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House of Assembly Session 2024/2025 404 speeches

June 13, 2025

Official Hansard Report - House of Assembly

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Session Summary

Simplified for You

This was a routine parliamentary sitting focused on ministerial statements rather than debates. Ministers presented reports on Bermuda's strong job market with very low unemployment, but also acknowledged serious challenges with emigration and cost of living. The government announced plans for a Cost of Living Summit to address affordability issues that are driving Bermudians to leave. The National Heroes committee decided not to name a new National Hero this year, saying none of the 25 nominees met the "exceptional and outstanding service" threshold.

Chamber House of Assembly
Date Jun 13, 2025
Session 2024/2025
Transcript View PDF
Speakers 21
Speeches 404

Key Topics

Labour Force Survey results showing unemployment at 1.6% and workforce development programsEmigration study revealing high cost of living as main reason Bermudians leave the islandCost of Living Summit planned for June 25th to address affordability challengesNational Heroes Day - no new hero selected for 2025 despite 25 nominationsMental health initiatives and awareness campaigns launched by government

Bills & Motions

No bills were debated or voted on in this sitting
Several regulatory documents were tabled including electricity regulations and tourism investment orders
Two "negative resolutions" tabled regarding electricity regulations (these allow Parliament to reject regulations if desired)

Notable Moments

Heated exchange between Premier Burt and Opposition MP Michael Fahy over past immigration policy changes, with multiple "points of order" called
Premier unable to answer basic question about the status of the Sandys 360 community facility
Minister revealed that 53% of surveyed Bermudians may consider emigrating due to high living costs

Debate Transcript

404 speeches from 21 speakers
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning, Members. The Clerk will now lead us in prayer. PRAYERS [ Prayers read by Mr. Clark Somner, Clerk ]
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Mr. Clerk . Members — [ Gavel]
The Speaker The Speaker The House is now in session. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES [Minutes of 30 May 2025]
The Speaker The Speaker Members, the Minutes of the 30 of May have been circulated. Any amendments required? No amendments. The M inutes will be printed as confirmed. [ Minutes of 30 May 2025 confirmed] MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER OR MEMBER PRESIDING APOLOGIES
The Speaker The Speaker We have been informed that the following Members will be absent today: MP Emilygail Dill, Opposition Leader Jarion Richardson, Minister Adams and we have also been informed that Minister Weeks will be absent as well. MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. PAPERS AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS TO THE HOUSE The Speaker: We have a handful of papers and communications this morning. The first one is in the name of the Premier and Minister of Finance. Are you doing it, Premier? Hon. E. David Burt: Yes. Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. CHARTERED PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS OF BERMUDA AMENDMENT BY -LAWS 2025 Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the Chartered Professional Ac-countants of Bermuda Amendment By -Laws 2025, i n exercise of power conferred …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Premier. The second item this morning is in the name of the Minister of Home Affairs. Minister . Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. ELECTRICITY (INNOVATI VE LICENCE) REGULATIONS 2023 Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the Electricity (Innovative Licence) Regulations 2023, as made by the M inister responsible for energy , in exercise of the powers conferred …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Would you like to do your second one? ELECTRICITY AMENDMENT ACT 2022 (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) REGULATIONS 2023 1108 13 June 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. The next paper or communication this morning is in the name of the Minister of Economy and Labour. Hon. Jason Hayward: Pleasant good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT MAY 2024 Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the Department of Statistics May 2024 Labour Force Survey Report.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Would you like to do the second one? EMIGRATION IN BERMUDA, FACTORS DRIVING Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the Factors Driving E migration in Bermuda Report January 2025.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. The next paper or communication this morning is named the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture, and Sport. Minister . BERMUDA AIRPORT AUTHORITY 2022- 2023 ANNUAL REPORT Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning. Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Would you like to do your second one? TOURISM INVESTMENT (CLEARWATER COMMUNITY EVENT VENUE) ORDER 2025 Hon. Owen Darrell: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the consideration of the Honourable House of Assembly the Tourism Invest-ment (Clearwater Community Event ) Venue Order 2025, …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, t hat is the end of the papers and communications for today. PETITIONS
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS AND JUNIOR MINISTERS
The Speaker The Speaker On your O rder Paper, the first S tatement is in the name of Minister Weeks, but I had just announced that he would be absent today, so that S tatement is being withdrawn. So, Minister Haywood, would you like to do your Statement as the first S tatement? Hon. …
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT MAY 2024 Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to lay the May 2024 Labour Force Survey Report and highlight for Members of this Honourable House the key findings of the Survey. The Labour Force Survey is an economic tool that measures employment, …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Would you like to do your second Statement? EMIGRATION IN BERMUDA, FACTORS DRIVING Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to lay the January 2025 Emigration Survey Report and highlight for Members of the Honourable House the key findings of the Survey. The “Retaining the Local …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Home Affairs. Minister. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. COST OF LIVING SUMMIT 2025 SURVEY INSIGHTS AND PLANS Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: This morning, Mr. Speaker, I rise today to update this Honourable House and the people of Bermuda on the progress being made by the Ministry of Home Affairs to address one of the most pressing and …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Would you like to do your second Statement? ELECTRICITY AMENDMENT ACT 2022 (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) REGULATIONS 2023 AND ELECTRICITY (INNOVATI VE LICENCE ) REGULATIONS 2023 NEGATIVE RESOLUTIONS Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Thank you. Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise also today to table two negative resolutions concerning the …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Tourism and Transport, Culture and Sport. Minister. NATIONAL HEROES DAY 2025: RECOGNISING LEGACY AND COMMUNITY Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker . Mr. Speaker, June is the time when we pause to …
The Speaker The Speaker I missed that. Hon. Owen Darrell: —“Following careful review and discussion, the Committee has reached its recommen-dation. While we deeply respect the accomplishments of the nominees, it is the Committee’s view that a new National Hero is a profound honour, reserved for individuals whose impact is not only exceptional, but …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. I believe you have . . . that is it? Minister of Health, would you like to do your Statement now? MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVES: BUILDING RESILIENCE WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, t oday I stand to update this Honourable House and the public on the continued work to support and strengthen mental health in Bermuda. Mental health is not just a policy issue, it affects real people, families and communities every day. Mr. …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of Minister of Cabinet Office, Minister Rabain. INTERNATIONAL ARCHIVES DAY Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Good morning, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to shine a light on a celebration that may not make the frontpage news, but quietly shapes the way we understand who we are. On June 9, the Bermuda Libraries and Archives commemorated International Archives …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. I appreciate that. Members, that brings us to a close of the Statements this morning. Before I move on the next item, I should have acknowledged this morning that we have Acting Sergeant -at-Arms, this morning, Mr. Raoul Ming. Sergeant of Arms Allen is off the Island …
The Speaker The Speaker We appreciate Mr. Ming making himself available to us. Thank you, sir. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. PREMIER’S QUESTION PERIOD
The Speaker The Speaker That now leads us to the Premier’s Questions. For our listening audience, whenever we sit on the second Friday of a month we add Premier’s Questions to the traditional Question Period. The Premier’s Questions is a separate 30 minutes where questions will be put to the Premier in regard to …
Mr. Ben Smith Yes. Thank you and good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. QUESTION 1: WORK PERMIT HOLDER ENGLISH SPEAKING REQUIREMENT
Mr. Ben Smith Mr. Speaker, can the Premier confirm whether the Government intends to apply any exceptions to the English speaking requirement for work permit holders? And what criteria will be used to determine eligibility for such exceptions?
The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do not have the knowledge. That would certainly be a question for the Minister of Economy and Labour, who I think is conducting a work permit policy consultation currently. I cannot state whether or not those things are covered in …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary?
Mr. Ben Smith Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. SUPPLEMENTARIES
Mr. Ben Smith Mr. Speaker, considering that one of the changes that was highlighted was this English speaking part of the work permit policy, would the Premier be able to say whether this has been a major issue in the community that has made this highlight happen?
The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I cannot necessarily speak to the matter related to what consultation or other items took place to get there. As I repeated in my earlier answer, this is a matter that is under the Minister of Economy and Labour, and also under the …
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I clearly remember when that Honourable Member said before the election in 2012 that, N o no no, we are not going to change term limits , and then one month later term limits were gone. [Inaudible interjections ] Hon. E. …
The Speaker The Speaker Point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. Michael Fahy: The Premier is misleading the House. Term limits had nothing to do with work permit policy. [Inaudible interjections] Hon. E. David Burt: Oh, here we go, Mr. Speaker. That, of course, would be their interpretation. But that is absolutely not …
The Speaker The Speaker Point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. Michael Fahy: The Premier is continuing to mislead the House. There has been no rewriting of history here by me in any way. Term limit policy has nothing to do with work permit policy. In fact, the work permit policy, again, took …
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. [Crosstalk] Hon. E. David Burt: The term limit policy was specifically in regard to work permits and a stating of how long someone could have a work permit. So, for the Honourable Member to try to draw the distinction is perfectly fine for …
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Yes. Hon. E. David Burt: We committed to bipartisan reform. And we have followed through with that policy of bipartisan reform. The significant changes which started in consultation . . . Oh, they say that we have not. We just have not done the changes that they want,
Mr. Speaker. An Hon. Member Mr. Speaker. An Hon. Member That’s right. Hon. E. David Burt: Therein is the challenge. And if they want to go ahead and grant status, then they can go ahead. Take that case to the public and win an election. But here is the challenge, Mr. Speaker. They did not. They refused to state what …
The Speaker The Speaker Hmmm. Hon. E. David Burt: There will be no changes to term limit policy, before the election. And after the election Bermuda House of Assembly there were changes to the term limit policy. Those are the facts, Mr. Speaker. That is the reality. So, on this particular matter, Mr. Speaker, …
The Speaker The Speaker Would you like your second supplementary or move on to a second question?
Mr. Ben Smith Second supplementary. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, my question to the Honourable Premier is . . . I guess the . . . I am trying to think of the way, because he does not want to answer my question. So, where we are . . . are there …
The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am not fully skilled with matters that are related to immigration policy. Those are matters that are related for the Minister of Economy and Labour on the specifics of which we ask. The Minister has informed me that there is …
The Speaker The Speaker Second question. You have used your two supplementaries, this is your second question. QUESTION 2: SANDYS 360 FACILITY ACQUISITION UPDATE
Mr. Ben Smith Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, can the Premier provide a detailed update on the government’s acquisition of Sandys 360 facility? And what specific plans exist for redeveloping it for community use? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, no, I cannot.
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES
Mr. Ben Smith Considering how important that facility was to the West End, would the Premier be able to get information to provide to the House in the future?
The Speaker The Speaker Premier? Hon. E. David Burt: I am sure we can, and I am sure those matters will lay under the Minister of Public Works. So, if there is a request for those particular matters, I am happy for the appropriate Minister to respond with those specific items. We do know …
The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary?
Mr. Ben Smith Second supplementary.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay.
Mr. Ben Smith Would the Honourable Premier be able to at least let us know whether the purchase of Sandys 360 by the government has actually been completed? Hon. E. David Burt: The answer is no.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Third question?
Mr. Ben Smith Third question.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. QUESTION 3: OTTIWELL SIMMONS ARBITRATION CENTRE UPDATE
Mr. Ben Smith Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 1118 13 June 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, would the Honourable Premier be able to give us an update on the Ottiwell Simmons Arbitration Centre? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, there is no further update to report at this time.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Thank you.
Mr. Ben Smith Supplementary.
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES
Mr. Ben Smith Supplementary. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Considering the numerous photo opportunities that were presented on that particular facility, can the Minister of Finance and the Honourable Premier give us any update on what is going to happen to that open lot that has become an eyesore? Considering that [there] has been …
The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Here is what I will say, Mr. Speaker. We remember the designs of the Opposition. Let me give you an example. There was a wonderful project called Morgan’s Point.
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Mm-hmm. Hon. E. David Burt: It was a project that they wanted to go ahead and construct.
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Yes! [Inaudible interjections] Hon. E. David Burt: It was a project that they said is going to work.
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Yes. Hon. E. David Burt: It is a project that they went ahead and put $165 million of taxpayer money up to go ahead and to support the development of this particular project without making sure that it could actually be sus-tained. I will accept that there was an intention …
The Speaker The Speaker Your supplementary?
Mr. Ben Smith Second supplementary, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Ben Smith Mr. Speaker, the Opposition was able to show a public -private partnership with the airport. On time, on budget. So, my question is, can the Premier explain why he was unable to get a public -private partnership in place in order to get this facility built? [Desk thumping and interjections]
The Speaker The Speaker Your second one? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is quite funny.
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Forty -nine per cent of — Hon. E. David Burt: The attempt once again to make comparisons where comparisons do not exist. The Honourable Member has raised the issue of the airport. Let us be clear, Mr. Speaker.
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Ooh! Hon. E. David Burt: An airport is an existing item that has an existing stream of revenue. Revenue which has been diverted from public sector now to the private sector. [Inaudible interjections] Hon. E. David Burt: And we know that the company of whom they signed agreement with has …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. That concluded the Opposition Leader’s question. The next Member who would like to put his question to the Premier is MP De Couto.
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, good morning, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. [Inaudible interjection]
Dr. Douglas DeCouto This question is for the Honourable Premier, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, the Premier’s Questions. The Premier’s Questions.
Dr. Douglas DeCouto When will the tax reform— [Inaudible interjections]
The Speaker The Speaker Members, Members.
Dr. Douglas DeCouto I think this is an important topic. I am sure the Members on the other side will be interested.
The Speaker The Speaker Put your question, put your question. QUESTION 1: TAX REFORM COMMISSION REPORT
Dr. Douglas DeCouto When will the Tax Reform Commission report be made available to the public? Thank you, Mr. Premier.
The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the Tax Reform Commission has said that they will be looking to deliver their report by the end of June, and I have not heard anything otherwise from the Tax Reform Commission to indicate that there will be a delay.
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Premier did not actually answer my question, which was when is the Tax Reform Commission report planned to be made available to the public? But let me leave that there. My supplemental is, does the Government have a timeline for putting recommendations from the …
The Speaker The Speaker Premier? Hon. E. David Burt: That is certainly a question I can answer, Mr. Speaker. I answered the first one. He may not like the answer, but as the Honourable Member will know, the answer that is given is the answer that is given. And that is the way that …
The Speaker The Speaker Talk to the Chair. Hon. E. David Burt: Because I am assuming they want the answer to the question.
The Speaker The Speaker Talk to the Chair. Yes.
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member You guys are not setting a good example. Hon. E. David Burt: I will wait for them, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Talk to the Chair. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you. Mr. Speaker, on the matter of the Tax Reform Commission report, the expectation is that the report will be received prior to the end of the month. At that 1120 13 June 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly …
The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary ? Or you are done?
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you. I will ask, just to be sure I am clear on the answer, does the Government intend to make any quali-fied refundable tax credits available for businesses to use in this financial year? Thank you. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I am not going to prejudge …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. That brings a close to the questions from MP De Couto. MP Swan, I have you on the list for questions. QUESTION 1: CUSTOM DUTY RATE CHANGES
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Thank you, and good morning, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, question: There has been some recent commentary about changes to customs duty rates that do not apply to plumbers and electricians. Could the Premier provide some clarity on this matter?
The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Well, Mr. Speaker, I am happy to provide clarity because it was quite— [Inaudible interjections]
The Speaker The Speaker No, he can answer. Come on. Hon. E. David Burt: I will wait for them, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker It is all right, I hear you. Hon. E. David Burt: No problem, Mr. Speaker. I am going to wait for them.
The Speaker The Speaker I can hear you. Hon. E. David Burt: So, Mr. Speaker, I thank the Honourable Member for his question because it is unfortunate that the cloud, I would say, was cast by Members Opposite on these particular matters, going out and saying that, you know, plumbers have been excluded and …
The Speaker The Speaker The person t hat as ked your qu estion is— [Crosstalk ] Hon. E. David Burt: I have got it. But I am going to wait for . . . I cannot think, Mr. Speaker. There is too much noise coming from that side.
The Speaker The Speaker He can hear you down the back. [Inaudible interjections] Hon. E. David Burt: Again, Mr. Speak er, we are going to continue to reduce tax es. But I think what is also important in this, Mr. Speaker, is the focus must also be that the work must also take place …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. MP, did you hav e a supplementary?
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Yes. Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARIES
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan I should have declared my interest. I have worked as a plumber’s assistant and am employed from my own trade sometimes. So, I thank the Premier for that answer. I have a supplementary , Mr. Speaker. Can the Honourable Premier outline what other reductions have been introduced to provide relief …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Second supplementary ? No. Okay. The next Member on the list is MP L. Smith. QUESTION 1: BANNER ADVERTISING GUIDANCE
Ms. Linda Smith Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am sure the Premier spends probably more time than we do traveling around the Island and can probably see what we see. So, my question is in relation to what we are seeing, which is a proliferation of very large banner advertisings all over the …
The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon . E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will welcome the Honourable Member to this Chamber and thank her for the question which she has raised, which is certainly something that has seen, I guess I would say a disturbing proliferation that we …
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES
Ms. Linda Smith Yes, I do. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Premier give us a sense of a timeline for when we can see something happening here? And I actually did, just for clarification, speak to people within government departments trying to find some-body and obviously it is in a period of …
The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To answer the Honourable Member’s question, it is a matter that is currently being worked on. So, it is not a question of we are going to plan on looking at in the future. It was a commitment that was made …
The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary ?
Ms. Linda Smith Thank you very much. As we are waiting for this to be done, what is going to be done about the banners that are out there right now that will expire, because the event will have taken place? There are a lot of them around the Cup Match period and …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. You have had your two supplementaries. The next person on the list will be Government Whip MP Tyrrel. Would you like to put your question? QUESTION 1: CORPORATE INCOME TAX PROJECTIONS
Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Mr. Speaker, there has been a lot of recent commentary on corporate income tax, especially for some from the Opposition and the local media, regarding the projected revenue outlined in this year’s budget. Can the Honourable Premier provide clarity on how those projections were determined and whether he remains comfortable …
The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Honourable Member for his question. There is an unfortunate note of Bermuda House of Assembly uncertainty that has attempted to be put into the public domain on this. I am not going to blame …
The Speaker The Speaker Unfortunately, Premier, unfortunately, Members, the time has run out for the Premier’s Questions. QUESTION PERIOD
The Speaker The Speaker We will now move on to the regular Question Period, which is 60 minutes. And we will start with the written questions that have been submitted. I think the written questions all require oral responses. The written questions were from MP De Couto, and I believe they are to the …
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Will the Honourable Premier and Minister of Finance please inform this Honourable House of the current status of several regulatory initiatives identified in the Bermuda Monetary Authority's 2024 Business Plan ? Specifically, the f ramework for designating Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) compliant funds, digital identity pre-consultation, basic banking services …
The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Honourable Opposition Leader for the questions which he raised which are being asked by the Shadow Minister of Finance to allow me an opportunity to clarify these particular matters. First, it is a very …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary?
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Second question, Mr. Speaker. No supplementals.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Your second question. Go ahead. QUESTION 2: BERMUDA STOCK EXCHANGE (BSX) DECLINE
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Will the Honourable Premier and Minister of Finance please advise this Honourable House what actions the Government is taking in response to the reported 13.8 per cent decline in—
The Speaker The Speaker Uh . . . Okay, go ahead. Yes, yes.
The Speaker The Speaker [INAUDIBLE ]
Dr. Douglas DeCouto In response to the report 13.8 per cent decline in ILS listings on the BSX, and how it intends to protect Bermuda's global leadership in this critical market? Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think that it is important to note that Bermuda's global leadership is being protected and inside of that particular report it did outline that we have over a 90 per cent share of global listings. So, it is …
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Supplementary?
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead. SUPPLEMENTARIES
Dr. Douglas DeCouto For the H onou rable Premier, could he please confirm whether the Ministry or Authority has conducted a formal impact assessment on how our jurisdiction compares to other jurisdictions for these products in respect to competitiveness ? Thank you. Hon. E. David Burt: Yes.
The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary ?
Dr. Douglas DeCouto We do appreciate the short, concise answers, Mr. Speaker. Could the Premier provide a brief summary of that assessment? Or where it may be found? Thank you. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I can assure you that we are not going to publish a competitive analysis in the public …
The Speaker The Speaker Mm-hmm. Second supp leme ntary ? Or your third question?
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, third question, please, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Go head. QUESTION 3: BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORIT Y’S 2024 CYBER RISK STRATEGY
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Will the Honourable Premier please inform this Honourable House whether the BMA's year 2024 cyber strategy has led to measurable improvements in the cybersecurity of Bermuda's financial sector and whether the Ministry has received any formal reports or updates confirming such. Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Mm-hmm. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the Authority's 2024 cyber strategy builds on previous years extensive efforts in cyber risk management. The C yber Code for the insurance sector was launched in 2021, followed by cyber codes for banks and corporate service providers, trust companies and money service businesses …
The Speaker The Speaker Mm-hmm. Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Honourable Premier advise whether the Ministry has reviewed or acted upon any recommendations from the Authority’s cyber risk assessments that would require cross -government coordination? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the Bermuda Monetary Authority regulates the financial services sector. So, it is not a matter for the G overnment and crossministry on the matters related to that. They publish the rules, they publish the items, they get the returns, they publish the annual …
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary, second?
Dr. Douglas DeCouto I would like to perhaps clarify the first supplementary, Mr. Speaker. Because the orig-inal question, in fact —
The Speaker The Speaker You could reword it in your second supplementary .
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, okay. Given that the first question with respect to Ministry reports from the Bermuda Monetary Authority 1126 13 June 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly on cybersecurity of Bermuda’s financial sector, given those reports and feedback from the Bermuda Monetary Authority, which the Minister was kind enough …
The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Member is not piecing together what I am saying. The Bermuda Monetary Authority handles cyber risks for the regulated financial services sector of the country. That is completely different from what may happen with the other bodies that manage cybersecurity for …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. That is the conclusion of your second supp lementar y. That brings us to a conclusion of the written questions that were submitted. We now move on to questions from the Statements that were given this morning. The first Statement that has questions is today’s Statement from the …
Ms. Robin Tucker Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My question is, I would like to know what industries and positions are most in demand by employers.
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, while that information is not found in the results of the Labou r Force Survey, the results will be contained in the annual Employment Survey data. Each year in the Employment Survey, we have detailed tabulations. In those tables you will find positions held …
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Supplementary?
Ms. Robin Tucker Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I thank the Minister for the answer. I will certainly find the report. Maybe my second question—
The Speaker The Speaker Is this a supplementary or new question?
Ms. Robin Tucker It is a second question.
The Speaker The Speaker Second question, okay. QUESTION 2: LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT MAY 2024
Ms. Robin Tucker It is a second question. I would like to know if the Labour Force Survey gives any information about the success rate of any of the referral programmes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, the Labo ur Force Survey has been tabled in this H ouse, which means all the information contained in the survey is public information that the Member can peruse through to determine whether or not there is a gap in the data that she …
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary or new question?
Ms. Robin Tucker This is a supplementary question, I think.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. All right. Bermuda House of Assembly SUPPLEMENTARIES
Ms. Robin Tucker I would like to know, as it relates to success rates, how the actual success rates have been determined. What metrics are being used to determine the success of the programmes being implemented?
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, in the Budget Book, we have performance indicators . Those are the main metrics we use for reporting performance from the various departments that fall underneath the Ministry of Economy and Labor. But what I would say as it pertains to referrals , a …
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Second supplementary or third question?
Ms. Robin Tucker It is a second supplementary, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead.
Ms. Robin Tucker I would just like to know , the Minister indicated that a successful referral would be sort of determined by the individual getting a job. What I am wondering, though, is if he can give some information about . . . is there any timeline? If someone gets a job …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, the Department of Workforce Development works to prepare people and connect people with jobs. We also provide wrap- around services to improve the success rate of persons being retained in the workforce. A person is dismissed from the workforce for a number of reasons. …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Third question?
Ms. Robin Tucker No further questions , Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Minister, you also have questions for the statement from MP King. MP King , good morning. QUESTION 1: LABOUR FORCE SURVEY REPORT MAY 2024
Mr. Robert King In the Labou r [Force ] Survey data that was from the report that you provided, if I under-stand correctly, there was an 11 per cent reduction in unemployment for the age group 16 to 24 from 13.3 per cent to 2.4 per cent. And that reduction was attributed to …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: That statement and that question has a number of things that is incorrect. If the unemployment rate moves from 13 per cent down to 2 per cent, that is much more than an 11 per cent decline in unemployment for that particular age group. Can we …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary?
Mr. Robert King Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. SUPPLEMENTARIES
Mr. Robert King So, I understand that the unemployment rate went from 13.3 per cent to 2.4 per cent . So, you are right in terms of the calculation of that. How many of the persons who were not choosing to seek employment . . . because that was a 1128 13 June …
The Speaker The Speaker Second su pplementary or a second question?
Mr. Robert King Second supp lementary .
The Speaker The Speaker Okay.
Mr. Robert King Understanding that the purpose is to find suitable employment and have persons retained in the employment market, it would suggest that those statistics should be captured because we want to make sure that persons are exiting the system. So, is that going to be a part of the statistics that …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I want to make it abundantly clear what actually is captured. What is captured is Bermuda's unemployment rate has declined. That is extremely positive. What is captured is that more Bermudians are working. That is extremely positive. What is captured is that Bermuda's youth …
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Yes, that is positive. Hon. Jason Hayward: That is positive. What is positive is that the median income of those working in Ber-muda has increased. What is captured is that in the majority of age categories we have an increase of persons working in Bermuda. That is positive. And so, …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. And you had indicated that would be your last question, right? Yes. You indicated that was your last question? Yes, okay. Thank you, Minister. No further questions for that Statement. The next Statement that has questions this morning is the Statement by the Minister of Home Affairs in …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The surveys were done via an online free platform that the Government of Bermuda's Communications Department already has a profile or platform, and they used that to be able to input the questions that the Ministry of Home Affairs submitted for public …
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Michael Fahy: Is there any way to confirm that there were not multiple respondents . . . sorry, one person doing multiple answers on that online survey?
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The survey was restricted to only enable one participant per survey to present a response. Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Second su pplementary ? Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In relation to that same portion of the Statement, the Minister made mention of focus groups. I am wondering how those attendees on those focus groups were selected. Would the Minister provide the listing of those who attended those …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Mr. Speaker, the focus group respondents were specific to the business community and so recogni sing that there were very clear , or proposed areas of focus and interest , related to the costs—n amely , housing, food costs —persons who were stakeholders in tho se …
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Second question now. QUESTION 2: COST OF LIVING SUMMIT 2025 SURVEY INSIGHTS AND PLANS Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister made mention in her Statement of—and I will just read it out so that we are on the same page, there is a “ clear call …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the survey findings, once the report is tabled, it will include a comprehensive list of what the actual survey responses included. In my Statement, however, I included a list of a few . Namely , tax and other relief for essential …
The Speaker The Speaker First sub or your second question? SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Michael Fahy: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Those broader targeted interventions then are presumably based on the feedback that had come from the focus groups and surveys. Is that correct?
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Michael Fahy: That is a supplementary.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, it is a supplementary. Your f irst supplementary on your second question. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Would you like a second supp lementary on that question? Hon. Michael Fahy: No, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Third question? QUESTION 3: COST OF LIVING SUMMIT 2025 SURVEY INSIGHTS AND PLANS Hon. Michael Fahy: Third question, Mr. Speaker. In relation to the summit that is to be held next Tuesday [sic], 25 th, 2025, I noted yesterday that there was, I think, an attempt at allow ing people …
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Michael Fahy: In relation to the summit, what are the numbers of people that are actually able to attend? If people just have to express interest and are they then selected by the Ministry? And that question is asked as a result of the fact that the …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: The summit has sought to engage those who are decision makers in the first instance to be able to have the impact of lowering costs as business owners and operators. We speak specifically to the strategy, Mr. Speaker, associated with having both a cost of living …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. You have asked your supply of questions. Thank you. The next Member who has questions for you, Minister , is MP Smith. Would you like to put your questions?
Ms. Linda Smith I will withdraw my questions. Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. MP Pearman, would you like to still put your questions? QUESTION 1: COST OF LIVING SUMMIT 2025 SURVEY INSIGHTS AND PLANS
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thanks to the Honourable Minister Lightbo urne for her Statement to this Honourable House this morning on Bermuda’s cost of living and survey insights and plans for this C ost of Living Summit. With your leave, Mr. Speaker, I would just like to quote two …
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Frankly, the cost of living can come down through stakeholder and Government collaboration. Recogni sing that G overnment actually cannot carry this weight alone. We have already advanced tax reduction through our most recent budget. We have evidenced our work actually towards …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Is that a supplementary or a new question? SUPPLEMENTARY
Mr. Scott Pearman Yes, yes, supplementary, please. Thank you, Honourable Minister. If I understood you correctly, the answer you gave to the one most important reform to bring down the cost of living was collaboration with the private sector ?
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: If I were to list one, yes.
The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary ?
Mr. Scott Pearman No, n o further questions , thanks.
The Speaker The Speaker No further questions. Okay. Minister, that is the end of questions for your statement this morning. The next Statement that has questions this morning is your second Statement in reference to the negative resolution. MP De Couto, would you like to put your question? QUESTION 1: ELECTRICITY AMENDMENT ACT 2022 …
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the Honourable Minister for the information in her Statement about the regulations to the Electricity Act. My question is, has the M inistry or RA received any specific , I will call , material expressions of intent to make use of …
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary or new question?
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Supplementary, please, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. SUPPLEMENTARY
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Could the Honourable Minister let us know roughly how many expressions of interest and what sorts of technologies or types of innovative types of generation are involved ? Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Mr. Speaker, technology that I am aware of since my time in office includes floating solar . Wave technology has also been the presentations of which I have become aware of. R ecogni sing that there were submissions and expressions previously, I can seek to get …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Second question? Second question?
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead. QUESTION 2: ELECTRICITY AMENDMENT ACT 2022 (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) REGULATIONS 2023 - AND- ELECTRICITY (INNOVATIVE LICENCE) REGULATIONS 2023 NEGATIVE RESOLUTIONS
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Have there been any submissions regarding the use of natural gas? Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Point of clarification: submissions or expressions of interest ?
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Well, thank you, my apologies. Expressions of interest or applications or anybody coming forth wanting to use that technology. Thank you. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: I am unaware of an LNG expression of interest at this time. The Speaker: Supplementary? No further questions. Okay. Thank you. Minister, that is the end …
Mr. Dwayne Robinson Good morning, Mr. Speaker , thank you. Being as there were 25 applications made and none considered this year, I just wanted to ask for the aid of the listening public, whether or not a ful some release of the credentials being looked for by the commit-tee will be made …
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Minister. Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The deliberations were done by the committee led by the chair. W hat I received was a report in the form of a letter which outlined the process they went through and the decision that they made. I do not think …
Mr. Dwayne Robinson A supp leme ntary , Mr. Speaker. I want to state as well that I respect the bipartisanship of the committee and was not trying to challenge that. The supplementary I am bringing forward is not for the deliberations, but because we had 25 nomina-tions and none were accepted, I …
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Minister. Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will remind the Honourable Member from the other side that the framework, the light framework, the heavy framework is in the A ct. So, the framework is laid out, Mr. Speaker . And in the Statement, I did say (I …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Do you have a supplementary or a new question?
Mr. Dwayne Robinson A supplementary .
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. A second supplementary .
Mr. Dwayne Robinson I just would like to clarify that the Bill does stipulate the nomination process. It does stipulate the makeup of the board, but not necessarily anything specific as to what is being looked for . Except for how folks may qualify such as, you know, being posthumously nominated and different …
Mr. Dwayne Robinson Thank you. [Inaudible interjections]
Mr. Dwayne Robinson And that is the truth. Yes, I agree.
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member So, anybody can think of National Heroes.
Mr. Dwayne Robinson Mr. Speaker, that is exactly my point that, you know, I think we might want to con-dense the idea of a National Hero in the eyes of the public to avoid any confusion.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. So that is your question to the Minister . Minister . Hon. Owen Darrell: Mr. Speaker, I have to be honest. I am not sure I understand if there was a question in there and . . . I am glad that you did give leeway to the Honourable …
The Speaker The Speaker Basically, he was just trying to narrow down the criteria. Is that the word I am looking for? [Inaudible interjection]
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. All right. Any other question on that? Hon. Owen Darrell: Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker No, that's fine. Do you have any further questions?
Mr. Dwayne Robinson I have a new question.
The Speaker The Speaker A new question, okay.
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Is this your third question or fourth? Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Second question. Second question.
Mr. Dwayne Robinson Second question. [Laughter] QUESTION 2: NATIONAL HEROES DAY 2025: RECOGNISING LEGACY AND COMMUNITY
Mr. Dwayne Robinson She’s having fun , she’s having fun. So, the legislation does stipulate that it will be considered every 10 years past this point. I just wanted a slight bit of clarity. With there not being a National Hero nominated in this particular round, does that mean that there will not …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Minister. Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As noted in the Statement, the next available time for the public to submit nominations for a National Hero would be in the fall of 2034. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Any supplementary or third question?
Mr. Scott Pearman Supplementary with your leave,
Mr. Speaker. The Speaker Go ahead. SUPPLEMENTARY
Mr. Scott Pearman Does that mean, Minister, that the current 25 submissions will be remaining on the table for the committee to consider over the next 10 years or not? Hon. Owen Darrell: Mr. Speaker, the way the Act is laid out, in 10 years’ time, new applications will be received and new …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementar y or . . . has everyone finished their questions? Okay. Thank you, M embers. Minister, that completes questions on that Statement. The next Statement that has a question is the Statement from the Minister of Health. Minister, you have a question from MP Tucker . MP …
Ms. Robin Tucker Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to know , What is the timeline for review of the Mental Health Act and how will stakeholders, including ser-vices providers and advocacy groups be involved in the process? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, I thank the Honourable Member for that question. As part of the Adult Mental Health Integrated Care Pathway recommendations, one of the long- term goals was to review and amend the mental health leg-islation. And what we will do is similar to when …
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Oh, I might add also it will be largely modelled after the United Kingdom's legislation, and it will provide for more human rights issues as it relates to persons challenged with mental health as well as treatment orders and the like. So, we will be …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary or new question? QUESTION 2: MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVES: BUILDING RESILIENCE WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY
Ms. Robin Tucker New question. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Relatedly, how will the G overnment expand trauma counselling and intervention services, particu-larly to youth victims of violence and those affected by domestic violence?
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. 1134 13 June 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, my Statement di d not specifically speak to trauma as it relates to persons with respect to domestic violence. But what I can add is that pursuant to the $2.29 million that …
The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary or new question?
Ms. Robin Tucker Just a supplementary question.
The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead. SUPPLEMENTARIES
Ms. Robin Tucker I brought up the issue of domestic violence and victims of violence and youth specifically because all of those issues do have some impact on one's mental health. And not only those individuals im-pacted but those family members and everybody that's connect ed. What I would like to know is …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary or new question?
Ms. Robin Tucker Just a supplementary . . . just a point I guess I would just ask the Minister to clarify for me. I just wanted to get clarification on whether when speaking of stakeholders , and of course in relation to the grants as she mentioned related to Women's Resource Centre …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I invite that H onourable Member to look at the stakeholder consultation that took place in 2017 and it would probably be able to provide her with more commentary insofar as the path forward. We will continue the engagement as previously …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Third question?
Ms. Robin Tucker Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank the Minister for that clarification. That's what I was looking for clarification. So, thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Third question? QUESTION 3: MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVES: BUILDING RESILIENCE WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY
Ms. Robin Tucker My third question is, Are there plans to modernise other related legislations such as the Young Offenders Act and . . .
The Speaker The Speaker That may not necessarily have been included in the Statement today. The Statement was specific to mental health.
Ms. Robin Tucker Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I was just asking that question as it relates to looking at the Mental Health Act overall.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. All right.
Ms. Robin Tucker Are there any related legislations that they are also looking . . . that will inform the Mental Health Act or that the Mental Health Act will inform. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker , I can not speak to that insofar as it does come …
Ms. Robin Tucker T hank you Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Minister, that is the end of questions for that statement. The final Statement also has questions and Minister for Cabinet. MP King would like to put questions to you. MP King. QUESTION 1: INTERNATIONAL ARCHIVES DAY
Mr. Robert King Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Regarding the Archives, I agree wholeheartedly with what Minister Rabain has said about the incredible work that the Archives does to preserve our history and culture. Towards that end I know that Minister Rabain would have had many conversations with Ms. [Karla] Ingeman n who is …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister . Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker I did visit there on Monday . That wasn't anything that came up , so I will endeavour to investigate what that Member is talking about and provide updates when I can.
The Speaker The Speaker Ok. Supplementary or . . . the M inister basically said he wi ll have to find an answer to your response.
Mr. R obert King That i s satisfactory . Thank y ou. CONGRATULATORY AND/OR OBITUARY SPEECHES
The Speaker The Speaker Members , that brings us to an end of the Question Period for today. There are no more questions at this stage, and we will now move on the next item on the O rder Paper this morning which would be the congratulatory and obituary speeches. Minister . Hon. Diallo …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Deputy Speaker
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Thank you, Mr. Speaker . Mr. Speaker , I want to be associated with the remarks made for Quillard Smith , a St. Georgian and I guess a figure in St. George’s given her bubbly and lively personality . And one of the reasons why I stand to offer condolences …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Deputy Premier . Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker . Mr. Speaker , I rise this morning to ask this house to give congratulations to a very special young lady—and I declare my interest , Mr. Speaker . The young lady to whom I …
The Speaker The Speaker Any other Member . . . MP Pearman
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Speaker , and good afternoon. I would like to pass along congratulations to the Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda (CURB) for the event that they put on a little bit ago— [Inaudible interjection]
Mr. Scott Pearman —and I'll get there to associate , well I will associate the whole House, but let me also just note that they put on the memorial event for Dr. Eva Hodgson at the Cathedral . It was an excellent event . I was privileged to be there together with Senator …
The Speaker The Speaker He is temporary while the Sergeant is off Island.
Mr. Scott Pearman Right. Thank you, Mr. Speaker .
The Speaker The Speaker MP . . . Minister Darrell . Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker . Mr. Speaker , I rise this morning to offer congratulations for many of the cultural and sports events that are happening around the Island . But I would like to start with someone that many …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. MP Smith, you have your three minutes.
Ms. Linda Smith Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wanted to extend congratulations to the Port Royal Primary School community. They recently celebrated their 90th anniversary. They had a celebration event , but they also set up and established an alumni association that includes some very impressive people: Dame Flora Duffy , Dr. Carik …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. MP Swan , you jumped up earlier and you're up again . . .
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Thank you, Mr. Speaker . Mr. Speaker , it is with profound sadness that I ask for condolences to be extended to the family of ho-telier and a family member of mine Clyde Darrell on his passing. He served in the hotel industry , starting off as a bellman all …
The Speaker The Speaker The Member over here wants to be associated too.
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan The RAA [Seniors] F ashion Show which featured Deputy Speaker Foggo and MP Ming and former member Arthur Pitcher and Calvin Shabazz, Esme Williams, Maxine Esdaille, Cindy Swan and Neil Pay nter and several others called upon a great stand- in singer in myself to come in and fill in …
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Self-appointed. [Laughter]
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Well . . . self-appointed, I come from a singing family.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, thank you. Your three minutes is up, Member . Thank you. [Timer chimes]
The Speaker The Speaker MP DeCout o. 1138 13 June 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Dr. Douglas DeCouto: Yes, thank you Mr. Speaker. First of all , let me also associate with the congratulations for the young Oliver Betschart. I would also like to associate with the congratulations to Vasco da …
The Speaker The Speaker MP Lister , you have your three minutes.
Mr. Dennis Lister III Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Good morning to the listening audience and to my fellow colleagues. I would first like to start , Mr. Speaker , by sending condolences to the family , and I know it was mentioned in the last sitting of the H ouse, Dr. Melv yn Bassett. …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you.
Mr. Dennis Lister III And also , to all the fathers H appy Father's Day for this weekend coming up. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [Inaudible interjection]
The Speaker The Speaker On the wire, was he? [Laughter] Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Deputy, are you going to move us to lunch? Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I move that we now adjourn for lunch and return at 2:00 pm.
The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections to that? There are none. We will now stand adjourned for lunch until 2:00 pm. [Gavel] Proceedings suspended at 12:32 pm Proceedings resumed at 2:00 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair]
The Speaker The Speaker Good afternoon, Members. [Gavel]
The Speaker The Speaker The House is now back in session. We concluded the Congratulatory and/or Obituary Speeches this morning. The next item on the Order Paper is Matters of Privilege. MATTERS OF PRIVILEGE
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. NOTICE OF MOTIONS FOR THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE ON MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. ORDERS OF THE DAY
The Speaker The Speaker That brings us to the Orders of the Day and the first item is the second reading of the Insurance Amendment Act 2025 in the name of the Premier and Minister of Finance. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. I hope you had a good lunch. Mr. …
The Speaker The Speaker Any objections? There are none. Continue, Minister. BILL SECOND READING INSURANCE AMENDMENT ACT 2025 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present the House Bill entitled the Insurance Amendment Act 2025 (which I will herein after refer to as “ the …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Premier. Is there any other Member? MP DeCouto?
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We support this Bill. We understand that for the BMA to carry out its functions it needs to acquire certain amounts of information, certain types of data, and it needs to have a certain view of the businesses that it is regulating. And, of course, …
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Some of the classes . . . it is clear from reading the Bill and going back to the original Act, are actually regu-lated by the Authority and some seem to be regulated by the Ministry.
The Speaker The Speaker Is that something you are addressing under one of the clauses? Because you can do that in Committee.
Dr. Douglas DeCouto It is more of a general question because you can see that there are different clauses for the different situations. And if the Premier was able to make a general comment as to why these classes are handled separately and if we should have any concerns about inconsistency in the …
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? There ae none. Premier . Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will seek to get clarity on the matter that the Shadow Minister has raised. What I would say is that it may be a matter related …
The Speaker The Speaker Deputy [Speaker]. House in Committee at 2:10 pm [Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo, Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL INSURANCE AMENDMENT ACT 2025
The Chairman Chairman Good afternoon, M embers. We are now in Committee of the whole [House] to consider the Bill entitled Insurance Amendment Act 2025 . I call on the Minister of Finance and Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chair man. Madam Chair man, I would like to …
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that all of the clauses be considered. Are there any objections? There are none. Of course you may. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you. Clause 1 provides the citation for the Bill. Clause 2 amends section 6A [sic] of the Act. And . . . sorry. …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister and Premier. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to clauses 1 through 4? I recognise the Member from constituency 25, the Shadow Minister of Finance. Member, you have the floor.
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you, Madam Chairman. Yes, Mr. Premier was correct. My question was in relation to the clause 3 [new section 15 ( 3A)] and noting that subclauses [(3A)]( a) and (b) split the regulation of various classes between the Minister and the Authority. And my general question related to …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Member. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to clauses 1 through 4? I recognise the Member from constituency 22. Member, you have the floor.
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Madam Chair man and good afternoon to you. I have a question in relation to clause 3 . The Honourable Premier and Finance Minister indicated in relation to clause 3 [new section 15 ( 3A)(b)] that future rules made by the BMA pursuant to this amendment Act will …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Member. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to clauses 1 through 4? There being no other Members at this moment, I recognise the Finance Minister and Premier. Premier , you have the floor. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Madam Chair man. Madam Chair man, …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Premier. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to clauses 1 through 4? I recognise the Member from Constituency 22. Member, you have the floor.
Mr. Scott Pearman I thank the Honourable Premier and Finance Minister for those answers. In relation to the second answer, so clause 4 has a deeming provision that things have already been validly made. And I understand your answer that you just gave, Honourable Premier and Finance Minister. But my question is, are …
The Chairman Chairman Okay. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to clauses 1 through 4? There being none, Premier . Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Madam Chair man. To answer the Honourable Shadow Minister's question, rules have been promulgated. And so, the issue is these rules that have been …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Premier. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to clauses 1 through 4?
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Madam Chair man, and thank you for that answer.
The Chairman Chairman Okay. No other Members? Okay. I recognise the Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chair man. Madam Chair man, I move that clauses 1 through 4 be approved. The Chairman: It has been moved that clauses 1 through 4 be approved. Any objections? There are none. …
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections? There are none. So approved. [Motion carried: The Insurance Amendment Act 2025 was considered by a Committee of the whole House and passed without amendment.] House resumed at 2:20 pm [Hon. Dennis …
The Speaker The Speaker Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Insurance Amendment Act 2025 be-ing reported to the House as printed? There are none. Thank you. That brings that matter to a close for the time being. We will move on to the next item. The next item on the …
The Speaker The Speaker Good afternoon. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill entitled the Trade Marks Amendment Act 2025 be now read a second time.
The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections to that? There are none. Continue, Minister. BILL SECOND READING TRADE MARKS AMENDMENT ACT 2025 Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present the Trade Marks Amendment Act 2025 to this Honourable House. This Bill seeks to amend the Trade Marks Act 2023 to …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a comment at this time? MP Campbell.
Mr. Vance Campbell Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I know from firsthand experience, having sat with the technical staff who the Minister just thanked, and I would like to thank them as well for the efforts that they have put in. This is a very complex area and very difficult to keep …
The Speaker The Speaker Would any other Member? MP Pearman, would you like to make a contribution?
Mr. Scott Pearman Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker , and thank you. So, let me pick up where my colleague left off and just say my thanks as well to the technical staff who are present in the Chamber today, including the Registrar General Mr. Pennyman who I see over there. Let me also …
Mr. Scott Pearman That is right. A lawyer not charging, doing social conscience work for the betterment of Bermuda. Bermuda House of Assembly But I do thank the technical staff. This is a substantial change in this area of law, not just this, obviously, but the earlier Bill, the 2023 Bill, and the …
Mr. Scott Pearman Anyway, that was not meant in any rude way. But we are now in 1 st of August. But let me pose just a couple more questions, if I may, for the Minister or for the technical staff. So, in the Minister’s prior speeches, he raised that there would be …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? MP Swan.
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Good day, Mr. Speaker. [I] just [want] to say it is very good to see the type of cooperative spirit that exists in this particular space. The amount of good that is done in Bermuda through the financial services, through the cooperations of the law firms, as was expressed just …
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan He may think so, yes. We are referring to Michael Jordan and the transfer of that brand from Michael Jordan to Tiger Woods. You saw that brand, that swoosh, take on a new dynamic. And as you have other . . . And in this case, I am referring to …
The Speaker The Speaker Are you finished MP?
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Mr. Speaker, that is my contribution at this particular time.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? None other? Minister? Hon. Jason Hayward: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Honourable Member s for their intervention in today’s debate. I would like to thank the Opposition for their …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Deputy Speaker? House in Committee at 2:4 8 pm [Mr. Speaker. Lovitta F. Foggo, Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL TRADE MARKS AMENDMENT ACT 2025
The Chairman Chairman Members, we are now in Committee of the whole for consideration of the Bill entitled Trade Marks Amendment Act 2025. I call on the Minister. Minister, you have the floor. Hon. Jason Hayward: Madam Chairman, I move clauses 1 through 5.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 1 through 5 be considered. Are there any objections to that? Hon. Jason Hayward: Madam Chairman, this Bill seeks to amend the Trade Marks Act 2023, the principal Act, to insert a definition of the term “ transmission ” so as to clarify the …
The Chairman Chairman Are there any other Members who wish to speak to clauses 1 through 5? I recognise the Member from constituency 22. Member, you have the floor.
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Madam Chairman. As the Minister just pointed out, the clause 4 deals with the amendment to Schedule 3, and it is there where we are dealing with the Madrid Protocol point. The Minister in the general debate very kindly addressed the Madrid Protocol point, but did not answer …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Member. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to clauses 1 through 5? Minister? Hon. Jason Hayward: Madam Chairman, I will be guided, but the timelines is not a substantial feature of the amendment to the Act. I think it is a relevant question to ask, …
The Chairman Chairman Okay. Thank you. Any other Members who wish to speak? I recognise the Member from constituency 22. Member, you have the floor.
Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Madam Chair man. Thank you, Honourable Minister. I would be delighted to receive that in due course when conven-ient to you. Thank you.
The Chairman Chairman Okay. Thank you. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to clauses 1 through 5? Minister? Hon. Jason Hayward: Madam Chair man, I would like to move clauses 1 through 5.
The Chairman Chairman Be approved? Hon. Jason Hayward: Most definitely.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved clauses 1 through 5 be approved. Any objections? There are none. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 5 passed.] Hon. Jason Hayward: Madam Chair man, I would like to move clause 6.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clause 6 be considered. Are there any objections? There are none. Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Madam Chair man, clause 6 provides for commencement. I would like to move an amendment to that clause.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that an amendment be proposed for the clause. Any objections? There are none. Minister. AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 6 Hon. Jason Hayward: The amendment is that the Trade Marks Amendment Act 2025 be amended in clause 6 by deleting 1 July 2025 and substituting 1 August 2025.
The Chairman Chairman Is has been moved that the date of 1 July [2025] be substituted [with] 1 August [2025]. All in favour [say] Aye. Any objections? There are none. The amendment has been passed. [Motion carried: Amendment to clause 6 passed.] Hon. Jason Hayward: Madam Chairman, I would like to move [that] …
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clause 6 as amended be passed. Any objections to that? There are none. So moved. [Motion carried: Clause 6 passed as amended.]
The Chairman Chairman Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Madam Chair man, I would like to move that the preamble be approved.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Any objections to that? There are none. Hon. Jason Hayward: Madam Chair man, I move that the Bill be reported to the House as amended.
The Chairman Chairman The Schedules. Hon. Jason Hayward: Sorry.
The Chairman Chairman Just say Schedule. Hon. Jason Hayward: Madam Chair man, I would like to move that the Schedule be approved.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Schedule be approved. Any objections? There are none. [Motion carried: Schedule passed.] Hon. Jason Hayward: Madam Chair man, I move that the Bill be reported to the House as amended.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as amended. Are there any objec-tions to that? There are none. So approved. [Motion carried: The Trade Marks Amendment Act 2025 was considered by a Committee of the whole House and passed with one amendment.] [Gavel] Bermuda House …
The Speaker The Speaker Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Trade Marks Amendment Act 2025 being reported to the House as amended? There are none. The Bill has been reported as amended. Thank you. Members, that brings us to a close of the orders for today. Would you like to …
The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? There are none. Continue. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING INSURANCE AMENDMENT ACT 2025 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill entitled the Insurance Amendment Act 2025 be now read for a third …
The Speaker The Speaker The Bill is read a third time by its title only and is now passed. [Motion carried: The Insurance Amendment Act 2025 was given a third reading and passed.]
The Speaker The Speaker Minister? SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I move that Standing Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move the Bill entitled The Trade Marks Amendment Act 2025 be now read a third time by its title only.
The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? There are none. Continue, Minister. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING TRADE MARKS AMENDMENT ACT 2025 Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill be now read a third time by its title only and passed.
The Speaker The Speaker The Bill has been read a third time by title only and is now passed. Thank you, Members, Ministers. [Motion carried: The Trade Marks Amendment Act 2025 was given a third reading and passed.]
The Speaker The Speaker Premier? ADJOURNMENT Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If I do not have the opportunity, I would like to wish you and all Members a very happy Father’s Day, and I move that this House do now (all Members that are fathers, that is) and I move that …
The Speaker The Speaker Does any Member wish to speak to that? No Member? [Laughter]
The Speaker The Speaker Minister? SUMMER PREPARATIONS Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to spend a few moments speaking about summer preparations. I do not know if anyone felt the heat at around 12:35 when we left the Chamber on our way to our …
The Speaker The Speaker It is late! It is late! 1150 13 June 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Kim N. Wilson: I know. I know but I wait until the sun crosses.
The Speaker The Speaker It is late! Hon. Kim N. Wilson: In any event, Mr. Speaker, I just want to spend a few moments talking about summer preparations. First and foremost, tomorrow is World Blood Donor Day. And it is observed globally. In fact, this is its 20th year, and the theme [is], if …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Member. MP Famous? CONGRATULATORY AND/OR OBITUARY SPEECH
Mr. Christopher Famous Mr. Speaker, good afternoon.
The Speaker The Speaker Good afternoon.
Mr. Christopher Famous Mr. Speaker, I had to leave early so I did not get a . . . Sorry. I was interrupted by the Deputy Speaker. Would you like to point of order me or something?
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo [Laughter] .
Mr. Christopher Famous Mr. Speaker, I had to leave early, so I did not get a chance to speak on the obits and congrats. I would like to associate with the condo-lences for Kendall Harvey. He was a husband of my cousin Tina. I do not know if this name was mentioned, Mr. …
The Speaker The Speaker I know Eunice, but no, it was not done. It was not done.
Mr. Christopher Famous So, I would like to give condolences to multiple families and multiple communities. Ms. Eunice Jones, as you know, Mr. Speaker, I think came from your neck of the woods.
The Speaker The Speaker Long time ago.
Mr. Christopher Famous Yes. So, [in the] Somerset community, West End community. And she lived in Devonshire—the posh side of Devonshire, but she lived in Devonshire. But more importantly, Mr. Speaker, Ms. Jones gave back to her community via St. Paul AME Church and by our school the Berkeley Institute. She was — …
Mr. Christopher Famous Yes. The original. There is only one. [Inaudible interjection]
Mr. Christopher Famous I had the privilege of working with Ms. Jones on the Berkeley Educational Society. As she was transitioning out, I was transitioning in. Those that have been to home going services at St. Paul’s would know that [for] every St. Paul member there is a proclamation read about what this …
The Speaker The Speaker Starvation.
Mr. Christopher Famous —it is starvation, lack of . . . They have blown up almost every hospital, so women who are pregnant cannot get neonatal care. People who have lost limbs cannot get proper treatment, so they are dying from gangrene. I could go on and on, but the question remains: How …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Famous. Very timely. Any other Member wish to make a contribution? MP DeCouto? DATA USED FOR GOVERNMENT DECISIONS
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Pregnant pause. There was a very strong comment from the previous Member, which is not my topic, but I am just silently reflecting. Do you know today, Mr. Speaker, we received some very good and useful reports from the Govern-ment. We received the survey about …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP. Does any other MP wish to make a comment? Premier? DATA USED FOR GOVERNMENT DECISIONS 1154 13 June 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I was just thinking that I was going to …
Dr. Douglas DeCouto Point of order, Mr. Speaker. The Premier is misleading the House. In fact, they often bring reports such as population projections and estimates based on statistical methods. That is one example of the kinds of approximations and estimates that are done by experts, informed by data, according to well -known …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Mr. Premier. Thank you, Members, for your contributions today and that everyone will have an enjoyable and safe holiday weekend. The House stands adjourned until the 27 th of June. 1156 13 June 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly [Gavel] [At 3:35 pm the House stood …
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