Hansard — March 26, 2021 — Bermuda Parliament

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning, Members. We are about to start the session. Ms. Beale will lead us in prayer this morning. PRAYERS [ Prayers read by Ms. Kara Beale, Assistant Clerk ] CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES [Minutes of 19 2021]

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning, Members. The House is now in session. The Minutes from March 19 have been circ ulated. Are there any amendments or corrections r equired? None, they are approved as printed. [ Minutes of 19 March 2021 confirmed]

The Speaker The Speaker The Minutes of the 22nd of March have been deferred. MESSAGES FROM THE 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 This morning there are two such P apers and Communications. The first is in the name of the Minister of Finance. Minister of Finance. [ No audible response]

The Speaker The Speaker Minister of Finance, are you with us this morning? We will move on and come back. Minister Furbert, are you available to do the matter for the Minister of Sport? Hon. Tinee Furbert: Yes, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Could you table your matter now, present your matter now? BERMUDA SPORT ANTI -DOPING AUTHORITY ANNUAL REPORT 2020 Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Hon-ourable House of Assembly the Bermuda Sport Anti - Doping Authority Annual …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Is the Minister of Finance available? [ No audible response]

The Speaker The Speaker I am looking . . . Minister of Finance? We will move on. PETITIONS

The Speaker The Speaker There are no ne. STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS AND JUNIOR MINISTERS

The Speaker The Speaker We have three Statements this mor ning. The first is in the name of the Minister of Finance. I am assuming he still has not been able to connect. So I am going to ask the Minister of Public Works to do his Statement, and we will come back to …

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Yes, Mr. Speaker. Good morning. 1244 26 March 2021 Official Hansa rd Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Good morning, Minister. Go right ahead. STIMULUS PROGRAMME —FURTHER UPDATE

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch I am pleased to pr ovide another update on the short -term stimulus pr ogramme that was launched on December 17, 2020, to a maximum value of BMD [$13,385,000] where small to medium -sized contractors were invited to partic ipate. Mr. Speaker, the programme was launched as there is an …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. The next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Education. Minister of Education. [No audible response]

The Speaker The Speaker Minister of Education. Bermuda House of Assembly [No audible response]

The Speaker The Speaker I do note that the Minister of Finance is present at the moment. Minister of Finance, would you like to do your Statement? And then after we finish the three Stat ements, we will seek the indulgence of the House so you can table the communication that should have been …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. The next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Education. Minister of Education. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Okay, Mr. Speaker . Just waiting for my video to come up.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Can you hear me?

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. We can see you and hear you now. You can continue. COVID -19 IMPACT ON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you. Mr. Speaker, today I rise [to share] with my honourable colleagues and the community at large—I want to provide an update on the impact of …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, I am going to seek your indulgence at this moment to have the Minister of Finance table the Paper and Communication that he was not avai lable for earlier. Minister of Finance, would you like to seek the indulgence of your colleagues? Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. That brings a close to the Statements. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

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

The Speaker The Speaker This morning, Members, we have on our Order Paper Premier’s Questions. And just as a reminder, the Premier’s Questions [period] is 30 minutes, separate from the regular Question Period. And we will start the 30- minute clock now. Just a minute . . . I understand that we have Members …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member He is coming on. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Okay.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. N. H. Cole S imons: Can you hear me, Mr. Speaker?

The Speaker The Speaker I hear and see you, continue. QUESTION 1: COVID -19 SURGES AND CRITERIA FOR FULL LOCKDOWN Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: My first question to the Premier: Given that we are seeing a spike in cases and the community is very, very concerned, what cr iteria will be required by …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. 1250 26 March 2021 Official Hansa rd Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. E. David Burt: I thank the Honourable Oppos ition Leader for his question. What I would say is that I share the concern of the Honourable Opposition Leader, and also the con cern of the …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Do you have a supplementary, Opposition Leader? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes.

The Speaker The Speaker Put your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: So for the edification of the public, one of the two cr iteria could be the number of hospitalisation cases; and two, the number of new cases for each month or each week, if they increase. Those two could be possible …

The Speaker The Speaker New question, question number 2. Continue. Bermuda House of Assembly QUESTION 2: ENFORCEMENT OF COVID -19 REGULATIONS Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: The community is also u ncomfortable and very concerned about those irr esponsible people who are breaking the curfew laws and violating the quarantine and hosting private events. …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would say that I share the O pposition Leader’s concern and the concern of the members of t he public in regard to some of these [I NAUDIBLE] actions which may be taking place in the delay of …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Premier. Opposition Leader, do you have a supplementary or do you want to do your third question? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes. I will just say to —

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No, before my question.

The Speaker The Speaker Well, Members can ask questions — Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I know. He just raised a comment that I would just like to respond to; that is all. He can be assured of my support in regard to talking to the Her Excellency the Governor in addres sing the …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: The next question—

The Speaker The Speaker We will take your next question now, your third question. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Go ahead. QUESTION 3: UPDATE ON SAILGP Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: My question pertains to sporting events. There is concern in regard to upcoming spor ting events and the protocols in place to protect the community. Now as you know, football season has almost come to an end. …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. 1252 26 March 2021 Official Hansa rd Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much to the Honourable Opposition Leader for his question. Just a few measures of clarity need to be gi ven. First of all, the Government, prior to the current spike …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Do you have a supplementary for that, Opp osition Leader? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I have one supplementary.

The Speaker The Speaker Put your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: It is my understanding that an institution has put together a tourism package—a private jet from Westchester County, New York, to Bermuda into a hotel for a week and then out at the end of the week —for this event. How …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I am happy to answer. The test requirements at our border are incredibly strict. The test requirements apply whether or not you are in a private jet or a non- private jet. Everyone who enters the country must abide. Anyone who …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Mr. Premier. Thank you, Opposition Leader. That brought you to a close of your three questions. The next Member I have on the list this mor ning is MP Tyrrell. MP Tyrrell, would you like to put your question?

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Yes.

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. Bermuda House of Assembly QUESTION: GOVERNMENT GRANTS TO HISTORICALLY BLACK SAILING CLUBS

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Mr. Speaker, recently the Go vernment awarded capital grants to community clubs, including awards to three historically Black sailing clubs. Would the Honourable Premier agree with me that this money is a sound investment in the future and will go a long way to not only making the clubs sustainable, …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you.

Mr. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt premier Mr. Speaker, I thank the Ho nourable Member for his question and highlighting this particularly important issue. One of the things that is important that the Government has committed to certainly is to make sure that we support our community clubs and our community organisations. I remember prior to the …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Mr. Tyrrell, you are entitled to a supplementary, not a further question. Do you have a suppl ementary?

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell I do have a supplementary, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Put your supp lementary. SUPPLEMENTARY

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Firstly, I thank the Premier for his extensive response. Can the Honourable Premier please speak to other support that may be provided to community clubs that can assist them in becoming sustainable in the long run?

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I thank the Ho nourable Member for his question because it is a good point. There is one thing about giving one- time capital grant assistance to develop funds, but there is a question of the long- term sustainability. And that is one …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Member Tyrrell and Premier. The next Member whom I have on my list this morning would be MP Pearman. MP Pearman, would you like to put your question?

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can you see me and hear me?

The Speaker The Speaker I can see you, and I can hear you. QUESTION: ENFORCEMENT OF COVID -19 REGULATIONS

Mr. Scott Pearman Fantastic. Thinking about a point from the Opposition Leader, Honourable Premier, are you able to tell us whether t here have been any successful prosecutions for breach of the government regulations since the commencement of COVID -19?

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: I can answer the question by saying yes, there have been.

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you. Supplementary?

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary, yes. SUPPLEMENTARY

Mr. Scott Pearman Honourable Premier, are you able to give us a rough estimate of how many suc-cessful prosecutions there have been in terms of 10s or 20s or 100s? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, shall I answer?

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. The question is: Can you give a number? Is that it?

Mr. Scott Pearman Yes, a rough number, a rough estimate.

The Speaker The Speaker A rough number.

Mr. Scott Pearman Is it 10? Is it 20? Is it 100? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I do not have that information off the top of my head. But I am aware that there have been successful prosecutions. I think the one that I know about were parties that were held …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you.

Mr. Scott Pearman Second question.

The Speaker The Speaker No, no. You are only allowed one question, one supplementary under Premier’s Questions.

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. The next Member on the l ist this morning is MP Famous. MP, would you like to put your question?

Mr. Christopher Famous Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker?

Mr. Christopher Famous Good morning. Can you see me?

The Speaker The Speaker Actually, before I do that . . . my fault. Mr. Pearman, you are allowed two suppl ementaries, one question or two supplementaries. Did you want to put a supplementary or a new question?

Mr. Scott Pearman I thought it was two questions. But—

The Speaker The Speaker No, no; one question, two supplementaries.

Mr. Scott Pearman And the Opposition Leader got three. I noticed Mr. Tyrrell got two.

The Speaker The Speaker The Opposition Leader gets three questions and two supplementaries to each question, but all other Members get one question and two supplem entaries. If you have a supplementary, we will take your supplementary. B ermuda House of Assembly Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, point of order.

Mr. Scott Pearman I will not eat up further time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Thank you. MP Famous, do you have your question?

Mr. Christopher Famous Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Can you see me?

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, I can see you.

Mr. Christopher Famous Okay. This is the one day you are going to see me in red, Manchester United.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. You could wear blue today for [Manchester] City. But go ahead.

Mr. Christopher Famous We know all that. Mr. Speaker, one of the Government’s prim ary pledges in its election manifesto, which we all walked around with in that platform, was to implement a national digital bank. Can the Honourable Premier please, please, please, please update the Honourable House on if there is any …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Premier. QUESTION: NATIONAL DIGITAL BANK UPDATE Ho n. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And I thank the Honourable Member for his question, as the National Digital Bank is certainly a priority of this Government. But what I can confirm to the Honourable Member is …

Mr. Christopher Famous Mr. Speaker, I have a supplementary.

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

Mr. Christopher Famous Yes, Mr. Speaker, one supplementary.

The Speaker The Speaker Put your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARY

Mr. Christopher Famous Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for the Premier’s answer. Now that he has explained the progress of it, would he be so kind and gracious as to explain in laymen’s term to the listening audience what a national digital bank is, because many people are not quite familiar with …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I thank the Member for his question. The concept of the National Digital Bank is that right now we have traditional banks inside of the country. And there are new types of banks that are emerging in the future. And those are ones …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Famous and Premier. The next Member on the list is MP Dunkley. MP Dunkley, would you like to put your question? QUESTION: COVID -19, LOCAL TRANSMISSION VERSUS COMMUNITY TRANSMISSION Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning. I would like to return to the …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Happy to make the distinction. Local transmission is a definition of how t ransmission happens. So there are only two types of transmission. There is imported, where the case was imported and where someone had a link to travel. Or there is local transmission where …

The Speaker The Speaker Mr. Premier. I take that sound reminding me that the 30 minutes is up. I did not realise it had gone that quickly myself. That is 30 minutes allowed for the Premier’s Question Time. We will now move on to a new 60 minutes for questions for the regular Question …

The Speaker The Speaker There are no written questions this morning. So the questi ons for the regular Question Period will come from today’s Statements that were given by Ministers. And we have three Members who wish to ask questions this morning. MP Swan has indicated that he would like to put a question …

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Yes. Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Members of the Opposition used to always speak about FinTech in a negative manner. Can the Minister update the Honourable House on the pr ogress Bermuda is making in the FinTech area? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Minister Premier . . . I am sorry, Mini ster of Finance, go ahead. Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, I thought the questions were limited to the Statement that I gave this morning. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Speaker. That was my point of …

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. No, this question is for the Statement. That is why I corrected myself. I did call on the Premier; I was used to calling on the Premier for the last 30 minutes. But we are now at the Statements. And the question that Mr. Swan has indicated in the …

The Speaker The Speaker I am going through my chat list again. From MP Swan . . . okay. All right. MP Swan, I take it that you r question is being withdrawn? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I have a question, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker And we have the Opposition Leader. We will move on to your question for the Minister of Finance. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Hello?

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. You can put your question to the Minister of Finance. QUESTION 1: CONSOLIDATED FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Y EAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2020 Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question revolves around the Consolidated Financial Statements. And I will go on the record saying that this …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, I am not an accountant. I have never had the responsibility for producing financial s tatements other than for a small family trust, which I think I stopped doing after the first couple of attempts at it. [Laughter] Hon. Curtis L. …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Would the Minister of F inance be amenable to working with the PAC in hel ping the Ministry to address this problem? We will be looking at it as well, and so it makes no sense our working in parallel, so would …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: I am more than willing to work with the Public Accounts Committee. I think it is an expectation for the occupant of this seat to work with that body anyway. And so, inasmuch as there are insights that can be gleaned from collaborating, I am …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Do you have a further question? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No. I have no further questions, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Minister, there is another Member who wishes to put a question to you in r eference to your Stat ement. And that is MP Pearman. MP Pearman, would you like to put your question? [No audible response] Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson : You are on mute.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. MP, we can see you, but we cannot hear you.

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Apol ogies. Can you now see me and hear me, Mr. Speaker?

The Speaker The Speaker We hear you, but we do not see you this time. Now we see you and hear you. [Laughter] QUESTION 1: CONSOLIDATED FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Y EAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2 020

Mr. Scott Pearman I am grateful. Honourable Minister of Finance, you mentioned during your Statement the concern or the observation by the Auditor about how the Consolidated Financial Statements do not show the full position. Is that a structural is sue that you intend to address? And if so, how? Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, I believe the Auditor General’s comment relates to the observation that the Consolidated Financial Statements do not represent the co nsolidated picture of the government by virtue of the fact that there are certain financial statements that have yet to be prepared and …

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary?

Mr. Scott Pearman No supplementary. And it is a fair observation. And that was the point I was asking about. I have a second question.

The Speaker The Speaker Second question?

Mr. Scott Pearman I do.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. QUESTION 2: CONSOLIDATED FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Y EAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2020

Mr. Scott Pearman Honourable Finance Minister, you gave us a lot of different numbers during your Statement, all of which were helpful. But just for the benefit of the listening audience, what is our current debt position, both gross debt and net debt, on you r most recent calculation?

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, according to the [Government] Loans Act, the gross debt number is $3.35 billion, and the net of that number is just slightly less than $3 billion.

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

Mr. Speaker. The Speaker No supplementary? No more questions? Good. And that was the last Member who had a question for you, Minister. So we will move on to the next Statement. The next Statement this morning that has questions is that of the Minister of Works. Minister of Works, MP Cannonier has a …

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier I am just trying to get my microphone —there you go. Let me turn my camera back on. The S peaker: Yes. We can see you and hear you. Bermuda House of Assembly QUESTION 1: STIMULUS PROGRAMME FURTHER UPDATE

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Thank you very much. On page 1, Minister Burch mentions about the challenge that the small to medium -sized businesses are having. And he ment ions the challenge of cash flow. And knowing this all too well, are there any pr ovisions, or has it come up from some of …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister.

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch The short answer is yes. In some cases the projects that are being en-gaged, just an example, the railings al ong the highways and byways, we have a significant number of those that we have not been able to get to over the last couple of years. We are purchasing …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Yes. Thank you. The Minister mentioned that they have an a ggressive schedule where they have worked out that these small to medium -sized businesses would be paid every two weeks. And so is he saying that for some of these projects it will be an ongoing payment for them? …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister.

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier It would be rather unique with construction companies.

The Speaker The Speaker Minister.

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Yes, Mr. Speaker. The short answer is that we are adapting to the actual needs of each individual case. As an ex-ample, if a contractor gets two or three of these sites for railings, that will take a lot less time than a contractor who gets the contract to outfit …

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

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker That is it? Okay. Minister, I think that is the only Member who had a question for you. The next Statement was by the Minister of Education. Minis ter, you actually have a couple of Members . . . actually, a few Members who would like to put a question …

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Good morning, Mr. Speaker, and good morning, Minister. I am going to start on page 5. I am interested in the health travel authorisation form. My question to the Minister is: Will these questions be added to the health travel authorisation form in order to capture any children who are …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you for that question. So we have finalised the questions and submitted them. That is an interesting question; I thank you for that. And we will endeavour to have them added as soon as possible.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary?

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

The Speaker The Speaker Put your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARIES

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Thank you. Again with the health travel authorisation form, in a paragraph on page 5 there is a statement of return to school protocols. And I am just wondering whether this means that the Ministry of Education will 1260 26 March 2021 Official Hansa rd Report Bermuda House of Assembly …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The return- to-school protocols have been in place since about January of this year once the i mmunisations [began]. And so they can be found on the government coronavirus website under Travel. And what has to happen is very …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary?

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes, just real quickly.

The Speaker The Speaker All right. New question?

Ms. Susan E. Jackson This is a supplementary just to clarify. So if a student travels overseas, when they come back are they going to be quarantined and then follow the health protocols of testing? If the student travels. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Oh, I was waiting for you to say go, Mr. …

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Go ahead. I am sorry. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Perhaps my answer was not clear. But the travel protocols are a requirement for everyone who travels, an d, in addition, for any st udent who just happens to be in a household of anyone who travels. So, yes; …

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Okay.

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary or a new question?

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Supplementary. [Inaudible interjections ]

The Speaker The Speaker Actually, you al ready had two suppl ementaries. This one has to be your second question.

Ms. Susan E. Jackson I tried. I tried. [Laughter]

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. QUESTION 2: COVID -19 IMPACT ON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes. I am moving on. So this is just fur ther up on page 5. There is discussion about within the schools the mask -wearing policy, and the procedures that will be followed for noncompliance or refusal to wear masks by students and staff. And I am just curious about …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you for that question. During our discussions with the BUT, one of the things that they repeatedly raised was teachers feeling helpless about students not wearing masks or refusing to wear masks. But the policy was introduced to give guidelines for responses to …

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary or —

Ms. Susan E. Jackson I do not have supplementaries. Do I get another question? Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: You have a third question, yes. QUESTION 3: COVID -19 IMPACT ON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Okay. This is with regard to page 1, I believe, where students and families can be quarantined because of positive testing in the schools. And I am just curious whether . . . I know the general quarantine rules. But will the students then get tested on day 4, day …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Yes, you can go right ah ead, Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Again, thanks for that question. And this is where we also talked about in the Statement about having our notices a little bit clearer and having more detail. In all letters that are sent out to …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Do you have a supplementary for this?

Ms. Susan E. Jackso n Yes, I do.

The Speaker The Speaker Put your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARY

Ms. Susan E. Jackson I am just sort of working through because there are so many layers to this. But generally speaking, Minister, if a family unit has been quarantined because there is t he suspicion of exposure, under what circumstances can any family me mber in that unit that is quarantined be allowed …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Go ahead. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Okay. Again that is a very topical question. All letters that get sent out by the Department of Health concerning the quarantining . . . and, Mr. Speaker, if you will allow me to read directly from the letter?

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Yes, go right ahead. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: And it say s, and I quote, “[T]he child’s main caregiver(s) and close contacts within the home, who cannot separate from the child (separate bedroom and bathroom, no common spaces) must also remain at home. Other household members, including brothers …

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

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Not today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am done. 1262 26 March 2021 Official Hansa rd Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Okay. Thank you for your questions. Minister, there are others who have questions for you. Minister, the next Member is MP Dunkley. MP Dunkley, would you like …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you. And actually, no, I do not. The decision, as I said, to close schools early was based on the data, based on all of the i nformation that has been collected and also the ps ychological impact it was having on our …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Supplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you, Minister, for the answer. My s econd question, not a supplementary.

The Speaker The Speaker Second question, not a supplementary? Okay, second question. QUESTION 2: COVID -19 IMPACT ON PUBLIC SCHOOLS Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Minister, this is in regard to compensation for those who have been forced to quarantine and for those parents who now have to m iss work …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. D iallo V. S. Rabain: That is a good question. I thank the Member for that question. One of the things I do want to preface that with is that we recognise that where we are with COVID -19. And as I said in the Statement, what is …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Is there a supplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Just in brief response to that, I a ppreciate the Minister’s saying he would look into it. Because I know, for example, there are go vernment workers who have been forced to take special leave or annual vacation in …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank yo u. Thank you. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: But that answered my question, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate your time.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Minister, the next Member who has indicated they have questions for you is the Opposition Whip. Honourable Member, would you l ike to put your question? QUESTION 1: COVID -19 IMPACT ON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Mr. Jarion Richardson Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am just waiting for my video to start. Okay. With respect to the matter raised by the Mini ster in his Statement, I believe on the second page the Bermuda House of Assembly Minister spoke about the disruption to children’s lear ning. And given that …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker . Thus far, it would be the three- and-a-half days that the children would have been in school next week. All previous stoppages were utilised . . . [in] all previous stoppages, remote learning was utilised to undo …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementar y? SUPPLEMENTARY

Mr. Jarion Richardson Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For the avoidance of doubt, the Minister is saying that there has been no disruption to the lear ning schedule other than the three- and-a-half days of last week or this week coming?

The Speaker The Speaker Is your question complete? Minister. Minister? Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Oh, I thought that was a comment and not an actual question.

The Speaker The Speaker I was asking, too. Are you finished with your question there, Whip?

Mr. Jarion Richardson For the avoidance of doubt — yes. I thought that was a question. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Okay. We can answer that.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay, Honourable Minister. Go ahead and respond, Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: As stated in the Statement, the best possi ble place for our children to be is in school and learning. However, we have done what we needed to do in terms of bringing in the remote lear …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Is there a supplementary?

Ms. Susan E. Jackson I have a supplement ary.

The Speaker The Speaker Put your supplementary, MP. SUPPLEMENTARY

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Thank you. My supplementary is: What support, academic or otherwise, is being provided to students impacted by the social deprivation? I mean, the children are just devas tated that they have not had a chance to socia lise even more than the academics with the kids. What support services are …

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Thank you, Minister. Opposition Whip, do you have a supplementary to your original question, or do you want a second question?

Mr. Jarion Richardson Yes. Would the Honoura ble Minister be able to tell us —

The Speaker The Speaker I did not get, is this a supplementary to your original or a new question?

Mr. Jarion Richardson It is a supplementary. It is a supplementary.

The Speaker The Speaker A supplementary. Okay. Yes. SUPPLEMENTARY

Mr. Ja rion Richardson Just as it relates to the exam schedules and any anticipated delay in curriculum delivery or children’s learning, how will the Ministry or can the Ministry, I should say (I will give him the opportunity), commit that the remediation from any di sruption will take place prior to exams being …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: The simple answer to that has to be yes. And obviously, the Ministry of Educ ation would not undertake that; it is the Education D epartment’s re mit. And so I can endeavour to get more information on that for the Honourable Member if …

Mr. Jarion Richardson No questions for the Minister of Education. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Member and Minis ter. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Honourable Member Richardson.

The Speaker The Speaker That brings us to a close of the Question Period this morning. And we will now move on. CONGRATULATORY AND/OR OBITUARY SPEECHES

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

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

The Speaker The Speaker That sounds like MP Foggo. MP Foggo, you have your three minutes.

Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to give condolences for Mr . [Kenneth] Neil Paynter, Sr., the father of (I think everybody knows) the St. George’s Cricket Club President, Neil Paynter, Jr.

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Associate me, please.

Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo I was going to do that. I would like to associate the Honourable Kim Swan and the Honourable Renee Ming with these comments. Just suffice it to say he was a St. George’s figure whom everybody knew and loved. And he will be sorely missed by his family members and …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member I would also like to be associated. [Inaudible interjections ]

Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo I will quickly mention his co nnection with the RAA [Royal Artillery Association] in St. George’s. He was a figure there as well. And so that family will also miss Neil Paynter, Sr. I also would like to give condolences [to the family of] Ms. Millet , the mother of …

The Speaker The Speaker Your three minutes are up, Honourable Member. Your t hree minutes are up. We thank you for your contribution.

Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Yes, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Is that MP Cannonier? MP Cann onier, you have your three minutes.

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to be associated with the comments just made by the Honourable Member Foggo in reference to the passing of Mr. Paynter, Neil Paynter. I know that many in the room knew him well. I know our Education Minister’s father knew him very well, …

Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker I am trying to hear two voices. MP F amous, is that you?

Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons MP Simmons, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Oh, MP Simmons. MP Simmons, you have your three minutes, sir. Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In a land where going along to get along is as much a national pastime as football and cricket, JanAnn Martin was a breath of fresh air. In a land where …

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

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

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

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Mr. Speaker, I would like to follow on where the Honourable Member, MP Si mmons, just concluded and offer condolences to the Paynter family, my good friend Neil Pay nter, Jr.’s f a1266 26 March 2021 Official Hansa rd Report Bermuda House of Assembly ther, Mr. Neil Paynter, Sr. We …

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan I will associate the Ho nourable Member, his partner on the golf course— [Inaudible interjection]

Mr. Hube rt (Kim) E. Swan Zane De Silva when he gets fit again. And he had an outstanding win in the Bermuda PGA Championship —somewhere around 15 to 20 times. He has won it so many times. But he is a fierce competitor and a real gentleman and a tourism ambassador. He owns a taxi …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Associate me, please.

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan —in the first Bermuda Championship in 2019. He made me very proud, r epresenting his family and Bermuda and others as well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Speaker. An Hon. Mem ber: Yes, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker MP Dunkley, you have your three minutes. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to be associated with the congratulations sent by the Honourable Member from constituency number 2 to professional golfer Dwayne Pearman on winning the BPGA this past weekend at Tucker’s Point …

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, the y were. They were done on Monday, so you can associate yourself. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I would associate myself with those condolences to the family of Donald. Mr. Speaker, I will always remember Donald as a person who had a smile on his face. He love d …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP. Would any other Member like to make your contribution at this time? Mr. Michael A. Weeks: Yes, Mr. Speaker.

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

Mr. Michael A. Weeks Yes, Mr. Speaker, and good morning to you. The S peaker: Good morning. Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Michael A. Weeks: I would like to set up my r emarks by asking to be associated with the condolences for Neil Paynter, [Sr.], and the condolences for [the family of] Ms. …

Mr. Speaker. Thank you very much. The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution at this time? [Inaudible interjections ] Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, please, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Renee Ming: Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Opposition Leader, I see your camera came on. I heard you, but there were a couple of other voices. Let me ta ke you. And then I am trying to see who else was next. Hon. Renee Ming: Renee Ming.

The Speaker The Speaker There you go. But go ahead, Opposition Leader. Hon. E. David Burt: And Mr. Speaker, also the Premier would like to give some statements.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Opposition Leader, you have your three minutes. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I will not be long. I would just like to associate myself with the comments made in regard to Donald Hassell of Somerset. To me he was a true success story in tourism. At 12 y …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Does any other Member wish to mak e a contribution? Premier, were you still — Hon. Renee Ming: Yes, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Premier, I was not ignoring you, but I think your Minister got my ear that time. Minister. Hon. Renee Ming: Surely. Mr. Speaker, first of all —

The Speaker The Speaker You have your three minutes. Hon. Renee Ming: Thank you. Good afternoon. I would like to be associated with the comments for Neil Paynter, Sr. Those from St. George’s you would definitively have seen Mr. Paynter driving around, as he always was heading to RAA because he was there in …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister.

Mr. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt premier Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker You have your three minutes. 1268 26 March 2021 Official Hansa rd Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. First I would like to be associated with the remarks which were given earlier the request for co ndolences to be sent out to the …

Mr. Christopher Famous Yes, Mr. Speaker. How are you?

The Speaker The Speaker Mr. Famous. How are you today? Mr. Christopher Famous: I wish to associate m yself—MP Swa n beat me to it —with the condolences for Ms. Glenda Maduro, who was actually my aunt by marriage. Her married name is because she was married to my uncle, Audley Maduro from Tortola. …

Mr. Christopher Famous I’m quite sure you would.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, you have been associated. Continue on, Member.

Mr. Christopher Famous Moving into Devonshire, Mr. Speaker, condolences to [the family of] my constituent from Sousa Estate, Devonshire, Mr. Kenneth Siggins. I am sure MP Dunkley wants to be associa ted.

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Associate me with that, please.

Mr. Christopher Famous And MP Tyrrell; that was his constituency before it was mine. He leaves behind his wife Delores and his daughter Debbie and various grandchildren. He was a very kind man. He lived until the age of 92, Mr. Speaker. And last but not least, I want to give cond olences …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member I would like to be associated, Brother Famous.

Mr. Christopher Famous Okay.

Mr. Christopher Famous —on the loss of their brother, Leonard John James. He actually was one of the Bermudians who migrated to New York post - World War II. He was a good friend of my Uncle Ronald’s. He was a dapper dresser. If you ever saw him out, this man was like …

The Speaker The Speaker There are none. PER SONAL EXPLANATIONS

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

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

The Speaker The Speaker There are two Bills to be int roduced this morning. And let me say from the outset that these Bills will require the indulgence of the House to be dealt with later on. Minister of Health, would you like to introduce your Bills? FIRST READING PUBLIC HEALTH AMENDMENT ACT 2021 …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. There are no other Bills. NOTICE OF MOTIONS MOTION TO TAKE NOTE OF BERMUDA’S ECONOMIC RECOVERY PLAN SUMMARY REPORT

The Speaker The Speaker Minister of Finance, would you like to put your motion? Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, I give notice that I propose to move the following Motion at the next day of meeting: That this Honourable House take note of Bermuda’s Economic Recovery Plan Summary R eport. Thank you, Mr. …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. ORDERS OF THE DAY

The Speaker The Speaker The first order this morning is consi deration of the Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for 2019/20 in the name of the Minister of Finance. Minister. BILL SECOND READING SUPPL EMENTARY ESTIMATE (NO. 1) FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2019/20 1270 26 March 2021 Official Hansa rd Report Bermuda House of Assembly …

The Speaker The Speaker Members, do you have any objections to the [motion by the] Minister? Minister, continue. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, the schedule attached, Mr. Speaker, identifies seven items totalling $21,424,184 to be included in the Supplementary E stimate (No. 1) for 2019/20, made up of $17,928,087 on the current account, …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. One correction. When you opened up, did you ask us to approve? You asked us to move it. It will be approved after the discussion on it. With that, I believe now we will take it into Commit tee, and the individual Ministers will speak to the …

The Speaker The Speaker Just ask that the Bill be committed. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: I move that the individual Heads are moved to Committee, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Deputy Speaker. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes. Thank you, Honourable Speaker. House in Committee at 12:13 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Deputy Speaker, Chairman] COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE ( NO. 1 ) 2019/20

The Chairman Chairman Honourable Members, we are now in Committee of Supply for further consideration of the Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for the Financial Year 2019/ 20. And, Minister, you have the floor. MINISTRY OF FINANCE HEAD 58 —INTEREST ON DEBT Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Chairman, the $2.6999999 …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Finance Minister. Are there any further speakers? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I would l ike to speak to that,

Mr. Chairman. The Chairman Continue, Honourable Opposition Leader, Mr. Simons. You have the floor. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: At least in the Budget Book, Mr. Chairman, it appeared that we borrowed $182.4 million to fund the guarantee for the Morgan’s Point or Caroline Bay project. And the interest for the year was 3.8. …

The Chairman Chairman Honourable Member. Honourable Member. Honourable Member. [Crosstalk]

The Chairman Chairman Are you speaking to Head— Hon. N . H. Cole Simons: Can the Minister tell us, what has he paid?

The Chairman Chairman Mr. Simons, can you put your . . . every time we try to get back to you, you never hear us! All right? Let’s stay in this meeting. Now we are talking about Head 58. Can you addres s Head 58? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I am, Mr. …

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Let’s continue. And please, when I speak, you need to hear. This is not the first time. I have always got to repeat myself to get your attention. Continue, Mr. Simons. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I am speaking to Head 58. The Chairman: Continue, Mr. Simons. Continue. Hon. …

The Chairman Chairman Continue, Mr. Simons!

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member You cut him off. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Hello?

The Chairman Chairman Mr. Simons, will you continue? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: So, as I was saying, we spoke about the loan interest that was due from the amount borrowed by Government to fund the debt that was purchased from the creditors of Caroline Bay. And my question is this: What interest …

The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers? Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, let me correct the Opposition Leader on his statement. What you actually pay to the bond holders is the present value of the remaining cash flows. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Okay. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: …

The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers? There appear to be none. 1272 26 March 2021 Official Hansa rd Report Bermuda House of Assembly Minister, do you want to move that head? Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Chairman, I move that Head 58 be approved.

The Chairman Chairman Any objections to Head 58 being approved? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of Finance, Head 58 — Interest on Debt passed.]

The Chairman Chairman The next one is Head 21, Ministry of Health. Minister. MINISTRY OF HEALTH HEAD 21 —HEADQUARTERS Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Chairman. Just a moment, please, Mr. Chairman. I am sorry. Mr. Chairman, you will recall in 2019 we changed the way we paid for the Island’s only hospital so …

The Chairman Chairman Yes. What is your point of order, sir? POINT OF ORDER Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I thought I heard you, Mr. Chairman, say we are doing Head 21?

The Chairman Chairman Head 21, yes. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: It appears the Minister is doing Head 24.

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Mr. Dunkley. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Chairman, apologies. Mr. Chairman, the COVID -19 virus was pr edicted to become a pandemic in late February 2020. Bermuda had its first confirmed case on the 18 th of March 2020. The pandemic required the Ministry to pull together sufficient …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Any further speakers? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Continue, Mr. Dunkley. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just for clarification, I believe the amount is $497,981. The Minister said $497,781. In that regard, Mr. Chairman, can the Honourable Minister please provide any details in this amount for any sole- sourced contracts?

The Chairman Chairman Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I believe that is in the public domain. There was a parliamentary question that was requested by the Honourable Member a few weeks ago concerning the extent of the sole- sourced contracts concerni ng COVID -19. He actually asked …

The Chairman Chairman Honourable Minister, that rule counts if we are asking parliamentary questions based on a Ministerial Statement. This question you have to answer. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Chairman, thank you. I understood that if the matter was in the public domain— [Crosstalk] Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Kim N. Wilson: …

The Chairman Chairman Madam. Madam. You heard what I said. Please don’t question the Chair on this. You have to answer the question. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: I am afraid I do not have the answ ers with me right now, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Mr. Dunkley? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I believe the reason why I asked that question again . . . the reason why is because when those items were . . . the Minist er is correct; they were answered —but at that time. …

The Chairman Chairman Ah! Continue, Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you. So, MP Dunkley, I apologise. I did not have them previously, MP Dunkley. There was a sole- sourced contract to Helix for the provision of providing the laboratory testing when Bermuda was first trying to test for COVID -19. We were …

The Chairman Chairman Any further comment on Head 21? Hon. Michael H. Du nkley: No, Mr. Chairman. That answers my questions. And I would also like to su pport the Minister in her thanks to the entire team.

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Honourable Member. Thank you. Minister, do you want to move that Head, please? Hon. Kim N. Wilson : Mr. Chairman, I move that Head 21 be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 21 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Head 21 is approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of Health H ead 21, Headquarters passed. ]

The Chairman Chairman We are doing Head 24 now. HEAD 24 —HOSPITALS Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Chairman, you will recall in July 2019 we changed the way we paid for the I sland’s only hospital so that they can focus more on health care and less on generating claims , billings and …

The Chairman Chairman Good afternoon. I hope all have had a nutritious lunch. And we are at the resumption of the debate in the Committee of Supply for further consi deration of the Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for f inancial year 2019/20. Minister Wilson, you are on Head 24. You may continue. MINISTRY …

The Chairman Chairman Honourable Member Dunkley, you have the floor. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. In regard to Hospitals, Head 24, a supplementary for $7.839425 million. Mr. Chairman, I mentioned this briefly during the debate last week on this matter. And a question to the Honourable Minister, in regard to …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Honourable Member. Any further speakers? Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Chairman, I am trying to get the responses for the Honourable Member.

The Chairman Chairman Honourable Member, will you be okay if the Minister just provides them to you later on? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Chairman, as we will be on this for a bit longer, I am happy if the Minister comes back through the debate on this supplementary. Yes, sir.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers? Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Go ahead. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Can I get your guidance? Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: Yes. Go ahead. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: At what point . . . I can get the answer I am waiting for, but I do not how to . . . how do …

The Chairman Chairman You can move this Head and just, once we finish another Head we could put it in. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: I do not know if the Honourable Member would . . . if I get the answer in the meantime, Mr. Chairman, I do have to debate the other …

The Chairman Chairman That is fine. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Okay. Thank you, Mr. Chai rman, for your leave. Thank you.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Chairman, in that regard, I would like to move that Head 24 be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 24 be approved. Are there any objections to that? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: A question, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Continue. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Since we are in the Committee of the Heads moved and then we move on, if the Minister provides those answers and I have questions of those, will I be able to ask those questions?

The Chairman Chairman I will allow you to. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Not a problem. Are there any objections to the head being approved, Head 24? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of Health, Head 24, Hosp itals passed]

The Chairman Chairman Our next Head is Head 36. Minister, Colonel Burch. MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS HEAD 36 —HEADQUAR TERS

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Thank you, Mr. Chai rman. As indicated in the Supplementary Estimate, the Ministry of Public Works is seeking approval for supplementaries relating to current expenses for mul-tiple departments under the Ministry of Publ ic Works Headquarters for the fiscal year 2019/20. The first is Head 36. Mr. Chairman, between September …

The Chairman Chairman Thank y ou, Minister. Any further speakers? No?

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Honourable Member, continue.

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Yes. No, I was just saying we . . . (let me just get my video up. There we go.) We appreciate that this i s customary when we do have such hurricanes. So we accept this supplementary here under the Ministry of Public Works. And understanding that most of …

The Chairman Chairman Minister.

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Mr. Chairman, nothing material in terms of the building damage in the go vernment stock. The Ch airman: Honourable Member Cannonier, any further?

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Thank you.

The Chairman Chairman That is it. Any further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister, do you want to move Head 36? 1276 26 March 2021 Official Hansa rd Report Bermuda House of Assembly Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch: Mr. Chairman, I move that Head 36 be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 36 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of Public Works, Head 36, Headquarters passed]

The Chairman Chairman Now we will do Head 82. HEAD 82 —DEPARTMENT OF WORKS AND ENG INEERING

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Mr. Chairman, Head 82, is for Quarry Products. The Department of Works and Engineering has incurred costs of $3,561,509 for product recharges at the Quarry. These are internal charges that could not be charged out due to a reduction in the road paving capital budget. Mr. Chairman, the Ministry of …

The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers? Honourable Member Cannonier, any comments?

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Yes. The Honourable Mini ster mentioned recharges due to road paving. Did that involve equipment that they thought that they probably would not have had to purchase all of the lights?

The Chairman Chairman Minister.

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch I am sorry. Could you restate your question again?

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Yes. Considering it is a r echarge, obviously extra work had to be done; it is i nternal . Did this have anything to do with having to pu rchase any type of equipment that was not accounted for to allow for you to get the work done?

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch No. It did not involve the purchasing of any equipment. This is a technical supplementary with recharging from one account to the other.

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Understood. Okay. Got it.

The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers? Minister, do you want to move that Head?

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Mr. Chairman, I move that Head 82 be approved. The Chairman: It has been moved that Head 82 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of Public Works, Head 82, Works and Engineering passed]

The Chairman Chairman The next will be the Minister of N ational Security, and it will be Head 6, and it is D efence. Minister Ming, you have the floor.

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Mr. Chairman.

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Okay. So we do the capital separately? The Chair man: Yes. When we get down there, we will go based on [ INAUDIBLE]. We will do it in that order.

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Okay. All right. Thank you.

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Minister Ming. Hon. Renee Ming: Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman. The Chairm an: Good afternoon. Hon. Renee Ming: Mr. Chairman, let me just add something for clarification. I actually have a brief pr epared that includes Heads 6, 25 and 45. Can I do it all as one go?

The Chairman Chairman No. We do each Head at one time––. Hon. Renee Min g: Okay.

The Chairman Chairman ––Separately (I am sorry). Hon. Renee Ming: All righty. I will just start now.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Continue. MINISTRY OF NATIONAL SECURITY HEAD 6 —DEFENCE Hon. Renee Ming: Surely. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to provide a briefing on the supplementary budget increase for the Mi nistry of National Security in the amount of $2,792,615. Mr. Chairman, the Ministry of National Security r eBermuda House of …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Honourable Minister. Any further speakers to Head 6, Defence? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Honourable Member Dunkley, conti nue. Hon. Michael H. Dunkle y: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. To the Honourable Minister, thanks for that brief overview. The Honourable Minister, I think, meant to say that the wages were $254,489. In regard to that, Mr. Chairman, can the Honourable Minister please pr ovide a …

The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers? Minister. Hon. Renee Ming: Mr. Chairman, I am just endeavouring to get that answer.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Chairman, I am happy to go on to the next Head and let the answer come through this debate. Hon. Renee Ming: Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I am sure that the Member is specifically speaking through the different ranks in salary. A …

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Mr. Dunkley, are you satisfied with that? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Chairman. I am satisfied with the answer coming through this debate as the Minister of National Security continues.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Minister, do you want to move that Head? Hon. Renee Ming: Sure. I move that Head 6, Defence be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 6 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of National Security, Head 6, Defence passed]

The Chairman Chairman The next head is Corrections, Head 25. HEAD 25 —DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS Hon. Renee Ming: Surely. Mr. Chairman, I now present the 2019/20 supplementary estimate for Head 25— Department of Corrections. The Department of Corrections continues to carry out its mandate and perform its duties with limited resources. This has …

The Chairman Chairman Is that it, Minister? Hon. Renee Ming: Yes. I am sorry, Mr. Chairman. Yes, it is.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Are there any further speakers to Head 25 — Corrections? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Continue, Honourable Member. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I appreciate the Minister’s explanation of this $1.697476 million overspend. Mr. Chairman, the Minister did give some explanation that it was due to staff shortages, sick leave, escorts which include hospital and the courts. None of this is new, …

The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister. Hon. Renee Ming: Mr. Chairman, the Member is correct. The challenges that are being faced by the D epartment of Corrections are not new. And they have been going on for many, many years. In terms of the budgeted amount and …

The Chairman Chairman Any further questions? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I beg to differ with the Minister’s overview of it. I just do not see with the cut in budget we are going to be in a better position. But we are dealing with a supplementary now. And …

The Chairman Chairman One second. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I will take the point of order.

The Chairman Chairman Go ahead. POINT OF ORDER Hon. Re nee Ming: Yes. I did not say that we would be in a better position. I explained how we would be working through the challenges that we have. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you for that clarif ication. Mr. Chairman, with the budget …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, MP. Are there any further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister, do you want to move that Head? Hon. Renee Ming: Mr. Chairman, I move that Head 25—Department of Corrections be approved as pr esented.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 25 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of National Security, Head 25, Department of Corrections passed]

The Chairman Chairman We have done 25. So this is Head 45. Minister. HEAD 45 —BERMUDA FIRE AND RESCUE SE RVICE Hon. Renee Ming: Mr. Chairman, I am now presenting [the] 2019/20 supplementary estimate for Head 45—the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service. Since the 2018/19 fiscal year, the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Honourable Minister. Any further speakers? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Continue, Honourabl e Member. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I thank the Honourable Minister for her explanation of the $805,875 overtime for the financial year 2019/20. Mr. Chairman, certainly I fully understand the need for that and I would make the comment that when you look at departments with significant numbers …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Honourable Member. Any further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister, you want to continue? [Do] you want to move that Head? Hon. Rene e Ming: Surely. Mr. Chairman, I move that Head 45, Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service be approved as presented.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 45 — Fire Service be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of National Security, Head 45, Fire and Rescue Service passed] 1280 26 March 2021 Official Hansa rd Report Bermuda House of Assembly The …

The Chairman Chairman Next we will have Head 65 —Capital Development. Colonel Burch, you have the floor. MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS HEAD 65 —CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Mr. Chairman, the Ministry of Public Works is required to carry out maintenance and improvements at Port Royal Golf Course, the venue for the inaugural Bermuda tournament, the professional golf tournament on the PGA Tour held annually in the fall until 2023. The Ministry undertook capital expenditures to secure golf …

The Chairman Chairman Well, let us do the whole three this time because they are all under Head 65.

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Okay.

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch [Cost centre] 75051, Private Roads Street Lighting. Mr. Chairman, the Mi nistry of Public W orks requests that a technical supplement of $1,428 is approved to capital cost centre 75051, Private Roads Street Lighting. This project is actually under budget for the period but for the misallocation of a single …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister. Honourable Member Cannonier, I would imagine you are speaking again for Public Works.

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Many thanks, Mr. Chairman, Deputy Speaker. Under the Ministry of Public Works Capital Development, Head 65, at Golf Course Improvement, we recognise that these requirements would be the case. I think for the edification of the public it would be nice to know what exactly would be those improv ements …

The Chairman Chairman Yes, yes, yes. Go ahead, yes.

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Okay. Yes. If I can move on then to Works and Engineering under the [cost centre] 75051, Private Roads and Street Lighting. He did say that this was a technical. I missed the part about the $7,000 actually, because the $7,000 from the tree cutting and the likes, that department …

The Chairman Chairman That is not $1.4 million.

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Sorry?

The Chairman Chairman That is not $1.4 million. It is $1,428.

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Ah! My apologies. Okay. Understood, understood, understood. Thank you very much. Then I will change out that question. That is justifiable; I can see that. Thank you very much. I will then move on to Public Lands and Buil dings. Thank you for that clarification.

The Chairman Chairman No problem.

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Under Capital Development Major Building Upgrades, I believe he said that this was also a technical one. And I understand the works that have needed to be done; I have no questions for that. Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: Okay. Minister.

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Mr. Chairman, the first level, this is the first year of the PGA, and so qui te a considerable amount of work was done on the course. Not being a golfer, I am probably going to get the technical terms incorrect. But I believe every sand trap had to be …

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Any further questions? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Continue, Honourable Member. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I thank the Honourable Minister for his in -depth review of the work done. O bviously, I think most people who are associated with golf in some way will understand and appreciate that the maintenance of a golf course for PGA champio …

The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers? Minister.

Lt. Col. Hon. Da vid A. Burch Mr. Chairman, yes, we imported extra sand. It is being stored at Port Royal. We recognise the challenge in getting the sand here as well as maintaining it, as the Honourable Member stated. Experts far greater than I have indicated that the sa nd is being stored in a proper …

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Just one further question to the Minister: Is any sand for Port Royal being stored at Morgan’s Point?

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Not to my knowledge. But I will ask that question now. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Minister.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Are there any further questions? Minister, do you wan t to move the Head on Capital Development?

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Yes. Mr. Chairman, I would like to move that Head 65 for $3,196,097 combined be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 65 — Capital Development be approved. Are there a ny objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of Public Works, Head 65, Capital Development passed]

The Chairman Chairman I call on the Minister of Finance. Minister of Finance, are you available? Hon. Curtis L. Dickinso n: Mr. Chairman, I move that Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for the financial year 2019/20 be approved as printed and reported to the House.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Suppl ementary Estimate for the current and capital [accounts] for 2019/20 be approved and reported to the House. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. It will be reported to the House as printed. [Motion carried: Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) …

The Chairman Chairman Mr. Speaker. Or we can go ahead to the next one. House resumed at 2:36 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF COMMITTEE SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE (NO. 1) FOR THE FINA NCIAL YEAR 2019/20

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

The Speaker The Speaker Members, are there any objections to the Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for the financial year 2019/20 being reported to the House as printed? There are none. Minister, that takes us on to the second item on the Order Paper today, which is the consideration of the Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) …

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? Continue on. BILL SECOND READING SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE (NO. 1) FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2020/21 Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, the Schedule identifies 10 items totalling $140,249,967 to be included in Supplementary Es timate (No. 1) for 2020/21, made up of $135,573,057 on current account and …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Are there any objections to the Minister’s moving us to Committee? Minister, do you ask for it to be committed? Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Yes, I do, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Deputy. House in Committee at 2:43 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman] COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE (NO. 1) FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2020/21

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Honourable Members, we are now in Committee for the Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for the financial yea r 2020/21. Minister, you have the floor. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: The first item is for the Cabinet Office, Mr. Chairman, for the Minister o f the Cabinet Office.

The Chairman Chairman We call on the Minister for the Cabinet Office to debate Head 9. Hon. E. David Burt: Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I will go ahead with these items. But may I begin first with Head 9?

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Continue on, Mr. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And I am pleased to present this brief for t he supplementary estimate for the Cabinet Office for f inancial year 2020/21. The Cabinet Office total sup-plementary estimate is $15,776,700 for financial year 2020/21. The figure is …

The Chairman Chairman Right. You are just doing Head 9 first. Hon. E . David Burt: I am still in Head 9.

The Chairman Chairman Still in Head 9? Okay, go ahead. Hon. E. David Burt: Oh, yes. This is all Head 9. All of this is Head 9. 1284 26 March 2021 Official Hansa rd Report Bermuda House of Assembly A new emergency grant product and expan ded loan guarantee product with banks and …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Honourable Premier. Any further speakers on Head 9? No further speakers on Head 9? Go ahead, Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Chairman, I move that the Head be approved as printed.

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Mr. Chairman. The Honourable Member was having difficulty getting through to you.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. All right.

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier The Opposition Leader, sorry. His system shut down. Hon. N. H. Co le Simons: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, Mr. Premier. Two questions. On the National Health Emergency Fund, I heard the Premier speak about the tes ting and PPEs and salaries and wages. Can he give an …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Thank you, Honourable Opposition Leader Cole Simons.

Mr. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt premier Mr. Chairman, I will be able to provide the specific information on the second item. I did provide relatively detailed information in regard to 158 individual businesses. But I am happy for the Honourable Member to follow up with a specific [answer] on that, as I certainly would not be …

The Chairman Chairman Any further speak ers?

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Honourable Member Jackson, continue. Bermuda House of Assembly Ms. Susan E. Jackson: Thank you. For the Premier, I was just curious whether we have been able to transition Dr. Carika Weldon from a volunteer situation into s ome sort of formal employment or reimbursement, or under wages and salaries, for …

The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers?

Ms. Susan E. Jackson I am sorry. The Premier kind of fro ze there.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Hon. E. David Burt: I can provide the answer. The answer is yes. But I am uncertain if that falls under Head 9.

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Okay. Thanks.

The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers? [Inaudible interjection] The Chairm an: No further speakers?

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Yes, Mr. Cannonier.

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Yes. The Honourable Premier mentioned about the test kits. I am just curious about procurement. From what companies did the Government bring in those initial tests? Or was it a company that brought them? What company was that?

The Chairman Chairman Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Chairman, I am doing my best to answer. I mean, the Honourable Member is testing my memory. I know at the very beginning there were initial testing kits. There was an automatic ex-tractor which came from a company whose name I cannot recall off …

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Yes, Mr. Chairman. Just to clarify. I am not sure if I got it clear. So Government did not pay for any test kits at all then? It was procured?

The Chairman Chairman Did you get that, Mr. Premier? Hon. E. David Burt: I am not certain what was asked. You said, Government did not pay for it?

Mr. L. Cra ig Cannonier No. What I am asking is, Government did not procure any test kits until it was put out for procurement by the companies? You mentioned where they came from. I was just curious. If you know where they came from, and who the mi ddleman for t hem was, then …

The Chairman Chairman Any further comments?

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Mr. Chairman, yes, thank you. We understand now that t he question was asked. But my question is actually: Who were the companies, [the] local companies that brought them in? So if the Premier does not have the answer, can then get that answer to us? Hon. E. David Burt: …

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Thank you.

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Premier. Any further questions? As there appear to be none, Premier, do you want to move Head 9? Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I move Head 9 to stand as part of the supplementary estimates and ask if I can move to the …

The Chairman Chairman Hold on. Let us get Head 9 approved first. It has been moved that Head 9 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Head 9 is approved. [Motion carried: Cabinet Office, Head 9, passed]

The Chairman Chairman The next Head is Information and Technology, Head 43. Premier. HEAD 43 —INFORMATION AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chai rman. Mr. Chairman, Head 43—Information and Di gital Technologies [IDT], a supplementary amount of $500,000. This supplementary amount is also related to the additional expense caused …

The Chairman Chairman No, Head 43. Hon. E. David Burt: Oh, thank you very much; Head 43.

The Chairman Chairman Any furt her speakers to Head 43? Any speakers to Head 43? Premier, do you want to move Head 43? Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I move that Head 43 stand as part of the estimates.

The Chairman Chairman Be approved. Hon. E. David Burt: I mov e that Head 43 be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 43 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Cabinet Office, Head 43, Information and Digital Technologies passed] The Chai rman: Next is Communications, Head 51. Premier. HEAD 51 —COMMUNICATIONS Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you …

The Chairman Chairman Are there any further speakers to Head 51?

Mr. Dunkley. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley Yes, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Cont inue, sir. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Oh, I did not ask to speak.

The Chairman Chairman Oh. I just saw you pop- up. No problem. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: No. What happened, Mr. Chairman, is I lost signal. So I am logging back in.

The Chairman Chairman Okay, okay. Welcome back. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, sir.

The Chairman Chairman As there appear to be none, Premier, do you want to move Head 51 for approval? Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I move that Head 51 be a pproved.

The Chairman Chairman It ha s been moved that Head 51 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Cabinet Office, Head 51, Communic ations passed]

The Chairman Chairman The next is the Ministry of Legal A ffairs, Child and Family Serv ices, Head 23. And that is Minister Kathy Lynn Simmons [sic] . Minister, you have the floor. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Chairman, I am actually going to present for Child and Family Services.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Continue. MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS HEAD 23 —DEPARTMENT OF CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES Hon. Tinee Furbert: And I will present the Suppl ementary Estimate (No. 1) for Head 23.

The Chairman Chairman Right. Minister Tinee Furbert, not Kathy Simmons —Tinee Furbert. Continue, Minister. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I now present the Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for the financial year 2020/21, Head 23, D epartment of Child and Family Services. Mr. Chairman, the 2020/21 current account supplementary estimate for the …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Honourable Minister Tinee Furbert. Any further speakers to Head 23?

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

The Chairman Chairman Honourable Member Pearman, continue.

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Honourable Minister. Honourable Minister, just one question. The $614,300 figure, was that 100 per cent attribut able to the four - month operation of the shelter? Or are there other elements in that number? Thank you.

The Chairman Chairman Minister. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Yes. Thank you, Honourable Member. That figure was for the emergency shelter during that 16- week period.

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

Mr. Chairman. The Chairman Any further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister, do you want to move Head 23 for approval? Hon. Tinee Furbert: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that Head 23 be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 23 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Head 23 is approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of Legal Affairs, Head 23, Department of Child and Family Services passed]

The Chairman Chairman Next is from the Ministry of Finance, and Ministry Headquarters, Head 10. The Finance Minister, Mr. Dickinson. You have the floor, Minister. MINISTRY OF FINANCE HEAD 10 —HEADQUARTERS Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Chairman, under Head 10, t he supplementary estimate for Ministry Headquarters relates to a $250,000 grant to …

The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers to Head 10? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Yes, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Honourable Member, Opposition Leader, Mr. Simons, conti nue. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I would like to thank the Minister of Finance for his contribution. Just a ques-tion. I am just going to pick up where he left off. He indicated that there was seed funding granted to the BermudaFirst …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister. Any further question? Simons, that is it? Hon. N. H. Col e Simons: That is it. Thank you.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. No further questions. Minister, do you want to move Head 10, please? Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Chairman, I move that Head 10 be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 10 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. Head 10 is approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of Finance, Head 10, Hea dquarters passed]

The Chairman Chairman The next head is Head 58—Interest on Debt. Minister. HEAD 58 —INTEREST ON DEBT Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Minister, item 3(ii) of the Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for the financial year 2020/21 relates to Head 58—Interest on Debt, tota lling $7.3 million. Honourable Members will recall that in July of …

Mr. Chairman. The Chairman Thank you, Minister. Any further speakers to Head 58? 1290 26 March 2021 Official Hansa rd Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Honourable Member. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: I would like to thank the Minister for his contribution and the history leading up to where we are today. I understand the reasoning why the interest has increased. So I just have one simple question: The Budget Book on page C -29 …

The Chairman Chairman Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Chairman, the revised figure shown in the Budget Book reflects the annual interest cost, and so that is the number inclusive of the $7.3 million which is being sought as the suppl ementary estimate.

The Chairman Chairman Anything further, Honourable Oppos ition Leader? Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: No, that is it. I understand the history behind it. So I just wanted to know whether that was included or not. Thank you.

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Honourable Member. Minister, do you want to move th at Head, please? Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Chairman, I move that Head 58 be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 58 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of Finance, Head 58, Interest on Debt passed]

The Chairman Chairman The next is the Minister of Health. Minister Wilson, Head 21. MINISTRY OF HEALTH HEAD 21 —HEADQUARTERS Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Chairman, in early March 2020 prior to COVID -19 becoming a pandemic the whole world recognised that in order to prepare for the very likely pandemic, personal protective …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister. Yes, and the staff are to be commended. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: I beg your pardon?

The Chairman Chairman I said yes, we agree the staff are to be commended on their tasks. Any further speakers? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman MP Dunkley. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I support you 100 per cent in support ing the Minister in commending the staff after this difficult period. Unfortunately, it continues on and we all have to be resolute as we go forward. I thank the Honourable Minister for that brief. The Honourable …

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Much of what we purchased—and I asked parliamentary questions (that we referred to earlier) in another debate which talked about money spent for the National Health Emergency. Much of what was done in dozens and dozens of contracts was done on a sole- source basis. …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Honourable Member. Any further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the Honourable Member for his candour . As he indicated, we did discuss this heavily at a different time. But I certainly appreciate his concerns. And as …

The Chairman Chairman One second. Let us dispense with this first, then you can deal with that after. [Crosstalk] Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Chairman, I move— Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Chairman, since we are still in Committee, just one response to the Mini ster? And I will not belabour the point, …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Thank you, Honourable Member. Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Chairman, I move that Head 21 for the financial year 2020/21 Supplementary Est imate (No. 1) be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 21 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of Health, Head 21, Hea dquarters passed]

The Chairman Chairman Now you can do that, Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. With respect to the former question, I thank the Honourable Members for their indulgence. The $7.8 million supplementary for Head 24 for the 2019/20 budget dealt specifically with services that were provided by BHB. And wi …

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: To the Honourable Mini ster—and I thank her for providing those answers in a timely fashi on. The Minister did say they dipped into reserves . What was the amount used in 2019/20 budget year? Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Chairman, I do not have …

The Chairman Chairman Will you endeavour to get that information to the Honourable Member? Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Honourable Member, I will e ndeavour to get that information and provide it to you forthwith. Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am acceptable of that. And …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Minister, Head 55? Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Chairman, Head 55 — Financial Assistance is under a different Ministry.

The Chairman Chairman Yes, it is listed under —okay. Is that under Minister Hayward? It is listed on the paper under Ministry of Health. At one time it was; it has not been changed on the paper. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I assume, Mr. Chairman, that is because in that year it was …

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Exactly. Thank you, Mr. Dunkley, You are absolutely correct. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Whoever has the answers, let them roll.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Who is answering for Head 55 — Financial Assistance? [No audible response]

The Chairman Chairman And let me give you a little time to get your stuff together. We will come back to that, to Head 55, whoever is in charge of that. Let us go to the Ministry of Tourism and Transport, Head 48. Minister Scot t. MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND TRANSPORT HEAD 48 …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister. Any further speakers on Head 48, Tourism and Transport?

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

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Continue, Mr. Pearman.

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you. I thank the Minister for his explanation as to the supplementary estimate for Head 48. I would just ask the Minister what the old ai rport would have cost during COVID -19 if it in fact was open and in operation. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Minister. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Mr. Chairman, there would have been no additional costs. And as there were no revenue guarantees in conjunction with the operation of the old, but now retired, air passenger terminal building. 1294 26 March 2021 Official Hansa rd Report Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Scott …

Mr. Sco tt Pearman I will take the shame, Mr. Chai rman. Thank you. That is my only question on Head 48.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Any further speakers? Minister, do you want to move Head 48? Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Mr. Chairman, I move that Head 48 be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 48 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of Tourism and Transport, Head 48, Headquarters passed]

The Chairman Chairman We will do Marine & Ports, Head 30. Minister, you will have the floor. HEAD 30 —DEPARTMENT OF MARINE & PORTS SERVICES Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you. Mr. Chairman, in the case of the Department of Marine & Ports Services, Head 30, the unbudgeted sum is in the amount …

The Chairman Chairman Any speakers to Head 30, Marine & Ports? There appear to be none. Minister, do you want to move Head 30?

Mr. Scott Pearman No questions. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Mr . Pearman. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The Department of Transport Control, Head 34—

The Chairman Chairman Just a second. No, let us move Head 30. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Oh, I am so sorry.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you very much. Mr. Chairman, I move that Head 30 be a pproved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 30 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of Tourism and Transport Head 30, Department of Marine & Ports Services passed] HEAD 34 —DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT CONTROL Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Mr. Chairman, the …

The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers on Head 34? Mr. Pearman, do you have any?

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I thank the Minister for his presentation of supplementary estimate for Head 34, and I have no questions.

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Minister, do you want to move that Head? Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Mr. Chairman, I move that Head 34 be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 34 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of Tourism and Transport, Head 34, Department of Transport Control passed] Bermuda House of Assembly HEAD 35 —DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Mr. …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Any further speakers to Head 35?

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

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

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you. I thank the Honour able Minister for his presentation. Of the $992,000, are you able to give a rough percentage breakdown as to what was the cleaning and PPE, et cetera, attributable to COVID -19 versus the extra item you mentioned, which was supporting transportation to schools? Can …

The Chairman Chairman Minister. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Thank you. The cleaning includes the —I guess the answer that the Shadow Minister is asking for is $34,222.12.

The Chairman Chairman What is that for? Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: That is for cleaning mater ials under code 5900.

The Chairman Chairman All right. Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Now, if he is asking for cleaning services, that would be an additional $195,436.35. And if he is asking [about the] s ecurity [required] to ensure adherence with the COVID -19 regulations, that would be $577,745.26. And so the additional PPE was $97,577.70.

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Mr. Scott Pearman: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If I may follow up?

Mr. Scott Pearman The Honourable Minister indica ted that of the $992,000, approximately two- thirds (give or take) being $577,000 is for security costs. I would invite the Honourable Minister just to elaborate on how we spent sort of $600,000 on security costs. Could you please just elaborate a little bit more on …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you.

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If I correctly understood the Minister, we spent approximately $100,000 on security over a two- month period, or over $100,000 on a two- month period? Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: No. That seem s to be more of a four -month period.

Mr. Scott Pearman Grateful. Thank you.

The Chairman Chairman Are there any further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister, do you want to move Head 35? Hon. W. Lawrence Scott: Yes, Mr. Chairman. I move that Head 35 now be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 35 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. 1296 26 March 2021 Official Hansa rd Report Bermuda House of Assembly [Motion carried: Ministry of Tourism and Transport, Head 35, Department of Public Transportation passed]

The Chairman Chairman Is the Minister responsible for Financial Assistance, Head 55, are you prepared and ready? Minister for Financial Assistance? [No audible response]

The Chairman Chairman Okay. I would ask one of you to get hold of one of your colleagues to find out who has t o do that one, please. [Inaudible interjections ]

The Chairman Chairman I call on the Minister of Public Works, the Honourable Colonel Burch, to do Head 36. MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS HEAD 36 —HEADQUARTERS

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Mr. Chairman, thank you. As indicated in the Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for the financial year 2020/21, the Ministry of Public Works is seeking approval for supplementaries relating to capital expenditure for the Ministry of Public Works Headquarters for the fiscal year 2020/2 1 and operational. Mr. Chairman, the devastating …

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Mr. Chairman, the West End Dev elopment Corporation (WEDCO) [the Corporation] was established in 1982 by an Act of Parliament with the specific task of developing the lands which were vested to the corporation under the Act. The Corporation’s direction is overseen by the board of direct ors, which is …

Mr. Chairman, the
West End Dev elopment Corporation (WEDCO) [the
Corporation] was established in 1982 by an Act of
Parliament with the specific task of developing the
lands which were vested to the corporation under the
Act. The Corporation’s direction is overseen by the board of direct ors, which is appointed by the Minister
responsible. The WEDCO Act 1984 is what the Corporation follows as their primary guideline of oper ation.
Until the COVID -19 pandemic this year, the
Corporation has for 20- plus years been operating its
day-to-day bus iness without the support of any operating grants. Unfortunately, the devastating impact
that the pandemic has had on Bermuda’s tourism i ndustry in general, and Dockyard in particular, has made this goal wholly unachievable.
Mr. Chairman, the Ministry of Public Works is
requesting that a technical supplemental of $3.5 mi llion be approved for operating account 46111, Public Works Headquarters, for an operating grant to WE DCO.
Mr. Chairman, the Bermuda Housing Corpor ation [BHC] manages and controls the H.U .S.T.L.E.
Truck Programme (acronym for Helping the Unemployed to Sustain Themselves w ith Limited Emplo yment ). This has been in successful operation for 14
years. BHC through the H.U.S.T.L.E. Truck Pr ogramme has helped over 1,700 unemployed Berm udians in need with short -term temporary employment
and assisted them with finding full -time jobs. In addition, the programme has provided much- valued assi stance to our seniors, community groups, churches and schools, and neighbourhoods. And an unanticipated increase in the demand for these services has brought
the Ministry to request a supplementary of $200,000
for current account 46111, Public Works Headquarters, in order to meet the current demand.
And finally, Mr. Chairman, the Ministry provi ded an operational grant to the golf course of $2,779,090. This is materially COVID -19-related, as
the golf course was unable to meet its financial obligations as a result of the global pandemic.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Honourable Member. Any further speakers to Head 36, Ministry of Public Works?

The Chairman Chairman Continue, Honourable Member. Yes.

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Just trying to get my video. Yes. Thank you very much. Just very quickly under Head 36 here, I was curious. For the $101,000 National Health Emergency COVID -19, the Minister laid out a few areas where this was spent. Was it also used to help with the labs that …

The Chairman Chairman Yes, go on. Go on. Go on. Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. L. Craig Cannonier: Okay. With the housing corporation, I would just like to echo my sentiments to Bermuda Housing Corpor ation and the Minister on fine work here. This $200,000, this w as basically to do with labour …

The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Honourable Member, continue. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to just follow on where my honourable colleague and former Premier left off in regard to golf courses. The sum of $2,779,000 is significant. The budget for the grant for golf courses, as my honourable colleague …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Any further speakers? Minister.

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Thank you, Mr. Chai rman. To the first question (was the operational pr oduction of the labs included in this figure?) the answer is no. In relation to the BHC, it is for labour only. And what we did was to add additional staff over the per iod. And we …

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Mr. Chairman, just in relation to the last answer.

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Just curious. With this new equipment, is this something that Port Royal is going to be purchasing, Government is going to be purchasing, or is this going to be something tendered out to purchase this equipment?

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch No. We will be purchasing it. Some of it has already been ordered. And in the next financial year, [there is] funding for a new maintenance shed at Ocean View. What we are trying to do is, Ocean View has been traditionally the stepchild of golf courses. And we are …

The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Yes, Honourable Member. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I actually support the continued development of golf. Obviously, I play golf and I believe in it. And I think that it has got to be a great opportunity for our young people. And certainly Port Royal is one of the finest public …

The Chairman Chairman Minister.

Lt. Col. Hon. Da vid A. Burch I do not understand the last portion of that. And it may be as a result of —I am certainly not trying to practice accounting, b ecause that is not my area of expertise. But the grant funding to the golf courses and to other entities is such that it …

The Chairman Chairman Any further comments, questions? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Chairman. Just to finish off. I appreciate the Minister’s reply. And I certainly appreciate the work of the trustees. It is difficult, especially in a difficult economic environment. However, based on— and I misspoke earlier. I said that the grant …

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Based on the fact that the grant remains at 950, I have to say that I think my co lleagues and I believe that we will come back next year with a supplementary in this regard. An d as we said earlier in a previous …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Any further speakers? [Inaudible interjection]

The Chairman Chairman No further speakers? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley : Mr. Chairman, I will try not to call you on your cell phone either. [Laughter]

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Minister Burch, will you move those Heads, please?

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Thank you, Mr. Chai rman. I think the last comment from the Honourable Member Dunkley is well noted. I indicated in my r emarks earlier that the $950,000 grant is underfunded. Everybody accepts that. We have made great strides in order to try and address that by having a rollingforward …

The Chairman Chairman The next head is the Ministry of Labour, Community Affairs and Sport for Head 20. Minister. [No audible response] The Chairm an: That is Minister Hayward, I think. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Actually, Mr. Chairman, I will be reading for the Youth, Sport & Recreation, Head 20.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Minister Tinee Furbert, conti nue. MINISTRY OF YOUTH, CULTURE & SPORT HEAD 20 —DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH, SPORT & RECREATION Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I now present to this House the explanation of the Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for the financial year 2020/21, Head 20. Mr. Chairman, …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any speakers to Head 20, Youth, Sport and Recreation?

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes, Mr. Cha irman, I have a question.

The Chairman Chairman Honourable Member, continue.

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Thank you. I believe that this was a very useful and supportive programme to maintain during our shelter in place. It was a traumatic time, and it was super i mportant for essential workers to have a place to take their children that was safe. But my question to the …

The Chairman Chairman Any further questions? There appear to be none. Minister, do you want to move that Head, please. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Chairm an. I also agree that it was a very important supplementary to make sure that we had for our frontline workers and I am sure they …

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that He ad 20 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport , Head 20, Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation passed]

The Chairman Chairman Workforce Development, Head 60. Minister Hayward. 1300 26 March 2021 Official Hansa rd Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Yes, continue, Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: I have Heads 60 and 55.

The Chairman Chairman Oh, fine. Yes. Do you want to do Head 55 first? MINISTRY OF LABOUR HEAD 55 —DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL AS SISTANCE Hon. Jason Hayward: Okay. Mr. Chairman, we have provided relief for Head 55, Financial Assistance. Mr. Chairman, Financial Assistance received a supplemental budget allocation of $2,662,822 for fiscal year …

The Chairman Chairman That’s it, Minister? Hon. Jason Hayward: Yes, sir.

The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers to Head 55, F inanc ial Assistance?

Mr. Jarion Richardson Yes, Mr. Chairman, MP Richardson.

The Chairman Chairman Honourable Member, continue.

Mr. Jarion Richardson Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like the Honourable Minister to . . . actually, I might require guidance in thi s regard because I note under a different Head there is a similarly described line item. I would like to learn the difference between the two, that being Head …

The Chairman Chairman One is Workforce Development and one is Financial Assistance. Go ahead, we will guide you as you go.

Mr. Jarion Richardson Thank you, very much, Mr. Chairman. I note that the grant, I believe the Honourable Minister said was $2.3 million, and that there was —

The Chairman Chairman It was $2.6 million.

Mr. Jarion Richardson [It was] $2.6 million. And that for social assistance there was an additional admini strative cost. My question to the Honourable Minister is: What is the difference between the social assistance that was provided which was by way of grant and it assisted persons how? What were the kinds of …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Honourable Member. Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Chairman, the social assistance that totalled $283,584 relates to the suppl emental unemployment benefit. Those would have been individuals who did not qualify for financial assi stance. The $2,379,238 would b e associated directly with those individuals who were qualified for …

The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers? Mr. Richardson, did you find . . .

Mr. Jarion Richardson I was just going to thank the Honourable Minister for that explanation and state that, of course, we are so much in support of taking care of our people during this calamity, so we just want to make sure that it is quite clear to all of us what it …

The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers? Minister, you want to move Head 55? Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Chairman, at this time I would like to move Head 55, Financial Assistance.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 55 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of Labour, Head 55, Financial Assistance , pass ed]

The Chairman Chairman Do you want to do Head 60 now? Workforce Development. Bermuda House of Assembly HEAD 60 —DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Chairman, the Department of Workforce Development, Head 60, received a su pplementary budget allocation of $58 mi llion for fiscal year 2020/21. And it was dispersed …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister. Any further speakers to Head 60, Wor kforce Development.

Mr. Jarion Richardson [It is] MP Richardson, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Yes, continue, MP.

Mr. Jarion Richardson Mr. Chairman, insofar as the unemployment payment, we did discuss it at length during the initial budget, and coming up in suppl emental. And perhaps my question is, given that we discussed it in budget, perhaps this is guidance from you, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Mm-hmm.

Mr. Jarion Richardson We were talking about it here because the final numbers are coming in? Is that what it is, Mr. Chairman?

The Chairman Chairman Well, this is the 2020/21. Go ahead, continue.

Mr. Jarion Richardson Okay. Well, just that we are obviously are in support, again, of taking care of our workforce, for all those people who are working hard who are affected by this global pandemic. It was a trying time and a lot of people needed this assistance. We are very mindful and …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Honourable Member. Honourable Minister, do you want to move this Head for approval? Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Chairman, I would like to move Head 60, Department of Workforce Development for approval.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 60 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of Labour, Head 60, Wor kforce Development, passed ]

The Chairman Chairman The next is the Ministry of National Security, Head 83. That would be Minister Ming of St. George’s , Minister Ming. MINISTRY OF NATIONAL SECURITY HEAD 83 —HEADQUARTERS Hon. Renee Ming: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Especially for acknowledging the good Parish of St. George’s. Honourable Members, I rise today to …

The Chairman Chairman Yes. I think I got you. POINT OF CLARIFICATION Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: The numbers for Head 6 do not appear to be correct.

The Chairman Chairman Well, let’s deal with Head 83 first b efore you go into Head 6. Hon. Renee Ming: Okay. All right. Mr. Chairman, I now present the 2020/21 supplementary estimate for Head 83, the Ministry of National Security. The Ministry of National Security Disaster Risk Reduction and Mitigation Team (co mmonly …

Mr. Chairman. The Chairman Thank you. Thank you, Minister. Any fur ther speakers to Head 83? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Yes, Honourable Member, continue. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Chairman, I thank the Honourable Minister for that brief overview. For Head 83, Ministry Headquarters, it is listed on the Supplementary Estimate for 2020/21 as $8,036,965. The Minister just gave an overview of $1.6 million. So can the Minister give …

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Is that what you had, Mr. Dunkley? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: No, Mr. Chairman. I printed this off the Parliamentar y website today. It is def initely unfortunate. This is the second time it has happened in the last week, because, remember, we got the errata pages for the …

The Chairman Chairman Right. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: So it is most unfortunate that this has happened and certainly it is not a good sign. But I accept the Minister saying that $1.6 is the budget. So I will cross out this $8 million that is there.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Because I have the same thing also that she has. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Okay . I hope the rest of the numbers are correct. So in regard to the $79,000 unused, how will that money be earmarked going forward? [Inaudible interjections]

The Chairman Chairman Do you want to repeat that, Honour able Member Dunkley? Hon. Renee Ming: No, I di d get the question, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Oh, you got it? Okay. Hon. Renee Ming: The financial year has not quite completed yet so anything that may come up between now and March 31 st, there are additional or unallocated funds at this time that ca n be used. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Okay. In regard to …

The Chairman Chairman Minister, you have that? Hon. Renee Ming: Member, there were three [cleaning] firms that w ere looked at initially. I am just reading the note here. Two were qualified to be able to do the cleaning that was required. It was not just normal cleaning. I am sure you could …

The Chairman Chairman Any further questions on Head 83? There appear to be none. Minister, you want to move Head 83? Hon. Renee Ming: Thank you. Mr. Chairman, I move that Head 83 be approved as presented.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 83 be approved as presented. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of National Security, Head 83 passed]

The Chairman Chairman Head 6, Defence. HEAD 6 —ROYAL BERMUDA REGIMENT, DEFENCE Hon. Renee Ming: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I now present the 2020/21 Supplementary Estimate for Head 6, the Royal Bermuda Regiment, Defence. The Royal Bermuda Regiment was . . . I’m sorry, Mr. Chairman, let me just give you the numbers …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Honourable Minister. Any further speakers on Head 6? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Yes, continue. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Chairman, just in connection with the National Health Emergency under Head 6, Defence, the Honourable Minis ter said that amount was about $6.3 million. Is that correct? Hon. Renee Ming: That is correct. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Okay. Then if that is the …

The Chairman Chairman Mm-hmm. Yes, agreed. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I will move on, Mr. Chai rman. The Honourable Minister, I believe, going through the breakdown of the $6.3 million, mentioned medical of $550,000. Is that correct? Hon. Renee Ming: That is c orrect, Member. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I assume that is …

The Chairman Chairman Mm-hmm. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: And then secondly, Mr. Chairman, in just looking at the numbers because we have only been given the breakdown now, but with wages of just over $543,000 for the National Health Emergency, I see a food allocation of $141,000 for that. That seems to be …

The Chairman Chairman Any further questions? No further questions. Minister, do you want to move that Head, please? Head 6. [Pause]

The Chairman Chairman You can move Head 6. Hon. Renee Ming: I’m sorry. I was talking to myself,

Mr. Chairman. I apologise. The Chairman Oh, that’s terrible. That’s terrible. [Laughter] Hon. Renee Ming: Mr. Chairman, I would like to move that Head 6, Defence, be approved as presented.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 6 be approved as presented. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of National Security, Head 6, Defence, passed] The Chai rman: You can do Head 7, [Bermuda] Police [Service]. HEAD 7 —BERMUDA POLICE SERVICE Hon. …

The Chairman Chairman Any speaker to that one? 1306 26 March 2021 Official Hansa rd Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: No, Mr. Chairman, other than just to certainly support the police, and also the Reserve Police for stepping forward in service.

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Honourable Member. Minister, do you want to move that Head, please? Hon. Renee Ming: Surely. Mr. Chairman, I move that Head 7, Bermuda Police Service, be approved as presented. The Chai rman: It has been moved that Head 7 be approved as presented. Are there any objections to …

The Chairman Chairman You can do Head 12, Customs. HEAD 12 —CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT Hon. Renee Ming: Surely. Mr. Chairman, I now present the 2020/21 Supplementary Estimate for Head 12, the Customs Department. The Department of Customs supplementary amount is $37,920. When the first COVID -19 cases were identified in Bermuda, the Customs Department …

The Chairman Chairman Any further s peakers to Head 12? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: No comment, Mr. Chai rman. I just thank Customs officers for their frontline duty.

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Honourable Member. Minister, do you want to move Head 12, please? Hon. Renee Ming: Surely. Mr. Chair man, I move that Head 12 be a pproved as presented.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 12 be approved as presented. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of National Security, Head 12, Customs Department, passed]

The Chairman Chairman Now, Corrections, Head 25. Thanks. HEAD 25 —DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS Hon. Renee Ming: Surely. I now present the 2020/21 Supplementary Estimate for Head 25, the Department of Corrections. The supplementary amount is $7,600, Mr. Chairman. The Department of Corrections’ operations were also impacted by the pandemic. To ensure that all …

Mr. Chairman. The Chairman Thank you, Minister. Are there any further comments on Head 25, Corrections? There appear to be none. Minister, you want to move Head 25? Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Renee Ming: Sure. Mr. Chairman, I move that Head 25 be a pproved as presented.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 25 be approved as presented. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Moti on carried: Ministry of National Security, Head 25, Department of Corrections, passed]

The Chairman Chairman The next is Fire Service, Head 45. Minister. HEAD 45 —FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICES Hon. Renee Ming: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I present the 2020/21 Supplementary [Est imates] for Head 55, the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service. Mr. Chairman, the supplementary amount for the Fire Service is $259,000 for the …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister. Any further speakers? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Continue, Mr. Dunkley. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I certainly want to start [ my comments ] where the Minister finished off by saying that I certainly commend all of the services under National Security for the work that they do. And I also want to thank …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Honourable Member. Any further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister, do you want to move Head 45? Hon. Renee Ming: Surely . Mr. Chairman, I move that Head 45 be a pproved as presented.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 45 be approved as presented. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of National Security, Head 45, Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, passed]

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister. The next would be under Capital Develo pment, Ministry of Public Works. The Honourable Col onel Burch, Minister, you have the floor. [Pause]

The Chairman Chairman On Head 65, Colonel. [Pause]

The Chairman Chairman We can’t hear you, Colonel. I see you coming now. [Laughter]

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch You are too quick, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Yes, we drive a BMW. [Laughter]

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Okay. Head 6 5, you want, Mr. Chairman?

The Chairman Chairman Yes, Capital Development. MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS HEAD 65 —CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Mr. Chairman, the Ministry of Public Works was required to carry out maintenance and improvements at P ort Royal Golf Course, the venue for the Bermuda Championships. The Ministry undertook capital expenditures for Port Royal Golf Course upgrades and equipment of an a dditional project cost of $920,910. Mr. Chairman, …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Honourable Member. Any further speakers on Head 65, Capital D evelopment?

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Yes, Mr. Cannonier. Continue.

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Thank you. Just moving on with some comments that were made by my colleague, former Premier Dunkley. We are spending quite a bit on golf courses. The question that I had there was . . . this is a capital d evelopment allotment of $920,000. I also recognise in the …

The Chairman Chairman That’s it, Mr. Cannonier?

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Correct. Yes.

The Chairman Chairman Minister.

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Mr. Chairman, I have a question. I do not know where the $795,000 figure is coming from.

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Yes, if you look on page C -6 in the Budget Book, it says Roadside Fencing. Maybe that is an error. It is on page C -6, is the fifth item down from the top. I understand the $150,000 because I can see the revised amount of that, so you …

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Oh, I see. Okay. So, the $795,000 is the estimate for 2021/22. That will include the $150,000 for roadside fencing.

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Okay.

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Okay, so the revised amount, the $150,000 for the revised amount. That is not for the supplementary here?

Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Okay. So now I am trying to understand then the estimates. So you are saying $795[,000] for the upcoming year? And then in addition, as I mentioned, you mentioned that some of the fencing work will be done under the $13 million for the stimulus package. It just seems like …

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch I do not know the answer to that. I will get clarity on that because the $150,000 Roadside Fencing and Landscape Works, $75,000, it has got to be this amount that is in the supplementary. So I am not sure why they are also in 1310 26 March 2021 Official …

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Any further questions? No further questions. Proceed.

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Mr. Chairman, I move that Head 65 be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Head 65 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Ministry of Public Works , Head 65, Capital Development, passed] The Cha irman: Thank you, Ministers. Thank you, Honourable Members, for your participation. I call on the …

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Suppl ementary Estimates (No. 1) for Financial Year 2020/21 be approved and be reported to the House. Any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. And will be reported t o the House. Mr. Speaker. [Motion carried: Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for …

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, Deputy. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. REPORT OF COMMITTEE SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE (NO. 1) FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2020/21

The Speaker The Speaker Members, are there any objections to the Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for Financial Year 2020/21 being reported to the House as printed? No objections. We will move on. The next item on the Order Paper today is the Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extension (No. 2) Order 2021 in the …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Members, I know that the Minister has those other items that were going to be done later on today. Maybe what we could do is just move on and she can do all of hers at the same time. Is that acceptable? Thank you. We will move on then …

The Speaker The Speaker Thirty seconds. I can’t see folks, so I am not going to even try. But we should not be sitting here with all this empty time on the air. Bermuda House of Assembly An Hon. Member: Let me—

The Speaker The Speaker I don’t want to have to move on to another item. —

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member —just go get her. She just stepped out.

The Speaker The Speaker I beg your pardon?

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member I am just going to run out to get her.

The Speaker The Speaker You are going to run out and get her? Members, you need to be following along just as I have to sit here and follow along. I am going to ask the question and I hope I get the right answer. Deputy Premier, are you sitting near your microphone? [No …

The Speaker The Speaker Deputy Premier? Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Mr. Speaker, apologies. I am just coming out of a meeting. I am here.

The Speaker The Speaker Madam Attorney General. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Yes.

The Speaker The Speaker We are calling your matter because the Minister who was bef ore you is not available. So would you put your matter on at this point? I will restate it for the public. It is the second reading of the Criminal Code Amendment (NonConsensual Sharing of Intimate Images) Act 2021 …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member You are muted, Attorney General.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, we cannot hear you. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Apologies. Apologies. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill entitled the Criminal Code Amendment (Non- Consensual Sharing of Intimate Images) Act 2021 be now read a second time.

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections to that, Members? There are none. Continue, Minister. BILL SECOND READING CRIMINAL CODE AMENDMENT (NON- CONSENSUAL SHARING OF INTIMATE IMAGES) ACT 2021 Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce to this Honourable House the Bill entitled the Criminal Code Amendment (NonConsensual Sharing …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution at this time? An Hon. Member: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Another Hon. Member: Yes, I do, Mr. Speaker. The Speake r: MP Pearman.

Mr. Scott Pearman Yes, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Honourable and Learned Attorney General for bringing this legislation forward. It is legi slation that is supported by the Oppos ition. And it is nice to see, as is so often the case in this House, when we can be bipartisan about matters. …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member.

Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -Wade Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution? [Inaudible interjections]

Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -Wade Yes, it is Mrs. Si mmons -Wade.

The Speaker The Speaker I am hearing two voices. [Inaudible interjections]

The Speaker The Speaker Mrs. Simmons -Wade? [Inaudible interjections]

The Speaker The Speaker I have two Simmons’ here.

Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -Wade Okay. Simmons - Wade. Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. Bermuda House of Assembly I speak in support of the Criminal Code Amendment (Non- Consensual Sharing of Intimate Images) Act 2021 . This actually brings Bermuda in line with legislation and practices in other countries and jurisdictions including Italy, Germany, Africa, Canada, …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Simmons -Wade. I know MP Jamahl Simmons was trying to get in before. Are you still . . . would you like to make a contribution, Mr. Simmons?

Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Sure, Mr. Speaker, I would be glad to.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. MP Jamahl Simmons. Yes.

Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just briefly, I would like to first of all echo the comments made by the two previous speakers. But I also would like to commend the Honourable and Learned Attorney General for her pattern of reform. And what I mean by that is that she has …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Minister Tinee Furbert. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Yes.

The Speaker The Speaker You hav e the floor, Minister. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would also like to thank Minister Kathy Lynn Simmons and her team for bringing this legislation forward. We have heard already that the Opposition agrees to this legislation. It is legislation that is pr ogressive. It …

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

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

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

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My piece is focusing a bit on the deterrent. It seems as though, at least in the general view, children who are under the age of 18 are oftentimes victimised by this kind of activity. And right now it seems as though this legislati on is …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution at this time? No other Member. Minister. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to Honourable Members who have indicated their support of the Bill and also raised some interesting points for consideration. …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank yo u, Minister. Deputy. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes, t hank you, Honourable Speaker. House in Committee at 5 :40 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL CRIMINAL CODE AMENDMENT (NON- CONSENSUAL SHARING OF INTIMATE IMAGES) 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 Criminal Code Amendment (Non- Consensual Sharing of Intimate Images) Act 2021 . Minister, you have the floor. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you, Mr. Chai rman. 1318 26 March 2021 …

The Chairman Chairman Continue, Minister. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you. Mr. Chairman, the Bill amends the Criminal Code Act 1907 relating to non- consensual sharing of intimate images or threats to share such images, observations or recordings that are made in breach of privacy and it makes connected and related prov isions. …

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

Mr. Scott Pearman Yes, Mr. Chairman. MP Pearman, please.

The Chairman Chairman Yes, Honourable Member, continue.

Mr. Scott Pearman Yes, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Honourable and Learned Attorney General, I just have a couple of questions. My first one relates to clause 2 of the Bill, but if I could just giv e an overarc hing preamble for just a second to make the question clearer. It seems like …

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Continue.

Mr. Scott Pearman My next question i s also at that section 199B at page 3, under clause 3. And that is whether this is a subjective or objective test. And I think the answer is that it is objective. If you look at [section] 199B(3) it says, “For subsection (1)(b), it is …

The Chairman Chairman Just one second. The speaker has to agree to a point of clarification.

Mr. Scott Pearman I will take a point of clarification. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Thank you. POINT OF CLARIFICATION Hon. Walter H. Roban: This was not to unnecessarily interrupt the Honourable Member, but I cannot see him on the screen. His camera does not seem to be on. Or maybe that is just a malfunction on my part.

Mr. Scott Pearman I just pushed the button. Am I now visible?

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Scott Pearman: I am sorry. I apologise to the Honourable Member. I apologise, Mr. Chairman. I did not appreciate that my camera was off.

The Chairman Chairman It was on, but then it was off.

Mr. Scott Pearman Mr. Chairman, with your leave, I was just giving my last question.

The Chairman Chairman Go ahead.

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you. This is ju st a general point, and it was just a question about who the Bill was targeting and the age limit. And I understood the Attorney General to ind icate that there is no age limit. But I am wondering if that really is what is …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister, do you want to respond? Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you, Mr. Chai rman, and thank you, too, Honourable Member. I will try to respond to most of what he raised. I think in the next go- …

The Chairman Chairman Okay. [Pause]

The Chairman Chairman We are still on. Minister? Hon. Ka thy Lynn Simmons: I am sorry. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I am being assured by my drafter and the DPP that the provisions as currently drafted correctly reflect the intent. And so I would welcome the Honourable Member to be more—and I know …

The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers? Any further speakers?

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Mr. Chairman, I just have a question. This is out of curiosity.

Ms. Susan E. Jackson On page 2, this is clause 3 [proposed section] 199A(2). And I am asking this out of pure naiveté, but “a person who without lawful a uthority observes . . . another person’s genital or anal region . . ..” So I am just curious whether a stalker or maybe …

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Minister. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you, Mr. Chai rman. To the Member’s question, it will cover both the scenarios that she articulated.

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Thank you.

The Chairman Chairman Any further speakers? No further speakers. Minister, do you want to move the clauses for approval? Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you, Mr. Chai rman. I move that clauses 1 through 4 of the Bill be now approved. 1322 26 March 2021 Official Hansa rd Report Bermuda House of Assembly …

The Chairman Chairman No, no. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: I move that the preamble be approved.

The Chairman Chairman No. The clauses go first. The prea mble is last. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Okay. Should I move the preamble be approved?

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. The preamble is approved. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you, Mr. Chai rman. 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. Thank you, Minister, and your team. [Motion carried: The Criminal Code Amendment (N onconsensual Sharing …

The Chairman Chairman Mr. Speaker. House resumed at 6: 05 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF COMMI TTEE CRIMINAL CODE AMENDMENT (NON- CONSENSUAL SHARING OF INTIM ATE IMAGES) ACT 2021

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Deputy. Members, are there any objections to the Criminal Code Amendment (Non- consensual Sharing of Intimate Images) Act 2021 being reported to th e House as printed? There are none. It has been reported and accepted. The next items are [Order No.] 5 and [Order No.] 6, the …

The Speaker The Speaker Point of information. POINT OF INFORMATION Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Yes, Mr. Speaker. With your indulgence, I would crave your indulgence to permit Orders 3 and —

The Speaker The Speaker Minister, Minister, Minister. I have already acknowledged the other Minister. His matters are going to be very short. And we will do all three of yours together. One of yours was on the Order Paper; the other two are being fixed seeking special indu lgence of the House to have …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Thank you. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, point of information, please.

The Speaker The Speaker Point of information. Bermuda House of Assembly POINT OF INFORMATION Hon. Kim N. Wilson: With your indulgence, I would be absolutely obliged, Mr. Speaker. I am dealing with some urgent matters right now that have to be ad-dressed. And I would like to be able to deal with these matters …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister, let me walk you through something. If we do one now, come back and do the other t wo, you still have to do your third readings. If we do you last, you do your three, do your third readings without any further interruption without having to come back …

The Speaker The Speaker So, Minister, Deputy Premier. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Continue on, please. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, I did seek the indulgence of the House to do these together. I do request that indulgence at this time.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Are there any objections to the Minister combining the two matters (b ecause they are sufficiently connected)? [There are] no objections to that. Continue, Minister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Okay. Mr. Speaker, I will read the recitals, I think, in their fullness because they should be read for …

The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Okay. Mr. Speaker, with the Governor’s r ecommendation and in accordance with section 36(3) of the Bermuda Constitution, I move that consideration be given to the Draft Regulations entitled Electronic Communications (Regulatory Authority Fees) Regul ations 2021, proposed to be made by the …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: I will now present my brief.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Thank you. Are there any objections to that, Members? No objection. Go ahead, Minister, and continue your brief. DRAFT REGULATIONS ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS (REGULATORY AUTHORITY FEES) REGULATION S 2021 ELECTRICITY (REGULATORY AUTHORITY FEES) REGULATIONS 2021 Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that consideration be given to …

Mr. Speaker • The fee of 0.00635 per kilowatt hour in the transmission, distribution and retail ser vice provider increased from 0.00475 per kilowatt hour. This is i ntended to be a temporary increase to cover the cost of a new multi -year tariff and a review of wind studies necessary for …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Would an y other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?

Mr. Jarion Richardson Yes, Mr. Speaker. MP Ric hardson.

The Speaker The Speaker MP, you have the floor.

Mr. Jarion Richardson Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I will take your lead on the number of questions I have, whether they belong in Committee if I get too specific. [Inaudible interjection]

Mr. Jarion Richardson Oh, I am sorry. These are Regulations. Yes, of course.

Mr. Jarion Richardson With that being said, Mr. Speaker, I have look ed through the Electronic Communications (Regulatory Authority Fees) Regulations 2021 and thank the RA for their work in this space and the Honourable Minister for bringing this before this Honourable House. My questions always relate to impact into i ndustry, Mr. …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Be mindful, Members, that these are Regulations and we will not be going into Committee. So if that is all the Members who have got a comment, Minister, you can respond. [No audible …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister? Hon. Walter H. Ro ban: Sorry, Mr. Speaker. I acc identally turned off everything, then turning it on.

The Speaker The Speaker No problem. Hon. Walter H. Roban: My humble apologies to you and the House and the Honourable Member. A number of questions presented by the Ho nourable Member particularly around . . . generally I think they are in relation to the impact from the market, [questions] on both the …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member wi sh to make a contribution at this time? None? Minister — Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker You can go ahead. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you. I have j ust a quick question for the Honourable Minister.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. We have a question from MP Dunkley. Put your question. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Honourable Minister’s last comment about people leaving the grid and saving electricity themselves, and there is an upcharge . . . there is more of a charge for people …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Actually, although the Honourable Member’s question is not germane to these actual fees, because these fees do not impact the little man directly that he speaks of. But this is a question that is important to the overall electricity sector. And …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member have a question or comment? [Inaudible interjection]

The Speaker The Speaker There are none. Minister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would move that both sets of draft Regul ations be approved and that the appropriate message be sent from the House to Her Excellency the Governor. Is that the appropriate recital, Mr. Speaker?

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, it is. Are there any objections to the appropriate message being sent? There are no objections. The mes sage will be sent. [Motion carried: Draft Regulations entitled Electronic Communications (Regulatory Authority Fees) Regul ations 2021 and Electricity (Regulatory Authority Fees) Regulations 2021 were approved.]

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Now, Mem bers, we will deal with the Health items that are on the Order Paper today. There are three matters. The first is the Public Health (COVID - 19) Emergency Extension (No. 2) Order 2021. And then the other two matters we will have to seek …

The Speaker The Speaker Any objections to that? No objections. Continue, Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: I am pleased to invite this Ho nourable Chamber to consider the Order entitled Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extension (No. 2) O rder 2021. I would like to take this opportunity to — [Inaudible interjections and crosstalk …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker MP Dunkley, you have the floor. Hon. Mich ael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Honourable Minister for that brief and also for the little sideshow at the beginning of that brief. Mr. Speaker, obviously we are now in the middle of I guess what could …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution? There are none. Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, I thank the Honourable Member for his comments and contribution. And I would just like to reiterate the importance of all of us doing our part to …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Are there any objections to that? There are none. [Motion carried: The Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Extension (No. 2) Order 2021 was approved.]

The Speaker The Speaker Members, we are going to move on to the other two Health item s. And as we move on, the Minister will be seeking your indulgence to allow all three readings today. The first is the Public Health Amendment Act 2021. And, Minister, would you like to put that now? …

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? There are no objections. Continue, Minister. [Moti on carried: Standing Order 29(1) suspended.] BILL SECOND READING PUBLIC HEALTH AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, [in the interest] of time, both the Public Health Amendment Act 2021 that I am proceeding with now and …

The Speaker The Speaker Let me just — Hon. Kim N. Wilson: I do not mind reading them twice, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Earlier I allowed that for the former matters that we have done because they are affirm ative instruments. These are not affirmative instr uments, so we cannot combine them in that way. Yo u can read the same brief, practically. So the second one you can almost breeze through it …

The Speaker The Speaker Exactly. Yes. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: It does not make sense to— [Crosstalk]

The Speaker The Speaker We will do them separately. But as she has indicated, she can just refer to the earlier brief and we will just go through the process real quickly. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, sir.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay? Hon. Kim N. Wilson: I thank the Honourable Member for his in dulgence. The Public Health Amendment Act 2021 and the Quarantine Amendment Act 2021 were tabled t oday, and again I am grateful to the Honourable Members of the House for their indulgence in granting me permission and …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Speaker. I would appreciate it.

The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, I thank the Honourable Minister for the brief comments that she gave in regard to the Public Heal th Amendment Act 2021. And I also want to thank the Minister for suppl ying the Opposition Leader, myself and colleagues with copies …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Hon. Renee Ming: Yes. Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Is that Minister Ming? Hon. Renee Ming: Yes, it is.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, Minister. Hon. Renee Ming: Good evening, Mr. Speaker and listening audience. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to first of all thank the Minister and her team for the work that has been done to get us to this stage of having a fixed ticketing regime. I do know …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Bermuda House of Assembly Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? No other. Minister Wilson. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: I would like to thank my colleague, Honourable Minister of National Security, for her support in this legislation. As the Minister rightly indicated, we did have …

The Speaker The Speaker Is there any objection to this Bill being committed? There are none. Deputy Speaker. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you, Ho nourable Member . . . Honourable Speaker, I am sorry. House in Committee at 7:15 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL PUBLIC HEALTH AMENDMENT …

The Chairman Chairman Honourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] for further consider ation of the Bill entitled Public Health Amendment Act 2021 . Minister, you have the floor. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to move all clauses together, please.

The Chairman Chairman Continue. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you. Clause 1 provides a citation for the Bill. Clause 2 provides for the amendment of the definition of “Public Health Officer” to also include the Chief Nursing Officer, Nurse Epidemiologist, the Public Health Nurse of the Department of Health, the Chief Medical Officer, …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister. Are there any further speakers? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Chairman, tongue- incheek, the Minister was speeding, so she had better slow down or she will get a ticket. No, Mr. Speaker, I have no questions in r egard to this.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Thank you, Honourable Member Dunkley. Any further speakers? Any further speakers? Minister, do you want to move the clauses? Hon. Kim N. Wil son: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move clauses 1 through 3.

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. K im N. Wilson: Mr. Chairman, I now move the preamble.

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. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Chairman, I now move that the Bill entitled Public Health Amendment Act 2021 be reported to the House as printed.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Bill Public Health Amendment Act 2021 be reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. The Bi ll will be r eported to the House as prin ted. Mr. Speaker. [Motion carried: The Public Health …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Deputy. Members, Are there any objections to the Public Health Amendment Act 2021 being reported to the House as printed? There are none. It has been reported and r eceived. That now moves us on to the final item for today, which is the second and third reading …

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? There are none, continue, Minister. [Motion carried: Standing Order 29(1) suspended] BILL SECOND READING QUARANTINE AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Just a minute, please, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker No problem. Bermuda House of Assembly [Pause] Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, the brief that I read previous ly with respect to the Public Health Amendment Act 2021 a few moments ago effectively applies the same to the Quarantine Amendment Act 2021. The main distinction between these two is …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. I think it was expressed earlier that the brief would cover both. And you have clarified the difference in that one sentence. Thank you, Minister. Members, does anyone wish to make a contribution? None? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, I will make a brief comment in regard …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. MP Dunkley. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I thank the Minister for that clarifica tion. That is what I assume had been the case. Mr. Speaker, for the understanding of the people who listen to the House of Assembly on a regular basis, I think it bears to just reflect …

Mr. Scott Pearman Mr. Speaker. (MP Pearman.) The Speaker: Thank you. MP Pearman, would you like to make a contribution?

Mr. Scott Pearman Yes, Mr. Speaker. I just want to touch very briefly on a point. I know that the Minister is pressing with haste and has other things to do, but it is when we deal with emergency situations and we progress with haste that sometimes some democratic safeguards are overlooked or …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? There are none. Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Honourable Members, for your contributions. And I certainly appreciate the contribution of the Honourable and Learned Member. I can assure you that as long as I continue to …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Are there any objections to our going in Committee? There are none. Deputy. House in Committee at 7:27 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman] 1336 26 March 2021 Official Hansa rd Report Bermuda House of Assembly COMMITTEE ON BILL QUARANTINE AMENDMENT ACT 2021

The Chairman Chairman Yes, Honourable Members. We are now in Committee of the whole [House] for further consideration of the Bill entitled Quarantine Amendment Act 2021 . Minister, you have the floor. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Chai rman. Mr. Chairman, I would like to move all clauses together, please.

The Chairman Chairman Continue. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Chairman, clause 1 pr ovides a citation for the Bill. Clause 2 amends the Quarantine Act 2017 to insert sections 11A to 11I to provide power for the i ssuing of quarantine penalty tickets as follows: • Section 11A provides the definitions for the …

The Chairman Chairman Yes, you can. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Chairman, with respect to the general policy to be used for purposes of the fixed penalties, the regulations, as they are subject to neg ative resolution procedure, will only deal with minor o ffences and procedural matters with respect to the i …

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. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Chairman, I now move the preamble.

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. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Chairman, I move that the Bill entitled the Quarantine Amendment Act 2021 be reported to the House as printed. Bermuda House of Assembly The …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Honourable Minister and your team. Mr. Speaker. House resumed at 7:32 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF COMMITTEE QUARANTINE AMENDMENT ACT 2021

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Deputy. Members, are there any objections to the Quarantine Amendment Act 2021 being reported to the House as printed? There are no objections. It has been reported and received. That brings us to a close of the Orders for today. Minister, bef ore you leave I am going …

The Speaker The Speaker No. You have got to start out the first one, the Public Health (COVID -19) Emergency Exte nsion— Hon. Kim N. Wilson: That was an Order.

The Speaker The Speaker Oh, yes, yes. That was an Order. Okay. Yes. Well, do your two Bills. Do your two, the Public Health and the Quarantine. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, [I move] that Standing Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move the Bill entitled …

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? No objections. Continue, Minister. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING PUBLIC HEALTH AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. Kim N. Wilson: I now 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 the third time by its title only and now passed. [Motion carried: The Public Health Amendment Act 2021 was read a third time and passed.]

The Speaker The Speaker You can do the Quarantine Amendment. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. Kim N. Wilson: I move that Standing Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move the Bill entitled Quarantine Amendment Act 2021 be now read a third time by its title only.

The Speaker The Speaker Any objections? None. Continue, Minister. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING QUARANTINE AMENDMENT ACT 2021 Hon. Kim N. Wilson: I move that the Bill be now read a third time by its title only and passed. The Speak er: The Bill has been read a third time …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you Minister. Minister of Finance, would you like to do your third read ing? [No audible response] 1338 26 March 2021 Official Hansa rd Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Minister? The Clerk: The Minister of Finance does not have a third reading.

The Speaker The Speaker That is right. His were just the Est imates. Who was next today? The Attorney General. Attorney General, would you like to do your third reading? SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Yes, Mr. Speaker, thank you. Mr. Speaker, I move that Standing Order 21 be suspended …

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections to that? There are none. Continue, Minister. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING CRIMINAL CODE AMENDMENT (NON- CONSENSUAL SHARING OF INTIMATE IMAGES) ACT 2021 Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill be now read a third time by its …

The Speaker The Speaker The Bill has been read a third time by its title only. Any objections? No. The Bill has now passed. [Motion carried: The Criminal Code Amendment (NonConsensual Sharing of Intimate Images) Act 2021 was read a third time and passed.]

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Members. That brings us to a close of the Order of Bus iness today.

Mr. Premier. ADJOURNMENT Hon. E. David Burt premier Good evening, Mr. Speaker. I am aware that some of my Members would like to speak on the motion to adjourn that I am about to move.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. E. David Burt: And I move that this Honourable House do now adjourn until Monday, May —

The Speaker The Speaker Monday? Hon. E. David Burt: Sorry, not Monday. My apol ogies. [Laughter] Hon. E. David Burt: My apologies, Mr. Speaker. I thought you wanted to come back for some more. I thought you were ready. Mr. Sp eaker, I move that this Honourable House do now adjourn until Friday, May …

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections to that? Does anyone want to speak to that? Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Deputy Speaker, it sounds l ike I hear your voice. Deputy Speaker, you have your 20 minutes. COVID -19 PANDEMIC PLP GOVERNMENT’S HANDLING OF Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to talk about t he recent —I am saying “recent” —criticism of the Government …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Deputy. Would any other Member like to make a contribution at this time? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Speaker. I would like to speak. The Speaker: MP Dunkley. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Speaker. That is correct.

The Speaker The Speaker You have your 20 minutes. PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION ( MINISTERIAL ADVISORS OR CONSULTANTS AND THEIR REMUNERA TION) PATI REQUEST Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Twenty minutes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will agree with one thing that the Honourable Member who preceded me said. And that is in regard to …

The Speaker The Speaker Hold on. Hold on, Member. There is a point of order. We will take your point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David Burt: The Honourable Member is mi sleading the House. The statement provided to the House was accurate. There was a question as to what was …

The Speaker The Speaker Member, you can continue but be mindful of the clarification and— Hon. Mich ael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Speaker. I am certainly mindful.

The Speaker The Speaker —be guided by that. 1342 26 March 2021 Official Hansa rd Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, I am certai nly mindful of the clarification. I certainly am entitled to my view on this subject, as well, Mr. Speaker. Clear ly, in the fullness of …

The Speaker The Speaker MP, let me just give you a little gui dance. The question asked is the question that is a nswered, plain and simple. There is no obligation to provide any explanation other than what is sought after in the question. There come supplementaries, there come all other means that information, …

The Speaker The Speaker Member, Member. I gave a direction. That was my direction. I am not going to let anybody refer to my direction as a split of hair. I am going to suggest you move forward. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, I am not tal king . . . I accept …

The Speaker The Speaker Point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Imputing improper motive] Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Member is imputing impr oper motive again. The ques-tion of which he asked was answered. And I know full well that the Honourable Member was trying to get a different answer and that …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Premier. Honour able Member, I have given some gui dance to you. I would expect you to respect the gui dance. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Speaker. And just for the record to the Honourable Premier, I am not expecting any different …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP. Does any other member wish to make a contribution at this point? Any other Member?

Mr. Christopher Famous Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker It sounds like MP Fam ous. MP F amous.

Mr. Christopher Famous Mr. Speaker, I yield to someone from the Opposition who wishes to speak.

The Speaker The Speaker I heard you first, MP Famous. You can continue. You have got your 20 minutes. AECON MINIMUM REVENUE GUARANTEE —LACK OF FULL DISC LOSURE BY OBA

Mr. Christopher Famous I am going to expound here, right? Anyway, I will move on, Mr. Speaker. I find it curiouser and curiouser that people talk about full disclosure, right? You know, if we had full disclosure some, I do n’t know , four ye ars ago, maybe we would not find ourselves …

Mr. Christopher Famous I want to pivot slightly b ecause I want to talk about some good news. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week, I want to say Monday (it had to be Monday), our Minister of Transport, our resident aviation expert, was able to stand on his feet . . . well, virtually …

Mr. Christopher Famous Mr. Speaker, I am moving on to my last piece. It is called personal responsibility. Mr. Speaker, not everything we can blame on racism. Not everything we could blame on colonialism. Not everything we could blame on the OBA. Although these things are sort of synonymous, not everything we can …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Sounds like MP De Silva. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker MP De Silva, you have your 20 minutes. We hear you, but we are not seeing you yet. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Hang on. I am pushing . . . hang on, Mr. Speaker. I hope you have got the clock stopped just in case I need it.

The Speaker The Speaker Well, we see you now. Hon. Zane J. S . De Silva: Can you see me now?

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker We remind Members when you are in front of your camera that we are in Parliament. So you should be appropriately attired. Hon. Zane J. S. D e Silva: Okay. Hang on, Mr. Speaker. Hang on. Okay. How is that, Mr. Speaker?

The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead, Member. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Okay. And this white colour is on for a reason, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker You had a change of fashion? Hon. Zane J. S . De Silva: I am working on it, Mr. Speaker. I am working right at.

The Speaker The Speaker All right. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I might even have to come to your place of worship and give you a good word.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. All right. Bermuda House of Assembly PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION (MINISTERIAL ADVISORS OR CONSULTANTS AND THEIR REMUNERATION) PATI REQUEST Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Mr. Speaker, this Gover nment I think has done a fairly good job at managing the pandemic. This Government I think has been the envy of …

The Speaker The Speaker He was just instructed to follow the rules; that is all. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silv a: Yes. Yes, he was, and he was quite rightly put in his place, Mr. Speaker. But there is something that I think everyone in the House of Parliament and the Senate needs …

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

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Any other Member?

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Sounds like MP Tyrrell.

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Yes, it is, Mr. Speaker, and good evening.

The Speaker The Speaker You have your 20 minutes.

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will not need 20 minutes. But thank you—

The Speaker The Speaker Well, we need to get your camera on so we can see you along with hearing you.

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell All right. I thought I had it on. I will try again. How is that?

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Any better?

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. You are good.

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. As I said, thank you for the opportunity. I will not need 20 minutes. Mr. Speak er, first of all I may incur the wrath of my Honourable Whip, as I had not intended to speak and did ask him very late, very late.

The Speaker The Speaker No, you can keep it short then. How is that? I am sure your Whip would appreciate it; so would I. [Laughter]

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell I am sure. And I will positively say whatever ruling that he comes to I am prepared to accept. It is just so that I can get this off my chest only because the Premier has already indicated that we are not going to be back until ear ly May. …

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Okay. Sorry about that, Mr. Speak er. Let me say again that it is not my intent to reflect on any previous debate. It is not really my i ntent. However, it came to mind earlier when there was discussion about the pay -out, which has already been mentioned this …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Tyrrell. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Any other Member? Hon. E. David Burt: I will. Mr. Speaker, I know that one of my Members wants to speak. He might be having a technical challenge. Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: …

The Speaker The Speaker No one else is moving. Hon. E. David Burt: I am just making sure they can sort out their technical difficulty, Mr. Speaker. I would hate for MP Adams’s maiden speech to be abruptly ended due to technical challenges.

Mr. Jache Adams Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Let me get clarity on that. MP Adams, are you about to make a maiden speech?

Mr. Jache Adams Indeed I am, sir.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Members, the courtesy that is extended on a maiden speech is being requested for the next 20 minutes, as the MP presents, makes his maiden address. Okay. MP Adams, you have the floor. MAIDEN SPEECH

Mr. Jache Adams Mr. Speaker, I rise for the first time in this Honourable House to say how humbled, appreciative and proud I am to be here. And with that being said, Mr. Speaker, the first thing I must do is acknowledge that I did not get here alone. I will avoid calling …

The Speaker The Speaker Continue, Member.

Mr. Jache Adams She said one day one of the cows had gotten away from where her close friend, Hetty, had kept it. And when their master found out, he got angry and ordered Hetty to be stripped naked, notwithstanding her pregnancy, and tied to a tree. He then flogged Hetty as hard …

Some Hon. Members Some Hon. Members Hear, hear! Hear, hear! Hear, hear!

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Would any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Any other Member? Hon. E. David Burt: Since there is no one else, Mr. Speaker, I will, but I will yield—

The Speaker The Speaker Mr. Premie r, I suggest you take the floor before I hit the gavel. [Laughter]

The Speaker The Speaker It is in my hand, Mr. Premier. You have your 20 minutes. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And, Mr. Speaker, let me start this speech by saying that th e Progressive Labour Party is blessed to have a very strong team. And in this incredibly …

Some Hon. Members Some Hon. Members Yes. PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION (MINISTERIAL ADVISORS OR CONSULTANTS AND THEIR REMUNERATION) PATI REQUEST Hon. E. David Burt: Thanked five ladies. And the last two ladies he thanked were his fianc ée of a few months and his daughter, as well. And, Mr. Speaker, I will tell you, probably one of my …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Mr. Premier. Thank you, Members, for this discussion and for bringing tonight’s sitting to an early close. Be safe. Enjoy your time away from here. Spend time with your families over the Easter season and the Good Friday. And we look forward to seeing you at the first …

Some Hon. Members Some Hon. Members Good night. Good night, Mr. Speaker. Good night, all. [At 8:53 pm, the House stood adjourned until 10:00 am on Friday, 7 May 2021.] 1352 26 March 2021 Official Hansa rd Report Bermuda House of Assembly [This page intentionally left blank.]

March 26, 2021

Session Summary

Key Topics

Bills & Motions

Notable Moments

Debate Transcript