November 3, 2023

Official Hansard Report - House Of Assembly

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Session Summary

Simplified for You

This was the opening session of the 2023/2024 parliamentary year, focused mainly on ceremonial and administrative matters. MP Ben Smith was sworn in as a new member following his victory in a recent bye-election. The Premier moved to have the Governor's Speech from the Throne scheduled for discussion at the next meeting. MP Kim Swan introduced anti-doping legislation for its first reading.

Chamber House of Assembly

Date Nov 3, 2023

Session 2023/2024

Transcript View PDF

Speakers 4

Speeches 37

Key Topics

Swearing in of new MP Ben Smith following a bye-electionGovernor's Speech from the Throne to be scheduled for considerationIntroduction of the Anti-Doping in Sport Act 2023Routine parliamentary procedures and housekeeping matters

Bills & Motions

Anti-Doping in Sport Act 2023 - Introduced by MP Kim Swan for first reading, placed on Order Paper for next meeting

Motion regarding Governor's Speech - Passed to schedule the Throne Speech for consideration at the next sitting

Standing Orders suspensions - Routine motions passed to allow procedural matters

Notable Moments

Warm welcome for returning MP Ben Smith, with family invited to take photos during the swearing-in ceremony

The session had a relaxed, ceremonial atmosphere with laughter and desk thumping to welcome the new member

Most regular parliamentary business was suspended for this opening session

Debate Transcript

37 speeches from 4 speakers

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Good morning. We will have the prayers by the Acting Clerk, Mr. Somner . PRAYERS [ Prayers read by Mr. Clark Somner , Acting Clerk ]

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank yo u, Mr. Somner. [ Gavel] OATH OR AFFIRMATION OF NEW MEMBER

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Good morning, Members . As the result of a by e-election, we have another fellow who wants to join us. [ Laughter]

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker So, I would ask that he come forward, Mr. Ben Smith. [ Pause] OATH OF ASSEMBLYMAN MR. BEN SMITH

Mr. Ben Smith I, being a Member of this present Assembly , do solemnly and sincerely affirm that I will use and employ my best endeavour therein for the general good without respect to private interest, gain or ad-vantage, and will strive to discharge a good conscience in all equity and integrity during …

Mr. Ben Smith I do solemnly and sincerely affirm and declare that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III, H is Heirs and Successors, according to law. The Deputy Speaker: MP Smith, Honourable Member, I am sure that the vigour you left us with you will …

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Yes. If a family member wants to take a picture, you can come. [ Inaudible interjection]

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Yes. We do not mind that. We have got time. [ Pause , crosstalk and laughter ]

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Again , welcome back, MP Ben Smith. We have a motion from the floor by the Government Whip, Mr. Tyrrell. Mr. Tyrrell. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS 14 AND 21

Mr. Neville. S. Tyrrell Good morning, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I move that Standing Orders 14 and 21 be suspended to enable me to move that a message be sent to Her Excellency the Gover-nor, Ms. Rena Lalgie.

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Any objections to that? There appear to be none. [ Motion carried: Standing Orders 14 and 21 suspended.] MESSAGE TO HER EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR

Mr. Neville. S. Tyrrell Mr. Deputy Speaker, I move that the following message be sent to Her Excellency the Governor: May it please Your Excellency, 2 3 November 2023 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly We are directed by the House of Assembly to inform Your Excellency that the House has met. Thank …

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. T hank you, Honourable Member, Mr. Tyrrell. At about 10:30, Honourable Member Susan Jackson and Honourable Member Chris Famous will leave this House and deliver the message to Her Excellency the Governor. [Crosstalk ]

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker In the meantime, we will adjourn for about six minutes . [Inaudible interjection]

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Or, no . . . until they get back, really ; until Black Rod gets back . (I am sorry. ) Proceedings suspended at 10: 46 am Proceedings resumed at 11:57 pm [Hon. Derrick V. Burgess, Sr., Deputy Speaker, in the Chair] SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS 14 AND 21 Hon. …

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Are there any objections? No objections. [Motion carried: Standing Orders 14 and 21 suspended.]

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Continue. MOTION THAT GOVERNOR’S SPEECH BE TAKEN AS READ AND SET DOWN FOR CONSIDERATION AT NEXT DAY OF MEETING Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I move that the speech with which Her Excellency the Governor was pleased to open the present session of …

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Is there any objection to that? No objection. Done. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES [Minutes of 29 September 2023 ]

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker The Minutes from the 29 th of [September] are to be confirmed. Are there any objections to confirming the Minutes? There appear to be none. Confirmed. [Minutes of 29 September 2023 confirmed .] ANNOUNCEMENTS BY THE SPEAKER OR MEMBER PRESIDING APOLOGIES

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker The Honourable Crystal Caesar, MP Lawrence Scott , and Honourable Michael Dunkley are absent today. MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE

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

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker There are none. PETITIONS

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker There are no ne. STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS AND JUNIOR MINISTERS

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker There are none. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker There are none. QUESTION PERIOD

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker The Question Period is suspended today. CONGRATULATORY AND/OR OBITUARY SPEECHES

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker [These are] s uspended for today. B ermuda House of Assembly MATTERS OF PRIVILEGE

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker There are none. PERSONAL EXPLANATIONS

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

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker There are none. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS GOVERNMENT BILLS

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker There is one Government Bill by the Honourable Member Kim Swan. Mr. Swan, you have the floor. FIRST READING ANT I-DOPING IN SPORT ACT 2023

Mr. Hubert (Kim) E. Swan Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy 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 Anti-Doping in Sport Act 2023. Thank you.

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Thank you. Are there any objections to that? There are none. OPPOSITION BILLS

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker Any Opposition Bills? There are none. PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BILLS

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker There are none. NOTICE OF MOTIONS

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker [There are none.] [ Crosstalk] ORDERS OF THE DAY The Deputy Speaker: Orders of the Day. Yes, sorry. Hon. E. David Burt: No problem. ADJOURNMENT Hon. E. David Burt: Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Mr. Deputy Speaker, I move that this Honourable House do now adjourn until Friday, November 10.

The Deputy Speaker Deputy Speaker The House will adjourn to Friday, November 10 at ten o’clock. Have a great day . [Gav el] [At 12:15 pm, the House stood adjourned until 10:00 am , Friday, 10 November 2023.] 4 3 November 2023 Official Hansard Report Bermuda House of Assembly [This page intentionally left blank.]

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