September 22, 2023

I would like to also make note of the fact
that we have an Acting Sergeant -at-Arms today. Officer
Glasford has joined us today in that Sergeant -at-Arms ,
Allen , is not available today. He is off on vacation. So,
Officer Glasford will fill in for him. I think most of you are familiar with him from his years of service in another
department .
[
Desk thumping]
ADJUSTMENT IN HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY
SCHEDULE DUE TO CYBERATTACK

I think it is fitting that an announcement
be made in regard to how we find ourselves in this po-sition today , starting at twelve o’clock and not the traditional ten o’clock. As it is known widely, the government system is down at the moment, and that has impacted us as well in how we do business here. At first it was
chosen that we should not meet ; but in the end, I reconsidered that the business of Parliament should be supreme at all times , and that we should be seen to be
able, even in advers ities, to do the people’s business.
And I think it is in that spirit that we are here.
I want to commend each of you as Members
who agreed to come in under this condition that we are in. And I expect that we will cooperate in that spirit today, that we are putting Bermuda first, sending a message that even in these times we as a country will func-tion, can function and intend to function. I look forward to our participating in these debates in that manner today.
I appreciate each of you for accommodating
the adjustments as we have had to make to make this sitting take place today. Thank you all.
MESSAGES FROM THE SENATE

The first is in the Premier’s name. I think
the Deputy Premier will present.
Deputy.
BERMUDA PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD
ANNUAL REPORT FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED
31 MARCH 2021
Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes. Thank you very much, Mr.
Speaker.
1784 22 September 2023 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly On behalf of the Honourable Premier and Minister of Finance, I have the honour to attach and submit
for the information of the Honourable House of Assembly the Annual Report of the Bermuda Public Accountability Board for the fiscal year ended 31 March 2021,
as required by sections 14 and 15 of the Bermuda Accountability Act 2011.

Thank you.
The next is in the Premier’s name as well.

BERMUDA PUBLIC ACCOUNTABILITY BOARD
AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR FISCAL
YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2021

Hon. Walter H. Roban: Yes, Mr. Speaker.
I have the honour to attach and submit for the
information of the Honourable House of Assembly the
Audited Financial Statement for the Bermuda Public
Accountability Board for the f iscal year ended 31 March
2021.

Good [afternoon] .

BERMUDA IMMIGRATION AND PROTECTION
(PROHIBITION OF ENTRY ) (NO. 2) ORDER 2023

Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I have the honour
to attach and submit for the consideration of the Honourable House of Assembly the Bermuda Immigration
and Protection (Prohibition of Entry ) (No. 2) Order
2023, as made by the Minister responsible for Immigration in exercise of the power conferred by section 26 of
the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956.

Thank you.
And the final is in the name of the Minister of
Cabinet Office and Tourism.
Minister Campbell.
GOVERNMENT FEES (TRADE MARKS)
REGULATIONS 2023
Hon. Vance Campbell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the Premier and Minister of Finance, the Honourable E. David Burt, I have
the honour to attach and submit for the consideration of
the Honourable House of Assembly the Government
Fees (Trade Marks) Regulations 2023, made by the
Minister of Finance in exercise of the power conferred
by section 2 of the Government Fees Act 1965.

We have seven Statements, I believe,
this [afternoon] . The first is in the name of the Minister
of Labour and Economy.
Minister Hayward, would you like to present
your Statement?

EMPLOYMENT (PROTECTION OF EMPLOYEE
TIPS AND OTHER GRATUITIES) AMENDMENT
ACT 2023

Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker and Honourable
Members, later today I will be laying before the Honour-able House a Bill entitled the Employment (Protection
of Employee Tips and Other Gratuities) Amendment
Act 2023. Mr. Speaker, the Government continues to
progress legislative amendments that strengthen the
rights of workers within the workplace. The proposed amendments to the Employment Act aim to provide
protections to employees who receive tips and other gratuities. The amendments will ensure that the practice of employers retaining tips and other gratuities
earned by employees is discontinued.
Mr. Speaker, the Employment Act 2000 sets
the minimum requirement s for employment relationships within Bermuda. However, despite the recent
amendments made to this Act, there remain areas
within the legislation that are out of step when compared with examples in other jurisdictions and are not
in keeping with the International Labour Organization’s
standards for best practice. Specifically, Mr. Speaker,
currently there is no provision under the Act for the protection of tips and other gratuities in th e wor kplace. As


Bermuda House of Assembly a result, there is no recourse for employees who do not
receive the full amount of tips and other gratuities owed
to them, reflective of the services they provide.
Mr. Speaker, the Ministry has been made
aware of establishments that permit employers who do not participate in the provision of service to share in the
distribution of tips and other gratuities. It has been an
ongoing concern regarding instances reported where
employers take from a tipping pool and other gratuities and put money that should be going to their employees
into their employers’ business. As a result, workers’ tips and gratuities are being reduced when they are made
to share with others who should not be a part of the
distribution.
Mr. Speaker, when drafting the amendments in
relation to these concerns, the views of the Department
of Labour, which receives and addresses these complaints, and the Labour Advisory Council, a cross section of employers and employee representatives, were
sought and considered.
Mr. Speaker, the amendments include provisions that seek to:
• define “tips and other gratuities” ;
• protect against the withholding of tips and other
gratuities by employers from employees ;
• establish measures to ensure employees are
aware of their employer ’s policy as it relates to
tips [or] other gratuities ; and
• provide the necessary safeguards to ensure that employees receive tips and other gratuities ow ed to them, where provided.
Mr. Speaker, these a mendments, as they pertain to all employees who commonly receive tips [or]
other gratuities , or who work in an industry or sector
where employees commonly receive tips or other gratuities , will ensure that there is a clear, written policy
statement providing for how tips and other gratuities
are to be managed. The policy statement must be presented to each employee upon the commencement of
his employ ment , and there shall be procedures to assist every employee in understanding the policy statement.
Mr. Speaker, any employer who contravenes
this Act in this regard will be liable to a civil penalty as
may be imposed by the Department of Labour’s Manager or the Tribunal.
Mr. Speaker, it is envisioned that this amendment will have a positive impact , as it will ensure employees’ tips and other gratuities are managed appropriately and that employees have a clear understanding
of how their tips and other gratuities are distributed.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister.
Members, the next Statement this [afternoon]
is also in the name of Minister Hayward.
Minister, would you like to proceed with that
one?
AMENDMENTS TO THE NATIONAL TRAINING
BOARD ACT 1997 TO ENHANCE WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT

Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker and Honourable
Members, later today I will be laying before this Honourable House amendments to the National Training
Board Act 1997.
Mr. Speaker, a mendments to the National
Training Board Act 1997 will provide for a newly named
National Certification and Apprenticeship Board that will strategically focus on skilled trades, certifications
and apprenticeships. Bermudians must be given a fair
shot at the opportunities that exist today. Preparing
Bermudians with skills to enter the job market is a key
step in getting our people employed. Furthermore,
given the need for people to become qualified to work
in trades and other industries, it has become evident
that the National Training Board’s current functions do
not allow it to provide the necessary attention to developing skilled tradespersons, the administration of the national certifications or the promotion of apprenticeship programmes.
Mr. Speaker, the National Training Board was
established as a quango in 1997 under the National
Training Board Act and has played a pivotal role in
overseeing trades apprenticeship training schemes. In-deed, it has contributed greatly to our national workforce development. However, in recent years it has become evident that the legislation governing the Training
Board does not adequately reflect the evolving govern-ance and structure needed [for the board] to function
effectively.
Mr. Speaker, regrettably, previous efforts
made to enhance collaboration between workforce development entities and the business community have
not been successful , and the National Training Board
continued to operate without the desired clarity. Consequently, it has struggled to be effective in its role to provide advice to the Minister of Economy and Labour on
Bermuda’s workforce development strategy and to adminis ter national certifications or promote apprenticeship programmes.
In light of these challenges and the importance
of aligning our workforce development system with the
needs of our industr ies, the Bill I will be tabling today
seeks to create a National Certification and Apprenticeship Board which will operate alongside a separate
non-statutory National Workforce Advisory Board.
Mr. Speaker, the Ministry recognises the importance of a board responsible for certifications and training having clearly defined functions. This clarity of
functions will enable the establishment and delivery of
apprenticeship education programmes, the i ssuance of
national certification credentials and the governance of skilled trades in Bermuda.
Mr. Speaker, considering the state of unemployment in Bermuda, the work of the newly established National Certification and Apprenticeship Board
1786 22 September 2023 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly is critical to enhancing apprenticeship programmes and
national certification in order to improve employment
opportunities within our workforce. It is imperative that
the Government work in harmony with workforce stakeholders, and the new approach will be instrumental in
achieving this goal. In addition to current functions, the
following will be added to the list of responsibilities:
• produce a national register of tradespersons ,
both for designated and non- designated
trades;
• draft a comprehensive Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning
[PLAR/RPL ] policy to formally frame the process for this means of assessment; and
• update and streamline the national certification
process.
Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to thank
all past members of the National Training Board and Occupational Advisory Councils for their hard work, dedication and support of the Department of Workforce
Development. I look forward to working closely wi th my
esteemed colleagues and stakeholders as they assume their new roles on the new board and committees
to ensure Bermuda’s workforce development strategy
remains responsive, dynamic and aligned with the needs of our community.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister.
Members, I should say before I acknowledge
the next Statement that because the systems are down
(as you know ) none of the information is accessible on
the SharePoint. But once we are up, it will all be on
SharePoint for everyone. We have gone back to hard
copy again, so there are papers in your chair s for the
Statements and the business of the day. But once SharePoint is up, you will be able to get the information off of SharePoint.
The next Statement this [afternoon] is in the
name of the Minister of Health.
Minister Wilson.

OUR PROGRESS TOWARD S STRENGTHENING
BERMUDA’S HEALTH SYSTEM

Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Thank you. Good [afternoon] , Mr.
Speaker.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide this Honourable House and the public with an update on the
work undertaken and the progress made to date to
strengthen Bermuda’s health system. Bermuda’s
health system needs strengthening to ensure that all
residents can access affordable and essential health
care services that are delivered effectively and effi-ciently. The results will include improved patient experiences and health outcomes, and a decreased economic burden overall.
Mr. Speaker, the Bermuda Health Strategy
2022 –2027 supports the core visions of healthy people and healthy communities and sets out eight strategic
principles that are intended to set us on a new path towards the equitable, accessible and sustainable health
system for the Island. These eight principles, Mr. Speaker, are as follows:
1. promoting healthy living and preventative care;
2. focusing on person- centred care;
3. understanding our population’s health needs;
4. providing access to health care coverage;
5. strengthening our health care workforce;
6. harnessing health care technology;
7. partnership and collaborative working; and
8. preventing wasteful care and promoting efficiency.
Mr. Speaker, achieving a stronger, more sustainable health system requires us to progress all eight strategic principles. And I am pleased today to report on the progress made to date.
First, principle 1, promoting healthy living and
preventive care. Mr. Speaker, we know that health pro-motion and disease prevention are essential ingredi-ents in building a more robust health system and a
healthier population. Many of the chronic illnesses impacting our community and placing a heavy burden on
our health care resources are strongly related to life-style factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity and
smoking. We understand that more must be done to
empower and support people to lead healthy lifestyles,
and we will do just that.
Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that the emphasis on health promotion includes mental health as well. There is a recognised need to challenge historical
stigma and preconceptions about mental health. Good
physical and mental health are collectively a part of our
efforts to promote wellness and healthier living. For
2023/24, the Health Department’s Health Promotion
Unit received additional funding for implementing the
HEARTS Programme, new health promotion and wellness initiatives, and facilitation of the Mental Health
First Aid training. And this is just the start.
Mr. Speaker, the second and seventh strategic
principles of focusing on person- centred care and partnerships and collaborative working are encapsulated in work undertaken by the Bermuda Hospitals Board [BHB], the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, and
now the Ministry of Health , to develop integrated care
pathways that map the journey of patients and service providers along different health care tracks. Integrated
care pathways set out in detail the essential care steps
for people with specific needs from the viewpoints of the patient and their families and the care provider. The
care journey, Mr. Speaker, is mapped from beginning
to end. It defines what happens when, and who is responsible at any stage along the journey.
The BHB has developed care pathways for
breast cancer, prostate cancer and end- of-life care and
worked with the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre,
as well as others. The Ministry engaged KPMG to work with patients and care providers to develop integrated


Bermuda House of Assembly care pathways for the first 1,000 days of life, chronic
kidney disease and acute adult mental health. Approximately 1,135 stakeholders were directly engaged within these three care pathway initiatives. This included 751 residents who responded to the three com-munity surveys and approximately 255 patients, health
service providers and other health stakehol ders who
participated in workshops and one- on-one interviews.
And this is an excellent example of the level of collaboration and diversity of stakeholder v oices that we are
seeking to include as we continue to work on generating solutions to strengthen Bermuda’s health system.
Mr. Speaker, the purpose of collaboratively developing these care pathways and, in particular , including both patients and service providers in the exercise
is to identify gaps and/or fragmentation in care and
seize opportunities to improve coordination of and re-duce duplication in services. In this regard, having a
person- focused approach is criti cal to capturing all elements of the care journey. Mr. Speaker, the patient’s
care journey provides the patient and family viewpoints, while the service map refl ects what each clinician does.
These two elements of the care journey together inform
the solutions for the integrated care pathway result.
With this more comprehensive information available, health care providers can implement changes in the
care journey that improve the experience of the individual receiving the care and, most importantly , improve
health outcomes.
The integrated care pathway for acute adult
mental health has been completed, while the final
drafts of the first 1,000 days of life and chronic kidney
disease are the subject of final reviews.
Mr. Speaker, we have also made progress in
principle number 3, understanding our population’s
health needs, and this is another strategic principle.
Last year I reported to this Honourable House that the
Ministry would undertake an assessment of our population’s health needs. To better manage health system
strengthening, given the Island’s financial constraints,
we need to understand our priority health needs to
properly align our efforts to sustainably improve the
health of the people of Bermuda.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to inform you that
with the support of a Public Health Registrar with the
UK Health Security Agency and the UK Overseas Territories team at the Department of Health and Social
Care in London, along with resources kindly provided
by the Department of Statistics, public health professionals, epidemiologists, health promotion profession-als and representatives from the Bermuda Health
Council, Bermuda’s first Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (or JSNA) , is complete and has served to provide
the strategically critical baseline of information.
Analysing the best data currently available, the
JSNA sought to understand the health needs of Bermuda by considering
• Bermuda’s population profile and the social determinants of health; • our health behaviour and risk factors;
• the causes of ill health and death;
• the specialised needs of vulnerable groups in-cluding children, the elderly and people with
disabilities; and
• the current state of our health care services.
It is a foundational piece of work that brings together the many factors impacting our health, health care and health system in one document.
Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members will know
that it is not just medical care that influences our health. Social and economic conditions , including our housing,
work, education and local community networks , are important factors that define our health. And these are the
factors, Mr. Speaker, known as the social determinants
of health. By undertaking this [comprehensive] Needs
Assessment , using the concept of the social determinants of health, which is a more holistic approach, the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment is a report that can
be used by the whole of government and civil society to
develop actions to protect and promote health in various settings, whether in the classroom, the workplace
or local community settings where people live and rec-reate. Mr. Speaker, the JSNA will be made available for
download on www.healthstrategy.bm.
Mr. Speaker, some of the JSNA recommendations include the following:
• developing strong and linked health information at an individual level;
• developing a model of health and social care
focus on care of the elderly;
• focusing on social determinants of health rather than just health care;
• developing payment mechanisms for clinicians
involved in health care quality improvement
and health system strengthening where improvement in outcomes can be demonstrated;
• improving the quality of domestic incident reporting systems; and
• incentivising the provisions of smoking prevention and cessation services.
There are 24 recommendations in total, Mr.
Speaker, a number of which are beyond the remit of the Ministry of Health , and several of which are being
worked on by different government departments and
agencies already. The decision to enlarge the assessment to include the social determinants of health contributed to recommendations that are wide- ranging and
are also reflec tive of the existence and the extensive
needs of the population. Mr. Speaker, the Ministry intends to undertake another Joint Strategic Needs Assessment in five years.
Mr. Speaker, with respect to strategic principle
number 6, harnessing health care technology, on this point Honourable Members will recall the Government’s commitment to developing a National Digital
Health Strategy. I can inform this House that the first
draft of the National Digital Health Strategy is also
largely complete. And undertaking the exercise of
1788 22 September 2023 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly developing the National Digital Health Strategy, an interdisciplinary working group of health and technology
professionals from the public and private sectors was
set up in October of 2022. Their work resulted in the
development of 15 strategic recommendat ions that lay
out a holistic approach to implementing a national digital health system in Bermuda.
Digital health, Mr. Speaker, is defined as embracing the integration of technology, people and systems to organise and deliver health care services and
data efficiently. The strategy outlines a best practice
approach to ensuring digital health can become a reality and that members of our community can benefit from
the enhanced care that is possible through this level of
integration. This would include residents having online
access to their health rec ords through patient portals ,
practitioners being able t o better coordinate care with
more immediate access to test results and the input of
other professionals on the treatment team, and the reduction of duplicate lab tests and scans, thus reducing
waste and inefficiency.
Ultimately, Mr. Speaker, the National Digital
Health Strategy seeks to integrate efficiency and cost -
effectiveness into the health care system while tackling the current burden of health expenses and the frag-mented nature of the health care delivery in Bermuda.
And yes, it is intended to support the delivery of universal health coverage. Mr. Speaker, this is a multi- year
effort, and I look forward to sharing the full report in the
coming weeks.
Mr. Speaker, with the Joint Strategic Needs
Assessment and the National Digital Health Strategy
completed, the Ministry has established Bermuda’s
baseline for health system metrics. The purpose is to provide a set of metrics that will enhance our understanding of health system outcomes. These metrics will
inform decision- making as we seek to improve health
care delivery at the national level. A core working group
of key stakeholders in public health and the private sector reviewed existing health system metrics available
for inclusion as a starting point. The process has
brought together in one place health system information from a variety of data sets. Selected health system metrics include
• health expenditure per capita;
• out-of-pocket health expenditure;
• life expectancy at birth;
• infant mortality rate;
• number of nurses by population;
• average length of hospital stay;
• avoidable mortality; and
• emergency department visits based on the severity and intensity of patient care episodes.
Mr. Speaker, this first set of baseline health
system metrics contains the metrics that are available
in the short term. A “Task and Finish” group will identify
and prioritise future key metrics. Moving forward, as the
National Digital Health Strategy is implemented and impacts the secure collection of health data, additional health metrics can become available and be collected more efficiently. Presently, the Ministry is working to
create a public dashboard to display the baseline health system metrics that are already collected.
Mr. Speaker, an additional project embarked
upon this year is the merger of the government funds.
This is linked to strategic principle number 8, preventing wasteful care and promoting efficiency. As stated in
the Bermuda Health Strategy 2022– 2027, the health
need is for the Government to realise opportunities to ensure the future sustainability of health care in Ber-muda. And this includes assessing the sources and
uses of all of the government’s health funds. The Ministry is currently reviewing the options for optimisation,
recognising that reforms of overall health system financing are the larger project.
Mr. Speaker, as Honourable Members can
see, the Bermuda Health Strategy 2022 –2027 is not a
document that is sitting on a shelf gathering dust. The strategic principles contained within it guide the work of
the Ministry, and collectively following through with
them puts us on the path to strengthening our health system. The one strategic principle yet to be advanced
is principle number 5, strengthening our health care
workforce. And this will be included in the upcoming
projects.
While all of the strategic principles are important, Mr. Speaker, principle number 4, providing ac-cess to health care coverage— in other words, universal health coverage—remains a fundamental principle
that I would like to turn to now as part of this compr ehensive update. As I do so, you will see that the strate-gic principles, whilst listed separately in the health strat-egy, do overlap in their contribution to health system
improvement.
Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Health has spent
the past year completing the setup of the transitional governance structure needed to develop and manage
the implementation of universal health coverage. The
vision of universal health coverage (or UHC), Mr.
Speaker, is to ensure that all Bermuda residents have
equitable access to quality care without suffering financial hardship when paying for these services and critical medicines.
Mr. Speaker, as previously reported, the UHC
governance structure includes the UHC Steering Committee, which is chaired by the Chief Strategy Officer
reporting to me as the Minister of Health. It is important
to note that the UHC Steering Committee has been fully engaged and at work for the past two years. In addition
to the UHC Steering Committee, Mr. Speaker, there are
five health forums that also comprise the UHC governance structure. And the health forums represent the
many stakeholders involved in the health system, including
• patients;
• providers, which includes a range of health businesses such as physicians, nurses, labs, physiotherapists, pharmacists, and others;


Bermuda House of Assembly • payors, which are the employers;
• regulators; and
• community organisations such as the nonprofits and the unions.
The role of the forums is to provide insight,
feedback and recommendations to the UHC Steering
Committee from their various areas of expertise and/or
experiences. The Health Ministry’s Programme Management Office executes UHC projects and supports the forums and the UHC Steering Committee.
Mr. Speaker, the first of the forums, which is
the Clinical Senate, has been meeting monthly since January. The Clinical Senate comprises a multidisciplinary group of over 50 health service providers who provide professional clinical advice and recommendations to the Ministry of Health for its further consideration and decision -making for the universal health coverage programme. For the remainder of the forums, health fi-nancing, health insurers, health advocacy and service providers —a wide range of health system stakeholders—have been invited to participate and meetings will
begin next month.
I want to take this opportunity to thank the
chairs and deputy chairs of the various health forums for their work so far and the work to come. Their expe-rience and contributions will be invaluable for strengthening Bermuda’s health system.
Mr. Speaker, the setting up of the Programme
Management Office is moving forward as well. In addi-tion to project managers who previously consulted with
the Ministry of Health, three new temporary additional posts were approved: one for the UHC programme d irector and two for additional project managers. The Ministry of Health is well aware of the public’s desire to
know what is next, and when UHC will be a reality.
As work on the initial projects that I have just
shared with you has ended, the UHC Steering Committee, with the support of the Programme Management
Office, looked ahead to the next steps of the journey to
universal health coverage for all residents. Mr.
Speaker, the recommendations arising from the first set
of projects gave birth to a list of approximately 64 new
projects, many of which carry on from these initial projects and initiatives. And the next phase of work is
grouped into eight health initiativ es or major projects.
They are as follows, Mr. Speaker:
1. Health care modelling;
2. National Digital HEALTH Strategy Implementa-tion Planning;
3. National Health System Metrics;
4. National Health System Standards;
5. UHC Core Health Services;
6. The implementation of completed Integrated
Care Pathways and the beginning of the process for new Care Pathways;
7. Health Regulations; and
8. Health care Workforce Strategy.
You will note the inclusion of initiatives such as
the National Digital Health Strategy, Integrated Care Pathways and others previously reported on. Mr. Speaker, the inclusion of such initiatives represents the
second phase of work coming out of the initial findings
and recommendations of the first phase.
Mr. Speaker, health care modelling involves
understanding Bermuda’s current and future health
care costs, services and population needs including future utilisation of care services on and off the Island.
Health care modelling also includes developing opt ions
for more effective health system financing based on current and projected needs.
Phase two of the National Digital Health Strategy initiative will entail setting up an appropriate governance structure and developing an implementation
plan to begin to integrate data across the health sector
into a centralised system, making patient -level health
data more available and enabling better reporting
across the system. Mr. Speaker, this should ultimately
improve the overall quality of care and health outcomes
of patients. The national health system metrics project
will continue with identifyin g the metrics needed for the
UHC programme, as well as the measures most needed or desired by the community.
National health system standards will involve
determining the relevant data standards for Bermuda in
developing an implementation plan for those health
data standards. This is linked, Mr. Speaker, to the need
to improve the coding of health care services and procedures in health records. The data we can retrieve
from health records are only as good as the data that
were input. Both health system metrics and health system standards are part of the larger national digital
health strategy.
UHC core health services refers to developing
the list of core health services that should be part of the
UHC core benefits package. An essential part of the
assessment of the core health services centres on the
learning that has come about from the integrated care
pathways. The next phase of work will comprise implementation plans based on the recommendations from
the completed pathways and undertaking new care
pathways. Health regulations identifies the project as
they will be the subject of ongoing updates on an as -
needed basis.
And finally, Mr. Speaker, developing a health
care workforce strategy is extremely important, particularly with the intense competition for health care professionals and a lack of health care givers across the
health system. Our population is ageing, whic h brings
with it particular care needs that must be taken into account. Overall, having a strong health care workforce is
essential for delivering on our commitment to strengthening our health system.
Mr. Speaker, the Ministry and UHC Steering
Committee are of the view that if sufficient resources —
resources that are both internal and external to the Ministry—are in place, then we can plan and aim for the
following milestones:
1790 22 September 2023 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly • April 2024 —Define the core health care services to be included in the benefits package for
all residents.
• April 2024— Understand the demand and cost
to deliver the core care services and develop payment model options for the core care services, as well as consider wider health system
financing.
• July 2024—Undertake financial analysis to
baseline and then model options for the core
care benefits package. Also evaluate the economic impact of the options.
• September 2024 —Recommend to Cabinet the
most suitable and sustainable options enabling delivery of the core care benefits package, ensuring cost meets resources, both system and
individual.
• April 2025 —Adopt a phased approach to implementing the core care benefits package
starting with the basic core benefits for all.
Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members will recall
that the initial roadmap to achieve universal health cov-erage proposed that Bermuda adopt an approach comprising a thin level of coverage for everyone, and from
there additional health care services would be bui lt out
and added until the core care benefits package is complete. Mr. Speaker, this is the approach the Ministry
continues to advocate for, recognising that over time benefits will adjust in accordance with what our population health needs. Mr. Speaker, t he preceding list of
milestones represents a very ambitious timetable, and
it will be reviewed and reprioritised as necessary. However, this Government continues with its commitment
to universal health coverage to ensure that all Bermuda residents have acc ess to essential, quality health services when they need them without suffering financial hardship.
We look forward to working collaboratively and
constructively with the UHC Steering Committee, the health forums and the many health system stakehold-ers to achieve the goal of universal health coverage
and improved health outcomes for our residents within
a strong, sustainable health system.

CELEBRATING WELLNESS FAMILY FUN NIGHT

Hon. Kim N. Wilson: The next Statement, Mr.
Speaker, is entitled Celebrating Wellness Family Games.
Mr. Speaker, again I rise to highlight an important initiative organised by the Ministry of Health in
collaboration with Xtreme Sports Ltd. to promote
healthy living. Mr. Speaker, the Celebrating Wellness
Family Fun Night will be held on Wednesday, the 27th
of September, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The Department of Health has partnered with Xtreme Sports Ltd.
to host games for families to compete in friendly physi-cal competitions. Teams will compete in a series of stations set up within the show ring at the Botanical
Gardens —

Oh. I missed that. Go ahead.
Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Teams will compete in a series
of stations set up within the show ring at the Botanical
Gardens.
Celebrating Wellness, Mr. Speaker, is recognised annually by the Health Promotion and Wellness
Office of the Department of Health. Celebrating Wellness is an opportunity to encourage the public to live healthy by highlighting ways to live well.
Mr. Speaker, as I just referred, the Bermuda
Health Strategy 2022 –2027 outlines eight strategic
principles for improving health care in Bermuda from promoting healthy living to harnessing health care technology and preventing wasteful care and promoting efficiency. Principle 1 is promoting healthy living and preventative care, and principle 7 is partnership and collaborative working. And this event is an example of both
principles in action.
Mr. Speaker, in the spirit of promoting a healthier and happier community, this year’s Celebrating
Wellness event focuses on the family. Recognising the
impact that family dynamics have on individual well -being, the event aims to provide resources and act ivities
that empower families to prioritise their health and bond together. Celebrating Wellness is dedicated to strengthening the foundation of wellness within every
household.
The family games will start at 5:30 pm, again
on Wednesday, the 27
th of September, in the main
show ring of the Botanical Gardens. Each team must
have five family members, with two of them being between the ages of five and seventeen. And, Mr.
Speaker, team members can extend to aunts, cousins,
godparents, et cetera. Competing families will visit the
various stations by Xtreme Sports throughout the show ring. Families will be awarded points as they compete
each station as a team. At the end of the evening, the
accumulated points will be tallied. There will be a prize
presentation at the end of the evening at approximately 7:45 pm. Prizes will be awarded to the best -dressed
team, the most creative team name [and] the top three teams with the most points. And this is an exciting opportunity, Mr. Speaker, for families to improve their
health while having fun at the same time. There are a
couple of days left to sign up, and I encourage my honourable colleagues and the public to participate.
Mr. Speaker, initiatives like this promote the
importance of active living. Physical activity and healthy eating have long been proven to reduce the risk of
chronic non- communicable diseases such as diabetes,


Bermuda House of Assembly heart disease and cancer. Consistent physical activity
like walking helps also improve quality of life, mental
health and healthy ageing.
Mr. Speaker, to participate in the family games,
please complete the registration form at http://forms.gov.bm/celebrating wellness . The first 10
teams to register will receive a gift, and members of the
public can attend to visit the booth and watch the
games. As this is a physical activity, Mr. Speaker, individuals are recommended to check with their health
care provider to ensure t hat they are fit to compete, as
the event organisers are not liable for any loss, damage
or injury.
Mr. Speaker, if you have any questions (or anyone), please contact the Health Promotion and Wellness Office by emailing healthpromotion@gov.bm or
alternatively calling 278- 4900.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

You have a third Statement. Would you
like to do your third Statement?
Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Yes. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

DR. BARBARA BALL
PUBLIC HEALTH SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES

Hon. Kim N. Wilson: Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce the 2023 Dr. Barbara Ball Public Health Scholarship awardees to the Honourable House and members of the public. Mr. Speaker, this scholarship is of-fered in honour of Dr. Barbara Bertha Ball, who was the
first born- Bermudian woman to practice medicine in
Bermuda and a tireless champion for people’s rights. After a brief stint in the UK, she returned to Bermuda in
1954 to dedicate herself to the welfare of the underprivileged.
Mr. Speaker, this scholarship covers a range of
health care fields of study that directly benefit public health and are a priority to public health needs in Bermuda. And it is another example, Mr. Speaker, of this
Government’s commitment to strengthening our health
care workforce and one of the eight strategic principles
of the Bermuda Health Strategy 2022 –2027. In this
year’s budget, $100,000 of funding was provided for
the Dr. Barbara Ball Public Health Scholarship, which
is awarded to Bermudian students demonstrating academic excellence whilst pursuing careers or professional development in public health.
Bermuda has a shortage of health care professionals, especially in critical areas that have a signifi-cant impact on public health. This initiative reflects the
Health Ministry’s commitment to encouraging and supporting Bermuda’s young people to join the health care
workforce and perfectly aligns with what I believe Dr.
Barbara Ball would have envisioned.
Mr. Speaker, this year 10 successful first -time
awardees received $10,000 each. And they are as follows, Mr. Speaker: • Ms. Elicia Bailey -Lewis, who is studying medicine at St. George’s University in Grenada;
• Ms. Jordan Bascome, who is also studying medicine at the American University of Antigua;
• Mr. Joshua Corriea, who is studying medicine
also at the St. George’s University, Grenada;
• Ms. Dy -Juan DeRoz a, who is studying Public
Health at the University of Toronto;
• Ms. Storm Gibbons, who is studying medicine
at St. George’s University, Grenada;
• Ms. Ronnelle James, who is studying nursing
at Glasgow Caledonian University in Scotland;
• Ms. Ronshae James, who is studying nursing at the University of Salford, in the UK;
• Ms. [Harlee] Purvey, who is studying health
sciences at Western University in Canada;
• Ms. Veronica Swan DeGraf f, who is studying
medicine at the St. George’s University in Grenada; and
• Ms. Tiontae Thomas Clarke, who is studying
nursing at the Virginia Commonwealth Univer-sity in the United States.
Mr. Speaker, the scholarship selection committee was privileged to received 71 applications this year including many of high standard. Candidates were assessed on academic achievement, financial need, public health need and the quality of their applicatio ns.
Twenty -three shortlisted candidates were interviewed,
and after a very difficult selection process, 10 candidates were awarded $10,000 each.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my congratulations to the 2023 Dr. Barbara Ball Public Health Scholarship awardees, and I wish them a successful academic year. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Minister.
Members, the next Statement this [afternoon]
is in the name of the Minister of Education.
Minister.

COMMENCEMENT OF BERMUDA PUBLIC
SCHOOL SYSTEM 2023 -2024 SCHOOL YEAR

Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain: Good [afternoon] , Mr.
Speaker. Good [afternoon] , colleagues. Good [afternoon] , Bermuda.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to provide this House
and the listening public with an update on the topic of
school readiness for the school year that has just commenced . I want to take this time to remind honourable
colleagues of the critical importance of education and the reform agenda to the overall success of our country. The desire to consistently make comments that are
not factual or spoken out of context to achiev e political
ends is neither helpful nor warranted when it comes to public education reform.
As you know, Mr. Speaker, despite comments
purposely disseminated to create discord by
1792 22 September 2023 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly Opposition Members and others, all 34 public schools
opened for students on Monday, September 11. Lost in
the public discourse on that day was the fact that we opened two parish primary schools and have students
commencing on the second year of signature l earning
programmes, and education reform is moving along.
This is not to say that there have not been challenges. Mr. Speaker, there were challenges in the face of an increased workload over the summer break, resource constraints and some lapses in coordination between the various partners who worked on readying the
facilities for our staff and students.
Mr. Speaker, I thank all of the educators, education officers, ERU [Education Reform Unit] staff, sup-port staff, maintenance crew and our colleagues from
Public Works for their dedication and hard work to prepare schools for our students. I also acknowledge the Teachers Union’s recent concerns and the importance
of addressing them.
Mr. Speaker, today I would like to provide some
context so we can have a bit more objective information
and perspective on the school readiness issues. Mr.
Speaker, every year the Department of Education Facilities section, with contractors from the private sector
and Public Works, provide routine maintenance for all of our schools and other physical facilities. In addition,
the IT Department undertakes a number of maintenance and upgrade projects. At the same time, our building custodians are tasked with ensuring the cleanliness of the facilities before they are occupied at the
start of the academic year. These maintenances occur during the summer months, which I remind colleagues
are July and most of August.
Mr. Speaker, this past summer, our summer
works projects included approximately 1,250 tasks, or
projects, in our schools and facilities, and special works
for the two parish primary schools as requested by the School Transformation teams. In addition, wor k had to
be done on the decommissioned sites of Clearwater Middle School and Heron Bay Primary. Mr. Speaker,
our Facilities section consists of one facilities manager,
a head of custodians and an administrative assistant.
And we are grateful to Public Work s and the subcontractors who complete much of the work.
Mr. Speaker, I will be the first to admit that we
did not get a perfect score for school readiness. There
were some challenges as expected. But with such a
mammoth task and mammoth project at a time of significant change and resource constraints in the face of
increased workloads, Mr. Speaker, I am under no illu-sion as to the nature of the Opposition and their supporters’ comments in that attempt to paint a picture of
dysfunction and that no schools were ready for September 11. However, I can say that broad, sweeping
generalisations about school readiness this year are unjustified. In addition to conducting surveys of schools about the readiness for the school year, the Commissioner of Education is reaching out to the Bermuda Union of Teachers [BUT] to obtain specifics of their concerns so that they can be appropriately addressed
and dealt with.
Mr. Speaker, the department and the BUT had
a difference of opinion concerning Purvis Primary regarding whether classrooms were ready to receive stu-dents at the start of term. These concerns were discussed, and in the spirit of collaboration resulted in a n
agreement to give teachers additional time to customise their classrooms. Teachers at Francis Patton took a
different approach to similar concerns caused by delay
in the works timeline. It should be noted that the situation at Purvis Primary , where summer works delays impacted teacher preparation schedules, was exacerbated by a power supply outage initiated by BELCO,
which resulted in Purvis being without power during
one of the four days used for final prep before school
was to open on September 11.
Mr. Speaker, due to the agreement between
the BUT and the DOE [Department of Education], Purvis Primary students engaged in experiential learning
during the first week of the new school year, which can
only be described as bizarre . The Opposition has already derided the concept of experiential learning as
something inferior. Mr. Speaker, experiential learning is
connected with the Bermuda history and social studies
curriculums. As we transform education, we are moving
toward more experi ential and personali sed learning
where we meet students where they are and build on
that. Yet, the Shadow Minister of Education has indicated that he believes that experiential learning is
somehow inferior. I can only conclude that the many
times that I have reached out to th e Opposition to engage in education reform updates and have not received a response is a reason why such thoughts could
be held. Yet again another sad indictment of the Opposition’s true understanding of education reform.
Mr. Speaker, in short, and as a reminder, while
not initially planning for the solution that was agreed to
by the BUT prior to Purvis Primary’s opening on September 11, this allowed teachers time to personalise
their classrooms. The learning experiences our stu-dents engaged in during the first week of school were
aligned with our approach to improving education.
Mr. Speaker, concerns have been expressed
about safety matters. Our children are entitled to safe environments conducive to learning. In response to
safety and health concerns expressed by Purvis Primary teachers, Mr. Speaker, the Department of Environmental Health conducted a safety inspection of the school on September 8. That inspection took place as
work was continuing in the school, and any matters identified were addressed on September 9 and 10.
Mr. Speaker, as we embark on reforms for public education, the department has been committed to
continuous improvement. At the start of the school
year, 35 school and site leaders, including the Child Development Programme facilities, were asked to evaluate the state of readiness of their sites for the new


Bermuda House of Assembly school year as of September 11. This systemwide survey yielded the following results:
• Twenty -seven of the 34 leaders indicated that
they were either neutral, satisfied or very satisfied overall with the work done at their sites
over the summer, 5 in the neutral category (neither satisfied nor dissatisfied), 14 were satisfied and another 7 r eported being very satisfied
with the summer works done at their sites.
• Five of the 34 school leaders were dissatisfied
with the work done over the summer.
• Three indicated that no work was done at their
site at all.
• Aided schools, such as Whitney and St. George’s Prep, do their own maintenance.
• Drilling down to classrooms, 29 of the school
leaders rated their classroom site readiness in
terms of classrooms as either excellent, more
than satisfactory, or satisfactory.
• Another 5 indicated that more work was
needed to be done as of September 11.
• The average rating across the system on a
five-point scale was 3.5.
• In terms of non- classroom space, 29 of the 34
school leaders rated their school site readiness
in terms of non- classroom space as either excellent, more than satisfactory, or satisfactory.
• Here again, another 5 indicated that there was
more work to be done as of September 11.
• The average rating across the schools on a
five-point scale was 3.5 for this category.
Mr. Speaker, those are the headlines regarding
school readiness at the start of the school year. Work
on resolving some outstanding issues was ongoing through the first week, although some delays have
been accounted [for] due to weather. Some of the issues involved air quality, position of air conditioners,
playground facilities and technology. The department is
analysing the data and in collaboration with school
leaders, facilities and our partners at Public Works will address processes and coordinated improvements
from now on, as well as those issues that have been
identified as outstanding for some time. In the future,
the evaluation survey will take place a few days before
teachers are due in schools to prepare their class-rooms.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to the maintenance
work, the technology infrastructure is also serviced and upgraded annually. As some of the issues identified as outstanding were IT -related, I would like to provide a
brief overview of the type of work done by t he IT Department and some challenges and issues. In brief, Mr. Speaker, the IT section is responsible for maintaining
and operating and upgrading the public school system’s IT structure including servicing and upgrading
laptops and other devices issued to staff and students. Daily, IT supports 1,804 student devices and 3,364
staff devices, which include laptops, desktops and
phones. It handles security and issues with user accounts, including PowerSchool accounts. Discharging these responsibilities is a team of 10 full -time staff.
Mr. Speaker, the onsite local -to-every -school
IT section works tasks cannot start until school custodians have completed their work, which in turn is im-pacted by the maintenance, repair and construction
schedules. Compounding the challenge for IT is that all
department -issued laptops needed major updating to
sync with updated and new IT security tools and oper-ating system patching; all core [staff] and many other
teachers and officers of the department have been is-sued with laptops. Mr. Speaker, this summer all laptops
required significant updates, and IT must have possession of them to do the revisions and updating. However,
I was made to understand that, unfortunately, most of
the primary school department’s education laptops had
not been left in the scho ol offices despite requests to
do so. This then resulted in these required updates to
be done during the first week of school, a process that
would have left teachers without devices for periods of
time. The only school to comply entirely with IT’s request was Prospect Primary.
Similar requests to enrol in safety and security
protocols such as password portal met with less than
50 per cent compliance by task. And this has had an
adverse effect on device connectivity.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, construction delays, lightning strikes at some primary schools have delayed all
low-voltage data cabling tasks, delaying updating some
locations with working connections. BPSS [Bermuda
Public School System] schools impacted most were St.
George’s Prep, Francis Patton, Harrington Sound, Pa-get Primary and Purvis Primary.
Mr. Speaker, despite our best efforts, in addition to the aforementioned IT work, there are still some
outstanding works underway. As a result of a wood
shortage this summer, purpose- built cabinets and storage at Francis Patton Primary and Purvis are stil l being
worked on. Additionally, there are other minor works
still outstanding, but these works are underway and
look to be resolved in due course.
Mr. Speaker, resolving all of these issues
would involve better communication, collaboration and
coordination, whether it is with our partners, staff, families and the Bermuda Union of Teachers. These are issues that the Department of Education will work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure that the same
issues do not arise next year.
Mr. Speaker, the Ministry will monitor and assist the Department of Education as much as possible as they look to put better processes and procedures in
place. We are committed to supporting these efforts
while staying the course of education reform. As w e will
shortly embark on onboarding School Transformation
teams for the creation of parish primary schools for Elliot and Harrington Sound, as well as the third signature
school at Sandy’s Secondary Middle School, I invite the
general public to join us in going all in for our students.
Feel free to submit your name and become part of the
1794 22 September 2023 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly team that will continue to design and drive the education agenda forward.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Good [afternoon].

A PLAN TO END HOMELESSNESS
FOR BERMUDA

Hon. Tinee Furbert: And thank you.
Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise
this [afternoon] to share with my honourable colleagues the beginnings of a sustainable plan to end homelessness in Bermuda. Mr. Speaker, homelessness is a
growing problem in Bermuda. The 2010 Census of
Population and Housing used the term non-sheltered
population to define those persons who had no fixed
abode and who did not stay in adult shelters. Such persons had no habitable dwelling to call home and usually slept outdoors. At that time the number of non- sheltered persons counted was only 82. But this increased
to 138 persons during the 2016 census. However, it is
globally recognised that homelessness is far broader.
In fact, Mr. Speaker, there is no common international definition for “homelessness,” but it is generally defined to include persons who lack stable and appropriate housing to the extent they are living on the
street, living in vehicles, living on the couches of family
and/or friends, moving between temporary shelters
with just a room, house- sharing or housing with friends,
sharing transitional living and emergency shelters, and living or squatting in abandoned, unoccupied properties
that do not meet the minimum standard or provide no
security. Current research by the Bermuda charity
HOME indicates the homeless population within this
definition reached 650 persons by December of 2022.
Mr. Speaker, rough sleeping is the most visible
form of homelessness, which can be voluntary or involuntary. A person can be voluntarily homeless for a
number of reasons. We know there are substance
abuse, mental health issues, domestic abuse, family breakdown, poverty, unhealthy rel ationships or just
plain apathy that could be the impetus for voluntary homelessness. Mr. Speaker, a person can be involuntarily homeless due to the end of their current housing
lease term and not able to afford other accommodations due to insufficient income or unemployment, or insufficient affordable housing options.
Mr. Speaker, homelessness stems from many
types of situations. However, the United Nations International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights stipulates, and I quote, “ right of everyone to an
adequate standard of living for himself and his family,
including adequate food, clothing and housing . . . .”
Homelessness touches on several of the United Na-tions’ 2030 Sustainable Development goals:
• goal 1, no poverty;
• goal 8, decent work;
• goal 10, reduced inequalities;
• and goal 11, sustainable cities and communities.
Mr. Speaker, let me share a brief historical
summary of several attempts that have been undertaken to address the homeless population in Bermuda
during the past years. In 2000, the Ministry of Health
and Family Services commenced a study of homelessness with the goal of obtaining key information to plan appropriate services for the homeless in Bermuda’s
community. This study was later paused due to the conduct of the 2000 Census of Population and Housing,
which would provide information on the homeless. In
2007, the former Ministry of Social Rehabilitation activated the Committee on Homelessness, which in-cluded representatives from many of the major service
providers on Island. The committee was charged with exploring the needs of the homeless and recommend-ing solutions.
Also, Mr. Speaker, in 2015, the Department of
National Drug Control produced a report from their sur-vey on substance abuse/substance use among the
homeless in Bermuda. Later in 2018, a transitional
housing think tank was hosted by the Women’s Re-source Cen tre and Habitat for Humanity, of which 18
charities and government agencies participated. Then
in 2018, the then Minister of Social Development and
Sports announced the redevelopment of the former
Bishop Spencer facility for use as a new emergency
housing centre. This initiative instead shifted to upgrading the facility at the Salvation Army on North Street.
Despite these past studies and initiatives, there
has been no sustainable strategy or plan designed and implemented to end homelessness in Bermuda. Mr.
Speaker, the Government alone cannot end homelessness in Bermuda. A long- term strategy and highly coordinated plan will be needed that involves the many
service providers and stakeholders with a demonstrated commitment to ending homelessness. In this re-gard, the Ministry of Social Development and Seniors,
the Executive Director of the charitable organisation
HOME, and the community and business stakeholders
have been working collaboratively during the past year
to develop a plan to end homelessness in Bermuda.
Therefore, Mr. Speaker, in recognising this, the
charitable organisation HOME, which opened its doors
in October of 2021 with a vision to end homelessness
in Bermuda, is collaboratively using a whole- systems
approach to provide services and chart a course for the
homeless while tracking their progress to systematically end homelessness. This approach also facilitates


Bermuda House of Assembly the collection of data and information about the homeless for informed decision- making.
A steering committee established by HOME included community partners STAR [Supportive Therapy
for Persons with AIDS and their families], Lighthouse, Teen Haven, Transformational Living Centre, Salvation
Army, Dignity House, Solstice, and the Bermuda Housing Corporation. Representatives collaboratively dedicated many months to developing a workplan detailing a case for change and recommendations to end homelessness.
Mr. Speaker, subsequently, I along with the Executive Director of HOME, having engaged in monthly
meetings for discussion and planning around a strategy, in May this year established a Homelessness Advisory Panel comprising public, private and nonprofit
representatives. The advisory panel, chaired by the executive director and myself, have been meeting weekly
since the month of June to review the recommended
actions put forth by the steering committee, provide input and strengthen the plan where needed.
Mr. Speaker, let me take the opportunity now
to share who the members of the advisory panel are,
as follows:
• Ms. Denise Carey, Executive Director of
HOME;
• the Honourable Mr. Justice Juan Wolffe, JP,
Supreme Court of Bermuda;
• Mr. John Barritt, Bermuda Housing Trust;
• Mr. Dwayne Caines, CEO, Corporation of
Hamilton;
• Ms. Sheelagh Cooper, Habitat for Humanity;
• Ms. Sara Clifford, Human Rights Commission;
• Mr. Aaron Crichlow, Bermuda Is Love;
• Ms. Pandora Glasford, Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Tourism and the Cabinet Office;
• Mr. Andrew Dias, West End and Bermuda
Land Development Corporations;
• Mr. Kirk Outerbridge, Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Public Works;
• Mr. Paul Martin, Bermuda Housing Corporation;
• Ms. Laurie Shiell, Centre Against Abuse;
• Senator Lindsay Simmons, JP, Foster [Parents] Association;
• Ms. Keechia Tuckett, [Bermuda Government] Health Insurance Department; and
• Mr. Lester Ward, Salvation Army.
Mr. Speaker, it has indeed been fruitful meeting weekly with the panel members, who have given
invaluable input and feedback to progress the work
plan for implementation. The recommended actions for ending homelessness are highlighted accordingly:
• a rapid end to rough sleeping and other forms
of high- risk homelessness;
• a systematic approach to homelessness data
and intervention monitoring; • [a correction to the insufficiency of] accessible
social and affordable housing and welfare entitlements;
• citizen -centred coordinated service delivery;
• public policy reform and statutory rights and
protection changes;
• public understanding and engagements; and
• other holistic and systemwide reforms.
The review of the work plan is near completion,
and the action items in the plan will ultimately guide the
progression of work to end homelessness in Bermuda.
We look forward to sharing the work plan publicly and
the collaborative work ahead.
Mr. Speaker, I also want to say that World
Homeless Day will be observed internationally on October 10 of 2023. The Ministry will recognise this day to
draw attention to the needs of people who experience
homelessness in Bermuda and provide opportunities
for our community to get involved in responding to
homelessness. A World Homeless Day Proclamation
along with activities are being planned in Bermuda. The
advisory panel is currently solidifying a plan to recognise this day in Bermuda on October 10. It wil l involve
the active participation of every person. World Homeless Day is a date everyone can mark in their calendar
each year and become involved in helping to eradicate
homelessness in our Island community.
Mr. Speaker, lastly let me share that leading up
to World Homeless Day on October 10, the advisory
panel approved the undertaking of a community survey
on homelessness in Bermuda. Gathering data is critically important for informed and sound decision- making. The homelessness work plan was developed with
insights gathered from over 400 men and women ex-periencing homelessness or at the risk of becoming
homeless in Bermuda, and consultation with over 300
stakeholders connected to serving people experiencing
homelessness, which included policy experts, researchers, service providers, third- sector organisations
and donors.
We now want to hear from the general public.
The community survey of homelessness will take
roughly 30 minutes to complete and will be posted on
government’s Bermuda citizens’ forum.gov.bm from
October 3 to October 31 for persons to complete. Your
participation in the survey is important to feed into the overall plan for ending homelessness. Notices will be
sent out to advise the general public when the surveys
will commence.
Mr. Speaker, in closing I extend thanks to the
Homelessness Steering Committee and the Homeless-ness Advisory Panel members for their commitment
and I appreciate the sacrifice of time that they have extended in meeting to lend continued support to pro-gress ing this initiative. Also, I am deeply indebted to the
Executive Director of HOME, Ms. Denise Carey, who quietly wields unwavering steadfastness and passion in leading programmes and projects to end homelessness in Bermuda. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
1796 22 September 2023 Official Hansard Report

Bermuda House of Assembly The Speaker: Thank you, Minister.
Members, this brings us to a close of the Statements for this [afternoon]. We will now move on.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

This [afternoon’s] questions, there are
not any written questions. So, the questions will come
from the Statements that were delivered this [afternoon]. And Members have expressed an interest in putting questions to the Ministers. So, we will start that now.
The first question this [afternoon] is for Minister
Hayward in reference to your first Statement, and the Opposition Leader would like to put a question to you.

Hon. Jarion Richardson: Thank you, Mr. Speaker,
and good [afternoon] .

Good [afternoon].

QUESTION 1: EMPLOYMENT (PROTECTION OF
EMPLOYEE TIPS AND OTHER GRATUITIES)
AMENDMENT ACT 2023
Hon. Jarion Richardson: Or good afternoon (sorry) to
my honourable colleagues and the listening public.
I have some questions as it relates to the Employment (Protection of Employee Tips and Other Gratuities) [Amendment Act 2023] Statement. Would the
Honourable Minister please explain just how widespread was the practice of employers taking from the
tips of employees? Thanks.

Minister.
Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, I thank the Honourable Member for the question.
First and foremost, what we would do is garner
the complaints that come into the Department of La-bour. As you can appreciate, the large portion of workers who are impacted would not necessarily make complaints based off of their employment status within t he
country. We found that work permit holders are less inclined to speak up on the occurrence when abuse is
taking place. Additionally, we find that when individuals enter the workplace, they were not aware of the policy
as it pertains to tips and gratuiti es, and they found out
on the floor of the workplace how it is actually administered.
So, in order to determine how widespread it
was . . . we do not have an accurate figure. What we
do know is that this is an extremely positive step in the
right direction for those employees who work in the industry. The Speaker: Opposition Leader, before you put your
question, I should acknowledge that you are the Oppo-sition Leader now. Because it is a new title that you did
not have when we were last in this Chamber.

[Desk thumping]

Minister.
Hon. Jason Hayward: Mr. Speaker, there was no governance over how tips and gratuities were administered
in the workplace. In organised environments, that is, where there are unionised employees, collective bargaining agreements are in place which speak to the administration and distribution of tips, gratuities and services charges. Outside of unionised environments it is
similar to the wild, Wild West where there is no effective policy and administration in place.
I would not say that there is contravention of
the law because we did not have protection in law. What we are seeking to do with this amendment is put
the protections of law. And anybody who does not follow these laws thereafter will be in contravention of a
law.

Okay.

QUESTION 3: EMPLOYMENT (PROTECTION OF
EMPLOYEE TIPS AND OTHER GRATUITIES)
AMENDMENT ACT 2023
Hon. Jarion Richardson: Would the Honourable Minister please clarify where these changes in law will be
explained? As it stands right now, there is a guide to
work in Bermuda and a code. And what we are looking


Bermuda House of Assembly for is, where will employers be able to look up what they
need to put into the relevant policies?
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Minister.

Hon. Jason Hayward: The first step for any employer
would be to look at the amended Employment Act.
These are amendments to the Employment Act, and so
that will be the first set of directions. Second to this, like
we have done with other areas where we have intro-duced new po licy, the Ministry will be putting out guidance notes as it pertains to various sections of the
amendments within the Act.

Minister.
Hon. Jason Hayward: At this point there is nothing to
correct because there is no law in place which governs
it. You have workplaces which retain 100 per cent of
gratuities of workers and pay workers a flat wage. That
does take place in some workplaces, and it is not
against the law at this current time. Moving forward,
that workplace would have to amend its policy to be
aligned with the law so that the employer does not retain the gratuities and service charges received.