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House of Assembly Session 2016/2017 578 speeches

May 12, 2017

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Chamber House of Assembly
Date May 12, 2017
Session 2016/2017
Transcript View PDF
Speakers 35
Speeches 578

Debate Transcript

578 speeches from 35 speakers
The Speaker The Speaker Members, you will have received Minutes of the 15th, 17th, and 20th of March. And unless there are any corrections, those Minutes will be approved. As there are none, the Minutes for the 15th, 17th, and 20th of March 2017 are confirmed. [Minutes of 15, 17 , and 20 March …
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER OR MEMBER PRESI DING
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. PAPERS AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS TO THE HOUSE
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. The Chair will recognise the Honourable Minister of Education, Minister Cole Simons. You have the floor. BERMUDA COLLEGE FINANCIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDING MARCH 31, 2015 Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable House …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. PETITIONS
The Speaker The Speaker The Chair will recognise the Honour able Member R. W. Scott.
Mr. R. Wayne Scott Thank you. Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. WORLDWIDE CHURCH OF GOD (BERMUDA) ACT 1994
Mr. R. Wayne Scott Mr. Speaker, I move for leave to introduce the following Petition: The Petition by the Worldwide Church of God Bermuda requesting that legislation may be enac ted to amend its incorporating Act, the Worldwide Church of God (Bermuda) Act 1994, which is the principal Act, to the Worldwide Church of …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you, Honourable Member. STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS AND JUNIOR MINISTERS
The Speaker The Speaker The Chair will first recognise the Ho nourable Minister E. T. Richards, the Minister of F inance. You have the floor. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Do Members have this?
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Honourable Minister, if you would hold just for a second, please. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: All right. 1600 12 May 2017 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Thank you. Will you please make sure the other Stat ement also is done once it is ready? …
The Speaker The Speaker I thank you. The Chair will recognise the Honourable Minister of Finance. Minister E. T. Richards, you have the floor. GOVERNMENT GUARANTEE DESARROLLOS HOTELCO BERMUDA LTD. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: Mr. Speaker, in accor dance with section 2AA(3) of the Government Loans Act 1978, I rise this morning to …
The Speaker The Speaker Just a minute, Minister. Honourable Members, I cannot hear it. I have not been in this position for quite some time now. And I need to focus in, so please— Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, as a point of order.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. POINT OF ORDER Hon. E. David Burt: The Statements which have been provided for Members are missing page 2 of the Minister’s Statement.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Just hold a second, Minister, if you do not mind. Can we correct that? Page 2 is missing. [Pause]
The Speaker The Speaker Please bear with us, Honourable Members. [Pause]
The Speaker The Speaker It is nice to see everybody back, those that I see. [Pause]
The Speaker The Speaker All right, Minister. Thank you. Thank you for your patience. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will continue. We reiterate our belief that there are many factors surrounding the decline in our pre- eminent industry. [Inaudible interjections]
The Speaker The Speaker Just a minute, just a minute. We have not settled down yet, Minister. Thank you, Honourable Members. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: One of the key factors is the investment piece— the ability to promote a value proposition for investors in Bermuda hospitality. The financial closing for this project is …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Thank you, Minister. The Chair will now recognise the Honourable Minister of Education, Minister Cole Simons. BERMUDA COLLEGE: AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2015 Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Mr. Speaker, this morning I rise before the Honourable House to lay the 2014/15 Audited Financial Statements for the Bermuda College, …
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Mr. Speaker.
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member We do not have copies of his Statement. The Speaker: Just hold a minute, Members, please. [Pause]
The Speaker The Speaker All right, Minister. Please carry on. Hon. N. H. Cole Simons: Okay, I will start again. This morning I rise before the Honourable House to lay the 2014/15 Audited Financial Stat ements for the Bermuda College, as stipulated by the Bermuda College Act 1974. Honourable Members, the college and the …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you, thank you, Mini ster. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. QUESTION PERIOD
The Speaker The Speaker All right. We now move into the Question Period. There were some written responses expected for Mr. Roban—I expect that he has them —from the Premier. QUESTIONS: BERMUDA POLICE SERVICE , EXPENDITURE FOR DEPLOYING IN THE VICINITY OF SESSIONS HOUSE 1. Would the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House …
The Speaker The Speaker There were written responses from the Minister of Finance for the Leader of the Opposition. I expect that he has that response, the written r esponse. QUESTION: AIRPORT REDEVELOPMENT EXPENDITURE 2015/16/17 1. Would the Honourable Minister please list by contractor/vendor the total amount of funds paid by the Government of …
The Speaker The Speaker Also, the Honourable Member D. V. Burgess should have a written response from the Mi nister of Finance. QUESTION: GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS AWARDED TO MPs, MINISTERS, SENATORS JANUARY 2013 – MARCH 2015 1. Woul d the Honourable Minister please i nform this Honourable House of the names of Members of Parliament, …
The Speaker The Speaker And also, the Member Diallo Rabain should have written responses from the Honourable Patricia Gordon- Pamplin. QUESTIONS: WORK PERMITS IN REGARD TO AMERICA’S CUP, AECON, NATIONAL CERTIFICATION 1. Will the Honourable Minister please provide the number of work permits issued and those that have been applied for and not decided …
The Speaker The Speaker So we now move to— [Inaudible interjection] Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: And, yes, the Honourable Cole Simons has provided written responses for MP Foggo. Thank you. QUESTIONS: MINISTER OF EDUCATION, LIST OF ALL CONSULTANTS AND/OR CONTRACTORS APRIL 2015 – MARCH 2016 1. Will the Honourable Minister please provide …
The Speaker The Speaker The Chair will now recognise the Leader of the Opposition, MP E. David Burt. You have the floor. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would appreciate your direction. Are we on the Statement or are we on questions?
The Speaker The Speaker The questions first, yes. Hon. E. David Burt: Okay, yes. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Your first question, the first one of your questions. QUESTION 1: G OVERNMENT CONTRACTS AWARDED TO SMALL BUSINESSES FY 2016/17 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, would the Honourable Minist er please inform this Honourable House the percentage of Government contracts awarded to small …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: Mr. Speaker, we do not have that available as yet. We are still working with the Public Works to generate the proper figures. But we, of course, will commit to have that information as soon as it is available.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Leader of the Opposition. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the Minister’s answer regarding the timeline itself. And from that perspective, I would say, to follow up, is there any estimate as to when those answers may be provided?
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: I do not have a real a nswer. But as soon as it is available, it will come here. We will give the answer.
The Speaker The Speaker Leader of the Opposition. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Pursuant to Standing Orders, I ask that the question be deferred to the next sitting so we can ask again.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, should I move to the second question?
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, please. QUESTION 2: AIRPORT REDEVELOPMENT EXPENDITURE 2015/16/17 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, would the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House the total amount of funds paid to any contractors and/or consultants by the Government of Bermuda in connection with the Airpor …
The Speaker The Speaker And you did not finish. You did not fi nish the question. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: Yes. That is the question.
The Speaker The Speaker Hmm. I have got something else. 1604 12 May 2017 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. E. T. (Bob) R ichards: No, that is the end of the question.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. [Laughter]
The Speaker The Speaker Did something just pop up on my page? [Laughter]
The Speaker The Speaker Carry on, please. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: Mr. Speaker, in answer to the question, the total amount of funds paid by any contractor/consultant by the Government of Bermuda in connection with the Airport Redevelopment Project during the f iscal years 2015, 2016, and 2017 was $8,506,571.98.
The Speaker The Speaker MP Burt, Leader of the Opposition. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the Minister’s answer, and I would ask a supplementary —
The Speaker The Speaker Yes? SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. E. David Burt: —because if you will note that question number 3 [on the Order Paper] has the breakdown, and that was a written [answer] , so we have the breakdown. Mr. Speaker, in this list, it seems as though if we understand that public relations services …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: Because they are r etained by Aecon.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, Leader of the Opposition. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, would the Honourable Minister be able to undertake to get an answer for this House as to how much was spent of the money which clearly has come from the Government coffers, coming …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: I am not sure I understand the question. I just finished telling the Honour able Member that Troncossi was retained by Aecon, not the Government. So whatever she was paid was for Aecon’s account, not ours.
The Speaker The Speaker Leader of the Opposition. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the question of which I am as king is clearly that, prior to this project being engaged, all the funds that were spent by Aecon were reimbursable by the Government of Bermuda if the …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: Mr. Speaker, his logic is totally flawed. The project has proceeded. If the pr oject did not proceed? The project is proceeding. That is a matter for Aecon. It is not a matter for the Government. Of course, Aecon is going to get money …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, thank you, Minister. Okay. So that was E. D. Burt to Richards. MP Burgess has a written question. The Chair will now recognise the Honourable D. V. Burgess. Are you standing for D. V. Burgess? [Are you] going to ask his question? All right. So the Chair will …
The Speaker The Speaker Make up your mind, gents . Hon. Michael J. Scott: I spoke with the Learn ed A ttorney, and on that basis, not knowing my friend, Mr. De Silva, the Honourable Member, is standing for Mr. Burgess.
The Speaker The Speaker You need e yes in the back of your head so you will be able to see him. Hon. Michael J. Scott: Yes, I do. I defer to the Member from [constituency] 29. Bermuda Hous e of Assembly The Speaker: The Chair will recognise the Member from [constituency] 29, then, …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. E. David Burt: Because the question of which I asked before was a very simple one. And the question was whether or not the Minister can confirm that this guarantee is the extent of the Government’s support in either tax concessions, duty relief , or other expenditure from …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. E. David Burt: What additional funding has been spent, or is required to be spent, on infrastruc-ture in further preparation of the site in support of the intended construction?
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, Minister. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: Mr. Speaker, I reiterate. This Statement is about guarantee of loan. It is not about what the Honourable Member is asking me about. [If] they wan t the answer to that question, they can ask it; there is a facility to do that. …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you. Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. POINT OF ORDER Hon. E. David Burt: Pursuant to Standing Orders, questions —or Statements (sorry) —issues that are under the knowledge of the Minister may be asked supplementary. And if the Minister does not have those answers, can I ask pursuant to Standing Order that he be asked to …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. I will rule on that. I will rule on that, not at this moment, but I will rule on it. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. E. David Burt: Because the— we—I—
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, I understand what you are saying. Right. Hon. E. David Burt: Again, the question was asked. Second supplementary, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Right. Hon. E. David Burt: Can the Minister confirm that his Government has agreed to pay for the hotel’s water bill at a cost of almost $300,000 per year?
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: It sounds like a broken record, Mr. Speaker. This Statement is about loan guarantees. And if the Honourable Member wants that information, he is quite entitled to ask it insofar as Parliamentary Questions are concerned.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Can the Honourable Minister inform this Ho nourable House, when was the guarantee put in place and at which bank is it in place with? Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: Well, the guarantee is not in place yet, because, as …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. T hank you, Minister. All right. You have another question, MP Burt? Hon. E. David Burt: Yes.
The Speaker The Speaker You brought a second question? This is your second question, right? QUESTION 2: G OVERNMENT GUARANTEE DESARROLLOS HOTELCO BERMUDA LTD. Hon. E. David Burt: Second question, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, when compared with the $165 million guarantee for Morgan’s Point, in the Minister’s opinion, w hich of these two encumbrances …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Yes, MP Burt. Hon. E. David Burt: Supplementary, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. E. David Burt: I thank the Minister for his a nswer. And so I will just ask to confirm for the record that he said that he believes that this one is less risky than Morgan’s Point. The question that I asked originally, and I will pose …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: Mr. Speaker, I have already answered that question. I am not going to an-swer the same question twice.
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you. T hank you, Mini ster. Hon. E. David Burt: Supplementary, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Minister for his Statement, of course. But given the fact that the Fiscal Responsibility Panel has advised the Government to stop extending guarantees to . . . the overuse of guarantees, especially to private pr ojects, why does the …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: Thank you for that question, Honourable Member. The fact is that the Government has not ignored the Fiscal Responsibility Panel’s advice. The guarantees issued by the Gov-ernment, as you will recall, have diminished by $180 million as relates to Butterfield Bank. So if you …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Yes. Hon. E. David Burt: It is very interesting that the Mi nister did not answer the question, Mr. Speaker. But as a supplementary to that question, is the Minister now saying —
The Speaker The Speaker Honourable Member, you have had — Hon. E. David Burt: I will go to my third one. I will go to my third one.
The Speaker The Speaker You have had two supplementaries. So your third question, yes. Hon. E. David Burt: No problem. And I will use it as a supplementary to the Minister’s answer. Can I do that, Mr. Speaker?
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Go ahead. QUESTION 3: G OVERNMENT GUARANTEE DESARROLLOS HOTELCO BERMUDA LTD. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And so I appreciate the point that the Minister said about the reduction in guarantees. But in that case, he brought up the Butterfield guarantee. Is the Minister …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: Mr. Speaker, as the Honourable Member is, you know, a genius with computers, he should use his computer to data- mine the statement that I made when I was sitting over there. I fully supported that particular guarantee when it was made by the …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you. Yes. The Chair will recognise now the Honourable Member from constituency 33, MP Jamahl Simmons.
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. QUESTION 1: G OVERNMENT GUARANTEE DESARROLLOS HOTELCO BERMUDA L TD.
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Would the Honourable Mi nister allay the concerns of the public, considering that last year the One Bermuda Alliance only produced job growth in areas held by non- Bermudians, that this pr oject will produce job growth for Bermudians this year? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: Yes.
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Supplemental, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. SUPPLEMENTARIES
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Mr. Speaker, it has been said that this will produce, of the jobs created at the construction site, 80 per cent will be held by Bermudi-ans. What guarantee does the Government give to that, and how, if the Minister could tell us, was that number reached before the ads have …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: That was the estimate by the developers in conjunction with the Bermuda Government and Workforce Development. And he is looking for guarantees ; the Honourable Member knows that no such thing is guaranteed as it relates to this. Nobody guarantees these things. These are …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Yes, MP. Is this a supplementary?
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Supplemental.
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Mr. Speaker, I am a little disturbed that the Government is not prepared to stand for Bermudians and make more effort, or at least say some way, that this 80 per cent number, or higher, will be enforced. Will the Government commit to looking into addressing and informing this House …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Minister. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: First thing, I do not agree with the assertion, presumption , that we are not stan ding up for Bermudians. This is nonsense. Secondly, the number of Bermudians who would be working there without this project would be zero— zero! So you need …
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Second question, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Second question, yes.
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons I am sorry to have distressed the Minister of Finance so deeply. [Laughter] 1610 12 May 2017 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly QUESTION 2: G OVERNMENT GUARANTEE DESARROLLOS HOTELCO BERMUDA LTD.
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Mr. Speaker, what is the Government’s plan for the workers at that site, whom they seem so suddenly passionate and committed to, after the work at that project is completed? [Inaudible interjection]
The Speaker The Speaker Would you ask the question again, please?
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons The second time. I understand in his distress, it might have affected his hearing. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: I have bad hearing. Ev erybody knows that. [Laughter]
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons I think the difference is between listening and not hearing. Mr. Speaker, the question I am asking is, looking ahead, does the Government have a plan to ensure that these workers, hopefully majority Berm udian, will have opportunities to work at the completion of this project? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: Well, you know, I think the crystal -ball-gazing is something that everybody likes to do. But the fact is, Mr. Speaker, that this Go vernment is committed to creating and providing jobs for Bermudians. And when that hotel opens, there will be jobs available …
The Speaker The Speaker Honourable Members, Honourable Members. Honourable Members, I want to hear the Member who has the floor. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Yes. I just wanted the Ho nourable Member to correct it —
The Speaker The Speaker When your Member closes his mouth, then you can speak. All right. Carry on, please. POINT OF ORDER Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I just wanted the Honourable Member to correct that 30- year part , because the Member sitting next to him was part of that 30 years. Hon. E. …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you. I am glad we can laugh about it, Honourable Members. I am so happy for that. Yes. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: Mr. Speaker, I guess the point is that Bermuda has been trying to get a hotel down there for 30 years. And I think …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you. T hank you, Mini ster. All right. Thank you. Yes, the Chair will r ecognise— Hon. E. David Burt: Supplementary question, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, Leader of the Opposition. SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I thank the Minister for his attempts to be saying that it needs to be neg ative. But I think there is a real concern inside the community, especially when the statistics reveal that employment for Bermudians inside …
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member For 10 years. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: For 10 years, jobs for Bermudians declined. So that is the perspective that you need to put on this. So, the whole question and premise of the Honourable Member’s question is tota lly unrealistic. [Inaudible interjections]
The Speaker The Speaker All right. [Gavel] Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: I reiterate the point, and that is this: There are going to be job opportunities down there in St. George’s for Bermudians. As soon as that project gets underway, there will be job opportunities for Bermudians. When the project is finished and …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Yes.
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Supplemental, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, you may.
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Mr. Speaker, the Honour able Member just said that when the project actually begins . . . when does he expect the project to actually begin?
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: I believe he has already started.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. All right. Thank you, Minister. Yes.
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Just for clarification, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. That is another supplementary.
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Initially, the Honourable Member said when it gets started. Now they are sa ying it has already started. Which is it?
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: It has already started. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Supplementary, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. The Chair will recognise the Honourable Member from constituency 29. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Minister of F inance just said the job has already started. I met with the Hotelco Group just a few days ago, and they said …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: I do not know about that,
Mr. Speaker. The Speaker Thank you. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Mr. Speaker, you cannot start without a building permit. So in other words, you are saying that you have the building permit. [Inaudible interjections]
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Hold on, hold on. There is no discussion across the floor like that. If you have a supplementary, then you ask the supplementary, Honourable Member. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, Mr. Speaker. I would like to ask the Honourable Minister of Finance if a building permit …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. T hank you, Member. Minister. 1612 12 May 2017 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: Mr. Speaker, I am the Minister of Finance. I do not know about building permits. I told the Member I do not know. There is not hing …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you, Minister. Yes. Hon. Michael J. Scott: Yes. Thank you. So, Mr. Speaker, to the other side of the House, will a Member of this House of the front bench who deals with the environment and work permits stand to give clarification as to whether a work …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Carry on, Minister. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: Mr. Speaker, we have gone way off the line and length.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. We have. We have definitely . . . The cricket pitch is getting the size of a football pitch right now. [Laughter]
The Speaker The Speaker But I have been lenient to Members. We want the opportunity to know what is going on. All right. Now we move to . . . Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, MP De Silva. You have questions on this. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, I do, yes.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: May I proceed, Mr. Speaker?
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, you may. QUESTION 1: G OVERNMENT GUARANTEE DESARROLLOS HOTELCO BERMUDA LTD. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Minister, in your second paragraph, you state that you had intense negotiations —intense negoti ations. And you have already told us that these nego-tiations did not involve concessions. …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: Mr. Speaker, I did not say that it did not involve concessions. I said that the sub-ject matter of this Ministerial Statement has to do with loans. I was not commenting on that or t he negoti ations or whatever concessions or not were …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. E. David Burt: I rise on a question of privilege,
Mr. Speaker. The Speaker Yes, yes. QUESTION OF PRIVILEGE [Unanswered questions] Hon. E. David Burt: Because the privileges in this House are that the executive should be held to account for scrutiny by the Parliament. Now, Mr. Speaker, if the Minister is refusing to answer these questions . . . however if the Gover …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. I think the Minister should. You know, the House obviously should receive information on what is going on in any project, and in par-ticular with the spending of the Government’s money. And so, as the Minister has responded in this case, the Minister has responded to specific questions, …
The Speaker The Speaker I understand what you have said. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: I am making something on loans. The Opposition wanted to know information about something different. They can ask the question.
The Speaker The Speaker Right. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: But not on this Stat ement.
The Speaker The Speaker I understand. Thank you, Minister. Yes. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Supplementary, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Mr. Speaker, you know, the non- transparency of the Minister of Finance and his front bench is really disgusting, Mr. Speaker. [Crosstalk]
The Speaker The Speaker Honourable Member, let us get to— Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Well, let me say —
The Speaker The Speaker Honourable Member. Honourable Member, let us just keep this level. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Okay. Will do, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker We want to find out information that has taken place. The whole Parliament and Bermuda want to know what is going on. The way to get this done — Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Is to ask the appropriate question.
The Speaker The Speaker —is to a sk the appropriate question in the appropriate way. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, [I am] just a little disappointed when you have a Government that bases their mantra on transparency and openness, but does not want to tell the people …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Let us get to this — Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: But I will move on, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Mr. Speaker, these intense negotiations for a loan that has very little risk, the Minister’s words, very little risk. Why were those intense negotiations , Mr. Speaker? What I would like to ask the Minister is, in those intense negotiations did he …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: Mr. Speaker, again this is sort of outside the area of this Ministerial Statement. [Crosstalk]
The Speaker The Speaker But, Minister, if I might— Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: But I can say this. I can answer the question.
The Speaker The Speaker Right. And just so you know, though, if you do say intense negotiations took place, then it is appropriate to ask what were those intense negotiations. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: Yes, I get that. The developers have stated point -blank in the ground- breaking ceremony, at which I believe …
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member No, no together . Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: He said that, all at the same time. So there is no question which is first, the chicken or the egg. They are both coming first. So, again, the Honourable Member knows that.
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you. Yes. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Supplementary. The S p eaker: Yes. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Based on what the Minister just said, it is chicken- and-egg, no, Mr. Speaker. It is far from chicken- and-the-egg. It is very important that the hotel …
The Speaker The Speaker Honourable Member — [Gavel]
The Speaker The Speaker Take your seat, Honourable Member. We are going to have questions, and we will have answers. But we will not have people shouting across the floor. MP De Silva. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would ask the Minister, Mr. Speaker, when he comes back …
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: I can only reiterate. I was there. The Honourable Member was there. The deve lopers said straight out that they are both being built at the same time. So, again, this is a matter for public record. The Honourable Member knows; he was there. …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you very much. Thank you. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Second question, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, MP De Silva. QUESTI ON 2: G OVERNMENT GUARANTEE DESARROLLOS HOTELCO BERMUDA LTD. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Can the Honourable Minister give an undertaking, or maybe he knows, how many condos will be in that first phase that includes the hotel construction as well? The Speake r: …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Yes, MP De Silva. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again, intense negotiations that he was a part of. I would hope that the Minister would give an undertak-ing to confirm the answer to that question when he comes back with the others.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. You are next. The Chair will recognise the Honourable Member from constituency 6. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Yes, supplementary, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Speaker, based on what the Minister said, will the Government undertake that if the developer does not build the hotel first that they will stop the development?
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: That is a hypothetical question, and I am not going to answer.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Yes, the Chair will recognise the Learned Member from constituency 31, MP Shawn Crockwell.
Mr. Shawn G. Crockwell Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in relation to the intense negoti ations, my question to the Minister is whether or not the negotiations became intense as a result of the level of casino fees.
The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: I am not certain, but certainly casino fees might have been part of it. I was not the one who was doing that negotiation. So I cannot give a really informed answer to that. But certainly, we found that whatever deal we are dealing …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. The Chair will recognise the Honourable Leader of the Opposition. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I hate to belabour this point again. But I will ask that, pursuant . . . and I Bermuda House of Assembly am rising on a question of privilege one more time …
The Speaker The Speaker Honourable Member, I told you earlier that I would give the ruling. Absolutely. But not right now. It will be done before the end of the day. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: Mr. Speaker, I have to take umbrage at the tone and the allegation that we refuse to answer …
The Speaker The Speaker Right. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: You know, we are the first day back. I am making this Ministerial Statement as it relates to guarantees. We have not even guara nteed it yet. But we have made the decision to guara ntee it, and I thought it was proper to …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Did I not just say that I did not want people shouting across the floor? And I think it is important to know, as we are in this position where people seem to feel that their questions are not being answered, that there is opportunity. The Minister should …
The Speaker The Speaker The Chair will recognise the Honour able Member from constituency 33, MP Jamahl Si mmons.
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on several sad notes. In the time that I would have, I would like to pay tribute to Ms. Myrtle Lambert, the matriarch of the A nderson family of White Hill and the Hog Bay area, and aunt to a former …
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons —and the Honourable Members, all the Members of this Chamber. I would also like to take note of the sad passing of Mr. Bertie St. George Nusum. Uncle Bertie, as he was known to me, was a treasure of the Sandys Community. Even though he came from Warwick, he was …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. The Chair will recognise the Honourable Member from constituency 31, the Learned Member, Shawn Crockwell.
Mr. Shawn G. Crockwell Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like for the House to recognise and send congratulations to Ms. Karen Wi lliams -Smith, who was recently elected as the first black woman [President] of the Bermuda Bar Associ ation. [Desk thumping]
Mr. Shawn G. Crockwell I would like to associate the entire House for such a laudable achievement. It is somewhat, Mr. Speaker, an indictment that we are in 2017 recognising the first anything, but in particular first black and first . . . well, she is the first black f emale [President]. And so, …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Thank you, Honourable Member. The Chair will recognise the Honourable Minister for Home Affairs. Minister Gordon- Pamplin, you have the floor. Hon. Patricia J. Gordon -Pamplin: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would ask that this Honourable House send condolences to the family of the late Allan …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. The Chair will now recognise the Whip for the Opposition. MP Foggo, you have the floor.
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, firstly, I would like congratulations to go out to Clearwater Middle School for their very successful cultural extravaganz a and for being the top winners in the ROB, the robotics competition that they held at the National Stadium a few weeks ago. They were …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. The Chair will recognise the Honourable Member, MP Jeff Sousa. You have the floor.
Mr. Jeff Sousa Good morning, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: Good morning.
Mr. Jeff So usa And honourable colleagues, and those in the listening audience. I rise this morning to ask the House to send condolences to the family of my cousin, Emanuel Sousa Moura, who passed away recently. Many would know this gentleman, very humble gentleman and very hard- working. But he owned the house …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you very much. The Chair will recognise the Honourable Member from constituency 26. MP Tyrrell, you have the floor.
Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise to ask this House to give some recognition by letter of congratulations to two associations. The first one is the Dream Girls Club. The principals of that club dedicate their time to guid-ing young ladies between the ages of 9 and 17. …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. The Chair will recognise the Deputy Speaker. MP Roberts -Holshouser, you have the floor.
Mrs. Suzann Roberts -Holshouser Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I stand to my feet to acknowledge and send congratulations. Although they have not quite won the overall cup yet, I am quite confident that they certainly have every opportunity to bring home the cup for Bermuda. And that is the young six participants …
Mrs. Suzann Roberts -Holshouser Minister Gibbons would like to also— [Laughter]
Mrs. Suzann Roberts -Holshouser —be associated with the congratulations. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker The Chair will recognise the Honour able Member, W. H. Roban. You have the floor, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition.
Mr. Walter H. Roban Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to be associated, firstly, with the condolences given to the family of Ms. Rita Peniston, and in particular to our Clerk to the Legislature, her mother. But I rise to give a little bit more texture to the tribute to her, as Ms. …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. The Chair will recognise the Minister for Works, Minister Cannonier. Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to associate with the comments made by the Honourable Member Foggo, Shadow of Education, in her comments to Aunt Ilis Pearman, the Pearman family. Many …
Mr. Speaker. The Speaker Thank you very much. The Chair will recognise the Honourable and Learned Member from constituency 34, MP Wilson, Kim Wilson.
Ms. Kim N. Wilson Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it would be remiss if I did not join in on the congratulatory remarks for Mr s. Karen Wi lliams -Smith, who as my learned friend and the Member of Parliament, the Honourable Shawn Crockwell, from [constituency] 31, indicated, she is, of course, the …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. The Chair will now recognise the Minister of Economic Development. Minister, Dr. Grant Gibbons, you have the floor.
The Hon. Dr. E . Grant Gibbons Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning.
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons Mr. Speaker, as you will be aware, every year the Bermuda Insurance I nstitute recognises those who have made a real contr ibution to the industry. And since the House last went down, there were three members who were recog-nised. The first was Rees [Chubb] Fletcher for a Lif etime …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you, Honourable Member. The Chair will recognise the Honourable Member, MP Rolfe Commissiong. You have the floor.
Mr. Rolfe Commissiong Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning.
Mr. Rolfe Commissiong Mr. Speaker, we in this Chamber are often called to tend to the secular and more profane matters on behalf of Bermuda. But we also have spiritual leaders in the community who tend to the spiritual and religious needs of our people. My constituent, Alton Thompson, Reverend Alton Thom pson, …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. The Chair will recognise the Minister for Health. Minister Jeanne Atherden, you have the floor. Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have to be quick because I have a lot to do today. I want to have congratulations sent out to all those …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. The Chair will recognise the Honourable Member from constituency 13, MP Diallo Rabain.
Mr. Diallo V. S. Rabain Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to ask that the House send congratulations to Teen S ervices for holding their 2017 Outstanding Teen Awards. And I will associate MP Lawrence Scott and MP M ichael Weeks with that. Mr. Speaker, this awards pr …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. The Chair will recognise the Minister, Minister Sylvan Richards. You have the floor. Hon. Sylvan D. Richards, Jr.: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like condolences to be sent to the family of a good friend of mine, Mr. Olu [Oluremi] Bademosi, on the recent passing …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you, Honourable Member. The Chair will recognise the Honourable Member, MP Scott. You have the floor.
Mr. W. Lawrence Scott Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning.
Mr. W. Lawrence Scott As one athlete to another, Mr. Speaker — [Laughter]
Mr. W. Lawrence Scott Why is everybody laughing? But as one athlete to another —
The Speaker The Speaker I think because you are putting yourself in the same category as the Speaker. That is why they are laughing. [Laughter] 1622 12 May 2017 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. W. Lawrence Scott: Well, I would like to rise to congratulate PHC [Pembroke Hamilton Club] for wi …
Mr. W. Lawrence Scott Yes, yes. They had a fundraising for autism. So myself, the Honourable Sylvan Richards, and Jeff Baron, who sits in another place, we all took part. And I managed to laugh at the other two members in the race. And I came in second. So therefore, that is my athletic …
Mr. W. Lawrence Scott But I would also like to go and congratulate Project Action, because they recognised two former First Ladies, former First Lady Scott and former First Lady Gibbons. And myself and former First Lady Gibbons have something in common. We are both Arsenal fans. So, therefore, we go there. But also, …
Mr. W. Lawrence Scott No, but for her 50 years of dedication to the community through community service and Teen Services, and for allowing an oppor-tunity for pregnant mothers to be able to continue their education. So I would just like to send congratulations to all three different aspects —the go- carting club, the …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. The Chair will now recognise the Honourable Member from constituency 16, MP Michael Weeks. You have the floor.
Mr. Michael A. Weeks Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning to you.
The Speaker The Speaker Good morning.
Mr. Michael A. Weeks I would like to start off my remarks by asking to be associated with the remarks of my honourable colleague from constituency 24, when he gave congratulatory remarks to PHC, Robin Hood, and Crossroads. But I wanted to add that the Bermuda House of Assembly Young Men’s Social Club, after …
Mr. Michael A. Weeks —of the might of the Social Club Bluebirds. [Inaudible interjections]
Mr. Michael A. Weeks Mr. Speaker, yes, I think in the early ’60s when our Honourable Speaker was tr ying to get . . . make headway, the Bluebirds were undefeated. But, Mr. Speaker, I would also like to be ass ociated with the remarks for Mr. Nikki Bascome, Ber-muda’s welterweight champion, our own …
The Speaker The Speaker Sorry, 29. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I would like to associate myself with the condolences to Mr. Alan Simmons, Mr. Speaker. I know that several of our colleagues have spoken today, but I think it would be remiss if I did not. He was …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP De Silva. 1624 12 May 2017 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Chair will now recognise the Honourable Member from constituency 35, MP D. P. Lister. You have the floor. Hon. Dennis P. Lister: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise this afternoon just basically to …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. The Chair will recognise the Honourable and Learned Member from constituency 36, MP, Michael Scott. Hon. Michael J. Scott: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in a few moments I am going to take my leave from the House, which has been mentioned in our congratulations …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. The Chair will now recognise the Leader of the Opposition. MP David Burt, you have the floor. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. Bermuda House of Assembly I rise to be associated with the remarks of congratulations which were already given by …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. All right, that concludes Congratulatory and/or Obituary Speeches. MATTERS OF PR IVILEGE
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. NOTICES 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 The Chair will recognise the Minister, E. T. Richards. FIRST READINGS COMPANIES AMENDMENT (NO. 2) ACT 2017 PAYROLL TAX AMENDMENT (NO. 2) ACT 2017 PARTNERSHIP AND LIMITED LIABILITY COMPA NY (BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP) AMENDMENT ACT 2017 Hon. E. T. (Bob) Ric hards: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am introducing the following …
The Speaker The Speaker All right, thank you, Minister. So that needs to be corrected on the Order Paper — The Clerk: What is to be corrected?
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, it should be under Honourable E. T. Richards, where we have Dr. Gibbons. The Clerk: The Partnerships?
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, Beneficial Ownership; that should be under E. T. Richards. Thank you, very much. The Chair will recognise Dr. Gibbons. ELECTRO NIC COMMUNICATIONS AMENDMENT (NO.2) ACT 2017
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am introducing the following Bill for its first reading so that it can be placed on the Order Paper 1626 12 May 2017 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly for the next day of meeting: Electronic Communic ations Amendment (No.2) Act 2017.
The Speaker The Speaker All right, thank you, Minister. The Chair will now recognise the Honourable Attorney General, MP T. G. Moniz. FRAUD ACT 2017 MISUSE OF DRUGS AMENDMENT ACT 2017 PROCEEDS OF CRIME AMENDMENT (NO. 2) ACT 2017 Hon. Trevor G. Moniz: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am introducing the following Bills for …
The Speaker The Speaker All right, thank you very much, Minister. The Chair will now recognise MP Weeks [sic]. Hon. Michael J. Scott: Mr. Speaker, on a point . . . I did not hear you ask if there was any objection to the items presented by the Honourable Attorney [Ge neral], and I …
The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead. POINT OF ORDER Hon. Michael J. Scott: So, Mr. Speaker, I have considered the Bill.
The Speaker The Speaker Which Bill are you talking to? Hon. Michael J. Scott: The Misuse of Drugs [Amendment] Act that my honourable and learned friend and the learned Attorney has sought to table. And I just want to draw to the attention of the House and to you, Mr. Speaker, that Standing Order …
The Speaker The Speaker You are looking at . . . what are you looking at please? Hon. Michael J. Scott : [Standing Order] 29(7). Now, the Bill, of course, has the capacity for integration with the Bill that the Opposition has filed. Perhaps the Attorney General and I should discuss this, and he …
The Speaker The Speaker Okay, thank you, Honourable Member. What I will do is . . . we will look at the legisl ation. I have not had a chance to peruse the legislation at all, so once I have had that opportunity, then I can reflect on it. Yes. Hon. Trevor G. Moniz: …
The Speaker The Speaker Absolutely. I think that is what we must do. Thank you, MP Scott. The Chair will now recognise the Honourable Member M. A. Weeks. OPPOSITION BILLS FIRST READINGS PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AMENDMENT ACT 2017
Mr. Michael A. Weeks Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move for leave to introduce the following Bill for its first reading so that it may be placed on the O rder Paper for the next day of meeting: Public Holidays Amendment Act 2017.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Yes, Honourable Member. PROTECTION OF PERSONS IN CARE ACT 2017
Ms. Kim N. Wilson Good morning, Mr. Speaker. I move for leave to introduce the following Bill for its first reading so that it may be placed on the O rder Paper for the next day of meeting: Protection of Persons In Care Act 2017. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to —
The Speaker The Speaker I have no idea what you are talking about.
Ms. Kim N. Wilson This is an Opposition Bill.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, yes, I know, but I had no idea that it was coming. It would have been kind of nice if I had seen it, then at least I could have perused it before. But, go ahead, Honourable Member. You can go ahead, but you know the fact is that …
Ms. Kim N. Wilson Yes, Mr. Speaker. May I continue, Mr. Speaker?
Ms. Kim N. Wilson Thank you. Mr. Speaker, the attached Bill seeks to place a duty on the service provider and administrator of a care facility. This duty includes the duty to protect the patients from abuse and to report all al legations of abuse to the Minister. The Act would promote preve ntion …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Yes. The Chair will recognise . . . I have to tell Members that in the future it is . . . you know, the re ason why I hand out an Order Paper and the like is so that we get to know what is …
The Speaker The Speaker Honourable Member, I have got to say. I do not even know what this is. You know, I have never even heard about this. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. S peaker, our papers had been given to your —
The Speaker The Speaker Given to whom? [Inaudible interjections]
The Speaker The Speaker Honourable Member, if I can ask you to hold off on this, you can bring it, no problem, the next time. But, you know — Hon. E. David Burt: If I may, Mr. Speaker, as a point of order.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, go ahead. POINT OF ORDER [Standing Order 28] Hon. E. David Burt: Specific to Standing Order 28, there is no notice that is required for the introduction of Opposition Bills.
The Speaker The Speaker Well, there is none. I agree. I certainly agree with that. There is none. But out of respect and courtesy , you know, I think that is what should be done, although you are not required. But, especially me, as the Speaker . . . goodness. I am sitting here, …
The Speaker The Speaker I know it is the first reading; but it is going on the Order Paper. So I . . . you know, I mean . . . like you say, you can do it. But I want to make it clear to you that this kind of behaviour I do …
Mr. Speaker. The Speaker Yes. POINT OF ORDER [Standing Order 28(4)]
Mrs. Suzann Roberts -Holshouser I am really sorry, but I just do not . . . I would like clarification from you rself. Under Standing Order [28(4)] it says only “A Government Bill” . . . and as far as I know, it is the Opposition that are presenting th ese Bills. But Stan …
The Speaker The Speaker All Bills should be coming to me. I do not know . . . all Bills . . . I should have a look at a Bill, every Bill that is going to come before this House. I cannot be sitting up here not knowing what is going on. What …
The Speaker The Speaker I AM TALKING! 1628 12 May 2017 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly An Hon. Member: And he is talking too.
The Speaker The Speaker I’M TALKING! Honourable Members . . . and I will stand up. Maybe I will stand up. And if anybody chirps now they will walk out, as annoyed as I am with what is going on. All I am asking is that while it may not say that you must …
The Speaker The Speaker Well, just thinking is not good enough, Honourable Member. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Well, Mr. Speaker, that is all I could do. I thought —
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you. RENT INCREASES (DOMESTICS PREMISES) CONTROL AMENDM ENT ACT 2017 Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: So, I move for leave to intr oduce the following Bill for its first reading so that it may be placed on the Order Paper for the next day of meeting: Rent Increases …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you. PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BILLS
The Speaker The Speaker There are none. NOTICES OF MOTIONS
The Speaker The Speaker The Chair will recognise the Honour able D. V. Burgess . . . is there anyone who would . . . the Chair recognises the Honourable Member from constituency 29, MP De Silva. You have the floor. EUROPEAN CHARTER OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS RECOGNISES THE RIGHTS OF SENIORS Hon. Zane J. …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. We now move to the Orders of the Day. We are at 12:25, Premier, so I think that we should break now. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move that we adjourn for lunch.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. It has been moved that we adjourn to lunch. So the House is adjourned to 2:00 pm . [Gavel] Proceedings suspended at 12:26 pm Proceedings resumed at 2:03 pm [Hon. K. H. Randolph Horton, Speaker, in the Chair]
The Speaker The Speaker From what I have been made to understand, Honourable Members, I think Orders No. 1, 2 and 3 are carried over. Is that correct? [Inaudible interjections]
The Speaker The Speaker And the Chair will now recognise the Minister for Health and Seniors, Minister Jeanne Atherden. You have the floor. Bermuda House of Assembly BILL SECOND READING HEALTH (MISCELLANEOUS) AMENDMENT ACT 2017 Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: I move that the Bill entitled the Health (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2017 be now read …
The Speaker The Speaker Any objections? There are none, so please carry on. Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: Mr. Speaker , it is with pleasure that I bring to this Honourable House today the Health (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2017. And it brings me genuine pleasure because, for the first time I am aware of, we …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you, Minister. Any other Honourable Member care to speak? The Chair will recognise the Honourable and Learned Member Kim Wilson, from constituency 35—
Ms. Kim N. Wilson Thirty -four.
The Speaker The Speaker You have the floor.
Ms. Kim N. Wilson Thirty -four, Mr. Speaker . Thank you.
The Speaker The Speaker Thirty -four, excuse me.
Ms. Kim N. Wilson Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker .
The Speaker The Speaker Good afternoon. 1632 12 May 2017 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Ms. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker , let me start off first and foremost by stating for the record that legislation that is designed to provide a savings as it relates to health care costs for some …
The Speaker The Speaker You can get specific in Committee, right?
Ms. Kim N. Wilson Yes, I will. Thank you. I am just wondering if the Minister will be able to . . . and I guess I will give her a little precursor to try to provide us with an overview as to how these statistics . . . I am sorry, how the …
Ms. Kim N. Wilson Peritoneal . . . thank you, Honourable Minister, peritoneal dialysis. And we will note from the legislation . . . and I am not the mathemat ician, and you know I have said that over and over again that is why I studied law, but it would appear that the …
Ms. Kim N. Wilson The blood dialysis, thank you, Minister. The blood dialysis is a reduction by 27 per cent. I am hoping that the Minister will be able to provide us with a cost analysis as to how those figures came to be, because when you look at other jurisdi ctions to our …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member . Is there any other Honourable Member who would care to speak? 1634 12 May 2017 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Chair recognises the Deputy Speaker, MP Roberts -Holshouser. You have the floor.
Mrs. Suza nn Roberts -Holshouser Thank you, Mr. Speaker , and I will be brief. I am very pleased to actually see this change to our legislation. I have to admit that we have seen some pieces come forward that I have not always been as supportive of, but this is one that I am. …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member . The Chair will now recognise the Honourable Member from constituency 6, MP Wayne Furbert. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker . I will begin with the part where it comes to the cost reduction. Fortunately, the PAC [Public Accounts Committee] had the Hospitals …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Any other Honourable Member care to speak? It does not look so. The Chair will revert back to the Minister. Minister Atherden? Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: Mr. Speaker — ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER HOUSE VISITOR
The Speaker The Speaker Just before you . . . just before you go, I saw a former Member of Parliament in here. I want-ed to say — [Inaudible interjection]
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, you know, I see him. I said “I saw him” but I do see him as well, MP . . . former MP Brunson. So, I just want to recognise him. 1636 12 May 2017 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly [Desk thumping] [Health (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2017, …
The Speaker The Speaker Please carry on, Minister. Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: Mr. Speaker , I want to answer the questions. There seems to be a real interest in the dialysis unit and so I just want to make it absolutely clear that there are some things that the public needs to understand. As …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you. The Minister has moved that the Bill be committed. Any objections to that? There are none, so Deputy Speaker, please. House in Committee 2:50 pm [Mrs. Suzann Roberts -Holshouser, Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL HEALTH (MISCELLANEOUS) AMENDMENT ACT 2017 Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: Members, we …
The Chairman Chairman That would be fine because I believe you have a replacement for clause 11. Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: Yes, I do.
The Chairman Chairman So are there any objections to moving clauses 1 through 10? There are none. Please proceed. [Inaudible interjection]
The Chairman Chairman Member, before I ask you to proceed, I do believe there is an amendment to . . . the Oppos ition amendment . Can you tell me what clause that falls under?
Ms. Kim N. Wilson Yes, good afternoon, Madam Chairman. It comes under clause 4[(b)(ii), ne w clause] (2E)(a).
The Chairman Chairman So maybe the best thing to do is to do clauses 1 through 3 first? Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: I will do clauses 1 through 3, no problem. I will do clauses 1 through 3. That is fine.
The Chairman Chairman Thank you very much. Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: Sorry, I looked down and I was thinking that it was [clause] 11. Clause 1 is self -explanatory. Clause 2 amends the Bermuda Health Cou ncil Act 2004 to provide for the Bermuda Health Council to establish fees in respect of standard …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister. Are there any Members that would like to speak to clauses 1 through 3? There are none, if you would move clauses 1 through 3? Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: I would like to move clauses 1 through 3.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 1 through 3 be approved as printed. Any objections to that motion? No objections. Agreed to. [Gavel] [Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 3 passed.]
The Chairman Chairman Please proceed. Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: Clause 4 amends the Health Insurance Act 1970 (referred to in this clause as the “principal Act”) to provide for the Legislature to approve subsidies to be paid to the Bermuda Hospitals Board in respect of persons referred to in section 2(1) of the …
The Chairman Chairman Mm-hmm. [Pause] Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: Yes, I am there now. Madam Chairman, can I just have a moment? 1638 12 May 2017 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: We are quite happy to wait while there is further discussion. That is fine. [Pause]
The Chairman Chairman For those individuals that may not be present in the room I will just point out there is still consultation going on [regarding] a revision, a potential re vision, for the Health (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2017. We are on clause 4. [Pause]
The Chairman Chairman The Chair recognises the Shadow Minister of Health. PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 4
Ms. Kim N. Wilson Thank you, Madam Chairman, and I am obliged for those few moments of time with the drafters. The proposed amendment is as follows (and it is a little bit different than that which was passed around) —
The Chairman Chairman If it is not too drastic.
Ms. Kim N. Wilson It is not, it is not. It is just clea ning it up, actually.
The Chairman Chairman That is fine.
Ms. Kim N. Wilson That the Health (Miscellaneous) Amendment Bill 2017 be amended in clause 4(b)(ii) . . . by inserting immediately after [subclause (2E)(a)], “all claims for the use of haemodialysis facilities when provided by the Bermuda Hospitals Board” with the words —here is the amendment, Madam Chair man . . . so …
The Chairman Chairman Mm-hmm.
Ms. Kim N. Wilson —on the existing Act, Hospitals Board; “or where provided by any other facility a pproved by the Bermuda Health Council at a fee to be approved by the Council ;”—
The Chairman Chairman For clarity, can you just repeat after . . . this is what I have so far: “or where provided by any other facility approved by the Bermuda Health Council” —
Ms. Kim N. Wilson —“at a fee” —
The Chairman Chairman Mm-hmm.
Ms. Kim N. Wilson —“to be approved by the Cou ncil”—Health Council.
The Chairman Chairman Is everyone clear on the proposed recommended changes? Thank you. Would anyone like to speak to the proposed amendment? If there are no other Members that would like to speak to the proposed amendment, then we will . . . I will hear from the— [Inaudible interjection]
The Chairman Chairman Thank you. The Chair recognises the Member from constituency 6. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Yes, so I just wanted to be clear. If you can read it again for me, Madam Chai rman?
The Chairman Chairman Yes, I may. So the amendment will come under [clause] 4(b)[(ii), [new subclause] (2E)(a). And I will read the beginning of the (a) which reads now as: “all claims for the use of haemodialysis facilities when provided by the Bermuda Hospitals Board” —and here we make the change “and” . …
Ms. Kim N. Wilson Excuse me, Madam Chairman.
Ms. Kim N. Wilson Just as a point of clarification, that word “and” that appears in the existing —
The Chairman Chairman Does that come out?
Ms. Kim N. Wilson That comes out.
The Chairman Chairman Okay. Thank you very much.
Ms. Kim N. Wilson That is to be replaced with “or . . . any”.
The Chairman Chairman Perfect. Is that clear, Member? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I just want to ask the point then.
The Chairman Chairman Please do, yes. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: So, and I understand that to be a fee to be approved by the BHC [Bermuda Health Council], but up to $100,000.
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. Members No, no, no, no, no. Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: No. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Oh, sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry. I am sorry. But so . . . yes, yes, so the Bermuda Hospitals Board and the facility will be approved by a fee up to—
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. Members No, no, no. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Sorry, not up to.
The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are t here any other individuals that would like to speak to the amendment? There are no other Members. I would like to vote on the amendment. [Inaudible interjections]
The Chairman Chairman So we are just going to hold off for a moment so there is further consultat ion. [Pause]
The Chairman Chairman The Chair recognises the Member from constituency 34, the Shadow Minister of Health.
Ms. Kim N. Wilson Thank you, Madam Chairman. It is a drafting point. The word “and” remains.
The Chairman Chairman Thank you.
Ms. Kim N. Wilson Then it goes to the “or” —
The Chairman Chairman Perfect.
Ms. Kim N. Wilson —and —
The Chairman Chairman An “and/or ” situation.
Ms. Kim N. Wilson Yes, Madam Chairman. And then “Bermuda Health Council,” but the second time we refer to it , it is just “the Council.”
The Chairman Chairman Okay. “A fee to be approved by the Council.”
Ms. Kim N. Wilson Yes, Madam Chairman.
The Chairman Chairman Okay.
Ms. Kim N. Wilson Thank you. I apologise.
The Chairman Chairman That is fine. Is everyone happy with a better understanding? The Chair recognises the Minister. Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: As I understand . . . and I just . . . and if I read it , I am sure my technical officers will be over here—
The Chairman Chairman Would you like me to read it for you? Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: No. I would like to read it as I understand it from the technical officers because I think that there is a misunderstanding. Okay, so it should be . . . if I am reading (a) , …
The Chairman Chairman No. [Crosstalk ] Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: No, I am sorry, Madam Chairman.
Ms. Kim N. Wilson The “and” stays. Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: The technical people have just told me I hav e it right. So, can I finish?
The Chairman Chairman Yes, please. Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: Thank you very much.
The Chairman Chairman To your understanding of the Oppos ition’s — Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: I will just read it, okay? “All claims for the use of haemodialysi s facil ities when provided by the Bermuda Hospitals Board or where provided by any other facility approved by the Bermuda Health Council at a …
The Chairman Chairman That is fine, but this is an Opposition motion. [Inaudible interjection] Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: I know you are.
The Chairman Chairman This is an Opposition . . . we need to—thank you. The Chair recognises the Shadow for confi rmation. That is your intent? 1640 12 May 2017 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Ms. Kim N. Wilson: Yes, that is absolutely correct. Thank you.
The Chairman Chairman Thank you very much.
Ms. Kim N. Wilson Thank you for the drafting.
The Chairman Chairman It is your amendment so I needed to make sure . . . the Chair recognises the Member from constituency 6. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: So I was right . . . up to $100,000.
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Member. Have a seat. Are there any Members that would object to the Opposition motion to . . . the amendment before us for clause 4(b)(2E) [(a)]? There are no objections. Approved as amended. [Motion carried: Proposed Amendment to clause 4 passed.]
The Chairman Chairman Are you finished with that whole clause or . . . Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: Yes, I am. I am finished with that clause.
The Chairman Chairman Are there any other Members that would like to speak to clause 4 as amended? There are no Members that would like to speak to clause 4 as amended. [Motion carried: Clause 4 passed as amended.]
The Chairman Chairman Please proceed, Minister. Hon. Jeanne J. Ath erden: Madam Chairman, I would like to then move clauses 5 through 10.
The Chairman Chairman It has been proposed that clauses 5 through 10 be moved. Any objections to that motion? No objections. Agreed to. Please proceed. Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: I would li ke to then move clause 11, but as you—
The Chairman Chairman No, we are going to go . . . can you start with — Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: I am sorry, I would like to move . . . I would like to then speak to clauses 5 through 10. Sorry.
The Chairman Chairman Please proceed. Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: Right. Okay, clause 5 amends the Health Insurance (Artificial Limbs and Appliances) Regulations 1971 to amend the meaning of “artificial appliance”; and to increase the maximum liability of an insurer with r espect to artificial appliances from $30,000 to $100,000. Clause 6 amends the …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any Members that would like to speak to clauses 5 through 10? There are no Members that would like to speak to clauses 5 through 10. Minister, if you would have them approved? Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: Could I move that c lauses 5 through 10 …
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 5 through 10 be approved as printed. Any objections to that motion? No objections. Agreed to. [Gav el] [Motion carried: Clauses 5 through 10 passed.]
The Chairman Chairman Please proceed, Minister. Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: I would then now like to move clause 11, but there is an amendment to clause 11. So can we deal with the amendment first? Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: Thank you. I am under the belief that everyone has a copy …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any Members that would like to speak to the amendment to clause 11? That is removing clause 11 on the Bill before us and replacing with an amendment that we have just heard outlined. Are there any Members that would like to speak . . . …
Ms. Kim N. Wilson Just only to say, Madam Chai rman, that this amendment was . . . I just . . . the Ho nourable Minister discussed this with us this morning and we have no objections, particularly in light of the effect that it has for maternity benefits. So, thank you.
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Member. Minister? I call on the Minister, if there are no other Members that would like to speak to the revised clause. Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: I would like to move clause 11 as amended.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clause 11 be approved as amended. A ny objections to that motion? No objections. Agreed to. [Gavel] [Motion carried: Clause 11 passed as amended.]
The Chairman Chairman Please proceed. Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: I would like to then move clauses 12 through 15. The C h airman: Are there any objections? No objections. Please proceed. Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: Clause 12 amends the Health Insurance (Mutual Re- Insurance Fund) (Pr escribed Sum) Order 2014 to increase the …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Member. Are there any Members that would like to speak to clauses 12 through 15? There are none. Minister? Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: I would like to m ove clauses 12 through 15 as presented.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 12 through 15 be approved as printed. Any objections to that motion? No objections. Agreed to. [Gavel] [Motion carried: Clauses 12 through 15 passed.]
The Chairman Chairman Minister, please proceed. Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: I would like to move an amendment to clause 16.
The Chairman Chairman Are there any objections? Everyone should have a copy of the replac ement . . . amendment. Please proceed. AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 16 Hon. Je anne J. Atherden: Clause 16, per the amendment on the floor, establishes that these prov isions come into effect on the 1 st of June …
The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any Members that would like to speak to the amendment to clause 16? There are no Members that would like to speak to the amendment to clause 16. Minister? Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: I move that clause 16 be approved as amended.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clause 16 be approved as amended. Any objections to that motion? No objections. Agreed to. [Gavel] [Motion carried: Clause 16 passed as amended.] Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: Madam Chairman, I now move the Preamble.
The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Preamble be approved as printed. Are there any objections to that motion? No objections. Agreed to. [Gav el] Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: 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. Any objections to that motion? No objections. Agreed to. [Gavel] [Motion carried: The Health (Miscellaneous) Amen dment Act 2017 was considered by a Committee of the whole House and passed with amendments.] House resumed at 3:18 …
The Speaker The Speaker Honourable Members, the second reading of the Health (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2017 has been approved with amendments. We now move onto Order No. 5. I believe Dr. Gibbons you . . . Bermuda House of Assembly BILL ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS AMENDMENT ACT 2017 [Withdrawn]
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons Yes. That is correct, Mr. Speaker . Mr. Speaker, under the provisions of Standing Order 48, I move to withdraw the Bill entitled the Electronic Communications Amendment Act 2017 that was tabled 8 March 2017.
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you, Minister. So that matter is withdrawn. [Motion carried: Electronic Communications Amendment Act 2017 withdrawn]
The Speaker The Speaker All right. I understand Order No. 6 is carried over.
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbo ns Mr. Speaker , I actually would like to do that. My understanding was that our Whip had said that we would proceed. It is a tec hnical Bill.
The Speaker The Speaker Right. I was not aware of that. So if Members are . . . are Members — Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I have not had time to look at this Bill. I do not know anything about this.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. I was told that we were not going to do that, so if —
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons Okay. All right. Well, Mr. Speaker —
The Speaker The Speaker I appreciate that.
The Speaker The Speaker And I hope Members are paying atte ntion. I hope everybody is paying attention. Order No. 7, I think, is carried over. And Order No. 8 is in the name of the Shadow Minister of Finance, the Leader of the Opposition, MP David Burt. You have the floor. OPPOSITION BILL …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Any objections to that? Carry on. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker . Mr. Speaker, this is the second time that this House has come to consider this particular Bill inside of this Parliament so I am going to go ahead and give some …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, I think we have —
Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Mr. Speaker, I informed the Government Whip yesterday —yes, I did. I made sure that it was on the Order Paper. I informed you at the Public Accounts Committee meeting.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, it was — Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: If the Honourable Member would carry it over to next week, just like my colleague did, I will be happy because I have . . . I am not prepared. I have no knowledge of this Bill being taken up today.
The Speaker The Speaker Right. Honourable Leader of the Opposition, would you care to do that ? Hon. E. David Burt: Give me one second, please. My Whip has said that she informed the other side, Mr. Speaker. We are prepared to proceed unless you advise otherwise.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, I . . . I think Honourable Member s, you know, we are . . . we want to be operating— Hon. E. David Burt: No problem.
The Speaker The Speaker —in a place above the level of the sea. Hon. E. David Burt: The sea?
The Speaker The Speaker The sea, yes. Hon. E. David Burt: The sea.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. And I think . . . I would ask that . . . if we carried this over and do it next week. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker , I will accede to your wishes. That is perfectly fine.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, al l right. Thank you very much, Honourable Member. I appreciate that. And just so we . . . we have to . . . and I have to tell Members how . . . do I need to stand on my feet again? [Pause] Bermuda House of Assembly …
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member It works better when you sit down,
Mr. Speaker . An Hon. Member Mr. Speaker . An Hon. Member We are listening. [Loud microphone feedback]
The Speaker The Speaker Maybe you are right; maybe I am not supposed to stand up. [Laughter]
The Speaker The Speaker But Honourable Member s, in all ser iousness, I think what we . . . what we need . . . it is important for us to work together. It is important for us to work together, even when we may be disagreeing on issues. And so I appreciate the …
The Speaker The Speaker All right, that concludes the Minister. The Chair will recognise the Minister of Health. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. Jeanne J. Atherden: Mr. Speaker, I move that Standing Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move that the Bill entitled Health (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2017 be now read …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you, Minister. Any objections to that? There are none. Carry on. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING HEALTH (MISCELLANEOUS) AMENDMENT ACT 2017 Hon. Jeanne J. Athe rden: I now move that the Bill do now pass.
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you. Any objections to that? The Health (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act 2017 has been passed. [Motion carried: The Health (Miscellaneous) Amen dment Act 2017 was read a third time and passed.]
The Speaker The Speaker Premier? ADJOURNMENT Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker . Mr. Speaker, I also think it is good that we can work together on . . . as we see in the last two steps, so I look forward to that next week as well. And with that I …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you. The Chair will recognise the Honourable Member from constituency 21, MP Rolfe Commi ssiong. TWO BERMUDAS
Mr. Rolfe Commissiong Thank you, Mr. Speaker . M r. Speaker, many Bermudians were shocked last night on the news when we heard our Premier –– in a fashion that I can only describe as bald- faced–– seek to convey to Bermudians that he and his Government have fulfilled their pre- 2012 promise …
The Speaker The Speaker Please.
Mr. Rolfe Commissiong —I cannot use that word. 1646 12 May 2017 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: No, no, you cannot.
Mr. Rolfe Commissiong I cannot use that word. But, Mr. Speaker, there is a word I can use a bald- faced prevarication.
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbon s No, that is not acceptable.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, that is not —
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member It is not acceptable. [Inaudible interjections]
The Speaker The Speaker —it is not any . . . it is not much different.
Mr. Rolfe Commissiong Ah! But Mr. Speaker , I want the Premier to tell that . . . to repeat that fact to Bermudians again, but in this context: Tell that to the 2,000 Bermudians, mostly black —a growing number of whom who are white— and who are unemployed or underemployed in this …
Mr. Rolfe Commissiong Mr. Speaker — [Inaudible interjection]
Mr. Rolfe Commissiong Mr. Speaker — [Gavel]
Mr. Rolfe Commissiong I am staying on my wicket here. Mr. Speaker , listen . . . the other day we heard of the news of the Butterfield Bank talking about they are going to basically transfer all the back office staff or functions to Halifax, bragging about how they are going to …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you, Honourable Member. The Chair will now recognise the Honourable Member MP Jeff Sousa. You have the floor.
Mr. Jeff Sousa Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues —
The Speaker The Speaker Good afternoon.
Mr. Jeff Sousa —and those in the listening aud ience. I just heard comments from the last Member that just took his seat and he spoke quite often about “Two Bermudas.” What part of Bermuda does the Bermuda of Building Blocks Construction, David Durham, and the teams that I saw working at Mor-gan’s …
Mr. Diallo V. S. Rabain Point of order, Mr. Speaker, point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading]
Mr. Diallo V. S. Rabain Mr. Speaker, the Member is obviously misleading the House and reading his notes incorrectly. The Progressive Labour Party — The Speaker: We all read notes.
Mr. Diallo V. S. Rabain —has not been in power for 30 years.
Mr. Jeff Sousa Mr. Speaker , Mr. Speaker, yes, I do . . . I do have bullet points in front of me. You better believe I do. But Mr. Speaker, when I said “they” for the last 30 years . . . that meant the United Bermuda Party Government and the Progressive …
Mr. Jeff Sousa Departures magazine. T hank you. And we were featured in that. And, of course, the ti t le of the feature that we are being promoted in is Bermuda House of Assembly Return to Bermuda . . . Return to Bermuda. So this is awesome. And I certainly want to …
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Jeff Sousa Can you imagine the —
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Point of order, Mr. Speaker. The Honourable Member is—
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading]
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons The Honourable Member is perhaps unintentionally misleading the House. Perhaps if he had been in the Chamber during the budget debate . . . our official position is that we will not change the BTA. We require far greater oversight of their spending, far greater oversight of where the money …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you.
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons That is our official position.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you.
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons I would ask the Member to withdraw that.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member . Carry on.
Mr. Jeff Sousa Mr. Speaker , I will not withdraw that—
The Speaker The Speaker Carry on speaking.
Mr. Jeff Sousa I heard an Honourable Member on that side state that he would shut it down. Mr. Speaker — Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons: Mr. Speaker , I am sorry to be difficult, but the Honourable Member is misrepr esenting . . . whatever he heard —
The Speaker The Speaker I have—
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons —it is not true.
The Speaker The Speaker I have asked the Member to continue on.
Mr. Jeff Sousa Thank you, Mr. Speaker . One thing was interesting, if I can read the quote that was in that magazine, Mr. Speaker , that is the Departures magazine, and this is the Spring issue. I would like to read the quote so I get it right: “Ten years from now …
The Speaker The Speaker What are you reading from . . . what is that, Honour able Member ?
Mr. Jeff Sousa This is from Departures magazine, the Spring issue.
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member What year?
Mr. Jeff Sousa This year, 2017. “‘Ten years from now, we’ll talk about Berm uda in the same breath as St. Bart’s,’ predicts Greg Raiff, CEO of Private Jet Services.” Of course, myself, Mr. Speaker, I do not think St. Bart’s compares to Bermuda. Bermuda, as we know in this Chamber , is …
Mr. Jeff Sousa Mr. Speaker , Mr. Speaker, the gentleman that just burped when he was getting up out of his seat has the audacity to talk about trucks in this country. You know, this is a gentleman that pushed to have the super trucks that essentially took the young entrepreneur, you know, …
Mr. Jeff Sousa —to touch on a subject that —
The Speaker The Speaker Honourable Member, please take your seat. Yes, Honourable Member. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: The Honourable Member is misleading the House, Mr. Speaker, when he talks abou t those large trucks, because if he is going to talk about myself, he must also talk about …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: —and they are working for the OBA Government.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: And Mr. Speaker , if he is going to give the information he might as well mention his good friend, Mr. Peter Bromby —
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: —who did put young black people out of work.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, thank you. Thank you, Honourable Member . Carry on.
Mr. Jeff Sousa Mr. Speaker, it is always nice when you know you hit a nerve. But Mr. Speaker , again, as Bermudians move about the countryside —all 13,440 acres of Bermuda— they clearly can see how busy people are at the m oment. You know, you have to be blind, deaf, and …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you very much. The Chair will recognise the Honourable Member from constituency 17, MP Walton Brown.
Mr. Walton Brown Thank you, Mr. Speaker . Mr. Speaker, I had no intention of speaking today. As you know I am sort of in recovery from a little operation.
The Speaker The Speaker You should be home resting.
Mr. Walton Brown I should be home resting. But because of my dedication to this country I am here today —
The Speaker The Speaker Absolutely, yes.
Mr. Walton Brown —to par t icipate in these parliamentary sessions. Mr. Speaker , my honourable friend, Jeff Sousa (who just took his seat) fundamentally exemplifies the problem within the OBA. And the fundamental problem, Mr. Speaker, is a lack of empathy for the daily struggles and concerns of everyday Bermudians. That is …
Mr. Walton Brown If they were created . . . at least half . . . 1,000 jobs were created for non- Bermudians. Mr. Speaker, there was a great deal of commentary about the America’s Cup, an event that clearly provides a level of economic stimulus. How could it not? This is a …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, Honourable Member . POINT OF ORDER [Imputing improper motive] Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: The words “rooted in corruption” is imputing improper motive.
The Speaker The Speaker I would say so too. Yes, “rooted in corruption” should be . . . tidy up that language, Honourable Member , tidy up that language.
Mr. Walton Brown Well, no disrespect, Mr. Speaker—
Mr. Walton Brown —but that is precisely my intent.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. But, you know, let us . . . let us not use . . . let us not use that language.
Mr. Walton Brown So even if it is accurate, I cannot use it.
The Speaker The Speaker Well, you cannot impute —
Mr. Walton Brown I mean to impute, Mr. Speaker , because it was incorrect.
The Speaker The Speaker No, but then the only way that you can impu te is if you bring a motion to the House, Honourable Member .
Mr. Walton Brown I just want the public to understand— The S p eaker: Yes, so—
Mr. Walton Brown —that I am prevented by parli amentary rule from saying— 1652 12 May 2017 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: —to say what you really want to say.
Mr. Walton Brown Right. So let us make sure the public understands that I cannot say what I honestly believe to be the case, even though I have evidence to support it, because the rules prevent me from doing so.
The Speaker The Speaker That is fair.
Mr. Walton Brown And Parliament is supreme and we have full latitude. I am just making sure I understand. So there are a myriad of concerns about the Aecon deal. Those concerns will need to be addressed by the next Government that has the interests of the people at heart, Mr. Speaker . …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. The Chair will now recognise the Honourable Member from constituency 26, MP Neville Tyrrell. You have the floor.
Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will try not to be as vociferous as my earlier colleague, nor will I try to be as long as he either. But at the same time I will make no apology for repeating some of the points that were made because I …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you, Honourable Member. The Chair will recognise the Deputy Speaker.
Mrs. Suzann Roberts -Holshouser Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Take a deep breath because one of the individuals I came across while canvassing had a complaint about the temperament within this House. So, I am going to try and keep my temperament down as a St. David’s island er and the daughter of a Portuguese …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, Honourable Leader. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David Burt: The Honourable Minister [sic] is misleading the House. She must retract the stat ement . The PLP inherited debt. Thank you. Of the United Bermuda Party.
Mrs. Suzann Roberts -Holshouser Mr. Speaker , I am not quite clear on that last statement. Is he saying that there was . . . we were not in debt?
The Speaker The Speaker Look. Clarify what you said. Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order, Mr. Speaker . The Honourable Deputy Speaker is misleading the House. She got up on her feet and said that when the Progressive Labour Party took over in 1998 the country was not in debt , and that …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. He said there was debt when the—
Mrs. Suzann Roberts -Holshouser I would beg to differ, Mr. Speaker . But Mr. Speaker, that is not where I am going. Where I am going . . . I would beg to differ and I would like perhaps statistics that we will hear, but quite frankly we were not . . . Bermuda …
Mrs. Suzann Roberts -Holshouser —back in 1998. Does that help? Hon. E. David Burt: Po int of order.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Yes, yes, I think . . . thank you, Honourable Member. Yes, the—
Mrs. Suzann Roberts -Holshouser I will stand corrected. I will stand corrected. But let me go where I am going today, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, where I am going is this: if the Progressive Labour Party feel that they can spin Ber-muda around until we are dizzy . . . that is what is …
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Not all.
Mrs. Suzann Roberts -Holshouser And indeed, not all, but there was not all 13 years ago, there was not all of Bermuda that was seeing the benefits 20 years ago. And I would venture to say, regardless of who is running the Government, in five years ’ time still all will not be seeing …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you very much. The Chair will recognise the Honourable Member from constituency 13, MP Diallo Rabain.
Mr. Diallo V. S. Rabain Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to my colleagues that have spoken before me. You know, Mr. Speaker, there have been several people that stood up and mentioned and said, What will happen after June 2017? And, of course, they are relating to the America’s Cup. Well, Mr. Speaker, …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you, Honourable Member. The Chair will recognise the Member from constituency 29, MP De Silva. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to touch on two things today —transparency and honesty —because, Mr. Speaker, earlier today when we heard …
The Speaker The Speaker Debt? You said debt? Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Debt, yes. They keep tal king about the debt and we did not have any debt. Of course, the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Burt, quite rightly “point of ordered” that and said in 1998 we did inherit some debt. …
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Chief Executive. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Chief Executive, that we are paying . . . I do not know, $120,000, $130,000, $150,000 a year. Mr. Speaker, he has hired a Pro blem Gaming consultant. He has also hired a Regul ations consultant. Well, what the heck do we …
The Speaker The Speaker Ten minutes. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Ten minutes, okay, beaut iful. Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Member from constituency 28, Jeff Sousa, mentioned the price, the feasibility study that we had done on an airport. Mr. Speaker, that price was sought in 2000 and, I do not know, 2004, …
The Speaker The Speaker Before 2008. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: That was at a time, Mr. Speaker, [when] guess what? Our GDP had doubled, Mr. Speaker, under the Progressive Labour Party Government. The Honourable Finance Minister loves to talk about GDP. In fact, I remember there was a time when he used …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, Minister. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: We continue to own the airport now. The Honourable Member is misleading the House.
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Okay, let me help out the Honourable Minister of Finance. When I say “own it,” Mr. Speaker, when you own your house, do you pay rent? You do not, do you, Mr. Speaker? Well, if we own that land, why …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, Minister. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: The Honourable Member is clearly misleading the House. What he just said there was patently false!
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you. Let us get it right . . . whichever way, let us get it right. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: You know what . . . oh, you are doing a point of order, too?
Mr. W. Lawrence Scott Can I do a point of information, Mr. Speaker ? Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: A point of information. It is a . . . yes, go ahead. POINT OF INFORMATION
Mr. W. Lawrence Scott It is . . . Aecon is charging the Emergency Services rent for the tower that they have their transmitters on for their radio, their comm unications. If they do not pay rent, they get kicked out. Also, the same is with the Fire Department. If the Fire Department does …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. E. T. (Bob) Richards: The Fire Department is not paying rent.
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Honourable Member , the Mi nister says the Fire Department is not paying rent, so that is it. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker .
The Speaker The Speaker Let us . . . let us . . . let us — Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I will move on . I will move on.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, please. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: You know it seems like, Mr. Speaker . . . and I will have to put my hands up. It seems like we are catching the OBA disease. We just throw anything out sometimes. But no, Mr. Speaker , let me say …
The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: It is about progress, Mr. Speaker —
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: —we need to see pr ogress.
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. T hank you. The Chair will now recognise the Minister for Economic Development, Dr. Grant Gibbons. You have the floor.
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons Thank you, Mr. Speaker . Well, I guess , let me start by saying if there was any doubt that the Opposition was in election mode, they have certainly confirmed it tonight. Mr. Speaker , I think you and I have been around for quite some time, and I think …
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons Sorry, Madam Deputy Speaker , we have also had a lot of alternative facts thrown around tonight as well. But I think the Honourable Member , Mr. Brown , from [constituency] 17 put it very well. At the end of the day the community is going to have to fi …
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons —is unabashedly dismal in terms of the current Government and the — [Inaudible interjections] [Gavel]
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons —former PLP Government when it comes to Bermudian jobs. Over 3,700 Bermudian jobs were lost from 2000 to 2012. It was a consistent — [Inaudible interjection]
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons —it was a consistent . . . a consistent record over time in the number of filled jobs.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Member, I only want to hear one voice while I am sitting in the Chair. Thank you. Please proceed.
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons The real trouble though, Madam Deputy Speaker, started in about 2008 when . . . from 2008 to 2012 something like a little o ver 2,000 Bermudian jobs were lost. And then, as the record will show, there were also something on the order of 3,000 non- Bermudian jobs. And …
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons —at the same time, there has also been job loss — Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order. Point of order,
Madam Deputy Speaker . The Deputy Speaker the deputy speaker And your point of order is? POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David Burt: Because —
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker And you point of order is? Hon. E. David Burt: My point of order is the Honourable Member is misleading the House.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. You do know you need to clarify it. Hon. E. David Burt: No problem. I understand, and I would like the Honourable Member to please state from what . . . from where is he saying that 2,000 jobs in the economy have been created when the Depar …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Member.
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker . And I appreciate the Honourable Member ’s question. There is an issue of net jobs versus jobs created. And the point that I think the Honourable Premier was saying was that we are probably well over 2,000 jobs that have been created. There are …
Mr. Ro lfe Commissiong Point of order, point of order. The Ho n. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons: —is over a year old. The Depu ty Speaker: Yes, your point of order is? POINT O F ORDER
Mr. Rolfe Commissiong The Member is misleading the House.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you.
Mr. Ro lfe Com missiong He said that the Premier acknowledged that there were also job losses. He did not. The Depu ty Speaker: Thank you very much. The Chair recognises the Minister. The Ho n. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons: Well, actually, I — [Inaudibl e interjection] The Hon . Dr. E. Grant Gibbons: —I …
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons We must be getting near the target when you start to get flack. So what I am talking about is job creation now, okay? What the statistics will show is both job creation and job loss and they netted out. But I think it is fair to say — Hon. …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Please have a seat. Yes, your point of order is? POINT O F ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David Burt: The Honourable Minister is mi sleading the House. He cannot say that there is net job growth when the statistics have shown that there are 2,000 less jobs than …
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. The Honourable Member is not listening. What I said was there was a 2,000 job growth we b elieve, at least. And the data that I referred to some time ago in terms of the economic debate was jobs coming . . . job growth …
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons —in the civil service?
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Have a seat. Have a seat. Your point of order is? POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I think the Honourable Member is maybe unknowingly misleading this House. He just went through this diatribe of information and stats and blah, blah, blah and said …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Member, he did say he could not quantify the number from — [Inaudible interjection]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker I am just saying that — [Inaudible interjection]
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker I am just pointing out that is what he did say. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: But at least 900 tells me that it is at least 900.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Okay, thank you, Member. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: So he indicated that it might be more.
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Member. The Chair recognises the Minister.
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons Thank you. Madam Deputy Speaker, I was very clear. I said, and I have reported to this House before, over 450 that come from direct America’s Cup- related jobs, which means ACBDA has basically facilitated— [Inaudible interjection]
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons Yes, 450 Bermudian. There is another probably 50 or so with the South Basin land reclamation that are non- Bermudian. But anyway, these are jobs that were supported by ACBDA dollars, okay? So, what I did say was I do not have factual information on it, but Andrew Dias bas …
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons Yes. He probably — [Inaudible interjection]
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons He probably . . . he probably should. But I guess, Madam Deputy Speaker, I think the facts of the matter are that we have had a real increase in confidence, in new company formation— these are real facts, they are not alternative facts — over the last couple of …
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons —it was not easy . We were left with a huge deficit position. We were left with . . . the former Government ran up an unprec edented debt by 700 per cent in a number of years . A 700 per cent increase in debt ! The largest ministry …
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons We also . . . Ariel Sands is still talking about it out there. I think they have gone through a number of issues. There are others that also are talking about doing further resort infrastructure. Honourable Members will see some legislation coming very shortly in terms of providing a …
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Based on the remarks, comments, statements emanating from the One Bermuda Alliance Gover nment the choice that is presented is not a choice between going forward or back, it is a choice between compassion and indifference. It is a choice between a Government that says …
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons No, Madam Deputy Speaker, I went to the ground- breaking at St. George’s. And Madam Deputy Speaker, this was an opportunity for the whole St. George’s community to be included. This was an opportunity for all of Berm uda to be a part of this. But do you know what …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Are there any other Members that would like to speak? Thank you, the Chair recognises the Member from constituency 15. You have the floor.
Mr. Walter H. Roban Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. You know , I have been listening to this debate this evening, Madam Deputy Speaker, and I am trying to figure out a few things. I think I understand that the Government is definitely focused on an election campaign strategy. That they have devised and …
Mr. Walter H. Roban My honourable colleague has described it in some way, but I will not do that to the House. [Laughter]
Mr. Walter H. Roban But I think I have been descriptive. That is the challenge that the Two Bermudas face, the concept of it. It faces a portion of Bermuda that is living a different reality than the rest of us. I am not suggesting that I am a part of another Bermuda; I …
The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you very much, Member. The Chair recognises the Independent Member from constituency 31.
Mr. Shawn G. Crockwell Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. I think that there is no doubt that we are a pproaching campaign season and there is no doubt that the whole issue around the 2,000 jobs will play a significant role in the upcoming campaign. So, I am not surprised the see the Government …
Mr. Shawn G. Crockwell I spent some time, Mr. Speaker, analysing what impact I have made, because we come to this House on a regular basis when it is in session, every Friday. And we debate and we pass legislation and we have to question what impact we are making by our contribution. Today, …
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member And low earners.
Mr. Shawn G. Crockwell That was the information provided. I have no issue or no problem with someone clarifying that. But if it is not equal, Mr. Speaker, the information that was provided was that it has risen signif icantly. There are far more able- bodied persons now receiving Financial Assistance. And what is …
Mr. Shawn G. Crockwell —a decent golfer. And do you know how he did it, Mr. Speaker? He worked all day in the truck, and for at least 40 years of my life, he worked nights at St. Brendan ’s. And it was by God’s grace (I tell him all the time) that he …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. The Chair will now recognise the Minister of Home Affairs. Minister Patricia Gordon- Pamplin, you have the floor. Hon. Patricia J. Gordon -Pamplin: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have heard two int eresting comments coming from Members opposite; one, the rhetorical question, As a …
Mr. Rolfe Commissi ong Point of order, Mr. Speaker. I think the Member is misleading the House because she is imputing the motives of the Member, quite clearly.
The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Carry on, Honourable Member. Hon. Patricia J. Gordon -Pamplin: Mr. Speaker, I was simply reiterating, because I wrote it at the top. It hit me like a ton of bricks! I was simply reiterating what the Honourable Member said. If we do well, then I can benefit. So I …
The Speaker The Speaker Honourable Member, the Member is saying what was said. I heard it. Hon. Patricia J. Gordon- Pamplin: —with what the Honourable Member said. I can only go by what the Member said. I cannot speculate what his intent may have been. But that may very well have been what he …
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker What is your point of order? POINT OF ORDER [Imputing improper motive]
Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Mr. Speaker, I understand the Honourable Member imputing— The Speaker: Honourable Member [ Microphone not turned on]. Hon. Patricia J. Gordon -Pamplin: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There was someone who was basically commenting about the fact that they had actually hired a Bermudian to turn the sign, and that particular …
Mr. W. Lawrence Scott Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, Honourable Member. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading]
Mr. W. Lawrence Scott The Honourable Member is misleading the House where she alluded that the fai lure in education was done under the PLP. It was the decision by the UBP Government to go from the pr i1674 12 May 2017 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly mary s chool and secondary …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Hon. Patricia J. Gordon -Pamplin: Mr. Speaker, let me just . . . you know, that was not going to be my focus, but it is important to make mention of that observation that the Honourable Member just indicated. And that is that as I have …
The Speaker The Speaker Just a minute. [Gavel]
The Speaker The Speaker Gentlemen, you have already spoken. You already had your chance to speak. Yes. Carry on, please, Member. Hon. Patricia J. Gordon -Pamplin: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. For our people to be effectively qualified, Mr. Speaker. We heard somebody mention today, Oh, there were seven internships by Aecon, and now they …
The Speaker The Speaker The Chair will recognise the Leader of the Opposition. MP David Burt, you have the floor. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, before I go into my prepared remarks and before I get to the point of where I am going to just correct …
The Speaker The Speaker New Jersey? Hon. E. David B urt: They are here —
The Speaker The Speaker You went to school in New Jersey? I didn’t know you went to school in New Jersey. Hon. E. David Burt: I went to school at the George Washington University, sir, if you were not aware , as did Mr. Singh.
The Speaker The Speaker Oh, G eorge — Hon. E. David Burt: Yes. Well, Mr. Singh is.
The Speaker The Speaker Oh, they are GW people. Hon. E. David Burt: Yes. Just like you, Mr. Speaker. And for one semester our Premier as well.
The Speaker The Speaker Ah. Hon. E. David Burt: However, Mr. Speaker, I listened to the Minister responsible for work permits justify why we have got Guatemalans holding street signs on the road while Bermudians are unemployed. That is what I just heard, Mr. Speaker. And they wonder why the people of t his …
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Oh yes. Hon. E. David Burt: Without fear of contradiction. Well, let me contradict some of her alternative facts right now, Mr. Speaker, because she said that there was no progress in this country from 1998 up until 2003. Well, guess what, Mr. Speaker? Unlike the One Bermuda Alliance’s first …
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Ah! Hon. E. David Burt: Ah! Oh, there were Bermudian jobs created as well during that time. Yes. Did she say no? Go on, find . . . well, you can come back next week and you can take the facts from 1998 to 2003 and you can tell me …
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The Speaker The Speaker Yes, Honourable Member. POINT OF ORDER
The Hon. Dr. E. Grant Gibbons The Honourable Member will know that when I spoke earlier I talked about the period from 2000, which was the peak, until 2012. There were over 3,000 Bermudian jobs lost during that period. There was a push from 1998 to about 2000 on the back of what was then Government’s …
The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you, Minister. Hon. E. David Burt: I did not hear I am misleading the House, and clearly I am not, because I have the facts in front of me. But I will get back to my statement, Mr. Speaker, because I think that it is very important …
The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. [Inaudible interjections]
An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Mr. Speaker. [Inaudible interjection s]
The Speaker The Speaker No, we’re going home. [Inaudible interjections] [At 6:47 pm, the House stood adjourned until 10:00 am, Friday, 19 May 2017]
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