The Premier addressed recent tragic violence including multiple homicides, emphasizing the need for community cooperation and additional government resources to address root causes. The government announced significant reductions in pension fees that will save workers hundreds of dollars annually toward retirement. Ministers provided updates on critical infrastructure projects at the Tynes Bay waste facility and new educational partnerships connecting students with local businesses for real-world learning experiences.
Recent violent incidents and murders affecting Bermuda communitiesReduction of pension administration fees to help retirement savingsUpdates on Tynes Bay waste facility repairs and upgradesNew learning partnerships between schools and local businessesDigital bus fare payment system launch and initial challenges
Bills & Motions
Development and Planning Amendment Act 2024 - tabled (gives planning board more discretion to approve retroactive applications)
Notable Moments
Premier made emotional appeal for community unity and cooperation with police following recent spike in violence
Government announced pension fee caps that could save workers over $75,000 during a 40-year career
Minister of Works warned that Tynes Bay facility remains at risk of "catastrophic failure" despite ongoing repairs
Debate Transcript
373 speeches from 17 speakers
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning, Members. The Clerk will lead us in prayer this morning. PRAYERS [Prayers read by Mr. Clark Somner , Clerk ]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning, Members. [Gavel]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe House is now in session. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES [Minutes of 28 June 2024]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, the Minutes of 28 June have been circulated. Are there any amendments required? There are none. The Minutes will be confirmed as printed. [Minutes of 28 June 2024 confirmed] MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER OR MEMBER PRESIDING APOLOGIES
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWe have been informed that the following Members will be absent today: MP Jamahl Simmons, MP Renee Ming and MP Kim Swan. SUPPORT ING BERMUDA’ S OLYMPIC - BOUND ATHLETES
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAlso, Members, on your desks each of you should see a nice pink pin. These are from the Olympic Association. As our team prepares to go off and represent Bermuda at this year ’s Olympics, the Olympic Association has sent us pins for each Member here to proudly display as …
Also, Members, on your desks each of you should see a nice pink pin. These are from the Olympic Association. As our team prepares to go off and represent Bermuda at this year ’s Olympics, the Olympic Association has sent us pins for each Member here to proudly display as you move around the community seeking support for our athletes, as they are out there representing us in this year ’s [Olympic] Games. We continue to wish them well , and those young people look forward to much support from us as they do their best on behalf of Bermuda.
[Dest thumping]
MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. PAPERS AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS TO THE HOUSE
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are two such papers this morning, both in the name of the Minister of Finance. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning. OFFICE OF THE INFORMATION COMMISSIONER AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022 BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY ANNUAL REPORT 2023 Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the Audited Financial …
Good morning.
OFFICE OF THE INFORMATION COMMISSIONER AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2022
BERMUDA MONETARY AUTHORITY ANNUAL REPORT 2023
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the Audited Financial Statements for the Office of the Information Commissioner (ICO) for the fiscal year ended 31 March 2022. Mr. Speaker, I also have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the Bermuda Monetary Authority Annual Report 2023. This report is submitted in accordance with section 22 of the Bermuda Monetary Authority Act 1969.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. PETITIONS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. 1472 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS AND JUNIOR MINISTERS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are eight such Statements this morning. The first is in the name of the Premier/Minister of Finance. Premier, would you like to present your Statement at this time? TRAGIC EVENTS IN RECENT DAYS —PREMIER COMMITTED TO ALLOCATING ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO BREAK CYCLE OF VIOLENCE IN BERMUDA Hon. E. David …
There are eight such Statements this morning. The first is in the name of the Premier/Minister of Finance. Premier, would you like to present your Statement at this time?
TRAGIC EVENTS IN RECENT DAYS —PREMIER COMMITTED TO ALLOCATING ADDITIONAL RESOURCES TO BREAK CYCLE OF VIOLENCE IN BERMUDA
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I appreciate your indulgence with the presentation of this Statement. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members c ame to this Honourable House this week with a heavy heart. This week, tragic events have shaken our I sland, leaving many of us with a deep feeling of sorrow and disbe-lief. The senseless killing of Ms . Diante Trimm, a mother of five, the heart -wrenching news of the passing of Ramon Trimm and Nicole Parfitt , and their children Drae- E and Na- Vii, over the weekend, and the shooting deaths of two young men in the early hours of Wednes-day morning have cast a shadow of grief over our Island that weighs heavily on our minds and our hearts. Mr. Speaker, these recent tragedies have struck at the very core of so many families and friends, and their pain has reverberated throughout the entire Island . Mr. Speaker, we are all hurting with them, and I am sure I speak for all Honourable Members of this House. Bermuda is a small island with a closely connected community where we are all intrinsically linked. When one family or sector of the community is hurting, we all feel it. Mr. Speaker, as a father , I can only begin to imagine the pain that the mothers and fathers feel as they mourn the losses of their sons, young men with so much potential, and daughters who were taken far too soon. And I am deeply saddened at the thought of those children who have been left to navigate life with-out the love and guidance of their mother , and [of] the uncles, aunts and grandparents who experience the pain of losing family and grandchildren who m they have loved and nurtured. Mr. Speaker, in these dark times all Bermudians must continue to work hand in hand toward a more hopeful future for our Island. And we must not allow Bermuda to be defined by these tragedies , but by how we as Bermudians and as one community respond to them and to one another. Mr. Speaker, our first priority must be to support those directly impacted by these devastating events. The losses that some families in our community have had to endure are unimaginable, and it is in these moments that we must provide them with compassion, empathy and support that will help them in their time of grief and demonstrate to them that they are not alone. Mr. Speaker , I also want to reassure every Bermudian that their elected Government is committed to working with Government House ( which is responsible for the Bermuda Police Service) to ensure the safety and well -being of our residents. We understand the anxiety and fear that these events have caused. Out-side of policing, this Government remains committed to investing in resources and programmes to address the root causes of the issues that our communities face. We know that the people of Bermuda do not wa nt words or thoughts and prayers alone but want action that will lead to progress. Mr. Speaker, as the Minister of Finance, I am committed to ensuring that additional resources are al-located to support any further initiatives that will assist in breaking the cycle of violence plaguing our Island . When the police asked for more resources, we pro-vided them. When there was a call for more investment in mental health, we provided it. When there was a call for more support for community activities for young people and support for positive activities, we provided it. But, Mr. Speaker , the recent tragedies have shown that even more needs to be invested in tackling the root causes of violence. T his Government will not ignore this reality and will continue to do its part. But, Mr. Speaker , the G overnment cannot do this alone; we need strength and unity from all of Bermuda working together. This is not the time to point fingers or play politics, but for those of us who serve the public to be resolute in imploring Bermudians to stop turning a blind eye to the antisocial behaviour in our communities. Mr. Speaker , I must also plead with the parents of Bermuda and remind them that they are not alone. We know when there are signs that our children may not be on the right path. But sometimes we want to deny that it is our child. Parents, please know that help is available. P lease let the helping agencies assist with the intervention efforts that have diverted many of our young people from a negative path. I thank the local faith leaders, community leaders, charity leaders, sports club leaders and others who have already been vocal in their prayers for our Island , visible in support of the families, and [consistent] in their calls for us to show compassion and solidarity. They have done so while encouraging us to use the hurt we collectively feel as a reminder that we must redouble our efforts for positive change. Mr. Speaker , there has been an outpouring of prayers, kind words and calls for our communities to come together, whether on the Cabinet lawn, in places of worship or online. The people of Bermuda are calling for unity, and I encourage us all not to lose that energy or mentality that we must work together to overcome this. And, Mr. Speaker, the truth is that all families and residents are impacted by violence on our Island. Though the results of the violence mainly impact Bermuda ’s Black community, there is an imperative for
Bermuda House of Assembly persons from all sectors to ensure that they are playing their part to support positive outcomes for our young people. Mr. Speaker, the culture of silence that prevails in some parts of Bermuda and the view that it is another community ’s problem are not what this Island needs. It will not help the Bermuda Police Service solve cases, which may help to bring some form of closure to the families of those taken too soon. The police have a dif-ficult job to do, but it is made easier when they have support and cooperation from the public. Mr. Speaker, it is only through community participation and collaboration that we can make progress, save more young people and bring us to a place where we want our Island home to be. We must work together to prevent more families from having to endure this pain, to find the strength to heal, to implement policies that honour those we have lost, and to build a safer Bermuda and a brighter future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker .
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. The second Statement is also in your name. Would you like to proceed with that one? Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo right ahead. EQUITY FOR PENSIONS Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning in this Hono urable House to announce that beginning April 1, 2025, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Government, the Pension Commission and local pension plan administrators, the people of Bermuda will benefit …
Go right ahead.
EQUITY FOR PENSIONS Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning in this Hono urable House to announce that beginning April 1, 2025, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Government, the Pension Commission and local pension plan administrators, the people of Bermuda will benefit from not only a reduction in administration fees applied to private pensions , but also see limits placed on those fees so they do not increase in the future. Mr. Speaker, this Government believes every hard- earned dollar in your private pension should be protected. With an age ing population and people living longer, the Government felt it incumbent [upon us] to put forward initiatives that better secure the financial fu-ture of our workers and best prepare them for retire-ment. Mr. Speaker, the National Pension Scheme (Occupational Pensions) Act 1998, through the Na-tional Pension Scheme (General) Regulations 1999, currently allows plan administrators to charge fees and expenses for the administration of pension plans. How-ever, there are currently no limitations on the amount, or rates, that can be charged. In December 2019, s ection 69 of the Act was amended to empower the Minister of Finance to prescribe maximum fees payable for pension plan administration. Mr. Speaker, following a comprehensive review by the Pension Commission in 2021, and with the assistance of a leading Canadian pension consultancy firm, it has become clear that there is a significant variability in the fees paid by plan members in defined con-tribution pension plans , with some fees as high as 4.2 per cent . Mr. Speaker , recogni sing the significant impact that higher fees can have on the final pension balances accumulated by Bermudians, we have taken steps to address this issue. Therefore, as of April 1, 2025, the Ministry of Finance will implement limitations , or caps , on plan administration fees, which will result in substantial benefits for pension plan members , leading to larger amounts that Bermudians will have to support their retirement. These recommendations include the following: For those in defined contribution employer pension plans (also known as group retirement plans ), the fees should not exceed • 1.25 per cent per year for members with balances over $50,000; • 0.75 per cent per year for those with balances between $25,000 and $50,000; and • 0.5 per cent per year for those with balances of less than $25,000. Similarly, for those in individual local retirement plans, the fees should not exceed • 1.0 per cent per year for members with balances over $50,000; • 0.75 per cent per year for those with balances between $25,000 and $50,000; and • 0.5 per cent per year for those with balances of less than $25,000. Mr. Speaker, other changes will require pension plan administrators to include lower -cost investment options , such as index funds , in their range of investments and also will prohibit an administrator from receiving advisory fees on any investment funds of-fered to plan members. Mr. Speaker, with these changes it is estimated that the average annual savings for individuals with bal-ances over $50,000 will be $725, and with projected [future] interest rates will amount to over $75,000 in additional funds for retirement over a 40- year employment cycle. For members with smaller balances, the average annual savings are estimated at $125, total ling over $14,000 in the same period. Mr. Speaker , this initiative is a clear example of our Government ’s dedication to safeguarding the financial well -being of our people. By limiting the administration fees deducted from [the people’s] pension funds, we are ensuring that more of their hard- earned money is preserved for their future benefit, helping to secure a safer and more prosperous retirement. Mr. Speaker, as I close I would like to take the opportunity to thank those within the Ministry of Finance, the Pension Commission and our local pension plan administrators for their hard work and feedback . And the Government looks forward to working with them in the future to continue to develop policies aimed at ensuring that the workers of Bermuda are retirement - ready. 1474 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Works. Minister.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning. UPDATE ON THE TYNES BAY WASTE- TO-ENERGY FACILITY
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchMr. Speaker, I rise to remind us all that the Tynes Bay Waste -to-Energy Facility r emains at a critical point and that the Ministry of Public Works continues its efforts to address the cur-rent state of affairs. Mr. Speaker, you will recall back in December 2021 the Island was …
Mr. Speaker, I rise to remind us all that the Tynes Bay Waste -to-Energy Facility r emains at a critical point and that the Ministry of Public Works continues its efforts to address the cur-rent state of affairs. Mr. Speaker, you will recall back in December 2021 the Island was facing a crisis with waste disposal. The full shutdown of the Tynes Bay facility due to boiler failures and the untimely failure of the baling contingency system meant that the Island unfortunately had to resort to landfilling for a period of seven days. Fortu-nately, with the assistance of the world- class engineers at the facility, in the weeks that followed the boilers were brought back online and bales from the contingency system were returned to the plant for incineration. Mr. Speaker, the Tynes Bay Waste- to-Energy Facility is integral to the management of the waste that the Island produces. Before 1994, Bermuda ’s garbage was dumped in landfills, most notably the Marsh Folly site in Pembroke, and this Government has committed never to return to landfilling again. This is why shortly after the facility ’s failure in late 2021, Mr. Speaker, the following February the Government announced a capital programme for the refurbishment of Tynes Bay and the commencement of said programme to ensure that we can continue to dispose of the Island ’s waste in an environmentally friendly manner. Mr. Speaker, this programme will see the complete retrofit of the waste processing facility. However, challenges have arisen with this initiative. Namely , there have been significant delays in product delivery times attributed to global supply chain issues resulting from the fallout of the COVID -19 pandemic and ensuing economic climate. [These factors] caused the timeline for the refurbishment initiative to be extended, which has increased the risk for a catastrophic failure. Mr. Speaker , this is not new information to [Honourable Members]. I explained the circumstances as they were occurring and the Ministry ’s efforts to avoid the risks in a Statement to this Honourable House on September 30, 2022. Further, in said S tatement I detailed that the Cabinet authorised a stabilisation programme of projects that focuses on replacing critical systems to preserve the f acility until major maintenance can begin at the estimated cost of $22 million . Mr. Speaker , these projects specifically targeted failed or obsolete systems that can be replaced without major disruption to the daily operations at Tynes Bay and that will also be integrated into the overall refurbishment works to avoid wasted expenditure. These upgraded systems are intended to assimilate seamlessly with the larger refurbishment works once they commence. Again, this information was shared some two years ago. A nd now , Mr. Speaker , I intend to update on some of the works completed under the s tabilisation programme, as follows:
1. Replacement of Two Overhead Refuse Cranes
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchMr. Speaker , honourable colleagues may recall that in the aforementioned Statement I announced that there was a catastrophic failure of one of the two overhead refuse cranes , which happened in April 2022. During normal operation of the crane, the entire hoist and access platform collapsed as the support …
Mr. Speaker , honourable colleagues may recall that in the aforementioned Statement I announced that there was a catastrophic failure of one of the two overhead refuse cranes , which happened in April 2022. During normal operation of the crane, the entire hoist and access platform collapsed as the support welds failed due to excessive fatigue. It was decided by management to take on the risk of running the facility with only one crane for an extended period with no operational redundancy. Mr. Speaker, therefore, the replacement of both cranes was deemed a priority under this pro-gramme. As such, in March 2023 the Cabinet authorised the purchase of two overhead refuse cranes and four refuse grapples , complete with their control systems , from Konecranes America Limited at the sum of $4,259,971. After a successful open procurement for a replacement clinker crane in 2021 (which is used for the ash that the facility produces) by Konecranes America Limited, it was decided to standardise all cranes with the same manufacturer , as the facility ’s maintenance teams have become familiar with these systems over the years. By selecting this company, technician training can focus on the differences in the upgraded systems and reinforce the common system knowledge which occurs from standardi sation of the crane manufacturer. Simply put, the teams are used to maintaining equipment from the company , and as the old adage goes, I t is best to stick with what you know . Mr. Speaker, we were advised that the new overhead refuse cranes would take six months to design and another twelve months to manufacture. They were ordered in January 2023 and arrived three months early in April 2024. Mr. Speaker , to install the new cranes , a separate request for proposal s (RFP s) was issued and the contract subsequently awarded to the local company BCM Construction Ltd. —the sole bidder —in the amount of $1,489,819. Mr. Speaker, it is anticipated that the new cranes will be fully installed by August, then undergo a two-month commissioning period and subsequently be fully turned over to Tynes Bay in October.
Bermuda House of Assembly 2. Refurbishment of the Plant Distribution Transformers
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchMr. Speaker , another project identified as a priority was the refurbishment of the facility ’s distribution transformers . As such, an open request for proposals (RFP s) was issued in March 2023 to seek qualified contractors that can complete the work. After a successful procurement process, the contract was …
Mr. Speaker , another project identified as a priority was the refurbishment of the facility ’s distribution transformers . As such, an open request for proposals (RFP s) was issued in March 2023 to seek qualified contractors that can complete the work. After a successful procurement process, the contract was awarded to another local firm— BAC Universal Electric Ltd.—the lowest bidder —at the cost of BD$257,040 . Mr. Speaker , the transformers have been manufactured and will be released for shipment sometime next week. Installation works will commence upon arrival with the project slated to be complete by the end of September .
3. Turbine Overhaul
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchMr. Speaker , not to get too technical for this project, as I am not an engineer, but the Tynes Bay plant utili ses two steam turbines coupled with a generator to transform the energy released from the burning of refuse in the incinerator into electrical energy. This electrical energy …
Mr. Speaker , not to get too technical for this project, as I am not an engineer, but the Tynes Bay plant utili ses two steam turbines coupled with a generator to transform the energy released from the burning of refuse in the incinerator into electrical energy. This electrical energy supplies both the plant itself and a reverse osmosis plant , with the surplus energy being sold to the BELCO power grid. The equipment associated with the primary T2 turbine was installed and commiss ioned over five years ago and is due for a major overhaul to maintain safe and efficient operating conditions. A contract for this work was awarded to Siemens Energy AG , who are the original equipment manufacturer , at the sum of $1,540,000. As the turbines are critical for both the successful operation and safety of the facility, it is essential to source any works and re-placement components from the company. Mr. Speaker , currently Siemens Energy is working with management at Tynes Bay to ensure that all elements needed are on Island and ready for project kick -off in November.
4. Replacement of the Band Screens
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchMr. Speaker , another priority project is the replacement of two travelling band screens at the facility ’s Sea Water Screening Plant. These band screens (which are over 30 years old) remove debris from seawater before it is pumped to the cooling system for the turbine. Failing to remove debris …
Mr. Speaker , another priority project is the replacement of two travelling band screens at the facility ’s Sea Water Screening Plant. These band screens (which are over 30 years old) remove debris from seawater before it is pumped to the cooling system for the turbine. Failing to remove debris can lead to damage of the pumps, valves or pipework of the system. After an open procurement process which resulted in only a single bid for the works, a contract was approved with the loc al company , H&H Plumbing and Mechanical Ltd. , at the sum of BD$914,349 . Currently the required equipment is being manufactured, with physical works slated to take place in the f irst quarter of 2025. Government’s Commitment to Local Companies
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchMr. Speaker , this Government is committed to our local companies, and this is demonstrated by seeking qualified contractors for works that are not extremely specialised in nature. Of the four projects I have mentioned, two are being performed by local companies who we have the upmost confidence can deliver. …
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchBut, Mr. Speaker , these are not the only projects happening simultaneously re-garding Tynes Bay. As I have said before, the f acility is integral to the management of the waste that the Island produces. Without [the facility] , we would be landfilling all of our waste —contrary to best …
But, Mr. Speaker , these are not the only projects happening simultaneously re-garding Tynes Bay. As I have said before, the f acility is integral to the management of the waste that the Island produces. Without [the facility] , we would be landfilling all of our waste —contrary to best practice and the wishes of the Bermudian people. We have learned from the situation which occurred in late 2021, which was a direct result of the lack of funding for adequate maintenance. And I stress again that we cannot return to landfilling as the primary form of waste disposal. This is why , Mr. Speaker , in February 2023 this Government commissioned a business case study for the full redevelopment of the Tynes Bay Waste- to-Energy Facility. This study , which was performed by KPMG , will define the scope of redevelopment and associated cost [ estimates ] for the complete refurbishment of the plant. Further, [KPMG ] performed a comprehensive examination and comparison of various facility business models with associated funding mechanisms to achieve the goal of continued solid waste dis-posal through the redevelopment of the Tynes Bay Waste -to-Energy Facility . The business case not only has considered the financial elements of the current business model versus alternatives , but also has taken into account the Government ’s will for economic recovery and growth potential including synergies with government services such as waste management, water production and sewage treatment , amongst others. Mr. Speaker , KPMG , in collaboration with the expertise of key technical officers, has completed its initial study and has provided a report to the Government for consideration. Once a decision is made regarding this report, I will [be sure] to update the House accordingly. Mr. Speaker , I again want to stress in the strongest possible terms that the risk of a catastrophic failure is very real. The plant has a number of issues that threaten its functionality. Concurrent with the review and processing of the b usiness case, pre-engineering planning ( expected to take six months ) is also being executed. The works currently underway by the phenomenal staff at the site and our industry partners are striving toward the immediate goal of stabilisation which will then give opportunity to focus on the larger refurbishment works that are far more complex. This 1476 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Government will continue to do all it can to ensure Bermuda ’s waste is properly disposed of while the necessary upgrades are underway. Mr. Speaker, back in 2021 we were on the edge of going over a cliff, but the stabilisation works have prevented that from happening. The full refurbishment works must now proceed apace so that the country is never on that cliff -edge again. All of the plans are in place to move forward, and this will mean that the work must continue and the necessary funding over several years must be provided. Mr. Speaker , let me end by thanking the team at KPMG and our own in- house team of Permanent Secretary, Kirk Outerbridge; Acting Chief Engineer, [Joseph] Tarik Christopher ; and Tynes Bay Waste- toEnergy Plant Manager, Mr. Nasir Wa de, for the countless hours they committed to the production of the busi-ness case in addition to their day jobs. As always, Mr. Speaker, I will keep this H ouse updated as we progress. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Education. (Yes. I had the National Security heading on my form.) Yes, Minister of Education. EDUCATION REFORM UPDATE —LEARNING PARTNERSHIPS Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker , today …
Thank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Education. (Yes. I had the National Security heading on my form.) Yes, Minister of Education.
EDUCATION REFORM UPDATE —LEARNING PARTNERSHIPS Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker , today I rise to update h onourable colleagues and the listening audience on the progress we are making toward growing the number of Learning Partners t o support the changes underway in our Senior Signature Schools. Our signature schools, which launched in September 2022, offer an opportunity for businesses, industry and community organi sations to become a Learning Partner to help shape Bermuda ’s young people and the country ’s future. Mr. Speaker , a key feature of Senior Signature Schools is the opportunity for students to engage in au-thentic, real -world learning experiences that help them to develop industry -specific knowledge and skills and to ensure our public education students develop the networ ks and relationships with those who bring with them contacts and resources that can be valuable in school -to-work transitions. Mr. Speaker , it is of critical importance for Bermuda , as the OEDC [Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development ] research shows that experiencing work -based learning as a senior or high school student tends to be associated with higher wages and better life outcomes, with positive implica-tions for society as well. However, according to OECD analysis, which aligns with the anecdotal data here, less than one- third of young people have some experience with a meaningful work placement or internship by the age of 16. Addressing this, particularly for our public school students, is a goal that this Government remains steadfastly committed to. Mr. Speaker , last year we announced the seven Learning Partners who signed memorandums of understanding (MOUs) during the 2022 /23 school year. These learning partners are as follows : • BIOS ( Bermuda Institute of Ocean Studies); • Bermuda Zoological Society (BZS ); • Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) ; • KPMG Bermuda; • Association of Bermuda International Companies (ABIC) ; • Koom Consulting Limited; and • BELCO . Mr. Speaker , at the time of that announcement we were already seeing the benefits of these Learning Partnerships. Students enrolled in the Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths (STEM) Signature Learning Programme at CedarBridge Academy were experi-encing STEM first -hand alongside experts and in realworld professional environments , such as the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo ( BAMZ ) in Flatts . Thanks to BZS who is working with school staff to co- deliver modules including field investigations. In another partnership with ABIC, Bermuda public school teachers de-livering the Financial and Insurance Services Signature Learning Programme at the Berkeley Institute had the opportunity to receive industry -aligned professional learning focused on international bus iness. Mr. Speaker , today I wish to highlight the new MOUs that have been signed for Learning Partnerships in the 2023/ 24 school year. The Ministry of Education, on behalf of the Bermuda Public School System, signed four MOUs with new Signature Learning Partners, as follows: • Paradise Mobile; • Cambridge Beaches ; • BAC Group; and • Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). Mr. Speaker , the alliance with Paradise Mobile as a Signature Learning Partner gives students access to advanced technology, creating a new wave of tech-smart entrepreneurs and innovators. This partnership will be part of the STEM Signature Learning Programme at CedarBridge Academy and the Financial and Insurance Services at The Berkeley. The Paradise Mobile Learning Partnership provides possibilities for internships, career paths in STEM fields and entrepreneurship in FinTech. Starting in 2025, graduating stu-dents will have the opportunity to join accelerators and incubators, launching start -ups based on emerging technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Arti-ficial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) —all powered by Paradise network .
Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker , the partnership with Cambridge Beaches, one of Bermuda’ s premier tourism establishments, will offer students the opportunity to interact with and learn from industry experts, helping them obtain relevant credentials in a supportive setting. This collab-oration will be located at Sandys Secondary Middle School, which will transform into Bermuda’ s third Senior Signature School delivering the Hospitality and Tourism, and Education Services , Signature Learning Programmes in September 2025. Mr. Speaker , as a new Signature Learning Partner, the BAC Group will support The Berkeley Institute with the Financial and Insurance Services Signature Learning Programme and will also support CedarBridge Academy with the engineering strand in the STEM Signature Learning Programme and the Automotive Technology and Electrical strands in the Trades and Professions Signature Learning Programme. Mr. Speaker , the final Signature Learning Partner to mention is the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), who will work with The Berkeley Institute, the Department of Education, Bermuda College and CPA Bermuda on several key initiatives: 1. developing accounting education capacity ; 2. growing the [local] pool of finance and accounting professionals in Bermuda; 3. supporting local -talent hiring efforts ; and 4. offering mentoring and workplace opportunities for students. The MOU signing brought ACCA ’s Foundations in Accountancy qualification at RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework) levels 2 and 3 into the S3 and S4 curriculum. This initiative strengthens our edu-cational program ming in Accounting and Finance within signature learning, making Bermuda the first country in the region to launch this initiative. Mr. Speaker , Learning Partnerships show that we all have a role to play in educating Bermuda ’s learners. The Bermuda Government wants to grow these key partnerships to make sure our students get the best education possible , including expanding into our Parish Primary Schools, with a focus on exposure to signature learning opportunities and as a way of delivering wrap - around services for students and their families , and building relationships with community members . Mr. Speaker , this Government will continue to encourage and support more community - and industry - based partners to commit to the children and young people of Bermuda so that together we can give learners the tools they need to do well and to prepare our young Bermudians to be competitive and innovative members of both the local and the global community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of National Security. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Good morning to you, my colleagues and the listening audience. TRAGIC EVENTS IN RECENT DAYS Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Speaker, today I stand before this Honourable House like most Bermudians with a heavy heart, deeply disturbed and disgusted by the recent surge of …
Good morning.
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Good morning to you, my colleagues and the listening audience.
TRAGIC EVENTS IN RECENT DAYS Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Speaker, today I stand before this Honourable House like most Bermudians with a heavy heart, deeply disturbed and disgusted by the recent surge of violence that has shaken our Island. To hear the news that two young men were fatally shot near Fort Scaur in Somerset at such an early hour on Wednesday shook me to my core. These gruesome murders brought the number of homicides in Bermuda in the past six weeks to six. Six murders, Mr. Speaker, in six weeks. These include the shocking discovery of four lifeless people inside their home in Pembroke which occurred a month after a mother was fatally shot in her home at the same property, a home located within my own constituency. This is a closely knit community like so many neighbourhoods throughout our country, and they are reeling from this horrific event. I also draw your attention to the murder at knifepoint on our famous Horseshoe Bay Beach on Bermuda Day. That was another senseless act of violence that snuffed out the hopes and dreams of a young man. Mr. Speaker, the murders at Scaur Hill took place at a time when most of Bermuda was just waking up to face another day. Callously taking another person’s life is abhorrent at any hour, but it is beyond incredible that someone could do such at such an earl y hour in the day. In respect of the circumstances that led to this appalling behaviour, I can assure this Honourable House and the rest of Bermuda that the Bermuda Police Service will aggressively pursue the culprits. Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that these events have left our entire community in a state of pain, shock and anxiety. I express my deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of all of those who have lost their lives recently. These senseless acts of violence have torn at the very fabric of our society, and we share in the grief and pain felt by those who knew and loved these indi-viduals. My sincere thoughts and prayers are with our community during this incredibly difficult time. Mr. Speaker, as the Bermuda Police Service investigates these incidents, I want to assure the public that the Ministry of National Security fully supports their efforts. The Bermuda Police Service has our full backing, including whatever resources they may require to bring to justice those who are responsible. However, Mr. Speaker, we cannot do this alone. We need the community’s help. I have said this oft -times before, but 1478 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly the message must be repeated at this crucial time: If you have any information, no matter how insignificant you think it may be, you must do the right thing and come forward. I know that this is not easy to do, but your courage can make a difference not just in solving these murders, but for the long- term safety of your family, neighbours and the rest of Bermuda. The Police Service cannot solve these crimes without your support; no police service can. I under-stand the reluctance and fear that may exist within our community. But it is vital for the safety and well -being of all that we stand together against this violence. The resilience of the Bermudian people is well known. And now more than ever we must rely on that community strength to put an end to the scourge. Mr. Speaker, in order for us to wrestle this problem properly, we as a community, the whole vil-lage, including parents, grandparents, uncles, aunties, godparents, siblings, friends, neighbours —all of us — must recognise that this is our problem and it is ours to fix. Gone are the days when we can ignore what is go-ing on in our neighbourhoods and, yes, right in our own homes. I hasten to stress that no neighbourhood, Mr. Speaker, is immune from the scourge and must there-fore collectively take back our village. Only working to-gether can we establish peace and harmony and en-sure a healthy and safe future for our children and grandchildren, who deserve to be raised in a safe envi-ronment. Mr. Speaker, we must break the silence and overcome the fear that prevents us from providing in-formation that can assist in bringing the perpetrators of these heinous acts to justice. If you are hesitant to speak directly to the police, you can call the c onfidential Crime Stoppers hotline at 800- 8477. This hotline, Mr. Speaker, is located overseas, and it is anonymous, and it ensures your security. Mr. Speaker, I also echo the sentiments of the Honourable Premier and the Minister of Health (when she speaks). For those who need grief counselling or are dealing directly with this trauma, to get the help they need there are resources that are available . And we at the Ministry of National Security are available to assist as well. Our Gang Violence Reduction Team, in part-nership with other agencies, is made up of trained counsellors who are ready and able to offer guidance, assistance and resources for those in need. Mr. Speaker, I also want to take this opportunity to recognise the efforts of our essential service workers including the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Ser-vice and the Bermuda Police Service. They have been under extreme duress on the front lines of these incidents. We know that theirs is a traumatic job when confronted with these incidents, and I thank them profusely for the manner in which they perform their duties. Their dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed and are deeply appreciated by all of Bermuda. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank 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 SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning. COMMUNITIES OF SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address a matter that has deeply affected our community. Bermuda is mourning the recent tragic losses that have touched us all. My heart aches as we reflect on the deaths that …
Good morning.
COMMUNITIES OF SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS
Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address a matter that has deeply affected our community. Bermuda is mourning the recent tragic losses that have touched us all. My heart aches as we reflect on the deaths that have occurred this week. I am deeply sad-dened and shocked by this news. As the Premier and the Minister of National Security have indicated, our country has been profoundly impacted by these tragic events. The pain we feel as a community is immense, and the mental and emotional well -being of our people has been profoundly shaken. In these difficult and testing times, we must pause, reflect and support one another. If you or some-one you know is struggling, please do not hesitate to seek help. We must be vigilant and compassionate, looking out for our neighbo urs, friends and loved ones. Check in on each other, offer a listening ear and pay attention to signs that someone may be struggling. Even a small gesture of kindness can make a signifi-cant difference in someone’ s life. Though these tragedies may not affect each of us directly, we are a close- knit community and the ripples of these losses touch us all. Whether within your family, among friends, at church or in your workplace, someone you know is grieving. Let us come together to support one another and prioritis e our mental and emotional health. Mr. Speaker , the Ministry of Health wants to reassure everyone that support is available for those who need it. If you are finding it hard to cope with these events or any mental health issues, please reach out to the following agencies: • The Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute. Their m ain line is 239-1111, which connects to a 24- hour mental health crisis line . Or alternatively, Mr. Speaker, you can call 236- 3770 . • The Red Cross Psychosocial First Aider . Call 236-8253 between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm Monday to Friday. Additionally, Mr. Speaker, the Family Centre offers resources and support for parents and children experiencing grief . They provide a Grief Support Tip Sheet for Parents, covering topics such as creating a supportive environment, memorial activities for chil-dren, talking about a tragic death, managing fears and anxieties, recogni sing and addressing grief in children, and seeking professional help. To access therapeutic
Bermuda House of Assembly grief support for children between the ages of 4 and 18 years old, please call the Family Centre at 232- 1116 and ask to speak with a screener. Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment to specifically address youth mental health. Record levels of young people are struggling with academic pressures , social media, bullying, poverty and a lack of availability of professional mental health support —all contributing to this epidemic of poor mental health in our young peo-ple. The Department of Health has made significant strides in its ongoing commitment to bolster adolescent mental health support. Recognis ing the crucial role that schools play in young peopl e’s lives, the d epartment has initiated several key program mes to build capacity among professionals who interact with children and ad-olescents on a daily basis . We have been investing in training for professionals who work with our young people, from educators to health care providers, to better understand and support the emotional well -being of children and teenagers. This includes learning how to recogni se when young people may be struggling and how to connect them with the appropriate resources and support. By equipping health professionals and educators with the tools and knowledge they need, we are helping to fos-ter a supportive and understanding atmosphere for our young people. Finally, Mr. Speaker, if you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 911 at any time. Do not hesitate to contact these organi sations for advice and support. Mr. Speaker , we are our brother ’s keeper s. Let us stand together in this time of sorrow, offering love, comfort and support to those in need. Our community is strong, and by caring for one another we will find the strength to heal and move forward. To the families, friends and loved ones of those who have lost their lives, we extend our deepest sympathies and condo-lences. Our community mourns with you, and we stand with you in this time of grief. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of the Cabinet Office. Minister. Hon. Vance Campbell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, if I may, prior to starting my Statement, just [make] a comment?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerJust a brief comment? Hon. Vance Campbell: A brief comment, a brief comment. I just want to echo the sentiments expressed by the Premier, Minister of Health and Minister of Na-tional Security.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerActually, you know what? Go on with your regular Statement, because everybody has al-ready expressed it. Hon. Vance Campbell: Okay. Okay.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYou know, we have got motion to adjourn, and I will let you— [Crosstalk] Hon. Vance Campbell: Oh, I will do it on motion to adjourn. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING AMENDMENT ACT 2024 Hon. Vance Campbell: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform this Honourable House that …
You know, we have got motion to adjourn, and I will let you— [Crosstalk] Hon. Vance Campbell: Oh, I will do it on motion to adjourn. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING AMENDMENT ACT 2024 Hon. Vance Campbell: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform this Honourable House that later today I will table the Development and Planning Amendment Act 2024 . Mr. Speaker , this Act will amend the Development and Planning Act 1974, thereby affording the Development Applications Board discretion to approve retroactive development applications that presently must be refused and considered by the Minister via appeal. Mr. Speaker , Honourable Members will be aware that I advised this Honourable House of this amendment in my Ministerial Statement delivered on June 14, 2024. Underpinning my message on that day was an acknowledgement that the Government under-stood the frustrations that people experience when in-teracting with the Department of Planning and that there was clear recognition of the need for improve-ments to be made. In doing so, the Government [desires] to improve procedures that will result in more efficient de cision -making and overall unburden the process. Mr. Speaker , in 2018 amendments were made to the Act to provide stronger enforcement powers to address unauthori sed development. These amendments introduced provisions for the Director of Plan-ning to issue contravention notices and civil penalties and took away discretion from the board to approve retroactive planning applications . In particular, the 2018 amendments added sections 20(2A), (2B) and (2C) to the Act, which have effectively required the Board to refuse in excess of 90 per cent of retroactive planning applications. However, most of these cases fully conform to the policies of the relevant development plan. Mr. Speaker , these 2018 amendments, originally intended to strengthen enforcement, have re-sulted in added frustration for the public regarding Planning processes. We accept this and are prepared to make the necessary changes. Mr. Speaker , it is agreed that a penalty should be applied to those who purposely disregard planning legislation. However, the current legislative framework equally punishes those who blatantly ignore Planning legislation , as well as those who have carried out minor 1480 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly development without generally realis ing that P lanning permission was required. The current framework also places a significant burden on technical officers and the Development Applications Board in respect of the time taken to process such applications and the subsequent appeal s. To address these concerns, the amendment seeks to return the decision -making authority to the Development Applications Board for retroactive applica-tions. This would reduce the bureaucracy associated with the additional step for applicants having to appeal a refused retroactive planning application to the Minister responsible for Planning, resulting in significant improvements in efficiency. Mr. Speaker , removing these measures through a further amendment will not dilute the out-come for enforcement. The imposition of civil penalties run concurrently to a Planning application process and effectively achieve the desired outcome of penali sing those who knowingly breach P lanning control , and further measures such as enforcement notices are available to remedy harm which has been caused by unlaw-ful development. Mr. Speaker , this proposed amendment to the Act represents the reali sation of one of the measures we promised to continue the overarching aim of bringing greater efficiency to the Planning Department ’s processes and service delivery to the public. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, the final Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Transport. Minister. DIGITAL FARE MEDIA—LAUNCHED 8 JULY 2024 Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And good morning to everyone, and good morning to Ber-muda. Mr. Speaker, in the 2023 Bermuda Government …
Thank you, Minister. Members, the final Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Transport. Minister.
DIGITAL FARE MEDIA—LAUNCHED 8 JULY 2024 Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And good morning to everyone, and good morning to Ber-muda. Mr. Speaker, in the 2023 Bermuda Government Throne Speech we made a commitment to deliver digital fare media. This initiative aimed to modernis e our public transportation system, making it more effi-cient, user -friendly and aligned with global technological advancements. I am pleased, Mr. Speaker, to report that this commitment has been fulfilled. Mr. Speaker, on July 8, 2024, we launched phase I of the digital fare media initiative, namely, our new brand—Shorelink . This phase marked a significant milestone in our journey toward a more integrated and technologically advanced public transportation system. The launch was a success, and we are immensely proud of the progress we have made. This initial phase laid the groundwork for future developments, setting a solid foundation for the enhancements to come. Mr. Speaker, the successful implementation of phase I involved the introduction of digital fare payment options for passengers to conveniently buy tickets using their mobile phones through an app. This initiative not only streamlined the fare collection process , but also enhanced the overall passenger experience by providing a more convenient and efficient payment method. Mr. Speaker, as with any large- scale project implementation, we have encountered some chal-lenges. We are not deterred by these initial challenges, as integrating new technology with existing systems of-ten comes with unforeseen issues. We see them as op-portunities to learn and improve our service, not as set-backs or failures. We are confident that we have the capacity and the resilience to overcome any obstacle and deliver a world- class public transportation system for our citizens. We are committed to innovation, excel-lence and customer satisfaction. We are not afraid to try new things, to embrace change and to adapt to the evolving needs of our passengers. We are proud of what we have achieved so far, and we look forward to the next phases of this exciting project. Some of the challenges encountered are as follows: 1. Card selection by seniors. Some seniors were inadvertently selecting a special card instead of the senior card, resulting in rejections. We have resolved this issue. Our call centre now reviews and corrects these applications in the back office, ensuring seniors receive the cor-rect card. Impacted seniors have been contacted, and their applications have been cor-rected, or they have reapplied with the correct selection. We will no longer reject applications; instead, we will ensure they are corrected for seniors . 2. Map display of bus locations . Similar to many apps, the map’ s information becomes less sharp when zoomed out , but becomes clearer and more precise when zoomed in. We en-courage users to utili se the zoom feature to adjust the view to their preference. 3. Some correspondence in French. Mr. Speaker, the system vendor is a French company, and their systems ’ default language is French. During the Quality Assurance and the User Acceptance Testing phases, this issue was iden-tified and corrected to ensure the system would operate in the desired language. However, during the Go- Live process, the system unintentionally reverted to its default French language setting. This caused some confusion among users. We have since addressed and rectified the majority of this issue, ensuring that the system now correctly displays in the intended language. There are minor works still to be completed. However, Mr. Speaker , our team is dedicated to addressing and resolving these issues as swiftly as possible. Our priority is to ensure that the public has access to the best products and services, and we are
Bermuda House of Assembly committed to making the necessary adjustments to achieve this goal. We have received valuable feedback from users, which has been instrumental in identifying areas for improvement. Our technical teams are working tire-lessly to troubleshoot and enhance the system, based on this feedback. We are confident that through contin-uous monitoring and refinement, we will overcome these initial hurdles and deliver a seamless digital fare experience. I encourage the public to continue to provide feedback , as it is the public we aim to serve and ensure we deliver the best product s we can. Customers who need assistance can contact the Shorelink App support, by phone at [ 441-] 292-3851 or through the contact form on our website, [ forms.gov.bm/shoreLink ] Mr. Speaker, the call centre is based at the Department of Public Transportation, and customer service representatives are available to assist from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Monday through Sunday. Mr. Speaker , I had the opportunity to visit the call centre this Wednesday, where I encountered exceptionally pleasant customer service representatives. I am proud to report that the public is receiving the same high level of service that I experienced on my visit. Mr. Speaker, it is crucial to remind the public that the continued use of current physical media such as tokens, tickets and passes will remain in place for the foreseeable future. The Government is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind as we transition into a more digitali sed environment. We are dedicated to providing accessible transportation options for all segments of the population including seniors, individu-als with special needs and children. This commitment ensures that everyone, regardless of their ability to use digital platfo rms, will have access to transportation services. Mr. Speaker, building on the success of phase I, we are excited to announce the upcoming launches of phase II and phase III of the digital fare media initiative. These next phases are estimated to be launched in September 2024, and we are optimistic about achieving similar successes with these new implemen-tations. Mr. Speaker , phase II includes the launch of the real -time passenger information application. This application is designed to provide passengers with up-to-date information about their bus or ferry location and estimated time of arrival. By offering real- time data, we aim to enhance the passenger experience, reduce waiting times and improve overall satisfaction with our public transportation services. This application will be accessible via smartphones and other digital devices, making it easier for passengers to plan their journeys and stay informed. Mr. Speaker , phase III will introduce the use of credit and debit cards , and installation of validators which will enable digital tickets and passes to be automatically read by validating machines. This inno-vation will further streamline the boarding process, re-duce the need for manual ticket checks and increase the efficiency of the public transportation system. The validators will be installed on all buses and ferries, en-suring comprehensive coverage across the entire network. This phase represents a significant step towar d a fully automated and integrated fare- collection system. Mr. Speaker, as a little background, a comprehensive request for proposal (RFP) was issued in March 2020, attracting interest from 12 different ven-dors. After a thorough evaluation by a team of technical officers, Paragon ID was selected as the vendor for implementat ion of digital-f are media. All procedural and procurement protocols were adhered to, which led to the finali sation and signing of the contract. The contract is valued at $1.9 million over five years to be paid in annual instalments of $320,000 apart from the initial cost of $604,000 in the first year. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, the Bermuda Government is dedicated to delivering the best possible digital- fare media to the public. We are proud of the progress we have made with the successful launch of phase I and are eagerly anticipating the launches of phase II and phase III. These advancements represent our dedication to modernis ing Bermuda ’s public transportation system and enhancing the overall passenger experience. We understand, Mr. Speaker, that the journey toward full implementation is ongoing, and we remain committed to addressing any challenges that arise along the way. Our focus is on continuous im-provement and innovation, ensuring that Bermuda ’s public transportation system remains at the forefront of technological advancement. Mr. Speaker, we thank the public for their patience and support as we work toward these ambitious goals. Together we are creating a more efficient, relia-ble and user -friendly transportation system for all. We look forward to sharing more updates as we progress through the subsequent phases and continue to deliver our promises. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, that brings us to a close of the Statements for this morning. And we now move on. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. PREMIER’S QUESTIONS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, today is the second Friday in the month, which means we have Premier’s Questions today. So, the Premier’s Questions on the Order Paper. And we will get the Premier’s Questions. 1482 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly Just as a reminder, it is 30 minutes …
Members, today is the second Friday in the month, which means we have Premier’s Questions today. So, the Premier’s Questions on the Order Paper. And we will get the Premier’s Questions. 1482 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Just as a reminder, it is 30 minutes independent. And when we finish that, we will go to the 60 minutes of our normal Question Period. Premier’s Questions will start now. And the time is . . . thank you. Thank you, Premier and Honourable Members. Premier, we have questions for you this morning. The first questions are from the Opposition Leader. Opposition Leader, would you like to put your question? Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And good morning to you, sir.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning. QUESTION 1: GOVERNMENT’S STRATEGY TO ADDRESS THE RISING VIOLENCE Hon. Jarion Richardson: Good morning to my colleagues and the listening audience. Given the recent violence that has shocked our community and shaken us to our core, would the Honourable Premier please describe the Government’s strategy to address the …
Good morning.
QUESTION 1: GOVERNMENT’S STRATEGY TO ADDRESS THE RISING VIOLENCE
Hon. Jarion Richardson: Good morning to my colleagues and the listening audience. Given the recent violence that has shocked our community and shaken us to our core, would the Honourable Premier please describe the Government’s strategy to address the rising violence in our commu-nity? Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, what is important to note is that there is the dual -pronged approach. There is the matter of ongoing matters related to enforcement, which re-side with the Bermuda Police Service under the direction of Government House. Insofar as the work of which the Government is doing, it is in regard to intervention with young people through the work of the Gang Violence Reduction Team and others, whether it be the helping agencies [such as] Child and Adolescent Ser-vices; the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors; DCFS [Department of Child and Family Services] who are working with young persons who may be at risk, trying to make sure to direct them on the right path. As I have mentioned in my comments today, Mr. Speaker, in the Ministerial Statement and yester-day, we have seen some success. But it is clear and evident that we have not been able to save all persons. We continue to plead for persons to assist us in this effort in the conversations and discussions of which we have had. There is more that is needed from the parents and outside of our community insofar as asking for help when they need help when they identify signs, and making sure that they are being hones t with themselves and making sure that they are not afraid to say, I might need help and assistance with their young people. Insofar as when it comes to strategy and resourcing, as I said in my public comments, we will make more resources available. We have made more resources available when those resources have been requested. And Ministers have been asked to identify any particular gaps that they may have seen which is the result of these latest incidents. And I made the commitment as Minister of Finance that we will fund those particular measures. And of course Members of this House will be able to opine on those matters if s upplementary estimates are required to be brought to this House for additional funding. [Inaudible interjection]
SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes, please. Thank you. Thank you. We note the Premier has made a point that a gap analysis will be conducted relating to the current resources and activities of this Government to combat the rising crime. Will the Honourable Premier please inform us when this gap analysis will be completed?
Hon. E. David Burt: To be clear, Mr. Speaker, these things are ongoing. So it is not a question of . . . that we just started. What I said in my response was, As a result of the latest set of circumstances to identify further particular items and possible adjustments in change in pol-icy in that matter. But those things are ongoing. There are regular teams who need to discuss the social and helping agencies and services. What are those various items that are needed? When there are requests that are brought f or additional help and assistance, those are done. The Honourable Member will recall that in previous times there were supplementary estimates that were brought for additional support for the police. When those requests were made for additional support for mental health, when those requests were made. So this is an ongoing process. It is not something that is just happening now. So I want to make sure that it is clear that what I said in my earlier response was as a result of the latest incidents . This morning I had a meeting with the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, with the Permanent Secretary, with the persons in DCFS around certain issues related to counselling. I also had a meeting before the House of Assembly this morning with the Minister of National Security on these same matters. There were meetings earlier this week. There were discussions at Cabinet as well to make sure that gaps are identified. If there is any more, we know that students are out of school. And therefore, the traditional avenues of reaching young people that we have set up out during the year were not there. And therefore, whether it is the summer camps that are offered by the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors or the summer camps that are offered by Tourism, Culture and Sport, we have teams that are going to reach out to those persons who are i n
Bermuda House of Assembly the camps to make sure to check on their emotional health. So, this is work that is ongoing. So, I do not want it to seem as though this is reactionary. But after this last incident, I asked Ministers to identify if there are any additional gaps which have come from the team and made sure to reinforce and reiterat e to the leadership of Ministers and to the Public Service Executive that if there are additional resources that are required, those requests should be made to the Ministry of Finance.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. Supplementary? Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes. Given the nature of the changes are ongoing, my question to the Premier is then, What has changed regarding the increased violence? Because it sounds like we are doing exactly what we were doing before.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, what I will say is that I know the Honourable Member is a former police of-ficer. And what I am not going to do is come here and quote crime statistics, because though the police will state that overall crime has fallen, we …
Premier.
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, what I will say is that I know the Honourable Member is a former police of-ficer. And what I am not going to do is come here and quote crime statistics, because though the police will state that overall crime has fallen, we have seen a marked increase in these last few months. At the same point in time, the police have also increased their efforts and have recovered six firearms this year. And so I cannot speak to particular instances. What I can say is that, as I have noted in my comments and I think the Opposition Leader’s comments and other comments, this is a joint effort and joint approach. In cases and instances like this, what we have to do is just re- examine our efforts. I must repeat: We have seen success since we have come into office where we have said that we are going to focus and make sure that resources are put toward root causes. We have seen success with young persons who may have been going on a wrong path, where request has been asked for, where teachers, where parents or others have identified their problems. They want to see help and resolution. Those things we have seen bear success. But as I said in my comments yesterday, Mr. Speaker, our desire is to save all. That is our desire. The reality is that we cannot. But we must continue to work, as we did not get here overnight and we are not going to get out of it overnight. This is not j ust a Bermuda problem. We have seen an increase in violence across the world and in the region, whether it be Turks and Caicos, whether it be the Cayman Islands, whether it be the United States. They are dealing with the increase of these particular incide nts. There are many multitudes of social and environment factors —social media exposure, different things. There are a number. I am not going to try to get into diagnosing them because that is not my area of expertise. What I am stating is that the Government wi ll ensure that the helping agencies are resourced. And if they require additional, we will make sure that that is provided, Mr. Speaker. Because what I will not do is stay here as the Minister of Finance to quote statistics around debt metrics and speak about the fact that we have a balanced budget and ratings agencies, et cetera, meeting external targets when there may be additional resources that need to be employed locally. So from that aspect, Mr. Speaker, that is the commitment from the Government. And I hope the Honourable Opposition Leader will join me in welcoming that commitment.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Second question? QUESTION 2: GOVERNMENT’S STRATEGY TO ADDRESS THE RISING VIOLENCE Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes. Indeed I do, Mr. Speaker, in terms of this being a matter of priority in our community. But what I would especially do is make sure that we keep an eye on this matter. …
Okay. Second question?
QUESTION 2: GOVERNMENT’S STRATEGY TO ADDRESS THE RISING VIOLENCE
Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes. Indeed I do, Mr. Speaker, in terms of this being a matter of priority in our community. But what I would especially do is make sure that we keep an eye on this matter. So to that end, I would ask the Honourable Premier, who has just spoken to—(my second question, please, sir) —who has just spoken to a number of success or successes as it relates to the Government’s efforts, if he would be able to describe what those successes are in this matter.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the Gang Violence Reduction Team has a team of over 25 counsellors in the community. There are at -risk youth who are identified, who are put into counselling, who are offered em-ployment opportunities. It is happening on a number of things. So, Mr. …
Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the Gang Violence Reduction Team has a team of over 25 counsellors in the community. There are at -risk youth who are identified, who are put into counselling, who are offered em-ployment opportunities. It is happening on a number of things. So, Mr. Speaker, what I am saying is, there have been multiple Statements that have come to this House highlighting the effectiveness of those programmes. Do we save all persons? No. It is not just an issue of whether or not the Government has done what is required. This is a community issue as well. There is a role for parents to play as well. There is a role for others to play as well. But when persons ar e brought to us, our teams are resourced to work with them. And we have seen young men and young women who were on the wrong path having their lives turned around and move up to more productive activities. That is the measure, Mr. Speaker. Those are the successes of which I am speaking about. 1484 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly On an overall basis, there are challenges. I am not going to deny that. But I think it is also important that we recognise that there is support there. There is intervention that is taking place in middle schools, in high schools, in community clubs, all throughout the Is-land. And we are going to continue to augment those efforts so that we can reach and identify the gaps. But I must reiterate, as I said in my Statement, Mr. Speaker, there is a role for parents to play. Parents, please know that you are not alone! It is a difficult thing to say, Mr. Speaker, but there are some parents who are afraid of their children. There are some parents who do not know what to do! And I must plead and urge, If you see the signs, if you are nervous, if you are anxious around this, please do reach out. As I said, the Gang Violence Reduction Team has a team of 25 persons inside of the community who work all the time to aid in intervention and diverting young persons to positive activity. Those are the successes of which I speak about, Mr. Speaker. And those are the things of which we must continue to do. And we must continue to support not only . . . not only with financial resources and human resources, but also as a community. Imploring persons to take advantage of those services that are offered so that parents can get the help that they may need in making sure that we arrest the slide of some young persons.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? Hon. Jarion Richardson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes, sir.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. SUPPLEMENTARY Hon. Jarion Richardson: I thank the Honourable Premier for bringing up the work undertaken by the Gang Violence Reduction Team. I would ask the Honourable Premier . . . obviously, this enterprise costs money, costs taxpayer money. My question relates to, Is it working? And so my question …
Okay.
SUPPLEMENTARY
Hon. Jarion Richardson: I thank the Honourable Premier for bringing up the work undertaken by the Gang Violence Reduction Team. I would ask the Honourable Premier . . . obviously, this enterprise costs money, costs taxpayer money. My question relates to, Is it working? And so my question to the Honourable Premier is, Has the Gang Violence Reduction Team satisfied the expectations of this Government today?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I think that the intervention and work, the work that I have seen, the work that I have experienced personally, the work that I know that is taking place, the number of individuals who are seen, who are intervened with are yielding results …
Premier.
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I think that the intervention and work, the work that I have seen, the work that I have experienced personally, the work that I know that is taking place, the number of individuals who are seen, who are intervened with are yielding results . . . May we need to do more? In some cases and incidences, absolutely. But I must remind the Honourable Member that this is not just in regard to the Government. The community has a role to play. We can only assist those persons who are brought to us. They are identified oftentimes in schools, and there are interventions. But at the same point in time we have to understand, Mr. Speaker, that sometimes these things are missed. And so with the intervention efforts, I believe they are positive. We must measure this in a scale of progress and positivity and what is happening. And I know for a fact that there are a number of young men and young women who have been diverted from going on a negative path due to the interventions, not only the Gang Violence Reduction Team, but all of the associated agencies of which they work with. Whether or not that be the Family Centre, whether or not that be the churches, whether or not it be all of those items as the community level. So I would ask the Honourable Member to please recognise this and feel free to identify any additional areas of which he and his colleagues may feel may need to be augmented. But I think it is important to recognise and support the work of not only the persons who are employed directly by the Ministry of National Security, but all of the community partners of which they work with throughout various aspects and agencies of the government and in the third sector.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Second supplementary or third question? Hon. Jarion Richardson: Third question.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo ahead. QUESTION 3: GOVERNMENT’S STRATEGY TO ADDRESS THE RISING VIOLENCE —PROTECTION OF OFFICERS IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES Hon. Jarion Richardson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Honourable Premier for inviting the Opposition to contribute to these notes. To that end, I would thank Members [to understand] …
Go ahead.
QUESTION 3: GOVERNMENT’S STRATEGY TO ADDRESS THE RISING VIOLENCE —PROTECTION OF OFFICERS IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR DUTIES
Hon. Jarion Richardson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thank the Honourable Premier for inviting the Opposition to contribute to these notes. To that end, I would thank Members [to understand] that this matter is very serious and probably does not require the normal Par-liamentary int ervention. To my point, Mr. Premier, my understanding is that BPS (or Bermuda Police Service) officers are ex-posed to civil liability; that is, they can be sued in the performance of their duties. And this obviously places those officers in a precarious position, as they effectively feel no one has their backs. What does this Government plan to do to protect officers in the performance of their duties?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I thank the Honourable Member for raising that. I know that this is an issue Bermuda House of Assembly that has come to my attention. I do not have the specifics on this. I can have an undertaking to get back to the …
Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I thank the Honourable Member for raising that. I know that this is an issue
Bermuda House of Assembly that has come to my attention. I do not have the specifics on this. I can have an undertaking to get back to the [Opposition Leader] around this. I know this is something, I think to the best of my recollection, it is due to recent . . . whether it is regarding negotiations and/or matters that are related to court cases. I am set to discuss further this weekend with the Minister and the Police Commissioner, who have returned to the Island. And I am happy to revert further to the Honourable Member. But I will express on a broad measure that I think that it is important that we do support the police and to ensure that the standards are upheld and to make sure, to the point of his question, if there are officers who may feel that they cannot fully exec ute their duties due to issues pertaining to civil liability, I will ac-cept the fact that this is a challenge that we must fix.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning. QUESTION 1: HITCH DISPATCH COMPANY FARE RATES
Ms. Susan E. JacksonMy question to the Premier/Minister of Finance is, Will the Premier as Minister of Finance, who legislates taxi metres fares, please explain how local dispatcher HITCH Dispatch Company Limited is able to charge triple the metred rate for customers paying to travel from Cup Match this year?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI am trying to tie that to a response that falls . . . You are directing it to the Minister of Finance. I am thinking Transport, but . . . Okay. Explain your point again.
Ms. Susan E. JacksonThe Minister of Finance is the one who sets the metred rate for taxi drivers, for the taxis. And so I just want to know if the Premier, as Minister of Finance who regulates taxi fares, can allow HITCH, a local dispatch company, to charge triple the rate t o …
The Minister of Finance is the one who sets the metred rate for taxi drivers, for the taxis. And so I just want to know if the Premier, as Minister of Finance who regulates taxi fares, can allow HITCH, a local dispatch company, to charge triple the rate t o customers who are travelling about during the Cup Match holiday? The Speaker: I do not know whether it is Finance or Transport that sets the rate. Premier, if you want to just clarify who sets the rates, then we will be fine from there, I guess.
Hon. E. David Burt: The rates are set out at the Ministry of Transport. And I am not entirely certain what the Honourable Member is trying to get at. But I see that we will go to an attempted first line of questions today, so I will try my best to answer the first line of questioning.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerNo, I was just thinking who is responsible for the fare. Hon. E. David Burt: Yes, yes.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerIf you are not responsible for the fare, I do not think you can respond to it. So, it is actually the Minister of Transport who is responsible for the fare.
Ms. Susan E. JacksonSo I was told by the Minister of Transport that the Ministry of Finance sets the fares for the taxi industry, the metred fares.
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. MembersWow! Oh, wow! Uh -oh. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAh! Ah! Ah! Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. It is the Premier’s response. But, Minister of Transport, I am going to give you an opportunity to clar-ify what you may or may not have said. Would you …
Ah! Ah! Ah! Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. It is the Premier’s response. But, Minister of Transport, I am going to give you an opportunity to clar-ify what you may or may not have said. Would you like to clarify it? Because the Shadow Minister is under the interpretation that you said . . . her question is based on something that you said to her. And we are trying to get clarification on that.
Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Speaker, I have never said anything to the Honourable Member from that side. I know she just woke up; but I have not said anything to her that I remember.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerShe was not being personal. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: No, I am not being personal either, Mr. Speaker. But she is being personal in saying that I said it.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerNo, no, no, no. She did not get personal in a negative way. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Oh, okay.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerShe implied that she was . . . her line of questioning was based on a conversation that she had with the Minister of Transport. If you feel as the Minister 1486 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly of Transport comments were not as she stated, …
She implied that she was . . . her line of questioning was based on a conversation that she had with the Minister of Transport. If you feel as the Minister 1486 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly of Transport comments were not as she stated, you just have to state that she did not. You do not have to get personal about it. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: No, I accept that, Mr. Speaker. I have never said anything to the Honourable Member.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Jackson, the Minister is saying that he in no way implied that.
Ms. Susan E. JacksonMr. Speaker, during the budget [debate] or prior to budget, I asked about the increase in taxi metred fares. And I was told that the approval of any increase to taxi metres needed to be approved by the Ministry of Finance.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAnd, Member, that question was asked in this House?
Ms. Susan E. JacksonThis question was asked outside of this House during a briefing prior to the 2024 budget season.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. I was asking specifically if it was in this House, because if it was in this House there would be a record somewhere of it, [in] the Hansard, et cetera. If it was outside of this House in a side conversation, I am in a difficult position to decide …
Okay. I was asking specifically if it was in this House, because if it was in this House there would be a record somewhere of it, [in] the Hansard, et cetera. If it was outside of this House in a side conversation, I am in a difficult position to decide on that question. If it was in this House, I can make an easier ruling that we c an always find the information that was supplied in here. Outside of here, my hands are basi-cally tied. I cannot speak to an individual conversation. But to clarify the matter, the question that you put to the Premier is a question that should go to the Minister of Transport. That is what we are assessing at this point. Am I correct, Mr. Premier?
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I can assure you that rates that are set under the Motor Car Act are set by the Minister of Transport. And the Honourable Member can look that up in law.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Thank you. So, if you would like to put your question in a different time and a different setting, the question should go directly to the Minister of Transport and not to the Premier. Okay? That is the best I can do for you. I cannot rule on a …
Okay. Thank you. So, if you would like to put your question in a different time and a different setting, the question should go directly to the Minister of Transport and not to the Premier. Okay? That is the best I can do for you. I cannot rule on a conversation that was had outside of here for this matter, because it was not a public conversation. Okay?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Members, Members, I do not need any assistance. I do not need any assistance at all. Your whole questions were based on that, so I am assuming there are no other questions? Okay.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, yes, that is true. One question, two supplementaries. No problem. Okay? We will move on. The next Member who has a question is MP Adams. Would you like to put your question? QUESTION 1: GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE EDUCATION SYSTEM
Mr. Jache AdamsGood morning, Mr. Speaker. I think we all can agree that education is one of society’s most essential tools for creating pathways and providing opportunities. And it is also a powerful way to combat the impacts of community violence. Can the Honourable Premier please advise what this Government has done …
Good morning, Mr. Speaker. I think we all can agree that education is one of society’s most essential tools for creating pathways and providing opportunities. And it is also a powerful way to combat the impacts of community violence. Can the Honourable Premier please advise what this Government has done since returning to office to improve our education system and provide more resources and opportunities for our students?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I thank the Honourable Member for his question. Because as I stated in my comments to the press yesterday, education and opportunity are important items. The first thing is to make sure that the resources are there and availabl e, …
Premier.
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I thank the Honourable Member for his question. Because as I stated in my comments to the press yesterday, education and opportunity are important items. The first thing is to make sure that the resources are there and availabl e, whether or not those are the technology resources, where all of our students now have computers in schools, whether or not that is making sure that all of our classes and our schools are actually fully connected to the Internet, which is not something that we found when we came into the office where we did not even have Wi -Fi in 2017 in our schools. But also it is important to note the fact we have implemented the Signature Schools. The Minister had spoken earlier about the fact that we have Signature Schools. The third Signature School that is opening with partnerships, the fact that Bermuda now has a trade school, which is something that persons have called for , for us to revert back to, and persons are at CedarBridge Academy. And whether or not it is the issue of access to Bermuda College and the work through the Department of Workforce Development with the Youth Employment Strategy, these are all matters that are related to educati on, that are related to opportunity, that are related to training, which are essential for us to make sure that are put in place to offer persons options. And when we spoke earlier in Question [Period], regarding, What is the work?, we know that persons have gone from being seen and at risk in one of
Bermuda House of Assembly our helping agencies, whether or not that is through the Gang Violence Reduction Team or other teams that work with young people, to then be directed to pass, where they can get certifications, attend Bermuda College and move on to spaces of gainful employ ment. And so from that particular aspect, Mr. Speaker, it is dealing with the education matters themselves in the public education system, the access to higher education, and also vocational training and education that is being offered. Scholarships have been doubled. Apprenticeships have been increased. We have made sure that we have provided additional resources to our school system. And where there is a need to find more space and opportunity to do that, we will do so, Mr. Speaker. [No audible comment]
QUESTION 2: GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO ASSIST STUDENTS IN FURTHERING THEIR EDUCATION
Mr. Jache AdamsYes, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the Premier for that response. Mr. Speaker, cost is a major factor that students and their families must consider when discussing further education. Can the Honourable Premier please advise how the Government is assisting students when it comes to the cost of furthering …
Yes, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the Premier for that response. Mr. Speaker, cost is a major factor that students and their families must consider when discussing further education. Can the Honourable Premier please advise how the Government is assisting students when it comes to the cost of furthering their education ? Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this is without question a challenge that is faced. And I remember one of the first acts that this Government did was to reverse the changes that were made under the OBA, where Bermuda College was free when they came into office, Bermuda College was no longer free when they left office. And we made sure that no person, no Bermudian was denied access to higher education due to their family’s financial circumstances. We implemented College Promise. We implemented scholarships for those persons who had above a 3.0 grade point average so they could attend on merit -based scholarships if not need- based scholarships. In addition to that, we have increased our budget for sch olarships, awarding over $2 million to scholarships annually. I believe at a previous sitting, the Minister did outline those particular matters; scholarships that are worth up to $35,000 for four years. We also made sure that, if there is a higher figure, those numbers can be met. And also what is important, Mr. Speaker, is that we also made sure, through one of our election pledges . . . although the airline that we are working with changed their plan, we made sure that we provided support for transportation as well for students w ho may be travelling from school, et cetera. And in addition to that, Mr. Speaker, we have also allocated money and support for educational trips for public schools so they can apply for those aspects. So there are a number of items which we have done to make sure that we can increase affordability, increase access and also increase exposure.
The SpeakerThe Speaker[No audio. ] QUESTION 1: MPs HIRED AS CONSULTANTS
Mr. L. Craig CannonierYes. Thank you, and good morning, colleagues. At present, Premier, are there any MPs as of today who are hired as consultants for any particular ministries? Hon. E. David Burt: I would say absolutely. SUPPLEMENTARIES
Mr. L. Craig CannonierSupplemental? Can the Premier name those MPs who are consultants? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, what I will not do is to try to provide a list, as I may not know. And then there will be criticisms in regard to whether or not those persons are consultants or …
Supplemental? Can the Premier name those MPs who are consultants?
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, what I will not do is to try to provide a list, as I may not know. And then there will be criticisms in regard to whether or not those persons are consultants or non -consultants or on contracts doing extra work, or work regarding their board- related activity, or different things like that. What I do know specifically, I know that MP Jamahl Simmons is working in a consulting role specifically. I know there are other MPs who may be in consulting roles which may have fallen. I know there are MPs who are working in particular branch roles. And I am happy to make sure to get a full and complete answer to the Member, or if he wants to submit that [question]. But what I do not want to do is to get myself in a particular challenge where persons are saying, These things occurred through numerous government agen-cies or government departments. And what I do not want to do is to provide an incomplete list.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierThank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A bit hard to believe but thank you very much. I will accept it. And the supplemental will be, When can I get the list, then? Can you give me a specific time? Hon. E. David Burt: Happy to have the Cabinet Office review …
Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A bit hard to believe but thank you very much. I will accept it. And the supplemental will be, When can I get the list, then? Can you give me a specific time?
Hon. E. David Burt: Happy to have the Cabinet Office review the records and provide the list hopefully by the time we have the next sitting. No issue. Or if the Member wants to submit a regular parliamentary request the regular way, we can do that as well. Mr. Speaker, on issues when it comes to transparency there is no issue. The Government must be held accountable to the House for all of its particular actions. That is what is spelled out in our Constitution, and there is no issue doing that. It should be important to note the reason why we have this Question Time is because this Government made a commitment to do so in its 2017 manifesto, worked with you to change the rules of the House to make sure there is more transparency and accountability for the el ected Government. And that is what we will continue to do, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. MP Cannonier, you have had yours. The next is MP Pearman. MP Pearman, would you like to put your question? QUESTION 1: CLEAN AIR LEGISLATION EXTENSION REQUEST REFUSED
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Mr. Speaker. Honourable Premier, your Government is proposing legislative changes around clean air coming on the back of the BELCO emissions concerns. Government allowed only three weeks for the consultation period, and stakeholders have requested an extension of time and have been denied that request for an extension …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Honourable Premier, your Government is proposing legislative changes around clean air coming on the back of the BELCO emissions concerns. Government allowed only three weeks for the consultation period, and stakeholders have requested an extension of time and have been denied that request for an extension of time. Can you explain why that extension request was refused in relation to this important issue by important stakeholders?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier. Hon. E. David Burt: Mr, Speaker, this is a very important matter. It is something that the Government does not wish to delay further. It is something that affects many of our constituents. And what we are going to do is to make sure to move forward, press forward …
Premier.
Hon. E. David Burt: Mr, Speaker, this is a very important matter. It is something that the Government does not wish to delay further. It is something that affects many of our constituents. And what we are going to do is to make sure to move forward, press forward and act on this. And persons who need to comment can feel free to comment within the required timeframe.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. [Timer chimes]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerLet me just reset the clock to the 60 minutes so that we can do the regular Question Period, and we will move on at that point. QUESTION PERIOD
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWe now have completed the Premier’s Questions. We now move on to [questions on the] Statements that were given this morning. And from the Statements this morning we do have questions. If you note on the Order Paper there was a written set of written questions this morning to go …
We now have completed the Premier’s Questions. We now move on to [questions on the] Statements that were given this morning. And from the Statements this morning we do have questions. If you note on the Order Paper there was a written set of written questions this morning to go the Minister of Economy and Labour. We are carrying those over to next week because of a technical matter, and all parties understand that. Thank you. The Statements this morning have questions, and the first question this morning is in reference to the Premier’s second Statement, and that is from MP Pear-man.
QUESTION 1: EQUITY FOR PENSIONS
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning. Thank you, Honourable Premier. In your Statement you referred to reforms in relation to pensions and the capping of fees by pension providers. You referred to this being collaborative between the Government and the pension administrators. And you referred to private sector. So …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good morning. Thank you, Honourable Premier. In your Statement you referred to reforms in relation to pensions and the capping of fees by pension providers. You referred to this being collaborative between the Government and the pension administrators. And you referred to private sector. So it was no t clear from your Statement: Will this also apply to the government sector pension? Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I answer the question, does the Honourable Member have an interest to declare in this mat-ter?
Mr. Scott PearmanAll of my interests are declared on the website of the Parliament, and I do have a pension, yes. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just for full note, I know that [the Honourable Member’s] declarations do include matters related to Bermuda Fire and Marine and also Argus …
All of my interests are declared on the website of the Parliament, and I do have a pension, yes. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just for full note, I know that [the Honourable Member’s] declarations do include matters related to Bermuda Fire and Marine and also Argus [Insurance Company] as well, who are pension administrators, Mr. Speaker. And I just want to make sure that that record is made clear.
POINT OF ORDER
Mr. Scott PearmanPoint of order. Those interests are declared on the public website in accordance with the law. Thank you. Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Yes. I was about to say that we like to make sure that Members keep that registry current. And I think his is current on that. …
Point of order. Those interests are declared on the public website in accordance with the law. Thank you.
Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Yes. I was about to say that we like to make sure that Members keep that registry current. And I think his is current on that. Any changes to it? Please make it known. Thank you.
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this for private sector pensions.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMm-hmm. Hon. E. David Burt: The government pension plans do not have these particular administration fees of which the Honourable Member is referring to. And I think that it is important to note that particular matter. [Laughter] Hon. E. David Burt: I am grateful that the Honourable Member has mentioned …
Mm-hmm.
Hon. E. David Burt: The government pension plans do not have these particular administration fees of which the Honourable Member is referring to. And I think that it is important to note that particular matter. [Laughter]
Hon. E. David Burt: I am grateful that the Honourable Member has mentioned his matter related to his particular declarations. And I will assure the Honourable Member that these particular issues were canvassed, were addressed. It is something that was raised in 2019, brought forward. It was something that has come to the Government through public consultation that we did. That has been raised. And we are pleased to be enacting and moving forward this particular measure which will preserve pension balances and make sure that persons have larger private pension balances when they retire.
Mr. Scott PearmanYes, I believe in the Premier’s answer he just said that the government pension fund, the public service superannuation fund, does not have any fees. That is not a budgeted item in the Government budget. How does that run, and how are costs taken from that fund if it has …
Yes, I believe in the Premier’s answer he just said that the government pension fund, the public service superannuation fund, does not have any fees. That is not a budgeted item in the Government budget. How does that run, and how are costs taken from that fund if it has no fees?
Hon. E. David Burt: So, we are talking here about the administration fees that are charged insofar as PFIC and the work of which they do insofar as the invest-ments. Most of those investments are in fixed- income funds and others. If the Honourable Member wants a detailed explanation on those particular fees, [I am] happy to provide them. But this is for private sector pensions where pension administrators in the country, such as the ad-ministrators whom I previously mentioned that the Honourable Member has an interest in, do charge rates that are as high as 4.2 per cent, which have seen constituents complain about the excessive fees that are charged. And it is up to the Government to act. So in 2019 we changed the law to provide the Minister of Finance the power to make those particular prescriptions. It was stated in previous Budget State-ments that were delivered by the Minister of Finance at the time that this is something that we were go ing to address. And we are completing the work to ensure that there is equity in pensions and that we ensure that persons have larger retirement balances. And less funds are collected in fees, which means that more funds can go toward persons’ retirements.
Mr. Scott PearmanSecond supplemental. Looking for a straight answer to a straight question. Will there be any change to the government sector pension fees? Thank you. Hon. E. David Burt: So the thing is, Mr. Speaker, there are not individual fees, because the Government plan is not individual plans. However, I am …
Second supplemental. Looking for a straight answer to a straight question. Will there be any change to the government sector pension fees? Thank you.
Hon. E. David Burt: So the thing is, Mr. Speaker, there are not individual fees, because the Government plan is not individual plans. However, I am happy to make the particular commitment that if the fees are above these particular limits, that these same matters will apply.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Second question? No further question. Thank you. MP De Silva, did you still wish to ask your question? Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I do, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo ahead. QUESTION 1: EQUITY FOR PENSIONS Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Premier, I think it is fantastic that this Government, and I repeat this Government, is taking action to ensure that those persons in my constituency will have a larger retirement balance when they retire. The Premier has …
Go ahead.
QUESTION 1: EQUITY FOR PENSIONS
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Premier, I think it is fantastic that this Government, and I repeat this Government, is taking action to ensure that those persons in my constituency will have a larger retirement balance when they retire. The Premier has informed Bermuda that the Government will be capping administration fees. Will the Honourable Premier be able to inform this Honourable House, approximately how much in fees have been collected by pension administrators since the leg-islation was passed under the UBP in 1998?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I thank the Honourable Member for his question. The Pension Commission has estimated that since its inception the total amount of fees that has been collected is in the area of $500 million in gross administration fees for pension administrators. …
Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And I thank the Honourable Member for his question. The Pension Commission has estimated that since its inception the total amount of fees that has been collected is in the area of $500 million in gross administration fees for pension administrators. 1490 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly And this, of course, is just dealing with group plans, Mr. Speaker. This does not include any particular administration fees that may be earned by self -administered plans, individual plans administered by plan administrators. And this does not include investment management or advisory fees t hat plan administrators either received directly or via their investment management subsidiaries. It is important to note also that we have said inside of this that there cannot be double- dipping. So you cannot charge a fee for the administration and then charge a fee on the other side if you are going to make the investment through your investment arm and then get a fee there as well. But, Mr. Speaker, those are the figures, and that is why this is around equity. This is around ensuring that Bermudians, because the national pension scheme applies to Bermudians, mandates Bermudians—others can have, non -Bermudians may—but the only mandate is for Bermudians. This is for equity for pensions in Bermudians and is an example of this Gov-ernment’s examining, seeing where inequity exists and being able to take the tough legislative decision to ensure that Bermudians are protec ted so they have larger pension balances for their retirement.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, Mr. Speaker, I certainly do. The Honourable Premier cannot be correct in this statement. He cannot be. Is the Premier telling this House that pension administrators have collected half a billion [sic] dollars since 1998 when this legislation was introduced by …
Supplementary?
SUPPLEMENTARIES
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, Mr. Speaker, I certainly do. The Honourable Premier cannot be correct in this statement. He cannot be. Is the Premier telling this House that pension administrators have collected half a billion [sic] dollars since 1998 when this legislation was introduced by the former United Bermuda Party? Because, Mr. Speaker, and I stand to be corrected, I have done some quick figuring —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPut your question. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Okay. Half a billion [sic] dollars, Mr. Speaker, is $19 million a year, or $1.6 million a month. Can the Premier tell me if this is correct?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI think the question is answered already. He said it was half a million , not $500 billion. Hon. E. David Burt: So what I will say, Mr. Speaker, is that we will have an opportunity to debate this legislation in the future when it comes and the specific changes. …
I think the question is answered already. He said it was half a million , not $500 billion. Hon. E. David Burt: So what I will say, Mr. Speaker, is that we will have an opportunity to debate this legislation in the future when it comes and the specific changes. I wanted to make sure that we made this important announcement to confirm the dates when this would come into place insofar as with the consultation of pension plan administrators so they have the time to make sure that they can adjust their systems to be ready for April 1, 2025. But as I stated, that is the estimate. It is a significant amount of money. It is shocking because if those fees are reduced, that means that Bermudians can have more money in their pension balances. And we are committed to capping those fees. And when we see that there is inequity where the Government can act, we will act.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Second supplementary? Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, yes, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the Premier’s confirmation of that staggering figure of $500 million a month, $500 billion over that period, which is $1.6 million a month. So I thank him for that. But …
Thank you. Second supplementary? Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, yes, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the Premier’s confirmation of that staggering figure of $500 million a month, $500 billion over that period, which is $1.6 million a month. So I thank him for that. But what I would like to ask the Honourable Premier is, What other actions may the Government take to ensure that the people have a pension that can support them when they retire? Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I thank the Honourable Member for the question because there is one thing about dealing with fees, as well. And also making sure that there is no double -dipping, as mentioned earlier, where persons are charging fees of the money coming in and then are charging fees on the investments that are run by their investment arms of which they are making the investments in. So that is another step. But I think it is also important to note that this is not just about capping fees. This is about the continued work which is necessary and required to promote savings for persons’ retirements. One of the things which we want to do in working with the pens ion administrators is to increase the matters that are happening on financial literacy. There is also something else which is a recommendation which has come from pension administra-tors inside of the consultation. And I will share, for example, Mr. Speaker, if someone who has an individual pension plan or a group pension plan does not elect what type of investment strategy they want to follow — conservative, moderate, or I would say more risky, high risk—they are automatically defaulted to the conservative balance. And for investment persons where persons are younger, the advice is to be more aggressive, then moderate, then more conservative as time goes on. So one of the recommendations which has come as part of this consultation is, where no election is made, it is defaulted to the most appropriate investment strategy given the person’s age. So that means that persons will even have larger pension balances following over time. So, there are a number of measures that are happening. There are more that will come on this. But as I said, the reason to make this announcement today is to state and confirm that the Cabinet has approved
Bermuda House of Assembly this policy after consultation so that pension administrators can begin the work to start to prepare their systems to be ready for this reduction of fees, which will come into place on April 1, 2025.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. That is the end of questions for you on that Statement, Premier. Members, thank you for your par-ticipation. The next Statement that has questions is that of the Minister of Transport. Minister of Transport, you have questions from MP Jackson. MP Jackson.
Ms. Susan E. JacksonThank you, Mr. Speaker. My first question is the Minister of Transport had mentioned the five —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! Oh! [Inaudible interjections]
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberSorry, Mr. Speaker. [Crosstalk]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. All right. QUESTION 1: DIGITAL FARE MEDIA —LAUNCHED 8 JULY 2024
Ms. Susan E. JacksonThank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister of Transport had mentioned the five-year relationship with Paragon that has the Shorelink digital fare technology. And my question is, Will the Paragon or Shorelink (I am going to refer to it as Shorelink) be the provider of all of the additio nal features …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Minister of Transport had mentioned the five-year relationship with Paragon that has the Shorelink digital fare technology. And my question is, Will the Paragon or Shorelink (I am going to refer to it as Shorelink) be the provider of all of the additio nal features such as the credit card digital payments and so on? Will Shorelink as Paragon be the provider of the additional technology features that will be introduced at a later date?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Minister. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Yes.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSecond question, okay. QUESTION 2: DIGITAL FARE MEDIA —LAUNCHED 8 JULY 2024
Ms. Susan E. JacksonWill the Transport Minister please explain the payment method? And by payment method I am referring to, Will the funds that are used online through Shorelink to pay for these passes, are those going to be processed locally through the local banks? Because [the Honourable Minister] mentioned that Shorelink has …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: No.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOr third question? Supplementary. SUPPLEMENTARY
Ms. Susan E. JacksonYes. Will the Transport Minister just explain to us that payment processes then? So when you pay with your credit card through the Shorelink app, is that money processed through a local company? Can you explain that?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: It is only the app that goes to Paragon. All of the money flows through the banks here in Bermuda.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary or third question? QUESTION 3: DIGITAL FARE MEDIA —LAUNCHED 8 JULY 2024
Ms. Susan E. JacksonYes. So would the Minister be willing to name how that money is being transitioned through? Are we using a local company to process the payments through this app? If he could just explain that, please.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I do not understand. Mr. Speaker, I hear what the Honourable Member is saying. But I do not get through all the technological aspect of it. The money flows and is handled by the company in general, et cetera, et cetera, and it flows through …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI think you provided the answer when you said that the money just goes through Bermuda into the transport as a payment here locally. [Inaudible interjections]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay? I am trying to help everybody here; that is all I am trying to do. It seems like it is going 1492 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly to go through the regular structure of payment in Bermuda. Okay. All right. Any other further questions …
Okay? I am trying to help everybody here; that is all I am trying to do. It seems like it is going 1492 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly to go through the regular structure of payment in Bermuda. Okay. All right. Any other further questions on that? Okay. Members, that brings us to a close of the questions that were put for Statements this morning. We thank you for your participation. We will now move on to the next item on the Order Paper.
CONGRATULATORY AND/OR OBITUARY SPEECHES
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWould any Member like to make a contribution at this time? Any Member? None? [Laughter]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOh. MP Lister, you jumped down there pretty quickly —or slowly that time, I should say. So, you have got your three minutes.
Mr. Dennis Lister IIIGood morning, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this has been a very sad and heavy week in Bermuda. And while I do not know the names of all of those involved, I do just want to send condolences to the families of those whom we lost this week, Mr. Speaker. It …
Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this has been a very sad and heavy week in Bermuda. And while I do not know the names of all of those involved, I do just want to send condolences to the families of those whom we lost this week, Mr. Speaker. It is saddening thing and a week that Bermuda hopefully will never see or hear of again in Bermuda. But, Mr. Speaker, while sad and tragic news has highlighted our newspaper this week, I want to take some time to highlight and recognise young people who have represented Bermuda well overseas in sports. As I have a passion for sports, I always like to go to the sports section of the Royal Gazette and look for those who are representing Bermuda. So, Mr. Speaker, I would like to send congratulations to young Mr. Oliver (and I am not sure how to pronounce his last name) —
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberBetschart.
Mr. Dennis Lister IIIBetschart. Oliver Betschart, who was representing Bermuda and participating in the Scottish Boys’ Under -16 Open Championship for golf. And he finished in fourth place out of, I believe, 170something other young boys. So, Mr. Speaker, again Bermudians are pushing the ceiling, pushing and showing our weight that we can …
Betschart. Oliver Betschart, who was representing Bermuda and participating in the Scottish Boys’ Under -16 Open Championship for golf. And he finished in fourth place out of, I believe, 170something other young boys. So, Mr. Speaker, again Bermudians are pushing the ceiling, pushing and showing our weight that we can compete in these sports. I would like congratulate Oliver Betschart. And also, Mr. Speaker, congratulations to the whole of the Bermuda Pacers Track Club who recently participated in the Flying Angels International Track and Field Championship in Toronto. And they have done Bermuda extremely well. They have returned with 25 medals, 10 of them gold medals, Mr. Speaker. And they also set a new track record at that event with the Under -13 Girls [sprint medley team] recording the relay race in 4 minutes, 36 seconds. So, setting a new track record at that field, Mr. Speaker. So again, with the news that we have had this week, we can always look to highlight young people who are doing well representing Bermuda. And con-gratulations to them and all of our Bermudians, those to come in the Olympic Games, that they represent Bermuda well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchMr. Speaker, good morning. Mr. Speaker, I would like to be associated with the condolences for those whom we lost this week. I do not think I know any of the people who have been named. But like many in this country, it causes you to pause and reflect and …
Mr. Speaker, good morning. Mr. Speaker, I would like to be associated with the condolences for those whom we lost this week. I do not think I know any of the people who have been named. But like many in this country, it causes you to pause and reflect and try and figure out what it is that a Government could do or individuals can do to try and stop this from continuing to happen in this country. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to send condolences to the family of a constituent of mine, the 102year-old Dr. Dorothy Louise Matthews -Paynter who passed this week, I think eight days after her 102 nd birthday. Mr. Speaker, she was a constituent of mine and has been for my entire time representing constituents 27 and a staunch supporter of the PLP and a staunch supporter of the branch. We had planned to visit her on her birthday on the 26th of June and learned two hours before we set off that she was hospitalised. So, we did not get a chance to see her. But we went to see her on Saturday, the 6th of July. I do not know what a 102- year-old person is supposed to act like or be like, but she set the example. She was full of life, delighted to see us. We stayed and chatted for a while. She had in her house, in her living room, in her dining room, plat es on the walls of every place on the planet that she had visited. And there were many. She was just a lively, positive 102- year-old. And you could not say to her that she was 102. I cannot remember the term that she used to describe what her age was, but it did not acknowledge —“100” was not in it. And she had also indicated what next year’s birthday would be named as. And so she will be a significant miss to the Hillview community and the constituency of 27, and I suspect the wider constituency of Bermuda. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Neville S. TyrrellThank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, like most of us in this Chamber, the first thing I do on a morning is look at the obituaries. And I happened to see a name there that I was Bermuda House of Assembly associated with a very, very long …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, colleagues. Mr. Speaker, like most of us in this Chamber, the first thing I do on a morning is look at the obituaries. And I happened to see a name there that I was
Bermuda House of Assembly associated with a very, very long time. So first let me say I would like for condolences to be sent to the family of Mr. Henry Colin Adderley of Old Rectory Lane in Pembroke. I will give a bit of background. When I was a young 30- year-old with a pregnant w ife and two children, I had interest in buying a house. And the bank at the time refused me— on two occasions. That was the loan officers. And I got a little agitated and asked to see the manager. The manager at that time happened to be Mr. Henry Colin Adderley. And he took a liking to this young man and signed off on the loan without much agitation at that time. So, I certainly would like for condolences to be sent to his family and hope that he r est in heavenly peace. I will associate MP De Silva as well. On a happier note, my colleague alongside of me gave congratulations to a neighbour of mine, and I would like to be associated to Oliver Betschart. He is a young up- and-coming golfer. I think we are going to hear a lot about him in the future, having as y ou see placed well in the Scottish Open very, very recently. I would also— and this is just a coincidence that the person whom I now want to send congratulations to is also a neighbour of Oliver up in Rocklands where I live, Ms. Sandra Burrows. She was honoured by being the [KPMG] Teacher of the Year at t he Berkeley Institute this year. And I would certainly like congratulations to be sent to her. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe Speaker[No audio] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to be associated with the condolences which have been offered already and which I have expressed in forums and private forums. And I certainly associate all Members of the House with that and ask that the …
[No audio]
Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I wish to be associated with the condolences which have been offered already and which I have expressed in forums and private forums. And I certainly associate all Members of the House with that and ask that the letters be sent from the House . And I would also rise, please, Mr. Speaker, to please associate myself with the condolences that were offered by the Minister for Public Works on the passing of Dr. Dorothy Matthews[ -Paynter]. It was a pleasure, I remember, the last time I did see her was when Paget Primary had that station for her. And I re-member taking a picture with her to share with my mother, as Ms. Dorothy Matthews[ -Paynter] worked with my mom, or I would say that my mom worked for Ms. Dorothy Matthews[ -Paynter] way back in the day, probably before I was —oh, no, before I was born, without question. But she was without question a remarka-ble human being, full of vigour, full of life and will be dearly missed. And I did not want the moment to pass without rising to associate myself with the condolences to her family, many of whom we know, many who have worked very hard, and many who had to deal with a lot of the trauma of which we have been experiencing over the past week, one of those persons whom I met with this morning. So, thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: [No audio.] Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to be associated with the condolences [regarding] those persons who have lost their lives this week in such violent manners. And I, like the Premier, have spoken publicly and earlier in the House. So, there is not much mor e that I need to say on that. I also want to be associated with the remarks on Ms. Dorothy [Matthews -]Paynter. I too was up at Paget. I think they had Black History Week, and I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Ms. Dorothy [Matthews -]Paynter. The time I met with her this past February, Mr. Speaker, it did not seem at all that she was going 100. Because she was vibrant and full of history and encouragement to us. So, my heart and my condo-lences go out to her [family]. But, Mr. Speaker, on a positive note, I too want to be associated with the remarks for Oliver Betschart. I want to say that a Member of our House, the MP from constituency 2, was one of Mr. Betschart’s first teachers, Mr. Kim Swan. During some teaching lessons up at Port Royal, I was a part of the foursome now and then. And actually, you know —
[Inaudible interjection and l aughter]
Hon. Michael A. Weeks: I actually laugh, but this little boy was really good at 10 and 11. I would never admit to what the Member from constituency 5 has said. But I really saw way back then that this young man —
The SpeakerThe Speaker[INAUDIBLE] [Crosstalk] Hon. Michael A. Weeks: —had a lot of potential, Mr. Speaker. So, thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Deputy Speaker. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to be associated with the remarks on the passing of Ms. Dorothy Matthews[ - Paynter], and also all of those who have lost …
Thank you. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Deputy Speaker.
Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to be associated with the remarks on the passing of Ms. Dorothy Matthews[ - Paynter], and also all of those who have lost their lives in the last seven days with the tragedies that have occurred in Bermuda. Mr. Speaker, I also would like to send condolences to the family of Mr. Winston Berkeley from Devil’s Hole, Harris’s Bay. I would like to associate the Minister Rabain in that. [Mr. Berkeley] leaves his wife and children, and he will be certainly funerali sed shortly and sorely missed by his entire family. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 1494 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Thank you, Deputy. MP Foggo, are you trying to rise to your feet? It looks like you were having trouble that time. There you go.
Ms. Lovitta F. FoggoGood morning to the House. Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Good morning to the people of Bermuda. Mr. Speaker, I rise to be associated with the condolences on the tragic loss of the two young Berkeleyites. They graduated last year. They were in my grandson’s year. I watched them through their …
Good morning to the House. Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Good morning to the people of Bermuda. Mr. Speaker, I rise to be associated with the condolences on the tragic loss of the two young Berkeleyites. They graduated last year. They were in my grandson’s year. I watched them through their graduation ceremonies, saw much joy that they felt having accomplished some of the accolades that they did in their graduation ceremony. Our hearts are reeling for their loss. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to be associated with the condolences regarding Carol Parfitt and her family. Carol is a St. Georgian. She grew up with the Foggo family down in Back o’ Town, St. George’s. For those who do not know, she is [Clarence] “Tuppe nce” Parfitt’s sister. I only say that because we are close to Cup Match. And when we heard of her loss, it just threw us for a loop, Mr. Speaker. You know, some of us know of a tragedy similar that has happened in the past. So, you can imagine for families who have experienced similar tragedy how it impacts them. And I just hope that we can send out remarks of condolences to the entire family. While it does not change anything, just having something from our House, allowing families like that to know that the Government (and when I say the Government, I mean the Opposition and the current Government of the day) are there with them and are willing to support them in their time of loss. So, Mr. Speaker, on that note I will take my seat now.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Does any other — Minister Furbert. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there is much grief spread throughout our Island the past couple of weeks. I my-self also would like to be associated with the condolences for the families, the Parfitt family as well as …
Thank you. Does any other — Minister Furbert. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, there is much grief spread throughout our Island the past couple of weeks. I my-self also would like to be associated with the condolences for the families, the Parfitt family as well as the two young men who were recently found. And I just have to get to my feet to speak to this because this is a hard one, particularly for our young people in our community who are trying to understand what has hap-pened. So, to the families we just want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers as we continue to put the pieces together. And to all of the young people out there who are also grieving along with the families, we want you to also be comforted during this very difficult time that we experience. I also, Mr. Speaker, want to be associated with the condolences [regarding] Mr. Berkeley, as well as the Devil’s Hole girl. I actually remember . . . grew up in his apartment, and he was our landlord. We knew the Berkeley family pretty well. So, condolences to the family of Mr. Winston Berkeley. As well as the family of Mr. [Leigh] Eugene Jonathan “Hank” Swann of Hamilton Parish. Sending condolences to his family. I wanted to also share condolences to the family of Shantia Benjamin- Smith, who was also recently laid to rest. She was part of our KMCC [K. Margaret Carter Centre] family. Wanting to give condolences to the family also of Shantia Benjamin- Smith. Mr. Speaker, I also want to take the time to give a big congratulations to Ms. Yushae [DeSilva- ]Andrade, who has won the Boccia World Cup, a recent endeavour that she has won. She still has another match, Mr. Speaker. And we wish her the best of luck going forward with her boccia tournament. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Richardson, Anthony Richardson.
Mr. Anthony RichardsonYes. Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker, to my colleagues and the listening audience. Mr. Speaker, I want to stand today to say that Bermuda has lost another son of the soil since our last House sitting. And it is a personal one for me, Mr. Speaker, because the man actually called …
Yes. Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker, to my colleagues and the listening audience. Mr. Speaker, I want to stand today to say that Bermuda has lost another son of the soil since our last House sitting. And it is a personal one for me, Mr. Speaker, because the man actually called me son. Mr. Speaker, he was not my biological father, my stepfather or my spiritual father, but rather my father -in-law, none other than Mr. Clarence Frederick Wellington Smith, who is also a constituent of mine. And I do associate certainly MP Burgess, Minister R oban, Minister Tinee —everybody, Mr. Speaker, becaus e he was a great, great man from the great Devil’s Hole area. Mr. Speaker, I will say that he was a master communicator. Mr. Speaker, my longest conversation with him was actually eight days. And my shortest, Mr. Speaker, was three words. Both conversations were connected with his daughter, who is my wife, Dr. Holly Richardson. Mr. Speaker, I am from the old school, and one was [when] I asked him if I could marry his daughter. It took him eight days before he told me yes. And then, Mr. Speaker, the shortest conversation was actually three words, and they were also co nnected with his daughter and occurred right after we gave our marriage vows. And, Mr. Speaker, those three words were— gave me a hug. He gripped me tight, Don’t mess up. A threat as far as I was concerned. [Laughter]
Mr. Anthony RichardsonBut, Mr. Speaker, he was a well-regarded unionist for both the BIU and later the BPSU, and a long- serving member of the Bermuda Credit Union, ultimately becoming a trustee. [Inaudible interjection] Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Anthony Richardson: And MP Burgess has reflected the fact that when he was …
But, Mr. Speaker, he was a well-regarded unionist for both the BIU and later the BPSU, and a long- serving member of the Bermuda Credit Union, ultimately becoming a trustee.
[Inaudible interjection]
Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Anthony Richardson: And MP Burgess has reflected the fact that when he was the president of the credit union, Mr. Smith, my father -in-law was in fact a staunch supporter. And, Mr. Speaker, I know from first - hand experience that he did not mince his words. Sometimes he did not say anything. But you knew from his body language exactly what he meant! Mr. Speaker, he was actually a long- term employee of Marine & Ports, and his desire was to be the first Black marine engineer, which governed him for more than 45.5 years. And he had that desire despite the fact that others, even other Black Bermudians, d id not believe it was possible. Mr. Speaker, at that time it was well known that the Bermudian marine engineers were actually White and from the UK. So, he went on board, and he made up his mind, No matter what, I’m going to achieve that, which he ultimate ly did. Mr. Speaker, he also became the first Bermudian motor ship engineer. And in his retirement, which I was amazed at, he was recognised by Lloyd’s of London for his excellence. Mr. Speaker, I will speak later about this because he also was instrumental in my understanding of the Health Insurance Act 1970— tremendous. Survived by his wife, Lynn, known as Grams; his sister Marsha, [the late] Lerna; his brother Michael; and my wife [and his daughter], Dr. Holly; and grandchildren, Jordyn and Kallan [Richardson]; brother -in-law, Johnny Paynter; and many nieces and nephews. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Richardson. MP De Silva, you have your three minutes. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join in giving condolences to the Parfitt and the Sherlock families from Southampton with the recent loss of their family . Carol …
Thank you, MP Richardson. MP De Silva, you have your three minutes. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join in giving condolences to the Parfitt and the Sherlock families from Southampton with the recent loss of their family . Carol and her children were constituents of mine, Mr. Speaker. And right after the tragic event, I was sent a picture of me and the children at one of my back -toschool parties, which I will treasure for life. So, I certainly send out my condolences to t he family. I have visited them, and we spent some good times together, and actually some enjoyment was ha d during that visit. Mr. Speaker, whilst I am on my feet I would like to join in with the congratulations to young Oliver Betschart who is, if anyone goes up to Port Royal at any given time, they will see this young man whether it be on the driving range or the putting green if he is not playing. So, he is certainly dedicated. I am sure that his father is very proud of his achievements to date. And I am sure that this young man, avoiding injury, will certainly do Bermuda proud in the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? MP Famous.
Mr. Christopher FamousMr. Speaker, I was not going to come today, but someone encouraged me to come. Mr. Speaker, I speak on behalf of a parish that is in mourning, two parishes that are in mourning. We have lost a young girl, lady, her two young children. I know in Somerset there …
Mr. Speaker, I was not going to come today, but someone encouraged me to come. Mr. Speaker, I speak on behalf of a parish that is in mourning, two parishes that are in mourning. We have lost a young girl, lady, her two young children. I know in Somerset there is a loss as well. Two days ago, we lost two of Devonshire’s brightest young minds. Mr. Speaker, just like everyone else, we abhor violence. We abhor what is going on this week. And sometimes you listen to people, the media people, and they ask these questions as if they have no sensitivities to the families. As if the Government or even the Opposition could do something about what is going on. All I am going to say, Mr. Speaker, to everybody in here is, If you have a son, hug him. You let him know you love him. Because, Mr. Speaker, this week I lost two sons. And I am standing here because they would want me to stand here and tell people, Love is what we need as Black people toward each other. And I want to simply say to the media, This is not just a story to sell a newspaper. Families are hurt-ing, families are in grief. And no amount of questions is going to change what is happening. So, you say to the people of Pembroke, the people of Somerset, Devonshire, all of Bermuda—Let us understand. None of us has the answers to this. But you have your sons, your daughters. Hug them and tell them that you love them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? MP King, you have your three minutes.
Mr. Robert KingThank you, Mr. Speaker. I echo the sentiments of Honourable Members in the House in reference to grief and loss that this community and the families have experienced. It is an absolute tragedy. On a brighter note, though, I just wanted to commend the Post Office workers at Crawl Post …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I echo the sentiments of Honourable Members in the House in reference to grief and loss that this community and the families have experienced. It is an absolute tragedy. On a brighter note, though, I just wanted to commend the Post Office workers at Crawl Post Office yesterday. I went there about five to four, was served with a smile and excellent customer service. So, I just wanted to say Congratulations and thank you for the great service of the ladies at Crawl Post Office.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Thank you. Minister of Education. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I just want to stand to join in with all of the comments about the tragedies that have happened this past week. I spoke with the grandmother of one of the shooting …
Thank you. Thank you. Minister of Education.
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I just want to stand to join in with all of the comments about the tragedies that have happened this past week. I spoke with the grandmother of one of the shooting victims this morning, and she was very upset about what happened. And she just happens to be one of my constituents. Mr. Speaker, it is not 1496 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly lost on me the effect that these have and the ripple effect that these senseless acts of violence have had throughout the education system. We had someone who worked in our Education Reform Unit who was the sister of one of the victims. We have schoolteachers who have been reaching out to ask, How do we navigate this with our students? We have already put things in place to be available for when students come back in September. We have three schools that are affected. We have a senior school and primary school and, as difficult as it is to say, a student who would have been starting one of our preschools. And it has affected us tremendously, Mr. Speaker. So, I echo the comments of my fellow MP, Chris Famous. Please if you do have children, talk to them. Love them. I had to have the conversation with my daughter, myself, to ask her, Are you affected by this? What are you and your friends talking about? Is there anything that we can say? Or what conversations do we need to have? And this is what I just encourage parents to do: Just talk to your children. Find out what they are doing. Find out how they are doing, how they are reacting and the types of things t hat friends are saying to them, Mr. Speaker. This is just one part of the healing that is needed in this nation for us to move forward, Mr. Speaker. There is no one- shot-solution to what it is that we are looking at, and that is the effect of decades and decades of things that took us to get us to this place. But we can all get through this if we all do our part, as small as it may seem, Mr. Speaker. So, I just encourage everybody —I encourage my fellow Bermudians, I encourage my fellow Members here—just reach out to any young person whom you know. Hav e a conversation with them. Ask them how they are doing. Ask them if they need any assistance. And ask them how we can support them, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Does any other Member? MP Cannonier.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierYes. Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. I share in the sentiments, of course, by all to the last tragic events that have taken place over the week. It is certainly a solemn time. On a high note, though, I would like to congratulate, Mr. Speaker, a former Parliamentarian, Mem-ber—I believe …
Yes. Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. I share in the sentiments, of course, by all to the last tragic events that have taken place over the week. It is certainly a solemn time. On a high note, though, I would like to congratulate, Mr. Speaker, a former Parliamentarian, Mem-ber—I believe he has the “Honourable” title still —Bob Richards for the book launch and reading that he had last night. He has become quite a book writer. He put out a book last year, or year before last, called Triangle of Treason. And last night, his book launch and reading was of a new book that he has just written called Triangle of Blood. And they are a sequence of books that he is writing. The interesting thing about what he is doing is he is taking historical facts of Bermuda and our involve-ment throughout the ages, actually in particular the world wars leading up to World War II, which is his latest book, Triangle of Blood. And interspersed in this fiction book are facts about Bermuda. And last night again we had the opportunity to look at Bermudians who played key roles in so many things that we would probably not even think of. In discovery, in science and the likes. So, I just want to congratulate him and his family who have been putting these books out. It is a really, really good read. After he read a few chapters last night, I actually went into reading the second book. And it is very intriguing. And many of us in here have family members whom he has actually written about who played some . . . you might think it insignificant, but played some key roles to the turning of world events that have allowed democracy to reign as it is. But the historical parts that he put in here, I would encourage everyone, if you are not going to read the whole book, just go in and read just a few excerpts. You will find it fascinating how we have played these key roles. So, congratulations to the Honourable former Member of Parliament, Bob Richards, and his family for this launch.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Any other Member? Any other Member? No other Member. We will move on. Thank you. MATTERS OF PRIVILEGE
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. NOTICE OF MOTIONS FOR THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE ON MATTERS OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS GOVERNMENT BILLS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are three Government Bills to be introduced this morning. The first is a Bill in the name of the Premier. But, Minister of Transport, are you going to introduce it? Yes. Bermuda House of Assembly BILL FIRST READING CORPORATE INCOME TAX AGENCY ACT 2024 Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. …
There are three Government Bills to be introduced this morning. The first is a Bill in the name of the Premier. But, Minister of Transport, are you going to introduce it? Yes.
Bermuda House of Assembly BILL
FIRST READING
CORPORATE INCOME TAX AGENCY ACT 2024
Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Speaker, I am introducing the following Bill for its first reading so that it may be placed on the Order Paper for the next day of meeting: the Corporate Income Tax Agency Act 2024.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Minister of Health. BILL FIRST READING BERMUDA HOSPITALS BOARD AMENDMENT ACT 2024 Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, I am introducing the following Bill for its first reading so that it may be placed on the Order Paper for the next day of meeting, namely, the Bermuda Hospitals …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. And Minister Campbell. BILL FIRST READING DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING AMENDMENT ACT 2024 Hon. Vance Campbell: Mr. Speaker, I am introducing the following Bill for its first reading so that it may be placed on the Order Paper for the next day of meeting: the Development and Planning Amendment …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BILLS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. NOTICE OF MOTIONS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. ORDERS OF THE DAY
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, the Order of the Day has us addressing the second reading of the West End Development Corporation Amendment Act 2024 in the name of the Minister of Public Works. Minister.
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchMr. Speaker, I move that the Bill entitled the West End Development Corpo-ration Amendment Act 2024 be now read a second time.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections? There are none. Continue, Minister. BILL SECOND READING WEST END DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AMENDMENT ACT 2024
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchMr. Speaker, I introduce the Bill entitled the West End Development Corporation Amendment Act 2024. This Bill seeks to provide for the transfer of the assets, liabilities and functions of the Bermuda Land Development Company, Ltd. [BLDC], to the West End Development Corporation [WEDCO]; to amend the West End Development …
Mr. Speaker, I introduce the Bill entitled the West End Development Corporation Amendment Act 2024. This Bill seeks to provide for the transfer of the assets, liabilities and functions of the Bermuda Land Development Company, Ltd. [BLDC], to the West End Development Corporation [WEDCO]; to amend the West End Development Corporation Act 1982 in consequence of the transfer including, by ren aming the corporation as the Bermuda Land Management Corporation, to repeal the Base Lands Development Act 1996; and to make consequential, transitional and related provisions. Mr. Speaker, at the previous meeting of this Honourable House on Friday, June 28, 2024, I retold the history and provided a detailed rationale for this in-itiative. I explained how more than 20 years ago in 2003, a report entitled “Untangling Bermuda’s Quangos—A Review of Quangos in the Bermuda Government” was produced by the then Government. This report covered a wide range of topics including the establishment and governance of each quango at the time; its existing relevance, feasibility, effectiveness, l evels of accountability to Government, expenditure, income; and whether the work could be more effectively or more efficiently carried out within government proper or by some other means. Mr. Speaker, that 2003 report and the subsequent SAGE Commission report, presented a decade 1498 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly later in 2013, both recommended a consolidation of Government quangos that share similar functions. These recommendations were held in abeyance until this PLP Administration took the decision early in our return to Government in July 2017 to have another l ook at the reports and their recommendations with a view to actioning some of these items. This, Mr. Speaker, is what is being discussed today, the consolidation of two Government quangos, namely, the West End Development Corporation and the Bermuda Land Development Company to create a single entity named the Bermuda Land Management Corporation (BLMC). Mr. Speaker, as stated previously, this Bill seeks to provide for the statutory transfer of the assets, liabilities and functions of the Bermuda Land Development Company, Ltd., to the West End Development Corporation. So, while this is not a true merger as defined by legal terms, because WEDCO is a statutory corporation and BLDC is a company incorporated under the Companies Act, for the sake of simplicity we have been referring to this initiative as an amalgamation rather than a merger and will continue to do so. With this said, I wish to give as much context about this Bill prior to any questions being received during the Committee stage. Mr. Speaker, as you can see, this Bill renames the West End Development Corporation as the Ber-muda Land Management Corporation. The reason for this is simple: The corporation is now managing land that is not solely in the West End. However, the corpo-ration ’s function remains the same, which is to manage and develop the land with a view to the progressive im-provement of the social and economic conditions ob-taining there. Mr. Speaker, this Bill does not amend the governance or the general management structure of the corporation, nor does it change the reporting and approval requirements to this Honourable House. For example, the tabling of the corporation’s annual report must still occur. And all land dispositions, such as leases for over 21 years, still require approval from the Legislature. Mr. Speaker, there are new powers given to the corporation based upon the functions of the soon- tobe-dissolved BLDC as set out in the Base Lands Development Act 1996, which will be repealed. One significant difference relating to landholding is that BLDC holds a lease granted by Government over the former Base Lands. This lease will be surrendered before the commencement of this Bill, and Government’s title to the land will be subject to a statutory vesting in the Bermuda Land Management Corporation to ali gn with the rest of the WEDCO lands. The BLMC will be empowered to make a leasehold disposition of land in the scheduled area including the West End land as well as the former Base Lands for a maximum term of 262 years. This is an increase from the maximum term of 120 years in line with the Base Lands Development Act. Mr. Speaker, resulting from this Bill and relating to this topic, there is a change to the Companies Act 1981 because of the increase in the maximum length of time for which the corporation may grant a disposition of land by way of a leasehold interest from 120 years to 262 years. If the BLMC wishes to grant a lease agreement to the maximum amount of time to a local company or exempt company with a physical presence in Bermuda, the company could not take such a lease because of the current constraint in the Companies Act that only allows a company to lease land up to 50 years for the purpose of its business. Certain longer leases are permitted for hotel residences, tourist accommodation and residential units in the economic empowerment zones. This change would allow a company with a physical presence in Bermuda to lease land up to 262 years if an agreement is made with the BLMC, and subject to the sanction of the Minister of Finance. Such a lease would also be subject to the approval of the Legislature under the principal Act. The Registrar of Companies has been consulted and is in agreement. Mr. Speaker, another new power of the corporation relating to land is that it will not need to seek Planning [permission] to subdivide property. Section 35B(1) of the Development and Planning Act 1974 requires that Planning [permission] is obtained for any subdivision of land. Given that all land dispositions, including leases for over 21 years, by the corporation require legislative approval, there is no need for this added requirement. And the exception aligns with that given to the Government in section 35B(2)(b) of the Development and Planning Act 1974. Consultation with the Department of Planning did occur, and the department has no objections to this exemption. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members may notice in the Bill that a new power of the corporation relates to the provision of electronic communication services in accordance with an integrated communications operating licence (ICOL). Currently, the BLDC holds a c ommunications licence with the Regulatory Authority [RA] granted under the Electronic Communications Act. To ensure all BLDC agreements can be honoured, this new power formally allows the licence to be transferred to the BLMC and further ensures that the c orporation will be able to maintain the status quo. The RA has been consulted and are in agreement with this approach. Mr. Speaker, most importantly, and as I have said before, there will be no job losses resulting from this merger. Pre- merger and operating independently, WEDCO had a staff complement of 37 people, and BLDC had 28.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWe are trying to get you to a good point where you can pause.
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchI can pause wherever you like, Mr. Speaker. Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Okay. Well, we can pause now then if that is the case. [Laughter]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, Minister. That would be a good thing to do at this time. Members, is there any objection to our rising for lunch? There is none. Minister, you can mark your spot right there.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, we now stand adjourned until 2:00 pm. Thank you. [Gavel] Proceedings suspended at 12:31 pm Proceedings resumed at 2:02 pm [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood afternoon, Members. I trust everyone had a good lunch. We will now proceed where we stopped from this morning and the Minister of Works is on the floor leading us in the debate for today in reference to the West End Development [Corporation] Amendment Act [2024]. Members, the House …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister, you marked your spot and you can start from there.
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch—so that the full context is appreciated. BILL SECOND READING WEST END DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AMENDMENT ACT 2024 [Continuation thereof]
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchMr. Speaker, most importantly and as I have said before, there will be no job losses resulting from this merger. Pre- merger and operating independently, WEDCO had a staff comple-ment of 37 people and BLDC 28. Today as we move to combine the two entities, we will have a total …
Mr. Speaker, most importantly and as I have said before, there will be no job losses resulting from this merger. Pre- merger and operating independently, WEDCO had a staff comple-ment of 37 people and BLDC 28. Today as we move to combine the two entities, we will have a total complement of 56 people [which is] a reduction of nine positions. I am pleased that during this transition we will be able to do this without any redundancies. The management worked with both unions and staff to form a new collective bargaining agreement inclusive of re-ducing management positions and expansion of specific blue -collar positions primarily within the landscaping and custodian sections. Through the process of consolidation of roles, the first year savings were just over $600,000. This sav-ings is a one- time savings; however, if the entities remain separate it would have been an annual expense. As we move forward, the entity continues to s ee additional savings through software consolidation and one annual user fee; consolidation of required offices which affords one office to be rented (Triton House); sharing of assets (both labour and equipment); reduction of electricity and telecom expens es. The objective is to continue to work at ways to reduce operating costs without adversely impacting services. Mr. Speaker, thanks must be given to our union partners, the Bermuda Public Services Union and the Bermuda Industrial Union, for being instrumental in ensuring that their members and our employees move forward with us by agreeing and implementing new union collective bargaining agreements. Mr. Speaker and Honourable Member s, this is a culmination of six years of hard work by this PLP administration. Many people did not believe that we would be here, but we are. Mr. Speaker, this amalgamation is an opportunity to immediately e ffect some cost savings by reducing duplication of roles, combining responsibil-ities and bringing a sharper focus to deliver on the Government ’s mandate to control costs and operate more efficiently. Thank you, Mr. Speaker . I now invite honourable colleagues to contribute.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOh, okay. Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time?
Mr. L. Craig CannonierThank you. 1500 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: You have the floor.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierYes, I do not believe that we will be too long. We do have a few questions in Com-mittee. One of those major questions, actually on the last part of what the Honourable Minister has just mentioned, was this meeting of minds between the unions and Government to ensure that …
Yes, I do not believe that we will be too long. We do have a few questions in Com-mittee. One of those major questions, actually on the last part of what the Honourable Minister has just mentioned, was this meeting of minds between the unions and Government to ensure that as this new entity had been reduced by nine losses that did not impact any-one in an adverse way. So I am grateful for the work that has been done here by the Minister to ensure that that was the case. And I recognise Kirk and Andrew in the room. I know this other young fellow here. I know who he is, but I don’t remember his name. So I will just say—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI am going to assist you from where you started. Mr. PS.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierSimons. Okay, all right. Thank you for that, Mr. Speaker . I appreciate that. I guess historically it has been . . . WEDCO always kind of set the standard. They were always push-ing forward. I recall many conversations with Mr. Dias in his capacity while we were Government, and …
Simons. Okay, all right. Thank you for that, Mr. Speaker . I appreciate that. I guess historically it has been . . . WEDCO always kind of set the standard. They were always push-ing forward. I recall many conversations with Mr. Dias in his capacity while we were Government, and even outside of that, but certainly he has been a [trai lblazer] to set a standard up at WEDCO. It did not come with any angst at all when we understood that he would be also a part of merging BLDC and WEDCO. I can recall some real challenges with trying to get information from BLDC, but we have moved past that point.
[Inaudible interjection]
Mr. L. Craig CannonierWhat am I talking about? I am talking about what I know. I am grateful for this here. And as I have said already, one of the major questions that was of concern has already been answered and we can go into depth. This is going back, as the Minister …
What am I talking about? I am talking about what I know. I am grateful for this here. And as I have said already, one of the major questions that was of concern has already been answered and we can go into depth. This is going back, as the Minister has said, back from 20 . . . almost 20 years ago and we in the OBA have been in agreement with this move because we felt that more could be done with efficiencies and production at the same time. So we are looking forward to what is going to come up in the future here. I already know that there are many things in the works as we speak, so not much to say to that. But we will go into the Committee just to get some explanations further on some of these clauses. Thank you, Mr. Speaker .
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Cannonier. MP Tyrrell, are you rising to make a comment?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOh . . . the observation was that it was off of your desk. [Laughter]
Mr. Neville S. TyrrellMr. Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity to speak on this Bill. But let me first declare some interests because (in case anyone says anything), for a while, I was actually a member of the BLDC board and since which I have actually been chairman of the WEDC …
Mr. Speaker, thank you very much for the opportunity to speak on this Bill. But let me first declare some interests because (in case anyone says anything), for a while, I was actually a member of the BLDC board and since which I have actually been chairman of the WEDC O board, with responsibility for BLDC. So I have declared my interest in case anyone wanted to know about that. I am, as I said, the chairman of the board. Let me say that historically both WEDCO and BLDC have operated successfully as has already been said. In fact, the Opposition Member just mentioned that. Anyway, basically without requiring any annual operating grant, WEDCO as a quango and BLDC as a company. Let me say that the decision to do what was called in the earlier stages the “merger,” which has been explained by the Minister as an amalgamation . . . so, I think that is the word that is going to go forward. It is not a new concept. And successive administrations have considered doing it but never completed the required process to make these changes. I am happy to say that this Minister has grabbed it by the horns and hopefully by the end of the day will have dragged it across the line. And I certainly want to support that. Let me just give a bit of background. WEDCO and BLDC have similar mandates and operational activities so combining them is simple. It makes sense. It was a long exercise obviously in doing it. There were
Bermuda House of Assembly obviously some legal aspects that had to be taken care of and I would certainly say the team (as already mentioned) of PS Outerbridge and the general manager and others with them worked out all the details in terms of getting this to a reality. Let me also . . . I want to say that the management (which is something that we were very conscious of) worked with the unions. And as you can see there were no real redundancies, which was basically all by attrition that the number went down by nine as y ou can see, in terms of the original numbers. The Minister mentioned that there was obviously going to be some savings and he has mentioned that. But I would like to say also that the reduction in the physical requirements is actually going to be made easier by both BLDC and WEDCO being in almost the same area. S o those are some positives of it. Over the coming months, the public will begin to see some physical changes in terms of signage and things like that. So, it is certainly going on well and this administration, as the Minister pointed out, has brought it forward and it is something that we had as a promise. So, I am certainly saying promise made and promise completed. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker .
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Mr. Tyrrell. Does any other Member . . . MP Anthony Richardson.
Mr. Anthony RichardsonGood afternoon, Mr. Speaker , and to my colleagues. Mine might be a bit of a surprising contribution, but I am going to be brief. And I will say that I sometimes comment on the fact that when we are here in the House, we are able to do things …
Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker , and to my colleagues. Mine might be a bit of a surprising contribution, but I am going to be brief. And I will say that I sometimes comment on the fact that when we are here in the House, we are able to do things that actually touch the everyday people. And I like it because it is practical stuff that we do that does (in my words) make sense. And, Mr. Speaker, in this instance I will say this. The amalgamation between BLDC and WEDCO is actually somewhat personal to me because I was part of that process in the earlier stages, and in a strange way I was ultimately recognised as one of those potential savings because at that time I was the CFO at BLDC. And during the conversation process, or the investigative process, the conversation was that clearly there was a need to only have one [CFO] and so the one was not me. But I am happy to say that the one is my friend from way back when, Mr. Kent Bascome. And it shows how over time things can happen in a very positive light. I will also say, Mr. Speaker, that whilst I understood the goals of the amalgamation you can only imagine what happened on that day, on that fateful day, when I had the meeting with the board and, through the Minister actually, to [hear] Well, Anthony, there are going to be some changes . It was quite a surprise to me. But I am saying that to say this, Mr. Speaker , that thereafter there was a very strange twist of fate which increased my respect and admiration for the Minister who was the Minister then and the current Minister of Public Works, the Honourable Colonel Burch. I say that to say this. Based upon what happened in a real way, my thought was This is ridiculous ; I am going to threaten legal action, and all those kinds of things. But the consistent calming influence of the Minister was that there was not going to be a legal action because the BLDC would act in good faith. And, Mr. Speaker, as I would say, so said, so done. I will characterise this as being a true evolution of thought because through observing the process, be-ing patient and going through some other challenges I suppose we do now see that this amalgamation is in fact very, very positive for Bermuda. In my notes I said to myself that it is actually to some degree akin to what is proposed between BF&M and Argus, I look forward now to seeing whether that amalgamation actually brings about what the Minister has said in this context, which is that there will be some real savings in costs and increased efficiencies. I spoke already about the fact that I was one of the casualties from a cost point of view. So I know that is going to be real. But examples of increased efficiencies were we always had concerns, for example, of sending a landscape team from St. George’s or St. David’s up to Daniels Head. And so you can imagine whereby that makes no practical sense in the sense [that] WEDCO had a team that was much, much closer. So that is a small example of how there has been significant advantage, in terms of the amalga mation between these two entities. Another example which we all are now feeling very much in the eastern end is the significant improvement of the infrastructure for both wastewater and drinking water. The Honourable M inister has explained many, many times as to what the process was and how it has progressed. I would encourage him to continue to do so because there are many in the east that still do not fully appreciate the fact that this is a significant increase and i mprovement for water use, water usage and wastewater treatment in the Eas t End. I do look forward to the full process whereby there is no longer any wastewater discharged in some of our surrounding swimming areas. But I will leave that to the Minister to make any further comments in that regard. The other impact which the Minister has spoken about (and we now look forward to the full imple-mentation) is that some of the residents at BLDC had been requesting to be able to remove their current ownership from a leasehold interest to a freehold interes t. And the Minister spoke about the fact that this can now proceed and there are many in the east who are waiting for that to take place and again looking forward to seeing that take place. Mr. Speaker, and Honourable Minister, I will say that this is a very proud moment to see that a work that has taken quite a while (no one’s fault, but taken a while to do) to get to a stage whereby we can now see 1502 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly the full implementation of what was decided to take place a long time ago. And it speaks again to the persistency and the consistency of the Minister in terms of making his mind up (he and his team) to get a job done and seeing it through, notwithstanding some of the challenges that may take place. I will also say this as a final comment, Mr. Speaker . This is truly one of those examples whereby the Minister , and actually the Premier also in his capacity as Minister of Finance, made a very difficult decision that impacts people on a personal level but recognises the greater good. What I did not say is that at that point in time I was actually a serving member of the legislature appointed by the Premier to be a Senator. And they were able to look beyond all of that and say No, no, no, no, this is for t he greater good. And now we see the full implementation of that where we now have the combined entity. So, again to the Minister and his team, I do congratulate you for such a long task, a long- time task to do it. And I stand ready to continue to observe and to hopefully experience some of the ongoing efficiencies and the increased profitability, actually, of those entities, because they are leading in terms of certainly Bermuda ’s tourism infrastructure. And we all benefit now from the increased productivity, efficiency and indeed the increased positive cash flows that will occur. So thank you again to ever yone involved.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? MP Jackson.
Ms. Susan E. JacksonThank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to get up and applaud the Minister for getting this amalgamation across the finish line, and I certainly would like to commend the management and staff of both BLDC and in particular WEDCO for having been able to bring this together and …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too would like to get up and applaud the Minister for getting this amalgamation across the finish line, and I certainly would like to commend the management and staff of both BLDC and in particular WEDCO for having been able to bring this together and hopefully move forward with integrity and a responsibility for a large piece of Bermuda ’s landscape. My big piece . . . I had an opportunity to sit on the WEDCO board some . . . a decade ago, I guess now, and was most impressed by the management of WEDCO at that time. In particular their vision and their strategy . . . they really had a good runway and plan for the dockyard area and did it. And that is one of the things that I really like to see when it comes to quangos and any kind of organisation that is actually able to do what it is that they say they want to do. To be honest with you, there have been bumps in the road. Certainly for WEDCO as they have devel-oped through their strategy at least back in the day when I was more involved. But WEDCO has managed on, and I commend them for that. Now we have got this great big package of both ends of the Island now to manage. I do look forward to what is next. And, certainly in my research for this debate, I did notice that in the East End there is a desire to see whether we can’t get some senior housing going. And that is the kind of social and certainly economic initiatives that we would really like to see here in Bermuda, because it certainly would add to the quality of life for some of our seniors. I guess one of my questions really is making sure that we are able to really bring and adopt into what I guess will be the governance structure of WEDCO and to be able to fold in smoothly much of the real estate of the BLDC and make sure that we really have very clear guidelines. This is a huge responsibility. There is a lot of acreage across the Island and we need to make sure that we are able to handle this responsibly. Given the fact that many of these pieces of land, in particular that the BLDC in the past has been responsible for, is brownsite, so you know we would love to see some development there. This is not necessarily trying to maintain our natural environment but to make sure that we are responsible in any development that may take place on these sites moving forward. I guess with that I again would just like to thank all those involved that made this happen. I look forward to seeing what the next steps are in the realisation of a strategy and the vision that the new Bermuda Land Management Corporation has to offer. Thank you, Mr. Speaker .
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Jackson. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? MP De Silva. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker . Mr. Speaker, I would like to join all colleagues in this House (as it seems). This is one of the few oc-casions when …
Thank you, MP Jackson. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? MP De Silva.
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker . Mr. Speaker, I would like to join all colleagues in this House (as it seems). This is one of the few oc-casions when we all seem to be marching to the same beat. Mr. Speaker, as someone who has been involved with many mergers and acquisitions in my lifetime, I can only imagine what it was like for everyone involved . . . and that starts from the Minister to the CEO to the PS to the staff at both organisations. It is never easy when you merge two entities. So, my hat goes off to them, the entire team, Mr. Speaker, for getting this particular merger, acquisition, amalgamation— you can choose a word, Mr. Speaker, but it is certainly an accomplishment that I think one c an not give enough credit for. With that said, Mr. Speaker, I would like to highlight in particular the CEO, Mr. Dias, who has been with the organisation for almost . . . I think it is 20 years this year. And if someone like you, Mr. Speaker, grew up in Somerset you will remember when out in Dockyard we used to play cowboys and Indians and all sorts of other things out there. Right? [Inaudible interjection]
Bermuda House of Assembly Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: That’s right. When it was all derelict. It was just empty land. We all used to go and we used to fish and we used to do all sorts of things out there in Dockyard. And to think what has transformed over the last 30, 40 years . . . and I would think that the CEO in particular, Mr. Dias, is very much responsible for a lot of that. So I would like to give him some extra credit for the shape in which Dockyard is today. And in particular, the WEDCO organisation. I think he has done a fantastic job and I thank you and I am sure everyone in this House, sir, thanks you for your tireless work that you have put in over the last two decades. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a— none? Minister.
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchThank you, Mr. Speaker . I will take advantage of the opportunity to comment on some of the comments made by colleagues, all of whom are supportive of this effort. In the case of the departures from BLDC primarily, I think of the nine departures . . . well, you …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker . I will take advantage of the opportunity to comment on some of the comments made by colleagues, all of whom are supportive of this effort. In the case of the departures from BLDC primarily, I think of the nine departures . . . well, you have had a confession today from one of them, MP Richardson. He was the second one to go, the former CEO and CFO. He did point out something that we recognis e was critically important to us at the beginning of this exer-cise. First is an acknowledgement that people generally don’t like change. Just the word change makes them nervous, and that certainly was the case with all of the staff at WEDCO and all of the staff at BLDC. But part of change is being able to have a consistent mes-sage about what it is they are aiming to do and non-movement of the goalpost and inter acting with people directly. I felt that, as the Minister, it would be my re-sponsibility to lead in that charge. So, as MP Richardson indicated, we had several individual meetings with people who were affected. We had meetings with both staffs to explain to them what the process was and answer any questions that they had repeatedly. Because one thing Bermudians love to do, I think more than anybody else on the planet, is gossip and make up things about what they know nothing about instead of asking. And so whilst it started out as a very [rough] patch with people not believing what it was that we had in mind, the fact is that we were consistent in that message and demonstrated to them that it would be a logical and practical approach. So not all of these people were voluntarily separated by us. There were retirements in there. There were voluntary separations . . . people who found other opportunities who went on their own volition. The departure of staff and the impact on both organisations was handled correctly, in my view. And that is reinforced by somebody who was a part of that process. So, in my humble opinion, he hit the nail right on the head in terms of our approach about how we were going to handle the personnel who were involved. Treating staff fairly, regardless of the circumstance, has to be a priority of any management. And that is the approach that we took in this regard. I would say that there were no blue- collar workers that were separated from the company. In fact, we hired gardeners and landscapers to help balance out the two entities and the requirements that they have in the two ends of the Island. MP Richardson also mentioned the fact that landowners at Southside had purchased their proper-ties as leaseholds. There has been an ongoing discussion and debate about converting those to freehold. This could not have happened under the current Base Lands Development Act [1996]. And so we had a very lively Town Hall with those members about two years, two maybe three years ago now, where we addressed a number of issues at Southside and a number of challenges that they were having and explained to them that we would support the conversion to freehold but we asked for their patience until after the amalgamation so that the changes that we hopefully will pass today will make that easier to happen. Once the Bill has had Royal Assent, then we will get together wi th them fairly swiftly thereafter and proceed with that process be-cause they are waiting a long time. There was a mention about the opportunities at Southside in terms of being able to cater to senior citi-zen facilities, and colleagues may remember that there was an announcement about a year ago now (maybe a little longer) about converting Channel House i nto seniors housing. It has not been successful as an office block for the government , to be perfectly frank. The belief that you can move g overnment offices to either end of the Island and they can be successful is challenged by personnel who think that S t. David’s and Dockyard are too far. I would venture to say that these are the very same people who would drive 10 times that distance in Orlando to go to all of the parks and all of the other activities that they are going . . . and take their family on the expedition. But to drive an hour in Bermuda is too far. Be that as it may, we have advertised for a partner in this regard. And I do not want to go too far down that road but I will say that the interest that we currently are experiencing is very, very encouraging and we as an entity (the new entity) will (if it comes to fruition) work very hard and very creatively to support them in their effort because it goes beyond just providing revenue for BLDC or BLMC. But also to providing assistance for seniors in the country. That is part of our mandate in any case.
There was some concern about the management of the new entity because of the size of it. I can say that I had none of those concerns. We had (I and the board had) some conversations about two years 1504 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly ago about what we would do management -wise at amalgamation. And we made the decision that we would not advertise for a new CEO and a new this and a new that because it was a new entity. But we had a conversation with the current CEO who has (as MP De Silva has highlighted) an impeccable track record at WEDCO and now an impeccable track record at BLDC, if he would stay on and we would make that decision early so that there would not be any anxiety or concern as we move forward. Happily, he agreed. And we are happy with that arrangement, and we are happy with the progress that we are making, and we are happy with the direction that the company will go in. With those comments, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill be committed.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Deputy. House in Committee at 2:34 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL WEST END DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AMENDMENT ACT 2024
The ChairmanChairmanHonourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] for further consideration of the Bill entitled the West End Development Corporation Amendment Act 2024 . Colonel Burch, you have the floor.
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchThank you, Mr. Chairman. I will move the clauses in two tranches. So, I will move that clauses 1 through 6 be approved.
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchClause 1 provides the title for the Bill . Clause 2 defines BLDC, the principal Act and the repealed Act. Clause 3 effects the statutory transfer of all of the assets, liabilities and functions of the BLDC to the West End Development Corporation, subject to the transitional provisions and savings …
Clause 1 provides the title for the Bill . Clause 2 defines BLDC, the principal Act and the repealed Act. Clause 3 effects the statutory transfer of all of the assets, liabilities and functions of the BLDC to the West End Development Corporation, subject to the transitional provisions and savings in the Fourth Schedule to the principal Act (inserted as set out in Schedule 1). Clause 4 provides that, in consequence of the transfer, the West End Development Corporation is renamed the Bermuda Land Management Corporation (BLMC); and the title and provisions of the principal Act are updated to reflect th at change. Clause 5 renames the post of General Manager of the West End Development Corporation as the Chief Executive Officer of the BLMC, and makes amendments to the principal Act in consequence. Clause 6 amends the definition of “designated land” in section 19 of the principal Act (vesting of land in the Corporation) to provide for the statutory vesting in the Corporation of Government’s interest in the land that was previously within the Schedule to the Base Lands Development Act 1996. The relevant date of designation by the Minister in relation to that land is deemed to be the date of commencement of this Bill. The Third Schedule to the principal Act is repealed and replaced (as set out in Schedu le 2) with maps showing each of the areas of land contained in the scheduled area.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Colonel. Any further speakers? The Chair recognises the Honourable Member Susan . . .
Ms. Susan E. JacksonThank you, Mr. Chairman. I just have a question on [clause] 3(1) where it says that all of the assets, liabilities and functions of the BLDC are transferred to the West End Development Corporation. Just wondering whether the Minister might be able to give us an indication of assets in …
Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I just have a question on [clause] 3(1) where it says that all of the assets, liabilities and functions of the BLDC are transferred to the West End Development Corporation. Just wondering whether the Minister might be able to give us an indication of assets in the form of whether the budgeting and that sort of thing will be transferred over. And the other are liabilities, whether the Minister might be able to list whether there are any legal liabilities that have to transfer over. Or there may also be some liabilities around . . . could be anything. And just . . . thanks.
The ChairmanChairmanAny further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister . . . oh, I . . . I . . . Mr. Scott. I didn’t know you were there.
Mr. Scott PearmanOh, that is okay. And I am sorry. I will have to apologise to you, Mr. Chairman, because I didn’t know what clauses we were doing at this moment.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierYes, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Clause 5, talking there, [subsection] (1), the post General Manager of West End Development Bermuda House of Assembly Corporation is now renamed as CEO, Chief Executive Officer. Just curious as to . . . with these efficiencies then, does that require an understanding that the …
Yes, thank you, Mr. Chairman. Clause 5, talking there, [subsection] (1), the post General Manager of West End Development
Bermuda House of Assembly Corporation is now renamed as CEO, Chief Executive Officer. Just curious as to . . . with these efficiencies then, does that require an understanding that the scope of . . . between the two, General Manager and CEO are quite different and similar in some w ays, whether it requires a salary change.
The ChairmanChairmanOkay, any further speakers? There appear to be none. Colonel.
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchOkay, Mr. Chairman, in relation to all of the assets, I do not have a list of what those are. But I certainly can provide them and the same applies to liabilities. But I will say this, in relation to the audited financial statements for both entities, WEDCO is on …
Okay, Mr. Chairman, in relation to all of the assets, I do not have a list of what those are. But I certainly can provide them and the same applies to liabilities. But I will say this, in relation to the audited financial statements for both entities, WEDCO is on target; BLD C are still behind by about two years. But we have an agreement with the Auditor General that we will complete the audits for both entities separately in about six months from the initiation of the amalgamat ion so that all of the auditors for the two entities will come forward together and then subsequent to that there will be audits on the combined entity. In relation to clause 5, CEO/GM . . . you are not getting an increase in salary are you? [Laughter and crosstalk]
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchHe already got an increase in salary when he took on the combined entities. But I would say that there is very little difference be-tween the two roles in the sense that WEDCO was called a GM traditionally, and so it stayed. BLDC was called the CEO, and that stayed. …
He already got an increase in salary when he took on the combined entities. But I would say that there is very little difference be-tween the two roles in the sense that WEDCO was called a GM traditionally, and so it stayed. BLDC was called the CEO, and that stayed. So, what we decided to do is to give it its proper title in the new entity.
The ChairmanChairmanAny further speakers? Colonel, do you want to move the first six clauses?
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that clauses 1 through 6 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 6 passed.]
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchClause 7 amends section 20 of the principal Act (general powers in relation to property). Subsection (1A) is replaced to clarify that, without prejudice to its full power to acquire, hold and dispose of land under subsection (1), the Corporation may grant a leasehold interest over land in the scheduled …
Clause 7 amends section 20 of the principal Act (general powers in relation to property). Subsection (1A) is replaced to clarify that, without prejudice to its full power to acquire, hold and dispose of land under subsection (1), the Corporation may grant a leasehold interest over land in the scheduled area for a maximum term of 262 years, an increase from 120 years in line with section 9 of the repealed Act. Subsection (2) is replaced to clarify that approval of both Houses of the Legislature is required for sale or other disposition of any land in the scheduled area, or any interest in land in the scheduled area for a term exceeding 21 years or for terms renewable at the option of the transferee or grantee exceeding in the aggregate 21 years. Subsection (3) is deleted in consequence of the revised subsection (2). New subsection (5) applies section 35B(2)(b) of the Development and Planning Act 1974 so that planning permission under section 35B(1) of that Act is not required for subdivision where the land or any use of or right in the land is being acquired or disposed of by the Corporation. Clause 8 amends the First Schedule to the principal Act (powers of the Corporation). New paragraph 9 empowers the Corporation to provide elec-tronic communication services in accordance with an integrated communications operating licence (ICOL) under the Electronic Communications Act 2011, since BLDC’s ICOL will be transferred on commencement to the BLMC (see paragraphs 2 and 3 of Schedule 3). Clause 9 amends sections 120 and 129 of the Companies Act 1981 (acquisition of land by local companies and exempted companies) to make provision for the granting by the BLMC of leases not exceeding 262 years over land in the scheduled area to local and exempted companies with a physical presence in Ber-muda, subject to the sanction of the Minister of Finance. Clause 10 repeals the Base Lands Development Act 1996, subject to the transitional provisions and savings in the Fourth Schedule to the principal Act (as set out in Schedule 1). Clause 11 subsection (1) amends section 29 of the principal Act (fiat for prosecution), to replace outdated references to “Attorney General” with “Director of Public Prosecutions ,” in accordance with section 4 of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Consequential Amendments) Act 1999. Subsection (2) introduces Schedule 3 which contains consequential amendments. Clause 12 provides for commencement on a day to be appointed by notice in the Gazette.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Colonel. Any further speakers? The Chair recognises the Honourable Member Scott Pearman. You have the floor, Mr. Pearman.
Mr. Scott PearmanThank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to the Honourable and gallant Minister. I have three questions arising under clause 7 [amending section 20 of the principal Act]. The first is in respect to the newly inserted [subsection] (1A) and it is dealing with the point of the years relating …
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to the Honourable and gallant Minister. I have three questions arising under clause 7 [amending section 20 of the principal Act]. The first is in respect to the newly inserted [subsection] (1A) and it is dealing with the point of the years relating to 1506 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly disposition of any land. In fact, both the first and second question are in relation to those. The first question is this: You have identified that the 1982 Act in relation to WEDCO had a period for disposition of up to 120 years and then the BLDC Act (the 1996 Act) had 262 [years]. And obviously now that you are merging them into BLMC (I forget the initials, but the newly formed corporation), you are going to go with the larger period of years. My first question is just why that decision. My second question is [subsection (2)] just below that which says about any sale or disposition, if it exceeds 21 years is subject to the Senate and House of Assembly by resolution of approval. And I just want to clarify with the Honourable Minister that [subsection] (1A) as inserted is still subsidiary to [subsection] (2). Yes, you can give up to 262 [years], but anything over 21 years still has to come . . . it is not that 262 will trump . . . and I think the answer is yes, but I just want to clarify. The third and final question still at clause 7 but over the page at page 4 of the Bill. And this is just the planning permission for subdivision point. As I read this (this is the newly inserted [subsection] (5), which is being inserted by clause [7](3), does this mean that the corporation can effectively proceed in relation to land without planning permission, but only in instances where there are subdivisions? If it is any other thing in relation to the land beyond a subdivision (say I am putting up a bi g building), that would still require planning permission? And again, I think the answer is yes, but I just want to clarify those three points . Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you, Minister.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Mr. Pearman. Any further speakers? The Chair recognises the Honourable Member Cannonier.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierThank you, Mr. Chairman. Clause 8, Powers of the Corporation: electronic communication services. Just curious there, where it says to provide electronic communication ser-vices . . . could the Honourable M inister give us an example of those electronic communication services he is talking about, Internet or whatever it might …
The ChairmanChairmanAny further speakers? Minister.
The ChairmanChairmanYes. The good Lord is here. [Pause]
The ChairmanChairmanMembers and listening audience, we are in the Committee stage of the West End Development Corporation Amendment Act 2024 led by the Honourable Minister Lt. Col. David Burch.
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchI have things in my head but sometimes I have to have them validated by ex-perts. [Laughter]
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchOkay, so in relation to the first question about years to disposition —WEDCO 120 [years], BLDC 262 [years]. Why are we going to 262? Essentially this provides for wider investment op-portunities in the land, but the impetus for it at this stage obviously is Google and the conversations that we …
Okay, so in relation to the first question about years to disposition —WEDCO 120 [years], BLDC 262 [years]. Why are we going to 262? Essentially this provides for wider investment op-portunities in the land, but the impetus for it at this stage obviously is Google and the conversations that we are having with them. Any . . . 21 years to 262 years . . . so right now . . . so the law is not changing. Anything over 21 years less a day has to come to the Legislature regardless of what the number is. And in relation to planning permission for subdivisions, it only applies to subdivisions so anything else would still have to go through the normal planning process. In relation to the electronic communications, there is infrastructure currently at Southside (primarily) and that is a contractual obligation between BLDC and Digicel. So, with those, Mr. Chairman, can I move—
The ChairmanChairmanLet me just see if anybody else has any questions.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that clauses [7] through 12 be approved. Are there any objections? There appear to be none. Approved. [Motion carried: Clauses 7 through 12 passed.]
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchSo, I would like to move the three Schedules and have a brief comment on those, Mr. Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanContinue. Bermuda House of Assembly Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch: Schedule 1 inserts by way of section 3 a new Fourth Schedule into the principal Act which contains standard form savings and transitional provisions relating to the transfer of BLDC’s functions. Schedule 2 inserts by way of section 6 …
Continue.
Bermuda House of Assembly Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch: Schedule 1 inserts by way of section 3 a new Fourth Schedule into the principal Act which contains standard form savings and transitional provisions relating to the transfer of BLDC’s functions. Schedule 2 inserts by way of section 6 a new Third Schedule into the principal Act which contains new reader -friendly descriptions and clear maps of the West End land and former Base Lands. More detailed, definitive boundary plans will be available for inspection at the offices of the Senior Land Surveyor. Schedule 3 by way of section 11 sets out consequential amendments to other enactments to update references to BLDC and WEDCO and to reflect the new name of the principal Act.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that clauses [sic] 1 and 2 be approved. Are there any objections . . . Schedules, I am sorry (Thank you, Ms. Beale.) be ap-proved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Schedules 1 and 2 are approved.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. The Bill will be reported to the House as printed. Mr. Speaker. [Motion carried: The West End Development Corporation Amendment Act 2024 was considered by …
It has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. The Bill will be reported to the House as printed. Mr. Speaker.
[Motion carried: The West End Development Corporation Amendment Act 2024 was considered by a Committee of the whole House and passed without amendment.] House resumed at 2:51 pm
[Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair]
REPORT OF COMMITTEE
WEST END DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AMENDMENT ACT 2024
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the West End Development Corporation Amendment Act 2024 being reported to the House as printed? There are none. It has been reported. Members, with the close of that matter it brings us to a close of the order of business for …
Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the West End Development Corporation Amendment Act 2024 being reported to the House as printed? There are none. It has been reported. Members, with the close of that matter it brings us to a close of the order of business for today. So, Minister . . . Minister, would you like to do your third reading?
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchThank you, Mr. Speaker . I move that Standing Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move the Bill entitled the West End Development Corporation Amendment Act 2024 be now read the third time by its title only.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAny objections? There are none. Continue, Minister. [Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING WEST END DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AMENDMENT ACT 2024
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchMr. Speaker, I move that the Bill be now read a third time by its title only and passed.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, the Bill has been read a third time by its title only and is now passed. [Motion carried: The West End Development Corporation Amendment Act 2024 was read a third time and passed.]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Thank you, Members, for your participation. Premier. 1508 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly ADJOURNMENT Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that this Honourable House do now adjourn until Friday, July 19.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAny objections? None. Does anybody wish to speak to that? Deputy Speaker, you rose pretty quickly that time. Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes, Mr. Speaker, I am getting ready for Cup Match.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAll right. [Laughter] TRAGIC EVENTS IN RECENT DAYS —SEEKING ACTION FROM GOVERNMENT HOUSE Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Mr. Speaker, with the tragedies that have occurred this week, Bermuda is asking for some leadership here in terms of policing. Many think that the Government is in charge of the police. …
All right.
[Laughter]
TRAGIC EVENTS IN RECENT DAYS —SEEKING ACTION FROM GOVERNMENT HOUSE
Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Mr. Speaker, with the tragedies that have occurred this week, Bermuda is asking for some leadership here in terms of policing. Many think that the Government is in charge of the police. Mr. Speaker, they are not. Let me say that I think the Government are doing a great job in the powers that it has as far as to prevent any further violence or gangs by the policies that the Minister and the Gov-ernment have in place to talk to the younger folks and try to help even some of the little older folks, Mr. Speaker . Mr. Speaker , but policing is entirely in the hands of the Governor, as per our Constitution Order. Mr. Speaker, let me repeat that it was in 2008 that the then Premier, Doctor the Honourable Ewart Brown, went to Government House on two separate occasions, when they were only shooting in the air , and asked for assistance to quell any more shooting or what could transpire from this here. And on both occasions, the request was denied, Mr. Speaker . Mr. Speaker, in hindsight if that request would have been granted, I think Bermuda would not be in the situation in regard to gangs as we are today. Mr. Speaker, let me repeat also that it was in 2009 when the Prime Minister of the UK was Prime Minister [David] Cameron. He was being interviewed and he was asked . . . they said, Prime Minister Cameron, what are you going to do about the gangs here in the UK? He said, I am going to the United States and get some help. It is okay for the Prime Minister to get help from the United States . . . and don’t get me wrong. I am not blaming the Prime Minister, because at his level I didn’t think he knew about any requests that Bermuda had made. This has all been governed by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and their representative here. Mr. Speaker, what appals me is that with all of these killings that we have had, yesterday a statement came out (probably because of pressure from our Premier) about the violence. But it did not tell us what [they] are going to do about it. Nothing at all! So, the people in this country are still left in limbo. What can be done? And they are looking at the Government . . . the Government —let me repeat, the Government —has no control of the Bermuda police force. We can only suggest to them. We can’t tell them what to do. You know, Mr. Speaker, what probably annoys me is that you have the SOG, the Strategic Oversight [Group], meeting at the Government House in order to investigate and prosecute and persecute members of (in particular) this party. And gangs do not come up on their agenda. It is amazing because I guess they say, Oh, listen, we are not worried about that. We are just trying to take out certain people in the PLP. But we are not worried about the gangs . Mr. Speaker, back when Governor Sharples (I think) was shot in Bermuda . . . unfortunate incident. The Governor, the Aide- de-Camp (ADC) and the dog. Within hours you had Scotland Yard and company here investigating. But killing our Black boys and girls, men and women, young men and women . . . it does not seem like there’s [ any] concern of Government House. Here it is the highest paid person in this country, paid more than the Premier, to do much less than the Premier does. Can’t even compare it. Got a chef, maid, somebody to cut the grass and no action from Government House. What are we going to do about this gang, this violence in Bermuda? Mr. Speaker, for someone who is getting that type of money and is in charge of certain things under our Constitution Order not to do anything, not to say anything, not to direct the police force or even bring in assistance from overseas . . . because Bermuda needs some assistance right now. We can do it. We can . . . we can request and be denied again like they denied Dr. Brown in 2008. But it is the decision of the Governor as per the Constitution and that has not happened. Mr. Speaker, I can recall back during the time that the OBA was in power. We had a group that was at White’s Island and they had about . . . probably 20 or 30 young boys and girls out there. They were trying to mentor them to keep on the straight and narrow road. But the then . . . I think it was the Minister of Works and Engineering, went about to kick that crowd off of that White’s Island. And the reason being, they said that they had a lease, and it was not properly done. Okay, maybe not. But never worr ying about the objective of it. What was the objective of having that property, having those young folks out there, and it didn’t cost the children nothing . . . their parents, nothing. It was all donations from various groups in Bermuda and the great job that they had done. Mr. Speaker, the tragedy of that, being kicked off that Island, is that . . . how many of those folks, those young folks, did we lose to gangs because of kicking them off the Island? What was the real reason for kicking them off the Island? Because regardless of
Bermuda House of Assembly whether the lease was done properly or not, it was not criminal and that could have been fixed. Instead of looking at the objective of it, they must have said, Let me get these dark little kids off this Island. That’s the way I see it. And I know we have lost some to gangs. Some-thing that should never, ever happen, Mr. Speaker. But, Mr. Speaker, I think it is time that the people of this country, along with the Government, demand from Government House: What are you going to do about this situation that we f ind ourselves in? What assistance are you going to request from the UK? Whether it is financial or manpower, what are you going to do? And that is where the request should be made. Not the pressure on this Government who has no control over it. We must take it to the people who are responsible. And I am urging Bermudians to wake up and make the request. If you have to march up there, marc h up there! Because we cannot continue to lose our young people. We have parents out there grieving and most of us have children. And when you put yourselves in their position, if you lost one of your loved ones, the grief that the folks are going through today would be on us also. We do not want that. I feel for those families. It is painful. It is tearful. Something that they obviously will never, ever forget. But I think it is something that we must do something about because right now we are not doing anything about it. Not really. The Minister is doing all he can do [in] regard to his power. The Government is doing all they can do. It is only one person who i s in charge of the police, and we ask ourselves, What are they doing? Really, nothing. The statement that they made yesterday does not solve anything. It has nothing there to say, Well, what we are going to do. We are going to try and look into this here. First time I have ever seen a statement. We do not want any statement. We want some action by those who are in charge of the police so we can try to wrestle this scourge that we have here today. We do not need that in beautiful, little Bermuda, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, again, I would urge the people of Bermuda to . . . if they got to march to Government House, march up there and demand that the Gov-ernor do the job they are being paid for. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member. MP King. TRAGIC EVENTS IN RECENT DAYS —POLICE SERVICE UNDERFUNDED
Mr. Robert KingThank you, Mr. Speaker. A lot of statements have been made here with regard to the tragedies that have happened in this Island. We all agree that this should never happen in this beautiful Island. We are 100 per cent in agreement with that. The fundamental problem I have is …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A lot of statements have been made here with regard to the tragedies that have happened in this Island. We all agree that this should never happen in this beautiful Island. We are 100 per cent in agreement with that. The fundamental problem I have is when we have got an Honourable Member suggesting, like a Shaggy song, that It wasn’t me. It’s not our fault. It ’s the Governor. Because we are not in control of the police force.
Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. POINT OF ORDER Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: I have never said that it was not our fault, the violence. I am saying that something has to be done about it, and by those who are responsible. Never once did I say that.
Mr. Robert KingThank you for clarification. And he was suggesting that persons ought to march up on, not Parliament Hill, but Government Hill; up to Government House. The House is not actually up on top of a hill anymore, but wherever it is right now. Although we have a Minister of National …
Thank you for clarification. And he was suggesting that persons ought to march up on, not Parliament Hill, but Government Hill; up to Government House. The House is not actually up on top of a hill anymore, but wherever it is right now. Although we have a Minister of National Securit y, although we have the Police Service that is underfunded . . . and we have the ability to do something about that, and to make resources available, especially when the amount of violence and the nature of violence has es-calated to unprecedented proportions. What do we do? We abdicate our responsibility and we suggest that the reason why we are in this situation now is because of things that happened in a previous administration and we are not responsible in any way because it is not our fault.
[Inaudible interjections]
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: The Honourable Member is I think [intentionally] misleading this House with that comment and it should be withdrawn.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI am letting him . . . see where it develops. I am going to hold him if he goes too far.
Mr. Robert KingBasically, what we are looking at is we have a Government, we have a majority, and we know what is required to deal with the issues of violence. And we know that the police have said that they are underfunded. They do not have the resources. But instead of funding …
Basically, what we are looking at is we have a Government, we have a majority, and we know what is required to deal with the issues of violence. And we know that the police have said that they are underfunded. They do not have the resources. But instead of funding the police, we would rather pay the Casino Commission $16 million to do absolutely nothing.
1510 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly [Laughter]
Mr. Robert KingWe have no casino at all, and the police need resources to actually do something about the violence. And we think this is a good use of re-sources for the people of this country. [Inaudible interjections]
Mr. Robert KingWell, it is ignorance then, because nothing is being done about it. [Inaudible interjections]
Mr. Robert KingThat’s all I have to say. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker. Point of order, please.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. POINT OF ORDER Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Right. First of all, let me say, right, that what we experience right now in this country should not be politicised.
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberThank you. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Right? Let’s start there.
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberHmm. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Okay? And when we are talking about policemen being underfunded, it is more than a police problem. It is a community problem. And this just didn’t start yesterday. So if you are going to get up on your feet, please come with a solution, man. …
Hmm. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Okay? And when we are talking about policemen being underfunded, it is more than a police problem. It is a community problem. And this just didn’t start yesterday. So if you are going to get up on your feet, please come with a solution, man. We have peopl e crying and dying and suffering.
[Inaudible interjections]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYou made your point. You can’t make a statement then. You made your point. Continue. Continue, MP. You can continue. [Inaudible interjection]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOh. Minister Furbert. TRAGIC EVENTS IN RECENT DAYS —THE SERIOUS BUSINESS OF PARENTING Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last week Sunday I had the opportunity to attend a graduation of the Transformational Living Centre on Parson’s Road. If anyone is familiar with that particular site, they …
Oh. Minister Furbert. TRAGIC EVENTS IN RECENT DAYS —THE SERIOUS BUSINESS OF PARENTING
Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, last week Sunday I had the opportunity to attend a graduation of the Transformational Living Centre on Parson’s Road. If anyone is familiar with that particular site, they provide housing for women and their children. They also provide support services, transformational support services to women and children. This particular day when I attended, I was feeling very solemn because this was the day when it was told to us as a community about the deaths of the parents and the two children. And I was in between minds of whether or not I should go to this graduation because I was feeling very sorrowful, and I was feeling a lot of grief. But I said to myself, Self, you must go. Because . . . it is because of programmes like this, Mr. Speaker, in which we have transformation in the lives of people. This Government, Mr. Speaker, does provide a grant to that particular programme. And that is us speaking as a Government with the people’s money, providing transformational programming for people in our community. This particular day we had graduates. Graduates of young women with their children who had now passed through the programme and they were now living on their own. And that is the transformational piece. Also, the Transformational Living Centre is now a resource for them in the community. So, I do want to take the opportunity to thank that particular programme which is a signature programme off of the Women’s Resource Centre and just say, Well done! Well done to the women and the children who graduated. They are in their second year. And well done to the Women’s Resource Centre and the Transforma-tional Living Centre team. Mr. Speaker, you know, it’s quite ironic that when someone wants to terminate a pregnancy they have to go to a psychologist. But when you have a child, you don’t have to go to a psychologist. And while I am not saying that the latter is something that we should do, I just find it very interesting because parenting, Mr. Speaker, is a serious business. It is a serious investment, Mr. Speaker. You would know because you have children. Or anyone in this room, if you have children you would know. It is serious business. It is a serious investment. You are still paying. You have to give and take of your time. You have to give and take of your money. You have to give and take of your mind. You have to give and take of your personal space and give and take of your relationships. There is no one right way to parent. There ar e books on parenting. There is Google on parenting. There are classes for parenting. There is your family and your friends who can provide support to you as it relates to parenting. But the fact of the matter is, Mr. Speaker, with all these resources that we currently
Bermuda House of Assembly have out there, as it relates to parenting, we still do not have the formula for our children and proper parenting. I bring this up, and please forgive me colleagues if this offends you, it is not meant to be offensive. But I want to make us think about the serious busi-ness of parenting. I want to share with you the risk that we put our children in when we perform cert ain behaviours. Children do not ask to come into this world. We as parents, adults, put them here. Mr. Speaker, if you do not want children, do not have them. Mr. Speaker, if you abandon and neglect your children, that is a risk. If you tell them you are calling them tonight or you are picking them up and you do not do it, that is a risk that we put on our children. If you do not feed them, if you do not shelter them, if you do not show up to their school functions, if you abuse drugs and alcohol and you expose them to drugs and alcohol, Mr. Speaker, that is a risk. If you do not get them the help they need when you realise that they need it, that is a risk, Mr. Speaker. If you do not pay your bills, if you do not work, if you do not educate your children about money and how you are working to provide for them, Mr. Speaker, if you curse off people in front of them, if you beat up people in front of them, if you curse off your children, if you make them feel as if they do not belong, if you call them names, if you belittle them in front of other people, or belittle one parent against another in front of them, Mr. Speaker, if you keep your child away from another parent, if you do not know who their friends are, if you do not come home to your children, if you do not make sure that they go to school, if you are an absent parent because you do not want to deal with the other parent, or maybe other family members, and these are just a few considerations of the behaviours we put in place that put our children at risk. Parenting, Mr. Speaker, is difficult. It is a serious . . . it is serious business, Mr. Speaker. And if you examine all of these risks that we may put our children in as parents, we have to also consider the effects that it will have on them. I am thankful, Mr. Speaker, for all those parents who are active and are involved and looking out for the best interests of their [children]. Our foster parents, our grandparents, our aunts, our uncles, our godfathers, our godmothers, our sisters, our brothers, the Department of Child and Family Services, the Mirrors programme, Workforce Development National Youth Employment Policy, the National Youth Policy, the Child Development Programme [CDP], our education system and the educators and professionals who do a good j ob with our children, Child and Adolescent Services, the Office of Youth Affairs, our youth groups, our church groups, our youth organisations, our sports clubs and our sports organisations, Mr. Speaker. There are tons of persons, organisations, groups tha t are out there that are doing much for our children in our community. I am sure, like other persons in this room, this week there has probably been a lot of outreach in regard to leadership, in regard to Government and what Government is doing, Mr. Speaker. This week I had the opportunity to meet with a father who was wanting to figure out how to better his relationship with his children and I had to guide him because he thought that he could do that through the court system. We do not want to be doing that in the court system. We want to be doing that before we get to the court system. I agree that what has happened in our community has made many people feel ill, empathetic, sympathetic and we see our people in our community action-ing and wanting to help. The same has weighed heavily on myself, Mr. Speaker. Actually, I have many days and nights like that. I go home like that. Our country needs prayer. Our country needs safe spaces. Our country needs fellowship. Our country needs love. Our people need love. We do not want this for our brothers and sisters. We do not want this for our Island. We wish that these things would never have happened or what we could have done differently. We have to come to the understanding, Mr. Speaker, that we cannot be all to everything, to everyone, and be at all places at every point in time. We would have thought that all the literature that is out there that persons could recognise red flags or recognise when they are at risk so that they would know how to protect themselves, Mr. Speaker. But there is evidence of other countries, Mr. Speaker, that have much more resources than what we have, and their crime rates are much higher than ours. This is no excuse for us as a country, as a Government to do nothing. We must continue to always provide options and do something. But our people must participate as well. I read report after report after report of services that are offered to people and people are refusing them. They are declining to participate in services that could help them. It is a never one- and-done. We do not live our lives like that. We have constant struggles, constant battles. So we must always know where to look for support, who to trust, know who our trusted sources are and be in a good mental he alth space, Mr. Speaker. Our use of language is powerful, Mr. Speaker, but our actions are more powerful. We are all cut from a different cloth, Mr. Speaker, and so we are different, we are unique, we have different paradigms and different experiences. That makes it that much more difficult to find the exact formula to help our own healing, our people’s healing, Mr. Speaker. Again, at this time, I do want to thank all those helping agencies that are out there. I want to just thank all our government agencies that are out there that are helping many people in our community. And we as a Government will continue, continue to work hard on behalf of those many people who may be in risky behav-iour, who may need support and services. We will continue to make sure that this support is available. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. 1512 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly [Desk thumping]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Minister of Education, would you like your 20 minutes? Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo ahead. TRAGIC EVENTS IN RECENT DAYS —EDUCATION REFORM Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, all of us feel the pain and sorrow caused by these recent senseless acts of violence against our people. My thoughts and prayers will always be with those persons. Mr. Speaker, just listening to …
Go ahead.
TRAGIC EVENTS IN RECENT DAYS —EDUCATION REFORM
Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, all of us feel the pain and sorrow caused by these recent senseless acts of violence against our people. My thoughts and prayers will always be with those persons. Mr. Speaker, just listening to some of the comments of today caused me to reflect on my journey to becoming an Honourable Member in this House. I have been a parliamentarian since 2011. I have been a Gov-ernment Senator, an Opposition Senator, an Opposition MP, and now a Government MP. But one of the things, Mr. Speaker, that I can reflect on is the ability to reach out to the decades of experience from Members in this House on both sides of the aisle and use those as learning moments on when to speak and w hen to sit down. Mr. Speaker, I remember having a conversation with [you] maybe about 10 years ago and in one of your words of wisdom you said to me is, Although we are in Opposition, always think about what you are going to say because in some scenario the shoe may be on the other foot. And understand that we all know that we are in here for the same reason and that is to serve the people and not our own personal agendas. So, Mr. Speaker, in light of these tragic events it is clear that I am requesting all of us to look beyond the immediate causes and seek long- term solutions. We have to seek long- term solutions to address these issues and root them out that are now affect ing our society. Over the last few days I have heard, and rightly so, that improving our education system must play a part in these solutions. And it is something, Mr. Speaker, that I wholeheartedly agree with. But Mr. Speaker, we must understand, and we must come to the understanding that education reform is simply not just about building new buildings or renovating existing ones, Mr. Speaker. Something that a lot of people get caught up in, unfortunately, it is about fundamentally transforming the education system into one that is restorative, culturally responsive and inclusive. It is about building a holistic system that focuses on the whole child starting at the early years and continuing through their educational journey. By doing so, Mr. Speaker, we will create an environment where our children feel supported, valued and equipped to succeed. This in turn can lead to better outcomes for our youth and help prevent the kinds of tragedies that we have seen this week that have shaken our community to its core. Mr. Speaker, a restorative education system places the well -being of students at its core. It recognises that students come to school not just to learn about mathematics and literature but to grow as individuals. They bring with them diverse experiences, some which may include trauma, hardships and challenges that impact their ability to learn and thrive. But, Mr. Speaker, restorative education seeks to address these issues head- on. It fosters an environment where students feel safe. Where students feel valued, where students feel supported. It includes practices that repair the harm and build strong healthy relationships amongst the students, the teachers and the broader school community. This approach reduces conflicts and disciplinary issues and enhances aca-demic outcomes by creating a supportive and nurturing learning environment for our students. Mr. Speaker, culturally responsive teaching is another pillar of the education system we must build. Our schools should reflect our society’s rich diversity. Our schools should celebrate every student’s unique and cultural background. Culturally responsiv e teaching involves recognising the cultural strengths students bring to the classroom and using those strengths to enhance their learning. This means that our teachers need to be trained to understand the vast cultural differences and integrate diverse perspectives into their teaching. When students see identities and experiences reflected in the curriculum, they are more likely to feel connected and they are more likely to be motivated to succeed, Mr. Speaker. Inclusion is about ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, ability and circumstance has the access to quality education and the opportunity to succeed. This means creating classrooms that accommodate different learning styles and needs and supporting students with disabilities and ensuring that no child is left behind. Inclusivity involves families and communities in the education process. Schools should be places where parents feel welcome and are encouraged to participate in their ch ildren’s education. This collaboration strengthens the support network around each child fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility for their success. Mr. Speaker, focusing on the whole child means addressing their physical, emotional, societal and cognitive development. This means providing not just academic instruction, but also health and wellness programmes, social and emotional learning and extracurricular activities that promote the overall development of our students. Early childhood education is crit-ical to the success of this approach. By investing in the early years, we lay strong foundations for lifelong learning and development. Quality learn ing in the early years can help identify and address developmental de-lays, provide support for families ensuring that children enter school ready to learn, ready to succeed.
Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, finally, our schools need to be places of healing not just for students, but for their families as well. Many families in Bermuda face challenges that impact our children’s education from economic hardships to social and emotional issues. Schools can serve as a hub of support, offering resources and programmes that address these challenges. This would include, and should include, mental health services, family counselling and community programmes that strengthen the bonds between schools and the families they serve. By supporting families, we create a more stable and nurturing environment for our children, supporting their academic and personal growth. Mr. Speaker, education reform goes beyond being focused on just the physical structure of our buildings. It must be about building a restorative and culturally responsive and inclusive education system that focuses on the whole child and sees schools as a place of healing and support for our families and our communities. By embracing this holistic approach we can create an education system that [not] only prepares our child for academic success but also for life. We can foster a society where every individual feels valued, sup-ported and empowered to contribute to the progr ess and well -being of our nation. Let every single one of us honour the memory of those whom we have lost in this traumatic week to long-term transformative changes that prevents such tragedies in the future. Education reform is one of those transformational areas that is currently being w orked on. It requires the support of the entire Island to be suc-cessful. And once again, I plead with Members within this House and in the public, support the efforts to re-form our system, provide our children with nurturing en-vironments, provide our families with areas that they can go to seek assistance and using education to strengthen our community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Does any other Member . . . MP Jackson.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. TRAGIC EVENTS IN RECENT DAYS —PROTECTING ECOMMERCE INDUSTRIES FOR YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS
Ms. Susan E. JacksonAnd I too rise with a very, very heavy heart. But I wanted to follow on from the Minister of Education to the next level. And that is seeing our young people enter into the working world and entrepreneurship. And as the Shadow [Minister] of Transport, I have learned and …
And I too rise with a very, very heavy heart. But I wanted to follow on from the Minister of Education to the next level. And that is seeing our young people enter into the working world and entrepreneurship. And as the Shadow [Minister] of Transport, I have learned and experienced and been exposed to young people who have come out of the education system, looking for entrepreneurial opportunities, looking for opportunities to use the skills that they have lear ned in order to provide for themselves and build a business and to be able to prosper and create a home and a lifestyle for themselves that is suitable for Bermuda and they can continue to live in health and prosperity. But Mr. Speaker, there are a number of threats that are facing young people who may be wishing to get into the transportation industry. Whether it is through the public service vehicles such as taxis, minibuses. These are businesses, privately owned businesses, that our young people can venture into, invest in, can build and make a good life out of it. But Mr. Speaker, we absolutely have to make sure that we protect the industry so that we give the fair opportunity for everyone to be able to build a business, to be able to thrive and prosper. There is nothing like having to give up because things are not working, because the rules are not right, or they are not updated. Mr. Speaker, I stand on my feet today because now our young people who may be entering into the transportation industry are facing yet another threat. And that is we really have to start to look at the industries that may be coming into this community from overseas who may be selling services of which Bermudians or visitors in Bermuda are paying for services, that is money that is leaving this Island and maybe —maybe— a portion of it is coming back. I have no idea whether some of these companies from overseas . . . and recently we had a news item on television about a transportation app called Island: GO! that was, you know, . . . literally the customer would pay the money into a system that was going overseas. This is not local. And only with . . . I don’t know, a handshake or a hope, that even the person who is in Bermuda will receive the funds in return for their services. So Mr. Speaker, I don’t know whether it is the Regulatory Authority or something that the Government as a whole needs to take a look at. I know it is a complicated situation. It is not going to be easy . But when the Premier asks, What are the solutions? Some of those solutions are [that] we have to create a landscape where our young people can feel the empowerment of entrepreneurship, the empowerment of prosperity if they work hard, if they put in the investment. But we cannot allow that to be threatened, especially not from either outdated or old misleading legislation or whether it is the threat from outside this country, Mr. Speaker. And so I am just putting it out on the table. I know that as I learn more and as I listen more, I will understand and be able to speak to this with more detail. But I want to open that door because I listened to the Premier, asked genuinely, What are some solu-tions? We have got to protect industries that have . . . that can nurture our young people in particular to be 1514 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly entrepreneurs and have some command over their destiny and their financial future. And again, go back to the Regulatory Authority . . . and I don’t know if that is the place that can do this. But somehow, we have got to protect this Island from those from outside our borders who are coming in, taking our money and not giving it back. And whether that is some sort of local licensing in ord er to cross the border so that at least we understand and have an oppor-tunity to know and register interests of these overseas, in particular . . . you know, I am just calling them ecommerce companies bec ause I am not sure what it is, as yet.
[Inaudible interjections]
Ms. Susan E. JacksonBut certainly, we need to take a look at it. And Mr. Speaker, it is not just transport. I am looking at it from a transport perspective and the fact that the news item was certainly Island: GO!, which is a foreign . . . it seems to be a …
But certainly, we need to take a look at it. And Mr. Speaker, it is not just transport. I am looking at it from a transport perspective and the fact that the news item was certainly Island: GO!, which is a foreign . . . it seems to be a foreign- created app. It was not a locally created app. I do not know enough about it to speak in detail. But this could be anything, Mr. Speaker. It could . . . this could impact our young people who might want to get into the medical field — Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Mr. Speaker, I think the Honourable Member is misleading the House. The point of which she is trying to make or is insinuating is that the money that is collected from this app is going out of …
Point of order.
POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Mr. Speaker, I think the Honourable Member is misleading the House. The point of which she is trying to make or is insinuating is that the money that is collected from this app is going out of the country. There is nothing further from the truth. And the other thing, Mr. Speaker, she is — [Inaudible interjections]
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: —she is the Shadow Minister. She is a Shadow Minister of Transport. Why doesn’t she just ask the Minister what the real deal is, rather than surmise?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAll right. I think . . . I think. Let me be nice. You made your point. You made your point. You made your point. I was going to say something else, but I will s tay out of it. Because we started this morning where a question was put …
All right. I think . . . I think. Let me be nice. You made your point. You made your point. You made your point. I was going to say something else, but I will s tay out of it. Because we started this morning where a question was put earlier and what was given to her took her in a different perspective. I think we are on this road this morning because of what she started this morning. And that question was put to the Minister. [Inaudible interjections]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay? All right. [Inaudible interjections]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. So she is just taking another attack at the . . . or another attempt because— [Inaudible interjection]
The SpeakerThe Speaker—another attempt because she thought she was being misled the first time. Member, go ahead.
Ms. Susan E. JacksonYes. Thank you. And I did not realise that I was hitting a soft spot there. [Inaudible interjections]
Ms. Susan E. JacksonI thought that we were speaking about people — [Inaudible interjections]
Ms. Susan E. Jackson—and ecommerce that we do not know anything about. And, Mr. Speaker, I do not know much, although I am shadowing Health, but it could be the same with Health, where we may have professionals who are delivering mental health services and support, which is something that is very important …
—and ecommerce that we do not know anything about. And, Mr. Speaker, I do not know much, although I am shadowing Health, but it could be the same with Health, where we may have professionals who are delivering mental health services and support, which is something that is very important for us right now, and for all we know we could have Bermudians who may be reaching out for support and reaching out overseas through apps and websites and paying money overseas to someone who we do not know, is not licensed, is not part of our register. It has no Bermuda con nection. We cannot protect our young people from that. And I do not know what is out there. All I am saying, Mr. Speaker, is if we are going to cross our borders with a lot of the ecommerce that is starting to sprout up on this Island, that it may be worth our while to take a look at how we may have some form of local licensing just so we know w ho they are. Just so we are protecting our young people. And if our young people want to provide an ecommerce mental health platform in Bermuda, they should be able to do that. And if we know that they are local, if they are registered as a local electroni c commerce app, then we have some protections and some safeguards. And making sure that people are following our local legislation when it comes to providing services. All I am trying to do is provide solutions in ways in which our young people, when they graduate from our education system, may be able to create an entrepreneurial opportunity for themselves over the Internet which is organically their space. I grew up going into brick and mortar. I had to open the door and march up the stairs and sit at a desk every day. That’s not who
Bermuda House of Assembly our young people are anymore. They are involved in fashion. They are involved in health services. They are involved in transportation and sightseeing and tours and history and arts and entertainment. And all I am saying is that we have got to protect them so that we cannot have those from overseas coming in here and stealing their lunch. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. Minister Campbell, you have your 20 minutes. TRAGIC EVENTS IN RECENT DAYS —CALLING FOR 100 GOOD MEN TO BE POSITIVE ROLE MODELS Hon. Vance Campbell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I grew up loving sports. I even participated in a few when I was younger. This …
Thank you, MP. Minister Campbell, you have your 20 minutes.
TRAGIC EVENTS IN RECENT DAYS —CALLING FOR 100 GOOD MEN TO BE POSITIVE ROLE MODELS
Hon. Vance Campbell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I grew up loving sports. I even participated in a few when I was younger. This summer we are having somewhat of a sportsfest. We have had the NBA Finals [and] the [ICC] T20 World Cup. We have this weekend the Copa America and the Euro finals. We have the Wimbledon finals this weekend as well. Tour de France started last week and will continue throughout this month. And we have the Olympics com-ing up later this month. Each of these sports that I have outlined, Mr. Speaker, they have rules. Those rules are in place to make sure that each of those sporting events are fair and that those rules equally apply to all of the participants. And as we (as spectators, administrators, athletes, governments) watch these sports . . . if we see that one athlete or athletes from a different country are not being treated the same, i.e., I will give an example with . . . in a hundred metre dash. The premier event in track and field. If I am able as a participant to walk 25 yards down the track and start 25 yards or metres ahead of my fellow competitors, there would be no one who would consider that [just]. Likewise in swimming, since we have our Nation al Swimming coach here, in the 100 metre men’s freestyle, if I only had to swim 50 metres but could win the gold medal, we would recognise there is something wrong with that. And why do I raise this, Mr. Speaker? Because in everyday life, we have individuals who are not being treated the same. They are being treated differently. They are being treated differently based on nationality, race, gender, sexual preference. Yet, we do not hear the same outcry that we would hear at a sporting event where one athlete is being treated differently from the others. Where is the outrage, Mr. Speaker? I ask, Where is the outrage? I have seen firsthand the energy and effort expended on sports just being a spectator. We know we . . . one of the things that comes to mind for me when I speak about the energy expended on sports are the tailgate parties. We go all out. Let’s expend the same energy into highlighting the inequities that exist when it comes to access to jobs (for some of us), housing, healthcare and education. And I do not intend to speak long. And why do I raise this? Because I think they contribute to some of the things or some of the reasons people engage in the activity that led to the horrific events of this past week. My condolences and heartfelt sympathies go out to the families and friends of those whom we lost. Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to attend two of the vigils. The one on the Cabinet grounds and one up at the Devonshire Seventh- day Adventist Church. And they were heartbreaking. Yes, prayer is important. Yes, it is important to come together to express our grief and concern. There is a lot of anguish and fear in our community right now. And I attended those events with my colleague and friend, Minister Weeks. And because he is the type of Minister who in-vests himself into what he is doing, because he c ares about his community, I have seen the physical and emotional and mental toll this has taken on him. So I ask that as his colleagues in this House that we hold him up in prayer as well. This is not our parent’s Bermuda, Mr. Speaker. This is no longer the Bermuda that we grew up in. I can recall when I came home from school it was my grandmother at home. Because both parents . . . or if both parents are even in the house, parents have to work though kids are coming home. If the parents cannot afford afterschool care, they are coming home to an empty house. They have free reign to run around the neighbourhood. They are vulnerable to those in those neighbourhoods who might not have their best interests at heart. And I am not picking on fathers, but we are missing. We are missing from the home. We are missing from our children’s lives. You do not have to be in the same house to be part of their life. But we are reneging on that responsibility as well. When you look at the schools, I believe there is about 900 schoolteach-ers, 10 per cent are men. We are missing from the classrooms. So we do not have that opportunity to present a positive role model to our children. I am calling on 100 good men. I would accept 101 or 102. But I am calling on 100 good men to commit today to re- enter the lives of our children. Whether it is your son, yo ur daughter or not. Enter their lives. Be a positive role model for those who may not have that positive role model in their life. This is not the Bermuda of old. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, we cannot police the way we policed back then. We have to do things differently. We cannot govern the same way that we governed 30 years ago. If we can accept that Bermuda has changed drastically, the n we have to change the way we do things. And yes, prayer helps. Coming together to share in grief helps. That is not enough. There has to be more. And I am calling specifically on 100 men to do more and let’s make a difference in the lives of our males and our females before it is too late. 1516 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
[Desk thumping]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Thank you, Minister. Opposition Deputy Leader, you have your 20 minutes.
Mr. Ben SmithThank you, Mr. Speaker. TRAGIC EVENTS IN RECENT DAYS —QUESTIONS THAT NEED TO BE ANSWERED BY MINISTER OF NATIONAL SECURITY
Mr. Ben SmithMr. Speaker, like everyone in this Chamber, this week has brought a lot of emotions think-ing about our community. Mr. Speaker, I remember as a freshman at Springfield College in Massachusetts the very first assignment that I had for English I wrote an essay that was called “Gunshots in the …
Mr. Speaker, like everyone in this Chamber, this week has brought a lot of emotions think-ing about our community. Mr. Speaker, I remember as a freshman at Springfield College in Massachusetts the very first assignment that I had for English I wrote an essay that was called “Gunshots in the Dark.” And the message I was giving was based off of the comparison of the Bermuda that I lived in and the Springfield that I had just arrived in. Because, Mr. Speaker, the Bermuda I grew up in you never heard gunshots. And here I was a freshman and the block over from my dormitory I could hear gunshots almost every night because the gangs that had taken over those neighbourhoods were battling that way almost daily. So when you fast forward to where we are today, it is shocking that our community has changed so significantly to the point that we have multiple murders in one week. Well, Mr. Speaker, this has been multiple murders over multiple years that has taken mult iple Bermuda lives. The lives of the victims of these violent crimes. The lives of the young people who have been incarcerated for a significant amount of time for those crimes. The families who have been destroyed. The communities that have been destroyed . Mr. Speaker, I agree with many of the comments that have been made to this point that there are multiple things that are going to have to be done in order for us to be able to try to get our country back to a new version of normal. Earlier today I had an opportunity to talk to two of our MPs up in the kitchen area and we were just discussing the Bermuda that we grew up with and the changes that we have seen in our country and how in many cases the male role models are not male role models the way they used to be. So, because young men do not always have that positive male role model in their household, that is a reality that we live with. They do not . . . we do not have as many of those . . . and everybody in this Chamber can probably name somebody that was that kind of elder or somebody who was in their community who was able to give a helping hand, give the kind of word and encouragement that helped all of us to be successful. And many of those voices are now missing in the community. But Mr. Speaker, as the Shadow [Minister] of National Security, I still think it is important that we discuss what we have to do with what is happening today. Because many of the solutions are going to take a long time for us to be able to get to. I agree that it is going to be an education. It is going to be in supporting. It is going to be increasing our community centres. Trying our best to get more of our men into the community, giving that positive example so that our young men see that there is a pat h other than the negative path that many of our young men have taken. Because, Mr. Speaker, there are many parents who have decided to take their young men, young boys, out of the country to try to protect them from this negative criminal element that is trying to pull them in. Because we have such a small community, when these events happen it is having an impact on all of us. But Mr. Speaker, earlier in the motion to adjourn there was a comment from the Deputy Speaker that perhaps the Governor should be the person who we are looking to to try to fix the immediate issue when it comes to dealing with this criminal element. My question to the Minister of National Security is: Has he requested help from the Governor and the Governor has denied that help? Because if that is the case, that would be important for all of us to know. The reason I bring that up is because if we skip over that level, then the Members of this Chamber have not done our part of this responsibility. Mr. Speaker, I would also ask [if] the Honourable Minister can give us an update on the CCTV project that was one of the tools that was going to be used to help for us to at least deter some of this behaviour. I would ask for the Honourable Minister to gi ve us an update on the strategic plan of curbing this negative behaviour, this criminal element that has become such a scourge on our population. I would ask that the Honourable Minister give us an update, an analysis, of the Gang Reduction Team and what t hey have been able to do. What are the statistics that tell us that it is working or that it is not working, or things that need to be changed so that our population can feel comfort that we are moving in the right direction? Mr. Speaker, it would also be important for us to have an understanding of the police numbers. Are we below the level that is necessary for the police to be able to do what is necessary for us to get this situation under control. Because, Mr. Speaker, my comment to that would be, when we are trying to get the safety on our roads back into control, the police have to do a specific targeted programme. But if we look back to where Bermuda used to be, you would see a police presence on an ongoing basis on the roads to deter the bad behaviour. Are they only having to do it this way because they do not have the resources? They do not have the amount of poli ce for them to be able to do this on an ongoing basis so they have to do it targeted.
Bermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, the reason I bring that up now is because with this increase in violent crime, the reaction is that now we see more police on the roads. Anybody who is driving around now will see multiple police cars on a regular basis ever since these incidents have hap-pened. The question becomes, If that presence is a deterrent, why don’t we see it more often? And if that is because we have not given the manpower to the police, then that is something that this Chamber needs to discuss. And if giving the resources is not going to make that happen, because there is a block between what is being requested by the Government to what Government House is saying, then that is a discussion that we also have to have. But if we are not having the r equest, and then that request being denied, then I am imploring us to actually have that sit -down conversation to ask the question in the first place. Mr. Speaker, I believe that an issue that needs to be discussed is this trauma, the trauma that has been happening in our community which we are seeing a lot of these results in our streets now. Many of these young men were young children when this first bout of open violence happened. And now they have grown up with that trauma. The anger, the hurt, the lack of oppor-tunity has put them in a position of no hope. Mr. Speaker, the hard part is that our speeches, our statements, the prayers, the condo-lences . . . most of the country is listening to that. But are these young men actually hearing it? The people that we actually want to hear this message, are they actually hearing what is being said, what we want as a country? Because Mr. Speaker, the difficult thing in Bermuda is that we can tell everybody that we are go-ing to give them the resources to deal with the trauma, the counselling, the psychological services, the support groups, but we have to be honest that there is a stigma for actually receiving those services. But that is a mindset. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: No! No! No! No! Point of order. Point of order. Point of order, the Honourable Member is misleading the House, Mr. Speaker. For him to stay that there is a stigma attached to getting some of the services that we have outlined in the press conference and in the Ministerial Statement this morning. That i s out of order. [Inaudible interjections]
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. MembersNot so! It’s not so.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerContinue. Speak to the Chair.
Mr. Ben SmithMr. Speaker, the issue is we have just had a report from a PhD saying that our youth are filled with anxiety, filled with depression. And one of the major factors was that there is a stigma for getting help. That’s why they are not getting the help that t …
Mr. Speaker, the issue is we have just had a report from a PhD saying that our youth are filled with anxiety, filled with depression. And one of the major factors was that there is a stigma for getting help. That’s why they are not getting the help that t hey need. They are not asking for it. And specifically, in the Black males. So if that Member would like to tell me that I am wrong—
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberHonourable Member. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Point of order. I will tell you are wrong. Point of order. Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Member is misleading the House. You are talking about the gun vio-lence in this country, and he referred to the services that …
Honourable Member.
POINT OF ORDER [Misleading]
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Point of order. I will tell you are wrong. Point of order. Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Member is misleading the House. You are talking about the gun vio-lence in this country, and he referred to the services that are being provided. And then he goes off on attack and talking about there is a stigma attached to you ng Black men getting help.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerHe didn’t . . . he didn’t . . . he didn’t go on an attack. He stated a fact. It is a fact that if you talk to people in the counselling services, one of the biggest challenges they have is people coming to receive ser-vices. Hon. Zane J. …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerHe is stating a fact. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I got that.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerHe is stating a fact. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: But one would think, Mr. Speaker . . . respectfully, one would think that the Honourable Member was referring to the services that the Premier . . . because you were talking about gun violence in the country in …
He is stating a fact. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: But one would think, Mr. Speaker . . . respectfully, one would think that the Honourable Member was referring to the services that the Premier . . . because you were talking about gun violence in the country in one step, and then you . . . so one could surmise that. All I am saying is be very care-ful.
[Inaudible interjections]
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: This should not be politicised.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, Members. Let me rise to my feet. 1518 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly This week this country is in pain over what they saw. The last thing I want this House to do is set the example of what we do not want to …
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. MembersYes. [Inaudible interjections]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSo whatever opinion is expressed in this House today needs to be expressed with an open mind-set of not attacking each other. The Member simply said statistics prove that people are reluctant to take advantage of the services. That is a given fact. I have counsellors in my family who …
So whatever opinion is expressed in this House today needs to be expressed with an open mind-set of not attacking each other. The Member simply said statistics prove that people are reluctant to take advantage of the services. That is a given fact. I have counsellors in my family who I talk to, and it is one of the biggest challenges they have. That their services . . . having worked with . . . in my community as long as I have worked, and tried to get some services from people who needed it in their famil y, through people I know who provide services, who needed the services, could bring the marriage of people who provide the services and we struggled because of the stigma—I am going to use the word— of people knowing that [they are] getting help. That is a reality. That is a reality! It is not a negative. I am not throwing stones at people. I am not throwing stones at people!
[Inaudible interjection]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI am not throwing stones. I . . . Member, I am telling you what I have experienced when I have tried to work with people in my own constituency. Okay? That is the reality. And it bothered me, it bothered me because in a couple of those cases people …
I am not throwing stones. I . . . Member, I am telling you what I have experienced when I have tried to work with people in my own constituency. Okay? That is the reality. And it bothered me, it bothered me because in a couple of those cases people ended up in a lot worse cases tha n what they were when we were trying to help them.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerIn trying to help them. I am speaking from personal experience. [Inaudible interjection]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI am speaking from personal experience. [Inaudible interjections]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerNo, no. No. Member. Member, I am saying to you, let’s not take this where it goes in a battle back and forth. That is not the message we want out here. The message we want is that of unity. It is going to get us down the road. And …
No, no. No. Member. Member, I am saying to you, let’s not take this where it goes in a battle back and forth. That is not the message we want out here. The message we want is that of unity. It is going to get us down the road. And the unity is expressing your opinion, and your opinion, and your opinion, and let’s find some common ground in all of the opinions rather than taking it apart.
Mr. Ben SmithThank you, Mr. Speaker. [Inaudible interjections]
Mr. Ben SmithFinishing the thought that I was trying to move to is this: We have to start to allow people to know that it is okay to have the emotions that we have. It is okay to express those emotions. The country is feeling this anxiety. And as I was trying …
Finishing the thought that I was trying to move to is this: We have to start to allow people to know that it is okay to have the emotions that we have. It is okay to express those emotions. The country is feeling this anxiety. And as I was trying to say, yes, the help is out there but if we cannot get past the point of having people accept that they can go and get that help, then they are not going to use that service. The problem is, specifically, Black men. We have to be okay with showing those emotions.
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberMm-hmm.
Mr. Ben SmithIf you are feeling a certain way and you need to cry, it is okay to do so. It does not make you a weak person. That is the message I want for our population. It is okay that we as a country are grieving because our Bermudians are dying! …
If you are feeling a certain way and you need to cry, it is okay to do so. It does not make you a weak person. That is the message I want for our population. It is okay that we as a country are grieving because our Bermudians are dying! It is okay if you see a child that needs a hug because of the way that they are feeling, or a loved one needs that, we should be able to do it. And if you do not do that, we end up with more people who are not dealing with their trauma. More people who are goi ng through the issues because they are not willing to go and get the help that is being of-fered. What I want people to understand is, we can have all of the services available, but until our people are open to taking those services it won’t happen. We have to start to be okay with having these conversations. And most importantly, we in this Chamber have to understand something. We are the example. And if we are going to fight over something like we are . . . today should be about together. How are we going to help and heal our country?
[Inaudible interjections]
Mr. Ben SmithAnd that is exactly what I have been doing. If we can’t behave that way, how are we expect-ing anybody else to look at us in a different way? Because Mr. Speaker, we are asking for our community to act differently. That is the message that we have heard today. …
And that is exactly what I have been doing. If we can’t behave that way, how are we expect-ing anybody else to look at us in a different way? Because Mr. Speaker, we are asking for our community to act differently. That is the message that we have heard today. And all I have said is all of these different things have to happen. The community wants to know that they can be assured that there will be a curtailing of the violence if not an end to the violence. That is going to be a respon-sibility under National Security. Now the healing, all the changes, all the developments —that is a bigger picture. That is education. That is in the different services. But for all of those things to happen, our community has to be open that those things are necessary. We have to understand that our men have not always done everything that they can to help the next generation. In the past, we had those men, those role models. The Minister who spoke before me said it. It is time for more men to stand up and be that positi ve
Bermuda House of Assembly influence on the lives of our young people because that is the only way that we are going to do this. I do not want to have anymore fights about it because our children are already fighting.
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberYes, yes.
Mr. Ben SmithThank you, Mr. Speaker. [Desk thumping]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Is there any other Member? MP Caines.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers. Members. Let Mr. Caines have his time on the floor, please. Mr. Caines, one second. Let me restart your clock. Your 20 minutes starts now. TRAGIC EVENTS IN RECENT DAYS —WE ARE OUR BROTHER’S KEEPER
Mr. Wayne CainesMr. Speaker, Cain was asked by God, Where is your brother Abel?
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberMm-hmm.
Mr. Wayne CainesAnd Cain, walking in the Garden of Eden, in the absence of his brother that he had mur-dered responded, Am I my brother’s keeper? Today, Mr. Speaker, I pose that very question in this room. Are we our brother’s keeper? In recent days Bermuda has seen in the last week …
And Cain, walking in the Garden of Eden, in the absence of his brother that he had mur-dered responded, Am I my brother’s keeper? Today, Mr. Speaker, I pose that very question in this room. Are we our brother’s keeper? In recent days Bermuda has seen in the last week six souls, lives, come to a halt. Two children, a mother, and though we might discount him, a man who committed those murders, and a 19- year-old and an 18-year-old. On Sunday when I heard of the tragedy, it took my breath away. I was saddened. The group of people who I was with, we looked to each other. We tried to comfort each other but we could not find the answers. On Wednesday when I heard about the two murders, I was devastated. That only became worse, Mr. Speaker, when I learned who the two men were, MP Famous introduced me to these two young men. So to many of us this might be something that we politicise. Something that we seek political brownie points, or to stand and to thump our chest. These were two young men who many of us in this room tried to help. And as we helped them, they helped us.
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberThat’s right. Mr. Wayne Caines: MP Famous started something called “Parish Pride.” This is where we went into our constituency and we cut the trees, raked them up. Sunday mornings whilst the average Bermudian slept in their bed, MP Famous was waking us all up. Guess what, Mr. Speaker? On …
That’s right. Mr. Wayne Caines: MP Famous started something called “Parish Pride.” This is where we went into our constituency and we cut the trees, raked them up. Sunday mornings whilst the average Bermudian slept in their bed, MP Famous was waking us all up. Guess what, Mr. Speaker? On three mornings, the two young men who died, the two young men who we have discounted worked with me in my constituency lifting trees, cutting trees, telling me about their dreams, telling me about their future. Go to this mom’s house and she thanked us for taking them into our community. These were not lost and abandoned men, these were our sons. This is our community. It was at my hand when I listened to their dreams and their aspirations as we lifted the leaves and as we raked the streets. My mind goes back to the morning where we were on top of Parson’s Road, we were lifting the trees and the CEO for the Bermuda Hospitals Board, Mr. Scott Pearman, was so impressed he doubled back in his car and he got out of his car and he gave each one of these young men $100. He was amazed that on a Sunday morning, just as the sun rose, they were in their community lifting, cleaning, sweeping. So when I heard that these were two of the men my heart was broken. Because it was in my constituency when their m other came out four years earlier when there was a shooting on Parson’s Road and asked me, What was I going to do as Minister? And I asked her to take the 14- year-old twins back into the house on that night. We committed ourselves on Parson’s Road and on One Way Deepdale to make a difference. This is not talk for me. This is a community in which I was raised. A community in which my parents live. My nieces and my nephews live. They have been besieged by racism in the 1960s and the 1970s. They have lived through the drug and AIDS epidemic of the 1980s and 1990s. And now we come to a new phenomenon in the 2000s with gang- related violence. Many of us do not understand the psyche of people in oppressed commu-nities. It is something called multi- generational non- addressed trauma. Understand the psyche of people who have not had what we have had, the opportunities. And so when we try to mox it down . . . there are many layers to this. There are many sides to this. But at the end of it, these are our people. No matter what it looks like and no matter what it sounds like. Those two young men, those two people, those three people, those two children who died , those are the people in our community, and we all are responsible for them. This week we saw a man kill two sisters in London and a mother. We have seen over in our world where there is tumult, there is turmoil. The Christian will say these are eschatological events, or last days events. We see the breakdown in our community. I saw the Minister of National Security yesterday. I can see that his head was heavy, that his heart was heavy. I listened to all the things that he had done in the recent weeks, in the recent months. I understand that weight. Why? Because I too . . . I sit in the hospitals 1520 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly with the families as they grieve. I too have had the responsibility for going to the homes and sitting with the families. I too have had the responsibility of what our community wants. They want answers. They want a throat to choke. They want accountability and that is all wrapped up and weighs heavily on Minister Weeks’ head. I saw him today. He is wearing that as a man that we put in that role, and he takes that responsibility seriously. He gives this country his all. He works tirelessly. There is a team in the Ministry of National Security led by Pastor Bean. Over 25 people. And in our country when things go wrong, we want an effigy to show what we have been doing. A number of the things that they are doing cannot be discussed. The meeting s that they have. The opportunities they have [of] getting people off the Island, giving them support, working with mediation, working with counselling. Those are things that the average eye never sees. How do I know? Because I have been in the meetings wh ere they are getting the two sides together. I have been in the meetings where they are trying to do crisis resolution and media-tion. At night when there are issues that when we are sleeping, they are going out into these affected communities and brokering holding back the winds of strife in our community. The first thing that we want to do is find ourselves someone to pin it on. I can tell you this and without fear of being offensive. I know that they can do more. And they will be prodded to do more. And that is the responsibility. I have with worked with Pastor Bean. He will give it his all. He will push his team harder, because that is what the situation requires. The Bermuda Police Service . . . I am not going to talk about the Governor’s role in this. Why? Because I know that I have to stand beside . . . no matter what the strength is, I believe in this country. And I know the men and women who are working. They are going to do their all in this crisis to make sure that we are protected. I will put down the bipartisan sword and tell you that in this time I will stand with them because that is all I have. I know the call for Scotland Yard. I do not adhere to it. I know that we can manage it together. Ah! But do we think that we are going to leave it on policing? We will not police our way out of this. They have a role to play. And like the Ministry of National Security, the Gang Violence Reduction Team, I am sure that they can do more. But guess what? This weekend when they have the sound clash or next weekend when they have County Games or the week after that when they have Cup Match and are doing [section] 315[F] stops. Ah! Mr. Speaker, as you know, a [section] 315[F] stop is when the Bermuda Police Service thinks that a person is involved wit h gang activity an officer at the rank of an inspector, when he believes that a person could be car-rying out a gang activity, can stop that car on the side of the street. Oh! When we are driving by and we see the police stopping and we are waiting in that traffic log, or in that traffic jam, are we willing to understand that is what the situation calls for? As uncomfortable as it is, when we watch this [section] 315F stop, as much as we all hate it, because it is subjective. As inconvenient as it is to see police vehicles and armed officers on Parson’s Road, on Middletown, guess what? That is what the situati on is going to call for. Understand that when we say we want to see more policing, we are going to get more policing! But guess what? That is not going to stop this problem. Should we have more police officers? Should CCTV be there? Eighty per cent of it is done. We will get it done but that is not going to stop this. Will we use it as a tool, a forensic tool to help us i n solving of crimes? Of course! But that is not going to solve it! We are talking about a country where in our community we do not . . . And I don’t care what anybody says. We do not support mental health treatment in our community. We don’t! I will stand on that fact! We need more mental health support in our community. We have to have the opportunity for people to understand, understand a DNA helix, understand what you are susceptible to, understand what happens to the brain with marijuana misuse and the predilections and the predispositions because of how closely we are related. Understand how schizophrenia runs in family lines. Understand how depression runs in family lines and if you do not treat it, if you do not talk about it, if you do not get the proper medication . . . I believe in prayer. I believe in supplication. But I also believe in the right medication. These are conversations that we have. How do I know? I have spent the nights at the hospital, at the prison. Our community has been in crisis and together we have to work get it out. I am not going to sit here and paint it as all doom and gloom, because that is not who we are. There are bad actors amongst us. And we must root them out and hold them accountable. But I believe in the spirit of the people of these beloved isles. Every time somebody refers to my beloved Island as the “Isles of Devils,” it makes my blood curdle. And I know the historical significance behind the term. We are no Isles of Devils! We are loving, kind, hospitable people. We are the people of Bermuda. We are people who have transcended all sorts of adversities and together we have made it. This is another adversity that we must face together. And we will not do it with our heads buried in the sand with our fingers pointed at politicians, with our fingers pointed at the police, with our fingers pointed at the families in judgment. It is a time that we all must introspect in our micro- communities, in our smallest circles and ask the questions: Am I my brother’s keeper? What can I do to make this situation better? How can I fill the gap? How can I fill the void? Community activism is important. But let me tell you this: Activism is important but there is a level of involvement that means you have to roll up your sleeves and you have to get back into this community. There
Bermuda House of Assembly are opportunities now when things are tenuous in our communities to start neighbourhood support groups and to walk around those communities and to make those neighbours feel as if they are safe in the central parishes. Fraternities, churches, sports clubs —that is what we need.
Mr. Wayne CainesWe need an opportunity for this community to rise from the ashes and show that we get it. That we care. The sense of fraternity and brotherhood that we see during Cup Match, we need to see it now at Christmastime when our country is in crisis. Will we lay …
We need an opportunity for this community to rise from the ashes and show that we get it. That we care. The sense of fraternity and brotherhood that we see during Cup Match, we need to see it now at Christmastime when our country is in crisis. Will we lay aside and give those that seek to divide us, to conquer us? Will we give them the glory and the victory, or will we rise and as a country work and walk together? Will we support the Bermuda Police Service, the Ministry of National Securit y, the Gang Violence Reduction Team or will we seek to divide and tear them apart as we are prone to do? This is our opportunity to show our children that we have moxie! That in the face of adversity we will band together, not based on creed, religion or colour, but based on that this country is at a place that we need each other, and we are only as good as t his community coming together.
Mr. Wayne CainesJew or Gentile. Greek or African. We must work together as a community to bring ourselves up. I believe that the call by MP Campbell for 100 men to come forward is important. We understand that we can no longer sit in chat groups and have people sending us voice …
Jew or Gentile. Greek or African. We must work together as a community to bring ourselves up. I believe that the call by MP Campbell for 100 men to come forward is important. We understand that we can no longer sit in chat groups and have people sending us voice notes from all across the world and sending us these videos to inflame our senses and make us feel a sense helplessness and hopelessness. It is time for the men in this community to stand up and be counted. As difficult as it is, Black men have to stand and be counted to push back the bar stool, the stool of apathy, the stool of having the ability to watch the women in our country lead. Push back the stool of being indifferent and being absent and take our rightful place and model success and model working through difficult situations and model working through a crisis so our young men can see that is more than our libido, that our brain and our hearts work as well. Not only must they see us when we are angry or overly sexualised, they must see that being who we are, Christ -centric beings, Black men who are able to love, who are able to work through difficulties, Black men who are able to support, Black men who are able to provide because that is who we are! And we must paint that picture so that picture can be seen around the world and our young men can want to be a part . Sow mentorship! Modelling success! A community healing and a community coming together. Mental health coaching. This is not the worst of who we are. This is a time to show this world the best of who we are. And when that question is posed again whether existentially, whether politically, whether socially, Am I my brother’s or my sister’s keeper? We will all rise together and say, Yes, I am!
[Desk thumping]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Caines. Does any other Member . . . MP Lister. TRAGIC EVENTS IN RECENT DAYS —SOLUTION REQUIRES COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, GRASSROOT INVOLVEMENT
Mr. Dennis Lister IIIGood afternoon, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to the listening audience and to my fellow colleagues. Mr. Speaker, the last session of this House two weeks ago I stood and made an appeal for road safety. Well, Mr. Speaker, I am going to reiterate that call today but in regard to …
Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon to the listening audience and to my fellow colleagues. Mr. Speaker, the last session of this House two weeks ago I stood and made an appeal for road safety. Well, Mr. Speaker, I am going to reiterate that call today but in regard to the violence that we have had this week. It is with a heavy heart that I stand on this motion to adjourn today. This week in Bermuda has probably been the worst week in our most recent history. We are in a national epidemic and crisis that needs immediate attention. This week must act as a catalyst for change and a turning point in this time. As a community, we must come together. This is not a Black issue. It is not a White issue. It is not a PLP issue, an OBA issue, a have or a have- not issue. It is a Bermuda issue, and it affects all of us in some way and we must collectively come together to address and find solutions. In the aftermath of the recent events, Mr. Speaker, there have been calls for heavier and higher police presence around Bermuda. And I commend and support the BPS [Bermuda Police Service] in their fight and the efforts to stem and curtail the violence. However, they cannot be everywhere at all times. And with the installation of the CCTV cameras, it is a big tool and resource to help them to fight, catch and bring offenders to justice. But, Mr. Speaker, policing is not the only answer. And we will not be able to police our way out of this. The BPS can go and bust in homes, arrest and lock up those involved in antisocial criminal activity but that is on the backend of the problem, Mr. Speaker. And we must address it on the front end. We can lock up 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 of them, but there will always be someone to stand in and fill that gap. And so we must break that cycle. One would ask: How can we break that cycle? What can be done to turn the tide of antisocial, violent crime and activity? To address this it has to be a two- prong approach. One on the front end and one on the back end. On th e back end is where the BPS does their part. They deal with antisocial activity. They arrest, they investigate, and 1522 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly they do their part. But the back end is too late. They have already . . . those who are on the back end have already decided or are already heavily involved in this activity, Mr. Speaker. My comments tonight I want to direct towards addressing it on the front end. On the front end means we must start as young as 8, 9, 10 years old. And as has been mentioned earlier, there are many services provided by Government and by charity organisations . But we can always offer more and enhance the pro-grammes that are being offered. Mirrors, the Gang Vi-olence Reduction Team, there are many other organisations and I give them their kudos for what they have done, Mr. Speaker. But, Mr. Speaker, from my observation and discussions, I put forth and suggest an initiative that can be done on the front end. And a lot of my Government colleagues would have heard me mention it earlier this week. Last year, Mr. Speaker, I attended a grassroots event in Somerset called “Barbershop Talk.” The premise was as the barbershop has for generations been the staple of the Black community, while we did not have our golf and country clubs to go to, we had the barbershop where we could discuss community issues and national issues. So it was fitting that this Barbershop Talk event was in the barbershop. What it was, Mr. Speaker, and I was impressed, as I said, it was grassroots. It came from the community. Young men wanted to have a forum where they can speak and discuss what they saw going on. I was highly impressed, Mr. Speaker, with the stories of some of these young men. Two of them had recently just been released from Westgate. And while they came from different parts of the I sland that were in a rivalry, once you are in Westgate— whether you are in your cell, or you are in the block, or wherever —you are mixed with people from different parts of the I sland. And you cannot be fighting them every day. Who wants to wake up every day to fight? So, at some point you have to have a common ground. And the common ground is we are all up here together, so we have to get along to make it work. So, these young men with that attitude, Mr. Speaker, they brought that attitude out of Westgate, and now they are bringing it into the community. Why must we fight? Yes, we have differences, but let’s highlight our commonalities. Let’s highlight that , one, we are all human. We are all Bermudian. The majority of us, yes, involved in this are Black Bermudians. Let’s use those commonalities to find out how we can . . . find resolutions for issues so that it does not escalate to violence. Mr. Speaker, it has been said many times today that we need men to stand up and be positive role models. For the last few generations, we have seen men step away from those responsibilities. Men, as has been mentioned before, you know, [men] have a child and [men] leave them —leave them with no father figure. And for too many decades we have seen it happen to now we are at a point where we need men to get back, get involved, and stand up. MP Famous said it earlier in his congrats and obituaries. We need to show more love and respect. Most men grow up, and are taught to be, yes, strong. But [men] are brought up and taught to be hard, not to show emotions, to hide those feelings. We have to turn that trend around now. [We] should not be afraid. They say the same. Real men cry. We should not be afraid to show emotion. If something does offend you or hurt you, do not hold it in. Do not boil it up to where now your only expression is physical. We have to learn to show love and respect each other, respect differences, respect opinions. We are not all going to agree, but that does not mean that we have to fight. Mr. Speaker, we need men to get back involved, as I said, in young men’s lives as early as pos-sible. One of the reasons why we are at where we are now [is] because there is a lack of conflict resolution. As early as six, seven years old there are conflicts, and they do not know how to deal with it. And they turn to violence. They turn to fighting and things like that. Well, Mr. Speaker, we now need men— and I reiterate the call from Minister Campbell —100 men. If we can get 100, I ask 150, 200 men. Mr. Speaker, at my alma mater , the Bermuda Institute, they had started 20 years ago “100 Men on Campus ” day where they ask all the students, your father, your grandfather, your uncle, your brother, whoever, if you are a man, to come out, show support that you support and care for these children. And that is what we need throughout this I sland, Mr. Speaker . Not 100 men; we need 1 ,000 men, Mr. Speaker. Getting them back involved in young people’s lives, showing young men that to be a man does not mean you hav e to fight and act up. It means [that] being a man, you can understand and know when you are wrong, be account-able for your actions. And it is okay to say, Sorry, and apologize, throw your hands up, and say, I was wrong. Not only that, Mr. Speaker, we need to go back to the family values. It takes a village to raise a child. We need to get back to putting the family first. Years ago, maybe my generation was probably one of the last where you grew up and your community, your neighbourhood, knew who you are. You know, your friend’s granny saw you. If you acted up, she reported . . . Mr. Speaker, as I say that I reflect to a time where, yes , you know, when I was younger , I used to hang out in my neighbourhood—
Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: You got licks? You got licks?
[Inaudible interjections]
Mr. Dennis Lister III—and I got home one day, and my Nana she said, You know, I heard from your friend’s mama that you were here there. They looked out for you back then. Whether you were doing something Bermuda House of Assembly innocent or not, they were the eyes and ears of …
Mr. Dennis Lister IIIMr. Speaker, long gone are those days . And we need to get back to those days. It starts with knowing who your neighbours are. Yes, the days are gone , long gone [when] everyone was [in] tight knit community. M ostly family lived in the neighbourhood. Now that dynamic …
Mr. Speaker, long gone are those days . And we need to get back to those days. It starts with knowing who your neighbours are. Yes, the days are gone , long gone [when] everyone was [in] tight knit community. M ostly family lived in the neighbourhood. Now that dynamic has changed. You have “outsiders ” (quote/unquote) coming into different neighbourhoods. But we need to break down those barriers. Meet your neighbours. Talk to your neighbours. Get back that community aspect of where a village looks out for each person. Yes, homes . . . there are lot of single- parent homes, homes without fathers in them. Well , that is where the village has to step in. And the men in the commun ity have to step in. Mr. Speaker, I go a bit further. Yes, there is talk about 100 men coming forward. But what I also want to propose, Mr. Speaker, is we have to meet young people where they are. I believe it was MP Ben Smith [who] stated that the people who are involved in these activities are not listening to us. They do not turn on their radio and listen to the House of Parliament, so we have to go to where they are and meet them. Each one of us MPs represent [one of our] 36 constituencies. Some of those constituencies have one community. Some might have more communities in them. And what I ask is that we get out . We form a group of men and go and meet and talk to these young men. We need the role models whether it be an MP, whether it be a church leader, a business leader, a community leader. We need the role models to stand up and show up. But I go a bit further, Mr. Speaker. And sometimes we have to think outside the box. Just because [you are] a business leader or politician or community leader, that does not mean that your story might relate to those who you are going to speak to. You come from a different aspect. So, what I say, Mr. Speaker, is we have to think outside the box and sometimes utilise persons, former gang members, former people who got involved in drug trades who have changed their li ves around because they can relate to and have influence on younger men. Younger men who maybe at 16, 17 have probably heard stories about this particular person. But this person is now 45, 50 [and] has changed their life around. They can have an impact on these young men. They can tell them the true dealings of that lifes tyle. At 16 , 17, most men . . . First of all , you see it on TV . You watch the music videos . You watch any movie. E verything nowadays portrays the glamour of the lifestyle of drugs, violence, [and] gangs. It portrays it as glamorous. But once you are in it, Mr. Speaker, you realise it is not all glitz and glamour. And that is where we need some of these former gang members [and] former drug dealers to step in and tell them the reality of it. It is two choices, Mr. Speaker, life in prison or death. And it is a small portion of them who do not end up in prison, do not die, but they are limited, Mr. Speaker . At 40 years old, who wants to be limited to a two square mile radius? They cannot go [to] this place. They cannot go [to] that place. They cannot get a job here because the job requires them to travel [to] this part, this area, Mr. Speaker. It is not until you get 35 and life hits you that you realise you have limited yourself. At 18, 19, 20 you do not think about that. You do not think about [that] when you are 33, 34 and you have a child, and that child . . . You have to go to a sports day. Oh, I cannot go there. You have to go, you know, to an event for them. Oh, you cannot go there. Why? Mr. Speaker, this is where again I ask and call, Let’s think outside the box. Let’s use tools, people who have been there. It can be a national programme, Mr. Speaker. I said each one of us represent s [one of our] 36 constituencies. We can go in our constituencies, go in our communities with business community leaders and these former people involved in that lifestyle and have real conversations. The reality is that life is limited. You can only live it for so long. And I said it is either you end up in jail, death, or some limited lifestyle in between. So, Mr. Speaker, all the comments made to date, I reiterate them. We as a community must come together, put our differences aside, find solutions. Again, this is not B lack and White, OBA [and] PLP. This is a Bermuda issue that requires a Bermudian solution. We are a small place, Mr. Speaker, and we have the expertise here. Let’s reach out. Let the men stand up. And I am not discrediting women, Mr. Speaker, because they also play a part. But in this time, we ask for men to stand up, be accountable. F irst of all, hold yourself accountable. MP Tinee Furbert, Minister Tinee Furbert , spoke earlier about the family aspect. And when you have a child, you have to . . . You live a lifestyle before you have a child. Y ou have to change how you act around them. You have to change your language around them. You have to change how you behave. Again, as men, that starts with us men. We cannot show young men the negative sides of life. We have to be positive so that they can see that you can positively handle situations. You do not always have to resort to using foul language, disrespect , and violence. You can handle everything in a positive manner. Con-flict resolution. We can always find a medium. We do not have to agree, but we can find a medium to move forward and work through these issues, Mr. Speaker. So, in closing, Mr. Speaker, again this has been a heavy week for Bermuda. B ut it should be a week where we look inside, reflect, each one of us, and ask ourselves , What can we do?, as little as a part it may be. A nd that could be something little as in your 1524 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly neighbourhood. Y ou just walk out and see a group of guys , and as MP Famous said, give them a hug. S how them some love. Show them that there is a better and another side to live life, Mr. Speaker. So, before I take my seat, again, this is a call to Bermuda. Let’s put down our differences, come together, work our way through the solution. Policing is not the answer. It requires community involvement, grassroot involvement. Let’s do what we have to do so that we can see a change, Mr. Speaker. It might take time. It is not a light switch. You flick it on; l ight comes on. No. It will take time. And that is why I said we have to on the front end start as young as possible so that at 8, 9, 10 years old when they do get adolescent age, when they hit teenage, they have learned how to posi-tively handle situations, conflicts and that they see positive male role models around them. And even still, Mr. Speaker, being mentors, being a positive role model is one thing, but being a mentor to someone. And I will be the first to say, Mr. Speaker, that , again , any man listening to this session of the H ouse today, if you would like to put yourself forward and stand up, get involved to be a part of a solution, reach out to [me] or any one of us MPs here to see what we can do to change this trajectory. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
[Desk thumping]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. MP De Silva, you have your 20 minutes. TRAGIC EVENTS IN RECENT DAYS —DISRUPT THE LIVES OF GANGSTERS Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, before I start, I would like to thank all Members in this House, all Members who have …
Thank you, MP. MP De Silva, you have your 20 minutes.
TRAGIC EVENTS IN RECENT DAYS —DISRUPT THE LIVES OF GANGSTERS
Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, before I start, I would like to thank all Members in this House, all Members who have spoken so far in motion to adjourn. And that includes the Honourable Member Ben Smith because I think most of what he said, if not 99.9 per cent of it , I support. The deliveries by MP Wayne Caines and MP Dennis Lister III, I think were very, very touching and important. And my hope is that both of those speeches get across to the people of this country. So, I thank both of them. In fact, I think it is one of the best speeches that both of them have made since I have been listening to the two of them. But, Mr. Speaker, families have been devastated. We have seen hearts torn apart in the last few weeks , let alone the last few years , and even now a couple of decades. Let us not forget those who lost their lives before this week. We have seen survivors’ lives. I have been in many homes over this period, Mr. Speaker, as many in this House have. We have had people who have been close to us lose their lives. And it has been devastating. We have seen survivors’ lives turned upside down. Now, my tack is going to be a little different than most people I have heard today, Mr. Speaker. And I mentioned it to some of my colleagues on Wednesday night. And I think it is time in this country . . . We can talk about the Governor. We can talk about the police, of which I think have a different role than we do as politicians. I would like to see the Governor take a more active role. I would like to see the Governor on TV, social media. I would like to see more [of] the Governor. I know the Honourable Member Ben Smith said, Well, are we asking the Governor for help? Well, last time I looked we are a colony ruled by whom ? The British. We should not be going to them and asking for help. They should be coming to us and say ing, Listen. You need help. Here it is. We should not have the Premier and Ministers making the press coverage talking about if you need funding for additional resources, you have it. It is great that we have said that and stated that, and all the different services that we are going to provide and have been providing. B ut I would like to see the Governor take a more active role and say , Listen. This is what we will do for you. Now, Mr. Speaker, this is my different tack. And we have all had friends and families affected by th e devastating events that are happening in this country. We have had families lives turned upside down. Mr. Speaker, you know what I suggest? Before I suggest it, let me just put some facts out there. The Minister of National Security said recently that we have in the police’s estimation 1,000 gangsters, gang members, in this country. Now let me reflect back a little bit under the leadership and premiership of Paula Cox , the Honourable Paula Cox . The then Commissioner of P olice, Michael DeSilva, came to C abinet and said, There are about 55 gang members in the country. There are about 10 notorious ones. The rest are wannabes. I would suspect that if the Minister of National Security says that we have 1, 000 gang members in this country , that you have a percentage that are wannabes. And I suspect that we have a smaller percentage that are notorious , clearly , if we are running around shooting people. Now this is my thing, Mr. Speaker. We always talk about , What can we do? What can . . . you know , What solutions do we have? I have a solution for you, Mr. Speaker. I have a solution for the police, the Governor, for the gangsters in this country. You know who they are. Start breaking down their doors. [At] four o’clock, five o’clock in the morning, start breaking down doors. You could do it to everybody else. You do it to drug dealers. You do it to people who are suspected of having a party.
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberMm-hmm. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: We have seen some innocent people taken away in handcuffs, locked up for the day for a lot more than this. So, my thing is, we know who they are. Bermuda House of Assembly Who in this country is going to say we …
Mm-hmm. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: We have seen some innocent people taken away in handcuffs, locked up for the day for a lot more than this. So, my thing is, we know who they are.
Bermuda House of Assembly Who in this country is going to say we disagree with going and breaking down [their] doors and disrupting their lives? Make their lives a living hell like the survivors of all the persons who have lost their lives to this gun violence. That is what I suggest. So, my thing is start breaking down doors. Start upsetting the people who we know or that the police know are spearheading this. Mr. Speaker, if we can spend tens of millions of dollars investigating former M embers of P arliament, former Premiers, current Members of Parliament, millions of dollars investigating looking for something, why do we not take some of that money and redirect it to where we know there is a problem? If we know where they are and who they are, why in hell are we not doing it? We can march. We can get 1, 000 of us. We can get 10,000 of us [to] m arch up and down. And I am all for it. I think it is great. Maybe it w ill send a message. But we have to start going on the attack. This is our country, our people, our children. And when I say children, I am not just talking about our young children. I am talking about our young adult children too. It is too many. So, Mr. Speaker, I will take my seat on this note. Start disrupting the gangsters’ lives. They are hurting, breaking hearts in this country. Start breaking theirs and break them hard.
The SpeakerThe Speaker[Does] any other Member wish to make a contribution? Any other? MP Famous, you have your 20 minutes.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. TRAGIC EVENTS IN RECENT DAYS —A NEED TO MENTOR AND GUIDE THE NEXT GENERATION
Mr. Christopher FamousMr. Speaker, there is a children’s show they called Mister Roger’s Neighborhood . I cannot remember the theme song, but it had a little montage of this house, and that house, and whatever. Right? Mr. Speaker, in my life I have had the privilege of living in two neighbourhoods. I …
Mr. Speaker, there is a children’s show they called Mister Roger’s Neighborhood . I cannot remember the theme song, but it had a little montage of this house, and that house, and whatever. Right? Mr. Speaker, in my life I have had the privilege of living in two neighbourhoods. I was born in Friswell Hill. Then I moved to Hermitage Road. This week both of those roads have suffered major losses. The other thing about these roads, Mr. Speaker, the same families that are there now , are the families just like most other neighbourhoods. It is the same families who have always been there—d ifferent generations but same famil ies. So, what you get when you have the same families living in the same neigh-bourhoods since thy Kingdom come is that they are not a neighbourhood. They are one. They are a family. So, when something happens on this lane, on the same road, it affects everybody because they can say they knew this person, growing up with this person, related to that person. So, [there are] all sorts of relationships. We never really had money. We were very . . . If you want to look at the social economic scale as society places us , we were on the bottom of the social economic scale, b ut we were rich because we had each other. And as many have said, especially Dennis Lister III has said (and others have said) we had men in the community who helped guide the community, who were pillars of the community. And with your permission, Mr. Speaker, I would like to read off some of the men in these communities.
Mr. Christopher Famous[They are:] • Vincent Tuz o, the kite king; • Stanley Morton, late parliamentarian; • Ottiwell Simmons , late parliamentarian; • Artie Black ; • “Sundown” Daniels ; • Chiparoo Augustus; • Haley Douglas; • “Baby Doe” Douglas; • “Boo” Brown ; • Mr. Rock Stevens ; • Mr. Van …
[They are:] • Vincent Tuz o, the kite king; • Stanley Morton, late parliamentarian; • Ottiwell Simmons , late parliamentarian; • Artie Black ; • “Sundown” Daniels ; • Chiparoo Augustus; • Haley Douglas; • “Baby Doe” Douglas; • “Boo” Brown ; • Mr. Rock Stevens ; • Mr. Van Swan ; • Mr. Lancelot Swan; • Charlie Boyles; • Johnny Boyles; • the late Freddie Wade; • the late Nelson Bascome; • the late Charlie Dolphin; • Mr. David Lopes ; • Mr. David Marshall; • Mr. Lew Trott ; • Mr. Burt; • Mr. Degraff, of the best beef pies, Degraffs; • Mr. Tri m; • Mr. Robinson; • Mr. Lee. The last two names that I called, Mr. Speaker, are the great -grandfathers of the two young men that were taken from us this week. These men, all of these men and many more who I have not listed, provided mentorship and guidance. And in the old- fashioned way, tough love—whether with the mouth or with th ose two-by-four hands. You see, Mr. Speaker, they knew that in order for our neighbourhoods to get from nothing to something it would take their mentoring the next generation. By hook or by crook they did so. No one had to ask them to be a father to that son that did not have a father. No one had to ask them to come help t he neighbours in need. It was a natural thing, Mr. Speaker. So, most of these men that I have mentioned have passed on to 1526 12 July 2024 Official Hansard Report
Bermuda House of Assembly glory. They are either at Christ Church Devonshire, or they are around St. John ’s. Most of them. Some of them are still with us. But along the way, Mr. Speaker, they passed the baton to my generation, a nybody who is 40, 50, my generation. So, with that, Mr. Speaker, when there are young men in my neighbourhoods who need guidance, no one has to ask me to help guide them. No one has to ask me to give guidance. Now, I do not give them the two-by-four that I got because [I would] end up at Westgate.
[Inaudible interjection]
Mr. Christopher FamousBut the point is, Mr. Speaker, it is incumbent on our generation to take up the mantle. It should never take what has happened this week for us to say, We need 101 men. We should be there already. But be that as it may, Mr. Speaker, the two neighbourhoods …
But the point is, Mr. Speaker, it is incumbent on our generation to take up the mantle. It should never take what has happened this week for us to say, We need 101 men. We should be there already. But be that as it may, Mr. Speaker, the two neighbourhoods where I grew up experienced the worst pain that any neighbourhood can experience this week. Hermitage Road and Friswell Hill. But I tell you what, Mr. Speaker, this will not deter us from continuing the legacy of those gentlemen. This will not deter us from continuously looking out for the next generation. No matter what pain it brings, no matter what financial sacrifice it brings. You see, Mr. Speaker, when I grew up, we did not have a PLP Gov-ernment. We did not have all these social safety nets that we have now. All we had was each other. We did not have the media to blame the Government. Matter of fact, we did not even like the police, so we did not go to the police. W e policed ourselves. So, I say to everybody listening, to my family on Hermitage Road and my family on Friswell Hill, we have lost a daughter. We have lost a son. W e have lost two young people at Friswell Hill—five young people in Friswell Hill in the last month. On Hermitage Road we lost two of our best. I will not call any names because it is not appropriate as yet, but we have lost two of our best. So, I say to everybody listening in this House if there is one young person, two young pers ons, be that father to them. Be that mother to them. Guide them. Listen to their dreams. Listen where they are going wrong and say look look you got to turn a little way here. Because if we do not, we are going to be here , [whether] this Government or another Government , we are going to be here saying the same things on another Friday. So, let me close here, Mr. Speaker. I listened to everybody here today. Everybody here is on the same tip, 99.9 per cent, of the way, the same tip. And I just want to say to each one of you even though we disagree at times internally or externally, I love you all. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [Desk thumping] TRAGIC EVENTS IN RECENT DAYS —AN IMPASSE THAT MPS, BY THEIR CONDUCT, HAVE THE ABILITY TO TURN AROUND
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to speak? No other Member is rising, so I will rise. Members, I thank you for your participation today. I thank you for the business that was done. I thank you for addressing the issue that our country is feeling right now. …
Thank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to speak? No other Member is rising, so I will rise. Members, I thank you for your participation today. I thank you for the business that was done. I thank you for addressing the issue that our country is feeling right now. And as we walk out of here , as has been said today, we need to make sure we are walking out and set a t one that helps to bring people together. They look to this House, the persons and people in this House, for leadership. And everything we should do—in our tone, our conversation, and our action—should be an action that leads people to a unity of coming together and understanding that we are all Bermuda. W e are one. We are one no matter where we are from, no matter what skin tone we may have, no matter how much we may or may not have in our pocket. W e are still one. And this leadership is going to take us back to that unity that is required at this time. We must come together. We must stand as one and understand that every day no matter where we go there are those eyes that are watching us and looking at us, and the c onversations that we have, the interactions that we have in our community will help to bring us through this impasse that we are at because it is an impasse. It is an impasse that we have the ability to turn around. It i s an impasse that we can reluctantly by doing nothing encourage to continue. But we have to be part of bringing it to an end. And I implore all of us, those who are here in the Chamber right now, and those who are not in the Chamber right now . We represent people who trusted us to do what is best for Bermuda, not for ourselves, but for Bermuda. Not for our political party, but for Bermuda. Bermuda. And that is what we all always should be acting on in how we conduct ourselves in the interests of those who put us here who cannot represent themselves here and they entrust us to represent them. As we part from this place today, remember we will be back again next Friday, and let’s make a differ-ence this week so that next week we can have a better tone of how our country is healing. Thank you, Members, for your participation. I look forward to you all having a restful weekend and being back here next week to continue the business. The House stands adjourned.
[Gavel]
[At 5:02 pm, the House stood adjourned until 10:00 am, Friday, 19 July 2024.]