Hansard — July 11, 2025 — Bermuda Parliament

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning, Members. The Clerk will now lead us in prayer. PRAYERS [Prayers read by Mr. Clark Somner, Clerk ]

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning, Members . [Gavel]

The Speaker The Speaker The House is now in session. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES [27 June 2025]

The Speaker The Speaker Members, the Minutes from the 27th of June have been circulated. Are there any amendments required? There are none. The Minutes will be confirmed as printed. [Minutes of 27 June 2025 confirmed] MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR

The Speaker The Speaker There are none. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER OR MEMBER PRESIDING PARLIAMENTARY JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE — CYBERATTACK ON GOVERNMENT IT SYSTEMS

The Speaker The Speaker I am nam ing the Joint Select Committee on the Cyberattack . . . and the committee had been established before but had to be reestablished after the election. The chairman of that committee will continue as MP Lawrence Scott. Members are MP Dwayne Robinson, Senator F oley, MP Jamah …

The Speaker The Speaker There are none. PAPERS AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS TO THE HOUSE

The Speaker The Speaker We have two such papers this morning. The f irst is in the name of the J unior Minister. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. CONTRIBUTORY PENSIONS (AMENDMENT OF BENEFITS) ORDER 2025 Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the consideration of the Honourable House of Assembly, the Contributory Pensions (Amendment of Benefits ) Order 2025, proposed to be made by the Minister of Finance …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. The second [ paper ] this morning is in the name of the Minister of Works. Minister. WATER RESOURCES (PREVENTION OF POLLUTION BY SEWAGE FROM BOATS) AMENDMENT REGULATIONS 2025 Hon. Jache Adams: Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. PETITIONS

The Speaker The Speaker There are none. STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS AND JUNIOR MINISTERS 1204 11 July 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Members, I am going to seek the indulgence of the House and just switch the order slightly. We are going to do Item No. 6 first . Minister, …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. [Desk thumping]

The Speaker The Speaker Members —Members, we will go back to the original order. Premier, would you like to present your Statements now? Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I will, and I would, of course, like to note that Ms. — [Crosstalk] Hon. E. David Burt: Okay, sorry. [Crosstalk] Hon. E. …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Mr. Premier. Would you like to do your second Statement? Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker .

The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. CARICOM HEADS OF GOVERNMENT MEETING — BUILDING ON A STRONG RELATIONSHIP Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the undeniable shared heritage between Bermuda and our Caribbean neighbours makes for the strong relationship that is nurtured by our associate membership in C ARICOM . I am pleased to …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Premier. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors. Ministe r. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Good morning, Mr. Speaker .

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. DOMESTIC ABUSE SPECIALIST —UPDATE Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Speaker, today I rise to share important progress in our fight to end domestic abuse in Bermuda . . . a fight that affects not just individual families, but the heart of our community. Mr. Speaker, behind every statistic is …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, the second S tatement is also in the name of the same Minister. Minister, would you like to continue? NATIONAL 18+ YOUTH CONFERENCE 2025 Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker . Mr. Speaker, I rise to share more great news about our young …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister for National Security. Minister. BERMUDA’S CYBERSECURITY , ENHANCING CAPABILITIES THROUGH INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Good morning, Mr. Speaker, and colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform this Honourable House of a …

Mr. Speaker. The Speaker Mm-hmm. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: I was wondering why things were a little fuzzy, Mr. Speaker. [ Laughter] Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Speaker, the Cybersecurity Act 2024 established a comprehensive legal and in-stitutional framework to strengthen Bermuda’s resilience in the face of increasing cyber threats. Among its core provisions …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, the next S tatement this morning will be from the same Minister. We will go on to his second S tatement. SUMMER, PREPARING BERMUDA FOR Hon. Jache Adams: Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to provide Honourable Members, and the country, an update on just some …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Hear, hear! Hon. Jache Adams: Years of erosion and storm damage had made this gem nearly inaccessible but today, thanks to a local contractor and the creative contributions of a local artist, the path to the beach is once again accessible, safe, and welcoming. Building on that success, we are …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Yes! Hon. Jache Adams: —and soon we will be heading towards Flatt’s Village to complete the work that had been previously started. Mr. Speaker, I should also mention that recent concerns have been raised by members of the public, particularly from faith- based groups, about whether religious gatherings are permitted …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Economy and Labour. Minister. NATIONAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP STRATEGY— BUILDING A THRIVING ECOSYSTEM IN BERMUDA Hon. Jason Hayward: Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with immense pleasure to announce a pivotal initiative …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is from the Minister of Home Affairs. Minister. GOOGLE’S SUBSEA CABLE PROJECTS AND BERMUDA’S ROLE AS A DIGITAL ATLANTIC HUB, UPDATE Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Thank you, Mr. Speaker . Mr. Speaker, in 2022, Bermuda took a bold and deliberate step to …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, the other indulgence is for the Minister of Cabinet [Office and Digital Innovation] to read the second Statement that was not done earlier. Minister. BANNERS AND SIGNS, ADDRESSING T HE US E OF Hon. Diallo V . S. R abain: Thank y ou, Mr. Speaker a …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, that brings us to an end of the Statements by Ministers and Junior Ministers for this morning. We will now move on. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

The Speaker The Speaker There are none. PREMIER’S QUESTION PERIOD

The Speaker The Speaker Members, this is the second Friday of the month, which means we have the Premier’s ques-tions added to our Question Period. And we will now go into that session for this morning. Premier, Members have indicated they have questions for you this morning. And the first questions will come from …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Well, Mr. Speaker, I was not expecting that question today. I was expecting something else. I know the Honourable Member was — [Inaudible interjection] Hon. E. David Burt: What did you say? [Inaudible interjection] Hon. E. David Burt: Okay, that is fine. I know that …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary or a second question? Hon. Jarion Richardson: Supplementary.

The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead. SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Jarion Richardson: Maybe the Honourable Premier can clarify. So, it is crucial to the constitution, to his party's constitution, to proceed on independence, or sovereignty, as he says. He mentions it frequently enough that it is a fallback position, and yet the Honourable P remier has …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: That seemed more of a statement than a question, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, it did. Hon. E. David Burt: But, let me — Hon. Jarion Richardson: Happy to clarify the question.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, if you can put a question piece on there. Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes, yes. Can the Honourable Premier please confirm that he has no plan? Bermuda House of Assembly [Laughter and crosstalk ] Hon. E. David Burt: He is getting a little better, Mr. Speaker. He is getting a …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary. Second supplementary or new question? Hon. Jarion Richardson: Absolutely. Second supplementary, please, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary. Hon. Jarion Richardson: I believe that significant constitutional change is in the interest of all Bermudians, not just those in the Opposition. Most especially, given the Premier has admitted that he has no plan, then can he at least commit to publishing a White Paper and holdi ng …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I am not entirely certain where this straw man that he has constructed has come from. Let us be very clear: If we were ever to make that step, we would go through all of this process and have a full debate in …

The Speaker The Speaker Second question. You have used all your supplementaries. Hon. Jarion Richardson: Second question, Mr. Speaker, thank you. Yes, we are making things up in the form of questions. That’s what questions are. QUESTION 2: BERMUDA'S POPULATION DECLINE Hon. Jarion Richardson: Mr. Speaker, this Government has acknowledged that Bermuda's population is …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, on the issue when it comes to population, it is almost like, I feel like we are discussing motion to adjourn last week. But let us be clear. The Opposition's position is, the granting of status to PRC holders will expand the population. …

The Speaker The Speaker I hear you, go ahead. Go on. [Inaudible interjections] 1218 11 July 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Go on, you can talk to me. You can talk to me. They’ll lose out on not getting the answer. You can talk to me. Hon. E. David …

The Speaker The Speaker I will take the answer. I’ll take the answer. Come on. [Crosstalk ] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Just wait. Let them calm down.

The Speaker The Speaker No, no, no, please answer the question. Hon. E. David Burt: I am going to go, Mr. Speaker, but there is too much chirping over there for me to focus. I want them to hear what I am saying.

The Speaker The Speaker Go on. Hon. E. David Burt: Because I have said it many times and it seems they do not get it.

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member They don’t want to hear it. Hon. E. David Burt: The way to increase the population of persons who are living in Bermuda is to increase the number of jobs that are available in Bermuda. You cannot just bring 4,000 people, drop them on Front Street and say we have …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Hear, hear!

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary or third question? SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Jarion Richardson: Supplementary, please, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Honourable Premier for reiterating time and time again the same policies that took place years ago, and he has taken plenty of credit for them. Why don’t you show us how much the population is …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. [Laughter]

The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary or third question? [Laughter]

The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary or third question? Hon. Jarion Richardson: Second supplementary, please, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead. Hon. Jarion Richardson: Given that the Government's own commission's study on emigration found that Bermudians were leaving due to higher living costs, poor governance, limited career opportunities and deteriorating quality of life, and these are all under the Premier's remit, d oes the Premier at least accept that …

The Speaker The Speaker Third question? Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Jarion Richardson: Third question, please, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead. QUESTION 3: CARICOM MEMBERSHIP TERMS Hon. Jarion Richardson: Mr. Speaker, the Premier just told this Honourable House that the Government is pursuing full membership in CARICOM and that CARICOM’s Secretariat will shortly provide Bermuda with the legal, financial and treaty considerations for doing so. Yet, Bermudia ns remain …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Here, here!

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, what I can state is that we will get the draft membership agreement. It is certainly something that we will share with this Honourable House, and it will certainly [be] something that we can vote on in this Honourable House.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Hon. Jarion Richardson: Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary number one? Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes, first supplemental. Actually, it is a point of clarification, Mr. Speaker, or point of order.

The Speaker The Speaker Go. Hon. Jarion Richardson: I asked about a referendum or public vote.

The Speaker The Speaker Just put it in a supplementary question. Hon. Jarion Richardson: It was in the first question. Hon. E. David Burt: No, it was not. Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes, it was, I have it right here: “. . . [will be] taken without a full public vote or parliamentary approval?” [Crosstalk …

The Speaker The Speaker You can restate it, because you don’t have a point of order in questions. You can restate it. Hon. E. David Burt: It was a supplementary, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Jarion Richardson: No, no, no. It’s not a supplementary, Mr. Premier. And that “no final decision will be [taken] without a …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member There we are! [Inaudible interjections]

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, he answered. Hon. Jarion Richardson: The point, I believe the Premier said parliamentary approval . He did not say a public vote .

The Speaker The Speaker Do you want you want him to respond now? Hon. Jarion Richardson: I want him to answer the question, Mr. Speaker, [which] was, “without full public vote.” Full public vote. It’s English, right? I am speaking English.

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Yes. Hon. Jarion Richardson: Okay.

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member You’re taking [up] your time; ask a supplementary. [Laughter and crosstalk ]

The Speaker The Speaker All right. Put your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Jarion Richardson: I will put the supplementary. I knew that he did not get to that point, Mr. Speaker, so my supplementary is, will the Premier reference forth-coming information coming on financial matters? Can he confirm whether that will include any potential financial …

The Speaker The Speaker No, no. No, you’re fine. Hon. E. David Burt: Absolutely, Mr. Speaker, that is what full public consultation is.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. You have a second supplementary? 1220 11 July 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes, second supplementary. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased to hear the Premier's committing to all of these data points, which we will ensure that he actually does. …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, Bermuda, as all CARICOM countries, remains sovereign when it comes to matters related to immigration. So, the answer to the question is yes. And will we publish and discuss all these matters? The answer is yes. That is what full public consultation is. …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Opposition Leader, you have had your quota of questions for this morning. The next question is from MP Smith, Linda Smith. QUESTION 1: SOUTHLANDS PARK AMENITIES, DEVELOPMENT OF

Ms. Linda Smith Yes, good morning, Mr. Speaker, and good morning, Honourable Premier. My question is around Southlands and what consideration and data has been taken into considera-tion in guiding the Government's recent planning appli-cations for the development of Southlands Park amenities, including a zip line facility on the north side, a cafe, …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the planning process allows us to examine these things. We believe that it is important to develop amenities in certain places as we want to make sure that we have more economic activity in this country. I think the Opposition has just asked …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES

Ms. Linda Smith Yes, I do. Are there any arrangements, or have there been any discussions, with a cruise line or cruise lines for the use of Southlands Beach and the new facilities that are being proposed in those planning applications? Hon. E. David Burt: Not to my knowledge, Mr. Speaker, but I …

The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary?

Ms. Linda Smith Yes, I do. According to the information contained in one of the two applications, a key offering of the proposal is a public -private partnership for the development of the zip line facility. What is the cost to the taxpayer for these planned amenities —the zip line, the restaurant and …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Well, Mr. Speaker, I have not been made aware of any government financing that is going towards this particular matter. But as I said, the Honourable Member is asking a very specific question. Something that is not particularly under my remit as the Premi er …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. That is your quota this morning. Thank you.

Ms. Linda Smith Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker The next Member who has a question this morning is the Government Whip. Government Whip. Bermuda House of Assembly QUESTION 1: COMMUNITY AND SPORTING CLUBS, GOVERNMENT SUPPORT OF

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Good morning, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. Mr. Speaker, the budget spoke a lot about the investment this Government is making in vital initia-tives. I was particularly happy to hear about the new support for community clubs. Could the Honourable Premier advise how the government will support our community and sporting …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I am happy to answer the Honourable Member, and I thank the Honourable Member for his question. In this year's budget, Mr. Speaker, the Government has allocated $1 million to support community and sports clubs with capital development grants to help enhance and …

The Speaker The Speaker Do you have a supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Yes, Mr. Speaker. Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, I do thank the Honourable Premier for his response, and I understand it. I have a com-munity club in my constituency. How may they access this support?

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Well, Mr. Speaker, there is news today and I hope that the Opposition and The Royal Gazette are listening. I am pleased to advise this Honourable House that, in keeping with the Government's commitment to digital transformation, the government has now launched a new online …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Do you have a second supplementary?

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell No, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the opportunity, though.

The Speaker The Speaker The next question this morning is from MP Tucker. MP Tucker. QUESTION 1: MERGER OF ARGUS AND BF&M

Ms. Robin Tucker Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, colleagues. My question is, I would like to know what practical steps the Government is taking to ensure that the merger of Argus and BF&M does not lead to unsustainable premium increases, reduced access to care and greater disparity in health care for Bermudians.

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I thank the Honourable Member for her question. I know that the Minister of Health gave a Statement on this in response to the questions of which the Honourable Member has asked. But I think that it is important to note matters of …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Do you have a supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES

Ms. Robin Tucker Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Honourable Premier for his response. What we are actually looking for is for the Government to be able to really collaborate and consult with the health care providers and the like so that everybody knows what is coming down the pipeline.

The Speaker The Speaker Is it a question or a windup for your supplementary question?

Ms. Robin Tucker My second question [sic], Mr. Speaker, is I would like to k now what plans, if any, does the Government have to involve broader community stakeholders in evaluating the merger's impacts on health care equity and access. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, what I will say is, I know …

The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary?

Ms. Robin Tucker This is a new question, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker No, no, no. You are only allowed one question [in Premier’s Question Period].

Ms. Robin Tucker Oh, sorry. Okay, then it is a second supplementary question then.

The Speaker The Speaker Sure.

Ms. Robin Tucker I would like to know what channels will the government provide which are not already available to avoid people having to go on social media and put all their complaints and things there. What channels will the government —

The Speaker The Speaker Is that related to your first question? It has to be tied into the first one.

Ms. Robin Tucker It is related to my first question as it relates to the merger of BF&M and Argus.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay.

Ms. Robin Tucker And so, I would like to know, will the government provide any avenues for public feedback or complaints regarding changes in premiums, coverage, service quality, post the merger. Will they provide any formal channels to receive complaints in this regard as it relates to the merger and the impact that …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I will remind the Honourable Members that the private insurance system and the supplemental insurance system is not currently subject to regulation. I would even recall when matters were brought, insofar as minor regulation, they were vocifer ously opposed by the Opposition. …

Ms. Robin Tucker Mr. Speaker, point of order. Point of order.

The Speaker The Speaker Ah . . .

Ms. Robin Tucker My point of order is that we are not calling — [Inaudible interjections]

Ms. Robin Tucker Oh, I beg your pardon, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker One second. One second. I do not think the point of order is . . . let the Premier finish his [answer] and tie it in, okay? I would not take a point of order at this point. Go ahead, Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Thank you. [ Inaudible interjection]

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Are you fine with that one? Good. The next Member who has a question this morning is MP Campbell. MP Campbell, would you like to put your question? QUESTION 1: SUGAR TAX, REPEAL OF Mr . Vance Campbell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you in advance, Mr. …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I will repeat the answer which I have given every single time on this par-ticular thing. This Government has reduced the sugar tax, but the Government believes that the long- term health of the population is important. I understand and recognise that this …

The Speaker The Speaker Do you have a s upplementary?

Mr. Vance Campbell Yes, I have a s upplementary.

The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead. SUPPLEMENTARIES

Mr. Vance Campbell Can the Premier direct us (“us” being the public), to real data s upporting that we have seen a favourable impac t on our health outcomes as a result of the sugar tax? Where can we find that data?

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There are two omnibus reports that have been released by the Ministry of Health, and they can be found on the website, that have s hown a reduction in the consumption of s ugary drinks, which is the intended view of …

The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary. Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Did he say drinks?

Mr. Vance Campbell Sec ond supplementary.

The Speaker The Speaker All right.

Mr. Vance Campbell Given that people suffering from high blood pressure is pretty prevalent in Bermuda as well, and a key contributing or key reason behind that is salt, does the Government intend to also impose a tax on food items that have salt? Hon. E. David Burt: No, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. That is your quota of questions. The next Member who has questions is MP Swan. MP Swan, would you like to put your question? QUESTION 1: SENIORS' PENSIONS INCREASE

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. 1224 11 July 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, citizens in my constituency are used to the PLP Government increasing pensions by the rate of inflation each year. Could the Honourable Premier advise if my constituents in St. George’s can expect …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Second supplementary? I mean, your first supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARIES

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, since the PLP Government has returned to office, could the Honourable Premier advise how many times seniors' pensions have been increased and the rate for those increases? Thank you. Hon. E. David Burt: Well, Mr. Speaker, allow me to say this, because I …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Do you have a second supplementary? [Timer chimes]

The Speaker The Speaker Oops. Well, Members, that brings us to the end of the Premier's Questions. That will now lead us into the 60 minutes of the normal Question Period. QUESTION PERIOD

The Speaker The Speaker You will note that there are quite a few written questions this morning that have been submitted. I believe there are eight such questions. And we will start with the written questions before we get to any questions from the Statements this morning. The first this morning is a written …

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, good morning, Mr. Speaker. Will the Honourable Premier and Minister of Finance please confirm for this Honourable House whether or not the Tax Reform Commission has delivered its report to the Government? Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, no, it has not.

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Honourable Premier please advise this House when the Government expects the report from the Tax Reform Commissioner? Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in a letter dated 3 July 2025, the Tax Reform Commission wrote to the Ministry of Finance to confirm that they have substantially completed their work and [are] in the process of writing the reports that will …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you.

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Second supplementary, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay.

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Did I hear correctly that the public should expect to see this report by 22 August? Or is that a private report to the Government? Thank you. Hon. E. David Burt: I am happy to repeat the answer. The answer is that we will share backing information throughout July and …

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. That completes the Question for that one. The next written question this morning is from MP Fahy to the Minister of Housing and Municipalities, but they are for three written [responses]. Have you re-ceived your written response? Hon. Michael Fahy : Good morning, Mr. Speaker. I have. Thank …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. We will move on. The third written question this morning is from MP King to the Minister of National Se-curity, and this requires an oral response, it is a single question. MP King, would you like to put your question? QUESTION 1: HM CUSTOMS DOCK ON ORDNANCE ISLAND

Mr. Robert King Good morning, Mr. Speaker, Members of this Honourable House and the public. Will the Honourable Minister of National Security inform this Honourable House when he was notified by his Permanent Secretary that the HM Customs dock on Ordnance Island was unsafe for use? Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Mr. …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary?

Mr. Robert King Understanding that gun crime is a crisis that is resulting in the —

The Speaker The Speaker No. Did you have a supplementary?

Mr. Robert King No, no. A supplementary? Yes. [Inaudible interjection]

Mr. Robert King Yes. SUPPLEMENTARIES

Mr. Robert King Will the Honourable Minister of National Security please inform this Honourable House how using the Paget Island boat to ferry HM Customs officials to vessels for inspection for more than a year — well, almost a year —is effectively protecting this Island? 1226 11 July 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda …

Mr. Robert King It is related to the safety of the dock in terms of, currently the dock cannot be used. So, Customs officials have to be ferried to the vessels for inspection. So, the question is, as a result of the dock being—

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Because of the unsafeness of the dock, they have to be ferried out.

Mr. Robert King Yes. That is correct.

The Speaker The Speaker That is what you are trying to ask, okay.

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Because of the unsafeness of the dock, which is the first question—

The Speaker The Speaker —you are asking—

Mr. Robert King How is it —

The Speaker The Speaker —how are the staff now provided to get on to do the —

Mr. Robert King —effectively protecting our borders by ferrying the customs officials to the vessels?

The Speaker The Speaker Ok. If the dock was safe, they would do it on land?

Mr. Robert King Correct, because as it is right now —

The Speaker The Speaker They have to go out.

Mr. Robert King Exactly.

The Speaker The Speaker So, his question is, Is the process of them being ferried out a safe process because they cannot come on the dock? Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Yes, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Okay. A supplementary related to that?

Mr. Robert King Yes, indeed, Mr. Speaker. Understanding that inspections of vessels under the current system of ferrying the officials out to the boat is happening on an infrequent and irregular basis and not all vessels are being checked. How does this protect this Island against guns and drugs? Thank you. Hon. Michael …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member And they are doing it very well. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: —and they are doing it very well. Yes, I agree with that. And the boats are being checked as needed.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Okay. That is your quota of questions for the first question. Thank you for the participation. The next question is also a question that you have put to another Minister. Would you like to read that question out? This is for the Minister of Cabinet. QUESTION 2: BUILDING …

Mr. Robert King Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Honourable Minister please inform the Honourable House on the updates for progressing building permit applications at the Department of Planning? Thank you. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, the Department of Planning continues to take active measures to improve the processing of building …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES

Mr. Robert King In the May 30, 2025, Ministerial Statement, 372 building permits remain open with an average age of 165 days. Supplemental: How many building permits have now been processed out of that batch? Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, I do believe as per the House …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. The information is such that the Minister would not have it in his [possession].

Mr. Robert King I will ask it a different way then, Mr. Speaker. What percentage does he estimate have been addressed? [Inaudible interjections]

The Speaker The Speaker Still, you are asking him to make a “guesstimate.” And we prefer not to have him make a guesstimate; we would rather have him be more concrete with you. Okay? All right. Okay, no further question there? Okay, thank you.

Mr. Robert King No further questions, thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker The next question this morning is to the Minister for Cabinet [Office] from MP Ben Smith, and that required a written response to three questions. Have you received your written responses?

Mr. Ben Smith Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It was to the Minister of Education.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, but the Minister of Cabinet speaks on behalf of the Minister of Education.

Mr. Ben Smith I received the answer to the first question. The second two questions have not been answered. I just want to know whether we will receive those before we break for the summer.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Minister, he has indicated that he has received the answer to the first question. He is still awaiting the answers to the other two questions . Will you make an undertaking that he gets the answers, basically? Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain : We will undertake that those answers …

The Speaker The Speaker Will be forthcoming? Thank you. Okay. All right. Thank you for that. QUESTIONS: PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENT STATISTICS 2017 –2025

Mr. Ben Smith Will the Honourable Minister please provide this Honourable House with the number of students beginning the school year for each class of each public school from 2017 to 2025?

Mr. Ben Smith Will the Honourable Minister please provide this Honourable House with the number of students ending the school year for each class of each public school from 2017 to 2025?

Mr. Ben Smith Will the Honourable Minister please provide this Honourable House with the number of students that have transferred from public schools from 2017 to 2025 and which schools did they transfer to?

The Speaker The Speaker The next question this morning is from the MP DeCouto to the Minister of Economy and Labour. There are two questions, and both require an oral response. Put your questions. QUESTION 1: VERTICAL FARMING INITIATIVE AND GROWY CONSULTATIONS

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Honourable Minister for Economy and Labour please inform this Honourable House which stakeholders were consulted with regarding the BEDC vertical farming initiative with Growy and the conclusions of those consultations? Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I can confirm that various private and public sector stakeholders were consulted. They consisted of local business owners, associations, government departments and quangos. The consultations in those areas are still ongoing.

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, my supplemental is, was the DENR [Department of Environment and Natural Resources] consulted and what was their view with respect to the Growy initiative? Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: The DENR was consulted. I believe that the dialogue and conversations are ongoing with all stakeholders and so the consultation process is not completed. So, I cannot provide the conclusion of the consultation processes.

The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary on that, or move to the second question? 1228 11 July 2025 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly Dr. Douglas DeCouto: Second supplemental. Understanding of course that the overall consultation is ongoing, perhaps the Minister could advise if the DENR has provided a specific view as …

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Point of clarification, Mr. Speaker. Point of information, I can provide.

The Speaker The Speaker Point of information? Would you like— he doesn’t have to take a point . . . [Crosstalk ]

The Speaker The Speaker Do you need a point of information or are you okay? POINT OF CLARIFICATION

Dr. Douglas DeCouto I am most particularly interested in whether the DENR supports this specific initi-ative with Growy, not the general topics. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Jason Hayward: There has been no objection from the DENR. DENR is a government department, and the government department supports the initiatives that are set out …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Thank you. Would you like to . . . that is both the supplementaries used on your first question. Would you like to do your second question now? QUESTION 2: VERTICAL FARMING INITIATIVE AND GROWY CONSULTATIONS

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House whether the BEDC or Government has provided, or plans to provide, or has discussed with Growy or its affiliates —well, simply with Growy —the possibility of providing any commercial incentives or concessions to Growy …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, it is important to emphasise at this point that no concessions or incen-tives have been finalised or approved. In the delibera-tions between the BEDC and Growy, they have dis-cussed possible concessions for this particular initiative. The House will be very much familiar with the …

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Appreciating the preliminary nature of the discussions, is the Minister able to provide a rough esti-mate of the magnitude of those concessions? Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: The matters have been discussed between Growy and BEDC, so I just want to make the public abundantly clear of this process. The BEDC is a quango. They have been discussing directly these matters with Growy. The Economic Development Department has also been B ermuda House …

The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary?

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you, thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, is my understanding correct though, that the Government in principle would support providing these concessions, understanding that of course the Government provides the funding to the BEDC, that the Government would support using some of that funding to provide these concessions to …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. That was the two questions that have been asked. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER HOUSE VISITORS

The Speaker The Speaker Before I move on to the next question that is down this morning, I would just like to acknowledge in the Gallery former MP Caines, he is visiting us this morning. MP? Good. [ Desk thumping] [ Question Period, continuing]

The Speaker The Speaker All right. The next written question this morning is from MP Robinson to the Minister of Tourism and Transport, Culture and Sport. Would you like to put your question? Oh, you have three questions, and they all require oral response. Put your first question. QUESTION 1: RIDE -SHARING LEGISLATION Mr …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES Mr . Dwayne Robinson: Yes, Mr. Speaker, thank you. First supplementary. Can the Minister confirm that he has received the support and buy -in from stakeholders, concerned stakeholders, and insurance companies for these regulations? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. What an excellent question. I am happy to report that I did meet as the Minister responsible for Tourism at the time with the then Minister of Transport. We have two very important stakeholders on this matter. One was the Bermuda Tourism …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary? Second supplementary?

Mr. Dwayne Robinson Thank you, and thank you for that answer. Yes, second supplementary, Mr. Speaker. I noticed that the one stakeholder that was not named was the stakeholder that is primarily affected by this legislation, which is the Bermuda Taxi Association. Can the Minister confirm that he has support from that particular …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Owen Darrell: I am not sure if the Honourable MP from the other side has a list of stakeholders that I should be aware of, but I will say that in the regular course of business I meet with the Bermuda taxi owners and operators. Any matter that …

The Speaker The Speaker Mm-hmm. Okay. Those are your two supplementaries on that question. Would you like to go to your second question now? Mr . Dwayne Robinson: Yes. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted for clarity [to say] that I did not really hear if the Minister had the support of …

Mr. Dwayne Robinson I guess I will, why not? I guess we will call them, Mr. Speaker, how about that?

The Speaker The Speaker You can move on to the second question. QUESTION 2: MOTOR CAR ACT 1951 BREACHES Mr . Dwayne Robinson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The second question I have for the Honourable Minister today is, will the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House if he has engaged TCD to investigate …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Owen Darrell: As was pointed out in my last answer, Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the Honourable Mem-ber who I used to share space with in another place (I used to refer to him by another title previously, but I will not go there today), clearly he …

The Speaker The Speaker I understand the Standing Order. And the Member, he needs to clarify where he got his ques-tion from. [ Inaudible interjection]

The Speaker The Speaker You said, from the media? Mr . Dwayne Robinson: Yes, I did. The Speaker: Okay, well, yes. I missed that piece, so I just wanted to ask for clarity, so we are all okay. So, we all are good.

Mr. Dwayne Robinson Mr. Speaker, just for clarity —

The Speaker The Speaker Just so we are okay. All right. Mr . Dwayne Robinson: Okay. It was not from the media.

The Speaker The Speaker Well, you indicated it was from the media. [ Inaudible interjections] Mr . Dwayne Robinson: In the media. Not from .

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Yes. All right. That was your supplementary. Or that was your question?

Mr. Dwayne Robinson That was my second question.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Do your third question then. [ Crosstalk]

The Speaker The Speaker Just turn your microphone on. QUESTION 3 : TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM, PLANS FOR POTENTIAL INCREASED DEMAND

Mr. Dwayne Robinson Will the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House if there are any plans being drafted to account for the potential increase in demand of our transportation system should Fairmount Southampton reopen as scheduled?

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Owen Darrell: Absolutely, Mr. Speaker. The answer is yes. Plans are being drafted to account for the potential increase in the demand of our transportation system when the Fairmont Southampton opens. I want to also clarify at this point that when we were talking earlier about ride- sharing …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARIES Mr . Dwayne Robinson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I heard the Minister is adding extra answers to his previous answer there. So, hopefully he will be able to confirm whether he has spoken to TCD and actually taking the concerns of the transport B ermuda House of …

The Speaker The Speaker All right, we are always abiding by the Standing Orders. [ Inaudible interjections] Mr . Dwayne Robinson: You worry about them. They are excited. They are excited, — [ Inaudible interjections] Mr . Dwayne Robinson: —but when the public wants to know the answer to questions, Mr. Speaker, I hope …

The Speaker The Speaker All right, put your third question now . Mr . Dwayne Robinson: All right, cool.

The Speaker The Speaker Put your third question.

Mr. Dwayne Robinson So, my supplementary for this question is, Is the Minister considering then , with the need for increased demand, the temporary taxi permits recommended by the industry? Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I can say this, that the Transportation Coordinator is developing a comprehensive plan that includes an …

The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary? Mr . Dwayne Robinson: Yes, Mr. Speaker. And I just want to also clarify to this Honourable House that I re-spect all Standing Orders that govern this Honourable House. O kay? [ Inaudible interjections]

Mr. Dwayne Robinson Just in case, because I know that it likes to get misconstrued, yes. The Speaker: I am sure you do. I am sure you do because, you would not want to be out of line. [ Crosstalk] Mr . Dwayne Robinson: That is for the record. That is for the …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member We all do. Hon. Owen Darrell: —and we all do, yes, absolutely. So, when we have it ready to be presented and all stakeholders who probably will call the Honourable Member right after I talk to them, once they have been informed and once we have the plan, I am …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. I believe that brings to a close the responses for your questions. We will now move on to the next written question this morning which is from the Opposition Whip to the Minister of Home Affairs. There are three questions, all requiring written responses. Opposition Whip, have you …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Okay, Members, that brings us to a close of the questions for the . . . as far as written questions this morning. We will now move on to the questions that were generated from the Statements that were read today. And the first Statement that generated questions …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: I am not., but happy to look into it.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY Mr . Scott Pearman: Supplementary. Once the Honourable Premier and Minister of Finance has had someone look into it, will a response be provided to this Honourable House or very least to the Opposition? Thank you. 1 See Honourable Premier’s further clarification at page 1237 Hon. E. …

The Speaker The Speaker So, the goal is you just to know it is up and running again.

Mr. Scott Pearman Correct, Mr. Speaker. The goal would be to know and to receive a response from the Premier like, It is fixed. It is working.

The Speaker The Speaker All right. Okay. Supplementary question? Any other question? No. Okay. So, the Premier is undertaking to look into it and get it working as quickly as possible. Thank you. The next Statement that has questions this morning is the Statement from the Minister of Youth, Social Development, and Seniors regarding …

Ms. Robin Tucker Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will just jump to my question.

The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead. QUESTION 1: DOMESTIC ABUSE SPECIALIST — UPDATE

Ms. Robin Tucker Given that over the last few years there has been an increase in domestic violence pro-tection orders, from 2022 ([there were] 91), to 2024 ([there were] 140). I would just like to know whether the Ministry has plans to add another specialist social worker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Minister. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We did just get this one, Mr. Speaker, which we are so very grateful for, but we also still use the services of the Centre Against Abuse. So, this is actually a complement of support providers in conjunction with the …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY

Ms. Robin Tucker Yes, Mr. Speaker. B ermuda House of Assembly Looking more future- focused, again, given the increases that are being seen and the value of the specialist skill set that they have hired for, I appreciate that the Centre Against Abuse is helping as well. But I just want to know …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank my colleague for that question. I will definitely wait to hear back from the team who is currently providing the services in regard to the need for another domestic violence specialist. But I will wait for that data. Mr. …

The Speaker The Speaker Do you have a second supplementary?

Ms. Robin Tucker No, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Yes. Minister, that brings a close to questions [on] your Statement. The next Statement that has questions this morning is the Statement by the Minister of Works in reference to the preparing for the summer. And the Op-position Whip has questions for you. QUESTION 1 : SUMMER , PREPARING …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Jache Adams: Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Honourable Member for the question. I think it is important that we emphasise what I am really speaking to. On a normal basis, we have a certain number of seasonal lifeguards that watch our shores. That number we …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Yes, supplementary to that just so that I can be clearer. So then are we suggesting we are going to cover more hours then by soon having these new consultants involved? When the Minister says that we are at our normal complement, then I …

The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary or new question? Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Second supplementary, and thank you, Minister, for those answers and the clarity on that. So, when you mentioned soon, do you have an approximate idea? I do not want to lock you into an exact date because I know they are …

The Speaker The Speaker Second question or . . . Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: I’m good.

The Speaker The Speaker You’re good? Okay, thank you. Minister, that brings an end to your questions. The next Statement that has questions this morning is the Statement by the Minister of Economy and Labour. MP Campbell has questions he would like to put to you, Minister. QUESTION 1 : ENTREPRENEURIAL ECOSYSTEM BUILDING A …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister . Hon. Jason Hayward: The answer to that is yes. To broaden that, what we want to do is have an ecosystem that expands the local customer base of our entrepreneurs beyond Bermuda's shores. And so, part of what we will be developing is if they can even scale …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary or new question? SUPPLEMENTARY

Mr. Vance Campbell Supplementary. I am glad to hear that response from the Minister, particularly about educating our entrepreneurs on expanding beyond our shores. Given our population challenges, our age ing population and the need for more working people, does the Minister believe we currently have a thriving base of potential customers?

The Speaker The Speaker Minister . Hon. Jason Hayward: I do believe we do have a thriving business community in Bermuda and the economic results of the economy will underpin that notion that we have a driving business community. We await the 2024 Economic Activity Survey results which will show GDP by product ion …

The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary or new question?

Mr. Vance Campbell Second supplementary.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay.

Mr. Vance Campbell Given the successful rate at which people are graduating from the entrepreneurial programmes and schemes that the Minister has put in place, does he have any concern that there may end up being too many entrepreneurs for the current number of customer or potential customers that are out there, thereby …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister . Hon. Jason Hayward: The answer to that question is absolutely not. When I have been able to visit the incubator and accelerator programmes , I am impressed with the variety and diversity of goods and services ac-tually provided. And so, I do not see where there is con-centration …

The Speaker The Speaker Second question?

Mr. Vance Campbell No. I thank the Minister for his answers. Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you, Minister. Thank you, Member. The last Statement that has questions this morning is the Statement by the Minister of Tourism and Transport from MP De Couto. QUESTION 1 : PINK FERRY ROUTE UPDATE

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I am very grateful to the Minister for that information as are all of the riders of the ferry. And also, very grateful to the workers who he called out in the Statement because they have been working very hard and juggling quite a …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister . Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Those conversations are ongoing. As soon as we have information, as I have been telling the MP for the area all week every time he sends me an email, every time he sends me a message, I tell him every single …

The Speaker The Speaker He was trying to respond to your question.

Dr. Douglas DeCouto He has, perhaps unintentionally, said some things that are not factually correct, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Have you sent emails to him, and has he responded?

Dr. Douglas DeCouto He has not responded to my emails. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [Inaudible interjection]

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, I have, thank you. Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you. Let me go a little further? In the emails, in the WhatsApps, in the telephone calls—which I do answer, Mr. Speaker —I have told the MP from the area the exact same thing. I put a Statement on the House …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? Supplementary or new question? [Inaudible interjections]

The Speaker The Speaker Members. [Gavel ]

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary or new question?

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Has the Minister —

The Speaker The Speaker Is this a supplementary or new question? SUPPLEMENTARY

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Supplemental question, Mr. Speaker. Has the Minister requested his technical officers or provided them with a deadline to come back with a plan? Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Minister . Hon. Owen Darrell: Mr. Speaker, contrary to statements that are made by the area MP that say I do not have high expectations, I will say this , Mr. Speaker, on the floor of the House: I have high expectations of all staff that work at the Department …

The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary or new question? QUESTION 2: PINK FERRY ROUTE UPDATE

Dr. Douglas DeCouto New question. You know, since the Minister was sharing private commentary, I would like to clarify that the expec-tations were with respect to the Minister's effectiveness. I actually have a great deal of respect for the staff who are busting their tails. So, my second question, Mr. Speaker. Has the …

The Speaker The Speaker Yes? Second supplementary? Or a third question?

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, supplemental.

The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary. Go ahead.

Dr. Douglas DeCouto No, this would be the first supplemental for my second question.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Yes, yes. SUPPLEMENTARY

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Would the Honourable Minister let us know what is the outcome of that consideration of the use of other boats? Thank you. 1236 11 July 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Owen Darrell: Mr. Speaker, I know the area MP is very well versed in the area …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Second supplementary or third question?

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Third question, Mr. Speaker. And obviously you must understand, Mr. Speaker, that I am here in this House asking questions. I am not asking any questions on a WhatsApp.

The Speaker The Speaker Put your question.

Dr. Douglas DeCouto So, for those listening, these questions are in the House of Assembly.

The Speaker The Speaker Put your question. QUESTION 3: PINK FERRY ROUTE UPDATE

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Can the Minister please advise the House of the nature of mechanical issues with the three different ferries available for the Pink Route? Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Owen Darrell: Well, Mr. Speaker, I will tell the House this: There are some things that you cannot see and there are some things that you cannot understand simply by a WhatsApp group. So, Mr. Speaker, to answer the question of the Honourable MP: Yesterday morning, as I …

The Speaker The Speaker Let’s hear it, let’s go. I hear you, I hear you, I hear you. I hear you. I hear you. [Inaudible interjections]

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member I can’t hear you. Hon. Owen Darrell: Mr. Speaker, I am so glad that — they do not want me to answer this one —I am so glad that yesterday, as I did state in the Statement, that I did go to the Marine and Ports shop there on East …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member What do you know about engines? Hon. Owen Darrell: But I do know a little bit about fixing things, yes. But, I will say this. There are a number of issues which I did state in my Statement that come with a fleet is as ageing as it is and …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Let’s see, where were we at? Your supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Supplementary. Given that we have well established the ageing nature of the fleet and the broad array of issues with all of the boats, which has been well known for a long time, can the Minister advise why have no plans been made to maintain …

The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead. Go ahead. Hon. Owen Darrell: Well, Mr. Speaker, we could go down that road a long way because there is an airport that sits down the road that a lot of money went to, a whole lot of money. And we could have bought a whole lot of …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Supplementary, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I would like to ask the Honourable Minister how many ferries do you think you could buy with $200 million that we used at Morgan's Point? Hon. Owen Darrell: Mr. Speaker, I can tell you this, I can definitely get the Paget …

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Second supplementary.

Dr. Douglas DeCouto In referring to the Minister's answer, can he confirm that in the past eight years the Progressive Labour Party has not made any plans or contingency plans to address the ageing Pink Ferry route?

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Owen Darrell: [INAUDIBLE]

The Speaker The Speaker He said, is there a plan for the Government to replace the ferries, basically? Hon. Owen Darrell: I think I answered that one earlier when I said once we come to a conclusion as to what we are going to do, we will then let the House know. Thank you, …

The Speaker The Speaker Mm-hmm. Thank you. Members, that brings us to a close of the Question Period. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order.

The Speaker The Speaker Hold up, hold up. That that brings us to a close of the questions that were put. However, MP Pearman, the Premier informed me that he does have a response to your earlier ques-tion, and he would like to update on the information he received.

Mr. Scott Pearman I would be grateful to have that answer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order.

The Speaker The Speaker Oh, you’re not answering the question? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay, I thought you were going to update an order. POINT OF ORDER [Standing Order 17(5)(c)] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, Standing Order 17(5)(c) states “If a question contains a statement of fact, the Member asking it shall make himself responsible for the …

The Speaker The Speaker Mr. Pearman— Mr . Scott Pearman: Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker —MP Pearman, the Premier has come back with the information that indicates that the system is functioning 1238 11 July 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Scott Pearman: Okay, so, if he is going to quote me, Mr. Speaker, let him quote me accurately. My question did …

Mr. Scott Pearman Hang on, hang on, he asked me to produce— excuse me.

The Speaker The Speaker Members, let’s hear it. Let’s hear it. Let’s hear it.

Mr. Scott Pearman Excuse me, Mr. Speaker, the Premier has asked me to substantiate a factual question, and I am doing so. The approach was made to me yesterday by a constituent. I went online myself and I sought to do what the constituent indicated had not been able to be done, which …

Mr. Scott Pearman Point of order, Mr. Speaker! Hon. E. David Burt: And, Mr. Speaker, if he wanted to state that there — Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Point of order, Mr. Speaker, point of order.

The Speaker The Speaker Members, Members. Members. I am going to save us going back and forth on this. I do not think any question that comes to the floor is to embarrass any Member on either side. It is to bring facts.

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Absolutely.

The Speaker The Speaker It is to bring concerns of community, concerns of those who are represented, to the floor. I do not think we should take it in those terms because I do not want anyone in here to think that we come here to do personal vendettas, personal attacks, personal whatever on …

Mr. Scott Pearman Point of order, Mr. Speaker. The Honourable Member, and I thank him for his answer, but he is [imputing] an improper motive by suggesting that I failed intentionally to clarify. I asked a question. He said he had no awareness of the answer and would look into it. I thanked …

The Speaker The Speaker Members, I had not asked us to rise 10 minutes ago, because 10 minutes ago we got to the end of the question. And we have gone 10 minutes into the extended period when we should have risen at 12:30. Premier, I am going to ask that you rise now, …

The Speaker The Speaker Members, the House is now in session after our lunch break. [Gavel]

The Speaker The Speaker Members, before we broke for lunch, we had concluded the question and answer period, so the next item on the agenda is Congratulatory and/or Obituary Speeches. Would any Member like to make a contribution? Opposition Leader, you have the floor. CONGRATULATORY AND /OR OBITUARY SPEECHES Hon. Jarion Richardson: Thank you, …

The Speaker The Speaker Do the whole House. Hon. Jarion Richardson: I will associate the whole House. He is done a marvellous job, as has Elder Lamb e’s wife with the nursery . And it was a fantastic ceremony chaired and organised by a number of peo-ple, including Mr. Charles Jeffers and former MP …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? MP Linda Smith, you have your —

Ms. Linda Smith Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to extend congratulations to the Filipino Association of Bermuda who recently celebrated their 127 th anniversary of independence. It was on June 22, and they had a really great event at Victoria Park with lots of music and lots of great food, and …

Ms. Linda Smith Okay, to be associated with that. And Minister Darrell was also at the celebration, so I would imagine, as he seemed to enjoy himself , that he would like to be associated as well, even though he's not here. But congratulations to them and thank them for sharing their culture …

The Speaker The Speaker Does any other M ember wish to make a contribution? MP L ister.

Mr. Dennis Lister III Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to the listening audience. Mr. Speaker, I'll just take some time in my few minutes to first offer condolences. Firstly, to the family of Ms . Marcia Smith of St ore Lane, Somerset. I would like to also associate MP F oggo . [Inaudible …

Mr. Dennis Lister III She might be from St. George's . And MP Jamahl Simmons. And I will associate all the rest of the MPs.

Mr. Dennis Lister III Mr. Speaker, growing up on Overplus Lane, which is just over from St ore Lane, Ms. Smith's son, Kacey, was one of my first friends. So, it's very saddening to open the paper and see that he lost his mother recently . And myself , recently having lost my mother …

Mr. Dennis Lister III I will a ssociate the House, Mr. Speaker . Out of 123 teams, Bermuda finished second overall. And out of that, they finished with 53 medals, 21 gold, 23 silver, and 10 bronze medals. And also, there were seven me et records that were set by Bermudians and 22 personal …

The Speaker The Speaker Any other Member? MP Simmons, you have your three minutes.

Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon to our listening audience. I would like to join in extending condolences on the passing of Marcia Smith who was an educator, a valued, valued, valued member of the Progressive Labour Party family and the constituency 33 Sandys South team. She will truly …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Deputy Speaker, you sprung real quick that time. You have your three minutes.

Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to be associated with the congratulatory remarks regarding Kacey and Wannita Smith. I taught them both. So, whenever you see our young Bermudians engaging in enterprising activi-ties, you want to praise them and support them, and so congratulations to them. …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Include us all.

Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Certainly, she was a young gogetter, and she struggled many years with her illness, and so, even though she lived to see 70, I believe, or close to it , she made it close.

The Speaker The Speaker She was 67.

Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo I thought she was a little bit older than that. I think she's older than her husband. Okay. Thank you for that, Mr. Speaker. She did live longer than most people would have thought. She was her daughter's best friend, her husband's best friend, and she is a great loss …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Is there any other Member? Junior Minister , you have your three minutes. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Member mentioned about Bishop Lamb e earlier, and I would like to be associated with Bishop Lamb e, and congratulations for the …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Minister. Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to give congratulations. Oh, this afternoon.

The Speaker The Speaker We normally do this in the morning, but it is afternoon. Hon. Owen Darrell: Yes, I rise this afternoon to give congratulations to Ms. Chelsea Warren. Many of you will know that Ms. Chelsea Warren is the sister of the late Mr. Marco Warren, and she is the entrepreneur and …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Mr. Whip, you are rising or . . . Okay, Mr. [Government] Whip, you have your three minutes.

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues in the radio audience. Mr. Speaker, firstly, let me ask that condolences be sent to the family of the late Eula Thomas of Sylvan Dell. She was actually the widow of a former member of this House, Elder Austin Thomas. I would associate …

The Speaker The Speaker MP Swan, would you like your three minutes?

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Yes, Mr. Speaker, I would like to follow on and associate myself with those congratulations on celebrating 100 years to my friend, “To-kyo” Mills. I'm one of the few people that'll call him “Tokyo” Mills. No, because that's what my uncle told him. He said, “Tokyo” Mills, you'll never be …

The Speaker The Speaker MP Dill.

Rev. Dr. Emilygail A. Dill Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker and my colleagues. I would like to certainly add to the condolences for Mrs. Linda Greaves that were already shared within the House and certainly highlight her as a trailblazer in the international business industry. She was amongst the group of Bermudian young women who entered …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP . Is there any other? MP King, would you like your three minutes? Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Robert King: Yes. Yes, Mr. Speaker. I want to send congratulations and commend the great work that the Family [Centre] is doing to address gun violence in Bermuda. The …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Is there any other Member? MP Famous, you have your three minutes.

Mr. Christopher Famous Yes, Mr. Speaker. I want to start off by saying condolences to many people around the Island and Poi nciana Road in particular, the passing of Ms. Brenda Elizabeth Lindsay. Her maiden name was Dunkley . (Not Michael Dunkley, Dunkley, but . . .) Nevertheless , Mr. Speaker, she lived …

Mr. Christopher Famous I would like to associate the whole House. Ms. Lindsay was a consummate mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was well loved, very articulate. She got her hair done twice a month by somebody's mother in here I won’t mention . And everyone . . . it was a beautiful …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Does any other Member? MP Tucker, you have your three minutes.

Ms. Robin Tucker Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to associate myself with the condolences that were expressed to the family of the late Eul a Thomas. I may have mentioned here previously that Aunt Eul a and Uncle Austin were my actual real relatives. So again, condolences to Sel …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Premier, would you like your three minutes as well? Hon. E. David Burt: Absolutely, Mr. Speaker , thank you. Mr. Speaker, I rise to ask this Honourable House to please send a note of condolences on the passing of Dianne Juliet Russell, who went on to glory on …

The Speaker The Speaker [Microphone not turned on] Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon, colleagues. I would like to be associated with the bereavement's, condolences to the Harvey family which were sent out. I'm not sure, I can't remember which original Member brought it up, but this is …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member And her husband. Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Yes, that's right, and husband. So, this is a family who has played a major role in the community of St. George's, and so I just want to ensure that if we can, please send a letter of bereavement, because historically they've played …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Deputy Premier, would you like your three minutes ? Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today and ask the House to send condolences to the family of Mrs. Helga von Dittel-Trapnell Wingate.

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member You can say that again. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: No, that's a t ongue twister. [Laughter]

The Speaker The Speaker Say it faster next time. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, sir. If I said it fast, I'd definitely be here for about six minutes . But Helga was the wife of, I think, everyone in this House, let alone probably Bermuda, Mr. Speaker, knows her husband very well, …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Any other M ember? None other? Minister, you almost lost. Hon. Jache Adams: No, I promise I'll be very quick, Mr. Speaker. I just wanted to associate myself with the condolences for M rs. Beverly Stoneham. She was my nursery teacher, and my grandparents seem to find great …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Granddaughter.

Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo My granddaughter. Hon. Jache Adams: MP Foggo’s granddaughter, and everyone's granddaughter, apparently, well, almost everyone's granddaughter was in this recital. But in particular, Mr. Speaker, there was a very special four -yearold named Yara Michelle Adams , who took great pleasure in dancing to a Barbie song, and Shake Your …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? None other? ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER HOUSE VISITOR

The Speaker The Speaker Before I move on, I'd just like to acknowledge in the Gallery today former Senator Santucci. Nice to have you visiting us today. [Desk thumping]

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Reverend Santucci, yes. The next item on the order paper this afternoon is matters of privilege. MATTERS OF PRIVILEGE

The Speaker The Speaker There are none. PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS

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

The Speaker The Speaker There are none. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS GOVERNMENT BILL CORPORATE INCOME TAX AMENDMENT ACT 2025

The Speaker The Speaker There is a Government Bill to be introduced by the Minister of Finance, but the Deputy Premier is going to introduce it on behalf of the Premier. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am introducing the following Bill for its first reading so …

The Speaker The Speaker There are no other Bills. NOTICES OF MOTIONS

The Speaker The Speaker There are no motions. That now takes us to the Orders of the Day. ORDERS OF THE DAY

The Speaker The Speaker The first item this morning, this afternoon, is the second reading of the Land Valuation and Tax (Special Provisions and Postponement of Preparation of Draft Valuation List ) Act 2025 (a tongue twister ). 1246 11 July 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly And the Junior Minister will …

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections to that? There are none. Continue. BILL SECOND READING LAND VALUATION AND TAX (SPECIAL PROVISIONS AND POSTPONEMENT OF PREPARATION OF DRAFT VALUATION LIST ) ACT 2025 Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce for the second reading and the approval of this …

The Speaker The Speaker That's not yours ; not yours. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, thank you . Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Don’t worry about it. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you. [Quinquennial ]. The next draft valuation list will be . . . will go on deposit on 31 December 2026 and will come into effect for land tax purposes on 1 January 2027. The authority for making such an order …

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

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker , and thank you to the Junior Minister for the presenta-tion. With the passing of this Bill, we will have gone 11 years with an out -of-date, or not -up-to-date, land valuation list . And, of course, I think we can all understand the 2020 …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? 1248 11 July 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly None other? Minister, would you like to take the floor again? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Yes, Mr. Speaker . Let me just make it very …

The Speaker The Speaker No, no, no, no, we're not in Committee. We are in the House. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Oh, sorry.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, you have to move us to Committee now. Move us to Committee. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I thought for some reason we were in . . . , I don’t know why .

The Speaker The Speaker No, no; no, no. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I don't know why. I should have known that. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill be committed.

The Speaker The Speaker Deputy Speaker . House in Committee at 3:0 6 pm [Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo, Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL LAND VALUATION AND TAX (SPECIAL PROVISIONS AND POSTPONEMENT OF PREPARATION OF DRAFT VALUATION LIST ) ACT 2025

The Chairman Chairman Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] on the Bill entitled Land Valuation and Tax (Special Provisions and Postponement of Preparation of Draft Valuation List) Act 2025 . I call on the Junior Minister. I am giving the Junior Minister two seconds to organise his papers. Hon. …

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that all clauses be put on the table for consideration. Are there any objections to that? There are none. Junior Minister? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Madam Chairman, this Bill seeks to modify the effect of the Land Valuation and Land Tax 1967 ( the Act ) …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to clauses 1 through 4? I recognise the Member from constituency 25. Member, you have the floor.

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you, Madam Chairman. Regarding clause 4 , which states the date of postponement to 31 December 2026. Given that we are already in July of 2025, and my understanding is that we will have to create a new digital process , based on the briefing, they will then …

The Chairman Chairman Are there any other Members who wish to speak to clauses 1 through 4? Minister? Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Madam Chair man, I believe that the staff at the department are working hard, and we will make sure that this happens in a timely basis they …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to clauses 1 through 4? There being no other Members, Minister? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Madam Chairman, I move that the preamble be . . . clauses 1 through 4 be [approved] .

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses one through four be approved. Are there any objections? There are none. So approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 4 passed.] Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I move that the preamble be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections? There are none. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: And I move that the Bill be reported to the House as printed.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections? There are none. So moved. [Motion carried: The Land Valuation and Tax (Special Provisions and Postponement of Preparation of Draft Valuation List) Act 2025 was considered by a Committee of the whole …

The Speaker The Speaker Good afternoon, Members. Are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Land Valuation and Tax ( Special Provisions and Purpose Permit on Preparation of Draft Valuation List ) Act 2025 being reported to the House? There are none. Thank you. It has been reported to the House. We will …

The Speaker The Speaker Any objections? None. Continue. BILL SECOND READING PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION AMENDMENT ACT 2025 Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, the purpose of the Parliamentary Election Amendment Act 2025 is to grant the Parliamentary Registrar the authority to appoint staff within the Parliamentary Registry. This amendment is a key step in …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Any other Member? There are none? . . . Oh, MP King.

Mr. Robert King Yes, good afternoon, Mr. Speaker, and Members of the House, and the listening public. I [have] just a small question. How will accountability work with regard to this amendment? Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Does a ny other Member wish to make a comment? Opposition Leader. Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes, I just wanted to explore it a little bit more. Obviously changing . . . we obviously support any increase in the Parliamentary Registrar’s abilities , and we know that she has an incredibly …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? None other. Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as with other entities that have been given this responsibility, there are still . . . the persons will still be hired under the relevant …

The Speaker The Speaker You move us to . . . Move us to Committee. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Okay. I did have a little bit to finish us off.

The Speaker The Speaker Oh, okay. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: But that’s okay. We will move to Committee. [Laughter] Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill be committed.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Deputy Speaker. House in Committee at 3:19 pm [Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo, Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION AMENDMENT ACT 2025

The Chairman Chairman We are now in Committee of the whole [House] for the Bill entitled the Parliamentary Election Amendment Act 2025 . I call on the Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Madam Chairman. I move all clauses. Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: The Minister has moved that all …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to clauses 1 and 2? There are no other Members. Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Madam Chairman, I would like to move that clauses 1 and 2 be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 1 and 2 be approved. Are there any objections? There being none, so approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 and 2 passed.] Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Madam Chairman, I move that the preamble be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Any objections to that? There are none, so approved. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Madam Chairman, I move that the Bill entitled Parliamentary Election Amendment Act 2025 be reported to the House as printed.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Bill entitled the Parliamentary Election Amendment Act 2025 be reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections? There are none. So approved. [Motion carried: The Parliamentary Election Amendment Act 2025 was considered by a Committee of the whole House and passed without …

The Speaker The Speaker Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Parliamentary Election Amendment Act 2025 being reported to the House as printed? There are none. It has so been done. We will now move on to the third item which is the second reading of the Building Amendment Act 2025. …

The Speaker The Speaker Any objections? There are none. Continue. BILL SECOND READING BUILDING AMENDMENT ACT 2025 Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased today to rise and share with Members of the House this Bill entitled Building Amendment Act 2025 which has been some time in the making. Mr. Speaker, …

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

Mr. Robert King Yes, Mr. Speaker. Regarding the Explanatory Memorandum, “the Department of Planning to more efficiently establish qualifications and industry standards for the building trades,” what standards and qualifications are we speaking to, specifically ? City & Guilds is a bit vague. Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Any other Member wish to make a contribution? Opposition Leader. Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. We thank the Government for advancing initiatives to reduce the amount of red tape in the building sector, especially as it relates to our current problem in Bermuda with our affordable housing …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Opposition Leader. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank my honourable colleagues for their thoughtful contributions to this debate. It is for the constructive spirit in which this Bill …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Deputy [Speaker]. House in Committee at 3:36 pm [Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo, Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL BUILDING AMENDMENT ACT 2025

The Chairman Chairman Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] to consider the Bill entitled the Building Amendment Act 2025. I call on the Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Madam Chairman, I move all clauses.

The Chairman Chairman The Minister has asked that we move all clauses. Are there any objections? [Inaudible interjection]

The Chairman Chairman Objections? [Inaudible interjection]

The Chairman Chairman Oh, there are none. Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Madam Chairman, clause 1 provides for the citation. Clause 2 amends section 23(2) of the Building Act 1988 to change the procedure for regulations made under the Act from “affirmative” to “negative.” Clause 3 provides the Act to come into …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to clauses 1 through 3? One through —

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, very much, Madam Acting Speaker [sic]. [Inaudible interjection]

Mr. Scott Pearman [Madam] Chairman, yes. Thank you, Minister. Minister, with apologies, I didn’t actually hear your original presentation and the brief and it may be you have answered my one question during your presentation. But in terms of the change to the regulation that is anticipated, whic h will now be under …

The Chairman Chairman Minister . . . Just a minute, are there any other Members who wish to speak? [No audible reply]

The Chairman Chairman Sorry, Minister. You have the floor. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Madam Chairman, this . . . specifically we have the Competent Persons Scheme coming down the pipeline. I will . . . if you wish, I could talk about that offline to you specifically , because we have talked …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to clauses 1 through 3? I recognise Member Pearman. Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Scott Pearman: Thank you, Madam Chairman. And thank you, Minister, for that answer and that really is very helpful. Thank you.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to clauses 1 through 3? There being none —Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Madam Chairman, I move that clauses 1, 2 and 3 be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 1 through 3 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There are none; approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 3 passed.] Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Madam Chairman, I move that the preamble be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections? There are none; approved. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Madam Chairman, I move that the Bill entitled Building Amendment Act 2025 be reported to the House as printed.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Bill entitled Building Amendment Act 2025 be approved as written. So approved. [Timer chimes] [Motion carried: The Building Amendment Act 2025 was considered by a Committee of the whole House and passed without amendment.] House resumed at 3: 40 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, …

The Speaker The Speaker Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Building Amendment Act 2025 being reported to the House as printed? There are none; it has been. Members, that brings us to a close of the business of the day so we will have our third readings now. Junior Minister. …

The Speaker The Speaker Any objections? There are none. Continue. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING LAND VALUATION AND TAX (SPECIAL PROVISIONS AND POSTPONEMENT OF PREPARATION OF DRAFT VALUATION LIST) ACT 2025 Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I move that the Bill be now read a third time by its title only …

The Speaker The Speaker The Bill has been read a third time by its title only and is now passed. [Motion carried: The Land Valuation and Tax (Special Provisions and Postponement of Preparation of Draft Valuation List) Act 2025 was read a third time and passed.]

The Speaker The Speaker Minister for the Cabinet [Office]. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, I move that Standing Order 21 be suspended to allow me to move the Bill entitled the Parliamentary Election Amendment Act 2025 be now read a third time by its title only.

The Speaker The Speaker Any objections to that? There are none. Continue. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION AMENDMENT ACT 2025 Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: I move that the Bill be now read a third time by its title only and passed. 1256 11 July 2025 Official Hansard …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. You can do your second matter. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, I move that Standing Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move the Bill entitled Building Amendment Act 2025 be now read a third time by its title only.

The Speaker The Speaker Any objections? There are none. Continue. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING BUILDING AMENDMENT ACT 2025 Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: I move that the Bill be now read a third time by its title only and passed.

The Speaker The Speaker The Bill has been read a third time by its title only and is now passed. [Motion carried: The Building Amendment Act 2025 was read a third time and passed.]

The Speaker The Speaker Mr. Premier. ADJOURNMENT Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Honourable House do now adjourn until Friday, 18 July [2025].

The Speaker The Speaker Any objections? No objections. Anyone wish to speak to that? MP Famous. BERMUDIANS URGED TO SAVE MONEY FOR HOUSING

Mr. Christopher Famous Mr. Speaker, good afternoon. Good afternoon, colleagues and the people of Bermuda. Happy Sabbath, when the sun goes down,

Mr. Speaker. The Speaker Thank you.

Mr. Christopher Famous So, I am going to start my very brief motion to adjourn with something from the Bi-ble. Genesis 6:13 to 22. I won’t read the whole passage but, New [King] James Version: “And God said to Noah, . . . make yourself an ark of gopherwood; make rooms in the …

The Speaker The Speaker Excuse me, one second. Let me just interrupt. Senator Furbert [sic] . . .

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Fubler.

The Speaker The Speaker Fubler. I didn’t recognise you. And I see you are leaving now. I just want to recognise you in the Gallery first. Thank you. [Desk thumping] [Motion to adjourn, continuing]

The Speaker The Speaker Continue, MP. [Inaudible interjections]

Mr. Christopher Famous You must go ahead and build the ark. Mr. Speaker, we have heard in various debates in this House that we need to increase the population. And just to be clear, increased population does not mean give out status. So, we accept that we need to increase the population in …

Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo You want to increase the workforce.

Mr. Christopher Famous I did say that.

Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo You said to increase the population.

The Speaker The Speaker Speak to the Chair.

Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo You have to increase jobs first.

The Speaker The Speaker The conversation should flow this way, you know. Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Christopher Famous: Mr. Speaker —

The Speaker The Speaker Deputy. You are not in the Chair, Deputy. The conversation needs to flow this way. [Crosstalk ]

Mr. Christopher Famous Mr. Speaker, every week I am being “teachered.”

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member The expression is “taught.”

Mr. Christopher Famous Taught. That’s the word. Taught. Mr. Speaker, let me clarify.

Mr. Christopher Famous We need to increase the working population in order to have a healthy tax base and to be able to afford to pay for the growing, greying population. [Inaudible interjection]

Mr. Christopher Famous I didn’t say the word “status.” Mr. Speaker —

Mr. Christopher Famous We have heard from a Government report that crystallises what we have heard anecdotally. There are Bermudians who are leaving the Island due to the cost of living. Primarily the inability to purchase their own house. The inability, at some point, to even rent houses. We see in the newspaper …

Mr. Christopher Famous Astronomical. We have heard from some in the private sector that it is not their responsibility to build affordable hous-ing because by the time they pay this, that and the other, in order for them to make a decent profit they have to sell it for “X.” Or, they have …

Mr. Christopher Famous Right. So, what do we have to do, Mr. Speaker? Where does this leave us? If we want our people, Ber-mudians of all stripes to remain in this Island, it is going to fall on the Government’s shoulder to build affordable housing— more affordable housing. The former Minister, Colonel Burch, …

Mr. Christopher Famous Noah tried to warn the people; they did not listen. And because they did not listen, when that rain started coming, they started knocking and it was already too late. As leaders in this country, Mr. Speaker, it is all right for the Government to provide “X”, but some people …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Mm-hmm.

Mr. Christopher Famous Right? Another Hon. Member: Mm-hmm.

Mr. Christopher Famous Because the day is going to come that you may have an opportunity to buy your own house, but you do not have the downpayment. Not that you never have the money, but you spent it on trips, you spent it on Carnival , you spent it on whatever else. …

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

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Yes, Mr. Speaker. [Inaudible interjections] EDUCATIONAL TOURISM

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Mr. Speaker, I just want to give thanks first of all because today is a very important anniversary for me. A year ago today this House was sitting, and I was unable to attend because on 11 July [2024], on a Thursday, I had an operation that was sup-posed t …

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan And BIOS, 100 years ago, well, 98 years ago, in 1927, was developed as a golf resort called Shore Hill Golf Course and Hotel, when St. George’s had four . . . had three actual golf courses in St. George’s Island. If Bermuda had more golf courses 100 years ago …

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Well, I’m not going there. [Laughter]

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan But yes, I am proud to have coached him, and many others, Kenny Leseur, and the like. But I am here to say that I learned a lot from his parents because they were home schoolers. And when the time came, I said to his mother, We are not going …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Yes, yes.

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Walter King, Tokyo Mills, and I can call him Tokyo, the Honourable Member’s fa-ther there, I can call him because when he was 50, he was mentoring me and he is still here at 100 as a testament to what I say, has credence and reason. And I am here …

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan You know, when I speak about vision and the like when it comes to, in this case, tourism and development of people, I talk about . . . and people say, Well, you are sticking that chest out. . . . Well, I am in reinsurance. Well, I tell you, …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member All right! [Inaudible interjections]

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Swan. Does any other Member . . . Minister Hayward. Would you like your 20 minutes? BERMUDA STATUS AND GOVERNMENT’S CURRENT AGENDA Hon. Jason Hayward: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I just want to weigh in on a couple of topics that have been discussed in …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Mm-hmm. Hon. Jason Hayward: Do a deep dive into why males and females are paid differently. Do a deep dive as it pertains to Blacks and Whites being paid differently in the same occupational categories. We should also do a deep dive into the economic disparities. We [should] do a …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister, [it is] much appreciated. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Any other Member? None. Premier. [Inaudible interjections]

The Speaker The Speaker Oh, you are standing for me? [Laughter]

The Speaker The Speaker Oh, good. Members, we now rise and adjourn today’s session. We return next Friday, July 18. [Inaudible interjections]

The Speaker The Speaker Have yourself a good weekend and be safe. [Gavel] [At 4:1 6 pm, the House stood adjourned until 10:00 am, Friday, 18 July 2025 .]

July 11, 2025

Session Summary

Key Topics

Bills & Motions

Notable Moments

Debate Transcript