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Click on graphic above to navigate the 165+ web files on this website, a regularly updated Gazetteer, an in-depth description of our island's internally self-governing British Overseas Territory 900 miles north of the Caribbean, 600 miles east of North Carolina, USA. With accommodation options, airlines, airport, actors, actresses, aviation, banks, beaches, Bermuda Dollar, Bermuda Government, Bermuda-incorporated businesses and companies including insurers and reinsurers, Bermudians, books and publications, bridges and causeway, charities, churches, citizenship by Status, City of Hamilton, commerce, communities, credit cards, cruise ships, cuisine, currency, disability accessibility, Devonshire Parish, districts, Dockyard, economy, education, employers, employment, environment, executorships, fauna, ferries, flora, former military bases, forts, gardens, geography, getting around, golf, guest houses, highways, history, historic properties, Hamilton, House of Assembly, housing, hotels, immigration, import duties, internet access, islands, laws, legal system and legislators, main roads, marriages, media, members of parliament, money, motor vehicles, municipalities, music and musicians, newcomers, newspaper, media, organizations, parks, parishes, Paget, Pembroke, performing artists, residents, pensions, political parties, postage stamps, public holidays, public transportation, railway trail, real estate, registries of aircraft and ships, religions, Royal Naval Dockyard, Sandys, senior citizens, Smith's, Somerset Village, Southampton, St. David's Island, St George's, Spanish Point, Spittal Pond, sports, taxes, telecommunications, time zone, traditions, tourism, Town of St. George, Tucker's Town, utilities, water sports, Warwick, weather, wildlife, work permits.

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Bermuda Government Boards & Commissions

More than 108 advisory bodies and organizations with individuals appointed or renewed yearly

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By Keith Archibald Forbes (see About Us).

Bermuda Government building

See Bermuda Government for earlier full description of the types - Executive, legislative and judicial - ministries, departments and budget.

Bermuda Government Boards & Commissions

Well over 108 boards each have individual political appointments acceptable to the Premier. They include, at the top, a reference to the relevant Act of Parliament. They advise their respective Ministers who may or may not accept their recommendations. The boards or commissions are published here do not seem to appear on the Bermuda Government's own website. Individuals appointed to each board are not shown on this website (those needing information on the yearly or periodic appointments to each board should consult the Bermuda Government, as it appoints each board).

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Advisory Architectural Panel Development & Planning Act 1974. 
Ageing and Disability Services Until September 2015 the National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged (NOSPC). Continental Building, on the corner of Church Street and Cedar Avenue, Hamilton. Or by Airmail at P. O. Box HM 1195, Hamilton HM EX, Bermuda. Open 8:45 am to 5 pm Monday-Friday. Phone (441) 292-7802. Fax (441) 292-7681. Under the remit of the Ministry of Health. 
Aging Well Committee 2017. November 20. An ageing well committee chaired by Government MP Derrick Burgess was announced this afternoon by David Burt, the Premier. Comprising members of the private sector as well as the civil service, the committee is to produce is to produce a Bermudian charter of rights for seniors. Members include staff from Ageing and Disability Services, the Department of Financial Assistance, the health insurance department, a gerontologist, and long-term care consultants for the Ministry of Health. Mr Burgess said the charter aims to be “a reference document stating the fundamental principles and rights”, especially for those depending on others for care. Mr Burgess said that Bermuda’s elderly population was rising: reports showed 8,716 residents aged 65 and older in 2010, which was set to rise 38 per cent to 12,062 by 2020 — while in a 2011 survey, 29 per cent of seniors reported having a disability. Noting Mr Burgess’ history of advocacy for the elderly, Mr Burt called him “this Government’s voice and conscience on issues impacting our seniors.  In addition to these qualities, he is also a senior.” Mr Burt said that an ageing well strategy, begun under the former Government, had been drafted and would be released for public consultation as early as next month. The Premier added: “Living with dignity should not depend on how much money a senior has at his or her disposal.”
Air Advisory Committee Ministry of Transport. Constitution of Bermuda (2-1 Section 61 -4).
Air Transport Licensing Board Civil Aviation (Licensing of Air Transport and Commercial Flying) Act 1950. Channel House, 1 Longfield Road, Southside, St. David's, DD 03.  
Appeals Committee - Education Education Act 1996. 
Appeals Tribunal Hotel Licensing  
Appeals Tribunal Banks & Deposit Companies Act 1999. 
Architects Registration Council Architects Registration Act 1969. A full list of registered architects in alphabetical order of name with their qualifications, is published every January. It includes those who left Bermuda years ago. Some have qualified academically and professionally as architects. Others have not.
Archives Advisory Council The Bermuda Archives Act 1974. Includes representatives of Bermuda Heritage Foundation; Bermuda Historical Society; Bermuda Maritime Museum Association; Bermuda National Trust; St. George's Historical Society.
Audit Committee Audit Act 1990.  

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Bermuda Airport Authority

 2018. January 19. Mark Fields, chairman of the organisation tasked to oversee the management, operations and redevelopment of the airport, said: “Our organisation is less than a year old. “We essentially started from nothing, but we are pleased with the leadership of the Authority’s chief executive officer, Lester Nelson, in moving quickly to establish a strong, experienced team of aviation, engineering and financial professionals, as well as internationally recognized technical advisers to oversee Bermuda’s interests in this large and important infrastructure project.” The Authority, which owns the airport on behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, was established on March 2 last year. It was set up to ensure contractual value is delivered throughout the 30-year public-private partnership with Bermuda Skyport Corporation. The authority’s responsibilities also include air traffic control, meteorological services, aeronautical information services, and airport rescue and firefighting. The Authority is also responsible for regulating fees and charges. Walter Roban, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Transport and Regulatory Affairs, said: “I’m delighted to join the Bermuda Airport Authority board and staff in welcoming stakeholders this afternoon. I’m happy to say that the authority has moved quickly to position themselves in this important role. The LF Wade International Airport is Bermuda’s only air link to the rest of the world and therefore it is vital to our economic lifeblood, essential to international business and tourism. We are happy to have these highly qualified Bermudians involved in the protection of our collective interests.” Members are Ian MacIntyre, Robert Steynor, Marshall Minors, CEO Lester Nelson, Walter Roban, Deputy Premier and Minister of Transport and Regulatory Affairs, chairman Mark Fields, deputy chairman Andrew Parsons, Judith Hall-Bean, Lawrence Scott.

Bermuda Arts Council Bermuda Arts Council Act 1969.  
Bermuda Aircraft Registry In May 2019 added its 900th aircraft, a significant milestone which seals its reputation as a responsible, stable and growth-orientated organization. 
Bermuda Bar Council Bermuda Bar Act 1974.
Bermuda Business Development Agency Founded in 2013 Bermuda is an offshore jurisdiction with a platform to offer innovative solutions to the global marketplace during an era that poses both great challenges and opportunities. It has received strong support from the current and former government and the private sector in its activities. Amid merger activity in the insurance sector, fierce competition from other jurisdictions and regular global assaults on offshore financial centres, BDA has contributed to the formation of new companies, improved branding of the island and helped promote industry growth that has led to the creation of new jobs.

2020. February 7. Four new members have been appointed to the board of the Bermuda Business Development Agency. They are Susan Pateras, Barclay Simmons, Marc Telemaque and Leon Thomas. “We are very pleased to welcome Susan, Barclay, Marc and Leon to the board. Each new member brings with them a wealth of knowledge and experience that complements the skill set of our current board members and we look forward to their contribution,” Paul Scope, chairman of the BDA board, said. “We are confident they will provide valuable insights, fresh perspectives and vigorous oversight supporting the BDA’s mission to advocate for Bermuda’s economic development domestically and worldwide, encourage inward direct investment to benefit Bermuda’s economy and work with our stakeholders to ensure Bermuda’s legislative and regulatory framework remains the gold standard. We bid a fond farewell to Jessel Mendes, David Cash and Lydia Dickens, all of whom have chosen to retire from the board, and I extend my sincere thanks for the stellar service they have provided. They have been, and continue to be, huge supporters of Bermuda, and the BDA, and we appreciate all of their hard work and commitment.” Mrs Pateras is an insurance industry expert with more than two decades of experience across London, New York and the Bermuda marketplace. She was appointed chief operations officers of Liberty Specialty Markets (Bermuda) in 2018 and is responsible for driving business support and development, strategic initiatives and operational change across the organisation. She previously worked as a senior vice-president at Integro Bermuda Ltd and Willis Bermuda Ltd, and was vice-president for Marsh New York’s Global Broking Healthcare Unit. She also serves on the board of the Association of Bermuda International Companies and Ironshore Insurance Ltd. Mr Simmons was an investment banker with Goldman Sachs in New York and returned to Bermuda in 2006 as managing partner of ASW Law Limited. Previously chairman at Butterfield Bank, he is currently chairman of the Public Funds Investment Committee, with responsibility for advising on the investment of Bermuda’s pension funds, and chairman and CEO at Rose Investment Limited, an advisory firm. Mr Telemaque was sworn in as Secretary to the Cabinet in 2018, a position he served previously from 2006 to 2010. He has been a member of the Civil Service executive for more than seventeen years. During that time, he has served as Secretary for National Security and Permanent Secretary with the ministries of tourism and transport, public safety and housing and health. He joined the public service as Aide-de-Camp to the Governor in 2000 and was awarded the LVO [Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order] in 2009. Mr Thomas has spent more than 20 years advising governments and international businesses on policy, regulation and corporate strategy. As head of the Business Development Unit for the Government of Bermuda, he is responsible for policy and legislative programmes to support and grow the country’s international business sector. Prior to joining Government, He gained significant experience in North America and the Caribbean working for a multinational professional services firm.

Bermuda Business Development Corporation (BBDC) Formed in 2013 by Government through the Ministry of Economic Development.  A private/public partnership intended to spearhead the promotion of Bermuda as a preferred domicile for a variety of international business activities, including reinsurance, asset management, trusts and fund administration. This has involved organizing all the relevant stakeholders and formulating a coherent mission for the BBDC and strategies to achieve that mission. The Government, via BBDC, will continue to support Bermudian entrepreneurs in their quest for success and will take any other necessary steps to stimulate economic growth through non-tax policy driven initiatives.
Bermuda Betting Licensing Authority Bermuda Government.
Bermuda Cadet Corps Bermuda Cadet Corps Act 1944. 
Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission 2020. February 10. Bermuda’s gambling watchdog spent more than $160,000 on consultants in the second half of last year. The cash was largely spent on an effort to tackle problems with finding a bank in Bermuda with links to a corresponding bank overseas that was willing to accept casino-generated deposits. Julie Grant, the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission chief financial officer, said on Friday the consultants’ fees outlined in Parliament by Curtis Dickinson, the finance minister, reflected the commission’s work with Bermudian-based Rose Investment. Ms Grant said the work with the consultants, taken on in September last year, had gone “very positively”. The new industry has had trouble finding a Bermuda bank doing business with a corresponding overseas bank that would accept casino earnings. The breakdown of figures, in response to questions from Michael Dunkley, an Opposition MP, revealed that the publicly funded regulator spent a total of almost $840,000 from July 1 to December 31 last year. Mr Dickinson said $381,101 went on salaries and wages, with $161,309 on consultants’ fees during the six-month period. The BCGC also spent $52,758 on rent, $112,186 on administration, $49,364 on general overheads and $82,136 on “other” expenses. The commission last published details of its contracts valued at $50,000 or more in the Official Gazette just over a year ago. Ms Grant said the salaries and wages numbers included payroll tax, medical and social insurance, and pensions. The figure for administration costs covered office supplies, communications and legal services to the commissioners’ fees. Ms Grant said that general overheads comprised maintenance, land tax, utilities and building service charges, while “other” represented bank fees. Mr Dickinson told MPs the BCGC got a $500,000 grant from the Government for this financial year on top of the $3.2 million budgeted. Ms Grant said the latter figure represented a projected budget. She added: “The BCGC does not anticipate spending this amount in actual costs.” Ms Grant said the actual figure was estimated to total about $2.5 million. Mr Dunkley said that Mr Dickinson told Parliament last July there were three priorities for the gaming commission, filling the post of executive director, finding a corresponding banking partner and progressing legislation. Mr Dickinson said a candidate for the director’s role had since withdrawn and the commission had “re-engaged the management services recruitment firm to identify a capable and qualified executive director”, to replace former director Richard Schuetz, who left the six-figure salary job in 2017. The minister added there had been “considerable progress” on the banking front. Mr Dickinson said that work on gaming legislation had also gone well. He added: “We are, by and large, done with the framework. There’s additional work to be done on betting and that will be coming in the coming months.” The BCGC was set up in 2015 to establish and regulate a casino gaming industry in Bermuda. The quango was expected to eventually be funded entirely by fees for casino licences — but none have opened. The BCGC received $5.4 million in public funding between 2015 and 2018. Mr Dickinson told the House last July that the commission cost more than $2.5 million to run for the 15-month period from April 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 — an average of $167,545 a month. The commission had six full-time staff in June last year — a chief financial officer, a director of problem and responsible gaming, a legal analyst a business analyst, and two administrative staff. Ms Grant added the BCGC had five staff last month and that employee numbers had fluctuated between six and seven staff over the six-month time frame reported on in the House of Assembly.
Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority Responsible for the regulation and safety oversight of aviation in Bermuda and all aircraft on the Bermuda Aircraft Registry. Previously known as the Bermuda Department of Civil Aviation, which was established in 1931, the new BCAA became a newly formed Authority on October 1st, 2016. Bermuda is a United Kingdom Overseas Territory and though it is regulated by the UK Department for Transport, the safety oversight system is separate from that of the UK. The regulatory requirements are established as the Overseas Territories Aviation Requirements (OTARs), which are in full compliance with the standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Bermuda’s Aircraft Registry is extensive and ranks 10th in size when compared to the 191 signatory States to the Convention on International Civil Aviation. The current Registry includes a mix of both private aircraft and commercial aircraft operated under Article 83 bis Agreements.
Bermuda College Board of Governors Bermuda College Act 1974 for this Bermuda Government owned and operated facility.
Bermuda Community Foundation 2016. November 3. The Bermuda Community Foundation has approved $480,000 in grants to 43 nonprofit organisations. According to a statement, the foundation’s board of directors made the grants, which represent the BCF’s final grants of the 2016 fiscal year, from seven donor funds. “BCF’s grantmaking programmes are supported by a range of unrelated donors who wish to ensure the sustainability and success of nonprofits in Bermuda,” managing director Myra Virgil stated. "These donors use the resources and expertise of BCF to support their grantmaking. This extraordinary set of grants totaling almost half a million dollars is the result.” In the field of community improvement and capacity building, BCF approved $135,000 in grants to deliver para-transit services, build organizational capacity in the nonprofit sector, help build a national employment registry and database, and promote nonprofit certification and accreditation. Grantees include Age Concern Bermuda, Project Action, MyFutureBermuda, the Coalition for Community Activism and YouthNet. Community-based youth development efforts such as the PHC Foundation’s scholarship programme, the Bermuda Bridge Club, Bermuda’s Brazilian Football School, Raleigh and YouthNet also received support. To advance community development, BCF’s board approved $155,000 in grants from donor-advised funds to go towards infrastructure building projects. These include the provision of residences for people struggling with mental health issues, an initiative managed by the Bermuda Mental Health Foundation. The Coalition for Community Activism received a grant to support efforts to improve educational outcomes through their work with parents and the Ministry of Education. And educational programmes received a funding boost of $81,000 to support the work of the Adult Education School, Bermuda Education Network, Impact Mentoring Academy, Centre for Talented Youth and CARE Computer Services scholarships. BCF also approved $44,000 in grants to the Coalition for the Protection of Children, Salvation Army, the Bermuda Society for the Blind, the Family Centre and others to continue providing direct service support to people in need. Those interested in setting up their own charitable funds to improve Bermuda can learn more about donor-advised philanthropy at bcf.bm.  A complete list of grant recipients will also soon be available.
Bermuda Dental Board Dental Practitioners Act 1950. It became notorious internationally when English dentists, most recently Dr. Thompson, were denied a Work Permit by this board on the grounds it would take business away from Bermudians. But locals have to wait for up to six months to see a dentist because of a severe shortage.
Bermuda Deposit Insurance Corporation

The 2011 Bermuda legislation to provide deposit insurance of up to $25,000 per depositor (compared to 375,000 in the UK and the equivalent in the USA and Canada) is the result of a collaborative effort between financial regulator the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA), the Ministry of Finance and the Bermuda Bankers Association (BBA). In addition, technical advice was provided by the International Monetary Fund. Deposit insurance is a guarantee to depositors in a bank that they will be compensated up to a maximum specified amount of $25,000-of their deposits upon failure of that institution. It has three main objectives, to protect small depositors; promote stability in Bermuda's financial system and economy by providing prompt reimbursement or access to insured depositors' funds; and promote competition between financial institutions in Bermuda. Under the legislation, membership of the scheme is compulsory for all relevant financial institutions. The premiums are paid by the banks as a fixed percentage of insurable deposits and are recouped from customers by bank charges on current and other accounts. The Bermuda Deposit Insurance Corporation has a Bermuda Government/ Ministry of Finance-appointed board of directors to run the scheme. The legislation also entails elements on protection from personal liability and preservation of confidentiality.

Bermuda Drug Information Network Function includes providing the Government with comparative drug-related data for each calendar year
Bermuda Family Council Ministry of Health and Family services. 
Bermuda Financial Policy Council 2018. September 13. The former Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados to Bermuda is on the island to meet fellow members of the Bermuda Financial Policy Council. DeLisle Worrell was recently appointed to the council, which was created to advise on the development of Bermuda’s financial stability framework. During his visit, he met with David Burt, the Premier. During today’s meeting, which took place at the Bermuda Monetary Authority, the discussion focused on the current financial climate and other key socio-economic areas of concern. Members of the council include Mr Burt, Sir Andrew Large, the former deputy governor of the Bank of England and Jeremy Cox, CEO of the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Other members are Michael Butt, chairman of Axis Capital Holdings; Dame Amelia Fawcett, chairwoman of the Hedge Fund Standards Board; and Gil Tucker, former Bermuda managing partner of EY, who is on the board of HSBC Bermuda. The council is supported by the Ministry of Finance and the BMA.
Bermuda Health Council Since 2004. Sterling House, 16 Wesley Street, Hamilton HM11. PO Box HM 3381, Hamilton, HM PX. Phone 292-6420. Fax 292-8067. A Bermuda Government appointed entity. Official health watchdog. Responsible for regulating, coordinating and enhancing the delivery of health services in Bermuda.  Made up of doctors, insurers, hospital officials and patient representatives. Also responsible for regulating the price of drugs sold to the public and conducting research on the subject of public health. Receives an annual grant from the Bermuda Government.
Bermuda Historical Wrecks Authority Historic Wrecks Act 2001 (amended 2004), in place of the 1959 Wreck & Salvage Act.
Bermuda Hospitality Institute Government-appointed, Premier announces the CEO, in 2010 Karla Lacey. Training institute, aims to encourage more Bermudians to enter the hospitality industry. 2010 board members are Allan Trew, E. Michael Jones, Miriam Johnston, Nelda Simons, Greg Wilson, Carlita O'Brien and Kevin Monkman.
Bermuda Hospitals Board A Bermuda Government quango. Bermuda Hospitals Board Act 1970. 
Bermuda Hospitals Charitable Trust

P. O. Box HM 2273, Hamilton HM JX. T. 441-298-0151. F. 441-296-1072. An independent organization founded as the formal charitable arm for accepting donations and fundraising on behalf of the Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB). A separate entity from the BHB and Ministry of Health, governed by its own Board of Trustees who determine policy and are responsible for its own sound fiscal management.

2016. September 19. The Bermuda Hospitals Charitable Trust has named Lisa Sheppard as its new development director. Ms Sheppard, a former reporter at The Royal Gazette, will be tasked with fundraising for both the BHCT and the Bermuda Hospitals Board after being promoted to her role from within the Trust. “I am very excited by this opportunity to give back to my community,” said the Bermudian in a statement. “There are so many great initiatives being under taken by the BHB. Healthcare is so important for all of us, and it’s an honour to be able to help in such a tangible way.” BHCT chairman Jonathan Brewin said: “I am delighted that Lisa has strengthened our team, as we strive to maximize support to the BHB. She has already demonstrated great energy and commitment to the development of the BHCT, and I look forward to working closely with her.” BHCT executive director Ralph Richardson added: “Lisa’s maturity, experience and temperament have been the key influencers in our decision to promote her to this new role. “We are looking forward to great things from her.”

Bermuda Housing Corporation A Bermuda Government quango. Bermuda Housing Act 1980. Established by law in 1973 and modeled after the Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation. It was charged with the responsibility of ensuring Bermudians have adequate and affordable places to live. 
Bermuda Housing Trust Bermuda Housing Trust Act 1968. Established in 1965 after several businessmen and the Rector of Christ Church in Warwick recognized the need for housing at reasonable rental rates. Through their efforts and the generous financial assistance of W. S. Purvis, the trust built 62 units at Elizabeth Hills, Purvis Park and Heydon. For many years, Roderick Ferguson handled the daily functions.
Bermuda Independence Commission Formed in 2005 at the urging of then-Premier Alex Scott.

2019. August 23. Bermudians were called on to “dare to invent the future” at a packed forum last night on national independence. See http://www.royalgazette.com/assets/pdf/RG407638823.pdf. The call came from panellist Ryan Perinchief, who brought the audience to its feet at the Bermuda Industrial Union’s EF Gordon Hall. Mr Perinchief, founder of the Future Leaders Programme, added: “It is time for us as Bermudians to set forward a new vision, before we are thrust into someone else’s.” The final of the five speakers prompted Alex Scott, who served as premier from 2003 to 2006 and appointed the Bermuda Independence Commission in 2005, to tell the room: “Ryan gives me hope, but despair in that I let him down. It was under my watch that we brought out the basis of going independent — but were unable to move it forward.” Mr Perinchief spoke of Bermuda’s “colonial predicament” as an island viewing itself as far from the Caribbean nations that embraced independence decades earlier. He said: “Due to this disconnect, we have consistently told ourselves we are out here on our own, another world, and not ready for independence.” Organisers of the forum highlighted Mr Perinchief as the night’s youngest speaker. Calling for Bermudians to connect with their identity and embrace “a psychological shift”, Mr Perinchief grounded the island’s decades of hesitation over national sovereignty in its colonial status. He said: “I lament that it is impossible to have a unified conversation on independence as Bermudians. Bermuda is fundamentally, as the oldest British colony and the first to import African slaves, a tribalist state.” Voicing regret at his inability to move independence forward, Mr Scott said: “When I listen to young Ryan, it’s like a race car being kept in a garage or being made to go at 20 miles an hour.” Mr Perinchief told the audience a referendum on independence was unlikely to succeed unless opinion was tilted by interference on the part of Britain. He said: “A unique opportunity that might have the potential to change is with the UK’s recent announcement that they want to legislate for Bermuda on beneficial ownership — as well as with Brexit.” Mr Scott opened the talks with an overview of the UK’s brewing political chaos over leaving the European Union. To applause, he said: “Bermuda will not become a democracy until the majority of Bermudians make it one.” He added that the push for sovereignty was being made primarily by the Progressive Labour Party and black Bermudians. Cordell Riley, a statistician and vice-president of Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda, said reports and papers on independence went back to the civil unrest of the 1970s. Mr Riley said: “When I hear people say we need more information, I don’t know how much more information we need.” Issues surrounding independence were catalogued in the Bermuda Independence Commission’s report, he said. Several speakers noted Bermuda’s racial divide, both socially and on the issue of independence. Lloyd Williams, a Bermudian living in the independent Caribbean country of St Kitts and Nevis, said he had been disturbed at the racial divisions he had witnessed back in Bermuda. Mr Williams said: “When I walked around on the 24th of May, it was a black Bermudian parade. This is supposed to be a Bermuda parade.” He told the gathering of hundreds: “We have been preconditioned to think of black and white; colonialism not only brought us the government system, but it brought us a religion which perpetuates racism. Unless we see these truths, we won’t be able to address that properly and see ourselves as human beings.” The room at the BIU had filled to capacity before the forum had begun last night, with attendees listening in the hall outside. David Burt, the Premier, was present along with a host of government MPs, and Michael Dunkley, an Opposition backbencher. The event, organised by activists LaVerne Furbert and Raynol Todd, also heard from Phil Perinchief, a former attorney-general and a vocal advocate for independence. He is also the uncle of Ryan Perinchief. Mr Perinchief questioned people who had opposed independence 20 years ago by saying “yes, independence — but not at this time”. He added: “When asked the question again, they say the same thing. So when? And what time?”

2019. August 21. A former premier who appointed the Bermuda Independence Commission in 2005 has asked young people to turn out for tomorrow night’s special forum on the topic. Alex Scott, who served as premier from 2003 to 2006, said: “The political times here and internationally require us to think soberly about what are going to do.” Mr Scott added that the discussion was like taking part in a family conference. He said: “If you are a young person becoming an adult and you wish to have an influence and a place that you really feel is home, you should join the discussion. A people cannot have total authority if another parliament can take your decision and thwart what you want.” Mr Scott added that Bermuda “was and still is a divided community” that remained split along racial grounds on independence. He said: “It is the penultimate step for the sovereignty of a community. Bermuda has one of the most advanced constitutions in the remaining British territories. To paraphrase the BIC’s report, there is no other country more prepared for independence than Bermuda. There has been occasion when the British have given us the nudge towards independence, which was the case with the White Paper on independence in 1979.” Mr Scott sat on the Pitt Commission, appointed to investigate Bermuda’s inequalities in the wake of riots that engulfed the island in 1977. He said: “Out of its report came a call for Bermuda to move towards independence. The commission came out of the series of disturbances before it, but there has never been a riot since. The commission’s prescription for Bermuda, from a governance perspective, has worked. That was the beginning of the end for the vice-like grip that the United Bermuda Party had on Bermuda The political pendulum swung towards the PLP, and 20 years later the Government was transferred to the PLP for the first time.” Independence was put to the public as a referendum in 1995 by Sir John Swan, a former UBP premier, who resigned from office when it was rejected. Mr Scott suggested that, if white people had supported Sir John’s push for independence, the UBP might have remained in power. He added: “He could have written the rules and constructed a constitution that would have probably sustained the UBP for far longer.” Mr Scott said independence was “relevant to now, as opposed to just historic — the discussion is not independence for independence’s sake. All informed observers feel Bermuda is ready.” Independence has been a goal of the Progressive Labour Party since its formation in 1963. However, Mr Scott traced Bermuda’s push for self-determination to earlier decades, including the work of activist E.F. Gordon and the labour movement in the 1940s. The forum, entitled Independence for Bermuda — Now, or Never? will be held from 6pm to 8pm at the Bermuda Industrial Union on Union Street. The topic of independence will be up for discussion at a forum tomorrow night. Panellists scheduled for a “now or never” review will examine self-determination for the island from 6pm at the Bermuda Industrial Union headquarters in Hamilton. The panellists are:

  • Phil Perinchief: a political activist and former Progressive Labour Party attorney-general, Mr Perinchief was a member of the Bermuda Independence Commission set up in 2005
  • Ryan Robinson Perinchief: founder and director of the Future Leaders Programme to mentor and develop Bermudian students, Mr Perinchief is a law graduate of Durham University’s in England
  • Cordell Riley: a statistician and former president of Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda, Mr Riley has served since 2014 as the Bermuda College’s institutional and research co-ordinator
  • Alex Scott: a former premier under the PLP, Mr Scott initiated the creation of the Bermuda Independence Commission, and served on the Pitt Royal Commission investigating the social and economic roots behind the civil unrest of 1977
  • Lloyd Williams: Lives in St Kitts and Nevis. He is a musician and hydroponic farmer in Nevis but in Bermuda as a caregiver for his mother. He was invited to speak as a Bermudian living in a small independent nation.
Bermuda London Office See  www.bdalondonoffice.co.uk. Email emaileventslondonoffice@gov.bm or call 020 7518 9900. 
Bermuda Maritime Steering Committee 2018. December 14. “Significant progress” has been made to bring Bermuda up to an international standard for the operation of maritime functions, the transport minister said this morning. Zane DeSilva, the Minister of Tourism and Transport, provided MPs with an update on the implementation of the International Maritime Organisation Instrument Implementation Code in the House of Assembly. Mr DeSilva said the code is “concerned with providing a unified international standard for the operation of maritime functions by IMO members states”. He added that the code also formed the basis of audit standards for a mandatory audit scheme. The UK audit — including Overseas Territories — is scheduled to take place in September 2020. The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency will conduct audits next year of Overseas Territories ahead of the 2020 assessment. Mr DeSilva said: “To properly implement and enforce Bermuda’s rights, obligations and responsibilities with respect to the relevant IMO Instruments, current legislation, policies and procedures must be reviewed, gaps identified, responsibilities clarified and remedies put in place.” He added that the “co-operation and collaboration” of a number of ministries, departments and quangos was needed to tackle the task. Mr DeSilva said: “I am pleased to report that we are making significant progress.” He said that the Bermuda Maritime Steering Committee had been created to provide oversight of the work. Mr DeSilva said that other work to ensure Bermuda’s readiness had also been completed — including a visit of the United States Coast Guard Strike Team in September. He added: “The purpose of the visit was to discuss our oil pollution response readiness and to review the existing Memorandum of Understanding with the United States Coast Guard for major oil spill response.” Mr DeSilva said that representative from the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency had visited Bermuda last month to review the island’s pollution response capability. He added that a strategy document and support manual required ahead of next year’s audit had been completed. Mr DeSilva said that the implementation of the International Maritime Organisation Instrument Implementation Code “is of significant importance and mandatory for Bermuda to maintain its very good reputation as a compliant and leading maritime jurisdiction”. He added: “With the progress that we have made thus far, and with the continued Government support and co-operation of the stakeholder departments, I am confident that we will be compliant prior to the imposed deadline — and I will Endeavour to keep this honourable House updated on our progress.”
Bermuda Medical Council Medical Practitioners Act 1950.
Bermuda Monetary Authority BMA House, 43 Victoria Street, Hamilton. P O Box 2447, Hamilton HM JX. Tel: (441) 295-5278. Since 1969. A Bermuda Government quango and regulatory agency. It processes applications and recommends to the Ministry of Finance when prudent to establish companies, partnerships, collective insurance schemes, trust companies and issue permits. It conducts background checks of applicants for  incorporated business entities and regulates the banking and financial services industries. Game-changers BMA has dealt with during its 50-year history. The first came soon after the authority was formed in 1969 when, the following year, the UK ended its sterling area-based exchange control laws. It was a surprise move that left Bermuda out on its own and excluded from sterling area. Bermuda was no longer part of a club that was thought, in those days, to be the source of its economic stability. The BMA introduced the Bermuda dollar, effectively replacing the British pound as the island’s currency. Its second job was to assume responsibility for supervising the banks, while the third was taking over responsibility for vetting company licence applications, and the fourth job was exchange control. Its responsibilities increased over the years, and it took responsibility for the island’s insurance industry in 2002. The second major game-changer was the global financial crisis of the late 2000s. From the early days of captive insurance companies, to the arrival of the large commercial reinsurers, and more recently to fintech and alternative capital, the BMA has refereed a game in which the goalposts were constantly being moved. Since 2005 — the year of hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, and the introduction of insurance sidecars — the BMA’s function has become more complex and challenging. The island has had, in the BMA, an integrated supervisory architecture; one regulator for all financial services. What that meant was the left hand knew what the right was doing. Elsewhere in the world, separate supervision for banking, insurance, and regulation for other financial services has generally applied and still applies but is a situation which many authorities today no longer favour. When Bermuda set its sights on full equivalence to the EU’s Solvency II standards for its commercial insurance regime, it was a tough challenge but the aim was achieved in 2016, and it included a negotiated carve out for the captive sector. Solvency II served as a major rallying point, bringing private industry and the markets regulatory teams together on common ground like never before. Today, Bermuda and other jurisdictions are getting to grips with EU concerns about economic substance. Only time will tell whether meeting the challenge of economic substance will have the same unifying effect as Solvency II. Regarding the regulations now in effect  Bermuda companies engaged in relevant activities, such as banking, insurance, fund management and other financial services activities, are required to meet an economic substance test. In March 2019, the island was placed on the EU’s list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes as a result of a typographical error in economic substance regulations submitted by the Bermuda Government to the EU. The island was removed from the list in May 2019. The damage Bermuda sustained on March 12, when it was temporarily placed on the EU blacklist, is not irreparable. But it served as a warning that, despite the close relationships we’ve developed with the world’s financial authorities, Bermuda is not immune to reputational setbacks. It cannot afford to become complacent. The EU has forced every offshore financial centre in the world to change its game. Bermuda has to respond by showing it can apply an appropriate level of vetting. It has to show that even though our technical analysis may cost in lost clients here and there, Bermuda will not accept business that even remotely resembles a sham.

2019. August 30. The island’s financial regulator and currency issuer has struck new coins (see photo below) to celebrate its 50th anniversary.   The Bermuda Monetary Authority has issued triangular coins featuring a compass rose and a map of Bermuda which is available in $5 in gold, $2 in silver and 25c in cupronickel. The authority has also issued a Bermudiana coin, the first in a series of six designed to feature the island’s national flower. The Bermudiana commemorative coin has two colour versions that highlight the distinctive purple petals and yellow centre of Bermuda’s national flower, as well as gold, silver and cupronickel denominations, The BMA is responsible for currency and also regulates the financial services sector. The coins are available at market prices from the Note & Coin Exhibit at BMA House, Victoria Street, Hamilton, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm. For more information on the BMA’s Commemorative Coins, email currency@bma.bm, or call 295 5278.

2019 BMA coins

2019. January 17. The Bermuda Monetary Authority announced changes to its Board, which includes a new Executive Chair and Deputy Chair. After nine years on the BMA Board, six as Chair, Gerald Simons has retired as Chair of the Board, and will be replaced by Jeremy Cox as Executive Chair for three years. Mr. Simons said, “Serving on the Board of the BMA has been an honour and a privilege. It gave me a unique perspective of financial services. I have been impressed by the dedication of the Board and the expertise and commitment of staff of the Authority at all levels.” Other departures from the Board include Deputy Chair, Allan Marshall and Peter Hardy, who served on the Board for six and three years, respectively. Mr. Cox thanked the departing Board members and wished them well in their future endeavors. The BMA welcomes its new Deputy Chair, Donald Scott, to its Board,” Mr. Cox said. “As Bermuda’s former Secretary to the Cabinet & Head of Civil Service, and Financial Secretary, Mr. Scott brings a wealth of experience to this important role. Additionally, James Newsome and Francine Mason joined our Board in late 2018. Dr. Newsome is a former Chairman of the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission and was President and CEO of the New York Mercantile Exchange. Ms. Mason is a Certified Public Accountant with two decades experience working in Bermuda’s trust sector. Their blended experience is a valuable addition.”

2018. December 11. New, wide-ranging fee increases by the Bermuda Monetary Authority have been approved by the Bermuda Government. However, the changes will be phased in over a three-year period rather than two years as had originally been proposed. A review this year concluded that the BMA will require up to 39 additional full-time staff by 2020 to continue effectively discharging its duties, while its annual operating costs have been projected to rise to $61 million by 2020, up $11.7 million on last year. Against this backdrop, Curtis Dickinson, Minister of Finance, passed an order in the House of Assembly on Friday that provides for amendments to the fees charged by the BMA. Insurance and reinsurance companies, banks, corporate service providers, trusts and credit unions will be among those affected by the changes. Mr Dickinson made reference to the review conduced by the BMA with assistance from an international consulting firm, that resulted in fee change proposals. The authority recorded a budget deficit of $1.63 million last year, its fifth annual shortfall in the last decade. It expects to record a further operating loss this year. It has previously covered budget shortfalls from its general reserve account. Last year its reserves shrank by $2.1 million. As a regulator, the BMA works to protect and enhance Bermuda’s reputation and position as a leading international financial-services centre. It has said it is enhancing its risk-based supervision approach, coverage and service levels; meeting evolving international standards, but to do so it needs to further enhance its operations and add to its supervisory resources. One way this can be achieved is by raising fees. Mr Dickinson said the BMA recognized market conditions remain challenging in a number of regulated sectors, and this had been taken into account when the proposed revised fees were assessed. During the global financial crisis that started around 2008, and continuing in recent years, fee increases by the BMA were moderated to reduce the impact on the financial-services industry. Mr Dickinson said: “This has, however, contributed to the authority operating at a deficit, with resultant budget shortfalls being covered from existing reserves.” He added: “Consequently, certain existing fees will be adjusted and/or new fees be introduced to reflect the authority’s resource utilization for these ongoing supervisory activities. Also, the basis on which fees are charged will be simplified so that entities will find it easier to determine what fees they need to pay.” One of the four guiding principles that will inform the revised fees is the need for the island to maintain its competitiveness and “account for pricing relative to peer regulatory bodies to ensure Bermuda remains competitive”. Mr Dickinson said that during the consultation process and subsequent meetings between the BMA and industry stakeholder groups, the most prevalent comment was the need for the fee changes to be phased in over a longer period of time, which has resulted in the proposed timescale being altered from two years to three. He added: “The insurance industry’s request that the authority have greater flexibility regarding fees to be applied in specific circumstances, such as where affiliated insurers have similar risk profiles and in cases where combined application fees would otherwise be payable, has also been addressed via separate creation [in the Insurance Act] of a power to exempt or reduce fees.”

Bermuda National Library Committee Transfer of Functions and Reorganization Act 1970. 
Bermuda National Trust Council Bermuda National Trust Act 1969. 
Bermuda Nurses Association (BNA). RC 374.  Committed to supporting its members in the goal to improve and maintain optimal wellness for the people of Bermuda. According to the International Council for Nurses, nursing is often described as the sleeping giant that should be awakened to realize its full potential. Nurses are at the core of health delivery but are often marginalized from contribution to health policy development and decision-making. Nurses play a fundamental and critical role in the healthcare continuum and their insight into many aspects of patient care and health policy generally is valued.
Bermuda Nursing Council Nurses Act 1969. P. O. Box 674, Hamilton HM CX, Bermuda. Telephone (441) 236-0224 extension 304. Fax (441) 232-1823. Chairperson, three representatives of General Nurses; representative of Enrolled Nurses; a Chief Nursing Officer; two representatives of Nurse Specialists; one Member of the Public appointed by the Bermuda Government who is neither a registered practitioner nor a registered nurse; and one representative of the Bermuda Branch of the British Medical Association. Bermuda Nursing Council Committees are the Credentials Committee; Education Committee with four members; and the Regulations and Code of Ethics Committees with no specified members. It regulates nursing practice; revise rules and regulations governing nursing; issues licenses to persons who qualify to practice; uphold quality nursing standards; prescribes minimum educational courses for nurses wishing to practice in Bermuda; maintains a library source of accredited schools; provides financial assistance to nursing students through an awards scheme; advises prospective nursing students of other awards and scholarships; denies or suspend or revoke individual licenses for failure to comply with or meet council requirements; and prosecutes nurses who violate the law as determined by the Bermuda Nursing Council Act. The Nursing Act 1997 guides its day to day activities.  Under the Nurses Act 1969, all nurses of all types, whether registered or enrolled, are required to renew their licenses annually, for a specific fee. Those not meeting the October 31 deadline pay a late licensing fee and are suspended from their jobs until payment is received. There is also a register of Inactive nurses and a fee payable by them. Many nurses earn less than $30 an hour, unlike in most hospitals in North America. The Council provides Scholarships to students who have entered a Nurse Training Program at a Council-approved institution, leading to eligibility for Licensure as a Registered Nurse in Bermuda.
Bermuda Parliamentary Boundaries Commission 2015. October 14.  The members of the Boundaries Commission were announced by Governor George Fergusson. Chairman is Francis Alexis, QC, the former Attorney General of Grenada, who completed his role as chairman of that jurisdiction’s constitutional reform advisory committee. David Jenkins, the Chief Justice of Prince Edward Island in Canada, is the new judicial member. He is also Chief Justice of its Court of Appeal. Mr Jenkins performed the role of Judicial Member on the 2009 Bermuda Parliamentary Boundaries Commission. Government appointees are Sylvan Richards and Mark Pettingill, while Opposition members Wayne Furbert and Walton Brown were also appointed. Mr Fergusson, as Governor, is bound under the constitution to appoint members before the end of 2017. The commission will report to Parliament on whether changes in constituency boundaries are required, and to specify changes if so required.
Bermuda Pension Commission 2020. January 25. Dramatic changes to the Bermuda National Pension Scheme (Occupational Pension) Act 1998, the contributory benefit pension plan designed for all eligible employees in the private sector workforce, were announced by the Bermuda Government last month. At the end of 2017, some 3,096 employers and 22,006 employees/self-employed persons were participating in registered plans, according to the Bermuda Pension Commission’s 2010-2017 annual report. The changes announced last month were generally welcomed by participants invested in this private business sector pension structure, they include a 25 per cent lump sum withdrawal option at retirement; one-year vesting; more uniform disclosures of administration and management fees; non-Bermudian worker inclusion; and greater civil recovery powers, interest and penalties for non-compliance, delinquent account employer. One attention-getting item in the amendment is the temporary ability (to 2021) to reduce the pension contributions from 5 per cent employer and 5 per cent employee-match to a 3 per cent match — as long as the employer’s contributions are current and the employee agrees to the action. For years, the message from finance the world over, including governments, has stressed the need for every working person to be responsible in saving early and consistently for his or her retirement. The rational stated for this departure from retirement saving, was that the [combined] 4 per cent reduction to pension contributions will provide more cash in pockets today.
Bermuda Police Association 2019. August 7. “Demoralised” police were considering their options last night after a further delay in negotiations with the Government on pay and conditions, their representative body said. Sergeant Andrew Harewood, the chairman of the Bermuda Police Association, said officers feared that the Government’s refusal to honour a partial agreement struck in May was linked to residual ill will from the clash between police and demonstrators outside Parliament in December 2016 led to protesters being pepper-sprayed. He was speaking after he warned on Monday that negotiations were at risk of breaking down. Mr Harewood said the incident, in which officers were assaulted and pepper spray was used on members of the public, might have caused “the Government’s ill feelings towards the Bermuda Police Service”. He said that the police service were still criticized over the confrontation with protesters, who were angry about the public-private partnership deal to redevelop the airport. He said: “That’s all we hear about in the papers and public statements. It’s unprofessional for the Government to be bashing the police for no apparent reason.” Talks have been held over the past 18 months through the independent Public Sector Negotiation Team on terms of employment for police. Other problems still to be settled include Government Employee Health Insurance, and legal coverage for police officers. Mr Harewood said there had been progress in talks in the wake of an emergency meeting held by the BPA in April. He insisted that the partial agreement later reached with the PSNT was legally binding and that it was “bad faith” that the Government had refused to accept it. Mr Harewood added: “Part of the issue is that we do not have a union where we can go on strike. We feel that Government tries to take advantage of police.” Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security, said yesterday that the police were of “value”. However, he added: “All outstanding contractual matters, including salary and contractual negotiations, fall outside of my remit and come under the minister with responsibility for labour. Outstanding matters are with the Public Sector Negotiating Team and are still being negotiated.” Mr Harewood said the BPA hoped to hold a general meeting next week to discuss its options. He said: “The members are not happy. This is not a job; it’s a duty and we need a high morale to do our job. What causes a police officer to stand in front of a person and take a bullet so that person can live? It’s about morale and a sense of duty. When you take that from officers, it makes the job dangerous for them and for the public.” Mr Harewood said if talks did break down the negotiations could be referred to the Department of Workforce Development for “settlement by conciliation”. He added: “That process takes 14 days. If not, then the matter goes to arbitration.” Lovitta Foggo, the labour minister, did not respond to a request for comment.
Bermuda Police Service Bermuda's Police entity, island-wide
Bermuda Prison Officers Association (BPOA) 2019. November 30. The Labour Dispute Tribunal defended its decision to require prison officers to make health insurance payments on the second day of a Supreme Court hearing. While the Government maintained that prison officers were never promised free health insurance, it accepted that employment contracts for officers produced in 2017 and 2018 stated that uniformed officers received free Government Employee Health Insurance. Gregory Howard, from the Attorney-General’s Chambers, said he could not say how the clause was included, but that it could not be supported in the law. He said: “It recognizes the status quo, but it doesn’t reflect the policy position of the Government when this was drafted.” Mr Howard added that the tribunal had determined that the Government Employees Health Insurance Act, which requires government employees to pay into the GEHI scheme, was the “law of the land”. Lawyer Mark Diel, representing the tribunal, denied the suggestion that it was biased towards forcing the removal of GEHI exemptions from prison officers. He said: “The express purpose was settling the differences between the parties.” Mr Diel added that it made sense for the dispute to be referred to the tribunal before there was a risk of industrial action, particularly after prison officers marched on Parliament in June. He said that while prison officers’ work is not legislatively deemed an “essential service”, in the everyday sense of the word the prison officers are indeed essential. Mr Diel said the tribunal found that under the GEHI Act 1986, the prison officers were required to pay the employee portion of their health insurance costs, although the Government had been paying that portion for 33 years. He said that under the law, the Government should not make the payments for them, as it has done since 1986, and that the tribunal had rejected a proposal to “grandfather in” present prison officers for that reason. Chief Justice Narinder Hargun commented it was a “bizarre case” given the long history of payments by the Government. “People in Government took the view, if I look at the individual employment contracts in 2017 and 2018, there was nothing wrong with saying they will give free health insurance,” the Chief Justice said. “This is a long-held position and Government had been making payments on behalf of employees. It certainly didn’t occur to anybody that they couldn’t do it.” The case comes after years of negotiations between the Government and the Prison Officers Association, whose collective bargaining agreement formally ended in 2010. The Government had openly sought to require prison officers to make contributions as part of a policy to ensure that all those who benefit from the GEHI pool actually pay into it. The dispute was brought in August to the tribunal, which found the prison officers were entitled to pay increases of 2.5 per cent for the financial year starting April 1, 2017, and 2 per cent the next year to match pay increases given to other government employees. Prison officers had sought greater increases to create parity with officers in the Bermuda Police Service. But the tribunal also decided that the prison officers should begin to make GEHI contributions. Delroy Duncan, lawyer for the POA, said the prison officers had a “substantial” expectation of free health insurance based on their employment contracts. He added that, even with the increased salary, the result was a net loss for prison officers. But the Government said most contracts offered medical care, not insurance, and claimed that they did not have a reasonable expectation they would receive free insurance.

2019. November 29. Prison officers fought against changes that require them to make health insurance payments in the Supreme Court yesterday. The Bermuda Prison Officers Association argued that it had a substantial expectation that the officers would be exempted from making the payments based on their employment contracts. But the Government said, despite the officers receiving free insurance for more than 30 years, their contracts never guaranteed it. The Labour Dispute Tribunal ruled in August that prison officers would have to begin to pay the employee portion of their Government Employee Health Insurance contributions. The tribunal also granted the officers pay increases of 2.5 per cent in the first financial year and 2 per cent next year. Delroy Duncan, lawyer for the BPOA, said that even with the pay increases, the decision would result in a net loss for the prison officers. He told the court that prison officers had received free medical care since the 1960s and employment contracts drawn up to 2017 still included provisions to allow free medical and dental care. But the Government had recently tried to remove that benefit in negotiations in an effort to “equalise” the requirement that government workers make GEHI payments. Mr Duncan said: “That effectively means taking away the free GEHI as documented in the contracts of employment for employees of the disciplinary forces.” The lawyer argued that the decision, if allowed, would go against the officers’ employment contracts and, as such, that tribunal’s powers. He said the Government had attempted to use the tribunal to resolve matters when public-sector negotiations grind to a halt, but added that such matters should be dealt with through agreed arbitration. “The issue is when the public-sector mediation team runs out of steam, what happens then?” Mr Duncan questioned. “For expediency’s sake, people have gone along with expanding the powers of the tribunal beyond their statutory remit.” Mr Duncan added that the tribunal had wrongly classified the free insurance as a “procedural” benefit, rather than a “substantial” benefit. He called on the Supreme Court to order the Government to abide by the prison officers’ existing employment contracts and to reimburse them for any health insurance payments already made. However, Gregory Howard, from the Attorney-General’s Chambers, said the officers’ contracts did not mention insurance, but instead that they could receive medical care without out-of-pocket expenses. Mr Howard said the contracts essentially offered to cover any co-pay — a benefit prison officers would retain — but it did not exempt them from deductions for health insurance. He said the Government had paid both the employer and employee share of GEHI contributions for prisons officers since 1986 — an annual cost that has grown to $1.69 million. Mr Howard said he had “no information” about why the Government had made the payments for the past 33 years. He told the court that the prison officers had no legitimate expectation that they would continue to receive free insurance, and that the Government had made clear the intention to ensure that all those who benefit from the GEHI pool actually pay into it. “We have a period of protracted negotiations about the matter where one party refused to even have it on the table for discussion. We have an announcement for a policy change from the House of Legislature. We have offers to cushion the change sent out in a letter prior to the hearing and they were not accepted by the officers. There was an offer to grandfather in existing officers. There was no give at all.” The hearing continues.

2019. May 2. The Prison Officers Association has blasted the Government for “platitudes, no actions, just promises for 20 years” over “unaddressed adverse matters pertaining to safety, security, and work conditions”. The group has also sent a vote of no confidence against six members of the senior management at the Department of Corrections. A statement sent out this afternoon, after the announcement on Monday by national security minister Wayne Caines that Westgate prison faced “indefinite” lockdown, accused both the Progressive Labour Party and the One Bermuda Alliance of lagging on addressing officers’ “safety and health”. The POA also criticized the lack of notice, or any official statement, on the continuing secondment of Lieutenant-Colonel Eddie Lamb, the Commissioner of Corrections, who was moved to another department for nine months. The officers’ group said Colonel Lamb’s absence was now more than one year. Members are working from a Collective Bargaining Agreement dating to 2008, with “no increase in salary for a decade, inclusive of any allowance for cost of living adjustments”. The POA also castigated the Public Service Negotiations Team, which has been in talks with the association since 2016. “The POA recently discovered in discussions that the PSNT did not have a mandate to negotiate in 2016-17 and has not met with management of Corrections to discuss the CBA proposals since March 2018,” the statement continued, saying talks had been held with Mr Caines along with Collingwood Anderson, the Permanent Secretary, and senior management at Corrections, over “outstanding matters”. The statement confirmed that members had voted to go on work to rule, which was announced on Monday by Mr Caines. Last Friday, officers were assaulted by inmates at the prison, and the POA meeting with the move for industrial action would result in Westgate on lockdown under a “skeleton crew”, the minister said on Monday. In the statement today, the POA said its unanimous vote of no confidence in department leaders had been sent to Mr Anderson. The statement closed: “The POA requests the respect and remuneration so belatedly forgotten and yet well deserved.”

Bermuda Psychologists Council Psychological Practitioners Act 1998. 

2018. March 5. Parliament has approved legislation to update the regulation of psychologists. The Psychological Practitioners Amendment Act 2018 replaces 20-year-old legislation governing the profession. Anyone not registered in Bermuda will now be prohibited from practising as a psychologist. Practitioners also have to get indemnity insurance against claims of negligence and malpractice. The updates were made in consultation with the Bermuda Psychologists Registration Council, which will become the Bermuda Psychologists Council. Jeanne Atherden, the Leader of the Opposition, and shadow health minister Susan Jackson backed the legislation. Tinée Furbert of the Progressive Labour Party said the updates were “succinct as regards psychology”.

Bermuda Public Funds Investment Committee Public Funds Act 1954. 
Bermuda Public Services Union 2017. November 20. A deal to give government workers a 2.5 per cent pay rise was struck yesterday with the Bermuda Public Services Union. The new three-year collective bargaining agreement was signed between the public sector negotiating team and the BPSU. Lovitta Foggo, Minister of Government Reform, said the deal was “a very important development for the Government and for the BPSU membership. Since coming into office, this government committed to upholding fairness. And with this new CBA, we are fulfilling our promises while demonstrating that we appreciate the good works of our public service. While the negotiation process continues with various other unions, the Government is pleased to highlight the successful completion of the BPSU agreement.” Negotiations have been under way since July. The Government’s offer of a 2.5 per cent pay increase was backdated to the start of April. Ms Foggo thanked the Public Sector Negotiation Team composed of Gary Phillips, Martin Law and John Harvey.Jason Hayward, president of the BPSU and a government senator, said the agreement would operate until September 2020. Mr Hayward said it was the civil service’s first negotiated CBA since 2008 and “a significant milestone for our membership”. He added the increase other contractual gains were “a morale booster for our members, especially after years of sacrifice”. Mr Hayward said: “This agreement was achieved through a collaborative process of interest-based negotiations. The new collective agreement will ensure a working environment where public service officers can focus on providing world-class service both locally and internationally. The agreement also strengthens the BPSU’s working relationship and partnership with the Government and will enhance working conditions for public service officers.”
Bermuda Shipping & Maritime Authority 2018. February 3. Public works permanent secretary Francis Richardson is to be the new chief executive of the Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority. The Government said an acting permanent secretary will take over Mr Richardson’s duties until an appointment is made. Mr Richardson, a former Merchant Navy marine engineer, said: “Having previously worked in the maritime industry for many years, I’m thrilled and excited to be coming back to an area I am passionate about. “I look forward to joining the team and working collectively to grow the Bermuda shipping registry and fulfil the objectives of the group.” Mr Richardson has served in a number of high-ranking government roles over 25 years. He will start his new job in April and will also sit on the new authority’s board of directors. BSMA chairman Paul Scope said: “Mr Richardson has all the credentials for the position and we’re delighted to have hired a Bermudian after an extensive search, both locally and overseas. Succession-planning was one of our top priorities, and we have now fulfilled this important goal.” The news means a further shake-up for the Civil Service. Derrick Binns is to step down as Secretary to the Cabinet and Head of the Civil Service as the job is to be split. Dr Binns will be Head of the Civil Service. A new Secretary to the Cabinet has yet to been named. A public works spokeswoman said yesterday: “The standard public service recruitment process will apply regarding the appointment of a permanent secretary for the Ministry of Public Works. It is expected that once Mr Richardson officially starts his post at the BSMA, an acting permanent secretary will assume the PS duties at the ministry until an official appointment is made.” BSMA was launched in 2016 as a semi-autonomous unit to replace the government Department of Maritime Administration. It employs a team of 15 professionals in London and Bermuda. Mr Richardson has held the posts of Dockyard superintendent, Director of Marine and Ports, and permanent secretary of the Ministry of Tourism Development and Transport, as well as permanent secretary at public works. He earlier spent more than eight years traveling the world as a marine engineer in the Merchant Navy. BSMA’s Captain Pat Nawaratne was acting CEO for the past 15 months since the unit’s launch. He will continue as BSMA’s chief maritime surveyor. Mr Scope said: “We’d also like to send our appreciation to the Bermuda Business Development Agency, which has worked closely with us during this period of transition to promote Bermuda’s shipping industry and our world-class shipping registry. The BDA has been representing Bermuda shipping with industry stakeholders throughout this period, and we look forward to now developing that presence overseas under the BSMA banner. Since coming out of government, and forming the authority, we’ve had numerous tasks to address, such as finding appropriate office premises, changing accounting systems, and handling other operational issues as we converted from a government department to a public-private entity. With the new leadership in place, we’re looking forward to moving forward and growing Bermuda’s all-important registry, as well as complying with all the regulatory standards and conventions that are required.”

2017. July 25. The Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority opens for business on Monday at its new offices on the fourth floor of Mintflower Place on Par-la-Ville Road. The quango was set up on October 1, 2016 to take over from the former Department of Maritime Administration — with its greater independence credited with boosting Bermuda’s shipping registry. The authority will move from Global House this Friday, and will be closed accordingly while the relocation takes place. A spokesman said that the BSMA’s existing main telephone number, 295-7251, will continue as usual, along with its fax number 295-3718 and cellular phone numbers.

Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation Bermuda Small Business Development Incorporation Act 1980. 
Bermuda Space  2020. January 14. Bermuda will host a workshop on space sustainability after the Government partnered with an international organisation. Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, said: “The space industry is currently experiencing a commercial boom, which presents economic opportunities for Bermuda. Therefore, the Government is taking action to develop Bermuda’s space and satellite industries as part of its overall strategy to diversify Bermuda’s economy and create high quality jobs and educational opportunities for Bermudians.” Mr Roban added: “Space sustainability is an important concept for space stakeholders and is an ongoing topic of conversation and debate within the space industry.” The invitation-only Bermuda Space Sustainability Workshop, organised in partnership with the Secure World Foundation, will be held on January 22 and 23. Representatives from international satellite and insurance industry representatives will be involved in the workshop, along with government officials and academics from the US and UK. Topics will include trends in the space domain, space industry development and partnership models for space sustainability. Mr Roban said: “There will be a panel discussion on the roles a national government can take in developing a space sector, keeping sustainability in mind. I am particularly excited for the round table discussion at the end of the conference which will specifically examine space sustainability options for Bermuda.” Mr Roban said he met with the Secure World Foundation, a private operating foundation dedicated to the secure and sustainable use of space with offices in Colorado and Washington DC, in 2018 and that discussion led to this month’s workshop. Mr Roban added: “Bermuda is committed to sustainable space operations as it develops its domestic space economy.”
Bermuda Sports Anti Doping Agency  
Bermuda War Pensions Commissioners Pensions & Gratuities (War Service) Act 1947.
Bermuda Water Safety Council  
Bermuda World Heritage Site Management Committee 2019. January 15. The Bermuda World Heritage Site Management Committee welcomes the community to an open consultation session to take place the evening of Wednesday January 23rd, at which the committee will seek public input for the 2020 to 2025 management plan for Bermuda’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Bermuda World Heritage Site Management Committee is holding the session entitled ‘What Is Bermuda’s World Heritage Story?’ to involve the community early on in the planning process, which will be followed up throughout 2019 with additional public consultation phases. Participants at the January 23rd session will brainstorm together on the significance of ‘The Historic Town of St. George and Related Fortifications’ as an outstanding example of a “continuously occupied, fortified, colonial town dating from the early 17th century, and the oldest English town in the New World. Our Bermuda World Heritage Site has been designated by UNESCO as being important for all humankind,” said World Heritage Site Management Committee Chair Cheryl Hayward-Chew. “However, for this public consultation session, our committee wants to hear from Bermuda and particularly the St. George’s community, as to why and how our World Heritage Site is important for you and what story we can tell moving forward.” The Minister of Home Affairs The Hon. Walter Roban JP MP said, “The World Heritage Site Management Plan is a critical tool to maintain and utilize our UNESCO World Heritage status. It is important that our 2020-2025 plan for the World Heritage Site is co-created with the community. I, along with MPs for St. George’s and St. David’s, encourage you to attend this month’s session and engage with the other public consultation opportunities we will launch throughout 2019.” In the lead up to the January 23rd open consultation session, the Bermuda World Heritage Site Management Committee will be posting on social media to share information about Bermuda’s World Heritage status and to ask the community how and why the World Heritage Site is important to them using the hash tag #ourbermudaworldheritage. The session on January 23rd will be held at the World Heritage Centre at Penno’s Wharf in St. George’s starting at 5:30 p.m. with parking at Tiger Bay. For more information and to contribute to the management plan process, please see Facebook page “Town of St. George and its Related Fortifications World Heritage Site”. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Dr. Charlotte Andrews at ceandrews@gov.bm or 297-7756 to the open Facebook invite.

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Betting - Building

Betting Licensing Authority Betting (Regulations & Tax) Act 1975. Bookmakers and gambling entities are regulated.
Blockchain Legal and Regulatory Working Group

Blockchain Legal and Regulatory Working Group members

  • Michael Scott, JP, MP, former Minster of Telecommunications & E-Commerce
  • Kevin Anderson, Senior Analyst Policy, Legal Services and Enforcement – Bermuda Monetary Authority
  • Sean Moran, Business Development Manager – Bermuda Business Development Agency
  • Paula Tyndale, National Coordinator – National Anti-Money Laundering Committee
  • Sean Smatt, Head of Corporate Banking – Butterfield Bank
  • Chris Garrod, Director – Conyers Dill & Pearman
  • Stephen Gift, Assistant Financial Secretary – Ministry of Finance, Government of Bermuda
  • John Narroway, a veteran of the entrepreneurial and mobile technology scene in Bermuda, co-founder and Executive Vice President of Saker Aircraft, developing the world’s first personal supersonic jet.

Blockchain Business Development Working Group members:

  • Alec Cutler, Director – Orbis
  • Chris Garrod, Director – Conyers Dill & Pearman
  • Stuart Lacey, Founder and CEO – Trunomi
  • Stafford Lowe, Chief Administrative Officer – DrumG
  • Artie Darrell, President and CEO – Darrell International.
Board of Agriculture Agriculture Act 1930.
Board of Chiropodists Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1973.
Board of Dieticians Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1973. 
Board of Education Education Act 1996.
Board of Immigration Bermuda Immigration & Protection Act 1956.
Board of Medical Laboratory Technologists Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1973. Includes nominees from practicing Medical Laboratory Technologists.
Board of Occupational Therapists Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1973. 
Board of Physiotherapists Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1973.
Board of Radiographers Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1973. 
Board of Speech Therapists Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1973. 
Board of Trustees of the Golf Courses The Golf Courses (Consolidation) Act 1998. 
Board of Works & Engineering Public Works Department Act 1984. 
Boundaries Commission Must follow Section 54 of the Bermuda Constitution and is required to look at all submissions as soon as practical. The Commission must also review the boundaries and constituencies into which Bermuda is divided and submit opinions to the House of Assembly on whether the changes are required or not.
Broadcasting Commissioners Broadcasting Commissioners Act 1953.
Building Appeals Tribunal The Building Act 1988. 

 

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Cedarbridge Academy Board of Governors Education Act 1996. 
Charity Commissioners Charities Act 1978. The statutory board which decides on applications for charitable status. A government board with a chairperson picked by the government. Applications for status renewal are considered by the Charity Commissioners and they make recommendations to the Registrar General, who makes the final decision.
Child Care Placement Board Children Act 1998. 
Citizens Forum 2018. October 25. A new online Citizens’ Forum was launched today. The Government platform was set up to canvass public views on its proposed policies, Lovitta Foggo, government reform minister, said: “One of the fundamental aims of this Government is to ensure that the people of Bermuda have their say on the matters that affect them. It’s been said that a healthy, functioning democracy is one that provides its people with an opportunity to freely voice their opinion, and one that holds elected officials accountable for delivering on their promises.” 
Clubs Committee Looks into the state of Bermuda's working man/women and other clubs
Commission of Enquiry Formed after concerns were raised by the Auditor-General over the handling of taxpayers’ money in 2010, 2011 and 2012. The Commission is chaired by international jurist and former Bermuda Court of Appeal judge Sir Anthony Evans. Its members are lawyer and former MP the Honourable John Barritt, businesswoman Fiona Luck and businessman Kumi Bradshaw. More information about the Commission is available at www.inquirybermuda.com.
Commission for Unity and Racial Equality (CURE) Commission for Unity & Racial Equality Act 1974. Melbourne House, Suite 202. 11 Parliament Street, Hamilton HM KX. Phone 296-0613 or fax 296-9142 or e-mail cure@ibl.bm
Constituency Boundaries Commission Appointed on 5 November 2001 by the Governor under the Constitution of Bermuda. They had their first meeting on December 3, 2001.
Consumer Affairs Board Ministry of Community Affairs and Sport. 
Consultative Immigration Reform Working Group The group, which will examine the issue of immigration policy, was appointed after a week of protests outside Parliament sparked by the controversial Pathways to Status legislation. The first meeting will focus on the topic of children adopted from overseas by Bermudians and the rights and privileges that should be extended to them. It will take place on Thursday between 6pm and 8pm at the Bermuda Public Services Union headquarters. The working group has said that it plans to have its policy on the issue formulated by June 10 after consulting with stakeholders. Anyone unable to attend the meeting can make submissions through the group’s drop-box located on the ground floor of the Government Administration Building on Parliament Street, by calling 500-4664 or by e-mailing immigationbda@gmail.com. The Consultative Immigration Reform Working Group was set up to review and propose amendments to the Bermuda Immigration Act in 2016. The group was created in the wake of protests sparked by the Pathways to Status immigration proposals by the former One Bermuda Alliance government. The working group released a report in November 2017 after 18 months of discussion and public consultations designed to help lay out guiding principles for new immigration policies covering mixed-status families, permanent resident’s certificates and Bermuda status. Walton Brown, the Minister of Home Affairs, was to examine the report alongside a bipartisan committee on immigration reform. Mr Brown said at the time that he hoped new legislation would be brought to Parliament as early as February.
Contributory Pensions Appeal Tribunal Contributory Pensions Act 1970. 
Cost of Living Commission Price Commission Act 1974. See Bermuda Government Boards.  

Commission, set up in 2011, has specific terms-of-reference which include:

  • To look into the price of food on the Island to ensure consumers are protected from “unwarranted increases’ the Premier announced. In her budget brief for the Ministry of Finance in March 2011, she made the following statement: ‘Recently, the prices of food staples in global commodity markets have risen in worrying leaps. The Ministry of Finance has considered the implications for Bermuda and the policy options available to Government. Given that Bermuda imports substantial proportions of the food consumed on Island, we are in the position of ‘price takers’. In these circumstances, a regime of price controls could have unintended consequences including the disruption of supply lines. Accordingly, Government will use the powers of enquiry available under the Price Commission Act 1974 to obtain information from food importers about their import costs and margins to ensure that consumers are protected from unwarranted price increases. Indeed, subsequent to this statement, both the Bermuda Public Services Union and the Bermuda Industrial Union have publicly echoed my own concerns. The Price Control Commission has been empanelled and gazetted. 

  • Obtaining the relevant economic data from the Department of Statistics to identify the essential goods and services that should be the focus of the enquiry.

  • Inviting interest groups, consumers and individual Bermudians, who wish to provide data, statistics and other information, to make submissions to the Commission;

  • Inviting input from wholesalers; supermarkets; convenience stores, discount stores, other businesses and services that provide essential goods and services;

  • Consulting with the various unions including: the Bermuda Trade Union Congress, the Bermuda Industrial Union, the Bermuda Public Services Union, the Fire Services Union, Bermuda Union of Teachers, the Prison Officers Union, etc;

  • Consulting with the Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation, and employer groups including the Chamber of Commerce, Bermuda Employers Council, etc;

  • Obtaining information from shipping companies and other importers regarding the current cost of shipping, both air and freight;

  • Producing a report for the Minister recommending how Government can assist in ensuring that consumers can get the most reasonable price for essential goods and services.

This will be a collaborative team effort between Government, suppliers, retailers and consumers.

Court Commissioners Mental Health Act 1968. 
Criminal Injuries Compensation Board (CICB) Criminal Injuries (Compensation Act) 1973.  Not sympathetic to tourists and visitors. For example, on July 3, 1996, when 17 year-old Canadian visitor Rebecca Middleton was sodomized, repeatedly raped and murdered in Bermuda at Ferry Reach, a claim by her parents for compensation was later denied, to Canadian outrage.

2019. September 23. Victims of violent crime are finally getting their claims for compensation heard by a government board which has been criticized for its “serious backlog” of cases. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Board met on September 11 when members heard applications and approved financial awards for a number of victims, The Royal Gazette understands. Another hearing is set to take place this Wednesday, when more applications for compensation will be dealt with. But one man, who was shot and injured in 2014 and has been waiting for a decision on compensation since he applied for an award in 2015, pledged this week to pursue a civil claim for damages against the board and the Government over the delay in handling his case. The 26-year-old, who has suffered severe leg and back pain and depression since the attack, said: “It’s been such a long time. I have been struggling financially for so long. I have lifetime injuries because of it. The job I had before I got shot was a good paying job. Now I’m struggling with a job that doesn’t pay that much and they are trying to let me go from that because I’m not capable of doing certain things.” The man, who asked to remain anonymous, added: “The delay makes it harder. I have a child that I need to support.” His lawyer, Vaughan Caines, wrote to the Government on August 23 to say he’d been instructed to “issue proceedings seeking constitutional relief, inclusive of damages” against the board and “by extension, the Government”. Mr Caines wrote that his client’s constitutional right to a fair hearing within a reasonable time had been breached. He claimed the CICB had “failed to act on an embarrassment of applications for a number of years. Specifically, in [this] case, four years have passed since his application was first launched with the board.” The man’s compensation claim is now due to be heard at the CICB hearing on Wednesday and Mr Caines is expected to attend to make representations regarding the amount of any award. Separately, legal proceedings are expected to be filed in the Supreme Court if a settlement is not reached regarding the constitutional claim. Mr Caines wrote in a letter dated September 3: “That [the victim] has had to wait at least four years for his matter to be heard is bordering on unconscionable.” The Royal Gazette revealed last October that victims of crime were having to wait years for their compensation claims to be processed, prompting the Ombudsman to launch an investigation into possible maladministration. A Court of Appeal judgment the following month said it appeared the CICB had no “plan for disposing of the serious backlog” of compensation claims. The panel of judges criticized the board, chaired by Puisne Judge Nicole Stoneham, for failing to provide the court with enough detail on whether most cases were dealt with in a timely fashion. It noted it was the responsibility of the Attorney-General to ensure the CICB was “properly funded with adequate administrative support” to enable it to fulfil its statutory duty. The court heard there were 37 outstanding applications from those who had lost a loved one or been injured themselves because of a violent crime. Annual reports for the CICB do not appear to have been tabled in Parliament since 2015. It met only once in 2018, when it did not consider any cases. According to this year’s Government Budget book, $170,000 was spent on criminal injuries in the financial year 2017-18 and $325,000 was set to be spent in 2018-19. A further $380,000 was allocated for criminal injuries in this year’s budget. Questions to the Government about the spending received no answers earlier this year. A request for comment for this article from Mrs Justice Stoneham and Kathy Lynn Simmons, the Attorney-General, went unanswered by press time.

Cyber Tips Government-founded island online safety group warning youngsters about the dangers of cyber-bullying and more.

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Defence Board Section 6, Defence Act 1965. 
Defence Exemption Tribunal Defence Act 1965. 
Defence Medical Board Defence Act 1965. 
Development Applications Board Development & Planning Act 1974.

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E-Commerce Advisory Board No legislation specified. 
Economic Development Committee (EDC) 2013 Bermuda Government initiative intended to cut down on the bureaucracy and move projects forward faster. Its mandate is to compress the time taken to obtain the necessary approvals for direct inward investment into Bermuda. Unwelcoming and bureaucratic procedures in the years prior to 2012 reduced the flow of inward direct investment to virtually a trickle.
Efficiency Committee 2019. July 8. MPs agreed the Government’s performance had to be improved as they debated the findings of a bipartisan Efficiency Committee on Friday. But the two sides clashed on the $122,000 paid to members of the committee, which the Opposition said should have been declared at the start of its work. Wayne Furbert, the committee chairman, told the House the committee had recouped $12 million and found $354,972.90 of uncashed cheques in a desk at the Office of the Tax Commissioner. He said $315,579.77 of those funds had been recovered by May. Mr Furbert said: “Most of the cheques sitting in drawers were made by law firms for clients. They are supposed to keep [the money for] their cheques in a trust account so they could not tell us they didn’t have the money. That’s why we were able to collect most of that money quite quickly.” He also told the House that the tax commissioner’s office had an $8 million backlog in stamp duty. Mr Furbert said that a lack of staff had presented the office with challenges, but by filling vacant spaces the Government was able to recover more than $3 million in old debt. He said there remained an issue with companies — particularly construction companies — who had not paid their payroll tax. Mr Furbert said: “One particular construction company owes $1.9 million. The courts ordered that they pay $500 per month. It would take 360-some years for them, their children, their grandchildren and their great-grandchildren if they were liable to pay for it.” He told the House that the Government’s complicated approach to alien licences — required for non-Bermudians to buy land — had potentially cost the Government millions because potential buyers became frustrated. Mr Furbert added that efficiency improvements had to be a continuous process. “It’s not about trying to blame one particular government or minister or individual. Efficiency can be improved overall from time to time. The things we put in place for efficiency will one day become inefficient because things change. It’s important that we all continually look at improvements. There is still a lot more to be done.” Craig Cannonier, the Opposition leader, said the Government needed to find ways to improve communication between departments. He said that performance appraisals were not carried out in some areas of departments and more training was needed — particularly in the area of those who make purchases. Mr Cannonier said that as a minister he discovered parts in storage that had been ordered by mistake and were completely unusable. He said: “We couldn’t put them in anything in Bermuda. How we wound up with them, I have no idea. I was shocked. I have no idea if it started under the UBP or the PLP. All I know is it’s a problem and we need to get right on to these things.” However, he and several other OBA MPs challenged payments issued to Mr Furbert for his work on the committee and claimed it had not been declared at first. Mr Cannonier said: “The scrutiny on the minister was because he hadn’t declared it. When it was declared, we found out it was even more money than was initially said. A number of $60,000 was put out at the time — not by himself — but it came out in Parliamentary Questions when you looked at the dates, the period of time was longer than was stated and it was more than was anticipated.” But Derrick Burgess, the Deputy Speaker, said the cost of the committee was “money well spent”. He also suggested the Auditor-General take a look at the Office of the Tax Commissioner after the discovery of the uncashed cheques because such a thing should never have happened. Mr Burgess said: “That office has got to be very proficient. We are talking about government money. This is something that is not acceptable. If this was a private company the entire department would be let go, along with the CEO.” Mr Burgess also said that overtime across the Government needed to be monitored. He told the House: “Some people know how to create their own overtime. A lot of department heads in government are not managing the way they should and they need to pick it up.”
Employment Tribunal Section 35 and Schedule, Employment Act 2000. 
Energy Commission Since November 2009. The mission is to assist in the development and maintenance of affordable, clean and sustainable energy, for the economic, social and environmental well-being of residents and businesses in Bermuda. As required by the Energy Act 2009, appointed by the Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce in November 2009. The Commission consists of a chairman and four other members, though an additional member may be appointed to assist in an inquiry by the Commission if their expertise/experience is required. Members are appointed for a period of three years. Meets twice a month and primary duties are to:
  • Review, and subsequently approve or disallow variations to the price or charge for electrical power submitted to the Commission by a specified businesses;
  • Set out the terms and conditions under which a specified business may make a variation to the price or charge for electrical power;
  • Conduct inquiries into the price or charge made for any energy-related commodity;
  • Conduct inquiries into other matters concerning the cost or supply of any energy-related commodity;
  • Conduct inquiries into any matter which may affect the exercise of the Minister's powers under the Energy Act 2009; and
  • Advise the Minister in the discharge of the Minister's functions under the Energy Act 2009.

It does not release its annual reports to the public — nor does it have to. The Energy Act requires only that it provides the relevant Minister with a report on its activities, not taxpayers. Visit www.energy.gov.bm for more information on the Commission and the Department of Energy.

Environmental Authority Clean Air Act 1991. 
Environmental Heath Unit Unit of the Department of Health, In July 2019 it reluctantly shared a document of more than 1,200 pages, covering nurseries, daycare centres, preschools and at-home daycare providers.
Essential Industries Disputes Board Labour Relations Act 1975. 
External Affairs Strategic Planning Committee  Formed in 2015. At that time, members of the committee were Derrick Binns, Paul Scope, Pamela Burrows, Cheryl Lister, Karla Lacey, Jeremy Cox, Ross Webber, Richard Winchell, Leila Madeiros and Travis Gilbert. The committee reported to Cabinet.

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Fair Political Practices Commission 2017. September 29. The outgoing executive director of the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission has been cleared after an investigation into his travel expenses when he worked as a gambling commissioner in California. The Fair Political Practices Commission closed the case against Richard Schuetz with no further action after an inquiry found no evidence of any wrongdoing. The FPPC said: “The payments that were not reported for travel to various conferences either fell into the category of self-funded, not attended or paid for by the State of California. There was no evidence that the reported payments violated the rules because in each case there was an applicable exception. Therefore, we are closing the matter.”
Financial Assistance Board Financial Assistance Act 2001.
Financial Assistance Working Group. 2017. November 15. The massive $1-million-a-week cost of financial assistance will be tackled by a new working group unveiled this morning. Zane DeSilva, Minister of Social Development and Sport, said that the current cost of the programme was unsustainable and “must be reduced”. Mr DeSilva said the 12-strong group would “aggressively” look at reforming the current programme. He said: “When we’re spending $1 million a week on financial assistance, we can’t do it fast enough.” The programme — excluding the child daycare allowance awards — cost Government more than $4 million last month. Mr DeSilva said the new Financial Assistance Working Group would meet formally for the first time tomorrow. He added: “We want to produce those recommendations for Cabinet as soon as we possibly can.” The group includes Dianna Taylor, former director of financial assistance, One Bermuda Alliance MP Susan Jackson, Progressive Labour Party MPs Tinee Furbert and Michael Weeks, and PLP senator Jason Hayward. Wayne Carey, permanent secretary, will serve as chairman. Mr DeSilva said the team had a “very good cross-section of people that I think will lend their views in a very positive way”. The minister said the number of people on financial assistance has nearly doubled in the last six years. He added: “The trends of increasing numbers of clients and high cost of financial assistance are not sustainable and must be reduced. “Bermuda has an ageing population, and the Financial Assistance Reform Group shall also assess the extent to which the ageing population could result in increasing numbers of seniors on financial assistance, and to make recommendations going forward.” Mr DeSilva said in September that the Government along with corporate Bermuda would fund education upgrades to able-bodied unemployed persons in an effort to reintegrate them into the workforce. Mr DeSilva said today that discussions with representatives from the private sector had “been positive.  As soon as I was appointed minister, I had those conversations.” The minister said he and his permanent secretary planned to meet with many of the people on financial assistance “within the next couple of weeks”. Mr DeSilva stood by comments made in September that there was a “culture of entitlement” among “too many” of those helped by financial assistance. He added: “I can only draw on the experiences that I’ve had personally, and some of those experiences are from folks that express themselves in that manner. We just can’t be going that way.”
Financial Intelligence Agency (FIA) Bermuda Since 2007. Under the Financial Intelligence Agency Amendment Act 2008 and Act. Assists in rooting out money laundering or terrorism financing in Bermuda, with a remit limited to banks and deposit companies. Has summary powers to put a temporary freeze on bank accounts and order documentation checks if it receives a report of suspicion regarding money laundering or terrorism financing within the financial sector. The independent quango reports directly to the Minister of Justice and acts as a “buffer” between financial institutions and the Police service’s Financial Investigations Unit. When the International Monetary Fund (IMF) visited Bermuda in 2003 it identified deficiencies in the area of identifying the proceeds of crime and the financing of terrorism. In July 2008 it was announced the number of people in the FIA will increase as part of new legislation aimed at combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism. The number of non-executive members will increase from three to six. They will be joined by a chairman and director. The new legislation follows a recent review that showed Bermuda was failing to comply with 29 international recommendations on anti-money laundering and fighting the financing of terrorism. The corresponding figures for the Bahamas and Cayman respectively are six and two.

suspicious financial activity compared year by year2018. August 15. Financial activity in Bermuda worth a combined total of more than half a billion dollars was flagged up as suspicious during a 12-month period. The island’s Financial Intelligence Agency received 494 suspicious activity reports between April 2016 and the end of March last year. That was up 12 per cent on the previous reporting period. Of the 10,363 separate transactions contained in those reports, with a collective value of $564,249,836, some 40 were in excess of a million dollars. Once the reports had been analyzed and reviewed by the FAI to assess whether the suspicious activity was as it appeared, 371 of the reports were ultimately included in 97 disclosures of classified information and intelligence to partner agencies, with 85 being disclosed locally — the majority to the Bermuda Police Service. The other 12 were disclosed to overseas agencies. While the number of suspicious activity reports increased for a second consecutive year, and was the second highest recorded since the FAI was formed in 2008, the agency said it was pleased. “This can be attributed to the continued training and presentations provided by the FIA, which has assisted in improved suspicious activity report filings.” The agency noted: “Due to the training and presentations given to new entities, different sectors started to identify suspicions activity within their businesses and filed SARs accordingly. It was evident from the presentations given that many sectors were hesitant to file as they did not have an understanding of money laundering or the role of the FIA.” The data is contained in the agency’s 2016-17 annual report, which was tabled in Parliament on Friday. It provides a snapshot of the independent agency’s work to receive, gather, store, analyze and disseminate information relating to suspected proceeds of crime and potential financing of terrorism. Suspected fraud totaling almost $395 million was referenced in 49 of the reports, affecting eight sectors, namely banks and credit unions, fund administration, insurance companies, investment service providers, and long term insurer services. Meanwhile, suspected corruption to a combined total of $71.5 million was featured in 23 reports. The most reported suspicious activity is cash exchanges of Bermudian currency to a foreign denomination — usually US dollars. In the one-year period, suspicious cash exchanges at banks totaled $22.1 million, in 8,322 separate transactions. There was also $419,713 worth of suspicious wire transfers. Money laundering, and money laundering/cash exchanges made up the largest number of SAR reporting indicators, followed by corruption and fraud. Other indicters included tax offences, insider trading, sanctions and terrorist financing. SAR filings in the money service business more than doubled to 155, while in the banking sector they fell from 295 to 246. Separate to the 12 spontaneous disclosures made by the FAI to foreign partners, there were 30 requests for information from foreign financial intelligence units in 16 countries. Nepal and Bangladesh made the most requests at five apiece. The other countries that made multiple requests were the UK, US and France. With Bermuda’s financial sector regulated, and designated non-financial businesses and professions such as real estate agents, lawyers, accountants and corporate service providers, also regulated or in the process of having anti-money laundering and antiterrorist financing oversight regimes implemented, the island has now put a focus on so-called “high value dealers”. Particular emphasis has been placed on car, boat and motorcycle dealers, jewelers, precious metal and stone dealers, and auctioneers. Following consultation and legislation, a supervisory framework is in place that gives entities considered high value dealers to organize their operations to obviate the need for them to be registered and subject to supervision by the FIA. The FIA’s supervision is focused on those businesses that wish to be able to accept cash payments of $7,500 or higher in a single or series of transactions. Sinclair White, director the Financial Intelligence Agency, in an introduction to the annual report referenced preparations for the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force’s upcoming mutual evaluation of Bermuda. He said the agency has been playing a pivotal role as the island prepares for the evaluation. It has participated in a number of National Anti-Money Laundering Committee working groups. Mr White has been providing weekly updates to Cabinet on the agency’s preparedness for the review.

Financial Investigations Unit (FIU) Operated by the Bermuda Police, not be confused with the above. 
Financial Policy Council (FPC) Curtis Dickinson, the finance minister, chairs the FPC. He is joined on the council by deputy chair Sir Andrew Large, former deputy governor of the Bank of England, and now an adviser to central banks and governments; Jeremy Cox, the BMA executive chairman; Michael Butt, chairman of Axis Capital Holdings Ltd; businesswoman Dame Amelia Fawcett, who is also a non-executive member of Her Majesty’s Treasury Board; chartered accountant Gil Tucker, former Bermuda managing partner at Ernst & Young, and now on the board of HSBC Bermuda; and DeLisle Worrell, former governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, and now a member of the Bretton Woods Committee. Dr Worrell also worked with the International Monetary Fund, focusing on monetary policy, financial stability and stress testing.

2019. October 16. It was announced today that on 25th July 2019, the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA) hosted the tenth meeting of the Financial Policy Council (Council) at its offices in Hamilton, Bermuda. The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Finance, the Hon. Curtis Dickinson JP, MP. The role of the Council is to assess possible threats to Bermuda’s financial stability, and to identify policies and actions to mitigate or eliminate such threats. It also advises the Government on the development of the financial stability framework in Bermuda, and makes policy recommendations designed to support the general economic and financial well-being of the country. Members of the Council are the Minister of Finance the Hon. Curtis Dickinson (chair), Sir Andrew Large (deputy chair), BMA Executive Chairman Jeremy Cox, Michael Butt, Dame Amelia Fawcett, Gil Tucker and Dr. DeLisle Worrell. At their meeting of 25th July, Council members discussed recent international and domestic economic developments and assessed the impact these might have on Bermuda’s financial stability. Council members raised concern that, globally, not enough attention has been given to risk from distorted asset pricing, especially for entities outside the banking sector. Members stressed the importance for Bermuda to continue closely monitoring this risk and to assess its potential impact to Bermuda. Mr. Phil Butterfield, Chair of the Bermuda First Advisory Group, gave a presentation on the objectives, structure and scope of work of Bermuda First. The Council and Bermuda First will look for areas for continuing cooperation. Members were provided with an update on the actions that the Minister of Finance was taking with regard to economic substance to ensure Bermuda addresses the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s requirements and to remain competitive with other peer jurisdictions. Members noted that the progress being made on this matter was positive and applauded the government’s efforts on this. Members noted that the task will now be to get Bermuda off the grey list and to continue engaging with the international community to manage any emerging threats. Members examined the current state of the banking sector in Bermuda, including the critical functions it performs, challenges the banking sector may face in providing services to existing and new sectors of the economy, and the progress being made in the development of the recovery and resolution framework. Members discussed potential ideas that could be further developed as part of the banking strategy in Bermuda. In addition, the following topics were discussed:

  • Bermuda’s fintech strategy being developed by the government which has the underlying objective of growing the economy and creating jobs;
  • The Initial Coin Offering (ICO) regulatory framework, with particular focus on the rules around disclosure, communications, information technology, cyber security, AML/ATF as well as record-keeping; and
  • Activities underway at the Bermuda Government and the BMA in respect to continuing with the development of a robust cyber risk management framework for financial institutions and the jurisdiction.

The Council’s next meeting is scheduled for December 2019

2019. July 8. Records of the Financial Policy Council will be exempt from public access to information requests if newly tabled legislation is passed. Gitanjali Gutierrez, the Information Commissioner, said the move would mean the council would be the first financial public authority whose non-administrative records were removed from Pati. A statement from her office said: “It is the Information Commissioner’s view that records related to the financial and economic interests of Bermuda are already adequately protected under existing exemptions under the Pati Act, including section 31. This section protects the disclosure of records which could have a serious adverse effect on the financial interests of Bermuda or on the ability of the Government to manage the national economy, unless their disclosure is in the public interest.” The statement said that in jurisdictions such as Britain, records related to financial operations or monetary policy were exempted from public disclosure, but such exemptions were balanced by a “formal transparency governance framework” to ensure appropriate information was made public. The statement added: “It is the Information Commissioner’s view that, from a public access to information perspective, the proposed framework for the Financial Policy Council does not meet the same standards as the formal transparency governance frameworks adopted by other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom. If the Amendment Bill is adopted as proposed, the Information Commissioner strongly urges that it be supported by a robust and formal transparency framework for the Financial Policy Council, to ensure that the public’s right to access information is protected.” The Public Access to Information Amendment Act 2019, tabled in the House of Assembly on Friday would put any records obtained or created by the Financial Policy Council outside of the scope of Pati requests. Legislation already exempts records of the Auditor-General, the Ombudsman, courts and tribunals, and the Attorney-General’s Chambers from Pati. The ICO statement said: “The functions of those public authorities fall into three categories; oversight over other public authorities, judicial functions and the provision of legal advice to the Government. The Information Commissioner notes that the Financial Policy Council does not fall into the above categories, nor are its functions and responsibilities outlined in any provision of law.”

2019. July 6. This government financial advisory body will be exempted from public access to information laws if legislation tabled in the House of Assembly yesterday is approved. The amendment to exclude the Financial Policy Council from Pati was brought to the House by Wayne Furbert, above, the Cabinet Office minister. The council was created in 2015 as a public authority to monitor potential risks to the island’s economy and to advise the Government on financial stability.

2019. June 11. An expert panel has urged Government to review the possible linkages between immigration policy reform and sustained economic growth. Members of the Financial Policy Council made the recommendation after their latest meeting. The prospect of declining demographics represent a major risk to Bermuda’s government finances, in particular as it relates to sustained funding for healthcare and pension benefits, the council said. FPC members also discussed Bermuda’s fiscal situation and debt outlook at the meeting. While noting the improvement in the medium-term fiscal outlook in the wake of decisions taken in recent budgets, FPC members urged Government to continue to identify ways of making progress in reducing the large level of outstanding government debt. Several areas of Bermuda’s emerging fintech sector were also discussed during the meeting, including the regulatory framework for digital asset business firms and initial coin offerings. Members reviewed some international comparisons and examined the balance of risks and opportunities emerging from fintech, and how best to promote the further development of Bermuda’s fintech sector, while ensuring that Bermuda’s reputation as a world-class international financial centre was robustly protected. FPC members also discussed the work under way in Bermuda aimed at strengthening the jurisdiction’s resilience to cyber incidents, including measures taken by the Bermuda Government, regulated financial institutions and the BMA, as well as activities under way at the Ministry of Finance and the BMA with respect to continuing with the development of a resolution framework for Bermuda banks. Set up in 2015, the role of the FPC is to assess possible threats to Bermuda’s financial stability, and to identify policies and actions to mitigate or eliminate such threats. It also advises Government on the development of the financial stability framework in Bermuda, and makes policy recommendations designed to support the general economic and financial wellbeing of the country. 

2018. January 4. The Financial Policy Council has advised the Bermuda Government to take a proactive approach in dealing with risks to the island’s economy emanating from the “Paradise Papers”. Bermuda Monetary Authority, the financial regulator, hosted the sixth meeting of the FPC at its offices in November and some details of what was discussed were released today. The “Paradise Papers” refers to a slew of international media reports last year based on millions of documents stolen from law firm Appleby. “FPC noted that Bermuda enjoys a longstanding history as a trusted jurisdiction, with the highest regulatory standards,” a government statement said. “Council members urged the Government and BMA to continue to pursue proactive international engagement efforts with governmental and financial authorities aimed at promptly addressing risks emerging from the event.” The main purpose of the FPC, which was established in 2015, is to assess possible threats to Bermuda’s financial stability, and to identify policies and actions to address them. Members of the FPC include chairman David Burt, the Premier and Minister of Finance, deputy chairman Sir Andrew Large, BMA chief executive officer Jeremy Cox, Sir Courtney Blackman, Michael Butt, Dame Amelia Fawcett and Gil Tucker. The FPC also reviewed work under way by the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee towards strengthening Bermuda’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework in advance of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force mutual evaluation of the island’s regime. Council members stressed the critical importance of a sound anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework to Bermuda’s economic viability and welcomed the formation of a Cabinet committee tasked, among other things, with monitoring progress in this area. Finally, members urged all relevant authorities to continue to attach priority and to assign adequate resources to ensuring its timely implementation so as to lead to a favorable assessment. Council members also discussed the European Union’s initiative to develop a common system for listing of non-co-operative jurisdictions or “blacklist” and stressed the importance of staying off it. The EU published its blacklist in December, after the FPC meeting, and Bermuda was not on it. The statement added: “Bermuda recognizes the importance attached by the EU to clamping down on tax evasion and avoidance, and promoting fairer taxation. “Bermuda believes that its regulatory and tax environment meets most of the expectations sought by the EU. Moreover, Bermuda has been an active participant in the OECD’s Tax Information Exchange Agreement and will continue to actively engage with the EU in order to reach mutual understanding on EU demands and on the most appropriate way of addressing these.” The FPC reviewed the impact on the Bermuda reinsurance industry of the recent active catastrophe season. Overall, while the unique frequency and severity of events was likely to affect the reinsurance sector’s profitability for 2017, it did not raise any concerns regarding the sector’s solvency. Other topics discussed included Government’s plans to improve its fiscal situation and recent developments in shadow banking, especially the work under way at the Financial Stability Board. The meeting was the last one to be attended by Sir Courtney Blackman, whose term has ended. The Premier thanked Sir Courtney for his contribution to the work in FPC during its important start-up phase. The FPC’s next meeting is scheduled for early this year.

2017. December 6. Ten years after the start of the global financial crisis that shook the world, a panel of experts discussed the issue of where financial stability is today. The topic was explored at a Bermuda Monetary Authority industry event, held following the conclusion of a meeting of the Group of International Financial Centre Supervisors. Present were 30 representatives from more than 20 jurisdictions. It was the first time in 40 years that the group had held its biannual plenary session in Bermuda. On the panel was John Aspden, former banker and supervisor, and now chairman of the Group of International Financial Centre Supervisors He was joined by Dame Amelia Fawcett, chairwoman of the Standards Board for Alternative Investments and a member of Bermuda’s Financial Policy Council, Sir Andrew Large, deputy chairman of Bermuda’s Financial Policy Council and a former deputy governor of the Bank of England, and Professor Karel van Hulle, university professor, member of the BMA board of directors, and former head of insurance and pensions at the European Commission.

2016. September 6. Two new members have joined the think-tank set up to advise Government on financial stability. Dame Amelia Fawcett and Gil Tucker have both been added to the Financial Policy Council. Bob Richards, the-then Finance Minister, who is also chairman of the council, said: “Since its inception last year the council has been developing an important role in advising the Government and the Bermuda Monetary Authority on the vulnerabilities and risks in the global economy and the Bermuda economy that might impact Bermuda’s financial sector. Dame Amelia and Gil will bring extensive experience and wisdom to the council’s work.” Dame Amelia, a British and American national, is a former banking executive and chairman of the Hedge Fund Standards Board in London and a non-executive director and chairman of the risk committee of State Street Corporation in Boston. She is a former vice-chairman and chief operating officer at Morgan Stanley International in Europe and was also chairman of the Guardian Media Group. Dame Amelia is chairman of the Prince of Wales’ Charitable Foundation and deputy chairman and member of the governing body of the London Business School. Mr Tucker, a chartered accountant, was managing partner for Bermuda with professional services firm Ernst & Young and later chairman. Although retired, he is active on a number of boards, including Government advisory boards and was three years ago made a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bermuda. The two new appointees will join Sir Andrew Large, who acts as deputy chairman, Jeremy Cox, the Bermuda Monetary Authority CEO, Sir Courtney Blackman and Michael Butt on the council.

2015. December 8. This new advisory body set up to help Bermuda safeguard its economy from systemic risks met for the first time yesterday. The Financial Policy Council (FPC) will aim to monitor areas of potential financial systemic risk, recommend moves to strengthen regulation of the financial-services industry and also help devise plans for when things go wrong — such as bank failures. The advisory body is chaired by Bob Richards, then finance minister, and its members include Jeremy Cox, the chief executive officer of the Bermuda Monetary Authority and three independent experts. Mr Richards said: “In today’s uncertain global economic environment, it is essential that we remain focused on maintaining the health of the financial sector in Bermuda — and the potential risks to the economy. All countries, including Bermuda, are facing threats to their financial stability and many are responding to them. For us in Bermuda this development represents a vital move further to underpin our own financial stability.” The external members include Sir Andrew Large, former deputy governor of the Bank of England, now an adviser to central banks and governments. Sir Courtney Blackman the former Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados and Ambassador for Barbados to the US also sits on the council, as does Michael Butt, a veteran of the insurance industry and chairman of Bermuda-based Axis Capital Holdings Ltd. The FPC will meet three times a year. Mr Cox said: “It is critical that existing customers and those considering doing business in Bermuda see us as a jurisdiction where safety, soundness and fiscal credibility have top priority. Bermudians must continue to feel that their hard-earned assets are safe and secure and that decision-making as it relates to Bermuda’s long-term financial stability is of the highest standard. This work is key to the Authority’s objective of maintaining financial stability and the soundness of financial institutions in Bermuda, as well as being aligned with supporting Bermuda’s role as a leading international financial centre.” Many countries began to take financial stability more seriously after the global financial crisis in 2008, when US investment bank Lehman Brothers folded and many other institutions were kept afloat by government-funded bailouts. Bermuda was not as badly affected as some, as its flagship insurance industry came through largely unscathed. However, Butterfield Bank suffered hundreds of millions of dollars in losses on investments linked to soured US residential mortgages before its future was secured by the combination of a government-guaranteed capital raise and a huge cash injection from a group of private-sector investors. Government stated: “The formation of the council will overarch a strategic project begun five years ago to strengthen the financial stability framework in Bermuda.” The work done in that time includes the formation of a deposit insurance scheme and the implementation of tougher international-standard regulations, which require banks and insurers to maintain larger capital buffers to be able to withstand a severe economic downturn or financial shock. Bermuda’s major banks started this year to report under Basel III banking regulations, while the BMA’s insurance regulation was earlier this month given “third-country equivalence” with the European Union’s new Solvency II regulations by the European Commission. In 2011, the BMA also formed a dedicated systemic monitoring and analysis function to provide early warnings and take necessary actions to enhance its existing regulatory framework. The BMA’s Financial Stability department’s team of six is led by senior adviser George Pickering. More recently, the Financial Stability Committee (FSC), a committee comprising senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and BMA, was established to provide a supporting role to the FPC including in relation to implementing its recommendations. The Ministry of Finance and the BMA, along with the Department of Statistics, will also work closely with the FPC to provide it with data relevant to its work. The FPC’s recommendations will include early warning functions, but will extend to further development of the recovery and resolution regime in accordance with standards laid down by the Financial Stability Board set up in Basel by the G20.

Fire Services Advisory Board Fire Services Act 1982. 
Fiscal Responsibility Panel 2018. December 8. Bermuda has been warned that on present trends it is heading for a downward spiral of demographic and economic decline. Experts added that the Government has taken a significant step back from fiscal targets set a year ago, with projected lower revenue and higher spending than at first forecast. The independent Fiscal Responsibility Panel said the decision to delay achieving a balanced budget by a further year to 2020-21 was regrettable, and the new target “must now be met”. The red flags came in the annual assessment of the island by the three-strong panel, which highlighted a shrinking workforce and ageing population as “perhaps the greatest concern” facing the island and its economic future. The report said the situation would put increasing pressure on both taxes and spending. The panel was chaired by David Peretz, who has worked in the UK Treasury, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. This is the fourth consecutive year it has reviewed and reported on the fiscal progress of the Government. The panel said Bermuda needed to reinvigorate economic growth “including through a decisive change in immigration administrative practices”. Their report explained: “A precondition for faster growth is to increase the island’s workforce. It is the only realistic counter to the island’s demographic challenge from a rapidly shrinking and ageing population. Immigrants and returning Bermudians with the right skills will help to create jobs, not displace them.” The panel said that recent improvements in processing times for work permit applications were “an excellent start”, but that they must be followed through with changes in administrative practices and policies. The island’s elderly dependency rates will soar from about 25 per cent at present to 40 per cent in 2026, as the share of seniors in the population climbs from 17 per cent to 25 per cent. The panel warned that was “an extraordinarily rapid rate of change” by the standards of most developed countries. The report said: “The threat this poses can hardly be overstated — this would be a downward spiral of demographic and economic decline.” The island’s financial predicament was highlighted by figures that showed that net government debt has increased fourfold in the past ten years from about $500 million to $2.42 billion. The ratio of government debt to revenue was around 50 per cent a decade ago, now it is more than 220 per cent. The panel said that high level of government debt, unfunded pension liabilities, and other liabilities left Bermuda extremely vulnerable. It added that public sector pension schemes alone have unfunded liability of around $1 billion. The expert panel expressed regret at Government’s decision to delay achieving a balanced budget until 2020-21. The report said: “This target must now be met, as well as the longer-term targets of reducing debt and debt service, respectively to 80 per cent and 10 per cent of revenues.” It added the 2018 Budget projection for revenues is $20 million lower than the projection made in 2017, but current spending is projected to be $24 million higher. The panel recognized policy changes and developments, such as the new sugar tax, relaxation of the 60:40 rule to encourage foreign investment, and clear signals to a more open immigration policy. It also welcomed the unfreezing of positions and additional resources in the Office of the Tax Commissioner. But the panel said the Government collected taxes that amount to 17 per cent of gross domestic product, but this needed to be increased to around 20 to 22 per cent. The Tax Reform Commission’s proposals, released last month, would take tax revenue to about 19 per cent. The panel said that was an important and welcome step and it recommended the proposals “or something like it” should be implemented as soon as possible. It also highlighted the cost of healthcare and said an agenda for action set out by the Ministry of Health and the Bermuda Health Council existed. The panel said: “The Government needs to proceed urgently.” The report added that Bermuda had to promote growth through economic diversification beyond insurance, reinsurance and tourism. The panel said the Government’s focus on promoting fintech, while liberating regulations that have inhibited the growth of the likes of global law firms and banks, was appropriate. But it cautioned against excessive focus on particular niche products, such as digital and cryptocurrencies, where there were significant financial and reputational risks. The report said: “Many have stressed to us the potential risks to this reputation if something were to go wrong with any of the new businesses attracted by Bermuda’s fintech strategy. Regulating these businesses effectively must be a high priority.” It recognized Government’s successful $620 million debt refinancing action last month and added: “Recent reports by the main credit rating agencies have been positive, emphasizing Bermuda’s political and economic stability, and noting the new government’s continued commitment to fiscal sustainability.” But the panel said these were not grounds for complacency because, while Bermuda is reasonably well insulated from some global economic trends, it remained vulnerable to external developments, including regulatory changes and the effects of wider financial crises. The panel concluded the report with a list of key problems that had to be addressed “without delay”. It said: “Taken together this is a challenging agenda. If tackled now and with determination it will leave the territory in a much safer and more prosperous place. Work on much of it is already under way. The renewed impetus behind immigration reform is welcome. And the proposals of the Tax Reform Commission provide what up to now has been a missing piece — how to achieve the Government’s targets for deficit and debt reduction.” The Fiscal Responsibility Panel held meetings with individuals and institutions during the course of its discussions in Bermuda from November 19 to 24. The other members of the panel were Peter Heller, a retired deputy director of the fiscal affairs department of the International Monetary Fund, and Jonathan Portes, principal research fellow at the UK National Institute of Economic and Social Research. Curtis Dickinson, Minister of Finance, said: “The Government is certain that the panel’s report will be a useful document to assist with the Government’s deficit and debt reduction strategy, and I encourage the general public to thoroughly read the report to get a better understanding of the various fiscal challenges facing the Government”.

2018. January 5. Accounting and legal services are set to be taxed in next month’s Budget, according to a report by independent advisers of the Bermuda Government. The Fiscal Responsibility Panel’s annual assessment, published last month, also estimates that Government is provisionally planning for a deficit of around $65 million in the next fiscal year — around $39 million higher than had been projected in last February’s Budget. The previous One Bermuda Alliance government had planned to introduce a general services tax this year, expected to bring in around $50 million. But the FRP says the new Progressive Labour Party administration has put the GST on the back-burner, while it can be considered by the Tax Reform Commission. “The GST will not be implemented in 2018 as proposed by the previous government, but we understand that, possibly as an interim measure, a professional-services tax is to be implemented in 2018-19, limited initially to services provided in the legal and accounting professions,” the report states. Asked for comment, a Ministry of Finance spokesman said more on the upcoming Budget would be revealed in the coming days. “The Ministry of Finance will next week be issuing a Pre-Budget Report that will advise on the proposals under consideration by the Government for the coming fiscal year. Final positions by the Government with regard to fiscal matters are usually revealed on Budget Day, which is normally during a Parliamentary sitting on the third or fourth Friday in February.” In its third yearly report, the FRP, comprising David Peretz, Peter Heller and Jonathan Portes, offers clues on the projected Budget deficit for 2018-19. David Burt, the Premier and Minister of Finance, is due to deliver his first Budget next month. “Looking forward, our understanding is that the new government’s current intention is to target a deficit in 2018-19 that is no greater than the Sinking Fund contribution, ensuring that net debt falls over the course of the year,” the report states. “This implies a deficit, on the government’s preferred definition (that is, after Sinking Fund payments) of about $65 million, more than double the $26 million target set out in the 2017 Budget, with expenditure roughly flat in cash terms (instead of falling by about $18 million) and revenues also falling short. While this would still represent a significant reduction in the deficit from the current year, this further slippage, coming on top of that seen under the previous government’s budget, is unwelcome.” The deficit for the 2017-18 fiscal year, which runs through March 31, was projected to be about $135 million. The panel argues that the island’s tax regime is inadequate to face the looming challenges posed by an ageing population, the need for debt reduction and the need for infrastructure and human capital investment. Bermuda should, the FRP said, aim over time to bring its revenue take to about 22 to 23 per cent of gross domestic product — four to five percentage points above where it is now — in line with some other island economies. It noted that the current tax structure was “excessively weighted towards the taxation of labor and goods” and added that dividend income from partnerships, “much of which is effectively labor income”, went untaxed, a privilege that should end in the interests of a fairer tax system. “It also has the perverse effect of taxing companies that bring employment to the island, through the payroll tax, while leaving those that do not bring employment largely tax free,” the report states. This week, a Bloomberg report showed how Alphabet, parent company of internet giant Google, has slashed its tax bill by funneling about $19 billion to a Bermuda subsidiary which employs no one. Such examples have provoked anger overseas and harmed the island’s reputation without bringing meaningful financial benefit. The FRP had a suggestion to address this issue: “A very significant increase in registration fees charged to companies that do not have a genuine economic presence on the island, perhaps graduated according to their turnover. This would both raise revenue, and represent a clear ‘down payment’ on the Government’s commitment to address this issue in the context of the EU Code of Conduct Initiative.” The FRP also urges an increase in the staffing of the Office of the Tax Commissioner to address the large amount of uncollected tax. And it argues that a GST is needed “on equity, efficiency and revenue mobilization grounds”. Other ideas included moving away from fixed-rate social insurance contributions to a percentage of income, and taxing capital income of residents, such as dividends, interest and capital gains, with an exemption for an initial tranche of such income. “It is worth noting that other similar jurisdictions, such as Jersey and Guernsey, tax income from capital in the context of normal income tax regimes,” the FRP said. In his Reply to the Budget speech in March last year, Mr Burt hinted at targeting capital income. “There are vast swaths of domestic wealth and income that have never been subjected to tax, which by its very construct fosters continued economic inequality,” Mr Burt said in the House of Assembly. “This is why our taxation system promotes and fuels economic inequality. Tax reform and broadening the tax base cannot be effective if they are unwilling to look at taxing the passive income of the privileged persons in society.” During last year’s successful General Election campaign, the PLP stressed it did not plan to tax rental income.

2015. October 2. Three leading international experts in public policy finance have been appointed to serve as members of the newly created Fiscal Responsibility Panel. According to the Bermuda Government, the panel will increase transparency and international credibility by providing an independent, external report of its actual fiscal conduct against the fiscal rules established. Finance minister Bob Richards said in a statement: “I am pleased to announce that we have put in place a Fiscal Responsibility Panel to help tackle our looming fiscal challenges. This group will publish, on an annual basis, an independent report assessing the Island’s fiscal strategy, focusing on progress in meeting our medium term objectives for public spending, taxation, borrowing and debt reduction.” In his 2015-16 Budget, Mr Richards said that the Government aims to balance the budget within three years. He said at that time: “To increase transparency and international credibility, Government intends to establish an international, independent committee to review, monitor, assess and publicly report on the fiscal progress of the Government. Several other islands have also adopted similar outside assessors and it has helped bolster credibility and confidence. The report prepared by this panel will be an input into the overall work to create a framework for financial stability policy in Bermuda.” The Fiscal Responsibility Panel will be chaired by David Peretz, an independent consultant on international financial issues who has worked in the British Treasury, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, with particular experience in advising on strategic and economic issues affecting small countries. He is joined by Jonathan Portes, the director of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research, whose expertise covers economic policy issues including labour markets, skills, migration poverty, and international economic and financial issues. The third member, Peter Heller, is a 30-year veteran of the International Monetary Fund, professor and lecturer on public policy finance. The Government’s press release states that its medium-term target is that, by 2019, Bermuda would be paying for the operations and programmes of the Government and not increasing debt relative to the size of the economy. Mr Richards added: “We look forward to the panel beginning its important work for the Bermudian people and for the first report to be published.” Mr Peretz stated: “We are pleased to be asked to take on this important role for Bermuda and look forward to producing our first report later this year.”

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General Improvement Area Tribunal Bermuda Housing Act 1980. 
Government Boards & Committees 2019. November 21. The Minister for the Cabinet Office tonight appealed for people prepared to serve on Government boards and committees. Wayne Furbert said that expression of interest forms were available on the Government’s website and could be completed and submitted online. Mr Furbert said: said: “Interested individuals are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to serve their community. Government boards and committees play an important role in the community by ensuring good governance and by providing independent and expert governance or advice.” The application forms can be found at https://www.gov.bm/government-boards-and-committees and the deadline for submissions is December 6.
Government Employees (Health Insurance) Appeals Tribunal Government Employees (Health Insurance) Act 1986. 
Government Employees (Health Insurance) Management Committee Government Employees (Health Insurance) Act 1986. 

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Health & Safety Advisory Council The Health & Safety at Work Act 1982. Includes representatives from Bermuda Hotel Association; Bermuda Union of Teachers; Small Business Development Corporation; Bermuda Chamber of Commerce; Public Service Association; Bermuda Police Service Association; Bermuda Fire Services Association; Independent Employers; Bermuda Industrial Union; Ministry of Health & Family Services, ex-officio; Department of Personnel Services, ex-officio.  
Health Strategy 2020-2025 Steering Committee  
Historic Buildings Advisory Committee Ministry of the Environment. Determines the buildings on the island's historic national register. Presently, there are about 800.
Historic Wrecks Authority (HWA) Government-appointed

2019. September 27. An iconic shipwreck was badly damaged as a result of Hurricane Humberto. The Montana, a paddle steamer and civil war blockade runner, which was wrecked off Bermuda’s North Shore in 1863, forms an important part of Bermuda’s maritime cultural heritage. Chris Gauntlett, the chairman of the Historic Wrecks Authority, who has visited the site to witness the impact of last Wednesday’s storm, told The Royal Gazette: “It looks like a bomb hit it — it is very, very different.” The extent of the damage is being assessed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which will publish an extensive report on it. Mr Gauntlett said that the Montana’s history included being hit by the Constellation, the wreckage to the northwest of Bermuda, which inspired the book and movie The Deep. The chairman said: “It is a big old story.” Mr Gauntlett, the owner and operator for Blue Water Divers and Watersports, added: “You can see a lot just by swimming over it. It is iconic. It is one of Bermuda’s most famous spots.” Falko Kuester, an engineering and virtual reality professor at University of California San Diego, has been working with the Government to create the Bermuda 100 Project, a digital atlas of underwater sites surrounding Bermuda. Dr Kuester said: “The damage to marine heritage, which is now emerging, is gut-wrenching. We are very sad to hear that among the impacted marine heritage sites is the beautiful Montana.” He said the Montana had been an “incredibly important site” in the development and application of new tools, techniques and technologies in documenting and preserving underwater heritage. Dr Kuester added: “Now we will work with our partners in the Bermuda Government to help them fully assess the damage, creating a new data set so that the recovery of coral and this unique heritage can move forward.” Philippe Rouja, the government custodian of historic wrecks, who will be working on the project, said: “The Montana has had extensive and incredibly detailed high-resolution imagery data sets produced of the site prior to Hurricane Humberto.”

  • For more information on the Bermuda 100 Project, visit bermuda100.org. 
Hospital Insurance Commission Hospital Insurance Act 1970. 
Hotel Licensing Appeal Tribunal Hotel (Licensing & Control) Act 1969. 
Human Rights Commission Human Rights Act 1981

2019. March 20. A clear-out of Human Rights Commission watchdogs has sparked concern about continuity at the anti-discrimination body. Tawana Tannock, the former chairwoman of the Human Rights Commission, said she was worried important work could “fall between the cracks” if every board member was replaced. A fresh team of 12 was expected to be named today. It is understood that none of the new appointments have served on the Human Rights Commission before. The decision to appoint a new board was made despite applications from a handful of sitting members last November. Ms Tannock’s fears were backed by her former deputy chairman, while others claimed the last board was surprised that none of them were re-selected. One source said: “Whether political or not, I have no clue, but obviously one wonders.” The HRC was set up to oversee the application of the Human Rights Act for all Bermuda residents and provides a way to resolve complaints related to areas such as sexual harassment or disability. It is made up of between five and 12 people, appointed by an independent selection committee for terms that last up to three years. The previous group of commissioners included four people on their second stint, after they were first appointed to the 2013-15 board and returned for 2016-18. It was thought at least four of those appointed in 2016 reapplied for the new group of commissioners, but none were successful. Ms Tannock, who did not reapply, said: “In the private sector, the wholesale replacement of a governance board is virtually unheard of. “If there is no continuity on the board, there is a real risk that in transitioning to a new board, governance issues, organizational goals and ongoing matters that require the board’s attention may fall between the cracks or suffer from lack of a consistent approach.” She explained that, based on her own experience of sitting on several boards, including two terms on the HRC, it was “integral to any organisation to have some continuity at the board level, especially a governance board that is accountable to the public for use of government funds and fulfilling a legislative mandate”. Ms Tannock added: “When the HRC commissioners were only involved in adjudication of complaints, education and advocacy of human rights, there still should have been some continuity, but the need would not have been as great as it is now that the board effectively has oversight of the management of the organisation.” John Hindess, who served as deputy chairman until December, said he agreed “wholeheartedly”. He said yesterday: “If there was not one returning commissioner from the old commission, that would be a grave concern. Continuity on boards is very important; it just makes common sense.” Mr Hindess applied to be chairman for the new term but was informed last month that he was unsuccessful. He said: “I really valued my work on the commission and I wanted to continue it. I felt there was a lot of unfinished business in Bermuda for human rights protection.” Mr Hindess added: “It’s also concerning that there still hasn’t been a commission publicly appointed yet and we’re on March 19 — that’s very concerning.” Another well-placed source said: “I am shocked that we are two-and-a-half months without a new set of commissioners.” It is understood that the first quarter, which ends in 11 days, would be used to set out plans for the rest of the year. The source added that this also meant no commissioners were in place to oversee HRC operations, judge complaints or carry out other requirements outlined in the legislation. It appeared new commissioners were announced in March or April in previous years. The selection process was opened to the public for the first time for the 2013 intake and more than 70 applications were received for the latest posts. Amendments made to the Act in 2012 provided that a selection and appointment committee would be made up of a head, who can be chosen by the government minister responsible for the HRC, one representative each recommended by the Premier and the Opposition Leader, and two members of the public chosen by the head of the committee. The legislation said that the minister would consult with the HRC executive officer and the department responsible for human rights to determine the criteria for choosing commissioners. Jens Juul, who served two terms from 2013 to 2018, said: “If there is no continuity, I would be surprised.” An annual report released last July showed that in 2017 the commission received 112 complaints and managed 23 investigations — a quarter of which involved racial discrimination. Ms Tannock said in January, after she stepped down, that the same-sex marriage row was the most difficult subject she had tackled over her six years in office. During that period, same-sex marriage became legal, was banned again and then legalized once more. The Government will attempt to ban it again through an appeal to London’s Privy Council. The HRC supported legal recognition of rights for same-sex couples, but Ms Tannock felt “disheartened” over a lack of clear leadership for Bermuda on what should be done to safeguard the rights of some citizens. She also called at the time for extra legislation to protect the independence of human rights commissioners. Ms Tannock said that the HRC had experienced no political interference during her two terms. The HRC did not respond to a request for comment yesterday.

2018. December 7. Bermuda’s human rights laws need updating to reflect social change, according to a civil liberties watchdog. Tawana Tannock, chairwoman of the Human Rights Commission, said: “Upholding the integrity of the Human Rights Act underpinned our engagement with the former and current government during the course of 2017. The Constitution was written at a time when racial segregation still existed in Bermuda and it remains limited and dated in its scope. The Human Rights Act emerged to address stark omissions and provide both a practical and aspirational framework for protecting distinct, yet intersected, rights in our community.” Ms Tannock was writing in the HRC’s annual report for last year. She said: “Amendments that seek to manipulate or weaken the function of the Act risk undermining all protections within it, and must be vigorously guarded against and examined. The Act must continue to evolve to meet the needs of our diverse and developing island and to serve as a measure of our commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable community.” The report, released last Friday, said the commission received 112 complaints last year. A total of 19 per cent of the complaints alleged racial discrimination, 11 per cent were on the grounds of disability and ten per cent were on the grounds of place of origin. But 39 per cent of complaints failed to identify a protected ground of discrimination. The HRC managed 23 investigations over the course of the year, including ten new cases and 13 that were carried over from 2016. The report said that a quarter of the investigations involved racial discrimination, with 21 per cent based on sex discrimination and 14 per cent on place of origin. Several of the investigation involved allegations of discrimination on several grounds. The HRC resolved 11 cases over the course of the year — six through conciliation or mediation and two through a tribunal hearing. The other three complaints were withdrawn. In once case detailed by the report, a complainant claimed they had been harassed in their workplace and a co-worker had called them a derogatory name based on race. The complainant claimed he went to the company’s management, but nothing was done. The HRC approved an investigation into the case, but the complainant withdrew the allegation and said they had reached an agreement with management. Another case involved a Bermudian employee who complained that non-Bermudian staff had been given preferential treatment. The complainant said he had been suspended after it was alleged he confronted a non-Bermudian employee — which he denied. The HRC conducted a preliminary investigation, but found the complainant’s behavior had been “less than stellar”. The HRC report added: “The manager further stated that the investigation into the incident with the non-Bermudian was viewed on camera and another co-worker provided a statement supporting that the complainant approached the staff member aggressively. Based on this information, the executive officer determined that there was no evidence that the Human Rights Act 1981 had been violated and closed the complaint.” The HRC report also detailed several high-profile court cases that took place over the course of the year. These included the Winston Godwin and Greg DeRoche civil suit, which opened the door to same-sex marriage in Bermuda. The report also highlighted several cases involving controversial speaker Ayo Kimathi, who was banned from the island after he delivered a lecture which included what was described as hate speech. The HRC said the case highlighted the limits to free speech and the Supreme Court finding that there was no Constitutional protection for hate speech in Bermuda. The HRC report said: “While it remains a mission of the Bermuda Constitution to attack modern manifestations of historic racial discrimination, there is also the need to suppress, with equal vigor, new manifestations of discrimination as well. Moreover, the free speech rights established by the Constitution carry with them corresponding duties and responsibilities because these rights can only be exercised in a way that does not prejudice the rights and freedoms of other people or the public interest.”

2016. April 8. A fresh chapter has begun for the Human Rights Commission in its new headquarters at Milner Place, Hamilton, where the latest set of commissioners held its first meeting. Tawana Tannock, the HRC chairwoman, praised the work of the selection committee in bringing together commissioners from a broad variety of backgrounds. “I’m very pleased that we have this diverse body of 12 to help move the commission into a new era of greater independence,” Ms Tannock said, referring to the HRC’s official move out from the auspices of the Ministry of Community, Culture and Sports. Continuing member Jens Juul, a certified insurance arbitrator, has served on several local boards as well as operating Scandinavian Re, while new member Dany Pen, the education and communications officer for the Bermuda National Gallery, holds a special interest in women’s rights, gender equality and education. New member Jonathan Young said he took inspiration from the service of his mother, Kim Young, as a commissioner; he comes from an insurance background, as well as teaching at the Bermuda College, where he was a shop steward. Carla George, a new commissioner coming from a legal background, has also served on a variety of boards, including CedarBridge Academy, the Bermuda Hospitals Board and the Board of Education, and gave education as one of her main interests. Returning commissioner Kim Simmons, a corporate attorney, expressed a broad interest in human rights, particularly in how the topic was perceived by young people. Ms Simmons said she looked forward to continuing her advocacy for persons with mental disabilities. Donna Daniels, a former teacher and principal of Dellwood Middle School, is also executive director of the Adult Education School. Ms Daniels gave education as her “passion”, along with the protection of the vulnerable, the links between unemployment and poverty, and issues concerning mental health. New member Ben Adamson, a lawyer with 15 years’ experience, has served as a human rights mediator for the past six years, while Quinton Butterfield, also new, works in the Bermuda Government’s information technology office. Mr Butterfield said he looked forward to seeing the island “move forward on marriage equality, gender equality and gender identity”, and gave another interest as education and advocacy on the topic of human rights. Absent from the gathering were members Carolyn Thomas Ray, Franklin Fahnbulleh, and deputy chairman John Hindes.

2006.  The head civil servant at HRC resigned weeks after the chairman of the Government board also stepped down. Mr. David Wilson’s resignation came after Rod Attride-Stirling, then chairman of the HRC, called for jobs to be lost over the Commission’s repeated failure to produce annual reports in compliance with the Human Rights Act. The last annual report for the HRC was filed in 2001 and a report for 2005, which should have been presented to the Minister for Community Affairs by June, had not been delivered.

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Immigration Appeal Tribunal

Established in July 2011 by the House of Assembly as an independent but Government-appointed tribunal on immigration matters. In July 2012 it began to schedule its first appeals, more than a year after it was established. Itl makes the final decisions on grievances relating to issues such as Bermudian status, permanent residency and work permits. It replaced a Cabinet committee that previously heard appeals of Ministerial decisions. This committee ran the risk of being seen as biased, so the independent tribunal was established instead. There are 12 members of the panel. The tribunal has sought guidance from Government lawyers in drafting rules for the tribunal’s use and the guidance of appellants and lawyers.

Immigration Reform Working Croup 2017. May 2. Working with Government to collect data after a lack of available information slowed progress. Delivering an update on the group’s work, chairman William Madeiros said that after a year of discussions, forums and submissions, calls for data about mixed status families in Bermuda were a “constant theme. All members take their responsibilities seriously and remain focused on making recommendations to the Government,” he said. “No one expected to be working on these matters a year after we commenced. The group has spent hundreds of hours in deliberations, spoken to many outside agencies, studied numerous submissions and hosted ten productive public forums. To progress further, however, we need reliable data in order to make fair, well-conceived and multi-generational legislative proposals to the Government. The call for such information was a consistent theme during the many public meetings held last year. In the absence of relevant information being readily available, we are now developing, with Government assistance, a means to collect critically important data on mixed status families. Once collected, we will be able to advance our deliberations and come back to the public for its review and assessment. We have been challenged on our timeline, process and progress by some in the community. Our position is clear: we will examine the issues carefully, engage the public and arrive at informed positions on the issues at hand. Our mandate is to get the proposals right — inclusive of public consultation — and we know that Bermuda will allow us the necessary time to do so.” Mr Madeiros said the group reports to Michael Dunkley, the Premier, through the Minister of Home Affairs, the Immigration Reform Action Group and the Bermuda Industrial Union, and has been regularly reporting on its deliberations to those parties, along with the Bermuda Public Services Union and the People’s Campaign. The working group was formed in the wake of a week of protest outside the House of Assembly over proposed “Pathways to Status” legislation. Last June, the group presented its recommendations on adoption cases, and has since been working to examine the issue of mixed status families on the island.
Induction Committee Established to consider who should be Bermuda's National Heroes and Heroines for Bermuda's National Heroes public holiday.
Insurance Advisory Committee No legislation specified.
Judicial and Legal Services Committee Recommends judicial and legal appointees.
Justice System Review Committee  

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Labor Advisory Council Ministry of Labor, Home Affairs and Public Safety. Includes Workers Representatives of Bermuda Public Services Association; Bermuda Industrial Union; Bermuda Union of Teachers; Electricity Supply Trade Union; Fire Services Association; Association of School Principals; Bermuda Federation of Musicians and Variety Artists. Employers' Representatives of Government; Independent Employers; Bermuda Employer's Council; Hotel Employers of Bermuda.
Land Valuation Appeals Tribunal Land Valuation & Tax Act 1967.
Law Reform Commission Proposed in the 2008 Throne Speech to ensure the constant review of legislation and to make the law responsive to the needs of society. How it will differ from the Law Reform Committee is not yet known.

2019. July 30. An independent Law Reform Commission has been set up — ten years after legislation paved the way for its introduction. Kathy Lynn Simmons, the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, said this week that in 2009 it became “unarguably clear that Bermuda lagged behind international best practice”. She told the Senate that the six-strong group will study and review Bermuda’s legislation to identify areas where development or change is needed. The commission’s chairman will be Delroy Duncan, a founding partner at law firm Trott & Duncan. Commissioners will include former attorneys-general Michael Scott, a Progressive Labour Party backbencher, and Mark Pettingill, a director of law firm Chancery Legal. Ms Simmons said: “This government acknowledges that the need for comprehensive and systemic reform of Bermuda’s laws is as urgent today as it was in 2009 when a formalized law reform body was conceived. Therefore, I am pleased today to inform senators and members of the public that we are advancing this initiative. Over the next several weeks, the contact information for the commission and how persons can make submissions will be provided.” The Upper House heard that Bermuda has had an ad hoc law reform committee since 1968, but the PLP saw the need to introduce a statutory body. Ms Simmons explained that throughout the Commonwealth, it appeared that law reform was best carried out by a permanent body with a defined role. She added that a review of other jurisdictions during the development of legislation in 2009 showed that a range of countries had law reform agencies that shared common characteristics. Ms Simmons said: “It was unarguably clear that Bermuda lagged behind international best practice previously in establishing an independent statutory law reform agency.” She added that the Law Reform Commission Act 2009 came into operation in February 2011. Mr Scott, then the justice minister, said in March that year the commission was expected to be “fully operational” by April 1. However, Trevor Moniz, at the time the One Bermuda Alliance’s shadow attorney-general, said in August 2011 that he believed the Law Reform Commission had still not started its work. The other commissioners named were lawyers Rod Attride-Stirling, Kim Wilkerson and Jacqueline MacLellan. Ms Simmons said: “All appointees bring a wealth of experience and commitment to advancing the much needed reform of Bermuda’s laws.” The commission’s work will include law development “with the aim of making it more responsive to the changing needs of Bermudian society” and the adoption of more effective ways to use the law and serve justice. Another function is to make recommendations “for the elimination of anomalies in the law, the repeal of obsolete and unnecessary Acts or provisions of an Act, and the simplification and modernisation of the law”. Ms Simmons explained that the commission would be able to consider suggestions for law reform from others and start or commission research. The body will be staffed by public officers and a parliamentary counsel will be assigned to help with its work. Ms Simmons said that consultants and experts can be hired by the commission and paid at rates approved by the Government. She added: “The expenses of the commission will be met out of funds to be appropriated annually by the legislature. It is intended to use existing resources to support the commission during this initial stage. During the remainder of this fiscal year, the expenses of the commission will be monitored and assessed to determine the level of funding to be appropriated during the next Budget.” Ms Simmons said the commission must produce annual reports of its work, which will go before both houses of the legislature. The Royal Gazette asked for more information about what had happened with the Law Reform Commission since the Act came into operation in 2011, but Government did nor respond by press time.

Law Reform Committee Ministry of Legislative Affairs. 
Legal Aid Committee Legal Aid Act 1980. 
Litigation Guardian Council 2018. July 21. Will be set up by the Bermuda Government. The body will provide regulatory oversight of the recruitment, management and administration of litigation guardians on the island, according to social development minister Michael Weeks. It comes after a Supreme Court ruling that magistrates must consider appointing legal representatives to protect the rights of children who appear in court, if money is available. In June, Puisne Judge Stephen Hellman ruled that the Children’s Act required the Family Court to consider the appointment of a counsel or “litigation guardian” for children. Mr Weeks responded today that policy development around litigation guardians has been “under way for some time” in his ministry. He said the Progressive Labour Party had pledged to enhance the protocol for litigation guardians in the Throne Speech last September. Mr Weeks said his ministry had consulted with the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service in Britain, which provides oversight of litigation guardians. He said: “As a result, the Ministry of Social Development and Sports has formulated a policy framework which Cabinet has now approved, and for which drafting instructions have been issued to the Attorney-General’s Chambers. “The policy framework calls for the establishment of a statutory Litigation Guardian Council to provide regulatory oversight of the recruitment, management and administration of litigation guardians in Bermuda.” Mr Weeks said a litigation guardian from Cafcass was recently appointed by the Family Court in Bermuda on an unpaid basis to provide an objective review of the circumstances related to a family matter in the best interest of the child concerned.
Liquor Licensing Authority Determines which businesses in the retail, wholesale and restaurants sectors get liquor licences.

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Marine Resources Board Fisheries Act 1972. 
Medical Reference Committee Motor Car Act 1951.
Mental Health Review Tribunal Mental Health Act 1968. 
Millennium Fund Committee Millennium Fund Act 1988. 
Ministers and Members of the Legislature Pension Fund Ministers and Members of Parliament pay 12.5 per cent of their gross salaries into their pension fund by this name. Government matches contributions, to make a total of 25%. Pensions are paid out based on a formula pertaining to the number of years in which contributions were made. 

2015. December 19. Retired Cabinet ministers are set to have their pension pots restored, after a resolution proposed by the Premier passed at the House of Assembly. Michael Dunkley explained on Wednesday night that ministers’ salaries were reduced by 10 per cent in March 2013 to help cut costs, a move which remains in effect today. However, any minister who retired after that point has seen their pension from the Ministers of the Legislature Pension Fund (MMLPF) similarly docked. “This was an unintended consequence of the resolution, and is also unfair to the members who, for the most part, would have paid into the MMLPF at the higher salary,” said Mr Dunkley. The Premier suggested the introduction of a retroactive resolution to fix the issue, which went through uncontested. “For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this resolution shall be taken to modify the annual salaries actually payable to members of the legislature,” Mr Dunkley added.

2013, February 12. The pension fund set up for Bermuda’s legislators is worth well over $8 million. According to the latest audited financial statement of the Ministers and Members of the Legislature Pensions Fund, a total of $8,528,514 was available for benefits payable by the Fund on March 31, 2009. Assets increased by $1,449,348 during fiscal 2009 — $446,060 of that increase came from members’ contributions, a matching amount was contributed by Government and the fund earned $557,228 in interest. Assets decreased by about $690,000, the largest share of that being $490,000 paid out in benefits. But the year started with net assets of $7.7 million. The Fund receives 25 percent of salaries paid to parliamentarians, senators and staff of the legislature, split equally between the Government and the contributors. Pensions are paid to contributors from age 60 if they have served at least eight years or at age 55 if they have served for 20 years or more. The pensions fund financial statements were tabled in the House of Assembly on Friday.

Ministers and Parliamentarians Salary Review Board Set up by legislation enacted in 2005 in an effort to end the recurring controversy that flares up every time MPs vote for a pay rise for themselves.
National Accessibility and Advisory Council Established after the Committee for a National Policy on Disabilities was established in 2005 to determine guiding principles; recommend policy objectives in the areas of access, communication, education, training, health, housing and transportation; and to identify overall goals and objectives for each area. Its its report was completed and Government accepted the recommendations with the 155 objectives.
National Anti-Money Laundering Committee Established in 1997 under the Proceeds of Crime Act
National Child Safeguarding Committee 2018. August 16. New regulations to better protect the rights of children are being finalized, senators heard yesterday. Kathy Lynn Simmons, the Attorney-General, said that the move would “enhance the effectiveness” of the National Child Safeguarding Committee. She added that since its creation in 2016 the committee “has developed protocols, goals and objectives and has outlined main areas of focus”. Ms Simmons added: “This includes legislative changes and training, along with a more robust system of offender management and a community awareness programme. The aim is to promote recognition that our children are our most valuable resources, and that when one is injured, we all hurt.” She said the committee had three key aims — to strengthen the legislative, collaborative and community protection frameworks. Ms Simmons said that objectives proposed by the committee included amendments to the Criminal Code Special Measures provisions to reduce re-victimization of children while testifying, allowing uncorroborated testimony from children, and increased sentencing powers in Magistrates’ Court to reduce the number of cases that force child victims to go through Supreme Court trials. Ms Simmons said that reporting of known or suspected neglect or abuse of a child was mandatory in Bermuda. She added: “In circumstances where individuals or institutions fail to identify or fail to report the signs of abuse and neglect, the consequences can be far-reaching and have a lasting adverse impact on children, their families and the entire community. I state categorically this is not acceptable, and is not an option.” Ms Simmons said that some abuse and neglect had gone undetected. She added: “Failure to report or share information, and failure to recognize abuse, or failure to understand the nature and level of the risk of harm faced by our children cannot be allowed to continue. Committee members have received training in forensic interviewing to help ensure that children are not further victimized during investigations. We are determined to do all that we can to strengthen our child protection system, legislative and statutory duties, and to enhance offender management regimes in ways which bring security and an environment that optimizes the development of our most valued resource — our children. Child safeguarding is a necessity and our pledge is to continue to fully embrace and support this initiative. We see a brighter future for our children through these efforts.”
National Drug Commission National Drug Commission Act 1993. 
National Parks Commission The Bermuda National Parks Act 1986. 
National Security Defence Review Government-appointed. 2015, December 18. Legislation amending the Royal Bermuda Regiment was passed in the Senate. Lieutenant-Colonel Michael Foster-Brown, the Royal Bermuda Regiment’s commanding officer, observed the debate. While the Defence Act was supported by independent senators, Diallo Rabain, the Opposition Leader in the Senate, pointed out the change in the One Bermuda Alliance’s narrative from repeated pledges to eliminate conscription, to an Act that pointedly retains it as an option. However, Jeff Baron, the Junior Minister of National Security, told the Upper House: “The key word is ‘transition’.” Maintaining that the Government remained determined to end conscription, Sen Baron said: “This is not just trying to tick a box for an election promise. We could have done that on day one, but we recognise that is not responsible.” Sen Baron said it would not present any pathways to citizenship for foreign nationals who joined up. The legislation opens up volunteering to non-Commonwealth citizens, and holders of Permanent Residents’ Certificates can also sign up. The amendments are based on the recommendations of this National Security Defence Review.
National Training Board The National Training Board Act 1997. 94 Reid Street, Hamilton HM 12. Telephone (441) 292-3700. Fax (441) 292-5984. 
National Tourism Action Group Ministry of Tourism. 
National Youth Council The Cabinet Office. A representative each of the Berkeley Institute; Bermuda Institute; Bermuda High School for Girls; Bermuda College; Cedarbridge Academy; Clearwater Middle School; Mount St. Agnes Academy; Sandys Secondary Middle School; Saltus Senior School; Warwick Academy Senior School
Office of Public Management & Procurement (OPMP) 2017. March 15. Guidelines are set to be put in place for the government’s watchdog of fairness over public contracts, nearly six years after it was formally established. Premier Michael Dunkley told Parliament that $773,000 has been set aside in the 2017/18 fiscal year for the Office of Public Management and Procurement (OPMP) — most of it earmarked for salaries, which have dropped by $87,000 with the discontinuation of the temporary post of project manager. However, David Burt, the Leader of the Opposition, scolded the Government for neglecting the office, saying just four of the eight budgeted positions were filled. Mr Burt pointed to “ongoing instances of non-compliance” with Financial Instructions pointed out by the Accountant-General’s financial statements for the Consolidated Fund as of March 21, 2016, which was tabled last week in the House. “The office that was created in 2011 to ensure that these violations were reduced is understaffed,” Mr Burt said. “Meanwhile, the Government has refused to publish the code of conduct for procurement that will make violations of the rules an offence. The One Bermuda Alliance has been in office for 51 months and despite pleas from the public and the Commission of Inquiry, they still refuse to follow the Good Governance Act.” MPs heard on Monday that the OPPM is to adopt a system for managing capital projects in the coming fiscal year, along with a procurement procedure manual and a code of practice. A draft code was published in November 2016, with consultation closing on January 31. OPPM was an early initiative under the former premier Paula Cox, unveiled in November 2010, as part of a host of measures under the Good Governance Act that Parliament passed in July 2011. But the understaffed office languished in subsequent years, with its code of practice a continual work in progress — something Ms Cox lamented in October 2016 during her appearance before the Commission of Inquiry. Under the 2016 Throne Speech, the Government has pledged to integrate the code of practice for project management and procurement within “a new unified legislative framework” to replace sections of the Good Governance Act and the Public Treasury (Administration and Payments) Act 1969. The OPPM has also been allocated a grant of $150,000 for 2017/18, which the Premier said would go towards an electronic purchasing and tendering system.

2015. September 30. This office, set up in 2011 to strengthen financial accountability in government has only half the staff it needs, it has been revealed. And a suitable candidate to lead the Office of Project Management and Procurement (OPMP) has yet to be found, despite the job being advertised twice and having a salary of more than $100,000 a year. A statement released by the unit under new public access to information requirements shows that it should have eight employees but lacks a director and is understaffed. Asked about the situation, a government spokesman told The Royal Gazette: “There are eight positions in the Office of Project Management and Procurement, of which four are filled. They are the contracts and compliance manager, the senior project manager, the procurement manager and an administrative assistant. The position of director is currently vacant and has been advertised twice. We are looking for the right person who will work to ensure the OPMP fulfils its mission to provide oversight and guidance to public authorities and implement the soon-to-be released code of practice on procurement and project management. The contracts and compliance manager is acting as director while the position is being recruited.” The spokesman said the director, once recruited, would assess the skills needed to “assist the department and the managers to perform their oversight and audit functions. As a result, the recruitment of the procurement operations analyst, the procurement systems officer and the contracts and compliance officer will be completed after a director has been appointed.” The OPMP was created under former Premier Paula Cox under the Good Governance Act 2011 and falls within the remit of the Cabinet Office. Michael Dunkley told parliament earlier this year, in reference to the office being set up under the Progressive Labour Party, that Ms Cox “had to do something … because those guys on that side were pilfering.” The Premier withdrew the word “pilfering” but questioned what had happened to “missing assets.” The office’s website says it “provides oversight and guidance to government departments and ministries regarding project management and procurement activities to ensure fairness, transparency and consistency in awards of contracts and adherence to applicable rules and industry best practices.” 

Optometrists and Opticians Council Optometrists and Opticians Act 1973. 

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Parish Councils

Bermuda Government appointed under the Parish Councils Act 1971. 

Devonshire Parish Council Hamilton Parish Council  Paget Parish Council
Pembroke Parish Council St. George's Parish Council Sandys Parish Council
Smith's Parish Council Southampton Parish Council Warwick Parish Council

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Parliamentary Joint Select Committee on the living wage. This committee was mandated beginning in 2017 to provide recommendations for the implementation of a living wage for Bermuda. In 2019 it has invited comments from the public at town hall meetings. Chairman is Rolfe Commissiong, MP, PLP.
Parliamentary Joint Select Committee on Women’s Issues and Unemployment. Bermuda Government.
Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Public Accounts (PAC) Made up of Members of Parliament. It is authorized by the House of Assembly to look at public expenditure. The committee also investigates findings reported by the Auditor General in the annual and other special reports. Often meets in the Senate Chamber, Cabinet Building on Front Street.
Parole Board The Parole Board Act 2001. 
Pension Commission The National Pension Scheme (Occupational Pensions) Act 1998. Phone 295-8672. Began July 2007. For information on private pensions. With links including Employer Information, Employee Information, National Pension Scheme and Act and Regulation. There is a Pension Commissioner.
Prerogative of Mercy Committee Advises on capital crimes, whether or not to allow hanging. 
Permanent Arbitration Tribunal Labour Relations Act 1975. 
Permanent Police Arbitration Tribunal  
Permanent Police Tribunal Police Act 1974. 
Pharmacy Council Pharmacy and Poisons Amendment Act 1984. 
Police Complaints Authority Police Complaints Authority Act 1998. Invoked when someone complains about a police action or behavior. It received 26 complaints in 2017 and 41 in 2018, according to records shared in response to a public access to information request from The Royal Gazette.
Ports Authority Marine Board Act 1962.
Premier’s Council on Fitness and Nutrition Launched the Premier’s Youth Fitness Programme
Price Control Commission See Cost of Living Commission
Problem Gaming Council 2017. May 2. The Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission has unveiled five Bermudians who will lead the Problem Gaming Council. Former deputy head of the civil service Judith Hall Bean will lead the council as chairman. She will be joined by Ernest Peets Jr, Sharon Apopa, Kevin Monkman and Kathleen Keane. Dr Peets is a long-serving family therapist and counselor, Dr Apopa is the executive director of the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute, while Mr Monkman was a long-serving civil servant. Mrs Keane, a retired lawyer, will serve as Secretary for the council. Richard Schuetz, the executive director of Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission, said that Ms Hall-Bean would provide the council with a “wealth of public service management experience”, stressing the importance of the council’s role. “One of our primary goals, since the inception of the Commission in 2015, has been to ensure that a Problem Gaming Council was established well before the opening of any casino on the island,” he said. “We are pleased to have finally reached this stage in our progress, as it signals we are ready to move full steam ahead with gaming — and are doing our part to create a strong and successful gaming industry in Bermuda. Most importantly, we are proud with the abundance of talent, skill and experience that each of these council members brings to the table. They will ensure that no stone is left unturned when it comes to problem gambling and minimizing as much risk as possible to the people of Bermuda.” The council will be tasked with ensuring that casino operators and employees are fully trained about problem gaming, making sure that treatment providers have the resources they require and working to make sure the public is aware of the risks of problem gaming and how to seek help. The Commission is still in the process of recruiting a Director of Problem and Responsible Gaming, who will be appointed on the advice of the council and serve as the conduit between the commission and the council. Their duties will also include overseeing the accreditation process for treatment providers, managing a gambling hotline and a self-exclusion list and community outreach.
Professional Engineers Registration Council The Professional Engineers Registration Act 1972. 
Professional Surveyors Registration Council The Surveyors Registration Act 2001. A full list of professional surveyors in alphabetical order of name with their qualifications and area of specialty, is published every January.
Professions Supplementary to Medicine Council Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1973.  
Promotions Board for Bermuda Regiment Defence Act 1965. 
Public Accounts Committee Authorized by the House of Assembly to look at public expenditure. The committee also investigates findings reported by the Auditor-General in the annual and other special reports.
Public Debt Management Advisory Group

Appointed in 2013 by the Minister of Finance. Reviews Bermuda Government borrowing arrangements and practices used to finance ongoing budget deficits. Formation of the group was promised as part of the OBA’s election campaign and Government gets free expertise. It's a group of people involved professionally in the investment industry.

Public Records Committee Bermuda Archives Act 1974. 
Public Service Negotiating Team A Bermuda Government entity . It makes contracts with bodies including the Bermuda Police when renewing their Government contracts.

2018. December 20. Judith Hall-Bean has been appointed chairwoman of the Public Service Negotiation Team. Former chairman Jonathan Smith has stepped down due to work commitments. Minister for the Cabinet Office Walton Brown said: “I anticipate that Mrs Hall-Bean will bring significant expertise and professionalism to the role, having served as lead negotiator for the Government during the course of her career at the most senior levels of the public service. “The public is aware that the PSNT is responsible for leading our union negotiations. I wish to thank Mr Smith for his service to the PSNT and acknowledge his dedication and commitment to the negotiations process. This Government will continue to work with the unions to settle outstanding issues related to the terms and conditions of service whilst simultaneously cultivating improved organizational performance as we work towards a future-forward Government for the people of Bermuda.” Vincent Hollinsid and Orrin Simmons are the other members of the PSNT.

2018. April 6. Jonathan Smith, Vincent Hollinsid, and Orin Simmons have been appointed as the Bermuda Government’s new Public Service Negotiating Team. The group, who replace Gary Phillips, Martin Law and John Harvey, will continue ongoing negotiations with the Prison Officers Association and the Bermuda Police Association. Mr Smith, is a former Progressive Labour Party senator and Commissioner of Police; Mr Hollinsid is a former Chief Fire Officer; Mr Simmons is a former negotiator with the Bermuda Public Services Union. Since the PLP returned to power, Government has completed negotiations with the BPSU, the Fire Services Association, the Bermuda Industrial Union, and made interim agreements with the Bermuda Union of Teachers and the School Principals who are represented by the BPSU. Government reform minister Lovitta Foggo acknowledged the dedication and commitment of the outgoing team. She said: “We are thankful for their hard work in guiding the negotiations to a conclusion. Their work verified for this Government that the application of a negotiations’ model that relies on non-union members to represent the Government’s interest is a reasonable approach. We are grateful to have the services of Mr Smith, Mr Hollinsid and Mr Simmons. They each have a wealth of knowledge and negotiations experience. We very much look forward to seeing the positive results of their engagement with our unions. This Government remains committed to engendering a respect for the workers in the public service. In that regard, we will continue to work with our unions to cultivate improved organizational performance, which will ultimately benefit the Government, the employees, and by extension the people of Bermuda.” Responding, shadow government reform minister Michael Dunkley noted that negotiations were ongoing with the Prison Officers Association and the Bermuda Police Association. He said: “I would have expected in announcing the new negotiating team the minister would have provided a detailed update on the current state of affairs.” Mr Dunkley asked for details on the mandate, terms of reference, payment and length of appointment for the new team. He said: “What are the terms of any settlements reached? Has any harmonization been reached among various union agreements? Providing these answers allows accountability and transparency which this government always talks about.”

2017. November 20. A deal to give government workers a 2.5 per cent pay rise was struck yesterday with the Bermuda Public Services Union. The new three-year collective bargaining agreement was signed between the public sector negotiating team and the BPSU. Lovitta Foggo, Minister of Government Reform, said the deal was “a very important development for the Government and for the BPSU membership. Since coming into office, this government committed to upholding fairness. And with this new CBA, we are fulfilling our promises while demonstrating that we appreciate the good works of our public service. While the negotiation process continues with various other unions, the Government is pleased to highlight the successful completion of the BPSU agreement.” Negotiations have been under way since July. The Government’s offer of a 2.5 per cent pay increase was backdated to the start of April. Ms Foggo thanked the Public Sector Negotiation Team composed of Gary Phillips, Martin Law and John Harvey.Jason Hayward, president of the BPSU and a government senator, said the agreement would operate until September 2020. Mr Hayward said it was the civil service’s first negotiated CBA since 2008 and “a significant milestone for our membership”. He added the increase other contractual gains were “a morale booster for our members, especially after years of sacrifice”. Mr Hayward said: “This agreement was achieved through a collaborative process of interest-based negotiations. The new collective agreement will ensure a working environment where public service officers can focus on providing world-class service both locally and internationally. The agreement also strengthens the BPSU’s working relationship and partnership with the Government and will enhance working conditions for public service officers.”

Public Service Commission Found within the Bermuda Constitution Order 1968 – section 81.
Public Service Superannuation Board Public Service Superannuation Act 1981. 
Public Service Vehicles Licensing Board Motor Car Act 1951. 
Public Transportation Board Public Transportation Board Act 1951. info@ptb.bm
Purchasing and Tendering Committee Ministry of Works & Engineering. 

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Regulatory Authority 2019. April 26. The island’s regulator for electricity and electronic communications has extended its call for feedback on new communications licences for one week. The Regulatory Authority consultation period for communication operating licences, as well as integrated communication operating licences, was set to expire today. The deadline has been pushed forward to midnight next Friday, after requests from interested parties, the RA announced. A moratorium on the licences was called off earlier this month by Walter Roban, the home affairs minister, to broaden the island’s telecommunications sector. The authority will pass on policy recommendations to the minister after feedback has been compiled.
Register of Audiologists Bermuda Government maintained under the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1973. A full list is published annually.
Register of Chiropodists Bermuda Government maintained under the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1973, not in alphabetical order but in order of day of registration so that those earliest currently registered are first and the most recent are last. A full list every year.
Register of Dental Hygienists Bermuda Government maintained under the Dental Hygienists Regulations 1950. A full list every year.
Register of Dental Technicians Bermuda Government maintained under Regulations 2(b) of the Dental Technicians Regulations 1950. A full list every year.
Register of Dental Practitioners Bermuda Government maintained under the Section 6(2) of the Dental Practitioners Act 1950, not in alphabetical order but in order of day of registration so that those earliest currently registered are first and the most recent are last. A full list every year.
Register of Dieticians Bermuda Government maintained under the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1973, not in alphabetical order but in order of day of registration so that those earliest currently registered are first and the most recent are last. A full list every year.
Register of Emergency Medical Technicians Bermuda Government maintained, registered with the office of the Chief Medical Officer. Some are Bermuda Hospitals Board, others are Bermuda Fire Service. A full list every year.
Register of Medical Laboratory Technologists Bermuda Government maintained under the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1973, not in alphabetical order but in order of day of registration so that those earliest currently registered are first and the most recent are last. A full list every year.
Register of Medical Practitioners Bermuda Government maintained under Section 6 (2) of the Medical Practitioners Act 1950, not in alphabetical order but in order of day of registration so that those earliest currently registered are first and the most recent are last. A full list every year.
Register of Midwives Bermuda Government maintained under Section 6 (2) of the Midwives Act 1949, not in alphabetical order but in order of day of registration so that those earliest currently registered are first and the most recent are last. A full list every year.
Register of Occupational Therapists Bermuda Government maintained under the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1973, not in alphabetical order but in order of day of registration so that those earliest currently registered are first and the most recent are last. A full list every year.
Register of Optometrists & Opticians Bermuda Government maintained under Section 4 Part III of the Optometrists and Opticians Act 1973, not in alphabetical order but in order of day of registration so that those earliest currently registered are first and the most recent are last. A full list every year.
Register of Pharmacies Bermuda Government maintained under Part IV Section 17(4) of the Pharmacy & Poisons Act 1979, in alphabetical order. A full list every year.
Register of Pharmacists Section 7 (4) of the Pharmacy & Poisons Act 1979. It shows every currently licensed pharmacist - Bermudian and non-Bermudian - by full first, middle and last name and the year, day and month when entered in the register.
Register of Physiotherapists Bermuda Government maintained under the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1973, not in alphabetical order but in order of day of registration so that those earliest currently registered are first and the most recent are last. A full list every year.
Register of Psychologists Registrar General, Section 8, Psychological Practitioners Act 1998. A full list every year.
Register of Radiographers Bermuda Government maintained under the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1973, not in alphabetical order but in order of day of registration so that those earliest currently registered are first and the most recent are last. A full list every year.
Register of Speech-Language Therapists Bermuda Government maintained under the Professions Supplementary to Medicine Act 1973, not in alphabetical order but in order of day of registration so that those earliest currently registered are first and the most recent are last. A full list every year.
Regulatory Authority of Bermuda Regulates electricity, internet, telecommunications and more. 
Rent Increases Advisory Panel Rent Increases (Domestic Premises) Control Act 1978. 
Residential Child Care Advisory Board Protection of Children Act 1943
Review Committee Investment Business Act 1998. 
Road Safety Council No specific legislation
Royal Bermuda Regiment (RBR) Bermuda's military unit. Did not exist until 1965 when it was formed and from then included as one unit, the Bermuda Regiment, in place of the once-segregated black Bermuda Militia Artillery and white Bermuda Rifles. It received royal recognition in 2017.

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Salaries Review Board 2015. June 30. Inquiries into the fate of the dormant Salaries Review Board have gone unanswered, despite MPs continuing to debate the issue each year. The independent board, required by law to review the parliamentarians’ pay every two years, is last known to have issued a report nearly seven years ago — even though MPs approved their own pay scales this March. Legislators’ salaries were pegged at the same level for this fiscal year, but have had two cuts since April 2012. The Royal Gazette began questioning the status of the Salaries Review Board in April this year, beginning with Cabinet — only to be referred to the House of Assembly. 
Seniors Advisory Council Established by the Bermuda Government in March 2015 to help to improve the standards of care for the Island’s elderly. The council will be made up of 15 individuals including, Dr John Cann as its chairman and Marian Sherratt as it deputy chairwoman. Minister of Seniors Jeanne Atherden made the announcement. “As a Government, we have an obligation to set policies and plan for the future, and we have a responsibility to ensure that the people who live and work in Bermuda have the knowledge they need to plan for their own future. We need to make sure that today’s young people are prepared for their old age. We don’t want them to be elderly and reliant on the Government for their housing and care. I will be asking the Seniors Advisory Council to work with our government department and our civil servants to develop a comprehensive National Ageing Plan for Bermuda. Part of that plan will, by necessity and as a matter of priority, need to address the issues surrounding long-term care.” The frequency of the council’s meetings will be determined by its members. Mrs Atherden said group would form subcommittees, which will invite the participation of individuals who are not on the council, but have expertise relevant to the subcommittee. “Caring for this growing population of Alzheimer’s and dementia sufferers is, even now, putting a strain on caregivers, families and our long-term care facilities. This strain will only get worse in the future, so another of the tasks for the council will be to review the need for and development of what I am calling an Alzheimer’s and dementia care strategy.” The members of the council include Lorraine Beasley, Lauren Bell, Charles Jeffers, Joanne Tucker, Valerie Pethen, Susan Jackson, Winifred Fostine-DeSilva, Sharon Swan, Dr Htay Myint, Rosheena Masters, Judy Canale, Elizabeth Stewart and Jane Collis.
Seniors Law Reform Committee  In 2016 completed a review focused on improving the protection of seniors from financial abuse, with recommendations on amendments to legislation to ensure greater financial and personal protection of seniors.
Spending and Government Efficiency (Sage) Commission Can also be regarded as the Savings And Government Efficiency Commission.
St. George's Preservation Authority Town of St. George's (Protection of Buildings of Special Interest) Act 1950. 
Scientific Authority for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora Endangered Animals and Plants Act 1976. 
School Reorganization Advisory Committee (Score) 2016. January 19. Parental anxieties fuelled by rumours over possible school closures have influenced the latest public school application figures, according to one principal, Romelle Warner, who led this committee. Reports to Minister of Education.
Special Courts Panel No specific legislation
Stamp Design Advisory Committee Bermuda Constitution Order 1968, Section 61. 
Standing Medical Board Pension and Gratuities (War Service) Act 1947. All surviving beneficiaries of such pensions are senior citizens. 
Sustainable Development Roundtable (SDR) c/o Ministry of the Environment. First introduced in April 2005. Its primary role is to advise the Cabinet on a sustainable future for the country in areas of economics, the environment and culture. Premier Ewart Brown unveiled his Sustainable Development Roundtable (SDR) members in March 2007 but also revealed that he won’t ask the group to weigh in on the controversial Southlands Special Development Order (SDO) on the Southlands issue. Dr. Brown’s panel is 13 members, five fewer than the panel of his predecessor Alex Scott. Seven of the members are new and six are from the previous Roundtable. Among those not invited back is environmentalist Stuart Hayward, who, since leaving the Government advisory committee, has become an outspoken opponent of the Southlands bid for an SDO.

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Tax Appeal Tribunal Panel Taxes Management Act 1976. 
Tax Convention Advisory Committee USA-Bermuda Taxes Management Act 1986. 
Tax Information Exchange Portal 2017. June 16. The Bermuda Government has created a new portal that meets the island’s obligations under automatic exchange of tax information agreements. Bob Richards, the Minister of Finance, said the Tax Information Reporting Portal was essential for the island to adhere to international compliance standards and to protect its status as a financial centre. The new portal will enable overseas tax authorities to access tax information on individuals and multinational companies and was borne out of international agreements designed to clamp down on tax dodging. “Today’s launch of Bermuda’s automatic exchange of information (AEOI) portal is a milestone in protecting Bermuda as a leading international financial centre,” Mr Richards said. “It is impossible to remain a viable centre in today’s compliance climate without conforming to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development AEOI regime, especially as it is required by both the European Union and the G20 to meet their standard for international co-operation on tax matters.” The new rules mandate how countries collect information on the financial account information of individuals and also operations of multinational companies, to the benefit of interested tax authorities. The new portal confirms the island is meeting its obligations under the OECD CRS (Common Reporting Standard) and OECD CbC (Country-by-Country) AEOI regimes. “Bermuda is an AEOI Early Adopter jurisdiction, meaning that Bermuda’s portal will receive year 2016 CRS and year 2016 CBC information from Bermuda persons and share the information with all countries that are also AEOI Early Adopters for year 2016 CRS and CBC information,” Mr Richards said. “Many of the large countries are latecomers by only collecting and sharing under the OECD AEOI regime starting with either year 2017 information or year 2018 information. This includes some of the EU, G20 and OECD countries — some of the very countries promoting these very standards.” The Ministry of Finance statement added: “Bermuda is the first UK Overseas Territory to join the OECD Base Erosion Profit Shifting committee known as the Inclusive Framework. Bermuda has also initiated renegotiation of all four of its double-taxation agreements to revise them to the standard articulated by the Multilateral Convention to Implement Tax Treaty Related Measures to Prevent BEPS.” Reporting persons can now access Bermuda’s Tax Information Reporting Portal.
Tax Reform Commission 2018. December 8. A more efficient Government could emerge alongside changes to the tax system in efforts to shore up the public purse, MPs heard last night. It was hoped a balance would be struck between trying to increase income while also cutting costs. Legislators debated the Report of the Tax Reform Commission 2018, which put forward a series of proposals that could boost government revenues by $147 million over two to three years. It came after a seven-member bipartisan group was tasked with carrying out a “thorough review” of the island’s tax regime after a 2017 Throne Speech pledge by the Progressive Labour Party administration. The group was asked to find ways to increase public sector revenue from 17 per cent of GDP to a minimum of 20 to 22 per cent and determine any steps that could be taken to allow for a more equitable system. Its report, which took nine months to compile, proposed new taxes along with reforms to existing taxes. Curtis Dickinson, the Minister of Finance, told the House of Assembly he continued to review the recommendations and had not yet made any decision on which of those would be implemented. He said the challenges included a net debt of approximately $2.45 billion, an ageing population, increasing healthcare costs and an economy that is progressing “slowly”. Members heard the ministry aimed for a “balanced approach” that looked at revenue increases but also made Government more efficient. Mr Dickinson told the House there was “widespread support” for more effective tax collection and said his team was exploring ways to offer greater support to the “under resourced” Office of the Tax Commissioner. He added: “I believe the best way to resolve our fiscal challenges is to grow our economy through the creation of more well-paying jobs. A growing economy leads to a broader tax base with more participants and through the law of averages an ability to spread our tax burden across a broader number of people. While remaining mindful of the important and significant contributions that big business makes to our economy, we need to continue to work on policies that help entrepreneurs, small and medium sized businesses to thrive.” Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, the Opposition’s finance spokeswoman in the House, said the Governments was “not in the business” of being profit making organisations. She continued: “What we would expect to see in the choices that are made is that Government will make the necessary selection from the recommendations that would balance our budget. We’re not looking for a whole lot of extra money, we’re not looking for money that on the backs of the taxpayers will go to grow a burgeoning Government, that is not the intent.” Ms Gordon-Pamplin said it was important not to have “an assault on the taxpayer” and highlighted the need for Government to understand its responsibility to reduce costs. She voiced reservations about taxation of passive income as there are a “significant number” of seniors who rely on such funds, and said the Government needed to be careful when adjusting payroll tax to make sure it did not become a disincentive for growth. Wayne Furbert, Junior Minister of Finance, said the focus of the report was to find ways to make Bermuda’s tax system fairer. Mr Furbert said: “We have to accept on both sides that the tax system that we have is not equitable or fair. If we can accept that, then we can move on to how can we make it equitable.” He added that Government should not rely solely on cutting expenditure to balance the budget, reminding the House of the furore caused by the One Bermuda Alliance’s use of furlough days to reduce costs. Craig Cannonier, Opposition leader, said the Government needed to consider how it could help the island’s struggling retail sector, which employs more Bermudians than any area other than Government. Mr Cannonier said: “Businesses are struggling in the economy we have now. We feel that the taxation system is unfair and far behind where it should be.” He said retailers often have difficulty with cash flow because they have to pay taxes on items when they come to the island rather than at sale. Mr Cannonier said this is particularly a burden on small and medium sized businesses, along with those trying to enter the retail sector. He added that immigration must also play a part in revitalizing the economy. Scott Pearman, the Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs, was among several MPs who noted that the Commission was not asked to directly address Government spending. He said the “lion’s share” of the recommendations were four new taxes — a rental tax, a general services tax, a tax on interest and dividends and what he called “an outsourcing tax”, which would apply to services contracted out by local companies to foreign service providers. Mr Pearman claimed that aside from the rental tax, none of the four were easily calculable or collectable. He added: “These proposals at their heart mean more tax on Bermudians when there are less Bermudians to pay them. We need to attract more people to this island, not chase them away with higher taxation.” David Burt, the Premier, thanked the Tax Reform Commission members and said the review was about “making our tax system more fair and more balanced”. He continued: “What I hear is that there’s one side, which is protecting the status quo, and there’s another side that wants to change things to make sure that we lower taxes for workers, lower taxes for the low income people and possibly tax those persons who may be a little bit more wealthy, whose income has never been subject to taxation.”

2018. February 15. The Tax Reform Commission is facing a difficult but achievable challenge, according to new chairman Ronald Simmons. Mr Simmons, a former director of the Bermuda Monetary Authority, said he was honored by the opportunity to serve as chairman. He said: “The Premier has selected a great team of distinguished individuals. Given the numerous risks, uncertainties and challenges facing our economy, we have a lot of work to accomplish. However, I am confident we will be able to provide the Premier and the Government recommendations for comprehensive tax reform that is equitable, efficient, effective, transparent and fair, while enhancing Bermuda’s global competitiveness.” David Burt, the Premier and Minister of Finance, unveiled the members of the bipartisan commission yesterday. The commission, designed to make Bermuda’s tax system fairer, stimulate economic activity and create jobs for Bermudians, was one of the Progressive Labour Party’s General Election pledges. Mr Burt said: “I think the work of the Tax Reform Commission will go a long way in dealing with some of the biggest challenges which we have. Our system of taxation creates inequality by its very nature and structure and our over reliance on payroll tax at the same time discourages job creation in Bermuda. We have to balance those aspects and I’m quite certain that this diverse team will be able to look at the issues that we have and will be able to arrive at recommendations that will help Bermuda.” In addition to Mr Simmons, the commission will include Jeanne Atherden, the Opposition leader, and Wayne Furbert, the Junior Minister of Finance. Other commissioners include Donald Scott, a former Cabinet Secretary, Mitch Blaser, chief operating officer of Ironshore Inc, Craig Simmons, Bermuda College economics lecturer, and Brian Holdipp, senior corporate lawyer at MJM Ltd. Mr Burt said: “These commissioners have a mammoth task ahead of them, but I am confident they are up to the challenge. As promised, this commission has representation from both political parties and a cross-section of expertise in Bermuda’s economy.” He said he believed the commission would be fair, and that he looked forward to receiving its report in six months.

Technical Advisory Panel Motor Car Act 1951.
Telecommunications Commission Telecommunications Act 1986. 
Transport Planning Team 2018. April 16. A total of 2,365 people completed the Government survey for the Green Paper on Transportation. The Transport Survey on public transportation, which includes elements of road safety, also sought direct input from some 70 stakeholders. The Ministry of Transport and Regulatory Affairs is now moving to its next phase of broad public consultation in advance of new policy decisions. The next public input will be a Pro-Action Café which will include input from environmentalists, community leaders, stakeholder groups and members of the general public who completed the survey. The exercise is designed to leverage the collective intelligence of the group. Deputy Premier and transport minister Walter Roban said he was extremely pleased with the amount of people who took the time to complete the survey, estimated to take about 15 minutes, on the Government portal over the four weeks of the exercise. Mr Roban said: “It has to be one of the most successful online surveys run by the Government and consultation has reached out even further. We are determined to get a broad understanding of public wishes before embarking on any plan to change the state of transportation in Bermuda. But something must be done and we expect to begin making substantive changes this year to improve the quality of life in Bermuda with regard to transportation. Before we move on to another exciting phase of this initiative, it is important that I convey how grateful I am that so many took the 15 to 20 minutes necessary to participate in this important survey. Bermuda faces a litany of challenges when it comes to transportation. And the Government may propose a series of changes that will alter some aspects of how any of us get from point A to B in the future. But right now we are listening and we will continue to do that with a survey planned for students, and, another forum that will allow public input.” The Transport Planning Team has also heard from visitors, tourism industry stakeholders, and will have to go through a large number of written submissions sent directly to the Ministry. Separate to the priority list of solutions, the Ministry will be making decisions shortly on outstanding matters which include those related to minicars and minibuses.
Treatment of Offenders Board No specific legislation
Top Level Domain Committee Ministry of Telecommunications & E-Commerce. 
Tourism Board Bermuda Constitution Order 1968, Section 61. 
Trucks Advisory Committee Motor Car Act 1951. 
Veterinary Practitioners Council (VPC) Established by the Veterinary Practitioners Act 2008 which states that overseas practitioners must either be a member of the UK's Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, or hold a 'valid licence' in the US, Canada, European Union or Caribbean Economic Community to qualify. VPC promotes standards with a code of conduct, with powers to investigate all allegations of professional misconduct. It will examine the qualifications of overseas vets applying to practice here. In the past, the profession had only been governed by a short section of the Agriculture Act 1930 which was inadequate. There is now an annual register of vets to be published and re-registration will be required every three years to ensure vets keep up to date with latest standards. The register also bars those not on it from treating sick and injured animals, under penalty of a $5,000 fine or six months' imprisonment. Veterinary certificate holders under the Agriculture Act 1930 will automatically qualify for the register.

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Wage Commission 2019. July 31. The creation of a minimum wage for Bermuda took a step closer on Monday as legislation to set up a group that will consider pay rates was passed by senators. A six-strong Wage Commission will recommend a minimum hourly wage and a living wage as part of a bid to protect workers from low pay. The Employment (Wage Commission) Act 2019 said a living wage rate was the “amount of income necessary to afford an employee and his household a socially acceptable standard of living” and covered food, clothing, housing, medical treatment, childcare and transport. James Jardine, an independent senator, said there were “many studies and articles” about the advantages of the introduction of a minimum wage as well as its possible economic drawbacks. He said: “My own view on this complex subject is there can be real benefits to those who remain employed after the implementation of a minimum wage regime and that the possible economic downsides depend entirely on the country in which the minimum wage is being implemented, its own economic circumstances and, probably more importantly and just as key, the level at which the minimum wage is set.” Mr Jardine added he supported the establishment of a wage commission. He said: “The level that is set for the minimum wage will determine what impact it has on the cost of living. It will impact, probably going forward, not so much for the existing jobs, but for job creation; it will impact the jobs that may or may not be created in the future.” Nick Kempe, the One Bermuda Alliance Senate Leader, said it was difficult to understand what the effect of a living wage would have on different groups of people and what impact there might be on jobs held by foreign workers at the lower end of the pay scale. He asked: “If a certain wage was raised, would that all of a sudden entice Bermudians to work in those industries? Would it simply be increasing the amount of cash sent overseas for people that are able to essentially reduce their cost of living in Bermuda as they’re looking for economic opportunity and this kind of thing? There’s a clear distinction between exploitation and people who choose to, say, bunk as an adult because their spouses or children are back home, and that’s a beneficial, short-term economic position for them.” Anthony Richardson, a Progressive Labour Party senator, pointed out there was a “human element” to the wage commission debate. He said: “The reality is that the cost of fuel, food, vehicles, electricity, bank fees and all the rest of it, they are the same for all of us, irrespective of how much money we may earn.” Dwayne Robinson, an OBA senator, said he was concerned about the impact of a statutory wage regime on small businesses. Vance Campbell, of the PLP, said an education campaign should be mounted for people who will benefit from pay increases, to help make sure any additional funds were spent, for example, on bills they were struggling to pay rather than trips. Jason Hayward, the PLP senator who moved for the Bill’s approval in the Upper House, said: “I don’t think what we will find is the commission setting an unreasonable wage that creates an undue burden on business. While we remain concerned about business interests, our priority of concern should be the workers, the people who work nine to five, day after day, and can’t make ends meet.” Senators passed the Bill without objection yesterday. They also approved the Public Service Superannuation Amendment Act 2019 to raise the mandatory retirement age for public service workers from 65 to 68. It will not affect police officers, firefighters, prison officers, Bermuda Regiment soldiers or teachers. Senators also passed the Fund Administration Provider Business Act 2019, which was designed to provide greater consistency to how fund managers carry out their roles and how they are supervised by the Bermuda Monetary Authority.

2019. July 22. MPs have approved setting up a commission to look at the creation of a minimum wage. Lovitta Foggo, the Minister of Labour, Community Affairs and Sport, said that the purpose of a minimum wage was to “protect workers against unduly low pay”. She added: “The days of Bermudians being able to pick and choose jobs are gone. The current economic climate puts the demand-and-supply equation for labour in the employer’s favour. Unskilled workers now have to compete for jobs and exploitation of workers is occurring.” Ms Foggo, speaking in the House on Friday night, highlighted a job advertisement this year that had looked to hire a live-in caregiver. The post offered pay of $10 an hour, less room and board, for a 60-hour week. She added that the employee was also expected to be on call seven nights a week. Ms Foggo said: “I think that we can all agree that this embodies the term ‘exploitation’.” The Employment (Wage Commission) Act 2019 will create a six-strong Wage Commission made up of a chairman and five members. It will also include two ex officio members from the ministries responsible for labour and finance. Its main function will be the recommendation of a minimum hourly wage and a living wage. The Act defined a living wage rate as the “amount of income necessary to afford an employee and his household a socially acceptable standard of living” and covered food, clothing, housing, medical treatment, childcare and transport. Ms Foggo said that the chairman would be paid $100 a meeting and members would be paid $50 a meeting. Leah Scott, the deputy Opposition leader, said that the Bill was a “step in the right direction”. She said: “People should be able to live with dignity and they should be paid for the jobs that they do.” Ms Scott, a member of the parliamentary joint select committee on the establishment of a living wage, said that the cost of living on the island also had to be looked at. She explained: “You can’t have wages go up and other things are going up at the same time.” Ms Scott said that business input on the wages was also essential. Rolfe Commissiong, also a committee member, said that the Bill showed Bermudians that “help is on the way”. He added: “This is not going to solve all of our problems — but certainly this is going to offer some relief and benefit to those who have been struggling with low-level, even poverty-level wages in our country.” Mr Commissiong, a Progressive Labour Party backbencher, said that both Bermudians and non-Bermudians would benefit. He added that Bermudians should “stop pointing the finger” at non-Bermudians that worked in low-paying jobs. Mr Commissiong said: “They are trying to support their families back home. Let’s put the focus on the systemic problem which has precipitated this ... and focus on those unscrupulous employers who have been very happy to be reaping those profits.” Derrick Burgess, the Deputy Speaker, said that he took exception to the exploitation of workers, “particularly the workers from overseas”. He added: “We shouldn’t be allowed modern-day slavery in terms of what they are paid in Bermuda.” Jeanne Atherden, a One Bermuda Alliance backbencher, questioned the use of the phrase “socially acceptable standard of living” to define the living wage rate. She asked: “How does one define what is a socially acceptable standard of living? That depends on who you are and what you think.” Ms Foggo said that Bermuda was “clearly behind the times”. She added: “Today, we are on the road to making a living wage a reality for Bermuda. Our people deserve to live with dignity, they deserve to enjoy decent work, and a part of that is to provide for a living wage. This legislation will make it happen.”

Waiver Assistance Programme For affected and needy Bermudians
War Veterans Pensions Commission (WVPC) A group made up of former military members. Unlike veterans in other countries, Bermuda pays a pension only to those who served overseas. In 2019 they submitted a proposal to increase the monthly benefit from $800 to $1,000.
West End Development Corporation (WEDCo) A Bermuda Government quango. Set up in 1982 to manage and develop 214 acres of Government-owned land in the West End, including Watford Island, Boaz Island, Ireland Island South and North, the small islands forming the Crawl off Ireland South and the North and South basins and breakwaters. Revenue is generated from residential and commercial tenants plus berthing fees from the commercial and cruise ship docks. West End Corporation Act 1982. P. O. Box MA 415, Mangrove Bay, MA BX. 
War Veterans Pensions Commission (WVPC) A group of former military members. In 2019 they recommended that the monthly pension paid to war veterans be increased from $800 to $1,000.
Waterfront Task Force Established by the Premier in 2005. It includes members from the private sector, Corporation of St. George's, West End Development Corporation (Wedco) and Corporation of Hamilton. For the six months the Corporation of Hamilton declined to participate on the Task Force. It was made clear that in the future the number of cruise ships in Hamilton and St. George's would decrease and the opportunity would exist to redevelop the waterfronts at each port.
Water Safety Council Ministry of Transport.

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