Senate
Session 2020/2021
4 speeches
June 9, 2021
Official Hansard Report - Senate
Download PDF transcriptSession Summary
Simplified for YouThe Senate discussed a new loan program offering up to $4,800 per month to help Bermudians complete their teaching certification during the required 12-week unpaid practicum period. The program aims to address teacher shortages, particularly in subjects like math, languages, and physical education where many positions are filled by non-Bermudians. Three bills were passed without opposition, including amendments to extend temporary pension contribution suspensions that were originally put in place to help during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several government annual reports were also tabled.
Key Topics
Teacher Certification Bonded Loan program to help Bermudians become qualified teachersFire Safety Amendment Act to clarify the Chief Fire Officer's authorityPublic Service Superannuation temporary changes due to COVID-19 impactsContributory Pensions temporary suspension extensionsAnnual reports from various government boards and authorities
Bills & Motions
Fire Safety Amendment Act 2021 - passed third reading (establishes Chief Fire Officer as official authority for fire codes)
Public Service Superannuation Temporary Amendment Act 2021 - passed third reading (extends pension contribution suspensions)
Contributory Pensions Temporary Amendment Act 2021 - passed third reading (allows flexible dates for pension suspension periods)
Bermuda Plan 2018 - notice of motion given for future consideration
Notable Moments
Junior Minister Darrell revealed that one high school's entire math department consists of non-Bermudian teachers, highlighting the need for more qualified local educators
Senators questioned whether the teacher loan program might create debt problems if students fail their practicum, leading to discussion about safeguards like requiring two guarantors
Currently 11 teachers are working on exemptions without full certification, with the government planning to tighten up the three-year exemption limit
Debate Transcript
4 speeches from 1 speaker
Sen. the Hon. Dr. Ernest Peets
Yes. Good afternoon, Madam President. The President: Minister Peets, you have the floor.
Sen. the Hon. Dr. Ernest Peets
Thank you so much for a few minutes. I certainly want to associate myself with the comments from Senator Wight on the passing of the young lady on our roads. It indeed is tragic, and my heart certainly goes out to her family. And I certainly want to associate myself …
Sen. the Hon. Dr. Ernest Peets
Thank you, Madam President. Based on the schedule for the other place, I recommend to this Honourable House that we adjourn until the 23 rd of June 2021. The President: Sorry. Can you repeat the date? I just missed that. Minister Peets, June . . .
Sen. the Hon. Dr. Ernest Peets
Sure. June 23rd. The President: June 23rd; thank you. Would any other Senator care to speak on the motion to adjourn? Hearing none, Senators, hearing no one wanting to speak on the motion to adjourn, I would like to say that Senate stands adjourned until June the 23rd, and thank …