This was primarily an informational session where government ministers presented financial reports and policy updates. Premier Burt announced that the government's budget deficit was cut by more than half compared to original estimates, with revenues exceeding expectations by $51.3 million. The government also launched a public consultation asking citizens to identify outdated regulations that frustrate businesses and individuals. Minister Hayward presented a controversial workforce retention plan that proposes reducing the time required for guest workers to obtain Permanent Resident Certificates from 20 years to 10 years.
Government's 2022/23 financial results and audit findingsLaunch of red tape reduction consultation to streamline government regulationsNew workforce retention strategy to address Bermuda's aging population and labor shortagesBermuda College's annual report and financial statementsUpdate on Independent Living Programme for youth aging out of care
Bills & Motions
No bills were debated or voted on during this session. The sitting focused entirely on ministerial statements and tabling of government reports including financial statements, consultation papers, and annual reports from Bermuda College and the Independent Living Programme.
Notable Moments
The Clerk of the Legislature, Clark Somner, was officially confirmed in his permanent role after serving as Acting Clerk
Government's financial audit received mostly positive marks, though auditors noted concerns about compliance with new asset retirement standards
Minister Hayward's workforce proposals sparked discussion about balancing protection for Bermudian workers while addressing severe labor shortages
Debate Transcript
390 speeches from 25 speakers
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning, Members. The Clerk will lead us in prayer . PRAYERS [ Prayers read by Mr. Clark Somner , Clerk ]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning, Members. [ Gavel]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe House now stands — [ Laughter]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe House is now open. ( That would be nice! ) The House is now in session, Members. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, the Minutes from the 8th and the 11th of March have been deferred. MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER OR MEMBER PRESIDING M R. CLARK SOMNER APPOINTED CLERK TO THE LEGISLATURE
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers. Members, just now when we did Prayers —under the Announcements I just will say one announcement by the Speaker. But just now when we did prayers, I do not know if you noticed, I did not say that the Acting Clerk would lead us in prayer. I said that …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI said that the Clerk would lead us in prayer because now Mr. Somner has been officially appointed as the Clerk. He served us well over the past year as the Acting Clerk. And we look forward to con-tinued valuable service and direction from Mr. Somner in his role as …
I said that the Clerk would lead us in prayer because now Mr. Somner has been officially appointed as the Clerk. He served us well over the past year as the Acting Clerk. And we look forward to con-tinued valuable service and direction from Mr. Somner in his role as Clerk. And we appreciate his accepting the position. I am sure the whole House will join me in offering congratulations to Mr. Somner.
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberYes! Yes! [ Desk thumping] APOLOGIES
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWe have been informed by the following Members that they will be absent today: MP Scott Pear-man, MP Curtis Dickinson and MP Scott Simmons have all indicated their absences today. MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. PAPERS AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS TO THE HOUSE
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWe have five such papers this morning. The first is in the name of the Minister of Finance. Premier. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE CONSOLIDATED FUND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Hon. E. David Burt: Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit …
We have five such papers this morning. The first is in the name of the Minister of Finance. Premier. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF THE CONSOLIDATED FUND FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023 Hon. E. David Burt: Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the Financial Statements of the Consolidated Fund for fiscal year ended March the 31st, 2023.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Continue. SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE ( NO. 1 ) FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2023/24 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to the powers conferred by section 96 of the Constitution I have the honour to attach and submit for the consideration of the Honourable House of …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. 1078 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report Ber muda House of Assembly The next communication this morning is in the name of the Minister of Economy and Labour. Minister. Ho n. Jason Hayward: Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Th e Speaker: Good morning. CONSULTATION ON RETAINING THE LOCAL WORKFORCE …
Thank you. 1078 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report Ber muda House of Assembly The next communication this morning is in the name of the Minister of Economy and Labour. Minister. Ho n. Jason Hayward: Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Th e Speaker: Good morning. CONSULTATION ON RETAINING THE LOCAL WORKFORCE POSITION PAPER 2024 Ho n. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the Consultation on Retaining the Local Workforce Position Paper 2024. Th e Speaker: Thank you, Minister. The next paper this morning is from the Minister of Education. Minister. Ho n. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Th e Speaker: Good morning. BERMUDA COLLEGE ANNUAL REPORT 2022 /23 Ho n. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Hon-ourable House of Assembly the Bermuda College An-nual Report 2022 /23 Th e Speaker: And would you like to do your second one as well? BERMUDA COLLEGE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2023 Ho n. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to attach and submit for the information of the Hon-ourable House of Assembly the Bermuda College Au-dited Financial Statements for the year ending March the 31 st, 2023. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER HOUSE VISITOR Th e Speaker: Thank you. And before I move on, I would just like to acknowledge the presence of the President of the Senate. Madam President, welcome to our Chambers this morning. [Desk thumping] STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS AND JUNIOR MINISTERS Th e Speaker: we have six such statements this morning. The first is in the name of the Premier . Minister of Finance, Premier. Ho n. E. David Burt: Oh, Mr. Speaker. I printed out the same thing twice. It is a problem. (We will make it work.) Mr. Speaker, if I could, could I deliver the Statement on the Consolidated Fund first? Th e Speaker: Yes. Are you saying you need a copy of the second one, the one? Ho n. E. David Burt: I am certain I can print one up on this fancy device. Th e Speaker: Well, I can provide you a copy if you like. Your call. Go ahead. Ho n. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. CONSOLIDATED FUND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022/23 Ho n. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to advise Honourable Members of the completion of the audit of the Consolidated Fund Financial Statements for the year ended March 31, 2023, which were tabled in this Honourable House earlier today. As Honourable Members are aware, the Consolidated Fund is the general operating fund of the Bermuda Government and is the fund through which the Government conducts the majority of its transactions. The Consolidated Fund financial statements report the financial position, operations and cash flows resulting from the activities of the Government. This includes the accounts of the Senate, the House of Assembly, all Government departments and all courts. Mr. Speaker, in her report the Auditor General highlighted that ( with the exception of one matter that I will address later ) the statements were deemed to fairly reflect the financial position and operations of the Consolidated Fund. This positive endorsement in almost all areas of work in relation to the financial statements is a testament to the efficacy of our financial processes and operations, and to the hard work of our teams to ensure that financial integrity is upheld. Mr. Speaker, the Auditor General has qualified her audit option in relation to the assessment of the Government ’s compliance with a new accounting standard that came into effect on April 1, 2022, relating to the estimates associated with the legal obligations for the eventual retirement of tangible capital assets and the associated disclosures. The Auditor General based her opinion on the audit evidence provided to support the asset retirement obligations of the
Ber muda House of Assembly Government as of the year ended March 31, 2023. However, the disclosure in the financial statements recognised that the G overnment has not yet completed its assessment in this regard. In fact, Mr. Speaker , as highlighted in the recent Statement given by the Minister of Public Works , the G overnment has already done considerable work on this new standard, using its teams of internal profes-sionals. However, as evidenced by the disclosures made by other governments subject to the same stand-ards, such as Canadian provincial governments, vali-dation by external experts of the estimates and methodology was deemed to be a key factor to meet the new requirements. Mr. Speaker, this new standard requires the Government to provide an estimate of potential future liabilities , and the focus of the outstanding work relates to the potential costs for the removal of asbestos in buildings , which it is yet unknown when they will in fact need to be retired. Therefore, Government has had to carefully weigh the cost versus the benefit of allocating funds for external experts to assess and verify our ap-proach, or investing in much- needed infrastructure upgrades. With a full year of implementation of this standard now having been completed, we will continue to as-sess the best approach to ensure that the interests of the people of Bermuda are appropriately balanced. Mr. Speaker , the Government was able to meet the required disclosure requirements of the other significant new standard that came into effect on April 1, 2022, in relation to financial instruments. This information is provided under Significant Accounting Poli-cies Note 3g. Compliance with this new standard was also noted as a key matter in the audit opinion of the 2023 statements of the Canadian provincial governments. Mr. Speaker, under the Audit Act 1990 the Auditor General is able to include in her report any comments she considers appropriate. Accordingly, the Au-ditor General has this year, as in prior years, included an “Emphasis of M atter” paragraph to draw attention to the usefulness of the financial statements and her view that “these financial statements are not summary consolidated financial statements .” In other words, they do not represent the combined financial position and activities of all government entities, only the activities of the Consolidated Fund. This section of the report does not alter the Auditor General ’s opinion on whether the financial statements are presented fairly. The other information section is inclusive of the financial statement discussion and analysis which is included within the identified audited financial statements. Mr. Speaker, highlights of the Consolidated Fund Financial Statements are as follows: (1)The March 31, 2023, total accounts receivable net of provision for doubtful accounts increased by 8.5 per cent, or to $222.8 million , as compared to $205.3 million on March 31, 2022. The net accounts receivable balance was 19.7 per cent of total revenue for the year. However, it is important to highlight that a sig-nificant portion of the gross receivable on March 31, 2023 , represents payroll tax which was due and payable on April 15, 2023, which is of course in the next fi-nancial year. During the month of April 2023, the government collected approximately $145 million in payroll taxes . (2)A full actuarial valuation was carried out on March 31, 2023, to produce the estimates included in the financial statements. The actuarial valuation re-sulted in a liability for pensions and retirement benefits of $2.027 billion, representing a 7.6 per cent increase from March 31, 2022, which is net of plan assets of $613.9 million . (3)The total revenue raised by the Consolidated Fund for fiscal 2022/23 was approximately $1.129 billion , representing an increase of $43.5 million, or 4 per cent, from fiscal 2021/22’ s total revenue of $1.086 billion . This exceeded original budget estimates by approximately $51.3 million, or 4.8 per cent . The most significant generators of revenues for fiscal 2022/23 were payroll taxes , accounting for $488 million, or 43 per cent, of revenue and customs duty, accounting for $225 million, or 20 per cent of revenue. (4)Current expenses for fiscal 2022/23 were $1.32 billion , representing an increase of $30 million, or 2 per cent, from fiscal 2021/22 ’s total of $1.29 billion . The three largest components of current expenses were employee costs, grants and contributions , and interest on debt. Total employee costs were $623 million, or 47 per cent, of total expenses. Grants and contributions were $329 million, or 25 per cent ; and interest on debt was $136.5 million, or 10 per cent. Total current expenditure on a modified cash basis ( which is important, Mr. Speaker, because that is how this Honourable House conducts its budgeting) was $1.1 billion , which was $22.8 million more than original budget estimates . (5)The all -inclusive result (from both current and capital) on an accrual accounting basis for the year ending March 31, 2023, was an accrual deficit of $260.8 million , $26.8 million lower than the prior year ’s accrual deficit of $287.6 million . However, Mr. Speaker , as I mentioned before, the Government ’s budget reflects expenditures on a modified cash basis ( which adjusts for all of the non- cash expenses that are required to be included on a financial statement for accounting purposes) , and the cash all -inclusive results from government operations (on the same basis shown in the Budget Book) was a deficit of $34.7 million . This compares to a deficit of $70.0 million that was originally budgeted. Therefore, the actual budget deficit was down by $35.3 million , or more than 50 per cent , when compared to the original estimate. The decreased deficit is primarily a result of higher -than- budgeted revenues. This deficit reduction is part of the Government ’s Medium- Term Expenditure Framework strategy to achieve a balanced budget. 1080 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker , in closing I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Auditor General and her team, the persons in the Accountant General’ s Department and persons in other ministries who were involved in progressing the audit. The 2022/23 fiscal result is indicative of the Government ’s ability to prudently manage current and capital expenditures while increasing revenues as we progress toward a balanced budget. Thank you, Mr. Speaker .
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. Would you like to do your second Statement? Hon. E. David Burt: I will try. I am going to be like the young people and read from the phone, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker , I will move on to my next Statement if I may, which is …
Thank you, Premier. Would you like to do your second Statement? Hon. E. David Burt: I will try. I am going to be like the young people and read from the phone, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker , I will move on to my next Statement if I may, which is Launch of Red Tape Reduction Consultation . LAUNCH OF RED TAPE REDUCTION CONSULTATION Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, in this year ’s Speech from the Throne, the Government recognised the need to deliver more efficient services for the taxpayer and declared, “ Governments have an obligation to ensure that Government services that fall under legislation are delivered well. Service must translate into efficiency and Bermuda ’s residents deserve a level and ease of service that matches our claim to jurisdictional sophis-tication. Some of these services will be improved through a focus on digital transformation of Govern-ment Services, others will be improved through the streamlining of regulations .” Mr. Speaker , to support our pledge to improve government services and enhance the customer experience, in the 2024/25 Budget Statement, the Government outlined several initiatives that it will [undertake] in this fiscal year to deliver on this promise. These initi-atives included increased investment in information technology, implementation of online payments, harnessing advancements in artificial intelligence and re-ducing regulation to support economic gr owth. Mr. Speaker, the Government has in the past reached out to private sector organisations to ask them to submit suggestions regarding regulations that could be streamlined or reduced to boost economic activity. Unfortunately, the response to date has been limited, and therefore in this year’ s Budget Statement the Government announced that it will be going directly to the public. Mr. Speaker, it is not lost on this Government that many in the public have expressed concerns about outdated regulations and bureaucratic processes that have hindered local businesses from conducting some activities and expanding their operations, or simply have caused frustration due to time- consuming processes. We recognise that streamlining processes and reducing regulation can support economic development and is also one of the key action items under the strategic initiative of Bermuda ’s Economic Development Strategy , “Ensur ing Bermuda Is Business Friendly .” Mr. Speaker, the Economic Development Strategy states , “Being business friendly is ensuring that regulatory and other barriers are reduced. To en-sure Bermuda remains a jurisdiction of choice it is im-portant to recogni se the impediments that limit a business ’s ability to survive and thrive. Creating certainty in a business environment will work to ensure business confidence is maintained.” So today, Mr. Speaker, I am announcing the opening of the promised consultation with the government ’s largest and most important stakeholder, the people of Bermuda, to hear directly from the public about what regulations they feel can be reduced. Some may ask , Why is the Government going to the people? They should know what the issues are. Mr. Speaker, I can understand that perspective. B ut the truth is that Governments do not have the same inter-action internally within the government that the public may have, and the experience will be different. We want to hear directly from those affected about the obstacles faced and receive recommenda-tions on processes that can be streamlined to reduce frustrations, or multiple points of contact , with the government to accomplish tasks. Today members of the public can visit forum.gov.bm an d submit their ideas for consideration. A nd the Government will do what we have done since returning to office—listen, take on feedback and act. Mr . Speaker , we acted when the electorate told us that taxes on workers were too high, and reduced taxes for 86 per cent of workers and business. We acted after persons said to us that more affordable housing is needed, with an initial $15 million investment that has seen 67 new units already brought online with more to come. And this year we are providing an addi-tional $10 million to accelerate our efforts. We acted when young Bermudians said that more support was needed for them to own a piece of the rock and implemented the Mortgage Guarantee Programme which has seen 49 Bermudians put on the path to home own-ership. We acted when persons told us that we needed a minimum wage in Bermuda to ensure dignity for all workers, and we implemented our Island ’s first minimum wage in June of last year. Mr. Speaker , we will also now act now to reduce red tape and encourage further economic growth that will benefit Bermudian businesses and entrepre-neurs. Together, in line with Bermuda ’s Economic Development Strategy, we can build a Bermuda that is even more business -friendly, efficient, resilient and innovative. In addition to the benefits to business, re-duced regulation will support our hard- working public officers and enable them to focus on improving cus-tomer service rather than outdated administrative processes.
B ermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, this year ’s Speech from the Throne was entitled “Serving the People. ” The 2024/25 Budget Statement was entitled “Investing in Our People and Our Future.” These vital statements placed the people of Bermuda at their centre, as this Government continues to take a people- centred approach to our daily work. Our legislative and financial agendas are focused on delivering enhanced services to the people of Bermuda and investing in areas that will improve their quality of life and economic opportunit ies. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all persons to visit the website forum.gov.bm t oday and share their thoughts and experiences with the Government to help us make Bermuda an even friendlier place for busi-nesses. This site is interactive. So residents can make submissions, read submissions that have been made, comment on those submissions and voice their support for a suggestion with a simple click. Mr . Speaker, this Government ’s agenda is ambitious, but with the support and participation of Bermu-dians there is no limit to what we can achieve. We are committed to making Bermuda work better for every-one, enhancing our economic landscape and ultimately improving the lives of all Be rmudians. Thank you, Mr. Speaker .
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Economy and Labour Minister. RETAINING THE LOCAL WORKFORCE Hon. Jason Hayward: Good morning, Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members. I am pleased to rise today to lay before this Honourable House of Assembly a …
Thank you, Premier. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Economy and Labour Minister. RETAINING THE LOCAL WORKFORCE Hon. Jason Hayward: Good morning, Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members. I am pleased to rise today to lay before this Honourable House of Assembly a position paper on Retaining the Local Workforce . Mr . Speaker , I have spoken many times in this Chamber and elsewhere of the crisis befalling our country as a consequence of declining birth rates and an ageing population. We all know that these demographic trends are a global phe-nomenon. Many high- income countries around the world are facing the same problem. But in a small coun-try like Bermuda, it can have a severe impact on our economic performance and the cost of living for ordinary working people. Mr . Speaker , for this reason my Ministry has prepared the position paper that I lay before the Honourable House today as a means to address these challenges and propose solutions. Significantly, I am inviting consultation on the proposals in the position paper in the hope of harnessing the best ideas from the community and seeking feedback on proposals to retain Bermuda ’s local workforce for the long- term benefit of our country. Mr. Speaker , many will be aware that the working population plays a vital role in a country ’s economy. A strong working population not only enables opportunities for growth and wealth creation, but also ensures the sustainability of economic development in the medium and long term. Mr. Speaker , Bermuda has already begun to experience the adverse effects of a declining birth rates and an ageing population. We are seeing challenges such as labour shortages, skill gaps and increased labour costs , and increased health, pension and social insurance costs, all of which contribute to an increased cost of living and have a negative im-pact on the Island ’s long -term economic prosperity and social well- being. This demographic reality presents a significant challenge for the sustainability of the local economy. Mr. Speaker , it is important to note that this problem is not unique to Bermuda. Countries worldwide are also experiencing similar challenges. However, at the current rate of decline of Bermuda ’s working population, we will struggle to sustain the current or future economy if [this decline is] not addressed now. As such, the Government is committed to taking aggressive steps to retain Bermuda’ s workforce because doing nothing would not be in the best interest of Bermuda . The country must take a strategic and targeted approach to retaining the current workforce, as well as encourage Bermudians to return home. Mr. Speaker , Bermuda ’s working population is made up of Bermudians and guest workers. Therefore, the demographic problem we face concerns both of these groups. Accordingly, the solutions proposed to mitigate the demographic cliff that we face targets both Bermudians and guest workers. Overall, the Government is committed to making sure that Bermudians are provided with every opportunity to equip themselves with the knowledge and prerequisite skills needed so that they can have a fair shot when competing for jobs. As a G overnment we want to see more and better opportunities for Bermudians. The chance to earn a living wage doing meaningful work. The oppor-tunity to enter the most sought -after industries, create new ones, be entrepreneurs and be socially conscious contributors to our economy and society. We want Ber-mudian workers to have a real chance to thrive. And to our guest workers we want to give stability and certainty, in addition to fairness and a chance to feel at home in the place where many are raising famil ies and contributing to our community economically and socially. I will stress from the outset, however, that the proposals for guest workers do not contemplate path-ways to Bermuda status. As a G overnment, we believe that it is possible to live, work and thrive together with-out status becoming a dividing factor. Mr. Speaker , considering Bermuda ’s current population and workforce demographics, it is critical that the Government take action to ensure Bermudians are offered opportunities that enable them to thrive in Bermuda. Additional investment and continuous collab-oration with the business community will be required to support activities and interventions for long- term and future development and growth. The Government 1082 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly proposes to retain Bermudians in the workforce by focusing on four key areas: 1.encourage and motivate working- age Bermudians to remain in Bermuda; 2.strengthen labour protections for the localworkforce; 3.ensure Bermudians studying abroad return t o Bermuda to reside and work; and 4.encourage the retention of older Bermudians inthe workplace.I want to elaborate on each strategy and th e ac tions proposed in the paper . First, Mr. Speaker , we propose to encourage and motivate working- age Bermudians to remain in Bermuda by undertaking a num-ber of specific actions in alignment with strategy 5 of the Economic Development Strategy. We will continue to invest in the development of the local workforce and develop strategies to address the labour shortage in the skilled trades sector. Further, Mr. Speaker , the Government is conscious of the growing assertions that Bermudians are emigrating overseas in search of better job opportuni-ties and a lower cost of living. An independent survey last December by Global Research found that 21 per cent of persons had household members who had left Bermuda to live abroad for at least 12 months in the last five years . And 15 per cent stated they had household members who had left Bermuda to live abroad for non-educational reasons. To gain a full unders tanding of whether such emigration is happening and why, the Ministry of Economy and Labour will commission re-search and, based on the results , will develop policies to reduce the drivers of forced migration and encourage Bermudians to return and remain in Bermuda. Second, Mr. Speaker , to strengthen labour protections for the local workforce, the Government will im-plement policies that expand the rights and interest s of Bermudian workers to ensure that Bermudians are pro-tected in the workplace. In particular, the position paper proposes to 1.partner with the u nions to create a campaign supporting collective bargaining and union or-ganising; 2.produce guidelines that clarify how minimum wages will progress beyond $16.40 ; 3.place equal work for equal pay provisions into the labour code and advance pay transparencyprovisions ; 4.increase allowable severance pay by increasing the maximum payout from 26 weeks to 52 weeks ; 5.amend the work permit policy to ensure that Bermudian workers are protected from beingfirst out during layoff and redundancy whenthere are work permit holders in similar posi-tions ; 6.amend the work permit policy to ensure that there is a hiring hierarchy which places Bermudians first amongst all other groups ;7.amend the work permit policy to ensure that all work permit holders have basic proficiency of the English language ; 8.ensure that greater consideration is given t o f irms with Bermudian employees for awarding government contracts; and 9.continue to revise closed and restricted job categories.Third, Mr. Speaker , to ensure Bermudians studying abroad return to Bermuda to reside and work, we will develop new ways to stay in touch with Ber-muda ’s graduates abroad and create opportunities and incentives to encourage them to return home after gain-ing their qualifications and securing valuable working experience abroad. In particular, the position paper proposes two initiatives: (1) Create a register of Bermudian graduates within the Department of Workforce De-velopment with a focus on keeping members informed about policy, legislative and other changes; and (2) amend the Workforce Development Scholarship agreement to require that, upon the completion of the recipients’ studies, graduates must return to Bermuda and actively contribute to the local community by engaging I n professional work within seven years of completing studies for their first degree. Mr. Speaker , finally, to improve the number of Bermudians in the workforce, we will encourage the retention of older Bermudians in the workplace. In line with the 2023 Speech from the Throne, the Government is committed to providing benefits to businesses that retain able- bodied capable workers beyond age 65. Accordingly, the position paper proposes to (1) eliminate the employer ’s portion of payroll tax for all Bermudian employees over the age of 65 years; (2)promote the retention of workers over 65 years ; and (3) encourage employers to find creative ways to allowworkers over 65 years to remain in the local workforce. Mr. Speaker , as we all know , and as I stressed earlier on, Bermuda ’s workforce is made up of Bermudians and guest workers. Both are at the bedrock of Bermuda ’s economic success, and this G overnment believes we must ensure that all of our local workforce remains committed to and invested in Bermuda. There-fore, we also make proposals regarding non- Bermudian workers. Mr. Speaker , during the consultation for the Economic Development Strategy 2023 –2027, it was made evident to the Ministry that the 20- , 15- and 10-year periods required to obtain a Permanent Resident Certificate [PRC] have not had a significant positive impact on worker retention in Bermuda. The position paper thus makes proposals regarding Permanent Resident Certificates. Specifically, it is proposed that by lowering the time requirement for persons to obtain a PRC, it is more likely that the current guest worker res-idents will remain in Bermuda, as they will be able t o enj oy all of the benefits of a PRC holder: to reside, work and invest their savings locally. The position paper proposes to
B ermuda House of Assembly 1.reduce the eligibility criteria for the granting of PRC s to any person who has been ordinarily resident in Bermuda from 20 years or more t o 10 y ears or more, with an annual income requirement of $83,000; 2.reduce the eligibility criteria for the granting of a PRC to the non- Bermudian parent of a child with Bermudian status who has been ordinarily resident in Bermuda from 15 years or more t o 10 y ears or more; 3.reduce PRC eligibility requirements for a j ob maker from 10 years to 5 years; and 4.reduce PRC eligibility requirements for the following occupational categories to five years: a.Registered Nurses ; b.Chartered Financial Analyst s; c.Certified Actuaries ; d. Computer Engineers ; e.Software Developers; and f.Certified Accountants (CPA, CA, ACCA, ACA) . Mr. Speaker , as I stated earlier these proposals do not give a pathway to Bermuda status. The impact on jobs for Bermudians is minimal, as the majority of those who would be eligible to attain a PRC are currently working in positions they have held for an ex-tended period. Mr. Speaker , that sums up the details of the proposals in the position paper which we are publishing today for consultation with the public. We welcome feedback and public debate on the proposals with the goal of securing the best outcomes for our country. The position paper will be posted on forum.gov.bm t oday where feedback can be offered on the proposals for the next month until the 15 th of April. Mr . Speaker , to close, I reiterate the crisis unfolding before us due to declining birth rates and an ageing population. This demographic cliff -edge must be addressed immediately. It would be irresponsible to do nothing. I hope this position paper will stimulate the critical debate and dialogue we must have as a com-munity. These demographic trends are a global phenomenon, but the solutions must be right for Bermuda before they have an irreversible impact on our eco-nomic sustainability and the cost of living for ordinary working people and retirees. Mr. Speaker , we look for the right balance and to protect Bermudians. This Government is committed to remaining strategic and deliberate to ensure eco-nomic sustainability is secured and can be enjoyed by all. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Education. Minister. BERMUDA COLLEGE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022/23 Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, listening public. Mr. Speaker , this morning I rise before this Honourable House to …
Thank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Education. Minister. BERMUDA COLLEGE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2022/23 Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, listening public. Mr. Speaker , this morning I rise before this Honourable House to lay the 2022/23 Audited Financial Statements for the Bermuda College , and the Bermuda College’s Annual Report for 2022/ 23, as stipulated by the Bermuda College Act 1974 [the Act ]. Mr . Speaker , under this Act, its Board of Governors provides the c ollege general management and administrative leadership. The President and staff of the Bermuda College are responsible for bringing the goals, direction and approved policies for the board into action. These undertakings are reflected in the annual report and will be supported by the audited financial statements which were tabled today. Mr. Speaker , I remind Honou rable Members and the listening public that in July 2022 the Act was amended to make provision for the Bermuda College to appoint its own a uditor. Under those provisions, the College appointed KPMG Audit Limited to audit the 2022/23 statements. I am pleased to share that the Bermuda College is current with its annual audits. Mr. Speaker , the 2022/23 audited financial statements were unqualified. Therefore, in the opinion of the Auditor General, the s tatements present fairly the financial position of Bermuda College, the results of its operations and changes in its net assets and cash flows in accordance with public sector accounting standards for governments and not-for-profit organisations, generally accepted in Bermuda and Canada. Mr. Speaker , the 2022/23 financial statements indicate that Bermuda College has total assets worth $25.3 million and total liabilities of $19.9 million. And the Bermuda College has no long- term debt. However, cash and cash equivalents decreased by 20 per cent in 2023 to $3.6 million , reflecting an impact of capital investment delivered in the period. Mr. Speaker , during the year revenue earned from student fees decreased by 12 per cent to $2.5 million, and the Government grant decreased by 1 per cent. Overall revenue was unchanged in percentage terms due to increased revenue from other sources amounting to $20.5 million . However, total expenses for the c ollege increased by 4 per cent to $20.8 million , driven by an increase in the amortisation of capital as-sets. As a result, the c ollege ended the year with a deficit of $323,924. BERMUDA COLLEGE ANNUAL REPORT 2022/23 Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker , I now turn my attention to the Bermuda College Annual Report of 2022 /23. The report clearly shows that the c ollege is committed to its responsibility for developing and growing citizens of all backgrounds and age groups. Mr. 1084 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly Speaker , student success underpins the c ollege ’s mission and focus for its initiatives as many students begin or continue to pursue higher education. The academic year 2022/ 23 started with a hybrid format with some classes in- person and most online. The year ended with a complete in- person environment with 583 students (240 male and 343 female students), a marginal increase from 747 [sic] students in 2021. By gender, the male population increased to 41 per cent , the highest in a decade. There were 440 traditional students (75 per cent of the student body), compared to 455, or 79 per cent, recorded in 2021. In light of the falling youth population, part of Bermuda College’ s strategy is to increase the non- traditional population on campus. There were 150 new students joining in August 2022, and in January 2023 approximately 50 new students were welcomed to the spring intake. There were 89 graduates in 2022, down 24 per cent from 2021. Mr. Speaker , the college continued to move forward with significant accomplishments of its 2018–2024 Strategic Plan and the work of the Institutional Effectiveness Task Force, including facilitating the transition of BII goals , and funding to the c ollege and full -ride scholarship with ABIR companies for two Bermuda College student s to attend St. John’ s University. Mr. Speaker , Bermuda College continued to establish partnerships with overseas institutions to en-sure its graduates can seamlessly transfer into the third year of a four -year degree programme. During the reporting period there were 11 Bermudian students in St. George’ s University’ s Pre -Med and Pre- Vet programme s (in Grenada, W est Indies ). Thomas College (Maine, USA) signed two new Bermuda College stu-dents, Mount Allison University (in New Brunswick, Canada) had four Bermuda College students enrolled, and the University of Northampton (U nited Kingdom) Mental Nursing had four Bermuda College graduates. Mr. Speaker , the college’ s 2022/23 Financial Support Services Report indicates the disbursement of $600,906 in awards, scholarships and needs- based funding in efforts to reduce barriers to accessing financial support by increasing awareness among key stake-holders. There were 241 unique students served, 460 awards disbursed—19 per cent in merit -based funding, and 81 per cent in needs -based funding. Mr. Speaker , the Bermuda College Foundation continued to secure donations and funding for the c ollege. During the reporting period, the f oundation collaborated with the c ollege to open the Athene Career Development Centre. The foundation also supported the following infrastructure projects: •complet ed the LED lighting installation project for the safety of students ; •provided equipment for the new Aquaponics laboratory ; •assisted with the installation of solar panels inHallett Hall and West Hall ; and •provided a $100,000 donation to Bermuda Col-lege for the purchase of electric and hybrid trainer cars for the Motor Vehicle Technologyprogramme. Mr. Speaker , through the $75,000 capital budget grant provided by the Government, Bermuda College addressed necessary student safety and IT projects. These include replacing the fire alarm in Brock Hall, modernising the elevator s in the West Hall and Faculty Centre Building, and funding the Information Technology data backup system. Mr. Speaker , a number of achievements reflect the performance of Bermuda College, including the following : •discussions with the Canadian Consul regarding promoting Canadian schools at the c ollege; •collaboration with the US Consul to increas e partnerships with US colleges and universities , resulting in agreement developments with Troy University and Arizona State University ; •establishment of the first MOU partnerships with two Bermuda private schools, Warwick Academy and Chatmore British International,during the 2022 school year ; •celebration of 10 years of providing nursing education to the residents of Bermuda. Five Nursing Education Awards were given in 2022, andthe college recommenced overseas clinical experience for 13 senior nursing students who spent two weeks at Lahey Hospital and Medical Cent er in Burlington, Boston; •Computer Information Systems students completed an eight -week global FinTech Education programme in collaboration with the Department of Economic Development and NEXT.During this programme the students networkedwith C -Suite members of local FinTech companies to discuss the many opportunities availa-ble in the local market in the FinTech fiel d. Mr . Speaker , the college launched a presidential search in December 2022 and wound up the year with the retirement of its President, Dr. Duranda Greene, in July 2023 after 16 years of dedicated ser-vice. Mr. Speaker , looking forward, the College is working toward the following : •developing a new Strategic Plan as the existing one expires this year; •completion of the presidential search and the new president in place before the start of the 2024 school year; •launch of 50 th anniversary year -long celebrations; and •completing infrastructural repairs throughout the campus. Mr. Speaker , in closing I want to take this opportunity to thank the faculty and staff at Bermuda Col-lege for their continued commitment to their mission of setting Bermuda’ s students on their paths to success.
B ermuda House of Assembly Thank you, Mr. Speaker .
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, the next Statement this morning is in the name of the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors. Minister. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning. UPDATE ON THE INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAMME AND SOCIAL WORK MONTH ACTIVITIES 2024 Hon. Tinee Furbert: Good morning. Mr. Speaker , this morning I rise to provide this Honourable House with an update on the Independent Living Programme , the first of its kind to be established in Bermuda, …
Good morning. UPDATE ON THE INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAMME AND SOCIAL WORK MONTH ACTIVITIES 2024 Hon. Tinee Furbert: Good morning. Mr. Speaker , this morning I rise to provide this Honourable House with an update on the Independent Living Programme , the first of its kind to be established in Bermuda, and to share the many activities that have been planned for Social Work Month, March 2024. The Independent Living Programme Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Speaker , March 2, 2024, marked the first anniversary of the opening of the Inde-pendent Living Programme. W e have much to celebrate! This programme provides a safety net for our young adults who have aged out of the care of the Director of Child and Family Services without a transition plan. As shared before with this Honourable House, t he Children Act 1998 gives the Director parental authority over the care of children from birth to 18 years whose parents are unable or unwilling to safely care for them in their own homes. At the age of 18 years these children are legally adults, and the Director no longer has the authority to provide care or make decisions on be-half of these young persons. The Independent Living Programme thus provides a 24- hour secure dormitory - style housing facility that supports these young adults through the provision of services to transition and adapt to independent living and self -responsibility. Mr. Speaker, I will provide an update on the residents living at the Garrison View facility and the op-erational activity of the Independent Living Programme. Mr. Speaker, last quarter of the fiscal year the Level Up programme which was announced as a 2023 Throne Speech initiative was implemented to provide our young people who are 17.5 years old with the opportunity to gradually adjust to the realities of adulting as they approach their 18 th birthday. The Level Up p rogramme provides daily hands -on life ski lls with hurdle support from staff. These young people are coached around decision- making and given more flexibility and experiential learning around meal planning and prepa-ration, money management and employability. Mr. Speaker , during the past year there were ten referrals for the Independent Living Programme of which eight were approved and two were declined ( as the young adults were deemed to be unsuitable for the programme) . Of the eight young persons approved, there were two males and six females. This reflects near to full capacity. Although the Garrison View can accommodate 11 young persons, it has been reduced to 9, as one room is being used for administration services while awaiting the completion of the lower -level renovations by the Bermuda Housing Corporation which will add another bedroom. Mr. Speaker, I will share a bit of detail about the progress of some of the Garrison View residents. The very first resident of Garrison View moved in just prior to its official opening in March 2023 at the age of 19 years , but later had to leave in June due to personal reasons. Nonetheless, while at Garrison View and with the support of the programme services , they were approved for financial assistance. They had previously completed the Nursing Aid Certification and enrolled with the Department of Workforce Development. They subsequently completed the requirements to be regis-tered with the Department of Health as a nursing assis-tant. Another female youth moved in on her 18 th birthday in May 2023. She was involved with another support agency and graduated in June of 2023 from high school. This resident had a work placement which was extended until the end of the first quarter of 2024. She has taken self -responsibility and has been paying rent since August of 2023. Additionally, while at Garrison View she obtained her bike licenc e and was able to purchase a second- hand bike for transportation. The first Level Up participant in the Independent Living Programme graduated from high school in June and moved in in August of 2023. She registered with Workforce Development in September of 2023 and obtained employment shortly thereafter. Immediately after her 18 th birthday in October 2023, she obtained her bike licenc e and purchased a second- hand bike. She began paying rent in November of 2023. In October 2023, another 19- year-old female resident moved into Garrison View. With the support of the programme, she enrolled with the Department of Workforce Development and attended some of their training classes. She was initially offered a part -time job with a security firm and more recently was approved to work in one of the apprenticeship programme s with the Department of Parks. A male resident joined the Independent Living Programme in November 2023 at the age of 20. He is currently a P rivate with the Bermuda Regiment. With the programme ’s support, he enrolled with the Department of Workforce Development and began a three-month apprenticeship in January of 2024. Each of these residents will continue to participate in the programme’ s life skills groups. Our young persons each have individual goals that are reviewed every three months to determine if the goals have been achieved and whether new ones need to be identified. 1086 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly One resident recently identified a new goal and enrolled in an online approved childcare certification pro-gramme . Mr. Speaker , the residents of Garrison View are on a journey and are determined to reach a point of independent living through full- time permanent employment. The Independent Living Programme will provide them with the needed life skills to achieve this. Mr. Speaker , let me now share about the operational activity of the Independent Living Programme, which offers more than just housing. Throughout 2023 there was collaboration with community partners to pro-vide sessions on various life skill topics for the residents such as meal planning, grocery shopping, legal matters, utility bills, actions/consequences, frequent chal-lenges that young adults face, security and safety, job sustainability and self -care. The goal of these sessions is to enhance as much as possible the life skills of the residents. Mr. Speaker , budgeting tends to be a big challenge for the Garrison View residents, so the Independ-ent Living Programme has partnered with Pocket Change which will provide money management ses-sions during the first quarter of 2024/25. Pocket Change is a business that provides financial education for youth with the goal of empowering future genera-tions to be dream- builders and asset owners. Mr. Speaker , staffing for the Independent Living Programme has been enhanced over the last year with progress and growth in several areas. The hiring of two support workers reduced the need for security services. As a result, there is no longer a need to have a security firm cover two security shifts. There is cur-rently one security coverage provided from midnight to 8:00 am. In February 2023 Ms. Charmaine Richardson, the assigned Coordinator to the Independent Living Programme, became certified as an Independent Living Specialist which helped to give the programme a solid start when it opened in March 2023. Also, the As-sistant to the Coordinator , Ms. Zina Francis , who was on-boarded to support the p rogramme obtained her certification as an Independent Living Specialist. Sub-sequently, Ms. India Ford, who began working with the Independent Living Programme in November 2023, will complete her Independent Living Specialist certification during the second quarter of 2024. The programme ’s coordinator has implemented training to include basic social work assess-ments during the intake phase. All residents at Garrison View complete a life skills assessment which is a tool that evaluates a young person’ s behaviours and proficiencies required to help them develop productive lives as they strive to achieve their long- term goals. To create individuali sed service plans, all residents must be assessed. Mr. Speaker , the 35 th National Independent Living Conference held by Daniel Kids [Daniel Memorial, Inc.] was held in Denver, Colorado, in August 2023. This conference is designed to help professionals, clients and their respective organi sations establish and maintain effective Independent Living Programmes. The presenters are experts in the field of independent living who lead training sessions, workshops, panel dis-cussions, and leadership and team- building activities dedicated to the needs of youth who are currently in care and about to transition. The conference offers innovative ideas on how youth can adapt to life’ s ever - changing situations and be properly guided to become competent, responsible, independent adults. It also provides networking and community -building opportunities. I am pleased that Mrs. Charmaine Richardson, the Independent Living Programme Coordinator , and Ms. Zina Francis , the Level Up resident , were able to experience this conference, participate in the training sessions, learn about other overseas programme offer-ings and engage in networking. Mr. Speaker , as a part of the Performance Quality Improvement process (PQI), the Independent Living Program me conducted a year -in-review which included a satisfaction survey of the residents. Resi-dents ’ feedback was encouraging. They expressed gratitude for the programme and appreciated staff respect and support. When asked how they felt about being residents at Garrison View, they responded that it felt like home. Residents also commented that they are thankful that the program me opened, as they literally had nowhere else to go and that it has made the tran-sition to independence a lot easier. Mr. Speaker , without the Independent Living Programme, all of the residents would have been homeless and would have experienced a sense of hopelessness. They have limited to no family support. Two are orphaned, having lost both parents ; one has lost one parent ; and the others have no connection with either parent. They have described the p rogramme as a saving grace that has provided them the opportunity to have a stable home environment and support as they navigate the challenges and demands of adulting. Mr. Speaker, I take this opportunity to thank the Department of Child and Family Services, the staff of the Independent Living Programme, the community partners and all who have played a part in the success of the first anniversary of the Independent Living Pro-gramme. Social Work Month Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Speaker , I now turn to Social Work Month recogni sed each year during the month of March. The National Association of Social Workers ’ [NASW’s] theme for 2024 is Empowering Social Workers! Inspiring Action, Leading Change—a fitting theme that describes what social workers across the Island do daily. Mr. Speaker , let me highlight the activities that have been scheduled in recognition of Social Work Month 2024. The Department of Child and Family Services will be hosting training and development
B ermuda House of Assembly opportunities for social workers in the department, social workers across the Island and community stake-holders. Mr. Speaker , yesterday, Thursday, March 14, the Department of Child and Family Services cele-brated its social workers with an appreciation luncheon. The theme for the luncheon is Social Workers . . . We See you; We Celebrate you; We Salute you! A thank - you for all of the tireless work that they do caring for and protecting children so that the future of Bermuda ’s most precious resources remains bright . Next week Monday, March 18, through Friday, March 22, the Department of Child and Family Services will be hosting training for staff conducted by Dr . Eboni Webb, who is a highly rated international certified trainer in Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). Dr. Webb earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology. She began her clinical work as assistant clinical director and programme director at Mental Health Systems, one of the largest providers of Dialectic al Behaviour Therapy in the United States. Dr. Webb has developed two specialis ed Dialectical Behaviour Therapy treatment programme s for clients with developmental disabilities and borderline intellectual functioning. On Wednesday, March 27, Dr. Vaughn Gay, a licensed professional counsellor and renowned mental health practitioner who provides comprehensive psy-chological and mental health services, education and advocacy for underserved communities and underrepresented populations in Metro Atlanta , will conduct workshops for DCFS staff. The next day Thursday, March 28, in recognition that ongoing community advo-cacy, collaboration and partnership are absolutely es-sential for social workers, DCFS is gifting the opportunity for all of its stakeholders and community partners to attend an informative and dynamic workshop facilitated by Dr. Gay. This workshop will conclude the celebration of Social Work Month. Mr. Speaker, I want to encourage my h onourable colleagues , along with all of the citizens of Bermuda , to salute our social workers as they continue to Inspire Action and Lead Change. We must highlight the significance of social workers and their collective con-tributions to helping and advocating on behalf of all of those whom they serve. Please join me in wishing all social workers a happy Social Work Month! Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [ Desk thumping]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, that brings us to a close of the Statements by Ministers and Junior Ministers this morning. [ Laughter] The Speaker: You know what? I forget it is you, Minister Furbert. Minister Furbert, you do have yours, yes? I ticked you off that time as being completed. …
Thank you, Minister. Members, that brings us to a close of the Statements by Ministers and Junior Ministers this morning. [ Laughter] The Speaker: You know what? I forget it is you, Minister Furbert. Minister Furbert, you do have yours, yes? I ticked you off that time as being completed. Sorry, Members. We have the second Minister Furbert who has a Statement this morning. Minister Furbert. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And good morning to residents and citizens, and of course good morning to Members of Parliament in this Hon-ourable House. PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLE REFORM Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Speaker , I would like to present an update on the ongoing initiatives concerning the Public Service Vehicle Reform , commonly referred to as the Moderni sation and Harmoni sation of the Public Vehicle Service Industry. Mr . Speaker, understanding the background of this endeavour is crucial to appreciate the current sta-tus and the path that has led us to this point today. Mr. Speaker , in 2019 the Government introduced the Transport Green Paper serving as a consultative docu-ment designed to present options and generate discus-sions for input into policy formulation. Following exten-sive consultations and background, the discussions in-itiated in the Green Paper have evolved into recom-mendations outlining the Government ’s policy or proposed policy on specific issues potentially leading to legislative changes. Our aim is to propel progress in this direction. During the consultation process, a comprehensive study was conducted involving consultations with 137 stakeholders from key business groups. These stakeholders represent a diverse array of organis ations and entities involved in transportation reform in Bermuda. Industry associations including the Bermuda Taxi Association and Bermuda Hotel Association demonstrated a vested interest in transportation reforms. The study also encompassed local business es, tourism- related organi sations like the Bermuda Tourism A uthority , cruise lines including Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Lines , educational institutions such as Bermuda College and the Ministry of Education, along with community groups and municipalities which were also a part of the study. Mr. Speaker, the Transport Green Paper outlined the top 25 desired outcomes for consideration. Notably, it was recogni sed the availability of transport during specific periods , specifically during the afternoons, evenings , and on weekends and holiday s, consistently had gaps. Therefore, the Transport Green Pa-per drove the moderni sation and harmoni sation of the public service vehicle [PSV] industry which has multifaceted approaches. The key principles are as follows: 1.customer focus; 2.standardisation in fees and requirements; 3.optimal use of technology; and 1088 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly 4.increase in ride capacity. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to share that the Cabinet has approved increases to the taxi industry rates , and [changes] will be implemented effective April 1, 2024. Mr. Speaker, following are the approved increases in rates and charges for the taxi Industry: 1.An increase in rate 1 and 2 of 15 per cent: i. Rate 1 m ileage initial charge will increase from $5.15 to $5.93, and for each subsequent one- fifth of a mile or part thereof will increase from $0.55 to$0.64; ii. Rate 2, w aiting time. F irst five minutes before commencement of journey willremain free of charge, and each subsequent period of three minutes will increase from $1.60 to $1.84; 2.A change in the hours that Rate 3 is applicable: i. Rate 3 at 25 per cent surcharge, whichcurrently occurs between the hours ofmidnight and 6:00 am , and the taxi carries up to four passengers, will change to 10:00 pm and 6:00 am; ii. Rate 3 at 25 per cent surcharge, whichcurrently occurs between the hours of6:00 am and midnight , and the taxi carries five to seven passengers, will change to 6:00 am and 10:00 pm; iii. Rate 3 at a 50 per cent surcharge, which currently occurs between th e hour s of midnight and 6:00 am or occurs on a public holiday , and the taxi carries five to seven passengers , will c hange to 10:00 pm and 6:00 am. 3.Tour rates for sightseeing will increase as fol-lows: i. 4-seater taxi, one to four passengers , currently at $50 will increase to $60; ii. 7-seater t axi: •one to four passengers, $50 will in-crease to $60; •five to seven passengers, cur-rently at $70 will increase to $85; 4.The Motor Taxi Regulations 1952 section 6, Maximum number of passengers, section 6(3)states, “For the purpose of this regulation, achild in arms shall not be counted as a passenger, and two children under the age of twelve years shall count as one passenger .” [The words] “age of twelve ” will be revised to “ under the age of five years.” This change will allow the charges related to passenger count to bemore equitable for the vehicle space used by two persons. Mr. Speaker, in conjunction with the increase in rates, the Cabinet has approved the Ministry of Transport to launch a pilot ridesharing programme that will increase the current capacity of transportation for our residents and visitors during peak times. By way of background, the rideshare industry has experienced global growth and evolution in recent years, transform-ing the way people commute and travel. Ridesharing, also known as ride- hailing or transportation network services, refers to the on- demand service that connects passengers with operators through mobile applications in their private vehicles. This innovative concept has gained popularity worldwide due to its convenience, cost -effectiveness and user -friendly interface. These advancements have made it possible for passengers to seamlessly request a ride at their convenience, track the operator ’s arrival and make cashless payments. Mr. Speaker , as part of this initiative the Cabinet has authorised the grant of a maximum of 150 new permits to be known as rideshare permits . This permit granted to the holder of a Public Service Vehicle licenc e will come with a nominal fee of $1,000. The rideshare permit will be easily identifiable through a designated logo affixed to the vehicle ’s windscreen signifying compliance with established guidelines. Moreover, as the purpose of this change is to ensure additional transportation capacity during peak times, a rideshare- permitted vehicle will be permitted to operate daily from the 1 st of April through the 30th of September. During the rest of the year, rideshare vehicles will be permitted only on weekends, starting Friday, and public holidays. One crucial condition of the rideshare permit is that permit -holders are only allowed to be dispatched through an online [ platform], ensuring a controlled and orderly ridesharing service. It is our in-tention, Mr. Speaker, to put this programme in place for a one- year pilot period so that adjustments can be made to ensure that we enhance the transportation. Mr. Speaker, this new initiative will be under the oversight of the Public Service Vehicle Licensing Board. Legislation will be revised to officially recogni se and regulate ridesharing as a legitimate mode of trans-portation, aligning it seamlessly with existing regula-tions governing public service vehicles. The proposed expansion of the Act encompasses regulations for the ridesharing industry, guaranteeing a safe, reliable and efficient service for both drivers and passengers. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, modernisation is necessary if we are to be a successful tourism jurisdic-tion and is pivotal for advancing transportation infrastructure and systems. By embracing modern technologies and practices, we can enhance efficiency, safety and sustainability across all modes of transportation. Mr . Speaker , thank you very much.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Members, that brings us to a conclusion of Statements by Ministers and Junior Ministers. We will now move on. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. B ermuda House of Assembly QUESTION PERIOD
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, there are no written questions. Based on Statements this morning there are questions that Members would like to put to Ministers in reference to those Statements. The first this morning is to the Minister of Economy and Labour from the Op-position Whip. Opposition Whip, would you like to put …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood morning. QUESTION 1: RETAINING THE LOCAL WORKFORCE
Mr. L. Craig CannonierAnd thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes. On page 5, the Minister mentioned about a Global Research study that was done some time ago, maybe a year or so ago. And further on down in that particular paragraph, the Ministry of Economy and Labour said “based on the results, will develop …
And thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes. On page 5, the Minister mentioned about a Global Research study that was done some time ago, maybe a year or so ago. And further on down in that particular paragraph, the Ministry of Economy and Labour said “based on the results, will develop policies to reduce the drivers of forced migration . . .” Good news to hear this morning from the Minister. However, I know he has been doing this for some time. So my question is, What does he believe might be some of those drivers of forced migration for Bermudians?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, according to Standing Orders, that question is out of order. As a re-sult it is asking me for my opinion and not a matter of fact.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe Minister has indicated, and the guidelines do indicate that we keep to questions that are factually based rather than opinion based. And it would be inappropriate to give an opinion rather than a factual response. Yes.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierSure. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for that guidance [from you], and from the Minister. Have there been any surveys that have already been done that point to some of those drivers of forced migration for Bermudians?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I am aware of surveys that have been done by different research author-ities within Bermuda. The surveys would indicate that persons leave for a number of reasons; not specific rea-sons but it would be general economic reasons. The other areas in the survey would …
Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I am aware of surveys that have been done by different research author-ities within Bermuda. The surveys would indicate that persons leave for a number of reasons; not specific rea-sons but it would be general economic reasons. The other areas in the survey would be for better opportunities, educational purposes and being unable to find a job. But what we want to do is where you say that per-sons are leaving for economic reasons, really break down what those economic reasons are, identify them and try to mitigate against a further trend of persons moving overseas.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSecond question. QUESTION 2: RETAINING THE LOCAL WORKFORCE
Mr. L. Craig CannonierYes. In the middle of the paragraph it says, “To gain a full understanding of whether such emigration is happening and why . . .” Is the Minister aware of any survey that has been done that points to the fact that emigration is happening, as he said earlier in …
Yes. In the middle of the paragraph it says, “To gain a full understanding of whether such emigration is happening and why . . .” Is the Minister aware of any survey that has been done that points to the fact that emigration is happening, as he said earlier in his Statement, and put us in a position of being on a cliff’s edge?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I am aware of surveys that have been done that state that emigration is happening. The Ministry of Economy and Labour did associate ourselves with the Global Research survey in December, which household members of that survey indicated that emigration was taking …
Thank you. Minister. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I am aware of surveys that have been done that state that emigration is happening. The Ministry of Economy and Labour did associate ourselves with the Global Research survey in December, which household members of that survey indicated that emigration was taking place. We are not questioning whether or not emigration is taking place. What we need to identify is the degree to which emi-gration is taking place outside of a small survey. The cliff edge that we are talking about is not a result of emigration. The cliff edge that we are talking about is primarily a result of our ageing population and our low birth rates. Emigration simply adds to that prob-lem that currently exists within our society. [ Inaudible interjections]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI think we have got a bug in the House. Yes. Supplementary? All questions are complete? Thank you, Minister. Thank you, Member, for your questions. We now move on. The next Statement that has generated questions this morning is the Statement from the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors. …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. MP Jackson, would you like to put your question? 1090 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly QUESTION 1: UPDATE ON THE INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAMME & SOCIAL MONTH ACTIVITIES 2024
Ms.
Susan E. JacksonYes. Good morning, Mr. Speaker. I would like to congratulate the Minister and the Ministry for the first anniversary of the Independent Transitional Living Programme at Garrison House. I think that is a wonderful, wonderful accomplishment. I just have a couple of questions. My first question to the Minister is, …
Yes. Good morning, Mr. Speaker. I would like to congratulate the Minister and the Ministry for the first anniversary of the Independent Transitional Living Programme at Garrison House. I think that is a wonderful, wonderful accomplishment. I just have a couple of questions. My first question to the Minister is, I am just curious whether the Ministry has a road- map or is monitoring the influx of new candidates or new applicants for transitional living. And my reason for asking is just to be able to monitor or expect, have an expectation for the numbers of young adults who may wish to apply to live at the Independent Living Centre.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes. We are following the potential persons who would age out and would be in need of the use of the Independent Living Programme. Please keep in mind that this is a voluntary option. So our young peo-ple may choose another route. …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. QUESTION 2: UPDATE ON THE INDEPENDENT LIVING PROGRAMME & SOCIAL MONTH ACTIVITIES 2024
Ms.
Susan E. JacksonJust a quick question. Is there a particular length, a maximum length of time that young adults can stay at the Garrison House?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Mr. Speaker, we take young persons again between the ages of 17.5 up until the age of 24. So that time period can vary depending on how quickly they go through the different programmes. But that is the time period. So they come in at 17.5. …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? Ms. Susan E. Jackson: No. Thank you very much. Thank you to the Minister.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThat completes your questions. Minister, that completes the questions for you on that Statement this morning. Members, the last Statement that has questions today is the Statement by the Minister of Transport. Minister, MP Jackson would like to put questions to you. MP Jackson. QUESTION 1: PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLE REFORM
Ms.
Susan E. JacksonThank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, my first question: The Minister mentioned that with the rideshare there would be the use of an app. And I was just curious what app that would be?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Every single one of the specialty companies, there are four of them, each have that particular app. But the specialty companies currently exist.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? SUPPLEMENTARIES
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I do not remember all of the names. But I know the Bermuda Taxi Association, Hitch, the BIU has an app. And then there is one more which I cannot recall.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary or any additional questions?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Yes, they were.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSupplementary? I mean, that is your second supp. Do you have a second question? B ermuda House of Assembly QUESTION 2: PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLE REFORM
Ms.
Susan E. JacksonYes. And with the rideshare again, is this going to be something that is either seasonal, or are there designated areas around the Island where the rideshare will be available versus Islandwide?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMinister. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: The Statement said seasonal.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Members, that brings us to a close of the Question Period for this morning. We will now move on. CONGRATULATORY AND/OR OBITUARY SPEECHES
The SpeakerThe SpeakerDoes any Member wish to— Madam Attorney General, you have your three minutes. Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to extend this morning, Mr. Speaker, birthday greetings to the one and only MP Ianthia Simmons -Wade, who is celebrating her 90 th birthday today! [ …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWhich one? Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: If looks could kill, I am sure I would be dead, Mr. Speaker. Notwithstanding my joy that she has reached a milestone birthday —every day is a milestone—I would love to [say that] I am so proud of her because not only is she …
Which one? Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons: If looks could kill, I am sure I would be dead, Mr. Speaker. Notwithstanding my joy that she has reached a milestone birthday —every day is a milestone—I would love to [say that] I am so proud of her because not only is she a seniors advo-cate, she lives what she preaches. She has continued to provide advice and assistance to our seniors throughout the Island. In constituency 25, she not only talks, she practices everything that she preaches. And I can say on behalf of my constituents in 36 whom she has assisted, Thank you, thank you and thank you. She is the epitome of ageing well, and I wish her all of the joy and best wishes and blessings that she rightfully deserves on her special day. And before I take my seat, Mr. Speaker, I would like to personally extend my congratulations to our new Clerk, whom I have worked with as a Parliamentary Counsel, as the Permanent Secretary, as a Member of the Senate and now as a Member of this House. He is beyond compare in terms of discharging the responsibilities of his post. He brings a calm; he brings vast institution of knowledge. And we are all in safe hands. Congratulations, Mr. Somner! I will associate everyone. [ Desk thumping]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member. Does any other — MP De Silva. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to be associated with the congratulations for our fellow MP, Ms. Ianthia Sim-mons -Wade, who just happens to be a constituent of mine. …
Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other — MP De Silva. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to be associated with the congratulations for our fellow MP, Ms. Ianthia Sim-mons -Wade, who just happens to be a constituent of mine. But also for —I believe the Attorney General said her 19 th birthday, which is — [ Inaudible interjections]
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. MembersIt is nine -zero. Nine- zero. [ Laughter] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: And, Mr. Speaker, if I may, with your indulgence I would like to do something—the brain- child of my brother and colleague, Mr. Christopher Famous —do something that is unprecedented, I believe the first time in …
It is nine -zero. Nine- zero. [ Laughter] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: And, Mr. Speaker, if I may, with your indulgence I would like to do something—the brain- child of my brother and colleague, Mr. Christopher Famous —do something that is unprecedented, I believe the first time in the history in this House. I would like to pr esent the Honourable MP with a card that has been signed by all Members present. So with your in-dulgence, I would like to skip across the floor, hand this to her, and give her a big, wet kiss.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYou can do it after you complete your remarks. Your remarks are finished? Yes? Okay. Anyone else? Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will stick with the congratulatory tone before I move to something a little bit more som-bre. But I would …
You can do it after you complete your remarks. Your remarks are finished? Yes? Okay. Anyone else? Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will stick with the congratulatory tone before I move to something a little bit more som-bre. But I would ask this Honourable House to please send a letter of congratulations to the Rotary Clubs of Bermuda, who celebrate their centennial anniversary of their establishment in Bermuda today! So maybe they have not been around as long as MP Simmons -Wade, but you know . . . [ Inaudible interjections and laughter ] Hon. E. David Burt: But, Mr. Speaker, yesterday I joined their District Governor, Reverend Dr. Russell, who was visiting the Island and planted a tree on Cam-den Grounds to commemorate the occasion. I would like to certainly associate all Honourable Members with 1092 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly this, as I know that all persons know the impact that Rotary has had around the world. There are 218 placed around the world, but significant in Bermuda, [with] a number of interactions with young persons, a number of scholarships for young persons, a number of com-munity service efforts. But I would also certainly like to recognise the Government Whip, Honourable Member from constitu-ency number 26, MP Neville Tyrrell, who is a past Pres-ident of one of the Rotary Clubs of Bermuda and is someone who has been involved in a lot of various or-ganisations, but certainly this one. And I wanted to make sure I especially recognised him during this particular time, Mr. Speaker. Moving on, I would of course love to be associated with the remarks that were given to one of our own, and I wish MP Simmons -Wade a wonderful, wonderful day. On a sad note, Mr. Speaker, one of the stalwarts in my constituency unfortunately passed away. And I wanted to rise and ask this Honourable House to send condolences to the family of the late Charles “Buster” Trott, who sadly passed away last week. Mr. Speaker. On Monday I was able to visit with his wife Frances at their home in Sunset Pass. And certainly I want to send condolences to his children, his grandchil-dren and his great -grandchildren, who are the same age as Nia and Ed. And certainly, I remember when I first came to the constituency he was one of those people who would have that PLP sign up on his house. His wife was telling me that he painted his house green so no one would come knocking on his door, and they would know what it was. And wherever he was, he would have the signs. Any mail that was sent would be proudly affixed to his door. He was someone who loved cricket, loved life. And without question, Mr. Speaker, he will be missed. And I would ask the Honourable House to send a letter of condolences to his family. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. Any other — MP Lister. Mr . Dennis Lister III: Good morning, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Dennis Lister IIIGood morning to the listening audience. Mr. Speaker, on a sad note I would like to start by sending condolences —and I declare my interest, it is my aunt —to the Showers family on the loss of Louisa Barry -Showers, wife of my uncle Lavalle. And I would like to …
Good morning to the listening audience. Mr. Speaker, on a sad note I would like to start by sending condolences —and I declare my interest, it is my aunt —to the Showers family on the loss of Louisa Barry -Showers, wife of my uncle Lavalle. And I would like to associate MP . . . I will associate t he whole House, Mr. Speaker. It is always sad when you lose a family member, Mr. Speaker. So again, if we would send condolences to the family. I would also like to associate myself, Mr. Speaker, with the comments made to celebrate the birthday of MP Simmons -Wade, on her 90 th birthday. And also to Mr. Somner for his promotion to be the full -time Clerk. In my short time in this House, Mr. Speaker, whenever I needed assistance I reached out to Mr. Somner. He has always been able to assist me, and even serving on the PAC [Public Accounts Co mmittee] and the (I cannot remember the other board I served on), that he also was the clerk, and he served his role dutifully in that time, Mr. Speaker. So congrat-ulations to Mr. Somner. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I would also like to declare my interest. My brother, Randall Lister, completed his first book called On the Field for Jesus . And I would like to again send congratulations to him. Persever-ance, Mr. Speaker. He speaks about perseverance in his book. But again for him in his own experience, as he said he had the idea in 2015 and it took him some time. He started writing it actually in 2020, so over a four-year period. So again it shows that perseverance pays off. So again I would like to congratulate my brother, Mr. Speaker, Randall Lister, for writing his first book. Thank you. [ Desk thumping]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Minister Furbert, you have the floor. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to send condolences to the family of Margaret Hill[ -Brown], a great lady who literally grew up a stone’s …
Thank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Minister Furbert, you have the floor. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to send condolences to the family of Margaret Hill[ -Brown], a great lady who literally grew up a stone’s throw away from my house in Hamilton Parish. And I am proud to say that she was my cousin and the Honourable Attorney General’s cousin. (I did not know you were related. But good work. We will talk about that.) [ Laughter] Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Margaret Hill[ -Brown], we grew up in Hamilton Parish. We said we swam on the rocks. We hardly went to the beach in Shelly Bay Beach, but we swam just a bit of my house with the rocks. And she was a very gorgeous young lady. She won the most photogenic at the Miss World Contest of 1970. Everybody, or at least around my age, recog-nised this beautiful lady in Hamilton Parish. So again I bring condolences to the family. Her funeral is next Friday. And yours truly, her cousin, will be singing at her funeral. So all Hamilton Parish again will be out. I bring another congratulations to another well - established Bermudian in Hamilton Parish, a gentle-man, that is, Mr. Somner (we have already congratulated him) who has reached the stunning position as
B ermuda House of Assembly the Clerk. We all remember Mr. Somner when he first entered politics many years ago being with this Hon-ourable House. And I have seen him grow in himself. Again I want be associated with Iantha (the Honourable Member), who has, as the Attorney Gen-eral said—at least what the Attorney General said and I believe what the Attorney General said is true, which is that now we cannot give birthdays. [[ Inaudible interjections] and l aughter] Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: But she does not look it. She looks only 16. Only looks 16. So again I would like to be associated with those remarks. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. MP Caesar, you have your three minutes.
Ms.
Crystal CaesarThank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to also add my congratulations to Rotary International. I know of the great works that they have done. And in supporting young people, traveling overseas of which I was one of the recipients some years ago. (I will not say the …
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I would like to also add my congratulations to Rotary International. I know of the great works that they have done. And in supporting young people, traveling overseas of which I was one of the recipients some years ago. (I will not say the year; I would be ageing myself.) But I was one of the first stu-dents to actually attend what was the Soviet Union then as a Rotary student. It changed my life— [ Inaudible interjections and laughter ]
Ms.
Crystal CaesarIt changed my life immeasurably and happened to give me insight into all that we have in Bermuda and gave me an appreciation for that. I also would like to say congratulations to my very first cousin, Khano Smith. As you all know, he re-cently brought his football club to …
It changed my life immeasurably and happened to give me insight into all that we have in Bermuda and gave me an appreciation for that. I also would like to say congratulations to my very first cousin, Khano Smith. As you all know, he re-cently brought his football club to Bermuda to train. And he will be having his inaugural match this coming week. And I just wanted to send congratulations to him. Sadly, however, I now move to bringing condolences for [the family of] Mr. Gladwyn Erroll Zuill, one of my constituents. He was born up there on Hope Bay Level in Sandys, but he served many years at BELCO. In fact, at his homegoing service on Tuesday there was an impressive 44 years of service that he gave to BELCO as a linesman. He was well remembered by many of his colleagues who attended his homegoing service. He leaves to mourn his daughter Sasha and son-in-law Blake, honorary grandson Taylor Lambert and his grand- dog Brian. But he was quite handy, had such a green thumb. He was also brother to my godfa-ther, Tawky Zuill, as well. So I sadly remember him. But again he was a quiet soul, but a very pivotal one to all who knew and loved him. And thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Caesar. MP Simmons, Jahmal Simmons, you have the floor. Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is quite a few of us. There are quite a few Simmonses in this House. I would like to be joined and associated with all of the comments by …
Thank you, MP Caesar. MP Simmons, Jahmal Simmons, you have the floor. Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is quite a few of us. There are quite a few Simmonses in this House. I would like to be joined and associated with all of the comments by the previous speakers, and specif-ically join in the birthday celebrations and greetings for our honourable colleague, the Honourable Ianthia Simmons -Wade. I will not make any jokes about age because she is from the generation that can still give me licks. So I am going to leave her alone. [ Laughter] Mr . Jamahl S. Simmons: But I am really on my feet to join in the congratulations to young Randall Lister on his book. I have got to say that this is a young man I had the pleasure of first meeting when I first became elected in 2014. And what I have admired about him is there is a level of creativity and innovation that he holds within him, from conducting tours for tourists up and down Railway Trail, writing has always been a part of his passion. And even when he was caterer at Cambridge Beaches, service, community and giving b ack are a part of who he is. And I am very proud to see the way that this young man has progressed. And I look forward to getting—buying—a paid, signed copy of his book. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Simmons. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Minister Weeks, you have your three minutes. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Speaker, thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, I would like to start off on a sad note. I have had the loss …
Thank you, MP Simmons. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Minister Weeks, you have your three minutes. Hon. Michael A. Weeks: Mr. Speaker, thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, I would like to start off on a sad note. I have had the loss of a few of my constituents. One, Ms. Gloria Carey, the mother of former Perma-nent Secretary, Wayne Carey. She lived a long life, and my condolences go out to her [family]. Mr. Speaker, another one of my constituents, Ms. Iona Roach. Those who are sports buffs would probably know that she was a softball icon, Mr. Speaker, Big Blue Machine and social club Jets back in the day before many of us knew ourselves. She was an icon in the softball arena. So my condolences go out to her family, and may she rest in peace. Mr. Speaker, on a happier note I would like to be associated with the comments for birthday greetings and wishes for MP Simmons -Wade. I will make no jokes. I think she is what has been heralded already. I just want to say Happy Birthday to her and wish her a happy day. Mr. Speaker, I also would like to be associated with the comments for our new Clerk, Mr. Clark Som-ner. For as long as I have been here, I think he has been around the House and has always been willing to help whenever we needed him. 1094 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report Ber muda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, before I take my seat, I want to be associated with the remarks for Khano Smith. A Dandy Town boy, he came through, he has done well. And he turned professional from our football farm out there in Dandy Town, and now he is a football coach. I wish him well. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Th e Speaker: Thank you, Mr. Weeks. MP Famous. Mr . Christopher Famous: Good morning, Mr. Speaker. Th e Speaker: Good morning. Mr . Christopher Famous: I would like to start with some good news. Today, this week marks the 10th anniversary of the Sargasso Sea Commission, which has put Bermuda on the map as a leader in ocean conser-vation. Mr. Speaker, more directly to the House of Lister, I read in detail the article by your son Randall. And he kind of put all of the blame on his brother for saying, You talk too much! Go ahead and write a book. [Lau ghter] Mr . Christopher Famous: So congratulations for his persuasiveness, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I want to give some condolences for a former employee of BELCO, Mr. Arthur Durrant. He was a loyal employee, maybe 30 or 40 years. Mr. Leon Robinson of Happy Valley. I want to associate with Ms. Carey, who is one of the matriarchs of Frizzle Hill. Also Ms. Hortense Warthen, who is the aunt of our Government Whip, MP Tyrrell. And someone I have to call Uncle, the father of Nicky [Clarance] Saunders, Mr. Leon Saunders of the Saunders and Francis clan, a genuine pond dog. Mr. Speaker, this week also marks the eighth anniversary of what can easily, undoubtedly be called the greatest gathering of people power in my genera-tion. Mr. Speaker, it was not your House at the time, but thousands of Bermudians gathered at the House j ust across the road to stand up against the OBA’s plan to give away status. Mr. Speaker, it was persons of all ages, all races, all creeds. The message that they gave to the then- Government was that This is our country, and you cannot legislate giving away our birth right. So I want to applaud those thousands of persons who came out, some of whom have gone on to glory. And I want to remind Bermudians that the mindset still exists. And this Government will stand up for you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [Desk thumping] Th e Speaker: Thank you. Deputy S peaker. Hon. D errick V. B urgess, Sr.: Mr. S peaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Hon. D errick V. B urgess, Sr.: First I w ant to congratulate y ou on having two good sons and an MP. [Laughter] Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: I know Randall wrote that book, and I know he had good assistance from my cousin, Russell. So we want …
Yes. Hon. D errick V. B urgess, Sr.: First I w ant to congratulate y ou on having two good sons and an MP. [Laughter] Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: I know Randall wrote that book, and I know he had good assistance from my cousin, Russell. So we want to congratulate Randall on d oing something . . . I am sure he will write some more. I am sure that this has to make his parents proud. Also, Mr. Speaker, I would like to be associated with the remarks concerning Clerk Clark Somner. As you know, he is from the great Parish of Hamilton down there in Bailey’s Bay area. He is the choice, the ideal choice. Very competent, very cool, calm and collected. He is the person. They should have him in every parliament in the world, he is that good. And I am proud to know that he is from the parish that I stay in, Hamilton Parish. And Zane said he went to school with him. But Clark looks much, much younger than Zane. [Laughter] Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: But again we want to congratulate Randall and my cousin Clark. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, D eput y Speaker. Does any other Member? MP Wade . . . MP Ming.
Mrs.
Renee MingYou are renaming me this morning, Mr. Speaker? Th e Speaker: Renamed you that time.
Mrs.
Renee MingIt has got to be a St. George’s name, though. Th e Speaker: All right. I know you already down in St. George’s, anyhow. So that is fine.
Mrs.
Renee MingGood morning, Mr. Speaker. On a sad note, Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring condolences and prayers of the House to the Douglas family. I stood here not too long ago and men-tioned Mary Basden. And her brother, Archibald Douglas, has now passed. So we definitely want to keep …
Good morning, Mr. Speaker. On a sad note, Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring condolences and prayers of the House to the Douglas family. I stood here not too long ago and men-tioned Mary Basden. And her brother, Archibald Douglas, has now passed. So we definitely want to keep that family in our thoughts and prayers at this time. Associating MP Foggo with this. I would also like to be associated with the comment for Mr. Somner. Congratulations! I have worked with him since my time from the Senate to the House of
B ermuda House of Assembly Assembly. And he has always made the job a little easier, and we thank you for that. Also the comments for Randall Lister. Well done! Well done, Mr. Speaker. Well done, Mr. Lister. And I would also like to congratulate a young lady, Mr. Speaker. She is a Bermudian, but she is living in the UK at this time. And she is named LaS handa Seaman. She will be the daughter of Dorothy -ann Seaman. She recently has taken up a job in Esters UK as the Associate Director. La Shanda has a skill set, Mr. Speaker, that I hope is one that we as a country could benefit from. If you could allow me to just read.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo ahead. Mr s. Renee Ming: Because it says, “She brings a wealth of experience in delivery of public dialogue, citi-zen juries and assemblies and training in methods of DNI. Lashanda is passionate about incorporating innovative digital methodology, engaging under -represented audiences, as well as chatting in EDNI to her …
Go ahead. Mr s. Renee Ming: Because it says, “She brings a wealth of experience in delivery of public dialogue, citi-zen juries and assemblies and training in methods of DNI. Lashanda is passionate about incorporating innovative digital methodology, engaging under -represented audiences, as well as chatting in EDNI to her research designer methodology.” And that is a skill set, Mr. Speaker, that you do not see often. She is, I am sure, right now gaining valuable experience while she is in the UK. But I do hope that we as Bermuda benefit from what she learns and how far she goes in a very short space of time. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Ming. MP Foggo.
Ms. Lovitta F. FoggoYes. I think it would be remiss of me not to stand and congratulate our Clerk, Clark Somner, who has acquitted himself in his duties first as Deputy Clerk and second as Acting Clerk and now, no doubt, as the official Clerk. He has been excellent in his role as …
Yes. I think it would be remiss of me not to stand and congratulate our Clerk, Clark Somner, who has acquitted himself in his duties first as Deputy Clerk and second as Acting Clerk and now, no doubt, as the official Clerk. He has been excellent in his role as Clerk, always helping, superb when it came to the rules. (He may have made a mistake here and there, I am sure.) [ Laughter]
Ms. Lovitta F. FoggoBut he has been superb. And a gentleman second to none. So I want to thank him for all of the expertise that he has brought to this portfolio. And I would like to be associated as was done with the comments from the Member for constituency 1 regarding the …
But he has been superb. And a gentleman second to none. So I want to thank him for all of the expertise that he has brought to this portfolio. And I would like to be associated as was done with the comments from the Member for constituency 1 regarding the passing of Mr. Archibald [Douglas], who was formerly one of my constituents, and I will say a very colourful character. He will be missed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Foggo. MP Simmons -Wade. Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -Wade: Yes. Mr. Speaker, first I would like to say —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWould you require a little extra time to respond to all of these comments?
Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -WadeI will say, Mr. Speaker, thank you very much to my colleagues within the House. I am between the age of 60 and 90. I will not specify what it is. [ Laughter] Mr s. Ianthia Simmons- Wade: Do I need extra time? I may take a bit of extra …
I will say, Mr. Speaker, thank you very much to my colleagues within the House. I am between the age of 60 and 90. I will not specify what it is. [ Laughter] Mr s. Ianthia Simmons- Wade: Do I need extra time? I may take a bit of extra time. First of all I would like to congratulate all of the individuals who have turned 65. One of my colleagues, the Premier —the Premier —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOh, okay. I was just checking.
Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -WadeThe Premier, in speaking to me earlier mentioned that since the last election 100 of his constituents have turned 65. We have an ageing population. I am going to take this opportunity to wish birthday wishes to some of my constituents. As you can see, the numbers are great for …
The Premier, in speaking to me earlier mentioned that since the last election 100 of his constituents have turned 65. We have an ageing population. I am going to take this opportunity to wish birthday wishes to some of my constituents. As you can see, the numbers are great for over 65. One, two, three, four, five people have turned 65 in the last week. Kevin Montlin, whom we all know; Karen Wolffe; Kevin “Sonny” Astwood; Richard Lindow. French Mulch turned 88. Cynthia Ben- Leman turned 75; Randolph Trott turned 75; and Delia Henderson turned 87. So I take this opportunity to share with all of the seniors sitting in this House, all of the listening audi-ence who are [listening to] this House, to let them know that we as a Government on both sides of this House will be here to work in the best interests of all of our seniors. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Simmons -Wade. Would any other Member like to make a contribution at this time? None other. I would just like to add a couple of comments on the back of that. MP Simmons -Wade, I am glad you clarified that. It is somewhere between 60 and 90 …
Thank you, MP Simmons -Wade. Would any other Member like to make a contribution at this time? None other. I would just like to add a couple of comments on the back of that. MP Simmons -Wade, I am glad you clarified that. It is somewhere between 60 and 90 and not 90, because I can remember being in high school with you even though you were a few years ahead of me. [ Laughter] 1096 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: So I wanted to make sure I had not lost track of my age! So thank you for clearing that up. And I wish you well on your birthday today. With that said, on behalf of my son I would like to thank you for the congratulations that were offered to him. I know that he will greatly appreciate your remarks. And on a sad note I would like to be associated with the condolences that were expressed on the pass-ing of Mr. Durrant and Mr. Zuill both from the West End. I have known them both most of my life. And both were employed at BELCO for quite some time. So I am sure their loss has been felt in many different areas. And I would also like to be associated with the remarks to the family on the loss of Ms. Roach. And someone said it may have been before our time, but I do slightly remember the Big Blue Machine. And I knew that she was one of those who was very effective in the softball area in that realm. And, Minister Furbert, you mentioned your cousin. I remember the Miss Bermuda era from the 1970s. And I was sad to see that she has passed. I would just like to add my remarks to those comments. With that, we will move on. 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 is one Bill to be introduced this morning. And Minister Furbert will introduce it on behalf of the Minister of Health. BILL FIRST READING BERMUDA HEALTH COUNCIL AMENDMENT ACT 2024 Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I am introducing this Bill on behalf of the Honourable …
There is one Bill to be introduced this morning. And Minister Furbert will introduce it on behalf of the Minister of Health. BILL FIRST READING BERMUDA HEALTH COUNCIL AMENDMENT ACT 2024 Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Yes, I am introducing this Bill on behalf of the Honourable Kim Wilson, Minister of Health. 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 Bermuda Health Council Amendment Act 2024.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BILLS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere are none. NOTICE OF MOTIONS
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThere is actually a Notice of Motion in the name of the Minister of Cabinet Office. Minister, would you like to present your Notice of Motion? MOTION ESTABLISHMENT OF A PARLIAMENTARY JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE AND REVIEW MATTERS SURROUNDING THE CYBERATTACK ON GOVERNMENT IT SYSTEMS SEPTEMBER 2023 Hon. Vance …
There is actually a Notice of Motion in the name of the Minister of Cabinet Office. Minister, would you like to present your Notice of Motion? MOTION ESTABLISHMENT OF A PARLIAMENTARY JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE TO EXAMINE AND REVIEW MATTERS SURROUNDING THE CYBERATTACK ON GOVERNMENT IT SYSTEMS SEPTEMBER 2023 Hon. Vance Campbell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I hereby give notice that at the next day of meeting I will move that the following reso-lution be approved: WHEREAS the Government has undertaken in the 2023 Throne Speech to “strike a Joint Select Committee of both Houses to inquire into and make recom-mendations arising from September’s cyberattack”; BE IT RESOLVED that this Honourable House approves the establishment of a Parliamentary Joint Select Committee to examine and review matters sur-rounding the cyberattack on government IT systems in September 2023, and to report to this House its findings and recommendations in due course.” Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. No other motions. We will move on. ORDERS OF THE DAY
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, when we concluded business on Monday, the Committee had risen to report progress and sought leave to sit again to conclude the matters of the budget that had been discussed the previous cou-ple of weeks. And we are now going to resume into Committ ee so that the conclusion …
Members, when we concluded business on Monday, the Committee had risen to report progress and sought leave to sit again to conclude the matters of the budget that had been discussed the previous cou-ple of weeks. And we are now going to resume into Committ ee so that the conclusion of that matter can be conducted this morning.
Ber muda House of Assembly I am going to call on the Premier to move us into Committee. And again for the listening audience, once we go into Committee the Speaker will be out of the House and the House will be in the hands of the Panel of Chairs. And one of the members of the pane l will sit in the chair to lead us. I believe it is MP Foggo who will lead us once we get in. Premier, would you do the necessary? Ho n. E. David Burt: Absolutely. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now resolve itself into Committee of Supply for further consideration of the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for fiscal year 2024/25. Th e Speaker: Are there any objections? There are none. MP Foggo, will you assume the chair. Ho use in Committee at 11:48 am [Ms . Lovitta F. Foggo, Chairman] COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY ESTIMATES OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024/25 Th e Chairman: We are now in Committee of Supply for consideration of the Estimates of Revenue and Ex-penditure for the year 2024/25. I call on the Minister of Finance and Premier. Thank you. Ho n. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, noting that the heads have been approved during the debate, I move that the Current Account Estimates, the Capital Development Estimates and the Capital Acquisition Estimates be approved. Th e Chairman: It has been moved that the Current Account Estimates, the Capital Development Estimates and the Capital Acquisition Estimates be approved. Any objections? There being none. Ho n. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. I move that the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the financial year 2024/25 be approved. Th e Chairman: It has been moved that the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the financial year 2024/25 be approved. Any objections? There being none. [Mot ion carried: The Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the financial year 2024/25 were considered by a Committee of the whole House and passed.] Th e Chairman: Premier. Ho n. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, I move that the approval of the Estimates be reported to the House. Th e Chairman: It has been moved that the approval of the Estimates be reported to the House. Any objections? There being none, so approved. I call on the Speaker. [Pause] Th e Chairman: It has been approved as printed. (Sorry.) Ho use resumed at 11:50 am [Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF COMMITTEE ESTIMATES OF REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2024/25 Th e Speaker: Members, are there any objections to the [Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the year 2024/25] being reported to the House as printed? There are none. Thank you, Members. We will now move on to the next item on the Order Paper this morning. [Inaudible interjection] Th e Speaker: Oh, that is right. Yes, yes, yes, Premier. Go right ahead. BILL FIRST READING APPROPRIATION ACT 2024 Ho n. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am introducing a Bill entitled the Appropriation Act 2024 with the Governor’s recommen-dation signified. Th e Speaker: Any objections? There are none. 1098 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly Continue. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move in accordance with Standing Order 28(5)(1) that under the provisions of Standing Orders 41, 12 and 42 the remaining stages of the Bill entitled the Appropriation Act 2024 be taken forthwith.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAny objection? There are none. BILL SECOND READING APPROPRIATION ACT 2024 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill entitled the Appropriation Act 2024 be now read the second time in the House.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAny objections? None. [ Motion carried: the Appropriation Act 2024 was read a second time.] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move clauses 1 to 6, inclusive, together with Schedules A, B and C as printed be approved.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections to those clauses being approved? There are none. [ Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 6 together with Schedules A, B and C passed.] Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that the preamble be approved.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerIt has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections to that? There are none. BILL THIRD READING APPROPRIATION ACT 2024 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill entitled the Appropriation Act 2024, which is the passage …
It has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections to that? There are none. BILL THIRD READING APPROPRIATION ACT 2024 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill entitled the Appropriation Act 2024, which is the passage of the country’s Budget, be now read the third time by its title only.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAny objections to that Bill being read a third time by its title only? There are none. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that the said Bill do now pass, and we will ask for Members to stand for a roll …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWell, I was about to say it is approved in there. The Bill has been read for the third time by its title only. As part of the approval [process] signifying that it has passed the House, the Premier has asked for a roll call for Members in their support …
Well, I was about to say it is approved in there. The Bill has been read for the third time by its title only. As part of the approval [process] signifying that it has passed the House, the Premier has asked for a roll call for Members in their support [of], or objec-tion to its being read the third time and approved. Is that what you are asking for, Premier? Hon. E. David Burt: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, a roll call has been called. It should signify the approval or non- approval. And we will give the necessary time to make sure all Members are in their seats for a roll call. Sergeant, could you confirm the time so that all Members are? There is a two- …
Members, a roll call has been called. It should signify the approval or non- approval. And we will give the necessary time to make sure all Members are in their seats for a roll call. Sergeant, could you confirm the time so that all Members are? There is a two- minute timeline for Members to join us in the Chamber. If [they] are not in the Chamber at the end of that two- minute period . . . better start the clock right away for that two- minute period. [ Pause]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerFor the benefit of the listening audience, whenever there is a call for a vote in the House, we have the traditional Aye or Nay as a signification of how that vote is taken, supported or not supported. But there is also the option for three Members to rise to …
For the benefit of the listening audience, whenever there is a call for a vote in the House, we have the traditional Aye or Nay as a signification of how that vote is taken, supported or not supported. But there is also the option for three Members to rise to be able to call for a name count on any vote. That is what is taking place right now. It is a process. That processes has been exercised where they like to record names on this particular vote. And once that is done, there is a two-minute period to allow Members to be seated for that roll call. Once the two- minute period is up, if a Member is not present, they cannot enter and participate during that period. So we are almost at that stage where we will start the roll count for this particular vote. [ Pause]
B ermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: There are 20 seconds left on the clock. Ten seconds. The Sergeant -at-Arms will confirm that any Member who comes now will not be allowed to partici-pate in this particular vote. [ Timer chimes]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe clock is done. Mr. Clerk, you can start the roll call. The Clerk: DIVISION [Third reading of the Appropriation Act 2024] Ayes: 27 Nays: 0 Mr. Jache Adams Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr. Hon. E. David Burt Ms. Crystal Caesar Hon. Vance Campbell …
The clock is done. Mr. Clerk, you can start the roll call. The Clerk: DIVISION [Third reading of the Appropriation Act 2024] Ayes: 27 Nays: 0 Mr. Jache Adams Lt. Col. Hon. David A. Burch Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr. Hon. E. David Burt Ms. Crystal Caesar Hon. Vance Campbell Mr. L. Craig Cannonier Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva Hon. Michael H. Dunkley Mr. Christopher Famous Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo Hon. Tinee Furbert Hon. Wayne L. Furbert Hon. Jason Hayward Ms. Susan E. Jackson Mrs. Renee Ming Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain Mr. Anthony Richardson Hon. Jarion Richardson Hon. Walter H. Roban Mr. W. Lawrence Scott Mr. Jamahl S. Simmons Hon. Kathy Lynn Simmons Mrs. Ianthia Simmons -Wade Mr. Ben Smith
Mr. Jason Wade
Hon. Kim N. Wilson
The SpeakerMembers, the result of the vote this morning was 27 in favour and none opposed. [ Motion carried unanimously on division: the Appropriation Act 2024 was read a third time and passed.] [ Desk thumping]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, that brings us to a conclusion of that matter. We will now move on to the next matter this morning. The Clerk: No, no. He has got to do his message.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, yes. Yes, that is right. Yes. Premier, finish off your reading, Mr. Premier. H on. E. David Burt: Absolutely, especially when the President of the Senate is here.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Hon. E. David Burt: My apologies, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to our wonderful Clerk. Mr. Speaker, I move that the following message be sent to the Senate: MESSAGE TO THE SENATE APPROPRIATION ACT 2024 Hon. E. David Burt: To the Honourable President and Members of the Senate: The …
Yes. Hon. E. David Burt: My apologies, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to our wonderful Clerk. Mr. Speaker, I move that the following message be sent to the Senate: MESSAGE TO THE SENATE APPROPRIATION ACT 2024 Hon. E. David Burt: To the Honourable President and Members of the Senate: The House of Assembly has the honour to forward herewith the undernoted Bill for the concurrence of your House: The Appropriation Act 2024. Copies of the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for 2024/25 are also forwarded for the information of your House.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. That now brings that matter to a closure. And we will now move on to the next item. The next item this morning is the consideration of the Merchant Shipping (Fees) Regulations 2024 in the name of the Minister of Transport. Minister, would you like to proceed with …
Thank you. That now brings that matter to a closure. And we will now move on to the next item. The next item this morning is the consideration of the Merchant Shipping (Fees) Regulations 2024 in the name of the Minister of Transport. Minister, would you like to proceed with your item? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that consideration be given to the draft Regulations entitled the Merchant Shipping (Fees) Amendment Regulations 2024 pro-posed to be made by the Minister responsible for mari-time administration in the exercise of the power conferred by section 250 of the Merchant Shipping Act 2002.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections? There are none. Proceed. 1100 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly DRAFT REGULATIONS MERCHANT SHIPPING (FEES) AMENDMENT REGULATIONS 2024 Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Speaker, the Regulations for consideration before the House today are the Merchant Shipping (Fees) Amendment Regulations 2024 …
Are there any objections? There are none. Proceed. 1100 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly DRAFT REGULATIONS MERCHANT SHIPPING (FEES) AMENDMENT REGULATIONS 2024 Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Speaker, the Regulations for consideration before the House today are the Merchant Shipping (Fees) Amendment Regulations 2024 . These Regulations amend the Merchant Shipping (Fees) Regulations 2023 to implement a new set of fees for the Bermuda Seafarers Medical Examination Programme (SMEP) provided by the Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority [BSMA], and to approve and recognise the seafarer training and education courses that may be provided by companies operating and managing ships registered in Bermuda. Mr . Speaker, in accordance with the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, which entered into force in 2016, it is mandator for all seafarers to undergo a med-ical examination to improve and safeguard crew mem-bers’ personal health and safety. In 2018 the BSMA es-tablished a Seafarers Medical Examination Programme to allow company -appointed, approved doctors [ADs] to conduct medical examinations to seafarers and is-sue Bermuda seafarers medical examination certifi-cates for seafarers working on Bermuda- registered ships. Currently two Carnival brands, Princess Cruises and Carnival UK, are enrolled in the programme as approved companies operating separately. ADs are selected in areas where there are large numbers of seafarers from different localities with no approved doctors available. Therefore, approved companies use the BSMA to fill those needs to get sea-farers’ medical examinations conducted at a high standard and issued in a timely manner. It is the discretion of the BSMA to offer this programme to a company, and it is a requirement for the company to have chief medical officers to oversee the programme and per-sonal staff to administer the programme. Mr. Speaker, during the ensuing years since [2018], the programme has evolved and expanded to 33 medical facilities with each required to be audited once in a five- year period. This has resulted in an increasing amount of administrative tasks and oversight by the BSMA that are required to monitor the pro-gramme and ensure good governance and ensure that the programme is working satisfactorily. The BSMA will soon be implementing a mechanism whereby all sea-farers’ medical certificates are issued through their Enterprise platform, the Bermuda Online Shipping Ser-vices, [BOSS]as the medical certificates are currently being issued by the approved companies. This will be a significant milestone in addition to the revenue gen-erated by the issuance of seafarers’ medic al certificates. It will provide an online solution to the current challenge of tracking certificates across 33 issuing medical facilities, eradicate the potential fraudulent issue of certificates and ensure that no fee dodging is possible. Utilising BOSS for the programme also provides a scalability to enable BSMA to expand the pro-gramme to include other interested companies and en-sures that they may remain in control of programme output, namely, the medical certificate. Mr. Speaker, currently there are no fees charged via the BSMA for their administrative services associated with the programme other than for the an-nual audits normally carried out in conjunction with other scheduled statutory audits. Therefore, following consultation with Princess Cruise Line and Carnival UK, the BSMA is seeking to implement the fees for specific services. Mr. Speaker, the approach to maritime training is continuously evolving, and in recent years some shipping companies have been proactive by introduc-ing and opening their own training facilities to provide the required training and supportive career development for their employees. As a result, BSMA has identified the need to support specific clients with their re-spective company mandate, to provide and deliver training and certificates for seafarers employed by their company. Their overarching objective is to provide well-trained seafarers and officers who will operate and manage their vessel, in addition to capacity -building and retention of certified personnel. Mr. Speaker, employed with the BSMA are individuals who have the appropriate qualifications, technical knowledge and experience to audit and assess specific maritime training facilities for the purpose of approving the facility and training, and who can ensure training facilities meet the relevant training standard in accordance with the Standards of Training, Certifica-tion and Watchkeeping for Seafarers [STCS] Conven-tion. Mr. Speaker, to cover the cost of human resources and to administer the programmes, we have also introduced a fee for the approval and recognition of seafarers’ training and education courses that may be requested by companies operating and managing ships registered in Bermuda. Mr. Speaker, changes to the Regulations include in Part 1 of the Schedule, which provides for the ability to charge for the approval or recommendation of seafarers’ training and education courses and any sub-sequent audits for the purpose of seeing whether or not the statutory requirements have been complied with. In Part 3 of the Schedule, new fees for the issue of a sea-farer’s medical certificate, an initial fee for approval of an Approved Seafarer Medical Examination Pro-gramme and an annual fee for administration of the SMEP have been included. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Would any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? MP Jackson, you have the floor. B ermuda House of Assembly Ms. Susan E. Jackson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is not much to say because this is a good and a safe move for …
Thank you, Minister. Would any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? MP Jackson, you have the floor.
B ermuda House of Assembly Ms. Susan E. Jackson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. There is not much to say because this is a good and a safe move for us. Certainly it improves our accountability and understanding of exactly what is going on out there in the world when it comes to seafarers and their health and their medical stability, as well as the training and the safety. So not much to argue about there. But I certainly have just a few questions for the Minister. And then one of them is around the medical certification. So if Bermuda is providing the certification through the administration of the certificates, does any liability come with that? So if something does go wrong, do we face any form of liability because we issued the medical certificate? Then the other is just that the training involved, as I understand, is around the basic firefighting, first aid, personal survival, et cetera, which is always a very good thing. But there are so many seafarers out there, especially when we get involved with the cruise ships, so many. And just making sure that we are able to maintain that standard so that we keep an honourable level of training available for seafarers since they are representing under the Bermuda flag. But with that, Mr. Speaker, I do not have any further questions.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? None other. Minister. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you, MP Jackson. The training is the responsibility of the companies. And that is one of the reasons why we actually do audits, to ensure that they …
Thank you, MP. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? None other. Minister. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you, MP Jackson. The training is the responsibility of the companies. And that is one of the reasons why we actually do audits, to ensure that they are compliant with the nec-essary regulations. In regard to any liability, no. There is really no liability, provided that the company itself fol-lows the rules and conventions that we set forward.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWe go into committee, right? Regulations . . . Regulations, yes. That is right. Having no further speakers, okay. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Speaker, I move that the said draft Regulations be approved and a suitable mes-sage be sent to Her Excellency the Governor.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe Minister has asked that it be approved. Any objections? There are none. The appropriate message will be sent to the Governor. [ Motion carried: The Merchant Shipping (Fees) Amendment Regulations 2024 were approved.] The Speaker: Thank you, Members, for your participation. We will now move on to the next …
The Minister has asked that it be approved. Any objections? There are none. The appropriate message will be sent to the Governor. [ Motion carried: The Merchant Shipping (Fees) Amendment Regulations 2024 were approved.] The Speaker: Thank you, Members, for your participation. We will now move on to the next item. The next item is a second reading of the Voluntary Registration of Vital Documents (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2024 in the name of the Deputy Premier and Minister of Home Affairs. Minister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the listening public, and thank you to col-leagues of this House. I move that the Bill entitled the Voluntary Registration of Vital Documents (Miscellaneous Amend-ments) Act 2024 be now read a second time.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAny objections? There are none. Continue, Minister. BILL SECOND READING VOLUNTARY REGISTRATION OF VITAL DOCUMENTS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) ACT 2024 Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to introduce the Bill entitled the Voluntary Registration of Vi-tal Documents (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2024. …
Any objections? There are none. Continue, Minister. BILL SECOND READING VOLUNTARY REGISTRATION OF VITAL DOCUMENTS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) ACT 2024 Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to introduce the Bill entitled the Voluntary Registration of Vi-tal Documents (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2024. The Bill seeks to amend the Registrar -General (Recording of Documents) Act 1955, the Registration (Births and Deaths) Act 1949, the Marriage Act 1944 and the Domestic Partnership Act 2018 to allow for reg-istration of vital events that occur outside of the juris-diction. Mr. Speaker, currently under the relevant legislation —i.e., the 1944 Act, the 1949 Act, the 1955 Act and the 2018 Act —the Registrar General is empowered and required to record every birth, death, mar-riage, domestic partnership and name change that oc-curs in Bermuda. The information gathered provides continuous data on these vital events that are captured locally. The registers that are maintained for each relevant vital event contain a wealth of data that are important for national surveillance, research, directing public health, prevention and intervention strategies in Bermuda. However, Mr. Speaker, when a birth, death, marriage, domestic partnership or name change happens outside of the country, this information is not rec-orded locally. For example, when a person born in Ber-muda migrates overseas and later dies the data regard-ing their death is not returned to Bermuda. Therefore, the opportunity to utilise data which could contribute to public health prevention and intervention strategies is also lost. 1102 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, although a very small jurisdiction, Bermuda is arguably quite a valuable contributor to the world’s population. And the voluntary registration of vi-tal events or documentation for persons who possess Bermudian status, naturalised persons and t heir spouses and dependents represents an invaluable opportunity to extend and/or return each person’s footprint back home. The voluntary registration of these documents will allow the Registry General to advance its records of vital registration by allowing opportunities for generations to not only record vital events that occur outside of Bermuda, but will also provide opportunity for the research of vital events of generations past. Mr. Speaker, the Bill seeks to empower the Registrar General to collect, record and make available for public search or inspection, or make copy of, upon payment of prescribed fee, any documents of vital events or persons who possess Bermudian status, naturalised persons or their spouses and dependents that occur outside of the jurisdiction by amending the [1944] Act, the 1949 Act, the 1955 Act and the 2018 Act and supporting regulations such as the Government Fee Regulations 1976. Mr. Speaker, the introduction of a voluntary registration system would allow for the return of valua-ble data to Bermuda and will also provide opportunity to generate revenue for the department of certified cop-ies of births, marriages, domestic partnerships , name changes and death records that have occurred outside of Bermuda. Additionally, Mr. Speaker, once the relevant amendments come into effect, registration of any vital event that occurs outside of Bermuda will be done solely on a voluntary basis. And any persons who pos-sess Bermudian status, naturalised persons and their spouses or dependents who reside overseas will not have to register these events if they choose not to. In closing, Mr. Speaker, the Voluntary Registration of Vital Documents (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2024 is our commitment to improve upon the vital registration service provided by introducing a robust registration system that is inclusive of and maintains records for vital events of all of Bermuda’s citizens, whether they have occurred locally or in other ju-risdictions. Mr. Speaker, I now move that the Bill entitled Voluntary Registration of Vital Documents (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2024 be read for a second time.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWould any Member wish to speak? Opposition Whip, you have the floor.
Mr. L. Craig CannonierYes. Thank you once again, Mr. Speaker. Yes. I guess with some of the challenges that we are having in trying to understand how many Bermudians are away. What is going on with them away? As I read through the Bill, I was still trying to figure out, exactly what …
Yes. Thank you once again, Mr. Speaker. Yes. I guess with some of the challenges that we are having in trying to understand how many Bermudians are away. What is going on with them away? As I read through the Bill, I was still trying to figure out, exactly what are we after here. Is it just fees? Because it is voluntary. So with its being voluntary, we do not know if folks are going to take it up or not. So one of the important things is that some of this information would be vital to us as far as understanding how many people are away and the likes, being able to verify whether or not folks who are claiming on certain things . . . I do not know. I guess one of the questions I have is, Has this come about because of complications? Where people are saying, Well, you know. Such- and-such has passed away and we are having difficulty verifying that. And maybe they are seeking ownership of properties that were owned by this person or not. I have no clue. So when it says “voluntary,” I was like, Well, we should be making sure that they actually do this. Anyone who has any form of status in Bermuda, it is vital for us to know whether or not a Bermudian is away and has had a baby who is married to a spouse who is from maybe Spain or something like that. Because we know that there could be complications, family complications if someone passes or someone is born. Who has a right to what? To even land in Bermuda. So no real issues. It does seem to be a tightening of the net, per se, of information that quite frankly we should have of our nationals travelling abroad, living abroad and the likes. But just curious as to whether or not some of this will ever result in complications due to any number of things when properties have to be set-tled and the like. The Minister did say fees. So it is obvious that this is an opportunity to gain more money for the coffers of government, which is a good thing in and of itself. I mean, the fees are not extraordinary, so it does make sense. But again just trying to understand where the Minister is going. Maybe there is a long- term goal here as far as gathering this information. It would be important to know whether or not the Minister has any thoughts about long- term as to whether or not this particular Bill is after a specific type of information or in-volving the population of Bermuda and the movement of ourselves. So with that in mind, I will sit down. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Member. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Any other? There are none. Minister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And I actually thank you for the contribution of the Honourable Member of the Opposition. And I am not …
Thank you, Member. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Any other? There are none. Minister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. And I actually thank you for the contribution of the Honourable Member of the Opposition. And I am not looking to be facetious in any way. In many ways the Honourable Member’s submission answered many of the questions. And I am not, again, trying to be in any way disparaging, but for all of the reasons that he raised questions is exactly why this is being done. This is not a fee- generation exercise. This is a data exercise. And yes, there—
B ermuda House of Assembly [Inaudible interjection] Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, I have complimented the Honourable Member on his submission. He has the answers for all of the reasons that he raised questions about and exactly why this legislation is being brought. The experience that successive administrations had with the registration and recording of vital information about our population has been a very paper - based and a very straightforward requirement. But the world around us has changed. Our people who are resident here are in themselves moving. And this by law has only been an exercise that the law could empower to be done on- Island. There was no power to extract this information from or collect it or receive it from our citizens outside of the jurisdiction. T he law does not have that capacity. We are creating that capacity for all of the very reasons and questions that the Honourable Member raised. And I know under his voice he said, Well, it wasn’t said. Well, I am saying it now, because his sub-missions actually raised all of the important questions. We do need to have these data. It does help in a variety of ways because the data collected by the registry are being used for many more things. Our society has be-come more complicated, has become more advanced. And some of the issues that we dealt with compared to years ago are different. You know, fundamentally, the process of recording births, deaths, marriages and other vital events was very simple. And even though at one point people just used to . . . like when their baby was born, they just walked and went to the Registrar and recorded it, you know. It was just a very straightforward process. But as we know, the needs for information around our citizenry have become a lot more important than just recording. It is used to having better under-standings of our conditions, of our trends, of our habits and pertaining as was said in my brief around health policy, government policy. It is certainly data that are shared with the Department of Statistics, which is under my other honourable colleague, Minister Hayward, to have a good, solid picture of who we are, what is going on with us and where we are going. So for all of the Bermudians, residents and [those] who are all part of those combinations of rela-tionships that I have mentioned, many of them because of the ease of travel and the ease of migration find themselves being born here and living somewhere else. And things happen in their lives. But these are all a part of the larger Bermudian tapestry. Because what happens with them will allow us to better understand the trends, the habits and the patterns of our commu-nity. And this is important in a modern world. We live in a global community. And this is nothing uncommon from what other jurisdictions do. As we well know, even in other jurisdictions they perhaps do, but they have a greater capacity than we do. And they perhaps have laws that have an extra- territorial reach and do require a level of recording by their citizens abroad, particularly to do other things other than just record births, deaths and marriages. But that information is required for other types of activity which are not related to the law that I am bringing here today. And as we advance as a community, we are finding clearly that information about our citizens and those who are connected with our citizens abroad, for the purposes of recording is important. And this partic-ular piece of legislation will give the capacity. I cannot speak to how this might evolve in the immediate, and I will discuss with the Registrar and my technical officer what will be done as to how we will ensure that infor-mation that has been recorded in the past is actually extracted. Maybe we will ha ve to find a way to perhaps reach out to other registrars around the world in areas particularly where we find that Bermudians have settled to see if we can extract information that can help close some gaps. Also, as the Honourable Member said, often issues of property and ownership and these things do occur. And I can speak to circumstances, and I am sure we all can in this House, where we have registered property, in particular constituencies where perhaps it is like derelict and no one knows where the descend-ants of the actual last recorded owner are. We hear that they are overseas. And even the best efforts to find them just do not actually pan out. And then you find a property that just sits derelict, and then you have to go through a legal process to settle the estate or the affairs of that property. I have seen this in my own district, and I am sure other Members have seen it as well, Mr. Speaker. So, yes, this will help in the long term and with now digitisation. But I can tell you that the Registrar is going through a process of digitising more of their sys-tems. This will allow over time, I believe, for those per-sons who move abroad to actually do these types of things digitally. They can go online and carry out the proper registration and not have to be burdened with trying to write out paper and send it back to Bermuda. So this is moving forward to accommodate a vital need not only of the Registrar, but also of our own people to record the events of their lives, their vital events so that they can be relevant back here in Bermuda for any relevant business they might have with their family who live in Bermuda and for themselves. So, Mr. Speaker, I do believe I have covered all the bases of all of the questions and concerns that were raised. So I do move that the Bill be committed.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. The Minister has moved that the Bill be committed. Are there any objections? There are none. Deputy Speaker. 1104 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly House in Committee at 12:27 pm [ Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL VOLUNTARY …
The ChairmanChairmanHonourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole for further consideration of the Bill entitled the Voluntary Registration of Vital Documents (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2024 . Mi nister and Deputy Premier Roban, you have the floor. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I know the time …
Honourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole for further consideration of the Bill entitled the Voluntary Registration of Vital Documents (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2024 . Mi nister and Deputy Premier Roban, you have the floor. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I know the time is close. I am prepared to move all of these clauses, there are only 10 clauses, it is not that much. With your guidance, I can move forward and then we can finish out this debate so we can resume after lunch. Or would you prefer that we adjourn right now and then do it after lunch? I will take your guidance, Mr. Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanIt seems like no objections. Continue. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you very much for your guidance, Mr. Chairman. I wish to move clauses 1 through 10.
The ChairmanChairmanContinue, Minister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Chairman, the Bill makes provision for amendments to the requisite Acts, the Marriage Act 1944, the Registration (Births and Deaths) Act 1949, the Registrar -General (Recording of Documents) Act 1955 and the Domestic Partnership Act 2018 to allow for the voluntary registration of …
Continue, Minister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Chairman, the Bill makes provision for amendments to the requisite Acts, the Marriage Act 1944, the Registration (Births and Deaths) Act 1949, the Registrar -General (Recording of Documents) Act 1955 and the Domestic Partnership Act 2018 to allow for the voluntary registration of births, deaths, marriages and domestic partnerships of persons that occur outside of Bermuda. Clause 1 provides the citation for the Bill. Clause 2 amends section 29 of the Marriage Act 1944 to provide for the voluntary registration of a marriage of a person that occurred in another jurisdiction. Clause 3 amends section 3 of the Registration (Births and Deaths) Act 1949 to provide for a new voluntary register in which a live or still birth or the death of a person, both of which occurred outside of Bermuda, may be voluntarily recorded. Clause 4 amends section 8 of the Registration (Births and Deaths) Act 1949 to make provision for the Registrar -General, upon application, to voluntarily record and register the birth of a child born alive outside of Bermuda. Clause 5 amends section 11 of the Registration (Births and Deaths) Act 1949 to authorise, upon application, the Registrar -General to voluntarily record and register the death of a person who dies in another jurisdiction. Mr. Chairman, I do propose to make an amendment to clause 6.
The ChairmanChairmanMm-hmm. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Although I did seek to move all clauses, I now realise there is an amendment. So I will stop here so that we can consider this one amendment by itself. I do not want to confuse anyone.
The ChairmanChairmanWell, let us just speak to the clauses 1 through 5 first. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes.
The ChairmanChairmanAny speakers to clauses 1 through 5?
Mr. L. Craig CannonierThank you, Deputy. Just one question under the clause 1 that provides the citation for the Bill. Basically, it is called the Voluntary Registration of Vital Documents . . . Is the process for this all digitised? So people can do it easily abroad online? Hon. Walter H. Roban: I …
Thank you, Deputy. Just one question under the clause 1 that provides the citation for the Bill. Basically, it is called the Voluntary Registration of Vital Documents . . . Is the process for this all digitised? So people can do it easily abroad online? Hon. Walter H. Roban: I will get more information on that. That is the process that is being created as a result of the digitisation programme of the Ministry and the department. I cannot speak right now if that has been completed. But that is the part of the process that is actively being done right now for all of the Registrar’s activities.
The ChairmanChairmanAny further comments? Do you want to move clauses 1 through 5, Minister? Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I do move that clauses 1 through 5 be approved.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that clauses 1 through 5 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [ Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 5 passed.]
The ChairmanChairmanNow you can do the amendment. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I would like to discuss the amendment to clause 6.
The ChairmanChairmanContinue. B ermuda House of Assembly Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Chairman, I propose to make an amendment to clause 6. Clause 6 inserts a new section 13A and 13B in the Registration (Births and Deaths) Act 1949. Section 13A provides for a voluntary registration of the birth of a …
Continue.
B ermuda House of Assembly Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Chairman, I propose to make an amendment to clause 6. Clause 6 inserts a new section 13A and 13B in the Registration (Births and Deaths) Act 1949. Section 13A provides for a voluntary registration of the birth of a child born to a person outside of Bermuda , and section 13B provides for the voluntary notification of the death of a person who died outside of Bermuda. AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 6 Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Chairman, in order to provide the best clarification on who will be entitled to vol-untary registration of births and deaths that take place outside of Bermuda, with the Members’ indulgence I propose that the Voluntary Registration of Vital Docu-ments (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2024 is amended as follows: In clause 6, insert in the heading before the words “13A and 13B,” the word “13AA.” That is two cap-ital As before the clause 13A. And insert in the Interpre-tation part of the Bill, “13AA A person for the purposes of this part means a person who— a)possesses Bermudian status under the Ber-muda Immigration and Protection Act 1956; b)is a British Overseas Territories Citizen by vir-tue of the grant to him by the Governor of acertificate of naturalisation; c)is the spouse of a person under paragraph (a) or (b); or d)is the child, stepchild or adopted child under the age of eighteen years of a person underparagraph (a) or (b). So this is an interpretation reclarification or like amendment solely. That is all it is. It is just making sure that the Interpretation part of the legislation is clear. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Minister. Any further speakers? There appear to be none. Hon. Walter H. Roban: So, Mr. Chairman, I move that the amendment to clause 6 be approved.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that the amendment to clause 6 be approved. Are there any objections to that? No objections. [ Motion carried: Clause 6 passed as amended.] Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Chairman, I know a copy of the amendment had been circulated to the Clerk for the Members. …
It has been moved that the amendment to clause 6 be approved. Are there any objections to that? No objections. [ Motion carried: Clause 6 passed as amended.] Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Chairman, I know a copy of the amendment had been circulated to the Clerk for the Members. I apologise to Members if you did not re-ceive it, but it had been circulated.
The ChairmanChairmanOkay. Hon. Walter H. Roban: With that approval, I would like to now move clauses 7 through 10, Mr. Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanContinue. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Clause 7 amends section 10 of the Registrar -General (Recording of Documents) Act 1955 to provide for the authorisation of the Registrar - General to voluntarily record and register any birth, death, marriage, domestic partnership and name change of a person that occurs in another …
Continue. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Clause 7 amends section 10 of the Registrar -General (Recording of Documents) Act 1955 to provide for the authorisation of the Registrar - General to voluntarily record and register any birth, death, marriage, domestic partnership and name change of a person that occurs in another jurisdiction. Clause 8 amends section 21 of the Domestic Partnership Act 2018 to provide for the voluntary regis-tration of a domestic partnership of a person that oc-curred in another jurisdiction. Clause 9 provides for consequential amendments to the Government Fees Regulations 1976 so as to allow for the issuance of fees related to the provisions in this Bill. Clause 10 provides for commencement. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Minister. Any speakers to clauses 7 to 10? There appear to be none. Minister. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I do move that clauses 7 through 10 be approved.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that clauses 7 through 10 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [ Motion carried: Clauses 7 through 10 passed.] Hon. Walter H. Roban: With that, Mr. Chairman, I do not believe there are any related Schedules. So I …
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. The preamble is approved. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Chairman, I do move now that the Bill be reported to the House as amended.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as amended. Any objections to that? There appear to be none. The Bill will be reported to the House as amended. Mr. Speaker. 1106 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly House resumed at …
It has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as amended. Any objections to that? There appear to be none. The Bill will be reported to the House as amended. Mr. Speaker. 1106 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly House resumed at 12:36 pm [ Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF COMMITTEE VOLUNTARY REGISTRATION OF VITAL DOCUMENTS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) ACT 2024
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, are there any objections to the Bill being reported to the House as amended? There are none. The Bill has been reported. Members, considering the time on the clock, I am going to call on the Deputy Premier. Hon. Walter H. Roban: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I do move …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerTwo o’clock. We will be back at two. We will be back at two. Hon. Walter H. Roban: All right. I did not want to steal any minutes since I was given the obligation of extra few minutes.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes, we will be back at two, back at two. Members, the House stands adjourned until 2:00 pm. Proceedings suspended at 12:37 pm Proceedings resumed at 2:01 pm
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood afternoon, Members. [ Gavel]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe House is now back in session. Members, we concluded before lunch with the completion of the second matter, the Voluntary Regis-tration of Vital Documents (Miscellaneous Amend-ments) Act 2024. We now move on to the Payroll Tax Amendment Act 2024. Members, the item that we are going to take up …
The House is now back in session. Members, we concluded before lunch with the completion of the second matter, the Voluntary Regis-tration of Vital Documents (Miscellaneous Amend-ments) Act 2024. We now move on to the Payroll Tax Amendment Act 2024. Members, the item that we are going to take up now would be the second reading of the Payroll Tax Amendment Act 2024. And I believe Minister Furbert is leading this. Minister Furbert. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Speaker, with the Governor’s recommendation I move that the Bill entitled Pay-roll Tax Amendment Act 2024 be now read for the sec-ond time.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAny objections? There are none. Continue. BILL SECOND READING PAYROLL TAX AMENDMENT ACT 2024 Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present the Payroll Tax Amendment Act 2024. This Bill will make amendments to the Payroll Tax Act 1995 [the Act] by extending the relief under both …
Any objections? There are none. Continue. BILL SECOND READING PAYROLL TAX AMENDMENT ACT 2024 Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present the Payroll Tax Amendment Act 2024. This Bill will make amendments to the Payroll Tax Act 1995 [the Act] by extending the relief under both the new hire relief provisions of 2018 and 2020 from April 1, 2024, through March 31, 2026. The Bill will also update the baseline date of April 1, 2022. Mr. Speaker, this Bill will play an important part in the continued growth in our economy. The 2018 and 2020 reliefs have been successful in adding to the Ber-muda workforce, and it is anticipated that this extension will continue the trends for the Island. The modifications are as follows: •The extended period for the payroll tax relief will commence April 1, 2024, and are due to expire March 31, 2026. •The base year will be amended to 2022 for the purpose of determining matters in relation to payroll tax relief for new hires. •The relief will be applicable to all businesses with annual remuneration of $500,000 or more. •A qualifying employer is entitled to the new hirerelief for each of the tax periods commencing April 1, 2024, and ending March 31, 2026, i n r espect of qualifying employees, which will generally include all new hires. Mr. Speaker, in accordance with the relief provided, a qualifying employer will not be liable to pay the employer portion of payroll tax otherwise payable under this Act in respect of the employees . . . [Interruption]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, I do not know if Minister Furbert is singing, but I have never known him to be part of a choir. [ Laughter]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerSo we do not need a choir for him today. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I have sung in the choir, by the way. Taking the lead role, by the way.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Minister Furbert. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: However, a qualifying employer will not be entitled to new hire relief if the em-ployer is in arrears with payment of payroll tax. B ermuda House of Assembly I will repeat again: In accordance with the relief provided, a qualifying employer will not …
Okay. Minister Furbert. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: However, a qualifying employer will not be entitled to new hire relief if the em-ployer is in arrears with payment of payroll tax.
B ermuda House of Assembly I will repeat again: In accordance with the relief provided, a qualifying employer will not be liable to pay the employer portion of payroll tax otherwise payable under this Act in respect of the employees who fall within scope. However, a qualifying employer will not be entitled to new hire relief if the employer is in arrears with payment of payroll tax. Further, there is no entitlement to this relief for an applicable tax period unless the total number of full -time employees is maintained throughout the tax period. Mr. Speaker, during the period in which this programme has been in force, [there] have been continually increased new hire relief applications particularly with the international business sector. Over 3,200 applications have been received to date from bot h the 2018 and the 2020 new hire relief initiatives, with 77 per cent of these being from the international business sec-tor. It is notable that since 2020 the international business sector became Bermuda’s largest employer, growing an average of 5.1 per cent annually. Further, the sector’s level of employment is now at the highest level that has ever been recorded, surpassing the 2008 pre-financial crisis [level]. Between 2019 and 2023 the number of jobs in this sector has increased 22.1 per cent. However, we would also note that this relief is also available as a benefit to companies in the domes-tic sector. And as are noted in the figures previously provided there are domestic companies who have been able to take advantage of this relief. Mr. Speak er, extending this programme at this time is important to provide continuous incentives to businesses to add to their employment pool. This helps to create additional em-ployment opportunities for Bermudians and moves the country forward in expanding the workforce, which is critical to future economic stability and sustainability. Therefore, it provides benefit to both the business com-munity and the Bermuda community at large. Changing the base date is also important as there are some new businesses which have been operating in or from Bermuda which have started since 2018 and have not paid any employer tax, shifting the burden disproportionately to our older, more estab-lished b usinesses. It is anticipated that this change is actually going to contribute $30 million to our revenue, which is a positive development. The $30 million estimate is due to the replacement of the 2018 and 2020 initiatives with this new updated relief. We are pleased that employers have benefited from this employer por-tion relief; however, with the improvement in the econ-omy the Government can now realise revenue in this area. Mr. Speaker, as I conclude, I would again like to highlight the continued positive changes that this Government has made to the payroll tax regime since we have come into office. There has not only been con-tinued growth in revenue despite the pandemic, but this has also benefited both the business community and their employees, and the country at large. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a comment at this time? Opposition Leader, you have the floor, sir. Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Honourable Minister. In regard to the payroll tax changes, in the Reply to the …
Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a comment at this time? Opposition Leader, you have the floor, sir. Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Honourable Minister. In regard to the payroll tax changes, in the Reply to the Budget Statement we actually laid out that the idea itself makes sense. But we want to be very clear that it should be limited and focused on creating new jobs and businesses versus inadvertently c reating a churn of fake companies. It is very easy . . . or rather I should say that the manipulation of the tax code is not unheard of, and that is concerning to us because these benefits can quite easily be shifted from one existing business to another. So we are thankful for the controls that we see in the legislation. To that end we do have some questions around perpetuity, that meaning the ongoing na-ture of this. There are some time limits in this legislation; I will not go into details. But what this means is . . . does the Government intend to keep rolling forward this new-hire payroll tax relief? What are the plans in the future relating to it? Because it does have a fixed pe-riod. To that end, Mr. Speaker, I said before and as we said in the Reply to the Budget Statement, this is sensible. It should be limited. And to that end, what are the Government’s plans going forward? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? MP De Silva, you have the floor. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Minister for bringing this, for extending this tax [relief] period. I do not know what …
Thank you. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? MP De Silva, you have the floor. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Minister for bringing this, for extending this tax [relief] period. I do not know what the Opposition Leader meant by “fake compa-nies,” because you will know, Mr. Speaker, that this is for new employees. And even if . . . I do not understand how you can get fake companies out of this because if you have someone who wants to go through the pro-cess of forming a company . . . and I think some of us in this room, if not all of us, know what it takes to form a company. If someone is going to go to that extent just to get a relief on the employment portion, I think that is a bit far -fetched to say the least. But with regard to this extension, and again the Opposition Leader’s question as to how long it will go on. Mr. Speaker, as an employer, a large employer in this country and of several different companies, as long as it continues to employ our people who are in desperate need of jobs, may it continue! I got it. I got it that the 1108 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly Opposition Leader says, Listen. We want to create new jobs, and maybe this is not quick enough for the Opposition Leader. I got that, too. But whilst we are going through this period and over the last several years, as the statistics will show you, there has been a very large, significant increase in employment especially during the COVID -19 period and thereafter. So, Minister, thank you for extending this. I am sure that there are others who are listening and will be very, very happy, other business owners who are going to be very, very happy with this. And I can tell you, and I will declare my interest. I have certainly been one to take advantage of this tax break. And it does come into play when one sits down and does an interview. And I am sure that, like I said, others in this room may have taken advantage of it as well. I certainly, when I am talk-ing to someone and interviewing . . . I can tell you I hired a new employee yesterday. And it did not escape me that, you know, not only am I giving this young man a job, but I will get a benefit from it. So it does. You know, employers I am sure do think about it. I think about it, continue to think about it and I will continue to think about it as long as this is in place. So with that, with the growth that we have seen in this country in terms of employment, I would think that this has been a very big piece of that, Mr. Speaker. And I would think that will be a very big piece of it going forward. So, thank you, Minister. We look forward to everyone in this room supporting this extension. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Member. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? Minister Hayward, you have the floor. Hon. Jason Hayward: Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood afternoon. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, the Payroll Tax Amendment made sense when it was first introduced, and it makes sense to continue it now. We know that the factors that contribute to greater levels of economic development and economic growth include one’s ability to hire the critical staff …
Good afternoon. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, the Payroll Tax Amendment made sense when it was first introduced, and it makes sense to continue it now. We know that the factors that contribute to greater levels of economic development and economic growth include one’s ability to hire the critical staff that a company needs to carry out its operations in an efficient and effective manner. The payroll tax relief supports the growth and develop-ment of companies within Bermuda. And so companies are not left with a larger tax burden on the basis that they are expanding their employment levels in Bermuda, and that is a positive thing. But you have to gauge the policy in relation to the time we are in. So it is wise for any legislation of this sort to have close- ended dates because it allows for a period of reassessment. Obviously, as it pertains to ex-tending this one and then cutting the benefit off for companies who have historically benefited for a number of excess years, what we are actually doing is embracing two separate things. Number one, we have provided relief, and that relief was to assist companies with hir-ing. Now that they are mature in terms of their hiring, they now move off of the policies. But companies who are continually growing now can still benefit from the policy. And that is why this change will enable government to get revenue, but also support the economic growth and development. When we talk about growth in international business, it is something that is commendable and something that actually should be celebrated. We have seen this sector grow to the largest sector in our economy, representing over 28 per cent of all economic ac-tivity, but now moving to a place where it represents 15 per cent of the jobs in the economy as well as a direct employer. That is positive all around. Certainly we would like to see greater levels of diversification. But where we see levels of growth, we should also celebrate those levels of growth, because that has not been always the case. And the expansion of that sector, supported by this particular Bill that we have in place, serves as a good formula to continue the momentum of positive performance as it pertains to increased number of jobs and increased productivity in that particular sector. And just to highlight that in 2017 there were 4,000 employees in international business. Today we are up to 4,909. That is an increase of 909 employees over a seven- year period. That is significant. And if that growth is continued and maintained, we will continue to work toward creating more jobs, which will allow us to reach our target of having more workers in our working population. I put out a paper some time ago regarding the challenges we are having with our ageing population. We talked about having more workers in our workforce. But in order to have more workers in our workforce, we have to support economic activity and we have t o support economic growth and development. That will ultimately create jobs, and that is what we actually see with the statistics as it pertains to the growth in interna-tional business. And then we can fill those jobs with able- bodied Bermudians and guest workers where needed. Mr. Speaker, international business as articulated now represents 15 per cent of all jobs in Bermuda. And it is policies like this that actually support that par-ticular growth. It has worked its way up to just under 5,000 jobs. But as articulated by the Minister who pre-sented the Bill, this is the highest level of employment in international business in our history. And so that is significant. We have a sector which employs competent staff with appropriate levels of compensation, and I think these are the areas in which we want to see growth. Having international business being a corner-stone means it eases up the pressure and allows us now pivot and focus on growth and development in other areas of the economy.
B ermuda House of Assembly And that is what the Economic Development Strategy sets out to do, Mr. Speaker. The Economic Development Strategy actually sets out to look at other areas within the economy outside of international busi-ness and see how we can support growth and develop-ment in those particular areas. But having a strong cornerstone and a strong foundation allows us to steady that ship in terms of revenue. It also allows us to steady the ship in terms of adjusting our resources so that we can prioritise on diversification. So I am pleased that this Bill is in front of us today. Like I said, Mr. Speaker, it made sense when it was first introduced. The amendments to it make sense now. And we are moving the goal posts a bit so that we can also collect the necessary revenue from companies who are a little bit more mature in their hiring. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Does any other Member? MP Dunkley, you have the floor. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon to you and colleagues and to the listening audience. Mr. Speaker, I will direct my comments in two areas. And I understand that Government must always …
Thank you. Does any other Member? MP Dunkley, you have the floor. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I thank you, Mr. Speaker, and good afternoon to you and colleagues and to the listening audience. Mr. Speaker, I will direct my comments in two areas. And I understand that Government must always be prudent in making sure that when they enact legis-lation and they bring it to this Parliament for debate and passage that they can collect all of the revenue that they are due. But at certain times you also have to make sure that you can try to stimulate the economy. And I think a Bill like this has the potential to help us at this time perhaps more than at any other time before. And why do I say that? I talked about the two distinct areas that I am going to talk about. The first is international business. The Honourable Minister of Economy and Labour men-tioned the growth in international business over the past seven years. I believe he said that it increased by 900 personnel. And certainly that is good news. But against the backdrop of some of the challenges and changes we have within the tax code worldwide, it is important that we do all we can to give international business more reasons to come to Bermuda, more rea-sons to bring a larger footprint to Bermuda. We know that like every business they have to make difficult decisions on an ongoing basis. And certainly I do not think anybody will argue with me that at this time the cost of doing business and the cost of living in Bermuda is high. And we need to try to address those. And while we try to address those, it is also important that we try to alleviate some of the concerns that individuals in businesses might have. And this leg-islation could give international business the impetus to say, Okay, look. We need to increase our footprint here. The Government is listening to us. We’re starting to see more reasons to have a footprint in Bermuda. Because over the coming months as the corporate income tax comes into effect, people will be weighing back and forth the positive and the negative of every jurisdiction. So it is in our best interest to try to protect international business as it has become the driver of our economy. And the Opposition has always been fully supportive of the Government in any initiative to move it forward. We understand the critical nature of international business. We understand the changing footprint of international business. And we also understand the pull from other jurisdictions to try to attract business, some of that new business, some of that [is] our busi-ness. And we understand that even as some of those competing jurisdictions are our friends in trade and in working on issues throughout the world, even your friends will take your business if they need to. That is not the first time I have said this in the House. Your friends will take your business if they need revenue coming in the door, and we need to do all we can to protect it. So the Opposition believes that there is merit in this Bill if there are the right guidelines to make sure that Government protects its revenue going forward. The second part, Mr. Speaker, is in regard to local business. Local businesses probably face the cost of living and the cost of doing business increases more than other businesses do. And I think local business is to some extent different from international business in that international business has seen the potential for growth over the past few years. Local businesses have not seen that potential for growth in many aspects because of COVID -19 and some of the other changes in our economy. So my view is that there are a significant number of local businesses who face a lack of confi-dence. And this legislation could be something for them to build confidence again in our community and to get them to hire people. Certainly as we head to the summer season where with local business typically you have your off - season and then you have the summer season. Whether you are in the tourism industry or not, your workforce can change based on that. So in the past couple of years coming out of COVID -19, it is my belief that a lot of local businesses have been somewhat hes-itant to get back up to full hiring because the simple fact is that they do not know what the future brings. They lack of the confidence. Most of the time in life, whether it is just your personal direction or your business direction, if you have confidence, if you have confidence in the way you believe you might be going, you will take an oppor-tunity. You will take a risk. So maybe this leg islation will start to build some confidence again in local businesses as they try to rebound from a very difficult period, Mr. Speaker. So having said that, with guarded optimism I see there is potential in this, and I support the Opposi-tion Leader in that we need to make sure that our guard rails are here to ensure that Government continues to collect their revenue. Because we have seen over the 1110 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly past number of years, as it has gotten more difficult for businesses and individuals, that they do all they can to pay taxes at a later stage or try to avoid paying taxes until they ultimately have to. And we know from some of the initiatives that the Government has brought and the Premier has talked about on revenue collection that there is still a lot of revenue that is out there to be collected. So I make these comments against the backdrop that it is heading in the right direction, but we still have to be very careful in how we do it to make sure that we protect the public purse and to bring confidence back to the country. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Member? MP Anthony Richardson, you have the floor.
Mr. Anthony RichardsonGood afternoon, Mr. Speaker, colleagues and those in the listening audience.
Mr. Anthony RichardsonI want to try to help the headlines for tomorrow, which is simply to say, The En-tire House Supports This Payroll Tax Amendment. [ Inaudible interjections and laughter ]
Mr. Anthony RichardsonWhy? Because, Mr. Speaker, depending upon the number of staff and your payroll tax bill, this represents a 10 per cent savings to your operations. Again, once you do your calculations and it does . . . yes it does! Yes it does. So, when you do your calculation, the …
Why? Because, Mr. Speaker, depending upon the number of staff and your payroll tax bill, this represents a 10 per cent savings to your operations. Again, once you do your calculations and it does . . . yes it does! Yes it does. So, when you do your calculation, the payroll tax for the company could be as high as 10 per cent, this means you do not have to pay it. So this actually is to the previous speaker, MP Dunkley. This is actually a tremendous boost to any company that hires a new employee. [ Inaudible interjection]
Mr. Anthony RichardsonThe calculator I used is the calculator called payroll tax: understanding- what -I’mdoing calculator. Mr. Speaker, obviously trying to be polite . . . One of the things I am excited about is that (I have said it before) when I come here and I am able to participate in …
The calculator I used is the calculator called payroll tax: understanding- what -I’mdoing calculator. Mr. Speaker, obviously trying to be polite . . . One of the things I am excited about is that (I have said it before) when I come here and I am able to participate in making changes that actually do affect the every -day person, as a professional, Mr. Speaker, I do have reason in my professional life to do this work. And I do know for sure that depending upon your total pay-roll bill, your employer payroll tax could be as high as 10 per cent. So this is a tremendous benefit. I do take the point that MP Dunkley wants to couch in certain language. But I think ultimately he will agree that if he talks to his CFO, that yes this is actually a tremendous benefit. So this does add to the confidence of those persons who are doing the business of Bermuda. There were some comments also in terms of international business versus the local companies. I want to make sure that everyone in the listening audience does understand that this is not limited to the international business. It impacts every one of us as we go forward and hire employees. It is also possible, even though some of us do not do this, to hire an employee and contact the Tax Commissioner or the Payroll Tax Department and ensure that your new employees are on an approved training programme. That also adds additional relief to your payroll tax bill. So, Mr. Speaker, I will say it one more time: For the headlines tomorrow, the House does support this Payroll Tax Amendment because it realises and recog-nises that it is a benefit to all employers if they are a qualified employer. The other point I want to make real quick which is tied to this, Mr. Speaker, is that sometimes when the Chamber of Commerce provides information, it is inter-preted as if it is contrary to what the Government is doing. And that is not the case. This legislation, again, is one of those items whereby I believe if we are objective the Chamber of Commerce should come out in support also. Because the Chamber of Commerce as a repre-sentative of local businesses would recognise that its members will benefit from this legislation. So I will say one more time, headlines tomorrow: The House Endorses This Legislation because it is a benefit to all of those businesses that qualify and represents in many cases a 10 per cent savings to the employers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, sir. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution? None? Oh. Looking straight ahead that time. [ Laughter]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Adams. Mr . Jache Adams: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will not be long with this one simply because I pretty much echo the sentiments of all of the speakers who spoke before me. I think the Min-ister who presented this Bill did a great job in …
MP Adams. Mr . Jache Adams: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I will not be long with this one simply because I pretty much echo the sentiments of all of the speakers who spoke before me. I think the Min-ister who presented this Bill did a great job in speaking to the history of how we got here. The only thing that I wanted to acknowledge was the Government’s ap-proach to this Amendment. Mr. Speaker, as you are well aware, this was included in our pre- budget report, or highlighted in our pre- budget report as something that the Government was considering. A nd so we then met with a number of stakeholders and invited the
B ermuda House of Assembly public to provide their feedback in relation to this amendment. So ultimately, this is this Government using a consultative approach and obviously coming and bring-ing this to fruition. So ultimately I believe that this should not be a surprise to anyone. Mr. Speaker, I think it is important that we emphasise that this is not a new tax, nor is it an increased tax. All we are doing is essentially modifying who qualifies for the relief so that it meets its original intent. Mr. Speaker, I understand that as a result of this amendment, some companies will end up paying more. And I know no business enjoys paying more. But the new hire relief was always intended to be a tempo-rary relief because after all it is only for so long some-one can be considered a new hire. But nonetheless, this will certainly assist the Government in reaching its balanced budget while maintaining the original intent, which is to further encourage the expansion of our workforce. So again, with those brief comments, Mr. Speaker, I support the Minister who brought this Bill for-ward and would like to thank him and his team on their efforts to seeing this through. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Member. Does any other Member?
Mr. Premier.
Hon. E. David BurtpremierThank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Honourable Minister Wayne Furbert for carrying this Bill on behalf of the Ministry of Finance. As you know, Mr. Speaker, he was the former Junior Minister of Finance. But what you may not know and which Members may forget …
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Honourable Minister Wayne Furbert for carrying this Bill on behalf of the Ministry of Finance. As you know, Mr. Speaker, he was the former Junior Minister of Finance. But what you may not know and which Members may forget is that the new hire relief was his particular brainchild while he was Junior Minister of Finance. It was something that was done during our first budget cycle during consulta-tion. And it was something that he made sure to put in place and to work out the various kinks during his time certainly as Junior Minister of Finance to make sure that we could eliminate any of the gamesmanship that may be played and other things to make sure that this is something that is incredibly successful. The Minister of Economy and Labour stated very clearly the growth of which we have seen in inter-national business since this was put in place in 2018. He gave figures from 2017, but we know we have seen growth in international business of at least 700 jobs dur-ing that time. It is important to note that this Govern-ment also extended it. It is not just for exempted companies; it is also for large local employers. For the large local employers who are growing and expanding their staffs, this is there for them as well. And also, Mr. Speaker, it is also important to note that in 2020 it was extended from just large local employers to employers who had payrolls of $500,000 or more. So it started taking some mid- size companies as well. This is a policy that was put forward which was conceived with consultation that has been successful. And as we have seen, it has grown revenues. This is an important point to note, as has been stated. If busi-nesses add more staff, it does not mean that the gov-ernment is not getting any more money. We are getting money from the employee payroll tax. It is just that the employer has time in order to make sure that they can build up to start to meet those particular commitments. And it builds on a long list of tax relief that we have given not only to business —as people say big business —but we have to talk about small business as well. Remember it was in the same first budget in 2018, Mr. Speaker, that we eliminated taxes for new busi-nesses for the first year, something that we pledged to do in our election manifesto and something that we have done. And we have continued to support that with the reduction of taxes. So, Mr. Speaker, we see a tax policy that is rooted in fairness, that is rooted in reducing the burden of those who can least afford to pay while increasing it at a higher level. At the same point in time, where poli-cies that are balanced toward growth, it is working, Mr. Speaker. It is working and we see the evidence of success over the years where we are seeing revenue from payroll tax at record levels despite the fact that we have extended significant relief and reduced the tax burden for 86 per cent of businesses in this country and 86 per cent of the workers in this country. That is the Progressive Labour Party economic policy, Mr. Speaker, and it is working and delivering for the people of this country. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? None other. Minister. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank all of the colleagues for their contri-butions. And, Mr. Speaker, it does make a difference that the Finance Minister …
Thank you, Premier. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? None other. Minister. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I would like to thank all of the colleagues for their contri-butions. And, Mr. Speaker, it does make a difference that the Finance Minister of the Progressive Labour Party was at that time, and still is, the Honourable David Burt. He had faith that we can make this thing work at that time in 2018. It has proven itself that i t worked. But it is about thinking outside of the box. What can we give with the basis of eventually getting something even bet-ter? So what has happened? Minister Hayward has said it increased by 900 employees at that time who have benefited from this particular policy that we put forward. MP Dunkley said that it could. No, the proof is that it has worked, and it will work, continue to work in the future, because at the end of the day . . . just think about it, Mr. Speaker. So that people will be clear on how it works, the base year now will be 2022, March 31, 2022. So if 1112 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly someone has 100, 50, 20 employees, it could be 10 whose payroll tax or salary expense is $500,000 or more, it could be one company, one person —there are people out there, consults, who are probably making $250,000—or two people. But if they add one more per-son to their payroll tax, to their company, the employer will not pay any payroll tax on that individual. The employee will pay something. So that is where the benefits are. We have got additional. By encouraging people to come here working for companies or taking on more staff, the employee paid, but the employer did not. But this time with the adjustment, the government will get an additional roughly $30 million because the base year has changed. But on top of that, we are encouraging more people to come here. And you are right. With the change in what we see going forward regarding the minimum tax, there are a lot of people. If a new company sets up, then that company does not pay payroll tax at all for the employer. The employee portion is paid, up to 2026. So there are companies in Bermuda right now that came here between 2018 and 2022, and we can think of some. If you recall, it was under this Government that encouraged those new law firms here. I am not sure many of you realise that. But we had the idea of how to get additional law firms . . . And one of these days I will tell you how it worked, but there are new employees, new law firms that came here. They have not paid a payroll tax on the employer [side] for the whole period. But now they will pay part of that $30 million going forward. And you have got a new little law firm (and I will say X law firm) who takes on additional lawyers as time goes on. And if you add 100 . . . let us go 50, because 100 is kind of hard for some of those. Let us say 50. At the time of your filing, you can file for an additional one or two or whatever it is. But if you are below 50 as of 2022, let us say 48, you cannot claim for the additional staff. Your base year is also based on the number of employees you have at that time. I hope that makes it clear for ev eryone. So, thank you, Premier/Minister of Finance for (at that time, 2018) seeing the vision that we could make some things happen. And going forward, I think it will benefit us even greater because we expect new business with the work that is being done by Minister Hayward and other things that are being done within the community. I see greater growth in Bermuda going forward. So, Mr. Speaker, at this time I will move that the Bill be committed.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. [ Pause] House in Committee at 2:40 pm [ Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILL PAYROLL TAX AMENDMENT ACT 2024
The ChairmanChairmanHonourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole for further consideration of the Bill entitled the Payroll Tax Amendment Act 2024 . Mi nister Furbert, you have the floor. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Let me just say if there is no issue, I will …
The ChairmanChairmanContinue. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Clause 1 provides the title of the Bill. Clause 2 repeals and replaces section 9C of the Payroll Tax Act 1995 to change the applicable dates for the new hire waiver from 2018 to 2022. Clause 3 repeals section 9CA of the Payroll Tax Act …
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Minister. Any further speakers? There appear to be none. Minister, do you want to move the clauses? Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Mr. Chairman, I move the preamble be approved.
The ChairmanChairmanMove the clauses first. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: Oh, sorry. I move clauses 1 through 3.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that clauses 1 through 3 be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. [ Motion carried: Clauses 1 through 3 passed.] Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I move that the preamble be approved.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. The preamble is approved. Hon. Wayne L. Furbert: I move that the Bill be reported to the House as printed.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections to that? B ermuda House of Assembly There appear to be none. The Bill will be reported to the House as printed. [ Motion carried: The Payroll Tax Amendment Act 2024 was …
It has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections to that?
B ermuda House of Assembly There appear to be none. The Bill will be reported to the House as printed. [ Motion carried: The Payroll Tax Amendment Act 2024 was considered by a Committee of the whole House and passed without amendment.]
The ChairmanChairmanMr. Speaker. House resumed at 2:43 pm [ Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF COMMITTEE PAYROLL TAX AMENDMENT ACT 2024
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Deputy. Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Payroll Tax Amendment Act 2024 being reported to the House as printed? There are none. Thank you, Members. We now move on to the next item, which is the second reading of the Government Loans Amendment Act …
Thank you, Deputy. Members, are there any objections to the Bill entitled the Payroll Tax Amendment Act 2024 being reported to the House as printed? There are none. Thank you, Members. We now move on to the next item, which is the second reading of the Government Loans Amendment Act 2024 in the name of the Premier and Minister of Finance. Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with the Governor’s recommendation I move that the Bill entitled the Government Loans Amendment Act 2024 be now read the second time.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAny objections? None. Continue, Premier. BILL SECOND READING GOVERNMENT LOANS AMENDMENT ACT 2024 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to read for the second time the Bill entitled the Government Loans Amendment Act 2024, which I will refer to as …
Any objections? None. Continue, Premier. BILL SECOND READING GOVERNMENT LOANS AMENDMENT ACT 2024 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to read for the second time the Bill entitled the Government Loans Amendment Act 2024, which I will refer to as the Bill. This Bill amends section 12A of the Government Loans Act 1978 by repealing and replacing subsection ( 1B) so that monies in the excess Sinking Fund can be transferred to other public funds if such monies, in the opinion of the Minister of Finance, are not required to fund deficits. Now, that is the overall premise. And I will take some time, Mr. Speaker, to make sure that Members who may not have been in the House when some of these things were put into place can get an understanding of why we are where we are, why we are bringing this Bill and then go into the discussions about what other things we plan to do with this amended law. Mr. Speaker, as this Honourable House unanimously passed the Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure earlier today, there should be no question that this Honourable House agrees with the estimates that have been approved. And those estimates state that at th e end of this fiscal year we will have a small budget sur-plus. But, Mr. Speaker, as we are debating the Govern-ment Loans Amendment Act and changing around these, making changes here, it is important that this Honourable House and the public remember the ex-traordinary circumstances that actually brought us to this point. The COVID -19 pandemic presented an unprecedented challenge to governments around the world and deeply affected not only our public health, but also our economy. In 2020 amidst the peak of the pandemic, the Government, like every other govern-ment around the world, made the necessary decision to borrow funds to ensure that the government could continue to function. In Bermuda those funds were used to support struggling Bermudian families who found themselves out of work due to no fault of their own. Those funds were also used to support busi-nesses to ensure that they could survive through and after the pandemic. They were used to support our emergency services and our health care services to make sure that we could protect the people of this country. Those were the important measures for which those funds were used. It is also important to note, Mr. Speaker, that during that time the Government developed Bermuda’s Economic Recovery Plan which was debated and passed without objection in this Honourable House. The Economic Recovery Plan projected that the Gov-ernment would incur a combined $408 million deficit before returning to a balanced budget. Now, I want to make sure we are clear. So we came into a pandemic. And the estimates and the Eco-nomic Recovery Plan, which were done in consultation with a renowned private sector consulting firm with the Ministry of Finance and with stakeholders . . . rem ember we had a stakeholder body which consisted of persons from international business, local business, lots of persons. The projection was that in order for the Gov-ernment to return back to a balanced budget, we would incur $408 million of deficit spending until we returned to balance. However, Mr. Speaker, prudent financial management and robust economic growth due to the 1114 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly policies and successful execution of the Economic Recovery Plan and the continued confidence that inves-tors have in the Bermuda economy saw that those def-icits did not total $408 million before returning to bal-ance. And they have totalled $322 million over four years. This means that the funds that were borrowed to pre-fund deficits . . . there are funds which are left over or sitting in what is called the excess borrowing account. Now, Mr. Speaker, this is why I want to go into a little bit of history because it is important that Mem-bers opposite and also new Members to the Chamber may not understand the history of the excess borrowing account, excess borrowing fund. How is this dif ferent from the Sinking Fund? What does this mean? So, Mr. Speaker, typically what the Government did on a year -to-year basis prior to 2013 was that the Government would borrow money on an annual basis and would refinance some of that money after a while. So sometimes this was done via local banks. (Most of the time it was done via local banks.) They would get money. They would take out a line, fund it via local banks, and then would go to the capital markets and raise a whole lot of money to pay off those funds. Because when you go to the capital markets, you want to have a larger size offering, and the annual offerings were not affected. So those were done via local banks typically. And then we went to refinance those by large bond offerings. This was changed in 2013 with the amendment to the Government Loans Act which created the excess borrowing fund. And it is important to note the Sinking Fund exists as a fund. But the amendments in 2013 brought in by the former Government and the former Minister of Finance, Minister Bob Richards, said, I’m going to borrow $800 million, which will last us through-out our term in office. And we’re going to put this money in the excess borrowing fund used to fund deficits. Now, we all know, Mr. Speaker, they ran out of that $800 million in three years, not five years. But that is a story for another day. [ Inaudible interjections] Hon. E. David Burt: The fact is that that was when the excess borrowing fund was created. Now, here is the thing, Mr. Speaker. I hear interpolations from the other side. And the Honourable former Premier said, Tell them why. Here is the thing. He borrowed . . . the former Government under his leadership borrowed $800 million. This was after they had been in Government for a while. They laid out their projections that they would be able to make it there in five years, and they went back to the market in three. Well, I do not know what he is talking about, Tell them why. Maybe they were not able to do the sums. Remember back then it was fuzzy math and all of those other types of things of which we were dealing with. But here is the difference and the contrast: The contrast is that when we went to the markets to borrow the funds, we said that we would incur $408 million in deficits over time. And guess what? We came under that amount. So there is a wonderful contrast there, Mr. Speaker, between sound economic management, sound economic planning and the record of the party prior. [ Inaudible interjections] Hon. E. David Burt: But let me digress. And if he wants me to continue around that road, he can interpolate as much as he wants and I will happily educate that Hon-ourable House, that side of the House and the listening public. So now, Mr. Speaker, the Sinking Fund in the Ministry of Finance is managed by the traditional Sinking Fund which existed prior to the amendments in 2013 and the excess borrowing fund. So what this en-abled was for the Government, instead of borrowing or taking out a line of credit at a bank on an annual basis to fund deficits and then going behind that to borrow monies to repay those, we could go to the international markets, which are typically cheaper than the local markets, to borrow that debt and place it into the account which is used to fund deficits. And while those monies are sitting in that account, those funds can be used and invested. The Act itself specifies the measures of which the two different amounts can be used. In the traditional fund, it can be used to purchase and repay debt and can be used to pay interest on debt. In the excess bor-rowing fund, the funds can only be used to fund future deficits. So that is the reason why there is a distinction. Even though it is all in the Government Loans Act, even though it is all classified as a sinking fund, the monies that are borrowed for a certain purpose are only able to be used for a certain purpose. And that is why it is im-portant for the distinction. So with that history lesson, Mr. Speaker, I want to move on because this is where we get to. This speaks to the value of reaching a balanced budget, which —I have to repeat, Mr. Speaker —was unanimously supported by this House by a roll call vote ear-lier to day, noting that we are going to achieve the estimates which were set out. And as current projections show, the Government will no longer depend on the funds which are in the excess borrowing account to cover future deficits. So the question then happens, How do we best utilise these funds? Do we horde them away for a rainy day? There is an argument for that. Or considering the challenges that are faced, do we invest them in the well-being of our citizens? In this case, the Government has chosen to do both. Yes. You do need to ensure that there are re-serves in place in case something unexpected happens. We know what happened two years ago. Came
B ermuda House of Assembly here with a budget, and then there was a war in Ukraine and you know the Aircraft Registry disappeared and dif-ferent things like that. Things can always happen. So we must be prepared for those. However, Mr. Speaker, we firmly also believe in the latter, that there is a moral imperative to ensure that we do whatever we can with the resources that we have to use these funds to further assist the people of this country, particularly in areas where they are needed most. Now, Mr. Speaker, rather than merely celebrating the achievements of coming in ahead of our budget targets, we recognise the ongoing needs of citizens, not only residents but also businesses in this country. And despite the calls to leave those funds only for a rainy day, our Government prioritised addressing im-mediate concerns where we can, especially when those matters are related to the cost of living. So, Mr. Speaker, the proposal is to amend the Government Loans Act to allow transfers to other public funds so that they can be used if there is a need to do so. Now, this is important, Mr. Speaker, when we are speaking about “other public funds,” because there are a number of public funds that are established. There is the Consolidated Fund, there is the Sinking Fund, there is the Mutual Insurance Fund, the Gover nment Health Insurance Fund, there is the Unemploy-ment Insurance Fund. There are a number of different funds that exist. But this law is only to allow the transfer to another fund. It is important to note, Mr. Speaker, that every single fund in government of course has to be audited and reports done. So in this case, the amendments are to amend it so that they can be trans-ferred to another fund. So it is one thing, Mr. Speaker, to say, Okay. The House is giving the Government the power to make these transfers. But the natural question would be, If given the power, what are you going to do with this power? And that I think is important. And in the Budget Statement we say . . . and if you will allow me to quote,
Mr. Speaker“Mr Speaker, the Government’s actuaries have advised the Ministry of Health that in order to keep up with health insurance claims, which continue to esca-late due to our ageing population, the Government will need to increase its Health Insurance Rates by $45 a month. This Government cannot and will not …
“Mr Speaker, the Government’s actuaries have advised the Ministry of Health that in order to keep up with health insurance claims, which continue to esca-late due to our ageing population, the Government will need to increase its Health Insurance Rates by $45 a month. This Government cannot and will not allow that to happen. Therefore, we intend to transfer $30 million from the excess borrowing fund to the Mutual Reinsur-ance Fund to ensure that our health funds are able to pay claims without asking every resident in Bermuda to pay an extra $540 a year. What does this mean? It means that for the third year in a row, this Government will freeze the Standard Premium Rate that all persons in Bermuda with health insurance must pay. This will shield residents and employers from a government mandated premium increase this year. ” Now, that, Mr. Speaker, is important, because this is not just about individuals, although it affects individuals. It is also about making sure that we can continue to protect our economic recovery. And this, as stated, Mr. Speaker, is not the first time the Govern-ment is doing this, because we have held health insur-ance rates at the government level. The last time there was an increase was 2021. But in 2022, no increase. In 2023, no increase. And in 2024 due to our enhanced performance and with this law change today, we are able to transfer those funds from the excess borrowing fund over to the Mutual Reinsurance Fund so that the Mutual Reinsurance Fund can continue to pay claims without receiving extra money from premiums. Now, here is what is important, Mr. Speaker. The Mutual Reinsurance Fund does not get money from the Consolidated Fund. A key point. Because I know there will be an argument, Oh, the Government is just moving here and there. The Mutual Reinsurance Fund gets money from every person in this country who pays health insurance. That is where that money comes from. That is where it comes from. So the only options are to find a way to get money into the Mutual Reinsurance Fund. And the only way that has been done in the past is to increase health insurance rates. So it is very simple. The choice is support this or support an increase in health insurance rates for $45 per policyholder for everyone in this country, $540 a year, burdening residents and businesses. That is the choice before this Honourable House, Mr. Speaker. [ Inaudible interjection] Hon. E. David Burt: Now, Mr. Speaker, I will get to the health care a little bit more. I see the Honourable former Premier has stopped his interpolations. So I appreciate that. You know, you will have your time. But, Mr. Speaker, as you will be aware, health care is just one part of the puzzle. There is also a need for additional investments in more affordable housing in our community. The acute housing shortage impacts Bermudians across the Island. And by allocating additional funds toward affordable housing initiatives, we can provide much- needed relief for those in need to create a pathway to stability and prosperity. And, Mr. Speaker, we already know that this Government has committed $15 million to affordable housing. We have already seen 67 housing units being delivered, more and more being done, businesses working, preparing the expansion of the private sector rental scheme. The Minister of Public Works has been busy making sure that we address these challenges. But it is important to note, Mr. Speaker, that challenges related to housing are due to the fact that our economy is growing. And to support continued economic growth, in one space and instance you need to make sure that you try your best to keep business costs low. That is what we are doing on the side of the matter of freezing health insurance rates. You want to make sure people are not getting money taken out of their pocket. That is how you do it, by reducing taxes for workers and making sure 1116 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly that they do not have to pay more money in government mandated health insurance. And also, Mr. Speaker, you make sure that you invest in housing to make sure that as the number of jobs increases and therefore the working population grows when the number of persons in [jobs] increases, there are spaces for these persons to live. Now, Mr. Speaker, there are some who will question why we are touching it at all. The fact is, I think I have already explained it that we have to have a bal-anced approach. You cannot just stand by and say, Well, we have always done it this way. When the mutual reinsurance fund needs more money, we’re just going to raise health insurance rates for everyone in the country so that the mutual reinsurance fund can have more money. No, Mr. Speaker, not when there are op-tions. And that is what the Government of Bermuda is doing today. So, Mr. Speaker, here we go. Some may seek to score political points by criticising our policies and then voting for them. But we remain focused on reduc-ing the financial burden for all Bermudians. Once again, Mr. Speaker, actions speak louder than words. And this amendment is a testament to our commitment for put-ting the needs of Bermuda’s residents and small businesses first. But while we are talking about health care, Mr. Speaker, and I have to because as you know the Hon-ourable Minister of Health is not present. It is a disappointment yet unsurprising for the Opposition to . . . And maybe we will hear from them today because, I mean, this was a portion of the Budget Statement. There were a whole lot of things in the Budget State-ment, and we did not hear much about this particular plan inside of the Reply that was delivered by the Honourable Opposition Leader. But it is surprising that the Opposition gave the Government no sense of its ap-praisal for initiatives that would prevent an increase in the cost of health insurance for Bermudians. This issue was largely missing from their Budget Reply. I wonder and ask the question if the Opposition believes that the people of this country have forgotten about their proposal to introduce a tax on health care in last year’s Reply, which would have driven up the cost of health care. Mr. Speaker, that was withdrawn quickly. But it seems as if they are on a pattern. Because this year, Mr. Speaker, the Opposition advocated for the reintroduction of a fee- for-service model at the hospital, which completely disregards the recom-mendation of health economists who recognise that a fee-for-service model is a surefire way to increase health care costs. Unquestioned, Mr. Speaker! So let us contrast, Mr. Speaker. This Government has frozen government -mandated health insurance costs for the third year in a row, while in two con-secutive years the Opposition has put forward policies that would increase the cost of health insurance and health care in this country, Mr. Speaker. Moving on to housing. The Opposition said that they will support any and all initiatives to increase Ber-muda’s affordable housing. Allow me to emphasise their words, Mr. Speaker, a ny and all . So, I am baffled as to why it is so difficult for them to simply endorse the innovative way that this Government is seeking to channel more investment to the Bermuda Housing Corporation, which will have a significant impact on so many Bermudian families. Before I close, Mr. Speaker, because I know that this may be something that will come up. The fact is that the amendment here only allows a transfer to other government funds. Now, the Explanatory Memorandum does say “quango.” (And I am getting it to the place of Committee, but I want to make sure that the debate is fine.) That should be removed, and it will not be a part of my brief. The Government Loan Act as it exists allows money in the excess borrowing fund to be invested un-der the Public Funds Act. And that is the way that the $10 million will be invested into the Bermuda Housing Corporation. So, it will not be a transfer from the . . . wait. Transfer of funds will not be $10 million taken from here to go here. It will be by way of investment underneath the Public Funds Act, and all of the things as to where it can be invested are clearly stated there. So, I just wanted to make sure that we did not go down that road in debate, because I know that could be a point of confusion. So, Mr. Speaker, in closing I look forward to unanimous support in this House, as we did earlier, on this particular matter because it is the right thing to do. As I said during the Budget [Statement], this country has had to endure shared sacrifice. And it is important that as we are coming to a space of a balanced budget and the benefits of better financial performance than expected, those benefits are shared with every person in this country, Mr. Speaker. This transfer of these funds will benefit every insured person in this country, Mr. Speaker. They will benefit every business in this country, Mr. Speaker. And I would like to thank the technical officers within the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health and the Attorney General’s Chambers for ensuring that we reach this place to get to this Bill today. And I sin-cerely hope that we seize this opportunit y to make a tangible difference in the lives of our fellow Bermudi-ans. With those brief remarks, Mr. Speaker, I will wait and be happy to answer any questions in the prepara-tory debate before the Bill is committed.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Opposition Leader, you have the floor. Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Honourable Premier for that presentation. B ermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk …
Thank you, Premier. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? Opposition Leader, you have the floor. Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and I thank the Honourable Premier for that presentation.
B ermuda House of Assembly Mr. Speaker, I would like to talk about or start where the Honourable Premier had finished on the sacrifices and the circumstances arising that he believes requires this specific [action]. I totally acknowledge that Bermuda has been through an incredibly tough period and a lot of people are suffering. So, to that end, we have to be actually quite prudent in our use of taxpayers’ money, obviously including fees and whatnot. But to this end, the Honourable Premier introduced the argument that this is in fact the only way to undertake this method of relief. And that is where we will push back because we think the devil is in the details in his presentation. I will start right at the beginning, Mr. Speaker. Sinking funds . . . for those who do not know, sinking funds have been around in Western financial management and politics really since the 14 th century, allowing for the accumulation of certain assets or a certain amount of funds to pay down deficits and debts. This was used especially in the 18th century in the United Kingdom when they were dealing with (I want to say) the Seven Years War. So, a sinking fund is nothing new and has in fact been used again for a lot of different governments all over the world for the express purpose again of pay-ing down debt. That is what our Sinking Fund is for in fact right now. Now, what this Bill will do is it will allow the Sinking Fund to be used for something other than the paying down of the debt. And there has been quite a lot of information provided by the Premier as to why he thinks that is the case, and we will be speak ing to that in the Opposition debate as to why we do not think it is the only way to undertake what he would like to do. One of the things when we go into the devil -isin-the-details is I would like to point out that the reference to excess that the Honourable Premier is speak-ing to is not identical to the definition of the Sinking Fund. This Bill in fact will allow the Government to ac-cess the entirety of what is in the Sinking Fund. Hon. E. David Burt: That’s not true. Hon. Jarion Richardson: Point of order? I will take a point of order on it, and we can get some clarification on that. And the Honourable Premier has technical people here as well, so we can get some clarity on that. One of the questions I would like to raise, Mr. Speaker, to the Honourable Premier is, in the 15 December Ministerial Statement and the Pre- Budget Report, he maintained the position that he would like to retain $100 million in the Sinking Fund. And by our reading of the estimates, there is in fact next fiscal pe-riod the Sinking Fund would be beneath $100 million. So, our question relates to, Why are we going to draw down on the Sinking Fund in this process when [the Honourable Premier] had already made an earlier commitment to stay at $100 million? So that is one point I would like to bring up here in this debate. Also, I think we have spoken to the purpose. Perhaps I could speak at length. But I do have Honourable Members who will be standing up. I do want to re-emphasise the purpose of the Sinking Fund. And what this proposes to do is fundamentally change that pur-pose, making it into something of a slush fund. And the Premier’s purpose of changing the Sinking Fund into a government far -more- widely -accessible slush fund . . . we are going to offer some alternatives to that ap-proach. Most especially, Mr. Speaker, the Government in a number of other cases does have grants and contributions that they use to fund other areas of their work. I am mindful, by the way, Mr. Speaker, if the Govern-ment were to use the grants and contributions’ ability to fund this premium increase or to ensure that the pre-mium increase does not in fact impact users, he would not in fact have the ability to say politically that he has balanced the budget. Our entire point is that the devil is in the details on this one. So, what we are going to do is we are going to amend the Sinking Fund. Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David Burt: The Honourable Member is misleading the House. The mutual reinsurance fund does not and has never received any money from the Con-solidated Fund. So, the argument he is trying to make has no basis in fact.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWe note your point of order. Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes. I thank the Honourable Premier for that. He has often said that just because something has not happened in the past there is no reason it can-not happen in the future, spoken to innovation and new ideas. So, I take …
We note your point of order. Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes. I thank the Honourable Premier for that. He has often said that just because something has not happened in the past there is no reason it can-not happen in the future, spoken to innovation and new ideas. So, I take the point that something has never happened in the past. Where I am going with this, though, is really that what we are concerned about is repurposing— Hon. Jason Hayward: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I believe earlier the Member misled the House with the usage of the term “slush fund.” That is a term I am not familiar with. So, it took me time to go to the dictionary and read the …
Point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I believe earlier the Member misled the House with the usage of the term “slush fund.” That is a term I am not familiar with. So, it took me time to go to the dictionary and read the 1118 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly definition of “slush fund.” And it is “an amount of money that is kept for dishonest or illegal activities in politics or business.” There is no place for use of that term in this House. It must be withdrawn. [ Inaudible interjections]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerHonourable Member, based on the definition that was given that really speaks to what a slush fund or how a slush fund is referred to, I do not think it is fitting in this debate. Hon. Jarion Richardson: Sure. Of course. That is a great point. I certainly did not …
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. MembersWithdraw it! Withdraw it!
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI think he is getting there, Members. He is getting there. I expect him to withdraw it. He is getting there. Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the space to explain. There was no intent to imply any kind of negativity. So therefore, I withdraw the …
I think he is getting there, Members. He is getting there. I expect him to withdraw it. He is getting there. Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the space to explain. There was no intent to imply any kind of negativity. So therefore, I withdraw the use of “slush fund” and would replace it with, perhaps, “a fund of indeter-minate guardrails” in use. I do not know. [ Laughter] Hon. Jarion Richardson: Certainly “a fund that exists for unspecified purposes that anyone can use at any point” maybe? So. No. Thank you. I thank the Honour-able Minister for looking up in the dictionary a slush fund. So, the point I am making still stands, that we are in fact going to change the nature of the Sinking Fund. And by virtue of doing that, we will in fact wind up incurring all kinds of obligations and liabilities — Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David Burt: The Honourable Member is misleading the House. I would have thought he would have listened to the brief. There is a Sinking Fund, and there is another portion which is the excess borrowing fund. The excess borrowing fund is …
Point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David Burt: The Honourable Member is misleading the House. I would have thought he would have listened to the brief. There is a Sinking Fund, and there is another portion which is the excess borrowing fund. The excess borrowing fund is very specifically for uses to invest monies and to cover deficits. It was not l ike the traditional sinking fund which is there to repay debt. It is very clear, spelled out inside of the Government Loans Act. I know that the Honourable Member has the ability to look at these things and understand what they are. The Speaker: Honourable Member. Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes, thank you. The Honourable Premier seems to be talking about section 2(5) [of the Government Loans Act 1978] of the excess bor-rowing as it relates to the Sinking Fund. And this Bill is amending section 12A. So, when we go into Committee maybe he can speak to why it is amending section 12A instead of section 2(5). [ Inaudible interjections] Hon. Jarion Richardson: But . . . I will take the point of clarification, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier. POINT OF CLARIFICATION Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the sections of which he refers to as the establishment of the excess borrow-ing fund . . . section 12A speaks to how those funds can be used, the application of the funds. So, it is very specific that in …
Premier. POINT OF CLARIFICATION Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, the sections of which he refers to as the establishment of the excess borrow-ing fund . . . section 12A speaks to how those funds can be used, the application of the funds. So, it is very specific that in one section it says the Sinking Fund, t he regular Sinking Fund can be used pay interest or to repurchase and pay debt. In the matters underneath the excess borrowing fund right now currently, it means to either be in-vested under the Public Funds Act or to fund deficits. We are now changing that to add another line that if in the opinion of the Minister of Finance there are no deficits, which is clearly the opinion of this House as we have passed the budget, then those funds can be trans-ferred to other public funds. So, the section which he is speaking about speaks specifically to how those monies can be used. It is one thing to establish a fund, and then it is a ques-tion of how those funds can be used. And there are specific guardrails around what the particular funds are. And with his saying there are no guardrails . . . the guardrails are there.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerHonourable Member. Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes. I thank the Honourable Premier. I look forward to this coming up in Committee when we will speak to the specific clauses. To that end, Mr. Speaker, as we move forward we have made it quite clear that there are other ways of undertaking …
Honourable Member. Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes. I thank the Honourable Premier. I look forward to this coming up in Committee when we will speak to the specific clauses. To that end, Mr. Speaker, as we move forward we have made it quite clear that there are other ways of undertaking this work within the parliamentary and government mechanisms. We think that introducing such an amendment is a very dangerous precedent because it does set up, unfortunately . . . we are well aware from my earlier question that the Sinking Fund is currently going down in number incredibly fast. In fact, two years ago, two fiscal periods ago it was over $200 million. Now it is $117 million. And in the next fiscal pe-riod it will be $82 million. And this in the face of the Premier’s commitment to make sure it retains a
B ermuda House of Assembly balance of $100 million. So, we are definitely seeing this going down quite quickly. The Sinking Fund’s original purpose is to keep debt away from future generations, and that account is going down. So, with that being said, Mr. Speaker, I am looking forward to the Honourable Minister/Honourable Premier speaking at length to this in Commit tee. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Member. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? MP De Silva, you have the floor. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Why would he know that? Mr. Speaker, I stand in full support of this amendment. And as Members …
Thank you, Member. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? MP De Silva, you have the floor. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Why would he know that? Mr. Speaker, I stand in full support of this amendment. And as Members opposite said, Why? Well, I think it is quite clear. Quite clear, Mr. Speaker, that this country has been through a lot over the last several years. We all know that when COVID -19 hit us it absolutely devastated our tourism industry. It crippled many businesses, closed some businesses, left a lot of people unemployed. This Government, however, you will remember outside of all of the other support, one of the most significant things we did do was employees were paid $500 per week for a period of time. And I think that just goes to show where this Government’s head was then and is now. As the Premier said, we expect that these funds will be given to our people and our businesses. And I have to emphasise that because after listening to the Opposition Leader, and if I could quote, he said that We don’t know where this money is going. We don’t know where it’s going. And he said, Well, there have to be other ways of doing this. Well, I did not hear too many other ways. [ Inaudible interjections] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: I waited with bated breath when he said, Look. There are other ways. Hon. Jarion Richardson: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes. I think the Honourable Member may be inadvertently misleading the House. So, the other ways were, I spoke to grants and contributions as one exam-ple of other ways, and equally I do not recall saying, We don’t know . …
Point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes. I think the Honourable Member may be inadvertently misleading the House. So, the other ways were, I spoke to grants and contributions as one exam-ple of other ways, and equally I do not recall saying, We don’t know . . . In fact, I recall at the beginning of my statement saying that I thank the Premier for speaking about why and what is going to happen with these funds. Thank you. The Speaker: Thank you. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, he did.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMember, you can continue. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: And I will quote, Mr. Speaker. But you know I write when people talk. And the Honourable Member said, and I quote, This is not the only way. Not the only way. Now, and he went on to say there …
Member, you can continue. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: And I will quote, Mr. Speaker. But you know I write when people talk. And the Honourable Member said, and I quote, This is not the only way. Not the only way. Now, and he went on to say there are other ways. So, the Honourable Mem-ber gave one way, but I would expect . . . I think when I went to school, when you add an “s” to something, it means more than one. So, Mr. Speaker, I was not at all impressed with the single way, other way of which the Honourable [Opposition] Leader spoke. Now, Mr. Speaker, I thank my honourable colleague, Minister Jason Hayward, because when the Honourable Member mentioned slush fund, and I could fairly turn my page around of notes, you will see where I have here “slush fund” because I was certainly going to let Members know that this was not an appropriate word. But that was a word that has been used a lot by the former OBA, and I hope it is not going to be one that this former [Opposition] Leader uses anymore in this House. Because that is what they do! That is what they do. And speaking of what they do, Mr. Speaker, I just want to say that, you know, there may be some on the other side who will criticise this amendment. But, Mr. Speaker, on February 26, and I will table for the House on the front page of the Royal Gazette, here is the headline. This is by Douglas De Couto [sic] , but this is the headline: “ OBA: Government ‘rolling the dice’ on corporate tax. ” Now, that was on the front page, February 26. Now, Mr. Speaker, I will also table [from] the s ame newspaper [25 February 2024], Mr. Speaker, and I will confirm on page 6 at the bottom of the page, and this is the headline: “ Business groups give blessing to government budget.” [ Inaudible interjections] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: You did not hear that? Okay. Let us repeat that, Mr. Speaker, for those who may not have heard. On February 26, on the front page of the Royal Gazette—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWhen you refer to the writer, just remember you cannot refer to the role that the person plays in another place. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, yes, yes. I will do that. I will correct that right now, Mr. Speaker. “OBA:” (and I quote) “government ‘rolling the dice’ …
When you refer to the writer, just remember you cannot refer to the role that the person plays in another place. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, yes, yes. I will do that. I will correct that right now, Mr. Speaker. “OBA:” (and I quote) “government ‘rolling the dice’ on corporate tax.” An article by a Member who sits in another place. 1120 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Good. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Now, Mr. Speaker, on that same day the same newspaper on page 6 at the bottom— and I say “bottom” because I clipped it out so that you can see it is at the bottom of that page—there is a headline, “Business groups give blessing to government budget.” Now, Mr. Speaker, what do you think the headline would have been if these business groups dis-agreed with this Government’s budget? Hon. Jarion Richardson: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: How can you point -of-order that? POINT OF ORDER Hon. Jarion Richardson: Just seeking some clarity. The debate is about the amendment to the Sinking Fund [as laid out in the Act], not about what is on the front page of …
Point of order. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: How can you point -of-order that? POINT OF ORDER Hon. Jarion Richardson: Just seeking some clarity. The debate is about the amendment to the Sinking Fund [as laid out in the Act], not about what is on the front page of the paper. So can we stick . . . because we are wandering a little bit in the debate. At one point we were talking about housing. [ Inaudible interjections and general uproar ] Hon. Jarion Richardson: Can we . . . Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Now, Mr. Speaker, that is very interesting.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe point is a valid point, you know. Whenever you address, you try and keep it to today’s topic. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: You are right, Mr. Speaker. It is a very valid point. But you know, when the Honourable Member talked about slush fund, I did not …
The point is a valid point, you know. Whenever you address, you try and keep it to today’s topic. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: You are right, Mr. Speaker. It is a very valid point. But you know, when the Honourable Member talked about slush fund, I did not interfere. That was not a valid point, and it certainly was not appropriate for this House. I did not say a dickey -bird.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWell, your colleague cleared it up for us. Your colleague cleared it up. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: But, Mr. Speaker, the reason I mentioned this, Mr. Speaker, is because there was in-ference that this money, once transferred, will not be appropriately allocated. Okay? Saying that this Government, as …
Well, your colleague cleared it up for us. Your colleague cleared it up. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: But, Mr. Speaker, the reason I mentioned this, Mr. Speaker, is because there was in-ference that this money, once transferred, will not be appropriately allocated. Okay? Saying that this Government, as they do through back -door comments, is not qualified t o run this country. And we hear that day in and day out by the combined Opposition. But what this article did tell us, Mr. Speaker —
Mr. L. Craig CannonierPoint of order, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: Point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading]
Mr. L. Craig CannonierThe Honourable Member is misleading the House. There certainly was no inference whatsoever to the sentiment that he has just re-ferred to in this House of Assembly. You want to talk about it somewhere else, then fine. We have nothing to do with blogs and the like. [ Inaudible interjections …
Mr. L. Craig CannonierBut there was no inference in this House to that sentiment, none whatsoever.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Be mindful of his comment. Be mindful of his comment. He adjusted you. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes. Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Member Cannonier, former Premier, who just took his seat should be the last one in this House to talk about blogs after paying someone …
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. MembersOoh! Ooh! [ Desk thumping]
Mr. L. Craig CannonierPoint of order, Mr. Speaker. If we are going to head down . . . [ Pause]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMake your point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading]
Mr. L. Craig CannonierYes. He is misleading the House. That is not a fact at all! Not a fact at all! I mean, if we want to look at facts, we can look in the newspaper to see where he has been. Come on now! Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: That’s the …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWhoa! Whoa! Whoa! Both Members take your seats. W e have been here for a few hours today. And we have got a few hours ahead of us. This is a very serious debate. We are very serious about the future of this country, and we are talking about the …
Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Both Members take your seats. W e have been here for a few hours today. And we have got a few hours ahead of us. This is a very serious debate. We are very serious about the future of this country, and we are talking about the finances of this country. If you can speak to finance, we w ill not have a problem. But if we are going to go down
B ermuda House of Assembly personal roads, I am going to tell anyone who goes down that road, Get out! from here on in, because we are not going to let this debate go that way. Does everyone understand that? There is enough factual information when we come to talk about the funds of this country that people can talk to the factual issues. This is a very important document that sits in front of each of us. It is enough to make a full debate if you intend to debate this matter. If you do not have enough, or if you cannot stick to what is before you, do not participate. Because we are not going to have this sideshow. Continue on. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I certainly did not bring up blogs, and I will not do, Mr. Speaker. All I was doing was responding to the com-ment about blogs. Mr. Speaker, this newspaper article is not a blog. This is factual information. And Members will know in this House, when I stand up and talk, Mr. Speaker, I bring evidence. I bring facts. And yes, it is very important that we are talking about the finances of this country. And it is very important to know that this Government has done a fantastic job in running the fi-nances of this country, which is why we have the sup-port of the business community in this country. Not any blog, nobody writing this for us. We are not paying an-ybody to write it. They came out with a joint statement, Mr. Speaker, on February 26. It is just unfortunate, unfortunate that it did not make the front page, Mr. Speaker, which is exactly where it should be. Because as I said, Mr. Speaker, had this Government not run this country and not minded the public purse like we have done, I can assure you that would have been on the front page. Now, Mr. Speaker, all I want to say . . . I will finish on this note. The people of this country over the last several years during that COVID -19 period, they were stressed. People lost their jobs. Businesses were struggling. People were hurt. There was an increase of the mental health [issues] of many in our country. But we pressed on. We have done a lot for the people of this country; the record will show that. This particular amendment, once it is passed today, and forgetting all of the banter that just took place, I am sure that the Opposition will support. Because what this will do is . . . our Premier will do what he has done for the last six years. This money will go to the people and businesses in this country to help them move forward in the most positive, positive way. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member. Any other Member? Minister Burch.
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchJust a few words on $10 million. Mr. Speaker, I want to say that we have been working on increasing the housing stock since we re-turned to Government. And for a significant portion of that time, there was a period of austerity where most requests for funding for housing and …
Just a few words on $10 million. Mr. Speaker, I want to say that we have been working on increasing the housing stock since we re-turned to Government. And for a significant portion of that time, there was a period of austerity where most requests for funding for housing and many other things were not able to be approved. So, three years ago, Mr. Speaker, when there was a request for funding for housing, there were actually supposed to be two re-quests. One was for the $15 million to address the rental market and primarily our own units. And the other that was to follow but did not was for additional funding to support the private sector rental programme. Mr. Speaker, the private sector rental programme is designed for private landlords who have units that are not presently occupied primarily because they are in need of some repair. And so, the Corporation has had for a very long time an opportunity to pro-vide assistance to those private sector landlords by renovating their units and then incorporating them into the housing stock for a period of time until we got back the investment. Mr. Speaker, this has helped both the Corporation, the people of Bermuda and the landowners, since which we have expanded that process so that the Housing Corporation will take away all of the drama, all of the activity that goes on in a rental property, will take that responsibility on so that the landowner does not have to engage with tenants. That is a significant part of the reason why many, particularly the senior resi-dents of Bermuda and homeowners, have taken their properties off of the market. They do not want the drama. They do not want to have to deal with late rent, damage to their property, noise, disrespect, all of the negatives. So, this programme provides those landowners with the opportunity to not have to deal with any of those issues. The Corporation will take it on. The Corporation will be the tenant. The Corporation will ensure that the rent is paid on time monthly. The only caveat to that is that we will not pay market rates. So, the trade- off for taking on all of this responsibility from the landlord and giving them a peaceful existence is that we will pay slightly less than market rates. I can tell you, Mr. Speaker, that three years ago when the $15 million was provided for rental accommo-dation, we did a fair amount of that work in terms of reaching out to people in the community. And about 27 people, I think, or groups of entities had reached out. And we have identified 15 of them, 8 of whom produce 15 units at a cost of $1.2 million. And so, we will start immediately with them. There are a number of other people as a result of the regular reports on the progress of housing and the continual drumbeating of private sector rental programmes who have recently reached out to the Corporation and me to offer up their units. It is the age- old challenge in this job, Mr. Speaker. No 1122 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly matter how many times you speak it, you have to speak it 10 times before a lot of people hear it the first time. So, a lot of people were not aware of the programme. I suspect after today’s debate and tomorrow’s reporting that more will become aware. And we invite them to reach out to the corporation and indicate what they wish to do. We will go out and assess the project. I do want to say that we will not at this stage of the game with this programme deal with completely derelict prop-erties. Because then you are talking about a complete rebuild. This is very much for renovation and repair of units so that they can come online as quickly as we can. I am very encouraged, Mr. Speaker, by not only the funding that we have, but the interest that is occur-ring in the community of people who have taken their units off of the market because of the stress of dealing with tenants, and looking at having the corporation do it, and assisting us in providing additional units for the Bermudian population. Mr. Speaker, we are not done yet.
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchThere are a number of other items that are bubbling on the back burner that currently there is no funding for. That is not a criticism or a complaint; that is a giving of notice that once we get through the funding and projects that we currently have in place, …
There are a number of other items that are bubbling on the back burner that currently there is no funding for. That is not a criticism or a complaint; that is a giving of notice that once we get through the funding and projects that we currently have in place, we will have others that we will bring to the fore, particularly to address the purchasing market. There are a number of units that we have and property that we have that have plans for them. And as soon as funding is available, we will make every effort to pro-duce them. The other thing that is encouraging about this in terms of addressing the housing challenges that we face is that the Government cannot do it alone. So, the efforts that are being made to encourage the private sector to not only develop residential units in the city and in the economic empowerment zones will go some ways to addressing the challenges that we face with housing. The future is very optimistic. The 137 units that the $15 million would have been spent on, you have already heard from the Honourable Premier that 67 of those are in train. There is a regular production of units being completed and starting. So, throughout this year there will be regular reports of progress in this space. Mr. Speaker, every person deserves a house over their head and a home. And we are committed to providing that in some way, shape or form, either through the rooming houses that we currently manage and run, as well as through individual units. I heard a story, Mr. Speaker, from Senator Lindsay Simmons, who had been talking to . . . She came to me about a lady who has for the last five years lived in rent -geared - to-income housing. And she has honoured the commitment of paying a quarter of her salary, her household income, in rent, and the 10 per cent savings. And she now has saved $30,000 and is excited about the prospects that she has with that money to do something for herself and her family. That is the aim of the exercise, Mr. Speaker. I said it before, most Black families, a lot of Black families (I will say) do not have it in their nature or their being or their culture to save. And so, I am not averse to supporting a programme that forces people to do that. And I certainly was around when rent -geared- to-income was introduced. And there was much resistance from people who said, You cannot tell me how to do that. I said, If you want to be in involved in this programme, then you have to do it . And in every single case where people have been able to save and not been able to spend it on a new car or a new dress or a trip to Disney World, once they have seen the money build up, they are encouraged to not only continue saving but also to make every effort to be able to stand on their own two feet. That is called giving people a hand- up and empowering them to be able to be responsible adults and citizens in this country, Mr. Speaker. So, we will continue in this vein. And I shall give regular reports on the progress that we have and the new ventures that come on board. Because I have no doubt that we will have no challenge in allocating all $10 million of those dollars on providing housing to the people of this country. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to speak? Minister Furbert. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I feel compelled to stand to my feet in regard to the amendment to this legislation today. And the reason I do is because I get …
Thank you. Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to speak? Minister Furbert. Hon. Tinee Furbert: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I feel compelled to stand to my feet in regard to the amendment to this legislation today. And the reason I do is because I get a lot of questions as it relates to health care and housing. What this Government has been able to do, Mr. Speaker, is to do things differently. And we have capabilities to be able to think outside of the box so that we are able to serve our people in many ways and in different capacities. So, what we are presenting today only makes sense because if the alternative, particu-larly in health care, was to raise the increase of the SPR [standard premium rate] to an additional $45 that would have not been good particularly for seniors who are on fixed incomes who already are having to choose between their regular needs and other needs, right? So, it just would not have been the right thing to do. So, with the foresight of this Government to be able to think outside of the box and do something a little bit differently so that the Premier says, Reduce the financial burden, I would say to prevent financial burden. Being closely connected with our seniors in the community, one thing that they do specifically talk about is health care and the cost of health care. It would not have been in our best interests as a country to in-crease the SPR another $45. That $45 could go toward something else. So, we have found a way to not have
B ermuda House of Assembly to do that. In one of the most recent town halls that we have, the National Seniors Strategy, that was definitely one of the issues that they did not want. And one of the concerns as far as health care that they surely advo-cated against was that we do not create an additional financial burden. So, we are a Government who listens to that. And actually, quite frankly, they were very adamant in regard to what we should do to assist our seniors when the corporate income tax structure comes about. And speaking to the corporate income tax structure, I remember reading an article, Mr. Speaker, where it spoke to those countries that will be successful with the introduction of the corporate tax system must also pay attention to what they are doing as a country as it related to infrastructure. Housing being an element of infrastructure, it is also important that we are paying attention to those sorts of predictions as we are about to engage or implement corporate income tax. Mr. Speaker, I get many, many phone calls in particular in regard to seniors who do not find their homes adequate enough anymore, where they cannot get outside of their house or get around their house. And so, what we are looking to do by helping our peop le with this $10 million can provide our seniors another opportunity to be able to make renovations to their homes and benefit from this housing solution. We have been a Government that has been committed to making sure that we continue to address the issues of housing. We cannot continue to stand by and do absolutely nothing. So, this again, the amend-ment to this legislation, this Bill is showing our commi tment to making sure that we are addressing the crisis of housing. There is nothing worse, Mr. Speaker, than hearing somebody’s cry on the other end of the Island saying that they are about to be evicted and lose what they call their humble abode and they have nowhere to go. It is not a nice feeling to get that phone call. And they are desperately looking for options. And while this may not be a solution to everyone’s burden, it will definitely help many, Mr. Speaker. So, we make no excuse for being able to find alternative ways and methods to be able to help our people as it relates to health care and housing. And this is what we are set out to do today, Mr. Speaker. So, it is not a question, you know? It is not a question about not doing something. It is a question about doing something and doing the right thing and preventing, Mr. Speaker, the financial burden of our people. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? MP Dunkley, you have the floor. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to make some comments on the Government Loans Amendment Act 2024 here …
Thank you, Minister. Does any other Member wish to make a contribution at this time? MP Dunkley, you have the floor. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to have the opportunity to make some comments on the Government Loans Amendment Act 2024 here this afternoon. And, Mr. Speaker, what I have grown to enjoy about this Chamber and sometimes get frustrated about this Chamber is the fact that you place legislation in front of you or a take- note motion, or whatever, in front of you, and there are two sides of the House. And both sides can argue a different position quite elo-quently at times, Mr. Speaker. And the public has to listen to that, and they have to figure out what is, in their opinion, the best way to go forward. Well, at the end of the day, the Government will always have their way, as former Deputy Speaker Wal-ter Lister used to say: The Opposition will have its say and the Government will have its way. But that is why it is critical that the Opposition come and be prepared to speak on debates even though it might be contrary to some of the opinion within the House. Now, Mr. Speaker, as I wear my politician hat, it is very difficult for me to stand here this afternoon and in any way show that I do not support keeping health premiums down for the people we serve. [ Inaudible interjections] Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: It is very difficult for me, Mr. Speaker, because as a politician . . . And I hear all of this chirping in the background, Mr. Speaker. I would suggest that those Members listen or get up and speak when they have a chance because this is serious. This is serious business. And I can chirp with the best of them. But there are some times to remain silent. And here is why. [ Inaudible interjections] Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: And here is why, Mr.
SpeakerThe SpeakerThis country has significant challenges. We know we have an ageing population. We know. One of the Honourable Members, when we wished her birthday wishes today, took some time to talk about the seniors in her constituency. And it was referenced that another Member of this Chamber had over 100 …
This country has significant challenges. We know we have an ageing population. We know. One of the Honourable Members, when we wished her birthday wishes today, took some time to talk about the seniors in her constituency. And it was referenced that another Member of this Chamber had over 100 new seniors in their constituency. We know all of that. We also know, Mr. Speaker, that it is a fact that health care inflation has been greater than 10 per cent for a number of years now. So as people who care about the people we serve, as Members of Parliament on both sides, you know, we can argue about who cares more. But that is just a slippery slope, and the public start to wonder if we are wasting our time or if we are dealing with issues. But both sides care about the people whom we serve. So yes. It is an easy argument to support, We’re going to save the people we serve from a health care increase this year which would mean over $500 extra they would have to pay. It is easy! It is an easy argument, right? 1124 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly But here is the other side to that as well. And I support that, Mr. Speaker. I am well aware as an employer and as somebody who is insured myself, I am well aware of the cost of health insurance and the cost of health care. I study it religiously. But here is the other side of that. The PLP started talking about universal health care in 2012.
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberUh-oh. Uh- oh. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Let us be real —2012. They have been back in power now since 2017. And we have heard a lot of talk. And I have the greatest respect for Minister Wilson. She is a lady of integrity who cares about what she does. …
Uh-oh. Uh- oh. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Let us be real —2012. They have been back in power now since 2017. And we have heard a lot of talk. And I have the greatest respect for Minister Wilson. She is a lady of integrity who cares about what she does. This is not criticism of Minister Wilson. This is criticism that we have not been able to make the de-cisions yet to put us in a better position seven years on. This is a shared challenge, Mr. Speaker. Because we do this. We use the excess borrowing money to help the people of Bermuda because we have not been able to find a better way. And, you know, my honourable colleague talked about that fund when he had to withdraw it.
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberDo not say it. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I am not going to repeat it because the Speaker already ruled. [ Inaudible interjections] Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: But if you look at what that is called, in the dictionary it also says other things, Mr. Speaker.
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberLike what? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: But, Mr. Speaker, that fund, the Sinking Fund with the excess borrowing in it still has to be repaid. Today? Not today. Tomorrow. We kick the can down the road. So, we stand here, we say, How great thou art! (And I am not …
Like what? Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: But, Mr. Speaker, that fund, the Sinking Fund with the excess borrowing in it still has to be repaid. Today? Not today. Tomorrow. We kick the can down the road. So, we stand here, we say, How great thou art! (And I am not close to singing, Wayne Furbert.) But we stand here and say, How great thou art! But the fact of the matter is, we burden future generations today by the decisions we make. And you know what? The sad reality of it, Mr. Speaker, is none of us will be here when [they] have to repay that money. None of us will be here when [they] have to repay that money. So, Mr. Speaker, I am not saying it is not the best thing to do. But the right thing to do and the most appropriate thing to do now is to make some improvements on health care reform. We spent a lot of money. We spent a lot of money toward health care reform, but we have not seen any significant changes at this point in time. And so here is the rub. Here is the rub, Mr. Speaker. Health care inflation has increased, as I have said already, over 10 per cent for numerous years. I do not know if I can go back — [ Inaudible interjection] Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Numerous years. Yes, it has. It has. The Honourable Premier says not here. But go back and do the research. It has increased by dou-ble digits for numerous years. It is unlikely, Mr. Speaker, that — Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David Burt: The Honourable Member is misleading the House. Health accounts are public, they are tabled here in the Honourable House. I do not have the things to get back to him. But it is not correct to say that health …
Point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David Burt: The Honourable Member is misleading the House. Health accounts are public, they are tabled here in the Honourable House. I do not have the things to get back to him. But it is not correct to say that health care inflation is running over 10 per cent in Bermuda. That is not correct. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Well, Mr. Speaker, we will have to take a look at those accounts. I appreciate the interjection by the Honourable Premier, but my re-search shows something that is different. [ Inaudible interjections] Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: But wait a second, Mr. Speaker. They are asking me to table it. But the Prem-ier makes an interjection, and he does not table his document, Mr. Speaker. Now come on! Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWait, wait, wait, wait. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Finish your point that you are making. Hold your point. What was your point? The Member was making a point. Finish your point. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes. The Honourable Members are getting exercised by the presentation that I am making, …
Wait, wait, wait, wait. Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Finish your point that you are making. Hold your point. What was your point? The Member was making a point. Finish your point. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Yes. The Honourable Members are getting exercised by the presentation that I am making, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, in the research that I have done, I see otherwise. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Point of order, Mr. Speaker! Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: And I will bring some information to this Honourable House. But let’s not, Mr. Speaker — [ Inaudible interjections]
B ermuda House of Assembly Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Sit down?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Okay.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerWhat is your point, Member? POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: My point of order, Mr. Speaker, is that the Honourable Member knows full well that in this House if you make a statement, my re-search and such, you have to table it! Mr. Speaker, I …
What is your point, Member? POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: My point of order, Mr. Speaker, is that the Honourable Member knows full well that in this House if you make a statement, my re-search and such, you have to table it! Mr. Speaker, I do it every time I speak. You have to table it. You cannot diss the Premier in that way and not have information to present.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerHonourable Member, Honourable Member. Do not stretch your points too far. He made an opinion on his research. We are not necessarily re-quired to table every statement that we make. But I have asked most Members to be very cautious in how you extend yourse lf. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: …
Honourable Member, Honourable Member. Do not stretch your points too far. He made an opinion on his research. We are not necessarily re-quired to table every statement that we make. But I have asked most Members to be very cautious in how you extend yourse lf. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. So, getting to the point that I was making, Mr. Speaker, next year health care costs will continue to increase, in my view. So, what do we do next year, Mr. Speaker? Now, the Honourable Premier also stated that the Consolidated Fund does not pay into the Mutual Reinsurance Fund. I accept that. However, Mr. Speaker, if you think that the model that we are currently using now is working in Bermuda, then just look at the facts about the number of people who do not have universal health care, the cost of health insurance and the cost of health care generally. Look at the facts also, Mr. Speaker. And I will come back to this legislation very quickly. But as the Premier spoke to it, I would like to make some comments on it. Look at the facts, Mr. Speaker. For the last three fiscal years, the last three fiscal years the Government has budgeted at least $11 million less to the hospital than they have paid at the end of that fiscal year. So, in fiscal year 2021/22, the budget was $147.2 million; it ended at $158.3 million, $11.1 increase, Mr. Speaker. Hon. E. David Burt: Point of order, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David Burt: I am so grateful that the Honourable Member has brought this topic up because when he debated this in the Budget Debate I was at an en-gagement with my son, and I was unable to be in the Chamber …
Point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. E. David Burt: I am so grateful that the Honourable Member has brought this topic up because when he debated this in the Budget Debate I was at an en-gagement with my son, and I was unable to be in the Chamber at that particular time. But I did hear him mak-ing these particular falsehoods. So, I must correct the record. He is stating that the Government spent less than it budgeted for. And the important point to note is that it did not . . . it was additional funds that were budgeted previously that were not paid. That is the point. We went through a pandemic. We had a constrained economy. So, in the facts of which he is stating on those particular matters, we were in a pandemic phase. That is why those funds were less because we were constrained with the amount of funds of which we had. It is not accurate to say that the amounts, for instance on the subsidy, were not enough so we paid more. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, that was most confusing. First the Honourable Premier tried to say that the budgeted amount was what it was supposed to be (in my words). Then he said we were constrained in what we could pay . What I see, Mr. Speaker, is in the Budget Book in 2021/22, the original budget, as I said, was $147.2 million. And the final budget was $158.3 million, and the extra was $11 million. The same happened the next fi-nancial year, $147.2 million. But the final budget was $162.3 million. Now, Mr. Speaker, I am not being criti-cal of the hospital because I have every confidence in the care one gets down there. My aim is to make sure we fund it in an appropriate manner. And then look what happened last financial year, 2023/24. The original budget was increased to $155.1 million. The final budget was $171.6 million. The increase was $16.5 million. Now, the Government did say last year that there was a mistake in paying the block grant, which I believe had something to do with this $16.5 million, Mr. Speaker. Now, Mr. Speaker, all of this shows that our health care system, while continuing to try to provide the best health care for the people of Bermuda in the most efficient manner, has some cracks through it that we need to address. So, by giving our seniors and giv-ing all of our people this benefit this year, which saves them $500, we are kicking the can down the road. It is time that we made sure that we tied the can down and did something about it, Mr. Speaker. So that brings me specifically to this Bill, Mr. Speaker. Now, in regard to this Bill, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Welcome back. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Honourable Members — and I hear the chief inchirpolator , Mr. Speaker, say, Welcome back. [ Inaudible interjections] 1126 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Do not get sidetracked. Do not get sidetracked. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Well, I have not even pulled out the Royal Gazette yet. So, I am sure I can find a copy somewhere in somebody’s desk to talk about, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Government says, Well, show us another way. Note, I have not said “other ways.” Show us another way. Well, Mr. Speaker, if this Government did not pound their chests and act so happy that they have produced a surplus budget, there are other ways. There is one way I will talk about today, and there are other ways that people might talk about, Mr. Speaker. We could do it. We could do it fund-ing through the government and have a deficit, Mr. Speaker. But it means a lot to this Government, it means a lot to any Government, to have a balanced budget or a surplus budget, Mr. Speaker. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: But all we are doing is we are doing creative accounting. I am not saying it is wrong. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: We aren’t fuzzing the numbers. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Now, see the Honourable Member says, fuzzing the numbers. I never said that. The Honourable Member Zane De Silva says fuzzing the numbers. I never said that. I said creative. Because accountants can be creative in the right way that follows accounting principles. And I am not saying that this is wrong, Mr. Speaker, it is a change. And the challenge that we on this side have, Mr. Speaker, specifically is, the Bill says . . . we are not in Committee, I am just going to refer to this one sec-tion. Well, the Explanatory Memorandum says that “re-placing subsection (1B) so that excess moneys in the Sinking Fund can, additionally, be applied to a quango” (And the Premier said that this is going to be changed, that “quango” probably should not have been used there.) “or other public funds if such moneys, in the opinion of the Minister of Finance, are not required to fund any deficits.” Now, Mr. Speaker, that is the challenge that we have. Because that means, Mr. Speaker, . . . so we are taking these two approaches this year with the funding of the Health Insurance Premiums and the funding for the Bermuda Housing Corporation. Right? But this now allows the Finance Minister in future years to have this discretion and not report it to the House in real time. And I would have thought that it was more appropriate, no matter who the Government is, Mr. Speaker, to re-port it to the House in real time to let the House have some oversight, because the last I checked this House has the oversight of the public purse. That is why we spent 56 hours in debate. Now, Mr. Speaker, the Premier mentioned at least once that the Opposition supported the Appropri-ation Act today. And I wanted to touch base on that briefly because there are some people, even got back to me today and wondered why we supported it. [ Inaudible interjections] Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: And here is why, Mr. Speaker. Because I have been going through budgets for some years now, Mr. Speaker, and I have not seen any year where an Opposition has not had disagreements with a budget. Some of those disagreements have been voiced and debated qui te vehemently. That’s the case. That is the case quite frequently, Mr. Speaker, and we made our case here today. But myself and my colleagues, the Government must have the ability to take care of the people and the services that they deserve. And that is why we would not vote against the budget. I watch the stuff that happens in our good neighbour to the west of us and all those debates on funding so that the Government does not close down. We are more mature than that. We can understand that we can have our debates in this Chamber and at the end of those debates, while there might be some differences, we need to make sure that this country contin-ues to move forward and we will deal with those differ-ences in budget at other times, Mr. Speaker. And that is why I mention that. So, the Premier should not feel like it is the greatest thing in the world that the Opposition voted for it. I would never think of voting against it unless there was something that was so, so wrong that I couldn’t sleep tonight. My public conscience would not let me sleep tonight, Mr. Speaker. We have differences all through this budget. We have a lot of support in this budget and that is why we took that tonight. But one thing, Mr. Speaker, that I am curious about, and I hope the Honourable Premier, Minister of Finance, can deal with it when he stands up. Don’t we have this process a little backwards today, Mr. Speaker? Because if this Bill does not go through to-day, and I realise the Bill is going to go through. You know, the 30 do not really care about the 6. We know from the Senior Minister who is shaking his head. He said it, I believe it was last year sometime around this time. The Honourable Member was very clear about that. But if this Bill did not pass today for some reason, the budget would already be on tender hooks. Be-cause the budget needs this Bill. The Premier, Minister of Finance, does not have permission to do what is listed in the budget until this Bill passes. So out of re-spect for this Honourable Chamber, I say, with all due respect, that this Bill should have been done before the Appropriation Act was passed. Because we are assum-ing this Bill is going to be passed without the debate.
B ermuda House of Assembly Now, Mr. Speaker, I think I have been very clear in what I have laid out. This Bill here not only has implications this year, but it has implications in future years which makes it very difficult for us to support it when we do not know what might transpire in the future years because excess money can be put to other use without even coming back to the House in real time, Mr. Speaker. And that has got to be a concern. The Government has our support in the budget and doing what they have to do in housing and doing what they have to do to help in health care. We need to make decisions, so we do not have to keep borrowing money to do it. But, Mr. Speaker, the challenge with this Bill is not so much this year. It is the discretion to do in the future where any Minister of Finance under any Government could do it without real time reporting. And that is the oversight that Parliament must not have taken from them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to — MP Famous.
Mr. Christopher FamousMr. Speaker, I am going to be very brief. I need to remind the people of Bermuda that a few years ago when the PLP was returned to Government . . . and I will start talking about health care reform. There was a newly elected OBA MP whose reply …
Mr. Speaker, I am going to be very brief. I need to remind the people of Bermuda that a few years ago when the PLP was returned to Government . . . and I will start talking about health care reform. There was a newly elected OBA MP whose reply was, Health care reform? What do you all think this is? Socialism?
Mr. Christopher FamousHe went on to denigrate not even the mechanics of it but just the thought of health care reform. Calling us North Korea, all these sorts of places. So I took a moment to look it up and I [thought], Hmm. Health care reform. Universal health care. Places such as …
Mr. Christopher FamousThey had health care. The sort of thing we are trying to get toward. But this partic-ular Member was vehemently (is that the right word?) against health care reform. Then I did a little research. This thing called . . . what do they call it? Register of Interest. And …
They had health care. The sort of thing we are trying to get toward. But this partic-ular Member was vehemently (is that the right word?) against health care reform. Then I did a little research. This thing called . . . what do they call it? Register of Interest. And I came to find out that this particular individual was a major share-holder in every insurance company in Bermuda. [ Inaudible interjections]
Mr. Christopher FamousEvery insurance company that he didn’t declare when he was vehemently against health care reform. Mr. Speaker, that was a prelude to what happened next. One by one the health insurance companies launched a tirade against health care re-form. And sooner or later some of the doctors, medical practitioners joined …
Every insurance company that he didn’t declare when he was vehemently against health care reform. Mr. Speaker, that was a prelude to what happened next. One by one the health insurance companies launched a tirade against health care re-form. And sooner or later some of the doctors, medical practitioners joined in the chorus. So, I say that when the Honourable Member who took his seat who agreed with the Appropriation Bill, when he says 12 years ago, 10 years ago, whatever period, the PLP said that in 2017, they came back and nothing has happened, what he left out is that one of his own Members is against it. What he left out is that the health care insurance com-panies in this country were against it. You see, Mr. Speaker, it has not happened as of yet for lack of trying. We have faced roadblocks by those who have profited off of the health of the people in this country. I have yet to hear persons from that side of the aisle speak out against those who profit without . . . every year they declare a profit. And then they are sitting there and saying, What are you all going to do? What are you all going to do? Mr. Speaker, let me move on. Last June I was appointed as Chairman of the Bermuda Housing Cor-poration when the Honourable Member Vance Camp-bell became . . . went into Cabinet. Mr. Speaker, for the last year and a half, 18 months approximately, almost every other month the Housing Corporation has been able to open up a newly renovated place and hand it to the people of Bermuda, persons in Bermuda. You see, Mr. Speaker, some people who might already have houses, it does not matter to them. But, as the Honour-able Minister Tinee Furbert said, for those who have been living from bedpost to bedpost, pillow to post, finally having a roof over your head means a lot. And one of the things I want to say without equivocation (is that the word, equivocation?) is that in the time that the Pro-gressive Labour Party has been in Government we have done nothing but build houses for our people. Loughlands Estate, Mr. Speaker, some people in Paget were against. Anchorage, down in St. George’s, that some people in St. George’s were against, houses on Butterfield Lane (for those who don’t know that is off of White Hill, which is Sandys not Somerset). But Mr. Speaker, I could go on and on. But the point is — [ Inaudible interjections]
Mr. Christopher FamousYes, Perimeter Lane. The point is, Mr. Speaker, those same countries in Europe look out for their people by providing social housing. No one ever calls them Socialists or Com-munists. They say, Wow! Such a caring country. So I want to close here, Mr. Speaker, finance is not my thing. …
Yes, Perimeter Lane. The point is, Mr. Speaker, those same countries in Europe look out for their people by providing social housing. No one ever calls them Socialists or Com-munists. They say, Wow! Such a caring country. So I want to close here, Mr. Speaker, finance is not my thing. I only went to your government school. But what I do know, Mr. Speaker, is if the PLP is going to take money and help the people of Bermuda put a roof over their head, or medicine in their body, I am all for it. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member. 1128 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly Does any other Honourable Member —MP Swan.
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. SwanMr. Speaker, I just wanted to follow on from where the Honourable Member just left off with regard to making available by appropriating monies for housing because I have lived long enough to see many a cycle of housing shortages in Bermuda. I remember as a young man in 1983, …
Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to follow on from where the Honourable Member just left off with regard to making available by appropriating monies for housing because I have lived long enough to see many a cycle of housing shortages in Bermuda. I remember as a young man in 1983, Mr. Speaker, in the same year that I would have offered myself as a candidate, that housing was provided for me by a PLP candidate in one of his apartments. I am speaking of my dear friend, almost like my father, the late Lloyd James, on South Shore. And I remember the outcry that took place over the dearth of housing and the housing crisis that existed when people were cele-brating balanced budgets, persons in this country were unable to find adequate housing. I was a newly married person at that particular time. And thank you to Lloyd who had tourist accommodation who made sure that accommodation was not used for tourists so that I was not out in the street. I have lived long enough to see two people stand out in this country when it came to housing. And they come from two different political parties. One started off with the PLP but became UBP, and my friend, Quinton Edness, was associated with housing prior to the early 1980s. He built a lot of houses. And persons . . . what did Honourable Michael Dunkley say? How great thou art? Beat our chest as regard to the houses that Quinton would have shepherded through. But that did not stop the housing shortage be-cause what we would have seen in this country during that time period were persons who moved away from those types of accommodations that would have existed up on the Gold Coast and moved toward turning their tourist accommodations into long- term rentals. Not for Bermudians, but for the increase of insurance companies that came into the country. Because there was a switch that happened. There was a fundamental psychological shift that took place in the country during that time period where the country moved away from tourism. And there are many reasons why people hold many different philosophies as to why they changed. But I believe that a former Premier was at the forefront of that, and that would have been the late Sir David Gibbons. He would have been one who would have helped to move the country more toward international business. Others would claim it, that policies took place, but there . . . The other Minister who has built houses has been one of more recent . . . who in my opinion has surpassed that of my late and dear f riend, QE, and that is the current Minister for Works, the Hon-ourable Lt. Col. David Burch. He has single- handedly in his portfolios during different administrations of PLP Governments done what I have always believed needed to happen in this country —housing available for Bermudians in different ways. Creative ways of financing, creative ways . . . Loughlands was geared to (you have heard about it) geared- to-income and the like. Not being afraid to realise what the difficulty was in this country. Putting to-gether emergency housing. Don’t forget the emergency housing that exists in the country in p laces that folks were at one time wanting to knock them all down. Re-member when the base transitions came? Some peo-ple said, Knock them all down. So, I just want to say, Mr. Speaker, that I am very supportive. And I think that housing in this instance will be the benefactor and Bermudians will be the benefactor of us. And quality of life can only exist in a country where its persons and its citizenry can be ade-quately housed at a rate in which they can afford to live. There was a time when we said one week’s wage equalled one month’s rent. Right? Well, we know we are a long way away from that. But if you are ever going to achieve that it will be with this Government. It would only be with this PLP Government in this country. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Member. I was going to ask if any other Member wanted to speak but I see two Members jumped, so I am as-suming that is yes to my . . . is my answer. Minister Hayward. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to provide intervention in …
Thank you, Member. I was going to ask if any other Member wanted to speak but I see two Members jumped, so I am as-suming that is yes to my . . . is my answer. Minister Hayward. Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I just wanted to provide intervention in this debate and make something abundantly clear. And I think it is important coming from another Member instead of the Minister of Finance in terms of the points which Mr. Dunkley raised. What we are talking about — [ Inaudible interjection] Hon. Jason Hayward: The Honourable Member Dunkley raised. And what we are talking about is the excess fund, not the Sinking Fund. And the excess fund was specifically designed to pay down deficits. Not debt; deficits — [ Inaudible interjections] Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, if there are no deficits then how is the money utilised? Well, currently, the money can be invested but what greater investment can you have than investing in your people? [ Inaudible interjections]
B ermuda House of Assembly Hon. Jason Hayward: And see, Mr. Speaker, I am glad for your intervention earlier where you prevented [us] from sometimes being the worst version of our-selves in this House. What we are doing with this fund is demonstrating the greater version of ourselves and that is putting money toward where the country would actually feel it. We are satisfying the basic levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. And that is housing, and that is safety and security as it pertains to health care. Hon. E. David Burt: Yes. Hon. Jason Hayward: We do not want to see residents pay further amounts of money out their pocket as it per-tains to health care costs. And so, we are doing some-thing to prevent that. And we have a mechanism that allows us to do something with the passage of this Bill. And we are only able to use that money in this particular manner because we have been fiscally responsible. And I think that is important to note. That we put our-selves in a position where now we have excess funds that we can put toward the care of our people. And we will do it unapologetically. All this notion in terms of no checks and balances, there are processes that take place in order to expend amounts of money that will be adhered to, num-ber one. But number two, underneath that fund, that fund is audited on an annual basis and a report has to be made of all the money that . . . how that money is spent. And we will be accountable for the way in which that money is spent. And so, I do not want the public to believe that somehow somebody just has a credit card that they can use [at their] disc retion. Mr. Speaker, I think we should make it abundantly clear that what this Government is actually doing is prioritising the people of this country. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Does any other Member . . . does any other Member . . . MP Jackson. MP Jackson, you have the floor.
Ms.
Susan E. JacksonI am going to start out with if it looks like a duck, and it quacks like a duck, it’s a duck. It does not matter what the money in the excess . . . the borrowing fund that we are debating today is borrowed money that we are going …
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberRight.
Ms.
Susan E. JacksonSo regardless of everything else and all the wonderful things we are going to do this year with that money, we are going to have to pay that money back with interest. I am not a financier. I would love to know how much per person it is going to …
So regardless of everything else and all the wonderful things we are going to do this year with that money, we are going to have to pay that money back with interest. I am not a financier. I would love to know how much per person it is going to still cost to pay that money back. But I have a couple of other questions. If we are going to use this excess money this year, what are we going to do next year? Because I figure if we use this money this year, and it is helping people who are paying for health care policies, fine, okay. But next year we are still going to have our health care premi-ums and we are still going to have to pay the money into this MRF [Mutual Reinsurance Fund] medical fund. So, what are we going to do then? And I would imagine that even just the general cost of living it is probably going to be more than the $45 a month that we are saving this year, will probably be more next year anyway. So I am just kind of putting all the pieces of the puzzle on the table, Mr. Speaker, because somehow this feels like it is not quite what it seems for the person. It might feel real good right now , but I am just curious about what it is going to look like tomorrow. Because at some point down the road we are going to have to face the reality. Now, I want to backtrack a little bit. Because I was quite impressed. Right? We, the Government, borrowed this money and we needed it. It was in the time of COVID -19. And it was helping the people and I remember, and it was heartwarming, people were not working, there was no money coming in, it was helping everybody. And we had to cover some serious costs, emergency services needed to be assisted. Lovely! Yes! That is why we borrowed this money. But Mr. Speaker, I am just going to lay it out on the line.
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberOh no, no. [ Inaudible interjections]
Ms.
Susan E. JacksonPeople who are paying for medical insurance right now are probably working and earning money. But there are still thousands of people in Bermuda who do not have any medical insurance, any medical coverage. So this means nothing to them. [ Inaudible interjections]
Ms.
Susan E. JacksonIt means nothing to them, Mr. Speaker. And they still have to pay that money back. They are going to have to pay it back. And any Customs duties they might run into or land taxes they may be scratching to get. Or maybe some car licence. They are just …
It means nothing to them, Mr. Speaker. And they still have to pay that money back. They are going to have to pay it back. And any Customs duties they might run into or land taxes they may be scratching to get. Or maybe some car licence. They are just tryi ng to get around Bermuda the best way they know how. They still have to pay all those taxes and they are going to have to pay that money back. And many of them do not have the medical insurance in the first place. So there is no savings here for them, Mr. Speaker. [ Inaudible interjections] 1130 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly Ms. Susan E. Jackson: And people think, Oh, I’m getting inflammatory. I am angry. You know, just walk around— [ Inaudible interjections]
Ms.
Susan E. Jackson—the streets of Hamilton, Mr. Speaker, or get on the bus. [ Inaudible interjections]
Ms.
Susan E. JacksonMr. Speaker, there are a lot of people out there who we helped, the Government helped, when we were in COVID -19, not working. Helping with emergency services. That is what these funds are for. If you want to use that money for excess . . . whatever you are …
Mr. Speaker, there are a lot of people out there who we helped, the Government helped, when we were in COVID -19, not working. Helping with emergency services. That is what these funds are for. If you want to use that money for excess . . . whatever you are calling it, then give it to the people who genuinely need it.
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberWho are they?
Ms.
Susan E. JacksonHelp out the seniors who are living at home who are not eating. Who are sick! And they are not paying their medical insurance. They are not! Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Point of order, Mr. Speaker. Point of order.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPoint of order? Okay. Point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Member is misleading the House. That is exactly what the Premier explained in a very detailed manner what we are going to use the money for. The Honoura-ble Member …
Point of order? Okay. Point of order. POINT OF ORDER [Misleading] Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Member is misleading the House. That is exactly what the Premier explained in a very detailed manner what we are going to use the money for. The Honoura-ble Member is indicating that the money is going to be . . . be . . . just spent on . . . what?
Ms.
Susan E. JacksonMr. Speaker, there are ways in which we could be providing money to the people who really, really need. And there a lot of them, Mr. Speaker. Now I am going to go just one step further and then I will take my seat. I am just curious, if we …
Mr. Speaker, there are ways in which we could be providing money to the people who really, really need. And there a lot of them, Mr. Speaker. Now I am going to go just one step further and then I will take my seat. I am just curious, if we are not . . . I’m just . . . this has just come into my head now. I am just curious, Mr. Speaker, if this money isn’t being given into this MRF fund for health care because it needs the support, and then if there was anything else that we could use it for we would. But we can’t because we have to help keep that hospital open and running. And if it wasn’t for that, then maybe we could be giving this money to people who are really down and out, who cannot even afford to go to the doctor. I am just curious. [ Inaudible interjections]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution? Premier, would you like to take us through? Hon. E. David Burt: Well, Mr. Speaker, I have heard some comments from other Members after the Honour-able Member who just took her seat and they said, It …
Thank you, Honourable Member. Does any other Honourable Member wish to make a contribution? Premier, would you like to take us through? Hon. E. David Burt: Well, Mr. Speaker, I have heard some comments from other Members after the Honour-able Member who just took her seat and they said, It sounds like you are in the wrong party, because the stuff you are advocating for was very much a part of the budget that you voted for earlier today. Whether or not you listen to what the Minister of Youth, Social Devel-opment and Seniors gave in a Ministerial Statement, the same Minister who is responsible for financial as-sistance that has increased the table of allowable ex-penses, the Minister of Health who is here making sure that health care is adequately provisioned to seniors and funded inside of a budget that we passed. The same budget that the Honourable Opposition Leader says, We need to reduce Government spending. How do you give more money to people in need and reduce Government spending at the same time? It is exactly what some of the Members said, Pure political theatre. No solutions. Nothing whatsoever point out a problem and give no solution for it. Gaslight-ing! That is what it is all the time. Come on now, Mr. Speaker. Really? After 56 hours of debate and an Honourable Member gets up on her [feet] and says that we need to provide more money for seniors when this Government is the one who continues to increase seniors’ pensions, and has increased the amount of money that is going to finan-cial assistance for seniors? Really? Was she not here for the debates? Come on! Mr. Speaker, you admonish Members to stick to the facts. And it is really hard when we are listening to debate that is devoid of fact. Everything in this brief that I provided at the beginning of this debate was fac-tual, Mr. Speaker. But I will provide some more facts
B ermuda House of Assembly because it is important that people know and understand. We keep hearing all this thing about what about next year? What about next year? which represents a fundamental misunderstanding in the way that health insurance works in this country. But if Honourable Members will go back the Budget Statement, it said that universal health care will launch next year. [ Desk thumping] Hon. E. David Burt: So, should we increase people’s health insurance rates this year and just get . . . no! That is the reason why we are doing this. But let’s talk about that next year thing, Mr. Speaker. Let’s go down memory lane. The Honourable Member who just took her seat was talking about the hospital and other things. Do you know what Minister Wayne Furbert and I had to do the first year we had to come up with a budget, Mr. Speaker? I will tell you what we had to do. Because the Honourable Member from constituency 10, who was the Premier at the time, and the former Minister of Fi-nance, raided the Bermuda Hospitals Board $50 million to pay for the America’s Cup.
Some Hon. Members Some Hon. MembersOoh! Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: How much? [ Inaudible interjections] Hon. E. David Burt: [It was] $50 million. So, when we talk about, What are you going to do next year? Our first year in putting together a budget was to find the $50 million that they had …
Mr. Speaker.
Hon. Zane J. S. De SilvaOh no! Hon. E. David Burt: So, if we want to talk about next year and all the rest, let’s be clear. This Government is using its increased and better performance from a strongly performing economy to invest in affordable housing and to ensure that we freeze health insurance rates …
Oh no! Hon. E. David Burt: So, if we want to talk about next year and all the rest, let’s be clear. This Government is using its increased and better performance from a strongly performing economy to invest in affordable housing and to ensure that we freeze health insurance rates for the third year in a row. That Government used excesses at the hospital which is a result of everyone’s health care rates being high due to health care inflation. When the Honourable Member talks about health care inflation with double digits, do you know the last time it was double digits? Under his administration— [ Desk thumping] Hon. E. David Burt: —under a fee- for-service model.
An Hon. Member An Hon. MemberSay it ain’t so. Hon. E. David Burt: There is no double- digit health care inflation now because we had the courage to change health insurance and the way it was funded in this country in 2018. And Members opposite opposed it! So, we cannot come in here with all …
Say it ain’t so. Hon. E. David Burt: There is no double- digit health care inflation now because we had the courage to change health insurance and the way it was funded in this country in 2018. And Members opposite opposed it! So, we cannot come in here with all sound and fury and talk about all these different things without re-membering what it is you actually did, and provide zero solutions whatsoever for the challenges of which you raised. Let’s be clear. We provided the sol utions. We have brought increased funding to this House. And we will continue to do it. And every single time Members opposite get up, and every time they go out on the street they say, We are going to reduce government expenditure. Well, I just have somet hing . . . Honourable Member from constituency 20, you cannot reduce government expenditure and do all the things of which you just said. But guess what? This budget that you voted for earlier today did not decrease government expenditure, it increased it and funded the stuff of which you want. [ Inaudible interjections] Hon. E. David Burt: Now, Mr. Speaker, I will go to the start, and I will say it was rich at the very beginning where the Opposition Leader started talking about fi-nancial responsibility. Mr. Speaker, the One Bermuda Alliance is in absolutely no place whatsoever to lecture any government on matters related to fiscal responsibility. None. [ Inaudible interjections] Hon. E. David Burt: None. None whatsoever. Because Mr. Speaker, we know the only time that we were forced . . . sorry, the first time we were forced to increase the debt ceiling was not the year when we came into office and had to find $50 million because they took money to pay for the America’s Cup from the hospital. That was not when we had to find the money. The first time we had to increase the budget deficit was when the project of which they campaigned on at Morgan’s Point went into default. Understand—in default before we even came to office, Mr. Speaker, and had to repay those funds. Here is the thing, Mr. Speaker. And so, when we are talking about fiscal responsibility and all those different things, you know, the only thing they want to throw up is $800,000. Well, what about $200 million? Two hundred million dollars! What we had to pay for . . . what we had to pay for. Now, Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Opposition Leader asked a question about $100 million in the Sink-ing Fund. And he now predicts that we are going to go down to 80 and all the rest. It was a choice. It was a decision that we made, and we stand by it because the choice could be. adhere to that and let people’s health insurance rates go up, not provide additional 1132 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report Bermu da House of Assembly investment into the Bermuda Housing Corporation, which could use additional investment. That’s it. It is a choice. It is a choice supported by this Cabinet and we shall see if it is supported by the House unanimously, as the budget was supported earlier today. Then of course, Mr. Speaker, we hear this issue which the Honourable Minister of the Economy and Labour laid out very clearly —very, very clearly. All this talk about the Sinking Fund, raise the Sinking Fund, et cetera, and all the rest. To be perfectly clear, money that is inside of the excess borrowing fund under law right now can be used for two purposes only: investment and funding deficits. Nothing else. So a story saying, Oh, it could be used to retire debt and pay down debt and we are taking money away from this stuff . . . and pay off . . . are nonsense, Mr. Speaker. Because the law does not allow it. Those are the facts, Mr. Speaker. So, with all of that, after all of that sound and fury, there was literally one question and I answered the one question and therefore, Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill be committed.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. Deputy [Speaker]. House i n Committee 4 :37 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Chairman] COMMITTEE ON BILLGOVERNMENT L OANS A MENDMENT ACT 2 024
The ChairmanChairmanHonourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] for further consideration of the Bill entitled the Government Loans Amendment Act 2024 . Premier an d Financ e Minister Davi d Burt, you have the floor. Hon. E . David B urt: Thank y ou very muc h, …
Honourable Members, we are now in Committee of the whole [House] for further consideration of the Bill entitled the Government Loans Amendment Act 2024 . Premier an d Financ e Minister Davi d Burt, you have the floor. Hon. E . David B urt: Thank y ou very muc h, Mr. C hairman. Mr. C hairman, I w ould like t o mov e all of the clauses. The C hairman: Continue. Hon. E . David B urt: Thank y ou very muc h, Mr . Chairman. Clause 1 provides t he titl e of t he Bill. Claus e 2 amends secti on 12A of t he Government Loans Act 1 978 by repealin g and replaci ng subsection ( 1B) s o that excess money s in the Sinking F und can, ad ditionally, be applied t o other public f unds i f such monies, in t he opinion of t he Minister of F inance, are not r equired t o fund an y def icits. The C hairman: Any f urther s peakers t o the Bill? Ho n. E. David Burt: No further speakers? [Cr osstalk]
The
ChairmanChairmanI’m sorry. Any further speakers to the Bill? There appear to be none. Minister. Hon . E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I move that clauses 1 and 2 be approved.
The
ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that clauses 1 and 2 be approved. Are there any objections to that? No objections at all. Approved. [Moti on carried: Clauses 1 and 2 passed.] Hon . E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I move that the preamble be approved.
The
ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that the preamble be approved. Are there any objections to that? There appear to be none. Approved. Hon . E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Bill be reported to the House as printed.
The
ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that the Bill be reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections to that? Hon . E. David Burt: I wish you to call the roll, Mr. Chairman.
The
ChairmanChairmanIt appears names . . . okay. We will have the names called for the approval of this Bill. [Cr osstalk]
The
ChairmanChairmanYes, two minutes. [Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo, Chairman] [Paus e]
The
ChairmanChairmanMembers, we are going to take a vote. A division has been called and the Assistant Clerk will read each Member’s name and if you are in support with the Government your response should be Aye. And if you oppose, your response should be Nay. Or in B ermuda House …
Members, we are going to take a vote. A division has been called and the Assistant Clerk will read each Member’s name and if you are in support with the Government your response should be Aye. And if you oppose, your response should be Nay. Or in
B ermuda House of Assembly other words, yes for the Government and no if you are against it. The Assistant Clerk: Okay. Starting with Mr. Adams. DIVISION [Government Loans Amendment Act 2024 ] Ayes: 19 Nays: 4 Mr. J. Adams Mr. C. Cannonier Lt. Col. Hon. D. Burch Hon. M. H. Dunkley Hon. E. D. Burt Ms. S. E. Jackson Ms. C. Caesar Hon. J. Richardson Mr. W. Caines Hon. V. Campbell Mr. Z. J. S. DeSilva Mr. C. Famous Hon. T. Furbert Hon. W. L. Furbert Hon. J. Hayward Hon. D. V. S. Rabain Hon. W. H. Roban Mr. J. S. Simmons Hon. K. L. Simmons Mrs. I. Simmons-Wade Mr. H. E. Swan
Mr. N. S. Tyrrell
Hon. M. A. Weeks
Absent11 Hon. D. V. Burgess, Sr. Mr. C. L. Dickinson Mr. Lister III Mrs. R. Ming Mr. S. Pearman Mr. A. Richardson Mr. W. L. Scott Mr. S. Simmons Mr. B. Smith
Mr. J. Wade
Hon. K. N. Wilson
The Assistant ClerkThere are 19 ayes and 4 nays. The vote carries. [ Desk thumping] [ Motion carried by majority on division: The Government Loans Amendment Act 2024 was considered by a Committee of the whole House and passed without amendment .]
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Members. We call on the [Deputy] Speaker to resume the Chair. House resumed at 4:48 pm [ Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Deputy Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF COMMITTEE GOVERNMENT LOANS AMENDMENT ACT 2024
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerAny objections to the Bill being approved? There appear to be none. The next order of business is the consideration of the Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) [for financial year 2023/24]. Finance Minister, you have the floor. BILL SECOND READING SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE (NO. 1) 2023/24 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, …
Any objections to the Bill being approved? There appear to be none. The next order of business is the consideration of the Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) [for financial year 2023/24]. Finance Minister, you have the floor. BILL SECOND READING SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE (NO. 1) 2023/24 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I move that Standing Order 43(3) be suspended.
The ChairmanChairmanContinue. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, in accordance with Standing Order 43(5) I move that the Supplementary Estimate [No. 1] for financial year 2023/24 be now con-sidered in Committee of Supply.
The Deputy SpeakerDeputy SpeakerMs. Foggo. House in Committee at 4: 49 pm [ Ms. Lovitta F. Foggo, Chairman] COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE (NO. 1) 2023/24
The ChairmanChairmanHonourable Members, we are now in Committee [of Supply] for the Supplementary Estimates for the years 2023/24. I call on the . . . I think it is the Ministry of Education. [ Crosstalk]
The ChairmanChairmanOkay. Members, the Ministry of Finance and Premier is going to speak. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, the Supplementary Estimate that is currently before the House is Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for financial year 202 3/24. What 1134 15 March 2024 Official Hansard …
Okay. Members, the Ministry of Finance and Premier is going to speak. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, the Supplementary Estimate that is currently before the House is Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for financial year 202 3/24. What 1134 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly is important to note is that all of these matters were covered in detail in the Budget Statement because all of those matters were reported as the adjustments to the current year, prior to the new year —
The ChairmanChairmanThank you. Hon. E. David Burt: — and most persons did them. But as a matter of course, and to ensure that we are keep-ing in line with matters related to Financial Rules, we want to ensure that these particular items are debated. And I am happy to move on …
Thank you. Hon. E. David Burt: — and most persons did them. But as a matter of course, and to ensure that we are keep-ing in line with matters related to Financial Rules, we want to ensure that these particular items are debated. And I am happy to move on to the first head, which is Head 10. And I would move Head 10 which is the . . . well, I’m not first. The Cabinet Office is first. So, I should let him go.
The ChairmanChairmanYes. Okay. Hon. E. David Burt: Sorry. So, I am happy to defer to the Minister.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you. And that is Head 43, and that is Minister Campbell. CABINET OFFICE HEAD 43 —DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY Hon. Vance Campbell: Thank you, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, I rise today to provide a briefing on the supplemental budget increase for the Department of Information and Digital …
Thank you. And that is Head 43, and that is Minister Campbell. CABINET OFFICE HEAD 43 —DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION AND DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY Hon. Vance Campbell: Thank you, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, I rise today to provide a briefing on the supplemental budget increase for the Department of Information and Digital Technology, Head 43. Madam Chairman, the Department of Information and Digital Technology received a supple-mental budget allocation of $1,350,438.58 for the fiscal year 2023/24. The additional funding was to cover the cost incurred resulting from the cyberattack in Septem-ber 2023. Madam Chairman, to address the threat incident, external vendors were hired to conduct forensic audits to ascertain the root cause of the event. Addi-tionally, they ensured that the perpetrators were no longer in the environment, and they assisted with the execution of remediation activities to allow services to be restored. These resources were also used to assist IDT staff with necessary upgrades to improve the secu-rity infrastructure to minimise risk for future threat activ-ities. Madam Chairman, I want to commend the officers of the Public Service, IDT and other departments who not only worked diligently and long hours to get us back up and running but also in the interim, while we were working on that, they found other creative ways of continuing to deliver services to the public. Thank you very much. This completes the brief for the Department of Information and Digital Technol-ogy for fiscal year 2023/24. Thank you, Madam Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanSo, Minister, can you move that the head be taken under consideration? Hon. Vance Campbell: Okay. Madam Chairman, I move that Head 43 be taken under consideration.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that Head 43 be taken under consideration. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to this head? Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes, thank you, Madam Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanI recognise . . . yes, Opposition . . . Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes, thank you. I thank the Minister. Also, during the budget . . . during the other meeting of the Committee of Supply dealing with Head 10 on Finance Ministry, when ques-tioned about the spend for cyber …
The ChairmanChairmanMember, could we speak to Head 43, please?— Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes, I definitely want to.
The ChairmanChairman—because we cannot consider other debates. Hon. Jarion Richardson: No, I definitely want to. It is just that the Honourable Premier and Finance Minister said that his spend was for remediation to restore services. And this Cabinet Minister just said the same thing. So, I was just questioning, Did we …
—because we cannot consider other debates. Hon. Jarion Richardson: No, I definitely want to. It is just that the Honourable Premier and Finance Minister said that his spend was for remediation to restore services. And this Cabinet Minister just said the same thing. So, I was just questioning, Did we spend twice for the same service? Or could he explain the differ-ence between why we spent $1.3 million for IT head and then $3 million . . . just his. What was his spend for? Because the Premier has already said we spent for remediation or restore servic es.
The ChairmanChairmanSo, you are talking about the Minister who has presented this head? Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes, I am.
The ChairmanChairmanMinister, would you like to respond, please? Hon. Vance Campbell: Madam Chairman, my brief was an explanation of what the funds were used for. Thank you.
The ChairmanChairmanOkay. Thank you, Minister. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to this head? B ermuda House of Assembly There being none, I call on the Minister to move that this be approved. Hon. Vance Campbell: Madam Chairman, I move that the supplemental for Head 43 in the …
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that Head 43 be approved for (I am going to round the figure off) for $1,350,439 be approved. Any objections? I am not going to do cents. Are there any objections? There being none. Approved. [ Motion carried: Head 43 passed.]
The ChairmanChairmanCan we now move on? Hon. Vance Campbell: Thank you, Madam Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanYou are welcome, sir. We now move to the Ministry of Finance. I call on the Minister of Finance on Head 10. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Madam Chairman. I will go right into the matters that are related to Head 10. And just as a note, …
You are welcome, sir. We now move to the Ministry of Finance. I call on the Minister of Finance on Head 10. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Madam Chairman. I will go right into the matters that are related to Head 10. And just as a note, I will also be doing the head for the Minister of Health —
The ChairmanChairmanOkay. Hon. E. David Burt: —as well, as she is not in.
The ChairmanChairmanSo, Premier, are you asking that you do them both in sequential order? Hon. E. David Burt: No, no. no. I’m fine with the order.
The ChairmanChairmanOkay. Hon. E. David Burt: I am happy to move matters related at this point in time to Head 10.
The ChairmanChairmanProceed. MINISTRY OF FINANCE HEAD 10 —MINISTRY HEADQUARTERS Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Madam Chairman. I am here today to discuss the Supplemental Estimate for Ministry of Finance, Headquarters, total-ling $7,392,100. This amount can be split down to two components. First, cost related to Corporate Income Tax (CIT) and, …
Proceed. MINISTRY OF FINANCE HEAD 10 —MINISTRY HEADQUARTERS Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Madam Chairman. I am here today to discuss the Supplemental Estimate for Ministry of Finance, Headquarters, total-ling $7,392,100. This amount can be split down to two components. First, cost related to Corporate Income Tax (CIT) and, second, cost related to the cyberattack. These two matters have been addressed previously during Ministerial Statements and during the Commit-tee of Supply, and for good order here as an overview of why a budget supplemental is being required. Corporate Income Tax. Madam Chairman, in late 2023 the Government of Bermuda in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance passed the Corporate Income Tax Act 2023. This was a significant achievement representing strong and positive collaboration and con-sultation with industry and the public. The Genesis initiative in subsequent work was Pillar Two of a global agreement reached in 2021 under the auspices of the Organisation for Economic Co- operation Development [OECD] and signed by more than 140 countries which requires a 15 per cent tax be levied on a jurisdictional basis to in scope entities and is commonly referred to as the Global Minimum Tax Agreement. The OECD has issued model rules as part of the framework for the implementation of the Global Minimum Tax and these rules were the foundation for the development of Ber-muda’s regime to be considered compliant with the re-quirements. The Act imposed a 15 per cent corporate income statutory tax rate that will be applicable to all Bermuda businesses that are a part of multinational group with an annual revenue of [ €]750,000 or more. To adhere to the OECD timeline of implementation, the Gov-ernment has worked at pace to ensure the legislation is in place a full year before its implementation on the 1 January 2025 so that companies can make necessary accounting adjustments for this new tax accordingly. The budget supplemental covers work which includes policy and legislative development, public consultations, tax revenue modelling and design work on the entity to administer the new tax. Cyber Incident. Madam Chairman, Honourable Members are well aware that the Government was a target of malicious and deliberate cyberattack in Sep-tember which severely crippled Government systems. Before I go any further, I would like to pay tribute to the dedication of public servants who worked diligently to not only repair the damage but also deliver public services under extremely trying conditions without the computer systems that would normally be used to de-liver those services. Over the past few years the Government had significantly increased capital spending to invest in its IT infrastructure; however, these increases were not enough to mitigate the attack. The Government acted fast to ensure that services were resumed quickly and enlisted the help of specialists across the world to sup-port this goal. The additional sum of $3,092,[1]00 represents the Ministry of Finance’s contribution to support the re-mediation efforts in the wake of the cyberattack. Madam Chairman, the supplementary estimate in the amount of $7.4 million is required for fiscal 2023/24 under Head 10. Thank you, Madam Chairman. 1136 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: Thank you, Premier and Finance Minister. The Head 10 has been put on the floor for consideration. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to Head 10? There being no other Members, I ask the Finance Minister and Premier to ask that the supplementary be approved. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Madam Chairman. I move that Head 10 be approved and stand part of the Bill.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that Head 10 be approved. Are there any objections? There being none; approved. [ Motion carried: Head 10 passed.]
The ChairmanChairmanThat brings us to the next Ministry which is the Ministry of Education. Would the Minister of Education like to stand and put his head for consideration to the floor? Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION HEAD 16 —DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, the Department of Education, Head 16, has a supplemental for the financial year 2023/24 for an unbudgeted sum of $4.897 million. This comprises an over expenditure of $431,000 for …
Thank you. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION HEAD 16 —DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, the Department of Education, Head 16, has a supplemental for the financial year 2023/24 for an unbudgeted sum of $4.897 million. This comprises an over expenditure of $431,000 for substitutes; $466,000 for paraprofessionals; and $4 million for negotiated pay awards. Madam Chairman, the Ministry calculated the supplemental to be $5.56 million based on the Minis-try’s projections of salaries and wages overages of $4.66 million and the over -expenditures of substitutes and paraprofessionals. However, $660,000 was found within the current operating budget for the negotiated pay awards resulting in the projected $4 million for ne-gotiated pay awards and the $4.8 million total projected overspend. Madam Chairman, the original 2023/24 budget for substitutes was $3.64 million but the projected ex-penditure to year end is $4 million, reflecting the over-age of $431,000. Schools are assigned allocated sub-stitutes and on- call, also known as day -to-day substitute teachers. Substitute teachers ensure that each student receives quality instruction while their formal teacher is away or the teaching post is vacant. Teachers are absent for various reasons such as ill-ness, personal leave, special leave, et cetera . The budget allocation for substitute teachers is estimated based on staffing levels, operational needs and the av-erage needs in past years. In the past, overages for substitute spending was offset by funds from vacant funded posts. Madam Chairman, $7.64 million was the original 2023/24 budget for paraprofessionals. The expenditure to year end is projected to reach $8.1 million reflecting an overage of $466,000. Paraprofessionals provide instructional, behavioural and other support t o students in and outside the classroom. This includes providing adequate support for students with autism spectrum disorder and physical exceptionalities includ-ing those who are deaf or hard of hearing and those who are visually impaired. The budget alloc ation is based on known and estimated client needs. However, during the last year there was unforeseen increase in students in these categories. Madam Chairman, the $4 million overspend for salaries and wages is due to the recently finalised un-ion negotiated pay awards. The overage amount is substantial, but it is due to the large number of full -time equivalents in the Department of Education, nearly 1,100 staff, more than a quarter of the total employees for Government. Thank you, Madam Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to Head 16, supplemental? Thank you. There being no other Members, I do call on the Minister to move his head. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Madam Chairman, I move that Head 16 be considered.
The ChairmanChairmanBe approved. Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Be approved.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that Head 16 be approved. There are no objections. Thank you. Approved. [ Motion carried: Head 16 passed.] Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you.
The ChairmanChairmanI now call on the Premier and Finance Minister who will be putting the Head 24 under Health for consideration. Minister. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. B ermuda House of Assembly Madam Chairman, I would like to move Head 24. MINISTRY OF HEALTH HEAD 24 …
I now call on the Premier and Finance Minister who will be putting the Head 24 under Health for consideration. Minister. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chairman.
B ermuda House of Assembly Madam Chairman, I would like to move Head 24. MINISTRY OF HEALTH HEAD 24 —BERMUDA HOSPITALS BOARD Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you very much, Madam Chairman. Head 24, Bermuda Hospitals Board [BHB], supplementary current account BHB subsidy of $16,322,975. Madam Chairman, the Bermuda Hospitals Board is the largest health care provider in Ber-muda. It provides care through the three main facilities: King Edward [ VII] Memorial Hospital [KEMH], a general wing Acute [Care] Wing and Emergency Department; Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute providing mental health and intellectual disability service; and Lamb Foggo Ur-gent Care Centre. Additionally, the Bermuda Hospitals Board operates 26 group homes and administrative functions such as the medical concierge. Human re-sources and IT are located in the Craig Appin Building in Hamilton. Madam Chairman, the Bermuda Hospitals Board was transitioned to a block grant from a fee- forservice funding model in June 2019 with an agreed to-tal funding target of $330 million annually. This is un-derpinned by a government commitment to ensure $322 million of this funding is through a mixer of subsidy, grants and transfers from the Mutual Reinsurance Fund component of the Standard Premium Rate [SPR]. The remaining $8 million in revenue BHB would obtain through fee- for-service procedures not covered by t he Standard Health Benefit such as services to non- residents. The purpose was to contain untenable SPR in-creases and cause the BHB to operate within a set budget and control its surpluses. Madam Chairman, BHB funding through the Mutual Reinsurance Fund between 2019 and 2023 was lower than forecast due to an unrealised SPR increase and lower headcount. As a result, the committed funding of $322 million was unachieved when taking the four years of block grant funding model into considera-tion, the total shortfall in funds for BHB from 2019 through 2023 was $50,262,392. And that happens when you have a pandemic and a whole lot of people do not have work. Because those are the ones who are having to pay into health insurance. Supplemental funding was provided in 2019/20 of $7.8 million; 2021/22 of $11.1 million; and 2022/23 of $50 million which reduced the committed funding shortfall to $60,322,975. In September 2023 the Government committed to paying the $16.3 million funding shortfall to the BHB which formed part of the Bermuda Hospitals Board fiscal year 2023/24 budget and cash flow forecast from October 2023 through March 2024. The supplemental funding provides BHB with a committed $322 million fixed budget modelled and implemented in 2019. Thank you, Madam Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Premier and Finance Minister. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to Head 24? I recognise Member Dunkley. You have the floor. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Madam Chairman. And I thank the Honourable Premier for the over-view on the $16.3 million that had to …
Thank you, Premier and Finance Minister. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to Head 24? I recognise Member Dunkley. You have the floor. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Madam Chairman. And I thank the Honourable Premier for the over-view on the $16.3 million that had to be granted through a supplementary estimate. I appreciate the Premier, once again informing this House and the people of Ber-muda that the . . . how the hospital is funded through the subsidy and also through the grant from the Mutual Reinsurance Fund. And then $8 million for fee- for-service. So a couple of questions for the Honourable Minister. Through the last year we became aware that the grant was not paid in full and there was no expla-nation for why it fell through the cracks . . . sorry, it was not paid in full on time. And there was very little explanation of how and why it fell through the cracks. So, can the Honourable Minister . . . because the grant continues on for the next financial year, can the Honourable Minister please give this Honourable House an under-standing of how the grant is supposed to be paid and what is put in place to make sure that the grant will be paid on time through the next financial year and going forward? We obviously support the work done at the hospital and want the best of care for anyone who comes through their doors. And we want to make sure that they feel that they are adequately funded. So the Opposition’s request is to get some comfort that this oversight will not happen again and a better understanding of when the grant is paid and who is respon-sible for the grant can help us get that oversight. I am not going to get into the particulars of the $16.3 million. I have discussed it a number of times. We discussed it earlier in the debate and it is clear that it is here because it is a supplementary estimate, so fund-ing was short of what was required. But what I would like to know from the Honourable Premier, Does the Honourable Premier, with the Minister of Finance hat on, think that next year we will be with the current subsidy and the current estimate for the Mutual Reinsur-ance Fund? Does the Honourable Premier think that we will not have the need for a subsidy in the next year? And the second question to that, the Honourable Premier gave a commitment at the end of wrapping up the previous debate, which I am not going to reflect on, that universal health care would come into effect next year. So, does the Honourable Premier believ e that for the next financial year the funding for the hos-pital will be as per the budget? Thank you, Madam Chairman. 1138 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: Thank you, Member. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to Head 24? There being none, I call on the Minister of Finance and Premier to . . . Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, so much, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, the answer to the first question is very simple. I can give a commitment that we in working with the Bermuda Hospitals Board and have a wonderful arrangement and agreement to make sure that funds are paid on time from all of the various gov-ernment funds, making sure that we speed reimburse-ment from HID [Health Insurance Depar tment] because there are multiple different things that these things take place. So, I can give the Honourable Member that par-ticular comfort. And I can also give the H onourable Member the particular comfort that the amount that is budgeted in the budget will be adequate and there is no expectation of any supplementaries from this year’s budget. The other thing that I will say in regard to matters related to universal health care, it was stated very clearly inside of the Budget Statement around the tim-ing related to the core benefits package. The core ben-efits package is what forms the core package of health care. Right now, of course, that core benefits package is called the Standard Premium Rate which covers just hospital care and diagnostic imaging. It will be a wider package to make sure that those things can happen. And the funding model to make sure that it can make sure it encompasses everyone. And so, from that per-spective I know the Minister of Health is continuing to work through those particular matters and this particular budget (of which had unanimous support in this House) funds the implementation of those particular re-gimes.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to Head 24? I recognise Member Dunkley. Thank you. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Madam Chairman. I am not going to push this issue any further, but for the sake of clarity, I asked the question in regard …
Thank you. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to Head 24? I recognise Member Dunkley. Thank you. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Madam Chairman. I am not going to push this issue any further, but for the sake of clarity, I asked the question in regard to, When the grant is paid, is it paid in one time or is it paid over a period of time? And how [did] it manage not to be paid in the appropriate time? Because I would have thought, Madam Chairman, that somebody within government would be making sure it was paid, but certainly somebody in the hospital when they are doing their financials, they are looking at cash flow, would make sure it is being paid. So, is the Premier in a position to give an understanding of how it slipped through the cracks? That is all I am asking for. I am not trying to score any politi-cal points. I am just getting an understanding. [ Inaudible interjections]
The ChairmanChairmanThank you. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to Head 24? There being none, I recognise the Premier and Finance Minister. Hon. E. David Burt: Given that the Honourable Member wants to play politics, I will happily oblige him in playing politics because the Honourable Member has …
Thank you. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to Head 24? There being none, I recognise the Premier and Finance Minister. Hon. E. David Burt: Given that the Honourable Member wants to play politics, I will happily oblige him in playing politics because the Honourable Member has been around for a while, and he understands the way things work. This has nothing to do with a grant. There is a fixed funding model that is made up from subsidy that comes from the Government and made up from the portion of the MRF that goes to the Bermuda Hospitals Board which comes from the Standard Premium Rate. When we had a pandemic less people were on health insurance which means that the BHB did not reach their $330 million. And given that they did not reach that $330 million, there was a shortfall which the Govern-ment pledged to fill to make sure that the hospit al can operate. That is what this is about. This is not regarding anything else. It is the expectation that with the continued increase in jobs, 500 last year, 1,000 more jobs added this year, we know about the matters which we cover in the Budget Statement about additional em-ployment, that is the reason why I have confidence to the Honourable Member that there will not be additional funding that is needed. These $60 million is for funds from during the pandemic times and they . . . I made the commitment upon returning to the Ministry of Finance that we would find the money to ensure they were given to the hospital so that the hospital can come out of the overdraft and other various positions that they were in due to the cashflow because they budget based upon that $330 [million] and if that $330 [million] is not coming in from the sources due to the fact that there were less persons with health insurance paying into that body, we need to make it up. And it is also very important to note that they did have to do a lot during COVID -19.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to Head 24? There being none, I call on the Minister of Finance to ask that this head be approved. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you so much, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, I move that Head 24 be approved. …
Thank you. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to Head 24? There being none, I call on the Minister of Finance to ask that this head be approved. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you so much, Madam Chairman. Madam Chairman, I move that Head 24 be approved.
B ermuda House of Assembly The Chairman: It has been moved that Head 24 be approved. No objections; approved. [ Motion carried: Head 24 passed.] Hon. E. David Burt: Madam Chairman, if I could just say one thing . . . if I could just prior to us moving to the next head while we are here in Committee of Supply?
The ChairmanChairmanGo ahead. Hon. E. David Burt: Clearly, we have covered the various matters related to the current account estimates. The note that as per the [Standing Orders], I just want to say that the criteria for determining debatable sup-plementary estimates require that all items on current account be debated if …
Go ahead. Hon. E. David Burt: Clearly, we have covered the various matters related to the current account estimates. The note that as per the [Standing Orders], I just want to say that the criteria for determining debatable sup-plementary estimates require that all items on current account be debated if the current account spend of the Ministry shows an increase of greater than 10 per cent or $250,000 when compared to the original estimate and the other reminder that all matters that are capital items are debatable.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Finance Minister. I think everyone heard. I now call on the Minister of Works and Engineering to put — [ Inaudible interjections]
The ChairmanChairmanThe paper says Works and Engineering. The Minister of Public Works to put Head 65 on the table for consideration. Minister. MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS HEAD 65 —CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT QUARRY REFURBISHMENT
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchMadam Chairman, I move that Head 65, Capital Development for the Quarry Refurbishment of $2,960,000 be approved. Madam Chairman, the Ministry of Public Works undertook the purchase of a new asphalt plant and paving equipment in the amount of $6,197,470. Due to the estimated total spend, a technical supplement is …
Madam Chairman, I move that Head 65, Capital Development for the Quarry Refurbishment of $2,960,000 be approved. Madam Chairman, the Ministry of Public Works undertook the purchase of a new asphalt plant and paving equipment in the amount of $6,197,470. Due to the estimated total spend, a technical supplement is re-quired to increase the total authorised figure from the current $14 million to $16,960,000. Madam Chairman, the Ministry of Public Works request that the technical supplement of $2.96 million is approved to capital cost centre 75264, Quarry Refur-bishment. Thank you, Madam Chairman.
The ChairmanChairmanThank you, Minister. Are there any other Members who wish to speak to Head 65? There being no other Members who wish to speak to Head 65, I ask the Minister to move his head for approval.
Lt. Col. Hon. David A. BurchMadam Chairman, I move that technical supplement for Head 65, Capital Development of $2,960,000 be approved.
The ChairmanChairmanIt has been moved that Head 65, Capital Development Quarry Refurbishment be approved. Any objections? There being none; approved. [ Motion carried: Head 65 passed.]
The ChairmanChairmanI now . . . yes. Hon. E. David Burt: I’m good. Thank you, very much, Madam Chairman. Now noting that all matters of heads that are in the Supplementary Estimate have been approved by the Committee of Supply, I move that Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for financial year 2023/24 …
The ChairmanChairmanIt is moved that Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) [for financial year 2023/24] be reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections? There being none. Thank you. [ Motion carried: Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for financial year 2023/24 was considered by a Committee of the whole House and passed …
It is moved that Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) [for financial year 2023/24] be reported to the House as printed. Are there any objections? There being none. Thank you. [ Motion carried: Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) for financial year 2023/24 was considered by a Committee of the whole House and passed without amendment.] House resumed at 5: 19 pm [ Hon. Dennis P. Lister, Jr., Speaker, in the Chair] REPORT OF COMMITTEE SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE (NO. 1) 202 3/24
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGood afternoon, Members. Are there any objections to the Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) [ for financial year 2023 /24] being reported to the House as printed? No objections . They have been reported as printed. Now, Members, that brings us to a close of the items on the Order Paper …
Good afternoon, Members. Are there any objections to the Supplementary Estimate (No. 1) [ for financial year 2023 /24] being reported to the House as printed? No objections . They have been reported as printed. Now, Members, that brings us to a close of the items on the Order Paper today. So now we go and do the third readings for those items. The first would be . . . Deputy? Did you have a third reading? [ No audible response]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. 1140 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, I move that Standing Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move the Bill entitled Payroll Tax Amendment Act 2024 now be read a …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections? There are none. [ Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING PAYROLL TAX AMENDMENT ACT 2024 Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Mr. Speaker, I move that the Bill be now read a third time by its title only and passed.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe Bill has been read a third time by its title only and has now passed. Thank you. [ Motion carried: The Payroll Tax Amendment Act 2024 was read a third time and passed.] Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier? [ Inaudible interjections]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOkay. Go ahead. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. Walter H. Roban: Mr. Speaker, I move that Standing Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move the Bill entitled the Voluntary Registration of Vital Doc-uments (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2024 be now read a third time by its title only.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections? There are none. Continue. [ Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING VOLUNTARY REGISTRATION OF VITAL DOCUMENTS (MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS) ACT 2024 Hon. Walter H. Roban: I move that Bill be now read a third time by its title only and passed.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe Bill has been read a third time by its title only and has now passed. Thank you. [ Motion carried: The Voluntary Registration of Vital Documents (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2024 was read a third time and passed.]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 21 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I move that Standing Order 21 be suspended to enable me to move the Bill entitled the Government Loans Amendment Act 2024 be now read for the third time by its title …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerAre there any objections? There are none. Continue, Premier. [ Motion carried: Standing Order 21 suspended.] BILL THIRD READING GOVERNMENT LOANS AMENDMENT ACT 2024 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. I move that the Bill be now read a third time by its title only and …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThe Bill has been read a third time by its title only and has now passed. Thank you. [ Motion carried: The Government Loans Amendment Act 2024 was read a third time and passed.]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerPremier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDER 14 Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, I move that Standing Order 14 be suspended.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMembers, I seek the indulgence of the House for the suspension of Standing Order 14 for the Member to introduce a matter. Yes. B ermuda House of Assembly [Motion carried: Standing Order 14 suspended.] PAPERS AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS TO THE HOUSE SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE (NO. 3) FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2022/23 Hon. …
Members, I seek the indulgence of the House for the suspension of Standing Order 14 for the Member to introduce a matter. Yes.
B ermuda House of Assembly [Motion carried: Standing Order 14 suspended.] PAPERS AND OTHER COMMUNICATIONS TO THE HOUSE SUPPLEMENTARY ESTIMATE (NO. 3) FOR FINANCIAL YEAR 2022/23 Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to the powers confirmed by section 96 of the Constitution I have the honour to attach and submit for the consideration of the Honour-able House of Assembly the Supplementary Estimate (No. 3) for financial year 2022/23, which is just the tidy-ing up of matters that are related to the audit which was tabled earlier today. So, it is just basically making sure that the audit numbers match and it is a final cleanup for those particular matters. And I know that those mat-ters have been sent to the House and have been put online for Members to see them and we will debate them in May.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYes. It will sit on the Order Paper until we return to the House. Thank you. Premier. ADJOURNMENT Hon. E. David Burt: I almost forgot the date, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, at this point in time I move that this Honourable House do now adjourn until a date known as …
Yes. It will sit on the Order Paper until we return to the House. Thank you. Premier. ADJOURNMENT Hon. E. David Burt: I almost forgot the date, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, at this point in time I move that this Honourable House do now adjourn until a date known as Friday, 3 May 2024. I note that there are Members who are set to speak.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. MP . . . Premier . . . MP Dunkley. M P ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM PARLIAMENT Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise this evening to inform this Honourable House and the people of Bermuda of a very difficult de-cision that I have made. Effective …
Thank you. MP . . . Premier . . . MP Dunkley. M P ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM PARLIAMENT Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise this evening to inform this Honourable House and the people of Bermuda of a very difficult de-cision that I have made. Effective 31 March of this year I will retire as a Member of Parliament representing the people of Smith’s North and the people of Bermuda. Mr. Speaker, this certainly has not been an easy decision for me. And I have thought through it for a long time. And it is not easy for two main reasons: I love the country and I love my family. Mr. Speaker, serving the people of Smith’s North, Devonshire East (and Devonshire South before the change in the boundaries) over the years has been an honour and a privilege that I will always treasure. I have enjoyed working for the people of Bermuda. And certainly I have enjoyed working to try to make Ber-muda a better place. All of us know as politicians that when you represent a constituency, they can become your extended family. Smith’s North has become my extended family, and I will certainly, Mr. Speaker, miss being on the doorstep and will miss those relationships. I have been blessed to serve for many years and I am honoured to have been the 12 th Premier of Bermuda. While representing our people overseas, whether it be for the America’s Cup announcement in 2017, ringing the bell on Wall Street, or RIMS [ Risk and Insurance Management Society], I always wore this flag with great pride, and represented the country as the best place in the world to try to spread the word about this treasure out here in the middle of the Atlantic. Mr. Speaker, as I reflect on politics, it might seem strange to some that I will also miss this Chamber. While at times the behaviour can be suspect (and I will leave it there) on both sides, Mr. Speaker. I cer-tainly have developed an affinity for this place and the important debates through the years. And I can speak for a long time about the debates, but I remember early in my career that your time was not your time when we had the debate on capital punishment, Mr. Speaker. That went on well into the night, well into the next day, and there were various Members who had gone home, rested, had a shower and changed and came back fresh to speak. It has always been an honour, Mr. Speaker, that I will treasure in being entrusted with speaking on behalf of the constituencies that I have served for Ber-muda. Mr. Speaker, I have certainly appreciated the value of always being prepared and the importanc e of speaking even if that message might be contrary to what many in the Chamber might want to hear. Mr. Speaker, that is important and that is the strength of a healthy democracy. And thus, my difficult decision. In those 27 years, in some aspects public service can be a toll on one’s family. And I am sure we can all reflect on that. A real toll on one’s family. Many families hide it because they support their loved one. So I am grateful to my families: my family at Dunkley’s [Dairy] for their understanding my commitment to public service and covering me in my absence, especially my brother, Stephen. He has been the biggest supporter I have other than my wife, and he has worked hard to cover me. There are some people at work who think I don’t do anything, but they will find out in the near future what I do. [ Laughter] Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: I remember the time, Mr. Speaker, and I won’t tell a lot of stories. But my brother means a lot to me. And I remember the time that I was threatened, and I think the Honourable Premier can re-flect on how that can get you for a moment. Well, it was 1142 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly a busy day, and I got a call from my brother. And he said, Hey, mate. You all right? And I said, Yes, yes, I am cool. What happened? And he said, Well, if you need any help, just let me know. I got your back. That’s my brother. All the time. Did not want to talk the issues but he supported me, and he never questioned when I was gone. But Mr. Speaker, most importantly, my wife. You know, our spouses sometimes take a hands -off approach in politics. And my wife never raised politics unless she knew I needed to get something off my chest. My mother, my biggest critic and a good sup-porter, and certainly my family for their enduring support and advice they have given me. It is not easy for those people. But I am blessed, and I am grateful that I always had their support. And to my wife, Pamela, the true angel, now on Friday nights she has to deal with me. I remember, Mr. Speaker, when I first mooted that I wanted to get involved in politics, I remember asking my wife, and at that time our children were young. And she said, Well, you know, our children are young. Just starting out in school. And perhaps now is not the right time. She let that sink in for a moment. And then she said, It’s your decision. And whichever way you go I will support you 100 per cent. The rest is history, Mr. Speaker. Today we have two beautiful daughters. They are both married. I have two grandchildren and another one, thankfully, on the way. And that is the best part of any day, Mr. Speaker. I am blessed to live next to my daughter and when I drive home if the car is in the yard, I am late for my wife, but I see my grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank my branch in Smith’s North for their support and assistance through the years, and all my branches. And every Member of this Chamber I am sure appreciates the value of a good branch because you cannot get elected without it, Mr. Speaker. And I have been blessed through the years to have great branches, great people to support me all the way through the process. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleagues in the OBA, past and present, for their commit-ment and work. I know it is not easy. I know that often-times we think we would rather be somewhere else. But the people of Bermuda count on us for the work we do . So thank you for my colleagues for your support. And one final group that I want to thank, because I can’t thank everybody, but there is a group that calls various Members of Parliament and they are the Friday Prayer Warriors, Mr. Speaker. You know, Bermuda is rich in our religious values and traditions. And I was blessed to get to know these Prayer Warriors early in my time in Parliament and they pray for you every Friday and then call you and notify you of their prayer. That support has been a tremendous boost and a source of comfort, and I really appreciate the faith that they have shown. Mr. Speaker, it has been a difficult decision because time waits for nobody. And in listening to a senior Member of the US Senate some weeks ago, he said, Father Time is undefeated. And I can’t say that I ever looked at it that way, but it confirmed, Mr. Speaker, my very tough decision to retire because I am not about to test Father Time. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to spending more time with my grandchildren and my family and other things in life that I certainly have responsibilities for. Like many, I have worked tirelessly in service, and I am proud of that service, Mr. Speaker. While I have a few regrets along the way, I did my best. I gave it all and I endeavoured to serve with honesty and in-tegrity to help make this Island home the best place it can be. Mr. Speaker, there is never a good time to retire. Bermuda today, for all the good that we have done and all the progress that we have made, still has significant challenges. If we fail to tackle them head on, we fail to build that better future for our people and the coming generations. If we fail to work together or con-sistently take partisan positions, we will fail our people and the coming generations. Mr. Speaker, in my time, sadly I have seen less reaching across the aisle and more time spent in making sure one gets re- elected. In my time, I have seen more time and effort on bashing the other side than working on what is best for Bermuda. In my time, I have seen more importance placed on party than the im-portance of Bermuda. This cannot continue, on both sides, Mr. Speaker. I know we can do better. I have faith in this Chamber. I have faith in the people who are in this Chamber because they were sent by the people of Bermuda. But it obvious and clear to me, Mr. Speaker, that people are tired of the partisan politics as we live in difficult times with many of our islanders struggling or emigrating. We must change and we must do better. This Government certainly does not like to hear this. But the reality is, and they have admitted, that there are struggling people. More people emigrating than ever before. And there is a concern about the future and a lack of confidence in the future. Yes, international busi-ness and the associated businesses with that are doing well and that foundation helps the Island greatly. And we must never forget their importance. But we must also remember that we have people struggling in our community. Mr. Speaker, I will always remain available to assist in any way that I can in support of the people of Bermuda. I love this country like everyone does in this Chamber. I will no longer be a Member of Parliament as of 31 March, but my desire to make Bermuda a bet-ter place for future generations will not wane. I will re-main available to help when requested. After all, we are always available to help this beautiful Island. So, Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank you and colleagues for affording me this opportunity to say what
B ermuda House of Assembly I have said tonight. And may the good Lord continue to bless and to guide this Chamber and our Island home. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. [ Desk thumping]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member. And we all thank you for your service and wish you well in your retirement. Minister Rabain. TRIBUTES PAID TO MICHAEL DUNKLEY Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I begin my comments of what I wanted to speak about, I just want …
Thank you, Honourable Member. And we all thank you for your service and wish you well in your retirement. Minister Rabain. TRIBUTES PAID TO MICHAEL DUNKLEY Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Before I begin my comments of what I wanted to speak about, I just want to wish the Member from constituency 10, who happens to border . . . we share a boundary on Loyal Hill well wishes in his retirement. Thank you for your service to the people of Bermuda. I am sure all of us who have been in this House recognise how difficult it is to get here and the sacrifices that you have obviously made in the last 27 years. And I was a colleague with you in the Senate and then in the House. I often say I have been an O pposition Senator, a Government Senator, Opposition Member of Parliament and a Government Member of Parliament. So I have seen it all. But I do remember the sparring in the Senate and again, I just wish you well. US E OF MIND- ALTERING DRUGS Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: But Mr. Speaker, what I did want to speak about today is a serious issue that is grip-ping our Island. I urge colleagues here and I urge persons listening in the audience to just please take heed about what I want to talk about. Mr. Speaker, it has become more of the norm to turn a blind eye to the use of mind- altering drugs here in our Island. Mr. Speaker, we may have seen a headline just last week. A student at Delwood had consumed an edible and was rushed to the hospital based on that. This is something that is occurring more and more within our schools. Sometimes reported sometimes not reported. We recently did a security sweep at one of our schools and confiscated quite a number of vaping devices, Mr. Speaker, and this is som ething that I think a couple of months ago there was a story about vape pipes being found at a primary school. I am not here to pass judgment on what adults do with their time legally, Mr. Speaker. But I want to serve a warning to those adults who are giving these devices, these edibles, these gummies and all of these other things to our children. They are doing a grave disservice to our community. We have children . . . as I said, vapes found in primary schools. The age of pri-mary school goes up to 10 and 11, Mr. Speaker. That is not a place we should be finding these types of devices or children playing with them. We had, as I said, a young student from Dellwood that would be between the ages of 11 and 14 consume an edible that was passed to him by someone and as a result he is now . . . he was taken to the hospital and thankfully he is okay. I want to serve a warning to parents. Please be vigilant. Please look out for your children. They do not deserve this type of treatment. Adults out there who are using these devices, consuming these things I have no issue with you doing whatever you do on your spare time. But please, please ensure that children are not getting a hold of these things and they are messing around with them. You are condemning our children to a life of misery if you continue to be irresponsible with your behaviour like this. This will not lead to good out-comes if we do not put things in place and we are not vigilant and look out for our children. Please, I urge all of us here, have conversations . . . we all talk about we canvass and different things, have conversations about that. Let the people know that we are not going to tolerate that, and they need to do better when it comes to ensuring the safety of our children. They are our future, and we cann ot do the things that are being done now to impinge on that future of our children. Please, again, I make this the most heartfelt plea to every single adult here in Bermuda, do not let our children be exposed to and begin to think that this is normal behaviour to consume these types of things, play around with these types of things and to their own health determent. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Minister. Opposition Leader, you have the floor. TRIBUTES PAID TO MICHAEL DUNKLEY Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise this evening to pay tribute to my honourable colleague, the Honourable Michael Dunkley, JP MP on the evening of his retirement. Mr. Speaker, be-ing somewhat new …
Thank you, Minister. Opposition Leader, you have the floor. TRIBUTES PAID TO MICHAEL DUNKLEY Hon. Jarion Richardson: Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise this evening to pay tribute to my honourable colleague, the Honourable Michael Dunkley, JP MP on the evening of his retirement. Mr. Speaker, be-ing somewhat new to politics myself, I walked in, and I was very, very fortunate to have a number of experi-enced people around me. Mr. Speaker, I will confess that I am inadequate to the task of paying tribute to a person who has served continuously and with a tremendous amount of effort over a number of years. But I will endeavour to do my best. The Honourable Member from constituency 10 embodies the principles of service and love of country. He is someone who has changed my mind. Having come from . . . or been raised around people in uniform my whole life, I was not aware that you could have that love and not have a uniform. I was proven incorrect by a number of people in life, most especially the Honourable Member from constituency 10 who has 1144 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly consistently and deliberately put the best interests of the country forward. Has tried his very, very best to en-sure that Bermuda is made a better place by his partic-ipation in it and has done a great job representing con-stituents of constituency 10. He has coached, educated, clarified, assisted. He has been nothing but a help to the members of the One Bermuda Alliance as we have gone from strength to strength over these few years. But most especially he has been someone who I could always call. Some-one who boiled things down to the principles and basics for me. Someone who always supported me in all of the trials and tribulations that come with politics and someone who has stood firm and fast for the interests of Ber-muda. To that end, Mr. Speaker, I would beg your indulgence. I would like to read something that I think the Honourable Member from constituency 10 best shows.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo right ahead. Hon. Jarion Richardson: This speech is from Theodore Roosevelt, or a portion of it. It was given in Sorbonne in P aris, France, in the Sorbonne in Paris, France in 1910. The extract from his speech is from the Man in the Arena. It starts, Mr. Speaker: …
Go right ahead. Hon. Jarion Richardson: This speech is from Theodore Roosevelt, or a portion of it. It was given in Sorbonne in P aris, France, in the Sorbonne in Paris, France in 1910. The extract from his speech is from the Man in the Arena. It starts, Mr. Speaker: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; w ho strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achieve-ment, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat .” Mr. Speaker, the Honourable Member from constituency 10 will never be with those cold and timid souls. His name will be etched in Bermuda’s history, and I am thankful to have known him in his time in pol-itics. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Mr. Opposition Leader. Would any other Member wish to make contribution? MP Famous, you have the floor. TRIBUTES PAID TO MICHAEL DUNKLEY
Mr. Christopher FamousMr. Speaker, I was planning on speaking, but I have to inject something else before I say what I am going to say. [ Inaudible interjection]
Mr. Christopher FamousYes, pivot. Mr. Speaker, it would be remiss if I did not add to the commiserations of MP Dunkley leaving this Chamber. Mr. Speaker, I say that because despite the fact that he wears red and I wear green, we both come from the same place. [ Inaudible interjection]
Mr. Christopher FamousDevonshire. Mr. Speaker, the constituency I represent, Devonshire East, was once represented by Mr. Dunkley and Mr. Barritt. I used to call them the Bever-age— [ Inaudible interjection]
Mr. Christopher FamousOh, okay. He still wants to point -of-order me. [ Laughter] Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Mr. Speaker, my last point of order. [ Laughter] POINT OF ORDER Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: The Honourable Member is partially correct. Devonshire East was a single seat but when it was Devonshire South part …
Mr. Christopher FamousSo I say that to say that the same doors that he knocked on, I knock on. And the people in Devonshire just want to be represented by someone who actually cares about them. And that is the hallmark that we have set for Devonshire, that we are a parish …
So I say that to say that the same doors that he knocked on, I knock on. And the people in Devonshire just want to be represented by someone who actually cares about them. And that is the hallmark that we have set for Devonshire, that we are a parish that cares about each other. We go to each other’s funerals irrespective of whatever melanin content that you have. We look out for each other. I will say this, and I will say this once. Mr. Dunkley has, for the time that he has been in Parlia-ment, represented the United Bermuda Party and the One Bermuda Alliance. But most importantly, Mr. Speaker, he has been one of those who has set the
B ermuda House of Assembly standard of how to properly canvass a seat. There are people who normally would not vote OBA, but they voted for Michael Dunkley. And I would say that that is a testament to who he is as a person, that he actually does stay connected with his people. And I would say to all my colleagues in the House, whichever side you are on, that even if you disagree with some of his point - of-orders you cannot disagree with his ethics when it comes to canvassing. NOSUPPORT FOR PATHWAYS TO STATUS
Mr. Christopher FamousMoving on, Mr. Speaker. Eight years ago, as I said earlier today, the people of Bermuda camped out at that House across the street all because of an announcement by Michael Fahy that he wanted to give Pathways to Status to peo-ple. Mr. Speaker, you are old enough and I …
Moving on, Mr. Speaker. Eight years ago, as I said earlier today, the people of Bermuda camped out at that House across the street all because of an announcement by Michael Fahy that he wanted to give Pathways to Status to peo-ple. Mr. Speaker, you are old enough and I know the person right next to me is old enough to remember when the United Bermuda Party gave out status like candy to certain people to ensure that they had votes to survive. It worked well for a couple of elections. Then they started running out of people. So much so that in the 2016 bye- election in Devonshire North, when they lost, the next day Michael Fahy attempted to give out candy again to get votes, Status for Votes. Mr. Speaker, it is one thing when you actually do something from the side of human compassion, but it is another thing when you have non- altruistic reasons. You see, they lost in 2017. They lost even more in 2020. So you would think they would realise that bringing up this story about status is a non- winning formula for them, Mr. Speaker. So the party themselves have not spoken about status for quite some time. But then earlier this year the same Michael Fahy who claims that he is no longer with the OBA starts talking about status again, Mr. Speaker. Can I quote some-thing he says, Mr. Speaker?
Mr. Christopher FamousVery briefly. He says, and I quote, “I truly hope that the existing government programme will be expanded to include status.” He then goes on in another article to say, “Granting status to long-term residents needs to be executed.” Former OBA Senator Michael Fahy. Mr . Speaker, on one hand …
Very briefly. He says, and I quote, “I truly hope that the existing government programme will be expanded to include status.” He then goes on in another article to say, “Granting status to long-term residents needs to be executed.” Former OBA Senator Michael Fahy. Mr . Speaker, on one hand one could say, Well, that’s just Michael Fahy because, hey, he’s not with the OBA anymore. It is just him talking. Waxing lyrically. But then when the Deputy Chairperson, co- Deputy Chairperson—I don’t know what the configuration is — but the candidate for constituency 6, Mr. Joe Marable. (Can you help me? How does he pronounce his last name?) He says this, Mr. Speaker, if you don’t mind me quoting?
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo ahead. Mr. Christopher Famous: He said in an article, written by himself, “Granting such individuals clearly defined rights and streamlined pathways to full rights” (meaning Pathways to Status). Mr . Speaker, you see? So Michael Fahy has set the foundation once again and now the OBA candidates are repeating …
Go ahead. Mr. Christopher Famous: He said in an article, written by himself, “Granting such individuals clearly defined rights and streamlined pathways to full rights” (meaning Pathways to Status). Mr . Speaker, you see? So Michael Fahy has set the foundation once again and now the OBA candidates are repeating what he said. As if people do not realise what they really mean. Let me go one step further, Mr. Speaker. There is another OBA candidate who stated quite categori-cally, “The One Bermuda Alliance is standing on the truth, whether it’s popular or not. . . . we must . . . forward a clear route to achieve Bermudian status . . .”. That is from my friend, Dwayne Robinson, candidate for constituency 30. So, Mr. Speaker, anybody who tries to say, Oh, that was Michael Fahy, that wasn’t the OBA. Not true. It is the OBA. Mr. Speaker, I say this in the context that yes, we have a bye- election coming now. We have a General Election sometime or the other. And o nce again the OBA is floating this idea of giving out status in hopes to get votes to save themselves. Why, Mr. Speaker? Did they not understand what thousands of people stood up for, for one week, surrounding that House? When the BIU cooked food in the garage where your car is parked, Mr. Speaker, and lines of Ber-mudians gave up their job to come and stand up for the people of Bermuda? But they are still trying. I do not understand this, Mr. Speaker. Mr . Speaker, I would like to quote one other person, if possible. And this is from Honourable Mem-ber Crystal Caeser, Southampton West Central, constituency 31. “People's power stopped the OBA's Pathways to Status, and despite it being rejected across the island and heavily rejected in the 2017 and 2020 elections, the OBA has not acknowledged or apologised to the people for this ‘powder keg’ policy and remains convinced that it is right and that Bermudians are wrong.” They remain convinced that they are right, and Bermudians are wrong! Mr . Speaker, let me say this about that Honourable Member Crystal Caeser. She was one of those on the frontline long before she was even elected in a group called . . . One would think . . . some would say that young Bermudians do not care about their culture, they are not civic oriented. Ms. Caeser, then, was one of the leaders of people standing up against Pathways to Status, Mr. Speaker, along with the Honourable Walton Brown (dearly depar ted) and many others. S o, Mr. Speaker, I close by saying, as a warning to the OBA, understand, people are not going to surround this House. You do not see anybody fighting against us. But they will not support you all attempting to give out status ever, ever again. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Honourable Member. D eputy Speaker, I see you are on your feet. You have the floor. 1146 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly TRIBUTES PAID TO MICHAEL DUNKLEY Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr . Speaker, just …
Thank you, Honourable Member. D eputy Speaker, I see you are on your feet. You have the floor. 1146 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly TRIBUTES PAID TO MICHAEL DUNKLEY Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr . Speaker, just having heard the announcement by Michael Dunkley, my good cousin, my recent cousin as he says, it is certainly going to create a void in the One Bermuda Alliance and sort of a void in this House because you do not have many good debaters in this House. His politics and my politics are different, but one thing I must say about him, I don’t think there is anybody who had more run- ins in this House than Michael Dunkley and myself. But we both remained civil to each other in and out of this House. I remember one time in Parliament we were up there, and I said something and Michael got up (and I am saying Michael respectfully) and he objected and I said, Well, I’ll see you outside. Meaning I was going to talk to him. [Laughter] Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Well, the press took it and said like I was challenging him. Now, why would I challenge the guy three times my size. You know, certainly older than me . . . [Laughter and inaudible interjections ] Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: And I said, Look at these people. Right? But I would never have challenged Michael Dunkley because this is politics. Right? I n my tenure here I would say he was probably the best leader that the OBA has had. I can recall one time I had some problems . . . it took me a long time to get a hold of one of his Ministers. And I saw Michael Dunkley in the parking lot and I said, Premier, man I cannot get a hold of so- and-so. Within 30 minutes I got a call from that Minister. And that is the type of . . . even though we were on opposite sides, our politics were different, he knew politics. He [is] politically astute. And it is going to be very difficult for them to replace a guy as politically astute as Michael Dunkley is. H e knows what he has to do. I respect it. I have enjoyed the encounters with him. In fact, I look forward to him being here on Fridays. When he wasn’t here, I said, Oh, man. I ain’t got anybody to fight. [Laughter] Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: But it was always fun, in my opinion because once I left these Chambers here, I am back to normal. You know, politics is in here. That is the way I take politics. I am not going to take this home with me. And one thing, I never go home and discuss what happened here, with whom . . . it just has never been my style whether I was a politician [or a] trade unionist, it stayed where it stayed. Home was sacred to me. Free of politics. Free of trade unionism. You know, if they asked me a question about trade, yes, I would tell them, about things on the job. I do that today. But it was not one that, you know, me and Michael we this and that. Never. None of my people can tell you that I came home and complained about anybody in this Parliament that, you know, we had our whatever today. But I can tell you, Dunkley, again, you will be a miss to the party and a miss to politics in Bermuda. And I appreciate and I respect you. Despite our differences, which will continue because you are going to remain in politics. You know what I mean. Not here— [Inaudible interjections] Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Yes, he will come back. [Laughter] Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: And you have been a good politician to your constituents. They talk to me. They tell me what you do. They tell me he brings them milk and all that stuff. [Laughter] Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr.: Whatever he gives them . . . and that is fine. Because . . . he does that because he knows the political culture in this country. And he did it well. Dunkley, good retirement, man. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Deputy [Speaker]. M P De Silva. Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo ahead. TRIBUTES PAID TO MICHAEL DUNKLEY Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you. I must say, you know, Mr. Speaker, we . . . we . . . we political folk in this House sometimes we come to this House prepared, sometimes we come unprepared, sometimes we have …
Go ahead. TRIBUTES PAID TO MICHAEL DUNKLEY Hon. Zane J. S. De Silva: Thank you. I must say, you know, Mr. Speaker, we . . . we . . . we political folk in this House sometimes we come to this House prepared, sometimes we come unprepared, sometimes we have a strategy, sometimes tactics are discussed during the day. And I must say, Mr. Speaker, that the announcement by the Honourable Michael Dunkley today sort of threw me for a loop. Be-cause you know, in this House we watch each other, and we sort of get body language. We see people preparing and so we do the same on this side. And you never know what one is going to talk about especially at motion to adjourn. So, I can say that I had a few things to talk about tonight, but I am going to put those aside and I will follow with other Members in this House in wishing the Honourable Michael Dunkley all the best in his retirement.
Ber muda House of Assembly Now, probably me more than most have hooked with the Honourable Member Dunkley. But I will say this: Michael, respectfully, I think deep down in his heart does really care for this country. And I have said it many times in this House that if you are not i n this House and you do not have this country at heart, you should not be here. Whilst I find it kind of hard to believe that he made the announcement tonight . . . because as my cousin Derrick said (the Honourable Member Burgess), he enjoys this House and the banter sometimes, the debate. The hooks that we have. And I cer-tainly do the same. And I think many Members would know that I enjoy a good hook. Sometimes I get myself beat up on a little bit, but I do enjoy the hooks that we have. But one thing that Michael talked about tonight was not only his branches, his colleagues and his party but he talked about his family. [Pause] Ho n. Zane J. S. De Silva: You will know, Mr. Speaker, I have talked about my family and my colleagues’ family many times in this House. And I felt his passion, and I felt his love for his family. And I know what a support his brother has been for him in politics. And I related because when we spend the time in this space, we need assistance and love from our loved ones. And I will say that my brother has done the same. My partner, Stephen Moniz, who like my brother Derrick, I consider family. My brother, Wayne Caines, who we have shared some very important moments together. But thinking back to our blood brother, Michael. I know that your brother . . . yes, it is getting a little too close. [Lau ghter] Ho n. Zane J. S. De Silva: But I am glad you made me laugh because it sort of relaxes one and we know that it does when you get a little . . . when you can get a little emotional. But it was good to hear you talk about your brother in that way because they are important. And you finished, Michael, with your wife. And every one of us in this place that has a wife . . . well, some of us may have a husband in this spot or in their spot. We know what they go through because of what we go through. The support that we get is support that will live deep in our hearts, Michael, until we die. Deep in our heart. To you, your family, who I know have had . . . they have had to have some really, really hard days and nights while you have been in this space. I wish them well and I wish them from the bottom of my heart to enjoy you as you leave this place. I will end on this note. When I announced that I was running for the Progressive Labour Party in 2007, and I was then elected when no one expected me to be elected—no one but me and my branch; but no one expected it —I endured a tough time in business, bec ause as a light -skinned fellow in the Progressive Labour Party a lot of things started to happen. A lot of light folks left, refused to do business with Island Construction. But I will say this, and as much as we have hooked in this House, MP Dunkley, we have continued to enjoy the pleasure and support of Dunkley’s at Island Construction. You personally have had work done at your house over the years and have used the services of Island Construction. In spite of a lot of the hooks —and you and I have had some hooks in this house. In spite of that — [Inaudible interjections and laughter] Ho n. Zane J. S. De Silva: And I do thank my brother Stephen Moniz for that because you could have very easily said, Listen, look, I don’t want —like many of us did—that guy joined the Progressive Labour Party. Mm-mm. No longer . [Inaudible interjection] Ho n. Zane J. S. De Silva: So for that, I do thank you because you continued to support my business whilst I was in this very difficult space and that, I think, shows the measure of a man. So, Michael, I wish you all the best. Like I said, I want your family to enjoy you. I want you to enjoy your family because you have had a long stretch and I wish you all the best, mate. Th e Speaker: Thank you, MP. Deputy [Premier]? Deputy, you have your time on the floor. TRIBUTES PAID TO MICHAEL DUNKLEY Ho n. Walter H. Roban: Yes, Mr. Speaker, just a few words because many Members have, I believe, covered their comments with authenticity and with heart - filled honesty and tribute to the Honourable Member who currently sits for constituency 10 as a senior rep-resentative of Devonshire. I feel certainly that I would like to pass on my own comments in relation to the an-nouncement of MP Dunkley. Having had (at least from the standpoint I have been involved with politics even prior to this House) an opportunity to observe Mr. Dunkley in his role as a pol-itician prior to 2003 and also currently, I have had the opportunity to observe him from outside the House and in the House but still being involved in politics. And I must certainly commend MP Dunkley for being a worthy adversary of the Progressive Labour Party on the fronts upon which he contested and was victorious; de-feated and victorious again. You must give tribute to somebody who has that level of tenacity and energy to be clearly convinced that giving service to their country on behalf of their community is something that they are committed to. Because you don’t win and then lose and 1148 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly come back again and win unless you are serious about service to this country. Without a doubt, MP Michael Dunkley has clearly been committed to service in our country and that has to be respected. Certainly, as a servant of Devonshire, I understand the . . . of a part of Devonshire, I understand the commitment that those who serve in Devonshire bring to the table. And it has been with no doubt that I under-stand that MP Dunkley has been someone who has be-lieved that he has brought good service to those in Dev-onshire that he has served over the years and they clearly have returned him to his seat acknowledging that. I must also say, as has been said by others, that outside of this House when dealing with Mr. Dunkley, and his brother, [he] has been most respectful, been most courteous and with honesty and integrity at all times. Mr. Dunkley and I have talked about many issues that had nothing to do with this House that we share a common interest in. And I can say with unqualified certainty that Mr. Dunkley has always given his best to his work outside this House as well as in. He spoke of many things that we all . . . when we come to this House we have to be mindful of: Our-selves and our health and our community and our fam-ilies. Mr. Dunkley shared his wisdom in these areas which I do believe we all should take into account. I wish to thank Mr. Dunkley for the quality of his service to Devonshire, to Bermuda , and certainly on behalf of his family and all those who have believed that his be-ing here has been the right thing. I wish him well in his retirement because he will take the quality of represen-tation that he has given here and will take it home and to others certainly in the community. Well done, Mr. Dunkley.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you. MP Caines, you were a little quicker. I would have normally let the lady go first, but you jumped like you had springs in your seat that time. Mr . Wayne Caines: If it pleases you, Mr. Speaker .
The SpeakerThe SpeakerGo right ahead. TRIBUTES PAID TO MICHAEL DUNKLEY Mr . Wayne Caines: Mr. Speaker, Shirley Chisholm said that service is the rent that you pay to occupy your space on earth. I think it is very fitting for us all to reflect on service as a result of the announcement …
Go right ahead. TRIBUTES PAID TO MICHAEL DUNKLEY Mr . Wayne Caines: Mr. Speaker, Shirley Chisholm said that service is the rent that you pay to occupy your space on earth. I think it is very fitting for us all to reflect on service as a result of the announcement —27 years is indeed yeoman service in this country. That is not something we can all take for granted. To do anything consistently for 27 years is significant. But to have the opportunity to serve this country for 27 years it is signif-icant. The opportunity that I first had to be in the Senate about 16 years ago, as a young Senator with MP Dunkley, it was a good time. The Senate Leader at the time was Colonel [Burch] and we were in the Senate, I was cutting my teeth and learnt a lot from that cadre of men and women down at the Senate. It was indeed an excellent time. The Westminster system almost puts us all at different ends of the spectrum. You have the opportunity to see it from your standpoint and the Westminster system almost puts you at odds most times or at loggerheads with the opposing side. There comes a time where you get to see it in politics and outside of politics what a person is really made of. There are times where you have to stand on your own. There are some times where you have to go ahead and . . . I know that Mr. Dunkley has always been a man that has had his guiding principles. And it is indeed an opportunity for our country to see that he has given yeoman service to this country. I would like to wish him all the best in his future endeavours and to thank him for his service to our beloved country.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Caines. Does any other Member . . . MP Foggo. TRIBUTES PAID TO MICHAEL DUNKLEY
Ms. Lovitta F. FoggoYes, thank you, Mr. Speaker . I once again think it would be remiss of me if I didn’t stand and thank the honourable colleague who reported to the House that he will no longer be serving the people of Bermuda in the capacity of a politician as of 31 …
Yes, thank you, Mr. Speaker . I once again think it would be remiss of me if I didn’t stand and thank the honourable colleague who reported to the House that he will no longer be serving the people of Bermuda in the capacity of a politician as of 31 March. I will say this, I personally do not know Member Dunkley. I had never travelled in the same circles as he has. But what I would say, during my tenure in this House, and we have sat on opposite sides of the aisle, one thing that many of my colleagues can t ell you is that I have always said that in doing his duties, he has served his team well. And politics can be . . . is often seen as an adversarial, I guess, entity. Especially when we are talking party politics. Philosophically and ideologically, we do sit in separate arenas. However, I believe whole-heartedly that anyone, all of us who sit in this House and put ourselves forward in public service in the polit-ical realm deserve the thanks that is afforded to them in their duties because this is not an easy job by any means. As soon as you put yourself forward for public service you become a target of one type or another. While there has been bantering, and I certainly know that when he sat as the Premier and even in other ca-pacities, there was many a word said across the aisl e, back and forth. Again, what I will say . . . and those words that were spoken were spoken in support of, I guess, the ideology that we believe in; were spoken in support of the parties that we serve under. Our actions to that end, when we believe we are doing it for the people that we serve, can only be seen (in my opinion) as one that deserves being lauded for the very reasons
B ermuda House of Assembly that I spoke just now. It is not easy and clearly sometimes we get it wrong. Now, I will say, Honourable Member, because of the Government that I sit with and the party that I sit with, I do believe that there are things that were done under the opposing party which may not have served the people in the way that I thought it should have. But what I would never say is that in trying to deploy your duties that it was not done with that intent. I will say that it was done, and I will say it again because when we are standing in this House to serve our people, number one, they are our boss and I do believe for the most part in acquitting our duty, we do it with them first and foremost. Even if those policies that we are standing behind don’t seem to serve in the best interest of our people in the eyes of some others. I will say this on a personal note, there was never a day if I passed Member Dunkley in the street when he was the Premier or when he was just a sitting Member on his team when they were the Government or otherwise that he did not afford me the respect of a hello. So I would never say that he is someone who saw me as an enemy, as we know that people sometimes in the public domain think that we are enemies with each other. We are Members who sit on opposite sides trying to do what we believe is best for our people. So I want to thank Member Dunkley for all of the service that he brought to his people, trying to en-sure a better Bermuda for all. Thank you. Thank you, Member Dunkley.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Foggo. MP Ming. TRIBUTES PAID TO MICHAEL DUNKLEY Mr s. Renee Ming: Good [evening], Mr. Speaker, and listening audience. I would just like to give my short message to MP Dunkley. I have not known MP Dunkley very long and that is probably by virtue that we …
Thank you, MP Foggo. MP Ming. TRIBUTES PAID TO MICHAEL DUNKLEY Mr s. Renee Ming: Good [evening], Mr. Speaker, and listening audience. I would just like to give my short message to MP Dunkley. I have not known MP Dunkley very long and that is probably by virtue that we didn’t make marbles together , but I have served in a parliamentary role since 2012, so I will say he is definitely a colleague of mine. I think that when people decide that they want to have a change in life, we respect that and we move on. But I will say that in my time in serving that MP Dunkley has been nothing but respectful and that is even when we have disagreed on many topics. I think he grew to ac-cept that St. George’s is where my heart lies and that even though he sponsored the team up in Somerset, you know I still had to—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerHe knows how to make good choices. [ Laughter] Mr s. Renee Ming: I still had to respect his bad decisions. [ Laughter] Mr s. Renee Ming: But, Mr. Speaker, all of this is just to say that I wish my colleague well. I hope he has a long and …
He knows how to make good choices. [ Laughter] Mr s. Renee Ming: I still had to respect his bad decisions. [ Laughter] Mr s. Renee Ming: But, Mr. Speaker, all of this is just to say that I wish my colleague well. I hope he has a long and fruitful life [and] he enjoys his family because at the end of the day our families are extremely important. And although what we do here in terms of public service is impo rtant as well, we know those persons who will be there for us no matter what. So, all the best and we will see you around.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMP Swan. TRIBUTES PAID TO MICHAEL DUNKLEY
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. SwanYes, Mr. Speaker . I guess, Mr. Speaker, at this juncture I can declare my interest. I have known Michael Dunkley for quite a long time. I think I first knew Michael Dunkley in the capacity as young golfers together and I remember . . . one of the first …
Yes, Mr. Speaker . I guess, Mr. Speaker, at this juncture I can declare my interest. I have known Michael Dunkley for quite a long time. I think I first knew Michael Dunkley in the capacity as young golfers together and I remember . . . one of the first impressions that I remember was playing in the golf tournament in honour of his father in 1974 which the Bermuda Golf Association named after him. I think it was the senior/junior or one of those tournaments they named . . . a plaque was on the wall to Dunkley , and I would know that it would be very difficult for any young person to have to grow up without their father. So when he spoke of his brother, as I work closely with my brother who I trained in the golf industry, I can appreciate as Zane had said, Honourable Member De Silva had said, how important that family support is when you are in business. I also got to know MP Dunkley as members of the United Bermuda Party. And I know that if Keith Pearman were still around he would have a golfing partner on a Saturday afternoon and he could probably fit in with maybe somebody that might not be able to play as much, maybe take somebody else’s place. I will not call th eir name. But I made a speech critical the other day because . . . you know, I was very outspoken. A lot of people would not realise this, but I never criticise my party in public. I tell you how I feel behind the scenes. And I always used to challenge the United Bermuda Party for what I called the safe- seat mentality. [MP] Dunkley can attest to that. And my best friends weren’t. Some of my good friends were in safe seats. But I said it is a lot harder when you wake up and you know you are going to go in a Paget or a Smith’s or whatever . Some of them have altered and become less safe, but . . . I remember in the 2000s, I challenged MP Dunkley and I remember good people that came out of Devonshire. I remember Ramona Anderson, who was a hard worker. May she rest in peace and Mr. Barritt , and how they worked and would give advice in other areas. But I always ran in a seat that was never a UBP safe seat although I grew up in Southampton West, I came up under Harry and Ralph and I grew up chasing 1150 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly those cows out there. Come to find out as an adult, as a much older person that those were Dunkley’s cows I was chasing around up in Southampton with the Quinns and all the like. But that is how we . . . we grew up around farms and stuff up in Southampton. But yes, I challenged persons to run in safe seats. Nobody took me up on it except Mihcael Dunkley. Nobody took me up on it except Michael Dunkley. And I took a lot of criticism when Michael Dunkley ran in Devonshire in a very difficult seat and lost. He lost his seat when he ran in that particular area, in single seats. [ Inaudible interjection]
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. SwanRight, he was in Smith’s North. But I think it had a bit of Devonshire in there be-cause that was the first time when the boundary wasn’t strictly to a parish. It crossed over. So you could have a Smith’s boundary that could go down to Hamilton Parish, go down …
Right, he was in Smith’s North. But I think it had a bit of Devonshire in there be-cause that was the first time when the boundary wasn’t strictly to a parish. It crossed over. So you could have a Smith’s boundary that could go down to Hamilton Parish, go down to Shelly Bay. I challenged him and he did it and he lost his seat. And my friends . . . and Brutus, Brutus, who helped me strategise when we were sitting in his kitchen and I said, I am running for leader . He said, You have got to be crazy. He said, That’s going to Barritt or it’s going to Richards. I said , No, you have got it wrong. All the MPs that can vote ( at that particular time). And he said, First you got to get on the ballot. So I went around to everybody that could vote and asked them to nominate me. Which they did. They nominated me. They didn’t think I was going to win. And I won that election up at Elbow Beach. And the first person that I spoke to . . . well, no it was not the first person because I had some idea. I got a couple of calls from my mate Keith Pearman, Now, Swan, what are you going to do? I said, Well, you know, you encouraged that fellow to doggone go out there on a limb and now, you know, he’s gone. . . and we had some time and Keith was a very strong advocate in Devonshire and for the team down there and he made a case. And, you know, I reflected, Mr. Speaker . . . Madam Acting Speaker, I reflected. And I said, You know, the only person who had ever lost a seat that I could remember as a leader was Mr. Robinson, Walter Robinson. And when he regained his seat (he lost his seat may have been in Hamilton Parish) and when he came back Dame . . . and she wasn’t Dame Lois - Browne at that particular time . . . surrendered being Opposition Leader and made him . . . and he became the Opposition Leader again. He lost his seat and he came back. So, I said, well, if I look at precedent . . . and at that time I had studied the PLP inside out because the only Opposition I could ever study was the PLP in Op-position and it was a great Opposition for those 30 years in the wilderness. Great speeches . . . you have heard me talk about them. I know them. I read them. I internalised them. Yes, and imitation is the best form of flattery. I go down memory lane today because I sat in this very . . . stood in this very Gallery and listened to Dame Lois and I listened to Austin Thomas and Barritt and Dame Jennifer put the time limits on, I guess, you know, they didn’t want anyone else to give that Austin Thomas speech. When I did become the Opposition Leader, I did appoint Mr. Dunkley. And I caught a lot of criticism from a lot of people because he went out there and ven-tured out and then, you know, he actually won a seat back there. For the last . . . since 2012 (12 and 12 is 24), for the last 12 years we have not been political colleagues. I have been . . . 2 of those 12 years have been, I was in the political wilderness, and it was pre-vailed upon me, he said, Swan, you can get 22 per cent of the vote as an independent, but I don’t think you could ever get more than that. And you have always spoken on social issues in there and those votes that you have, you know, why don’t you bring them home. Brutus again, in the kitchen over there. He helped me strategise when I became their Opposition Leader. And so I have been PLP . . . And we have had some difficult moments, MP Dunkley and I. And a lot around the protest and the like and family members getting in the mix. And I understand that as well as the next. You know, my wife is a Caribbean lady with Central American blood, and others . . . families equally as passionate. But stay in the background. Mine wouldn’t so there has been a rift there. I will say this, from a business standpoint, and I will call in my good friend and cousin Paul Spring in his role and he is close to my . . . and my brother up at Belmont. He has helped to repair that type of difficulty that existed through politics. And I will say that today, for the public, as I say that MP Dunkley . . . we joked the other day, I said, Man, anybody ever gave me the whole four hours to speak, I know I couldn’t believe your luck . We just chuckled and smiled because when you come up in the old school of politics you learned how to do it before you get here, you don’t learn on the job. You served as an apprentice under people like Dr. Saul . And Devonshire at that particular time wasn’t a given to anybody. It was won by Ms. Lois Browne- Evans before she was Dame Lois Browne- Evans and UBP seats flip- flopped in between, among, Mr. Benbow and Mr. Cox and others. It wasn’t a given on that side . . . although, on the PLP side it became very much a stronghold. Recognising that we serve God first, our family first and foremost, I want to say thank you to his family for loaning him to the country. I have made the speech a few times of recent years, Mr. Speaker, weeks and months in particular saying that I know that everyone that has served in this House cares and loves Bermuda . I believe that in heart -of-hearts, we just have a different way of achieving that. And I just want to thank
B ermuda House of Assembly Mr. Dunkley’s family for allowing him to serve Bermuda through the United Bermuda Party first and the One Bermuda Alliance over the last 12 years. BERMUDA UK IRELAND GOLF LINKS SOCIETY
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. SwanMr. Speaker, in my few remaining minutes, I am going to speak about the Ber-muda UK Ireland Golf Links Society. And I am going to just say thank you to 25 people from overseas who, through friendships and relationships, appreciate the passion and the love between us that we have …
Mr. Speaker, in my few remaining minutes, I am going to speak about the Ber-muda UK Ireland Golf Links Society. And I am going to just say thank you to 25 people from overseas who, through friendships and relationships, appreciate the passion and the love between us that we have been able to share over the last couple of years. A few that I have known before . . . not many. A majority, 90 per cent of, I had never met before but because of a friend of a friend and connections that have been born, they are here in Bermuda. And it is because of the good Lord above that yesterday they arrived. They had one of the most beautiful sunsets when I went to pick the balance of the group up at the airport. Thirteen . . . 12 of them arrived early and 13 arrived yesterday. This morning, to get off the British Airways flight and to be at St. George’s Square at 8:15 is no mean feat. They got from Cambridge and they were there. But I knew they were four hours ahead anyway so they were good to go. I want to say thank you to the mayor of St. George’s , the MP for St. George’s [constituency] 1, Mrs. Renee Ming, mayor [Quinell] Francis and for mer mayor/town crier Michael Jones for providing a great welcome along with my wife Cindy , Ms. Dawn Simmons and her sister Karen who has helped with events that we have had to hold to try to offset some of the personal costs that go into bringing people here. And they have made a commitment that they want to help us grow our winter season from November to March. I have been talking about November to March for all my life in tourism, speaking on the floor of the House and speaking about that, running events myself from the 1980s when I was in St. George’s that still run today at Pompano [Beach Club]. That when you do things that are fundamentally structure- based, they will stand the test of time. The Bermuda Easter Lily ladies that were helped founded by Marilyn Smith (may she rest in peace) one of the founders of the LPGA is going on right now at Pompano. You don’t even hear much about it, but 12 foursomes (48 ladies), love Pompano. You know this Bermuda UK Ireland Golf fan trip has a group of four ladies that two weeks ago were in Tenerife. And they call themselves the BOGGS Ladies Golf Society —Bermuda Old Girls Golf Society (BOGGS). None of them have ever lived a day in Bermuda apart from coming to Bermuda 12 years ago at Pompano and meeting each other playing golf where Chrstine Langford, a former LPGA tour player from Eu-rope who is the Director of Golf at [Thorpeness] which is a seaside [village] in Suffolk up there, lower Norfolk, on the coast, used to bring these women. They stopped coming before COVID -19. And I said, You know what? Maybe we need to reach out to some of the folk that’s been suffering from COVID -19. And today they are here. And they are here running in the water at Tobacco Bay. Why? Because when I shared this with Dennie O’Connor up at Ocean View [Golf Club] when we had the heritage . . . when Minister Owen Darrell had the event for the heritage awards I told him I got some folks that are coming to Bermuda. He says, You can bring them down at White Horse. I will host the overseas group. Don’t bring all those other lot, but you can bring . . . and at that time I thought it was going to be 12. In January 12 turned to 25 and I had to stop, I had to hit the pause button. So, today he said to me this week he says, I want them to go to Tobacco Bay and I took them to St. Regis . Why? Because getting people excited about the golf course in St. George’s that, like St. Andrews, is within the municipal township where persons can walk from the town and have a tee time and then walk in the water . . . whether or not it be at the hotel resort or Tobacco Bay is very unique. They can get from Dockyard . . . and when they build that dock down there, they can get to Dockyard to Tobacco Bay even quicker from the water. Those ladies that came 12 days early, yesterday in that nice, beautiful sunshine, they were out look-ing at the whales. You know where they watched the whales? When I looked at that picture, I said, That’s not Gibb’s Hill lighthouse. That’s St. David’s lighthouse . From St. George’s . . . and this is a business opportunity for someone. Because if you want to go on a whale watching trip today, Mr. Speaker, most of the best ones are coming out of the aquarium. So you have to go out through Flatts and either go left around Dockyard through Watford Bridge or yesterday because of impending weather, they turned right and they went down around Fort St. Catherine and when they hit St. Regis and St. George’s town cut, they went out about 15 minutes. I saw St. David’s lighthouse . . . the whales were jumping off St. David’s. Any entrepreneur, you start promoting whale watching out of St. George’ s. Come St. George’s and have lunch. You can go out, see the whales and within an hour and a half you will be back. You go up through the aquarium, it is going to take you seven hours, a whole day! Plus barfing. [ Laughter]
Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. SwanPlus seasick pills and all the like. I am here to tell you, that is a business oppor-tunity that is there for the offering. I remember, Mr. Speaker, the late David White, the editor of the Royal Gazette when I canvassed him back in the 1990s said to me, You …
Plus seasick pills and all the like. I am here to tell you, that is a business oppor-tunity that is there for the offering. I remember, Mr. Speaker, the late David White, the editor of the Royal Gazette when I canvassed him back in the 1990s said to me, You know, St. George’s must be a working town to survive. And when I came to St. George’s in 1985, Mr. Speaker, I am here to tell you we used to play 32,000 rounds when we had the bases. A lot of people don’t really appreciate what a big blow it was to this country with the exodus of the US bases. 1152 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly They rented houses. Base housing was the best landlords you ever wanted. . . you have a problem with a tenant, you had to look toward the base and that tenant bucked up in a minute. Guaranteed rents and the like. So we had to recalibrate. We had hotels in this country that moved towards condominiums. So now we have less beds. Peo-ple are there blaming us for not having enough hotel beds around but it is because private industry moved towards . . . the dollar in that regard. But, Mr. Speaker, I have hope for this country. I have hope that with people coming, picking up and coming to Bermuda from the UK (just because a country boy like Swan who has some connections in Europe can make connections with them) that more people in this country that have connections around the world would leverage their friendships and encourage people to be here. It only takes about a hundred golfers a week for 20 weeks would make a tremendous dent in the economy. Would provide a lot more economic revenue circulating; people buying more things, going out to res-taurants, taking more taxis. And while I finish, let me say this. I spent a lot more time at the airport —just reminding me of what I used to do back in the 1980s and 1990s a lot. We do have a transportation challenge in this country. And I want to say thank you to . . . I have always, whenever I had ran golf events, always organised . . . got the best people to organise my transportation. I want to say thank you to David Burgess and Kyle Lipen who are shepherding my people around the country at this particular time. I remember the late Custerfield Crockwell who used to do that for me when he retired from the Bermuda Police and make sure that people get there. Business in this country, international business in particular, have moved to prearranged scenarios. And if a person is at an airport —in Heathrow, in Boston and the like—a suitable application could allow them to prearrange for that transportation, but that transporta-tion has got to be there when they get there so that we don’t have even Bermudia ns waiting in line. We have got to move. The technology is there. The problem is there that we have to solve. People coming by here need to be transported about seamlessly and we need to make that happen and just speaking from my work-ing experience that has been taking place more because I have put myself in that space, I want to just offer that. So in closing, I just want to say, MP Dunkley, enjoy your life, enjoy your family and God bless.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Swan. MP Lister. TRIBUTES PAID TO MICHAEL DUNKLEY
Mr. Dennis Lister IIIGood evening, Mr. Speaker. Good evening to the listening audience and to my fellow colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I too would like to stand and make remarks on the retirement of MP Dunkley. He said it best when he started, it is now time to put his family first. Mr. Speaker, …
Good evening, Mr. Speaker. Good evening to the listening audience and to my fellow colleagues. Mr. Speaker, I too would like to stand and make remarks on the retirement of MP Dunkley. He said it best when he started, it is now time to put his family first. Mr. Speaker, I will say that I have a very unique perspective, maybe one of few other Members of being a child of a politician and then becoming a politician themselves, Mr. Speaker. I know a fellow colleague, Lawrence Scott, sits in the House, and maybe previous Members, and MP Jamahl Simmons also. But Mr. Speaker, from that perspective, as MP Dunkley said, it is time to put family first. Mr. Speaker, I was four when you were first elected to this Honourable House . So I have had a whole lifetime of being on the other end of a politician. I can recall, Mr. Speaker, growing up I knew Wednesdays: caucus. And then on the other side of it having a mother who also ran Youth Parliament. So Wednesdays I knew I didn’t see either one of my parents. And then on Fridays, I knew it was Parliament and, you know, when I was younger and maybe in my early ad-olescent years, we would sit up and listen to Parl iament. And, you know, we would wait to hear you come home, Mr. Speaker . But having said that, Mr. Speaker, I understand MP Dunkley, you know, he has put 27 years, if I am correct, 27 years into this service. And that is 27 years . . . not every day, but time and days spent away from your family. And, Mr. Speaker, it does have an impact depending on how the person takes it. But knowing that MP Dunkley has put in 27 years and he has now got to a point where he wants to spend time with his family, I don’t think anyone can hate him for that, Mr. Speaker . Being in this House in my short time, you know, we have had some rough days and sometimes you don’t want to come in or you leave here upset, but 27 years he has put in and I think he is due time to call it on his own. Mr. Speaker, as I just flip to sports, most sportsmen . . . you know, they hate to see that . . . the end of the line. You know, you play football and as you get older you realise you have to come to that time where you have to retire. And most sportsmen like to do it on their own. They don’t like to be forced out, whatever it is. So, I think MP Dunkley can say he is doing it on his own, in his own time and in his own way and just putting his hand up and saying You know , I have had a good run and now I can take time to retire and spend with his family. Again, I just want to wish him the best in whatever his future endeavours are . . . whether it is spending time here, traveling, whatever it is. Enjoy it. You have earned it. ROAD SAFETY REMINDERS Mr . Dennis Lister III: Mr. Speaker, I now just want to switch a bit, as I said in the beginning family is first. Well, Mr. Speaker, as this will be the last time we will
B ermuda House of Assembly be in this House for a while, I just want to remind those out there, Mr. Speaker, putting on my road safety hat, that family is first. When you get on a bike, when you get in a car, whatever you do on our roads, remember that your actions impact not only you but others on the roads. And, more importantly, if something does happen, it is your family, Mr. Speaker, that feels those consequences, the impact of those actions. If there is a se-rious injury, a life- changing, life -altering injury, your family has to step up and step in to help assist you. If there is a fatality, you are gone but your family has to go on without you. They have to try and replace you and it is the memories they will have, that they will hold on to, but you will be gone and that will be hurting them the most. Always remember, Mr. Speaker, and when we do return to this Honourable House it will be nearing our annual Road Safety week and our theme for this year is Changing minds, changing behaviours . All of that is again in regard to keeping us safe. Changing how we act and how we behave on the roads, changing our mindsets of when we get on the roads or what we are going to do. Ultimately we have to put in practice good behaviours to keep us safe and again your family should be forefront in when you make the decisi ons and how it will impact them. Mr. Speaker, I take my seat with those short comments. Again, well wishes to MP Dunkley and enjoy the future and whatever it brings.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP. Does any other MP —Anthony Richardson, you have the floor. TRIBUTES PAID TO MICHAEL DUNKLEY
Mr. Anthony RichardsonGood evening to you, Mr. Speaker, and to those who are left in the Chamber and those in the listening audience. I am pleased to actually be in the Chamber today and I will say to MP Dunkley I was actually in St. George’s at a funeral when I heard …
Good evening to you, Mr. Speaker, and to those who are left in the Chamber and those in the listening audience. I am pleased to actually be in the Chamber today and I will say to MP Dunkley I was actually in St. George’s at a funeral when I heard you make your announcement that you are going to be retiring and that was part of the impetus as to why I re-turned to be able to give some comments. But before I do that, I will say to my uncle Bunny, his name is Ritchie Foggo, but uncle Bunny, and the entire family, I do extend my condolences. But in those circumstances it is always wonderful because you get a chance to actually get a sense as to what people did that you did not necessarily know. And so to the family, congratulations, in that sense. To MP Dunkley, though, more directly I want to say congratulations. As you said you have spent, or we know you have spent, 27 years giving service and what I want to do in my comments is to equate your service as a Member of Parliament to service generally be-cause Bermuda is about hospitality. And if we get this whole thing about service right, then we will be many . . . we will be much closer to where we need to be than we currently are. I will say . . . obviously, I did not know about you deciding to retire today, but for those who may not know, I had the opportunity to interview you in a differ-ent space recently. It was interesting because you obviously, not obviously, but people comment ed on how well prepared you are, or you were for that discussion, and that reflects what people have said today in terms of when you come to debate or when you come to com-ment you are always very well prepared. Certainly, we congratulate you on that regard. What I will say with a small smile on my face is I was also happy to hear what MP Zane De Silva said and how you responded in terms of you . . . the two of you may spar as politicians but there is a business re-lationship behind all of that which is irrespective of the political discourse. I say that because I have smiled for I don’t know how many years now as I drive down Middle Road, I turn right and I drive across Dunkley’s. No matter what has happened in the political sphere, I see the infamous yellow and blue ICS trailers there. And I am like, What in the world? These guys understand, for whatever reason, that irrespective of the political chal-lenges or differences that they still have a good busi-ness relationship because clearly you need to move containers and ICS (or Zane De Silva’s company) are very efficient in doing that. Today, I was able to have a smile around that. In the words of another infamous person I will say this, Bermuda, get ready, get ready, get ready , because after tonight’s love fest I am sure there is going to be this comment in terms of there is going to be a bye-election. And then we will get back to normal in some respects because then we have to go and see who is going to do what in that regard. I trust that you will have a long and happy retirement, that you get a chance to . . . we make it seem as if you have not been enjoying your family all this time. What I want to say is that you will have more time to enjoy them in a different way. And as y ou explained already, one of your greatest joys is your grandchildren. Obviously, you know, your wife and children and all that, but your grandchildren are what seem to be one of your greatest impetus now in terms of giving you the joy when you get home, before you go home- home. So that is good. The last thing I will say in this regard is that you have expressed to all of us that you had recent . . . I want to call it almost like a miracle of medicine because when we have these body challenges, medicine is now able to fix these things in a way they didn’t use to do before. So you are now . . . I wouldn’t say a miracle, but you are now walking in a more strengthened way than you were in the past. So that is all done. Now, Mr. Speaker, what I want to say (we are on the love fest thing now) is about budget lessons I have learned. I always enjoy this time of year because it gives me a chance to learn more . . . and I can’t 1154 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly believe I have used that much time already. But anyway, I will go forward. [ Inaudible interjections]
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI’ve got you down on paper, that was —
Mr. Anthony RichardsonOkay, thank you. Good, good, good. I can breathe. I can breathe better. [ Inaudible interjections and laughter.]
Mr. Anthony RichardsonI can breathe better. No problem. So, Mr. Speaker, this time of year is always a joy to me because I get a chance to sit, to listen, to at-tend as much as I can and I learn. And I will say that for this year, several things I have …
I can breathe better. No problem. So, Mr. Speaker, this time of year is always a joy to me because I get a chance to sit, to listen, to at-tend as much as I can and I learn. And I will say that for this year, several things I have learned, and I trust I am able to explain it to others who may want to know the same thing. One is, Mr. Speaker, is the idea or the distinction between the excess borrowing fund and the Sinking Fund. I should have known all this stuff. But sitting and listening to the whole budget cycle, I was able to have a better appreciation. And to be honest, Mr. Speaker, even today when the Premier as Minister of Finance was explaining, I said to myself, I don’t know if I would want him to be my teacher . Not because he can’t explain stuff, but sometimes he is so expressive I just don’t know if I would have wa nted him to be my teacher. So anyway, he does an excellent job. He is so thorough and I am always amazed at how he goes through even sometimes the mundane to explain things and I trust that people that do not have an appreciation will take time to go back to parliament.bm and listen to what he said and take notes if necessary because it is very, very important. I also learned, Mr. Speaker, from Minister Wilson as the Minister of Health about the rationale for BHB funding. There is a difference of opinion between us being the PLP and the OBA, but it was very interesting to hear her rationale in terms of the Hospital Board —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerOne minute. Minister Wilson wasn’t here today.
Mr. Anthony RichardsonNo, not today. She did it in her . . . before, during the budget —
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThat’s the point. You cannot reflect back on—
Mr. Anthony RichardsonBut it was interesting for me just to understand how BHB is funded. I also obviously reflected on the idea, or I made sure I understood the impact of freezing the hospital premiums, or the standard hospital benefit premiums in terms of how it has a positive impact on all …
But it was interesting for me just to understand how BHB is funded. I also obviously reflected on the idea, or I made sure I understood the impact of freezing the hospital premiums, or the standard hospital benefit premiums in terms of how it has a positive impact on all of us in that we will not have to pay more money for our health pre-miums. I learned also, Mr. Speaker, about some of the expectations for corporate income tax and how it is going to impact on us. So all of these things, Mr. Speaker, I am saying is that I learned, I listened and I trust that I am able to reflect these things to my constituents. But, Mr. Speaker, now more importantly what has happened to me in the most recent time is I learned some personal lessons. And the personal lessons I learned really arose from an incident at the airport. I am not going to name any names, but that is what hap-pened. What I w ill say is this, I am a proud graduate of Warwick Academy and the reason . . . one of the reasons why I am proud is because going to this school allowed me to interact with persons of all spheres of Bermudian society. Obviously White, obviously Black, some poor, some rich, some divorced, all the whole gamut if you will. And the lesson I learned is that An-thony should never be challenged by anybody else in the sense that I am who I am. I am academically brighter than some, not others. Sports -wise I am better than some and not others. And so what I mean by that, Mr. Speaker, is that I see myself as being equal and capable to anybody because that was the experience that I learned through Warwick Academy. But, Mr. Speaker, recently what happened is some people came into the Island and they had an is-sue upon entry and there was some difficulty. My belief though is that my job is to make sure that there is al-ways a solution. So I looked at it from that point of view in terms of no matter what the issue is, let’s keep on pressing, pressing, pressing until we get to a solution. And clearly because of the issue there was significant emotions, there were tears flowing, there was no pro-fanity but there were comments made that were tre-mendously negative and . . . we got to a stage whereby it was very, very tense and a decision was made to actually refuse entry. And because it is not my role, I had to be careful about how I interacted with everyone else because if I did the wrong thing, I would get myself in trouble. But I did it anyway and you will understand why I am saying all of this. Because at the end of it all, we were able to resolve the problem. The lesson I learned, though, is that I —and I guess others also—sometimes have an inherent bias and this is how it manifested itself. The individuals that were coming in, they were White. A given. The persons they had to interact with were Black. A given. And so we went through the process and I was acting on the basis of let’s, as I said, just try to get to a solution, but
B ermuda House of Assembly at the end of it . . . one of the guests, which happened to be a White person, came to me and told me that I acted incorrectly. Which is fine. I don’t have an issue with that. The problem, Mr. Speaker, was that I went and explained to them what I did and how I actually put myself at risk professionally by doing what I did. But their response was, Listen, I don’t care what you have to say because no matter what you say, I am not going to agree with what you are saying. And so that, of course, caused me some angst because in addition to what they said they were in my personal space. And it happened . . . and I am not saying this to be negative I am just saying it happened to be a physically small White girl. So you can imagine, my thing was like, Hey, get out of my face because you don’t understand what you are talking about . The point I am really getting at is that going back to my Warwick Academy days when I understood that we have differences, but you know, we can still manage, it was to reflect on Was Anthony actually responding to the situation based upon what was or based upon the fact that I was a Black person and she was a White person and that all the other persons that interacted in the situation were Black ? So all the guests were White. All the persons that had the quote, unquote “authority” were Black. So it went back to my mind for the first time in all these years of life in terms of Anthony, you need to be careful about how you receive or act in that situation. Now I reflect, to be honest, even in this House, in this Chamber, is for Anthony to be careful about how he responds or reacts to what takes place in the House to make sure that I do not have an inherent bias or that those who I am interacting with do not have an inherent bias. I say all that to say that for me, during this period of time, beyond the budget and all those kinds of things and to my constituents and listening audience that has been an Anthony lesson. I believe that for all of us based on the Bermudian society we all have those interactions and we have to be careful though in terms of how we respond and remember our own biases in that situation. I will say this, Mr. Speaker. In Bermuda I have had the opportunity to buy a house or at least to look for a house in a few situations. And on two occasions at least, one of which . . . and I will say this, I went to look at a house down at Sousa Estate, right. And what amazed me was that I was told, Anthony, don’t look in this area because you will never buy a house here because of my skin colour. Which is crazy in this society, but it is true. I will conclude by saying this, Mr. Speaker . I want to make sure that I specify significant congratulations to those who are regularly on the front of the entry into Bermuda and in that regard, Mr. Speaker, I want to commend I Customs Shift C who are supervised by the Customs Officer Dawnette Bell. But the people that were directly involved and were able to act at all times professionally and hold their cool despite the situation is Customs Officer Mayanasha Burch and Videll Arm-strong. And also, as part of this conversation, Dr. Johnathan Nesbitt , acted with complete, complete professionalism despite being bombarded, despite being threatened, despite being all these kind of things, Mr. Speaker, he was able to keep his cool. The beauty of all of this is that at the end of the day, despite all this drama, we were able to resolve the situation and that everyone acted in a positive way. What I took away from this, though —and that is why I want to be very careful as to how I say this —is that the parents of the young lady actually, while she was ranting and raving, were trying . . . not trying, they were actually apologising on her behalf. And that is why I was also challenged to make sure that Anthony was careful about how he interpreted was going on and how I responded in that situation. That, Mr. Speaker, for me over the past couple of weeks now, is one of the greatest lessons I have learned in this whole context. And I wanted to make sure that I was able to inform everybody but apply it in this context. And now you may say, What does this have to do with MP Dunkley? What it has to do with MP Dunkley is MP Dunkley has — [ Inaudible interjection]
Mr. Anthony RichardsonYes, it is a long way home. But MP Dunkley has demonstrated . . . I believe a lack of bias in his presentation. He is forceful. He is sometimes . . . he will give his little snippets around. You know, he knows how to play the game. That …
Yes, it is a long way home. But MP Dunkley has demonstrated . . . I believe a lack of bias in his presentation. He is forceful. He is sometimes . . . he will give his little snippets around. You know, he knows how to play the game. That is for sure. But I will say that there has definitely not been a sense of him acting in any conscious way towards me just because of my skin colour. And I think that is a testament to him the man. MP Dunkley, we wish you well in your retirement. I thank you for all that you have done. You are a man to be respected. Thank you.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, MP Richardson. Opposition Whip, MP Cannonier. TRIBUTES PAID TO MICHAEL DUNKLEY
Mr. L. Craig CannonierYes, thank you, Mr. Speaker . I would be remiss if I did not address the retirement of the Honourable Michael Dunkley. I think he and I, in my time, have seen the good, the bad, and I say the ugly on so many issues. [ Inaudible interjection]
Mr. L. Craig CannonierIn that we know what it takes when it comes to the sacrifice of time, the dedication 1156 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly that is needed. If there were ever a Hall of Fame for this political arena other than having your picture as …
In that we know what it takes when it comes to the sacrifice of time, the dedication 1156 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly that is needed. If there were ever a Hall of Fame for this political arena other than having your picture as a Premier up on the wall, you would be inducted into the Hall of Fame in politics. I think you will go down as one of those who have sacrificed so much to ensure that there was a voice for your constituents, for the party that you represent. I just . . . I am looking at this and I am saying, Oh my goodness. This guy retired. He is gone. And you have offered and done so much for us as a country. There was a saying a couple of years ago that a gentleman came to me. He happened to be of a different political persuasion, and he said, Man, we hate to love you man; but we also love to hate you. [ Laughter]
Mr. L. Craig CannonierI said, What are you talking about? And essentially what he was saying is that there is massive respect there. And I believe you fit in that category. As we have seen tonight from both sides of the table, the aisle here, massive, massive respect for what you have done …
I said, What are you talking about? And essentially what he was saying is that there is massive respect there. And I believe you fit in that category. As we have seen tonight from both sides of the table, the aisle here, massive, massive respect for what you have done for this country. So I wish you the best in your future endeavours with your new legs. You certainly will need to be able to have those new legs to keep up with your grand-son and more on the way. And there will be other op-portunities that we will have to talk about your legacy and the time you have spent here, but I just wanted you to know that we have appreciated you tremendously, beyond what you may even gather from these state-ments today. Thank you for your time and service. And to your family, we know the sacrifice, man. Twenty -seven years of every day. You know what it is like to be on vacation and get that call. You know what it is like to be on that romantic dinner with your wife and get that call. You know what it is like to be with your kids and get that call, when they are trying to call with the issues that they have. So, it is not easy for any of us here in this room. All of us, most of us have kids and those who don’t are probably heading that way. The sacrifice is tremendous. Tremendous . . . so I can feel the emotion that is coming from you now. But I will say this. The decision that you have made, you are walking out on top, man. You are walking out on top. Thank you very much.
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Opposition Whip. Does any other Member wish—Premier. Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you—
The SpeakerThe SpeakerYou have your time. Hon. E. David Burt: I thank you. We have got 20 minutes on the clock. All right. TRIBUTES PAID TO MICHAEL DUNKLEY Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker . It is 7:00 pm on a Friday in the middle of March. I rise today, …
You have your time. Hon. E. David Burt: I thank you. We have got 20 minutes on the clock. All right. TRIBUTES PAID TO MICHAEL DUNKLEY Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Speaker . It is 7:00 pm on a Friday in the middle of March. I rise today, cer-tainly, as you will note, Mr. Speaker, at the very beginning of this motion to adjourn, I yielded to the Honourable Member from constituency 10, the former Premier, as I caught wind that it may be his last time speaking in this House. And I wanted to at least allow him that level of respect. Now, I will say a level of respect that I would not normally give, but the fact is that he has not just been an Honourable Member in this House, he has also served as the Premier of this country. Mr. Speaker, there are not many people who can speak to the amount of stress and toil that role takes on your life, takes on the fact of your family, the stress of which it puts, the years of which it adds, the hair of which it takes away, the grey of which it gives. The missed birthdays, the missed events, the requirement to be here, you know, begging and screaming saying, No, I don’t want to go to RIMS , I want to be here for my son’s birthday. Or, No, I don’t want to be here or do this or something else and all those things of which it takes. It is not easy. It will come as no surprise, Mr. Speaker, that the Honourable Member and I have hooked on many occasions. There is . . . I will show it to you before we leave, it will be a funny picture, but it is a picture that I have that I share inside of PLP headquarters of election night in 2007. [ Inaudible interjection and laughter ] Hon. E. David Burt: In 2007, but you know, there is a time of which . . . but this is politics. This is the work of which we do. We are here to represent, but there is also this side of where we jostle to ensure that we can . . . make sure that our parties are in the best position to represent the people of this country. Though we may have had disagreements on those levels, time when I think when we both served in the Senate together — [ Laughter] Hon. E. David Burt: Those were . . . when I was a brand new member cutting my teeth and there was Senator Dunkley on the other side, you know, ready to just start digging in and I learned a lot. Someone had said it before, that the one thing that you always knew about the Honourable Member from constituency 10 is he would be ready to debate and he had some tricks up his sleeve when he was ready. What I will say is that as time goes on, it takes a special type of person to recognise that your time may be up and it may be time to step aside. I think that that is a powerful example. I know that I have set my time period for my time in office, but I think that it is important to recognise that he has given 27 years of service in
B ermuda House of Assembly this House . . . or sorry, in the Legislature entirely. I think that that is a significant body of time. What I will say to the Honourable Member from constituency 10, is people visit the Cabinet Office and they come upstairs, and they are like, Well, why aren’t Craig Cannonier and Michael Dunkley’s pictures up on the wall? Didn’t they serve as Premier as well? And the answer is that you don’t get to go on the wall until you say that you are retired. So, Honourable Member , please pick your portrait person. I look forward to honouring you! [ Laughter] Hon. E. David Burt: I look forward to honouring you in the Cabinet Office, the place that we joke that was ren-ovated — [ Inaudible interjection] Hon. E. David Burt: Huh? [ Laughter] Hon. E. David Burt: Hey, hold a second. If there was one thing, there were always time for jokes back and forth in this Chamber. And if we listen to what the Hon-ourable Member said about, you know, times of, you know, there can be some fun jostling. But the fact is that you must recognise that 27 years of service and 3 years of service in the highest office of the land is something to be recognised. I think, as you have seen fr om Members on that side and Members on this side, we cele-brate and acknowledge the fact of his time of service to this country, Mr. Speaker . As I said, Honourable Member, I look forward to seeing you at the Cabinet Office and I look forward, of course, to seeing you at the Somerset Cricket Club on the last Thursday and Friday before the first Monday in August as our team will once again reign victorious. Hon. Michael H. Dunkley: Now we are on the same team! Hon. E. David Burt: Oh, that’s it. Don’t worry, we are on the same team twice a year, that’s it. Two days a year! That is all. Every other time, no, no, no, no, no. Now you might even be able to come and get some swizzle, look at that! [ Laughter] COUNTRY ON PATH TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Hon. E. David Burt: Mr. Speaker, in my 15 minutes left, I think that it is important that I touch on a few is-sues. I think today was a first for that Honourable Member because the first time that he was put in a position to have to vote affirmative for a Progressive La-bour Party budget. But what is important is the fact that we have ended the budget session, and we have . . . put this country on a path towards a stable future. The work has not been easy and I want to make sure that I pay tribute not only to all the Minister s who have had to do all the work, but also all the Mem-bers in the Panel of Chairs who have had to sit through a very long debate process, all the public servants who have to put these things together, to answer all the various questions. But the scrutiny of government funds is an important function of the legislature, and it is an im-portant function that we come here to debate, to under-stand, so people know where it is. The Constitution is very clear that funds are not a label to be spent unless they are authorised by this particular House and that is the reason why we make sure that we take care of the various things during the budget cycle. Of course, there was a little bit of politics and back and forth and challenges of which we have seen. But at the end of the day, Mr. Speaker, we have passed a budget that will go to the other place and, if delivered, will be the first balanced budget that this country has had in 21 years. An end to borrowing, a path to a brighter future, funding for things for the future. A sig-nificant amount of infrastructure spending. We heard the Minister of Public Works speak earlier about the items of which have already been authorised by the Cabinet and will be set to be delivered to this country within the next three weeks, to even ramp up the pace of work even further. So we are turning a corner. The fact is, as said in the Budget Statement, we know and recognise that things are difficult. And it is really hard of course, Mr. Speaker, to say that things are better here than they are in other spaces and places. Or things are less bad here and they are bad everywhere. But policies matter. And there is a differ-ence in approach of the policies of this Government and the policies of the Opposition. We have seen it over the times of the debates of which we have had in this House during this budget session and of course, Mr. Speaker, we have seen that today. Now, I don’t need to reflect on what took place on the budget today, but what I can state is something very important, Mr. Speaker. That due to the work of this Honourable House, and due to the economic performance and shared sacrifice of everyone in this coun-try from public officers to citizens around, we will be able to enjoy a third consecutive year freeze on Government health insurance premiums. And at a time when we know how difficult it is for many to make ends meet, health insurance is not something that is voluntary. Health insurance is something that everyone has to pay. It is not as though you get to say, Oh well, I am not going to pay it . It is something that everyone has to pay when they are in work. It is something that every business has to pay when they are employing persons 1158 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly and that measure of what we have done demonstrates the difference of approach. They can take a different stance but it is important that we recognise what this Government has delivered over this time in this budget session. I want to speak again, Mr. Speaker, to the matter of housing. And I also want to touch on something that is not so much with housing, but it is important that we recognise how platforms translate to Throne Speeches, translate to budgets and translate to deliv-ery. We hear a lot of Ministerial Statements, and I would love to brag about my Ministerial Statement today. We are going to cut red tape; we want people to go ahead and consult. But we heard a most poignant Ministerial Statement earlier today from the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors speaking about the first - year anniversary of the Independent Living pro-gramme. Mr. Speaker, I remember that this was something that was inserted into the party’s 2020 platform not from Ministers, but from the party members them-selves who are working in the communities and recog-nised that there was something that was needed and required on this i ssue. I remember telling the story, which I know I have said in this Honourable House, Mr. Speaker, that during the 2020 election there was a young man who was outside of Progressive Labour Party headquarters. That young man . . . I was just engaging him and asking him how we was doing and he was telling me of his challenges. He was a young person who aged out of care at the age of 18 and was homeless. He didn’t have anywhere to go. We brought him inside, tried to assist. Gave him some work, at least tried to ass ist, but I was able to take him inside, Mr. Speaker, and I was able to show him inside of our Election Manifesto which had been printed a couple of days before that if re- elected, this is our plan. I know it might not be most beneficial for you, but this is what we plan on doing. Now here is the thing, Mr. Speaker. You go through election, you win election, you go through a Throne Speech you deliver, you go through a budget process, you assign the funds. Persons have to exe-cute and commit. But later, as we have seen a year on, the testimonies that the Honourable Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors delivered today demonstrates why this work matters. It demonstrates the difference you can make if you have the social con-viction to ensure that you do whatever you can to t ake care of those who are less fortunate in society. Time and time again during this budgeting process, during our time in Government we have done as much as possible in order to make that a reality. And the team and staff who are part of that facility, the Minister who has been championing that facility are to be commended. It is important that we recognise that there is the politics that goes on, but we are actually impacting and changing persons’ lives by the work in which we do inside of this Chamber, Mr. Speaker . Things like that are reflected throughout this budget. Investments that are being made, new persons that are being hired, positions that are being filled, pro-grammes that are being restarted to tackle the issues that the country faces from a social perspective. Yes, I get it. We can do the economics right, we can get the great ratings, we can make sure that international business comes, we can talk about the record numbers of Bermudians employed. But it is really a testament to our most vulnerable in our society. And that Ministerial Statement earlier today, Mr. Speaker, was probably one of the most touching things that I have heard in my time in this Honourable House because it brings home the fact that the work we are doing in this Honourable House matters, Mr. Speaker . As I end my contribution on today’s motion to adjourn, I would like to say, Mr. Speaker, that we will be back here in a month and a half. And during that time and through that time, there will be the holidays. Right now the Government has extended the holidays for Ramadan. We understand that there will be of course the holidays that are Easter, the commemoration of Easter and of course Good Friday here in Bermuda . And what I want to do is to make sure that we wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday. Rec ognise and understand that just like the Government looks out for those persons who need help and assistance, it is also the responsibility of all of us to look out for those in our community. When I delivered remarks to the Chamber of Commerce, I made it very clear. The Government cannot be all things to all people, and we need members of the community to play their part as well. So, just as we are making progress, more and more persons need to step up to the plate in order to be a part of healing our communities, Mr. Speaker . As I say that, we will go to holidays and I look forward to seeing all Honourable Member s, with the exception of the Honourable Member from constituency 10, on the 3 rd of May when we return. Thank you, Mr. Speaker .
The SpeakerThe SpeakerThank you, Premier. Thank you, Members, for not only participation today, but throughout this budget session. We trust that the debates have been taken to heart and meaningful and that the intents will be impactful to the lives that we intend to benefit. MP Dunkley, I notice the nametag is …
The SpeakerThe SpeakerMaking sure, right? When you came to me earlier today and indicated at what you will be doing this evening, I said to you then that you took me by B ermuda House of Assembly surprise. But I do understand that after having served as long as you have served, …
Making sure, right? When you came to me earlier today and indicated at what you will be doing this evening, I said to you then that you took me by
B ermuda House of Assembly surprise. But I do understand that after having served as long as you have served, you have to reflect on where your life is, your family and you got young grand-children that you want to spend time with. All that is un-derstandable. As much has been said tonight, there are very few I can add to that other than to say it is well de-served. All the comments that were given tonight indi-cates the respect that Members have for your length of service and the time that you have given to the c ountry. Yes, there has been bantering back and forth but that is part of what politics is about. And it is not to be taken personal, but it is to understand that we all come with a commitment deep in our heart to do the best for our country and for those who elected us to be here. And if we do that and we represent that well, then we have done what we were given the opportunity to do. With that, I congratulate you and say to you that you have indicated that you are looking forward to putting your feet up and relaxing a bit and take the time to enjoy it and do well with your family. You did take a little steam away from me, though, because my closing remarks tonight were ac-tually going to be on what has become a topic I have made reference to over the last few occasions that I have spoken in closing the House. And again, I will just take a brief minute, I don’t want to take from the com-ments that have been said here, but I cannot leave here tonight without again . . . I think this is probably my fourth occasion probably that I have made reference to my concern about what we see going on around the world, particularly in Israel and the war that is taking place there. APPEAL FOR CEASE FIRE IN UNJUST WAR IN ISR AEL AND GAZA
The SpeakerThe SpeakerI think, you know, we grew up in a time when we read about genocides in books, that happened before us. And even as we read it years later, we were horrified by what we read. It touched us in the deepest of our hearts and souls. Today, we don’t …
I think, you know, we grew up in a time when we read about genocides in books, that happened before us. And even as we read it years later, we were horrified by what we read. It touched us in the deepest of our hearts and souls. Today, we don’t have to read about it. It is happening right now in front of us in our living rooms every day, every night. And it has gone on far too long. Far too long. Tonight, I am even making a stronger appeal that those countries that have the power to make a dif-ference, to force a cease fire, our neighbours just to the north of us need to stand up and do the right thing in this, at this time. We cannot continue to sit here and watch this type of genocide—women and children, innocent people being destroyed. Their homes, their livelihoods, their town, their cities being destroyed and we sit back and see nothing being done about it by the powers that have the ability to stop it. Our neighbours to the north, the US, the leadership in the US have to understand their hands are being tied to this as long as they continue to prevent the cease fires from occurring. I cannot say it any clearer or any stronger and if those get offended by it because I have named them, then that is their issue. But they need to do the right thing or they wouldn’t have to be named. With that, enjoy your time away from here. While you are away, take time to rest, reflect because this has been a long session. This is what the budget does to us and these 56 hours and eight hours today but come back refreshed and ready to serve again an d your contribution to this country that your constituents have sent us all here to do. With that, Mr. Premier, Mr. Opposition Leader, and all Members, enjoy this time and enjoy the holiday, the Easter season that will be fast upon us. The House now stands adjourned until May 3 rd. [ Gavel] [ At 7:18 pm, the House stood adjourned until 10:00 am, Friday, 3 May 2024.] 1160 15 March 2024 Official Hansard Report B ermuda House of Assembly [ This page intentionally left blank.]