Hansard — January 31, 2020 — Bermuda Parliament

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning, Members. This is our first sitting in the new year. Welcome back to each and every one of you. I trust that you had a very enjoyable Christmas season, you and your famil ies. [ Gavel] CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES [Minutes of 13 December 2019]

The Speaker The Speaker Members, the Minutes of Dece mber 13th, 2019, have been circulated. Are there any omissions or amendments that are required ? None. The Minutes are confirmed as printed. [ Minutes of 13 December 2019 confirmed] ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER OR MEMBER PRESIDING APOLOGIES

The Speaker The Speaker The announcements this morning are from Members who have indicated they will be absent this morning. And we the MP Kim Swan, MP Tyr rell, MP Gordon- Pamplin, MP Cole Simons, have all indicated that they will be absent today . MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE

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

The Speaker The Speaker There are three papers this morning. The first is in the name of the Minister of Finance. Minister , actually all three are in your name. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, I will do these on behalf of the Minister of Finance. The Speaker: Yes. 2 019 ANNUAL REPORT …

The Speaker The Speaker Continue. 2 019 FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY REPORT Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the 2019 Fiscal R esponsibility Report.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. And the last. CONTRIBUTORY PENSIONS (AMENDMENT OF BENEFITS) ORDER 2020 Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, I have the ho nour to attach and submit for the consideration of the Honourable House of Assembly the Contributory Pensions (Amendment of Benefits) Order 2020 proposed to be made by the …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Deputy Premier. Thank you. PETITION WILLOWBANK FOUNDATION (AMENDMENT) ACT 2019

The Speaker The Speaker There is one petition. Who is going to present the petition? Honourable Member Ming, are you goin g to present the petition? Thank you.

Mrs. Renee Ming Yes. Good morning, Mr. Speaker and listening audience.

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. 2902 31 January 2020 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Mrs. Renee Ming: Mr. Speaker, I move for leave to introduce the following petition: The petition by the Willow bank Foundation requesting the enactment to modernise certain aspects of the company’s structure and decision- making procedures, as …

The Speaker The Speaker Cont inue.

Mrs. Renee Ming I ask that the said petition be r eferred to the Joint Select Committee on Private Bills for consideration and report.

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? None. Continue. It is entailed; go ahead. Go ahead.

Mrs. Renee Ming Am I asking for the Private Bill now to go to the Joint Select Committee again?

Mrs. Renee Ming Okay. I ask that the said petition be referred to the Joint Select Committee on Private Bills for consideration and report.

The Speaker The Speaker It will be. Thank you.

Mrs. Renee Ming Thank you, Mr. Speaker. STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS AND JUNIOR MINISTERS

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. We have six Statements this morning. The first is in the name of the Premier. Premier, would you like to present your Statement? Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. BUILDING ON THE FOUNDATION LAID FOR ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION —FORMATION OF AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, Bermuda is at an economic crossroads. The historical norms of our economy have been challenged almost to a breaking point by the accelerated pace of technological change and …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Premier. The next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Finance. Minister. [Pause]

The Speaker The Speaker Hold on, Minister. Just for the clarity of Members, there is an error in the Statement that was on the tablet, compared to the Statement that was written. The error is that there was a corrected version that came. And somehow, the transcript of it is not coming out correc …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. And again, I would just like to add my acknowledgement to those who have been part of your committee. As he said, the President is in the Chambers this morning, and congratulations for your hard work. The next Statement this morning is in the name of the …

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. CORONAVIRUS UPDATE Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members, I ri se today to share the most up- to-date information and guidance for residents regarding the coronavirus . First of all, I can assure you that as of this morning there are no cases in Bermuda …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. The next Statement this morning . . . . the next two are in the name of Minister Foggo. Minister, would you like to do your first one? LIVING WAGE UPDATE Hon. Lovitta F. Foggo: Thank you, Mr. Speaker . Good morning to the House, and good …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Whilst on your feet, would you like to continue with your second Statement? Hon. Lovitta F. Foggo: Yes, Mr. Speaker. I shall.

The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead, Minister. MARY PRINCE DAY Hon. Lovitta F. Foggo: Mr. Speaker, while standing on my f eet, I speak to a piece of symbolically i mportant legislation being tabled today: the renaming of Somers Day to Mary Prince Day . Mr. Speaker, as you will be aware, Cup Match …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. The last Statement this morning is that in the name of Minister Caines. Minister, would you like to do your Statement now? Hon. Wayne Caines: If it pleases you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker It does. Continue. CRIME AND VIOLENCE REDUCTION Hon. Wayne Caines: Mr. Speaker, the start of 2020 greeted us with the welcome news that 2019 was the first time in over 20 years that no homi cides were recorded in Bermuda. [Desk thumping] Hon. Wayne Caines: Mr. Speaker, this is a …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

The Speaker The Speaker There are none. QUESTION PERIOD

The Speaker The Speaker Members, this brings us to our Question Period for today. And we have questions on the Order Paper, as well as questions that will be asked from the Statements. And we will start with the questions on the Order Paper. The question is going to be carried over once again, …

The Speaker The Speaker The second question is from the Honourable Member Dunkley. Honourable Member, you have three questions to the Minister of Finance. You indicated that you wish oral responses to all three. Would you like to put your questions now? QUESTION 1: REVENUE RAISED BY SUGAR TAX Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary or second question? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Just to be clear, Mr. Speaker. That is $500,000 for the total period, not per quarter?

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: I am sorry, Mr. Speaker. I have got two bunches of data here.

The Speaker The Speaker Take your time. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Let me correct myself. The number is $5,402,241.30. And that is ag gregate over the five quarters, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2018 through the fourth quarter for the calendar quarter of 2019.

The Speaker The Speaker Five million? Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: It is $5,402,241.30.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Speaker. Supplementary question to the Honourable Minister: Do the customs officers have the ability to keep adding items to the sugar tax duty codes?

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, that is an operational issue for which I do not have any remit. I can check with the technical officers to get an answer to whether customs officers can add items to the list.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. All right. Second question? Hon. Michael H. Dunk ley: Second supplementary.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, go ahead. Yes. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Honourable Minister: How much does the Honourable Minister believe the 75 per cent sugar tax has contributed to the cost of food increases and the cost of living increases?

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, I think that would be . . . to answer that question would be engaging in speculation. I know, at a minimum, the amount that should be added would be the amount of the tax. How much is actually being added, I do …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Supplementary?

Mr. Ben Smith Good morning, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Ah. Supplementary? Okay. SUPPLEMENTARIES

Mr. Ben Smith Supplementary. I am wondering if the Minister is able to let us know if there is any way for the public to know what the tax added on items is when they are actually bu ying the item?

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, i nasmuch as the retailers decide to identify those costs, no.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: There is the tariff that is published, citing the items that should be . . . categ ories that should be broadly captured by the sugar tax. Inquiry to Customs may help. But incidentally, the tax is charged when goods are imported, goods imported by …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Supplementary? Yes?

Mr. Ben Smith Yes, Mr. Speaker. Is the Minister able to let us know whether any of the items that are within the sugar tax that have been added potentially are healthy items that happen to have a bit of sugar in them? Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Minister. Hon. Curtis L. …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Any further supplementary? Or Honourable Member, Ms. Atherden? Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: Supplementary, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: To the Minister, do you believe that the sugar tax is regressive, or is an unfair tax? Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, I had not thought about whether it is regressive. And I certainly have not thought about whether it is unfair. What …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary? Yes. Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: To the Minister: If you have not thought about this, my question is, Is there any thought as to whether the sugar tax, per se, is achieving what it was supposed to, which is to reduce the impact of diabetes? And if …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: My understanding, Mr. Speaker, is that work is actually being done right now to assess the impact of the tax. Early reports are that there have been some decreases in the consumption of sugary drinks. And inasmuch as that was one of the intended goals …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Supplementary from the Opposition Whip?

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Good morning, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. SUPPLEMENTARY

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Just a question following on from that. So, based on the tariffs that are being placed on the sugary items, is there any way to measure the particular . . . a reduction in the import ation of certain, especially sort of bulk sugary items like sodas or sugar itself, …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, I would assume, based on the volumes of data that are collected at the source of importation and collected by customs and then collected by the D epartment of Statistics, I am sure there is probably some data to provide a point of …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. No further supplementaries? Would you like to put your second question? QUESTION 2: REVENUE RAISED BY SUGAR TAX Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Second question to the Honourable Minister: Will the Honourable Minister please provide to this Honourable House details of the increase in G …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The proceeds of the sugar tax were initially slated t o go into health and wellness initiatives, to encourage and educate people on healthier eating patterns and exercise, and providing emphasis on the risks of not doing so. Currently, the Department …

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I appreciate the answer by the Honourable Minister in regard to the fiscal year 2019/20. But, Mr. Speaker, the question for the Honourable Minister then: So for the fiscal year 2018/19, which had five months of sugar tax being collected, 50 per cent at …

The Speaker The Speaker Point of order. POINT OF ORDER Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I just wondered if the Honourable Member declared his interest. I have not heard it yet.

The Speaker The Speaker I did not see where it was required at this point. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Well, he does o wn one of the largest beverage companies in the Island, that is loaded with sugar.

The Speaker The Speaker Were we into a debate or a discussion or something, he would have declared his interest. He is simply putting a question right now. I will let it slide at this point. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Okay.

The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead, Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, what is very clear is that I have determined the amounts of taxes that have been raised from sugar tax. And the oblig ation now is to ensure t hat those amounts are allocated as appropriate to healthy initiatives. It is …

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. Micha el H. Dunkley: Thank you for clearing up about the—

The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, second supplementary. Thank you for clearing up about the interest and the Honourable Member.

The Speaker The Speaker You can just put your second question. Put your second question. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes. I can get to that in more detail later. So, Mr. Speaker, we have learned that $5 million has been raised so far, and Government is still considering initiativ es. We heard from the …

The Speaker The Speaker Try and be more precise. Yes, it ran on a bit. Try and be more precise. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Well, sometimes the answers go on, so the question has to be precise.

The Speaker The Speaker Very well. Just — Hon. Michael H. Dun kley: So, what new . . . Mr. Speaker, what new initiatives —

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. If you can fine tune the question, we can get a clearer answer for you. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Three words: What new initiatives? Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Thank you. Hon. Curtis L. Dick inson: Mr. Speaker, I think it was Tuesday that I released a Pre- …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary from the Honourable Member Atherden. Yes. SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: Supplementary. Mr. Speaker, to the Minister: As the previous Government, we had identified some high- priority ar eas, one of which was the diabetes. And therefore, there was supposed to be emphasis on decreasing the acuity …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, I will refer the Honourable Member to my prior answer for that question. [Inaudible interjections]

The Speaker The Speaker Did you get the response? Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: I did.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Second supplementary? Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: And thank you, Mr. Speaker, for the chirp that I heard. I am reading from the action plan that is part of the Government initi ative, [which has] been on the website from the prev ious Government. So anyway, my second question relates …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: I know I am still new here. But that sounds to me like a quest ion that is probably better directed to the Minister of Health. What I can say is this: The Government has reduced or limited duties on eggs, potatoes, cauliflo wer, broccoli …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Any further supplementaries? Would you like to do your third question? QUESTION 3: COST OF OPERATING BERMUDA CASINO GAMING COMMISSION Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The third question to the Honourable Minister: Will the Honourable Minister please provide to this Honourable House details of the …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, details of the total costs to operate the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission on a monthly basis from July 1, 2019, through December 31, 2019, breaking down the costs for each month down into categories of salaries and wages, consultant fees, administrative expenses, …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Speaker. In, I think it was July of 2019 . . . Yes, it was 12 th of July 2019, the Honourable Minister provided a Statement in regard to the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission. And he listed three priorities at that time. …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, I am just making notes to myself. First was the executive director. I heard corr espondent banking. And just the third part of the question I did not catch. I am sorry.

The Speaker The Speaker Sure. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: The third part of the question, Mr. Speaker, to the Honourable Minister was progress on legislation. Hon. Curtis L. Dickin son: When I last was presented with Parliamentary Questions for the gaming commi ssion and the issue of the executive director was raised, and at …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes, Mr. Speak er. I think my second supplementary?

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: To the Honourable Mini ster: The Honourable Minister stated in the Question Period back on the 12 th of July that the budget for the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission would be $500,000 for this fiscal year. And the Honourable Mi nister said at that time …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, I would correct the Honourable Member. The $500,000 that he referred to in my July Statement was the amount of the grant provided by Government. It was not the budget for the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission. I am waiting for the …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. He is seeking it now as we wait. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: I am advised that the budget for this fiscal year is $3.2 million. The Sp eaker: Three- point -two. Have you got that, Member? Thank you. No further supplementaries? Okay. That brings us to a close of …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister who currently has responsibility for economic development matters is myself.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Further supplementary or a new question? QUESTION 2: BUILDING ON THE FOUNDATION LAID FOR ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION — FORMATION OF AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. New question. The Premier also, in mentioning this new Economic Development Department, he mentions that . . …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I will just let the Honourable Member know that the first thing is that the Bermuda economy recorded growth. The second thing is, Mr. Speaker, as the Honourable Opposition Leader should know and should be aware of, as he heard earlier t oday …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary or new question? Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: No, Mr. Speaker. Living in the cloud.

The Speaker The Speaker Third ques tion or a supplementary? Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: My third question.

The Speaker The Speaker Third question. QUESTION 3: BUILDING ON THE FOUNDATION LAID FOR ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION — FORMATION OF AN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Yes. Why would you have, in 2017, with the Ministry there, looking at the mandate that you have given this Economic Development Department, much of that mandate …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, we do know that the Opposition Leader may have trouble with his memory. So he will note that there was a Ministry of Economic Development that was in place in 2017, led by Minister Jamahl Simmons, Mr. Speaker. But he is …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Premier. Supplementary?

Mr. Scott Pearman Supplementary.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. SUPPLEMENTARIES

Mr. Scott Pearman Mr. Premier, do you accept that Bermuda currently does not have a Ministry of E conomic Development?

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Economic development matters, Mr. Speaker, are handled by the Cabinet Office. And so I am the Minister responsible for it. And so I do not accept that, and we will continue.

Mr. Scott Pearma n Mr. Premier, would you accept that it was you who dismantled the Ministry of Ec onomic Development? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Shadow Leader . . . I am sorry, but I will call him the Shadow Leader, but the Shadow Attorney General should know that there …

The Speaker The Speaker You have given two. You have given two already. Would you like to do a supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Considering that BermudaFirst and other organisations have made many, many recommendations to this Government, can the— [Inaudible interjection] Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Yes, certainly. …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier . Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, not only have we made changes to legislation that has expanded our insurance industry here on the Island; not only have we made changes to our legislation that have resulted in the creation of 50 jobs in FinTech; not onl y have …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Second supplementary, yes. Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Yes, second supplementary. Considering the fact that grocery stores, di fferent dealerships, cars, bikes, you name it, rely heav ily on the local market here in Bermuda, and they are items that, quite frankly, you are not going to buy online, …

The Speaker The Speaker Mr. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, if I recall, I think in the last budget there was some tax relief that was gi ven to persons in the retail industry. But, Mr. Speaker, as I have said inside of my Statement and as I will continue to repeat, …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I am not exactly understanding the question that the Honourable Member is t rying to get me to answer. Would she mind [trying] to clarify?

The Speaker The Speaker Member, could you just repeat your question? Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: The Premier has indicated that there was no change in posts; there were no people losing their jobs. This was in a merger, but you are supposed to be coming up with some new idea. And what I want …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: I thank the Honourable Member for her question. I now have a better clarity on it. Mr. Speaker, I am giving the announcement today that the Cabinet has approved the formation of this department, that budgets will be assigned, and these things will be merged …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary? Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: Supplementary.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: What the Premier said was the point that I was trying to get at the end. It is all very well to talk about people not losing their jobs b ecause you move them to another department. But the question is, Was it identified …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. [Inaudible interjection]

The Speaker The Speaker Member, can you fine- tune that to a specific question so he can give you a response as an answer? Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: In the identification of the unit that needed to be created, was there an area of technical expertise that was identified that did not currently exist, …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. No further questions. Bermuda House of Assembly Supplementary? Yes, we will take your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARIES

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Thanks, Mr. Speaker. So I am just trying to get some clarity around this. So we have had Departments of Economic D evelopment for some time. The Minister Jamahl Si mmons was the Minister — Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker We will take your point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David B urt: The Honourable Member is mi sleading the House. There have never been Depar tments of Economic Development. And I have made it very clear to the record that there is nowhere in law at …

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Thank you for that clarity.

Ms. Susan E. Jackson So my question is then, so that this new Department of Economic Development then will become statutory? It will pas s legislation and that is it? It will be permanent and in place?

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: I thank the Honourable Member for her question, and I will say that that is the intent. And that is what Cabinet has agreed, that we will have a statuary body that will be coordinating economic development activities for the country. Yes.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Supplementary? Yes?

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes, I do. So over the years, will this new Department of Economic Development, for the lack of a better term, be able to adjust its flavour? So based on what the industries globally, whatever the new trends may evolve over the years, will this Department of Ec onomic Development …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: The short answer, Mr. Speaker, is of course, yes. What we want to make sure is that we have a department that is actually looking and examining what is taking place. If there are specific things, just like certain various government depar tments …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. You had your two. Would you like to put a supplementary? Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: Yes, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, supplementary. Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: And I will try and be succinct.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: The Premier has indicated— [Inaudible interjection]

The Speaker The Speaker She had a question. She had a question. Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: —that these entities will not result in the increase in the number of posts. But the Premier has indicated that some posts were identified, and these job descriptions will be put out there. How can the Premier say …

The Speaker The Speaker We want to get a precise question now. Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: The Premier says with assurance that he has identified that there is a new technical post. How can he say with assurance that it will not result in an increase in the number of posts in the civil …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. No further questions. Premier, that is the end of the questions for your Statement. We now move on to the next Statement that Members have a question for. And that is for the Mi nister of Finance. Minister of Finance, there are two Members who have indicated that …

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Honourable Minister, thank you for your Statement upon the successes that Bermuda has achieved in the AML [anti -money laundering] field in relation to this assessment. And I do have a specific question, but I just would like to commend your efforts and the efforts of …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Go ahead and answer then. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, I thank the Honourable Member for the compliment. I can tell you that when we were in Antigua and Barbuda presenting at the plenary, we had a few challenges to our report. And we came fully prepared. We …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES

Mr. Scott Pearman Yes, supplementary, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Thank you for your answer, Minister. And it is interesting to hear the UK is commending our position, as they should. So will that mean that on the next occasion . . . well, I suppose, let us start there. When does the Minister …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: We have, as a result of our results, been placed on regular follow -ups. So there will be a follow -up in two years.

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary?

Mr. Scott Pearman Yes, thank you. Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Second.

Mr. Scott Pearman And in respect of that next assessment process, will that be a CFATF assessment process that involves the UK, or will the UK be unlik ely to be involved?

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: The UK is a member of FATF, not CFATF. CFATF is a b unch of countries in the Caribbean region. There are a number of FATF members who actually attend plenary —Canada, the United States, the UK and other countries. They have some influence. But …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. No further questions? Okay. The next Member who has a questi on for you, Minister, is the Member Dunkley. Would you like to put your question? QUESTION 1: MUTUAL EVALUATION REPORT ON BERMUDA’S ANTI -MONEY LAUNDERING/COUNTERING FINANCING OF TERRORISM FRAMEWORK Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Curtis L. Dickinson: Mr. Speaker, I was not a Member of Parliament or of the Government in July of 2017. I suspect that she probably was the Chairman of NAMLC [National Anti -Money Laundering Commi ttee], but I would imagine that the Honourable Member who was Premier at …

The Speaker The Speaker Member, former Premier? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: He answered the question. It was like the Honourable Member was not there before July 2017.

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member So why did you ask the question? Another Hon. Member: If he knew the answer, why did he ask the question? He was the Premier. [Inaudible interjections]

The Speaker The Speaker I take it you have no further questions. [Laughter]

The Speaker The Speaker We will move on to the next Statement. The next Statement that Members have a question for is that by the Minister of Health. Minister Wilson, there are two Members who have indicated that they have questions for you today. The first is from MP Pearman. Would you like to …

Mr. Scott Pearman Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Minister, thank you for that helpful update. Obviously, when somethi ng like this comes out, people get a little bit nervous and anxious about the situation. And not all the facts that are coming out are necessarily . . . they change very quickly. My …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I thank the Honourable and Learned Member for his question. As I stated, things are unfolding very rapidly. And at this point, there are still tests being conducted worldwide to ascertain with more precision the actual commencement of this, how …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary? No supplementary. Minister, the next person who has a ques tion for you on this Statement is the Opposition Whip. Would you like to put your question? QUESTION 1: CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes, Mr. Speaker. So my questions are on quarantining. So if we have . . . well, just by preface, certainly the country of origin in China, the city had intense quarantine proc e2924 31 January 2020 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly dures put in place. So my …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, as I indicated in the Statement, the Ministry of Health, in conjunction with the Customs Department and Immigration, Bermuda Fire Service, police and the medical community, as well as BHB [Bermuda Hospitals Board] have all been working in tandem …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Entry. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Entry, excuse me. And there is an area that is at the airport actually, Mr. Speaker, that will be able to be addressed with respect to quarantine. I can also add, Mr. Speaker, that there are health officers who are at the airport —you are …

The Speaker The Speaker I am just clearing my throat. I was clearing my throat for you. How is that? Hon. Kim N. Wilson: There are health officers, Mr. Speaker, at the airport, and they are stationed there at this point four hours a day to assist with respect to questions and inquiries that …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary? Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: Yes, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker We will take your supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: And I am asking this just so that the Minister can answer it because I think it is important for the people of Bermuda to know that, if the Minister can confirm that the procedures, et cetera, that we are …

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. I almost feel like she answered it. But go ahead. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: I actually thought she did, too. That is why I stayed seated.

The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead, Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: The Honourable Member is correct. Bermuda has an experience with respect to addressing these issues. SARS is a recent point. And the continuation of that, again, it is important to note that there is a multifaceted element in that there are many agencies …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Minister, that brings a close to your questions. The next is the Minister Caines.

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Mr. Speaker, I have one ot her question.

The Speaker The Speaker Oh, you have a supplementary? I am sorry.

Ms. Susan E. Jackson I get two questions, yes?

The Speaker The Speaker Oh, yes. Yes, you do have a second question. QUESTION 2: CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Yes, my second question. This is regarding Bermudians who may —

The Speaker The Speaker Actually, you have 32 seconds, 30 seconds.

Ms. Susan E. Jackson Are there any Bermudians who may have been . . . is the Ministry of Health aware of any Bermudians who may have been in the areas in China? And if there are any Bermudians who have been identified, are they being monitored and supported to make sure that they …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Members. That brings us to a close of the question- and-answer period this mor ning. We will now move on to the next item on the O rder Paper. CONGRATULATORY AND/OR OBITUARY SPEECHES

The Speaker The Speaker Would any Member wish to speak? MP Scott [Simmons], are you on your feet to bring some congratulations or condolences?

Mr. Scott Simmons I am, Mr. Speaker. Good mor ning.

The Speaker The Speaker We will recognise you, Member. You have your three minutes.

Mr. Scott Simmons Mr. Speaker, I rise in thi s Ho nourable House this morning asking that our cond olences be sent to the family of Kijani Massai Dion Burgess, who passed so tragically this month follo wing a road traffic accident. Mr. Speaker, I recognise that the entire House will want to …

Mr. Scott Simmons And we also send out, and we start with recognising a Member of this House who is a relative, the Honourable Deputy Speaker of this Honourable House, the Honourable Derrick V. B urgess, JP, MP. Mr. Speaker, we sent out condolences to his father Kevin, to his mother Antoinette, and …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Member. Does any other Member wish to speak? We recognise the Premier. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this morning I rise with sadness to stand here to ask this Honourable House to send a message of condolences to the family …

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. E. David Burt: He was instrumental in bringing the annual Cup Match Classic to television so viewers at home could watch the festivities and, of course, could watch his beloved Somerset team keep the Cup. To his wife [Lyndamae]; his son Alje; and to his brother -in-law, the …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier, your time is done. Hon. E. David Burt: And I will ask that all Members of this House be associated with those condolences, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Would any other Member wish to speak? We recognise the Honourable Member, Mr. Commissiong. Honourable Member, you have the floor.

Mr. Rolfe Commissiong Good morning, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning.

Mr. Rolfe Commissiong Mr. Speaker, I ask this House to send condolences to the family of Agnes Virginia John, a former constituent of mine and also a good friend of my family, particularly my mother. She passed away recently. So my heart goes out to Kim and Kyle, her children. Ms. John was …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Member. Does any other Member wish to speak? No other Members wish to speak. We will move . . . Mr. Richards, you have the floor. You have. . . [you can] take the opportunity. Mr. Richards, are you— Mr. Sylvan D. Richards, Jr.: I am trying to …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Mr. Sylvan D. Richards, Jr.: Sorry about that, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to send condolences to the family of Mr. Thaddeus Rudolph T. C. Ming, Jr., who was more well -known as B op, Bebop, or Boppy or Kingo. He was a resident of Khyber Pass, …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Does any other Member wish to speak? We recognise the Deputy Premier. Deputy Premier, you have the floor. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to note two condolences. One goes to the family of Ms. Ismay Evangeline Anderson Steede, grandmother of our own …

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Many of us on this side of the House knew Mr. Byron well. He was a businessman, a taxi driver, but he was also a key figure within the Progressive Labour Party for many years. I associate all, certainly every Member on this side of …

The Speaker The Speaker You can do the whole House. Make it easy for you; how is that? Hon. Walter H. Roban: I will do the House. But certainly it was Ms. Atherden who had asked to be ass ociated, as a Member of t he Opposition. Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Yes. …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Deputy. Does any other Member wish to speak? I recognise the Honourable Member, Mr. Pearman, from . . .

Mr. Scott Pearman Twenty -two.

The Speaker The Speaker Twenty -two.

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since this House last sat, one of our former MPs, Mr. Glen Smith, MP, lost his mother. And I would like to send our heartfelt well w ishes to Mr. Smith and his entire family on behalf of . . . and I note that the …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. I recognise the Honourable Minister of Works. Minister.

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Mr. Speaker, thank you and good morning. I would ask to be associated with the condolences that have been offered this morning. I would also ask that condolences be extended to the family of June Audrey Louvaine Saltus. If anybody had an ything to do with WOW [World On Wireless], …

Speaker The Speaker Mr. Gladwin Ingham, who served 23 years; and Mr. Ellington Mabry, who served 11 years. And two from the Ministry of Public Works, one of whom I suspect will be well known to you, Mr. Speaker, and every Public Works Minister, I guess, over the last 40 years. One is …

The Speaker The Speaker Sounds like Mr . Reed.

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch In fact, Mr. Speaker, there is an interesting story there. He was the last person to vote in the 2017 electi on. We had to go and find his, you- know -what, and drag him to the polls. And he grumbled every step of the way, saying, I’m coming, I’m …

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Does any other Member wish to contribute this morning? Mr. Famous, are you on your feet?

Mr. Christopher Famous Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I am.

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning, Mr. Famous. Go right ahead.

Mr. Christopher Famous Good morning, Mr. Speaker . I want to start off with some good news and congratulate Elliot School in Devonshire in C11 for a brilliant Career Day yesterday. They had people from the fire, the police, Bermuda Civil Aviation, the banks, BELCO, Parks Department, Corporation of Hamilt on to teach …

The Speaker The Speaker Good wife.

Mr. Christopher Famous Ms. Marie Bullock, who came from England some 1950- something, but she loved Bermuda. And she was a very short lady, but [had] very strong influence. And then Mr . K. P. Pea rman. Anybody who drove along Watlington Road next to the laundromat would have seen Mr. Pearman. These …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. I recognise the Honourable Member Furbert. You have the floor, Honourable Member.

Mrs. Tinee Furbert Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning.

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning.

Mrs. Tinee Furbert Mr. Speaker, I would like to send condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Betty Ann Louise Pierre, —

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, yes. [Inaudible interjections]

Mrs. Tinee Furbert —a PLP member and supporter, stalwart of the Progressive Labour Party. I would just like to remember her at this time and remember her family. It is very difficult to lose a loved one. And we just want them to know that we will continue to keep her in our …

The Speaker The Speaker Does any other Member wish to speak? I recognise the Honourable Member Smith. Honourable Member, you have the floor.

Mr. Ben Smith Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. I would like to give congratulations to Flora Duffy for her win over the weekend in the Ironman 70.3 in South Africa. Obviously, as she is preparing this year, hopefully to do something big in Tokyo, we want to m ake sure that we are giving …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Hear, hear! Another Hon. Member: Yes.

The Speaker The Speaker You got her a present already, right? Because we are going to be late tonight. We are going to be late. Make sure you got her present.

Mr. Ben Smith Most important thing for the day. Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. [Inaudible interjections]

The Speaker The Speaker Does any other Member wish to speak? No other Member? That brings us to a . . . You almost missed it. We recognise the Ho nourable Member, Mrs. Atherden. You have the floor. Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: Mr. Speaker, I would like for congratulations to be sent to the …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Any other Member? No other Member. We will now move on from congratulations and condolences. And let us see. We have got about seven minutes before that break time. [Inaudible interjections]

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. I was going t o say if we can get the Government Bills tabled quickly, then we can break for lunch. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS GOVERNMENT BILLS

The Speaker The Speaker Would you like to do the Premier’s Bill, Deputy? Thank you. FIRST READING EU WITHDRAWAL (CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS) ACT 2020 Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On behalf of the Premier, I am introducing the following Bill for its first reading so that it may be placed on the …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Minister Foggo, would you like to place your item on the table? FIRST READING PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AMENDMENT ACT 2020 Hon. Lovitta F. Foggo: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am introducing the follo wing Bill for its first reading so that it may be placed on …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. And Minister of . . . Yes. Yes. FIRST READING SUBMARINE COMMUNICATIONS CABLES ACT 2020 Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am introducing the following Bill for its first reading so that it may be placed on the Order Paper for the next day of …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. And just for clarification, you will note that there was a fourth Bill to be tabled. That has been held over for another time. Premier, we have about five minutes. I would suggest that we take the lunch and forgo the Orders of the Day. Hon. E. David …

The Speaker The Speaker Members, there are no objections to that, are there? No. We now stand adjourned until 2:00 pm for lunch. [Gavel] Proceedings suspended at 12:25 pm Proceedings resumed at 2:01 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair]

The Speaker The Speaker Good afternoon, Members. I trust ev eryone enjoyed their lunch. [Crosstalk] [Gavel] ORDERS OF THE DAY

The Speaker The Speaker Members, before we broke for lunch we were just about to enter into the Orders of the Day. The first item today is [Order] No. 2 on our Order P aper, which is the second reading of the Mortgage Re gistration Amendment Act 2019 in the name of the Mi …

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. Walter H. Roban: I know this is a standard practice but I do have an amendment statement to make on that basis. But I know this is pretty much a stand-ard thing —

The Speaker The Speaker Very much so. Hon. Walter H. Roban: —when Bills carry over from—

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. Walter H. Roban: —one year to the other. Now I will continue with the submission. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce for the second reading the Bill entitled Mortgage Registration Amendment Act 2019. The Bill seeks to amend the Mortgage Registration Act 1786 and the Land Title …

The Speaker The Speaker Mm-hmm. Hon. Walter H. Roban: In closing, the Mortgage Registration Amendment Act 2019 seeks to properly clar ify ensuring that only mortgages dealing with “land” should be transferred to the Land Title Registry Office. I now move that the Bill entitled Mortgage Registration Amendment Act 2019 be read a second …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to speak? I recognise the Honourable Member Richards. Honourable Member, you have the floor. Mr. Sylvan D. Richards, Jr.: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, sometimes when we do these Bills it can be a little complicated for those listening at home. …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Member. Does any other Member wish to speak? I rec ognise the Honourable Member Furbert. Honourable Member, you have the floor.

Mrs. Tinee Furbert Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Honourable Minister explained that this Bill is a very simple one; it is self -explanatory, as well. And it is an amendment of clarity for the people of Bermuda to better understand that chattel property mortgages, again, like the previous Member spoke of, their recordkeeping …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to speak? I recognise the Honourable Member Moniz. You have the floor. Hon. Trevor G. Moniz: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just take this opportunity to back up the Shadow Minister there, Sylvan Richards, with respect to the question …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to speak? Minister, you have the floor. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wish to thank those who have made their contribution today. I am particularly appreciative of Honourable Member Tinee Furbert, which I think in her …

The Speaker The Speaker Mm-hmm. Hon. Walter H. Roban: And I am sure through the appropriate parliamentary process, and perhaps at the upcoming budget, those Members can query some of the questions that they had about what is happening at that office with the advancements of the digitisation of the process and how that …

The Speaker The Speaker Mm-hmm. Hon. Walter H. Roban: It does continue. And I look forward to reporting further on that in the not too di stant future. But with that, Mr. Speaker, I do believe I have dealt with all the issues generally raised. I then would move that the Bill be committed.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Deputy. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, there are five clauses and I wish to move —

The Speaker The Speaker [Proceed] when the Deputy gets here. Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Walter H. Roban: I’m sorry.

The Speaker The Speaker When the Deputy gets here. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, of course.

The Speaker The Speaker Deputy. House in Committee at 2:2 1 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL MORTGAGE REGISTRATION AMENDMENT ACT 2020

The Chairman Chairman Honourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole for further consideration of the Bill entitled the Mortgage Registration Amendment Act 2019 . Minister, you have the floor. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Good afternoon, Mr. Chai rman. If it will please you, I will move clauses 1 through 5, …

The Chairman Chairman Continue. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Chairman . . . I’m sorry. Also, in addition, Mr. Chairman, I would also like to move the dates and an amendment to move the date from 2019 to 2020.

The Chairman Chairman Do you want to do that first? Hon. Walter H. Roban: I am happy to do that if you allow.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Can I just do a bit of the reci tal and then go to the amendment? Or would you like me to start that right now?

The Chairman Chairman Start that right now. AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 1 Hon. Walter H. Roban: Okay. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Bill be amended in the title and in [clause] 1, by deleting 2019 and substituting 2020.

The Chairman Chairman Are there any objections? Anybody want to spe ak to that? Any objections to approving that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Amendment to c lause 1 passe d.] Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I will seek to refer to the Bill henceforth [using] …

The Chairman Chairman —through 5, yes. Hon. Walter H. Roban: The Bill would amend the Mortgage Registration Act 1786, the Land Title Regi strar (Recording of Documents) Act 2017 and the Registrar -General (Recording of Documents) Act 1955 to clarify that only the function of recording and registering mortgages and other conditional conveyances …

The Chairman Chairman Are there any further speakers to clauses 1 through 5? That is the entire Bill. No speakers. 2934 31 January 2020 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Minister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. May I move the preamble . . . I’m sorry, may I move …

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 1 through 5 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 5 passed.] Hon. Walter H. Roban: I move that the preamble be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. Hon. Walter H. Roban: I move that the Bill be repor ted to the House as amended, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Bill be reported to the house as amended. Any objections to that? There are no objections. Approved. The Bill will be reported to the House. [Motion carried: The Mortgage Registration Amendment Act 2020 was considered by a Committee of the whole House and passed …

The Speaker The Speaker Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled Mortgage Registration Amendment Act [2020] being reported to the House with the required amendment? No objections. It has been so moved. We will now move on to the next item of the day, which is [Order] No. 3 , the second …

The Speaker The Speaker Say that again. You haven’t seen what? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I said I haven’t seen [you], so I wished you a Happy New Year.

The Speaker The Speaker Oh, I thought you said you had not seen the paperwork in front of you. I was getting a little worried that time. [Laughter]

The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead, Minister. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Speaker, just before we get into the actual Bill itself, I would like to move clause 1 to amend the title of the Bill to the Statistics Amendment Act 2020. [Crosstalk]

The Speaker The Speaker In Committee, yes. When you get to Committee, you can make the necessary amendments. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: All right. Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker You can just indicate that this is the standard amendment required because it lapsed into the new year. You can do that in Committee. BILL SECOND READING STATISTICS AMENDMENT ACT 2019 [2020] Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: All right. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill entitled St atistics …

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? None. Continue on. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Speaker, this is a very simple amendment. The Bill amends certain sections of the Statistics Act 2002 relating to information and data collected on behalf of the Government by the Department of Statistics. These amendments will al-low for …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member . . . we recognise the Deputy Opposition Leader. Honourable Member, you have the floor.

Ms. Leah K. Scott Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And Happy New Year; I haven’t seen you either.

The Speaker The Speaker Happy New Year.

Ms. Leah K. Scott Mr. Speaker, as the Minister has said, this is a simple Bill on its surface. But, you know, sometimes things that appear to be simple often are fraught with challenges. So I agree that, you know, it is necessary for the Department of Statistics to be able to compile i …

The Speaker The Speaker Mm-hmm. Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: It is still not clear where the Minister is attempting to go here and how the public are going to benefit from this piece of legislation. I have not heard it, so . . . I will say that the Premier kindly stepped aside and …

The Speaker The Speaker Mm-hmm. Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: I think that we have fairly judged it in many cases, and fairly gone after it, and in some ways unfairly gone after it. It hires Bermudians, it pays decent salaries in these grocery stores and you get sometimes a decent product. Hopefully, most of …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Member . . . I recognise the Honourable Member Dunkley. You have the floor. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in case I will be called to order by a colleague on the other side of the floor, I …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Is there any other Member who wishes to speak? Minister, would you like to reply? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Let me try and make it a little clearer. So, Statistics, every month, collects information. So that is not the problem. Okay? So every month …

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, point of clarification. POINT OF CLARIFICATION Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: So the Minister is saying . . . I am trying to help this out. The Minister is saying that the information is in the public domain, but it is difficult accessing it. So this legislation will change 2938 …

The Speaker The Speaker Let me help you, if I can, because I have been trying to get the application too in that I think all the information is currently collected by the department, but it can only be contained within that department. They cannot share it anywhere else amongst the other government entities, …

The Speaker The Speaker I was listening. [Inaudible interjections and laughter ]

The Speaker The Speaker [Would you] move us to Committee? [Inaudible interjections] Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Clarification. I would be glad to . . . no, I think the Member . . .

The Speaker The Speaker Member, yes. POINT OF CLARIFICATION Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: If the Minister could clar ify. So, you are saying that this information could be shared with other government departments, but would not necessarily be shared with the general public. It would be [shared] within government departments, but not necessarily with …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Right. [Crosstalk] Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: If there are no further questions, I will be moving to the Committee stage.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Min ister. Mr. Deputy. House in Committee at 2: 46 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL STATISTICS AMENDMENT ACT 2020

The Chairman Chairman Honourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] for further consider a-tion of the Bill entitled the Statistics Amendment Act 2019 (or is it 2020?). Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: 2019.

The Chairman Chairman Minister, you have the floor. Hon. Way ne L. Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. If there is no problem, I will move all the clauses.

The Chairman Chairman Well, do you want to amend the title? AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 1 Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Ah, yes. Let me move the title first. Mr. Chairman, I move t o amend the title of the Bill to the Statistics Amendment Act 2020.

The Chairman Chairman Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Amendment to c lause 1 pass ed.] Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Chairman, I move all the clauses.

The Chairman Chairman What are the numbers? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Clauses 1 through 5.

The Chairman Chairman Clauses 1 through 5? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Yes.

The Chairman Chairman Continue. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Chairman, clause 1 is the citation. Clause 2 amends section 2 of the Statistics Act 2002 to insert a clear and unequivocal definition of “information in the public domain” to include information that can be found at companies, businesses and institutions the public has …

The Chairman Chairman Are there any further speakers? The Chair recognises the Deputy Leader of the Opposition. Ms. Scott, you have the floor.

Ms. Leah K. Scott Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I guess I am going to go back to the definition “information in the public domain.” S o it says, “ ‘information in the public domain’ includes information . . . .” So —

The Chairman Chairman What clause are you speaking to?

Ms. Leah K. Scott Oh, I’m sorry. Clause 2, “The principal Act is amended” and then it gives the defin ition of “information in the public domain.” On page 1.

The Chairman Chairman Continue.

Ms. Leah K. Scott So, information in the public domain includes information. So “includes information” means to me that, in addition to the information that is already in the public domain, that th ere would be access to other information outside of this. But the only words that are missing there are includes but …

The Chairman Chairman Do you want to get the answers to those first?

Ms. Leah K. Scott Yes, please.

The Chairman Chairman Minister. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Chairman, the definition of “information in the public domain” includes information that can be found at companies, businesses, and institutions the public has open access to, that is accessible to the public as a whole.

Ms. Leah K. Scott It says “includes.” But it is not li mited to that information. So, if the definition said, information in the public domain is —is—information that can be found. But it does not say that. It says “includes” which leads me to believe that in addition to this information any other …

The Chairman Chairman Continue. Go ahead.

Ms. Leah K. Scott Thank you. But it does not remove doubt. If you wanted to remov e doubt, you would say, information in the public domain is information. This says “includes” so it is a broad definition. So it allows the ability to obtain i nformation other than what is stated here. Hon. …

The Chairman Chairman Continue. Any further questions?

Ms. Leah K. Scott Mr. Chairman, on page 2 under clause [3] . . . I lost . . . sorry. Okay. Sorry. On page 2, [new section] 4(2). “ The Director shall in the performance of his duties — “(a) promote the avoidance of duplication in the information collected by Ministries, other Gover …

The Chairman Chairman What particular . . . because you said [clause] 4A(2).

Ms. Leah K. Scott [New section] 4(2) and then 2(a). So, “ promote the avoidance of duplication in the i nformation collected . . . .” 2940 31 January 2020 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: Right here.

Ms. Leah K. Scott Under Duties of Director.

The Chairman Chairman Got it.

Ms. Leah K. Scott You got it.

Ms. Leah K. Scott So my question is, What duplic ation would be anticipated [that] needs to be avoided? And . . . what . . . I forgot what I —

The Chairman Chairman Well, let him answer one and then it might come back to you. Minister, do you want to answer that? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Chairman, I am still not clear which clause . . . 4(2) . . .

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: [Clause] 4(2) what?

The Chairman Chairman It comes, “ The Director shall in the performance of his duties —” Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Okay. And that is [new se ction] 4(2)(a) or (b)?

Ms. Leah K. Scott [New section] 4(2)(a).

The Chairman Chairman [New section] 4(2)(a). To “promote the avoidance of duplication.” You got that? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: To avoid duplication —

The Chairman Chairman Page 2. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Yes. It just makes it very clear that it is to avoid duplication by several other ministries.

Ms. Leah K. Scott My question is, What information is anticipated being duplicated? And how do they anticipate avoiding the duplication? [Pause]

Ms. Leah K. Scott Mr. Chairman.

Ms. Leah K. Scott We can take this offline if . . . I am sure the public would like to know the answers, but if it is too hard to answer now, we can do it later.

The Chairman Chairman Minister. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Yes, Mr. Chairman, we could take it offline if you want to, but basically the avoi dance of duplication of information increases efficiency and reduces the response burden. It currently . . . it really exists already, a part of it, in the Act right …

Ms. Leah K. Scott I appreciate that and I guess my question was just what type . . . it is in the Act because there is anticipated duplication, and I am just asking what that would be. But we can talk about it later.

The Chairman Chairman Any further questions? The Chair recognises the Honourable Member Pearman.

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Minister, my question is in respect of [new section] 4A, and more specifically in respect of the answer that you gave to the House a few minutes ago. If I understood you correctly, the Director of Statistics collects information fro m the public and that currently …

Mr. Scott Pearman Only the Minister? Well, it does say Cabinet under [clause 3, new section 4](3). [Inaudible interjection]

Mr. Scott Pearman Above. So, I have understood you correctly. That is the intent of this Bill. And the intent of this Bill is also to add to the Third Schedule of the primary Act an additional group of information, a cluster of information, that can now be obtained by the Director and …

Mr. Scott Pearman Yes, well, I am just going t o pose a question, but I will wait. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: We want to make this speci fic about grocery stores, so it is not left open- ended, Bermuda House of Assembly because Statistics collects information from many other industries, many other …

Mr. Scott Pearman Right. So, what we are doing is we are expanding the scope of information that may be gathered by the Director to now include grocery store prices, and we are also expanding the ability of people with whom the Director may share that information; namely, the Minister and Cabinet. Yes? …

Mr. Scott Pearman Prices of goods sold. What does the Minister mean by “prices of goods sold” and, more specifically, do you mean that people could be compelled to share with you the cost of goods purchased and profit margin? Or, merely the price of goods sold? I would be grateful for that …

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Chairman. That answers my question and I am grateful to the Minister for his clarification.

The Chairman Chairman Mm-hmm. Any further speakers? Minister. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Chairman, I move that the clauses 1 through 5 . . . I move that the preamble be approved.

The Chairman Chairman Let’s do the clauses first. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Sorry. I move that clauses 1 through 5 be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 1 through 5 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 5 passed.] Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I move that the preamble be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections to that? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I move that t he Bill be r eported to the House as printed.

The Chairman Chairman As amended. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Yes. And as amended, yes.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as amended. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. The Bill will be reported to the House. [Motion carried: The Statistics Amendment Act 2020 was considered by a Committee of the whole House …

The Speaker The Speaker Members, are there any objections to the Statistics Amendment Act [2020] being reported to the House as amended? There are none. It has so been reported. We now move on to the next item on the O rder Paper, which is [Order] No. 4, the second reading of the Motor …

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? Continue, Minister. BILL SECOND READING 2942 31 January 2020 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly MOTOR CAR AND ROAD TRAFFIC (MISCELLANEOUS) AMENDMENT ACT 2019 Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the purpose of this Bill is to amend the …

Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Excepted persons. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Excepted persons. Glad that you picked that up, Colonel, because that is what is in the Act, excepted persons. The provision is very clear that in addition to any private motor car, which they are authorised to own and have at their …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to speak? We recognise the Deputy Opposition Leader. Honourable Member, you have the floor.

Ms. Leah K. Scott Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, we generally go along with this legislation. It is pretty much cleaning up a bunch of things in old legislation that needs to be addressed. And I probably should . . . I do not have any objection. I just have a couple of …

The Speaker The Speaker You can speak about all your questions in general. But when you want to be specific, you can do that in Committee on the clauses.

Ms. Leah K. Scott Okay. Thank you. I am glad to see that they are increasing the removal, storage and disposal . . . so now when peo-ple are leaving their cars by the side of the road and you are not able to find that person, will this be applied to those people? …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. I recognise the Government Whip. Honourable Member, would you like to add a few comments here?

Mr. W. Lawrence Scott Yes. Oh yes, just a few comments, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am in support of what we are doing here. And in aviation when you are flying, there is a cer tain manoeuvre that requires you to power up, pitch up, clean up. And what I like about this …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Member? We recognise the Honourable Member F amous. Honourable Member, would you like to add a few brief comments?

Mr. Christopher Famous Very brief.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you.

Mr. Christopher Famous Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the Minister and the Ministry for bringing this legislation, in particular the abandoned cars amendment. I am happy to see the amendment move from the archaic —I would say archaic —$250 to something more realis tic, $1,500.

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member More punitive.

Mr. Christopher Famous Well, punitive, realistic. Because we know if you have to call a tow truck, that is $100 right there, one way. Then you have got to drain the vehicle. Then you have got to call another tow truck. Right there you are talking about three bills. Here is the thing, …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member? The Member from constituency 28.

Mr. Dennis Lister III Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Good afternoon.

Mr. Dennis Lister III Good afternoon to the House and the listening audience. I too also stand to offer support. I stand in support for the Minister for making the amendments to this Act. In my position as Road Safety Chair man, I also have to say thank you to the Minister for bringing …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. 2946 31 January 2020 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Does any other Member wish to speak? Minister, it looks like you are back on your feet. How is that? Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Mr. Deputy. House in Committee at 3:2 8 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL MOTOR CAR AND ROAD TRAFFIC (MISCELLANEOUS) AMENDMENT ACT 20 20

The Chairman Chairman Honourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] for further consider ation of the Bill entitled the Motor Car and Road Traffic (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2019 as printed, but I am sure the Minister will make that change, make it 2020. Minister, you have the floor. Hon. …

The Chairman Chairman Let us deal with the date first, Mini ster. If you can just ask to do an amendment to make it 2020 instead of 2019? AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 1 Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Oh yes, yes. I do ask that we make that amendment, please, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Are there any objections to amending the Bill to state 2020 instead of 2019? Thank you. There are no objections. Approved. [Motion carried: Amendment to cl ause 1 passed.]

The Chairman Chairman You can continue, Minister. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I propose that we move all clauses, 1 through 8.

The Chairman Chairman Continue. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Clause 1 is the short title of the Bill, to be changed to Motor Car and Road Traffic (Miscellane-ous) Amendment Act 2020. The Chairman: Continue. We will go to clause 2. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Clause 2 …

The Chairman Chairman Are there any further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister, do you want to move those clauses? Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, Mr. Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Move clauses 1 through 8. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I move clauses 1 through 8.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 1 through 8 be approved. Are there any objections? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 8 passed.] Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I move that the preamble be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I move that the Bill be r eported 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 objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. The Bill will be reported to the House as amended. [Motion carried: The Motor Car and Road Traffic (Mi scellaneous) Amendment Act 2020 was …

The Speaker The Speaker Good afternoon, Members. Are there any objections to the Motor Car and Road Traffic (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2020 being reported to the House as amended? There are none. So it has been moved and approved. That brings us to the end of items on the O rders of the Day. …

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? No objections. Continue on, Minister. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING MORTGAGE REGISTRATION AMENDMENT ACT 2020 Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill now be read the third time by its title only and passed.

The Speaker The Speaker The Bill has been read and passed. [Motion carried: The Mortgage Registration Amendment Act 2020 was read a third time and passed.]

The Speaker The Speaker The second item this afternoon is in the name of the Minister of Cabinet Office. And I believe he was going to have . . . Yes, Deputy? SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. Walter H. Roban: On behalf of the Minister for the Cabinet Office, Mr. S peaker, I …

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? No objections. Continue on, Minister —Deputy. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING STATISTICS AMENDMENT ACT 2020 Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill now be read a third time by its title only and passed.

The Speaker The Speaker It has been read and moved and passed. [Motion carried: The Statistics Amendment Act 2020 was read a third time and passed.]

The Speaker The Speaker And the last item is that in the name of the Minister of Tourism and Transport. Minister. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 2948 31 January 2020 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, I move that Standing Order …

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? No objections. Continue on, Minister. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING MOTOR CAR AND ROAD TRAFFIC (MISCELLANEOUS) AMENDMENT ACT 2020 Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that the Bill now be read a third time by its …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. It has been read, moved and approved. [Motion carried: The Motor Car and Road Traffic (Mi scellaneous) Amendment Act 2020 was read a third time and passed.]

The Speaker The Speaker That now brings us to that portion of the day. Deputy. ADJOURNMENT Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do adjourn to the 14th of February next.

The Speaker The Speaker At 10:00 am. Hon. Walter H. Roban: At 10:00 am.

The Speaker The Speaker Any objections to that? No objections. Would anyone like to speak to the motion to adjourn? Uh-oh! [Laughter]

The Speaker The Speaker Mr. Whip.

Mr. W. Lawrence Scott Yes, sir.

The Speaker The Speaker I guess you are on your feet to speak to motion to adjourn. PRICE GOUGING

Mr. W. Lawrence Scott I am, Mr. Speaker. I do not speak often. But the thing is that something has come up, and I feel I should share it with the House. And it is funny that . . . and once again I used an aviation analogy in my last contribution. But as …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Why? Another Hon. Member: Wow.

Mr. W. Lawrence Scott And I hear somebody here ask why. The reason that was given by the Premier was that they did not want to cut out the middleman. They did not want to cut out the middleman. So, Mr. Speaker, after that I had to go and ask myself, Who is this …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay.

Mr. W. Lawrence Scott And it says, and I quote, “In addition to being the largest dairy wholesaler in Bermuda, Dunkley’s is also one of the largest food wholesalers on island, distributing a wide range of products & brands.”

The Speaker The Speaker You are advertising for them.

Mr. W. Lawrence Scott Well, Mr. Speaker, yes. Those are not my words; those are theirs.

The Speaker The Speaker All right.

Mr. W. Lawrence Scott Those are theirs. So, Mr. Speaker, the milkman . . . no, sorry, the middlemen are the wholesalers, are the ones who are paying the sugar tax. And then they take that and pass it on to the grocers. But mind you, they are a business. So they have to …

Mr. W. Lawrence Scott Yes, exploitation. Remember, price gouging usually occurs after a demand or supply shock, which is . . . which could be considered the sugar tax. And so, Mr. Speaker, speaking of shock, there was somebody, there was a representative on the news on Monday, representative of Bermuda’s largest bottling operation …

Speaker The Speaker If these options are available, why not take advantage of them? Why go public, why go on the news and try to say that the negative impact is be-cause of something that Government is doing, not because of something that you are not . . . not b ecause of …

Mr. W. Lawrence Scott When I recognise that the Minister of Finance earlier today mentioned that he was reviewing the sugar tax, but that should not take away from the fact that for the past two years this Government has been trying to work with the grocers, trying to work with the wholesalers, trying …

Mr. W. Lawrence Scott And it is so interesting that they did not want to cut their friends and family out of the loop, but what have we started to hear recently since 2017? It is all about “friends and family” on this side. Mr. Speaker, the man who kills his parents and then …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member? I recognise the Honourable Member Smith. Honourable Member Ben Smith, you have the floor. STATE OF THE ECONOMY IN BERMUDA

Mr. Ben Smith Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to talk about the state of the economy in Bermuda. We have an issue in Bermuda where the concern level has reached a critical state. It does not take long for you to see the signs of the times …

Mr. W. Lawrence Scott Point of order, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Point of order. POINT OF ORDER

Mr. W. Lawrence Scott If the Member could declare his interest.

Mr. Ben Smith I am a Bermudian. That is my interest.

Mr. W. Lawrence Scott No. He is talking about bus inesses. And he just finished buying a restaurant him-self, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. Ben Smith Okay. So? [ Inaudible interjections]

The Speaker The Speaker You are affected by the up- and-down, too, of the economy. B ermuda House of Assembly Mr. Ben Smith: So, obviously, I have a really good idea of what is happening in the economy. So what I am saying is when you look around, there are signs that we are …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to speak? I recognise the Honourable Member Commi ssiong. Honourable Member, you have the floor. STATE OF THE ECONOMY IN BERMUDA

Mr. Rolfe Commissiong Mr. Speaker, thank you for acknowledging me. I want to just touch on the comments made by the Honourable Member who is the Whip, MP La wrence Scott, in terms of the recent preoccupation on the part of the Opposition and others with the sugar tax. But let me say …

Mr. Rolfe Commissiong Even the issue raised by my honourable colleague, MP Lawrence Scott, r eflects the deep structural issues. When he talked about the fact that one of the major business owners told our Premier that he could bring down, we could bring down or they could bring down rather (sorry) prices …

The Speaker The Speaker Members, before you depart, you were handed out from the Youth Parliament an invitation to attend the fourth Annual Bermuda Principles Found ation for the Youth Parliament debate, which will be next Thursday evening at the Fairmont in Southam pton. For those who attended in the past, you know it …

January 31, 2020

Session Summary

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Debate Transcript