES Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you for the oppor tunity, Madam Acting Speaker, to speak during this motion to adjourn. I must say, it is a privilege to have you pr eside over me in this chair and …
Deputy Premier, you have the floor. CUP MATCH—H ISTORY OF THE FRIENDLYSOCIETIES Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you for the oppor tunity, Madam Acting Speaker, to speak during this motion to adjourn. I must say, it is a privilege to have you pr eside over me in this chair and you are in the Speaker’s Chair. It is not often that I get the opportunity to be presided over by such an eminent Member of the House, other than the Deputy Speaker and the Speaker. And, I must say, there are so very few times that you and I found ourselves on opposite sides other than on Cup Match. And I am glad it is only two days out of the year, because I am not sure I could stand any other more time. [ Laughter] Hon. Walter H. Roban: We might not have the same agreement on those things. I am not sure that I could stand up to it, but I will tolerate the next couple of days.
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerSo far you ar e starting off [ INAUDIBLE]. Don’t . . . don’t vary. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, I guess I will survive for the next few days. I will be able to survive and recover after the weekend, and we will be friends again. [ Laughter] Hon. …
So far you ar e starting off [ INAUDIBLE]. Don’t . . . don’t vary. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, I guess I will survive for the next few days. I will be able to survive and recover after the weekend, and we will be friends again. [ Laughter] Hon. Walter H. Roban: But it i s great that we have Cup Match as an important topic as our discussion of many in this motion to adjourn, Madam Acting SpeakBermuda House of Assembly er, because I really think we do need to make sure that every year we make sure that Cup Match and what the origins and meaning of C up Match [are] and what it really is about is the major content of infor-mation that is put out and we innovate the wider land-scape with that information during this time of the year. The Honourable Member who sits in constit uency 11 did speak of the roles of the F riendly Societies and their crucial involvement with the start of Cup Match. And I think it must be remembered, and I do not know if the Honourable Member spoke about this. I did not hear everything he said, but I heard part of it, is that, you kno w, those early pioneering days when those two Friendly Societies from the two parts of the Island began the process that would eventually b ecome Cup Match, these were either the children of slaves or possibly the grandchildren of slaves, and they set about doing something to commemorate a very important achievement of their people. The very fact that they and their ancestors were able to create the Friendly Societies that they did, Madam Acting Speaker, was a sign of their effort to empower themselves in it self! That must be remembered, that the origins of Cup Match come from an effort to empower, an effort to realise remembrance of an important m oment of emancipation in their lives and the lives of their ancestors, possibly just one or two generations remov ed from 1833, 1834. So, it may have been the grandchildren or possibly elderly children of those people who began the movement that would become Cup Match. And the very creation of those societies themselves of which we still as a legacy have with us today , although there are so few of them left, remains a symbol of the efforts of Africans who are descendants of those who were in bondage to empower themselves out of that bondage. And Cup Match in itself, though it is a pleasurable celebration, allows us to remember, to relive an effort of empowerment, an effort of liber ation that our people strove to bring about for the mselves in those early days. And we still continue to drive for empowerment, for freedom and liberation as a people, as African people. Let Cup Match be remembered not just for the game, not just for the revelry and the expenditure that we all thrive on. Let it be remembered for the very symbol of empowerment and freedom that it really comes out of —that has got to be important —and the creation of other fixtures that characterise the aspir ations of the majority of Bermudians around this pr ocess of finding freedom, finding liberation in our experience. The creation of the Mary Prince [Emancip ation] Park which has been so lauded, Madam Acting Speaker, is another symbol of that and another effort to realise the history of Bermuda, the real history of Bermuda. The history that had Bermuda built economically on the enslavement of people and the story that Mary Prince left us that allows us to relive her exper i-ence, thus realise our own as children and descendants (some of us) of people who were in bondage. But also it allows those who may have not been the people in bondage, but those who perhaps were even descendants of those slave owners to real-ise that there is a story that they themselves may not be acquainted with that is a part of the Bermuda story. And they must respect that story and appreciate the story in a way that understands that, yes, it is painful. Yes, it may be in some cases embarrass ing. But it allows us to see the Bermuda for who she is. We should not see it in embarrassment; we should not see it in disgrace. We should see it as a part of the character that helped to develop the country that we are and the mix and dimension of the pe ople who we are. And we can go forward having a better under-standing of each other. Even the experience of Cup Match as we ce lebrate it allows us every year to relive that possibility, in my view. It is not just about the revelry, about the game and about the expenditure. But it is about a lot of other things too. And I am so pleased that we now have a park in perpetuity, as well as Mary Prince Day to continue to realise that. And those days must be used effectively, and the fact that they exist, so we keep telling this story so that we know that Cup Match is more than about the game that we all love, but it is more than about that. Now, Madam Acting Speaker, I will move on from that, and I would like to talk about a few other things. How much time do I have left, Madam Acting Speaker?
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerYou began at 6:24. You have used up seven minutes of your time. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, thank you. Thank you.
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerYou do not have to use the whole 13 minutes. PLP GOVERNMENT LA YING A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE Hon. Walter H. Roban: I know that, and I do not i ntend to. But I do not want to use my minutes unwisely and waste them, because I would …
You do not have to use the whole 13 minutes.
PLP GOVERNMENT LA YING A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE
Hon. Walter H. Roban: I know that, and I do not i ntend to. But I do not want to use my minutes unwisely and waste them, because I would like to also talk about a few other things. Just some of the things that I think that the last 17 months have actually embedded in the experience that we all have as a community, as a people. I am pleased, Madam Acting Speaker, that our country is open, having had to spend much of the last 17 months closed or certainly a significant part of it, if not all of it, the majority of it closed, that we are able to this year have the holiday that we all love. That we now have the opportunity to receive visitors who can enjoy the holiday with us, that families can get 1872 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly together and have those picnics, that grandparents and children can get together, that families can feel a sense of doing what we have for generations done. We could not do this last year, but we can do it this year. This is a good thing. And that is because of the steps that w ere taken around public health, the measures taken to protect the community, to make vaccinations available to the community so that people can choose to be vaccinated, and a way to add to the number of measures to protect. Vaccines are not the only measure, Madam Acting Speaker, which is a form of protection against disease. It is just one of the measures, along with ot her public health measures of which have been deployed including: strong border protection; internally effective measures to track, trace and treat, and is olate; wearing masks; proper human hygiene; and ef-fective medical attention. [These] are all of the different measures, all measures that have been taken to keep the country safe so that we now have the free-dom that we have to experience t he holiday that we love. So Bermuda is open. Bermuda is open for business, Bermuda is open for visitors, Bermuda is becoming more open for opportunities. And with that will come, potentially, Madam Acting Speaker, more jobs for people so that people will not have to depend on the social safety nets that we have effectively spent tens of millions of dollars on over the last 17 months creating [programmes] to protect and keep people above water. Then hopefully more jobs will come out of this openness, more opportunities will come out of this openness. Even as we are challenged with issues of the cost of living there are still opportunities that we hope will get people back to work so that they can deal with their daily issues and take care of their families a nd themselves. But over the last umpteen months, we have tried to work with retailers in our grocery stores and others to ensure that prices were reasonably stable for the goods that were needed. And we are working on doing more. The Honourable Deputy Spe aker is working on some of that work. I know that he is committed to seeing issues such as the cost of living addressed for so many of our people, Madam Acting Speaker. Job creation, as I stated, is so important. I am so pleased, Madam Acting Speaker, that in my own Ministry we have taken the issue of job creation to heart and a part of our agenda, which is why in the last few weeks I have announced programmes to train people in the areas to become level 1 installers of s olar PV as a way to create new jobs and to build the capacity that we as a country will need to embrace a renewable energy future and to begin to create those jobs on Island. The expertise and the technical prof iciency so that Bermudians can be installing, can be designing, can be engineeri ng systems on Island that can address our renewable energy needs, whether it be for our home or for our commercial environment. And we are looking forward to working further with the private sector on these initiatives, Madam Acting Speaker, and making sure that Bermuda sees innovation in the energy sector, whether it be with wind technology, with the more effective use of our ocean and certainly with the expansion of solar PV. We are so happy that we were able to launch our Bermuda plan that will help to transform and bring a different approach to planning. We also are pleased that we were able to announce the draft North East Hamilton local plan , which will bring new opportunities for development and economic investment in North Hamilton, Madam Acting Speaker. I am looking forward to making more announcements in the future, Madam Acting Speaker. And even as I mention those things, I just want to jump back a little bit to talking about some of the work that the Government and the community had to do aroun d the pandemic. There are a few things that have happened during the pandemic which I think, despite the enormous strain and stress and expense that dealing with the pandemic has put on our country, Madam Acting Speaker, opportunities have been created. Ne w capacities have been designed and deployed. New job opportunities for many people have been created, and they have diversified their skill sets to be a part of the efforts to fight the pandemic. We just recently saw the new MDL [Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory] established with many young Bermudian talented people in the area of sciences and biology, which I know you are very familiar with, Madam Acting Speaker, to create new jobs for so many young people, as we have seen and witnessed. Many of the peopl e doing the testing and the diagnostic work that this lab does, which is overseen by a young Bermudian scientist and the team, which i ncludes persons like (I know, your daughter) Dr. Amne (née Foggo) Osseyran, has been crucial and is a part of that work ov er the past 17 months. And other young Bermudians in the medical field have supported the work of MDL. But there is a huge new constituency of young Bermudians who have been trained in different as-pects of lab work just because we had to create this lab t o deal with our needs around COVID -19. And many of our young Bermudian doctors and physicians have been leading the charge in our overall effort to fight COVID -19, with the testing that we had to do and the building of the testing capacity, which has helped us in managing the situation. But I am most proud of what we as a country have done with MDL because we would not have such a high rating globally with our response to COVID -19 without the work of MDL and the young team, and so many other people in the health sector in Bermuda. So I have to say that not only has MDL been a great example of our response to COVID -19,
Bermuda House of Assembly but it also has created great new opportunities that now many young people can find potentially in medicine and in science. And I hope that t hose young people there, as perhaps at some point the response to COVID -19 will subside, they will go on to other jobs in sciences and in medicine and come back and serve the country. Let us not forget the other job opportunities and interesting economic examples that have been created during this time with Circle in the area of blockchain and digital currency, and the new field that does deal with digital banking. We have seen the presence of Circle expand in Bermuda, creating new opportunities. I think t here is one thing that I can say contrasts this particular Government from some of the past Administrations, and that is we have not only desired to reinforce our existing industries; we have tried to build new industries in Bermuda and bring in new indust ries, new innovative industries that represent what we see as the future for our country around digital assets and the whole growing and emerging world in that sector. So even as we now look to celebrate our past with the celebration of Cup Match and all that I have discussed, Madam Acting Speaker, we must deal with the here and now. And I do hope that some of the comments about perhaps making the Mary Prince [Emancipation] Park a little bit more special and getting a lot more care and attention —I am sure that the Government will take those suggestions on from all of the Members who have made those suggestions. That is about the here and now and taking care of what we need now. We have gone through legislation today that deals with trying to take care of so me of the people in need. That effort, I know, for this Government will continue. But we do also need to embrace our future and lay the foundation for a positive future for our country, Madam Acting Speaker. So as we celebrate our past, take care of the present, we must embrace and lay a strong found ation for the future that we want Bermuda to have, whether it is a future where we have a robust, responsive health care system; we have a renewed move and a revamped education system; we have a rene wable energ y future, a clean energy future; we can pr otect our people; and we can protect our environment, whether it be a marine environment, and respond to climate change in ways that will protect our Island. But we must also lay the economic foundation that will create the jobs for the people to come, that will lay a strong diversified economy that will be self -sufficient, and lay —
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister, you are on your last minute. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you. And we lay a foundation for our sovereignty, economic sovereignty, political sovereignty, social sovereignty, cultural sovereignty, Madam Acting Speaker. Those are the things I see as opportunities for the Bermuda to come, and I look forward to …
Minister, you are on your last minute.
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you. And we lay a foundation for our sovereignty, economic sovereignty, political sovereignty, social sovereignty, cultural sovereignty, Madam Acting Speaker. Those are the things I see as opportunities for the Bermuda to come, and I look forward to being part of that journey with everybody who sees it as important for Bermuda. Thank you very much, Madam Acting Speaker.
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Member. Are there any other Members who wish to speak? Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: I would like to speak,
Madam Acting Speaker.
The Acting SpeakerIs t hat Madam Attorney Ge neral, my favourite Attorney General? Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Aww, thank you. Your only one right now. [Laughter]
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Indeed. I have one complaint, Madam Attorney General. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: What is that?
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerNext time you take to the floor, please come appropriately attired. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: I am appropriately a ttired for the occasion. [Laughter]
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerMadam Attorney General, you have the floor. It is 6:44. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you.
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerBefore you start, Madam Attorney General, let me just remind Members that this is your maiden speech, I believe. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: To the extent that I have been speaking in the Legislature since 2017, I do not consider this my maiden speech. But if you want to characterise …
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerYou are very adept at speaking. But this is your maiden speech without dealing with the legislation. So I would just ask Members to be mindful of that. Madam Attorney General, I look forward to your comments. MAIDEN SPEECH Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you. 1874 23 July 2021 Official …
You are very adept at speaking. But this is your maiden speech without dealing with the legislation. So I would just ask Members to be mindful of that. Madam Attorney General, I look forward to your comments.
MAIDEN SPEECH
Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you. 1874 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Madam Acting Speaker, I had no intention of speaking this evening, but I feel compelled to draw our collective attention to a few things. First and for emost, protocol would dictate that I express my appr eciation for being here in this place, express my appr eciation to my wonderful constituents and my Executive branch and my parents. I am not saying anything that I have not already said directly to those people. But I am grateful. When I listened to our sessions this afternoon and this evening, there was one phrase that came to mind. And it was, Here we go again. While I know you have all extolled the virtues of Cup Match and the ex-citeme nt to come, the competition, et cetera, et cetera, I am in a different space right now. Because when the Opposition chose once again to raise the whole spectre of the National Sports Club . . . and there was one phrase that stood out to me. The phrase that was mentioned was, This matter is not going anywhere. And what that phrase did for me was it took me back two and a half years to 2017 forward, actua lly almost three years, to the debacle of the Depar tment of Child and Family Services and the unrelenting attack of the Opposition, aided by the Royal Gazette and other community players who expressed themselves and represented themselves wearing the cloak of “community concern, ” who saw no compunction in attacking the organ of the Government that is responsible for ensuring that the underlying causes of social dysfunction in the country are dealt with —no compunction. Two and a half years. And my staff . . . and I will say it was a priv ilege to be able to serve and assist that department. My staff was mortifi ed. And at one point we quantified the number of news reports attacking that organ. I can say tonight, Madam Acting Speaker, that I am proud that the Director of Child and Family Services and his staff are actually a manifestation of the same princ iples we are extolling tonight that are associated with emancipation—resilience and strength—because in the face of those nasty, unrelenting, unforgiving, undeserved attacks, they continued to serve the children and families in our country who most needed their assistance. They continued to keep their doors open when they had no security, when they were demoralised, when they were attacked. We owe them a huge and sincere expression of gratitude. So here we go again. And while we have been banned from going into the topic —and I certainly will not —I will say this much: If people in this country would take the time to spend as much energy as we do on the negative, we might actually have some pos itive outcomes to impact the destiny of our people. We have any number of issues that are fire- burning in this country right now, from vaccination, non- vaccination, from whether [we] can travel without restrictions, whether [we] can enter the country without r estrictions. Yes. And against that backdrop, we have a Government that is trying to keep our country and our people safe. The Premier has said earlier about the pe ople’s democratic right to protest, and we get it. That is true. But we often cloak our nefarious activities in all sorts of high- brow principles to hide our real intentions. And we talk in this House, and we are polite and politically correct, about what our people are doing. But rest assured, from my vantage point there is not hing democratic, there is nothing politically correct, there is nothing polite about protesters who choose to go beyond the message that we need to hear to booing our leaders, to maligning our party, to maligning people who do not share their views, to making threats on individuals’ safety, who hide behind social media to create a division. To those who are under the misapprehension that that division is caused by something that this Government is doing, check yourselves, okay? B ecause I sit around this table on a Tuesday, and I have a Leader whose only concern during this pandemic was that o ur people could eat. There was nobody in this country that was going to be left behind. And now we are on round two. So there are any number of fires burning. We have the Minister of Education with a v ision for education, and we have people who do not want to see certain schools shut down. I get it. Okay? We have a historical legacy that we want to preserve. But guess what? If you go back to your hi story, you will understand that the power of our story was the old storytelling that our people engaged in way back on the Continent. When you are authentic and when you want to be honest with yourself, ask yourself if we have kept those traditions. We have not! So we focus on the physical. We focus on what is expedient because we fail to spend the time to pass on our legacy. So we will fight for a building. And all polit icians fight. I have been asked to go to a town hall meeting. My question is, Okay. In what capacity am I going to those meetings? I’m all in. Am I Kathy Si mmons? Am I MP Kathy? Am I the Government Kathy? But whatever capacity , I am going in; I will attend b ecause I love to interact with our people, yes. I do not expect the messaging of that group or anybody in that room to be lost in attacks against the Minister. Okay? Do I think we need to knock down the school and go to Somerset Primary? No. No, I do not, because I am not interested in the physical. You can put that school anywhere. What I am interested in are people’s commitments to each other. And I will say this without apology. We know recently we have had the union fighting and fussing and having a view on the Government. Yes. I get all that. Decentralisation, any number of issues. I was out in my constituency two weeks ago delivering dinners —and thank you for the community partners who help us with that. And there was a man who had been disenfranchised from a union matter who had my ear. And he went on and
Bermuda House of Assembly on with passion— passion, real passion! We have a lot of passion. So I will say to all of my protesters, I will say to all of our advocat es, Check yourselves. Because if you spent that much time on addressing the ills, the real dysfunction in this community, we would all be fine. Because while you are there worrying and fus sing against the schools, fussing about the unions, fussing about th e Premier, our young men continue to kill each other. Put that energy somewhere else! While you are fussing about saving a tree or building, we have families living in one room. Ever ybody sleeps in one bed. And somebody has had a bit much to drink; they w ill roll over and physica lly/sexually assault a child. And where will you be? Still trying to figure out and strategi se how to bring down the Government or bring down the trustees of the N ational Sports Centre, or worrying about Alfred Ma ybury, the Director of Child and Family Services? Check yourselves! There comes a time when we have to have some honest conversations. And tonight I encourage people to look within and determine how you can really make a contribution, because our children are not hearing t hat story. Our children are hearing stories that are being told somewhere else—social media, porn sites. And to those who would like to perpetuate the myth that we do not hear, that this Government is not listening, I can speak from my perspective as a representative of this Government. Because when Christine [ DaCosta] , who was the victim of what we call a luring offence during her time in Mount Saint Agnes, came to my office and a dvocated for change —done. We amended the Criminal Code. When our young Blac k men were disenfranchised in the jury selection system in criminal trials, guess what? We changed the laws to ensure fairness. When our young people could not get a pupi llage, we gave them pupillage. We made sure they were protected. We did revenge porn legislation. We revitalised Law Reform Commission. I do not need to go down the list. We chose to diversify the economy by introducing cannabis legisl ation. And to those of you who cheered when it was stalled in the Senate, guess what? Round two is com-ing. Round two is coming! Because it is necessary. So I say to all of you —and I am not going to be all night; I am not going to be all night —that there comes a time when we need to put the energy where it belongs. I think we are all missing the mark. So k udos to those of you who are in the community wor king, but guess what? Our outreach cannot be limited to a plate of food. Okay? Our outreach cannot be li mited to the superficial. It cannot be. To those of you who pretend that there is a groundswell of protes t when you go out canvassing, I have not experienced that. It does not exist where I am.
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerMadam Attorney General, not to interrupt, but you have one minute. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Oh, my gracious!
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Hon. Kath y Lynn Simmons: So to my Parliamentar ians, to our community members, get it right. Spend your energy where it needs to be spent, because we will continue to emulate the characteristics of our for efathers —the resilience, the strength and the forbearance. Thank you, Madam Acting …
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Madam Attorney General. Are there any other Members who wish to speak? Hon. E. David Burt: Madam Acting Speaker.
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerIs that the Premier? Hon. E. David Bu rt: It is, Madam Acting Speaker.
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerI cannot see you. Hon. E. David Burt: I am sorry.
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerThe camera is trained on the Attorney General for some reason. Hon. E. David Burt: No problem. It is probably still moved by her very eloquent maiden speech.
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerOh, now I see. Yes. Now, Premier, I have to caution you. Make sure you use parliamentary language even though it is Cup Match, and any utterances of red- and-blue might meet with my wrath. Hon. E. David Bu rt: I do not have to utter red- andblue, Madam Acting …
Oh, now I see. Yes. Now, Premier, I have to caution you. Make sure you use parliamentary language even though it is Cup Match, and any utterances of red- and-blue might meet with my wrath. Hon. E. David Bu rt: I do not have to utter red- andblue, Madam Acting Speaker. You can see me wearing it!
[Laughter]
CUP MATCH— ADHERE TO PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDELINES
Hon. E. David Burt: Madam Acting Speaker, I will too be brief because there is very little to be said after the Honourable Attorney General just spoke. But I am grateful for her service. I am grateful for the service of my Parliamentary and Cabinet colleagues because this job is not easy. But as she said, we have to up 1876 23 July 2021 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly our game. We know that we are in contact on the doorsteps around the country, and we must continue to make sure that we communicate. Because though times are tough and things will get worse before they get better, as is the case with the economic pandemic that will follow the health pandemic, we must be resil ient. We must be committed to actually changing, transforming things and not just dealing with things at the superficial level. So I am grateful for her contrib ution, and I am grateful for her message. The only thing I want to wish people of this country, Madam Acting Speaker, is a very happy and safe Emancipation Day, a very happy and safe Mary Prince Day. And it is my hope and prayer that we a dhere to the public health guidelines and that we conduct ourselves in a way that ensures that we can continue to enjoy the relative success of which we have had recently. So with that, Madam Acting Speaker, I wish you good night, and I wish good night to all of our par-liamentary colleagues and this country. Thank you.
The Acting SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Pr emier. Thank you. That ends our session this evening. I will see you all back bright and early in September. Have a great holiday, all. [At 7:00 pm, the House stood adjourned until 10:00 am, Friday, 10 September 2021.]