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House of Assembly Session 2020/2021 476 speeches

May 7, 2021

Official Hansard Report - House Of Assembly

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Session Summary

Simplified for You

This was a routine parliamentary session focused on government updates rather than debates. The Deputy Premier reported strong construction activity with planning applications doubling compared to 2020, suggesting economic recovery. The Finance Minister announced Bermuda maintained its A+ credit rating from Standard & Poor's and approved a $30 million loan guarantee for water and sewer infrastructure in St. George's. Ministers also provided updates on foster care services, government employee wellness programs, and infrastructure stimulus projects.

Chamber House of Assembly
Date May 7, 2021
Session 2020/2021
Transcript View PDF
Speakers 23
Speeches 476

Key Topics

Construction industry growth and planning statistics showing economic recoveryGovernment loan guarantees for infrastructure projects in St. George'sBermuda's credit rating maintained at A+ by Standard & Poor'sFoster Care Month recognition and need for more foster familiesSchool reopening plans with COVID-19 safety protocols

Bills & Motions

Private Bills Committee recommended acceptance of Walsingham Trust Amendment Act 2021 and Willowbank Foundation (Amendment) Act 2021 (subject to agreed amendments)
No other bills were read or voted on during this session

Notable Moments

Construction industry showing significant recovery with 213 planning applications in first four months of 2021 versus 103 in same period in 2020
Standard & Poor's praised Bermuda's handling of COVID-19 pandemic and confirmed stable economic outlook
Only about 70 foster families caring for children island-wide, with urgent need for more therapeutic foster parents

Debate Transcript

476 speeches from 23 speakers
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning, Members. The session is about to start . Welcome back after a break from these Chambers. Ms. Beale is going to do the prayer for us this morning. PRAYERS [Prayers read by Ms. Kara Beale, Assistant Clerk ] CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES [Minutes of 22 and 26 March 2021]
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Good morning, Members. Our session has now begun. The Minutes from March the 22nd and March the 26th have both been circulated. Are there any amendments, adjustments or corrections required? There are none. [Minutes of 22 and 26 March 2021 confirmed] MESSAGES FROM TH E GOVERNOR
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER OR MEMBER PRESIDING
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. PAPERS AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS TO THE HOUSE
The Speaker The Speaker I believe there is one this morning, in the name of the Premier. Premier, would you like to present your communication? Mr. Premier? [No audible response]
The Speaker The Speaker Does anyone else have it? Is anyone doing it on his behalf? [Pause]
The Speaker The Speaker We are going to m ove on. PETITIONS
The Speaker The Speaker There are no petitions. STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS AND JUNIOR MINISTERS
The Speaker The Speaker We have a few Statements this mor ning, roughly about eight Statements. The first this morning is in the name of the Deputy Premier. Deputy Premier, would you like to do your Statement? Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, Mr. Speaker. Good morning and good morning to everyone today.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning to you. UPDATE ON THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING STATISTICS AS AN INDICATOR OF THE STATE OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to take this opportunity to inform this Honourable House of the Department of Planni ng Statistics . The applications submitted …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Deputy Premier. Bermuda House of Assembly The next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Finance. Minister, would you like to present your Statement at this time? Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: If it pleases you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead, Minister. ISSUANCE OF NEW GOVERNMENT GUARANTEES Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in accordance with section 2AA(3) of the Government Loans Ac t of 1978, I rise to inform this Honourable House of the issuance of three [sic] new Government guarantees . Mr. …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Thank you, Minister. Thank you for that Statement. I understand the next Stat ement is yours as well. Would you like to present that at this time? Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. STANDARD & POOR’S RATINGS REVIEW Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to inform this Honourable House on the pos itive results of the recent sovereign ratings review by Standard & Poor’s (otherwise known as S&P). Mr. Speaker, on Monday, March 29, 2021, S&P …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. The next Statement on the Order Paper this morning is in the name of the Attorney General. Honourable Member, would you like to pr esent your Statement at this time? Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. GOVERNMENT REFORM UPDATE MEETING THE WEL LNESS OBJECTIVE Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Good morning again. I am pleased this morning to provide this Honourable House with an update on efforts to meet the Government Reform Initiative, Wellness Objective . Mr. Speaker, as a reminder, in November of last …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister, Attorney General. The next Statement on the Order Paper this morning is f rom the Minister of Social Development and Seniors. Minister, would you like to present your Statement at this time? Hon. Tinee Furbert: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead, Minister. 1358 7 May 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly FOSTER CARE MONTH Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Speaker, this morning I would like to inform this Honourable House that the month of May is celebrated as Foster Care Month . Under normal circumstances, the Department …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. The next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Works. Minister.
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. STIMULUS PROGRA MME THIRD UPDATE
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to provide a further update on the Short Term Stimulus Programme that was launch ed on December the 17th, 2020, to a maximum value of BD$13,385,000 where small to medium -sized contractors were invited to participate. Mr. Speaker, the programme was launched as there is …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. The next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Education. Minister, would you like to present your Statement at this time? Minister? Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Yes. I was just waiting for my video to come up. I am in your hands, …
The Speaker The Speaker We can hear you and see you. Go right ahead. 1360 7 May 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly SAFE RETURN TO IN- PERSON LEARNING Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: All right. All right. Mr. Speaker, this morning I rise before you and my honourable colleagues to share …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. The next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Transport. Minister, would you like to present your Statement? Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. SKYPORT MINIMUM REVENUE GUARANTEE Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Mr. Speaker, much has been said in the media recently about the payments being made to Skyport under the minimum revenue guarantee obligations as set out in the project agreement. Mr. Speaker, this Government takes all of its contractual …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. And that brings us to the close of the Minist erial Statements this morning. Ministers, there are some questions when we get to that point in the Order Paper. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
The Speaker The Speaker We have a report coming from the Deputy Speaker in regard to the Private B ills Committee. Deputy Speaker. PRIVATE BILLS COMMITTEE REPORT ON: WALSINGHAM TRUST AMENDMENT ACT 2021 AND WILLOWBANK FOUNDATION (AMENDMENT) ACT 2021 Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To His Honour, the Speaker, and …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Deputy Speaker. PAPERS AND OTHER COMM UNICATIONS TO THE HOUSE [Recommitted]
The Speaker The Speaker Members, I am going to seek your i ndulgence at this moment to allow us to return to an item that was on the Order Paper earlier which was not done at the time. We will return to the Papers and Other Comm unications to the House. Mr. Premier, are …
The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE OFFICE OF THE INFORMATION COMMISSIONER FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2020 Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for t he information of …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Premier. QUESTION PERIOD
The Speaker The Speaker Members, that now brings us to Question Period. As you know, there are 60 minutes allotted for this. There are no written questions this mor ning, so the only questions today are in reference to the Statements that were given by Ministers this morning. At this stage, we have four …
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes. Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. QUESTION 1: UPDATE ON THE DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING STATISTICS AS AN INDICATOR OF THE STATE OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY
Ms. Susan E. Jackson And good morning, Deputy Premier. My question concerns the fact that . . . I would like to know what, given the fact that we have such a high volume of applications this year . . . I am just c urious what consideration has been given for those who …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Member. Bermuda House of Assembly Minister, would you like to respond? Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you for that question. The new system, Energov, which I referenced in my Sta tement, provides any member of the public the opportunity to see any submissions …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: I am sorry. Just as in the same way as they would have traditionally been able to visit the department and to view a file.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary?
Ms. Susan E. Jackson No supplementary. Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker New question? No? Okay. Thank you, MP. The next Statement this morning that has questions is that for the Minister of Finance. Minister of Finance, you have a question this morning in reference to your Statement regarding the government guarantees. And that question is from the Opposition Leader. Honourable Member, …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Member. Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, yes, I can provide the names of all of the agencies or quangos that have a guarantee outstanding at this point in time. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Can he name them?
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, the Bermuda Housing Corporation, the West End Development Corporation, Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, Bermuda Hospitals Board, Morgan’s Point, Bermuda Tourism Authority, Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission, Hotel Bermuda Holdings Ltd. and the Bermuda Land Development Corporation. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: What about Bermudiana …
The Speaker The Speaker Is this a supplementary? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Supplementary, yes .
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Bermudiana Beach Club? Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, I answered the question that the Member put to me. If I did not mention a name, then it means the guarantee has not yet been executed. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Okay. Fine.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Any further questions? Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order if I may, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Point of order? POINT OF ORDER Hon. E. David Burt: Yes, Mr. Speaker. Just a [general] point of order that questions for publicly available information I think are not sup-posed to be allowed. And just for the information of the Honourable Member, the Opposition Leader, the answer the Minister of …
The Speaker The Speaker Is this a supplementary or a new question? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: A new question.
The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead. 1364 7 May 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly QUESTION 2: ISSUANCE OF NEW GOVERNMENT GUARANTEES Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: With the new guarantee that he has brought here today, can the Minister of Finance provide the total value of the entire guarantee portfolio?
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, that number I can provide, but I need to provide some context. And so, the number, the aggregation of all of the guarantees that I have listed for the names of the entities that I have just mentioned is $612.1 milli on. Hon. …
The Speaker The Speaker A supplementary? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Supplemental.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: If we have assumed the risk for Morgan’s Point, why is the $165 million of guara ntees still outstanding? Or is this . . . you have not brought it to a conclusion, as yet?
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickin son: Mr. Speaker, I believe in prior Statements in this House I made colleagues aware that the Government took the step of purchasing the bonds that were subject to guarantee in order to ensure that it had as many rights available to it as possible …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary or a new question? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No, that is it. He answered my question.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker The next Statement this morning that has questions is to the Attorney General in reference to her Statement regarding t he update on government reform. And it is from MP Pearman. MP, would you like to put your question at this point? QUESTION 1: GOVERNMENT REFORM UPDATE — MEETING THE …
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I thank the Honourable and Learned Attorney General for her Statement to the House this morning on the Wellness Objective. Honourable Attorney General, at page 6 of your Statement you referenced the World Health O rganization and the estimate of [the number globally of] people …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Member.
Madam Attorney General. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Member. Mr. Speaker, you will be aware and Members will be aware that there are initiatives within the Mini stry of Health, also within the Ministry of Social Development which attend to this particular subject matter. And I would certainly be happy to …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. MP.
Mr. Scott Pearman Supplementary?
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary, yes. SUPPLEMENTARY
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you for the answer, Honourable Attorney General. Do you happen to know whether or not there has been an uptake or an increase in use of these resources over the past period of the pandemic?
The Speaker The Speaker Attorney General? Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Yes. I certainly do not have the figures on that. But I do recall a statement that I made some time ago at the beginning of the pandemic where over . . . there was an uptake on r eporting …
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Attorney General. Thank you, Mr. S peaker. No further questions.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. And the last Statement that has questions this morning is the Statement by the Minister of Education. Minister, you have questions from MP Jac kson. MP, would you like to put your question at this point? QUESTION 1: SAFE RETURN TO IN- PERSON LEARNING
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, Minister of Education. On page 2 you had mentioned how critically important it is for staff and students to adhere to all safety and any safety protocols. I am just curious what consideration is being given to ensure that teachers are vaccinated.
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for that question. As has been articulated in many forms and by the Government, vaccinations are not anything that anyone . . . it is a pe rsonal choice. It is recommended that they get vaccinated. We encourage …
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary or a further question? SUPPLEMENTARY
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Supplementary. Is any consideration being given to mandate vaccines for teachers and staff within the public ed ucation system? [Inaudible interjection] Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Again, I repeat. It is not the remit of the Government to force people to get vac-cinations. They have been given ample opportunity. They …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Any further supplementary?
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Second question.
The Speaker The Speaker Second question. Go right ahead. QUESTION 2: SAFE RETURN TO IN- PERSON LEARNING
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Has the Ministry of Education come up then with a contingency or a business cont inuity plan in case an unvaccinated teacher creates an outbreak within the schools?
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you for that que stion. Whether they are vaccinated or not, a positive COVID -19 case will be handled with the appropriate guidelines that have been in place since we reopened schools in September.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary?
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Minister, Mr. Speaker, I have no further questions. Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Members. Members, that brings us to the close of Question Period this morning.
Mr. Jarion Richardson Mr. Speaker, I did have questions (MP Richardson) for Minister Burch. I’ m thinking that the chat [message] did not work.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Let me browse back up to check. Actually, it is showing up now. It was not showing earlier.
Mr. Jarion Richardson My apologies, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker It is showing. Minister Burch. Is he still in? He may have . . . are you still there?
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch I am here, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay, good. 1366 7 May 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Minister, there is a question for you from the Opposition Whip. Opposition Whip. QUESTION 1: STIMULUS PROGRAMME THIRD UPDATE
Mr. Jarion Richardson Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Would the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House whether . . . in his Statement he said that a register of approved contractors and awarded contracts will be maintained. Will that regi ster be made public?
The Speaker The Speaker Did you hear the answer? SUPPLEMENTARY
Mr. Jarion Richardson Supplementary. Why would the register not be made public, given that other government contracts are published in the official Gazette ?
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch The contracts that are awarded will be published as I listed this morning. And we will continue to do so as they are awarded.
Mr. Jarion Richardson Thank you. Mr. Speaker, new question?
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. QUESTION 2: STIMULUS PROGRAMME THIRD UPDATE
Mr. Jarion Richardson Would the Honourable Mini ster inform the Honourable House that . . . in his Statement this morning, in the first paragraph he r eferred to the Short Term Stimulus Programme that would have a maximum value of $13.3 million. Would he inform us how much of that fund has …
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch I do not have that i nformation at hand. But I can easily get it. The S peaker: Thank you, Minister. SUPPLEMENTARY
Mr. Jarion Richardson Supplemental. Would the Minister commit to providing that information in the next update?
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch I will commit to provi ding it by email to the House probably this afternoon, but certainly by Monday.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Have you got that, MP?
Mr. Jarion Richardson Yes, Mr. Speaker. So I suppose my question would be to you. Would I then email the Clerk to get that information circulated?
The Speaker The Speaker No. We can put it up on the Shar ePoint.
Mr. Jarion Richardson Okay. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker It will be on SharePoint. Okay?
Mr. Jarion Richardson And last question, a new question, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Your third question. Go right ahead. QUESTI ON 3: STIMULUS PROGRAMME THIRD UPDATE
Mr. Jarion Richardson Third question. Would the Honourable Minister inform the House when the next update on the Short Term Sti mulus Programme will be made?
The Speaker The Speaker Minister.
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Certainly before the House rises. I do not think we will have much mov ement in the next two weeks. But as soon as there is something significant to report, I shall do so.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary?
Mr. Jarion Richardson No. No supplementaries from me, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Honourable Minister.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Members, that closes out Question Period for us. And we will now move on. CONGRATULATORY AND/OR OBITUARY SPEECHES
The Speaker The Speaker Would any Member like to make a contribution at this time? [Pause]
The Speaker The Speaker No Members? Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Deputy Speaker, I hear you. You have your three minutes. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes, Mr. Speaker. I would like for the House to send condolences to the following families: Mr. Samuel Matthew, Ms. Dorothy Stephenson, Mr. Clint Simpson and Ms. Millicent Ti mothy, all who resided in Hamilton …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Deputy. Would any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker MP Foggo, you have your three minutes. [No audible response]
The Speaker The Speaker MP, we see you but we do not hear you. We have lost your audio. MP? MP? MP Foggo.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Now we hear you.
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Can you hear me?
The Speaker The Speaker We can hear you now.
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Yes. Sorry, Mr. Speaker. Sorry. I would like condolences to be sent out to the family of Mr. Walter Seymour. He was a centenarian. I think he made it to the age of 102. He would have celebrated his 103 rd birthday this year if he were still with us. …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister, Honourable Member. Would any other Member like to make a contribution at this time? Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Deputy, we hear you. We don’t see you—yes, there we go. Deputy Premier, you have your three minutes. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would definitely like to be associated with the comments of the Honourable Member for constitue ncy 3, Lovitta Foggo, on the passing of …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Deputy. I will just assist you and include his sons in that, his sons Daniel and Richard, as well. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for assisting me. Thank you very much. The Speake r: Richard was my classmate. Thank you, Deputy. 1368 7 May …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Go right ahead. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Speaker, as we are all aware, we have recently lost too many lives in Bermuda recently. I am sure Parliament would like condo-lences sent out to all of the families who have lost loved ones since the last Parliament. Mr. Speaker, …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Member, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this tim e?
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. Members Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker I hear three voices. One sounded f emale. I am going to put the female ahead of you ge ntlemen; how is that? Is that all right?
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member That is good, sir.
The Speaker The Speaker Attorney General. Hon. K athy Lynn Simmons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to add my remarks to those of MP Foggo with regard to Carol -Ann. Carol - Ann’s full name is Carol -Ann Lavette Bailey Vernon. She is known to me and all of our …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Attorney General. Would any other Member — Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker. The S peaker: Opposition Leader, you have your three minutes. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to send condolences to the family of Vivian Griffiths. Ms. …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Opposition Leader. Minister of Education, would you like to make your contribution now? Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: I would like to have condolences sent to the f amily of the late Vincent Bruce Swan, a constituent of mine who died earlier this week. I did speak and reach out to his son to offer my condolences. And I know …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: And I would also like to send congratulations to all of the teams that competed in the KPMG Investment Challenge, and special congratulations to Chatmore International School, which competed for the first time this year and ended up finishing second. Congratulations to the team …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution?
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Mr. Speaker! Mr. Speaker!
Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -Wade Mr. Speaker, MP Simmons -Wade.
The Speaker The Speaker MP Simmons -Wade, you have your three minutes.
Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -Wade Thank you. I would like to associate myself with the pas sing of the late Rev. Malcolm Eve. I worked very clos ely with him until [ INAUDIBLE ] seniors’ home. I am also with the late Eugene, the young Eugene Thomas, whom I met about 10 years ago. And …
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. Members Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. MP Simmons. You have your three minutes, sir.
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, sir. I just rise today on a sad note to commem orate and acknowledge the passing of Mr. Vincent Butterfield, a resident of constituency 33 and a staunch supporter of the party of which I am proud to be a member. I would like to …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member.
Mr. Michael A. Weeks Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker It sounds like MP Weeks?
Mr. Michael A. Weeks Yes, sir. Good morning.
The Speaker The Speaker MP Weeks, you have your three minutes.
Mr. Michael A. Weeks Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to start off my r emarks by asking to be associated with the remarks for Mr. Walter Seymour. I too have known Mr. Seymour and his family most of my life. I was actually in prep school with his son, Andre. …
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Associ ate myself, Mr. Speaker. 1370 7 May 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Yes.
Mr. Michael A. Weeks Mr. Speaker, I would also like to send congratulations to another one of my constit uents, actually, Ms. Dakia O’Brien and her daughter, Rhielle, I think Rhielle Ming, who is only about six or seven. But Ms. O’Brien, Mr. Speaker, has actually made lemonade out of this pandemic to start …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Minister Ming, I see your face there popping up in between everyone. Are you trying to get my attention? Hon. Renee Ming: I am, Mr. Speaker. How are you?
The Speaker The Speaker Minister Ming, you have your three minutes. Hon. Renee Ming: Surely. Mr. Speaker, first of all I would like to extend condolences to the families of Mr. Mark Robinson, and also to the family of Andre Durham, aka “Turtle.” I know both of these f amilies, and I am sending …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. MP Swan.
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. All right. Go right ahead, sir.
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to be associated with the condolences that the Honourable Attorne y General extended to [the friends and family of] Ernest Cann, whom I got to see quite a bit of in recent years through his being a taxi ambassador. But anyone …
The Speaker The Speaker Hold on, hold on. Minister of Education, you need to turn your microphone off. [Crosstalk]
The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead, go ahead, MP Swan.
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Yes. And I will associate the Minister for Education with this because I know he is his family member. But Clarence “Tootsie” Bean and Mrs. Bean both passed away very recently, Mr. Speaker. And I know it i s a tremendous blow for their family, particularly their son, Sheldon, and …
The Speaker The Speaker Mr. Swan, I am going to ask you to associate the whole House with the passing of the Beans, Mr. and Mrs. Bean.
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Yes, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. I associate the entire House with the passing of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence “Tootsie” Bean.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, sir. Would any other Member like to make a contribution at this time? MP Campbell. [Crosstalk]
Mr. Vance Campbell Yes, Mr. S peaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, you have your three minutes, MP Campbell.
Mr. Vance Campbell I would like to associate myself with the condolences sent out to the families of Mr. Andre Durham and Mr. Vincent Butterfield. Mr. Durham’s son is a member of my fam ily—well, he is a member of my family and his son is a member of the Bermuda House of …
Mr. Speaker. Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Associate me, Honour able Member, please.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Honourable Member Swan would like to be associated with those remarks. Thank you. Thank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes, Mr. Speaker. I would like to say a few words.
The Speaker The Speaker It sounds like MP Jackson. MP.
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes. I would just like to associate myself with the [condolences on the] passing of Vivian Griffiths, the mother of Antoinette Cannonier and mother -in-law of MP Cannonier. And I would send out my heartfelt condolences at this time. I would also like to send condolences …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Jackson. [Inaudible interjections]
The Speaker The Speaker Honourable Members are being asked to be associated with that. So we will associate the other Members in the House. MP Dunkley, I believe you would like to make a contribution. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning to you and good morning to colleagues. …
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member I would like to be associated with that, please. Another Hon. Member: I would like to be associated as well with that, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker I am going to ask that the Honourable Member associate the whole House. Because I know all of the Somerset MPs would like to be associated as well. 1372 7 May 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Speaker. And, Mr. Speaker, in …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Minister Furbert, are you— Hon. Tinee Furbert: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Minister Furbert, you have your three minutes. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also would like to be associated with the comments already made in regard to Ms. Carol -Ann Bailey [Vernon], who worked for the Happy Valley Child Care Centre. She will be sorely missed through the …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Any other Member? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. E. Da vid Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Premier, you have your three minutes. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, before I begin my remarks, I would certainly like to be associated with the cond olences which have been already offered to the family of the great Rev. Malcolm Eve, certainly, and also to …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I would like to send congratulations. I would like to be associated with the congratulations that were s ent to Mr. Anthony Levon Swan, a young man whom I got to know over the times. And it is a wonderful story of …
The Speaker The Speaker You could associate me with that, Premier. She was a classmate of mine, as well. She was a classmate of mine. Hon. E. David Burt: No problem. No problem, Mr. Speaker. I am happy to associate you.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Hon. E. David Burt: And I am certain that there are other Members and Ministers whom she would have served. And I am happy to have them associated with those remarks —I am sure the former Premier and former Minister of National Security, as well.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Thank you, Premier. No other Members? No other Members? Well, before we move on I would just like to be associated and make a couple of remarks, myself. Firstly, I would like to be associated with the remarks that were expressed to the Bascome family on the passing …
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 GOVE RNMENT BILLS
The Speaker The Speaker We have four Bills to be introduced this morning, Government Bills, the first in the name of the Minister of Finance. 1374 7 May 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly FIRST READING PUBLIC SERVICE SUPERANNUATION TEMPORARY AMENDMENT ACT 2021 CONTRIBUTORY PENSIONS TE MPORARY AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. Curtis …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. You did them both at the same time. Good. The next is from the Attorney General. Minister. FIRST READING LIQUOR LICENCE (FEE REDUCTIO N) TEMPORARY AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that Standing Order 23 be suspended so that …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. And the next Bill would be in the name of the Minister of National Security. FIRST READING FIRE SAFETY AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. Renee Ming: Good morning, Mr. Speaker . I am introducing the following Bill for its first reading so that it may be placed on the …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. There are no other Bills. NOTICE OF MOTIONS
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. ORDERS OF THE DAY
The Speaker The Speaker The first Order on the Order Paper this morning is the second reading of the Gaming (Transfer of Functions) Act 2021 in the name of the Premier.
Mr. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt premier Thank you, Mr. Sp eaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill entitled the Gaming (Transfer of Functions) Act 2021 be now read for the second time.
The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? No objections. Continue, Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. (One second, Mr. Speaker.) [Pause] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Just for your information, we will break at 12:30 as usual for lunch. Hon. E. David Burt: I sincerely hope so, Mr. Speaker. [Laughter] BILL SECOND READI NG GAMING (TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS) ACT 2021 Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, every innovation requires a framework within which to operate and …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Mr. Premier. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Mr. Opposition Leader, you have the floor. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you. First, I would like to start by stating that we support this legislation. We think it is the right thing to do in regard to shifting the responsibi lity of the industry to the Commission . …
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Speaker, MP Pearman.
The Speaker The Speaker MP Pearman, yes. You have the floor.
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Premier, for presenting the Bill. And I note the comments of the Opposition Leader, that the O pposition is in support of the Bill. I just have but one question, and that relates to the issue of problem gaming. The Bill identifies …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution at this time? There are none.
Mr. Premier. Mr. Jarion Richardson premier Mr. Speaker, I do have some questions. MP Richardson.
The Speaker The Speaker MP Richardson, yes. Put your question.
Mr. Jarion Richardson Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have questions as it relates to our international standing for casinos, for the Premier. Mr. Speaker, we were assessed for compliance with i nternational money -laundering norms. And we were very successful in that assessment, and we did quite well in Bermuda. Also, we …
Mr. Speaker. The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution? No other Member? Mr. Premier. Mr. Premier? Hon. E. David Burt: Sorry, Mr. Speaker. I thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the questions of which will be answered. I will try to go in the first order. …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Mr . Premier. Deputy Speaker. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you, Honour able Speaker. House in Committee at 12:1 4 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL GAMING (TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS) ACT 2021
The Chairman Chairman Honourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] for further consider ation of the Bill entitled Gaming (Transfer of Functions) Act 2021 . Premier Burt, you have the floor. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, you will note that there are …
The Chairman Chairman Continue. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, clause 1 is self -explanatory. Clause 2 provides for the regulation of all forms of gaming to be transferred to the Bermuda Ca-sino Gaming Commission and for the functions of the Problem Gaming Council in relation to …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Mr. Premier. Are there any further speakers? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, Mr. Chair man.
The Chairman Chairman The Chair recognises the Opposition Leader, the Honourable Cole Hedley Simons. Mr. Simons, you have the floor. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to direct the Premier to page 4. And if he can pr ovide, just a clear definition under clause …
The Chairman Chairman Yes. POINT OF INFORMATION Hon. E. David Burt: Can I possibly ask the Honour able Member to refer to the actual clause he i s referring to?
The Chairman Chairman Yes, he is getting there. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I am getting there now. Hon. E. David Burt: Okay. Sorry. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: So it is clause 5(2) under “‘gaming service,’” and item (e), “conducting a game, where—(i) the game is played for money or money’s worth …
The Chairman Chairman Clause 25. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Clause 25, [proposed new section] 167A. Hon. E. David Burt: Section 167A, which number? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Section 167A(1), (2) and (3). Hon. E. David Burt: One, two and three. Okay. Thank you. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: In the same …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Honourable Opposition Leader. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Chairman, could I just ask the Honourable Member to repeat the last one again? Because he said “clause 27.” Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Of course. Clause 27, and then it goes, [proposed] “Part 12A Exempt Conduct.” And you have …
The Chairman Chairman Mr. Premier, it is 12:29. Do you want to adjourn us for lunch, and we will return at two o’clock? Hon. E. David Burt: Sure, Mr. Chairman. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Actually, may I make a comment before we do that? We may be able to wrap this right …
The Chairman Chairman The Committee stands adjourned until two o’clock. And we will see you then. Thank you, Members. Proceedings in Committee suspended at 12:30 pm Proceedings in Committee resumed at 2:00 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL GAMING (TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS) ACT 2021 [Continuation thereof]
The Chairman Chairman Good afternoon, Members. Good afternoon, listening audience. We are resuming (after lunch) the debate on the Gaming (Transfer of Functions) Act 2021 . Premier, Minister Burt, you have the floor. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and good afternoon to you. I sincerely Bermuda House of …
The Chairman Chairman Hamilton Parish is God’s country. [Laughter] Hon. E. David Burt: I will save the banter until June, that is my new thing, Mr. Chairman. I am not going to have any banter until June around our holiday. But I will say, Mr. Chairman, there were a number of questions — …
The Chairman Chairman Mr. Simons, you know, you have been in this legislature long enough to know that the seniors — Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: He has not moved it —
The Chairman Chairman Yes, but you are still going to have to come through th e Chair. You know that. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Oh, absolutely. My humblest apology.
The Chairman Chairman Accepted. Continue, Mr. Opposition Leader. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Scott.
Mr. Scott Pearman Yes, Mr. Chairman. We have further questions on this section, with your leave.
The Chairman Chairman Yes, continue.
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Two questions arising from the clauses 3 through 30. The first question arises in respect of clause 9. Clause 9 can be found at page 7 of the Bill.
Mr. Scott Pearman This is an amending Act and the Act that it amends is the Casino Gaming Act 2014, the primary Act. And this is amending section 9 of the primary Act. Section 9 of the primary Act is important because it relates to the functions and duties of the C asino …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Any further speakers? Mr. Premier, you can continue. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, let me try to answer the questions which have been asked. The first one is in clause 5(2)(e), the question that was asked by the Honourable Leader of the Opposition, …
The Chairman Chairman any further questions? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: None from our side, thank you.
The Chairman Chairman Okay. Mr. Premier, if you want to move clauses 1 through 30. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I move that clauses 1 through 30 be approved.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 1 through 30 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved, clauses 1 through 30. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 30 passed.] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I will now move clauses 31 …
The Chairman Chairman Continue. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, clause . . .
The Chairman Chairman Thirty -one? Hon. E. David Burt: Clause 31 amends the Companies Act. Mr. Chairman, forgive me, I am just getting used to these new glasses. I am beginning to age so, you know, I just have to adjust to make sure that I am okay. I am catching you up, …
The Chairman Chairman You are going past me. You are going past me. [Laughter] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, clause 31 amends the Companies Act 1981 in the Tenth Schedule to make provi ding a gaming service, except as authorised by law, a prohibited business activity under that …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Premier. Any further speakers? Honourable Opposition Leader Simons. 1384 7 May 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I just h ave one comment, Mr. Chairman. And I would like to refer the Premier and yourself to [clause] 54, the last paragraph …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Opposition Leader. Mr. Premier? Hon. E. David Burt: Can the Opposition Leader confirm the clause to which he is referring?
The Chairman Chairman Fifty-four. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: [Clause] 54(6), just before the Com mencement, page 21. It talks about the negative resolution. Hon. E. David Burt: Oh, absolutely. Just so we are aware, this is only for consequential amendments to any of these Acts based upon the intent of this. So, …
The Chairman Chairman Any further questions? There appear to be none. Hon. E. David Burt: And the only thing else I would say is that as industry moves quickly it is very i mportant that there are any . . . that we are able to be flexible. So, we do not want …
The Chairman Chairman Any further questions? There appear to be none. Premier, Minister, do you want to move cl auses 31 through 55? Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I ask that we move clauses 31 through . . . sorry. I move that clauses 31 through 55 be …
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 31 through 55 be ap proved as printed. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Clauses 31 through 55, as printed, have been approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 31 through 55 passed.] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you. Sorry, Mr. Chairman, …
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Schedules 1 and 2 be approved. Are there any objections to that?
Mr. Scott Pearman Mr. Chairman, MP Pearman, I had a question on Schedule 2, please.
The Chairman Chairman Yes, Mr. Pearman.
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Honourable Premier, Schedule 2 to the Bill appears at page 24. [Paragraph] 1 of Schedule 2 pr oposes to remove the Casino Gaming (Regulations) 2018 from the Second Schedule of the Statutor y Instruments Act 1977 . I am just curious why it is being removed …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Premier? Hon. E. David Burt: Stand by. I will happily get an answer for the Honourable Member. [Pause]
The Chairman Chairman Listening audience, we are just wai ting on a reply. We should be . . . stay tuned with us. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Chairman, stand by one second. I am actually pulling up the Statutory Instruments Act as I speak. The Cha irman: Mm-hmm. Hon. E. David Burt: …
The Chairman Chairman Mr. Pearman, are you —
Mr. Scott Pearman I am grateful, Mr. Chairman, for the Premier’s answer. Thank you.
The Chairman Chairman Okay. Continue, Mr. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much. With that I move that Schedules 1 and 2 be approved.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Schedules 1 and 2 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Schedules 1 and 2 are approved. [Motion carried: Schedules 1 and 2 passed.] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the pream ble be …
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. The preamble has been approved. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Bill be reported to the House as printed.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. The Bill will be reported to the House as printed. [Motion carried: The Gaming (Transfer of Functions) Act 2021 was considered by a Committee of …
The Chairman Chairman I call on the Speak er. House resumed at 2:26 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF COMMITTEE GAMING (T RANSFER OF FUNCTIONS) ACT 2021
The Speaker The Speaker Good afternoon. Thank you, Deputy Speaker. Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Gaming (Transfer of Functions) Act 2021 being reported to the House as printed? There are none. It has bee n reported as printed. That closes that item. We will now move on to the …
The Speaker The Speaker Good afternoon. Hon. E. David Burt: I sincerely hope that you enjoyed your lunch.
The Speaker The Speaker I am still here. [Laughter] Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I mov e that the Bill entitled the Betting Act 2021 be now read for the second time.
The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections to the Bill being read a second time? 1386 7 May 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly There are none. Continue, Premier. BILL SECOND READING BETTING ACT 2021 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it often seems that …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Mr. Premier. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Mr. Opposition Leader, you have the floor. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I will be very, very brief. First of all, I would like to start by stating that I found the legislation very, very palatable and very easy to read. So, I would like to commend the legisl ative …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Opposition Leader. Bermuda House of Assembly Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? There are none. Premier. Mr. Premier, we can see you but we cannot hear you. Hon. E. David Burt: You know, this is 2021, you would ha ve figured we …
The Speaker The Speaker Well— [Laughter] Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker —
The Speaker The Speaker —I thought you had an IT background. Was that correct? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, IT background does not work when you have a lack of sleep, I promise you.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay, go ahead. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I thank the Ho nourable Opposition Leader for his comments, and I am certain that the legislative drafters who are listening do and w ill appreciate the comments which he has made. It is really . . . it is really …
The Speaker The Speaker Members, I call on the Deputy Speaker to take us into Committee. Deputy Speaker? Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. House in Committee at 2:3 3 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL BETTING ACT 2021
The Chairman Chairman Honourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] for further consider ation of the Bill entitled the Betting Act 2021 . Premier, Minister Burt, you have the floor. Hon. E. David Bur t: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, there are a number of clauses …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Mr. Premier . Any further speakers? [No audible response]
The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers? There appear to be none. No further speakers. Mr. Premier, would you like to move clauses 1 through 8? Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you. I would move that clauses 1 through 8 be approved.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 1 through 8 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Clauses 1 through 8 are approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 8 passed.] 1388 7 May 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. E. David Burt: …
The Chairman Chairman Continue. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you. Clause 9 empowers the Commission to grant an applicant a “bookmaker’s licence” for a single spec ified premis es. This allows the holder of the l icence, in accordance with the Bill and with the terms and conditions of the licence, to provide …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, P remier. Are there any further speakers on clauses 9 through 20? There appear to be none. Mr. Premier, do you want to move clauses 9 through 20? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Chairman, I move that clauses 9 through 20 be approved.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 9 through 20 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Clauses 9 through 20 are approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 9 through 20 passed.] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will move the next part, which …
The Chairman Chairman Continue. Hon. E. David Burt: I am sorry, 21 through 27. Clause 21 is a regulation -making power to prescribe the circumstances in which the Commission Bermuda House of Assembly may, on application by the holder of a bookmaker’s licence grant an “event permit” relating to specified event premises (including …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Mr. Premier. Are there any speakers to clauses 21 through 27? There appear to be none. Mr. Premier, do you want to move clauses 21 through 27? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Chairman, yes.
The Chairman Chairman I am sorry, Opposition Leader S imons. Continue. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I would like to direct the Premier to clause 24 “Encumbrance or transfer of a betting licence.” So, just for the public’s clarity, are we saying that the licence cannot be used— Hon. E. David Burt: Sorry, …
The Chairman Chairman Twenty -four. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Clause 24. Hon. E. David Burt: Got it. Apologies. I went to page 24 so I was a little bit lost. Clause 24, go ahead. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, “Encumbrance.” So, are we saying that the holder of a betting licence …
The Chairman Chairman Clause 25(7)? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Clause 25(7). Yes, that is correct.
The Chairman Chairman Yes, right. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Does the commissioner require collateral to be held for the guarantee? And if collateral is required for the guarantee, does the commissioner hold that collateral? And those are my two questions, thank you. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Chairman, can I reply?
The Chairman Chairman Yes, please. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, [clause] 25 in regard to the guarantees, I think that it sets out clearly all the var ious things which are acceptable for a guarantee. And so, the guarantee has to be iss ued by an institution, equal …
The Chairman Chairman Any further questions? 1390 7 May 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly No further questions? Premier, do you want to move— Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that clauses 21 through 27 be approved.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 21 through 27 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Clauses 21 through 27 are approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 21 through 27 passed.]
The Chairman Chairman Continue. Hon. E. David Burt: I will say before I move on to the next clauses, for the edification of the Honourable Opposition Leader, there is no change in policy from the back Act in 1975 in regard to the guarantee prov isions. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you. …
The Chairman Chairman Continue. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Clause 28 requires a betting operator to establish, document and implement a system of internal controls designed to ensure that the betting operator complies with the requirements of the Bill, and any applicable regulations and directions. Clause 29 requires …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Mr. Premier. Are there any further speakers? Questions? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: None from this side.
The Chairman Chairman Okay. Thank you. Mr. Premier, do you want to move clauses 48 to—28 through 47? Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that clauses 28 through 47 be approved.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 28 through 47 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Clauses 28 through 47 are approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 28 through 47 passed.] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to now move the …
The Chairman Chairman Continue. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Clause 48 defines “acceptable proof of age” for purposes of Chapter 4 (clauses 48 through 55). “Minor” is defined in clause 2 to mean a person who is under 18 years of age. Clause 49 makes it an offence for a …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Premier. (I am just trying to get back on, I do not know what is happening here. Oh boy, how does this thing go? Ah!) Any further speakers to clauses 48 through 70? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Not on this side, sir. The Chairman: Nothing? Okay. Premier, …
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 48 through 70 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Clauses 48 through 70 are approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 48 through 70 passed.]
The Chairman Chairman Continue, Mr. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I move that clauses 71 through 80 in Part 5 . . . I would like to move clauses 71 through 80.
The Chairman Chairman Continue. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you. Clause 71 empowers the Commission to give a betting operator a written direction that relates to the conduct, supervision or control of betting operations, and requires the betting operator to comply with the direction. Clause 72 requires a betting operator or associate to …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Mr. Premier. Are there any speakers to clauses 71 through 80? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: [Clause] 78, “Inspector may require information on oath.” Can the Premier give us an example when an inspector will be required to administe r an oath?
The Chairman Chairman Mr. Premier? Hon. E. David Burt: One second, Mr. Chairman, let me try and get to that. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: That is page 39, clause 78, at the top. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Chairman, I think it is in subsection (2) of that, i t says, “An …
The Chairman Chairman Anything further, Opposition Leader Simons? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: You can proceed. I am not 100 per cent clear, but I will talk to my legal beavers.
The Chairman Chairman Okay. [Laughter] Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: You may proceed.
The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers? Mr. Premier, do you want to move clauses 71 through 80? Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that clauses 71 through 80 be approved.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 71 through 80 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Clauses 71 through 80 are approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 71 through 80 passed.] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I will move for Parts 6 and …
The Chairman Chairman Continue. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Clause 81 sets out the procedure for the Commission to take appropriate disciplinary action as specified against a betting operator. Disciplinary action includes a letter of censure, variation of licence conditions, a financial penalty, and suspension or revocation of …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Mr. Premier. Are there any speakers to clauses 81 through 95? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: You may proceed.
The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Mr. Premier, do you want to move clauses 81 through 95? Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that clauses 81 through 95 be approved.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that c lauses 81 through 95 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Clauses 81 through 95 are approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 81 through 95 passed.] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to move clauses …
The Chairman Chairman Continue. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much. Clause 96 is a general regulation- making power. It provides for regulations and orders made under the Bill by the Minister to be made subject to the negative resolution pr ocedure, expect for regul ations prescribing fees which are to be …
The Chairman Chairman Are there any speakers to clauses 96 through 101? Opposition Leader, none? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: You may proceed.
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Honourable Opp osition Leader Simons. Mr. Premier, do you want to move clauses 96 through 101? Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that clauses 96 through 101 be approved.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 96 through 101 be approved. Are t here any objections to that? There appear to be none. Clauses 96 through 101 are approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 96 through 101 passed. ]
The Chairman Chairman Continue, Mr. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, there is a minor Schedule, which just contains some consequential amendments. I move that the Schedule be approved.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Schedule be approved. Are there any objections to that? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: None at all, thank you. The Ch airman: There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Schedule passed.] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I move …
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any obj ections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Chairman, I move that the Bill be reported to the House as printed.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. The Bill will be r eported to the House as printed. [Motion carried: The Betting Act 2021 was considered by a Committee of the whole …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Mr. Premier. Thank you, Opposition Leader Cole Simons. Mr. Speaker. House resumed at 3:10 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF COMMITTEE BETTING ACT 2021
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Deputy Speaker. Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Betting Act 2021 being reported to the House as printed? There are none. It has been reported and r eceived. That now brings that matter to a close and we move on to our next item. …
The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? There are none. Continue. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, section 96 of the Betting Act 2021 now being approved in this Honourable House confers the power to make regulations on the Minister responsible for gaming. The Betting Fees Regulations …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Mr. Premier. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Opposition Leader, you have the floor. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I will be very, very brief. The Opposition has reviewed the regulations and are supportive of them. So, we have nothing further to add at this point.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you.
Mr. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt premier Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with that I move that the sa id Draft Regulations be approved and that a suitable message be sent to Her Excellency the Governor. 1396 7 May 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Are there any objections to that? No …
The Speaker The Speaker We are now moving on to the [Order] No. 4, which is the second and third reading of the Liquor Licence (Fee Reduction) Temporary Amen dment Act 2021 in the name of the Attorney General. Madam Attorney General? Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move …
The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? No objections. Continue. BILL SECOND READING LIQUOR LICENCE (FEE REDUCTION) TEMPORARY AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to table in this Honourable House for debate the Liquor Licence (Fee Reduction) Temporary Amendment Act 2021. Mr. Speaker, Members are aware of …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Madam Attorney General. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Speaker, MP Pearman.
The Speaker The Speaker MP Pearman, you have the floor.
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Honourable and Learned Attorney Gener al for her presentation this afternoon in respect of the Liquor Licensing (Fee Reduction) Temporary Amendment Act 2021. I declare my interest. I am an investor in a small restaurant which had a liquor l icence. I say …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Pearman. Would any other Member like to make a contribution at this time? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, please, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Opposition Leader, you have the floor. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you. 1398 7 May 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly As was said by my colleague, the Shadow Attorney General, we are very supportive of this l egislation. I just have a few brief issues that …
Mr. Christopher Famous Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Opposition Leader. Honourable Member Famous, would you like to make a contribution at this time?
Mr. Christopher Famous Yes. Are you hearing me well, Mr. Speaker?
The Speaker The Speaker Loud and clear.
Mr. Christopher Famous Are you seeing me well?
The Speaker The Speaker Not . . . no. Go ahead and talk.
Mr. Christopher Famous Mr. Speaker, I take a m oment to thank the Attorney General for her thanks to the Liquor Licensing Authority. I have sat on this Li quor Licensing Authority (appointed by her) for three and a half years, both under the chairmanship of the Worshipful Juan Wolffe and now Chairman …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Famous. Has your background got a little red in it today? I notice. Would any other Member like to make a c ontribution at this time? No other Member?
Mr. Vance Campbell Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker I hear a voice.
Mr. Vance Campbell MP Campbell here.
The Speaker The Speaker MP Campbell, yes, you have the floor, sir.
Mr. Vance Campbell With my tie and my jacket.
The Speaker The Speaker You look like you are coming to the prom today, MP.
Mr. Vance Campbell I wish we could.
The Speaker The Speaker All right, now.
Mr. Vance Campbell That means a lot of things that have had to happen would have already happened.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, sir. You can make your contribution.
Mr. Vance Campbell I just want to make a comment in reference to what the Leader of the Opposition . . . something the Leader of the Opposition said just now, where he was distinguishing between the members clubs . . . and I will declare my interest. I am the President of …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution? There are none.
Madam Attorney General. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to all Members who have spoken. I have no doubt that this is an initiative that is supported across the parties and I am grateful for the comments that have been forthcoming in support. Thank you to the Shadow Attorney General MP Pearman, …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Madam Attorney General. Deputy Speaker. Hon. Derr ick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes, Mr. Speaker, I do not know, it looked like you really liked the bac kground that MP [Christopher] Famous had. We will send you a picture of that.
The Speaker The Speaker It looked red from this side. Som etimes, you know, vision is a little d ifferent depending on what end of the Island you are at. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes, I have heard you have got some different glasses, so I understand. [Laughter]
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. House in Committee at 3: 39 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., C hairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL LIQUOR LICENSING (FEE REDUCTION) TEMPORARY AMENDMENT ACT 2021
The Chairman Chairman Honourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] for further consider ation of the Bill entitled the Liquor Licensing (Fee R eduction) Temporary Amendment Act 2021 . Attorney General, you have the floor. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you, Mr. Chai rman. I move all three clauses …
The Chairman Chairman Continue. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you. Mr. Chairman, this Bill makes provision for a temporary amendment to the Liquor Licence Act 1974 to reduce the licence fee for certain classes of liquor licence by one- half and to make the reduction in those licence fees temporary to enable a …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Attorney General. Are there any further speakers to this Bill, the Liquor Licence (Fee Reduction) Temporary Amend-ment Act 2021?
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Chairman, it is MP Pearman.
The Chairman Chairman Honourable Member Pearman, continue.
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you. The Honourable and Learned Attorney General in respect of the Bill, just at clause 2 of the Bill, given the topic on the debate, clause 2 reduces the licences for all (B) licence holders but does not make any reduction for any (A) licence holders. That is correct …
Mr. Scott Pearman Yes. And I just note that the definition of a Licence (A) holder is someone where the sale of liquor is not to be consumed on the premises. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Mm-hmm.
Mr. Scott Pearman So that would apply, I think the examples we were talking about earlier were grocery stores, yes, but also to gas stations, also to liquor stores large or small, also wine shops. Those would all be Licence (A) holders, I believe. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Yes.
Mr. Scott Pearman My second question is clause 3 of the Bill at page 2, please. And that, as I read it, suggests that this is a one- year reduction of 50 per Bermuda House of Assembly cent. I note that there was a discussion as to whether there would be any retrospectivity, …
Mr. Scott Pearman The risk of taking control from the Honourable Minister of Finance and putting it in your hands, Learned Attorney General, is this is a di scretion that you may consider? That is my last question.
The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers to this Bill? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, Mr. Chairman. So, I would like for the . . . in [clause] 2, just generally speaking, can we make this retrospective to March 2020 when COVID -19 first struck this Island and caused havoc to our tourism …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Any further speakers to this Bill? Attorney General. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you, Mr. Chai rman. The Shadow Attorney General is correct in his interpretation of the licences covered. Licence (A) does, in fact, include sales as per his comment. With regard to the discretion outlined in …
The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister, do you want to move clauses? Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Yes, thank you. Mr. Chairman, I move that the preamble be approved.
The Chairman Chairman Do the clauses first. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: I am sorry. I move that clauses 1 through 3 be approved.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 1 through 3 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 3 passed.] Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you. I move that the preamble be approved.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you, Mr. Chai rman. I now move that the Bill be reported to the House as printed.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Bill b e reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. The Bill will be reported to the House as printed. [Motion carried: The Liquor Licence (Fee Reduction) Temporary Amendment Act 2021 was considered by …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Attorney General.
Mr. Speaker. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons Thank you, Mr. Chai rman. House resumed at 3:45 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF CO MMITTEE LIQUOR LICENCE (FEE REDUCTION) TEMPORARY AMENDMENT ACT 2021
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Deputy Speaker. Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Liquor Licence (Fee Reduction) Temporary Amendment Act 2021 being reported to the House as printed? There are none. No objections. It has been reported and received as printed. The next item on the Order Paper is …
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 1402 7 May 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly I move that the following petitions, together with the report of the Joint Select C ommittee on Pr ivate Bills, which was presented on 7 May 2021, be now considered: The petition of the Walsingham …
The Speaker The Speaker Members, I should have indicated that both [Orders No.] 6 and 7 were going to be done at the same time. So, we acknowledge that. Members, are there any objections? No objections. Agreed to. Continue, Member.
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move for leave to introduce and read for the first time by their title s the following Private Bills ent itled: The Walsingham Trust Amendment Act 2021 and Willowbank Foundation (Amendment) Act 2021.
The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections, Members? None. Continue on, Member. PRIVATE BILLS FIRST READINGS WALSINGHAM TRUST A MENDMENT ACT 2021 WILLOWBANK FOUNDATION (AMENDMENT) ACT 2021
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Mr. Speaker, I move that the prayers of the petitioners be granted and to give effect thereto that without prejudice leave be granted to bring in the proposed Bills reprinted to accord with the recommendations of the Joint Select Committee on Private Bills for the amendment thereof.
The Speaker The Speaker Again, Members, are there any objections? No objections. Continue, Member.
The Speaker The Speaker Say th at the necessary certificates . . . been notified the necessary certificates have been furnished, actually. So, we will now move to . . . continue on now, Member. Yes.
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The two Private Bills are hereby read for the first time by their titles only: the Walsingham Trust Amendment Act 2021 and Willowbank Foundation (Amendment) Act 2021. Mr. Speaker, I move that under the provisions of the Standing Order 33(7)(a) the remaining stages of the said …
The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? No objections. Agreed to. PRIVATE BILLS SECOND READINGS WALSINGHAM TRUST AMENDMENT ACT 2021 WILLOWBANK FOUNDATION (AMENDMENT) ACT 2021
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Mr. Speaker, I move that the said Private Bills be now read the second time in the House by their titles only: the Walsingham Trust Amendment Act 2021 and Willowbank Foundation (Amendment) Act 2021.
The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? No objections. Agreed to.
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Mr. Speaker, I move that the clauses and preambles of the said Private Bills be approved.
The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? No objections. Agreed to. [Motion carried: The preamble and clauses passed] PRIVATE BILLS THIRD READINGS WALSINGHAM TRUST AMENDMENT ACT 2021 WILLOWBANK FOUNDATION (AMENDMENT) ACT 2021
Ms. Susan E. Jackson Mr. Speaker, I move that the two said Private Bills be now read the third time in the House by their titles only and passed. Their titles are: the Walsingham Trus t Amendment Act 2021 and Wi llowbank Foundation (Amendment) Act 2021.
The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? No objections. Agreed to. The said Private Bills are now passed. Bermuda House of Assembly [Motion carried: The Walsingham Trust Amendment Act 2021 and Willowbank Foundation (Amendment) Act 2021 were read a third time and passed.]
The Speaker The Speaker Members, that brings us to a close of the Order Paper for today. We will now do our third readings on the Bills that require third readings. And we will start with the Premier. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. …
The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections to that? No objections. Continue, Premier. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING GAMING (TRANSFER OF FUNCTIONS) ACT 2021 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that the Bill entitled the Gaming (Transfer of Functions) Act 2021 be now for a …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. The Bill has been read a third time by its title only and has now passed. [Motion carried: The Gaming ( Transfer of Functions) Act 2021 was read a third time and passed.] SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. …
The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? No objections. Continue, Premier. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING BETTING ACT 2021 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank y ou very much, Mr. Speaker. I move that the Bill entitled the Betting Act 2021 be now read for a third time by its …
The Speaker The Speaker The Bill has now been read for a third time by its title only and is now passed. [Motion carried: The B etting Act 2021 was read a third time and passed.]
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Premier. The next one—the Regulations —does not require a third reading. The next would be that of the Attorney General. Madam Attorney General, would you like to do your Bill? SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move …
The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections to the Bill being read a third time? There are none. Continue, Attorney General. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING LIQUOR LICENCE (FEE REDUCTION) TEMPORARY AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill be now read a …
The Speaker The Speaker The Bill has been read a third time by its title only and has now passed. 1404 7 May 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly [Motion carried: The Li quor Licence (Fee Reduction) Temporary Amendment Act 2021 was read a third time and passed.]
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Members. That brings a close to the day of business.
Mr. Premier. ADJOURNMENT Hon. E. David Burt premier Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker , I move that this Honourable House do now adjourn until Friday, the 21 st of May [2021].
The Speaker The Speaker Would it be in order for me to ask, would anyone like to speak to that motion? Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, that sounds like Minister Scott. Minister Scott, would you like to make a brief comment or two? Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: I would. Just a brief comment about something that I believe is important and should be shared.
The Speaker The Speaker Well, you have your 20 minutes. SKYPORT MINIMUM REVENUE GUARANTEE Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And Mr. Speaker, I will start by asking you a question if you have ever heard the saying being behind the power curve? My understanding is that for those Members that might …
The Speaker The Speaker Only for a minute, how is that? Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you very much These novice pilots have the nerve to say, Mr. Speaker, that the “OBA respectfully suggests that the payment process needs to be reviewed again, to r econsider the validity . . . [of the] . …
Mr. Scott Pearman Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading]
Mr. Scott Pearman Yes. We never s aid that the MRG should not be paid. And the Honourable Minister is misleading the House by saying that we have.
The Speaker The Speaker It is noted. Minister. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Okay, Mr. Speaker, I will move on. Mr. Speaker, they got us into this mess. We are cleaning the mess up that they have made and they are complaining that we are cleaning it up. Mr. Speaker, let me tell you how …
Mr. Scott Pearman Point of order, Mr. Speaker. Point of order.
The Speaker The Speaker We have a point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading]
Mr. Scott Pearman The Honourable Minister is again misleading the House. I did not complain about the payment. And it was MP Foggo who described it as a mistaken payment ; it was not me. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 1406 7 May 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. W. Lawrence …
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo I am point -of-ordering the Learned Member —
The Speaker The Speaker Hold on, Member. We will take your point of order. Just calm and present your point of or-der. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading]
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. At no time did I, as Chairman of the Bermuda Airport Authority [BAA], ever refer to information being shared about the MRG payments as having been a mistake. I do not know where the Learned Member is getting his information. Perhaps it is from the …
The Speaker The Speaker Your point of order has been noted.
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Minister.
Mr. Scott Pearman I am not sure, Mr. Speaker, whether I point -of-order a point of order. The Honourable Member spoke on the BBC on television and it can be watched on Bernews. She can—
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo That is absolutely right, Mr. Speaker. He is absolutely right, Mr. Speaker, and
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Thank you. —
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo —[INAUDIBLE] —
The Speaker The Speaker Member. Member. [Crosstalk]
The Speaker The Speaker Member! We are not going to have a to and fro back and forth. You can make your contrib utions after the Minister has finished his presentation.
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Well, I just want point of order—
The Speaker The Speaker No, no, no, no! —
The Speaker The Speaker Member! We are not having that. I am not having that.
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Well, Mr. Speaker —
The Speaker The Speaker No, no, no! You are finished.
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo A point of order again.
The Speaker The Speaker No, no, you are finished. Minister , continue on, please.
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. But, Mr. Speaker, regardless of what was said in the past, regardless of what was said in a meeting in the last week or two, the fact remains that the OBA committed us to this obligation and they …
The Speaker The Speaker I think you may have heard that alarm. It is letting me know that your 20- minute time has run out, sir. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister, for your contribution. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? No other Member?
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker I was looking for the gavel that time. [Laughter]
The Speaker The Speaker Mr. Simmons, how are you today, sir?
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons I am fantastic, sir. And a lovely day for [INAUD IBLE ]
The Speaker The Speaker Well, you have your 20 minutes right there. MOTHER’S DAY
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Thank you, Mr. Speaker. This weekend Bermuda will join with countries around the world in observing Mother’s Day. I would like to begin by wishing all of our sister MPs, on both sides of the divide, a happy Mother’s Day and a restful and fulfilling one. With Mother’s Day being …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Simmons. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? No other Member? I think —
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker MP Foggo. Would you like to continue the discussion you were having earlier?
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Well, l —
The Speaker The Speaker Continue. You have got your 30 . . . your 20 minutes. I almost gave you 30 minutes. SKYPORT MINIMUM REVENUE GUARANTEE
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Thank y ou. I just simply want to start by thanking the Mi nister for clearly articulating what was prescribed by the project agreement that existed between Skyport and the BAA, and therefore the Bermuda Government, by extension. Maybe the Member who spoke on a point of order to the …
The Speaker The Speaker A brief quote.
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Thank you. He said, “At a t ime when our economy is struggling —and we so desperately need to pay careful attention to the people’s money —the media report that the PLP may have made a mistaken $4 million payment at the airport is deeply concerning.” He accepted what was …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Foggo. W ould any other Member like to make a contribution at this time? Any ot her Member? B ermuda House of Assembly Mr. Premier, I suggest that you take your pos ition now.
Mr. Christopher Famous Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Mr. Famous?
The Speaker The Speaker You almost lost your few minutes that time.
Mr. Christopher Famous Oh, well, Mr. Speaker —
The Speaker The Speaker Mr. Famous, you have — COVID -19—CONSPIRACY THEORIES
Mr. Christopher Famous Thank you. Mr . Speaker, I want to take a moment to thank the Honourable Jamahl Simmons for making mention of the mother of this nation, Dame Lois BrowneEvans, who I can proudly say is my aunt. Mr . Speaker, he spoke of decisions that not only her but the …
The Speaker The Speaker As you are speaking, let me just remind you. We can hear you but we do not see you, but we can hear you. I think you have your camera on, but it is on a blank screen at the moment.
Mr. Christopher Famous Sorry. Thank you. Can you see me now?
The Speaker The Speaker Keep talking. There you go.
Mr. Christopher Famous Yes, Mr. Speaker. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, he should have left the camera off with that behind him.
The Speaker The Speaker Well, I was hoping he would have go tten the hint earlier and got something red behind him by now. But continu e on.
Mr. Christopher Famous Well, next week you will see something red, Mr. Speaker. I promise you.
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Mr. Christopher Famous: Mr. Speaker, over the last month, PLP MPs across this country have had to comfort many families who have faced sudden loss of a family member. It is heart -wrenching to call people—we cannot visit them at this time, but to call them up— it …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Hon. Renee Ming: Mr. Speaker, Renee Ming.
The Speaker The Speaker Minister Ming. How are you today? Hon. Renee Ming: I am fine, thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Good. You have your 20 minutes. Hon. Renee Ming: I will not even be that long, Mr. Speaker. Unfortunately, I do not have that awesome backdrop like the person who spoke before me, but I will work on getting that.
The Speaker The Speaker Do you wish to be acknowledged next time? Hon. Renee Ming: Sorry?
The Speaker The Speaker Continue on. MOTHER’S DA Y Hon. Renee Ming: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to use my time today to actually give a shout -out for Mother’s Day. Mr. Speaker, one of the happiest three days of my life are the days that I gave birth to my three …
The Speaker The Speaker Especially the youngest one; right? Hon. Renee Ming: —but it is a path I would never change, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Mm-hmm. Hon. Renee Ming: Let’s not talk about the youngest one, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker No, the youngest one is my favourite. You know that. Hon. Renee Ming: I wonder why!
The Speaker The Speaker Well, she knows the right team to support. Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Renee Ming: Even with the—
The Speaker The Speaker She doesn’t let where she lives determine who she s upports. [Laughter] Hon. Renee Ming: We have to work on—
The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. Don’t let me interrupt. Continue. Hon. Renee Ming: Even with their flaws and their faults we love them unconditionally. That will never change, Mr. Speaker. But I w ould just like to say Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there because there is no handbook …
Mr. Speaker. The Speaker Thank you for your contribution, Mini ster. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
Mr. Jache Adams Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker MP Adams. You have your 20 minutes, sir. COVID -19 AND THE EDGE OF THE FISCAL CLIFF
Mr. Jache Adams Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I am not a health guy. I do not mind sharing that because I know my strengths and I know my weaknesses. I have long accepted that not everything is for everybody. When it comes to bi ochemistry and medical and health science, I can tell …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Adams. Would any other Member like to make a contribution at this time?
Mr. Vance Campbell Mr. Speaker, MP Campbell.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, MP Campbell. You have your 20 minutes. FOSTER CARE MONTH
Mr. Vance Campbell Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to begin by thanking Minister Tinee Furbert for reminding some of us and making some of us aware that May is Foster Care Month. I would also like to add my thanks to the foster B ermuda House of Assembly parents …
Mr. Vance Campbell Mr. Speak er, I would next like to wish all the mothers in Bermuda, especially my mother, my wife and the mothers of constituency 9, a very special and blessed Mother’s Day this coming Sunday. Mr. Speaker, our mothers are strong and they are resilient. And they have had to …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Campbell. W ould any other Member like to make a contribution at this time? Any other Member? Mr . Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: All right. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Mr. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: All right. It looks like you might be getting your wish: Home before curfew.
The Speaker The Speaker Ah, you see [the gavel] in my hand. [Laughter] 1414 7 May 2021 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly COVID -19—GOVERNMENT DIVERTED, BUT CO NTINUES TO DELIVER ON ITS PROMISES Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, thank you very much . Mr. Speaker, it has been a while since …
The Speaker The Speaker Mr. Premier, just a moment. M inister Dickinson, you microphone is on and I cannot shut you off. I have been trying to shut you off. If you can shut your microphone because we are hearing your conversation; it is bleeding in. Thank you. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Mr. Premier. Members, before I hit the gavel, being there have been two points that have been raised tonight and I just want to add my remarks too. [One] being Mother’s Day this weekend. And as I acknowledge mothers and mothers in my life, my mother and my …
The Speaker The Speaker And so I acknowledge Teachers A ppreciation Week and say how important teachers are to each of us. We would not be where we are if someone had not taken the time to groom and nurture and teach us. So let us uphold our teachers in the challenging [circumstances] that …
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