Hansard — December 12, 2025 — Bermuda Parliament

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning, Members. The Clerk will now lead us in prayer. PRAYERS [ Prayers read by Mr. Clark Somner, Clerk ]

The Speaker The Speaker Amen. [ Gavel]

The Speaker The Speaker The House is now in session. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES [Minutes of 5 December 2025]

The Speaker The Speaker Members, the M inutes of the meeting from the 5th of December have been circulated. Are there any amendments required? There are no amendments. The Minutes will be printed as confirmed. [ Minutes of 5 December 2025 confirmed] MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR

The Speaker The Speaker There are none. ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER OR MEMBER PRESIDING APOLOGIES

The Speaker The Speaker First, I would like to announce that we have been informed by the following two M embers that they will be absent today. MP Ben Smith and MP Curtis Dickerson have both indicated their absence. PERSONAL ATTACKS IN PARLIAMENT WILL NOT BE TOLERATED

The Speaker The Speaker Members, I am going to take this occasion to express my concern about development s since we last left this C hamber last week. There i s a journalistic term “ burying the lead,” which basically means that wrong details are written in the article, in the lead of it. …

The Speaker The Speaker There are none. Papers and other communications to the House. There are seven such papers, and the first is in the name . . . the first two are in the name of the Premier and Minister of Finance. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, will there be an opportunity to address the comments of wh ich you just made?

The Speaker The Speaker No. Hon. E. David Burt: Okay.

The Speaker The Speaker No. Hon. E. David Burt: All right, Mr. Speaker . Well, I will look to speak to you in your Chambers, because I am a little bit lost as to where we are.

The Speaker The Speaker Let me say to all M embers who sit in this House: My door is always open for comment . My door is always open for conversation, and every M ember who has ever taken advantage of that knows that. Come in, have a conversation anytime. Hon. E. David Burt: …

The Speaker The Speaker That's actually taking us back down the road of what I just said we are not going to deal with. You just took us right back there. I expect you to be bigger than that, Premier, because I know you are a respectable man. I know you are a respectable …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. PAPERS AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS TO THE HOUSE BERMUDA PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD (BPAB) —ANNUAL REPORT FOR 31 MARCH 2024 BERMUDA PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD (BPAB) —ANNUAL REPORT FOR 31 MARCH 2025 BERMUDA PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD (BPAB) —AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR 31 MARCH 2024 BERMUDA PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD (BPAB) —AUDITED FINANCIAL …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. The next Paper this morning in the name of the Minister of Economy and Labour. Minister . Hon. Jason Hayward: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY (FORMS) AMENDMENT REGULATIONS 2025 Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the i nformation of the Honourable House of Assembly, the Limited Liability Company (Form s) Amendment Regulations 2025, as made by the Minister of Finance in exercise …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, the next Paper/communication this morning is in the name of the Minister for Works and Environment. Minister. Hon. Jache Adams: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. WATER RESOURCES (POLLUTION, DISCHARGE REPORTING, ABATEMENT AND REMEDIATION) REGULATIONS 2025 Hon. Jache Adams: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the i nformation of the Honourable House of Assembly, the Water Resources ( Pollution , Discharge Reporting, Abatement and Remediation) Regulations 2025, as made …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Members, that's the end of the Papers and Communications . We now move on. STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS AND JUNIOR MINISTERS 1738 12 December 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: The first S tatement this morning is in the name of the Premier. Premier, would …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Mr. Premier. Bermuda House of Assembly Would you like to do your second Statement? Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, if I may, I won't have many opportunities to do this in the future. I would like to just acknowledge . . . as I went back to see the Sergeant -at-Arms, I recognised that my mother, my father and my sister …

The Speaker The Speaker I was actually going to acknowledge them after you sat down. I was going to acknowledge them — Hon. E. David Burt: No problem, Mr. Speaker, but you know I want to maintain good relations —family relations at Christmas .

The Speaker The Speaker All right. Hon. E. David Burt: So, you know , I can get something nice underneath the Christmas tree. [Crosstalk] Hon. E. David Burt: Yes, I still get gifts. [Laughter] Hon. E. David Burt: All right, Mr. Speaker, I'll move on to my second Statement if I may. GOVERNMENT OF …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Talk about it. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, total revenue for f iscal year 2024/25 was $1.27 billion, which is $40.4 million above the original estimate. Continued economic growth, including $32.1 million more in payroll tax receipts than originally forecast, contributed significantly to this positive result. Current account expenditure …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Yes, sir! Hon. E. David Burt: I will say it again. [Inaudible interjection] Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to advise this Honourable House that the budget surplus for fiscal year 2024/25 is now confirmed to be $29.8 million, an improvement of $29.5 million from the original …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Wow! [Inaudible interjections] Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, they said it could not be done. But once again this P rogressive Labour Party Government has confounded the critics and delivered the first budget surplus since 2003. [Desk thumping] Hon. E. David Burt: There is no wonder , Mr. Speaker, …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Wow! Hon. E. David Burt: — an improvement of over $16 million on the original budgeted figure of $43.3 million. Mr. Speaker, it should be noted that even without a boost to CIT receipts, the projected surplus would have been above the original estimate from May’s budget, including the supplementary …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Mr. Premier. Before I call on the Minister, as I indicated, it is nice to see your parents in the Chamber this morning, and along with your sis-ter. Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Burt and family. [ Desk thumping] [ Statements by Ministers and Junior Ministers, continuing]

The Speaker The Speaker And the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Tourism and Transport, Culture and Sport. Minister Darrell. Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, good morning to you. Bermuda House of Assembly HERITAGE MONTH THEME 2026 Hon. Owen Darrell: Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER OR MEMBER PRESIDING HOUSE VISITOR

The Speaker The Speaker Members, before I call on the next Minister, I would just like to also notice in the Gallery a for-mer Member of this House, former MP Michael Scott — former Minister, too. It’s nice to have you in the Chamber. [Desk thumping] [Statements by Ministers and Junior Ministers, continuing]

The Speaker The Speaker Minister of National Security, I believe your Statement is next. BERMUDA DRUG INFORMATION NETWORK (BERDIN) —2025 ANNUAL REPORT Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Good morning, Mr. Speaker, colleagues and the listening public. 1742 12 December 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, the 2025 Annual Report of the …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Minister , I understand that you also . . . your second one? Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Yes.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, yes, okay. I thought you were about to sit down this time. You have a second one. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Well, you started talking, so I figured I would sit down—

The Speaker The Speaker No, no, I was just going to tell you to do— Hon. Michael A. Weeks: —and let you talk.

The Speaker The Speaker —your second one. [Laughter]

The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Out of respect for you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker No problem, my friend. PERSONAL SAFETY AND SECURITY DURING THE HOLIDAY PERIOD Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Speaker, I do have a second Statement. My second Statement is on personal security and safety. Mr. Speaker, as we enter the holiday season, I rise today to remind the community of the …

The Speaker The Speaker Mm-hmm. Yes. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Without a loved on. It stays with you. And I would not wish that pain on any parent, on any family or any community. I implore the public: slow down. Take your time. Be cautious on our roads and be mindful of those around …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Health. Minister. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. PROMOTING MENTAL WELLNESS DURING THE HOLIDAYS Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, as the holiday season approaches and our Island begins to glow with its familiar warmth, many households will be filled with joy, gratitude, and togetherness. Our communities will come alive with celebration and cheer. But we …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Economy and Labour. Minister. LABOUR ADVISORY COUNCIL 2025 Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform Honourable House of the work that the Labour Advisory Council [LAC] has achieved this year, …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement is also in the name [of the Minister of Economy and Labour] . Minister, would you like to continue with the second Statement? REGISTRY GENERAL 2024 ANNUAL REPORT Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce the Annual Report of the Registry …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Home Affairs. Minister. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning.

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. AFFORDABLE BERMUDA AGENDA UPDATE Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Thank you, Mr. Speaker . Mr. Speaker, today I rise to update this Honourable House on the g overnment’s continued work to reduce pressures on the cost of living by building a culture of collaboration. The Affordability Initiatives under the Affordable …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. And the second Statement, would you like to do another as well? Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. NATIONAL ELECTRICITY SECTOR POLICY UPDATES Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Mr. Speaker, I also rise today to provide an update to this Honourable House on one of the most consequential undertakings now shaping Bermuda’s future: the renewal of our National Electricity Sector Policy. This policy is pivotal to the …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Member s, the next Minister presenting this morning is the Minister for Cabinet. Minister. ELECTORAL REFORM UPDATE Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide this Honourable House with an update on the Government’s ongoing work to advance comprehensive electoral reform. My remarks …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. I believe the next Statement is yours as well. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Yes, sir , Mr Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Continue on. BERMUDA GOVERNMENT’S DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark an important milestone in our Island's digital future. I am honoured to announce the launch of the government's Digital Transformation Programme. This multi- year partnership will strengthen our services, expand digital …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Works. Minister . [Minister of Public] Works and Environment. [Laughter]

The Speaker The Speaker There you go. Thank you. Hon. Jache Adams: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. WATER RESOURCES POLLUTION (DISCHARGE REPORTING, ABATEMENT AND REMEDIATION) REGULATIONS 2025 Hon. Jache Adams: Mr. Speaker, today I am pleased to lay before this H onourable House the Water Resources ([Pollution] Discharge Reporting, Abatement and Remediation) Regulations 2025, made pursuant to the Water Resources Amendment Act 2024. Mr. Speaker, …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Youth, Social Development, and Seniors. Minister. ANTI -BULLYING WEEK 2025 Hon. Tinee Furbert: Good morning. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognise Anti -Bullying Week 2025, observed from November …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Members, that brings us to an end of the Statements for this morning. We will now move on. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

The Speaker The Speaker There are none. And being this is the second Friday of the month that we are sitting, the next item is the Premier's Question [Period] . And as you know, Members, we will do this separate from the normal Question Period. So, it will be 30 minutes for the [Premier’s] …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier . Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you. I appreciate the Honourable Member asking his question. I won't step on the toes of the Minister for the Economy and Labour, who I know is well -suited to answer this question, but what I will say is that I wi ll …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Do we have a supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Robert King: Yes, Mr. Speaker. Can the Honourable Premier explain why the job creation figures are still lagging behind pre- pandemic levels? Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Premier . Hon. E. David Burt: I cannot say why the job creation figures are lagging behind pre- pandemic levels . But what I can say, Mr. Speaker, is that our economy, overall compensation, and other matters are higher than they were before the pandemic. The economy has recovered due …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Second question? QUESTION 2: HOUSING AND DERELICT PROPERTIES Hon. Robert King: Yes, Mr. Speaker. This is regarding housing and derelict properties. Can the Premier confirm how many government -owned derelict or unoccupied units exist, and why so many continue to sit empty during this housing crisis?

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I do believe that those answers have been provided previously to the Honourable Member. What I can say to the Honourable Member is, whether it is on the housing matters, of which we do, from the Minister of …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary? Third question? Hon. Robert King: Third question, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Go ahead. QUESTION 3: HEALTH CARE AND AGEING POPULATION Hon. Robert King: This is with regard to health care and ageing population. Can the Premier explain what this Government is doing to fix long delays for diagnos-tic imaging, specialist appointments, and long- term care placements for seniors? Thank you. …

The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead. Hon. E. David Burt: You want me to go? Mr. Speaker, I am not entirely certain what the Honourable Member is speaking about in regard to de-lays in diagnostic imaging. But I am happy to answer the question on matters related to long- term care. What I can …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Robert King: Yes, Mr. Speaker. Would the Honourable Premier commit to providing a report to this House within the first three months of 2026 regarding the progress being made towards medically fit -for-discharge seniors entering suitable accommodation? Thank you. That's my final question. Hon. E. …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Okay. Thank you. The next Member who has questions for you is the MP Linda Smith. QUESTION 1: CARICOM PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

Ms. Linda Smith Good morning, Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members of the House. Earlier this year, Government said it was planning to launch a public awareness campaign about full membership in CARICOM. The expectation was that it would begin in November, and so far that has not happened. However, over the weekend, I …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier . Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am uncertain if the Minister of Home Affairs has provided answers to those questions in the public domain, but I think when these particular questions have been asked, we have said we are still awaiting feedback from the United …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY

Ms. Linda Smith Yes, I do. Given that the participants in the survey have not received sufficient information to develop an informed opinion, how will the data that will come from this survey be used and represented as part of the whole informational campaign?

The Speaker The Speaker Premier . Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I cannot answer a hypothetical question on the floor of the House. But I am certain that what will happen is that we will have a full and robust public consultation, as has been prom-ised in the T hrone Speech.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Now, you only have one question, one supplementary . Okay ? Thank you. The next Member who has questions now will be MP Swan. Would you like to put your question?

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Yes, good morning and thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. QUESTION 1: COST OF LIVING , UPDATE ON ACTION TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT TO REDUCE FOR BERMUDIANS

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Mr. Speaker, in speaking with constituents, I can confirm that the number one is-sue is the cost of living. I know the Honourable Premier knows this to be true. So, Mr. Speaker, can the Honourable Premier please update this Honourable House on what actions the Government has taken this year …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Before I call on MP Swan for his supplementary, there are two supplementaries. I should have allowed MP Smith a second supplementary. So, after we do MP Swan , if MP Smith would like to do a second supplementary, we will come back to [her]. MP Sw an, …

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the Premier for his answer. I think we all can accept that there is more work that can be done. Can the Honourable Premier provide further details on how the Affordable Bermuda Basket Initiative is helping working families and what has been …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Garden Market. Hon. E. David Burt: Garden Market, thank you.

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Both. Hon. E. David Burt: Both. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, the public can now clearly see marked signage for in- store participating items, and there has also been a dedicated website that has been launched, costofliving.gov.bm, where people can track savings and access information. This is about trans parency, fairness, …

The Speaker The Speaker MP Swan , do you have a second supplementary ?

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Yes, Mr. Speaker. I guess that game was the one between St. George's and Cougar's that ended in a thrilling 3- 3 tie. My St. George's Colts are playing good ball ; but we wanted the victory that time. A great initiative , Mr. Speaker. A final supplementary. Can the …

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Yes. Hello, Madam [Deputy] Speaker. Good to see you this morning.

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Good morning. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much. Madam Deputy Speaker, the Honourable Member does raise a key point . And to certainly support accountability, the Ministry of Home Affairs, in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance, in the next session, will be bringing forward further amendments to …

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Premier. 1758 12 December 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly I think the Member [Swan] used up his second supplemental, so I am going to go back to Member Smith so that she can ask her second supplemental. QUESTION 1: CARICOM : PUBLIC AWARENESS CAMPAIGN SUPPLEMENTARY

Ms. Linda Smith Thank you, Madam Deputy Speaker. Just to put it in context so we do not lose where we were, my questions were about the public survey that has been done with respect to CARICOM membership. And I actually took the survey, so my questions are in relation to the questions …

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Premier . Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you. When the consultation begins, Madam Deputy Speaker, those plans will be revealed. But I can share with the Honourable Member, as I have said numerous times in this House, this will not be going to a referendum. It will be …

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you, Premier. Now I think Member Fa hy has questions for the Premier. Member? QUESTION 1: MUNICIPAL REFORM ACT Hon. Michael Fahy: Yes. Good morning, Madam Deputy Speaker. Given the recent success of the Bermuda Government in respect of the Privy Council hearing on municipality reform, is it anticipated …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier . Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I will not get ahead of the Cabinet , on this one particularly , and if there is news to report . . . but I will say that certainly we have won on this. We have prevailed. It is very simple. …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Premier. Do you have a supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Michael Fahy: I do. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Given that it would appear that the matter is still before Cabinet, I do ask, however, if the Premier can confirm whether there will be municipal elections that are due next year, …

The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary? Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you, sir. No, thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay, thank you. The next question this morning will be from Government Whip, MP Tyrrell . Bermuda House of Assembly QUESTION 1: C OMMUNITY AND SPORTING CLUBS, GOVERNMENT SUPPORT OF

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Good morning, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. Mr. Speaker, in July this year, on the floor of this House, I asked the Premier about support for com-munity clubs as outlined in the budget. At that time, the Premier advised that $1 million had been allocated for grants and a new online …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Great question. Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Honourable Member for following up on this important matter. I do know that the community clubs in our community were, I guess I would say, anxiously awaiting updates. I would like to, Mr. Speaker, take this …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary ? SUPPLEMENTARY

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Yes, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. These colours here are disturbing me.

The Speaker The Speaker I could understand that. [Inaudible interjections]

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Exciting me. Exciting me. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Premier for the response and certainly the comparison that he already made . But my supplementary, Mr. Speaker, is , I am glad to hear that the Government has continued to provide robust support to local clubs. Can the Premier confirm …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. The Honourable Member is certainly correct, because capital development grants do support essen-tial upgrades to club facilities and infrastructure. This, of course, means repairs to plumbing, roofing, painting, new flooring, new windows, and much more work that is carried …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Second supplementary ?

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell That's it for me, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Thank you. Premier, the next Member's question is from MP Pearman. MP Pearman. QUESTION 1: DEATH INQUEST LEGISLATION UPDATE ON PROPOSED AMENDMENT

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning to the listening public. Honourable Premier, have the Honourable Premier and the Honourable and Learned Attorney General now had a chance to consider further the Opposition's offer to assist in reforming Bermuda's inquest 1760 12 December 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY

Mr. Scott Pearman I am grateful for that confirmation and will do so. Supplementary . As a reminder, Bermuda held only four public inquests in the past decade, where we saw almost 1,000 sudden or unexpected deaths. Would the Premier agree with me that this is an important issue requiring legislative change or …

The Speaker The Speaker Further supplementary?

Mr. Scott Pearman No further, thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. The next one . Opposition Whip, would you like to put your question? Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Yes. Good morning, and thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just as a pref ace, I have been asking this question on at least two occasions , officially, and still have not gotten an …

The Speaker The Speaker Put your question. QUESTION 1: OARRS INCORPORATED SETTLEMENT Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Government was taken to court by a company called O ARRS Incorporated. We would like to know how much did the Government settle out of court for this case. I have asked twice and no answer.

The Speaker The Speaker Premi er. Hon. E. David Burt: I would please encourage the Honourable Member . . . and I know that he continues to ask questions of a factual nature unprompted during these things. If the Honourable Member would like to submit that question in writing, I will certainly seek counsel …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Mr. Speaker, my apologies, but that answer is the same answer that was given twice before. [Inaudible interjection] Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: No, no, no. Now, hold on a second.

The Speaker The Speaker Members, Members, Members. Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: There's no need for me to write in. I am asking the question. He agreed to bring the answer to this House, and it has not been brought to this House. I don't need to write the question down. I am giving it …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier, one of the things that we have actually discussed in- House is making sure that we have a follow -up to commitments that are supposed to be followed up to. We will make sure there is a reminder for you. POINT OF ORDER Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, …

The Speaker The Speaker To be clear, Mr. Premier, I was not implying that you would have that information in your pocket. That's nothing that you would carry in your pocket today, so do not think that was what I was implying. The comment that was made, that there have been conversations in the …

The Speaker The Speaker All right. Okay. Anything further? Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: The Premier is incorrect. The first time I asked the question, he said he would bring the answer [in] following weeks. The second time I asked the question, then he insisted on me writing the question to him.

The Speaker The Speaker Ah, ah — Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: So, from the first question, it should have been answered. It has been years.

The Speaker The Speaker All right. No further question. No further question. That's been noted now. Okay. The next Member who has a question for you, Premier, is MP Dill.

Rev. Dr. Emilygail A. Dill Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning.

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning. QUESTION 1: SHORELINK SYSTEM UPDATES

Rev. Dr. Emilygail A. Dill Yes. The Government has often spoken about using technology to improve public services. Could the Honourable Premier please update this Honourable House on the recent improvements made to the Shorelink system?

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I think that the matters that are related on public transport are important, and I think that the investment — [Inaudible interjection] Hon. E. David Burt: Sorry?

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Shouldn’t the Minister be the one to answer that?

The Speaker The Speaker The Premier can answer questions and put his answer —he has answered questions all morning that were in . . . that were not directly in his Ministry. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker. [Inaudible interjections]

The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I think that public transport is important for a large number of Bermudians and Bermuda's residents . And the significant investment that this Government has made in public transport, whether it is new buses, new ferries, or increased technology to make the …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Thank you, Members. That brings an end to Premier's Question Period. QUESTION PERIOD

The Speaker The Speaker We will now move on to the general question period. And from the Statements . . . well, first of all, before we get to Statements we have got written questions which were submitted. And we will go to the written questions first before we deal with the questions from …

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker And it is an oral response you are seeking. 1762 12 December 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly QUESTION 1: BERMUDA HOSPITALS BOARD, GOVERNMENT FUNDING OF PAYMENTS OWED TO BPSU STAFF AT THE BHB

Dr. Douglas DeCouto That's correct, Mr. Speaker. Will the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House whether any additional Government financial grant or assistance to the Bermuda Hospitals Board may be needed to support the recent pay rise agreement between the BPSU and the BHB? Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary?

Dr. Douglas DeCouto No, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay, thank you. Thank you, Minister. The next written question this morning is also from MP DeCouto to the Minister for Cabinet Office and Digital Intervention, and this is for oral response as well. Would you like to put your question? QUESTION 1: SENATORS AND MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF …

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Honourable Minister please provide this Honourable House with a list of all Senators and Members of the House of Assembly who are currently receiving or have received any form of remuneration or compensation over and above their parliamentary or ministerial salaries for any …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister . Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I know we did write to your office again this week. We are still compiling this information.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, and the Minister has indicated that his office is working on it, but because of the vastness of the question they have not been able to compile it as quickly as you asked them. So, they have committed to getting the information, and once it is in hand it …

The Speaker The Speaker Well, you have to come forward with questions at another point . But you received your response. Hon. Michael Fahy: I have. Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. The next is written questions this time from MP Linda Smith to the Minister of Public Works and Envi-ronment. Have you received your [written] responses ? QUESTION 1: RAT POPULATION, MEASURES TAKEN BY GOVERNMENT TO CONTROL

Ms. Linda Smith Yes, I have. And thank you very much.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker?

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. POINT OF INFORMATION Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Yes, I rise on a point of order with respect to the questions that we were just referring to. They were directed to the wrong Minister, and I do have answers from the Ministry of Health that I can table with this …

The Speaker The Speaker For— Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Kim N. Wilson: For the ones that you just read out.

The Speaker The Speaker In reference to MP Smith's question? Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Correct.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you. [Inaudible interjection] Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Did I say “court”? Some Hon. Member s: Yes. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Sorry. [Laughter] Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Whoops. “Honourable House. ”

The Speaker The Speaker Wrong place. [Crosstalk ]

The Speaker The Speaker MP Smith, the Minister of Health actually has the answer in writing for you, so she'll supply it.

Ms. Linda Smith Thank you very much. I was going to actually resubmit them to her, so I do appreciate that.

The Speaker The Speaker No problem. Thank you for cooperating, Minister. The next written questions are from the Opposition Leader to the Minister of National Security, and these are for oral responses. Would you like to put your question? QUESTION 1: HM CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION DOCK REPAIR WORKS ON ORDNANCE ISLAND Hon. Robert King: …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Minister . Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The planning reference number is PC0N004025. The estimated cost of repair work is $350,000.

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? Or would you like to put your second question? Hon. Robert King: Supplementary, sir.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Robert King: Can the Honourable Minister confirm whether the funding for these repairs has already been allocated within the Ministry's current budget or whether supplementary funding will be required?

The Speaker The Speaker Minister . Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The work on the dock is done by Works and Engineering, so I assume that the money is in their budget.

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? Hon. Robert King: Second question, please.

The Speaker The Speaker Second question, okay. QUESTION 2: HM CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION, SPECIFIC INCREASED MEASURES TAKEN TO PROTECT BERMUDA Hon. Robert King: Will the Honourable Minister please advise this Honourable House what specific and increased measures are being taken to protect Bermuda from dangerous weapons, people, and drugs from entering this Island? Hon. …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? 1764 12 December 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Robert King: Yes, Mr. Speaker. I am not sure if the Minister answered it or not. Can the Honourable Minister advise whether the Minis-try has conducted any recent risk assessments over the [Port of] St. George's …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Speaker, if I may, I thought I had answered it clearly when I said Customs has employed a range of coordinated measures to prevent illicit drugs from entering our country.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Second supplementary? Hon. Robert King: For clarification, the question was, have they conducted any recent risk assessments of St. George's , Dockyard , and Hamilton ports and what the findings were? What were the findings? Thank you. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Speaker, after regular monitoring of our docks, …

The Speaker The Speaker Those were your two supplementaries on that one. The clock is indicating something different right now. Would you like to put your third question? Or hold that until we return? Hon. Robert King: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will do my third question. Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. QUESTION 3: HM CUSTOMS AND IMMIGRATION MAKING A BOAT AVAILABLE TO SAFEGUARD BORDERS UNTIL DOCK IS REPAIRED Hon. Robert King: Will the Honourable Minister please advise when a boat will be made available on a full -time basis to HM Customs and Immigration to safeguard our borders, understanding that …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Although Customs does not currently operate its own patrol vessel, we maintain a strong operational partnership with the Regiment Coast Guard to support maritime surveillance and interdiction efforts. We work closely with their teams to share intelligence and coor-dinate patrols. In …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Robert King: Yes, Mr. Speaker, my final question. Is the Minister aware that less than 10 per cent of the vessels that come into St. George's are being searched because they do not have the facility to go out to the boats to search them for contraband, …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister . Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Speaker, I do not have data that only 10 per cent of boats are being searched. If the Honourable Member has such data, please present it to me and I will investigate it. Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Good. Members, the clock is indicating that it is time for us to recess in just a moment. I am going to call on the Premier to do that, and we will return, and it will be 48:26 left on the clock. I will reset it after. It is …

The Speaker The Speaker Any objections? There are none. The House now stands adjourned until 2:00 pm. Bermuda House of Assembly [Gavel] Proceedings suspended at 12:33 pm Proceedings resumed at 2:03 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair]

The Speaker The Speaker Good afternoon, Member s. [Gavel]

The Speaker The Speaker The House is now back in session. When we stopped this morning, we had 48 minutes and 26 seconds. And I've got to adjust this. It does n’t do time — it does n’t do seconds, does it? No, it does not do seconds. We are going to start it …

The Speaker The Speaker Round it up ? Everybody say s to round it up. Okay, we will round it up. [Crosstalk ]

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Injury time.

The Speaker The Speaker Go up. Injury time; stop and start. Okay . This morning before we broke, we were on the Question Period, and we were doing the written questions still. And the next written question was actually the last series of written questions. It was questions from MP Robinson to the Minister …

Mr. Dwayne Robinson Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House how he intends to address the potential shortage of Bermudian workforce in the hospitality and tourism industry? Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would just like to start with a procedural point of clarification. I believe that these questions were intended for the Minister of Economy and Labour who deals with workforce and the like. However, in the interest of transparency, I have had …

The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. Hon. Owen Darrell: Mr. Speaker, these functions, as I just stated, fall within the Ministry of Economy and Labour. However, the Ministry of Economy and Labour, through the National Workforce Advisory Board, established a hospitality subcommittee in August of 2025 to ensure t hat Bermudians are well …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES

Mr. Dwayne Robinson Yes, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to the Minister for still endeavouring to answer the questions. First of all , my supplemental is, is the Minister confident that with the opening of Fairmount Southampton the Bermudian workforce will be able to sustain employment across our industry?

The Speaker The Speaker Minister . Hon. Owen Darrell: If I may, Mr. Speaker, may I defer to the Minister of Economy and Labour for the answer?

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. Jason Hayward: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead. Hon. Jason Hayward: The Minister of Economy and Labour has been on public record to say that we are assessing the gap between the skills demanded and the skills that are possessed within our domestic econ-omy. We are working directly with the hotel to identify what that gap …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Supplementary?

Mr. Dwayne Robinson Yes, Mr. Speaker, and thank you for your answer, Minister. My second supplemental is, how have the efforts to interest Bermudians in seeing hospitality and tourism as a potential career been? Can we get an update on . . . [that ]? [Inaudible interjections]

Mr. Dwayne Robinson That's my supplemental.

The Speaker The Speaker Did you hear the question? I sort of lost it. Did you get the question, Minister? Do you need to have it restate d? You got it? [Crosstalk ]

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Hon. Owen Darrell: Mr. Speaker, as my colleague said a moment ago, it is very much on record, the work that the Government is doing to not only expose Bermudians to the hospitality industry, but there have been mul-tiple job fairs at many of the hotels. It is something …

The Speaker The Speaker All right . Do you want to move on to your next question or . . . Okay? QUESTION 2: HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM INDUSTRY WORKFORCE SHORTAGE

Mr. Dwayne Robinson Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House what course of action will he take if hotels fall below the 70 per cent employment requirement for concessions due to a shortage of Bermudian workforce available?

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Owen Darrell: Yes, Mr. Speaker, if I may respond to that. Hypothetically, if that did happen, first and foremost, again, that will go to the Ministry of Economy and Labour, who will first be alerted to that, because they are the ones who do the checks. And upon …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES

Mr. Dwayne Robinson Yes, Mr. Speaker, and just for clarity, my supplemental is if a hotel does find themselves in that position due to there being a lack of workforce, not essentially them unable to try or not trying, what exactly is that assistance that will be granted to them to reach that …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Owen Darrell: Again, Mr. Speaker, I think these questions are misguided in the Ministry, but I will go on record. And rather than talk about hypotheticals, I will speak as to what is happening right now. And in accordance [with] section 5(5)(d) of the Tourism Investment Act 2017, …

Mr. Dwayne Robinson Yes, Mr. Speaker, and I just want to clarify as well that it is not about hypotheticals. This is a real potential pitfall if a hotel is trying to employ and maintain their necessary requirements for concessions and cannot find the suitable employees. So, my supplemental is, can the Minister …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Owen Darrell: Mr. Speaker, I will refer back to my answer on the previous [question] . I am not going to get into hypotheticals. I have clearly put on record what is happening and the positives that are coming out of this policy that the Bermuda Government has …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Would you like to do your third question now? QUESTION 3: HOSPITALITY AND TOURISM INDUSTRY MANAGEMENT TRAINEE PROGRAMMES

Mr. Dwayne Robinson Yes, please, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. Will the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House whether he or his Ministry request any periodic feedback or progress on the management trainee programmes within the hospitality and tourism industry, especially those tied to concessions?

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Owen Darrell: Mr. Speaker, not to sound like a broken record, but once again these questions do fall under the remit of the Minister of Economy and Labour. However, again, in full transparency, I will answer for the edification of the Bermuda public and my Honourable Me mber …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary ? SUPPLEMENTARY

Mr. Dwayne Robinson Yes, Mr. Speaker, and just for the clarity of the listening audience, because a lot of these concessions are tied to Tourism Acts and Tourism Investment Acts, I just wanted to know why does this seem like this particular question is being referred to the Ministry of Economy and Labour …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. No further . . . No. Okay. Members, that brings us to a close of the written questions. We now move on to questions from the Statements that were given this morning. Premier, your Statement, your first Statement this morning, the Opposition Leader would like to put questions …

The Speaker The Speaker Good afternoon. Hon. Robert King: —Members of the Honourable House and listening public. QUESTION 1: PROTECTION OF PUBLIC OFFICERS Hon. Robert King: Regarding the public officers bullying, harassment, intimidation and assault incidents over the past year, 2023/ 24, can you give a breakdown in the types of incidents that that …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Robert King: Can the Minister, Premier, tell us how many resulted in police reports and charges laid? Hon. E. David Burt: I cannot at this time. 1768 12 December 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Okay. Second supplementary or new question? Hon. …

The Chairman Chairman Okay. All right. Premier, that was the only Member who had questions for you. However, on your second S tatement, the Opposition Leader also has questions for you. Would you like to put your questions for the second Statement?

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Hon. E. David Burt: Opposition Leader, ooh!

The Speaker The Speaker Opposition Leader, Opposition Leader.

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Sorry! Oh, apologies. Hon. E. David Burt: Only a matter of time. Oh my. [Laughter and crosstalk] Hon. E. David Burt: Switching around. Mercy! [Inaudible interjections] Hon. E. David Burt: Spicy. QUESTION 1: GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA FISCAL UPDATE Hon. Robert King: So, this is regarding the fiscal update for 2024 …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: There is no actual delay. And as Honourable Member s opposite or the public would know I wanted nothing more than to table those S tatements in this House of Assembly because we have been trying to make sure we get them done inside of …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? Hon. Robert King: Second question.

The Speaker The Speaker Second question. Okay. QUESTION 2: GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA FISCAL UPDATE Hon. Robert King: The Premier mentioned a surplus in the budget. I believe it was $29 million. The question is, how much of this surplus money has been allocated towards the payment of debt specifically? Thank you. Hon. E. David …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you Did you have further supplementary? [No audible response.]

The Speaker The Speaker That's fine. No further question. Okay. Premier, MP DeCouto, the Shadow Minister, has a question for you. QUESTION 1: GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA FISCAL UPDATE

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes. Thank you, Mr. [Speaker] . I am sure that the Premier inadvertently misspoke because as many people know, you can of-ten choose to repay debt early should you wish. And so, my question to the Premier, has the Government considered using the surplus to repay debt early? Thank you. …

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Okay. Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Supplementary?

Dr. Douglas DeCouto No supplementary. Second question, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Second question. QUESTION 2: GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA FISCAL UPDATE

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Certainly, we are very glad to hear about the audits being done on time and thank you to the Government for heeding our calls for that and speeding that along. [Laughter and inaudible interjections ]

Dr. Douglas DeCouto I am v ery glad to hear about the surplus and the contribution and the main driver of that being the payroll tax. Can the Premier identify which industries were key drivers of those payroll tax increases? Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I cannot identify which industries are, but what I can identify is the fact that the reason why our payroll tax receipts are that high is because this Government changed the system of taxation in this country, making it more progressive against the …

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Point of information.

The Speaker The Speaker You want to put your question?

Dr. Douglas DeCouto I had a point of information.

The Speaker The Speaker Point of information. Hon. E. David Burt: You can't do that. Come on now.

The Speaker The Speaker A point of information has to be accepted by the individual. Hon. E. David Burt: Come on, you can't do that.

The Speaker The Speaker If the individual says no, then it is not accepted. The Premier has not accepted a point of information. So, you can put your question. Hon. E. David Burt: There we go, Mr. Speaker. So, let me try again.

The Speaker The Speaker Oh, you are going to respond? Oh, okay. Respond. Hon. E. David Burt: In 2023, when we came to this House with a budget, it was a budget that reduced payroll taxes for 86 per cent of workers in this country, while increasing taxes on high earners. The Honourable Member …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary or . . . third question?

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Supplemental, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARY

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Given what the Premier said, and given that economic reports , such as cited in his Statement , demonstrate how important and how much of a massive driver of the economy that international business is, and given that international business is coming out of the top of a very good …

The Speaker The Speaker Point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Unparliamentary language] Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: We have already had a lecture from you, Mr. Speaker, about language and the like. And to bring up “ boogeyman” is out of line by this Premier. I know he is on a thin line today.

The Speaker The Speaker All right. Members, let's not get riled up too soon. And Premier, I know you are skilled to use many other words, so . . . Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, if you want me to withdraw that word, I will happily withdraw that word. But the tactic that …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member There we go! [Inaudible interjections] POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: The Honourable Member is misleading the House. How can he get up there and be duplicitous, hypocritical, when he has UBP Member s within his Cabinet? [Inaudible interjections]

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Former leaders! Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Former leaders making decisions for this country. So, let’s — [Inaudible interjections]

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Let’s talk about it.

The Speaker The Speaker Premier . [Inaudible interjections]

The Speaker The Speaker Premier . Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, you know when you are getting close to the challenges on matters related to policy, — The Speaker: Okay. Just stick to the policy. Just stick to the policy. Hon. E. David Burt: —on the matters that are related to policy . …

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Put your point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: The Honourable Member is misleading the House. There is no one on this side that is upset that international business has increased under this G overnment. [Desk thumping] Some Hon. Member s: Hear, hear! Hon. L. …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Thank you. The Member is in support of what the Government is doing to increase . . . Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker —

The Speaker The Speaker —increase the business. He just wants you to understand that part on that. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the Opposition has a very funny way of showing support. But allow me to say this, Mr. Speaker. The reality is that it is Bermuda's success, led by the Bermuda Government …

The Speaker The Speaker Second supplementary or new question? Bermuda House of Assembly QUESTION 3: GOVERNMENT OF BERMUDA FISCAL UPDATE

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Third and last question, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Go ahead.

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Using the economic statistics that the Premier referred to in his Statement, we know that wholesale and retail GDP is down minus 8.2 per cent this year. We also know inflation is up from 1.7 per cent to 2.0 per cent , which is an 18.0 per cent increase. We …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Point of order, Mr. Speaker.

Dr. Douglas DeCouto —and enjoy those rewards, how are they supposed to feel about the success of international business, given the Government's inability to make the local business sector provide them with good jobs? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker I am trying to correlate the two together. And . . . I am going to ask you if you could reframe that in a better way . If you could reframe it in a better way , because it did not tie together well on that one.

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Allow me to restate, as you [asked] . We know that wholesale and retail business is down (minus ) -8.2 per cent from the same statistics that the Premier has quoted. We know that the restaurant business has had its worst year since 2021. We know …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member That’s not factual, right there. [Inaudible interjections]

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Does the Premier accept that the success of international business that is driving the top-line success of his budget, as well as the GDP numbers he talked about, does not necessarily translate to what many everyday Bermudians, who are working in the blue- collar and retail local business sectors, experience? …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier. [No audio. ] Hon. E. David Burt: . . . so, it is interesting. I hear the mutterings of its effect, but it is not correct. So, let me start with the first thing. Mr. Speaker, number one, 60 per cent of the growth is on the local business …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. That was your last question on that. Premier, there are no further questions on your Statements . We will now move on. The next S tatement that has questions this morning, this afternoon, I should say, is the S tatement by the Minister of National Security on your …

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. E. David Burt: Just a point of order. I meant to do it in the questions in regard to my S tatement.

The Speaker The Speaker Sure. POINT OF ORDER Correcting the record Hon. E. David Burt: Just two things. Number one, Mr. Speaker, is that in my Statement, I misspoke. I said that GDP was $7.1 billion. I said nominal GDP was $ 7.1 billion. That is not correct. Nominal GDP is $9.2 million. I …

The Speaker The Speaker Both . . . first of all, Premier, we value the interjection that clarified the error in the first one in that the number is a number that we will have noted for the record that you have identified the correct figure. And on the second point, Honourable Member [DeCouto] …

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Mr. Speaker, I will doublecheck against the report and revert perhaps.

The Speaker The Speaker In the meantime, you can just withdraw your number until you confirm that there. But the— 2Dr. Douglas DeCouto: I am happy to . . . you know, actually, sir, I . . . until I double- check, I am not willing to withdraw. [ Inaudible interjections]

The Speaker The Speaker No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Member s, Member s! The Minister pulled up the statistics . . . pulled up the stat s. He quoted from the stats which are current to date, and he is giving the current stats …

Dr. Douglas DeCouto I am happy to withdraw at your direction, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. I forgot where we were this time. Now, Minister, did you put your questions to the Minister of Works . . . Minister of National Security? That's right, the Minister . . . the Premier provided th at clarification. Minister of National Security, the Opposition Leader has questions …

The Speaker The Speaker The . . . I am trying to remember your Statement, or would he have the comparison in the Statement to be able to give it? Because if he doesn't have it, it is not . . . I am sure it is nothing that he would be carrying with …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Hon. Robert King: The Minister highlighted regarding youth substance abuse that 21.1 per cent . . . there was a 21.1 per cent increase in referrals for treatment. However, only 6.5 [per cent] actually received those services. Can the Minister explain why there is such a gap for referrals …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Minister, you got that one? Hon. Michael A. Weeks: I got that one.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to say that there's not a failure on the Government side, it is just an identification of our need, of need. The increase in referrals tells us that more young people are being recognised and referred for support, …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? Hon. Robert King: Yes, Mr. Speaker. SUPPLEMENTARY Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Robert King: Can the Honourable Minister provide an explanation as to why treatment uptake rates have fallen to such low levels, understanding the critical need? Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Treatment uptake has not fallen to low levels. What we are doing is recognising the need and we are putting services in place to address that need. As a matter of fact, this Government made it clear in our last Throne Speech that we were …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? [No audible response.]

The Speaker The Speaker Good ? Okay. Minister, [those are] the only questions for that Statement. We will move on. The next Statement that has questions would be the Statement for the Minister of Economy and Labour. Minister, the Opposition Leader has a question for you . . . or has questions for you. …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, the recommendations that were actually supported by the Labour Advisory Council, they were all . . . they are all advancing. And so, the recommendation regarding pay transparency, there will be a Cabinet memorandum produced to support that recommendation. The recommendation regarding strengthening the …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary? No? T hat's it? Good. Minister , MP Fahy also has questions for you. Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you. Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Good afternoon. QUESTION 1: LABOUR ADVISORY COUNCIL 2025 Hon. Michael Fahy: Would the Honourable Minister advise how many times the LAC did, in fact, meet in 2025? Hon. Jason Hayward: I will endeavour to get that information, but . . . certainly I will endeavour, but more than one, less …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. All right. The Minister said he will endeavour to get it for you. QUESTION 2: LABOUR ADVISORY COUNCIL 2025 Hon. Michael Fahy: No, I understand. Thank you. The Minister made reference in his answer as well to the Opposition Leader 's question about essential services. And in his S …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Yes. The Schedule and the legislation will be reviewed in its entirety to determine whether or not it is still fit for purpose for today's world of work.

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? Hon. Michael Fahy: No thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Thank you. Minister, that is all the questions for you on your Statement there. However, your second Statement, there are also questions. Opposition Leader , would you like to put your . . . Opposition Leader , would you like to put your question? QUESTION 1: REGISTRY GENERAL 2024 …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: There is a decline in births. We do see an increase year over year of our working population. The Ministry of Economy and Labour put out a full paper regarding retention of the local workforce. That policy paper is set to highlight the challenges that we …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Robert King: Has the Minister . . . has the Government modelled how a declining birth rate will impact on labour supply in 20 years, 30 years, 40 years, and beyond in terms of a long- term study with declining birth rates, ageing work population, and its …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: And so , the measure that we are using to monitor the impact between the workforce and the ageing population is the old-age dependency ratio [OADR] . And when we said that we needed 8,400 additional workers in Bermuda, that was based off of that particular …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Supplementary or second question? Hon. Robert King: Supplementary. Has the Government considered what impact in terms of the current declining birth rate, ageing population, and emigration is having on healthcare costs and the cost of living in this country? Thank you. That is my final question for that.

The Speaker The Speaker Mm-hmm. Hon. Jason Hayward: Yes. And in the report that the Ministry of Economy put out regarding the challenges of the ageing population, all of the challenges and considerations that the Government has to take into consideration were listed in that particular report. So, I invite the Member to review …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. [Crosstalk ]

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Let —

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Apologies, Mr. Speaker. I have the corrected information from the prior questions.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Let us . . . let us work through this piece and we will come back to that.

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker All right. Thank you. Minister, the Opposition Whip also has questions for you on, on this S tatement. QUESTION 1: REGISTRY GENERAL 2024 ANNUAL REPORT Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon, colleagues. On page 2, the Minister mentions that . . . or …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Hon. Jason Hayward: I would generally say that the decline in birth rate is a concern of the Government and it should be of national concern to all of us. I would also state that when we put policies in place, like the Child Day Care Allowance, and expand …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. All right. Supplementary or second question? [No audible response.]

The Speaker The Speaker No. Okay. The next Statement that has questions would be [for] the Minister of Home Affairs. Minister MP Fahy has questions for your S tatement on affordable Bermuda. Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. QUESTION 1: AFFORDABLE BERMUDA AGENDA UPDATE Hon. Michael Fahy: The Honourable Minister advised that there …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister . Minister . Yes. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Statement included the fact that the digital pilot was still being confirmed and that the details have not yet been solidified, but that the framework had been confirmed from the Ministry in terms of its intentions in …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you. That is a helpful clarification. I have a second question.

The Speaker The Speaker Second question. Go ahead. QUESTION 2: AFFORDABLE BERMUDA AGENDA UPDATE Hon. Michael Fahy: In respect of that framework will there be an RFP released in respect of developing the digital currency system?

The Speaker The Speaker Minister . Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: It is our intention to follow all of the processes that would be appropriate to secure a vendor for this programme. Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary? [No audible response.]

The Speaker The Speaker Turn your mic rophone on. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you. In respect of a timeline for following an RFP process, when is it likely that the digital currency pilot will actually commence?

The Speaker The Speaker Mm-hmm. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: It is our intention in the beginning of 2026.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Further questions or are you fine? Hon. Michael Fahy: A third question, please. Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Third question. Okay. QUESTION 3: AFFORDABLE BERMUDA AGENDA UPDATE Hon. Michael Fahy: And the S tatement also made mention of the fact that there would be some 400 residents that would be invited to participate in the pilot. What is the methodology that is going to be used to identify …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister . Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Thank you. We will have an application on the costofliving.gov.bm website where persons can register their interest , enrol in the courses, 1776 12 December 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly which will include training, et cetera. So, there is a time commitment …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you. So, can the Minister clarify if that is partly means -tested in that it is an affordable cost -of-living initiative? Is it anyone can apply, and if 400 apply, all 400 become part of the programme?

The Speaker The Speaker Minister . Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: We will have the necessary safeguards in place to ensure that those who need it most will be the recipients of the programme.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Hon. Michael Fahy: No, thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Thank you. Minister, that is the end of questions for that Statement. However, the same . . . MP Fa hy has questions for your second S tatement as well. QUESTION 1: NATIONAL ELECTRICITY SECTOR POLICY UPDATES Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Honourable Minister made mention …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister . Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Honourable Member will be aware that the Integrated Resource Plan is stewarded by the regulator. So, it is a regulatory function which runs parallel to the Ministry of Home Affairs policy, or energy -related discussions, which they would be having …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A supplementary . Given that the Energy Steering Committee is setting policy, I would have thought that the Integrated Resource Plan would include recommendations or not from that Energy Steering Committee. Have recommendations been made, then, by the . …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister . Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Electricity Act is quite clear in the components and how policy from the Government can be de-livered. There are minister ial directives, and there are also energy polic ies which should be informed, or once finalised and gone through the …

The Speaker The Speaker Supplementary or next . . . Hon. Michael Fahy: Next question, please.

The Speaker The Speaker Next question. Okay. QUESTION 2: NATIONAL ELECTRICITY SECTOR POLICY UPDATES Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you. The Minister made mention of the public consultation in respect of the policy recommendations from the Energy Steering Committee. Can the Minister advise how long that consultation process will remain open once that policy is …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: We do not intend to have an irregular consultation process, so the normal 14- to 30day window is envisioned.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. No further . . . Supplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you. And upon which date will the public consultation begin? Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Once that is known, we will bring that to this H onourable House . Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: All right. One more …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: So, the Ministry appreciates how important energy and energy affordability is to the people of Bermuda, and so we will not rush and be kind of cornered into a timeline at the expense of progress and also the expense of quality policy to inform the electricity …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Thank you. Hon. Michael Fahy: Third question.

The Speaker The Speaker Third question. Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Mm-hmm. QUESTION 3: NATIONAL ELECTRICITY SECTOR POLICY UPDATES Hon. Michael Fahy: Can the H onourable Minister advise how many times the Energy Steering Committee has in fact met to discuss the Energy Steering Committee policy paper?

The Speaker The Speaker Minister . Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: That I am unaware of, and I will get the number and confirm it to the Member once known.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Supplementary? Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you. I appreciate that given that it is obviously of great urgency pursuant to the Minister's Statement. Thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Oh, I thought you had a further question. [Inaudible interjection]

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. The next, before I move on to the next question, because time is running on us, I have been asked would I accept a point of order on a matter that was discussed earlier . And I am going to take the point of order, and it is , …

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. If you allow me, let me just read two numbers from the most recently released 2024 annual GDP report.

The Speaker The Speaker So, it is in reference to the earlier matter that you . . . when the Premier gave numbers and we indicated that his numbers were from a report that is current, so you with drew yours, and you are saying you have a report now that supports your number?

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, well, ye s, I am going to quote the number from the report, sir —

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member It doesn’t support your number.

Dr. Douglas DeCouto It is not the same number I quoted, but it is not the same— [Inaudible interjections]

The Speaker The Speaker Try and—

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Let me . . . let me read, may I read the number from the report, and I think it will be very, very, very clear, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker But it already differs what you . . . you,— [Timer chimes]

Dr. Douglas DeCouto It also differs from what the Government put forward, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Well— [Inaudible interjections]

Dr. Douglas DeCouto So, we, we actually —

The Speaker The Speaker Well . . . well, I was trying to get it done before the time ran out. T he time ran out. What . . . what . . . basically I was thinking was that what you were doing was going to support where your position is —

Dr. Douglas DeCouto It does, Mr. Speaker —

The Speaker The Speaker —but now your position has actually shifted again. 1778 12 December 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Dr. Douglas DeCouto: It still supports ; it is just a question of the magnitude. And it is . . . the number, the number goes down, Mr. Speaker . And …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay, all right . Well, I will take that as your point, but time has moved on —

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Understood.

The Speaker The Speaker —for us, so we can't deal with it now . I was hoping we would have dealt . . . Okay? Members, I thank you for that. The time has run out on us. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Mr. Speaker, I too had a less contentious number to provide clarity on, …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay, I will take, I will take the clarification. POINT OF CLARIFICATION Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Thank you. So, we did have confirmed for the Honourable Member that they have, the Steering Committee has met eight times.

The Speaker The Speaker Eight times. Thank you, Minister, for being able to provide that so quickly. Members, we have now concluded the Question Period, and we will now move on. CONGRATULATORY AND/OR OBITUARY SPEECHES

The Speaker The Speaker If any Member would like to . . . wishes to participate. Opposition Leader, you have your three minutes. Hon. Robert King: Thank you, sir. I just want to offer congratulations to the Wind - Reach Farm, and I know Minister Tinee, Ms. Furbert, Minister Furbert was there yesterday when …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Is there any other . . . MP . . . Deputy Premier . Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last week, Caesar ’s Pharmacy presented some awards to some famous Somerset -arians.

The Speaker The Speaker Well . . . well — Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Hang on, hang on.

The Speaker The Speaker What we did last week was acknowledge them, but we did not acknowledge the awardees. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Right.

The Speaker The Speaker That's where you are going. I follow you. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: That’s where I am going.

The Speaker The Speaker I follow you. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I just wanted to preface that. Yes, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, as you probably do, I know just about everybody who was awarded, but I would like to highlight one lady in particular, and that is Sonia Smith.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: As you know, probably, Mr. Speaker, Sonia was a super -talented athlete from a young age, and she dominated the CAR IFTA Games when she was competing, Mr. Speaker, and she earned 11 medals, five of which were gold. She set a Bermuda …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Bermuda House of Assembly Just to add, a street has been named after Sonia at her university, so she is recognised internationally as well. [Inaudible interjections]

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Well done.

The Speaker The Speaker MP Smith.

Ms. Linda Smith Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I wanted to send congratulations to the Northlands Primary School Choir. They have released a Christmas song, which is on streaming services. I listened to it the other day. It is a great song, and to hear the lovely voices . And congratulations to Terry Henry, …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Any other Member wish to make a contribution? MP Swan, you have your three minutes.

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Yes, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like for a suitable letter, if possible, sent to Mr. Bob C orraro, whose name I have mentioned [on] this floor before, for not only the resurrection of the Bermuda Goodwill [Golf] Tournament, the oldest [running] pro- am in the world, but also …

The Speaker The Speaker Eight months.

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Or eight months’ time. I am sure you agree with me, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Just for a day. He can have it for a day.

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Town of St. George’s , the Mayor and the Corporation, the National Trust, and the Ministry of Transport, especially the Minister for providing a ferry to take persons , as many as 400- and-plus, down to St. George's last week while we …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. MP Swan. Minister Weeks . Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise on a sombre note. I have just gotten the news that one of my constituents has passed away, Mrs. Pauline Augustus. Those who may not know, Mrs. Augustus is the matriarch …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Any other Member . . . MP . . . Government Whip Tyrrell.

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, when I awoke this morning, I was given some sad news of the passing of one of my constituents . And I would ask that condolences be sent to the family of Shanai Davonne Swan of Random Lane. Ms. Swan …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Government Whip. Minister Furbert, would you like your three minutes? Hon. Tinee Furbert: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. 1780 12 December 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, I would like to send congratulatory remarks out to a very important seniors' tea that occurs every …

The Speaker The Speaker Minister, the only thing that I ever heard that her grandmother stressed to me, was that it wasn't a tea, seniors tea, it was a seniors’ party. She said a party.

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Party.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, she said there wasn't a tea. [Inaudible interjections]

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Mr. Pearman, MP Pearman.

Mr. Scott Pearman Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, you may have seen in the daily a very long piece about the passage of a woman known as the “Q ueen of Bermuda's R eal Estate, ” and I am speaking, of course, about Joy Lusher. I am not going to repeat …

The Speaker The Speaker Mm-hmm.

Mr. Scott Pearman You may remember that their iconic office is over there by Darrell’s Wharf, where you come in, in the little gate, in the little building. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Associate.

Mr. Scott Pearman I knew her . . . I am so sorry. I will associate MP Zane De Silva, the Deputy Premier. I knew her personally, and she really was a remarkable woman, a woman of great charm and beauty, and an incredibly successful business lady, and she died after 94 years …

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with sad news to offer condolences to a very dear friend of mine. For some of us who have gone through the rites of joining a fraternity would know what the term “ line …

Some Hon. Members Some Hon. Members It was me. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: So associate MP Adams —

The Speaker The Speaker Minister Adams and MP — Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: And MP Dill. [Crosstalk ]

The Speaker The Speaker Any other further Member s [to] make a . . . MP Lister.

Mr. Dennis Lister III Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. I would like to start off on a sad note, firstly, sending condolences to the family of a constituent of mine, Mrs. Eleanor Dillas , more affectionately known as “Mama D.” She passed in her 105th year. Not only was she a constituent of mine, when …

Mr. Dennis Lister III I would like to associate MP Scott . But she will be forever missed by anyone who attended Bermuda Institute and the wider Seventh- day Adventist community. So, I would like to send condolences to her family. Also, Mr. Speaker, MP Smith started alluding to the Christmas c arol competition, …

Mr. Dennis Lister III In the middle school, high school category, Bermuda Institute finished first, and then the other BI, The Berkeley Institute finished second, but the overall winner was Bermuda Institute. So, I would like to say congratulations to my alma mater. Also, Mr. Speaker, I would just like to recognise a few …

The Speaker The Speaker Good morning . . . good afternoon, rather. MP Bean . . . MP D ill.

Rev. Dr. Emilygail A. Dill Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker I know her so far back. See, it went back to Bean.

Rev. Dr. Emilygail A. Dill Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon. I just, like, on a sad note, I would like for us to send condolences to the family of Mr. Vernon Outerbridge, one of our constituencies, constituents in Sand ys North. Mr. Outerbridge was a father, grandfather, wonderful community gentleman, and we express …

The Speaker The Speaker You are welcome. MP Famous .

Mr. Christopher Famous Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Good afternoon.

Mr. Christopher Famous It has been a rough week for the Augustus family because there was another younger member , some knew him as “ Jake, ” some knew him as “ Wai Zwu .” He is actually the grandson of Mr. Daniel Augustus and the son of Brenda Poole and Mr. Carlston …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? MP Fah y. Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to send congratulations and thanks to the staff of the Westmeath Residential and [Nursing] Care Home. I had the good fortune of visiting them …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Any other Member wish to make a contribution? Any other? Premier . Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, nothing except for I wish to be associated with the congratulations that were given by the Honourable Member from constituent 31, Ms. Linda Smith, in regard to the Northland Primary …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Any other Member ? No other Member ? I would j ust like to before we wrap up, just to associate myself with mainly the condolences that have been expressed to the passing of Ms . Dilla s. Ms. Dill as has been a real stalwart in the …

The Speaker The Speaker There are none. PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS

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

The Speaker The Speaker There are none. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS

The Speaker The Speaker There are no Bills to be introduced. NOTICE OF MOTION S

The Speaker The Speaker There are no Motions to be introduced. ORDERS OF THE DAY

The Speaker The Speaker The first Order of the Day to be dealt with today is the second reading of the Land Evaluation and Tax Amendments Act 2025 in the name of the . . . Junior Minister, are you presenting that? Good. Junior Minister. [Crosstalk] Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. …

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? None; continue. BILL SECOND READING Bermuda House of Assembly LAND VALUATION AND TAX AMENDMENT ACT 2025 Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to present to this H onourable House the Land Valuation and Tax Amendment Act 2025 for its second reading. This Bill …

The Speaker The Speaker [Microphone off] Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Yes, I did. Yes, I don't think they want to speak. After I gave that brilliant speech, Mr. Speaker — [Laughter] Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: —I don't think anybody else wants to.

The Speaker The Speaker [Microphone off] . . . to make a contribution at this time. Shadow Minister.

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker You have the floor.

Dr. Douglas DeCouto I would like to join with the Minister to say thank you to the team at the Land Valuation Office and the Tax Office. I mean, nobody likes to pay their land tax, but it is got to be paid, and I know that team works very hard to make …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Does any other Member wish to make a comment? MP Smith, you have the floor.

Ms. Linda Smith Yes, Mr. Speaker. It is good to see that the land tax is being digitised and modernised and that kind of thing. There wasn't any mention, and I guess it does not include the billing of the land tax, and I would like to see that move forward at some …

The Speaker The Speaker Does any other Member wish to make a comment? MP Swan .

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Mr. Speaker, I declare my interest. I am a senior, and I have had dealings with the land tax department. I just want to say thank you to the wonderful staff up there. I want to single out a St. Georgian who I have known all my St. George's life, …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP Swan. Any other Member wish to make a contribution? None? Junior Minister . Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank all those individuals who contributed and for the support. I just want to mention two things . I thought the question was going …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Deputy Speaker. House in Committee at 3:38 pm [Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo, Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL LAND VALUATION AND TAX AMENDMENT ACT 2025

The Chairman Chairman Good afternoon, Member s. We are now in Committee of the whole [House] for the Bill entitled the Land Valuation and Tax Amendment Act 2025 . I call on the Junior Minister . Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Honourable Members will find it more beneficial . . . I will move …

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that all clauses be considered at this time. Are there any objections to that? There are none. Continue, Minister . Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Clause 1, Madam Chairman. Clause 1 is a standard citation and provides a title for the Bill. Clause 2 repeals and replaces …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, [Junior] Minister. Are there any other persons who wish to speak to clauses 1 through 7? I recognise the Member from constituency 25. Member, you have the floor.

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you, [Madam] Chairman. Respecting clause 5, which modifies [section] 71 about how to send notices . Of course, we would all like to be able to send emails . But as I mentioned before in my general remarks, what mechanisms will peo-ple have to confirm that their notices …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to clauses 1 through 7? There are none. Junior Minister . Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Yes, thank you, Madam Chairman. I mean, there are several ways . There are checks and balances. And one check and balance is …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to clauses 1 through 7? There being none, Junior Minister . Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you, Madam Chairman. I move that the preamble be approved . . . Sorry, I move all clauses. 1788 12 December 2025 …

The Chairman Chairman Continue. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I move that the preamble be approved.

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

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections? There are none. So approved. [Gavel] [Motion carried: The Land Valuation and Tax Amendment Act 2025 was considered by a Committee of the whole House and passed without amendment.] House resumed at …

The Speaker The Speaker Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled Land Valuation and [Tax] Amendment Act 2025 being reported to the House as printed? There are none. The Bill has now been reported. That takes us on now to the next item on the Order Paper, which is the Bermuda Monetary …

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections to that? There are none. Continue, Junior Minister. BILL SECOND READING BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY AMENDMENT ACT 2025 Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased again to present to this Honourable House the Bermuda Monetary Authority Amendment Act 2025. The Bill amends the Bermuda Monetary …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Junior Minister. 1790 12 December 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Would any other Member wish to make a contribution? MP Pearman.

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you. Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker, and I thank [Junior] Minister Wayne Furbert for his very detailed and useful presentation. I also thank the [Junior] Minister in that he approached me prior to the reading of the brief, and we have discussed the Bill, and he has answered several of …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? There are none. Junior Minister . Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I thank the Honourable Member, and yes, we did have a discussion beforehand just to make sure that if there were any major questions I could get the …

The Speaker The Speaker Deputy Speaker . House in Committee at 4:00 pm [Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo, Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY AMENDMENT ACT 2025

The Chairman Chairman Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] for the B ill entitled the Bermuda Monetary Authority Amendment Act 2025 . I call on the Junior Minister. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you, Madam Chairman. Since it went very well in the initial stage, I believe I can …

The Chairman Chairman You would like to have all clauses considered? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Yes.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. It has been moved that all clauses (1 through 5) be considered at this time. Are there any objections to that? There being none; so approved. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Madam Chairman, clause 1 provides the citation of the Bill. Clause 2 amends section 31 of the BMA Act …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to clauses 1 through 5? I call on the Member from constituency 22. Member, you have the floor.

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Madam Chairman, and thanks to the [Junior] Minister again. I have two questions in C ommittee. The first is at page 3 of the Bill in relation to clause 4, which is at the bottom of page 3, and clause 4 is making an amendment by insertion into …

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Thank you. Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to clauses 1 through 5? There being none . . . Junior Minister . Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I will do my best to try to answer those questions, or that particular question. Should a banking crisis …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Junior Minister. Are there any other Member s who wish to speak? I recognise the Member from constituency 22. Member, you have the floor.

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Madam Chairman. I thank the Honourable Junior Minister Furbert for that answer, which makes perfect sense, and I am grateful for the explanation and the development. My second and further and final question is over at page 4 of the Bill, still under clause 4, but this time …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to clauses 1 through 5? There being none, Junior Minister, if you are ready to answer. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Yes, I believe I do, unless I am not answering appropriately, but I will . . . and …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Junior Minister. Are there any other Member s who wish to speak? I recognise the Member from constituency 22.

Mr. Scott Pearman I thank Honourable [Junior] Minister Furbert for that clarification. That's very helpful, and I have no further questions. Thank you.

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. 1792 12 December 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to clauses 1 through 5? There being none, I call on the Junior Minister. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you, Madam Chairman. I move that the Bill …

The Chairman Chairman Be approved. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: —be approved.

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

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections? There are none. [Crosstalk] Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I move that the Bill—

The Chairman Chairman You want to move the Schedule, too. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Oh yes, ye s, I move the Schedule, also, Madam Chairman.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Be approved. It has been moved that the S chedule be approved. Are there any objections? There are none. [Motion carried: The Schedule passed.]

The Chairman Chairman Continue, Junior Minister. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I move that the B ill be reported to the House as printed.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections to that? I see there being none . . . So approved. [Gavel] [Motion carried: The Bermuda Monetary Authority Amendment Act 2025 was considered by a Committee of the whole House and …

The Speaker The Speaker Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Bermuda Monetary Authority Amendment Act 2025 being reported to the House as printed? There are none. The Bill has been reported. Members, that moves us now on to the next item on the Order Paper, which is the second reading …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Hon. E. David Burt: My misreading. No one else's fault, Mr. Speaker. [I am] still a bit tired. You know how it is. We go to bed late.

The Speaker The Speaker No problem. No problem. We are heading in the same direction. We are getting close to the end. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that the B ill entitled the Beneficial Ownership Amendment Act 2025 be now read a second time.

The Speaker The Speaker [Are there] a ny objections? There are none. Continue, Premier. BILL SECOND READING BENEFICIA L OWNERSHIP AMENDMENT ACT 2025 Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Bill before this House is the Beneficial Ownership Amendment Act 2025. This B ill …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Premier. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? MP Pearman, you have the floor.

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I will not be long. Before I make my comments, let me just observe. Obviously, my interests are declared, but specifically in relation to this B ill, I know that a lot of industry have been discussing this amendment with the Government, and that would include …

Mr. Scott Pearman So, I know that —a practitioner even. Yes, indeed, both. We do appreciate that the Act came before Parliament in September, I think it was. September . . . around the 12th or 14th, or something in there. I think I spoke to the B ill at that time together …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Premier . Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I note the comments of the Honourable and Learned Member and the Shadow Attorney General, and before I move that the B ill be committed, …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Premier. Deputy Speaker . House in Committee at 4:16 pm [Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo, Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP AMENDMENT ACT 2025

The Chairman Chairman Members, we are now in Committee of the Whole [House] for the B ill entitled the Beneficial Ownership Amendment Act 2025 , and I call on the Premier and Finance Minister. Premier . Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, the Bill only has four …

The Chairman Chairman Okay. It has been moved that clause s 1 and 2 be considered. Are there any objections to that? There being none, continue. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, clause 1 provides a citation for the Bill. Clause 2 amends section 15 of the …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any other persons who wish to speak to clauses 1 and 2? There being none . . . Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Madam Chairman. I move that clauses 1 and 2 be approved and stand part of the Bill.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 1 and 2 be approved and stand as part of the Bill. Are there any objections? There are none. So approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 and 2 passed.] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you. Madam Chairman, we will now move on to clause 3. …

The Chairman Chairman Yes. It has been moved that clause 3 be considered with the amendment for consideration. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you.

The Chairman Chairman There are no objections on the floor , so yes. AMENDMEN T TO CLAUSE 3 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you. Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. In regard to clause 3, clause 3 as written was amending section 16. There is the amendment that has been introduced and the …

The Chairman Chairman I think you can. Then it makes it easier for any questions that come. Hon. E. David Burt: Happy to do so.

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Hon. E. David Burt: Madam Chairman, [section] 16 as written has generated potential challenges in its inter-pretation and its application. The House will recall that section 16 created a statutory approval regime for beneficial owners of legal persons. However, during the course of further analysis and industry consultation, …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. It has been moved under the amendment that the Beneficial Ownership [Amendment] Act 2025 be amended by deleting clause 3 and substituting the following new clause 3 which states “S ection 16 of the principal Act is repealed. ” Are there any objections to that amendment? There are …

The Chairman Chairman The Premier also gave the rationale behind why this amendment had to be approved. I don't think . . . it does not appear that anybody had any questions to that. The amendment is approved because there are no objections. That allows the Prem-ier to continue. [Inaudible interjection]

The Chairman Chairman You have no questions? Oh, I recognise the Member from constituency 22. You are a little slow to your feet.

Mr. Scott Pearman No, no. I just wanted to confirm that indeed, as the Premier indicated, we do have the floor amendment in front of us. It is as stated and we do support it. Thank you.

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Member . Premier , there are no other persons who seem to willingly want to speak to this amendment , so you have the floor. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, I move that clause . . . I am grateful for …

The Chairman Chairman Right. Hon. E. David Burt: I am grateful and I move that clause 3 be approved as amended.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. It has been moved that clause 3 be approved as amended. Are there any objections? There are none. [Motion carried: Clause 3 passed as amended.]

The Chairman Chairman Continue. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Madam Chairman. I will move to approve clause 4. 1796 12 December 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: Clause 4 is now on the table for consideration. Are there any persons objecting to the Premier moving clause 4? There …

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. Clause 4 amends s ection 27( 1) of the principal Act by repealing p aragraph (c), which inadvertently provides for regulations to be made to provide for fees subject to the negative resolution procedure. Section 27( 4) correctly provides …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Premier. Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to clause 4? There being none . . . Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. I move that clause 4 be approved as printed.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clause 4 be approved as printed. Are there any objections? There are none. [Motion carried: Clause 4 passed.] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. I move that the preamble be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Any objections? There are none. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. I move that the B ill be reported to the House as amended.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as amended. Are there any objections? There are none. So approved. [Gavel] [Motion carried: The Beneficial Ownership Amendment Act 2025 was consid ered by a Committee of the whole House and passed as amended .] House resumed at …

The Speaker The Speaker Members, are there any objections to the Bill being reported to the House as amended? There are none. The Bill has been reported with the amendment. Members, that now moves us on to the next item on the Order Paper, which is the second reading of the Insurance Amendment (No. …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier, while you are sorting yourself out, let me just acknowledge that one of our Y outh Parliament Member s is in the G allery this afternoon, and it is Jackson Langley. He is actually the Deputy Premier for the Youth Parliament and one of Bermuda's top [triathletes] . [Desk …

The Speaker The Speaker Oh! A nd I should also acknowledge that Senator Smith is in the G allery as well. [Desk thumping]

The Speaker The Speaker Sarge is just blocking him right now, but he is behind the Sargent there. Premier, we are ready whenever you are ready. Hon. E. David Burt: No problem, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move the B ill entitled the Insurance Amendment ( No. 2) Act 2025 be now read a …

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? There are none. Continue, Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. BILL SECOND READING INSURANCE AMENDMENT (NO. 2) ACT 2025 Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present to the House the Bill entitled the Insurance Amendment (No. 2) …

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the amendments primarily seek to augment the Authority 's supervisory powers in relation to the insurance group. The Authority seeks to accomplish this by : 1. clarifying when the Authority will be the group supervisor for a Bermuda insurance group; 2. introducing a …

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

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes, thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and thank you to the Premier for that lengthy and informative brief. I think people listening will get the impression that it is a long and detailed and very technical Bill, which was tabled last week , and the Premier provided a lot …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution? None? Premier . Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker , I will do my best to be polite. I note the comments of the Shadow Minister , and it is easy to …

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. Deputy. House in Committee at 4:48 pm [Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo, Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL INSURANCE AMENDMENT ( NO. 2 ) ACT 2025

The Chairman Chairman Members , we are now in C ommittee of the whole [House] for the Bill entitled Insurance Amendment (No. 2) Act 2025. I call on the Minister in charge and the Premier. Premier , you have the floor. Hon. E. David Burt: Madam Chair man, thank you very much. Madam …

The Chairman Chairman It has been proposed that clauses 1 through 10 be considered. Are there any objections? There are none. Premier . Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. Clause 1 provides for the title the Bill. Clause 2 amends section 1 of the Act with respect to definitions …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Premier. Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to clauses 1 through 10? None? There are none. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Madam Chairman. I move that clause 1 through 10 be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 1 through 10 be approved. Are there any objections? There are none. So approved. Premier. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 10 passed.] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Madam Chairman. I would like to move clauses . . . that the C ommittee take …

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that we now take under consideration clauses 11 through 20. Are there any objections? There are none. Continue, P remier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, clause 11 amends section 15A of the Act (declaration of compliance) to delete references to “a …

The Chairman Chairman Mm-hmm. Hon. E. David Burt: Clause 17 repeals and replaces section 27D of the Act (Authority may withdraw as group supervisor) to clarify the circumstances in which the Authority may withdraw as group supervisor and collaborate with the college of supervisors or relevant competent authorities with respect to group supervision …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to clauses 11 through 20, inclusively. There being none . . . Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, I move that clauses 11 through 20 be approved and stand part of the Bill.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 11 through 20 be approved and stand as part of the Bill. Are there any objections? There are none. S o approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 11 through 20 passed.]

The Chairman Chairman Premier. [Gavel] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you so much, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, I would like to move clauses 21 through 31 , which are the rest of the clauses.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that we now consider clauses 21 through to 31, inclusively . Are there any objections? There are none. Continue. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, clause 21 amends section 30JA of the A ct (material change of an insurer or …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Premier. Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to clauses 21 through 31, inclusively? There being none . . . Premier . Hon. E. David Burt: Madam Chairman, can I just have one second?

The Chairman Chairman Yes. [Pause]

The Chairman Chairman Members I just remind you we are still in Committee of the whole [House] for the Bill entitled Insurance Amendment (No. 2) Act 2025, and we are calling on the Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, I move that clauses 21 through 31 …

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that clauses 21 through 31 be approved. Are there any objections? There being none, so approved. [Gavel] [Motion carried: Clauses 21 through 31 passed.] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, I move that the preamble be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Any objections — Hon. E. David Burt: I am sorry. I messed up. My apologies.

The Chairman Chairman It is okay. You can— Hon. E. David Burt: Madam Chairman, I move that the Schedule be approved.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. It has been . . . I would have reminded you. It has been moved that the Schedule be approved. Are there any objections? There are none. So approved. [Motion carried: The Schedule passed.] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. I move to the preamble …

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections to that? Bermuda House of Assembly So approved Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, I move the Bill be reported to the House as printed.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections? There being none, so approved. [Gavel] [Motion carried: The Insurance Amendment (No. 2) Act 2025 was considered by a Committee of the whole House and passed without amendment.] [Pause] House resumed at …

The Speaker The Speaker Sorry for that. Members, t here are no objections to the Bill being reported to the H ouse. That is the Insurance Amendment (No. 2) Act 2025. We thank you for the e ffort that was taken to get that done We will now just pause for a moment . …

The Speaker The Speaker Premier, you have got an audience who has been waiting with bated breath to hear you continue. How is that? Thank you, Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: People are tired of hearing me talk. Mercy. I feel I am. [Laughter] Hon. E. David Burt: Let’s see. One more.

The Speaker The Speaker Members , the next item that we are doing now is consideration of the S upplementary Estimates (No. 1) for the financial year 2025/ 26, and it is in the name of the in the Premier and the Minister of Finance. Premier . Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very …

The Speaker The Speaker Be approved ? Yes. Hon. E. David Burt: All right, thank you, Mr. Speaker . Pursuant to that , I move that the . . . Sorry, my notes here say the House resolves itself into Committee of Supply .

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, once we get to it, we go to Committee of Supply to do it. Yes, it is done in Committee. Hon. E. David Burt: Okay,

The Speaker The Speaker So, you have moved it now. Member s, where we are is that the House will now resolve back into C ommittee. And the S upplementary Estimates will be done in the C ommittee. And we will call for the Deputy Speaker to take the Chair at this stage . …

The Speaker The Speaker Deputy Speaker. Okay . House in Committee at 5:10 pm [Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo, Chairman] COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE (NO. 1) 2025/26

The Chairman Chairman Okay, M embers . We are now in Committee of Supply . . . for the S upplementary Estimate (No. 1) for the financial year 2025[/26]. Premier , do you wish to make a S tatement? Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. [Pause] Hon. E. David …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Premier . I now call on the Minister in charge of item 1, which is Cabinet and Digital Innovation Ministry . Minister , you have the floor. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you. Thank you , Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, I move that . . .

The Chairman Chairman Heads. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: —Heads 9, 32, 43, and 61 be now taken under consideration.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Heads 9, 32, 43, and 61 be taken under consideration. Are there any objections to that? There are none. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Madam Chairman, before I begin, w ould you like for me to also move the capital that falls under my Ministry …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to H eads 9, 32, 43, [or] 61? There being none . . . [Minister.] Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Madam Chairman, I move that Heads 9, 32, 43, 61, from item 1, be now approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that under item 1 Heads 9 , 32, 43, and 61 be approved. Are there any objections ? There being none, s o approved. [Motion carried: The Cabinet Office and Digital Innova-tions , Heads 9, 32, 43, and 61 were approved.]

The Chairman Chairman I am going to allow the J unior Minister of Justice to at least introduce his brief, but I want to remind Member s that his item is not up for debate. All right? MINISTRY OF JUSTICE HEAD 25 CORRECTIONS

Mr. Dennis Lister III Good evening, Madam Chairman. In the 2025/ 26 fiscal year , Honourable Members were asked to approve a supplementary estimate to support the Department of Corrections in securing a psychologist at a cost of $65,000. T his request was driven by urgent operational needs and our broader commitment to strengthening …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, [Junior] Minister, for sharing your brief , and I remind everybody that your item is not debatable. That moves us on to item 3 which is the Ministry of Finance . I will move us beyond . . . Yes. Okay , Premier . You are just getting …

The Chairman Chairman We are considering Head 10 and H ead 11. Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much. Madam Chairman, I move that item number —

The Chairman Chairman Item 3. Hon. E. David Burt: —three, Heads 10 and 11 be now taken under consideration.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that Heads 10 and 11, under item 3, be considered. Are there any objections to that? There are none. Continue. MINISTRY OF FINANCE HEAD 10 MINISTRY HEADQUARTERS Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, t he Ministry of Finance is seeking …

The Chairman Chairman You may. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Madam Chairman. HEAD 11 ACCOUNTANT GENERAL Hon. E. David Burt: Head 11, the Ministry of Finance [is] seeking approval for an allocation of $1 million in the current financial year to enhance mental support under [the] G overnment Employee Health Insurance [GEHI] …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to item 3, Heads 10 and 11? I recognise the Member from constituency 22. Member , you have the floor.

Mr. Scott Pearman Yes. Thank you, Madam Chairman. With respect to Head 10, yes, we appreciate the Premier's comments on advancing our digital finance initiative and so forth , but perhaps he could say exactly what the money will be spent on . Will it be consultants , hardware, software, what have you? …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Member. Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to Heads 10 and 11? [Inaudible interjection]

The Chairman Chairman Member, could you repeat your question? Thank you.

Mr. Scott Pearman Yes, Madam Chairman. To repeat the question, understanding that the $250,000 for the digital f inance initiatives is intended to advance, you know , various things , the question is : What actually will the money be spent on , for example consultants , software, hardware, things like that ?

The Chairman Chairman Do you want him to itemise? Is that what you are asking ? Somewhat ?

Mr. Scott Pearman Somewhat.

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you.

The Chairman Chairman Right. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: All the above.

The Chairman Chairman Oh, okay. Hon. E. David Burt: It is consultants. It is partnerships with other agencies who are doing certain things . It is launching digital finance products. Some of those things might have to be with service providers . They do not always give us stuff for free, though we …

The Chairman Chairman Okay, thank you . [Do] a ny other Member s who wish to speak to Heads 10 and 11 of item 3 ? There being none . . . Premier . Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Madam Chairman. I move that item at that . …

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that item 3, Head s 10 and 11 be approved. Are there any objections? There are none. So approved. [Gavel] [Motion carried: The Ministry of Finance, Heads 10 and 11 approved .]

The Chairman Chairman I call on the next Ministry , which has a debatable item, and that is the Ministry of Health. Minister , you have the floor . MINISTRY OF HEALTH HEAD 24 HOSPITALS Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, I will begin with the largest item in …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister . I call on any other Member s who wish to speak to item 5, Head 24. I recognise the Member from constituency 12. Member , you have the floor. Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Thank you, [Madam Chairman]. And thank you for that brief , Minister . …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to H ead 24, under item 5? There being none . . . Minister . Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you, Madam Chairman. I thank the Honourable Member for those questions . I will take them in the …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister. Minister , would you like to have . . . No, we will do it. Do y ou want to have this approved? It is just that one. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: So, Madam Chairman, I move that item 5, Head 24 be now taken under consideration.

The Chairman Chairman It was already taken under [consideration] to be approved. Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Okay , Madam . . . Sorry . I do move that item 5, Head 24 be now approved

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that item 5, Head 24 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There are none. So approved. [Gavel] [Motion carried: The Ministry of Health, Head 24 ap-proved.]

The Chairman Chairman That moves us on to the Ministry of Public Works and Environment, which is item 6 and Head 68. I call on the relevant Minister. Minister . Hon. Jache Adams: Good evening, Madam Chairman. Bermuda House of Assembly Madam Chairman, I move that item number 6, Head 82 [sic] be …

The Chairman Chairman Is that Head 82 or H ead 68? Hon. Jache Adams: Sixty -eight. Sorry.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. Thank you. That is what I thought. Hon. Jache Adams: Sorry.

The Chairman Chairman Ah, you forgot your glasses ? [Laughter]

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that item 6, Head 68 be taken under consideration. Are there any objections to that? There are none. Minister . MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS AND ENVIRONMENT HEAD 68 PARKS Hon. Jache Adams: Madam Chairman, last week the Honourable Premier and Minister of Finance presented to this …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister . Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to item 6, Head 68? I recognise the Member from constituency 12. Member , you have the floor. Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Yes. Thank you again, [Madam Chairman]. I appreciate the Minister 's briefing on this …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to item 6, Head 68? I recognise the Member from constituency 2. Member, you had the floor. 1814 12 December 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan: Yes, Madam [Chairman]. I certainly …

The Chairman Chairman That is why he has to do [constituency] 3 first.

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Yes. I mean, you know , and I know that we all have these types of requests that come forward, so we feel it presents Bermuda particularly in a tourism a spect in a very good and positive light because notwithstanding what we think , many visitors coming to our …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Member . Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to item 6, Head 68? There being none . . . Minister . Hon. Jache Adams: Thank you, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, I first want to thank my honourable colleagues for their contributions this evening, but …

The Chairman Chairman Tsk! Tsk! Hon. Jache Adams: Yes. [Laughter] Hon. Jache Adams: But for their understanding and clarity . . . with that being said, under the existing budget, there is a plan to expand the solo sweeping programme. [Desk thumping] Hon. Jache Adams: In fact, we are looking to expand [to] …

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Hon. Jache Adams: What we are referring to . . . There is a department within Public Works and Engineering [sic] that is our roadside team that focuses on far more on just roadside sweeping. They do much more of the hedge cutting and work of that nature. Currently …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, sir. Hon. Jache Adams: Sorry . Not Works and Engineering. Sorry.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. I was s urprised that you took over a new Ministry. [Laughter]

The Chairman Chairman No. Okay . As . . . Hon. Jache Adams: Is that it?

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Hon. Jache Adams: Okay. Madam Chairman, with that being said, I move that item 6, Head 68 b e approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that item 6, Head 68 be approved. Bermuda House of Assembly Are there any o bjections to that ? There are none; s o approved Thank you, Minister. [Gavel] [Motion carried: The Ministr y of Public Works and Environment, Head 68 approved.]

The Chairman Chairman This brings us on to item 7, which is the Ministry of Tourism and T ransport , Culture and Sport. I call on the relevant Minister. Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Madam Chairman. I move that item 7, H ead 71 now be taken under consideration.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that item 7, Head 71 be taken under consideration. Any objections to that ? There are none; s o moved . MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND TRANSPORT, CULTURE AND SPORT HEAD 71 MINISTRY HEADQUARTERS Hon. Owen Darrell: Madam Chairman, events and entertainment serve as a core interface …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister. Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to item 7, Head 71? I recognise the Member from constituency 12. Member , you have the floor. Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Yes. Thank you, [Madam Chairman] , once again. And thank you, Minister, for your briefing. …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Member. Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to item 7, Head 71? I recognise the Member from constituency 2. Member , you have the floor.

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Thank you , Madam Chairman. I want to applaud the Minister for this innovative supplemental . I want to say that it fulfils a manifesto promise from 2017 to have e vents featured more prominently. I am sitting next to a former Minister who got it moving in that direction, …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to item 7, Head 71? There being none, I call on the Minister. Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you, Madam Chairman. In relation to the first question, I think the question was about how these …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister . You do have one more thing to do . You need to move your item in hand that it be approved. Yes. Hon. Owen Darrell: Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chairman. I move that item 7, He ad 71 be now approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that item 7, Head 71 be approved. Are there any objections to that? No objections. So approved. [Gavel] [Motion carried: The Mini stry of Tourism and Transport, Culture and Sport, Head 71 approved.]

The Chairman Chairman That takes us on to item 8, which is the Ministry of National Security . And under item 8 will be Head 7. I recognise the Minister. Minister , you have the floor . MINISTRY OF NATIONAL SECURITY Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, I rise …

The Chairman Chairman I was trying to catch your eye, but I could not. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: I move that item 8, Madam Chairman, He ads 7 and 9 [sic] be now tak en under consideration.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Thank you. It has . . . I did not want to disrupt you. I was just trying to get your eye. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Right. Right.

The Chairman Chairman I appreciate your eagerness . Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Yes. Okay.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that item 8— Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Seven.

The Chairman Chairman —item 8, H ead 7 (Yes.) be taken under consideration. Are there any objections to that? There are none. So, Minister, you can continue. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Let me start.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Madam Chairman, I rise today to provide a brief on the supplementary budget increase for the Ministry of National Security in the amount of $2,010,000 for the fiscal year 2025/ 26. This supplemental allocation is for two heads in our M inistry 1818 12 December …

The Chairman Chairman [Microphone off] Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Yes, I am having—

The Chairman Chairman [Microphone off] Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Yes, I am . . . I don’t see these numbers.

The Chairman Chairman You know, I know you saw $1 million and then you saw . . . then he mentioned $400,000. Minister , are you just breaking down the numbers to make up the $ 1 million? Or is this — Hon. Michael A. Weeks: No. [Inaudible interjection]

The Chairman Chairman That is why I am asking him . The paper reflects —

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member One million [dollars].

The Chairman Chairman —One million. I t does — [Inaudible interjection]

The Chairman Chairman —So, is it $2 million in total? [Inaudible interjections]

The Chairman Chairman I need to ask . . . I need to ask him. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Let me sort this out , Madam—

The Chairman Chairman We are going to take a recess for one or two minutes — [Inaudible interjection]

The Chairman Chairman He's already started his . —so that the Minister can ensure that what is in his brief is correct . Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Thank you. Apologies, but thank you. [Pause]

The Chairman Chairman I would like to remind the listening public that we are on S upplementary Estimates (No. 1) for this year , the year 2025/ 26, and we are looking at supplements that have been added to the budget . The Minister of National Security has the floor , and while …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister . [Inaudible interjections] Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Oh, it looks like everyone has figured it out . [Inaudible interjections]

The Chairman Chairman Yes, but . . . No, no. We need the clarification from you, Minister, — Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Yes . . . Yes.

The Chairman Chairman —so we know what the actual budget amount is. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Okay, we are debating the $ 1 million at this —

The Chairman Chairman That is what we are doing. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: That is Head 7.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Michael A. Weeks: So, the $1 million has been allocated for the funding of additional police officer posts that are currently vacant and unfunded. This additional funding will enable the BPS to recruit more of-ficers to bolster their ranks , demonstrates the Government 's …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you so much, Minister . Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to item 8, H ead 7? I recognise the Opposition Leader and Member for constituency 10. Member , you have the floor . Hon. Robert King: Thank you. Regarding the $1 million allocation for …

The Chairman Chairman Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to i tem 8, Head 7? I recognise the Member from constituency 20. Member , you have the floor. Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you, Madam Chairman. It was not clear , I guess given the confusion on the numbers . …

The Chairman Chairman No, the Minister made the clarification . That was for police officers. Yes. Hon. Michael Fahy: Just there. Okay. He was on the other Head. Thank you.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Thank you. Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to item 8, Head 7? Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Yes.

The Chairman Chairman I recognise the Member from constituency 12. Member , you have the floor. Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Thank you. Thank you, Madam [Chairman]. I just want to know , how many individuals we are talking about in relation to the $ 1 million ?

The Chairman Chairman How many police officers? Hon. L. Craig Cannonier: Yes.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Thank you. Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to item 8, H ead 7? There being none . . . Minister , are you ready to give . . . to answer the questions ? Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Madam Chairman. And thank …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you for the answer to that question. Yes. Are there any other persons who wish to speak to item 8, Head 7? There being none . . . Minister . Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Madam Chairman. This is the Government 's commitment to try to make our …

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that item 8, Head 7 be approved . Are there any objections ? There being none; so approved. [Gavel] [Motion carried: The Ministry of National Security, Head 7 approved.]

The Chairman Chairman This takes us to item 9, the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors , and I call on the relevant Minister. Minister , you have the floor . MINISTRY OF YOUTH, SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND SENIORS Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Madam Chairman. The Ministry of Youth, Social Development and …

The Chairman Chairman Yes, thank you for that . I noticed that you were trying to give a little bit more detail , and I think Member s will appreciate that . So, please continue with the details. HEAD 23 CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICES Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Madam Chairman. Let me …

The Chairman Chairman Yes, and we are not there yet. So, you can reserve that for then. Hon. Tinee Furbert: It is—

The Chairman Chairman We recognised that that is what you were doing, so just stick to the Ministry areas that do not fall on the capital . Hon. Tinee Furbert: It is— [Inaudible interjections]

The Chairman Chairman So, stick with current account stuff. Hon. Tinee Furbert: It is essential that the department maintain its accreditation we have attained through respected governing bodies . The additional funding of $63,200 will offset the cost associated with upholding these important recognitions of good governance. All sections of DCFS undergo rigorous …

The Chairman Chairman Member. Member, we are not on the capital works yet. And so, you— Hon. Tinee Furbert: —capital works? Bermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: Yes, some things are coming under capital works as highlighted on the supplementary estimate sheet , and I realise that persons have bundled everything together . …

The Chairman Chairman Yes, because you do not need to go into the . . . You can do that when you get to the capital section. Okay? HEAD 86 MINISTRY HEADQUARTERS Hon. Tinee Furbert: Madam Chairman, Ministry Headquarters , 86, was allocated $586,000. With this increase, the Ministry will broaden its reach …

The Chairman Chairman [That is] $ 22,500 Hon. Tinee Furbert: Madam Chairman, $22,500 —

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Hon. Tinee Furbert: —that has been awarded this year to the K . Margaret Carter Centre to support the bus driver relief programme and other essential support services. T his financial boost ensures that KMCC clients retain u ninterrupted access to core services by providing relief driver coverage allowing …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any other persons who wish to speak to item 9, Heads 86 and 23 ? I recognise the Member from constituency 22.

Mr. Scott Pearman Thank you very much , Madam Chairman. I know that you were having some difficulty following along from the Minister 's presentation as was I . I think the reason for that is ( and I really just state it for 1822 12 December 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House …

Mr. Scott Pearman So, I just would like to clarify for the record. The Minister indicated that an under H ead 86 , it would be a headline figure of $586,000. I think the actual current account is $523,000. A nd then the Minister, or rather whoever prepared her brief , has it …

Mr. Scott Pearman —and if you do the same mathematical exercise for Head 23 and add in the capital amounts , that is how those initial numbers that took us all—

Mr. Scott Pearman —by surprise . . . So, unless the Minister disagrees with what I have just said, I think we understand the position, and we are grateful for the submission. Thank you.

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Yes.

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any other persons who wish to speak to item 9, Heads 86 and 23?

Dr. Douglas DeCouto Yes. Good evening, [Madam Chairman].

The Chairman Chairman Good evening.

Dr. Douglas DeCouto With the additional support t hat is being offered to nursing homes and residential facilities, is some of this support going to be d irected towards medically fit -for-discharge seniors at the hospital?

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any other persons who wish to speak to item 9, Heads 86 and 23? There be a non e . . . Minister, w ould you like to offer [an] a nswer to the question? Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Madam Chairman. The funds a llocated …

The Chairman Chairman Minister , you have the floor . Minister , Minister , you need to move your — Hon. Tinee Furbert: Madam Chairman, I move that items . . . Heads 23 and 86 be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that under item 9, Heads 86 and 23 be approved. Are there any objections? There are none. So approved. [Gavel] [Motion carried: The Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, Heads 23 and 86 approved.] CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT (HEAD 65)

The Chairman Chairman This takes us on to the next item, which is nondebatable , and so we do not have . . . This moves us along to capital items , and item 11 to begin with. I recognise the Minister of Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation. Minister , you have the …

The Chairman Chairman Item 11 . Under item 11. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Item 11, [Head] 65 be now taken on the consideration.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that item 11 , Head 65 be taken under c onsideration. Are there any objections? There are none. So approved. Go— CABINET OFFICE Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Madam Chairman, community clubs have been given $500,000. The Ministry of for the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovations …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister. Are there any other persons who wish to speak to item 11, Head 65? I recognise the Opposition Leader and Member from constituency 10. Member , you have the floor . Hon. Robert King: Thank you, [Madam Chairman]. The question I have is : How will the …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any other persons who wish to speak to item 11, Head 65? There being none . . . Minister . Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you. Madam Chairman, I will refer to the Premier ’s Statement this morning when he spoke about the clubs and …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister . Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to item 11 , Head 65. There being none . . . Minister . Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Madam Speaker , just curious to know if we . . . Because some of these Heads …

The Chairman Chairman So, you are asking if we can move the items 11 , 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 because some of the H eads have been moved? Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Right—No, no. N one of these Heads have been moved yet.

The Chairman Chairman No, no. Under the whole s upplementary estimate, other H eads have been moved under the current account . So, you are asking whether or not we can wait till the end and move once they have been considered. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain : Once all of the capital …

The Chairman Chairman Move them all at the — Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: —have been considered.

The Chairman Chairman We can do it that way . Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: I think that would be less confusing because some of these have the same H ead numbers . [Crosstalk ]

The Chairman Chairman At the end, is it still going to be — Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: I will . . . I move that H ead—

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: I move that H ead 65 be —

The Chairman Chairman —Under item 11. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Under item 11 be approved .

The Chairman Chairman Are there any objections to t hat? There being none . . . item 11, Head 65 is approved. [Motion carried: Capital Development, Head 65 Cabinet Office approved. ]

The Chairman Chairman And I do understand what you were saying, but it is under a specific item , Minister. Yes, so that . . . Can I just say this ? In doing it this way , when we are declaring each item under the ministries , at least there is the …

The Chairman Chairman Yes, that way . This moves us to item 12, H ead 65, and I call on the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors. 1824 12 December 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly And I do understand why you asked if we could do that . [Inaudible …

The Chairman Chairman Yes, and I am going to change . . . and I am going to say that I believe that the Minister for Cabinet Office made a proper assessment . I see no reason why at the end of this . . . we can single out the various items …

The Chairman Chairman Chair. [Laughter] Hon. Tinee Furbert: Chair. Chairman. So, I have [Head] 65.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. YOUTH, SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT & SENIORS HEADQUARTERS Hon. Tinee Furbert: It has been covered, Madam Chairman. The capital expenditure f or [Head] 65 is $279,837. The allocation of $151,837 is used to upgrade the security systems across the Department of Child and Family Service s facilities to a llow for …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister . Are there any Member s who wish to speak to item 12, Head 65? There being none . . . Thank you, Minister . ENERGY

The Chairman Chairman We will move to i tem 13 on E nergy , Head 65. I recognise the Minister for that relevant department , the Minister of Home Affairs . Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Thank you, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, I move that item 13, [Head] 65 be no w taken into consideration.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that item 13 , Head 65 be taken under consideration. Are there any objections? There being none . . . Minister . Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Thank you, Madam Chairman. The Ministry of Home Affairs pursuant to its revised mandate to tackle cost in Bermuda and as …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Would any other persons like to speak to item 13, Head 65? I recognise the Opposition Leader and Member for constituency 10. Member, y ou have the floor . Hon. Robert King: Thank you, Madam Chairman. Regarding the project , I have got a few questions . When …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Member. Ministe r, when you are ready . Now, let me . . . Okay. I have seen that the Member from [constituency] 31 has stood to her feet . I will take questions from her first . 1826 12 December 2025 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House …

Ms. Linda Smith Thank you very much. My question is : Will the renewable energy sources feed into the grid, or will they just feed into the residence that has qualified for this? A nd then the other thing is : What kind of stabilisation is there for them ? And I would …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any other persons who wish to speak to item 13, Head 65? I recognise the Member from constituency 20. Member , you have the floor. Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you, Madam Chairman. Was the pilot programme an idea of the Energy [Policy] Steering Committee that we …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member It ain’t Butterfield. Hon. Michael Fahy: And if it is not Butterfield, it has got to be another one of the other two or three . And if so, whichever institution it was , how was that institution chosen? And finally , what is the number of loans that are …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any ot her Member s who wish to speak t o item 13 , Head 65? ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE CHAIRMAN HOUSE VISITOR

The Chairman Chairman There being none . . . before the Minister takes to her feet , I just want to recognise in the Gallery we have the Attorney General and Minister of Justice . So welcome. [ Desk thumping] [ Ministry of Home Affairs, Supplementary Estimate (No. 1)f or financial year 2025/26, …

The Chairman Chairman M inister . Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Thank you, Madam Chairman. I am awaiting some of these supplemental answers to some of the questions . But I noted that there were a few questions by the Honourable Member s relating to t he different types of programmes and the number of …

The Chairman Chairman Minister, are you finished? [No audible response.]

The Chairman Chairman Yes? Okay. I recognise the Member from constituency 10, the Opposition Leader . Hon. Robert King : Thank you, Madam Chairman. The question I have is , $250,000 was arrived at for the cost of this pilot . And through the process of answering the questions about this pilot, I …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Member. Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to item [number] 13 , Head 65? I recognise the Member from constituency 22. Member, y ou have the f loor . . . [constituency] 20, sorry. Member, you have the floor. Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you, …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. All right. Anyone else? I recognise the P remier . Premier . Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Madam Chairman (i n this part , I am the Minister of Finance). Though I may understand the point of which the Opposition is trying to make, I think that …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Yes. Hon. E. David Burt: —in the measures following the procurement code . But I think it is important to recognise . . . and this is the challenge when it comes to implementation. W hen you wait for the cake to be fully baked you miss out sometimes . …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any other persons who speak wish to speak to item 13 , Head 65? Hon. Michael Fahy: I appreciate the —

The Chairman Chairman I do recognise the Member from constituency 20. Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you.

The Chairman Chairman You have the floor. Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you. I appreciate the Premier 's intervention. However, what we heard , is that the Premier declined to give more. He was actually asked for more. So, I would be curious to know what that sum was and why that number was …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Do any other Member s wish to speak to item 13, Head 65? I recognise the Member from constituency 10 and Opposition Leader. Member , you have the floor. Hon. Robert King: Thank you, Madam Chairman. The issue that we have is the allocation of funds , $250,000, …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Member. Any other persons wish to speak to i tem 13, Head 65? No other ? Minister. Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Thank you, Madam Chairman. I was going to also add, by way of contribution, the fact that there are a number of v endors that we have researched …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister . Are there any other persons who wish to speak to item 13, Head 65? There being none. That will move us . . . Minister, w e can allow the next Minister to move the entirety of the items that deal with Head 65. So, if …

The Chairman Chairman Sorry, this now takes us to i tem 14, [Head 65] under the Ministry of Housing. I call on the relevant Minister. Minister, you have the floor. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, I move i tem 14, Head 65 be now taken under …

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that item 14 , Head 65 be taken under consideration. Are there any objections? There being none. So moved. BERMUDA HOUSING CORPORATION Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman , I am excited tonight . I am excited to discuss this …

The Chairman Chairman Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to item 14, Head 65? I recognise the Member from constituency 20. Member, you have the floor. 1830 12 December 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you, Madam Chairman. Thank you to the Minister …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any other persons who wish to speak to item 14, Head 65 ? There being none . . . Minister. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, Madam Chairman, the $400,000 will be used for an assortment . Obviously, you know that the former Minister would …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister. Are there any other Member s who wish to speak to item 14 , Head 65? There being none . . . Minister. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Madam Chairman. I move items 11, 12, 13 and 14, all Head 65.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that items 11 through to 16 . . . sorry, through 14, be approved. Are there any objections? There are none. So approved. [Motion carried: Capital Devel opment, Head 65 approved in its entirety .]

The Chairman Chairman That takes us on to item 15 , on the Department of Planning under the Minister for Cabinet Office. Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, I move that item 15, Head 66 be now taken under consideration.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that item 15 , Head 66 be taken under consideration. Are there any objections? There being none. Continue. CAPITAL ACQUISITIONS (HEAD 66 ) PLANNING Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Madam Chairman, the Department of Planning has been allocated $48,000 to support the migration of the Energov …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any other persons who wish to speak to item 16, Head . . . sorry, [item] 15, Head 66? There being no other persons . . . Minister. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Madam Chairman, I move item 16, Head 66, I nformation & Digital Technologies …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. You want it for approval now or shall we be until we do all of [Head] 66? Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: All— [Crosstalk]

The Chairman Chairman Well, we can wait for the last Minister to move H ead 66, be approved for all the items . Thank you. I now call on the Minister for Information and Digital Technologies . Minister . Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you.

The Chairman Chairman That’s you again. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Yes, yes. I thought I . . . I already said I moved that , I moved that item 16 , Head 66 now be taken under consideration .

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that item 16 , Head 66, be taken under consideration . Any objections ? There being none. Continue. INFORMATION AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Madam Chairman. [Madam Chairman,] $387,000 is being allocated for cloud and mobile security enhancements . IDT [Information …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister . Are there any other persons who wish to speak to item 16, Head 66? There being no other persons . Thank you. This takes us on to the next item, item 17. I recognise you again , Minister. You may . . . you have the …

The Chairman Chairman [Head] 66. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: —[Head] 66 be now taken under consideration.

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. It has been moved item 17 , Head 66, be considered. Are there any objections? There are none. [Crosstalk ] EDUCATION HEADQUARTERS Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Madam Chairman , I am pleased to outline how the Government is translating stronger economic performance and prudent fiscal management into …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister . Are there any other persons who wish to speak to item 17, Head 66 . There being none . That takes us on to item 18. I call on the Minister for National Security . Minister, you have the floor . Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank …

The Chairman Chairman And you have one brief for both? Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Yes.

The Chairman Chairman Okay. And it is the same Head, so I will allow that , yes. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, I move that items 18 and 19, Head 66 be now taken under consideration.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that items 18 and 19 under H ead 66 be taken under consideration. Are there any objections to that? There being none. Continue. POLICE Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Madam Chairman, $410,000 has been allocated to the Bermuda Police Service [BPS] for the purchase of much- needed …

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. Are there any other persons who wish to speak to items 18 and 19, Head 66? I recognise the Member from constituency 20. Member, y ou have the floor. Hon. Michael Fahy: Thank you, Madam Chairman. The Honourable Minister made mention of the sums of money for police …

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Yes. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: The $410,000 is for police vehicles . And they will be for frontline and administrative.

The Chairman Chairman Thank you, Minister. Are there any other persons who wish to speak to items 18 and 19, under H ead 66? There being none . . . Minister , can I have you move the items from . . . Hon. Michael A. Weeks: [Item] 15.

The Chairman Chairman Items 15 through to 19? Thank you. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Madam Chairman, I move that items 18 and 19 . . .

The Chairman Chairman Along with . Hon. Michael A. Weeks: [Items] 15, 16 and 17, Head 66, be approved.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that items 15 through to 19, under Head 66, be approved. Are there any objections? There are none. So approved. [Motion carried: Head 66 approved in its entirety.]

The Chairman Chairman Thank you. [Gavel]

The Chairman Chairman I now call on the Minister of Finance, and the Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, M adam, Chairman. I assume that the non- debatable Heads were moved?

The Chairman Chairman No, those are [item] 2, I think [item] 5 and . . . I forget the other one. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you.

The Chairman Chairman Yes. Hon. E. David Burt: Madam Chairman, I move , at this point in time, Head 2 . . . I am sorry , that item 2, item 4 and item 10 stand a part of the Supplementary Estimate and be approved.

The Chairman Chairman Yes, it has been moved that item 2, item 4 and item 10 as part of the Supplemental Estimate No. 1 be approved. Are there any objections ? There being none. So approved. [Motion carried: Capital Acquisitions , Head 66 approved in its entirety .]

The Chairman Chairman Minister. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, I move that Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for financial year 2025/26, as printed, be reported to the H ouse.

The Chairman Chairman It has been moved that [Supplementary Estimate] (No. 1) for financial year 2025 /26 be approved as printed and reported to the House. Are there any objections to that? There are none. So, [Supplementary ] Estimate (No. 1) for financial year 2025/26 has been approved. [Motion carried: Supplementary Estimate ( …

The Chairman Chairman I now call on the S peaker . [Gavel ] House resumed at 7:36 pm 1834 12 December 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF COMMITTEE SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE (NO. 1) 2025/26

The Speaker The Speaker Good evening, Member s. [Crosstalk]

The Speaker The Speaker Good evening, Member s, are there any objections to the Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for financial year 2025 /26 being reported back to the House? There are none. Thank you, Member s. Members , that brings us to an end of the items on the Order Paper for today . …

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. Any objections? No. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.]

The Speaker The Speaker Continue. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker. BILL THIRD READING INSURANCE AMENDMENT (NO. 2) ACT 2025 Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker , I move the Bill entitled Insurance Amendment (No.2) Act 2025 be now read for the third time by its title only and passed.

The Speaker The Speaker The Bill has been read a third time by its title only and it is now passed. [Motion carried: The Insurance Amendment (No. 2) Act 2025 was read a third time and passed.] SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I move that S tanding Order …

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? There are none. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.]

The Speaker The Speaker Continue. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. BILL THIRD READING BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP AMENDMENT ACT 2025 Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker , I move the Bill entitled the Beneficial Ownership Amendment Act 2025 be now read a third time by its title only and passed.

The Speaker The Speaker The Bill has read a third time by title only and it is now passed. [Motion carried: The Beneficial Ownership Amendment Act 2025 was read a third time and passed.] Hon. E. David Burt: Junior Minister.

The Speaker The Speaker Junior Minister.

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member [He is] not here.

The Speaker The Speaker He’s not here. Oh. Okay.

Mr. Dennis Lister III Good evening, Mr. Speaker. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21

Mr. Dennis Lister III I move that Standing Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move that the Bill entitled Land Valuation and Tax Amendment Act 2025 be now read the third time by its title only .

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? None. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.]

The Speaker The Speaker Continue. BILL Bermuda House of Assembly THIRD READING LAND VALUATION AND TAX AMENDMENT ACT 2025

Mr. Dennis Lister III I move that the Bill be now read a third time by its title only and passed.

The Speaker The Speaker The Bill has read by its title only and is now passed. [Motion carried: The Land Valuation and Tax Amendment Act 2025 was read a third time and passed.] SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21

Mr. Dennis Lister III Mr. Speaker, I move that Standing Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move that the Bill entitled Bermuda Monetary Authority Amendment Act 2025 be now read the third time by its title only.

The Speaker The Speaker Are there any objections? There are none. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY AMENDMENT ACT 2025

Mr. Dennis Lister III I move that the Bill be now read for a third time by its title only and passed.

The Speaker The Speaker The Bill has been read a third time by title only and is now passed. [Motion carried: The Bermuda Monetary Authority Amendment Act 2025 was read a third time and passed.]

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Members , that is it for the third readings of our Bills. So that will conclude the business of the day .

Mr. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt premier Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. ADJOURNMENT Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker , I move that this Honourable House do now adjourn until F riday , February 20.

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Oh! [Crosstalk]

The Speaker The Speaker Okay. All right, okay . Any objections to that ? [Laughter]

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member No, that sounds good.

The Speaker The Speaker It sounds good. Everybody is smiling all of a sudden.

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Can’t complain about that.

The Speaker The Speaker Does any Member … does any Member wish . . . oh, that’s right. That’s right, that’s right. [Laughter and crosstalk ]

The Speaker The Speaker Before we . . . wait, wait, wait. Now before we actually speak to that . . . because I see we do have a Member on his feet that wishes . . . I am assuming you wish to speak, MP Famous? Well, actually your Whip has a procedure. …

The Speaker The Speaker No, we haven’t —

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker I passed by . . . I bypassed to the fellow down there [who has] St. George’s colours on the front of him. See?

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Well, Mr. Speaker , it happened last year as well, so I really . . . there was no colour sitting here last week.

The Speaker The Speaker Look at his colours, see that? [Crosstalk and laughter ] SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Mr. Speaker , I move that S tanding Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move that a message be sent t o the S enate conveying C hristmas and New Year’s greetings . 1836 12 December 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Any objections …

The Speaker The Speaker There are none. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] MESSAGE TO THE SENATE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S GREETINGS

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell To the Honourable the President and the Member s of the Senate: The Speaker and the Member s of the H ouse of Assembly desire to extend to the President and Member s of the Senate our greetings and best w ishes for C hristmas and the N ew Year. …

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell Mr. Speaker , I move that S tanding Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move that Christmas greetings and best wishes for the N ew Year be conveyed to His Honour , the Speaker . [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] [Desk thumping and inaudible interjections ]

The Speaker The Speaker Well received. And thank you. Yes. MESSAGE TO THE SPEAKER CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S GREETINGS

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell I move that H is Honour the Speaker be requested to accept C hristmas greetings and best wishes for the N ew Year from the Member s of the House of A ssembly .

The Speaker The Speaker [INAUDIBLE] . . . said it well received. Okay. [Laughter] SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell I move that Standing Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move that Christmas greetings and best wishes for the New Year be conveyed to His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Andrew Murdoch.

The Speaker The Speaker No objections . [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] MESSAGE TO THE GOVERNOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S GREETINGS

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell I move that H is Honour the Speaker be requested to convey to H is Excellency the Governor , Mr. Andrew Murdoch, hearty Christmas greetings and best wishes for the New Year from the Speaker and the Member s of the H ouse of Assembly.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Mr. Whip. [We] a ppreciate that very much. And having received that, I say Merry Christmas to you and everyone else present here this evening.

Mr. Neville S. Tyrrell You are most wel come.

The Speaker The Speaker Now, we are on the m otion to a djourn. Hon. E. David Burt: Would you like me to move to adjourn properly, Mr. Speaker?

The Speaker The Speaker Well, we moved it just now . So, MP Famous was on his feet , but I had— [Laughter]

Mr. Christopher Famous I won't be long , Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker —talked to his cousin. So that . . . his cousin. Go ahead.

Mr. Christopher Famous Happy Sabbath, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Happy Sabbath to you.

Mr. Christopher Famous And junior Lister.

Mr. Speaker. The Speaker Yes. BLACK BERMUDIANS BECOMING A MINORITY IN BERMUDA—HONEST CONVERSATION S FOR SOLUTION NEEDED

Mr. Christopher Famous I just saw a note from a reputable news agency in the Cayman Islands , that said that their population has now exceeded 90, 000 persons , a 5 per cent population growth in the last two years . Some may say that is good. Caymanians are now the m …

Mr. Christopher Famous Who do you call?

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Ghostbusters.

Mr. Christopher Famous Ghostbusters. [Laughter]

Mr. Christopher Famous All right . [Knocks on the lectern.]

Mr. Christopher Famous It is the plumber . I have come to fix your sink. Mr. Speaker , there was an avid online discussion on F acebook earlier this week . A lady complaining that she cannot find Bermudians working construction, plumbing, electrical , blah, blah, blah. R ight? And she was quite …

The Speaker The Speaker Deputy Premier, you rose very quickly that time. I am assuming you want your time on the floor? Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I did, thank you.

The Speaker The Speaker You have your 20 minutes, sir. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I did not want that gavel to be struck too quickly , because I know you can be rather quick when you are ready.

The Speaker The Speaker Oh, not tonight. I'll be slow tonight. HOLIDAY GREETINGS AND REFLECTIONS Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Okay, that is good. Mr Speaker , I rise tonight b ecause I would like to wish all my constituents in [constituency] 29 a very merry, happy , healthy Christmas holiday season, Mr. …

The Speaker The Speaker Mm-hmm.

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Ah! Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: —Mr. Speaker , led by their CEO, Mr. Paul M artin. [Laughter] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: And their Chairman, Mr. Chris Famous .

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Yes! [Desk thumping] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Mr. Speaker , having been in this seat now for approaching a year , [and] if I last that long, until February . [Laughter]

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member You should last until October. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Right ? But what , what I — [Laughter] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Actually, we are talking about that just now . I am . . . I am . . . I have totally lost track …

The Speaker The Speaker Take a breather. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: But what happens is , Mr. Speaker , during my time I receive, literally , many calls in a given week . Sometimes two, three, four, five, six times a day , and I do not say that loosely . If …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Hear, hear! [Desk thumping] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: —and I hope they e njoy the Christmas season . And all colleagues in the H ouse have tapped and agreed that they , too, send their best wishes to the staff . And I would like to finish , …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. MP Simmons , would you like your time on the floor here?

Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Go right ahead. PUBLIC SERVICE —DO YOU WANT THE TITLE OR DO YOU WANT THE JOB ?

Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Good evening, colleagues , and good evening to the people of Bermuda. Last week I had the pleasure and the opportunity to see one of my predecessors in S andys South, the most Honourable Walter Lister, a former Member of this Honourable Chamber . And seeing him at an event …

The Speaker The Speaker Mm-hmm.

Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons And the seat that you held, will become somebody else's . Bermuda House of Assembly And, y ou know , I ha ve been around a little bit and I am hoping to . . . as I said, I am hoping to stick around a little bit longer , …

Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons And so, there are many people . . . I remember years ago there was a person who wanted to run for Parliament . And I said, Well, do you know what we do? And h e said , Yeah, you guys put on a suit , you go give …

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. HOLIDAY GREETINGS AND REFLECTIONS

Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Okay ? So, as we depart for the holidays, I would like to join the Honourable Deputy Premier in wishing a Merry Christmas , Happy Holidays , to all who celebrate , and best wishes to all who do not. And I would also like to extend the hand of …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Merry C hristmas to you . MP Smith .

Ms. Linda Smith Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker You’re welcome. ROAD SAFETY —NEED FOR GREATER AWARENESS OF THE RESPONSIBILITY THAT WE HAVE TOWARD EACH OTHER

Ms. Linda Smith On the motion to adjourn last week , I got a message on my phone. And it really , really upset me, and it made me think about the upcoming holidays and the end of the year . It was a really awful traffic accident that occurred on Middle Road …

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

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Here we go!

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Mr. Speaker ?

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. HOLIDAY GREETINGS AND REFLECTIONS

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan So as not to reflect on a past speech, I was just looking back at a year ago w hen I said, I think it is good to speak on the motion to adjourn, especially when you come for these periods between the holidays. Christmas period. The summer recess. Last …

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan My political instincts have not been around since 1983 when I first ran for Parliament and I waited some 25 years. I remembered that there is a very good possibility that t hat could very well be the case. I saw a lot of parallels between w hat took place …

The Speaker The Speaker All right .

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan And she worked at Port Royal. And the election was called right around C hristmas, and it was held on February [4]. So, for those persons who were encouraged by that same person about a year ago, telling you that people, you know , did not give you any time. …

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan And finally, Mr. Speaker , those of you who know, I do a little bit of walking from time to time now . And I do not mind. I enjoy walking out by the airport , and [it] reminds me of when that was my trade, travelling from place to …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member There we go.

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan The anniversary of BermudAir. You know , in 1995, Mr. Speaker . . . I do not mind telling anyone. And [with] that in mind, even telling them where I stood at the time. I voted for independence. I stood at the polls with Phil Perinchief at E ast End …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Go ahead, Talk about it.

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan I have not, you know . I really have not. I have heard persons, you know , who would have criticised , say absolutely nothing. And sometimes , as a person told me when I first got in the House, You will never be judged by what you do not …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Take a little time for some Merry Christmas there.

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan That is because I want more jobs for our people this Christmas , and they will have it when the Princess is open next C hristmas . Even notwithstanding if some people might have to come from overseas to do it. [Desk thumping]

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan I am gonna give them that , that chicken . I am gonna make it so that they'll have a job. And I will make it possible too, that some Bermudians will see a good reason to come back home.

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member That’s it! That’s it!

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan That is what I would like to see: more Bermudians come back home. If there are 5 ,000 away , 8,000 away , 10,000 away , I want them to know that we want them back . Let it be said. I know The Royal Gazette won't write about it. …

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Right? I do not want it down in B rixton. I want it up in . . . Burnt [House] Hill. [Crosstalk and l aughter]

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Come home Bermudians ! Because this PLP Government wants you back .

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member I want you back.

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan I want you back. That’s a song. [Laughter]

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member I want you back.

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan We want you back .

The Speaker The Speaker Sing it for us. Sing it for us.

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan No. [Laughter] Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan: Give me 10 minutes , I’ll give you two minutes of a chorus. [Laughter]

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan I am running out of time tonight .

The Speaker The Speaker Ten minutes on the clock ?

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan You give me 10 minutes . . . you give me 10 minutes ; I’ll give you a song. [Laughter]

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan But I just want to say , in all seriousness , what I offer , I offer in love . I want our people home. I want them here ! [Inaudible interjection]

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan I want them wherever they want to be , but here . If the y are lawyers , I want them to come back . If it is to get a job in the Princess, I want them here . If it is a job working in compliance, I want …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Baby come back .

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Baby come back! [Laughter]

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Ooh! Ooh!

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan I am not gonna say the next word, I know what it is . [Laughter]

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan And I am not gonna say we were wrong. But if the shoe fits we’ll wear it too. But in all honesty, Mr. Speaker , Merry Christmas to you, to your family, Mr. Speaker .

The Speaker The Speaker Okay.

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan To all those who are going through a little “ something- something,” this Christmas , remember love is the greatest gift that G od gave us.

The Speaker The Speaker Amen. Amen.

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan And we all have the capacity to love . Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Mr. Swan. MP Swan . [Inaudible interjections]

The Speaker The Speaker MP Pearman, are you going to give a little lyrics after —

Mr. Scott Pearman Good evening. Good evening, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker —after the former Minister started?

Mr. Scott Pearman My Christmas gift to you is that I will not sing . [Laughter] HOLIDAY GREETINGS AND REFLECTIONS

Mr. Scott Pearman I am a terrible singer . Nor will I take anything like that . I just have a few brief remarks . And whilst we are politicians , and whilst we are standing in a political chamber , what I want to say is not political in any way . …

Mr. Scott Pearman Mr. Speaker, just a slightly serious observation. Many, if not all of us, will have known about the fire that happened in my constituency 10 days ago, right down there by Ice Queen. The gentleman who had his business there, Mr. Sims , “Hose,” who I understand is known to …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, MP. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Mr. Opposition Leader, you have the floor. HOLIDAY GREETINGS AND REFLECTIONS Hon. Robert King: Thank you, Mr. Speaker . Honourable Members , listening public, colleagues. Christmas time is a time when families come together …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you. Is there any other . . . Minister? Ms. L ightbourne? Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

The Speaker The Speaker Yes. HOLIDAY GREETINGS AND REFLECTIONS Hon. Alexa Lightbourne: Good evening to our colleagues and also the listening audience. The hour is late, and so I will not be long, but I too wanted to join in expressing happy holidays to those in our community, recognising that we are all going …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Minister. Does any other M ember wish to make a contribution at this time? Any other? Premier . HOLIDAY GREETINGS AND REFLECTIONS 1846 12 December 2025 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. E. David Burt: All right. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It falls to me to …

The Speaker The Speaker Mm-hmm. Hon. E. David Burt: Yes, Mr. Speaker, we have challenges like every other place in the world. We have challenges. But we are uniquely blessed, uniquely fortunate, and uniquely privileged to be in the position as we are to stand and call ourselves proud and to say that we …

The Speaker The Speaker Not at all. Hon. E. David Burt: Not easy at all. And it is not easy to have to [be] put through the stress and the strain. It is not easy on your family. It is not easy on all those other things. So, I'm thankful for colleagues who bust …

The Speaker The Speaker Mm-hmm. Hon. E. David Burt: Please do not be reckless and not just endanger yourself, but endanger others, Mr. Speaker. That is something that is important. And most importantly, Mr. Speaker, over the holiday, it is to spread love, spread joy. Random acts of kindness can go so far. It …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Yes. Hon. E. David Burt: —back to the grind, back to the challenges . But we should enjoy our culture, enjoy our traditions, enjoy our food, enjoy our Gombeys , enjoy everything that the Christmas culture means for Bermuda. So, to you, Mr. Speaker, to the staff of the Legislature, …

The Speaker The Speaker Thank you, Mr. Premier. Members, I traditionally would say something at this point as well. Let me start first before what I thought to say, but I am going to ask everybody to join me in what I'm going to say next. CONGRATULATORY AND/OR OBITUARY SPEECH

The Speaker The Speaker Mr. Premier, we overlooked something earlier today in the c ongratulations that were done this morning. When we leave this C hamber and before we come back to this Chamber very soon, there will be a young lady who will be celebrating her 100th birthday. Hon. E. David Burt: Ah!

The Speaker The Speaker Yes, I think you know who I am referring to. So, I am going to ask everybody in this C hamber to join in the comments that I am about to make, extending sincere congratulations to somebody who has been an outstanding member of our community. Someone I have known …

The Speaker The Speaker But it has been said by most Members tonight that we should remember what this season is about. It Is a time for us to reflect. It is a time for us to think of those around us, those that we care about, those who we represent. Those who put …

An Hon. Member An Hon. Member Thank you, Mr. Speaker . [At 8:46 pm, the House stood adjourned until 10:00 am, Friday, 20 February 2026.]

December 12, 2025

Session Summary

Key Topics

Bills & Motions

Notable Moments

Debate Transcript