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By Keith Archibald Forbes (see About Us)
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The
licence for a bookmaker’s shop run by former Progressive Labour Party leader
Marc Bean will hang in the balance on Monday when the permit for the popular
Court Street betting shop is due to expire. The Betting Licensing Authority
ruled yesterday that management at Court Street’s Paradise Games must file a
detailed account of their business at an eleventh-hour hearing on April 1.
Cornell Bean Sr, the manager of the betting shop, was also ordered to bring a
letter from the Minister of Finance approving guarantees from no fewer than two
people who back the shop’s business. Eugene Johnston, lawyer for the shop,
argued that the bookmaker, opened in 2014, had its licence renewed several times
with less stringent requirements. The authority, headed by Juan Wolffe, the
senior magistrate, also heard there was confusion over who in the Bermuda
Government was responsible for the approval of betting shops. Mr Johnston said
there had been “uncertainty” over whether responsibility had been
transferred to the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission. Curtis Dickinson, the
Minister of Finance, told the House of Assembly this month that the Betting
Licensing Authority would be brought under the commission’s wing. Mr Johnston
said yesterday that Paradise Games management had been “sent to multiple
departments and given a bit of a runaround”. He added: “It’s something
they have been battling with since January of this year.” Mr Wolffe has
insisted at previous hearings that Mr Dickinson had responsibility for betting
shops. Authority over betting shops has shuffled between several ministries over
the past year. Mr Johnston told the authority that Paradise Games, which brought
a single guarantee to the authority yesterday, had renewed its licence in the
same way six times before without problems. He added: “The minister has
continually said this is acceptable to him.” But Mr Wolffe said a letter sent
by the authority to the shop’s lawyers, Smith Bean and Co, in March 2017 had
asked them to detail the minister’s approval. He added: “It’s not the
first time we have raised this. Maybe some leniency was extended to your client
back then.” Mr Wolffe, alongside authority members Elizabeth Christopher and
Peter Barrett, questioned Mr Bean on the running of Paradise Games, including
its use of United States lotteries. Mr Wolffe said a letter from Smith Bean and
Co maintained that the use of American lotteries was acceptable under
Bermuda’s 1975 Act. But he added the association between the lawyer Simone
Smith Bean and Marc Bean, her husband, made the opinion “not an independent or
natural opinion”. Cornell Bean told the authority that Paradise Games ran
fixed-odds betting on two, three and four-ball state lotteries, with the house
paying out a maximum of $25,000 from its own takings. He added the shop no
longer offered multimillion jackpots through US intermediaries for Bermudian
customers to try their luck in the US Powerball Lottery. A special report by The
Royal Gazette in May 2018 highlighted concerns by an American gaming lawyer
that the practice broke the law. Cornell Bean told the authority yesterday that
the big money US lottery had been dropped in June or July of last year. He added
the shop used numbers drawn in US lotteries only for fixed-odds bets, and that
Paradise Games, which is popular with seniors, typically took a maximum bet of
$300. Cornell Bean said that customers were not permitted to top up their
accounts without using the cash for gaming. Mr Wolffe ordered the shop’s
management to produce detailed accounts of its operations at the start of next
week. He warned them they had “leg work between now and Monday”.
Shopkeepers
braced themselves this weekend for a hit from the sugar tax hike on Monday. Products
with sugar will have 75 per cent duty rate from the start of next week. Zachary
Moniz, the manager at Lindo’s Family Foods in Warwick, said customs had only
just sent out the files the store needed to update its systems to ensure the tax
was paid at the new rate. He added: “I’ve got people working on that
today.” But sugar-laden items like Easter eggs will be spared an increase as
the new tax will affect only goods that arrive in Bermuda on or after April 1.
Mr Moniz said: “I’m not sure if there is confusion; it is just a waiting
game. You need to know what tariff numbers will be impacted, so you can make the
pricing adjustments. The clearance software has to be updated so we pay the
right duty.” When soft drinks, sweets and other items were hit by a 50 per
cent hike in duty rates in October, merchants received details a week before the
tax went into effect. But Mr Moniz said: “This time that hasn’t happened.
Customs will likely have sessions we can attend to find out what is impacted and
how it is impacted. My main concern is getting the tariff duty for my software
so I can start to clear containers this weekend, so I can get things off the
dock as early as possible on Monday.” Mr Moniz predicted customers would not
be happy with the new duty rates. He said: “With the last sugar tax hike in
October, people were upset. There were arguments all over the place. I would
imagine that people will be more upset now. Certain things that you didn’t
know would be impacted fall under tariff numbers and the price goes up.” Mr
Moniz added many customers were confused over what prices would go up as a
result of the sugar tax. He said: “People were picking up Diet Cokes and
saying the price went up. Drinks with artificial sweeteners instead of sugar,
are excluded from the hikes. People were saying, ‘last week it was X price’,
but it was on sale the week before. They were seeing the exact same price it was
before it was on sale. People were accusing vendors of putting prices up when
they didn’t need to go up, when in fact it was the normal process of things. The
sugar tax would not impact other items in the store. Prices on other items will
rise and fall as they always do anyway. Prices change as the vendor costs to us
change.” Mr Moniz added he was not in favour of the sugar tax. He said: “I
don’t know how much it will change people’s behavior. For the Government, I
guess it is worth a try. If the goal is to raise revenue, if you raise the price
too high the revenue you get at 30 per cent, you won’t get any more because no
one will buy it.” Mr Moniz said he thought sales of sodas and sugary drinks
would take the largest hit. “People have been buying less soda for the last 20
years.” Mr Moniz said he did not think there would be panic buying of
chocolate in advance of the Monday tax increases. “Chocolate is a spontaneous
item. When you come in the store and feel like one, you buy it.”
A
man accused of smuggling $430,000 worth of drugs into Bermuda said he agreed to
bring in shirts and baby supplies for a friend and had no idea drugs were hidden
inside the items. Edward Jaloni Albouy, 25, told the Supreme Court yesterday
he was “shocked and surprised” when the drugs were found, and called his
friend after he was released from custody. Mr Albouy said: “I asked him if he
would come clean. Obviously, I didn’t do it. When I told him what happened,
all he could tell me is ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry. He just kept telling me he
was sorry and he didn’t think it was that serious.” Mr Albouy explained he
flew to Britain on August 23, 2017 to visit colleges in Birmingham and a British
friend who lived in Bristol. He stayed in a hotel near Birmingham then caught a
train to Bristol to meet the friend, who cannot be identified for legal reasons.
Mr Albouy said he had expected to return to his hotel that night, but lost track
of time and the friend offered to let him stay with him. He added because he had
not brought toiletries or a change of clothes, the pair went to a Tesco
supermarket to buy a few items. Mr Albouy said his friend asked him if he could
take some items back to Bermuda with him while they were in the store. He added:
“He asked me if I would take back some items he was going to buy for his
godson and his friend, another Bermudian. It was a surprise to me that he even
knew any one else in Bermuda.” Mr Albouy said he agreed and the friend bought
a dozen three-packs of white shirts, four packets of diapers and two packets of
baby wipes. He added he did not pay much attention to the items after they were
bought and after two nights in Bristol he returned to his hotel near Birmingham
with the goods and packed them into his suitcases. Mr Albouy said he didn’t
notice anything unusual about the items and was shocked when customs officers
found the ecstasy, cannabis and cannabis resin inside them when he returned to
Bermuda on September 3, 2017. He said: “I couldn’t believe there was
something inside. I still wasn’t sure what it was, but it was something I
didn’t know was there. I was thinking about how it could have gotten there. It
went through my mind who could have placed this there. I was all over the place.
I thought to myself there was no way my friend would have done something like
this to me.” Mr Albouy told Alan Richards, the Crown counsel, he took two
large suitcases with him to the UK because he had thought he might go shopping
and wanted the extra luggage space. But he said he did not buy much, which left
him with enough space to accommodate his friend’s request. The defendant added
he did not think it was unusual that his friend would buy 36 white shirts and
did not notice they were in two different sizes. Mr Albouy said: “I didn’t
see anything suspicious with it. I trusted him as a good friend and I know
people who prefer to buy things in bulk when they travel.” Mr Richards
suggested that Mr Albouy knew what he was doing and what he had brought back to
Bermuda. He said: “I would suggest that nobody familiar with travel and with
any common sense would accept these items without question to carry back to
somebody they didn’t even know. Anybody with an ounce of common sense would realize
that this didn’t add up. You were running a risk that I suggest nobody would
seriously take.” But Mr Albouy insisted that he had no idea what was hidden in
the packages. He also denied that he told Customs officers that he had bought
the goods, or that they were for one of his friends. Mr Richards also quizzed Mr
Albouy about dirty laundry in one of his suitcases. Mr Albouy said he was ill on
the flight to the UK and had been sick on his pants. He claimed he had planned
to get the pants cleaned before he returned to the island, but did not get the
chance. Mr Albouy denied that he used the soiled pants to cover the smell of
cannabis hidden in the suitcase and that he used a deodorant spray when the
second suitcase was opened and the smell of the drugs became apparent. The
search of the diapers, shirts and baby wipes revealed about 2,957 grams of MDMA
— also known as ecstasy, 1,633 grams of cannabis and 1,209 grams of cannabis
resin. The drugs were estimated to have a street value of $236,540, $81,650 and
$120,000 respectively. Mr Albouy has denied importation of the drugs and
possession with intent to supply. The trial continues.
A
schoolboy savaged by two pitbull-type dogs is traumatized and suffers nightmares
in the wake of the horror attack, his mother said yesterday. Aston
Jones-Williams was bitten all over his body by the dogs, said by the Government
to be a restricted breed. Ajale Williams said her son was bitten on his wrist,
legs, head and face, and screamed in pain as he was being treated for his wounds
in hospital. She said: “It has pretty much changed his whole routine. He is
shaken.” Ms Williams, from Pembroke, explained that her normal routine was to
drop Aston, 9, off at the house of a woman on nearby Mission Lane so she could
take him to Northlands Primary School. But on the day of the attack last
Thursday, Ms Williams was late for work and dropped Aston off at the junction of
St Monica’s Road and Glebe Road, a short walk to the woman’s home. Aston was
mauled by the dogs as he walked down the hill. Ms Williams said: “I feel bad
that I didn’t drop him off that morning.” She added that Aston did not want
to go back into the area. She said: “He doesn’t even want to go to her house
even though her dog has never attacked him. He won’t walk on the street and he
has bad dreams.” It’s hard because he said, ‘Mommy, I wish you were
there’.” She said she had been forced to make other arrangements to get him
to and from school. Ms Williams said Aston had been given counselling and that
she planned to get him more help in a bid to get over the trauma. And she called
for dog owners to be more responsible and to follow regulations designed for
restricted breeds. The dogs that attacked Aston were put down after the
incident. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said dog owners
should keep their animals secure to prevent accidents, bites and unintended
breeding. A spokeswoman said: “The department continues to investigate this
matter and expresses their sympathy to the young victim.” Walter Roban, the
home affairs minister, added dog owners should always consider the safety of
other people. He told owners: “ Your neighbours may not be comfortable with
your dog roaming uncontrolled, even though you believe your dog to be friendly.
Your neighbours have a right to enter and exit their homes without intimidation,
fear or angst, so please keep your dog secure.” The minister highlighted
amendments to the Dogs Act made last October. Mr Roban said: “The legislation
has given owners of illegal dogs the opportunity to demonstrate responsible
ownership. Owners can either seize or squander the opportunity, and whether they
get to keep their dog long term rests entirely in their hands.” The amended
legislation gave the department the power to refuse to grant or renew dog
licences, or to cancel an existing licence, based on past offences, complaints
or the suitability of the premises where a dog was kept. Animal groups also
called for dog owners to be more responsible about their dogs. An administrator
of the Facebook group Dogs of Bermuda said: “Pitbulls, like any dog, can bite.
They just have a bad reputation because of the often ignorant people that have
them, but don’t love or look after them. Dog ownership is a privilege not a
right and they must be cared for.” Ian MacFarlaine, of the SPCA, said: “We
continue to urge a small minority of dog owners to become more responsible
because carelessness has consequences.” Grace Markham, of Punish the Breed,
Not the Deed, said it was important that dogs were well trained. She added: “I
feel incredibly saddened for the child injured in this situation as it’s
entirely preventable if the dogs had been contained correctly.” Ms Markham
said people who own restricted breeds should follow the rules. She warned: “If
you’re unable to control the strength of your dog, if he or she pulls away,
then you should not be walking your animal where it may have triggers such as
other dogs.”
A
Bermudian model has appeared as the cover girl in the Mexican edition of the
world’s biggest fashion magazine. Aliana King features on the front of Elle’s
April edition for the Latin American country — but she almost missed the job
because of other work commitments. Ms King, 19, was in Sweden on a fashion shoot
when she got the call about the job for Elle, scheduled to be shot in New
York. She said: “I was doing a job in Sweden right before the photo shoot so I
wasn’t even sure if I was going to be able to be back for it. As soon as I
left my job in Sweden I got to the airport, flew all night, got to New York in
the morning and went straight to my job from there. It took a lot to make it
happen.” Ms King, who lives in New York, said that her appearance in a
prestige magazine such as Elle was a great career booster, but it is the
latest in an impressive list of achievements. She added she had already featured
in fashion giants Vogue and Marie Claire, and now had the last of
the big four magazines, Harper’s Bazaar, in her sights. But Ms King
said she might never have made it in an industry dominated by taller women
because she is only 5ft 4in. She explained: “Although I am proportionate to a
taller model there are many different things in the job that I can’t do as
well because of my height. I’m not saying that I have any less talent — it
has to do with the sizing of the clothes and not being able to look the same in
photos when compared to the other models.” But Ms King said her star role in Elle
Mexico showed she could compete in the tough world of international modelling.
She added: “I always knew that if I was going to do this then I had to put
everything I had into it and push as hard as I could. It’s definitely
happening very fast, but I didn’t expect anything less.” Ms King said that
she hoped to bring a modelling agency to Bermuda. She wants to scout Bermuda
talent to thank the island for its support. Ms King added: “The amount of
people that congratulate me and recognize me in my own country is amazing and I
really feel the love and support. It doesn’t matter how much I do or how far I
go, I always get the most support from my own country. That feels absolutely
amazing.”
An European Union economic
commissioner was “surprised” that Bermuda was included on a list of non-cooperative
tax jurisdictions, the Premier said yesterday. David Burt explained that the
island was internationally recognized as having a robust reputation and his
meeting in Brussels with Pierre Moscovici was a step towards further good
relations with the EU. He admitted that Bermuda had been affected by its
inclusion on the list but made assurances that measures will be introduced to
prevent any repeat of the “aberration”. The Premier’s comments came after
Mr Moscovici, the EU Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation
and Customs, indicated that he anticipated a positive recommendation would be
made to the EU’s Code of Conduct Group next month. The Government said
yesterday: “On this basis, Bermuda is confident that we will be removed from
the list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes at the earliest
opportunity and we look forward to continued dialogue with the commission
regarding Bermuda’s enhancement to its investment funds regime.” Its
statement said that during the meeting, Mr Moscovici acknowledged “the level
of co-operation between the European Union and Bermuda” and “encouraged us
to continue our engagement”. Mr Burt later told The Royal Gazette: “I think
that it’s accurate to say that the commissioner was surprised that Bermuda
ended up on this list, due to this technical matter, because it’s not in
keeping with the record and reputation which Bermuda has in the international
sphere. From that perspective, we had these conversations. It’s the second
time that I’ve met the commissioner and it was, without question, of a cordial
nature.” Mr Burt and Curtis Dickinson, the finance minister, explained earlier
this month how a “minor technical omission” in Bermuda’s economic
substance regulations was not spotted and meant the island’s submission to the
EU was incomplete. They said the matter was immediately rectified and an amended
version was sent in time for proper consideration by the EU’s Economic and
Financial Affairs Council. However, around the same time, the list of
non-cooperative tax jurisdictions was revised and Bermuda — said to have not
delivered its commitments on time — was among the ten to be added. Mr Burt
said yesterday that the United Kingdom and others had noted the issue was
rectified, so the Government was “confident that the commission would give a
positive recommendation as the language had already been agreed”. He added:
“It was just unfortunate that, due to that drafting error, that line was
omitted in our final submission. I think that, without question, there is an
impact to the jurisdiction from this listing, but I think that the Government
has been clear with industry and clear with our international partners that this
was an aberration which should not have happened and the Government is putting
in place the mechanisms to ensure it doesn’t happen again. The fact is that
our approach to international affairs is often on an ad hoc basis and one of the
things this has taught myself and the Minister of Finance, given that these
issues are going to continue to occur over and over again and especially as the
United Kingdom is expected to leave the European Union, is that we have to
increase our capacity in the management of international relations. But this
particular line being omitted is not something that should have happened and the
quality-control mechanisms will be put in place, the Minister of Finance has
assured me that that will happen.” Mr Burt and Mr Dickinson led a team to
Europe this week for a round of meetings. The Premier believed it was important
to show the EU leaders that Bermuda has “enjoyed a productive relationship”
with the EU for years, has been one of a few jurisdictions with Solvency II
equivalence and was “a jurisdiction that has been a leader in international
tax transparency and compliance”. He said: “This unfortunate technical
omission, which led to Bermuda being on the list of non-cooperative
jurisdictions for tax purposes is not in keeping with that record. When the
issue was identified it was immediately redressed and it was an important
message to tell the policymakers directly — that this was not something that
was intentional but it was something that was rectified immediately. The goal of
the Government is to continue the productive engagement which we’ve had and
the excellent relationship which we’ve had with the European Union over the
years.” Mr Burt admitted there was “concern” in the industry but he
believed that any impact from the listing would be short-term and businesses had
been “incredibly helpful” and supportive. If the recommendation next month
is positive, EU member states could approve Bermuda’s de-listing in May. Mr
Burt was due to return to the island today, while Mr Dickinson will hold more
meetings in Brussels, Berlin, Paris and London. The Premier said earlier: “Our
goal here was to set the tone for Bermuda’s continued close and fruitful
relationship with the European Union. Today’s meetings have been a welcome
step in that direction and I am confident that the Minister of Finance will
continue this productive engagement to support Bermuda’s quick removal from
the list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes."
Changes
to the island’s health financing are predicted to save millions for the
hospital while the Government’s mandated premiums remain unchanged, Kim
Wilson, the Minister of Health, announced yesterday. The revamp entails a
switch from the hospital’s fee-for-service model, in which all services are
separately paid for, to the hospital working within a less costly block grant of
$330 million. Ms Wilson said that the ministry had arrived at the figure after
discussions since January with Bermuda Hospitals Board. In the event that the
hospital broke the $330 million cap, the minister said: “Clearly, the
Government is not going to allow the hospital to go under. If there was an event
such as some kind of epidemic with increased costs to the hospital, the
Government would have to step in.” She said the island was currently saddled
with the developed world’s third most expensive health system, with
below-average results. This included a national cost of $78 million a year to
deal with diabetes and kidney disease alone, which she called “staggering”.
Ms Wilson said there would be no increases this year to the public’s standard
health insurance premium. Nor would premiums rise for the Health Insurance Plan,
or HIP, as well as FutureCare. However, from June 1, the Government will triple
the mutual reinsurance fund’s contribution to the standard premium rate. The
SPR is the premium for the mandated and basic health package that is part of
every insurance policy on the island, and the MRF is embedded within it. Ms
Wilson said: “What this means is that whereas currently $101.97 of your
standard premium is transferred to the MRF each month, leaving the balance for
insurers to pay hospital claims and the other standard benefits, from June 1,
$331.97 of the standard premium will be transferred to the MRF, and BHB will
receive the bulk of this funding to operate the hospital.” The minister said
the changes to BHB’s funding would make “no difference to the ordinary
public. Actuarially, it makes no difference to private insurance premiums either.
People will pay their insurance premiums just as always. Children, seniors and
the indigent will be subsidised as before, and access to hospital services will
remain as it is now.” Further consultation is in store, Ms Wilson added,
calling it “paramount” that the island develop a better way of paying for
healthcare.
A
global human rights organisation has recommended making Bermuda’s public
access to information law more robust, including by allowing some Cabinet papers
to be disclosed and by lifting the “veil of secrecy over the work of the
Minister of Finance”. The Centre for Law and Democracy was asked by the
Information Commissioner’s Office to review the Public Access to Information
Act 2010 and compare it to other transparency laws around the world. Its report,
released yesterday, placed Bermuda’s law informally as 45th out of 123
countries assessed on the international Right to Know Rating (RTI). The rating
measures the strength of the legal framework for the right to access information
held by public authorities. The report said: “While this may seem a
respectable score, in fact, it would be a lot weaker if the comparison were
limited to laws of more recent vintage, since these laws tend to be a lot
stronger. It would thus be appropriate at this time, some nine years after it
was adopted, for Bermuda to do a review of the Pati Act and to consider amending
it to make it stronger.” Toby Mendel, CLD’s executive director, told The
Royal Gazette: “We have read all of the national [right to know] laws in
the world. Bermuda is at the top of the middle third. It’s not terrible but it
could be a lot better.” The report praised the Act for creating a “strong
and independent oversight body” in the ICO but criticized a number of
weaknesses, including limitations on making requests and the scope of exceptions
which allow public authorities to withhold records. The report said: “The Pati
Act is relatively weak in terms of the regime of exceptions ...[this] is the
most complicated part of any RTI law and yet it is very important since it
determines which information shall be disclosed and which is secret. Getting the
right balance here is important, since legitimately confidential information
should be protected but an overbroad regime of exceptions can undermine the
whole thrust of an RTI law.” It added that "international best practice
was to make sure exceptions only protected legitimate confidentiality interests
and information should be confidential only if its disclosure would pose a risk
of harm to a protected interest and not just because information is
“related” to a particular interest. Even where disclosure of information
would pose a risk of harm, it should still be disclosed where the benefits of
this — for example in terms of combating corruption or facilitating
participation — would outweigh that harm (the public interest override). Legislation
presently protects from disclosure all records relating to Cabinet, including
draft Bills. This assumes that everything which takes place in Cabinet meetings
is by nature confidential, which is simply not the case, even though the laws of
a number of Westminster-style democracies take this approach (while others do
not). A better approach is to protect the underlying interests involved here,
such as the free and frank provision of advice and the integrity of policymaking
processes, rather than to rule out entire categories of information.” The
report highlighted section 26A of the Act, which it said protected certain
classes of records which “there is no need to protect. These included
records submitted to the Minister of Finance about international tax agreements
and “even any record which reflects any deliberation or decision at all of the
finance minister, apart from where such records have been officially published.
This casts a broad veil of secrecy over the work of the Minister of Finance,
which is simply not legitimate. Section 26A should be repealed or substantially
amended.” It also said it was against best practice for Parliament and its
members not to be covered by the Act and that should be changed. The Act only
covers the Office of the Clerk of the Legislature and the Office of the
Parliamentary Registrar at present. Other recommendations from the CLD included:
• making all exceptions subject to a public interest test, so records have to be disclosed if the benefits of disclosure outweigh any harm to a protected interest;
• outlining in the Act a wider range of benefits that Pati brings, such as combating corruption and helping citizens participate in public affairs;
• allowing the Pati Act to override secrecy provisions in other laws;
• limiting exceptions to “narrow and specific interests which can justify secrecy”;
• extending the Act to cover all bodies created by law or which take on a public function, as well as all of the activities of the judiciary and legislature, not just their administrative functions;
• allowing everyone to file requests, including legal entities, not only citizens and residents;
• giving consideration to requiring public authorities to publish information about contracts valued at “substantially” lower amounts than $50,000, such as $10,000 or “even less”; and
• reducing the “almost absurdly high” photocopying fees of $1 a sheet to five cents per page.
Bermuda’s public access to information law came into force four years ago and more than 500 Pati requests have since been made. Former Attorney-General Phil Perinchief was tasked by the Cabinet Office with reviewing the Pati Act last year, as part of a 12-month, $92,000 contract. The Royal Gazette obtained his reports, through a Pati request, last week. Mr Perinchief recommended a centralized body for handling Pati requests and said ministers should be immediately notified when certain requests were submitted, including about international tax agreements and Cabinet documents. A government spokeswoman said in January that Mr Perinchief’s review was “currently being considered”.
The
Minister of Education, the Hon. Diallo V. Rabain, JP, MP announced that the
Ministry of Education is now accepting applications for the 2019 St. Andrews to
Bermuda Scholarship. This scholarship was made possible by the generous
donation of long-time Bermuda resident, Mr. Chris Maybury and Mr. Karim Alibhai,
principal of GenCom, the owner of Rosewood Bermuda. Founded in 1413, the
University of St. Andrews is Scotland’s oldest university. A highly
competitive institution, it offers more than 900 degree courses, organised
across four faculties: Arts, Divinity, Medicine, and Science. It is located 90
minutes from Edinburgh in the town of St. Andrews. Valued at up to £22,900
annually for 4 years, the scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, food,
return airfare and a computer. The donors were determined that the scholarship
recipient should not have to worry about funding, but instead focus on their
studies and successful completion of their degree programme at the University of
St. Andrews. In order to be eligible, applicants must:
To apply for this scholarship, students must first apply directly to the University of St. Andrews. Students can then submit their scholarship application on Bermudascholarships.com by the deadline of Tuesday April 30th, 2019. More detailed information on the Bermuda to St. Andrews Scholarship, including eligibility and application requirements are available at moed.bm.
Drugs
discovered hidden in a Southampton man’s luggage were worth more than
$430,000, the Supreme Court heard yesterday. A jury heard that 2,957.7 grams
of MDMA — also known as ecstasy — was found in a suitcase belonging to
25-year-old Edward Jaloni Albouy. Those drugs could fetch up to $236,540 if sold
on the streets of Bermuda. Officers also found 1,633.4 grams of cannabis, worth
up to $81,650, and 1,209.5 grams of cannabis resin, worth up to $120,000.
Investigators found two DNA profiles on the drug packages, but the court heard
Mr Albouy was not a match for either profile. He has denied charges he imported
the controlled drugs with intent to supply. Detective constable Shannon Trott
said that, as part of the investigation, he looked into Mr Albouy’s bank
records. He told the court that on September 2, the day before Mr Albouy
returned to Bermuda, his debit card was used to withdraw money from an ATM at a
Birmingham branch of the Tesco supermarket chain in the UK. Under
cross-examination by Susan Mulligan, who represents Mr Albouy, Mr Trott said
requests were made for CCTV evidence from the store, but he had been told the
request was unsuccessful. He added that it was not unusual for such
requests to be fruitless. Mr Trott said: “During these sorts of investigations
we do make overseas inquiries. The results can be a bit of a mixed bag.
Sometimes we get successful returns and some times we don’t.” He said the
request was made through the National Crime Agency, and no efforts were made
through the mutual legal assistance treaty. Mr Trott explained: “That is a
timely, intensive matter to undertake. Things like CCTV are generally only kept
for a limited amount of time and when we go through that process, we often end
up not getting the footage in time.” The court has heard that Mr Albouy left
the island on a flight to London on August 23, 2017, and returned on the evening
of September 3, 2017. He was selected for a secondary search and a customs
officer noticed the smell of cannabis when she opened one of his suitcases.
Packages containing drugs were later found hidden in packets of diapers, baby
wipes and shirts. Mr Albouy told customs officers he was “surprised” by the
hidden packages and confirmed that he had bought the items from a Tesco. The
trial continues.
Bermuda-based
digital asset exchange platform Ultra has revealed a new conservation finance
mechanism. Ultra Reserve, a new financial token tool for forest and
wilderness conservation, was unveiled at the Grounded Summit, a
solutions-oriented gathering of scientists, technologists and conservation
leaders collaborating on climate change solutions. Ultra Reserve is part of the
Ultra digital asset management system and connected to a tokenized asset
exchange. Tokenized assets are digital representations of physical assets which
can be compiled, managed and exchanged. Ultra is managed by Hub Culture, founder
of the cryptocurrency ven. In a statement, Hub Culture said the system enables
the protection of forested land and wilderness through direct purchase and
placement into trust for perpetual protection. Ultra Reserve tokens, which are
digital, liquid and connected to the Ultra Exchange are related to the value of
the land under protection are issued for sale or trade linked to the value of
that land. Ultra Reserve tokens can be linked to many types of qualified land
protection projects where the land is legally preserved from development or in
trust. The qualification process for token issuance is managed through a digital
contracting and legal terms library managed by Hub Culture, with the first
projects linked to land purchases by Hub Culture held in perpetual trust.
Aspects of Ultra assets like Ultra Reserve include immutable ledger issuance and
blockchain integration of identity and purchase data connected to the project.
Trading is connected to ven. Reserve joins Ultra Carbon, a tokenized carbon
asset launched in 2018 and available to qualified buyers via Ultra and Hub
Culture. Hub Culture said such tokens “help remove externalities from the
wider economy by turning them into quantifiable assets. By doing so, the ability
for businesses and consumers in the Hub Culture community to tackle grand
societal challenges like preservation, climate change and other issues becomes
more feasible.”
A
man who barricaded himself in an abandoned building in Pembroke was arrested
after a seven-hour stand-off yesterday. Earlier, the 69-year-old had thrown
what a police spokesman described as a corrosive substance at officers
attempting to convince him to leave. Officers then negotiated with the man, who
was inside the former prison headquarters on Happy Valley Road, near the
junction with Curving Avenue. He was “detained without incident” at 6.10pm
— an hour after a dozen police went inside. The spokesman said: “Police
officers entered and conducted a search of the building, following extensive
negotiation efforts, with no report of any injuries to the man or the officers
involved. The man is expected to be charged with trespassing, assault on police
and wilful damage. He is currently in police custody.” The incident began when
police carried out checks on the building at about 10.30am. Police in protective
gear were called in as a host of vehicles and an ambulance stood by. Residents
said they did not believe the squatter posed any threat. Martha Dismont,
executive director for Family Centre, called for understanding. “We need
advocates on this island. When we get to know the people behind some of
these situations, we realize the people are really sad. It just becomes a
stand-off instead of people asking ‘Why are you doing this? What’s wrong?
What’s happened to this person?’ That’s the difference — understanding
the circumstances behind the behavior. If we could just do that as a country
more it would make a big difference.” During the siege, Sylvia Gibbons, 62,
said police had contacted her after the man asked for her by name. She said:
“From what I know, the police are trying to get him off of the property.
They’re trying to talk to him and get him to, I guess, understand the reason
why he needs to leave.” Ms Gibbons, who lives on Parsons Road, said the man
believed the building stood on his personal property, and that she occasionally
hired him for work. “He’s a good man — very helpful and very giving. He
takes care of his business and he takes care of himself. I feel for him; I feel
for anyone going through anything like this, especially when it comes to
property in Bermuda.” Ms Gibbons said that she knew the man felt threatened
and feared the police were “adding fuel to the fire”. She said he was
“protecting what’s his and standing for what he believes in. I don’t think
there’s anything wrong with that, but he has to go by the law. It’s just sad
that he’s going through this; it breaks my heart.” Psalms Williams, 42,
witnessed the stand-off begin as he returned home from work. He added: “He’s
a nice guy — very humble, very polite. There’s nothing wrong with the guy;
he just needs help.” Mr Williams, who knew the man for most of his life,
described him as a hard-working “family guy” who enjoyed planting vegetables
and was “just trying to find a place to stay”. Mr Williams added:
“Everybody would tell you that the guy’s been staying there for a long
time.” Mr Williams said he believed the police presence had exacerbated the
situation. He said: “I know that the police are doing their job, but the guy
needs a place to stay. The guy’s probably scared as hell; he’s almost 70
years old.”
A
police officer denied a charge of sexual assault in Magistrates’ Court this
morning. The 24-year-old, who cannot be identified for legal reasons,
pleaded not guilty to the offence, which allegedly took place in Pembroke on
December 5. Senior magistrate Juan Wolffe released the defendant on $5,000 bail.
The matter is expected to return to the court on April 22.
YouTube comedian Tripp Crosby will be one of the spotlight speakers at this
year’s Bermuda Captive Conference. The filmmaker and comedian is well known as
the host director of Tripp and Tyler, a YouTube sketch comedy duo he stars in
with fellow funnyman Tyler Stanton. Their shorts have amassed millions of views
online and made headlines on media such as the Today Show, Late Show, CNN
Headline News, Huffington Post, and Mashable. Their best-known sketch, the
workplace comedy A Conference Call in Real Life, has gained a viral internet
following. Based in Alpharetta, Georgia, Mr Crosby is a performer whose career
is also flourishing behind the camera as a director and founder of Green
Tricycle Studios, a production company in Atlanta. In 2014 he was selected by
Saatchi & Saatchi as a member of the Cannes International Film Festival New
Director Showcase, and since then has continued to direct commercials and
entertainment for major brands such as Fuze Iced Tea, Verizon, and Ford Mustang.
He recently wrapped up his first narrative short that will debut on the festival
circuit this year, and is currently writing his first feature-length screenplay.
Executive chairman of the Bermuda Monetary Authority, Jeremy Cox will also
address the three-day conference in June, as this year’s industry keynote. As
the regulator’s executive chair since January this year and previously chief
executive officer since 2010, he has overall responsibility for all supervisory
activities conducted by the BMA, including the supervision of banks, trust
companies, investment businesses, insurance companies, and the board of
directors. “We’re thrilled to be able to announce this year’s two diverse
keynote speakers, both of whom we know will attract and engage audiences,”
conference chair Michael Parrish said. “We look forward to welcoming Tripp to
Bermuda, and we are also very honored to have Jeremy address our delegates
during this, the BMA’s 50th-anniversary year.” The conference is Bermuda’s
largest and longest-running industry event, now in its 15th year at the Fairmont
Southampton. Incorporating a full slate of moderated panel discussions,
networking and social opportunities, plus a trade floor showcasing support
services and organisations, the event annually attracts more than 800 captive
insurance managers, brokers and service providers, corporate risk managers, and
captive owners. This year’s theme, “elevate” encourages risk managers to
consider the many ways captives can contain costs and manage coverage, whether
for a Fortune 500 corporation or mid-sized business. According to conference
organisers, last year’s event was hailed for its diversity and innovation by
delegates, and attracted the most captive owners and risk managers in its
history. The Bermuda Captive Conference is on from June 10 to 12 at the Fairmont
Southampton Hotel. Mr Crosby will be the lunchtime keynote on June 11 at
12.30pm, and Mr Cox will speak on June 12 at 10.30am. Sunday is the early-bird
registration deadline.
For the past eight years,
Candace Furbert has been on a musical journey. This weekend, she is inviting
everyone to come along. The 27-year-old’s show, Memoirs of the Entertainer,
is a compilation of the musicals she has been involved with since she decided to
pursue a stage career in 2010. Audiences will be treated to songs from her
current gig on London’s West End Tina: The Musical, where she covers
for the character Alline and members of the ensemble, as well as tunes from The
Book of Mormon, Shrek, Dream Girls and The Color Purple. “It is
exciting and overwhelming,” she said. “This is bigger than me and bigger
than all of us, but I have so much love for it because it’s my life. I have
been in London about six years. It is a huge sacrifice to be away from home in
that industry and environment. You can’t do it unless you love it.” A
six-month stint with Up with People started it all. When I was a kid I loved to
sing, but I wanted to be a cosmetologist,” Ms Furbert said, adding that her
time with the performance tour group made her feel like she was “on the Disney
Channel or Glee [the hit musical comedy-drama that aired on the Fox
Network]. I really felt like this was for me”. Because of that, she’s
invited Up With People alumni and people about to tour with the group to join
her show and she will sing a song from her time there, One Person. Also
on the programme is a number from United Dance Productions, where she studied
ballet, jazz, tap and hip hop as a teenager. “I hated ballet,” she said.
“I used to cry. It was too much structure. I was the kind of kid who bounced
off the walls. “But, I go into auditions sometimes and they’ll say, ‘OK,
go into second position.’ I only know what that is because of ballet.” She
still gets a little emotional talking about the lack of performance
opportunities available to her as a child in Bermuda. “I found there wasn’t
much — in my time — for me,” she said. “I was very much interested at
that age.” As such, she has invited a number of young people to perform in Memoirs
of the Entertainer including her cousin Shardae Lee, 15, and Lynae
Smith-DeRoza, 5. “She’s sung at church, but this will be her first time on
stage,” Ms Furbert said of Lynae. Ms Furbert will also tell the audience about
her childhood battles with illness. At age seven, doctors discovered a blood
clot and a tangle of abnormal blood vessels in her brain. It was not until five
years later that she had surgery, after which she had to relearn how to walk and
talk. Related medical problems kept her out of school for a year-and-a-half.
Singing helped her get through the hard times. “I couldn’t talk or walk,”
she said. “I still have partial deafness in my left ear. To see what I am
doing now, I’m proud of myself.” Mrs. Furbert said “Loads of people” had
long urged her family to put on a show. Singer Sheila Smith, who opened
The Manhattan Transfer’s performance with the Bermuda Festival of the
Performing Arts in January, is a cousin, as is Adrian Jones, half of the gospel
duo Last Call. She and her mother started talking seriously about a show
last year. Olive Furbert said she was tired of hearing people say: “Well
don’t worry, Candace will be on Broadway soon. I try to explain to people that
the West End is [London’s] equivalent of Broadway,” she said. “She has
already arrived.” Added her daughter: “I got to a point where I wanted to
give the people an idea of what I do.” Once done, she’ll return to the
Aldwych Theatre and Tina: The Musical, which has received the legendary
singer’s blessing. I’ve met Tina Turner,” Ms Furbert said. “She is
incredible. She has come to see the cast two or three times now. She had a lot
of input with her story. She is a very strong woman.”
Watching
electricians arrive in the early morning to shop for supplies with a coffee in
hand, and couples browsing the lighting and home decor showroom on the weekend
with their cups of java, Lindsay Butterfield and her colleagues at ESC Ltd had a
“light bulb moment”. “We just thought ‘why not let them get their
coffee here?’,” said Ms Butterfield, general manager of ESC, owners of the
electrical supply outfit ESC and the 8,000 square foot ESCape showroom on Mill
Creek Road, Pembroke. “In Europe, you often see cafes inside stores. We
thought it would be a good addition to our space, too.” Tomorrow, ESC will
officially open ESCpresso Café, managed by Nonna’s Kitchen, the popular
Bermudiana Road eatery. The cafe is located between the supply store and
showroom in a space formerly used to store light bulbs. “When Lindsay offered
us the space, we were very excited,” says Nonna’s co-owner, Katerina Smith.
“A huge number of people work in this area, and have nowhere to go without
getting on their bike. All the restaurant companies are trying to stay in town
serving the same number of people, but people on the outskirts of Hamilton need
food service, too.” The café will serve breakfast and lunch, Monday to Friday
from 7.30am to 4pm, and on Saturdays from 8am to 3pm. Breakfast offerings will
include fresh baked scones, croissants, French pastries, breakfast sandwiches
and wraps. Ms Smith, originally from Bulgaria, says the café will offer the
traditional Bulgarian breakfast dish banitza, a puff pastry with scrambled eggs,
feta cheese and spinach. At lunch, the menu will include homemade sandwiches and
salads, two rotating soups daily, vegetarian and beef chili, and a range of
gluten-free and vegan options. Coffee, keto drinks and a range of cold vegetable
and fruit drinks will be available all day.
The
Bermuda Government’s plans for an overhaul of the healthcare financing system
will effectively shift costs from government-backed insurance schemes to private
healthcare insurance. The likely result is that employers and the more than
33,000 employees who pay for private-sector insurance will shoulder more of
Bermuda’s healthcare cost burden, insurance sources said. Public reports show
that government-backed healthcare programmes pay out more in claims than they
collect in premiums. For private health insurance, the opposite is true. The
Government is planning to pool private and government sources of funding to
spread out the cost of heathcare across the entire population. Kim Wilson, the
Minister of Health, outlined plans for this fundamental change to healthcare
financing in the House of Assembly this month, stating that the plan entails the
Bermuda Hospitals Board receiving a $330 million block grant, replacing the
“fee-for-service” system. The grant will be capped and the Government claims
the change will lead to $20 million of hospital healthcare cost savings. Health
insurers are understood to have expressed concerns over the pooling proposals to
the Government. One industry source said insurers were informed of the plans
only in late January and that the feeling was the financing reform was being
rushed through, as more research needed to be carried out on the ramifications
for the entire healthcare system, including the impact on employment costs.
Employers saw their healthcare obligations increase by 78 per cent in the decade
from 2008, research by The Royal Gazette found. Pooling the sources of
funding effectively means private insurance will be subsidizing government
plans, a source added. An actuarial report for the Bermuda Health Council shows
that 48,145 people had health insurance in 2017 — 70 per cent of them covered
by private insurers and 30 per cent by government plans. Based on the standard
health benefit, the portion of the premium allocated to hospital care coverage,
private plans had a loss ratio of 89 per cent, meaning that 89 cents on the
dollar were spent on claims and benefits. Government plans had a loss ratio of
143 per cent, meaning premiums fell well short of what was needed to pay claims.
On average, private insurers make a profit of about five cents per premium
dollar, with about 85 cents going on claims and a further ten cents on
operational expenses. The new system will inevitably slash this margin, one
source said, meaning health insurers would have to either increase premiums or
exit the healthcare business, as continuing to underwrite unprofitable lines of
business is not in the interests of shareholders. Detail has not been given, for
example, on where the $20 million in cost savings will come from, given that the
actual drivers of healthcare cost increases are not being addressed by the
reform, the source added. Under the new system, the hospital will no longer need
to file claims for treatment of patients, a source said, removing the
opportunity for insurers to check the appropriateness of treatments and
procedures. This will effectively remove one of the current system’s checks
and balances. Claims provide an important source of data on medical trends that
help insurers to structure and price coverage to meet changing client needs.
Whether the data will be shared across the industry was another source of
concern, on which insurers say they have not been given guidance. Ms Wilson is
due to give a presentation on healthcare reform to members of the Bermuda Human
Resource Association this morning, an event hosted by the Association of Bermuda
International Companies at the offices of Axa XL.
Bakeries
and other small food producers will get special consideration when the sugar tax
comes into effect next month. Government senator Anthony Richardson told the
Upper House yesterday that there will be a 5 per cent concession rate on sugar
for these businesses. Legislation passed in the senate will see a 75 per cent
duty on products with sugar as of April 1. Mr Richardson, of the ruling
Progressive Labour Party, said: “Local preparers of food stuffs have been
given the opportunity to apply for concessionary rates from the Minister of
Finance under the existing provisions for commercial manufacturers.” He added
that the local manufacturers who import sugar can fill out the customs
declaration form and present a copy of their licence issued by the Department of
Health to get the 5 per cent rate. Mr Richardson said provisions were also made
for local manufacturers who purchased from local wholesalers. He was responding
to questions from Nick Kempe, the Senate Opposition leader and shadow finance
minister, about how small producers will get the reduced duty rate when they
bought from local wholesalers. Mr Richardson said when purchasing from local
wholesalers, the buyer must provide the seller with a copy of their licence from
the Department of Health to get the sugar at the reduced cost. The seller will
then go to the Customs Department to get a refund to cover the difference. Mr
Richardson admitted the process might seem “cumbersome”, but that it was
designed to help small businesses. Mr Richardson added that the Price Control
Commission will monitor the tax to ensure there was no price gouging. He said
the sugar tax should not be used as an excuse to increase the price of
unaffected items. Opposition senator Dwayne Robinson said a national health plan
to combat diabetes should be run alongside the tax. He also asked for a
breakdown on how the extra revenue will be used. Independent senators James
Jardine and Michelle Simmons asked the Government to consider duty reductions on
healthier food items. Duty has already been removed from some fruits and
vegetables. Mr Kempe also highlighted that the tax rate of 75 per cent applied,
irrespective of the sugar level in goods. Mr Richardson said some items will be
given discretion under the legislation. He added that items that contained honey
were not classified as having sugar and will not be affected by the tax. The
Customs Tariff Amendment Act, Number 2, which will see an increase in duty on
alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco was also passed.
The
Ministry of Public Works is advising that the Land Title Registration Office
will be closed today, 28 March, from 12.00 pm until 3:00 pm
A
leading retailer has called on Government to provide a fuller picture of the
goods being imported into Bermuda. Paula Clarke, chief executive officer of
Gibbons Company and head of the retail division of the Chamber of Commerce, said
a decision by Government to release “selected overseas declarations” figures
for the first time in the December 2018 Retail Sales Index report was welcome
— but the figures did not reveal the full impact of online shopping from
overseas sources. In total, shoppers spent $108 million at local retailers in
December, down from $111.9 million the year previous. The newly-included data on
“selected overseas declarations” by residents show a total of $20.4 million
of goods brought in, equivalent to nearly one fifth of total sales at local
stores. The breakdown includes $7 million declared by returning residents at LF
Wade International Airport, and $10.6 million brought in by courier. Imports by
households via sea amounted to $2.2 million, and imports via the Post Office
amounted to $0.6 million. “The report refers to ‘selected overseas
declarations’,” Ms Clarke said. “The information gathered is for goods
brought in for individual households. It doesn’t give the whole picture of
online shopping. The figures are not accounting for goods brought in by other
means, and for commercial businesses. If someone brings in a container, it’s
not caught. If your friend brings in something for you via the airport,
they’re not a resident, so it’s not caught. If goods are brought in from
overseas by a company, it’s not reported as online shopping. For example, a
business buys office equipment, carpets, and so on. It is not recorded here. If
we are not seeing what money is going out of the island to be spent on retail
products, then the report is not giving the full picture. So, at last, thank
you, we knew the information was available and we are glad to see the reporting
that is there — but what we need is the complete picture. Why has the
information been withheld in the past when clearly it has been available for so
long, and why are only selected categories being reported?” The report
revealed that retail sales volume fell for a tenth successive month, which Ms
Clarke called “disappointing, but not surprising. The population is shrinking
— that is the biggest issue,” she said. “What retailers need, and what the
country needs and all businesses need, is to increase the population of Bermuda.
We need more feet on the ground. It is glaringly obvious that we need more
people in Bermuda to support all the services that Bermudian companies provide.
Government has to look at reviewing the legislation regarding immigration, and
Bermuda needs to be more welcoming to job creators.” One of every nine jobs in
Bermuda, Ms Clarke said, is retail-related. “That is before you consider all
the support services that retailers use such as electricians, stone masons,
carpenters, accounting firms, lawyers, and so on. Retailers in Bermuda work hard
to create value for local customers. The retail sector is a closed category for
hiring. If a retailer fails, it means job losses, which retailers work hard to
avoid.” Ms Clarke called for retailers and courier companies to be treated
equally when it comes to reporting goods imported to the island. Retailers, she
said, must comply with some 480 customs tariff codes contained in some 400 pages
of such codes. Couriers, she said, must comply only with a simplified tariff
code that is covered in just 2½ pages. “That is not fair to brick-and-mortar
businesses,” she said. “We abide by the ‘large book’ while couriers
comply with a simplified tariff code. That doesn’t give the full picture.
Courier companies are held to a lower standard, and are not compliant with the
full, harmonized tariff code. It points out a double standard, one for courier
companies and a higher standard for retailers.”
The
Mayor of Hamilton offered a compromise power-sharing deal to the Government
yesterday to try to halt a move to abolish the two local authorities.
Charles Gosling suggested a joint committee to decide the future governance of
the areas in the wake of Senate’s decision to block an Act to end the
Corporations of Hamilton and St George — although the Government could still
table an amended Act. Mr Gosling said: “I would like to extend an olive branch
to Government. I would like to suggest that rather than entering another Bill
into Parliament, which flies in the face of what most Bermudians want, or
calculating how stewardship can be introduced, we actually engage in a true
search for what is best for the island and the two municipalities. We need to
form a new commission or a committee — one that is empowered by Government and
the two municipalities to do an examination through public hearings of how the
municipalities are run, their strengths, their weaknesses, how Government can
help facilitate their efficient operations and how, together, they can address
the needs to their constituents and encourage and nourish growth.” Mr Gosling
was speaking at City Hall, flanked by seven of the eight councillors elected to
run Hamilton. Mr Gosling said that the commission chairman should be a senior,
well-respected person agreed to by both sides in the battle. He added the
commission members should also be picked by the Government and the two
municipalities and that he would send a letter to David Burt, the Premier, to
outline the offer. Mr Gosling said: “This could be a process by which we
unite. This could be a process by which we mature and realize that we are all
here together on a small island and if we don’t work together, we will
fail.” Mr Gosling said the municipal elections due to be held on May 9 were
“a referendum on local government” and that residents and businesses should
use their votes. He added: “This is an important time for the city. The battle
to preserve the electoral process in the municipalities is ongoing but a strong
voter turnout will speak volumes. The ratepayers shouldn’t be forced to settle
for taxation without representation and there is no representation without
registration.” Mr Gosling said he was “disheartened” that the business
world and its associations had remained silent about the controversy. He wanted
to quash the idea that the city was run by an oligarchy and highlighted that the
council was made up of seven black men and one black woman. Mr Gosling said:
“You will think of it more of a oligarchy.” Larry Scott, one of the council
team, accused his brother Michael Scott, a Progressive Labour Party MP, of
spreading misinformation in the House of Assembly. He said his brother had told
the country that the corporation had control of “the Queen’s Bottom” —
the waters all the way out to the channel into the Great Sound. Larry Scott
said: “If you look at the Act, there was a time when we had that type of
control. Guess who does now? The Department of Marine and Ports. Government. But
we were left with the impression that we oligarchs control things. It is
misinformation. We are trustees of this city on behalf of the ratepayers.”
Henry Ming, a fellow councillor, added that changes were needed to the election
process. He said that if his mother, who had lived in Hamilton for 92 years, had
to leave the city to be cared for, she would lose her vote. But he pointed out
that someone staying in a city homeless shelter for a couple of weeks would be
able to vote. Mr Ming said: “I am all for the idea of change but change has to
be fair and it has to work for all.” The Corporation of Hamilton earlier
applied for a Supreme Court court order to stop John Rankin, the Governor, from
giving Royal Assent to the Municipalities Reform Act if it was passed by the
Senate. But Mark Diel, the corporation’s lawyer, said yesterday it had been
agreed that a judgment was not needed as the Senate had blocked the Act. Mr Diel
added: “The court contacted the parties and requested an informal meeting
between counsel. The Chief Justice made the very sensible point that given the
Senate had rejected the Bill, there was nothing to injunct, so with that in mind
was there any point in him handing down a judgment? Both sides agreed that there
was not.”
Plans
to hold a House of Assembly meeting tomorrow — when new legislation linked to
municipalities was expected to be tabled — were put on hold yesterday.
Craig Cannonier, the Opposition leader, said he had been told there would be no
session in the House and it is thought MPs will not reconvene until May. He
explained that the House was expected to adjourn last week, but the timetable
changed after the Municipalities Reform Act 2019 was “shut down by the
Senate”. Mr Cannonier said: “We were told there was going to be a statement
made and we would be reconvening the following Friday to accommodate the
potential of bringing a new Bill on municipalities to the House, to be tabled in
the House this Friday.” David Burt, the Premier, moved last week that MPs
would adjourn until tomorrow. But Mr Cannonier said he was informed yesterday
afternoon that there would be no sitting of the House. The One Bermuda Alliance
leader added that he believed most members of the public either opposed the Act
or wanted extra time for consultation and more information about what the
effects of abolition of the Corporations of Hamilton and St George would be. He
pointed out that the former PLP government brought forward legislation in 2010
that ensured all registered residents in the two local authority areas had the
right to be heard at the polls. Mr Cannonier said: “This was about empowering
people, giving them the vote that they should have had all along, yet this same
government in 2019 comes back with a Municipalities Amendment Act that takes the
right away from voters, so what is the agenda?” He told the Government:
“You’re confusing the electorate now because they thought they were
empowered, only to be dis-emboweled by those same people, the PLP — there has
to be some uniformity in what it is they’re trying to accomplish.” Mr
Cannonier said he had no idea what a revised Act might have contained. He added
that, municipal elections for May 9 were published this week on the
Government’s Official Gazette. “It would be fair for the Government
to step back and take analysis of what’s happening.”
Airbnb
officially launched Airbnb Experiences in Bermuda today in partnership with the
Bermuda Tourism Authority. The initiative offers guests a range of different
Bermudian tours and experiences organized by local entrepreneurs and experts
which can be booked online at Airbnb. Seventeen Bermuda Experiences are already
featured on the Airbnb website, with more expected to be introduced in the next
few weeks. Carlos Munoz, Airbnb campaign manager, said: “Airbnb Experiences
are designed to allow people to immerse themselves in local communities and
participate in activities led by local experts, all while encouraging
cross-cultural connections between guests and locals. As a people-powered
platform, we are pleased to expand our footprint in Bermuda to now include
one-of-a-kind bookable experiences in addition to the hundreds of unique homes
to stay in throughout the island.” The initial experiences on the website
include a food tour of Hamilton that highlights historic sites, a photography
experience led by a local photographer and a walking tour around Spanish Point
and Admiralty House. Visitors can also sign up for beach volleyball, “sip and
paint” classes, a drone flight experience and reef tours. The experiences will
be marketed and promoted on the website, along with Airbnb’s social media. Pat
Phillip-Fairn, chief product and experiences development officer at the BTA,
said: “Tapping the vast creative and entrepreneurial potential of Bermudians
is a major plank of our National Tourism Plan. Airbnb Experiences effectively
delivers on that strategy. We are very proud of the passionate locals putting
Bermuda’s legendary hospitality on display for the world and we encourage
others to step forward with their ideas.” Entrepreneurs who wish to create
their own visitor experience can apply through Airbnb with no start-up cost, but
the website will take a commission on sales.
Bermuda-based
mutual insurer Oil Insurance Ltd has reported a net loss for 2018 of $675.6
million. Oil recorded a $404.6 million underwriting loss. The net loss
figure factors in net investment losses and administrative expenses. The
year-end financials were reviewed and approved by shareholders at their annual
general meeting in Bermuda. The company reported at the AGM that its board of
directors had declared a dividend in an aggregate amount of $250 million to all
shareholders on record as of January 1 payable on or before August 30. Theodore
Guidry II, chairman of the board, said: “The board decided to authorize the
$250 million dividend after carefully reviewing the company’s multiyear
capital management plan. Despite the 2018 financial results, the plan clearly
indicated that there was capital available to pay a dividend without negatively
compromising the capital and financial strength of the company. As in the past,
it is our policy to return available capital to the shareholders when prudent to
do so.” Shareholders, the company said, have approved two changes to the
shareholders agreement. The first decision protects the company from future
potential credit losses, Oil said. Commencing in 2019, all shareholders must be
investment grade if they wish to elect or continue to elect the retrospective
premium plan that allows a shareholder to retroactively purchase up to 40 per
cent of the $400 million limit on a strict dollar of premium for dollar of loss
basis over the subsequent five-year period. The second decision, the company
said, eliminates the need for shareholders to declare assets located in the
offshore region of the Gulf of Mexico for purposes of determining pool
percentages in the Offshore Designated Named Windstorm pool. This decision was
warranted as a matter of equity, the company said, given that Oil excluded
coverage for Offshore Gulf of Mexico Windstorm starting in 2018. Bertil C.
Olsson, chief executive officer, said: “While 2018 turned out to be
financially challenging, Oil is focused on creating long-term value and we
continue to enjoy a strong commitment and belief in the system by our dedicated
shareholder base. Including 2018, Oil has charged its shareholders $2.1 billion
in premium over the last five years while returning $1.8 billion of dividends
during that same period. While premiums did increase in 2019, the recently
announced dividend will offset a significant amount of that increase for our
members. Oil continues to operate from a position of strength and will continue
to offer long-term value to the world’s leading energy companies.” George
Hutchings, chief operating officer, said: “The most important accomplishments
of 2018 were operational. Several strategic initiatives were completed including
delivering on our promise to provide our shareholders with detailed data
analytics at the AGM, further improvements to our offering for the renewable
energy industry as well as Standard & Poors upgrading Oil by one notch to
‘A’, stable, in September 2018. We also continue to see strong interest from
energy companies around the world and are pleased to announce that Braskem SA
joined the mutual in December 2018 as our first South American member.” After
the AGM adjourned, the board of directors met and elected Mr Guidry as chairman
and Fabrizio Mastrantonio as deputy chairman for 2019. At the AGM, shareholders
approved the reappointment of KPMG as auditors for the fiscal 2019 year. Oil,
the company said, insures over $3 trillion of global energy assets for more than
50 members with property limits up to $400 million totaling more than $19
billion in total A- rated property capacity. Members are medium to large sized
public and private energy companies with at least $1 billion in physical
property assets and an investment grade rating or equivalent.
Bermuda-registered
reinsurer Watford Holdings Ltd started trading on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange
today. Existing shareholders of the company, which was founded by Bermudian
re/insurer Arch Capital five years ago, were aiming to sell 3.59 million shares
in an offering to the public. The company itself was not to receive any proceeds
from the offering. Watford was formed in January 2014 and had capital of about
$1.1 billion as of the end of last year. It has an outsourced business model,
partnering with Arch on the underwriting side, while its investments are
overseen by HPS Investment Partners, a New York-based credit investment platform
that manages about $47 billion in assets. Arch Re still owns 14.7 per cent of
Watford, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. No
target price for the offering was set. Watford made a net loss of $54.5 million
in 2018. Book value at the end of 2018 was $39.22 per share. Trading under the
ticker symbol “WTRE”, the company closed on $27 on the trading of 129,131
shares in New York, up 6.9 per cent from its opening price of $25.26, according
to Nasdaq data. John Rathgeber, Watford’s CEO, said: “This is an important
milestone in the evolution of Watford. Listing the company on the Nasdaq
achieves the objective of providing a liquidity mechanism for our existing
shareholders; it will allow us to diversify our investor base; and it will give
us access to the public capital markets when we need to finance our growth."
Police
are investigating reports of gunfire near a church. No one was hurt in the
incident, which happened in Spring Hill, near Bright Temple AME Church, Warwick,
at about 10.40pm on Tuesday. A police spokesman appealed for witnesses or anyone
with information to come forward. People can also contact the anonymous and
confidential Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-8477.
The
Frog & Onion Pub in Dockyard, is open for business again after a $500,000
renovation. But don’t panic, history lovers, the vintage bits — the
candles, the bust of General Abernathy, the giant bellows — are still there.
“Some of our long-time regulars were a little bit leery about the changes,”
said Island Restaurant Group director and president Philip Barnett. “We just
want to reassure them.” Some of the objects have been rearranged though, so
it’s not quite such a historic jumble. The major change is the $25,000 bar
upgrade. The bar was the original bar from when it first opened up,” Mr
Barnett said. “The rust and the termites were winning the battle. We are the
only place that makes our own beer, so we wanted to make sure we had something
that suited the whole idea of being a brew pub and the uniqueness of the
product. We wanted to make sure we had a feature draft bar.” Mr Barnett said
in the restaurant business the most expensive part of a renovation is often what
customers don’t see. “Behind the tap heads is a walk-in cooler and a
speciality beer distribution system,” Mr Barnett said. “It is a similar
system to what we do at Brew with the nitrogen generator. We are always pumping
a blend of nitrogen gas into the keg. Being an inert gas, that powers it a lot
better and allows for a smoother mouth feel and doesn’t kill the carbonation
of the beer. It ensures that the beer is coming out of the tap exactly the way
the brew master wanted it to come out.” The Ballast Gift Shop has also
received attention, and has been moved and rearranged. “We have had people
come in to look for more embroidered products,” Mr Barnett said. “So we will
experiment more with that. We are looking to embroider hats.” Mr Barnett said
it’s important to get things right, because the Frog & Onion is one of the
most reviewed Bermuda restaurants on the website Trip Advisor." We currently
have over 1,700 reviews,” he said. “There are days in the summer when we
cater to hundreds of cruise ship passengers and visitors.” But a big part of
the reason for the renovation was to make the place more attractive to locals.
“We want locals to recognize that from Gibbs Hill Lighthouse it is effectively
the same travel time to get to Dockyard as it is to town,” he said. Large
patio heaters have been added to make the patio a little warmer at this time of
year. “Winters can be very challenging,” Mr Barnett said. “The weather in
winters in town is a lot easier, because there is a more consistent line of
business.” The bathrooms, electricals, audio visual system and wi-fi have also
been improved. One thing that hasn’t changed much is the menu. “We will
launch our seasonal menu changes soon,” Mr Barnett said. “We will have some
nice new items, but when you are a bit of an institution you have to be careful
about what you are changing. You have to make sure you are giving homage to your
roots. It’s about giving new choices to some of our regular guests. They do
like having some changes, but don’t ever remove their favourite item, because,
oh my goodness, is that unpopular.” The renovations to the Frog & Onion
are the latest in a series of upgrades, and changes to the IRG chain. It
overhauled the Pickled Onion on Front Street in Hamilton a year ago, and opened
the Brew café underneath the Pickled Onion in November. “I am ready to
rest,” Mr Barnett laughed. “I had friends over for dinner last night and
realised we hadn’t been together in months. It has been busy. It is a worrying
market to be investing in, but we are here for the long term. As I keep on
telling people we don’t have an exit plan. We are 100 per cent involved in
Bermuda business. Tourism is on the up and up. If we can get a few more bodies
back in Bermuda, that will ameliorate some of our challenges going forward.”
The
first steps towards a central human resources service for the Government will be
taken within the next few weeks, the junior Cabinet Office minister said this
week. Senator Vance Campbell told the Senate on Monday that the recruitment
for a leader of the new Department of Employee and Organizational Development
will start “in the coming weeks”. He added that the second and third phases
of the plan will transfer human resources staff from all government services to
the new department. The present Department of Human Resources will be phased out
at the same time. The government plan to change its decentralized human
resources structure was announced in the House of Assembly last November. Mr
Campbell said that the present set-up lead to “the Government’s inability to
adequately address the human and organizational capital within the public
service”. He added: “HR services are currently delivered in a fragmented and
dispersed manner, which results in the duplication of effort, inconsistent
service delivery and an inordinate amount of time to execute basic functions
such as recruitment of staff. The new structuring will cause a proactive
approach to industrial and employee relations, reduce time to recruit via modernized
workforce training and recruitment processes and will improve our capability to
deliver workforce value to the public.” There are 4,680 employees in the
public service represented by six unions and with seven different collective
bargaining agreements and conditions of service orders.
Figures
that showed fees from the sale of property to non-Bermudians were likely to be
at least $4.5 million less than predicted has sparked questions from the
Opposition leader. Craig Cannonier said that Walton Brown, the former home
affairs minister now responsible for the Cabinet Office, “took his hand off
the steering wheel” when he was in charge of the immigration department.
Revised revenues from land acquisition fees for 2018-19 were $2.414 million,
according to the Government’s Budget book, but the original estimate for the
fiscal year was $7 million. The goal set for 2019-20 was $5.5 million, said to
be a reasonable target by Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security, who
took over the area after a Cabinet reshuffle in November. Mr Cannonier claimed:
“Anyone residing over this kind of crash in the private sector, having
forecast $7 million and only brought in $2.4 million, is fired. Not transferred,
fired. That’s $4.5 million gone, where is it? Something’s wrong.” He asked
about the figures during a Budget debate in the House of Assembly last week,
when Mr Caines said the revenue target for the upcoming fiscal year was adjusted
in line with the “softness” of the market. Mr Caines said the estimate for
2019-20 was $5.5 million, “which is within the range of a reasonable
estimate”. He told MPs the revenue was made up of an initial $1,625
application fee and landholding charges that varied depending on the purchaser
and property type, which was paid after the licence was approved. Mr Caines said
these could be split across fiscal periods due to processing times and suggested
it could take about 60 days to complete the procedure, but that he was looking
at ways to cut that. Mr Caines admitted: “Sometimes it’s simply a
backlog.” Mr Cannonier told The Royal Gazette: “That goes back to the
former minister who took his hand off the steering wheel.” He added: “How
does that happen, that we only gleaned a third of what we expected to bring in?
Revenue is one of those things that you can pretty much forecast, it’s a
constant.” Mr Cannonier said: “That’s not a soft market, that’s a market
that has crashed.” The original estimates for the category ranged from $6
million to $11.3 million over the fiscal years 2012-13 to 2017-18 according to
earlier Budget books and actual revenues have been between about $4.9 million
and $6.9 million. Sharon Cranfield, co-chairwoman of the Bermuda Chamber of
Commerce real estate division, explained yesterday that land acquisition, or
alien land licence, fees for non-Bermudians were 8 per cent of the purchase
price of a house and 6 per cent for a condominium and the fee for Permanent
Resident’s Certificate holders was 4 per cent. The condominium fee is 6.5 per
cent if the property is in a designated tourist resort. Ms Cranfield added:
“The current alien licences fees were extended by two further years to March
31, 2020 in the recent Budget to encourage investment by overseas purchasers.”
She explained that several factors could contribute to changes in non-Bermudian
sales, such as a greater population of Bermudian-born residents who have found
prices now within their reach. Ms Cranfield said: “We have seen a fair number
of people who were PRCs get Bermuda status and purchase. This is welcomed by
both Bermudian sellers and the market in general. We, the real estate division
of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, believe that revenue could be improved and
sales of condos would increase if the Bermuda Government opened up the sale of
condominiums on island to non-Bermudians with work permits.” Karin Sinclair,
of Sinclair Realty, an affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, said
eight non-Bermudian house sales were completed in 2018, which was “the upper
end of average”. She said a further three purchases were still going through
the immigration process by the end of the year but had closed or would close in
2019. Ms Sinclair explained: “But 2018 was very unusual in that the highest
non-Bermudian sale was only $8 million. An unknowledgeable observer might jump
to the conclusion that values are dropping, but actually that’s a totally
false impression. The truth is that 2018 was a year of caution for higher-end
non-Bermudian buyers, reflecting not only what was happening in New York City
and London, Bermuda’s two main feeder markets for international purchasers of
luxury homes — but also the very real global challenges faced by most
countries.” The Government’s communications department was contacted for
comment.
The
Land Tax Amendment Act was passed in the Senate on Friday. The legislation
will come into effect on July 1, 2019, and will see properties charged taxes
based on the annual rental value. All properties will be charged a base rate of
$300 under the Act. The Dental Practitioners Amendment Act was also passed in
the Senate the same day. The Act will require dentists to have indemnity
insurance to register as a dental practitioner. It will also give the Bermuda
Dental Board power to impose additional registration requirements on dental
practitioners for some procedures when it believed it was needed to protect
patients.
Lahey
Hospital in Boston, MA will soon be providing specialist care at the Bermuda
Medical Specialities Group clinic on Reid Street. Officials at BMSG
announced an agreement with the Massachusetts hospital today. Lahey medical
experts will see endocrinology, allergy and immunology, and neurology patients,
among others. “The goal at BMSG is to provide access to international level
medical services here, on-island in Bermuda while aiming to reduce costs and
improve outcomes,” Arlene Basden, BMSG medical director, said. “We started
first with Peter Schwartz (cosmetic plastic surgeon), body plethysmography (the
gold standard for lung and breathing issues), and are about to launch our
non-invasive vascular lab (identification of circulation disease which will lead
to reduction in amputations).” Dr Basden said Lahey is no stranger to Bermuda.
“Lahey has been a member of the Bermuda healthcare community for over two
decades, providing high quality care to the people of Bermuda,” she said.
“Our new agreement with Lahey represents our commitment to ensuring that an
even wider range of affordable, high quality care is readily available in
Bermuda without patients having to incur the costs and stress of traveling
overseas.” Richard Nesto, interim CEO, chief medical officer Lahey Health,
said: “Lahey Hospital and Medical Centre has chosen to partner with BMSG to
help us provide high-quality speciality care on the Island. BMSG’s state of
the art facilities provide the ideal setting for the people of Bermuda to
receive care from our world-renowned physicians.” BMSG currently provides a
range of primary care, specialist, and sub specialist services including
cardiology, neurology, rheumatology, pulmonology, endocrinology, asthma,
allergy, cosmetic plastic surgery and nutrition. BMSG also provides diagnostic
and testing services for each speciality.
Bermudian
entrepreneurs have received a welcome boost with the launch of Ignite Bermuda,
the island’s first privately-funded entrepreneurial accelerator. Ignite,
organisers say, will enhance the island’s ecosystem for start-ups and small
businesses by providing a physical facility for start-ups to work and network
in, developing a boot-camp and customized-for-Bermuda curriculum to enhance an
entrepreneur’s business skills, creating access to a formalized network of
mentors and advisers, developing an investor network to match up with start-ups,
and partnering with existing programmes and institutions. Co-founded by KPMG and
New Venture Holdings, Ignite has entered a three-year consultancy agreement with
Entrepreneurial Spark, a United Kingdom-based team of “mindset enablers”
that have created a proprietary approach that combines bespoke start-up and
growth coaching with a development programme that concentrates on taking action
as an entrepreneur rather than simply learning about it. Nearly 4,000
entrepreneurs have completed an Entrepreneurial Spark training programme, says
the organisation’s Gayle Mann, who was present at yesterday’s launch. Ignite
will accept up to 15 entrepreneurs for a free, six-month programme starting in
May that will teach them about cultivating the right mindset and the most
effective behaviors to unlock their entrepreneurial potential. The organisation
will accept applications from entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey, from
idea stage to profitable enterprise. Application for the first cohort may be
made online at ignitebermuda.com. The application deadline is April 24. In
October, a second cohort of 40 to 50 people will enter the programme. When fully
operational, organisers say, some 80 to 100 people annually will complete the
curriculum. The initiative will be housed in the 4,000-square-foot Ignite
Bermuda Hub Space in the Argus Building on Wesley Street, Hamilton, which has
been donated by Argus. The impact of the programme, Ignite organisers say, will
be job creation and a growing cadre of successful Bermudian entrepreneurs. Neil
Patterson and Don Mackenzie have been the primary driving forces behind Ignite
Bermuda. Mr Patterson is the chairman of KPMG in Bermuda, while entrepreneur Mr
Mackenzie is the chairman and owner of New Venture Holdings. The two
organisations are the co-founders of Ignite Bermuda. Both men are directors of
Bermuda Accelerator Ltd, the company limited by guarantee that operates Ignite
Bermuda. “Ignite Bermuda is a social enterprise — it’s a collaborative
work environment where entrepreneurs in the programme can obtain the tools they
need to be successful,” Mr Patterson said. “It’s a trusted environment
where they can make connections and learn from the experiences of other
entrepreneurs, and get confidential, personalized coaching from mentors and
business leaders to develop their skills and pursue their dreams.” Mr
Mackenzie said: “Ignite Bermuda provides an opportunity for local
entrepreneurs to leverage a community dedicated to helping their businesses
start and succeed. “When you combine the accelerator team’s expertise with
the talented network of local entrepreneurs, it’s sure to speed up their ideas
and businesses in a way that positively impacts our economy. Ignite empowers
these entrepreneurs by, among other things, bringing them together to share
ideas and experiences.” Individuals are being approached to serve as
investors, mentors, board members, and advisory board members for Ignite
Bermuda. “So many people live in Bermuda who have run a successful business,
or who are wealthy, and who want to give to the country in terms of time,
mentorship and investing,” Mr Patterson said. “We are trying to create that
ecosystem to bring those people together with young entrepreneurs who have been
validated with a good business plan. With Ignite Bermuda, we will put the
structure around that and make it happen.” Mr Mackenzie added: “There is
nothing like this in Bermuda. The network here tends to be ad hoc, random. The
Ignite Bermuda Hub will provide physical space as a nexus to bring people
together, enabling investors, entrepreneurs, and ambassadors to know where to
converge.” Ignite’s curriculum, mentorship programme — and an
entrepreneur’s access to capital — are linked, Mr Mackenzie says. “The
people with access to capital are not meeting with people who have a desire to
build and grow a business,” he said. “A young person going to the bank with
perhaps not a great business plan, and no revenue, would have a relatively small
chance of getting financial support. Banks prefer someone whose business is up
and running, and which has revenue, and who has collateral, which young people
don’t necessarily have. We’re trying to bridge that funding gap. We want to
give entrepreneurs the benefit of speaking with mentors and advisers before they
go to the bank. That access to advice will help participants to refine their
business plan and increase their chances of getting the capital they need.”
According to the 2018 Business Confidence Index Report, published by Total
Research Associates, small- and medium-sized businesses continue to dominate the
Bermuda economy, accounting for nearly 70 per cent of the private sector, Ignite
said. “Ignite Bermuda will give people opportunity, and will help maintain
Bermuda’s roots as a country built on entrepreneurial ideas and small
business,” Mr Mackenzie said. Organisers say anyone is welcome to apply for
the programme. “The average age of participants in the UK is 38,” Mr
Patterson says. “Participants here could have a day job and do this on top, or
they could be preparing for a second career, or they could be a mother who wants
her own business. Participants will not necessarily be school leavers, or
graduates. They just need to have a passion to grow a business, and a good
idea.” The registered charity aims to raise $2 million to fund three years of
operating costs. “People have been very supportive, from individuals to local
business to international business,” Mr Patterson said. “Our requests for
funding are in process.” Mr Mackenzie added: “The response of the donor
community is that people want to help.” Entrepreneurs, Mr Mackenzie said,
support the new initiative and have been invited to become “ambassadors” for
the programme. Bermudian entrepreneurs Selange Gitschner (dasfete), Nicole
Golden (Urban Cottage), Piers Carr (Current Vehicles) and Jason Sukdeo (BHW Ltd)
attended yesterday’s launch. “They are excited, and that is a good
validation that we are on the right track. We have listened to young
entrepreneurs about the challenges they faced, and we think we will be in a
position to fill a lot of those gaps.” Ignite Bermuda is primarily an
entrepreneurial “accelerator” rather than an “incubator”. Incubators are
generally regarded as safe spaces for burgeoning ideas while accelerators
present a more challenging environment because the entrepreneurs themselves wish
to progress faster and become more resilient through continuous learning and
development. Participants will attend a ‘boot camp’ on May 6 and 7. Other
mandatory events include ‘Acceler8’ on August 7, the “Celebrating
Success” event on November 6 that marks the end of the programme, and
scheduled, fortnightly “enablement sessions”. Participants will be required
to engage in the curriculum and meet mutually agreed-upon milestones, organisers
say. They will enjoy swipe-card access to the hub space, which will have
permanent and “hot desk” space, meeting rooms, informal meeting spaces, an
event space with audiovisual equipment, high-speed wi-fi, equipment for
printing, scanning and copying — plus kitchen space and lockers. Subject to
work permit approval, the first executive director will be seasoned entrepreneur
Sean Reel. Ignite hopes to have him in place by April 15. Entrepreneurial Spark
assisted with the recruitment process, with Ignite Bermuda interviewing short listed
candidates. “The first phase of the programme is critical, and we wanted to
make sure we got someone in who could work with Entrepreneurial Spark and get
the programme launched,” Mr Mackenzie said. Mr Patterson added: “At the end
of the work permit term, the position will be Bermudianised.” A full-time
second-in-command will be hired this summer, organisers say.
The
Royal Bermuda Regiment fitness instructor who helped the all-woman Bermuda Rifle
& Drill Team put their best foot forward has been thanked for his efforts.
The group gave Sergio White, a Colour Sergeant in the RBR who runs Positive
Results Gym, a bottle of wine, other gifts and a cash donation as a reward for
training the squad. Debbie Symons, an RBR sergeant who leads the group of 30
women and 15 schoolgirls, said: “We are based on marching, fitness and team
work. It is a sisterhood. “He has stuck by me for the past six years and I
just wanted to showed my appreciation by giving him something back. He has a big
heart, like me.” Mr White was happy to use his military skills to help train
the team. He said: “The girls enjoyed it, I enjoyed it and it has just grown.
I did it from the kindness of my heart, I didn’t expect anything from it.
It’s always good to give back.” Ms Symons, in her last year of running the
team, and other members of the group made the presentation at Mr White’s gym
on Woodlands Road in Pembroke on Tuesday. The team has regular training sessions
on the Warwick Camp parade ground and has marched in every Bermuda Day Parade
since the group formed in 2014. Team member Gladwina O’Mara said: “I have a
background in the Bermuda Police Service as a detective constable so the drill
was familiar. I enjoy the level of exercise, the regiment, and it was fun being
part of the team.” Lora Davis, another team member, added: “I’m an
ex-member of the Bermuda Regiment — the drill was my favourite part then and I
knew this was something I wanted to do. I’m also a police reserve, where I do
drill, so it was a continuation of what I like to do. It’s the discipline and
the exercise and our fitness sergeant has kept us in step.”
Isaca
Bermuda will be holding a panel discussion on digital citizenship tomorrow. The
discussion will cover topics such as e-mail etiquette, reporting and preventing
cyber-bullying, and learning how to protect private information. “A strong
understanding of digital citizenship is essential for both students and
professionals to be able to make smart choices online and in life,” said a
spokesman for Isaca Bermuda. “Join us for a discussion where our experts will
share their insights on how to manage your online presence in a safe, proactive
manner and create a positive digital footprint.” Panellists will include
Katherine Cupidore, human capital director of Deloitte’s Caribbean and Bermuda
countries, Aderonke Bademosi Wilson, Government communications director and
Stuart Lacey, Trunomi founder and director. The event will be moderated by
Marisa Stones, director of Government’s ICT policy and innovation department.
The event will be at 5.30pm at the Hamilton Princess and Beach Club. Attendance
is free.
Dave
Wilson, global president and chief operating officer of Patrón Spirits
International and The Patrón Spirits Company, retires on Monday, a year after
the merger with Bermuda-based Bacardí Ltd. Pete Carr, president, Bacardí
North America, will take over from him, leading both Bacardí and Patrón for
North America. Mr Wilson will continue as a senior advisor to Patrón. A Bacardí
spokesman said the company was now well into a successful integration of Patrón,
which joins a portfolio that includes Bacardí rum, Grey Goose vodka, Bombay
Sapphire gin, Dewar’s Blended Scotch whisky and Martini vermouth and sparkling
wine. “During his tremendously successful 40-year career, Dave has made an
everlasting imprint in the spirits industry driving pioneering marketing,
world-class operations, and innovative environmental programmes,” Mahesh
Madhavan, CEO of Bacardí, said. "On behalf of Bacardí and our newest
colleagues from Patrón, I thank Dave for his contributions to the industry and
for supporting the union of two incredible organisations that are Bacardí and
Patrón.” As part of the new structure, Darren Doalson, senior vice-president
of US sales for Patrón Spirits, now reports to Mr Carr. David Rodriguez,
director general of Patrón Sprits manufacturing operations in Mexico, reports
to Jean-Marc Lambert, vice-president of global operations for Bacardí. Lee
Applbaum will continue to manage US and global marketing for Patrón Tequila and
Grey Goose vodka, reporting to Mr Madhavan. Other functions which formerly
reported to Mr Wilson at Patrón have already successfully integrated into the
Bacardí organisation.
When
the chief executive officer of cryptocurrency exchange Quadriga CX died late
last year, he left $190 million worth of investors’ assets stranded. More
than three months later, authorities are still trying to recover those
cryptocurrency assets and work out why only Gerald Cotten — a 30-year-old who
died from complications related to Crohn’s disease on a visit to India — had
the password to the key to unlock those assets in an offline “cold wallet”.
David Burt, the Premier, said in an interview with Forbes that this could
never have happened if Quadriga had been based in Bermuda. Speaking to the
magazine’s Balancing the Ledger feature, Mr Burt said: “If Quadriga
was licensed under the Bermuda Monetary Authority, what has happened would not
have been able to happen, because we have rules regarding the custody of master
keys and making sure they’re not held by a particular individual.” Mr Burt
was referring to the Digital Asset Business Act 2018, the centerpiece of the
island’s legislative framework for fintech and cryptocurrency businesses.
“It basically states what you have to do with the master keys, how those
things have to be handled, and making sure that they cannot be lost, or if they
are lost, there’s a way for that recovery to happen,” Mr Burt said. The
Premier said that 74 fintech companies have incorporated in Bermuda. The fintech
companies operating in Bermuda also include a compliance-focused subsidiary of
Binance, a Hong Kong-based cryptocurrency exchange. While the country is seeking
to attract more such businesses, companies will have to pass a “very stringent
test” in order to prevent disasters like the one at Quadriga, Mr Burt added.
“We recognize that any reputational damage from scams or otherwise can have an
impact on our traditional financial services sector,” he said, “and we
don’t want that, I would call it, cross-contamination.” The interview was
one of several given by Mr Burt on his visit to New York last week for the
Bermuda Business Development Agency’s New York Executive Forum. In another, he
spoke with the team from Yahoo Finance’s Tech Talk.
Omega
Dark will become Bermuda’s first licensed cryptocurrency exchange. David Burt,
the Premier, announced this month in the House of Assembly, that the
exchange’s parent company, Omega One was to receive its digital asset business
licence. The company has since become the first to be listed in this
category by the Bermuda Monetary Authority. Omega Dark will be “the first
regulated, fully independent, and institutionally focused dark pool in the
digital asset marketplace”, according to a release from the company. The dark
pool is the description given to a private area of the trading marketplace where
institutions can trade large blocks of assets privately, without having the
large impact on prices that such a trade could have on public exchanges. The
name “dark pool” comes from the lack of transparency of these private areas
of the financial market. Omega said in a statement: “The advent of an
institutional-grade dark pool in digital assets could be a game-changer for
existing cryptocurrencies like bitcoin, while setting the stage for the
transformation of stocks, bonds and real estate into digital assets.” Omega
Dark is accepting applications to its early access programme and has been
partnering with liquidity providers, hedge funds, trading desks, execution
platforms, exchanges, and market makers who are trading a minimum of $10 million
in monthly volume, starting with the bitcoin to US dollar spot market. The
statement did not mention the location of any offices or staffing plans. Last
year, the New York-based company pledged to open an office on the island and
hire at least 20 Bermudians over a three-year period in a memorandum of
understanding signed with the Bermuda Government. Omega One’s team is led by
Alex Gordon-Brander, who designed a bond trading platform at MarketAxess and a
platform for foreign currency exchange trading by hedge funds at Bridgewater
Associates. The company’s regulatory team includes Bart Chilton, former
commissioner of the US Commodities Futures Trading Commission and Jeff
Abramczyk, former chief regulatory officer at Pershing. The company said Omega
Dark would open the digital asset markets to “an entire new class of
participants. Dark pools matter so much for crypto because they act as a central
warehouse for liquidity, and connect the broad array of fragmented exchanges and
over-the-counter desks across the globe into a single hub,” Mr Gordon-Brander
said. "In turn, Omega Dark allows participants to cheaply and discreetly
balance liquidity against each other and against market makers and hedge funds,
creating a win-win for everyone. We believe our platform brings dark pools into
the light by leveraging the blockchain to prevent unfair activity and market
manipulation. We’re very proud to have worked so closely with the Bermuda
Monetary Authority — the first in our multi-jurisdiction regulatory strategy
— to create a trading venue that can make the global crypto markets safe and
efficient for everyone.” The company’s statement quoted David Burt as
saying: “We are following the same strategy with digital assets as we did for
reinsurance, and recognize that the best businesses need a high standard but
progressive environment in which to thrive. “In crafting our regulations we
paid particular attention to the need for the industry to maintain a very high
standard of KYC/AML [know your customer/anti money-laundering] compliance as
well as the need for high standards around cybersecurity and custody risks.
Bermuda is not an easy jurisdiction to get into, and after more than a year of
engaging with the Government and the Bermuda Monetary Authority, Omega One is
the first company to cross that high bar.” Mr Chilton added: “When I was a
CFTC commissioner, one of our primary concerns was ensuring a fair marketplace
for all participants. Omega One has achieved this standard by offering
transparent pricing of liquidity preference within a robust regulatory regime.
This platform will give greater confidence to the markets, leading to more
liquidity, less volatility, and better price discovery.”
Shaun
Goater has backed the Bermuda football team to build on their historic Concacaf
Gold Cup qualification and praised their “big-game mentality”. Kyle
Lightbourne’s side defeated the Dominican Republic in their final Nations
League qualifier at the Estadio Cibao in Santiago on Sunday. After falling
behind to a fortuitous third-minute strike from Enmy Pena, Bermuda rallied with
Zeiko Lewis equalizing shortly after, before second-half goals from Nahki Wells
and substitute Justin Donawa clinched the island’s place at the Gold Cup for
the first time. “This is absolutely brilliant in terms of where Bermuda
football goes from here,” said Goater, who scored 32 goals in 36 games for his
country. “I think it’s now where it should be, and that’s competing with
some of the bigger nations in the Caribbean and seeing what level we can reach
and challenge ourselves. For me, it’s about being optimistic and encouraged by
this. This is the most important time for us because we have so many
professional players and if they can bring that element of professionalism when
they play for the country, I think we can achieve really good things.” The
Gold Cup, which will be held from June 15 to July 7 in the United States and
Caribbean, is a biennial competition for teams in North America, Central America
and the Caribbean. The draw will be made in Los Angeles on April 10. Bermuda
finished fifth in the Nations League qualifying standings and will now play in
group A of that competition, which starts in September. The draw will be held in
Las Vegas today. “Absolutely huge congratulations to Kyle Lightbourne, his
staff and team because they have done a tremendous job,” Goater added. “In
the past, we’ve had a mentality that’s failed during the big game. Clearly,
that’s something that’s been resolved and Kyle has got that professional
mentality where they are able to deliver in the big game. Kyle is looking to
challenge the guys to do great things, but it’s one step at a time. We’ve
got to the Gold Cup, made history and we’ve just got to take each game as it
comes within the tournament now.”
Applications
for betting shop licences may be “rubber-stamped” by the Government, the
chairman of the Betting Licensing Authority warned yesterday. Juan Wolffe,
the senior magistrate, questioned how much investigation could be done if a
request for a certificate was requested from the Ministry of Finance and granted
inside a week. Mr Wolffe said: “We rely very heavily on the guarantee and on
the minister’s certificate. We place ourselves in legal jeopardy in a sense if
we were not to grant a licence where there’s a certificate from the minister
even if the minister didn’t do his due diligence, and that’s the trouble we
have.” He was speaking as two betting shop owners appeared before the
authority for licence renewals. Anthony King, the lawyer for bookmaker Triple
Crown, told the panel that he had been given assurances by both Butterfield Bank
and the Ministry of Finance that he would receive letters before today and
showed e-mails to back that up. Mr King told the panel he had been asked to send
the ministry a reference to confirm that Triple Crown was in good standing. Mr
Wolffe asked: “So they didn’t ask from you any documents in terms of your
finances to be able to ascertain the financial stability?” Mr King confirmed
that was the case. He said: “My understanding was all he needed was a
reference and a name and he was able to do it from that. He received the
gentleman’s name and that was all he required.” Mr Wolffe said that, given
increased attention to ways to block money laundering, he would have expected a
more rigorous investigation by the ministry. Mr Wolffe added: “The narrative
that is out there is that betting shops are a vulnerable industry. That’s the
narrative that’s out there. I’m not saying that’s the case with your
shop.” Albert Steede, the owner of bookmakers Seahorses and Gametime, said he
had received letters from the minister and a bank to confirm the operation’s
reputation and financial stability. He said the ministry could have checked the
businesses’ tax records and would have also been able to check if any writs
had been filed against them. The panel pointed out that a company might pay
taxes but still not be financially stable. Mr Wolffe said: “We are not going
to go behind what the minister has done because we don’t know what the
minister has done.” He added: “We rely on the information. We also don’t
have the power to revoke licences. That’s the minister’s job. We are doing
our part but much of what we do is based on relying on what the minister does or
does not do.” Mr Wolffe said the legislation designed to govern the sector in
Bermuda needed to be updated and the Government had already signaled it would
move control from the BLA to the Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission. He added:
“We have always been saying that the Betting Licensing Act is archaic. It’s
old. It doesn’t reflect much of the modern technology that exists. In order to
preserve the integrity of the betting industry, there should be tight
controls.” The panel told both applicants that they would receive a decision
before the end of this week.
Bermuda’s
prison service is a “forgotten service” according to Thad Hollis, lead
negotiator for the Prison Officers Association. Mr Hollis, who is leading
talks with the Corrections Department on behalf of the association, said
negotiations and collective bargaining agreements that had been in the works for
as long as 20 years have resulted in little to no progress. One of the major
issues facing the prison officers at Westgate Correctional Facility is the
overall lack of staff, including staff trained to deal with violent prisoners
and inmates with severe mental-health issues. He said that officers had not
received a wage increase in ten years, bargaining over health insurance remained
unresolved and that health and safety conditions were untenable. Wayne Caines,
the Minister of National Security, acknowledged concerns last year and said he
would launch an internal investigation. Mr Hollis told The Royal Gazette:
“Back in 2001, the association, through its attorney, made a list of about 19
outstanding items in terms of occupational safety, health and training, handling
violent prisoners and prisoners with mental health issues, and making sure that
rehabilitation was being afforded to prisoners prior to release. There is a
prison psychologist but prison officers are not trained as mental health
professionals. Since then, substantively, nothing has been done — they have
investigated it and it has been talked about.” Mr Hollis said that officers
got injured “as part of the job” but he had heard of some particularly
serious cases including an officer being “shanked”. Fifteen new prison
officers were hired last July to address some of the concerns but Mr Hollis said
about 60 more were necessary. Last year, Mr Caines said that figure was 39.
Wages are another major concern because officers have had no increases despite
long- term collective bargaining. Mr Hollis said: “Prison officers have been
trying to get themselves on a par with police officers. It was an understanding
back in 2009 that that would happen. An entry-level position is paid about
$12,000 a year less than an entry-level constable.” Mr Hollis there were
issues with “excessive overtime” and with drugs and other contraband getting
into the facility. Infrastructural concerns at the facility include mould
infestations. Staff have staged industrial action and rehabilitation and
enrichment programmes have been put on hold due to shortages. Two officers
claimed they were unduly searched and have filed grievances against a senior
officer. Mr Hollis said: “We are continuing in the collective bargaining with
the Government to see if we can resolve our issues. It will probably go into
arbitration. In terms of the other issues around the working environment and the
workplace conditions and health and safety, the government minister made a
commitment about a year ago that he was going to have these issues addressed and
that they were being investigated, but it has sort of floundered.” The
Royal Gazette requested an interview in February with Mr Caines after his
ministry announced he had met with the Department of Corrections’ Treatment of
Offenders Board to discuss progress made in 2018. The request was denied. Mr
Caines said in a press release at the time: “We discussed any concerns raised
and how to go about enriching the lives of inmates to help ensure that on
release, they can become productive members of our community.” The ministry
did not respond to a request for a comment last night by press time.
A
school janitor who claimed he was infected with mould at Francis Patton Primary
School has criticized the pace of the Government’s response. Omar Smith,
51, said blood tests had confirmed he had mould in his bloodstream and that he
was prepared to take legal action. He added: “This is not about money. It’s
the principle and how this situation has been put out to the public.” He said
he now had to wear a surgical mask at work and used an inhaler to help him
breathe. Mr Smith has also suffered sweating, headaches and stomach pain since
he became ill a few weeks after he started work at the school last August. Mr
Smith said he had seen an inspection report for the Hamilton Parish school
written in September last year, which highlighted mould contamination in several
areas of the school. The report recommended the problem should be dealt with by
the end of this summer. Mr Smith said: “I wouldn’t want anyone to go through
this — we have kids as young as 5 and 6 in that school.” Mr Smith spoke out
after an article in Friday’s edition of The Royal Gazette highlighted a
report from October 2017 that outlined health and safety problems in the public
schools system. The Francis Patton report from six months ago flagged up a
“mould stench” in the school’s janitorial supplies store and mould
contamination in the principal’s office and several other rooms. The report
concluded that “the majority of the school’s facilities have been deemed
relatively safe and do not pose any immediate threat to the safety, health and
wellbeing of teachers or students at this time”. However, Mr Smith said
yesterday: “How can it be safe if I am sick?” He said he had been off ill
last week but, despite getting a doctor’s letter that advised he should be
moved elsewhere, he had received no word on a transfer. Mr Smith said: “Mould
affects everybody differently. It came as a surprise — I was sweating, then I
had problems with my stomach, and headaches. I got blood tests this month and
found that I have mould actually inside my system.” He said the age of the
building contributed to the problem and that the ministry was “trying to tread
lightly with a lot of issues”. Mr Smith added: “There’s so much that
they’re dealing with, such as the new grading system. But I think this is more
severe.” The report seen by The Royal Gazette last week said that all
schools had some level of mould contamination, but that there were no major
safety concerns. Mr Smith said: “Nobody has said anything about Francis
Patton, which is why I’m putting this out there. “At the end of the day, I
am a credible witness. It needs to be sorted out now.” The Francis Patton
report said mould concerns would be “jointly addressed” by the ministries of
public works and education by the end of the summer. Mr Smith added he decided
to speak out in a bid to get the problem fixed sooner and that he had also
alerted the Bermuda Union of Teachers. He said: “I am putting this out there
because it’s a bad situation for everybody, especially the kids. Things need
to be appreciated on a higher level. I am a parent, too. I have a daughter who
goes to Paget Primary and a son at Victor Scott. Knowing that I am infected with
mould, I have concerns for all the kids.” A spokeswoman for the education
ministry said officials were “aware of the health and safety report for
Francis Patton, as we are for all schools. Some works have already taken place
or are under way and other issues will be tackled during our scheduled summer
works.” The spokeswoman confirmed the ministry had received a report from Mr
Smith about the school a week ago and was “in the process of addressing that
report”.
Bermuda-based
reinsurer Monument Re has announced the completion of its acquisition of Dutch
insurer Robein Leven NV from Amerborgh Financial Services BV. The deal,
which was first announced in July last year, was closed after receipt of
regulatory approval by the De Nederlandsche Bank. Monument Re, a Bermuda Class E
long-term insurer, previously stated that the acquisition would establish its
long-term presence in the Netherlands. The company has a presence in Bermuda,
Ireland, Belgium and Luxembourg. “We are pleased to announce the regulatory
approval from the De Nederlandsche Bank and the completion of our acquisition of
Robein in the Netherlands,” said Manfred Maske, CEO of Monument Re Group.
“We look forward to further growth and opportunity with this platform.”
Monument Re’s major shareholders include Bermudian-based Enstar Group and
German reinsurance giant Hannover Re.
Bermuda-based
holding company One Communications Ltd has reported net income for 2018 of $15.1
million, an increase of $100,000 over its 2017 results. In an earnings
statement released today by the Bermuda Stock Exchange, the diversified
telecommunications outfit reported that consolidated revenue for 2018 was $128.9
million, up from $127 million in 2017. That figure includes $105.4 million in
Bermuda revenues and $28.4 million attributed to the company’s operations in
the Cayman Islands. Total operating expenses for 2018 were $112.4 million,
compared to $111.3 million the year before, the company said. The company’s
total assets increased during 2018 to $205.6 million, up from $198.3 million a
year earlier, including $14.9 million in cash holdings. Shareholders’ equity
climbed to $150.2 million from $136.4 million a year earlier. During the year,
the company repurchased 712,599 shares under an approved share buyback programme
at an average price of $2.99 per share. The company said it declared and paid
$1.7 million in dividends in 2018. No dividends were paid in 2017. Earnings per
share for continuing operations for 2018 were 36 cents per share, the same
figure as in 2017. One said it made $28.3 million in capital investments during
2018. During 2018, the company said, it made $3.75 million in principal
repayments in relation to a long-term debt agreement. On May 22, 2017, the
agreement was amended to increase the facility to $37.5 million and increase the
limit of its overdraft from $5 million to $10 million. This facility, the
company said, is scheduled to mature on May 22, 2022. The company had no
overdraft at the close of 2018, it said. Of its Bermuda operations, the company
said: “Management and the board of directors have spent the past year working
hard on delivering our FibreWire internet and transformative FibreWire TV
products, which have already and will continue to improve customer satisfaction.
We continue to realize synergies from the consolidation of prior acquisitions,
with an improvement in margin over prior year reflected in current year results.
On the wireless side, our high speed 4G LTE network covers over 99 per cent of
the country. We have been able to maintain network integrity and performance
even as data usage continues to dramatically increase. We have now launched our
single bill initiative, providing customers the optional convenience of
receiving a single bill for all of their services. We have also implemented a
new scheduling system for home service calls that will improve customer
experience and drive added efficiency.” Speaking of its Cayman operations, the
company said: “We continue to benefit from growth in the national economy. To
further leverage our investments, we continue to expand our fibre footprint on
the island, offering customers advanced internet, IPTV, and corporate data
products. In 2018, our incremental investment of $6 million in the fibre network
increased homes passed from 60 per cent to 67 per cent during the year, and the
operating results demonstrated corresponding growth in both subscribers and
revenue.”
Representatives
of the world’s first multi-country risk pool held their quarterly board
meeting in Bermuda. The meeting of the not-for-profit CCRIF SPC, formerly
the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, provided an opportunity to
discuss issues related to Bermuda’s CCRIF catastrophe insurance coverage.
Bermuda is a founding member of the CCRIF and one of its original donors.
Established in 2007, CCRIF provides tropical cyclone, earthquake and excess
rainfall insurance to its members. Since its inception, CCRIF has made 38
payouts totaling approximately $139 million to 13 member governments —
including payouts totaling almost $55 million to nine members after tropical
cyclones Irma and Maria in 2017. All CCRIF payments were made within 14 days of
the event, the organisation says. Currently, there are 21 members, with four
countries joining during the 2018-19 policy year. Members of the facility are:
Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, British
Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat,
Nicaragua, Panama, St Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Sint Maarten, St Vincent
& the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago and Turks & Caicos Islands.
Bermuda’s
Special Olympics heroes were celebrated yesterday with a motorcade and reception
on the grounds of Cabinet. The commemoration of the team’s haul of eight
medals and nine placings in the Abu Dhabi Games started with a motorcade from
the Arboretum in Devonshire and ended on Front Street, where they were
congratulated by David Burt, the Premier. Solay Thomas, who won a silver medal
in softball throw, said: “It’s overwhelming. It was a lot of people cheering
us on and I felt happy about it. I could feel the tears coming.” Ms Thomas,
21, added: “This is my dream come true.” Her mother, Latisha Lightbourne,
said: “I am proud of her courage and bravery. She represented not only
herself, but Bermuda.” Ms Lightbourne added: “I was not on the trip; she did
well without me.” Danielle Gibbons, also on the Bermuda team, said: “I feel
wonderful. I am proud that I did something for my country.” The games were the
first time she had represented Bermuda. Ms Gibbons said: “Thanks to everybody
for coming and supporting us. I love you, Bermuda.” Nathalie Dill, mother of
Kirk Dill, who won bronze in the 100 metres and just missed a medal when he came
fourth in the 200, was proud of his achievements. Ms Dill said: “To be in that
environment with children with intellectual disability, it was a humbling
experience — seeing these children interacting and building relationships,
just like everyone else.” People who lined the streets for the motorcade were
proud of the team’s effort. Sonya Clarke, who waited for the motorcade on
Church Street, said: “I’m elated — it’s an epic moment. They deserve
this and more.” Donna Raynor, president of the Bermuda National Athletics
Association, was also among those who waved at the motorcade as it made its way
through the city. Ms Raynor said: “To see how well they have done, it’s
awesome.” She added that Bermuda had turned in outstanding performances in the
Special Olympics and international football so it was a top moment for sport in
the country. Ms Raynor added: “We need to support all our athletes.” Mr Burt
told the athletes: “You have all made Bermuda extremely proud.” He added:
“You all earned your place with the world’s best and you excelled, proving
that a tiny island in the middle of the Atlantic can produce world-class
athletes of the highest caliber.” The team, which competed against 7,500
athletes from 190 countries, won three silver and five bronze medals, as well as
notching up nine placings. Alicia Zuill, the chairwoman of Special Olympics
Bermuda, said the country should do more for disabled athletes. She added that a
multifunctional building was needed to help the young men and women prepare for
competition. She said: “I am asking, please accept them. Help us, be there for
us. Please stop leaving them out, they are a part of us. Stop treating them like
they do not exist.” The athletes were presented with certificates by Mr Burt
and Lovitta Foggo, the Minister of Labour, Community Affairs and Sport. The
Special Olympics World Games were held from March 14 to 24.
The
next Director of Public Prosecutions should be a black “born Bermudian” the
Deputy Speaker of the House has said. Derrick Burgess, of the Progressive
Labour Party, said “perpetual racism” had kept white people at the top in
Bermuda during the motion to adjourn on Friday. He was speaking after Larry
Mussenden, the present DPP, was appointed a Puisne Judge. Mr Mussenden will take
up the role when Carlisle Greaves retires in July. Mr Burgess said most senior
appointments tended to be given to “Caucasians”. He added: “I do hope that
the next appointment to the DPP is a born Bermudian, preferably black
Bermudian.” Mr Burgess claimed that Government House, responsible for the
appointment for some positions such as judges and commissioners of police,
seemed to be “the chief patron of perpetual racism”. He said: “Of all the
appointments that come under the Foreign and Commonwealth Office representatives
in Bermuda, 75 per cent of them, at least, are Caucasian. The history of the
courts in this country is not great.” Mr Burgess highlighted Commissioner of
Police Steven Corbishley, Lieutenant-Colonel David Curley, the Commanding
Officer of the Royal Bermuda Regiment, and Chief Justice Narinder Hargun as
examples of white appointments. But other MPs pointed out that Mr Justice Hargun
was of Indian ancestry. Mr Burgess said: “The Chief Justice is white. He goes
for white in this country. He is accepted as white. He wouldn’t have it if he
was looking like me.” Mr Burgess, during a 2016 Commission of Inquiry into
government contracts, when Mr Hargun appeared as counsel for the commission,
claimed Mr Justice Hargun was a South African. Mr Justice Hargun was born in
India, his family moved to Britain when he was a child and he has Bermuda
status. A spokeswoman for Government House said: “Under the Constitution, the
DPP is appointed by the Governor and a recruitment process will get under way
soon.”
Drones
have been used to drop contraband into the grounds of Westgate prison, Wayne
Caines, the national security minister, told MPs on Friday. The unmanned
aircraft were spotted by prison staff three times in recent weeks, with
contraband subsequently taken by officers. Mr Caines was speaking in the wake of
no-fly zones imposed at the airport, the prison and at police headquarters in
Prospect. He said the Government had no plans to ban the mini-aircraft, and that
the regulations for now would have no impact on kite-flying around Prospect, a
popular area for the pastime. The criminal code will be amended to include
penalties, but Mr Caines said the ban had been put in place as an emergency
measure. At present, a fine of up to $4,000 is in place for breaches. Drones
have also encroached on the airport, where a no-fly zone of 2.3 miles was
imposed earlier this month. Mr Caines was optimistic that manufacturers of
drones could be approached to programme the no-fly restrictions into their
circuitry. Westgate has also explored frequencies that could knock out drones,
but the minister cautioned that a “blanket over the prison” to prevent the
use of mobile phones by inmates had come with unintended consequences of
blocking all signals.
Royal
Gazette Editorial. "It was something that Charles Gosling said that gets us
to thinking that there may be something more afoot in this quango kerfuffle than
the Bermuda Government merely wishing to modernize the governance of the
corporations of Hamilton and St George. This minister is wanting to finish what
he started in 2009! It is not until you drill deeper into those comments by
the Mayor of Hamilton, the history of the Hamilton waterfront and the
extraordinary reshuffle of David Burt’s Cabinet that sent ministries,
ministers and departments scurrying every which way that you can begin to make a
little sense of what is playing out before our eyes. And how the name Michael
MacLean very well may be in the frame once the dust begins to settle. For now,
Gosling is determined to use whatever legal means available to prevent Walter
Roban’s “asset grab” of the municipality being given Royal Assent, allied
to a belief that the Olde Towne was shoehorned into the package as collateral
damage amid a legislative smokescreen. The scarcely believable haste with which
a plea for St George to be afforded its own Act was met in the affirmative is as
easy to see through as a premium-grade colonoscopy — bureaucracy is not nearly
that fluid, is it? Gosling was given a great leg-up by the Upper House on Friday
when the independent senators, eloquently led by Senate president Joan
Dillas-Wright, effectively told Roban to take back his Municipalities Reform Act
2019 and change it — but not without bringing the people along for the ride in
democratic fashion. It is the first piece of legislation the Senate has pushed
back on since the Progressive Labour Party reclaimed the Government in July
2017, and the first brakes put on any government since the Private Member’s
Bill brought by Wayne Furbert, designed to outlaw same-sex marriage, came a
cropper almost 12 months earlier. Roban and Co can still ram this down the
people’s throats, whether they like it or not and with nary more consultation,
by simply observing the one-year waiting period and resubmitting the legislation
in the Lower House — after which point a muted Senate would be obliged to pass
it on to the “Big House on the Hill” for Royal Assent. Which would then
trigger the increased likelihood of the Mayor of Hamilton’s writ being brought
out of cold storage. For a blast from the past, a government takeover of the
municipalities was all the rage ten years ago when Roban and Gosling were
newbies in their respective positions. Roban was seriously wet behind the ears,
having been introduced to Cabinet by Ewart Brown as a Minister without Portfolio
only days earlier, while Gosling was a short time away from becoming Hamilton
mayor for the first time. What followed was thrust and counterthrust until a
sequence of events put the PLP government’s plans for the corporations in
abeyance:
• The death of health minister Nelson Bascome, which led ultimately to Roban taking on that ministry during the time frame of the FutureCare ruckus and a capital project that remains a political talking point to this day — the new Acute Care Wing at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital
• Paula Cox becoming party leader and Premier of Bermuda after Brown, having unapologetically eroded the goodwill that provided a significant majority government, took his leave in the middle of an election cycle
• The PLP losing the 2012 General Election to the upstart One Bermuda Alliance, a political newcomer that was an amalgamation of the short-lived Bermuda Democratic Alliance and a breakaway United Bermuda Party element that was determined to leave leader Kim Swan to man a sinking ship on his own
MacLean, a name that instantly conjures thoughts of waterfronts, parking lots and $18 million bridging loans gone bad, is on record as saying the PLP’s ambition to take over the municipalities did him no favours. And when the developer resurfaced in late 2017 in a sequence of YouTube releases, flanked by Eron Hill, the hybrid aspiring lawyer-youth activist, he made it abundantly clear that he had been let down by Walton Brown — even before he was appointed home affairs minister. “It will be exactly what I was going to do with it,” he told The Royal Gazette of the waterfront’s future in almost soothsayer fashion in December 2017. “The proposal I put forward was for a mixed-use development and an investment hub. The OBA took it from me and the PLP now has a free run at being able to take the waterfront.” The Cabinet reshuffle in November meant that ministerial oversight of the municipalities had come full circle from ten years ago — from Roban, to Zane DeSilva during his brief stint as Minister without Portfolio, to Michael Fahy in the OBA government, to Brown and now back to Roban. Hence, Gosling’s “finish what he started” comment. Amid all the talk of modernization and smart cities, there is an undercurrent of retribution in the air and an evening of scores with the oligarchies that have kept black people, in particular, under their thumb since slavery was abolished in 1834. None of this could be gleaned publicly until the Senate began debating Municipalities Reform Act 2019 when, first, Kathy Lynn Simmons last Wednesday and then Crystal Caesar on Friday took us down a path that just may have given clarity to the party’s endgame. Government House rejected in 2014 Parliament’s request to launch a commission of inquiry predominantly into the Tucker’s Town “land grabs” of the 1920s that displaced blacks from their homes in the name of tourism development. It is a sore that has become cancerous and from which much of the racial rancor that permeates our loosely woven social fabric originates. But unless more concrete facts are produced and it can be established that such an action is in the interest of public welfare — George Fergusson’s sentiment in rejecting the PLP’s call for a commission of inquiry when in Opposition — there is virtually no chance of Government House authorizing exceptional use of the Consolidated Fund, let alone getting on hands and knees to ask the British Government to make reparations to compensate for those times and for the period that gave birth to the base lands. So where will the money come from? A clue can be found in an excerpt from Burt’s address to the PLP delegates conference last October: “Over the next four years, we must also deal with justice. I can remember in 2014 when a land-grab motion was passed in Parliament and a commission of inquiry was never called by the Governor. Justice is about finding the truth, and there is no price that you can put on justice, and so we will find the resources to ensure that we have the inquiry.”
As
a follow-up to what happened yesterday and on Saturday, cruise ship MV
Viking Sky, owned by Bermuda-incorporated Viking Ocean Cruises, has reached its
intended Norwegian port safely, under its own power with three of its four
engines working. 900 or so of the passengers remained on board during the
emergency. Only those who were elderly or disabled and capable in that respect
were hoisted by helicopter. Passengers have praised the competence and
professionalism of the ship's crew and owners. The next earlier planned
voyage has been cancelled but voyages after that will proceed as planned. Viking
is understood to pay some or all of its staff from its Bermuda office.
An
award-winning youth speaker and author will discuss the scourge of cyber-bullying
at a digital leadership conference for young people this week. A’ric
Jackson, who was given the Best New Speaker award by the Chicago Chapter of
Toastmasters in 2000, will join island experts as the keynote speaker to discuss
the problems and opportunities that young people face in the digital age. The
free conference will be held at the Ruth Seaton James Centre and was organized
by the Government’s Department of ICT Policy and Innovation. The conference,
called The Ripple Effect, was designed to look at how everything people do
online can affect their future and the people around them. Sloane Wilson, an
acting junior analyst at the ICT department and lead presenter for its internet
safety group Cybertips, said: “The aim of the conference remains to empower
and protect Bermuda’s students using proven best practices and innovative
programmes while focusing on the ever-changing digital landscape and its
associated benefits and risks.” Mr Jackson is the author of Five Things
Your Guidance Counselor Didn’t Tell You. He was said to be “one of
the brightest rising stars in the realm of influencing youth to transcend
mediocrity” by John Alston, best-selling author of Stuff Happens (Then You
Fix It). Mr Jackson will discuss the impact that words and actions have on
others. Other speakers will include Latisha Burgess, the executive director for
the Employee Assistance Programme; Kenten Trott, a police inspector; Juanae
Crockwell, a community activist; Chardonae Rawlins, a student mental health
worker; and Don Burgess, executive officer of the Media Council of Bermuda.
Other topics will include social media and mental health, digital resilience,
internet law, parental responsibility and reporting online abuse. The Student
Digital Leadership Conference will be held on Wednesday at Ruth Seaton James
Auditorium from 8.30am to 3.30pm. The Community Digital Leadership Conference,
aimed at parents, guardians and teachers, will run from 6pm to 8pm at the same
venue.
A
motorcade to celebrate Bermuda’s Special Olympics World Games athletes will be
held today. The team made a strong finish at the Special Olympics in Abu
Dhabi with 19 medals, which included three silver and five bronze medals, and a
string of placings. The motorcade will start at noon from the Arboretum in
Devonshire. It will move along Middle Road to the north end of Reid Street, up
Queen Street, turning on to Church Street, where there will be a brief pause at
City Hall. It will then continue along Church Street turning on to Court Street,
turning into the grounds of Cabinet for 1pm when a reception will be held.
Lovitta Foggo, the Minister of Labour, Community Affairs and Sport, said:
“Because they have done so incredibly well, we have organized for a motorcade
to be held in their honour on Monday afternoon. I am asking everyone who can to
line the streets to cheer on our athletes for a job well done. They have
represented Bermuda incredibly well and we are all so proud of them.” The
motorcade will return to the Arboretum at 3pm. The team took part in athletics,
tennis, bowling and equestrian events, joining thousands of other athletes from
190 nations around the world.
When
the Island Restaurant Group opened Brew on Front Street in mid-November, plans
for a soft opening went pleasantly awry. Instead of a handful of customers,
people streamed in looking to grab a drink or a bite to eat while they did their
Christmas shopping. “We had a really good start,” IRG executive chef
Derek Myers said. “Then people were coming in saying they wanted to have their
Christmas party here.” The shop has a Starbucks-like concept going on with
power outlets at every table. Patrons can power up their laptops while they
refuel themselves with a sandwich, nitro coffee, beer or wine on tap. There’s
no rush to get patrons out the door, so it’s a good place for a casual meeting
with clients. The biggest comment I heard when we opened was Bermuda needed a
place like this,” Mr Myers said. “And I still hear people say ‘oh wow,
when did you open?’” IRG president Philip Barnett said the name Brew denotes
freshness, but is also meant to be a play on the Bermudian vernacular for
“good friend. It is a central place for locals to hang out and meet, and is a
destination for tourists to feel a part of the action and community,” he said.
“It is a totally fresh and innovative concept, and new for Bermuda.” Brew is
the latest addition to the IRG line-up which also includes the Hog Penny Pub and
Restaurant, Pickled Onion, Barracuda Grill, Frog and Onion Pub, and a catering
arm. It replaces their Victoria Street Java Jive coffee shop which they closed
last year. “Java Jive is where the inspiration came from,” Mr Myers said.
“We always say Brew is Java Jive on steroids.” He said in the ten years that
Java Jive was open, people became more health conscious. In response, Brew
offers gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options. “The demand for takeout,
grab and go has also increased with people wanting to get their stuff and get
back to their jobs,” Mr Myers said. So Brew has streamlined that process, and
even made sandwiches available in the evenings, if people want to buy something
to take home for dinner. But there is also lots of seating for those who want to
hang out. They’ve also jumped on the green bandwagon, offering paper straws,
and biodegradable corn or bamboo packaging. “We’ve gone all glass for the
drinks,” Mr Myers said. He said when the eco-friendly movement started hitting
restaurants in the last few years, some restaurants were reluctant to embrace
it, because of price. “Plastic straws and paper straws were not the same in
price,” he said. “But now the price has gone down as there are a lot more
people making them.” Mr Myers believed there were a couple of things that made
Brew stand out from the crowd. “I think the staff at Brew are amazing, first
and foremost,” he said. “The look of the place is not Bermuda. It looks like
you are somewhere else. We have a lounge.” He said their nitrogen pumped beer
and wine also made them unique on the island. “We are making our own
nitrogen,” he said. “We have a product that forces the beer and wine through
it. You get a clear crisp product with less foam.” Mr Myers said they didn’t
yet know how Government’s new sugar tax would impact their business. “We are
waiting to see,” he said. “We will probably have to raise the price of some
things — but that will be decided when we hear about the price of everything.
We will have to do what we will have to do, like everyone else.” Brew is open
Monday to Wednesday from 7am to 7pm. Hours vary from Thursday to Sunday. “On
Thursdays we are open a little later,” Mr Myers said. “We have set closing
times, but if people are here we keep it open. We have been open until 9pm and
10pm on Saturdays. On Sundays we open at 8am. We are trying to be open as much
as we can for everyone. We want to keep people here.”
Clarien Bank’s plan to
charge account holders $5 for withdrawing Bermuda dollars with the assistance of
a teller has left at least one long-time customer unhappy. “They’re
always coming up with new rates, but everyone I have talked to about this new
charge thinks it’s terrible and is upset,” says Eric Pengelly, who says he
has been a customer with Clarien and its predecessor banks for some 30 years.
“Everyone I have talked to is shocked. They say ‘that can’t be’ and
think the teller gave me the wrong information. I find it offensive. I am sure
there is a good reason but I think it’s exploitive. They are getting away with
it because there’s nobody putting pressure on them. It’s a pattern of
keeping hitting the consumer constantly. Everyone hates the banks now. I am sure
they will say it’s due to the cost of compliance, all their costs are going up
and so they are passing them on to the small customer. Some of the charges are
just outrageous. There is a pattern of overcharging for all sorts of things that
is upsetting the customer. The local populace is outraged.” Mr Pengelly, a
58-year-old painting contractor, describes himself as “old school”. He says
he prefers dealing with a teller to using an automated teller machine, and does
not use online banking. “With an ATM you can only take out about $1,000 at a
time,” he says. “When I go to the teller, I get $7,000 to $8,000 at the end
of the month and pay my bills. I don’t want to go back to a machine over and
over. I know you can do it online, but I don’t do anything online because you
can get hacked. If I can’t get my money out of an ATM in an efficient manner,
it becomes inefficient. It’s almost cheaper to pay the $5 because I work by
the hour. I’m old school. I like the personal interaction with a teller.
Everything is done by machine these days, nobody talks to each other any
more.” The new rate becomes effective March 31. A three-month grace period
“to allow clients time to consider alternate transaction options” will make
July 1 the effective date for the new charge, according to a flyer displayed at
the Reid Street bank. Simon Van de Weg, executive vice-president, chief banking
officer, responded on behalf of Clarien. “Clarien Bank recently announced fee
adjustments to reflect the cost of service provision as we refine our business
model in a rapidly evolving digital banking environment,” he said. “Fees
have been adjusted or introduced based on a number of factors including the cost
of the service, risks and regulation associated with the service and the
alternative channels available to receive the same service in a more efficient,
free and convenient manner. Equally, while reviewing fees we have also recently
adjusted deposit rates to offer premium rates on longer term CDs to support the
savings and financial growth goals of the broader community. We are committed to
the continuous evaluation of our service offerings to accommodate the demands
and expectations of our clients, offering a more thorough financial solutions
approach with diversified digital and online channels such as Clarien iBank,
iBank mobile and digital authentication tokens available today and intelligent
ATMs with an expanded footprint and enhanced capabilities that will launch later
this year. Our commitment to channel diversification provides clients with
alternative transaction solutions in addition to in-person financial solution
support that will help reduce and eliminate many traditional banking fees while
allowing clients to interact with the bank faster, safer and smarter through
diversified channels. The Bermuda dollar in-branch cash withdrawal fee and other
select fees as published on our fee schedule available on clarienbank.com are
waived for seniors (65 and older), Iron Kids (youth accounts) and registered
charities.”
The
latest volume of an academic journal includes articles on 19th-century prisoner
of war ships, Second World War submarine history and military gravestones.
The National Museum of Bermuda Press has launched Volume 21 of the Bermuda
Journal of Archaeology and Maritime History, which is now available to buy.
The museum is in the process of digitizing previous volumes to make the entire
catalogue of 175 individual articles available online for purchase and download.
A spokeswoman for the museum said: “Covering a wide range of topics including
slavery, smuggling, shipwrecks, military and naval history, whaling, and
agriculture, the journal has become an essential resource for any researcher
examining Bermuda’s history and its connections with the wider Atlantic
world.” Volume 21 features ten articles on history and archaeology by
Bermudian-based and overseas scholars. Other articles focus on the 17th-century
Chinese porcelain trade, Bermuda’s “explosive military history” and the
18th-century livestock trade. Transcriptions of the minutes of the Governor’s
council are also included. Clarence Maxwell and Deborah Atwood, the co-editors,
have invited leading experts in the fields of history, art, and archaeology to
form an advisory board designed to raise the academic standing of the journal.
The board will advise on the direction of the journal and review papers
submitted for publication. It is available for download at website nmb.bm/shop.
American
and British holidaymakers airlifted from a cruise ship owned and operated by a
Bermuda-incorporated Norwegian company who were stranded in rough seas off the
Norwegian coast after engine failure have described their "frightening
experience". The ship was carrying mostly American passengers. One of
them, John Curry said he had been having lunch as the ship started to shake.
“It was just chaos. The helicopter ride from the ship to shore I would rather
not think about. It wasn’t nice.” Derek and Esther Browne, from Hampshire,
England, were
among 200 Britons on board the MV Viking Sky, one of the vessels owned by Viking
Cruises - which also operates Viking River Cruises, also a Bermuda-incorporated
company - when it sent a mayday call on Saturday after an engine
failure in stormy seas off the coast of Norway. Helicopters and ships were
called in to rescue the passengers and crew. One by one, dozens of passengers
were hoisted from the deck of the vessel by helicopter and flown to a village
just north of the town of Molde, Norway. Another passenger, George Davis,
from Manchester, UK, said it took 10 hours for him and his wife Barbara to be
rescued. Hundreds of other really frightened and miserable passengers remained
on board throughout the night. The vessel has since restarted three of its four engines and is moving
towards the nearest port with the assistance of tugboats. The
ship 'rolled and rolled' before engines lost power, Mr Browne said
Viking Cruises said in a statement that of the 1,373 people originally on board,
894 guests and crew remain on board, while the 479 who were airlifted are on
shore with arrangements being made to fly them home. Twenty people suffered
injuries and some remain in medical care, according to Viking Cruises. Three
people were thought to be in a serious condition. TV video showed passengers on
board huddled together with like jackets on as ship's furniture flew into the
air and landed dangerously close. Mr Browne told BBC News: "We had a
few people on stretchers, several with cuts, a few with broken limbs." He
said the ship had been "rolling and rolling" all night on Friday
before losing engine power on Saturday. Derek
and Esther Browne were airlifted off the ship on Saturday
The ship's crew managed to anchor the ship in Hustadvika Bay, according to
police in Moere og Romsdal, amid fears the vessel would run aground. Mr Browne
said: "We were going for the afternoon film show and the lights suddenly
went out and then suddenly more rolling. We heard the anchor being dropped and
then we were told: 'Mayday, mayday!' And the bleeps went off on the radio and
that was it - we all had to evacuate." The evacuation was hampered by the
conditions, he said: "The lifeboats couldn't function and the RNLI couldn't
come out because the seas were so rough, so they sent helicopters. Two
helicopters had to take off 930 passengers. It was the most frightening
experience I have ever had. I'd never been in a helicopter before. There were a
lot of high winds, hovering overhead and the winchman came down and we were then
collected up and so I shut my eyes as we arrived into the helicopter, and there
were 15 of us for about a 20-minute ride." By 22:40 last night, 155 people
had been brought to shore. It is believed about 60 percent of the passengers are
American, some on their first-ever journey to Europe, with the balance British and other nationalities, with the ship's crew
mostly Norwegian or European. The ship was due to dock at Tilbury,
England, on March 26. A spokeswoman for Viking Cruises said: “The ship is
proceeding on its own power and a tugboat is on site. The evacuation is
proceeding with all necessary caution. A small number of non-life threatening
injuries have been reported. Guests are being accommodated in local hotels when
they arrive back on shore, and Viking will arrange for return flights for all
guests.”
The
home affairs minister has imposed conditions on the sale of power firm Belco,
the House of Assembly heard yesterday. Ascendant Group, the holding company
that owns Belco, announced on January 28 that it was considering the sale of the
group with a deadline of Monday for bids. Walter Roban told MPs that he had
given direction to the Regulatory Authority that prospective new owners would
have to stick to the Integrated Resource Plan for energy supply, which is now
under development. Mr Roban added: “Any prospective buyer would have taken
note of the events of October 2018, where plant workers were poised and ready to
put their feet on the street in support of their Bermudian colleagues who were
abruptly dismissed.” The Electricity Supply Union took industrial action last
year over the removal of four “qualified, displaced Bermudians” from the
company. The ESTU also demanded the removal of Sean Durfy, the Ascendant chief
executive, and Robert Schaefer, the chief financial officer. The strike was
followed by the appointment of Dennis Pimentel as Belco’s president with
operational accountability. Mr Roban told the House that a new owner would be
expected to be “transparent, inclusive and collaborative”, and that
“matters of national importance, once debated behind the closed doors on
Serpentine Road, are decided through open discourse across all strata of our
society”. Mr Roban added: “It is our mission, together with the Regulatory
Authority, to ensure that the result will be a better Belco for a better
Bermuda.” A spokesman for Ascendant said its board of directors welcomed Mr
Roban’s statement. He added: “The company will continue its evaluation of
all strategic alternatives, which may include the sale of Ascendant and, as
previously stated, the board understands that its responsibility is to a broad
group of stakeholders, including shareholders, customers, employees, and
regulators. Each of these stakeholders brings to bear on the company a wide
range of perspectives and expectations. The board is committed to taking action
that is in the best interests of all stakeholders. As this process continues, we
look forward to working with the Government and regulator to ensure the
continuity of safe, reliable and cost-effective energy for all our customers.”
Mr Roban also said the Government looked forward to “increased use of
renewables and a fairer electric utility”. He added: “You will soon hear
more about developments in the electronic communications area, in particular the
integrated communications licences.”
All
chocolate bars that contain sugar will be hit with a 75 per cent sugar tax from
the start of next month, the House of Assembly heard last night. Kim Wilson,
the health minister, told MPs chocolate and cocoa products with sugar were to be
added in the list of food and drinks covered by the sugar tax. Ms Wilson said 10
per cent — $77 million — of the $770 million spent on health every year was
used to treat people with diabetes. She added about $27 million a year was spent
on dialysis treatment. Ms Wilson said the sugar tax was not designed to raise
revenue, but to reduce the consumption of sugar. She added: “We cannot
continue to see the skyrocketing health costs that we continue to see, largely
due to diabetes and other non-communicable disease.” However, she said she
would move an amendment to remove breakfast cereals “that would have been
subject to the sugar tax in the Bill as tabled”. Wayne Furbert, the Government
junior finance minister, said the sugar tax was designed to improve health. He
added that the sugar tax implemented last October had raised an extra $460,000.
Mr Furbert said that, although duty rates on sugar had increased, rates for
vegetables, fruit and eggs had been reduced. He added the reductions had lead to
a $200,000 decrease in revenue. Mr Furbert said that although the duty on the
healthier items was reduced, some businesses had still hiked prices and he had
noticed that with eggs. Mr Furbert said: “We dropped the duty and the price
went up.” He added stickers were being added to goods that will be affected by
the sugar tax, but that he had not seen any on fruit and vegetables to indicate
that the tax had been cut. Mr Furbert asked the public to tell the Government if
they see prices on affected items go up before April 1. Mr Furbert said some
water products, which had a 35 per cent duty in the past, had been reduced to 15
per cent since last October. Craig Cannonier, the Opposition leader, said the
Government wanted to send a health message, but that had not required an
increase in taxes. He added that the Government should use the same
determination it had to increase taxations to spread the health message. Mr
Cannonier said: “Making things more expensive so people won’t buy is not the
way to go.” He added that better education of the public would lead to
healthier people. Zane DeSilva, the Minister of Tourism and Transport, said
Bermuda had one of the highest amputation rates in the world as a result of
diabetes and that the sugar tax was needed. Mr DeSilva said: “This tax is
going to help us to press the health message.” He added: “If asked to make a
choice between upping the tax on sugar or amputations, I would choose upping the
tax.”
The
new bus schedule has 50 buses on the road at peak times but a temporary
reduction in frequency while the ageing vehicles are repaired or replaced, MPs
heard yesterday morning. Zane DeSilva, the transport minister, said the
first of eight new buses had arrived last month. The second is expected to
arrive next month and one new bus every three weeks is scheduled to go into
service until August. Mr DeSilva said there will also be “real time passenger
information” provided online this year. He added a request for proposal had
been completed for digital payment of fares.
The
Senate rejected last night an Act designed to axe the corporations of Hamilton
and St George and turn them into un-elected quangos. It was the first vote
defeat for the Progressive Labour Party since it won power in July 2017. Joan
Dillas-Wright, the Senate president, told the Upper House she supported the
concept of modernization of the municipalities, but that the legislation needed
more thought. Ms Dillas-Wright highlighted that the Government had agreed to
create a separate municipalities Act for St George. She said that meant that the
Government’s plans for the two corporations were still evolving, but the Act
the Senate had to consider treated them both the same way. She added: “I’m
not saying it’s not needed — I’m saying I have an issue right now.” Ms
Dillas-Wright said she was also concerned that the Act would breach the concept
that there should be no taxation without representation and questioned the level
of public support for the change. She added: “If you want the people to be
supportive, then they must be given all the information. Ms Dillas-Wright said
that she had the casting vote and used it to block the Act because she expected
separate legislation for St George and that she believed the legislation should
have been withdrawn or amended. She added: “The other reason is I do believe
that the residents should choose their mayor — taking away the vote from them
was just wrong.” Senators debated the controversial Act on Wednesday but did
not take a vote. The legislation was passed last week in the House of Assembly,
The three independent senators, including Ms Dillas-Wright, combined with the
three One Bermuda Alliance to vote down the five-strong Progressive Labour Party
government group. The move will delay the implementation of the legislation for
a year. James Jardine and Michelle Simmons, both independents, sided with Nick
Kempe, Marcus Jones and Dwayne Robinson, of the One Bermuda Alliance, to block
the Municipalities Reform Act 2019. Mr Robinson said after the vote: “Reason
has prevailed over rhetoric. There was no way that the Bill was going to pass
with the argument that was put forward by the Government — it was emotive but
not much substance. They need to have further discussions with the mayors. It
was brought up that they have an issue with the election system of the
Corporation of Hamilton being favourable to those who are rich and white so if
they wish to get that Bill passed they need to, along with the corporation,
update and modernize that election process. That way it becomes more appealing
and people keep their democratic right to elect their municipal
representative.” Mr Jardine added: “I was pleased with the outcome. The
Government raised some good points but, on balance, we have preserved some
degree of democracy in the city and in the town of St George and that is
healthy. The residents and the businesses in the city pay taxes — $8.6m worth
of taxes — and therefore they should have some representation around the
table.” Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, said after the decision: “We
are encouraged by what developed in the Senate and will meet among ourselves
shortly to discuss how best the corporation can meet its challenges moving
forward.” Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, said: “The result in
the Senate represents a victory for the status quo, but while municipality
reform has been delayed, it will not be denied. The Government is committed to
municipal reform and is determined to see the vision for Hamilton and St George
become a reality.”
The
Leader of the Opposition in the Senate said the Minister of Legal Affairs and
Attorney-General had made a “mockery” of the Budget debate process. Nick
Kempe of the One Bermuda Alliance explained that the Opposition allotted two
hours for debate on the Ministry of Legal Affairs budget — and all but 30
seconds of the time was taken up by Kathy Lynn Simmons’s brief. He said:
“Unfortunately, the Attorney-General made a bit of a mockery of the debate
process. She was allocated two hours and spoke for the entire time. It seems
clear that she is unwilling to accept any public scrutiny on her ministry,
despite there being a great number of newsworthy matters over the last couple of
months. When questions were asked in the House, it was suggested that they were
not answered there because they wanted them to be answered in the Senate with
the Attorney-General herself. The time was allocated and the opportunity was
squandered.” He said he had intended to raise questions about the increase of
spending on public relations in the ministry, including the hiring of a public
relations consultant, while only $242,000 was budgeted for litigation guardians.
Mr Kempe said: “There was no chance to ask if that amount of money will cover
all the cases. On a back-of-the-envelope assessment, it should seem
insufficient. So we are spending $679,000 in increased promotion, but you would
think more would be dedicated towards the actual safeguarding of the
children.” Mr Kempe said that the Opposition was responsible for the Budget
debate schedule, but that Ms Simmons could have asked for more time. He added:
“The Attorney-General had time to review the schedule and had she felt the
time allocated was insufficient, more time could have been allocated as needed.
Questions could have been answered in ten or 20 minutes, but exactly zero
minutes were given.” Ms Simmons said that she had no obligation to cut her
brief. She added that her brief had also been expanded to deal with questions
raised in the House of Assembly.
More
than half the sex abuse cases reported to government watchdogs last year were
child-on-child assaults, the Minister for Justice and Attorney-General has
revealed. Kathy Lynn Simmons told the Senate that 51 per cent of sex abuse
allegations referred to the Department of Child and Family Services in 2018
involved child-on-child abuse or sexual behavior. Debi Ray-Rivers, the founder
and executive director of child abuse charity Scars, said the problem had
existed for generations and hundreds of Bermudians were affected. She said:
“I’ve personally heard hundreds of stories of child-on-child abuse. What we
believe is happening now is that people are becoming educated about
inappropriate touch and they are reporting. This is what happens when a
community becomes educated in appropriate healthy touch and inappropriate
unhealthy touch.” Ms Simmons, in a debate on the Budget for the Ministry of
Legal Affairs on Wednesday, said 244 of the 1,139 cases referred to the Intake,
Assessment and Investigation Unit in 2018 involved sex abuse. She added: “The
investigation team continues to see an increase in the number of children
referred for child-on-child sexual abuse or sexualized behavior. This accounts
for 51 per cent of the number of sexual abuse referrals.” Ms Simmons said 465
of the referred cases involved neglect, 200 involved physical abuse, 100
involved behavioral problems, 84 involved emotional abuse and 46 fell into other
categories. She added: “Children exposed to domestic violence has consistently
accounted for the highest number of neglect referrals in the past five years. In
2018, the department received 209 referrals for children who were exposed to
family violence. This accounts for 45 per cent of the neglect referrals for
2018.” Ms Simmons said that the bulk of referrals were made by the Bermuda
Police Service and the island’s schools. Ms Ray-Rivers said the figures on
child-on-child abuse mirrored those seen by Scars. She said the charity joined
forces with the Bermuda Health Council in 2017 to carry out a survey to measure
how widespread sexual abuse was in Bermuda. Ms Ray-Rivers added: “Out of the
5,000 who received the survey, the BHC received over 700 respondents quite
quickly. According to our survey, 45 per cent of those who had personally
experienced sexual abuse as a child were sexually abused by someone less than 18
years old. This tells us that this has been going on for generations.” Ms
Ray-Rivers said she hoped the numbers would start to fall, but that community
education about abuse was vital. She said: “This can be addressed when adults,
who bring children into this world, become educated in prevention. They talk to
their children about body safety early, and often, they monitor their electronic
devices, they pay attention who their children interact with, they work towards
reducing isolated one-on-one situations, they demand standards of youth-serving
organisations. They also recognize some signs early on of bullying behavior and
other signs and they react responsibly when they see something or hear
something.” Ms Ray-Rivers added that Scars’ Darkness to Light Stewards of
Children abuse prevention course was designed to help people recognize danger
signals. She said parents learnt to talk to their children about body safety and
boundaries. “The training encourages people to start early and talk often.
Sexual behavior among children can be simply exploring, it can be simply
uninformed children about body safety and crossing boundaries of others, it
could be bullying behavior. It could be they have witnessed something in the
home, or watched something on TV or online, or it could be that child is being
abused themselves and copying the behavior or being told by their abuser to do
it to another child.”
Patients
from Bermuda Healthcare Services and the Brown-Darrell Clinic met John Rankin,
the Governor, yesterday to demand the return of medical records seized by
police. A caravan of protesters went from the House of Assembly to
Government House and Hamilton Police Station, to ask for the files to be
returned. A letter to David Burt, the Premier, said patients were “horrified,
angry and insulted that the BPS are using our most private medical information
against our express consent”. The letter added that “the breach of patient
confidentiality” imposed stress on patients who “already suffer from ill
health”. It highlighted cases that involved treatment for HIV and
complications caused by an abortion and that patient privacy would be violated
if any were called to testify if court proceedings resulted. The patients added
that the “small size of Bermuda must also be taken into account”. The files
were taken when authorities raided both clinics, owned by former Progressive
Labour Party premier Ewart Brown, more than two years ago. The records were
removed as part of a police investigation into allegations that the clinics
ordered unneeded diagnostic imaging scans to boost profits. The Bermuda Police
Service were allowed to copy the files of about 150 patients and the courts
ruled last month that they could be accessed for anonymous review. Glenn
Simmons, of the Bermuda Industrial Union and a patient at the clinics, thanked
the Governor for meeting the patients. Mr Simmons said the protests were
“patient driven”. He added: “We want our files returned — ASAP.” Mr
Simmons said that Mr Rankin had been “very diplomatic”, but had told the
group that the controversy was out of his hands because it was now before the
courts. Walter Roban, the Deputy Premier, and national security minister Wayne
Caines also met the protesters outside Sessions House. They also spoke to
Commissioner of Police Stephen Corbishley when they visited Hamilton Police
Station. The letter was also sent to Sir Simon McDonald, the Permanent
Under-Secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK, and Larry
Mussenden, the Director of Public Prosecutions. Mr Simmons said the patients’
group planned to “wait and see”.
Industry
titans Michael Bloomberg and Brian Duperreault highlighted Bermuda’s value to
global business and the United States, delivering a dynamic launch yesterday to
a full-capacity Bermuda Executive Forum in New York. Both high-profile
executives joined David Burt, the Premier, for the event’s kick-off
“fireside chat”, a casual and wide-ranging discussion that touched on
geopolitics, leadership styles, industry trends, and the advantages Bermuda
lends to corporations seeking safe, stable, diverse and innovative
jurisdictions. “Culture attracts capital faster than capital attracts
culture,” Mr Bloomberg, a former three-term mayor of New York City, part-time
Bermuda resident, and founder of Bloomberg LP and Bloomberg Philanthropies,
said. “We do a lot of business in Bermuda because there are a lot of financial
institutions that need Bloomberg terminals, so it’s a logical place to go.
Bermuda is a relatively easy place to do business. And as long as the insurance
business keeps growing in Bermuda, I think our business will keep growing there.
Bermuda is a great country, a cohesive society. Where else would I do business
on an island? Maybe Manhattan island!” he joked. “I think Bermuda’s got a
much better hand to play than most.” The session was a highlight of a day
packed with informative panels showcasing the Bermuda market’s expertise
across myriad industry sectors and attracting a 350-strong audience of
executives and investors to the midtown venue off Times Square. More than 40
speakers from the island, comprising government, industry and regulatory
leaders, outlined global trends and the unique combination of factors that set
Bermuda apart as a jurisdiction of choice for global business. The forum was the
fifth in a successful series hosted in different cities by the Bermuda Business
Development Agency. “I think we have a great story to tell and getting out in
a forum like this, and getting someone like Mike Bloomberg, whom everybody holds
in the highest esteem, and having him talk about how great it is to be in
Bermuda, how he feels about Bermuda compared to other places — I think
that’s valuable,” said Mr Duperreault, the Bermudian market veteran and
chief executive officer of American International Group. “Bermuda is
home to me. My business is also very much involved there,” he said, noting AIG
is celebrating its centennial this year, including more than 70 years on the
island. “Bermuda is a great place to work and live and its culture is deep.
Its proximity to the US, the business relationships we have, all of these things
add up to providing a venue that’s the best to me for what I do.” The forum
featured moderated panels of experts in Bermuda’s key industries — from
re/insurance and asset management to trusts, family offices and fintech, as well
as networking opportunities. The island’s historic and mutually beneficial
relationship with the United States was the common theme across all discussions.
“New York is the most important city worldwide when it comes to capital
markets, and it’s a city we have numerous links to. That’s why we’re
speaking to potential customers and describing why Bermuda is a jurisdiction
that can help them return value to their shareholders,” said Mr Burt, who was
joined by Curtis Dickinson, the finance minister, at the event. “Having
industry titans with us such as Brian Duperreault and Mike Bloomberg
demonstrates how important Bermuda is to America and to American citizens. We
must grow and build on those relationships.” The forum’s keynote was TED
speaker, entrepreneur, and award-winning author Jared Kleinert, who engaged the
crowd with a talk about millennials and how they view careers, risks and
achievements. “As an American and as a former resident of New York with family
ties to this city, it was exciting to see Team Bermuda visit us,” he said
afterwards. “For the BDA and for Bermudians to go out into markets they value
building relationships with — it speaks volumes.” Numerous business
development meetings and introductions also took place at the venue during the
forum, which concluded with a networking reception. “It’s been an impressive
day,” said the BDA’s CEO Andy Burrows. “The Premier’s fireside chat with
Mr Bloomberg and Duperreault highlighted the importance of the US — Bermuda
relationship. It was striking and it was a theme that carried throughout the
day. Our relationship with America is old, it’s still maturing, yet it is also
very dynamic. We look to the US as a partner economically and politically.
Historically, we have invested in and supported each other’s economies.
Clearly, it is a relationship we must continue to nurture and grow.” Steve
Weinstein, the BDA’s deputy chairman, said: “The bilateral relationship
between New York and Bermuda is among the most important in the world. From our
leadership in response to the 9/11 tragedy to the efforts Bermuda made to the
rebuilding of lower Manhattan after Superstorm Sandy, New York has been a
critical market to Bermuda and an important part of extending the global
franchise for Bermuda as the world’s risk management capital. As Bermuda
expands into adjacent sectors, I’m confident that relationship will only
grow.” The visit to New York also saw Mr Burt, Mr Dickinson and Mr Burrows
meet with major media groups in New York, including Coindesk, Barron’s and The
Economist, whose journalists were interested to learn details about Bermuda’s
economy and what differentiates it to encourage nascent digital asset,
blockchain and fintech companies to set up on the island. The Premier spoke to
Yahoo Finance “YFI” online news programme yesterday morning, when host Dan
Roberts described him as the “tech premier”. Burt also taped a session with
Fortune magazine’s Balancing the Ledger online video show that airs Monday.
A
man with mental health and drug problems who head butted a police officer was
shown leniency by a magistrate this week. Magistrate Maxanne Anderson
sentenced Eric Richardson to two years probation on Wednesday. She said: “I
don’t want anyone to think that we, the Bench, are unsympathetic to situations
like this one and defendants like Mr Richardson. I think it’s pathetic and sad
that an island such as ours, that’s supposed to have so much wealth, that we
have no facilities to assist someone like Mr Richardson with a clear
diagnosis.” Ms Anderson added: “We are failing our vulnerable persons in
this island, and it seems only to be getting worse. I think we can sum it up in
three words and they are ‘shame on us’.” Richardson, 26, who is homeless,
pleaded guilty to an assault on a police officer on January 30 while he was
detained at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for a mental health assessment.
The court heard that police handcuffed Richardson when he became “disruptive
and aggressive”. Richardson ran at one of the officers and head-butted him.
Simone Smith-Bean, for the defence, told the court that Richardson had a history
of mental health and drug problems that could not be properly treated in
Bermuda. She added that her client had been detained at the hospital for eight
hours “without assistance or the proper medication”. She said: “Eight
hours in holding is bad for anyone. I can only imagine what it’s like for a
mental health patient.” Ms Smith-Bean warned that Richardson would be a danger
to himself if he remained in prison. She added that he could not stay at his
family home because of a restraining order granted to his mother. Ms Anderson
also heard that there was no mental health centre on the island that could hold
a patient with a background of crime and drug abuse. Kelly Medeiros, a court
social worker, admitted it was “a sad state of not having the proper resources
for people like Mr Richardson”. Ms Anderson sentenced Richardson to probation
on condition that he continued with treatment at the Mid-Atlantic Wellness
Institute psychiatric hospital. He was also ordered to visit Court Services
every day while he remained homeless, stay off drugs and have no contact with
his mother.
Opinion.
By Edward Harris, PhD, founding executive director emeritus of the National
Museum of Bermuda. "Excitement is building behind the high walls of the
fortress that is the National Museum of Bermuda, as preparations for a
groundbreaking book are being excavated from archives in Montreal by a team of
architectural and furniture historians led by myself, the former museum
director, and co-editor of the book, Linda Abend. It is hoped in this digital
age that John Goodwin Lyman’s The Old Bermudas will appear in that
centuries-old format of the book, which, unlike your smart phone, needs the
attention of both your hands and quite a lot of your brain. The story behind the
coming story began some years ago when Duncan McDowall, the Bermudaphile and
longtime visitor with his wife, Sandy Campbell, found an unpublished manuscript
from the Great War period and photographs to illustrate it by Lyman, the now
famous Canadian artist. That discovery was recently followed up by the National
Museum by the scanning of the “book” and its 86 illustrations, and a further
unknown set of over 100 other Lyman images of Bermuda houses and furniture,
giving us a remarkable group of almost 200 unpublished views of Bermuda in the
period 1913 to 1918. The images are stunning “eye candy” for those who love
the look of the Bermuda home in its natural setting. Had Lyman’s book been
published, it would have been the first on the extraordinary Bermuda house
architecture, for the seminal Bermuda Houses by John Sanford Humphreys of
Harvard University only appeared in 1923. Sadly, that was not to be, but the
matter will be remedied by the National Museum in early 2020. The story began
when Anna and James Morgan purchased Southlands in Warwick in 1913, to which
they added more buildings and converted some of the grounds into wonderful
gardens. Late that year, Lyman, Anna’s nephew, visited Bermuda with his wife,
Corinne St Pierre, for a respite from the ravages of old-fashioned Canadian art
critics. Lyman obviously fell in love with the Bermuda house, or vernacular
architecture (which is unique), and by several visits later had written a book
on the subject and brought in a photographer, Edward Babcock from Fifth Avenue,
to capture buildings, interiors and individual pieces of furniture. The book was
hawked around the hallowed publishers of Manhattan but fell from view for almost
a century. The National Museum will remedy that oversight and the book will
contain six chapters and over 300 illustrations and will be funded by donations
from the public. The first chapter, by Dr McDowall, is a biography of Lyman and
will include most of his known paintings of Bermuda, though sadly Portrait of a
Mulatto Girl, presumably Bermudian, has been lost. The second chapter will be
John Lyman’s book, as he would have liked to publish it, while the third
section, by Linda Abend, will be all the pictures of houses that he did not
choose for the book. The fourth chapter will be all the pictures of furniture
that were not included in Lyman’s book, as discussed by a great friend of
Bermuda, Keith Adams, in his discourse on the development of furniture making on
the island. The fifth chapter will be architectural historian Ed Chappell’s
30-year study of the evolution of the Bermuda house, while the sixth brings
forth the flowering of such buildings in the former Bermudian possession of Salt
Cay in the Turks Islands. The book will thus be the earliest and the most recent
views of our delightful and irreplaceable Bermuda vernacular architecture: it
eventually will go online for all the world to see and appreciate that extremely
valuable cultural tourism asset of our island home. Word has it that there are
over 3,000 Canadians living in Bermuda, so it is hoped that they will come to
the wicket and help with this project, which may include an exhibition in
Montreal, from whence the Lymans and Morgans came to grace our shores and
landscape. Had Lyman’s book been published at the time, it would have probably
done much to promote the preservation of the unique architectural heritage of
Bermuda."
The
national security minister told MPs today that drones had been spotted in
restricted airspace at the airport. The sightings came despite a no-fly zone
of 2.3 miles being imposed earlier this month. Wayne Caines said similar
regulations are in place for Westgate prison, where three drone sightings in
recent weeks were suspected to be attempts to drop contraband inside. The police
headquarters at Devonshire’s Prospect are also off limits and Mr Caines warned
owners of the unmanned craft to respect the privacy of property owners. But he
said the Government’s had no plans to ban the mini-aircraft.
The
home affairs minister will today outline the Government’s policy regulations
for the sale of power firm Belco in the House of Assembly. Walter Roban’s
statement will come less than two months after Ascendant, Belco’s parent
company, announced it was looking at a possible sale of the group. Ascendant was
the subject of a takeover bid from US firm Twenty First Century Utilities in
April last year. The $15-per share bid was about 50 per cent more than the
company’s share price at the time. As well as Belco, Ascendant also owns air
conditioning firm AirCare, iFM, a facilities management company, and iEPC, an
engineering and construction business. Controversial legislation with
implications for children’s representation in court will not be debated today.
The session will be the final sitting of the House before the Easter break, with
MPs scheduled to return in May. The Children’s Amendment Act debate has been
postponed, along with an opposition motion on the posting of “inappropriate
and/or sexist comments” by MPs on social media. The debate on the next phase
of the sugar tax, which will further hike the duty on sugary foods and drinks,
will go ahead. MPs could also discuss supplementary expenditure, although the
overspends may be also left until the House reconvenes.
A
plan for government-backed mortgages risked increasing debt and “driving a
wedge between the public and private sectors” an opposition MP said yesterday.
Patricia Gordon-Pamplin of the One Bermuda Alliance said that helping Bermudians
to acquire property could assist the real estate sector where prices were
“steadily falling, leaving people in negative equity”. She added:
“However, this plan again raises so many unanswered questions which need
addressing before it can be implemented. Like other loans, mortgages are based
on a borrower’s ability to repay. If they cannot, then the mortgages get into
trouble. This plan could easily be an invitation to banks to lay off their
impaired mortgages on to the taxpayer.” Ms Gordon-Pamplin asked: “Will the
Government put systems into place to stop that happening? What happens if the
homeowner defaults on the debt?” She was speaking after Curtis Dickinson, the
Minister of Finance, unveiled plans in the 2019-20 Budget for a
government-backed mortgage lender for public-sector employees. Mr Dickinson also
said in his Budget speech in February that the Government would, “in
conjunction with private sector banks, pilot a mortgage guarantee programme in
return for a reduction in interest rates charged to Bermudians for their
mortgages”. Ms Gordon-Pamplin, the shadow health minister, questioned if the
Government would take on more staff to administer the plan, or if it could be
run using existing resources. She also took aim at the proposal to back
mortgages for civil servants. Ms Gordon-Pamplin said: “What happens if a
person leaves the Civil Service, and why does this government see fit to use the
taxes paid by everyone to benefit only the Civil Service?” She added the
proposals were “more of an opposition-style vote winner than a seriously
attainable policy” and predicted it would be difficult to finance with
Bermuda’s debt at around $2.5 billion.
A
string of health-and-safety breaches have been exposed in reports into the state
of the public school system, government documents have revealed. The
problems included rodent infestation in some schools, exposed and damaged
cancer-causing asbestos, mould, poor first-aid kits and un-serviced fire
extinguishers and fire-safety devices. Inspectors also found that schools were
not cleaned properly. The shock findings were made after inspections carried out
at all public schools 18 months ago, but follow-up investigations completed just
five months ago found that many of the problems had not been tackled. The
education ministry’s 2017 inspections found there were “numerous
shortcomings relating to the overall quality and scope of cleaning, upkeep and
maintenance, in tandem with improper modus operandi practices, and other
omissions by school administrators, academic and custodial staff at the
respective schools”. The report added: “There were also several breaches of
the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1982 and the enabling Occupational Safety
and Health Regulations 2009 that were noted.” The summary said that all
schools were found to be “relatively safe, within time and scope comparative
to their operations and related practices”. It added: “All schools had
challenges relating to sanitation and hygiene, maintenance and upkeep of their
buildings and related facilities. The majority of findings were not considered
significant enough to be deemed to be posing any great immediate threat to the
safety, health and wellbeing of teachers or students at the time of inspection,
except where and as noted otherwise.” Inspectors found that the majority of
first-aid and medical kits at most schools “were non-compliant with regulatory
requirements” and that there had been “improper inspection and servicing of
fire extinguishers and other fire-safety devices and supporting apparatus.
Control of pests such as cockroaches, ants and termites at the schools was found
to be poor. Some schools also had incidences of rodent infestations.” Damaged
and exposed asbestos was also found in two schools and all schools had mould
contamination. But the report said: “No school had identified mould problems
sufficient or significant enough at the time of inspection to warrant any major
concern”, or that could pose “any immediate imminent risks to the safety,
health and wellbeing of students or teachers, at the time of inspection”. The
inspectors also highlighted that most schools “had issues relating to the
improper layout and alignment of electrical and/or information and communication
technology wires. These continue to pose trip and fall hazards and must be
stored, properly aligned and controlled. Security at the schools was also deemed
insufficient”. The news came in three documents released by the Government
yesterday that outlined school inspections carried out in 2017 and last autumn. The
Royal Gazette last month submitted a public access to information request
that asked for the report connected to the inspections conducted in 2017. A
42-page report on the findings of the 2017 inspections, as well as an executive
summary, were released yesterday. An executive summary based on “follow-up and
verification inspection field work” conducted between September and October
last year was also released. The summary for the 2017 round of inspections said
officials had difficulty carrying them out — because they could not find a car
to get around the schools. It explained: “Primary among the challenges was the
initial unavailability of a motor vehicle to consistently conduct all field-
work exercises”. The summary said that another roadblock was the
“unavailability of some school principals and related administrative officers
to facilitate the inspection of their schools on the assigned dates”. It added
that “areas of some schools were found to be locked-up and school principals
and other administrative officers having no access or key to such areas of their
schools”. The executive summary for last year’s follow-up inspections said
that many of the failings had not been dealt with. It said: “Throughout and at
the close of inspection activities, numerous shortcomings relating to the
overall quality and scope of cleaning, upkeep and maintenance in tandem with
improper modus operandi practices, and other omissions by school administrators,
academic and custodial staff at the respective schools, were observed and
documented.” The summary also detailed “several breaches” of
health-and-safety legislation and regulations. Walton Brown, the Minister for
the Cabinet Office, said yesterday that a programme of “immediate and ongoing
improvements had taken place since the first inspections were performed.
Strategies that have, and continue to be, implemented are yielding satisfactory
results arising from the review of occupational safety and health within public
schools. A concerted effort had been made to ensure that every school undergoes
a consistent maintenance routine. This includes scheduled and timely upkeep and
repair activities so that schools are being optimally cleaned and maintained in
an acceptable state on a regular basis to ensure the safety, health and
wellbeing of our teachers and students.” Diallo Rabain, the Minister of
Education, said that school safety was a top priority of the Government. He
added that most public school buildings were more than 50 years old. Mr Rabain
said: “We are at the stage where rebuilding is needed, and this is a direction
we must seriously begin to look at in the near future.”
Constantine
“Dinos” Iordanou is to step down as Arch Capital Group’s chairman in
September and will be succeeded by vice-chairman John Pasquesi. Mr Iordanou
is a well-known veteran of the Bermuda insurance industry, having led the
Bermudian insurer and reinsurer as chief executive officer for 15 years until he
was succeeded by Marc Grandisson in September last year. Mr Pasquesi is lead
director of Arch’s board and has been a member of the board and vice-chairman
since 2001. Mr Pasquesi is the managing member of Otter Capital LLC, a
private-equity investment firm he founded in January 2001. Before he joined
Otter Capital, Mr Pasquesi was a managing director of Hellman & Friedman
LLC. Mr Pasquesi said: “Dinos was instrumental in developing Arch into a
highly profitable company with a worldwide insurance, reinsurance and mortgage
insurance presence. The board and I want to recognize all he did to establish
Arch as a leader in the insurance industry and to develop the generation of
managerial talent that is currently leading the business. We have great respect
and admiration for Dinos both as a leader and as a person.” Mr Pasquesi added:
“We have successfully completed the CEO transition process, and I look forward
to continuing to work with the rest of the board, Marc and the existing
management team to help sustain Arch’s future growth.” Mr Grandisson said:
“I want to thank Dinos for his significant contributions in making Arch such a
successful company. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from and
work with him for nearly 20 years. I look forward to ongoing engagement with our
board of directors under John’s leadership as we continue to help our clients,
employees, investors and communities achieve their greatest potential.”
Bermuda’s
cultural tourism could get a boost when the country hosts representatives from
about 37 countries next week. The Bermuda National Trust will welcome 100
delegates from around the world for the biennial International Conference of
National Trusts. The conference is expected to highlight the island’s cultural
assets and how they can be used to stimulate new opportunities in tourism. The
Bermuda Tourism Authority said it welcomed the extra exposure as it had created
a cultural tourism strategic plan in 2018 and used its findings in the National
Tourism Plan. The BTA met Heritage Bermuda, a consortium of heritage and culture
organisations, last week, to discuss opportunities. The conference will run
alongside the Caribbean Conference of National Trusts and take place from March
27 to 30 at the Fairmont Southampton hotel. The BTA is also working with the
African Diaspora Heritage Trail Foundation to create new cultural tourism based
on Bermuda’s African Diaspora Heritage Trail and to make it more attractive
for group travel. Glenn Jones of the BTA said the National Tourism Plan was
designed to concentrate more on collaboration than competition. Mr Jones added:
“We hope to see all of our cultural tourism partners thinking more
cohesively.” He said: “We’re excited about what may come of this.” Last
year’s cultural tourism plan identified 200 cultural sites, museums and annual
events across the island that could be used to enhance the island’s tourism
package. Heritage Bermuda and the Bermuda Tourism Authority are now working on
ways to improve cultural assets and make them more accessible to visitors and
allow them to book visits online. Richard Spurling, the group’s chairman of
Heritage Bermuda said: “Heritage Bermuda is encouraged and excited by the
developing collaboration between our nine members and the Bermuda Tourism
Authority.” Mr Spurling added: “If we all work together we can achieve a
better cultural tourism experience and better value for money for our
visitors.” He added: “The International Conference of National Trusts
presents a perfect opportunity to showcase our beautiful island and rich
cultural content, leading to further group tours.” The conference, which will
happen simultaneously with the Caribbean Conference of National Trusts, will
take place March 27 to 30 at the Fairmont Southampton. The BTA is also working
with the African Diaspora Heritage Trail Foundation to shape new cultural
tourism experiences around Bermuda’s African Diaspora Heritage Trail (ADHT),
and to make it more attractive for group travel. A team from the BTA and its
Visitor Services Centres toured ADHT sites recently with Titan Express. Simon
Boden, the BTA’s Director of Sales said: “In addition to working with the
Bermuda National Trust for next week’s conference, our team worked on the
Educational Travel Consortium last year and is working now with new groups for
2019, including a state botanical group from the US looking to experience
Bermudian homes, gardens and architecture. “So much about Bermuda’s heritage
and culture set her apart from any place else and there are many groups out
there that want to experience this uniqueness first-hand. There is a lot of room
for growth in this area for Bermuda.”
Darrin
Simons will officially become Deputy Commissioner of Police next month after he
successfully passed the Strategic Command Course in the UK. Mr Simons, who
was successful in his application to be the next Deputy Commissioner last year,
is the first serving Bermuda police officer to take the course. Commissioner of
Police Stephen Corbishley said: “I am delighted and very proud that Mr Simons
has successfully completed the SCC, one of the hardest and advanced police
training programmes in the world. Feedback as to his performance from course
syndicate directors has been excellent and I look forward to his appointment as
DCOP and his return to the BPS with new ideas and leadership to take the service
to new heights in our support of communities in Bermuda.” A police spokesman
said the Strategic Command Course was a comprehensive programme, including
business and finance skills, ethical leadership and command training and
designed to prepare candidates for roles as chief officers in the UK and
international police forces. Mr Simons started the course in January and was
presented with his graduation certificate today by Chief Constable Dee Collins,
the course director, Mike Cunningham, the chief executive of the College of
Policing, and Sajid Javid, the UK Home Secretary.
The
Corporation of Hamilton asked for a legal order yesterday to stop the Governor
approving legislation designed to turn the city authority into an un-elected
quango. Mark Diel, the lawyer for the Corporation of Hamilton, said the
unusual step was needed because any legal action against the legislation would
be halted if a minister-appointed board takes over. He said: “The entire
purpose of this approach is if this receives the Governor’s assent, we won’t
be able to make this application or any application at all.” Mr Diel also said
a ruling would allow officials to start the formal process for elections, which
would be needed in the event that the Municipalities Reform Act 2019 was
successfully challenged in court. The case came before Chief Justice Narinder
Hargun hours after the Senate halted its debate on the Act and just over a week
after it was approved by the House of Assembly. Senators will resume their
deliberations at a later sitting, possibly today. Mr Diel said the application
yesterday was to restrain the Governor from giving Royal Assent to the Act if it
is passed in the Upper House. This would be in effect until either a ruling on
the legal challenge or a further court order was made. He added: “In the
event, of course, that the Senate reject the Bill, then it goes back to the
House of Assembly and cannot return to the Senate for approximately another
year.” Mr Diel told the court that municipal elections were normally around
May 9, but that the first step in the process was the issuing of a writ, which
the parliamentary registrar said must happen around March 25. He explained that
even if the Act progressed, but the court later ruled in favour of the
corporation, the city would still find itself without any elected officials on
May 13, when the sitting councillors’ term is due to end. Mr Diel claimed
there was “some confusion” about the purpose of the original summons from
the corporation, which he said related to a series of Acts that restricted the
corporation in how it carried out its business. He gave the example of clauses
which required the Minister’s approval for the corporation to take certain
actions, which he said was intended to “stymie” the municipality. Mr Diel
added: “This application, for the avoidance of any doubt, in no way and nor is
it intended to, affect any voting rights of any sort whatsoever. This
application is, in part, intended to preserve voting rights, not restrict or
extinguish them.” Chief Justice Narinder Hargun said that “ordinarily” the
court would not intervene until after an Act is passed. Greg Howard, for the
Attorney-General’s Chambers, argued the corporation did not have a viable
case. He said part of the Governor’s responsibilities was that he had to
satisfy himself that legislation was not “repugnant” to the constitution
before it is approved. Mr Howard added: “If in exercising his discretion, the
Governor takes a period of time that is longer than the legislature would like,
then the legislature will have to deal with it. That in no way requires the
court to interfere with that decision.” He also questioned that the court
needed to step in “urgently” and explained that a case similar to the
corporation’s bid to fight the new legislation, as well as other amendments
dating back to 2010, had been in the courts since 2014. The lawyer said that
case was adjourned until a new group of councillors was elected to the
corporation, which was due to be weeks later, who could then “take up the
mantle of the constitutional challenge”. He added: “The point I make is that
they haven’t done it.” Mr Howard further challenged the corporation’s
claim that they were in a fight for local democracy. He told the court that
until 2010, only property owners had the right to vote in the municipality and
the corporation was seeking a declaration from the courts that the 2010 Act that
extended the franchise was unlawful. Mr Diel said that voters’ rights had
nothing to do with the matter before the courts. He said: “We are not raising
or seeking to set back the clock in terms of voter rights.” Mr Justice Hargun
reserved his decision until a later date. Charles Gosling, the Mayor of
Hamilton, said yesterday: “It has never, ever been our intent to have any
reduction of the franchise; if anything we are looking to increase the
franchise.” He said he wanted to see residential ratepayers who were not on
the parliamentary register for the corporation, such as homeowners who leased
out their properties, to be able to vote in municipal elections. Mr Gosling said
that applied in particular to people in the North Hamilton area. He added: “I
think they need to have a voice in how their neighborhood is being developed and
the best voice you have is through the ballot box.”
The
new Inspire Café in Hamilton’s Bermudiana Arcade might be a breakfast
lover’s paradise. Opening soon, it will offer an all-day cereal bar, plus
breakfast foods like triple-stacked pancakes and omelet's, speciality hot
chocolates and Ethiopian coffee. But if you want a break from Captain Crunch,
there’s a lunch time buffet serving Indian and Caribbean dishes, among other
things. Co-owner Mstira Weeks said she and business partner Vic Ball chose the
concept because they really wanted to offer something different. “I am a
believer in adding value to the island and bringing in something that is not
here already,” Ms Weeks said. “I don’t believe in competing or taking from
someone else.” She did extensive research into overseas trends, and gaps in
the Bermuda market. She found that cereal cafés and board game cafés were
becoming increasingly popular in places such as New York City, so she merged the
concept. At Inspire, patrons can choose from a series of board games, Operation,
for example, or Jenga, and play as they eat their meal. There’s even a giant
Scrabble game posted on one wall. The place has a cozy, whimsical vibe. Eaters
can sit under a giant wooden milk carton, or play on swings as they hang out
with friends. Ms Weeks’s husband Shane Weeks did a lot of the construction.
The café can seat 32 and also offers takeout, and delivery through the Sargasso
Sea app. There are also inspirational sayings posted in different places. Ms
Weeks’s favourite poster shows a goldfish with a shark fin strapped to his
back with the phrase: “Mindset is everything”. She noted: “The Inspire Café
is definitely built on positive vibes. It is scary to be going into business at
this time, especially with the things you read about the economy in the paper.
But this space landed in our laps, and we took a leap of faith. The only thing
we can do is try our best and hope for the best. Sometimes you win and sometimes
you lose, but you always learn something. With business, you have to pivot and
adjust and you have to make it happen.” She and Mr Ball opened FryDays, down
the hall, in April 2016. “We get good local support,” Ms Weeks said. “I
always tell people you are in business to make money, but it is not all about
the money. I enjoy each business for different reasons. I love a project. It is
more of a passion.” The decor at Inspire Café is playful, but aimed at
adults, although families are welcomed. After 7pm the grown-ups can play games
not intended for children, such as “Family Feud: After Hours Edition” and
“What Do You Meme?” “I just left Kellogg’s NYC café in New York a
couple of weeks ago,” she said. “There were adults in there eating
cereal.” The cereal bar concept suits Ms Weeks well since she and her family
happen to be fans of it. Her husband eats it every day for lunch, and she and
her daughter often eat it for dinner. “Sometimes you just want something
light,” she said. For the health conscious, there are gluten-free cereal
options and alternatives to cow’s milk. Ms Weeks recently conducted a survey
on Inspire Cafe’s Instagram page to find out what people’s favourite cereals
were. “A lot of people came back with Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Captain
Crunch,” she said. As the café gets off the ground she hopes to make it a
community hub. People will be able to rent it out for parties, and she will also
be offering family game nights, dessert tastings and poetry readings. So far,
they’re still working out pricing, but will have it nailed down by opening
day.
March 21
Legislation
which could see the Government raising an additional $12.6 million in taxes was
passed on Monday. The Land Tax Amendment Act 2019, if passed by the Senate,
will come into effect on July 1, 2019. This new legislation will see properties
charged taxes based on the annual rental value. Properties are classified into
seven groups, called bands, and taxed accordingly. All properties will be
charged a base rate of $300. Units that are private dwellings with a valuation
of over $22,000 will pay the base rate of $300 in addition to the yearly
percentage tax for the band of property. All properties under $22,000 will pay
only the base rate of $300. Wayne Furbert, the Junior Minister of Finance, said
Bermudians who are 65 years and older who own and occupy a private dwelling are
exempted from tax on the first $45,400 of the annual rental value. He added:
“The reality is to maintain Government service at a reasonable level and to
avoid financial failure, the Government needs to increase revenue.” The new
legislation also included increased tax on commercial properties from 7 to 9.5
per cent and on tourist properties from 7 per cent to 8 per cent. Mr Furbert
said: “The primary purpose of this Bill is to amend the land tax rates to
ensure additional revenue to the Government so that Government can continue to
do the work that the people elected us to do.” Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, the
shadow health minister, said although it was the Government’s responsibility
to provide services, it was also duty-bound to cut costs. She added that cuts in
spending could be made without putting people out of jobs. Ms Gordon-Pamplin
warned that the cost increase on commercial owners could be passed on to tenants
and the public. She added that some of the increased taxes and fees appeared
small, but it all added up and could put extra pressure on struggling
Bermudians. The Dental Practitioners Amendment Act 2019 was also passed on
Monday. The Dental Practitioners Amendment Bill will require dentists to have
indemnity insurance in order to register as a dental practitioner. It will also
give the Bermuda Dental Board power to impose additional registration
requirements for some procedures when it thought it was needed to protect the
health of patients.
An
online survey to determine an accurate number of families in need of housing was
launched yesterday. Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public
Works, said up-to-date statistics were needed to help the Bermuda Housing
Corporation provide adequate and affordable housing. The survey is being carried
out in a joint effort by the ministry and the BHC. Colonel Burch said the survey
would identify the main problems and assist the ministry with planning to meet
housing demand. He said: “There has been virtually no increase in the amount
of affordable housing stock for at least the last seven years and even less
attention paid to maintaining the current housing inventory.” He said at
present 500 families were housed in BHC and privately-owned properties, while
another 180 families are accommodated in rooming houses. Colonel Burch added:
“But with an ever-increasing demand, we lack capacity to help more families.
The goal is to identify what people need in terms of affordable and adequate
housing for rent and purchase for themselves and their families. We are
painfully aware of the struggles that people face regarding rents and purchasing
units in the open market. Additionally, there are challenges and circumstances
that prevent some from being properly and sufficiently housed such as
unemployment, underemployment, low income, access and availability of units. Information
collected would be used to check if present plans needed to be modified.
Accurate data is the key to being able to provide what is needed, so I encourage
everyone to participate in the survey so that our plans and actions going
forward will address the needs of the Bermudian people.” Colonel Burch told
MPs during the Budget debate last week that he did not think BHC’s figure of
108 families in need of housing reflected demand and promised that a survey
would be done. I disagree with the figure, because I think it is more than that.
And I think people have lost hope in our ability to provide housing for them so
they don’t register.”
A
magistrate arrested after a car crash in January is still on police bail, a
police spokesman said yesterday. It is understood that Khamisi Tokunbo and
another man were taken into custody after a car crash on South Road in Paget in
January. Neither man has been identified by police. A police spokesman said:
“The 64-year-old man is still on police bail and the matter is still being
investigated.” Mr Tokunbo has not sat on the bench since his arrest.
Government House declined to answer questions about Mr Tokunbo. The questions
included whether he was still a magistrate and if he had served as acting senior
Magistrate in February. A notice posted on January 9 announced that John Rankin,
the Governor, had approved the appointment for a one- week period from February
11 to 18. A spokeswoman for Mr Rankin said: “Government House does not comment
on personnel matters.” Larry Mussenden, the Director of Public Prosecutions,
also declined to comment. He said: “I do not speak for, or about,
magistrates.” The car the men were in left the road and plunged down an
embankment near the public entrance to Elbow Beach about 8pm on January 19. The
pair were helped out of the car by a passer-by and the other man was taken to
the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment for minor injuries. Mr
Tokunbo did not respond to a request for comment.
Betting
shop owners were grilled by the licensing authority as the watchdog asked for
proof of the stability and reputation of their companies from the Ministry of
Finance. The Betting Licensing Authority heard on Monday that a would-be
criminal would “have to be extremely stupid” to attempt to launder illegal
cash through betting businesses. Bookmakers said Bermuda’s betting community
was small and familiar to them. Juan Wolffe, the senior magistrate and chairman
of the Betting Licensing Authority, said the group hoped to see “a certificate
from the minister as to the business reputation and financial stability” of
applicants seeking to renew their licences. Mr Wolffe said at a hearing last
week it was up to the ministry to ensure that licensed premises were not
breaking the law. One company, Triple Crown, said they were advised they would
have a letter from the minister “in a couple of days”. Albert Steede, the
owner of Seahorses and Gametime, said he expected to have the background check
in time for the authority’s next sitting on Monday. In a special report last
year, The Royal Gazette revealed that not all operators in the local betting
industry had gone through checks. Mr Wolffe said yesterday that the authority
needed evidence of due diligence or its approval would “simply be a rubber
stamp”. He added: “There has been absolutely no indication from the ministry
as to what they actually do to give us this certificate. Not that they are
obliged to do so under the law, but it would be nice to see that —
particularly as the minister is concerned about an anti-money laundering
guarantee.” Mr Steede explained to the authority that all his betting ran
under fixed odds. “No one goes in there blind. They know how much they can
potentially win — it’s there for them to see.” Mr Steede stated that most
clients were known to his staff and betting receipts were numbered, while bets
were tallied with shop records and security footage. He said his businesses also
worked with the police financial crime unit. He added there was “a
misconception that people can come in with crazy amounts of cash, We have a
maximum of $2,000 per bet.” Mr Wolffe told him: “The narrative being used is
that money laundering is rife in betting shops.” Mr Steede told the court:
“It kind of hurts me, to tell you the truth, because I work hard to make sure
that things like that don’t happen.” Peter Barrett, one of the authority’s
members, said: “Somebody who has made cash illegally usually has a lot to
wash. They will lose at least half if it can make the other half legit. Betting
shops have the odds in their favour. If I am a money-launderer, I am going to
come up with other ways to take a very large pot of cash, far in excess of
$2,000, and figure out how to make it look legitimate.” Andrea Joseph, who
manages Triple Crown Racing, said her establishment limited payouts to a maximum
of $15,000 on a single bet. She added the fixed odds were based on overseas
horse races. Ms Joseph said she handled all the transactions, with stakes on
average about $50 each. She added: “The most I would take would be probably
$200 on a single bet. I would not go over $200.” Ms Joseph told the authority
that she knew all of her customers and many had used the shop for a long time.
She said an attempt by an unfamiliar client to place a bet of $500 would
“raise suspicions. I would not take it.” Mr Wolffe adjourned the hearing
until Monday.
The
Cayman Islands - a hot competitor of Bermuda for tax haven business - has failed
to fully appreciate the risks of money laundering and terrorism financing and
has a poor record on investigating and prosecuting financial crime. Those
are two of the findings detailed in a report published this week by the
Caribbean Financial Action Task Force, based on a visit by assessors to the
Caribbean territory in December 2017. CFATF assessors visited Bermuda in October
and November last year to conduct a similar assessment of Bermuda’s regime to
combat money laundering and terrorism financing. In January, their preliminary
findings, which have not yet been released publicly, were discussed by the
Financial Policy Council, which is chaired by Curtis Dickinson, the Minister of
Finance. The Government of the Cayman Islands responded to this week’s report
by appointing a dedicated task force, made up of the Premier, the
Attorney-General, the Deputy Governor, and several relevant ministers to
implement a “comprehensive action plan” designed to tackle the deficiencies
identified in the report within a year. The mutual evaluation report examined
Cayman’s compliance with the Financial Action Task Force recommendations on
AML/CFT systems. This was the first assessment to analyze the framework’s
level of effectiveness in practice. It found that a national risk assessment
conducted four years ago provided “a fair level of understanding” of
Cayman’s domestic money-laundering and terrorist-financing risks. However, the
report said the NRA did not focus enough on international risks, particularly in
parts of the financial sector outside regulatory supervision, such as lawyers
and excluded persons under Cayman’s Securities Investment Business Law.
“This has resulted in major deficiencies that have inhibited the
jurisdiction’s ability to analyze and understand its risks,” the report
stated. Cayman had the sixth-largest banking sector in the world, the report
added, citing data from the Bank of International Settlements in the second
quarter of 2014, and “should have conducted a more thorough assessment of its
inherent ML/TF vulnerabilities due to the significant size of the financial
sector”. The assessors concluded that “the investigations and prosecution of
money laundering in the Cayman Islands are primarily domestic minor predicate
offences”, which “may not be fully commensurate with its risk profile”.
The report noted that the Royal Cayman Islands Police Service and the Office of
the Director of Public Prosecutions have dedicated resources to combat financial
crime. However it found that “large and complex financial investigations and
prosecutions have not been identified, or pursued, and there is limited focus on
stand-alone money-laundering cases and foreign-generated predicate offences”.
There were fundamental challenges in how Cayman identified potential financial
crime for investigation. The authorities “do not have access to the widest
possible level of relevant information nor does the jurisdiction collect
relevant information from its reporting entities (eg wire transfers) that would
allow for the proactive identification of cases for investigation”, the report
adds. However, the report added that Cayman “has an objective to remove the
financial benefit from crime” and had “a solid and highly professional
institutional framework”. Almost all professionals the assessors spoke
displayed “a solid understanding of risks and are skilled in applying relevant
control measures”. The Cayman Compass reported that Alden McLaughlin,
the Premier of Cayman, said: “The Cayman Islands remain fully committed to
upholding the highest global standards on money laundering and terrorist
financing. Our anti-money laundering and counter-financial terrorism action plan
will send a clear signal that we intend to maintain those standards. Work is
already underway to improve information gathering, more rigorously monitor
financial activity and enhance enforcement including the confiscation of
assets.” After a 12-month observation period, the FATF’s International
Co-operation Review Group is set to issue a report on Cayman’s progress.
An
attempt to turn elected corporations into government quangos remains balanced on
a knife edge after it met firm resistance in the Upper House last night. Senators
rose from their debate on the Municipalities Reform Act 2019 without taking a
vote and will continue their deliberations at a later sitting, possibly
tomorrow. The legislation was designed to axe the corporations of Hamilton and
St George and replace them with government-appointed administrators instead. It
was passed in the House of Assembly last week. James Jardine, an independent
senator who signaled his opposition to the Act, said: “This proposed amendment
will take away from residents and businesses of the city and the town their
existing democratic and legal right to be able to elect their own city and town
officials. Senator Jardine continued: “I am frankly very surprised and
extremely disappointed that based on the history of all those who fought for
fair and proper representation in the past, in all areas of Bermuda life, that
the Government now wants to deprive residents and businesses, in both of these
municipalities, of the right to elect their own city and town representatives,
as has been the case for many years.” He added: “I, therefore, see no valid
reason to change the existing operating structure of either the Corporation of
Hamilton or the Corporation of St George.” Mr Jardine said legislation that
allowed the Government to exercise control over the actions of both
municipalities was already “more than sufficient”. Michelle Simmons, who is
also an independent member of the Upper House, told senators: “The consensus
from what I gather is that in neither St George nor Hamilton are people happy
about losing the right to elect their representatives. They are not happy about
seeing this erosion of the democratic process. The purpose of local government,
as I see it — ie, the municipalities — is to shine a spotlight at the local
level so things can happen at a faster pace. Government already has a lot to
do.” Ms Simmons added: “At this point, I cannot support this legislation
because it fails to uphold the democratic process that the people of this
country expect of us.” If the two independent members maintain their position
in the event of a vote, combined with the three One Bermuda Alliance senators,
that could force a stalemate. They would face the five-strong group of
Progressive Labour Party government senators expected to support the Bill and
leave Joan Dillas-Wright, the Senate president, with the casting vote. Kathy
Lynn Simmons, the Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs, told the Upper
House that an originating summons was filed in the Supreme Court yesterday. She
explained that the Corporation of Hamilton was the applicant and the respondents
were listed as the Attorney-General and the Governor of Bermuda. Ms Simmons read
from the legal document and told senators that the corporation sought an order
ruling that the Municipalities Reform Act 2010 and other amendment Acts, as well
as the decision by the Government to convert the corporation into a quango
through the Municipalities Reform Act 2019, would contravene sections of the
Constitution by the depriving the city of property without compensation. She
added: “They are talking about all of the Acts that give the democratic rights
to the residents of the municipalities.” Jason Hayward, a PLP senator,
insisted that the Government would not compromise the position of its
“excellent” MPs in St George’s — Renée Ming and Kim Swan — by a lack
of commitment to the residents and businesses in the town. He said plans for
Hamilton included a “multifaceted” waterfront project and increased city
living as well as bringing tenants back into vacant office space. Mr Hayward
added: “What we are attempting to do is move the country forward, the
Government has the best interests of the people of Bermuda at heart, I haven’t
heard any compelling argument against why this should happen.” He said the
move was not about an “erosion of democracy” and added: “I believe we’ve
been kind of bamboozled to believe that somehow this Government is eroding
rights when we are attempting to make the City as efficient, as effective, as
vibrant as it can be.” Nick Kempe, an OBA senator and the shadow finance
minister, believed the Act was “not in the interest of the people”. He said:
“It improves no processes, it improves no oversight, it adds nothing of value
to the corporations that’s not already there in the existing Act and it’s
simply a rollback of the democratic process.” The Attorney-General added later
that because of “some of the arguments advanced and representations made,
which may cause senators to pause and consider their positions”, she proposed
that the Senate rise and report progress on the second reading of the 2019 Act.
Bermuda’s
ties with a Canadian governance organisation were strengthened this week with a
workshop at Fairmont Southampton hotel. Governance Professionals of Canada
(GPC) hosted the workshop for their members, as well as Bermuda-based governance
and compliance professionals, on Monday and Tuesday. Among the topics covered in
the workshop were principles of organizational governance and key trends
emerging in the global community of governance. Lovitta Foggo, the Minister of
Labour, Community Affairs and Sport, presented opening remarks, wherein she
expressed the Bermuda Government’s support for continuing the partnership with
GPC. Ms Foggo said: “This conference will provide a platform for the
development of a constructive partnership for Bermuda with GPC, not only in the
private but also the public sector and this will afford Bermuda the opportunity
to be at the forefront of emerging trends and new technologies in this space.
“As such, the Government of Bermuda is committed to maintaining a robust
compliance regime and governance framework that is closely aligned with best
practices and subject to international scrutiny. As a leading international
financial and business centre, Bermuda attaches great importance to corporate
governance. We believe that for companies to be successful, competitive and
sustainable in the long term, a high standard of governance is crucial. As
compliance professionals and government regulators know, good governance
protects the public purse, protects the interests of citizens, raises the
standard of not just public governance, but corporate governance, enhances
investor confidence and improves international relations.” Created in 1994,
GPC’s mandate is to be the voice of governance professionals in Canada,
according to the organisation’s website. Its members deal with all matters
affecting corporate governance, from board and committee processes, management
and structure, disclosure, stakeholder engagement, legal and corporate
compliance, as well as issues crucial to boards, their accountability and
oversight.
John Wight, chief executive
officer of BF&M Ltd, is to become the insurer’s chairman as well. Mr
Wight will take on the new dual role when Gavin Arton retires as BF&M’s
chairman at the company’s next annual general meeting on May 15, 2019. Mr
Wight has served BF&M as president and CEO since 2005, before which he was
executive vice-president and chief financial officer for the company, having
joined in 1992. He has 35 years of experience in the financial services sector
in Canada and Bermuda, and holds FCPA, FCA and CPCU designations. Mr Arton has
been chairman of BF&M since 2008. He was elected to the board as a director
in 1998, since which he also assumed directorships with several of BF&M’s
subsidiary companies. Also retiring from the board of BF&M at May’s
meeting will be Garry Madeiros, who has served two terms on the board of
BF&M with the second being since 2006, and C.L.F. “Lee” Watchorn, who
was appointed as a director in 2006. Mr Arton said: “I advised the board in
May of 2018 that I would be retiring as chairman and a director of BF&M
following the Annual General Meeting in May 2019. I am pleased that the board
has unanimously agreed to appoint John Wight as chairman and wish him and the
company every success going forward.” Mr Wight said: “On behalf of the
board, I would like to thank Gavin, Garry and Lee for their significant
contributions to BF&M over many years.”
A
Message from the Chairman, President and CFO of Boeing, sent to the Royal
Gazette, Bermuda. " Dear Sir. We know lives depend on the work we do,
and our teams embrace that responsibility with a deep sense of commitment every
day. Our purpose at Boeing is to bring family, friends and loved ones together
with our commercial airplanes — safely. The tragic losses of Ethiopian
Airlines Flight 302 and Lion Air Flight 610 affect us all, uniting people and
nations in shared grief for all those in mourning. Our hearts are heavy, and we
continue to extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of the passengers
and crew on board. Safety is at the core of who we are at Boeing, and ensuring
safe and reliable travel on our airplanes is an enduring value and our absolute
commitment to everyone. This overarching focus on safety spans and binds
together our entire global aerospace industry and communities. We’re united
with our airline customers, international regulators and government authorities
in our efforts to support the most recent investigation, understand the facts of
what happened and help prevent future tragedies. Based on facts from the Lion
Air Flight 610 accident and emerging data as it becomes available from the
Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 accident, we’re taking actions to fully ensure
the safety of the 737 Max. We also understand and regret the challenges for our
customers and the flying public caused by the fleet’s grounding. Work is
progressing thoroughly and rapidly to learn more about the Ethiopian Airlines
accident and understand the information from the airplane’s cockpit voice and
flight data recorders. Our team is on site with investigators to support the
investigation and provide technical expertise. The Ethiopia Accident
Investigation Bureau will determine when and how it’s appropriate to release
additional details. Boeing has been in the business of aviation safety for more
than 100 years, and we’ll continue providing the best products, training and
support to our global airline customers and pilots. This is an ongoing and
relentless commitment to make safe airplanes even safer. Soon we’ll release a
software update and related pilot training for the 737 Max that will address
concerns discovered in the aftermath of the Lion Air Flight 610 accident.
We’ve been working in full co-operation with the US Federal Aviation
Administration, the Department of Transportation and the National Transportation
Safety Board on all issues relating to both the Lion Air and the Ethiopian
Airlines accidents since the Lion Air accident occurred in October last year.
Our entire team is devoted to the quality and safety of the aircraft we design,
produce and support. I’ve dedicated my entire career to Boeing, working
shoulder-to-shoulder with our amazing people and customers for more than three
decades, and I personally share their deep sense of commitment. Recently, I
spent time with our team members at our 737 production facility in Renton,
Washington State, and once again saw first-hand the pride our people feel in
their work and the pain we’re all experiencing in light of these tragedies.
The importance of our work demands the utmost integrity and excellence —
that’s what I see in our team, and we’ll never rest in pursuit of it. Our
mission is to connect people and nations, protect freedom, explore our world and
the vastness of space, and inspire the next generation of aerospace dreamers and
doers — and we’ll fulfil that mission only by upholding and living our
values. That’s what safety means to us. Together, we’ll keep working to earn
and keep the trust people have placed in Boeing." Dennis
Muilenburg, Chairman, President and CEO, The Boeing Company,
Chicago, Il, USA.
A
grey seal rescued in the East End is on the mend, the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum
and Zoo said yesterday. Staff added they were “cautiously optimistic”
that the female seal would make a full recovery and could be released back into
the wild. The hungry and dehydrated seal was spotted at Catherine Rock, St
George’s, near Tobacco Bay, on Tuesday. The animal is now eating and has
started a course of antibiotics for a suspected upper respiratory infection. The
animal is being kept in a quarantine tank with a heater to help conserve its
energy. Ian Walker, curator at BAMZ, said: “She is pretty hungry, but we have
to feed her slowly. We have herring supplies for our own seals, which is lucky.
The first 72 hours are important, so we are proceeding with caution. We took
blood and gave her a full physical exam this morning, but didn’t do about a
quarter of the exam because she was getting tired and was shaking. The blood
work is showing she has an infection — she has nasal discharge so it is
probably upper respiratory. She is also suffering from dehydration and
exhaustion. We remain cautiously optimistic, but these things can take a sudden
turn.” Dr Walker added that if the seal recovered well it would be transferred
to an aquarium in the United States to complete rehabilitation and returned to
its natural habitat. He said: “There is nothing suggesting she can’t be
released. If she was missing flippers or had a spinal injury then she would be a
candidate for going into a collection, whether ours or someone else’s, and she
could act as an ambassador animal. We couldn’t release her in Bermuda — she
needs to be released off a beach somewhere off the North East corridor.”
A
30-year-old man was found guilty yesterday of a string of child pornography
charges. Daniel Rocha was convicted on seven counts of accessing
pornographic images and videos over a five-year period between 2010 and 2015.
Rocha was found guilty at Supreme Court by a unanimous verdict on all counts by
a jury of eight women and four men. He was remanded in custody for sentence on
May 20. Rocha, from Devonshire, sat with his head in his hands after the
verdicts were read. Larry Mussenden, for the Crown, said Rocha was “despicable.
Children are the real victims in this case.” Mr Mussenden said that the Crown
had presented a “strong case based on the evidence. I respect the jury’s
verdict.” Jurors came back with the decision after about two hours of
deliberations. Mr Mussenden said that he was not surprised at the quick verdict.
He added: “Sometimes the jurors get the issues very quickly.” The court
heard that the US Department of Homeland Security contacted police in Bermuda in
March 2015 and told officers a Bermudian IP address had accessed child
pornography. Mr Mussenden said that good police work and co-operation between
law enforcement organisations had led to Rocha’s arrest. He added: “I do
extend thanks to the US authorities as well as the Bermuda Police for the
investigation.” The child pornography was found on a laptop computer under
Rocha’s bed during a search of his home. Bermuda officers tracked the IP
address to the house where Rocha lived with his parents and mounted a dawn raid
on the property five days later. Rocha denied accessing the pornography and said
that he was unaware that it was on the computer. The Crown alleged that Rocha
used peer-to-peer file sharing networks to access the pornography. Mr Mussenden
questioned Rocha about why he told police in an interview that he did not have a
computer and suggested he had tried to conceal the laptop. Rocha had earlier
testified that he did not consider the laptop a computer. Jerome Lynch QC, who
appeared for Rocha, suggested during the trial that the viruses detected on the
laptop could have let someone else gain remote access to Rocha’s computer to
access the child pornography. Mr Lynch said after the verdicts were announced
that he would look at grounds for an appeal. He added: “We’ll look at the
evidence, we’ll look at the way the judge conducted the trial, the directions
he gave, and take it from there.”
The
Director of Public Prosecutions was appointed a Puisne Judge of the Supreme
Court yesterday. John Rankin, the Governor, announced that Larry Mussenden
will take up the role when Puisne Judge Carlisle Greaves retires in July. Mr
Rankin: “I am confident that he will serve the Supreme Court with
distinction.” Mr Rankin highlighted Mr Mussenden’s career, which has
included time as Crown counsel, in private practice, as Attorney-General, as
well as a stint as Director of Public Prosecutions. The appointment was made
after consultation with Chief Justice Narinder Hargun. Mr Mussenden was Called
to the Bar in England in Wales in 1995 and the Bermuda Bar in 1996. He was a
Crown counsel from 1996 to 2001, then became a defence lawyer. Mr Mussenden
became Attorney-General and Minister of Justice in 2004 under the Progressive
Labour Party after he was made Government Senate leader the year before. He was
appointed Director of Public Prosecutions after working in private practice from
2007 to 2016. Mr Mussenden also served in the Royal Bermuda Regiment and retired
as a Major. He was president of the Bermuda Football Association from 2001 to
2008 and again between 2010 and 2016. Mr Mussenden served as chairman of the
appeals committee of Fifa, the governing body of football.
Stamp
duty payable on lease agreements is set to rise sharply if legislation passed by
the House of Assembly, and currently before the Senate, comes into force.
Under current legislation, a flat stamp duty fee is based on the monthly rent of
the property in question. The maximum fee payable is $400, which is due on a
property that attracts a monthly rent of $5,000 or more. Properties with lower
monthly rents attract lower flat fees. However, the Stamp Duties Amendment Act
2019 has introduced a new fee schedule that is based on a percentage of the
aggregate rent payable under the lease. The stamp duty payable is 1 per cent of
the aggregate rent payable for the first three years of a lease, and 0.5 per
cent of the aggregate rent payable for any additional period beyond three years.
For a one-year lease on a property attracting a monthly rent of $5,000, the new
fee would be $600, an increase of $200 over current rates. A three-year lease on
the same property would attract stamp duty of $1,800, a rise of some $1,400 over
current rates. Sharp increases materialise in the case of multiyear leases of
larger spaces such as commercial property. A commercial lease of 5,000 sq ft of
space at the typical rate of $40 per square foot per year over three years,
would result in stamp duty of $6,000, a $5,600 increase on the current flat fee
of $400. A 10-year lease on the same property would result in stamp duty of
$13,000, an increase of $12,600 over the current rate. Stamp duty must be paid
within 30 days of the execution of a lease. The amending legislation was passed
by the House of Assembly on March 15. It gets a second reading in the Senate
today. Provided it is passed by the Senate, the amending legislation — and the
new stamp duty rates therein — will become effective on April 1, the
legislation says. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a leading property
lawyer said: “It is a dramatic increase — that is agreed — but the need
for a change in the stamp duty rates payable on leases has long been
acknowledged. It seems a bit ridiculous that a lease granted for five years, or
even 100 years, at a rent of $1 million per annum should be stamped at the rate
of $400. Increases probably ought to have been implemented some time ago. No
doubt, the increase will cause a stir, but the schedule of fees has been crying
out for some form of revisit for many years. Maybe Government has gone too far
in the eyes of some people, and maybe not in the eyes of others, but stamp duty
at the rate of $400 for $1m or $2m in rent is somewhat lower than it should
be.” The lawyer pointed out that stamp duty of approximately $34,000 would be
payable on the purchase of a residential property for the sum of $1 million.
Even so, the lawyer said, the increase in rates will be a shock to commercial
landlords. “The other side of the argument is that commercial landlords have
come to expect stamp duty rates to be maintained at a certain level and if they
are operating on the basis of tight financial margins, a sudden increase of this
nature could have a material (negative) impact on them,” the lawyer said.
“Taking this new approach in a phased way may have been a better idea. If it
had been done 10 or 15 years ago, when it was first discussed, perhaps there
could have been steady increases over time.” The lawyer identified a flaw in
the proposed legislation. “The way the new rates are framed, prevents one from
calculating the stamp duty that will need to be paid on leases that include open
market and consumer price index based rent review provisions,” the lawyer
said. “In such cases, you won’t know what the stamp duty should be because
it’s not determinable. You will have no choice but to send it to the Tax
Commissioner’s Office for adjudication, or to determine the stamp duty that
should be paid.”
Britain
will be pressured to sort out problems with passport codes on Bermudian
passports printed in the UK, the Cabinet Office minister said on Monday. Walton
Brown earlier said he hoped there would be progress on the passport problem,
which has caused difficulty for some Bermudians entering the United States from
outside the island. Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, the shadow health minister, asked
for an update on passports during a debate on the immigration budget in the
House of Assembly. Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security, explained
that Mr Brown was dealing with the problem. Ms Gordon-Pamplin said that
difficulties arose after Britain took over responsibility for the printing of
Bermudian passports and coding used on the travel documents was changed. This
caused problems for some Bermudians with UK-printed passports who wanted to
enter the United States from jurisdictions outside the island. Ms Gordon-Pamplin
said: “The reason that this difference is important is because there are
special arrangements between Bermuda and the United States that the UK does not
have, so while it may not be a problem to them to say that ‘we’re issuing
this in Great Britain, therefore that’s the code that you get’, it causes
inconvenience for Bermuda travelers when we don’t have every customs and
border control system in the United States recognizing this preferential
treatment.” She added: “I believe it’s vital to us as a country, it’s
vital that we get something done.” Mr Caines replied later: “This is being
handled at the Cabinet Office by Walton Brown. He’s working closely with HMPO;
the minister will be traveling to the UK in the not-too-distant future to have
discussions with the relevant people on the passport codes.” David Burt, the
Premier, and Mr Brown addressed Joint Ministerial Council meetings in London
about the need to resolve the problem last December. Mr Burt said then: “We
met with officials from HM Passport Office and left with assurances that this
important matter will be addressed. Minister Brown and I will continue to push
until an acceptable solution is in place.” Mr Brown added later: “They
seemed to have a more sympathetic ear to our position, and I am hopeful there
will be progress made.”
Smaller
cars could be on the cards for the Cabinet to cut costs, the public works
minister has warned. Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch said that there was no
need for the number of full-size sedans run by the Government. He added that
downsizing efforts would not stop at cars — the minister also pledged to
reduce the number of public buildings in Bermuda to ease the strain on finances.
Colonel Burch said $2 million, a reduction from last year, was identified for
vehicles and equipment. He explained that covered replacement of old GP vehicles
including loaders and dumper trucks. Colonel Burch said he had warned his
colleagues that he hoped to downsize some ministerial cars. He told the House of
Assembly on Friday that the present fleet of blue Toyotas was bought to
accommodate visiting officials. The minister said: “We’ve only ever had, I
think, an occasion where we’ve had to use five of them, and so there probably
is not, there isn’t a need, as far as I’m concerned, to have 13 of them or
12 of them or whatever the case may be. We will be looking to downsize the cars
that are assigned to ministers and we will be looking at the oldest in the fleet
in terms of retiring some of those.” He was speaking as MPs debated the budget
for Colonel Burch’s ministry for the next financial year. Patricia
Gordon-Pamplin, the shadow health minister who speaks on finance for the
Opposition in the House, highlighted the condition of the wider government fleet
of vehicles. The One Bermuda Alliance member said: “I’ve never seen so many
scraped-up cars, or banged-up cars.” She asked if repairs were carried out
in-house. Ms Gordon-Pamplin added: “The fleet is ageing but there is some
really rough driving that’s going on.” Colonel Burch said afterwards: “I
share the Honourable Member’s view about cars being banged up and my own view
is there should be some sanction levied when it is their fault.” He added:
“I think that’s part of the process. I think that some people cannot drive
and that’s part of the drive ... to go to smaller cars, like the little box
Kias.” Craig Cannonier, the OBA leader, asked if it was possible to ask for
assistance from the UK to help fund the upkeep of government buildings. He added
that Sessions House, opened in 1826, was older than the Palace of Westminster,
which was rebuilt after a fire destroyed most of the medieval structure in 1834.
Mr Cannonier added that “this is a historical building and I believe that due
to some of that historical fact that we should be looking for some finances from
the Brits as well”. Mr Cannonier said problems with mould had been
“atrocious” before remedial work was carried out. Colonel Burch said later
that he would look into funding from the UK but warned that Bermuda might have
to lose some of its public buildings. The minister said: “The Government has
too many buildings, quite frankly, and we cannot save them all. This has to be
one that we have no choice in saving, and so we’re going down that road. I
really would like to put down a marker that some of these buildings are going to
have to go.” Colonel Burch explained later: “First we have to look at the
inventory that we have; we have to make realistic decisions about whether we can
save all of these. I think we made the decision that we cannot save all the
buildings — we have to make a decision about the ones that we cannot save and
demolish them, so that they’re not a drain on the public purse, either from a
security point of view or various other things in terms of having squatters or
what have you. So that process is ongoing, not just for office accommodation but
across the board. I’ve been periodically getting the appetite of the Cabinet
for specific projects and whether there’s a willingness to divest of some of
them and in a general sense there is an understanding of the challenges that we
face.” Colonel Burch said that in “almost every case” demolition would
have to be approved in Parliament and the future of each building affected would
be discussed in the House.
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.
The
One Bermuda Alliance has called on the Government to reveal how much money
raised by the sugar tax has been used for health initiatives. Budget figures
show that the net gain on duties for imported sugar goods rose by almost
$700,000 last year. Dwayne Robinson, an OBA senator, said the Progressive Labour
Party had promised a portion of funds raised by the increase would be earmarked
for health education. Mr Robinson said: “This Government made promises
surrounding this tax which, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, it has
failed to keep. It is clear this was just a money grab at the expense of
Bermudians who are paying more at the checkout. There needs to be a much more
concentrated effort towards improving the health of our population besides just
taxing them.” The first phase of the sugar tax came into effect on October 1,
2018, with higher duty for sugar, sweets and sweetened drinks. The second phase
is set to begin next month, with even higher duty on sugary products. Government
has also announced that it intends to increase taxes on sweetened foods not
included in the original hike, including chocolates and sweetened cereals. Kim
Wilson, the Minister of Health, has said the tax would not fix the island’s
obesity problem on its own, but that it was a fundamental part of the
Government’s approach. Mr Robinson said some money from the tax has been
earmarked for the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation to help provide some
capital for vertical farms, but the figure was not released and there have been
no updates on the project. He also said the Government had promised some of the
sugar tax revenue would be used to help local businesses provide nutritional
information to customers, but the Government has not said how much has been
paid. Mr Robinson added: “If it is a ‘fundamental part’ of Government’s
strategy then the Ministry must be monitoring the broader effects of the tax. If
so, can it explain what processes it has put in place to monitor whether the tax
is having the desired effect? I hope I am wrong, but the fact that we have heard
nothing on this makes me suspect that those processes are simply not in
place.” A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Health said that funds would be
allocated as “designated health initiatives develop”. Nutritional labeling
on menus and vertical farming were confirmed, but the programme remains “a
work in progress”, she said.
Getting
more Bermudians into trades could grow Bermuda’s economy, a Progressive Labour
Party politician has said. Christopher Famous said foreigners made up the
majority of people employed in Bermuda’s service industry. He told the House
of Assembly on Friday: “Unless we direct our young people towards these
service industries, we are facing a failed state.” Mr Famous said the 2017
Employment Survey Report showed that of 158 mechanics, 85 were Bermudian and of
360 masons, 120 were Bermudian. In addition, 15 Bermudians were bakers compared
to 65 from overseas and of 685 chefs, 137 were Bermudians. Mr Famous said: “I
am not blaming the foreigners. I am saying that we — this government, this
opposition — must encourage our people to take up these trades. These are the
jobs that are going to be here for ever. They are not fly-by-night jobs and if
we don’t get our people doing it, employers are going to continue to submit
applications for work permits.” Mr Famous said Bermudians often complained
that foreigners were taking their jobs, but “aren’t getting qualified for
these jobs”. He said the Government was responsible to get people qualified
for these jobs. He added: “The more we have our people qualified, the more we
have our people employed, the more money being spent in this economy.” Mr
Famous criticized the view that Bermuda must learn from the Cayman Islands on
how to grow its economy. He pointed out that half of Cayman Islands’
population was from overseas and Caymanians were the minority in the workforce.
Mr Famous added: “We have to ask ourselves, ‘Is that what we want in
Bermuda? We realize that we need to get people in the island, but we are not
going to sacrifice our people in the meantime.”
The
Corporation of Hamilton launched a legal battle yesterday to stop the Government
turning it into an un-elected quango. The Corporation took action in the
courts a day before the Senate is expected to vote on the Municipalities Reform
Act — designed to end a combined total of almost 450 years of local democracy
in Hamilton and St George. Charles Gosling, the Mayor of Hamilton, said the
legal action was not only focused on the Municipalities Reform Act, but on a
series of Acts since 2010 that he insisted were “unconstitutional”. He said
the laws had diluted the rights of the two local authorities, as well as the
rights of the people. Mr Gosling held out an olive branch to central government.
He said: “We feel there is an opportunity for Government and the Corporation
to work together to find a common ground.” Mr Gosling added that both
Government and the Corporation of Hamilton could work together to improve
services in the capital. A combination of the three independent senators and the
three Opposition members of the Upper House from the One Bermuda Alliance could
outvote the five-strong Progressive Labour Party government and delay the
legislation for a year. After that, the House of Assembly could push the Act
through. The five Government senators are expected to toe the party line and the
three senators of the from the OBA are likely to vote against the proposed law.
The final decision will rest with the three independent senators. James Jardine,
an independent, declined to comment before the vote and Joan Dillas-Wright, the
senate president, also refused to comment. Michelle Simmons, the other
independent, could not be contacted.
More
than $75,000 set aside for municipal elections will probably be used elsewhere
because the Corporations of Hamilton and St George’s are to be turned into un-elected
quangos, the House of Assembly has heard. Walton Brown, the Cabinet Office
minister, told MPs on Monday that $76,000 was earmarked for elections scheduled
to be held in May. He said that after the House approved an Act of Parliament to
abolish the two local authorities, it was likely that the cash would be
redirected. Legislation to turn Bermuda’s two municipalities into quangos was
passed by MPs last week. Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, tabled the
controversial Bill, which sparked opposition in the two affected areas and a
national debate. Elected members of the municipalities will hold office until
May 13, unless they resign. A mayor and eight councillors for each corporation
will be appointed to serve from May 14. The mayor and four councillors will be
people the minister is satisfied have the skills and experience to carry out the
role. The other four councillors will be appointed by the minister on the
recommendation of a selection committee. The selection committee will also be
appointed by the minister.
Bermuda
is taking a “global thought leadership position” in the regulatory approach
to security tokens, and one that other jurisdictions will seek to copy,
according to technology innovator Jeff Pulver. The chairman of the
Blockchain Token Association, which staged its Security Token Summit II on the
island yesterday, praised the Bermuda Government for its proactive approach to
new technology — a factor said to have played a key part in attracting
innovators, entrepreneurs, attorneys and investors from 13 countries to the
event at the Hamilton Princess and Beach Club. “We have people here from all
over the world, some just to be part of the conversation and to be around the
Government that has a public policy that is proactive and not reactive —
it’s rare,” said Mr Pulver. “It is incredibly rare to be embraced with
open arms and hear ‘Teach us and show us — how can we be receptive and help
accelerate the change’. I’ve never seen that. I’ve been in internet and
tech since 1994. It is so refreshing and empowering.” That is the reason he
decided to help “put Bermuda on the map as a global hub for security
tokens”. He hopes further security token summits can be held on the island.
Among those attending was Alexi Heft. She was previously the blockchain tax lead
at Deloitte Canada. Next month, she will be the global blockchain leader for
indirect tax, and technology lead for Deloitte Dubai. In the past, she did
security token offerings and some regulatory work with Caribbean governments;
now she is now moving towards helping governments and enterprises implement
blockchain within their infrastructure and systems. She said the take-up of
blockchain and associated technologies is rapid. “Having seen the adoption
over the past several years, both from an enterprise and a government
perspective has demonstrated to me how quickly it is picking up. I’m tracking
the global government projects that are happening with blockchain. Every week,
we are having announcements from Australia to Thailand, to Zambia — it is
picking up at a rapid pace,” she said. During her travels she asks local
people about their knowledge of blockchain and bitcoin, and she notices the
different reactions. So what happened in Bermuda? “When I was coming in from
the airport in a taxi, I asked the driver if he knew blockchain, and he said
‘Yes, I know blockchain’. That was demonstrative to me of the rapid
expansion of the technology within the local population,” she said. As for the
importance of Bermuda hosting the summit, she said: “I came to Bermuda to
support the initiatives of Premier Burt, as well as Jeff Pulver, the organizer.
Premier Burt has been an absolute visionary from the perspective of governments
across the world. He has taken a stance since early 2018. He has really put the
government forward on this issue, and I haven’t seen that many governments
take the practical stance that he has. I will follow and support all of
Bermuda’s initiatives. In all my presentations globally, I always speak about
the forward-thinking nature of this Government and this population, because we
have seen so much happen in so little time.” Another delegate was Gabriel
Abed, founder of Bitt Inc, and a special technology advisor to the Premier. He
said: “Bermuda has been designing legislation frameworks for the security
token world. This event is important because it brings the discussions down to a
more practical level of what happens after regulation, and what has to happen
around regulation — what’s missing, what’s needed. Those discussions need
to be had, and they are happening right here in Bermuda with some of the
world’s brightest minds, and some of the leading companies in the security
token world. When you have these people coming here discussing, collaborating
and establishing, you get foreign investment, job creation and economic
growth.” Mr Abed said that at many events and meetings he had heard Mr Burt
repeat his number one goal. He explained: “Whenever I was present he made it
very clear [he said] ‘I will provide the legislation framework and clarity,
and my people will put in the work and my Government will be there to support
it, as long as you don’t risk my existing industries, you don’t put my
citizens at risk, and you create jobs for my citizens’. He made it very clear
to everybody. Fast forward to today, you now have hundreds of companies looking
to establish on these shores, dozens of jobs being created, millions of dollars
of foreign investment flowing in, and licences being applied for in the dozens
if not hundreds right now.” When asked what was on the minds of the delegates
at the summit, Mr Abed said: “Bermuda seems to be a home to establish this
process in the right way. Securities are coming in a digital way. Blockchain is
going to be a main component of this new world, and Bermuda seems to be at the
centre of that, from a regulation perspective.” Mr Abed has led the Caribbean
Blockchain Alliance, which is made up from people around the region who have an
interest in blockchain, and who have come together to provide awareness and
education. He said: “Today we announced the Caribbean Blockchain Alliance is
going to be forming the Caribbean Blockchain Business Alliance. That will be
focused on advocacy and business development within region as it relates to
blockchain, with a goal of creating a ‘one Caribbean’ under that technology.
In the group we have ministers, lawyers, finance experts, and cryptographers. We
are forming an incubator between Bermuda, Barbados and Bahamas to allow
start-ups who don’t have a track record to come to the start-ups who do have a
track record, and allow them to facilitate mentorship, growth and guidance so
that the future of these start ups is brighter than it is today.” The summit
was presented by the Bermuda Business Development Association and Fintech
Bermuda. Mr Burt took part in a fireside chat with Mr Pulver, and he told
attendees he wanted to attract innovators to the island’s shores. He said:
“Positive disruption is a good thing. It is something that Bermuda has a
history of ‘filling the void’ when it comes to financial services. I want
Bermuda to be the home of security token issuances. I want you all to
understand, that if you are looking to build something here, and if you have
ideas [but] the challenge is you need this, this and this, then let us know;
there is a strong possibility that we can do it.” He added: “We can be that
place for the next evolution of financial services.”
A
contract between the Government’s communications team and a media organisation
run by a former Progressive Labour Party MP raised questions from the Opposition
yesterday. Susan Jackson, of the One Bermuda Alliance, called for
clarification over the agreement with Inter-Island Communications, owned by
Glenn Blakeney, who was a PLP MP for more than a decade. Details on the Official
Gazette — published under Public Access to Information requirements —
showed that the company would be paid $35 for each radio advert, $150 per radio
interview, as well as for press or ministerial statements, and $175 for radio
advert production. The figures also revealed the price for remote broadcasts was
set at $2,000 each and a minute of video production cost $3,500 — more than
$58 a second. A government spokeswoman said about $24,000 had been spent on
radio adverts and interviews with “personalities” and that other media
organisations were also paid to promote campaigns and initiatives. Ms Jackson
asked: “This contract is from December 5, 2018 to December 4, 2019 and has
been made public under the Official Gazette notices because it is valued
at $50,000 or more. Was it tendered? Were the terms of the contract made public?
Who authorized this? This is extremely concerning and the Government must make a
public statement clarifying why this money is being spent this way.” A
government spokeswoman said the communications department had signaled during
recent Budget talks “that it will continue to enhance how it engages and
communicates with the public”. She added: “The department is particularly
keen to work with local media outlets to create unique and consistent avenues to
share government news and information with the public.” The spokeswoman
explained that the agreement with Inter-Island Communications was to help the
Government get its messages out to members of the public. She said: “The
Inter-Island advertisement placement included radio spots, on-air interviews
with government officials, and audio recordings for a variety of government
campaigns such as holiday garbage collection and recycling, the 2019 Budget, the
2022 education plan, foster care awareness, workforce development career
guidance, Post Office closure, water service interruptions, boards and
committees and more. Advertising support for the aforementioned campaigns also
ran across other various local media outlets.” The spokeswoman added after Ms
Jackson spoke out yesterday: “The contract in place with Inter-Island
Communications is a fee for services contract. This means the Government of
Bermuda pays only for the services it uses. Despite the options offered by
Inter-Island under its contract, only the following services have been used and
paid for: radio ads which were produced by CITV and interviews with on-air
personalities.” The spokeswoman said the Bermuda Broadcasting Company was paid
$48,000 for radio and television advertising services from December last year to
February. Print adverts in The Royal Gazette cost the department $5,300
and $2,100 was spent on online advertising with Bernews. Money allocated for
advertising was also spent on several social-media platforms and on online
promotions on smaller Bermudian media outlets. The Department of Communications
issued a Request for Information earlier this month to media organisations for
suggestions how they could help Government reach the public. The spokeswoman
said: “The RFI is a great opportunity for local media companies to create
products which will showcase their agency and potentially increase their
targeted audiences.” Mr Blakeney said last night that the Inter-Island
Communications contract with the Government formalized set rates for services.
He explained: “The contract is on a fee for services basis and enables the
opportunity for the Government to reach and interactively discuss any initiative
or important matter directly with the public in real time. Fee for service
simply means that we cannot invoice Government for any payment, if an IIC
service is not actually used. IIC is here for clients that wish to reach
consumers or the public at large and the radio stations remain relevant because
they provide programming that is respected and genuinely appreciated by a
diverse and huge local demographic.” Mr Blakeney added: “All airtime is
valuable and interview rates apply. The Government and registered charities
receive special rates.”
A
local bank is providing financial support for skills programme through six local
charities to enhance employability and financial capabilities. HSBC is providing
$398, 000 for the training of young people through several “Future Skills”
programme. These programmes were identified with the assistance of the
Bermuda Community Foundation. Those that will benefit included the Women’s
Resource Centre, Transformational Support Services; the Coalition for the
Protection of Children, Roots for Success Programme; Dynamic Debaters &
Learners, The fintech Industry Debate; Youth Entrepreneurship Initiative,
Bermuda Educational Enterprise Programme; Impact Mentoring Academy,
Vocational/Alternative High School and Bermuda High School and She Leads: A Real
World Readiness Programme. Clesia Pachai, HSBC Community Investment Manager,
said: “In recent times, we have seen how rapid demographic changes and
evolution in technologies may lead to a deficiency in employment-linked skills
and financial capabilities. Therefore, it is HSBC’s goal to help people in our
community develop the requisite confidence and skill sets to attain financial
security and secure jobs today and in the future. We are pleased to have
identified these reputable community organisations that share this vision and
look forward to working with them to execute these initiatives over the coming
year.” The initiatives seek to help deliver impactful, meaningful programmes
to the community. Elaine Butterfield, executive director of Women’s Resource
Centre, said, “the Women’s Resource Centre is excited to partner with HSBC
to bring the Transformational Support Services programme into existence”. Ms
Butterfield added: “The programme is a combination of targeted support
services and partner networking coordinated by the Women’s Resource Centre, to
develop and promote self-sufficiency in the lives of 30 disadvantaged women and
their families.” She said the programme aimed to empower these women with the
skills and support they need to become economically self sufficient and
contributing citizens. Kelly Hunt, executive director, The Coalition for the
Protection of Children, said: “The Roots for Success Programme and our
partnership with HSBC allows us to support our clients’ moves towards
self-sufficiency through the achievement of full-time employment or successful
entrepreneurship.” She added that practical learning, individualized life
coaching, and work shadowing provided empowerment and make long-lasting impacts
in the lives of the families through this programme. “On behalf of our
clients, we are grateful to have HSBC’s support of this programme,” Ms Hunt
said.
A
woman was accused yesterday of handling a shotgun, a revolver and almost 500
rounds of ammunition Tonae Perinchief-Leader, 29, was charged in
Magistrates’ Court with four offences, all alleged to have taken place in
Sandys on July 6, 2015. The charges involve a Taurus revolver, a Mossberg
12-gauge shotgun and 485 rounds of ammunition of several different calibres. Ms
Perinchief-Leader did not have to enter a plea as the case will be heard in the
Supreme Court. Magistrate Tyrone Chin released Ms Perinchief-Leader on $25,000
bail and adjourned the case until May 1 in Supreme Court. She was also ordered
to surrender her passport and report to Hamilton Police Station three times a
week.
Saltus
Grammar School has announced new financial assistance for primary school
students, thanks to “a generous commitment from the Green family”. In a
statement, Amanda Skinner, the school’s director of enrolment management,
thanked the Greens for “their continuous commitment to educating Bermuda’s
youth”. The Green Family Primary Assistance will offer funding to “deserving
Bermudian students, with demonstrated financial need”. The annual awards will
be based on students’ Financial Assistance for School Tuition results.
Recipients must remain in good standing academically and behaviorally, with
demonstrated participation in the life of the school. For details, call Ms
Skinner at 296-6871.
Mystery
sores afflicting invasive lionfish in the US and Caribbean have not been found
on fish in Bermuda waters, environmental experts said yesterday. A
spokeswoman for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources added that
it was not expected the sores, which were first spotted in Florida two years
ago, would affect lionfish in the seas around the island. She said: “While
lionfish larvae can drift on ocean currents, adult lionfish are not able to swim
large distances across the open ocean and so the chances are slim to none that
an ulcerated lionfish could swim here from Florida.” She was speaking after
lionfish were found in the Gulf of Mexico with ulcers deep enough to expose
muscle tissue. Scientists have as yet been unable to find a cause for the sores
to check if they could spread to fish native to the affected areas. Lionfish is
native to the Indo-Pacific Ocean region and considered an invasive species in
the Atlantic, where it preys on native fish. Efforts to kill off the fish in
Bermudian waters started in 2008 and they have also been identified as a good
food source. Sightings of ulcerated lionfish were first reported in waters off
northwestern Florida in August 2017. Later tests on affected fish did not show
“parasites, water moulds or other potential infections or diseases”. Some
lionfish found with the ulcers also had scar tissue, an indication the sores
were healing. Lionfish with the sores have since been found in the Gulf of
Mexico, the Caribbean Sea and off the coast of South Carolina. The DENR
spokeswoman said ulcers in fish were not uncommon. She added that the ulcers
found in fish in other areas could be due to contaminants in the water. She
said: “If these ulcers are related to contaminants specific to the water where
the fish are found, then the phenomenon is not likely to appear in Bermuda.”
The spokeswoman said that water temperature could also be a factor. She
explained: “The first instances of ulceration were observed in the month of
August in 2017, when water temperatures are at their highest. This can be a very
stressful time of year for fish, and is often a time when diseases or other
stress responses manifest.” The spokeswoman added that could explain why
lionfish were seen with healed or healing ulcers the following spring. She said
that “the likelihood of the phenomenon occurring in Bermuda is really
dependent on what is causing it. Even if a causative pathogen is identified, it
is likely that it is something that is present in the marine environment already
and that fish species native to the region are less susceptible to it. Invasive
lionfish may not have a very robust immune system because of their limited gene
pool and thus may react differently or be more susceptible to western Atlantic
pathogens than native fish.” Members of the public who find fish of any kind
that appear to be sick should contact the Marine Resources Section of DENR at
293-5600. The spokeswoman added that photographs of sick fish, samples of
seawater from the area it was found and specimens preserved on ice were also
helpful to department experts. She said that people should not eat diseased
fish. The spokeswoman added that fish that appeared sick should be handled with
care and people should avoid contact with any open wounds.
Government
ministers are expected to discuss the problem of belongers to Bermuda in the
next few days as part of its effort to make changes to immigration law. Wayne
Caines, the Minister of National Security, said a paper on the subject would
help the Cabinet decide what its next steps will be. He told the House of
Assembly yesterday that immigration reform legislation could be tabled in
Parliament by the summer as his team tried to balance the needs of Bermudians
with those of international businesses. Ben Smith, the Shadow Minister of Social
Development and Sport and National Security, asked about non-Bermudian belongers
as representatives in Bermuda sport. His question came after Narinder Hargun,
the Chief Justice, ruled last year that two people “belonging to Bermuda” as
children of naturalized British Overseas Territories Citizens had the same right
to compete in sports events as “a citizen and/or national under Bermuda
law”. Mr Smith, who is also the national swimming coach, asked if the ministry
could provide further details. Mr Caines said the subject was “quite
emotive” and revealed that Walton Brown, the Cabinet Office minister, had
written about it for colleagues. He said: “We have a paper that is due to go
to Cabinet any day now with reference to the plan around the belonger status. We
will have the opportunity to discuss that within the next week at Cabinet and we
will be able to have a decision made on that quite soon.” Mr Smith pointed out
later that the problem for managers was that if they tried to protect Bermudians
when team selections were made “it puts the sport in a difficult situation
where potentially they are going to end up back in the courts”. Mr Caines
explained that work was carried out over the past six months to understand
“the drivers causing disquiet in the country” but that comprehensive changes
to immigration law could not happen overnight. He said: “There is a delicate
balance when understanding that we need international business coming to Bermuda
but at the same time, within that matrix, Bermudians have to be given
opportunities.” MPs heard that the first stage of the plan for immigration
change involved the processing of work permits and was completed last December.
A review of the department’s work is expected to start in April, when it was
hoped “bottlenecks” in the system could be tackled. Mr Caines said: “The
immigration reform phase is at the centre of the overarching reform and will emphasize
policy development, public consultation and the drafting of legislation. The
ministry aims to bring legislation to the House by July 2019.” Craig
Cannonier, the Leader of the Opposition One Bermuda Alliance, said it was
“vital” to deal with problems that affected belongers and mixed-status
families. He added: “We just can’t have it, these are young people, all they
know is Bermuda and when you talk to them they’re Bermudian through and
through.” Mr Caines told MPs the position of mixed-status families was also
expected to be debated in Parliament before the summer recess.
Work
permits could be fast-tracked for two companies in a pilot programme designed to
tackle delays in application turnaround times, MPs heard yesterday. Wayne
Caines, the Minister of National Security, said that some steps may be dropped
from the vetting process, which would be carried out electronically rather than
the present paper system, which was cumbersome and more prone to human error. He
revealed that Liberty Mutual and Sompo International, both insurance companies,
were selected for the trial thanks to their “corporate citizenship”
credentials. Mr Caines told the House of Assembly that discussions between the
immigration department and business bodies including the Bermuda Chamber of
Commerce, the Association of Bermuda International Companies and the Association
of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers had taken place. He said: “They have shared
with the ministry staff that there is a significant waiting period that is
causing deep concern with reference to processing work permit applications. We
are looking at a pilot programme with two companies — Sompo International and
Liberty Mutual.” The minister explained that “key performance matrices” in
each company would be considered to decide if they were suitable for the
accelerated permit programme. He said factors such as training and development
for Bermudians and how much annual revenue the firms brought to the island would
be taken into account. Mr Caines added: “We believe that this is an excellent
opportunity for us to fast track a number of the applications, but when we say
fast track it should not be misconstrued for not going through the necessary rigor
of the process.” He told MPs during a debate on the Budget: “The ultimate
aim for the Department of Immigration is to make sure that Bermudians are being
given opportunity, that the processes are fair, that there are no road blocks
and that there is a level of accountability.” Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, the
shadow health minister, asked how the two companies were chosen. Mr Caines said
Liberty Mutual had a “firm and deep commitment to Bermuda” with a track
record of progressing Bermudians through the company and a leadership team that
understood the “tapestry” of the island. He added that similar principles
were found at Sompo. Mr Caines said: “If we are indeed going to balance what
this new process looks like, we have to be brave. We have to balance what is
best for making sure that Bermudians get opportunities but look at two companies
that we believe are leading luminaries in this particular avenue and work
through a pilot programme. We’re not going to be getting rid of the checks,
the balances, the abilities for them to be held accountable for everyone that is
within their organisation. It’s simply a pilot programme looking at how do we
make the programme less cumbersome and if a person is a good corporate citizen,
if they do have training and development for Bermudians, if they do have a
number of internship programmes both locally and abroad that give Bermudians the
opportunity to train and develop in Bermuda ... we have two lines.” Mr Caines
said one avenue included steps like newspaper adverts and on the Government’s
job board as well as the production of solid evidence for every application. He
said, in the alternative route, a meeting would have taken place with the
applicant company’s human resources director in advance and its commitment to
Bermuda would be verified. This could result in the firm skipping some of the
“overt vetting procedures”. Mr Caines said the programme was “not etched
in stone” but that if the pilot was successful the department would then look
at how to extend it. He added that the work permit process had to move towards a
more “risk-based approach”. But he added: “It cannot be that we are
opening up the floodgate to allow companies to just do whatever they please in
Bermuda.” Mr Caines said that a public consultation was expected to be
launched soon to canvass opinion on open, closed and restricted work categories.
He added information would be provided about which jobs were in which brackets
and there would be opportunities for people to suggest what roles should be
moved.
The
Bermuda Airport Authority will upgrade the island’s weather radar system in
time for the next hurricane season — but the work will result in a three month
outage. The authority will begin to dismantle the existing system on March
31, but the Bermuda Weather Service will provide other types of weather graphics
including satellite images. Lester Nelson, chief executive of the BAA, said:
“The weather radar is a popular resource for weather tracking therefore the
installation has been planned to take place between the end of winter and prior
to the height of hurricane season.” A spokeswoman for the BAA added the
weather radar system is part of a series of ways used by Bermuda the weather
service to provide the public with information. She added: “Its outage will
not impact aviation safety. It is planned for the new weather radar system to be
available to users by July 15.”
A
statue is to be erected in tribute to Mary Prince, a Bermudian born into slavery
whose story, published in Britain, added fire to the abolitionist movement.
Her account, The History Of Mary Prince, A West Indian Slave, which went to print in 1831, was the first account of the life of a black woman to be published in the UK. Possible locations for the statue would include the site of a cave in which Ms Prince hid after escaping from her slave owner. Lovitta Foggo, the Minister of Labour, Community Affairs and Sport, said that research had revealed the cave’s exact location, which is on unspecified private land. Meanwhile, the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs has begun to explore a likeness for the statue. No photographs exist for Mary Prince, but accounts from contemporaries could help inform her depiction in a statue, Ms Foggo said. Ms Prince, who went by other names such as Mary James or Molly Wood, was inducted as the island’s fifth national hero in 2012. Margot Maddison-MacFadyen, a historian from Canada, is a recent recipient of a grant from the department to research Ms Prince, including shedding light on her later days. She holds a PhD from the Memorial University of Newfoundland, where she graduated in May 2017. Dr Maddison-MacFadyen, who recently visited nine schools in Bermuda to share her research on Mary Prince, will help determine the location of a statue. Ms Foggo said the department also hopes to place markers at points of significance, enabling the public to “really make a more tangible connection with Mary Prince”. Dr Maddison-MacFadyen’s dissertation is titled “Reclaiming Histories of Enslavement from the Maritime Atlantic and a Curriculum: The History of Mary Prince.” Her present Bermuda-based postdoctoral research project is titled “Mind the Onion Seed” because both Mary Prince and Mary Elsie Tucker, on whom her research is partly focused, recalled working for Bermuda slave owners growing onions.
A
new hospital that will include an urgent care section and employ about 40 people
is scheduled to open in the centre of Hamilton in June. It will be in
addition to the outpatient services and no appointment walk-ins that are
available at the moment from Bermuda Medical Specialties Group on Reid Street,
next to Phoenix Annex. “The changing landscape of healthcare and patients’
desire for access to sophisticated healthcare services on-island have led us to
establish a new system of care for Bermuda”, said Arlene Basden, medical
director at BMSG. “We have chosen to expand our services to include a hospital
which will aid to provide the right care at the right time and in the right
setting.” BMSG started with primary care, specialist physicians, diagnostic
testing, medical consults and investigations on the third floor of Reid Hall
last year. It is currently using 8,500 sq ft of the building; with ten exam and
treatment rooms. However, this will be expanded by another 5,000 sq ft in the
next phase of the development, with the opening of an urgent care facility at
street level in the former premises of P-Tech. There will be staffing and future
beds on the second floor, sleep testing, dietary services, women’s health
services, outpatient procedures and, in collaboration with others, pharmacy,
laboratory and imaging services. The group said there will be 30 doctors
available under one roof, “and all with access to a single, electronic patient
record”. Dr Basden said: “As a patient, BMSG doctors will have access to all
of your records: your GP/family doctor records, your urgent care records, your
local and overseas specialist records, and your KEMH visit records. This will
aid all BMSG doctors to be on the same page and to have a cohesive approach to
your care.” Marico Thomas, chief executive officer of BMSG, said: “We have
an unprecedented opportunity to care for our patients and all residents of
Bermuda in new and better ways. We believe everyone should have access to
high-quality, affordable care, whether they live on North Shore, South Shore or
somewhere in-between.” In a statement, BMSG said its goal is to improve access
to international-level medical services on-island, in Bermuda, while aiding to
reduce costs and improve outcomes. The first floor, walk-in and urgent care
facility will offer a no appointment, express service. On the second and third
floors, BMSG said it will offer “a comprehensive primary care GP and
specialist physician service focused on longevity and quality of life”.
Additional services will include personalized medicine and corporate wellness
services. Mr Thomas said: “BMSG wishes to collaborate with, not compete with,
the King Edward Memorial Hospital. When KEMH beds are full and its emergency
department is overwhelmed, the BMSG Hospital and urgent care will aid to reduce
the pressure on KEMH.” The urgent care facilities will, among other things,
treat cold and flu, minor bruises and injuries, fevers, allergies, sprains, sore
throats, infections, rashes, earaches, persistent coughs, nausea, minor cuts and
burns. BMSG expects urgent care patients to usually wait no longer than 15
minutes on average, from entering the door to seeing a doctor. Dr Basden said:
“The BMSG urgent care will have a triage room to allow personnel to quickly
assess the seriousness of each patient, and will aid to determine when a patient
should transfer to the BHB emergency department.” In its statement, BMSG said
to help with full bed counts at KEMH, it has a large range of outpatient
services including cardiology, neurology, paleontology, rheumatology,
endocrinology, dermatology, cosmetic plastic surgery, asthma and allergy, sleep
medicine, family and internal medicine. Mr Thomas said: “There are different
types of hospital models around the world. A micro-hospital or mini-hospital, as
we have been called, can perform many of the same services as larger ones, and
can bring benefit by reducing hospital stays, and lowering costs.” The
hospital is expecting to employ about 40 people and also accept volunteers. Mr
Thomas said: “At BMSG, our sense of purpose is very clear and simple. Dr
Basden became a doctor because she wanted to make sure Bermuda’s healthcare
system could take care of her mother when such time came. The goal of BMSG is to
support Dr Basden in her mission to provide the best care possible for all of
our loved ones.” The urgent care facility is under construction. BMSG is open
and accepting new patients and referrals. Its doors are directly beside the big
clock on the sidewalk next to the Phoenix Annex.
Bike
stunts on public roads are dangerous and could cause crashes, police have
warned. A police spokesman said: “Offenders caught in the act or
subsequently identified can expect to be brought before the courts and charged
with riding in a dangerous manner, among other relevant traffic offences.” The
reminder came after a video posted on social media showed a man doing a wheelie
on his motorcycle for a considerable distance, including navigating a
roundabout. Another person, apparently on or in a separate vehicle, filmed the
events. Police have appealed for witnesses.
Lefroy
House, the seniors home in Sandys, is not expected to be relocated “in the
near future”, according to the Ministry of Health. The move, which came up
in the House of Assembly last week, will go to its design and requirements phase
in the 2019-20 fiscal year, but building is expected to take four to five years,
a spokeswoman said. She added: “The Government has identified an available and
suitable parcel of land in Southampton in the Rockaway / Morgan’s Point area
close to public transport, ferry and bus routes and removed from traffic noise
and pollution. The site is government-owned and adequately zoned. The site has
proximity to the established safe neighborhoods of Rockaway and Dr Cann Park and
there are other shops and facilities including a community physician’s office
and the fire station in the neighborhood.” The site offers better protection
from storms than the present location, where the listed historic building, built
as a hospital by the Royal Navy in 1890, has suffered hurricane damage. The
ministry has scheduled a meeting with family members of Lefroy House regarding
its plans
An
expert who helps companies and governments understand the implications of
geopolitics will be the keynote speaker at the annual general meeting luncheon
of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce on April 17. Andrew Mantilia, global
geopolitics lead for professional service company KPMG, solves the kinds of
knotty dilemmas where big-picture thinking needs to blend with pragmatism to
unlock solutions that really work, the Chamber said. Mr Mantilia has worked in
New York, London, and Nairobi. His previous roles have included chief operating
officer, advisory & markets, for the East Africa region. A technologist by
training in the United States, he has experience in strategy and innovation
across various sectors, with particular depth in infrastructure, government, and
healthcare. Kendaree Burgess, chief executive officer of the Chamber, said:
“The topic of geopolitics is perhaps one of the top three concerns facing CEOs
worldwide and I am looking forward to an interesting and engaging session.”
Steve Woodward, managing director and sector lead of KPMG Enterprise in Bermuda,
which is sponsoring the luncheon, said: “Geopolitical tensions are higher than
ever, and the impacts on business are potentially more direct and immediate than
ever. We look forward to welcoming Andrew Mantilia to Bermuda and hearing his
keynote remarks.” The annual meeting will be at the Hamilton Princess at noon
on April 17 and is open to all current Chamber members. The luncheon, with
keynote speaker, will follow from 12.30pm to 2pm and is open to members and
non-members.
Lloyd’s
of London and the Bermuda insurance market have many common interests and should
focus more on growing the size of the insurance market for mutual benefit than
on competing against each other. That is the view of Bruce Carnegie-Brown, the
chairman of Lloyd’s, who spoke to an audience of industry leaders at a
briefing in Hamilton yesterday. Lloyd’s is the oldest insurance market in
the world. Today, about 35 per cent of its capital comes from Bermuda, creating
a strong link between the two markets. At the Lloyd’s Market Briefing, organized
with the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers, Mr Carnegie-Brown said:
“I come here in a spirit of partnership from London. There are some people who
focus on competition and market share between the two markets. “I would much
rather focus on us all growing the whole marketplace of insurance in a
profitable way and I’m very confident that both Lloyd’s and Bermuda have a
great future. We are the two pre-eminent centres for the type of insurance that
we do and there are more things that unite us than separate us,” he said.
Fiona Luck, a Bermuda insurance market veteran and former senior executive at XL
Capital, is on the Lloyd’s Franchise Board, having joined a year ago. Albert
Benchimol, chief executive officer of Axis Capital Holdings and chairman of
Abir, last December joined the Lloyd’s Council as an external member.
“Having their global and Bermudian perspectives around the table is enormously
helpful,” Mr Carnegie-Brown said. Mr Benchimol introduced the Lloyd’s
chairman to an attentive audience at O’Hara House, home of the Bermudian
offices of Axa XL. With ten days to go before Britain is due to leave the
European Union, much uncertainty remains about what Brexit will look like — or
even if it will happen at all. Mr Carnegie-Brown said: “I think Lloyd’s has
Brexit-proofed its future, even though we don’t know what that future will
look like.” The market set up a subsidiary in Brussels for the purpose of
dealing with all business from the European Economic Area. The Belgian capital
beat out rivals including Paris, Dublin, Frankfurt and Malta. “We chose
Brussels because we wanted a serious regulator,” Mr Carnegie-Brown said. He
added that Paris’s insistence that all documentation should be in the French
language had counted against it, because of the extra expense that would have
entailed. “Also we did not want the suggestion that we were going to some tax
haven with a regulatory light environment, which might have been the case if
we’d gone to a place like Malta,” Mr Carnegie-Brown added. “We wanted to
be at the heart of Europe and very good communications with London.” He warned
of the dangers of growing protectionism around the world. There were signs that
the tendency of financial regulators to ring-fence capital in the banking
industry was also touching the insurance industry. Mr Carnegie-Brown said that
“if capital is not allowed to move freely to the point of need then the
insurance model breaks down”, something that he tried to get across to
regulators. Applying protectionist measures to the insurance industry did not
make sense. The economies of countries who fell victim to a catastrophe would
benefit more from claims being paid from outside the country than inside, he
stated. “We need to be advocates of avoiding protectionism,” he added. There
was still much scope for the industry to “grow the size of the pie”, he
added. “We at Lloyd’s did an underinsurance report and found there was about
$163 billion in premium not paid to the insurance industry because of
underinsurance,” Mr Carnegie-Brown said. “We need to look at why that is.”
He said there were five tests of a market: trust, relevance, speed, accuracy and
efficiency. The industry needed to do a better job of giving confidence to
policyholders that it would honour their policies in a timely manner. He added
that the industry had been too slow to adapt to the changing risk landscape and
was thus losing relevance with clients. “I speak to risk managers who tell me
that of their top ten risks, only three are catered to by the insurance
industry,” he said. The industry was also struggling to provide products for
the insurance of intangible assets, which made up the majority of value creation
around the world and would continue to do so, he added. He advocated more
automation. “Many people are concerned about how this level of automation will
affect their jobs,” Mr Carnegie-Brown said. “I actually think the market
will grow much more quickly if we do this and our job opportunities will be in
much more interesting areas.” Inefficiency was still a major issue, reflected
in the industry’s high frictional costs. “Our purpose is to pay claims to
our customer,” he said. “If we’re only paying 55 and 60 cents on the
dollar to our customers year in and year out, they figure out it’s not a very
good deal and they take their business somewhere else, into a captive, for
example. We have to take some of the friction points out of our industry, so we
can afford to pay higher claims and deliver better value.” He referred to the
Lloyd’s Decile 10 initiative, designed to improve the market’s
profitability, by requiring underwriters to focus on the weakest 10 per cent of
their business. However, he said the long-term focus was not to lose weaker
business, but to do what was necessary to make it profitable. “If we keep
cutting out unprofitable business from the market — business that would be
profitable of we halved the expense ratio we have today — then we’re on a
hiding to nothing,” he said. He conceded that Lloyd’s had not been a leader
in innovation, but it was striving to improve things. At the end of this month,
40 per cent of Lloyd’s risks will be placed electronically, he said. “It’s
quite a clunky system and there’s quite a bit of resistance to it because it
forces people to do things differently,” Mr Carnegie-Brown added. The aim was
to make continuous improvements over time, he said. Jon Hancock, the Lloyd’s
performance director, gave a rundown on the market’s reform efforts. He
stressed that no class of business had been closed at Lloyd’s and there was no
lack of capacity. In fact, new business growth was very strong, coming in at a
rate of about £600 million ($795 million) per month, he added. While the Decile
10 focus meant that some business would leave Lloyd’s, the process would serve
to bolster underwriting discipline, Mr Hancock said.
Bread
shortage riots and cyber threats might seem worlds apart, but they were brought
together by a cybersecurity expert at the inaugural NetDiligence Cyber Risk
Summit Bermuda. Laura Galante presented an understanding of how cyber threats
from nation states have evolved, and considered what lessons can be learnt to
act as guides during the next 10 years as threats evolve. From China and Russia,
to North Korea and the US, Ms Galante presented insight into how state players
have used cyber espionage and breaches to their advantage. She spoke at the
NetDiligence event, which brought together more than 50 speakers and featured
sessions on the evolution of cyber reinsurance, cyber catastrophe, silent cyber
and ransomware. NetDiligence is a leading provider of cyber-risk readiness and
response solutions. Ms Galante, of Galante Strategies, is a former director of
global intelligence at cybersecurity company FireEye, a founding member of
Mandiant Intelligence, and a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council. As a keynote
speaker at the summit, she mentioned the food and bread shortages that caused
the riots that were an immediate precursor to the Russian Revolution of 1917.
She later returned to the subject of bread production and the shadow it cast in
Russian minds as recently as the Eighties, when the Soviet Union began to
unravel. Why is bread relevant to a talk on cyber threats? Because it
illustrated two of the three lessons Ms Galanate shared on the potential
landscape of future cyber threats. The first lesson was the importance of
acknowledging what the “cyberthreat domain” is really about. Just as Russia
had in the 2000s imagined what the cyberspace was not just about networking, but
also about “narrative, data, information and your mind”, Ms Galante said
that level of wider contemplation was needed to envision what the next 10 years
will hold. “We are sitting here with the Internet of Things, [and] with a 5G
network that will speed up all our processing and connectivity. We are thinking
about how technology is underlying every single sector. How do we make sure that
we are broad enough in our conception of what is going on?” said Ms Galante.
She said a Ukrainian official had told her “keep in mind 1917,” referencing
the date of the Russian Revolution. Explaining what was inferred, she pointed
out that what sparked the revolution wasn’t the military, or an energy crisis
— it was bread shortage riots. “He meant, this place that we are living in,
the level of defence we are thinking about, how we mitigate risk in this space
is incredibly broad, incredibly psychological, and we have to make sure we are
taking that into account as we consider what the next fissures will look
like,” she said. Context had also been given earlier when Ms Galanate
described how Estonia, which had formerly been part of the Soviet Union, saw its
highly networked infrastructure virtually shutdown overnight in 2007 after it
had decided to move a statue of a Russian soldier out of the centre of its
capital Tallinn. The country suffered sustained cyber attacks on many of it's
organisations. Russia had “egg on its face”, said Ms Galanate, because given
the circumstances Russia was viewed as the most obvious culprit behind the cyber attacks.
It learnt that such action could not be done again in such a ham-fisted way. Ms
Galante said Russia also paid attention to what occurred in 2010, during the
Arab Spring uprisings in the Middle East, and how social media was used widely
to coordinate protests and spread news of the protests to the world. She said
the events of 2007 and 2010 were way marks in Russia’s understanding of the
power of cyber operations, and an understanding that the best weapon against an
open society (the West) — its Achilles’ heel — is its very openness. Bread
was referenced again in Ms Galante’s second lesson. She said: “The second
lesson is that this might look like a technical problem, but it is still always
about people.” A few years previous, as the team she was working with at the
time collected data on cyber attacks, she said it was not until they understood
who was behind the attacks and why, that the team “could start to unravel a
problem as thorny as cybersecurity, and start to do something about it”. She
related a piece of lore from the final years of the Soviet Union, when, during
the perestroika period of East-West friendship, a top official was taken on a
tour of London to see how the West worked. He saw the banks, treasuries and how
things worked in the country. Then, on the second day, he said the one person he
needed to see was the one who was in charge of the bakeries. “The Brits are
scratching their heads and saying ‘What is he talking about?’ He says
‘Look, we are sitting here in Moscow and we can never understand how many
loaves should be baked every day — we have shortages, we have too much, it is
constantly this issue. Who is in charge of telling the bakeries how much bread
to make?’” Ms Galante added: “The answer is the bakeries are — there is
no one running a central bakery in London.” She said that was a moment when
something went ‘click’, “It is that story, that is told so often now in
the Russian military, that people understood that a top-down model for
operations, whether it is baking bread or whether it is cyber operations, would
not work. It was the ability to use ‘the edge’, in this case the bakers, to
understand the actions that needed to be taken that would be the new paradigm of
power; of how successful organisations work,” said Ms Galante. She said that
applied to hackers or a Silicon Valley company working on the next version of
its product. “So, being able to put power to the edge, and understanding that
that is the change that is occurring, both with hackers, but also with how
nation states operate, is incredibly important as we think of how that next
iteration of this threat will fall.” Ms Galante said the third lessons was to
“not forget what we are insuring, shat we are protecting, and why we are doing
it”. She said: “In 2012 and 2013, when we were in the questionable period
about why cyber threats mattered, when we couldn’t put a face upon this, but
we knew it was a problem. It would have been easy for the group I worked with to
say ‘it’s not our job to go and expose the Chinese military, that’s what
governments do — the intelligence community should be writing a report on
this, not us’. But we looked at each other and said, ‘look we are sitting
here with data that shows us exactly how this is working. We are at a vantage
point where we are seeing multiple companies breached’. No single company is
going to come out and say ‘look, I think the Chinese military is hacking my
airplane’.” Ms Galante said the team realised they had the ability to do
something about the problem, to change how — in the case she spoke about —
economic property was being seen, and how the threat was understood. “It was
our job to do something about it, and we did, we exposed this report. I give you
that background because all of us are sitting in a chair similar to that at
different times. We have to be able to explain, broadly, not just to the world,
but to our clients, to the types of customers that we are seeing, that this is a
threat that can be managed. But it is key to understanding how your business
model goes forward.” She asked the audience: “Do you have a fair way to
explain what the threats are that might be hitting your business? Are you
insuring around that? Do you have an understanding of what sorts of nation
states might be trying to go after your type of operations, and why? We have to
think about this as broadly as our adversaries do, this is an attack and a
question about how open societies can work, and how economies and companies that
are built on fairness and rule of law, operate. And that is what we are after
here.” She added: “So when it gets a little dark, let’s keep in mind how
big the problem is, and how key our own rules are. It is our power in this
space, our place in security and risk management, that is key to taking on this
threat and critical as we look to the next 10 years of analyzing cyber threats.”
A
grey seal — the first of its kind found in Bermuda — was rescued yesterday
after it was spotted by a fisherman. Patrick Talbot, curator at the Bermuda
Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, said: “It’s extremely rare. We really don’t have
the food sources to feed an animal like this. “They feed a lot on soft-boned
fish like herring. These animals are found off the eastern seaboard of the
United States and Europe in pretty cold water.” He added that BAMZ hoped to
help the exhausted and underweight female seal, found at Catherine Rock, near
Tobacco Bay, St George’s, to regain its proper weight and return it to its
natural habitat. Mr Talbot said the aquarium was called about the animal after
it was found in a small ravine. Grey seals, also known as Atlantic or horsehead
seals, are common on the coastlines of the northern North Atlantic. Ian Walker,
principal curator at BAMZ, said harbour seals, like the popular attractions BAMZ
has in its collection, have sometimes made their way to the island, but the
exhausted animals have often not survived. Dr Walker said the grey seal could
have been brought to the island by bad weather, but changes in the currents of
the Gulf Stream could also be responsible for seals being swept off course. The
animal has a laceration to its left rear flipper. Dr Walker said he was unsure
of the cause, but the injury was up to a week old. The seal also had multiple
small punctures around its body, probably caused by the rocks and reefs of
Bermuda. He said: “We blocked off its access to the water with barriers and we
have a seal carrier created for our harbour seals. This seal is a little larger
than our seals, but it was large enough to support her. We got the carrier down
and corralled her in. She was quite co-operative. We then had to lift her out of
the ravine and on to our truck. Luckily there were members of the public there
who were able to assist.” Mr Talbot explained that grey seals are larger than
the harbour seals kept at the aquarium. He said: “It is slightly underweight.
They are usually around 300 pounds or so, certainly a lot larger than a male
harbour seal, which grow up to 225 pounds or 250 pounds. They also eat a lot
more fish than a harbour seal would. They have a pronounced, elongated face,
which distinguishes them from a harbour seal.” Mr Talbot said the seal’s
discovery had sparked interest among members of the public, but added it would
not be put on display. He explained: “There was stuff online before we got
back to the aquarium. It is a very popular story.” Mr Talbot said:
“Unfortunately this animal is in quarantine, so there will be restricted
access to it. Even staff here will have restricted access to it. It is a wild
animal, and we have no idea if this animal has any diseases or anything like
that. We do have seals here and other mammals, and we wouldn’t want our
animals to be compromised.” Mr Talbot also warned that the public should not
approach animals like seals if they are found in the wild. He said: “You
should always approach a wild animal with caution. This animal, though, has
probably endured a lot of hardship, so it was fairly easy for us to corral,
capture and bring back.” He added that anyone who spotted a wild animal that
appeared to be sick, they should contact BAMZ at 293-2727 with full details.
“It is nice to know where the location is and what the animal is to help us
because we are not going to take a bucket to pick up a seal.” Dr Walker said
he had also heard about another video on social media which showed an injured
bat found on the island. He added “There is a local population, typically
fairly small bats. We do have them; they are here and people bring them in, not
infrequently. Rabies is not much of a concern here, but of course whenever you
are dealing with a wild animal you have no idea what they have. We would
recommend using gloves or calling us and letting us handle it.”
A
drone found at the weekend on Cooper’s Island in St George’s can be
reclaimed at Hamilton Police Station. A police spokesman said the drone was
handed in yesterday, after it was discovered on Sunday. The owner can collect
the drone at the station. A police spokesman said they should bring the box or
relevant documentation, including the drone’s serial number.
A
review board to assess the salaries of ministers and MPs is to be given an extra
three months to finish its work. Premier David Burt made the announcement
this morning in the House of Assembly, as legislators prepare to start the
Budget debate for the Department of Immigration. Mr Burt said that a resolution
would be tabled proposing the extra time, which he said should be sufficient for
the review.
A
project to fix telecoms towers throughout Bermuda was put into action after
safety equipment used to access some sites fell into such disrepair it became
risky to use. Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works,
told the House of Assembly an “aggressive maintenance programme” was put in
place to tackle problems with rust at the structures. He explained on Friday
that the Government owned and operated a portfolio of seven telecommunications
tower sites across the island. Colonel Burch explained: “Historically, the
telecommunication tower facilities have been managed by the Bermuda Police
Service as they were primarily installed to support their operational
telecommunicational requirements.” He said the ministry took over
responsibility of the towers in April 2017 and commissioned structural surveys
for each site. MPs heard: “The structural surveys highlighted a lack of
regular maintenance of the telecom towers, which has resulted in every tower
displaying various stages of corrosion. The recommendation of the survey was the
adoption of an aggressive maintenance programme with a focus on rust
identification and remediation. In some instances, the safety equipment for
climbing the towers is in such poor condition that it poses a risk to life for
anyone who may climb the tower. Additional issues identified included improper
air conditioning design and maintenance in equipment rooms, lack of a back-up
generator at the quarry site and a lack of regular maintenance of the generators
at the other sites. Some sites had substantial foliage overgrowth and
maintenance was required to improve and maintain access and safety. As these
sites and infrastructure are critical to operations and are of national
importance, we’ve implemented a programme and continued to carry out
remediation works during this budget year for the issues identified.” Colonel
Burch later said that $783,000 earmarked under capital acquisitions for
communications equipment would go towards work to repair or replace towers.
Part of Ireland Island North
has been declared off limits for drone flights after at least three instances of
intrusions over Westgate Correctional Facility. Westgate joins the Bermuda
Police Service’s headquarters in Prospect, Devonshire, under new regulations
issued by the Civil Aviation Authority on Friday. LF Wade International airport
on St David’s Island is also a no-fly zone. The BCAA reports there have been
at least three cases of drones encroaching on the prison, as well as one unauthorized
intrusion over the airport. Breaching the rules could come with a fine of up to
$4,000, the authority warned. According to Thomas Dunstan, director general of
BCAA, drones are growing in popularity, which heightens safety and security
challenges. The restrictions also apply to micro lights, gliders, airships and
balloons, with no-fly zones set as:
Companies
that worked hard to submit bids for a Government recycling collection contract
were told to do it again because they were at first told to provide a copy of a
licence that was not needed. A request for quotations issued by the Ministry
of Public Works in December mistakenly advised that firms needed a waste
transportation licence to carry out the work. However, the tender was cancelled
due to a “substantial change” in the job requirements and a revised notice
was published on the online government portal last month. A spokeswoman said
that the public works ministry wanted to recruit a company to carry out
recycling collection services across the island. She added: “The ministry can
also confirm that an earlier advertisement seeking vendors for the service was
cancelled due to an error requirement in the notice to have a waste hauler
licence. This was an internal oversight, rendering the previous submissions
void. The ministry apologized for any inconvenience caused.” The successful
bidder will be expected to uplift reusable items from homes, as well as from
public docks, schools, government institutions and about 80 bus stop bins.
Companies were told that the Government wanted to promote recycling and was
“actively considering mandating recycling”, which meant that the volumes for
collection could increase sooner than expected. The original tender had a
submission deadline of January 15 but a notice added later was dated February
18. It said: “The request for quotations for recyclable materials collection
has been cancelled in its entirety without award due to a substantial change in
the specifications. The Government of Bermuda appreciates and understands firms
went through great effort in preparing a response for the above mentioned RFQ.
Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused.” The
new tender excluded the stipulation to include a copy of a licence to “engage
in the business of transporting waste under the Waste and Litter Control
Amendment Act 2011”. But both notices pointed out that copies of licence and
registration documents for every vehicle to be used for the work would be
required. The revised RFQ, which was issued on February 27 with a deadline of
last Friday, said that payment for each four-week period would be calculated by
combining two tallies linked to a pay schedule, rather than the four figures
specified in the original notice. It also explained that collection would take
place at the Tynes Bay facility three times a week — a detail that had been
“inadvertently excluded”. Both notices said the average weight of recyclable
materials set out each week was about 18 to 20 tonnes but the volume could
increase to up to 65 tonnes by the third year of the contract. Bidders were
warned the figures depended on participation rates and whether the contractor
was successful in selling its services to the commercial sector, which was an
option open as long as the ministry was advised and it did not incur extra cost
to the Government. The RFQs added that the Government was looking at the
introduction of wheelie bins or crates for residents to dispose of reusable
materials. Waste will be taken to the material recovery centre at the Government
Quarry in Hamilton Parish. The Government website said that blue recycling bags
were taken to the centre, sorted and then shipped to the US to be converted into
new consumer goods. The spokeswoman added: “Over the past 17 months, the
Ministry of Public Works has demonstrated its commitment to ensuring an
effective and efficient waste management service — this includes making
Bermuda’s recycling programme a priority.”
Press
statement from Kalmar Richards, the Commissioner of Education. "We are
confident that teachers in the Bermuda Public School System are qualified to
assess what has been learned by students each day. We appreciate the hard work
our teachers do for our students, and wish to thank them for understanding the
critical obligation to inform parents about student academic progress. The
Department of Education has consistently communicated to principals, teachers
and the Bermuda Union of Teachers that we are not yet a Standards-Based
Education System. We are a traditional system that has begun the process of
transitioning to a Standards-Based Education System. While we transition, we
have put an interim grading system in place for the 2018-2019 school year. The
BUT indicated that our teachers require more training to implement
Standards-Based Grading practices. In October 2018, the Standards-Based Grading
Committee was empanelled and has developed a four-year plan to transition the
System. Initial training started in January 2019 for all primary and middle
school principals, teachers and staff. Another training session was held in
February 2019. The January session reintroduced the tenets of Standards-Based
Grading and the February session introduced learning intentions and success
criteria. Given where we are with the transition to a Standards-Based Education
System, we cannot expect teachers to implement Standards-Based Grading. It is
with this understanding and with the understanding that most teachers in our
classrooms are using traditional grading practices that all teachers at the
primary and middle level have been asked to convert percentages, a traditional
grading practice, to a scale of 0 to 4. To clarify, to convert from percentages
to a scale of 0 to 4 is not a Standards-Based grading practice. This is an
interim measure we are using as we transition to becoming a Standards-Based
Education system. This is an acceptable practice that is used by many
jurisdictions, including jurisdictions that use PowerSchool. We reached out to
our overseas consultant who was made aware of the conversion table from
percentages to a 0 to 4 scale, and they indicated that we should continue with
what we are presently doing, with the understanding that it is only an interim
measure until the end of this school year. On Friday, March 8, 2019, the
Department of Education and the BUT released a joint statement indicating that
we would work together to ensure parents had report cards in hand by Friday, 15
March, 2019. We entered this joint-agreement in good faith. The BUT had asked
for an extension of the deadline for progress reports from 8 March to 15 March,
2019. The Department of Education honored that request and extended the date to
15 March, 2019. To achieve the goal of ensuring parents were provided with
report cards on 15 March, 2019, the BUT indicated that teachers had retained
hard copies of grades and that teachers would need time to input the grades. The
Department of Education honored this request. Principals were officially asked
and gave teachers time to input grades during the week leading up to 15 March,
2019. The BUT also indicated that some teachers would need to be shown how to
input grades. Principals, teachers and the Department of Education PowerSchool
Administrator worked together to provide that support and teachers at all
schools were able to update their grade books and input grades. The Department
of Education honored the requests for support that were identified by the BUT.
Also, the Department of Education assigned IT Technicians to schools in the
event of any hardware challenges with PowerSchool. The Department of Education
can also confirm that PowerSchool, the data management system that is used to
store students’ grades, is and has been operational to receive grades since
September 2018. The Department of Education can also confirm that grades have
been placed in PowerSchool, by some teachers, between September 2018 and March
2019. Teachers in the Bermuda Public School System have a duty to ensure that
students and parents are provided with information about their progress. Parents
were provided with academic and social skills progress reports on Friday, March
15, 2019. We thank principals and teachers for ensuring report cards were
provided to our students and parents. We trust our teachers to provide parents
with an accurate assessment of their child’s progress."
Opinion.
By Bob Richards, Minister of Finance and Deputy Premier between December 2012
and July 2017. " Bermuda has never before, in our entire
history, faced such a combination of external threats to our economy, standard
of living and ability to govern ourselves than we face today. And the irony
is that Bermudians appear to be only marginally aware of the threat, instead
focusing on old or domestic concerns such as municipalities, income inequality
and immigration. If Monsieur Pierre Moscovici and his European Union staff have
their way, municipalities will become irrelevant because most of the office
buildings in Hamilton will be vacant, incomes in Bermuda will become more
unequal, with widespread poverty and unemployment, and there will be a further
mass exodus of people from our island. In my former role as Minister of Finance,
I had the “pleasure” of dealing with Mr Moscovici twice. On the first
occasion, as Minister of Finance of France, Mr Moscovici ignored the prescribed
procedure and directly blacklisted Bermuda. By the grace of God and the French
insurance sector that placed reinsurance in Bermuda, we were removed from that
blacklist five months later. After the next French election, he was replaced,
but he later resurfaced in Brussels as EU Commissioner for Economic and
Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs. Having met with him and his staff, it
was clear they had the firm conviction that there was no legitimate role for
“dots on the map” such as Bermuda in the global economy. Put another way,
any financial service provided by the likes of Bermuda must, by definition, be
illegitimate. This viewpoint is widely held across the EU bureaucracy. The EU
Economic Substance requirements are the latest and most challenging attempt by
the EU to literally put the offshore world out of business. Today we have learnt
that Bermuda has indeed been blacklisted by the EU. Blacklisting by the EU is
not merely a problem for companies that do not have staff here. The heart of our
international business sector is large, public insurance and reinsurance
companies having their shares traded on the New York Stock Exchange. These
companies are global, doing a considerable proportion of their business in
Europe; otherwise, we wouldn’t have gone through all that effort and expense
acquiring Solvency II equivalence, which is a European standard. Their European
business could evaporate or be severely impaired. Moreover, there is no way an
NYSE-listed company could tolerate being headquartered in a blacklisted
jurisdiction for any length of time. They would be forced to make a change.
Whatever that change might be, it is bound to be disastrous for Bermuda. We do
not yet know what kind of teeth this blacklisting ultimately will have. By way
of reference, the French blacklist imposed a 75 per cent withholding tax on all
payments from France to Bermuda. Those were pretty big teeth. Our presence on
this list at this time primarily represents reputational damage. A clean
reputation is worth more than gold and years of burnishing it can be destroyed
by moments such as this. There could be contracts in the private sector that
depend on us not being on such a list. In such cases, those companies could
suffer financial damage. Also, the EU could at some time in the future decide to
give more bite to their list. I would not jump to early conclusions pertaining
to the narrative that Bermuda was blacklisted because our government was
“playing games”. Knowing the attitude of the officials in Brussels relative
to Bermuda, this may be an excuse for doing something they were determined to do
anyway. I note that Britain unsuccessfully appeared to try to intercede on our
behalf. Hard experience in finance has taught me that we cannot, and must not,
rely on the British to represent our interests in Europe. They are not reliable
in this regard. This is the same British Government that we are defying
regarding public beneficial ownership registers and boycotting their Foreign
Affairs Committee hearing. In any case, Brexit has dramatically reduced their
influence in Europe. Let me be unmistakably clear: there is absolutely no
fairness or equity in this process. It was contrived from the start. One only
has to look at the economic activities in Luxembourg and Malta, two EU member
states, to see that there are rules for those in the “club” and those on the
outside. Some outside jurisdictions are too big to tackle, such as the United
States — particularly in Delaware and Nevada. So, they bully the small ones,
like us. Experience should also teach us that the only thing that does not
change is that the goalposts keep shifting. Meanwhile, the EU has exploited the
rivalry between individual offshore centres — the old divide-and-rule tactic
— and it has worked once again. I know we Bermudians like to think that we are
a cut above all other offshore financial centres. I was personally a fierce
proponent of that viewpoint, both at home and abroad. But I have had a “road
to Damascus” moment on this issue because, try as we might to differentiate
ourselves, to adversaries such as Mr Moscovici and his EU staff, all the dots
are the same — illegitimate! We must therefore work with other offshore
financial centres if we are going to survive this existential onslaught. The
other component of the external threat comes from Her Majesty’s Government and
the British Parliament. Since the last election, I have stoutly supported our
government’s stance against Britain on public beneficial ownership registers.
I still do. Britain must respect the Bermuda Constitution, a constitution that
they themselves signed several decades ago. As Minister of Finance, I obtained
the legal opinion from the most respected QC in Britain on such matters, and it
is clear that what the British Parliament wants to do breaches our constitution.
We cannot let that happen. The British Foreign Affairs Committee is a child of
that Parliament. I have appeared before it once in the past myself. The
recommendation of that committee to give British citizens automatic voting
rights in Bermuda is a non-starter. It also breaches our constitution. I wrote a
very strongly worded submission to that committee before its recommendations
were published. That the Government of Bermuda did not make a submission, or a
personal appearance, represents a missed opportunity of very significant
proportions. The only person that the committee heard from was George Fergusson,
the former Bermuda governor. Is that who we want representing our island on
important matters such as this? Really? I firmly believe that Bermuda leaders
must be willing to “speak truth to power”, vigorously and fearlessly. Like
it or not, opinion-makers such as foreign politicians and the overseas media in
important foreign centres of power are critical to the future of our people,
their livelihoods and quality of life. Bermudians should remember that foreign
capital and its local spending put food on our tables. Bermuda has been singled
out for blacklisting. No other British Overseas Territory or Crown Dependency
has suffered this sanction. The Government of Bermuda, its people and the
business community must ask the question, “Why?” I am informed that we made
concessions to the EU that other Overseas Territories did not, yet we were
blacklisted, not them. It is not likely a mere timing problem, ie, that we got
our legislation done too late. This alone is not enough for us to be
blacklisted, and all others not. Bermuda hosts “permit companies” of very
large high-tech companies that enable huge tax shelters. They are the prime
targets of the EU, yet we have done nothing to remove them. In that context, it
is not surprising that we have been targeted. A review of all factors that may
have contributed to this bad outcome must be performed. I don’t have the
solution to this problem, but I do know that we need a co-ordinated effort
combining the resources of the Government, the regulator and the private sector.
Each side has resources the other lacks. This was the secret sauce that achieved
what was thought to be impossible; ie, the acquisition of EU Solvency II
equivalence. We have to stand together and muster these resources again; and do
it now because, even if we are removed from this list in two months’ time,
this is not over. I was at a meeting abroad recently, and a colleague of mine
from one of the Channel Islands said he thought they had “dodged this
bullet”. I said to him: “This is no bullet, mate, it’s a heat-seeking
missile. You may dodge it once or twice, but it’s going to keep coming back to
blow you up.” This is the challenge, Bermuda, and we need to take it very
seriously."
With
its licence to operate Bermuda’s only cargo dock coming due in less than two
years, the management of Stevedoring Services Limited is keeping a close eye on
Bermuda Government’s plans for the Corporation of Hamilton. Stevedoring
has an exclusive terminal operating licence for the Hamilton docks, which
expires in February 2021. It holds a non-exclusive terminal operating licence,
as do several other entities, for the free ports in St George, Dockyard, and at
Morgan’s Point. Warren Jones, chief executive officer, Polaris Holding Company
Ltd, the parent company of Stevedoring, said: “We have been watching it, and
we will see where it goes. Our focus is on the business we do, and we will
continue to defend our position here regardless of how it all comes out. “Our
focus is on the dock and trying to continue to be Bermuda’s choice as the
operator to run the dock. Whatever Government does, we expect to be the terminal
operator running the dock. In fact, our vision is to be the terminal operator at
all of Bermuda’s ports.” Mr Jones said Stevedoring is in close contact with
government officials on an ongoing basis since the dock’s importance to
Bermuda is related to several ministries as well as to the Emergency Measures
Organisation. “We are responsible for a key part of Bermuda’s
infrastructure,” he said. “The EMO and the various ministries are all key to
what we do.” Members of Parliament voted 22-7 along party lines on Thursday to
pass the Municipalities Reform Act 2019, which once in force will transform the
Corporations of Hamilton and St George into un-elected quangos. The Act will
bring to an end a combined total of almost 450 years of local government in
Bermuda. Elected members of the municipalities are to hold office until May 13,
unless they resign in writing to the Minister of Home Affairs. The minister will
appoint a mayor and councillors for each of the corporations to serve from May
14. Charles Gosling, Mayor of Hamilton, has indicated that the Corporation of
Hamilton will launch a court battle to fight the Government’s plans.
The Bermuda Triple Challenge
which raises funds for local charities was held for the eighth time this
weekend. Individuals and teams of two to five people navigated obstacles
ranging from scaling a bus and racing round the Royal Bermuda Regiment’s
assault course. The event started off on Friday with the Argus Urban Foot Race
through St George’s, followed by a community block party with DJ Chubb and a
bouncy castle. The Royal Bermuda Regiment hosted the Sun Life International
Island Challenge on Saturday morning, with a family-style barbecue organized by
the regiment and Butterfield & Vallis afterwards. Participants in Sunday’s
finale came out for an all-out assault on The Royal Naval Dockyard and Casemates
Prison in the Chubb Royal Challenge. This was followed by the Buzz/Butterfield
& Vallis appreciation brunch. All the funds raised from the Triple Challenge
will be donated to six Bermudian youth-based charities: WindReach, The Centre
Against Abuse, The Reading Clinic, The Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies,
Tomorrow’s Voices and Raleigh Bermuda.
The
Bermuda International Film Festival has announced the jury members for the
Bermuda Shorts competition. Director Mike Newell, whose credits include Four
Weddings and a Funeral and Harry Potter and the Goblets of Fire, will
act as chairman. He will be joined by film-maker Amanda Renee Knox, whose film Night
Call won the Bermuda Shorts competition at the 2018 festival, along with Meg
Thomas, the senior vice-president for worldwide content at the Globalgate
Entertainment division of film distributor Lionsgate. Jury members will watch 39
short films, chosen from about 600 submissions, before a winner is chosen. Biff
is a qualifying festival for the Academy Awards in the live-action short film
category, so the winning film is will be submitted for Oscar consideration by
the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences without a requirement for a
theatrical release. Mr Newell won a British Academy of Film and Television Arts
Award for best film for the hit romantic comedy Four Weddings and a Funeral.
His work on the film also earned him the David Lean Award for direction. As the
director of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Mr Newell became the
first British director to helm an installment of the popular franchise. In a
career spanning more than 40 years, his other directing credits include Donnie
Brasco, Mona Lisa Smile, Prince of Persia, Great Expectations, and The
Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. He has also served as
executive producer on several films, including Traffic and High
Fidelity. Mr Newell will also be honored with the Biff 2019 Prospero Award
for outstanding achievement in film at the Bermuda Shorts awards reception on
Sunday at 6pm at Hamilton City Hall. Festival tickets are available online at
biff.ptix.bm or at the door.
One
year after a wall of fire sparked by an industrial accident charred 30 acres of
Devonshire Marsh, conditions there remain ripe for another blaze. Spurred on
by strong winds, the fire swept the reserve despite a massive effort by the
Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service. The fire, which threatened several businesses
and residences, and repeatedly jumped the main road, remains “a perennial
threat” at the wetland, the Bermuda Audubon Society warned. The blaze of March
17, 2018 was “accidentally caused”, according to the BFRS report, obtained
by The Royal Gazette. Investigators ruled that winds carried a spark from
welding at Island Construction, where an employee was working outside on top of
a shipping container, 90 feet into the marsh. Once covered in trees, the reserve
has become a haven for flammable invasive plants. Staff at Island Construction
raised the alarm at 7.30am, but winds which had been forecasted at up to 35mph
swiftly drove the flames southeast and out of control. For Graham and Joanna
Frith, whose home juts into the marsh at the base of Brighton Hill, an ordinary
Saturday quickly proved to be unforgettable. Ms Frith recalled boarding an early
flight to New York, when a stream of pictures and messages to her phone showed
the blaze advancing on her house. “Graham ended up having a more interesting
weekend,” she said. “What made it surreal was coming back on Sunday night
with our house and all our belongings untouched. I realised just how lucky we
were.” Mr Frith was initially told by neighbours it was “nothing to be too
worried about”. He added: “Ten minutes later my neighbour asked if I had the
keys to my car, because I might need to move it — it had gotten bigger and
crazier.” Returning home, he found a fire truck in front of his home, and was
told by the landlord to “get what you can as quick as you can, and get the
hell out”. This summer, the Friths will mark seven years at the residence,
which they love for its wooded surroundings and wildlife. But the wetland,
denuded by cattle grazing and the loss of endemic cedars, today teems with
bracken and saw grass that became tinder. Mr Frith said: “It was unbelievable,
watching how fast it moved. It was like a microcosm of the California fires.”
He locked up the house, grabbed a few valuables, moved his car and tried to
rescue their cat, which “took off like a bat out of hell”. Their pet
returned later. Mr Frith spent the day watching the blaze, which was doused as
it ignited trees across Middle Road, but swept perilously close to businesses on
Marsh Lane. It also burnt around the edge of his property and scorched palmettos
in his yard, but came no farther. “All the firemen were out doing a fantastic
job,” Mr Frith said. “But they had a tough day. Seeing how close it came, we
were unbelievably blessed.” Today, Mr Frith said, the marsh looks as though
“nothing happened. It’s cool to watch nature take it back,” he said. Asked
if he worried of a repeat, Mr Frith said: “Older people talked about when
there were fire channels. Right now there’s no way to cut a fire off.” In
the immediate aftermath, staff from the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources had easy access to cull more than 300 flammable invasive plants from
the centre of the marsh. A year later, open-water ditches remain the best option
for limiting a recurrence, the Audubon Society’s report said. Waterways dug in
the 1940s criss-crossed the marsh and were maintained until about 20 years ago.
The report advised that reviving the channels could provide fire breaks in the
future, as well as water for firefighting.
Maiden
Holdings has reported a net loss of $269.2 million, or $3.25 per common share,
for the fourth quarter. That marks the sixth loss in the past seven quarters
for the Bermuda-based company. The amount is more than double the $133.6 million
loss the company reported in the corresponding period in 2017. For the full
year, net loss jumped from $199.1 million in 2017, to $570.3 million. Lawrence
Metz, president and chief executive officer of Maiden, said 2018 had been an
extremely difficult year for shareholders and employees. He also said: “With
our recently announced revised LPT/ADC [loss portfolio transfer/adverse
development cover] transaction with Enstar, we believe we are nearing the end of
our strategic review process.” He said there has been continued decisive
action since the third-quarter report, with the completion of the sale of
Maiden’s US reinsurance business to Enstar, mutually agreeing with AmTrust to
first amend and then terminate Maiden’s quota share reinsurance contracts
effective January 1, completing the sale of some European subsidiaries and
entering the aforementioned new agreement with Enstar. Mr Metz said: “We look
forward to now taking the necessary steps to enhance our business and create
lasting shareholder value.” Patrick Haveron, chief financial officer and chief
operating officer, said that since September 1, 2018, the company had taken a
series of strategic measures that have “de-risked our balance sheet, improved
liquidity, significantly strengthened our capital position relative to
regulatory requirements, and cured our breach of the Bermuda Enhanced Capital
Requirement. Looking ahead, we have also reduced our annual total operating
expenses by more than $50 million, and look to improve on that to reflect the
significant changes in our business during 2018 and 2019. The new LPT/ADC with
Enstar will further solidify the progress we have made by protecting our
reserves while retaining more assets for investment. Maiden enters 2019 with a
stronger balance sheet and we expect to further improve our solvency ratios as
we look to rebuild shareholder value and begin repositioning our business for
the future.” On March 1, Maiden terminated the master agreement it had with
Enstar Group Limited and simultaneously signed a new agreement. In a statement,
Maiden said: the new agreement was “pursuant to which an Enstar subsidiary
will assume liabilities for loss reserves as of December 31, 2018, associated
with the quota share reinsurance agreements between the company’s wholly-owned
subsidiary Maiden Reinsurance Ltd and AmTrust Financial Services Inc, or its
subsidiaries in excess of a $2.44 billion retention up to $675 million”. It
added: “The $2.44 billion retention will be subject to adjustment for paid
losses since December 31, 2018. The new MTA [agreement] and associated
reinsurance agreement will provide Maiden Bermuda with $175 million in adverse
development cover over its carried AmTrust reserves at December 31. The
transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions.”
Wildlife
and protected land could be at risk because of errors in a new electronic system
for land zoning, environmentalists warned yesterday. The Department of
Planning admitted it could not guarantee the draft Bermuda Plan was error-free,
but rejected calls for an extension to yesterday’s deadline for opinions and
objections. The Bermuda National Trust said it spotted “significant errors”
in the land boundaries of its own properties. The BNT’s request for a deadline
extension was backed by the Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda
Environmental and Sustainability Taskforce. Bill Zuill, the executive director
of the BNT, said: “Beyond our own properties, we don’t really know the
extent of the problem — our concern is that because it has happened on so many
of our properties, you have to assume that it is fairly systemic. In some cases
it is pretty consistent. You might have a nature reserve and a residential zone
right next to it, for example, and because the boundaries are not accurate, you
may have a corner of a nature reserve listed as residential. Some property
owners may think that a part of their lot is a more generous zoning than it is
and they could make an argument that they should be able to build more densely
in that area. If the Government would extend this objection period, it would
give people more time to look at their particular properties and say it is not
right and have the boundaries fixed.” Karen Border, the president of the
Audubon Society, added: “Until we can get some concrete assurances that this
issue will be dealt with, it leaves too many unknowns and potential for error.
It absolutely merits an abundance of caution of extending the process before
this plan is finalized. “If there are inaccuracies, there is the potential
that somebody will, for example, remove woodland on the assumption that it is
not zone protected simply because of an error in the zoning map. It could
absolutely have an adverse effect on wildlife.” Kim Smith, the executive
director of BEST, said: “Since the Bermuda National Trust has found there to
be significant errors in the zoning maps in the draft Bermuda Plan 2018, BEST
would support their call for an extension to the deadline for input on the plan,
especially in light of any potential damage to the future protection of
conservation-zoned sites.” The draft Bermuda Plan 2018, released in December,
marked out zonings that ranged from high-density residential areas to no-build
nature reserves. The Department of Planning’s new electronic system includes
graphics such as satellite images, but some of the buildings and structures do
not match their actual locations. A disclaimer on the department’s website
said officials and the Bermuda Government did not “guarantee that the
information will be error-free”. A department spokeswoman said that the
overlapping areas of land were a result of “approximations of lot-line
boundaries in the absence of an island-wise catalogue of registered land
parcels. They will be amended on an ongoing basis as and when the department
receives boundary surveys as part of planning application submissions.” The
spokeswoman said the three-month consultation period was greater than the two
months required under planning law. To view the zoning map, visit:
planning.gov.bm.
A
dozen new police recruits started their careers on the beat yesterday after a
passing-out parade at the service’s Prospect headquarters. The new
officers were presented with their certificates by John Rankin, the Governor,
while Wayne Caines, the national security minister, handed out the trophies for
sports. PC Ryan Swan won the Baton of Honour award for best recruit. He said
afterwards: “I had a feeling I might be in the running, but there were
definitely a few of us who could have won it. It wasn’t something I aimed for,
but I always try to do my best.” Mr Swan, 33, from Southampton, worked at
Somerset Bridge Watersports before he joined the police. The former Royal
Bermuda Regiment bandsman said: “I joined because I wanted to do something for
the island because I’ve been really fortunate and had a lot of opportunities.
I wanted to give back.” He added he would be stationed at Somerset Police
Station in community policing, but was interested in the intelligence
department. But Mr Swan said: “I definitely want to on the street for a
bit.” Mr Rankin told the recruits that the terror attacks in Christchurch
showed that tragedy could strike even the most stable of countries. “I know
that your training will have been hard work, testing your skills and resilience.
That’s as it should be. I wish each and every one of you well in your future
work.” Mr Caines added the world needed men and women “as true to duty as
the needle is to the pole”. Commissioner of Police Stephen Corbishley said
police officers “look after victims, we protect those that cannot protect
themselves”. He added: “As the 12 newest officers of the Bermuda Police
Service ... policing is not just a job, it’s also not just about locking up
bad guys. Policing comes from inside you — it’s the values you possess, the
emotional intelligence and a good dose of common sense at times because the
right thing to do is the only thing to do.”
Boats
and well-wishers turned out yesterday to greet a new cargo ship designed to
improve the shipping service to Bermuda. The MV Oleander, a custom-built
container ship, arrived in Hamilton Harbour from its builders in China with her
horn blowing.
Neptune Group Ltd, the operators of Bermuda Container Line Ltd, described the occasion as “very special”. Barry Brewer, its president and chief executive, said: “We had about a dozen boats escorting us and lots of people in Albuoy’s Point. It was absolutely perfect.” He added: “We’ve been at this for three years with the design, planning and building. It was 12,000 miles from China to get here — to pull into Hamilton with a ship that’s owned by over 500 Bermudians, started by the importers, for the importers — it was a very special day.” The ship will replace the Oleander, now renamed the Oleander III and sold, which has served Bermuda for 29 years. The pair are expected to pass on Monday as the new vessel begins service. The new ship is larger than its predecessor, able to carry more cargo and will weather rough seas better. The MV Oleander has an extended cargo area that has three times the below decks cargo capacity of the old ship. It was designed to give more protected inside stowage for cars, trucks, buses, boats, trailers, machinery and other high-value equipment. The new Oleander can also carry up to 456 twenty-foot containers, including 75 refrigerated containers. The ship is in line with the latest environmental emission regulations and ballast water treatment standards. It is as fast as the ship it will replace, but more fuel efficient at higher speeds.
New
Zealanders based in Bermuda have been left stunned by the terror attacks on
mosques that killed 49 people in Christchurch. Annabel Carter, originally
from Christchurch, said yesterday: “This attack is totally unprecedented,
anathema to any normal New Zealander. It’s a rough time to be in
Christchurch.” Dr Carter, who runs The Centre for Sports & Orthopaedic
Medicine in Hamilton, said Christchurch was still recovering from two massive
earthquakes that killed hundreds and destroyed much of the city. She added:
“Now to have a senseless act of violence like this is just unbelievable. My
sister-in-law told me all schools near by the two locations were put on lockdown
until 6pm, and that included the preschool they own and run. Everyone is feeling
thoroughly traumatized, the outraged consensus being ‘this doesn’t happen
here." My sister-in-law commented in mail that everyone is still in shock,
especially with the gunman shooting children.” She added that she had grown up
in a hunting and fishing family and had guns in the family home, which was
considered normal and people were careful with firearms. “Even with
increasing crime rates, New Zealand has remained a generally very safe place.”
Phillipa Souza, also originally from Christchurch, said: “I’m honestly
shocked by it all. I just would never have thought there would be a terrorist
attack in Christchurch.” But Ms Souza added: “I don’t think anybody thinks
it’s possible in their own home town.” She was speaking yesterday after
white supremacist gunmen targeted Muslims at two mosques in the city, on the
East Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Dozens of people were also wounded
in the attacks, which were broadcast live on social media for a short period. Ms
Souza said that she had received a text message from her parents at 3am
yesterday which said they were under lockdown. The Spanish Point, Pembroke
resident said she had no idea the attacks had happened. Ms Souza said that she
texted her parents back after she learnt of the attacks. She added: “I just
said ‘thank God’.” Ms Souza, 43, lived in Christchurch until she was 29.
She said she was last back in the city to see her family at Christmas with her
husband, Michael, and their daughter, Madison, aged 4. Ms Souza added that
Christchurch was a relaxed and easygoing city that was still recovering from
massive earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Her thoughts were with the people killed
or injured in the attacks. “My heart goes out to everybody, including all the
victims’ families, all the first responders, all the hospital staff, the
city and the people.” Hilary Carr, another New Zealander resident in Bermuda,
said two of her aunts were in Christchurch when the attacks took place. The
women told her by phone that the city was a “war zone”. Ms Carr said that
her aunts were in the city to visit her uncle, who is in hospital. She added:
“They have so many casualties that they actually had to operate on someone in
the ward’s hospital bed, right next to where my uncle was resting from his
cancer surgery.” Ms Carr, 46, is originally from Ashburton, about 53 miles
southeast of Christchurch, and moved to Bermuda 14 years ago. The Paget resident
said that she had tried to help her children understand what had happened. She
added: “I’m in absolute disbelief that anything like that could happen and
that anyone would actually attack someone in their place of worship.” Nicola
Lucas never imagined terrorist attacks could happen in her home country. She
said: “You hear things like this happening in the big cities and in major
countries. New Zealand’s kind of a peaceful country, like Bermuda.” Ms
Lucas, 45, from Southampton, is originally from Hawke’s Bay, on the east coast
of New Zealand’s North Island, and moved to Bermuda 20 years ago. She first
learnt of the attacks through social media. Ms Lucas said: “I thought
there’d been another earthquake and wondered, ‘What’s happening in
Christchurch? But I looked it up and found out.” The attacks made her fear for
the safety of her family. Ms Lucas explained: “It kind of makes me think no where's
safe any more. I have three young kids and I always worry about taking them to
the United States. I guess I’m now wondering how safe are we anywhere.”
Basim Muwwakkil, the imam at the Masjid Muhammad mosque on Cedar Avenue in
Hamilton, said the attacks were “something that rips through your spirit”.
He said that John Rankin, the Governor, and Wayne Caines, the Minister of
National Security, had attended regular Friday prayers to offer support. Mr
Muwwakkil added: “We hope that Bermuda and its people can remain level-headed.
One of the blessings of Bermuda being a small place is that if one part hurts,
everybody hurts. That is one of the things that keeps us together.” He said
that worshippers at the mosque yesterday offered “prayers for the people of
New Zealand and the Muslims of New Zealand”. Mr Muwwakkil expressed thanks for
the messages of goodwill that had come from other church leaders. Radell
Tankard, the chairman of the mosque’s board, said it was too early to say if
members of Bermuda’s Muslim community had lost loved ones on the other side of
the world. He said: “We have reached out to see if anyone has heard anything.
Islam is universal. We really appreciate the prayers of the people who have
reached out. We are grateful to know that others are thinking about us. We are
one society and one community. Our objective is to live in harmony and peace.”
The attacks sparked shock among from MPs in the House of Assembly yesterday.
Dennis Lister Sr, the Speaker of the House, said: “It’s unfortunate that
religious freedoms are being challenged all the time.” Walter Roban, the
Deputy Premier, associated the rest of the House with “the condolences that go
to the people of New Zealand”. Craig Cannonier, the Leader of the Opposition,
said: “It seems that around the world religion and churches are being
unceremoniously attacked.” He added: “As we look across the seas, I would
like to take note that this House remembers the families, remembers New Zealand,
because they have taken a strong stance against this.”
A
British sail training ship has docked in Bermuda to forge an educational
partnership with the island equivalent. The Pelican of London,
captained by Chris Blake, the first skipper of the Bermuda Sloop Foundation’s Spirit
of Bermuda, is in Hamilton before voyaging to Europe with a group of 30
German and Swiss students. The crew have been on board the ship for five months
on a cultural exchange voyage that started in Dublin and visited Spain, Morocco,
Tenerife, the Cape Verde Islands, Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba, Key West, F Florida,
and Bermuda. Mr Blake, who was named Captain of the Year in 2008 by Sail
Training International, told The Royal Gazette: “The Bermuda Sloop
Foundation, the operators of Spirit of Bermuda, and Adventure under Sail,
the operators of Pelican of London, are working towards a joint venture
that will involve young people from Bermuda and Europe utilizing both vessels in
educational and cultural exchange programmes.” Mr Blake first visited Bermuda
on the Australian sailing ship Endeavour, a replica of the vessel Captain
James Cook used on his epic 1770 voyage to the continent. He was invited by the
Bermuda Sloop Foundation to assist in the construction of Spirit of Bermuda in
Rockport, Maine. Mr Blake was later asked to sail the vessel on its maiden
voyage to Bermuda with a crew of young people from the island. He said: “When
we arrived in Bermuda, I assisted with the setting up and running of the school
programme that is still in operation. I was also asked to train up Bermudian
officers so that they would take over the manning of Spirit. Some of the
students that sailed with me are now in the maritime industry and doing very
well in their careers.” He hopes to open the Pelican of London to the public
while it is docked in Hamilton. The ship visited the island four years ago on
the way back to Britain from South America.
A
man twice found guilty of a gun murder yesterday had his conviction quashed by
the Court of Appeal. Travonne Saltus walked free from court after the
appeals panel found that there had been errors in the trial judge’s direction
of the jury at his second trial but ruled out another one and entered an
acquittal. Richard Horseman, who appeared for Mr Saltus, said: “Mr Saltus has
now been exonerated and he was immediately released from custody. He has always
maintained his innocence and hopefully he can now put this matter behind him and
make a new beginning.” Mr Horseman added: “I know he is extremely happy to
be going home to his family and his two daughters. We are obviously pleased with
the ruling and grateful to the Court of Appeal for its careful consideration of
this matter.” Mr Saltus was found guilty of the 2012 gang-related shooting of
wheelchair-bound Lorenzo Stovell in 2017 and was sentenced to 25 years. But the
case was later sent back to the Supreme Court by the Court of Appeal. He was
convicted again last year and sentenced to life with eligibility for parole
after 15 years. Mr Stovell, who was confined to a wheelchair as a result of an
earlier shooting, was killed on September 23, 2012. He was alone on a party bus
that stopped outside Woody’s Bar in Sandys and was shot several times through
the window.
Luminaries
from the heydays of Bermuda’s home-grown music scene get a salute this weekend
from Dale Butler, a former minister and champion of local artists. The
tribute tomorrow at the Leopards Club on Cedar Avenue, Hamilton, coincides with
the club’s 70th anniversary, and Mr Butler’s 40th year in publishing. The
luncheon with live music at 1.30pm celebrates musicians Keith Caisey, Wendy
Flood, Dennis Fox, Wendell “Shine” Hayward, Eugene Joell, Ronnie Lopes and
Nick Swan. Mr Caisey, one of the island’s longest serving percussionists who
has performed internationally, said it “feels great to be thanked” as he
reflected on the dearth of venues available to today’s young musicians. “You
have to be dedicated, no half-stepping,” Mr Caisey said. “I grew up in an
era when that’s all we did.” Like many veteran artists, Mr Caisey believes
the peak era could be revived if there were “more places to play — if they
could make it more lucrative. If we keep recognizing each other for what we
bring to the table, it will draw others to this industry,” he added. Wendy
Flood, leader of the Paradise Band and a singer whose latest CD Finally comprises
jazz and gospel, recalled her first big break at 18 with the Ghandi Burgess at
the Southampton Princess. Ms Flood, now 64, has been performing professionally
for 39 years, and is now a trustee of the Bermuda Entertainers Union. “We are
in talks at the union trying to get locations for local artists to perform on a
regular basis. Like Keith said, I would love to see the good old days return for
our up and coming artists who are talented but have nowhere to play. That’s
their biggest challenge.” One of her highlights was performing at the Lincoln
Centre in 1981 with the group Bermuda. Ms Flood said she owed a debt to artists
Stefan and Rupert Hinds for coaxing her back to Bermuda to sing. Calling herself
“humbled and grateful”, Ms Flood said Paradise Band would provide some of
the entertainment tomorrow at Leopards Club. Dennis Fox, a guitarist who
switched to keyboards and became band leader, took to music as “the family
trade”, and grew up steeped in jazz. Mr Fox, 67, said: “Recognition is well
received right now that I have an eye open rather than eyes closed.” Also to
be recognized is Eugene “Stacker” Joell, who learnt the guitar as a child
from Norman Astwood, the master teacher who coaches many of his contemporaries.
Mr Joell forged ahead as a paid artist at the age of 19 with Bryan
Butterfield’s limbo band. He later studied at the Berklee College of Music in
Boston. He said: “Those were the good days. Everybody had shows. And those
days are not coming back — they’re gone.” Young musicians today were
easily discouraged at the lack of venues and possibilities for a livelihood, Mr
Joell said. Nick Swan, a seasoned drummer and the son of Calypso king Kingsley
Swan, is 70 now and has been performing for “about 56 years”. Mr Swan was
ten when his father died and he and his brother began taking care of the rest of
the family. He took up drumming with Kingsley Jr “when I was supposed to be
doing my homework. It’s amazing, the amount of work we had — the stages and
places to play, the exposure that we had. It was an enjoyment and, in some cases
for me, a frustration because we were working so much, going from gig to gig,
sometimes three gigs a night.” The heydays may be history, but Mr Swan called
it “humbling and rewarding” to get recognized. “I’m not one for honours,
but I am thankful,” he said. “I just did what I did to take care of my family." Tickets
for tomorrow’s tribute are $45 from the Music Box, Down to Earth and Island
Kaddy on Reid Street. The awards will be held under the patronage of Leroy
Simmons, Leopards Club president, and his wife, Yvonne.
The
Mental Health Amendment Act and the Proceeds of Crime Amendment Act won support
from both political parties as they passed through the Senate yesterday. The
revised Mental Health Act, which addresses gaps in the previous Mental Health
Act, sets requirements for the assessment, detention and rights of treatment for
the people suffering from mental disorders who may be at risk of harm to
themselves or others. One Bermuda Alliance senator Dwayne Robinson said the
Opposition supports the bill, but asked that future provisions be made to
support people with mental health in the workplace. Mr Robinson added: “It is
a well needed legislation that will benefit the community as we have not put
much emphasis on mental health as we should have. We feel it is a necessary step
in modernizing the structure in which we support the mental health community.”
Government senator Jason Hayward replied: “We are currently progressing to get
there, but we need to improve our education of mental health as a society. There
are discriminatory practices that do take place that keep individuals with
mental health lacked outside of the workforce.” He said there is a lack of
understanding for those who are in the workforce and what they need to cope.
Independent senator James Jardine said he also supported the bill. He said
amendments to Section 65 of the Act is a welcome addition. Under that section of
the Act, it is an offence for people who have care or custody of a person with a
mental disorder to ill-treat or willfully neglect that person. Joan
Dillas-Wright, the President of the Senate, said: “I am really pleased to see
this tabled today, because I think it will help all those individuals who work
with the mentally ill in Bermuda both at the hospital and in the community. I
think it will help families too, because now with treatment in the community
some of them do not have to be admitted to the hospital if signs and symptoms
are recognized early.” The Mental Health Amendment Act allows for community
treatment orders, establishes legislation for consent to treatment and a
framework within which mental capacity can be determined for the consent of
treatment. The capacity framework will be outlined in a newly established code
of practice and will be based on the UK’s Mental Capacity Act as well as
standards of practice consulted on last year. Under the revised Act, more mental
health patients will be treated in the community after being released from the
Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute. The previous Act granted leave to patients
after 12 months and was not renewed. This resulted in the health of chronic
patients deteriorating because they stopped taking their medication after the 12
month period. Health minister Kim Wilson said last month that community based
treatment would be more cost effective and that it allowed patients to continue
to receive treatment in their homes or community settings. The new Act also has
legal safeguards for people who cannot consent to treatment or who refuse to
consent. It introduces requirements for second opinions and consultations based
on the severity of the treatment proposed for these people. The second opinion
doctor will be independent of the Bermuda Hospitals Board in order to ensure a
fair process for the patient. The Amendment to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2019,
which focuses particularly on international financial sanctions, was also
welcomed by the Senate. The amended Act, which combats money laundering and
terrorism financing, authorizes the revocation of a licence as a penalty for a
breach of obligations in relation to international sanctions. It also allows for
public censure to be used for breach of obligations in relation to international
sanctions.
The
Attorney-General expressed concerns about the drug market in Bermuda yesterday. Kathy
Lynn Simmons told the Senate: “The drug market is still very much active in
Bermuda as persons who sought drug treatment, or have been offenders of the law
have reported that their primary drug of choice remains available and
accessible.” Ms Simmons was making a ministerial statement on the 2018 Annual
Report of the Bermuda Drug Information Network, which provides comparative
drug-related data for 2016 and 2017. She told senators that since the 2017
report, alcohol and cannabis were still the most widely used drugs on the
island. Ms Simmons added: “The good news is that crime continues to
decline.” She said there has been a decrease in alcohol and drug-related crime
and a decrease in criminal trials for cannabis and cocaine possession with the
intent to supply. “Poly drug use remains ever present; especially among people
involved in the criminal justice system, who reported using some combination of
crack cocaine, opiates and marijuana.” She pointed out that assessments done
by the Bermuda Assessment and Referral Centre showed that opiates, alcohol,
heroin, cocaine and cannabis were the primary substances of choice among 530
people who sought treatment for the past two years. Ms Simmons said there was a
16.3 per cent increase in the number of people who sought treatment for Cannabis
and a 6.1 per cent increase for alcohol in 2017. Many of these met the clinical
criteria for dependence or abuse of these substances. Ms Simmons said 56 people
were clinically diagnosed in 2016 and 67 in 2017 as having substantial to severe
substance abuse dependence. The majority of the people referred for substance
abuse treatment in 2017 were men, 82.3 per cent, with 67.4 per cent of them
repeat cases. People of African ethnicity represented 56 per cent of those
treated. Ms Simmons said while there were fewer seizures of synthetic drugs in
2017, police seized large amounts of cannabis edibles and plants in 2017. The
government lab reported that 778.8 grams of cannabis edibles were seized in
2017. Ms Simmons said drug use is a difficult and complex phenomenon to monitor,
but the BerDIN report provides a comprehensive overview of the drug situation
using multiple sources and indicators to provide insight into the problem. Ms
Simmons said the BerDIN report monitors and accounts for local drug-related
information from 18 agencies and departments that deal with treatment,
prevention, interdiction and enforcement.
The
Bermuda Union of Teachers issued the following statement on Standards-Based
Grading: "We, as a body of professional educators, are not opposed to
Standards-Based Education/Grading and feel that it has the potential to be a
very positive way forward for the Bermuda Public School System. We are, however,
left deeply frustrated by how poorly it has been implemented. Since it was first
introduced in 2015, we have received very little training and were left
completely unprepared for its supposed hard launch in September of 2018. This
failing was finally acknowledged in a direct address by the Department of
Education through the Commissioner in January of this year. The Department
admitted there had been “insufficient support, training and communication”.
Despite this, we have still been required to enter grades into an inadequate and
problematic online grading system known as Power School which has not been
properly formatted to address our system needs and loosely reflects an SBG
format. System-wide training for use in this programme has never officially
taken place, with training instead occurring at the individual school level
based on the initiative of principals. This has left teachers across the system
with various levels of competence in the use of the programme. This is
compounded by the fact that, even though it goes against best practices, we as a
body of professionals are being required to convert all grades into a 0-4 scale
resembling the grades that will eventually be used when SBG is fully
implemented. In short, it is our belief that these grades are ‘fake’ SBG and
will cause confusion about student performance. We as education professionals
feel that our lack of training in the correct use of Power School and this
flawed conversion chart make a mockery of SBG and diminish the integrity of the
grading process, which will only serve to confuse parents and agitate teachers.
We feel that we have been coerced into entering grades that are inaccurate and
misleading. Due to the threat of disciplinary action, we have entered these
grades under duress. We feel it is our duty to inform the public about these
matters. We want to make it clear that as education professionals we consider it
our duty to educate children, to assess their learning on what has been taught,
and to report this learning to parents with clarity, confidence and integrity.
We feel that the way we are currently being forced to grade GREATLY inhibits our
ability to accomplish this mandate.
A
cache of child pornography was unlikely to have been planted on the laptop of a
man accused of accessing the material, a computer forensics expert told the
Supreme Court yesterday. David Graham, a US expert, told prosecutor
Larry Mussenden that a report on the computer that suggested that the
pornography could have been transferred to the laptop through a USB stick
without the defendant’s knowledge was “speculation”. He added: “There
was nothing that showed that this had occurred.” Mr Graham was speaking on the
second day of the trial of a 30-year-old Devonshire man charged with having
1,200 child pornography images and videos. The man, who cannot be named for
legal reasons, has denied seven charges of accessing child pornography between
April 12, 2010 and March 11, 2015. Jerome Lynch QC, for the defence, said that
there was no dispute that the pornography was found on the laptop or that Mr
Graham was an expert in his field. Mr Graham agreed with Mr Lynch that the
laptop did not need a password to use it. He also agreed that there were several
ways the pornography could have got on to the computer. Mr Lynch said it was
possible that the defendant put it there. However, he added: “Or some other
person, who had access to his computer, put it there.” Mr Graham agreed that
was possible. The Crown has alleged that the man used peer-to-peer file sharing
networks to access the materials. Mr Lynch asked Mr Graham if it could
have been done remotely and the expert said that was also possible. Mr Graham
added that no computer virus used file-sharing software to perform searches and
downloads. He said: “There isn’t a virus that’s known that is able to
perform searches on a peer-to-peer network, then, with those searches, download
those files.” Mr Graham said that a person was needed to perform such an
action. He was asked to give his opinion on a report by tech firm Fort Knox
Bermuda for the defence, based on an examination of the laptop said to have been
seized from the defendant’s home. Mr Graham said the two people who wrote the
report were IT specialists, not forensic specialists. Mr Graham explained: “We
are trained differently. We deal more with looking and determining and
preserving evidence on computers.” Mr Graham said that forensic specialists
treated evidence “as if the evidence is a crime scene”. He added: “We take
precautions to protect the evidence from being altered.” The court heard on
Wednesday that the United States Department of Homeland Security contacted the
Bermuda Police Service in March 2015 and told officers they had found a
Bermudian IP address had accessed child pornography. Bermuda officers tracked
the IP address to the house where the defendant lived with his parents and
mounted a dawn raid on the property five days later. The trial continues.
A
children’s rights campaigner said yesterday she hoped the Court of Appeal
would enforce the right of vulnerable youngsters involved in legal proceedings
to have independent representation. Child charities took their case to the
highest court in Bermuda on Monday to argue that the Children Act 1998 required
the Government to find funding for children to be represented in Family Court by
independent advocates, known as litigation guardians, and lawyers. The charities
allege that due to the law not being followed, hundreds of children have been
failed by the system because they have had their matters heard in Family Court
without being appointed any representation. The cases include custody and access
disputes between parents and matters involving petitions from the Department of
Child and Family Services to remove children from their families or send them to
overseas institutions. Lawyer Saul Dismont, representing the organisations,
argued that the minister responsible for the Department of Child and Family
Services was breaching her duty in failing to make the necessary funds
available. He said there was a constitutional entitlement to a fair hearing in
Bermuda and children were being denied that right because they were being denied
representation. A judgment is expected soon from the three-member Court of
Appeal panel. Sheelagh Cooper, the founder and former president of the Coalition
for the Protection of Children, said section 35 of the Children Act was clear in
requiring the Government to provide representation for children where needed.
“The question must be asked: why the reluctance [of the Government] to
comply?” Ms Cooper said. “Although the cost involved would clearly be one
disincentive to complying, I suspect the reluctance goes deeper than that. Most
likely the major pushback is coming from the Department of Child and Family
Services, who have enjoyed near absolute power over the lives of our most
vulnerable children and their families without the interference of either legal
representation or the intervention of a litigation guardian.” She said there
was a reason other Western democracies recognized the need for minors involved
in legal proceedings to have representation entirely separate from social
services. “That is the fundamental human right to have one’s views and
interests taken into account in judicial decision making,” said Ms Cooper.
“Adults are afforded that right without question and the same has been
extended to children by legislation but effectively taken away by refusal to
find a revenue stream to support this basic human right. Government needs to get
on with finding a revenue stream to support this basic human right.” The House
of Assembly heard on Wednesday that $242,000 had been allocated for litigation
guardians in the 2019-20 Budget. Shadow Attorney-General Scott Pearman asked
health minister Kim Wilson: “Is it right that, going forward, no Bermudian
child will be sent away for treatment unless that child has a litigation
guardian? Is that to be the position going forward?” Ms Wilson, speaking on
behalf of Kathy Lynn Simmons, the Attorney-General and minister responsible for
Child and Family Services, replied: “That is not correct.” Earlier in the
debate, Ms Wilson said: “All children involved in the psycho-educational
programme are informed of all aspects of the programme before being placed. The
court also speaks with the child and confirms with the parents that they fully
understand what’s involved.” Senate leader Ms Simmons said in November that
the Government had no legal obligation to pay social worker Tiffanne Thomas for
her work as a court-appointed litigation guardian since 2014. Ms Thomas, who
withdrew her services as litigation guardian from 17 active cases involving
“at risk” minors because of lack of payment. is suing the Government for
$2.6 million.
Opinion.
By Valirie Marcia Akinstall, a Bermudian media law expert who lives in London.
"Bermuda is on the European Union’s blacklist. Our excuses are
chilling, to say the least, and at each and every turn Bermuda has responded
either in denial or by taking tepid responsibility for the blunders. When
the EU called an emergency parliamentary session to debate the Paradise Papers
in December 2017, I flagged it up and stated to Bermuda: “Please take note,
this is very, very serious; we have been condemned by the European Union
parliament.” I advocated over and over again for the Government of Bermuda to
move swiftly on this issue and, finally, after 15 months the Brussels Office has
opened. But please do not expect immediate miracles on the heels of the
blacklist because relationships in Brussels have to be built, and even with the
amendments to our legislation as required by Brussels, it will still need to be
approved. Then the next logical step in this saga is, when will the meeting of
the ministers responsible for de-listing Bermuda be due to convene and make
their determination? The Government states that is in the month of May, but it
could take as long as next year because May is when EU parliamentary elections
will be held. Additionally, Brexit’s Article 50 has just been extended until
June 30 by the House of Commons; and those two matters take priority positions
on the EU agenda. New Members of European Parliament will have to settle in and
the extension to Article 50 will go through renegotiation between Theresa May
and the Democratic Unionist Party, Labour, the European Research Group, the
Scottish and Welsh parliamentarians, including minor splintered political
parties, and then between May and Brussels before the next phase of Brexit
begins. A new referendum has been ruled out by Parliament, so it is still a
no-deal Brexit, May’s deal, renegotiated terms of her deal, or a General
Election. And somewhere down the line. May could be pressured into resignation.
The political waters in Britain are potentially very ruinous. Nothing to do with
Bermuda, but where does that put Bermuda? Not in pole position on the EU’s
agenda. But while on the EU blacklist, it is time for the financial services
sector to extricate itself from its partnership with the Bermuda Government.
Why? Because the Government no longer has the legitimate authority and/or right
to be in any EU member state city conducting business. Now the financial
services sector needs to protect its interests by putting its own private
watchdog in place, ie, someone who can work exclusively on its behalf to protect
its interests seamlessly in Europe and beyond. A person who understands the
political, diplomatic, economic and social agendas of the single market, yet who
will give you — the financial services sector — the facts and solid answers
to ensure that your businesses weather this era of turbulence, and not political
spin. Because despite the Bermuda Government having offices in London and now
Brussels, will economic growth stem from London and/or any EU city while Bermuda
is on this blacklist? Note, the wake-up call is that our politicians lacked the
confidence and political finesse to appear before the Foreign Affairs Committee
in London when invited. Thus, the House of Commons will not put its reputation
and power behind Bermuda when we are too shaky to give them clarity. They will
not fight for Bermuda with one arm tied behind their backs because transparency
is key to understanding just what they are fighting to protect on Bermuda’s
behalf. Bermuda lacks statesmen and women, so you need to create and nominate a
key person and position that is accountable to your interests exclusively. You
need to take the lead and usher in a new cultural and ethical mindset because
the political environment in Bermuda has failed to do so."
Ten
parish constables and five area detective constables were unveiled at a ceremony
at Police Headquarters. They are:
The West and East CID officers work out of Somerset Police Station and Southside Police Station respectively and are assisted by 14 Detective Constables at Hamilton Police Station, responding as a team to incidents across the island. For more information, visit bermudapolice.bm and click on Parish Constables and CID Officers.
The
widow of a computing tycoon and philanthropist has launched legal action against
the Minister of National Security over her husband’s private island. Lawyers
for Lillian Martin, an American, have filed a motion at the Supreme Court to ask
for a decision on her application for a licence to acquire Agar’s Island,
where she lived with her husband, James. Her lawyers also asked for an order or
declaration that a licence would be granted, or compensation paid, as an
alternative. Dr Martin, who died in 2013 aged 79, was a major influence in the
development of computer science and his work included the creation of some of
the building blocks of modern IT systems, as well as teaching other businesses
how to benefit from technology. The English-born businessman and author, who
wrote 104 textbooks and became the largest benefactor in the history of Oxford
University, moved to Bermuda in the 1990s. He built a home on Agar’s Island,
in the Great Sound off Pembroke’s Point Shares, after he bought the spot in
1997. Dr Martin’s body was found floating in the surrounding waters six years
ago. An obituary in The New York Times said he was survived by his third
wife, Lillian, whom he married in 2004, a daughter, four stepchildren and two
grandchildren. A notice of originating motion, which was published on the
Offshore Alert website, said Ms Martin sought an order demanding a decision on
her application under section 84(1) of the Bermuda Immigration and Protection
Act 1956 for a licence to acquire Agar’s Island. The Act meant that a
“restricted person” — someone who does not have Bermudian status —
cannot hold or acquire land in the country without a licence. Cox Hallett
Wilkinson, the lawyers for Ms Martin, added three alternative measures, which
were that an order was issued for her application to be granted, a declaration
that she was “entitled to a licence and that the failure to grant a licence is
unlawful” or compensation. Their notice listed the respondent as the Minister
of National Security. The present minister is Wayne Caines, but his name did not
appear on the court papers because the case is a ministry responsibility. The
notice was stamped by the Supreme Court on February 14 but its registry said
yesterday no date had been set for a hearing. Dr Martin became famous through
his Pulitzer Prize-nominated book, The Wired Society, in 1977, which
contained accurate predictions on the use of computers and the internet 25 years
later. He was also aware of the global problems likely to be faced over the next
century, from climate change and feeding a booming world population to the
danger of epidemics and high-tech war. Dr Martin donated $100 million to set up
the James Martin 21st Century School at the University of Oxford in 2005. The
school was designed to bring together researchers from a range of scientific
disciplines to work on new ways to deal with the biggest threats to humanity. It
became the Oxford Martin School five years later, made up of 30 institutes and
the benefactor donated another $50 million, which was matched by other donors.
An interview with Dr Martin published in the UK’s The Independent
newspaper in 2011 explained the island was bought by English investor Sir
Anthony Agar in 1613. The article added that the island became a British
military outpost in the 19th century. It said that Dr Martin bought the island
in 1997 because he wanted a more remote home. Building work was said to have
taken four years and several million dollars to complete. The Daily Telegraph
website and Private Islands Online said in 2014 that Agar’s Island was on the
market under the name Gunpowder Island. Among the features listed were an 8,427
square foot main house, a three-bedroom dock house, a one-bedroom cottage, a
boathouse and former military barracks. Private Islands Online said: “The
historic semi-underground vaults are fitted with a kitchenette, bathroom,
billiards and table-tennis room, gym, cinema, and dining for up to 40 people.”
It also featured Japanese, Chinese, Italian and rose gardens, an orchard, a
cliff walk, a waterfall, seven ponds and a pool. Ms Martin could not be
contacted yesterday and her lawyers declined to comment. Mr Caines said: “The
Ministry of National Security is unable to provide any details or comment on
matters before the courts.”
The
last resting place of a US World War Two bomber that crashed into the sea
moments after take-off from Bermuda has been found by a research team. The
B-24 plummeted into Castle Harbour moments after it took off from the airport,
then Kindley Field, in February 1945, with the loss of five of its nine-strong
crew. Now its wreck has been identified by a team from the University of
Delaware and further work is expected to be carried out on the plane. Art
Trembanis, associate professor in the University of Delaware’s College of
Earth, Ocean and Environment, said: “The B-24 was one of the most widely
produced planes ever, so this isn’t a huge historical find. What we’re
really interested in is locating wreckage to help close cases of missing
aircrew.” A spokeswoman for the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences said the
heavily loaded aircraft had taken off at about 10.20pm on what was expected to
be a routine ferry flight from Bermuda to Lagens in Portugal. Four of the
flight’s nine crew members were rescued from the sea and the bodies of two
others were recovered, but three more were never found. Dr Trembanis, who
teaches an environmental field robotics course, suggested that he and his
students could test their skills in Bermuda with Bios. He said: “With this
technology, I was able to design a real-life educational experience for my
students. I gave them the historical accounts on the bomber and had them work as
a team to plan and execute a search-and-mapping mission in Castle Harbour.” Dr
Trembanis also contacted Philippe Rouja, custodian of Historic Wrecks for the
Bermuda Government, to discuss the mission and get more information on the
potential wreck location and surrounding environment. Mr Rouja thought the area
had been dredged several times, so the plane would have already been discovered
if it was there. He said: “Since Art was doing this as a fully funded field
school component, it was hard to pass up the opportunity to search for this
piece of history.” Dr Trembanis and his students teamed up with Mr Rouja,
researchers from Bios, and specialist divers Gretchen Goodbody-Gringley, Alex
Chequer and Alex Hunter in January to map the sea floor with a side-scan sonar
on an automated underwater vehicle. A Bios spokeswoman said: “The team chose
to search a dredged portion of the bottom located slightly deeper than the
surrounding patch reefs on the assumption that the plane might have sunk out of
view over time. By running the AUV back and forth over the search area in a
lawnmower pattern, a fairly detailed map of sea floor topography was produced.
Sure enough, there, in 50 feet of water, just a few hundred metres from the
runway, was an aircraft propeller and a portion of the wing.” The AUV also
recorded long shadows, which suggested the aircraft might have come to rest
“more vertically than if it was laying flat on the bottom”. Dr Trembanis
later obtained additional historical accounts from Mark Guishard, the director
of corporate and community relations at Bios, on aircraft history in Bermuda. He
said: “These accounts indicated that a salvage effort was conducted shortly
after the initial crash and explains why the exploration team only encountered a
few propellers and a portion of the wing. They also helped inform the
data-mapping process and provide information necessary to officially close the
case.” Dr Trembanis and his team will now work with his colleagues and the
Bermuda and US Governments to report their findings and determine the next step.
The
City of Hamilton’s mayor last night signaled a legal battle will be launched
to fight a government plan to turn the city into a quango. Mayor Charles
Gosling revealed that preparations were being made for a writ and he would
“talk tactics” with lawyers. He was speaking after MPs voted 22-7 in favour
of the Municipalities Reform Act 2019 in the early hours of yesterday, bringing
to an end a combined total of almost 450 years of local government in Hamilton
and St George’s. Mr Gosling said: “We’re fully aware that nothing
favourable would happen for the corporation in the House of Assembly and even if
this Act were to be defeated in the Senate, that would only give one year’s
grace, and then it would pass and then there would be just no way of being able
to defeat it. The only way we’re going to be able to fight this thing properly
is in the courts.” Mr Gosling said before the vote that it was a foregone
conclusion “and has been one for almost a year”. He explained last night
that talks with legal advisers had taken place over several weeks and confirmed
that a writ was “being prepared”. Mr Gosling said a writ would be filed
“at the time we deem most appropriate”. The news came as the Mayor of St
George’s said the town had to have enough government funding and improvements
to its infrastructure if a special Act of Parliament was passed to govern it.
Quinell Francis said: “We were lobbying the Government for this but
unfortunately it was not a part of the Bill. St George’s can’t be governed
under the same Act as the City of Hamilton. If the Act allows the people to
still have a say, then it will be welcomed.” However, Ms Francis warned:
“Over the next couple of years, the people of St George’s will be watching
to see if promises that are being made are coming into fruition — things like
the marina and improvements in infrastructure. If they don’t see these things,
that is where I think the issues will arise.” Renee Ming and Kim Swan,
Progressive Labour Party MPs for St George’s, asked during the debate for a
separate Act for St George’s and Walter Roban, the home affairs minister,
pledged to prepare one “once we complete this legislative process.” Craig
Cannonier, the Opposition leader and an East End resident, said in the House
that the townspeople “do not forget” and that voters would “carry this
through to the next election”. Ms Francis added: “Everybody is aware that St
George’s is not a safe seat. St George’s can make or break a government as
we saw in the last two elections. I’m sure both MPs cannot take that lightly
and they know that they need to continue to work to ensure the people are
receiving the attention that is required. It is difficult to say if it will cost
the PLP a vote. When the OBA provided funding to St George’s and the cruise
ships, they thought that was enough to keep them happy but it wasn’t.”
Business leaders yesterday said they feared that the municipalities would not be
a government priority and that the quango arrangement would lack accountability.
Gerry Correia, owner of St George’s-based Ocean Breeze Sail Charters, said the
quango plan could lose St George’s for the PLP. He added: “They are trying
to give St George’s a little bit of a twist but I don’t trust them as far as
I can throw them. Why couldn’t they have assisted us before? My guess is they
will start demolition here and start putting more office complexes here for
exempted companies. Hamilton is done — there isn’t enough room. The people
of St George’s will remember this for sure. They are not going to vote for
them.” However, Kristin White, a St George’s resident who runs tours of the
area and a gift shop, said: “As long as it works out for the betterment of St
George’s, I don’t care what the structure is. It is time for us to be a
priority.” Grant Gibbons, a Hamilton businessman and former One Bermuda
Alliance government minister, said: “I fear that the loss of the direct
electoral responsibility will make whatever replaces them less accountable to
those who live and work in those municipalities. The corporations’ focus was
the town or the city but government has a lot of other issues it has to deal
with and the municipalities may not be as high a priority as other issues.”
Elaine Murray, owner of The Irish Linen Shop in Hamilton, said: “This isn’t
democracy at work. This is a government acquisition. We have to wonder how long
this quango will last before that, too, will be eliminated.”
After
five years of steady growth, Hamilton Insurance Group Ltd is poised to establish
a significantly larger presence on the international insurance and reinsurance
stage. The Bermuda-based holding company has announced the signing of a
definitive agreement with Liberty Mutual Group to acquire the Pembroke Managing
Agency Limited platform at Lloyd’s and Ironshore Europe DAC. Hamilton is the
holding company for property and casualty insurance and reinsurance operations
in Bermuda and at Lloyd’s. On closing, the transaction is expected to almost
double the company’s total premium base to more than $1 billion. Moreover, it
will more than double the company’s talent pool, while also expanding
significantly the company’s product lines and geographic reach. Importantly,
once the deal closes, the company will have access to the EU with their own
platform for the first time. While merger and acquisition activity in the
insurance space can often lead to layoffs, The Royal Gazette understands
that the transaction is expected to have no impact on staffing levels in
Bermuda, where 75 people are currently employed. Hamilton employs an additional
75 employees in London. Once the deal closes, the company will inherit an
additional 180 staff at offices in London, Dublin, Dubai, Shanghai, Los Angeles,
Miami and New York. “It’s a transformational deal, and not just because it
doubles our premium base,” Pina Albo, chief executive officer of Hamilton,
said. Speaking with The Royal Gazette, she said: “It elevates the
profile of the entire company and is tangible proof that we are executing our
strategy for growth. Our strategic goal is to become a global, diversified
specialty insurance and reinsurance operation fuelled by data science and
analytics. This is an incredible step forward on that journey.” In a
statement, the company said the complementary profile of Pembroke and IEDAC’s
business both accelerates Hamilton’s goal of establishing a leadership
position in specialty insurance and its ability to expand its reinsurance
franchise. Pembroke was formed in 2004 and underwrites a portfolio of specialty
insurance products including financial institutions, global property and
professional liability through Syndicate 4000 at Lloyd’s. Hamilton is also
purchasing a Lloyd’s corporate member from Liberty, specially formed to
support the 2019 year of account of Syndicate 4000. Pembroke also has tenancy
rights for Lloyd’s Syndicate 2014 (Acappella), Hamilton said, and provides
turnkey solutions for Acappella and Lloyd’s syndicates 1947 (GIC Re) and 6125
(Patria Re). Under the terms of the definitive agreement, the company said,
Hamilton will be responsible for the 2019 Year of Account for Syndicate 4000 and
Liberty will retain the corporate member for prior years. IEDAC was formed by
Ironshore in 2010, in Dublin, and is authorized to write business throughout the
EEA and carries licenses to write business as a (re)insurer in a number of other
countries worldwide. The company is also listed on the US NAIC International
Insurer Directory, allowing it to provide capacity in the United States. In its
statement, Hamilton said IEDAC provides flexibility and strategic optionality
for Hamilton particularly with respect to its growth initiatives in Europe and
the US. Ms Albo said: “Given our objective of building a global, diversified
specialty insurance and reinsurance organisation, our agreement with Liberty is
a meaningful step towards achieving that goal. In addition to the opportunities
this transaction presents at Lloyd’s, in Europe and in the US, we will bring
together talented teams who are aligned on culture, underwriting discipline and
a commitment to providing superior customer service. The result will be a
company well-positioned to respond to our clients’ and the market’s
needs.” Ms Albo said the fit with Pembroke was particularly good. “Their
culture is so similar to ours. When they heard about our technology DNA, they
were so much more enthused about joining us. When we alerted the rating agencies
of the likelihood of the transaction, one said that Pembroke looked like a
transaction designed specifically for us ... the next piece of the puzzle. We
all really believe that’s the case.” She told The Royal Gazette:
“This is the perfect scenario of having a strategic plan and finding an
opportunity that fits squarely in the plan. It checks so many boxes for us. We
put a strategic road map together and some plans for organic growth and
inorganic growth were in it. This growth is inorganic, and it will allow us to
build our platform. Looking ahead, I can’t say I have a specific end game in
mind in terms of premiums but we want to build further organically and by other
inorganic opportunities. One of the compelling attractions about this
transaction is that there is very little duplication in product lines and in
functional areas.” The transaction is expected to close later this year,
subject to the fulfilment of customary closing conditions and obtaining the
necessary regulatory approvals. TigerRisk Capital Markets & Advisory served
as financial advisor and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP served as legal advisor to
Hamilton.
Two
tax bills said to be crucial to this year’s Budget were approved despite a war
of words in the House of Assembly. The bills were given approval despite a
warning from the Opposition that the taxes would lead to higher costs for the
public on Monday night. The Financial Services Tax Amendment 2019 was brought by
Wayne Furbert, the Junior Minister of Finance. Taxes on banks and some insurance
premiums will bring in millions of dollars in extra revenue. Scott Pearman, the
Shadow Attorney-General, said that car and bike insurance would rise as a
result. He added that it would “make the cost of living in Bermuda more
expensive”. Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, the OBA’s spokeswoman for finance in
the House, criticized a lack of controls to stop companies upping premiums. But
Zane DeSilva, the tourism minister, attacked the One Bermuda Alliance’s
austerity measures when the party was in power. He added that the former
administration had “doubled our debt in three years”. Jeanne Atherden, an
OBA backbencher, said: “If we don’t raise the concerns of our constituents,
then we are not doing our jobs.” Mr Furbert acknowledged there was nothing
that could stop companies from passing on costs. But he told the OBA: “We are
following the same guidelines that you did in 2017.” The Foreign Currency
Purchase Tax Amendment Act, a hike the foreign currency purchase tax from 1 per
cent to 1.25 per cent, was also passed after a stormy debate. Mr Furbert said it
was “neither exorbitant nor inflationary in this economic climate”. But Ms
Gordon-Pamplin predicted a “consumer knock-on effect”. She said residents
paid in US dollars would not feel “one iota” of pain, but people who earned
Bermuda dollars would be “hard done by”. Ms Gordon-Pamplin said the
Government should cut its costs instead of raising taxes. She added: “The
Government gets the goldmine and the people get the shaft.” Kim Swan, a
Progressive Labour Party backbencher, accused the Opposition of belittling the
PLP with “condescending coded messages”. Mr Furbert added that the OBA had
planned to “balance the budget on the backs of labour”. The House of
Assembly also approved a move to extend Customs duty relief for hotels and
restaurants.
Legislation
to increase the cost to import alcohol and tobacco has been tabled in the House
of Assembly. The Customs Tariff Amendment (No 2) Act increases the cost of
duty for a variety of alcohol and tobacco products. The cost to import beers,
ciders or similar fermented beverages will rise from $1.26 per litre to $1.36,
while the cost to import wines will rise from $5 to $6 per litre. The cost of
loose tobacco is also set to rise with duty increasing from $300 per kilogram to
$500 per kilogram. Duty for liquors such as rum, whisky and gin will increase
under the legislation, which is intended to help the Government raise revenue.
The amendments also widen the scope of items that can be brought to Bermuda by
registered schools without duty costs. The Bill similarly allows additional
items to be brought to the island for the purposes of pollution control without
duty. Other legislation tabled yesterday included the Liquor Licence Amendment
Act, which creates several new types of liquor licences including a catering
permit, an itinerant restaurant licence and a special occasion licence. The Act
would also increase penalties for those in breach of the Act by about 60 per
cent. The Dental Practitioners Amendment Bill will require dentists to have
indemnity insurance in order to register as a dental practitioner. The Bill will
also give the Bermuda Dental Board express power to impose on dental
practitioners additional registration requirements in respect of specified
procedures when it believes it is necessary to protect the health of patients.
Government also tabled the Government Loans (Suspension of Annual Contribution
to Sinking Fund) Order, which would formally suspend Government’s contribution
to the fund for 12 months. Curtis Dickinson, the Minister of Finance, had
announced the Government’s intention not to contribute to the fund this year
when he delivered the 2019-20 Budget.
Controversial
legislation to turn Bermuda’s two municipalities into un-elected quangos was
passed by MPs yesterday morning. The decision will bring to an end a
combined total of almost 450 years of local government in Hamilton and St
George’s. MPs voted 22 to seven in favour of the legislation, with all 26 of
those present voting along party lines. Walter Roban, the Minister of Home
Affairs, who tabled the Bill, said that he would consider implementing an act
specific to St George’s in the near future. Charles Gosling, the Mayor of
Hamilton, said last night that the decision to axe the corporations was a
foregone conclusion “and has been one for almost a year”. Mr Gosling added
the move was a power grab by Mr Roban. He said: “This minister is wanting to
finish what he started in 2009 — to take control of the city and St
George’s, control of the waterfront. His own waterfront plans released at the
two public meetings confirm the grab. It’s as simple and transparent as
that.” Mr Gosling also branded consultation on the government takeover a
“farce”. He said: “Government’s own commissioned survey, set out to
gather the best response from the Bermuda community, received an overwhelming
shout to leave the municipalities alone. Did this have any response to their
predetermined course of action? No, because it was predetermined.” Mr Gosling
added: “The Bill was already written, the plan in place and tabled just one
week later, all to be done and dusted before the delayed election from a year
ago.” Quinell Francis, the Mayor of St George, said the decision by MPs was
“disappointing”. She added: “It doesn’t seem like the constituents of St
George’s concerns were taken into consideration.” Ms Francis said that East
End residents were concerned that the ability to elect their own officials had
been stripped away. She added: “They’ll be appointed — and that’s not
sitting well with many of the persons in the Town of St George.” Ms Francis
said that a poll had found that the majority of residents wanted the corporation
left alone. She added that she felt the views of local people had been ignored
and that the vote had been “predictable”. Renée Ming, the MP for St
George’s North, said that the two corporations were so different that the Olde
Towne should get its own piece of legislation. She added: “We deserve to be
governed by our own Act that gives us a level of independence and gives us a
level of democracy. I have thrown down the gauntlet.” Ms Ming said that the
Corporation of St George’s had been struggling financially for many years and
that could jeopardize the town’s Unesco World Heritage status. She added:
“The flip side to getting Unesco status is maintaining that status. It’s
expensive and St George’s has struggled for some time, that’s no secret. I
want to take my hat off to the Mayor of St George. We have brainstormed to
concoct ways to make money but it has been extremely difficult.” The
legislation, piloted through the House of Assembly by Mr Roban will mean an end
to local elected councillors, who will be replaced with government-appointed
representatives. Elected members of the municipalities will hold office until
May 13, unless they resign in writing to the minister. The minister will then
appoint a mayor and eight councillors for each of the corporations to serve from
May 14. The mayor and four councillors will be people the minister is satisfied
have the skills and experience to fulfil the role. The other four councillors
will be appointed by the minister on the recommendation of a selection
committee. That selection committee will be made up of three people, also
appointed by the minister, who “reside, do business or work in the municipal
area of the corporation”. The committee will ask the public to nominate
candidates and review the list before they make their recommendations to the
minister. Two amendments were made to the legislation — the first was the
insertion of the word “requisite” in reference to skills of members
appointed to office and a second amendment corrected a typo. Sylvan Richards,
the Shadow Minister of Home Affairs, said yesterday the legislation was an
“affront to democracy”. He added: “Those living and working within the
boundaries of the corporations of Hamilton and St George have always enjoyed the
right to have a say in how their taxes are spent by being able to vote for the
people they want in power. Government is now intent on taking that basic and
hard-fought right away by having appointed officials running the municipalities.
It is an affront to democracy and everyone, not just those in Hamilton and St
George, should be up in arms.” He told MPs last night: “I think it’s about
control and access to revenue streams and the waterfront — there are lots of
people licking their chops over it. St George’s is a casualty of this.”
Craig Cannonier, the Leader of the Opposition, said he had alluded to the need
for a separate Act for St George’s during a previous Premier’s Questions
session. “We are on the same page,” he said, directing his comments to Ms
Ming. But Mr Cannonier said that the people of St George’s would not forget
the Government’s actions in clubbing them together with the Corporation of
Hamilton, saying they would “carry this into the next election”. Patricia
Gordon-Pamplin, the Shadow Minister of Health, likened the legislation to the
Tucker’s Town land grab. She said: “There is ultimately no difference in
what will happen when we see how interesting the waterfront has become.” Zane
DeSilva, the Minister of Tourism and Transport, dismissed Ms Gordon-Pamplin’s
comparison as “hogwash”. He said of the motive behind the legislation: “We
need a mayor and a councillor that follows the vision of the Progressive Labour
Party. That’s what we need.” Mr Roban commended Ms Ming and Kim Swan, St
George’s West MP, for their passion and commitment to St George’s. Speaking
on their call for a St George’s Act, Mr Roban added: “I am happy to oblige
that request with an undertaking. The work that is required to give St
George’s its own individual Act will start once we complete this legislative
process.” Mr Roban added: “The work that this government is intending to do
will start in the east. This government recognizes the distinctness of the two
corporations. I cannot stand and say that I did not hear the requests [by Ms
Ming and Mr Swan]. I have spent a considerable amount of time listening to that
and to the people of St George, despite the claims of lack of consultation.
There has been considerable consultation going back to August and May of last
year. We will continue to be talking to the people of St George.” Mr Roban
said there would likely be some level of ring-fencing of assets for Hamilton.
Hamilton elected a corporation in 1795 and St George’s set up its own local
authority two years later.
A
cut of inheritance from homes that belonged to financial assistance claimants
should be turned over to the Government to help fund the system, the Minister of
Health told MPs. Kim Wilson said money should be recouped in cases where
seniors passed property on to family members. Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, the
shadow health minister, asked if it was possible to examine how financial
assistance was “meted out in life, so that the Government is not seen to be a
grave robber after death”. She told the House of Assembly on Monday: “The
Government will be able to recoup that money post-death to put back in the
coffers so that the Government is not subsidizing inheritance.” Ms
Gordon-Pamplin, of the One Bermuda Alliance, said it would “dissuade any
practice of saving inheritance while using government money to take care of
mummy and daddy”. But she questioned if it could be tailored “as opposed to
creating bad blood after somebody dies”. Ms Wilson told MPs last month that it
was proposed to claw back funds from dead financial assistance recipients in a
bid to find ways for the Government “to recover debt and/or offset the cost of
benefits”. She explained: “The department has many examples where parents
convey property to their relatives without receipt of benefit. The parent is
then removed from the home only to seek financial assistance. In this instance
the reclaim is twofold — one, where a senior conveys a property, receives no
benefit of sale and then requests to be a recipient of financial assistance, the
Government should be able to recoup a percentage of the funds used to sustain
the wellbeing of the senior from the inheritance. And two, as expressly stated,
if one inherits a property where the owner received financial assistance prior
to their death, a portion of sale should be provided to the Government to recognize
the benefit that that person received during their lifetime.” Ms Wilson added:
“Nobody wants or intends to deprive seniors of their properties but, in the
face of an ageing population and rising need for assistance, the country has to
find other ways to fund the long term care of financial assistance recipients.
It is the fairest to taxpayers that seniors use their assets to fund their care
rather than Government paying and their next of kin keeping the asset.” The
proposal came after MPs heard that a reform group had proposed 30 changes to
financial assistance and that 17 had been accepted. Ms Wilson said then: “As a
country, we can no longer afford for the state to subsidies persons’
inheritances, as currently happens.” The suggestions included a plan to ask
the Attorney-General’s Chambers to provide “a legal opinion regarding
whether a person who inherits a property from a senior who has benefited from
financial assistance should be statutorily required to pay back some portion of
the funds to Government”. Another accepted recommendation was to review
policies in other countries to see if they recover financial benefits paid to
elderly property owners. But the suggestion sparked concern among families and
seniors’ organisations and Craig Cannonier, the Opposition Leader, said that
the Government was “continuing its reverse Robin Hood ideology”.
The
estimated cost for legal services so far in Bermuda’s fight against same-sex
marriage was pegged at between $120,000 and $150,000. Kim Wilson, the
Minister of Health, said: “The estimated cost for counsel to Government to
date is likely between $120,000 and $150,000.” She added: “The cost to
appeal to Privy Council and the cost of responding to the appeal has not been finalized
at the moment. It may be subject to taxation, and as a result, we will defer the
answer with respect to further details concerning that cost until such time if
it is taxed.” Ms Wilson was speaking as the Budget for the Legal Affairs
ministry was debated in the House of Assembly yesterday. It came in response to
a question from Scott Pearman, the Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs, about the
anticipated costs of the legal challenge. Mr Pearman took issue with Ms
Wilson’s response that an answer would have to wait until taxation was
tallied. He said: “I would have anticipated that the other parties involved
would have had to give cost estimates to the court as part of the process. And
therefore, one would expect the Attorney-General’s ministry to be in a
position to say, roughly — at least on an estimated basis — how much this
cost bill is going to be if the Government loses. I take the point we’ll know
what it actually is when it is taxed, it’s a very fair point. However Mr
Pearman added: “I would hope that the ministry would have at least some sort
of idea what the estimated number is, or may be.” David Burt, the Premier,
told MPs last December that the Government paid roughly $14,000 for legal advice
before it decided to take its legal fight to the Privy Council in London. Mr
Burt told the House of Assembly that £11,250 had been spent — about $14,140
at the time — on legal advice so far in connection with its appeal to the
island’s highest court of appeal. He added that the Bermuda Court of Appeal
case the month before had cost £41,750, about $52,000. The on-island costs,
however, were about $9,000 lower than those given by the Ministry of Home
Affairs about two weeks earlier. A spokeswoman for Mr Burt explained later that
the Premier’s figure did not include the cost for travel for the London-based
barrister retained to argue the Government’s case. The home affairs ministry
said earlier that the cost to hire James Guthrie QC, for the Court of Appeal
case, fly him to Bermuda and house him in the island totaled $61,188. That
amount did not include the effects of a costs order — which required
Government to pay for both sides of the legal battle — or any other legal
expenses that may have been run up. Mr Pearman said that “one lawyer’s brief
fee isn’t the totality of the case”. He explained: “We will operate under
a loser pays system.” Mr Pearman questioned what the bill would be if its
legal challenge failed. He asked: “How much does the Government anticipate
will be paid out by the Bermudian public in legal fees for this appeal? And for
the Court of Appeal below? And for the Supreme Court of first instance? All of
which will be paid, if ordered, by the Privy Council.”
A
doctor who wanted to run a walk-in urgent care centre in the heart of Hamilton
has claimed a freeze on applications for new services will be “potentially
catastrophic”. Dr J. J Soares said a moratorium on requests to provide
treatment under the standard health benefit put his almost-completed clinic at
risk. Dr Soares added that he was shocked by an e-mail that notified healthcare
professionals of the freeze but the health ministry insisted he had been told
several times about the process that had to be followed to operate under SHB.
Jennifer Attride-Stirling, the health ministry permanent secretary, explained
that opening a facility did not guarantee eligibility to have services covered
and most clinics operated without SHB approval. The Hamilton Medical Centre in
2016 announced its intention to offer blood testing and diagnostic imaging such
as MRI and CT scans under one roof at a new location on Burnaby Street. Dr
Soares told The Royal Gazette that he hoped to open the five-floor clinic
in the summer. The Bermuda Health Council alerted providers last week to a bar
on applications for new services under the basic healthcare package while talks
on changes to the healthcare system and its financing were held. Dr Soares
claimed he was “blindsided” by the memo. He said: “The moratorium will be
potentially catastrophic to the feasibility of the new centre that is at this
point approaching completion.” He added: “There was no direct consultation
with myself prior to this date about this move by the BHeC. The BHeC has known
about my plans for over three years now.” He said the unit would have a
walk-in urgent-care clinic open every day from 8am until 10pm, as well as the
island’s only open MRI scanner, a CT scanner and facilities for X-ray,
mammography, ultrasound and blood tests. Dr Soares said the only service he
thought would be covered by SHB — the basic package of benefits that must be
included in every health insurance policy — was doctors’ visits. Standard
health benefit includes hospital treatment as well as home medical services,
non-hospital diagnostic imaging services and palliative, end-of-life home care.
Any SHB services that are outside of the hospital are offered by approved
providers at a set rate. Dr Soares said: “If we do not have SHB approval then
no MRI, CT, ultrasound or X-ray scans will be covered under SHB. What this means
is that insurers can decide whether they will pay our facility or not for these
scans.” He said lack of approval would mean HIP and FutureCare policyholders
were unlikely to have diagnostic imaging covered at the centre. Dr Soares added:
“When a patient is seen in our urgent-care centre for an acute illness they
should never have to worry whether or not their investigations will be paid for
by their insurer. For this reason alone SHB approval is absolutely necessary.”
He claimed the freeze on applications would “severely restrict our ability to
compete in the marketplace. The viability of the whole project is therefore in
jeopardy as a direct result of this moratorium.” A letter from Dr
Attride-Stirling to the practitioner dated last September referred to a number
of talks over the previous four years. She said she wanted to make sure he
understood the distinction between opening up a scanning centre and securing
approval to provide those services under SHB. Dr Attride-Stirling wrote:
“Significantly, and for clarity, the latter does not preclude the former.
However, as you are aware, opening a facility does not automatically give
entitlement to SHB eligibility.” The permanent secretary said that “on
various occasions” dating back to November 2014 the ministry and Dr Soares
discussed SHB coverage and its restrictions. She explained that at a meeting
about the doctor’s proposed scanning clinic in August 2016, she and the then
health minister pointed out that to be covered by the scheme, the services and
facility must be approved by the BHeC. Dr Attride-Stirling said that
correspondence from Dr Soares the following month did not suggest he wanted to
become an SHB provider. She claimed the BHeC had informed her of similar
discussions with the practitioner “over the years”. Dr Attride-Stirling said
that most health facilities in Bermuda were not part of the scheme and those
services were covered by insurers as supplemental benefits. Dr Soares said
yesterday that although conversations with the ministry and BHeC had included
explanations about SHB approval, “they never indicated nor did I ever
anticipate this sudden announcement of a moratorium being put in place”. He
added: “I have always anticipated applying for SHB approval. In fact I did
send in an application only to be told that a moratorium was now in place.”
Ricky Brathwaite, the acting chief executive of the health council, said:
“Once we complete discussions on the redesigned SHB package for 2020 and how
much it should cost, we will lift the moratorium to accept applications for
those newly defined service areas. New health services can still continue to be
added through coverage from our local insurers, despite the moratorium on
SHB.”
A
home for seniors in the West End that suffered major damage in a 2003 hurricane
is to close. The House of Assembly was told on Monday that Lefroy House
would move from Ireland Island in Sandys to a new location in the Rockaway area
of Southampton. Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, the Shadow Minister of Health,
questioned whether cash had been budgeted for the move She said the present
building was “no longer fit for its purpose”. Ms Gordon-Pamplin added that,
as a former minister, she had examined “how we could rehabilitate the building
— or, if something needs a wrecking ball, it needs a wrecking ball”. MPs
heard that Lefroy House at present charges residents $1,305 per month, compared
to $5,000 a month for the Sylvia Richardson rest home in St George’s. Kim
Wilson, the health minister, said a five-year capital project for Lefroy House
was planned. She explained: “$250,000 is the estimate for 2019-20 and this is
primarily budgeted for design work for this year to bring forward the concept
phase to a designed facility that will replace the existing facility as a
new-build in the Rockaway area of Southampton.”
Senior
magistrate Juan Wolffe spoke for the first time in public yesterday about who is
responsible for vetting people who profit from Bermuda’s multimillion-dollar
betting industry. Mr Wolffe, chairman of the Betting Licensing Authority,
told a licensing hearing that it was up to the Cabinet minister with
responsibility for the betting sector to carry out background checks, do due
diligence and “ensure that licensed premises are not running afoul of any
anti-money-laundering laws or regulations”. His statements were the first he
has made since a special
report was published by The Royal Gazette last May that revealed that
the financial histories of people who applied for bookmaker’s and pool betting
licences were not always checked by the Ministry of Finance. The investigation
also found that little information had been gathered on non-Bermudians who held
a financial stake in betting shops on the island. The Royal Gazette later
reported that the Government was told in early 2016 that the sale of American
lottery tickets at a betting shop on the island appeared to breach
“numerous” laws in the United States, including some designed to stop money
laundering. Mr Wolffe did not comment on the special report, but said: “As
everyone knows, there seems to be this misunderstanding as to the extent of our
functions as the Betting Licensing Authority. We grant the licences but the
purview and overview and the regulation of licensed premises is in the hands of
the minister.” He said the minister let the authority know about the business
reputation of betting shops and the financial stability of licence applicants
and also vetted the financial guarantees which licence holders must provide. Mr
Wolffe said: “It’s also the minister’s responsibility, not the betting
licensing authority, to revoke licences. It’s the minister’s responsibility
to ensure that licensed premises are not running afoul of any anti-money
laundering laws or regulations.” Responsibility for the betting industry has
bounced between four different ministers in the space of little more than a
year. Experts have several times warned of a lack of controls to prevent
“dirty money” transactions in the sector. David Burt, at the time Minister
of Finance as well as Premier, had responsibility for betting shops at the start
of 2018. The responsibility shifted to Jamahl Simmons, then the economic
development and tourism minister, in February that year, with the Bermuda Casino
Gaming Commission set to become the industry regulator. The gaming commission
became the responsibility of new finance minister Curtis Dickinson after a
Cabinet reshuffle in November and betting shops moved to Kathy Lynn Simmons, the
Attorney-General and Minister of Legal Affairs. Mr Dickinson told Parliament at
the start of this month that he would assume responsibility for all gambling
activity, including betting shops. He said: “It is the intent of Government to
transfer the regulatory responsibility of betting shops from the Betting
Licensing Authority to the commission. In order to ensure this sector is
regulated thoroughly and to a level or standard equivalent to mature regulatory
jurisdictions, the current legislative framework will need to be revised. The
commission is poised to complete the legislative framework, including
anti-money-laundering/antiterrorism financing controls, for licensing and
supervision of betting and other non-casino gaming activities in 2019.” Mr
Wolffe highlighted that there had been “some changes” in ministerial
responsibility for betting shops. He asked representatives of Gametime,
Seahorses and Triple Crown Racing, who have all applied to renew their licences,
to explain what checks were done by the Government. Albert Steede, the owner of
Gametime and Seahorses, said: “The minister checks with the social insurance
and payroll tax, just to ensure everything is updated, then they submit a letter
to us. They confirm that all taxes and everything is paid up to date.” Mr
Steede and Andrea Joseph, manager of Triple Crown Racing, said they did not have
all the documentation needed from the minister for their licence renewals. Mr
Wolffe said: “If the minister is delayed in giving responses, that’s going
to delay us.” Elizabeth Christopher, a member of the authority, asked the
applicants to produce written statements on how betting was conducted at their
establishments. She said: “I’d like to know a bit more about the mechanisms
of the bets that are taking place.” Yesterday’s hearing was adjourned to 1pm
on Monday because the court recording system was not working and the court
computer systems were down.
A
drug mule in the biggest heroin importation case tried in Bermuda was jailed
yesterday for 30 years. Josef Vlcek was caught trying to smuggle nearly
three kilograms of the drug, worth $9.55 million, after he arrived on a flight
from London in September 2017. Vlcek, convicted by a jury’s unanimous verdict
on Monday, declined to comment through his interpreter before Puisne Judge
Carlisle Greaves passed sentence. Mr Justice Greaves admitted that “some will
question why, in a case in which the defendant has killed no one, he received a
sentence of 30 years”. He added a sentence for premeditated gun murder by a
gang member could be 35 years to life. The judge told the Supreme Court: “The
addictive and destructive nature of this drug perhaps brings it into the range
of those who commit violence. A gangster may have taken the life of one person
and affected by his action the lives of several others. I think it likewise with
our drug dealers, particularly those who deal in particularly hard drugs.
Diamorphine is at the high level of addictive drugs, surpassed only by fentanyl.
It is said to be 50 times more lethal than cocaine.” Mr Justice Greaves added:
“Although the violence is not direct in this case, it is still as cruel, in
many cases, as the direct violence in homicide cases.” He said the case was
“the greatest volume of heroin ever imported into Bermuda for which someone
has been tried”. He told Vlcek: “In this jurisdiction, drug sentences are
particularly heavy. There are good reasons for that. The motivation for bringing
drugs into Bermuda is high because the profits are high. Perhaps some of the
highest in the world. Those who take the risk to benefit from this lucrative
market must take the responsibility of knowing that their penalty will be severe
when caught.” Vlcek, 49, from the Czech Republic, went on trial this month
charged with the importation of diamorphine, the technical name for heroin and
with possession of the drug with intent to supply. He will serve 30-year
concurrent terms with time already spent in custody taken into account. Vlcek
told the jury he was an artist and had planned to stage an exhibition of his
work. He claimed he thought he was smuggling gold and jewels. The three packages
of heroin stashed in the lining of his two suitcases were spotted by customs
officers at the airport. Nicole Smith, representing the Crown, asked for a
sentence of 20 to 25 years, with an extra 50 per cent added to reflect the
seriousness of the case. Susan Mulligan, the defence lawyer, argued that
sentencing should not be “a mathematical exercise” based on the amount of
drugs, which Mr Justice Greaves said was more than four times bigger than the
courts had dealt with before. Ms Mulligan said Vlcek was “not a master
manipulator” but a lone man “lured by the idea of having a great art
exhibition”. Ms Mulligan added: “He is a foreign national who has already
suffered being in a foreign culture, no contact with family and no one here to
assist him. His time in custody has been and will continue to be very, very
difficult.” The defence highlighted the case of Janis Zegelis, a Latvian man
jailed for 25 years in 2012 after he arrived in Bermuda in a boat with more than
164kg of cocaine and a firearm. But Mr Justice Greaves rejected the comparison
and said Bermuda’s courts always gave harsher sentences for heroin which was
“a more lethal addictive drug”. Ms Smith mentioned other cases in which drug
couriers form overseas had been jailed and told the court that the narcotics
trade had tempted “defendants from jurisdictions afar”. Omar Davy, a
Jamaican national, was jailed for 18 years last month after he tried to bring
220 grams of heroin into the island.
A
conservation group asked tonight for an extension to the public consultation
period for the draft Bermuda Plan 2018 due to what it claimed were
“significant errors” in maps. The Bermuda National Trust said it feared
mistakes that related to its properties were also made for other protected
sites, which could be put at risk. A spokesman told BNT members: “The Bermuda
National Trust has requested that the public window for input be extended or
postponed, beyond March 15, until significant errors in the new draft Bermuda
Plan 2018 zoning maps are substantially corrected. We do not have the
wherewithal to inspect the entire island for errors, but given the frequency of
mistakes and their magnitude across our own properties, we are extremely
concerned that the errors are systemic and could potentially lead to great
damage to conservation areas and protected sites across the island. We are also
concerned that such widespread errors will serve to undermine the planning
process and the public’s confidence in it and thereby, further put in danger
protected lands.” The message added: “We ask that all our members and the
public take the time to look at important properties that they enjoy and
frequent to ensure that all zoning reflects their use.”
Lancashire
Holdings Ltd has re-established its group supervisory and tax domicile in
Bermuda after a seven-year sojourn in the United Kingdom. The specialty
insurance and reinsurance group, originally domiciled in Bermuda, switched its
tax base to the UK in 2012, establishing its head office and conducting the
majority of its board business in the UK. The re-domiciliation to Bermuda was
announced in the company’s 2018 annual report, which was released yesterday.
Peter Clarke, the company’s non-executive chairman, said the Lancashire board
held detailed discussions during 2018 about the most suitable group insurance
supervisory and tax domicile for the company. The company, Mr Clarke wrote,
initiated engagement with the Prudential Regulation Authority in the UK — the
group’s supervisory regulator between 2016 and 2018 during which time the
group was subject to the requirements of the UK’s Solvency II regime — the
Bermuda Monetary Authority and HM Revenue and Customs in the UK, further to
which it was agreed the company should make the switch. “On balance,” Mr
Clarke wrote, “the board felt that the transition of group supervision to
Bermuda and the BMA would assist in ensuring a continuing strategic focus on the
growth and development opportunities in the US specialty and catastrophe
markets.” Mr Clarke said the move will not affect the regulation of the
group’s UK insurance entities, which will continue to be regulated by the PRA
and the Financial Conduct Authority — and in the case of CUL and Syndicates
2010 and 3010, Lloyd’s. Lancashire announced in August 2011 that it would be
switching its tax base from Bermuda to the UK. At the time, Neil McConachie,
Lancashire Group Holdings’ president, said that the move would make senior
management decision-making faster and easier while reducing risks.
The
island will welcome a new cargo ship designed to improve the shipping service to
Bermuda tomorrow. Neptune Group Ltd, the operators of Bermuda Container Line
Ltd, announced that the MV Oleander, a custom-built container ship, will arrive
in Hamilton Harbour between 3.15pm and 3.45pm. John Wight, the chairman of
Neptune, said its arrival marked “a very special occasion for the company and
our shareholders”. He said a christening ceremony and reception for
shareholders and customers to view the new ship would be arranged later this
year. The ship will replace the present Oleander, now renamed the Oleander III
and sold, which has served Bermuda for 29 years. The old Oleander will make its
last voyage from Bermuda after the arrival of its replacement. The new ship,
which has steamed from its builders in China, will be larger than its
predecessor and able to carry more cargo. The ship will also perform better in
bad weather, according to a statement from the company. Barry Brewer, NGL
president and CEO, said: “Bermuda importers require a reliable weekly schedule
for their businesses. The arrival of the new Oleander represents the culmination
of years of research, planning, designing and construction.” The MV Oleander
is a longer and wider vessel, with an extended cargo area that has three times
the below decks cargo capacity of the old ship. The ship was designed to give
more protected inside stowage for cars, trucks, buses, boats, trailers,
machinery and other high-value equipment. The new Oleander can also carry up to
456 twenty-foot containers, including 75 refrigerated containers. The ship is in
line with the latest environmental emission regulations and ballast water
treatment standards. The new vessel was also designed to allow a quick
conversion to liquid natural gas fuel if required. It is as fast as the ship it
will replace, but is more fuel efficient at higher speeds.
An
attempted robbery at a store was foiled after the owner wrestled the raider to
the ground. Christopher Bromby said that the would-be robber entered Bo’s
Lawn Equipment on Middle Road, Warwick, closed the door behind him and motioned
towards his waistband. He said: “He closed my door and faced me, and he’s
dressed in all black — that’s when it registered to me ‘this is no
ordinary customer’. I didn’t even give the guy a chance to pull out whatever
he was trying to get out. Thinking about it now it was probably a bad move, but
it was just instinct.” Mr Bromby tackled the suspect as soon as he reached for
his waistband and the two fell through the doorway and on to the street. He
said: “As I tackled him, I thought ‘Shoot, I can’t let him go now because
if he gets to what he had in his waistband he could potentially stab me or shoot
me. I didn’t even see what it was — I didn’t want to give him the chance
to pull it out.” The two struggled in the street until the suspect broke free
and escaped on foot. Mr Bromby said that it was the first time in 11 years of
running the store that he had been the victim of a robbery attempt. He added:
“My father’s owned the business for 25 years and he’s actually been robbed
at gunpoint, but this is the first time this happened to me. I heard about that
robbery that took place in Ord Road last weekend, so, in the back of my mind, I
was kind of preparing for this. It was something that I didn’t want to admit
to but I kind of expected it.” But Mr Bromby said that the area was a
welcoming one. He added: “The Warwick community is very beautiful — I’m
from Somerset and the Warwick people have taken to me like I’m one of their
own. All sorts of customers come through here — all different walks of life
— and they’re normally all good people.” Mr Bromby said the raider was a
slim black man, about 5ft 10in tall. He added that he planned to install extra
CCTV security cameras around the store to deter further robbery attempts. Police
are investigating the raid. A spokesman said: “Anyone who carries out an act
like this is a person of interest to the Bermuda Police Service. We are asking
for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious in this specific case to
contact police.” He added that a connection to the Ord Road store robbery last
Saturday “cannot be ruled out”.
A
trio of chefs at a Hamilton restaurant are to donate their hair to charity and
shave their heads to raise money for cancer research. The chefs at Rosa’s
Cantina on Front Street, will give their hair to Locks of Love, a US charity
that makes wigs for children who have lost their hair to disease, and shave off
what is left for cancer charity St Baldrick’s. The three, who have been
growing their hair for up to 2½ years for the event, are pleased to donate to
such worthwhile causes. They will join a St Baldrick’s head shave fundraiser
at Docksider Pub & Restaurant on Front Street on Friday. Jeffrey Montano,
from Mexico, said he did not hesitate when he found out he could help children
by donating his hair. He added: “I always wanted to do something like this and
now that I get the chance to, I did not think twice. Raniel Dimaisip, from the
Philippines, said he had grown his hair for 2½ years to donate it to Locks of
Love. Mr Dimaisip added: “I said yes right away. I want to donate my hair
because it is a good way to help children. Children are the future.” Thomas
Hernandez, from India, cut his hair last year, but after he learnt he could
donate his hair, he stopped cutting it. Mr Hernandez added: “I kept it long
this year so I could donate it to the children.” The three chefs have all had
short hairstyles, but have never shaved their heads before. Kara Simmons,
restaurant manager at Rosa’s, said the chefs had made sacrifices to grow their
hair in preparation for the donation. Ms Simmons explained: “Last summer I
could see their struggle because the kitchen gets very hot. For them to keep
their hair and maintain it, they just sacrificed continuously so that they could
do this.” Mr Dimaisip said he also increased his use of different hair
products in order to get his hair to grow. Ms Simmons said that two years ago,
Rosa Cantina saw an influx of young people who were taking part in a St
Baldrick’s fundraiser at nearby Docksider. She added: “My sister joked with
the chefs and said that they had nice hair and that they should grow their hair
to make wigs. Mr Dimaisip took up the challenge and started to grow his hair and
the two other chefs joined in later. Ms Simmons said: “It was around the same
time that our mother got cancer so we went through the whole process of buying a
wig of human hair for her.” Rosa’s Cantina and sister restaurant Chopsticks
on Reid Street will also sell a special Milagro Tequila cocktail to raise funds
for the St Baldrick’s charity. Drinks distributor Pitt & Company has
sponsored the cocktail drive.
The
Premier shouldered the blame yesterday for a deleted paragraph in a document
that triggered Bermuda’s inclusion on an EU blacklist of non-cooperative
jurisdictions branded tax havens. David Burt told the House of Assembly:
“This issue is one for which we must take responsibility and as leader of the
Government, in the legislature to whom the Government I lead is collectively
responsible, I have no difficulty in saying the buck stops at my desk.” Mr
Burt said that the Government had worked hard to pass almost 50 pieces of
legislation and other statutory instruments to meet the requirements of both the
Caribbean Financial Action Task Force and the EU’s requirements on the
economic substance of companies doing business in the country. He added:
“Unfortunately at the end of the process on economic substance a minor
technical omission in our regulations — essentially what appeared as a
duplication in almost identical language in our drafts — was unintentionally
omitted. Once the omission was discovered, it was immediately addressed. Despite
the good faith shown over the last year and our immediate action, the
reinsertion of the omitted line appears to not have been good enough for the
EU.” The Premier said the two similar paragraphs were:
Mr Burt explained that an editor had believed the paragraphs had the same intention and deleted one of them. He said: “The fact of the matter is this particular line was missed. What took place is the regulations, which are in front of the EU right now, are compliant with what was necessary. The only issue of compliance, and there have been numerous back and forths with the commission, was this one line.” Curtis Dickinson, the Minister of Finance, insisted that Bermuda is a co-operative jurisdiction and that the UK Government had backed the island yesterday. He said the next meeting of the European Union Committee of Finance Ministers will be in May, and Bermuda will make sure the committee understands the island is compliant before then. Mr Dickinson added: “Contrary to press reports, Bermuda did not in our submissions filed with the EU Commission prior to the cut-off date add any loopholes and we totally reject any notion that Bermuda was ‘playing games’ as alleged in some press reports.” He said he had met Craig Cannonier, the Opposition leader, and others about the possibility of Bermuda being placed on the blacklist. Mr Dickinson said: “My message yesterday and today is the same — we must be united to work to ensure that Bermuda is removed from the list and I am confident that this unwarranted inclusion will be reversed at the earliest opportunity.” Mr Cannonier said the One Bermuda Alliance was “disappointed” at Bermuda’s inclusion on the EU list. He added: “Bermuda has a stellar track record of compliance, including passing the stringent Solvency II requirements. Bermuda has also been extremely co-operative with the EU in this process. The Government disclosed that it missed an EU deadline. This is unfortunate, because it will likely take time for Bermuda’s improper inclusion in the EU list to be remedied. Although the EU decision is regrettable, it does appear to be based only on a technical failure, rather than a substantive complaint by the EU.” Mr Cannonier pledged that the OBA would help the Government to resolve the problem in any way it could.
The
Bermuda Housing Trust hopes to develop a sixth property to add to its 183-unit
housing stock. Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works,
said the project would serve to support seniors who are capable of independent
living but who might not otherwise be able to afford to do so. Colonel Burch
said: “With this mandate in mind, the trustees have been quietly but prudently
saving in order to develop a sixth property. The aim in the current in coming
years is to launch a major fundraising effort to help realize this goal and to
meet this most pressing need — affordable accommodation for Bermuda’s
largest growing demographic, seniors.” The Minister added that the BHT has
also started work to remediate and renovate a cottage in St David’s into two
apartments. Colonel Burch said: “This project is a start, a welcome start, to
what the trust has in mind. It is the model of a Government-Trust partnership, a
public-private partnership with the Bermuda Housing Corporation, who will
provide technical and oversight support for the project at no cost to the trust.
This will help keep costs down as the trust looks to provide necessary funding
for the actual work. The plan is to continue to use this model on future
projects, particularly for the sixth development the trust is about to
undertake.” Colonel Burch said audited financial statements showed the BHT was
in a healthy financial position and has been able to avoid raising rent for its
senior tenants despite increased maintenance costs. He said the BHT has also
continued to pay off its $12.5 million loan taken in 2006 to help fund its fifth
development, Dr Cann Park. Colonel Burch explained: ‘The loan has since been
renegotiated with the amount now owing of $6 million. The trustees have
constantly paid the loan down and in recent years have made principal payments
of up to $200,000 per annum over and above the monthly payments required by the
loan. Incidentally, one of the terms of the loan is that BHT set aside $20,000 a
month to build up a maintenance reserve for both the expected and unexpected at
Dr Cann Park and that account currently stands at just over $800,000.”
Government
ministers were tight-lipped yesterday about the skills and qualifications of
consultants and advisers revealed by the Premier. Requests for comment were
sent to the ministry heads identified by David Burt on Monday as using aides.
They were David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, Diallo Rabain, the Minister
of Education, Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs and former minister of
transport and regulatory affairs, Kathy Lynn Simmons, the Minister of Legal
Affairs, and Jamahl Simmons, the Minister Without Portfolio and former minister
of economic development and tourism. The ministers were asked if they had
personally made the selections, why the person was chosen, what work they had
performed, and what skills or qualifications they had for the post. Mr Simmons
declined to comment yesterday. He said: “Please refer to the ministerial
statement issued by the Premier.” Mr Burch, Mr Rabain, Mr Roban and Ms Simmons
also declined to answer questions. A spokeswoman for the ministers said:
“Please refer to the Premier’s ministerial statement presented in
Parliament.” The list provided to MPs in the House of Assembly named three
consultants and three advisers. Sherri Simmons, a radio talk show host and wife
of Jamahl Simmons, has been a consultant to Kathy Lynn Simmons since October
last year. Cheryl-Ann Mapp, who was appointed chairwoman of the Bermuda Casino
Gaming Commission in 2017, also worked as a consultant for Mr Roban, then
transport and regulatory affairs minister, for a large part of last year. Ms
Mapp worked for the minister from January 22 to July 20 and again from August 20
to September 14 with an extension to October 31. Trina Bean was made a
consultant to Mr Burch since September last year. Corey Butterfield was made an
adviser to Mr Simmons, the former minister of economic development and tourism
and now Minister Without Portfolio, in September 2017. Mr Butterfield earlier
worked as a special adviser and policy analyst for the Minister of Tourism under
the former One Bermuda Alliance government. Alexa Lightbourne, the Progressive
Labour Party’s public relations officer, was appointed an adviser to Mr Roban
last May. Davida Morris, a former PLP senator, was listed as an adviser to Mr
Rabain since January. None of the consultants or advisers responded to requests
for comment by press time yesterday. Mr Burt revealed the list on Monday after
parliamentary questions from Michael Dunkley, an OBA backbencher. The Premier
told MPs that the consultants were on the PS36 pay grade, which is $116,317 a
year. He said: “There is no one higher than PS36 for ministerial consultants
that are advising ministers in a personal capacity.” Mr Burt added: “For
others that are in the possession of specific expert advice, those ones are
graded differently.” Information supplied later by a government spokeswoman
showed that Ms Bean and Ms Morris were paid $63.57 an hour, and Ms Lightbourne
earned $58.68 an hour. She said all three were in full-time posts and required
to work 35 hours a week but that health insurance, payroll tax and social
insurance expenses were met by the individuals. The spokeswoman added: “In
every case, the hours worked far exceed this minimum 35 hours’ requirement.”
She said Mr Butterfield’s hourly rate was $58.68 and Ms Simmons was paid
$57.48 an hour, with each of them in part-time posts and paid for work
completed. The spokeswoman added Ms Mapp’s appointment was not political and
was “based on her legal and regulatory compliance expertise”. Mr Burt told
MPs during the motion to adjourn on Monday that $15 million had been budgeted
for consultants in the 2019-20 financial year. He hit back at Opposition claims
that the Government had budgeted for $15.9 million on consultants this year —
a rise of $3.2 million in two years. Mr Burt said that “in fact, the OBA
budgeted for $17 million in total consultants for 2017-18”. He added that the
Government’s allocation marked a decrease of $2 million in the new financial
year, which starts in April.
A
$330 million cash pot is expected to be handed over to the Bermuda Hospitals
Board as the Government signaled a new approach to payment for healthcare.
The block grant will replace the former “fee for service” method. Kim
Wilson, the Minister of Health, told the House of Assembly that it was recognized
around the world that the fee for service arrangement was “not the most
effective and efficient mechanism”. She was responding to questions from
Jeanne Atherden, a One Bermuda Alliance MP, who wanted clarification on a
projected $20 million saving in hospital healthcare costs. Ms Wilson said on
Monday: “It is correct that the Government is committed, as we indicated in
our Throne Speech, to addressing the unsustainable cost of rising healthcare.
During negotiations with the Bermuda Hospitals Board we were able to discuss an
alternative mechanism for paying for their services.” She added that the
change was expected to result in a $20 million saving in healthcare costs this
year. Ms Wilson also responded to a question about notice of a moratorium issued
recently by the Bermuda Health Council. The memo advised healthcare providers of
a freeze on new applications for services under the standard health benefit,
which is the most basic package that must be supplied in all insurance policies.
She explained that if access to care for essential services was “identified as
an issue in the interim”, the BHeC would seek specific applications provided
the changes did not affect the standard premium rate. Ms Wilson added: “This
moratorium, as has been indicated earlier, is until we have collaborated to
determine what will be included in the new standard health benefit package to
best address our health needs and we anticipate the new package to be discussed
and redesigned over the next few months.” She said the information would be
shared with MPs and the public.
More
than $3 million was paid to Bermuda Hospitals Board over 17 months to offset
costs incurred by new diagnostic imaging fees, Parliament heard on Monday.
Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said that from June 1, 2017 to October 31,
2018 that $3.167 million had gone as compensation to BHB. The fee cuts were
applied to MRI and CT scanning services in 2017, with payments subsequently made
to private providers as well as the hospital. Ms Wilson told the House of
Assembly that in the financial year 2017-18 a $780,000 grant was paid to the
Brown-Darrell Clinic — a unit in Smith’s owned by former premier Ewart Brown
— in relation to diagnostic imaging. Patricia Gordon-Pamplin of the One
Bermuda Alliance said that BHB had also adjusted its operating room fees to help
the hospital recover some of the revenue lost to the new fees regime.
Caseloads
at the Department of Financial Assistance are holding “steady”, with more
than 200 clients per member of staff, according to Kim Wilson, the Minister of
Health. The department has 33 staff in total budgeted to support more than
3,200 people, Ms Wilson told the House of Assembly on Monday. Clients comprise
1,180 pensioners and seniors, 900 disabled persons, 201 able-bodied unemployed,
360 people with low income, and about 610 on the child daycare allowance. Ms
Wilson said the department had $820,000 budgeted for five helping agencies such
as the Salvation Army and Meals on Wheels. There was $11.5 million set aside for
health insurance assistance, $5.2 million for food expenses, $2.1 million to
assist with medication, and $1 million for electricity costs. Ms Wilson said
that a review had begun to review the organizational structure and operation of
the department “to determine the optimal design or framework to meet current
and projected client demand”. Ms Wilson added: “This was the first
recommendation accepted for the 2018 reform group report.” She said that there
were 38 cases of alleged abuse during the last fiscal year. Ms Wilson added that
a total of $197,018 had still been owed at the beginning of the year. She said:
“The investigative officers were successful in recouping $29,729, leaving an
outstanding amount of $167,288 owing to the department. The department is
working closely with the Attorney-General’s Office to consider all options to
obtain these funds.”
Residents queued yesterday to
sign a condolence book for the Bermudian-based banker who lost his wife, three
children and his mother-in-law in a plane crash in Ethiopia at the weekend. Paul
Njoroge, a banker at Butterfield Bank, lost his wife, Caroline, son, Ryan, 7,
daughter, Kerry, 4, seven-month-old daughter, Rubi, and mother-in-law Ann Wangui
Karanja in the crash, which killed all 157 people on board the Ethiopian
Airlines flight from Addis Ababa in Ethiopia to Nairobi in Kenya. His family
lived in Toronto, Canada, and were en route for a visit home on a connecting
flight from Ethiopia when tragedy struck. Bermudians, many of whom did not know
Mr Njoroge, signed the condolence book at the Ghanaian Consulate on Front Street
in Hamilton. Sharon Burgess said: “I just saw the sign while walking by and I
just wanted to come and offer my condolences and pay my respects. It is so
tragic.” Anita Bushara added that it was important for the island to show
support for Mr Njoroge. She said: “It touches anyone who experiences loss. His
whole family was taken. It touched us all.” Ms Bushara added that her entire
family was saddened by the death of Mr Njoroge’s family even though they did
not know him. Andresa Bashir said: “I am a mother and I am sad. I am just
moved by this. I can’t imagine losing my entire family.” Ms Bashir added: I
want him to know the Bermudian people support him in his difficult time. John
Rankin, the Governor, was also among those who signed the condolence book and
expressed sympathy for Mr Njoroge. Mr Rankin said: “This was a dreadful event
with people of so many nationalities killed in a plane crash. This is a direct
impact on colleagues, friends in this country and, of course, on the African
community in Bermuda. I know the prayers of Bermuda will be with Paul in the
coming days and I hope they can give him strength.” Members of the African
Community in Bermuda, which organized the signing of the condolence book, also
signed the book. Nana Otu Turkson of the ACB said Mr Njoroge arrived in Kenya
yester day and was with family members. Dennis Mbelenzi, a close friend of Mr
Njoroge, told The Royal Gazette on Monday: “It’s a big loss for him. That
was his whole family. He really loved his family. He was always talking about
his wife and children.” A total of 149 passengers and eight crew were killed
when the Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft crashed about six minutes after take-off from
Addis Ababa. Among the dead were 32 Kenyans, 18 Canadians, eight Americans and
seven British nationals.
A
former summer student at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences was among 157
people killed in an Ethiopian plane crash at the weekend, it was revealed
yesterday. Danielle Moore, who was 24 and from Toronto, was one of 18
Canadians killed in the Sunday tragedy, which also claimed the lives of a
Bermudian-based banker’s family. A spokeswoman for Bios said: “It is with
great sadness that the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences has received news
that Danielle Moore, a 2015 summer student, was among the passengers aboard the
Ethiopian Airlines flight.” She added: “She was indeed a bright young woman
with a very promising future, and we offer our sincerest condolences to her
family.” The news came as the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority banned all 737
Max variants from the island’s airspace and grounded all of the Boeing Max
family on the Bermuda Aircraft Registry “as a precautionary measure”. Ms
Moore was on her way to the United Nations Environment Assembly in the Kenyan
capital Nairobi. Ms Moore posted a message on social media the day before the
crash saying that she was looking forward to the conference. She wrote: “I’m
so excited to share that I’ve been selected to attend and am currently en
route to the @UNEnvironment Assembly in Nairobi, Kenya with @UNACanada and
#CanadaServiceCorps / #LeadersToday! I can’t wait to share what I’m learning
along the way.” Ms Moore graduated from Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, in
marine biology and oceanography in 2017. She took part in the Bios summer course
on the ecology and evolution of reef fish two years earlier. Bios said Ms Moore
was a member of environmental group Ocean Wise and a teacher at the charity
Canada Learning Code, as well as a volunteer for Canada’s Sea Turtle Centre. A
total of 149 passengers and eight crew were killed when the Boeing 737 Max 8
aircraft crashed about six minutes after take-off from Addis Ababa en route for
Nairobi. Paul Njoroge, a Kenyan who works at Butterfield Bank, lost his wife,
Caroline, children, Ryan 7, daughter, Kerry, 4, and baby daughter, Rubi, who was
7 months old, as well as his mother-in-law Ann Wangui Karanja. Mr Njoroge left
Bermuda on Monday to make the heartbreak trip back to his homeland. His family
were among 32 Kenyans who died in the crash, which also killed eight Americans
and seven Britons. Bermuda residents raised fears about the Boeing 737 Max 8
variant, which has been grounded by several carriers since the crash, being used
on Bermuda flights in the wake of the crash. A spokeswoman for airport operators
Skyport said the planes did not fly to and from the island. She added: “At
present, while other versions of the Boeing 737 are used regularly on flights to
and from Bermuda, no airline is operating the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft to
Bermuda on a scheduled basis.” David Soucie, a former US Federal Air
Administration safety inspector, told CNN that he was concerned about the safety
of the Max 8 variant after two fatal crashes in five months.
Shoppers flocked to
a Hamilton china store sale yesterday as the firm prepared to shut up shop after
175 years in the business. Melanie Hocking, 39, wanted to buy replacement china
for Greenbank Guesthouse in Paget, which is owned by her family, before
Bluck’s on Front Street closed its doors for the last time. Ms Hocking, said
that she was friends with the store’s owners, the Darling family, and was a
regular shopper. “I’ve been a lot since my wedding because we’ve been
slowly buying pieces,” she added. Ms Hocking said the closure of the store was
the “end of an era”. She explained: “I just like the traditions that it
sort of represented, like having family friends over for dinner or champagne in
really nice crystal glasses. I’m a traditional person, even though this is
quite a modern store.” Ms Hocking said that finding a new source for fine
china would be difficult. Carol Ashton, her mother, added: “For 40 years
we’ve been using Herend China at the guesthouse and I don’t know where
I’ll be getting it from now on. Herend isn’t an inexpensive accessory to
have at a guesthouse but we pride ourselves on having it.” She added:
“It’s sad, but it’s a sign of the times. It’s an opportunity for
somebody else hopefully. The store attracted repeat customers as well as
first-time buyers for the first day of its 50 per cent off liquidation sale.
Omar Dill, 31, said that the liquidation gave him the opportunity to buy a
porcelain vase from the store for the first time. He explained: “I’ve never
been here before. This is the first time ever. It’s all about value for money
— why not take advantage of it?” He said: “It’ll just be a little
something for my bathroom — I think it would look nice.” Mr Dill, from
Devonshire, said that the closure of the store was down to the growth of online
shopping at the expense of traditional stores. He explained: “If you look at
all the big stores in America, the same thing’s happening because
everything’s online. You can look at Sears, Walmart — if it’s not on
Amazon, it’s not worth it.” Peter Hebberd, from Pembroke, who worked at
Bluck’s for more than 20 years, said he had a personal connection through “a
lot of legacy”. He added: “I worked here for 21 years and my mother started
here in 1935, so I’m very sad to see it go.” The 63-year-old started in the
store at 13 and later moved into advertising for Bluck’s until he left in
1989. Mr Hebberd, now with advertising agency AAC, still visited the store to
see former colleagues and add to his collection of porcelain animals. He said:
“It’s a shame that something that’s been an institution of 175 years has
to go.” Mr Hebberd agreed the closure was a sign of changed shopping habits.
He said: “It’s just a different age, sadly.” He added: “You can’t take
the place of an institution like this — it’s just not possible.” Peter
Darling, the owner of Bluck’s, was not available for comment.
A
$2 entrance fee has been imposed at Bermuda’s oldest church, The Royal Gazette
can reveal. St Peter’s Anglican Church in St George’s said the charge had to
be made to help maintain the church and keep it open for visitors during the
week because a voluntary donation scheme did not work. Gillian Outerbridge,
the parish administrator, said: “We relied for a long time on people donating
out of the good of their spirit, but they don’t. I’m amazed at the lengths
people will go to just to not donate. Pretend not to see the box, pretend not to
see the sign. At the end of last summer I put up a sign that said ‘Entry by
Donation’, and still people are pretending not to see the sign.” Ms
Outerbridge said the church took in about $45,000 per year from visitor
donations — about 60 cents a head. She added that the $2 entrance fee would
help the church become more self-sufficient. Ms Outerbridge said: “I won’t
be going out begging for money all the time.” She explained St Peter’s
problem was that it was caught between being a parish church serving its
congregation and a “business with nothing to sell”. She said: “There has
to be someone in the office all the time if the church is open, so we have an
administrator. We have a treasurer. The priest is in and out. If this was just a
parish church, there would be no one here. The administrator could volunteer
three days a month, whereas here it’s a full-time position. Ms Outerbridge
added: “We have 50 light bulbs in the church, so when we’re open, that’s
50 lights burning.” She said the church had already cut its opening hours to
help reduce expenses, but that the church buildings required expensive
maintenance. “We just booked to have the church hall tented, and that’s
$6,000. It has got termites, and I feel the need to protect the church from
infestation. There are also all sorts of extra things we would like to do. If
you go to the old black cemetery, it needs steps or possibly even a ramp. The
entire exterior wall needs painting and grouting. We have applied to the Unesco
fund, so we will hopefully hear back this month how much they are allocating.
Whatever they give us will go straight into the building. The museums down in St
George’s are closed most of the time because Government took their financing
away. They were giving them about the same amount they had been giving us, which
meant they had someone there to open the museums. It’s no good people
complaining about St George’s being dead and quiet and closed up. We don’t
have the money to stay open. One of the reasons why we have been able to stay
open is our wonderful volunteers. They give two hours a week, and they are so
devoted to the church — they don’t even all attend the church.” Ms
Outerbridge added that she hoped to have the church back to pristine condition
before next year, when the island celebrates the 400th anniversary of the first
sitting of Parliament. “It is where they held the first sitting of Parliament.
The 400th anniversary is coming up in 2020 and we’re already planning a
special service to mark that on August 1, 2020. One of the reasons we are
fundraising now is we want the church to be in first-class shape. We have
invited Prince Charles to return, and it has not been declined, which is
apparently a good sign.”
Bermuda will be off a European Union blacklist of non-cooperative tax
jurisdictions by May, the Premier predicted yesterday. David Burt said: “The
next meeting is in May and in the short interim period we will continue to make
sure member states are clear that Bermuda is compliant and that our legislation
is fully in force and is being implemented. It is important to recognise that we
do not anticipate any sanctions against Bermuda as a jurisdiction and there will
be no impact on any rights of travel or otherwise that Bermudians currently
enjoy. This listing is for tax purposes only.” He was speaking after Bermuda
was added to the list yesterday by the EU’s Economic and Financial Affairs
Council in Brussels. Mr Burt admitted Bermuda’s inclusion was a “setback”.
However, he said he was confident that the island would “soon be removed from
this list”. The revised list was approved yesterday by EU member states, but
the British representative told the meeting that jurisdictions should be removed
“as soon as possible after they have demonstrated they are compliant”. The
meeting was told: “The UK notes that Bermuda has legislated to address the
issue identified. In light of this, we expect Bermuda, and other compliant
jurisdictions, to be removed from the list at the next available opportunity.”
Premier
David Burt said
Bermuda was “preparing for any outcome” after Reuters reported that the
island would be added to the European Union’s tax havens blacklist today.
EU finance ministers will meet today to confirm additions to the list, intended
to combat tax avoidance by multinational companies and wealthy individuals. The
Premier said last night that the Government was aware of the report. “We have
been monitoring events closely for several days and have continued to engage at
the highest levels of the various groups within the EU that play a role in the
decision-making process,” Mr Burt said. “Our message has been a clear and
simple one: Bermuda is compliant and met the required standard before any
recommendations were considered. We have had some support in making that case
and we have spared no efforts in doing so. Tomorrow’s meeting is an important
one and we are preparing for any outcome.” Reuters reported that Britain had
at first pushed other EU states not to include Bermuda on the list of
jurisdictions said to be not co-operative on tax matters. However, the agency
said that the British lifted their objections after the European Commission
argued that the island had been “playing games” to dodge EU requirements.
The information was said to come from minutes of a meeting of EU ambassadors
held last Friday. The Reuters report added: “Bermuda was required to change
its tax rules by the end of February, but added new loopholes in revised
legislation and did not provide a final text by the deadline, the Commission
said, according to the document.” The agency report said that Barbados, Aruba
and the Arab Sultanate of Oman are also on the expanded draft list, as well as
“other jurisdictions in the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean”. The report
added the United Arab Emirates was also on the draft list, but is likely to be
dropped, because of support from Italy, whose representative argued that the UAE
should be given until the end of this year to change its rules and comply with
EU tax standards. It is not clear what the consequences of blacklisting would
be, as EU states have not yet agreed on sanctions. But stricter controls on
financial transactions with the EU appear likely. Bermuda’s Economic Substance
Act, which became law at the end of last year, was designed to address EU
concerns about offshore shell companies used by multinationals to cut their tax
bills elsewhere. Mr Burt added: “Bermuda remains a jurisdiction of choice and
our reputation of sound regulation and adherence to the highest standards has
been validated across many assessments over several years. We are confident that
whatever the outcome of tomorrow’s meeting in Brussels, the reputation will be
maintained and an economic substance regime, compliant with the EU’s
requirements, will continue to be implemented.”
The
new bus schedule will come into force on Monday, the transport minister said yesterday. Zane
DeSilva added that the new schedule, which has taken 17 years to produce, will
be adjusted over the next 18 months if needed. He said the schedule was designed
to run with 50 buses, out of a potential 80, while the Department of
Transport’s ageing fleet is repaired or replaced. But one bus driver told The
Royal Gazette: “It’s all politics. The operators don’t have any
control over the politics. It doesn’t matter which government is in power,
none of them are adding extra buses to the fleet, which is what we really need.
It’s expensive, but we need new buses. They want to run this schedule with 50
buses. What they are trying to do with the new schedule is to reduce the number
of cancellations, and the amount of overtime, so they are running buses every
half an hour rather than every 15 minutes.” Another bus operator predicted:
“When the buses come from Dockyard to Hamilton during the tourist season there
will be people on the route who have to make work by 9am in Hamilton, but they
will be waiting a long time because the buses will be full. You will watch one
bus go by, two, three. Just you wait and see what happens.” Mr DeSilva, who is
also tourism minister, announced the implementation of the schedule at the
Transport Control Department in Pembroke, flanked by Roger Todd, the director of
the DPT, and Chris Furbert, the president of the Bermuda Industrial Union. He
said: “Hard work and open communication allowed us to devise solutions that
benefit bus operators and the Bermuda public, and can be sustained with our
current fleet of buses.” Two memorandums of understanding have been signed
between the DPT and BIU, which will allow for monitoring and adjustment of the
schedule and a definition of night work for drivers. Mr Todd said: “Over the
next 18 months, the DPT will monitor the performance of the new schedule and
make adjustments where appropriate to deliver a dependable, quality bus service.
The agreement provides for regular review of the new bus schedule, the work
rosters and new bus purchases. The second MOU defines night work for the bus
operators, and will provide clarity for the development for future work rosters.
The introduction of the new 50-bus schedule will greatly assist in eliminating
the daily cancellations that have plagued the bus service in recent years. As
additional buses come on line, through new purchases and out of service repairs,
we will expand the bus service on those routes with the greatest demand.” Mr
Todd added: “The public bus schedule will be the same all year round except
that, for the purpose of organising the bus operators work shifts, the winter
bus schedule includes school runs and the summer bus schedule does not.” The
new schedule does not tackle demand for late night transport after the
introduction of roadside breath test checkpoints, Mr Todd said. He added: “The
new schedule does not extend hours of operation of the existing schedule.” The
introduction of the schedule was postponed twice in January. Mr Furbert said
there had been problems with the reduction of 104 rosters down to 80, and with
the definition of night work. He added: “The department and union have sat
down and sorted out those rosters to a degree that is satisfactory to the
membership, recognizing that we still have our challenges. We will look at the
schedule on a monthly basis and see if any changes need to be made. After the
18-month period we have to look at what kind of bus schedule will we have going
forward. The MOU is critical: the management team and BIU have to look at that
in good faith and ensure the operators’ hours of work are respected in
relation to their day-to-day work.”
Members
of the media have been asked to tell the Government about how they can help
highlight its work. The Cabinet Office issued a request for information as
it sought “new avenues” for sharing news with the public. A notice published
on the Government of Bermuda’s website said its Department of Communications
wanted creative ideas on how policies, initiatives and statements can be
highlighted. It said the RFI aimed to gather information from interested parties
about the market to help determine “future purchasing options or
requirements”. The notice explained: “The Department of Communications is
looking to work with local media outlets to create new avenues to share news and
information with the public. The department wants to hear creative and diverse
suggestions on how your organisation can help us to reach your audiences. The
objective of this request for information is to get the right information to the
right people at the right time. The department will determine which mix of
opportunities will be used for each message or campaign based on the
communications requirements and the options provided by media outlets.”
Organisations were asked: “What services can your company provide that will
highlight ministerial statements that are read in the House of Assembly on
Fridays? What services can your company provide that will highlight new
government policies? What services can your company provide that will showcase
new and existing initiatives? How can you work with the Department of
Communications to create new programmes to highlight the Government’s
messages? What social-media opportunities and skills exist in your company that
will help to connect the Government’s programmes and messages with your
audiences?” The RFI, which can be viewed on the procurement notice page of the
government website, was issued on March 1 with a deadline of March 29. A Cabinet
Office spokeswoman said yesterday the communications department was “looking
at new ways to partner with local media outlets”. She said target audiences
would also be considered when decisions were made about which “mix of
opportunities” was needed for each message. The RFI came after the Department
of Workforce Development confirmed this year it abandoned plans to hire a PR
firm to spread its message. Businesses were asked to submit tenders last October
for a “public education and awareness campaign” designed to generate a
better image for the service. Targets for the scheme included roadshows, career
fairs and “at least one positive story” a week in news outlets and social
media. The request for quotations said the department wanted to “demonstrate
to the community that the department was making positive steps to ensure people
were employed, trained and certified”. A government spokeswoman said in
January that the department had decided not to go ahead with the contract and
would instead “look to utilize internal resources to promote” its work.
Requests
from the public for information have hindered the work of the Ministry of
Health, the House of Assembly heard yesterday. Kim Wilson, the health
minister, said staff were “disproportionately burdened” by questions
submitted under public access to information laws. She said that the ministry
“fully supports the spirit and intent of Pati, and go to more lengths than
most to provide accountability and transparency to the public” through its
website, briefs and newsletters. But she added: “Pati implementation is costly
and draws resources away from material public health needs.” Ms Wilson said
her ministry had handled 17 Pati request so far this year — including seven
internal reviews. She added that some information requests have been open for
more than a year. Ms Wilson said: “These absorb a tremendous amount of staff
time and resource that is out of proportion to any possible benefit to the
public.” She highlighted a single Pati request that took “in excess” of
337 hours to complete and had cost the Government more than $20,000. Ms Wilson
said: “This cannot possibly have been the intent of Pati. I would have much
preferred to have given that $20,000 to a rest home or to a homeless programme.
But instead the public money was spent on satisfying the curiosity of one
requester — and it is a regrettable usage of the public’s money.”
The
former chief executive of the Bermuda Health Council is to take legal action
over her “termination”, she revealed today. Tawanna Wedderburn, who was
pushed out of her post last December, said she had asked for judicial review
proceedings against David Burt, the Premier, Kim Wilson, the health minister,
the BHeC and Alicia Stovell-Washington, the chairwoman of the council. Ms
Wedderburn said: “Since this all began I have been bombarded on the streets of
Bermuda with well wishes and enquiries about ‘the real story’. My e-mail box
is overflowing with encouraging messages from as far away as the Caribbean,
Europe and North America. Social media is rife with speculation about the
political undertones of the of the case and who is really behind it. All this
time, I have been silent. Until now.” The BHeC’s official line at the time
was that there had been a “separation of employment”. Ms Wedderburn’s
departure from the council led to questions in the House of Assembly a week
after it was announced. She added that “there were a series of press releases
from the BHeC and the ministry defending their respective positions on the
matter” in January. Ms Wedderburn’s husband Livingston later released his
account of what had happened and claimed she had been fired without warning. A
law firm acting for the BHeC said in January that Ms Wedderburn’s employment
was “terminated lawfully by the council in full compliance with section
18(1)(b) of the Employment Act 2000, the Bermuda Health Council Act 2004, and
her contract of employment which calls for one-month notice of termination”.
It said she was paid her notice and offered six months pay and benefits “in
good faith”. Ms Wedderburn said: “I ask everyone in Bermuda to watch the
process and take an interest in how these matters unfold as I defer to our
judicial system. I extend my sincere gratitude to everyone for their support and
encouragement; it has given me the strength, focus and courage to get to this
point. May we all benefit from the result.” The Bermuda Health Council in 2017
reduced fees for MRI and CT scans carried out at Bermuda Healthcare Services in
Paget and Brown-Darrell Clinic in Smith’s, operated by Ewart Brown, a doctor
and former premier. The decision angered Dr Brown, who sent a series of strongly
worded e-mails to Ms Wedderburn and other public officials about the cuts, as
revealed in a public access to information disclosure by the Ministry of Health
last year. He singled out Ms Wedderburn and two other public servants a year ago
as he announced the closure of the Brown-Darrell clinic because of the fee cuts.
Dr Brown said at a press conference: “Remember these names. Jennifer
Attride-Stirling, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Health. Tawanna
Wedderburn, CEO of the health council, and Ricky Brathwaite, so-called health
economist. I want you to remember those names.” The ruling Progressive Labour
Party said the slashing of the fees was an “economic vendetta” against Dr
Brown by the One Bermuda Alliance government. The PLP administration later
handed over $820,000 in public cash to Dr Brown as compensation, with another
payout of $420,000 expected.
During
the sleepy days of winter, local businesses can struggle for much needed foot
traffic. Entrepreneur Richard Spencer has a solution for that — his new online
marketplace Amazuda.bm. The 29-year-old launched the website three weeks ago
as a platform for local businesses to sell their wares. “They will have their
products seen by more people than they normally would,” he said. “The
website might get 500 to 1,000 views a day.” It’s free for vendors to use
Amazuda; Mr Spencer makes his money by taking a 15 per cent commission from what
is sold. “Some people have said it is fair and some think that’s high,” he
said. “That is the percentage Amazon.com takes. We will handle all the
customer interaction. We will help if someone needs help uploading products. We
will also be helping sellers with marketing techniques. For a limited time we
are including a delivery at no charge.” He decided to start Amazuda after
creating a furniture sales website, spencerdeals.com, last year. “I’ve
always been an entrepreneur at heart and saw that the prices of furniture in
Bermuda were so high,” he said. “I had also sold furniture at one of my
previous jobs. I came up with the concept of selling them locally online to save
on costs and offer furniture at better prices.” Spencerdeals.com surpassed its
projected first-year revenue mark. Emboldened by its success, Mr Spencer decided
he wanted to start something similar to Amazon.com, but importing everything
under the sun to Bermuda wasn’t realistic. “I thought, ‘Why not get people
who already sell those products in Bermuda to sell them on the website?’” he
said. “It gives them a platform. Businesses can upload their own products, do
their own descriptions, and control their own categories.” Amazuda sells not
only physical products, but also services and vouchers. “In some restaurants
Tuesday nights can be dead,” he said. “You could put a voucher on Amazuda
offering one starter and one main, for $60, for example.” He envisages
customers automatically checking the site for vouchers before deciding where
they are going for the evening. “The idea is to help businesses when they are
struggling through quiet times to get people through the door,” he said. “It
is funny that the first website I ever did construct was Bermudacoupon.com. Now
I am back on Amazuda selling vouchers. I always thought Bermuda needed something
like this. I always felt like there was a gap in the market. When I am in the
UK, and go out to eat or go on an excursion, the first thing we do is check
Groupon.com to see what deals are on.” He also hopes it will become a donation
pathway for local charities. “That way anyone in the world can donate,” he
said. Mr Spencer has purchased a van for the business, so he can make deliveries
for larger companies. The most challenging thing for him about setting up
Amazuda was getting everything in place so that the website could accept debit
or credit cards. He is entirely self taught in the online business arena. “I
learnt through trial and error and by Googling and YouTubing stuff,” he said.
“I have always liked building websites and things like that.” He bought and
sold his first domain name, Americagold.com, at age 16. “It eventually sold
for $3,000,” he said. “But I’d long sold it by then.” At 18, he started
creating a series of websites bermudacoupon.com, wayasaying.com and
bermudate.com. “At the time I didn’t have a lot of money to pump into them
to make them successful,” he said. “It was just a hobby. But I learnt a lot
from doing those things. What’s different this time is this is owned by an
incorporated company. Everything has been done by the book. The previous
websites were just side projects and ideas I worked on. I wasn’t as happy with
the final product on those sites as I am on this one which is why I didn’t
pursue them further.” Now he calls Amazuda his baby.
A
31-year-old man denied two charges of sex assault on a woman, when he appeared
in court. It is alleged that the man, who cannot be named for legal reasons,
committed the offences on February 14, in Pembroke and Southampton. It was
further alleged in Magistrates’ Court that the man, from Pembroke, punched and
hit the woman with a belt on March 5 in Pembroke. Magistrate Maxanne Anderson
adjourned the case until April 8, and released the defendant on $3,000 bail. Ms
Anderson also ordered the man to wear an electronic monitoring device, have no
contact with the alleged victim and report to Hamilton Police Station twice a
week.
An
online shopping platform will be introduced by the Bermuda Post Office to
increase revenue, according to Walton Brown, the Minister for the Cabinet
office. This will allow customers to purchase products and have them
delivered through the post office network. Mr Brown added: “We will also be
looking to increase revenues by expanding our courier services.” He said the
Express Mail Service will also be improved. Mr Brown said products would be
marketed to increase awareness of EMS products available and that the post
office also aimed to increase its EMS global ranking. He said the post office
was also in the process of change, with the first stage of the new postal
solution to be completed in May. “This will allow for the phasing out of six
legacy systems into one system, integration.” He said the integration of
systems would allow for an IBS platform which would decrease the length of time
it took to process transactions. He explained that IBS software is used globally
and managed by the Universal Postal Union to record and track mail volumes
between jurisdictions. Mr Brown said the new postal solution would also enable
new products and allow the post office to manage operations more effectively
with real time reporting of operation and financial data. Better technology
would include touchscreen kiosks and public wi-fi at the post offices. The post
office should be ready for e-commerce by 2020 and is expected to undergo several
reviews this year in preparation. The goal was to move the post office to a more
customer service oriented and sustainable service. Susan Jackson, the Opposition
Whip and Shadow Minister of Government Reform, asked Mr Brown for information on
the cost to purchase the technology needed for the online platform. Ms Jackson
added: “I’m just curious how the post office is preparing for that kind of
added demand on their day-to-day operations.” She asked if the plan meant
there would be a need for an overseas facility. Ms Jackson also asked if any
studies had been conducted to determine if there was a demand for the online
shopping platform. Mr Brown said that there had been an assessment carried out.
He added: “There is high demand for online services. That’s why we decided
to go this route. The consolidation of packages would be outsourced to an
overseas company. The cost of an online shopping platform would cost much less
than $200,000."
Applications
for new services under Bermuda’s basic healthcare package have been put on
hold while talks to change the scheme take place. Healthcare providers were
advised of a moratorium on requests in a memo from the Bermuda Health Council
last week as the Government considers ways to reform how the island pays for its
treatment. It was hoped discussions among stakeholders would lead to more equal
access to care for everyone. The memo said: “The Bermuda Health Council and
Ministry of Health are currently reviewing the Standard Health Benefit programme
as part of initiatives for system and financing reform. The goal being for all
residents to have equitable access to essential care. To ensure that any updates
to the SHB programme align to outcomes to be determined through the reform
strategy, a moratorium will be placed on all provider-submitted SHB applications
for new services until further notice.” Dr. Ricky Brathwaite, acting chief
executive of the BHeC and its director of health economics, said last night the
missive was issued last Wednesday to let providers know the council was working
with other stakeholders on a review of the SHB package. He said: “This
redesign is part of initiatives under health system and financing reform. Once
we complete discussions on the redesigned SHB package for 2020 and how much it
should cost, we will lift the moratorium to accept applications for those newly
defined service areas. New health services can still continue to be added
through coverage from our local insurers, despite the moratorium on SHB. The
majority of non-hospital providers receive their reimbursement in this non-SHB
way.” Standard health benefits are the services that must be included in every
health insurance policy. They include some hospital and outpatient care, home
medical services and diagnostic imaging services. Dr Brathwaite said examples of
services that had been added over time included end-of-life palliative care as
well as education and training for chronic disease management. The Government is
looking at ways to rein in the unsustainable cost of healthcare and a recent
briefing note, issued alongside the BHeC, explained that the Ministry of Health
planned to move towards a “single-payment mechanism” for the Bermuda
Hospitals Board, as opposed to the current “activities-based approach”. It
is hoped the move will “put our healthcare system on a more sustainable path
and strengthen it for the future”. The note explained that the new style of
payment better supported the BHB’s objectives, which were to improve
efficiency and achieve the best outcomes and access to care. The approach could
result in health system cost savings of about $20 million over the next year,
which would be used to minimize SHB premium increases and invest in programmes
for prevention and primary care. MPs are expected to debate the 2019-20 health
budget today. The House of Assembly is also understood to be covering Bills that
amended taxes on land, financial services and the purchase of foreign currency.
The
creation of the Bermuda Insurance Exchange is an example of the rapidly changing
digital landscape, and transformations in how businesses and customers interact.
“What we are seeing with insurance and other industries, is that we are going
through a digital transformation. Blockchain is just one of the components of
it. We are starting to see IoT [Internet of Things] and telematics on top of our
platform also,” said Ryan Rugg, global head of insurance at R3 Corda. She was
a speaker at the unveiling of ChainThat’s insurance exchange, which has been
described as the industry’s first distributed-ledger technology risk and
capital exchange. ChainThat is using the R3 Corda platform for the exchange. A
demonstration was given to about 80 businesspeople at the Hamilton Princess and
Beach Club last Tuesday. Ms Rugg said the reason for the wider digital
transformation of businesses is the changing expectations and preferences of
buyers. She said: “Look at the news today, we saw the Uber and Lyft started
their own insurance company. You are seeing millennials who don’t want to buy
insurance the same way they used to. So, why now is this going to work? Because
the economy has changed.” Two years ago, Ms Rugg and R3 launched the Centre of
Excellence for Insurers and Reinsurers, in partnership with the Association of
Cooperative Operations Research and Development. The centre harnesses the power
of collaborative networks through digital ledger technology with the financial
service industry. She highlighted the importance for a distributed ledger having
interoperability with banks, exchanges and other entities. At the Bermuda
Insurance Exchange demonstration event, David Edwards, chief executive officer
of ChainThat, led a real-time trial of how the exchange works. Three clients
were created, one a cedant, one a broker, and the other a reinsurer. On large
screens, the audience was shown the process of submitting a request for a
reinsurance contract, with messages sent back and forth as information was
shared, terms and quotes submitted, a selection made, and the transaction
completed. When changes were made to the data and contract, these were reflected
instantly on each participants’ screen, enabling them to be aware of where
things stood in the process. In the background, an audit history was being
created on a blockchain to record the various stages the transaction. A second
user-case example was demonstrated that showed how a claim could be processed on
the exchange. Mr Edwards said that by using digital ledger technology, processes
could be streamlined and expense ratios reduced. “Our plan here is not to
change the world and business models today, [but] let’s support the existing
models — the way reinsurance works,” he said. The demonstration was an
example of a reinsurance deal, however, it is intended that the exchange will
also encompass the likes of insurance-linked securities and industry loss
warranties in future stages. ChainThat is headquartered in London. It is backed
by Bermudian-registered consulting and managed services company Xceedance, with
which it works strategically and operationally. It is setting up a steering
committee for the Bermuda Insurance Exchange, and user groups of up to 20
companies to take part in a six-month production trial, starting in July. Mr
Edwards said: “ChainThat isn’t here to run the network. It needs to be
Bermuda that is governing this. In terms of the trial, we are looking at a
light-touch governance.” He said if it wasn’t right for Bermuda, it would be
better to fail fast and not invest too much time and effort. However, he added:
“We are confident that it is right. We are going to set up the trial
governance, the Bermuda steering committee, the people who want to drive Bermuda
forward, drive this type of market solution forward. That will be done with
ChainThat partners, participants, and regulators. We are looking for people who
trade together, or want new trade, to start to work together on this. It will
all be out of Bermuda.” Explaining why it was being done in Bermuda, rather
than elsewhere, he said: “This has been a great experience for the last six
months; actually meeting people in Bermuda, expressing what we are trying to do,
starting off as a trading platform, evolving into a risk exchange. “London is
lots of committees and everything is very slow. The fact is, people here work
together, they see people at weekends, everyone gets on. It is just a different
environment. The way the Government is trying to bring fintech, insurtech, and
blockchain to the island — it is the ideal place where we can actually achieve
something.” ChainThat intends to meet with participants for the production
trial later this month.
An
iconic Front Street fixture will give shoppers the chance to buy a piece of
history when its stock goes up for sale tomorrow. Bluck’s of Bermuda will
open its doors to the public after the 175-year-old china, crystal and antiques
shop ceased trading last month. The company said its closure was a sign of
changing lifestyles and spending habits. Peter Darling, who represents the third
generation of his family to run the store, reflected yesterday on the boom times
as he insisted every effort was made to stop the firm from going bust. He said:
“We tried as hard as we could, we got down to the point where we have had no
cleaners for the past ten years. We hadn’t been buying any packaging, bags or
boxes for ten years, we’ve just reused the ones that came to us.” Mr Darling
added: “The fact that we survived for 175 years, I think, deserves a little
bit of credit. Most local Bermuda retailers do it for the love of it. I would
say the glory days of retail — when we actually made money — ended in the
1990s.” The shop started as a hardware store when it was founded by William
Bluck in 1844. Leslie Darling, Mr Darling’s grandfather, bought and took over
the business in 1942 after the death of his business partner, John Bluck. At its
height it operated eight premises from St George’s to Dockyard and employed 42
staff. Three full-time and two part-time employees remained when it closed. Mr
Darling, who was the recent managing director and majority owner, recalled
“amazing sales”. He said: “Back in 2005 to 2006 I was commissioned to do a
500-piece dinner service with 22-carat gold overlay. That was from a regular
visitor to Bermuda who had been coming for 40 years. They had been coming to
Bluck’s and finally sold their company for billions of dollars and wanted
something magnificent in their new magnificent home.” Mr Darling also told how
a visiting Saudi Arabian family ordered 300 Waterford Crystal glasses as well as
“very expensive” china platters in Royal Crown Derby and Herend Porcelain to
be delivered for use during their stay at what is now the Fairmont Southampton.
He was also proud of the afternoon tea set created with prestigious Herend
Porcelain after a commission from the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club for its
Crown and Anchor restaurant. Mr Darling, who said his Rolodex of Bluck’s staff
members since 1942 is like “the whole phone book of Bermuda”, described
recent weeks as horrific but said messages from well-wishers had been like
therapy. He explained: “The community at large have been 100 per cent kind,
supportive and understanding. They have written very kind letters to us and
called. It’s sort of like the death of your favourite grandparent —
everybody knew it was going to happen but when it did, it took everybody by
surprise.” Liquidators from KPMG have arranged a stock sale to start from 2pm
tomorrow. It was hoped the shop will open in the afternoons and evenings for the
rest of the week. Mr Darling said that as well as the china and crystal ware,
customers will also have the chance to purchase antique furniture used to
display items from 1750 onwards. He added: “It’s a wonderful opportunity to
buy a decent piece of furniture but also to buy a piece of history.” Somers
Cooper, the managing director of the retail chain AS Cooper & Sons, said:
“The demise of Bluck’s is a shame, but not unexpected. No one likes to see a
fixture like Bluck’s disappear, but in their case it was china and crystal,
which has been sinking for some time.” His own business was originally built
around high-end “tabletop” merchandise, Mr Cooper said, which today brings
in about 5 per cent of sales. He added: “Consumer tastes have changed. The
retail landscape is constantly changing. It’s up to retailers to adapt. It’s
all about trying to have exclusive brands and for the right price. There’s a
lot of talk about Amazon, but we can still beat their price every day of the
week. Brick and mortar retail is really important to any community. When any
store closes, the community loses a bit of its soul.” He claimed there was
“nobody working harder these days” than Bermuda’s retailers. Mr Cooper
said: “Hopefully, the public can be more aware of how important local retail
is. It keeps our brothers, sisters and cousins working. People still talk about
missing the big stores like Trimingham’s and Smith’s. It was a big loss for
Bermuda.”
Several
human resource departments across government entities will be phased out as part
of a Government reform initiative, Minister of Cabinet Office Walton Brown said.
Mr Brown stated the new Department of Employee and Organizational
Development is the first step in restructuring government-wide delivery of human
resource services. He said HR services are now delivered in a disperse and
fragmented manner which results in “a duplication of efforts, inconsistent
service delivery and a long amount of time to execute basic functions such as
the recruitment of staff”. The first phase of the restructuring is the
amalgamation of human resource services to one department to be led by a chief
employee and organisation development officer. Mr Brown told the House of
Assembly on Wednesday that the department will have 21 staff members initially,
comprising staff from other areas such as the Cabinet Office and the
Accountant-General Department. He said in the next two phases existing HR staff
and associated funding will be transferred to the new department. HR functions
from the Bermuda Police Department, the Fire and Rescue Services, the Ministry
of Public Works, the Post Office, the Department of Education, Department of
Public Transport will all go to this new department. Mr Brown explained: “Once
all posts and post holders have been successfully transferred to the new
department, existing positions will no longer exist.” He said with this new
department there will be improvement in the provision of human resource services
and accountability. “The new structure will cause a proactive approach to
industrial and employee relations, reduce time to recruit and modernize
workforce planning and recruitment processes,” Mr Brown added. Susan Jackson,
the Opposition Whip and Shadow Minister of Government Reform, said that she
supported the idea of the restructure of the HR department. She asked: “I
guess my big question is, what is actually going to be different and how are you
going to restructure? The Budget book looks very traditional to me.” Ms
Jackson said that the HR department needed to have “very close scrutiny — so
that we’re able to provide the best support so that this does not just become
a reshuffling of the deck”. She added: “This is an amazing opportunity for
Bermuda and Bermudians. I wouldn’t want us to squander our funds at a time
when we really have an opportunity to invest and escalate the skill set of
Bermudians in this situation.” Mr Brown said that the move “was a complete
restructure of the entire enterprise”. He added: “We will be able to get
economies of scale into the delivery of HR services and we’ll be able to
fine-tune policy across the spectrum and bring about greater unanimity of
functions in the delivery of HR services.” Mr Brown said that the “gradual
process” would take place over a series of months.
Discarded
equipment from the airport’s days as a US Naval Air Station has been
discovered by workers preparing to set up a sun-powered energy plant. Home
affairs minister Walter Roban said the disused runway which juts into Castle
Harbour, known as “the finger”, contained disused fuel tanks and other
“strange equipment” which needed careful handling. The Government has said
it wanted to have the solar plant online “well before the end of the upcoming
fiscal year”. Mr Roban told the House of Assembly on Friday that future
commercial projects would have “Bermudians first as principal investors”. He
added: “Even if they are partnered with overseas persons, they should be first
in line”. A Canadian based firm, Saturn Power, is spearheading the runway
project, which will be Bermuda’s first renewable energy plant. The minister,
who was debating the Department of Energy’s budget for 2019-20, said the
department would move from annual energy summits to twice a year and more effort
would be put into public information. Mr Roban told the House that a satellite,
run as a joint venture between the companies SES and EchoStar, operated in the
island’s space slot. But he said: “At the moment, Bermuda is not earning any
revenue from that.” Mr Roban explained that the US Federal Communications
Commission prohibited non-American satellites from transmitting into North
America. But he said the space industry had changed and there was now potential
for the island to use its satellite slot to provide marine services. Mr Roban
added that a rebate to encourage solar thermal and solar photovoltaic power for
lower value homes, launched in October 2018, has seen an extra 22 kilowatts
installed to date, with another 90 kilowatts due to come on stream. He said the
Department of Energy has also taken over responsibility for telecommunications,
with its expenditure of $280,000 reflecting an additional $97,000 over last
year’s figure to cover the addition of a new member of staff. The
department’s operating budget is unchanged, but revenue is to rise with new
acquisitions such as the spectrum band fees of $2.48 million. Mr Roban said the
Government has decided to take on an in-house energy manager rather than using
an overseas consultant. He added putting a manager in place earlier could have
resulted in “considerable savings”. The minister told MPs he had heard from
Belco customers who were surprised to find a fuel surcharge on their power bill
that was bigger than their expenditure on electricity. Mr Roban said:
“That’s a real concern, and we are discussing that with the Regulatory
Authority.” He also encouraged people to take advantage of the department’s
programme of helping exchange old incandescent light bulbs with energy saving
LEDs. Mr Roban said LEDs were more expensive but that “you can see their
impact within a couple of billing cycles”.
People
who abandon boats will be hit by heavier fines under new legislation, transport
minister Zane DeSilva warned. Mr DeSilva told the House of Assembly on
Friday the existing fines are too low considering the cost to Government of
removing the boats. He said: “We are going to be looking to bring legislation
to change that. It may have been talked about last year, but I can assure you
that it will be done before this year’s over. The fee will be quite
substantial. You can imagine what it costs to remove a boat. It takes barges and
cranes sometimes, so it ain’t going to be cheap. If you abandon a boat, you
will have to pay a price.” He added that Government will look at taking a
similar approach to abandoned cars. Mr DeSilva said he and his department had
received numerous calls about abandoned vehicles during his time as Minister of
Tourism and Transport. “Our department have responded very well and we
have been successful in removing cars, but it’s important for folks to know
it’s not as simple as removing abandoned cars. You can’t do much if someone
wants to keep vehicles or a boat in their yard.” The comments came during the
debate on the 2019-20 Budget for the Department of Marine and Ports, the
Transport Control Department and Department of Public Transport. Mr DeSilva
reiterated that an announcement about the new bus schedule would come next week,
and the schedule would cover an 18-month period. He said: “As soon as the
announcement is made next week, we will start working on the schedule in the
future. Hopefully we will see the end of cancellations, even with our fleet
reduced to 50 vehicles.” He said four new buses were delivered to the island
last year and the 14 buses bought in 2009 have been refurbished to extend their
operational life by another five years. Mr DeSilva said another eight buses have
been ordered and an RFP will be issued this year for the next generation of
buses. And he said work will be done to improve the passenger experience for
those who use Bermuda’s buses with continued training for staff and the
introduction of electronic fare systems. Leah Scott, the deputy Opposition
leader, also questioned Mr DeSilva about ride-sharing apps such as Uber and
Lyft, and asked if those were being considered for the island. Mr DeSilva said
the island does have Hitch, which allows customers to order registered taxis,
and the upcoming Green Paper will tackle the issue of taxis among other aspects
of public transportation. He said: “I think we are all aware of the complaints
from people about taxi service in the country, and I think that the much talked
about Green Paper is coming much sooner than people think. I can’t say when
you are going to get it, but I will say that I have a draft.”
The
22nd edition of the Bermuda International Film Festival kicks off today Sunday
and Monday with a focus on emerging Bermudian film talent, including the
world premieres of two documentary films. The festival opens at 4pm on Sunday
with the world premiere of the documentary film The Isles of the Queen: Bermuda,
followed at 6pm by the sold-out special event, An Evening with Lana Young, and
then the Opening Party. On Monday, the always-popular BerMovies Day set of short
films begins at 6pm, while at 8pm the Sharon-Stone produced documentary, The
Cure, has its world premiere. The emerging section screenings on Sunday and
Monday, as well as the opening party take place in the Tradewinds Auditorium of
the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute. BIFF 2019 moves to Earl Cameron
Theatre, City Hall, Hamilton, from Tuesday March 12 through Sunday March 17.
Bermudian Dawn Zuill is also among the producers of The Cure, directed by
Emmanuel Itier, who has been attending the festival for more than a decade. The
film is a worldwide journey into healing the mind, the body, and healing the
planet. The transformative and inspirational documentary has been made to help
encourage a healthier life. It features Ms Stone, as well as Deepak Chopra, Mark
Wahlberg, Vandana Shiva, Sandra Ingerman, Michael Beckwith, Dr Sue Morter,
Master Sha, Niurka, Amit Goswami, Barbara De Angelis, Ervin Laszlo, and many
more. Director, Mr Itier has travelled to Bermuda, and will take part in an
audience Q and A session following the film. The Isles of the Queen: Bermuda,
also a world premiere at BIFF, was made by a German film production house with
the assistance of Bermudian filmmakers Lara Smith and Milton Raposo.
‘BerMovies Day’, on Monday at BUEI will feature Bermudian and Bermuda-based
short filmmakers – as well as filmmakers who shot some part of their film on
the island or otherwise have a connection to the island. Films featured are by
Bermudian animator Tashel Bean (The Adventures of Raz: Milk Roaches), UK-based
Bermudian director Rory Wilson (Prince Jodie, Cicatrix), Bermuda resident
director Alex Godfrey (Requiem: The Story of Bermuda’s Disappearing Sharks),
director Christopher Annino (Silent Times, partially shot in Bermuda), and
director Nora Jacobson (Raghead, written by former Bermuda resident Tom Coash).
A reception will follow the screenings. Also, on Monday March 11, filmmaker Mr
Itier will conduct a documentary master class from 10-11:30 am, while Bermudian
actress Ms Young will host an acting master class from 2-4 pm to help directors
get the most out of their cast members. The master classes will be held at
Speciality Cinema II. “BIFF 2019 is focused on supporting emerging Bermudian
actors, directors and producers”, said festival chair, Patrice Horner.
“I’d like to thank everyone for all the effort to pull together this
fabulous Film Festival for Bermuda and guests.” Festival tickets for BIFF
films, master classes and parties are on sale now at Biff.ptix.bm.
Containers
stuck on the Somers Isles cargo ship from Wednesday were removed on
Friday, the CEO of Polaris Holdings said. Some items were not removed from
the ship on Wednesday because one of the docks’ two cranes broke down. The
crane is one of two used to unload ships. Perishables and other priority items
were taken off the ship on Wednesday. The Somers Isles had to move away
from the offloading area to allow another ship on Thursday and the remainder of
its container load were removed on Friday. Mr Jones, whose firm is the parent of
dock operators Stevedoring Services, said the broken crane did not halt dock
operations but “just slows things down a bit.”
The
withdrawal of a midday flight by American Airlines could be because of a
“significant” increase in seat capacity by rival carriers Delta and JetBlue,
the president of Skyport said yesterday. Aaron Adderley said that airlines
“periodically recalibrate their seat capacity in response to demand, costs and
other route performance factors by either adjusting the frequency of flights or
the size of aircraft”. He was unable to say if the flight had been permanently
withdrawn. The Royal Gazette understands, however, that the flight will
not be brought back in the summer but that Skyport is in talks with the airline
about another potential service to Bermuda. Mr Adderley also highlighted that
JetBlue scheduled a 69 per cent increase in seat capacity from Boston and a 10
per cent increase from JFK last year. He was speaking after Zane DeSilva, the
tourism minister, told the House of Assembly on Monday that there could be
problems with retention of the present level of flights to Bermuda. Mr DeSilva
told Michael Dunkley, a One Bermuda Alliance backbencher, that the midday
American Airlines flight to New York City’s JFK airport had been withdrawn. He
warned there could be “a few more” if Skyport did not support marketing
drives to increase the number of flights. A Bermuda Tourism Authority forum was
told last month that the American Airlines cutback represented a four per cent
decrease in total airline capacity, or the number of flights, but total airline
seat capacity is up by 21 per cent. American Airlines has run two flights per
day from Bermuda since June 2016. A spokeswoman for the airline told The
Royal Gazette that the decision was part of the airline’s “continuous
evaluation of markets where we operate”. She added: “We are happy with our
current level of service to Bermuda and don’t have any plans for additional
service.” The spokeswoman declined to say if the two-flights-a-day schedule
would restart in the peak season. But a check of the American Airlines website
showed just one direct AA flight to JFK, at 8.30am, this summer. American
Airlines reduced the frequency of its flights from JFK in August from two
flights a day during the busier summer period to one flight a day. Mr Adderley
said: “Notwithstanding the adjustments made by these carriers, total air
visitor arrivals were up out of JFK, Boston and across all markets in 2018. This
is a testament to the efforts of the Bermuda Tourism Authority and the close
collaboration they, Skyport, the Bermuda Airport Authority and Government have
when it comes to air service development. Each of us share in the common goal of
increasing the number of air visitors and to that end, Skyport has always, and
shall continue to, invest its resources into realizing that important goal by
supporting air service initiatives.” Mr DeSilva said on Monday that because Mr
Dunkley, when premier, “signed off our airport for the next 30 years”, there
were “challenges now with the current airlines”. He added: “Let’s hope
we don’t lose more because of that agreement.” Kevin Dallas, chief executive
for the Bermuda Tourism Authority, said the decrease in capacity was discussed
at its 2019 Tourism Outlook Forum last month and a summary was sent to the
BTA’s industry partners on Wednesday. A Government spokesman said last night
that the BTA was responsible for boosting tourism and Skyport handled
operational flight matters, so the Ministry of Tourism and Transport
“typically” does not announce changes in flight traffic. He added: “As
such, the Ministry of Tourism and Transport can confirm that CEO Kevin Dallas of
the BTA, in August of last year announced that based on demand, American
Airlines was switching to its fall schedule earlier than expected. “This
resulted in the airline cutting flights back from two a day, to one a day out of
New York.”
Roadworks
are in place at the airport roundabout while construction takes place on the
entrance to the new passenger terminal building. Skyport said that part of
the work involves taking down the LF Wade International Airport sign. The
letters have been preserved and will be presented to the family of the late L.
Frederick Wade. A new sign will be installed at the new passenger terminal
building. The bus shelter at the roundabout will also be removed. The affected
area has been fenced off for security and safety purposes. Mikaela Pearman, the
marketing and communications officer for Skyport, said: “We would like to
thank the public in advance for their patience during this time. “The airport
redevelopment project continues to be on schedule, with significant milestones
reached, including the completion of the roof. We look forward to opening
Bermuda’s new world-class terminal next year.”
Progress
reports for public primary and middle school pupils due to have been sent out
today have been delayed another week. Kalmar Richards, the Commissioner of
Education, said in a letter sent to parents that reports could now be expected
next Friday. She added that the Department of Education was in talks with the
Bermuda Union of Teachers about the reports and “related matters”. Ms
Richards said: “During those meetings, the BUT asked that the deadline to
provide progress reports to parents be changed from March 8, 2019, to March 15,
2019. The Department of Education has agreed to honour this request. Principals
are working with teachers to ensure that the much-awaited progress reports are
provided to you by Friday, March 15, 2019. On behalf of the Department of
Education, I apologise for this delay and would like to thank you for your
patience and understanding.” The Department of Education and the BUT confirmed
the delay in a joint statement and pledged to work together to meet the new
deadline. Diallo Rabain, the Minister of Education, last month called on the BUT
“to place children first and to ensure parents receive progress reports in
hand on March 8”. Mr Rabain set the date in a press release on February 25.
The move came after the BUT passed a no-confidence vote in Ms Richards and
Valerie Robinson-James, the Permanent Secretary of Education. A press release
from the BUT said that the vote came after the union’s Annual General Meeting
“where members expressed dissatisfaction surrounding a series of decisions
which impact the Bermuda public school system”. Teachers have been locked in
conflict with the Government over a series of problems, including
standards-based grading.
The
health minister has called on parents to help raise safety standards in daycare
centres for children. Kim Wilson said that parents should share concerns
with the Ministry of Health to ensure daycare providers were registered,
licensed and up to standard. She added that the ministry was revamping the
childcare supervision system to provide “proper oversight” of the sector. Ms
Wilson told the House of Assembly yesterday: “We take the safety and
development of our children extremely seriously, which is why we have dedicated
our resources to this area. It is also why the ministry is appealing to our
parents to help us. We need to hear parents’ concerns about the care of their
children. Problems with a daycare centre or home will be handled confidentially.
While we would like to, we cannot be at every daycare, every day. But you are,
and can be our eyes and ears every day. Not only should you expect better care,
but you can ensure that your home daycare providers are registered and daycare
centres are licensed by the Ministry of Health. If they are not registered or a
daycare centre is not licensed, there will be no way for us to assure a level of
quality in the environment and the person caring for your children.” Ms
Wilson, who provided an overview on efforts to improve daycare supervision,
added: “We know there is much work to be done and I hope this update can serve
as a rallying call to everyone involved in these settings — staff, owners,
parents, daycare providers — to come together to help raise standards in the
care of our children.” The First Church of God daycare centre in Pembroke was
ordered to make a series of improvements last August after three toddlers got
out of the premises and wandered off by themselves. Heavenly Blessings Nursery
and Preschool in Pembroke was closed after a 12-month-old boy sustained a
serious head injury last October. The Supreme Court heard last month that owner
Vernesha Symonds was not licensed at the time. The Royal Gazette has requested
health and safety records for the island’s childcare centres under public
access to information in recent months, but only limited information has been
released. Ms Wilson told the House: “The ministry has been handling a Pati
request to release a number of documents concerning daycare centres and home
daycare providers. It makes sense. Our inspections provide one piece of
oversight of settings where our children spend the bulk of their day. We
absolutely understand the public’s interest in getting the full picture.”
But she added: “We need to be clear about the full process to ensure there is
context with the documentation. The inspections cover everything from the water,
fire certificate, ratios of teachers to children and qualifications of the
teachers. It’s an enormous job and the inspectors have to play both a
regulatory and a supporting role.” The minister said officers used their
reports to document requirements and shortcomings, make recommendations and note
if follow-ups were needed. “The inspection documents are not crafted notes.
They are points in time at a centre or home with follow-up sometimes occurring
by e-mail or phone. The point is, inspection forms will often only tell one part
of the story and not provide the outcome of the recommendations made. We are
constantly working to ensure compliance. Some of the documents that have been
requested require us to secure the consent of the affected parties. We are in
the process of writing to the centres and home providers to seek this
consent.” Ms Wilson added that closure of a daycare centre would have a
“crippling” impact on working families. “If we were to shut a daycare the
reasons must be imminent risk to children’s health and safety. This is the
same standard used in other jurisdictions. Our parents need the support of their
daycare and children need the consistency. We are always striking that
balance.”
Campaigners
for longer jail sentences for sex offenders are to meet the Attorney-General, it
was revealed yesterday. David Burt, the Premier, told the House of Assembly
that Juanae Crockwell, who organized a protest outside Parliament on March 1 to
demand longer sentences for those convicted of sex crimes, had met Kathy-Lynn
Simmons this week. He was speaking after Craig Cannonier, the Opposition leader,
raised the subject at Premier’s question time. Mr Cannonier also pressed Mr
Burt on why children linked to an investigation of abuse at the Department of
Child and Family Services had not been interviewed. Mr Burt said the case was
being dealt with as a disciplinary matter in the public service and it was not
appropriate to discuss it in Parliament. But the Premier agreed to let Mr
Cannonier know if other organisations had questioned young people about the
complaint. The complaints surfaced last year after allegations of mistreatment
by department staff. Scott Pearman, the Shadow Attorney-General, asked if Mr
Burt would back the appointment of an independent lawyer or judge to look into
the matter. The Premier said he would take it under advisement, but was not
prepared to make a commitment on the floor of the House. Mr Cannonier told The
Royal Gazette that the public demonstration showed increased concern over
the way the judicial system dealt with pedophiles. He highlighted the sentencing
of David Minors, who was jailed for five years last month for sex offences
against an underage boy. Puisne Judge Carlisle Greaves branded Minors “a wolf
in sheep’s clothing”, and Mr Cannonier said there were “other monsters out
there” who exploited positions of trust. Mr Cannonier added: “The main
concern is that our laws are not strong or retributive enough. We now have kids
within Child and Family Services being abused, and we still have not highlighted
the fact that they have not been interviewed.” Mr Cannonier said it was the
Premier’s responsibility to “pressure the departments involved to move
swiftly on this matter”. Premier’s question time, which began in July 2018,
allows half an hour for MPs from both sides of the House to quiz the Government
leader. It is held on the second Friday of every month. Mr Cannonier also
questioned proposed reforms to the municipalities and said the concerns of St
George’s residents were “starkly different” to those in Hamilton. Mr Burt
said that “although there are two corporations, there is one Municipalities
Act”. He insisted the corporations were not being dissolved, but changes would
mean “items which need to be done in the national interest could be tackled in
a more efficient way."
City
Hall was alive with the spirit of female equality and empowerment during the
celebration of International Women’s Day today. Female leaders from
the worlds of business, politics, law, diplomacy and charity gathered to
champion the achievements and acknowledge the struggles of women the world over.
Cathy Duffy, the first female country manager at AIG, outlined some of the
qualities that helped her to shatter the glass ceiling as a black woman. She
said: “How is it that in 2019, it is still rare for a double minority like me
to be in a leadership position? According to global data, out of every 100
executives only 25 are women. Out of the same 100, regardless of gender, five
are black. So how did a little black girl from Cedar Hill and White Hill get
here? With a lot of faith, determination, continuous learning, patience,
gratitude and most certainly not by myself. I have a tribe of diverse people
here today. By being with a diverse group of people I learnt how to be open to
diversity of thought, to be willing not to limit myself to a particular sector
of people. The only way our economy and community will thrive is through gender
balance and diversity.” International Women’s Day celebrates the social,
economic, cultural and political achievements of women while making a call to
action for accelerating gender balance. This year’s theme came with the
hashtag #BetterforBalance and schoolchildren held up banners with messages
including “Diversity is our strength”, “Be fearless” and “It’s
women’s day every day.” Dignitaries included David Burt, the Premier and
Craig Cannonier, the Leader of the Opposition. Alison Crocket, the Deputy
Governor, said there is still a long way to go on gender equality. She
highlighted the Global Gender Gap Index which benchmarks 144 countries on their
progress towards gender equality in the areas of economic participation,
educational attainment and opportunity, health and survival and political
empowerments. Ms Crocket said: “It concludes that the overall gender gap can
be closed in 100 years. The economic and health spheres are particularly
lagging. If we believe that balance is better, business as usual will not do. We
need to challenge, at every level, the assumptions and stereotypes that have
kept woman in low or no pay roles.” Elaine Butterfield, executive director of
the Women’s Resource Centre, said that women make up 52 per cent of
Bermuda’s population and represent a significant portion of economic spending
in our economy. She said: “This is a clear reason to embrace balance and
incorporate women’s needs and values in every area of decision-making.”
Two
teenagers said yesterday that their experiences as girls in Bermuda bolstered
their commitment to change the shape of women’s lives for future generations.
Maya Yates and McKenzie-Kohl Tuckett want to see more women parliamentarians and
added that the cultivation of attitudes of respect in childhood would lead to
boys growing up to be the feminists of the future. The girls were speaking as
they joined Alison Crocket, the Deputy Governor, for International Women’s
Day, which this year had the theme “Balance for Better” — a call for
gender equality. They were selected after a competition for teenage girls with
the chance to shadow the diplomat at one of the events across the island that
marked the global event. Ms Tuckett, 15, from St George’s, said: “I was
thinking about gender inequality and women in power, I looked at the hashtag
‘balance for better’, the first thing that popped into my head was
Parliament in Bermuda. I’ve been in Parliament many times and seen many of the
debates and I always recognize the lack of females and thought that was the most
important piece to address. With 36 Members of Parliament and eight being
female, with a 52 per cent female population — just looking at those numbers
really shocked me into thinking that I have to be the one to say this for my
peers so that once we get older, we don’t have that issue and have a lot more
females in Parliament for future generations.” She added: “You can be female
and still be a good member of Parliament, nothing has to stop you from getting
there.” The girls won the opportunity to join Ms Crocket after they submitted
video clips about women’s issues that were important to them. Both spoke
yesterday about the need to develop a culture of respect in boys at a young age,
as well as encouraging them not to be afraid to stand up for girls. Ms Yates,
18, said: “My video was about being a young female, especially in Bermuda, and
the way that society can get to you. A lot of Bermudian men are open in their
opinions, especially in their opinions of women. I’ve been as young as 14 and
you have men catcalling you and beeping at you on the roads.” She said that
for older teenagers the attention can include physical contact. Ms Yates, from
Warwick, said: “It can make you really uncomfortable.” She added that young
women can feel “scared to say something” in situations where the men were
older. Ms Tuckett, who is the Premier of Bermuda’s Youth Parliament, said:
“I believe that if you start the change from young, you grow up to see the
change. When you have a really serious issue like the #MeToo movement and you
see young men going around schools joking about it, as a young feminist you call
them out. We can’t expect change if we don’t start calling it out from young
ages, then they have that for the rest of their lives.” She challenged the
idea that only women could be feminists and said it was important for boys to
understand what the word really meant. Ms Yates added: “With a lot of boys
it’s this kind of masculinity. They think it almost emasculates them to stand
up for women. I think the females of our generation are really good at
empowering each other but the men are almost afraid to join in.” The teenagers
joined Ms Crocket and others at City Hall where women leaders from a range of
sectors addressed a crowd including schoolchildren bearing banners in support of
women’s rights. Katarina Hoskins, one of the organisers, said the event had
grown over the past four years. She explained: “The public changed from more
casual people stopping by, to now, when we have corporate sponsorship, the
Government and participation from schools.” Ms Hoskins hopes to see more
public schools in years to come and said the team was considering if they could
arrange a bus to collect pupils next year. She also welcomed participation from
other organisations in their own International Women’s Day celebrations. Ms
Hoskins, who is the island’s Honorary Consul for Austria, said: “The more,
the merrier. We want to encourage everyone in Bermuda to take this opportunity
and plan something for next year, whether it’s an exercise group, a corporate
group, mothers with babies — they should all be encouraged to organize
something themselves but obviously come to our event at lunch!” Let’s take
this day and continue throughout the year to raise the awareness of gender
inequality and balance for better.” The Bermuda Police Service also welcomed
schoolgirls to its ranks yesterday after pupils wrote essays about empowerment
for women. And HSBC announced its sponsorship agreement with the Bermuda
Football Association in an effort to help create more diversity in the
traditionally male-dominated sport. More than 50 women attended a breakfast
event hosted by ASW Law at the Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club, where
panellists included Laura Taylor, the chief financial officer of Nephila
Capital, Rebecca Singleton of clothing firm Tabs, and Gitanjali Gutierrez, the
Information Commissioner. Among the topics covered were gender quotas, work-life
balance and millennials in the workforce. KPMG’s celebrations included a
breakfast briefing, in collaboration with the Institute of Directors, that
focused on inclusion and diversity in the boardroom and fundraising for the
Women’s Resource Centre.
A
shop worker was in shock this morning after she was robbed at knifepoint.
Adelle Burgess said a man in black came into The Mini Market, on Ord Road,
Paget, locked the door behind him and brandished a large knife, at about 8.30am.
Ms Burgess said: “It was something that I had never dreamt of. Once I saw the
knife, I knew he meant business. When he locked the door behind him, that was
awful. At that point I didn’t know if he was going to pull out a gun. When I
saw the knife I thought there might be some hope for me here.” The robber
stole hundreds of dollars from the cash register and escaped on foot. Police
launched a hunt for him this morning. Ms Burgess said she first saw the man
outside the store shortly before the robbery. She said: “I came into work at
8am. I opened up, took the trash out and locked the door behind me. As I went I
saw this man coming down this hill.” Ms Burgess said she greeted the man,
threw away the trash and returned to the store. “I came in and I saw him on
the camera standing there for a couple minutes,” she said. “Then I had a
customer, so I took my eyes off the camera and lost track of him. Once the
customers left, he walked in and locked the door. That’s when I became
concerned.” Ms Burgess said after the robber pulled out a knife, she grabbed a
metal filing container behind the counter to defend herself if needed. She said
the robber went to the register, opened it, took the money and left. Ms Burgess
said: “He unlocked the door and walked out like nothing happened. I came
running out screaming, ‘Somebody just robbed me. Somebody just robbed
me.’” She said there may have been a few hundred dollars in the register at
the time of the robbery, adding: “It’s a lot of money for a small business
trying to struggle through days and stay afloat. It’s horrible. No amount of
money should be stolen from anybody like that.” Police were searching the Ord
Road area this morning as the investigation into the robbery began. The suspect
is described as brown-complexioned, slim and dressed in black. Anyone with
information is urged to call police on 295-0011.
March 8
A
meeting of European Union ambassadors will today consider whether Bermuda and
nine other jurisdictions should be added to the EU’s blacklist of
non-cooperative tax jurisdictions. The meeting was scheduled to have been
held on Wednesday, but was postponed until today, an EU source told The Royal
Gazette. The outcome is not expected to be known until after a meeting of EU
finance ministers reviews the list on March 12. The aim is to take stock of the
commitments taken by third countries, and check whether the promised tax reforms
have been properly implemented. Bermuda is among a group of jurisdictions that
are addressing concerns relating to economic substance. Earlier this week, David
Burt said the island’s Economic Substance Act and regulations meet the
requirements of the EU, and that Bermuda “should properly be omitted from any
list of non-co-operative tax jurisdictions”. The Premier added: “I am
confident that a fair examination of Bermuda’s legislation in this area of
economic substance will clearly show that we have complied with the standard
required of us and we should properly be omitted from any list of
non-cooperative tax jurisdictions.”
A
British parliamentary committee said yesterday it was regrettable that the
Premier did not attend an inquiry that led to a report he claimed was a bid to
“erode the constitutional rights of Bermudians”. The House of Commons
Foreign Affairs Committee said elected leaders and representatives of most other
Overseas Territories spoke when it heard evidence about relationships with the
Britain. Premier David Burt was listed among those due to appear at a session in
December, when he and Walton Brown, the Cabinet Office minister, were in London,
but he said later their presence was unnecessary. In notice of a motion against
the report this week, he asked the British Government to reject it. The FAC’s
proposals included voting rights for British citizens in Bermuda and
legalisation of same-sex marriage. A spokesman for the UK committee said:
“While the Premier disagreed with some of the conclusions and recommendations
in the committee’s report, we are grateful to him for engaging with the issues
raised. He continued: “We were sorry that the Premier and the Bermudian
representative in the UK were unable to speak to the committee before we
published our report, as the elected leaders and representatives of most of the
other Overseas Territories did.” The Royal Gazette asked the committee
if it expected its report to spark independence debates in the UK’s Overseas
Territories. The spokesman said: “This is a matter for the people of the
Overseas Territories. Nonetheless, while the Premier and Bermuda’s
representative in the UK did not contribute to our inquiry in person, we spoke
to the elected leaders and representatives of numerous territories, who made
clear that their attachment to the UK is deeply rooted and that there is more
appetite to reform the UK’s relationships with the Overseas Territories than
there is to sever ties.” Mr Burt claimed on Monday that committee members were
not uninformed about the island. He added: “They have been to Bermuda; they
are persons that have interacted with our government on many different
occasions.” Mr Burt said then: “They view Bermuda as a province of the
United Kingdom that they can govern and legislate for from Westminster.” The
FAC spokesman replied that some members may have visited in the past, but the
committee was unable to travel to Bermuda during its inquiry. He said they took
as much evidence from as many Overseas Territory leaders and representatives as
possible and they had made it clear that they were all proud of their autonomy.
The spokesman added: “The committee respects this and recognizes that
territories like Bermuda have centuries-old political institutions. However, if
the bonds uniting the British family of nations and territories are to remain
strong, we believe that we must all commit to shared values and strive for the
highest standards on fundamental issues like human rights and equality.” The
committee said it expected the Foreign Office to “engage seriously” with the
report — titled Global Britain and the British Overseas Territories:
Resetting the Relationship — and respond within two months. The
committee’s inquiry was launched last July and the group made a total of 14
recommendations. The report said that relationships between the UK and its
Overseas Territories became strained last May when the Sanctions and Anti-Money
Laundering Act was passed, which had a deadline to produce a public beneficial
ownership of companies register by the end of next year. It concluded that a
detailed timetable for the lists should be laid out by this summer. A letter
from Mr Burt included in written evidence to the inquiry said the Government’s
position on the issue was “well known”. He wrote: “Bermuda is committed to
meeting any properly adopted, global standard for such matters and will work
with the UK Government as necessary once such a standard is promulgated.” A
Foreign Office spokeswoman said on Tuesday: “As set out clearly in the Act, we
will prepare draft legislation by the end of 2020, with all Overseas Territories
expected to have fully functioning public registers in place by the end of 2023.
This is part of the Government’s call for all countries to make public
registers the global norm by 2023. Our approach both respects the will of
Parliament and delivers this in a way that is fair and proportionate to all our
OTs.” Mr Brown said in December, while he and the Premier were in London, that
a meeting in the city with the committee was not on the pair’s agenda. He
explained: “We do not feel that we have to answer to the FCO, and so we did
not appear before them.” A committee member confirmed that there was “no
compulsion” to attend. Mr Burt said then: “Bermuda has regular, direct
engagement with the UK’s officials and ministers and, as such, Bermuda’s
position on a wide variety of issues is well known and familiar to actual key
decision-makers in London. The London Office is staffed by an expert team who
provide leadership and daily interaction at the highest levels of the UK
Government. I informed the Governor before leaving Bermuda for London that I
would not be appearing before the committee.” His motion, which has still to
be debated, asked MPs to reject “the unwarranted and unjustified attempt at
intervention into Bermuda’s domestic affairs” and called on the UK
Government to reject “the report and its retrograde recommendations”. Mr
Burt said today: “Our position on the recommendations of the report is clear
and on these issues Bermuda is of one accord. We will stand by our principles
and our Constitution which states that only persons that possess Bermuda status
can vote and hold elected office in Bermuda.”
Walter
Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, promised Hamilton’s change from a
municipality to a quango would helped aid the redevelopment of the city’s
waterfront. Questioned by city residents at a public meeting last night, the
minister maintained the change was not a takeover or an asset grab. Mr Roban
said: “This is not an asset grab because the municipality will remain a body
corporate, as it is now. Put simply, the Government intends to give more support
to Hamilton. That is the plan. In fact, that work has already begun. For
example, the new sewage project that is being undertaken by the Ministry of
Public Works will replace the work currently been planned by the Corporation of
Hamilton and reduce the proposed capital outlay by $8.5 million over the next
three years.” He told the almost 200 people in attendance that the new
structure will help to encourage the inward investment needed for projects such
the redevelopment of the Hamilton waterfront. “Right now the waterfront is
used for nothing more than cargo. There is more that can be done with the
waterfront. It can be multifaceted in its use. In our own discussions with
Hamilton, there have been issues that we have desired to work with Hamilton on,
and they have told this government they don’t have the money to do so, such as
waterfront investment.” Several attendees voiced their support for the
Government’s vision for the city, but questioned how the change from an
elected committee to an appointed one would allow such projects to be financed.
One member of the public commented that the Government was “broke”.
Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, said the
Government has been properly managing the island’s debt, with the 2019-20
Budget resulting in a surplus for the first time in 17 years. An attendee
shouted out “window dressing”, to which Colonel Burch responded: “Let’s
really be honest. I suspect that most of the detractors to this proposal come
from the sense of entitlement that many people feel they have in this country.
The comment of ‘window dressing’ has to do very much with who is delivering
the message. Forget that it’s me talking. This country is 21 square miles.
Anywhere else in the world, you would not be having the replication and
duplication of effort and resources of the country operating in silos.” Giving
an example, the minister said the island already has facilities in both Dockyard
and St David’s which are each capable of handing all of the island’s sewage,
but the Corporation of Hamilton still pumps its sewage out to sea. “The
Corporation of Hamilton currently have in their budget $8 million to put in a
new pumping station on Front Street. Why would you do that? That is
environmentally madness. We have the ability and the plan to address the sewage
for the entire country at a cheaper cost than having three companies trying to
do it.” The Government has already tabled the Municipalities Reform Act 2019,
which is intended to transition the municipalities into quangos. The Bill, if
approved, would bring an end to municipal elections in Hamilton and St
George’s. Elected members of the municipalities would continue to hold office
until May 13, unless they resign by written notice to the minister. The minister
would then appoint a mayor and eight councillors for each of the corporations,
with appointments beginning on May 14. The mayor and four councillors would be
appointed by the minister, and must be individuals he is satisfied have the
skills and experience to fulfil the role. The remaining four councillors would
be appointed by the minister on the recommendation of a selection committee.
That selection committee will be made up of three people, appointed by the
minister, who “reside, do business or work in the municipal area of the
corporation”. The committee will invite the public to nominate candidates and
review the candidates before making their recommendations to the minister. Mr
Roban has said no jobs will be lost in the transition, and the structure of the
corporations would remain unchanged.
The
Ombudsman for Bermuda Ms. Victoria Pearman has been elected to represent the
Caribbean and Latin America as Caribbean Director of the International Ombudsman
Institute. She will serve as president for the Caribbean and Latin American
region. In this role she will participate in meetings of the IOI Executive
Committee and work closely with the two Directors for Latin America to manage
regional matters and coordinate activities. The IOI is the global organisation
of 191 independent ombudsman institutions from more than 100 countries and is organized
into six regional groups. The IOI, which is headquartered in Vienna, Austria,
promotes accountability and efficiency in public sector institutions and offers
expertise in good governance. The Institution promotes shared learning, research
and trainings and considers policy areas of importance to its members. It also
engages in dialogue with international organisations on Ombudsman related
topics. Ms. Pearman also currently serves as the president of the Caribbean
Ombudsman Association [CAROA], which will be holding its upcoming 10? Biennial
Conference in Bermuda in May 2019. Established in 1998, CAROA is a member-based
organisation of Ombudsman offices in the Caribbean region. Ombudsmen work to
promote fairness, accountability and good public administration. Representatives
from Ombudsman offices from across the region will assemble here to share
knowledge and best practice. The conference will focus on strengthening the role
and performance of the ombudsman and human rights institutions in the Caribbean
and Latin America. Following the conference there will be a training led by Dr.
Victor Ayeni a well-known international authority on the Ombudsman and related
oversight institutions and a former Director of Governance and Institutional
Development at the Commonwealth Secretariat. The training will focus on
advancing the Ombudsman’s impact, role, service and performance.
Dirt
and dust cake the smoked glass doors and windows of Victoria Hall, while trash
litters an approach area of overgrown shrubs. The doors are locked; there is
no one inside. At the front entrance, an overflowing cigarette butt receptacle
is so rusted at its base it appears likely to topple at any moment. This is the
global headquarters of Arbitrade, the cryptocurrency exchange and coin company
that claims it has “title” to gold bullion worth more than $15 billion. With
that bullion, it intends to back a series of crypto tokens with $1 worth of the
precious metal per token. One of the tokens is called dignity; it peaked in
value at 29 cents in May, but has been on the slide ever since, and yesterday
was trading at a ¼ cent per token on CoinMarketCap. The company has made
headlines since announcing in June that it intended to establish Bermuda as its
home. At the time, it told The Royal Gazette it intended to create
hundreds of jobs on the island. Arbitrade claimed it was securing title to
billions of dollars of bullion through a partnership with Sion Trading FZE of
Dubai, which it described as “the only licensed gold trader on the Dubai Gold
Exchange”. However, subsequent inquiries by The Royal Gazette revealed
that Sion Trading was not a member of the Dubai Gold & Commodities Exchange,
and had no affiliation or relationship with it. Instead, Sion holds a commercial
licence in the Ras Al Khaimah economic zone, United Arab Emirates, and has a
“flexi desk” address at the Rakez Business Zone. During the summer, Victoria
Hall, a vacant seven-storey office block on Victoria Street, was listed for sale
at $6.5 million. Arbitrade, which had been based in an office above a former
dress shop in a beach community in Canada, took possession of Victoria Hall in
October. It did so through an amalgamation of its subsidiary, Arbitrade
Properties (Victoria Hall) Ltd, with the 36-year old Victoria Hall Company Ltd.
In December, The Royal Gazette sent 12 questions to Arbitrade, seeking
information from the company about its operations, its personnel, and its
ambitions. Today, three months later, and after repeated inquires, we are still
awaiting answers to those questions. Here are the questions together with, where
appropriate, explanations as to why we are seeking the information.
We also asked how many crypto mining rigs Arbitrade expected to have running by the end of this year. The reason we asked these questions was because the company intends to partially raise revenue by mining cryptocurrencies. In November, the company said it had about 8,700 rigs.
We asked this because Arbitrade’s dignity token trades only on Livecoin.net, a bitcoin and alt-coin exchange. The exchange suffered a malfunction in September that temporarily restricted trading in Arbitrade’s token.
We asked this because Mr Braverman is Arbitrade’s chief operating officer. Binance is the world’s biggest crypto exchange. In an interview with The Royal Gazette in December, analyst Ronnie Moas claimed Mr Braverman had told him the dignity token was going to be listed on “a dozen exchanges”, and that he was going to Malta to meet the CEO of Binance. Binance has a Bermuda connection. In April, the company and the Bermuda Government signed a memorandum of understanding that proposed Binance develop its global compliance base on the island, creating at least 40 jobs, and develop a digital asset exchange in Bermuda “as soon as practicable”.
We asked this because Mr Markatia was named as a director last March, and later as senior vice-president of technology, and president of technology, for Arbitrade’s payment systems subsidiary company Arbipay. He has a technology background and his resume includes founding PaySmart America and TSI Group of Companies, which were involved in distribution networks for prepaid products. While he is still listed as an Arbitrade director on the register of directors in Bermuda, he does not appear on the line-up of Arbitrade directors on the company’s updated website. Attempts to contact Mr Markatia through his Florida-based technology solutions company 24Seven Technologies, and his Twitter account, which has been publicly dormant since November, have been unsuccessful.
We asked this after Mr Ronk’s name was mentioned in online discussions regarding Arbitrade. Mr Ronk is chief analytics officer at Wallstreet Online Protection Research, a distributed computing system.
We asked this to find out how close the company was to being able to proceed with its next phase of development on the island. We had additional questions that have subsequently become moot. In communications with Arbitrade during the past three months, The Royal Gazette has been told that its questions are being dealt with, including, on January 10, that “the company will shortly be making a series of press statements touching upon a number of your questions”. However, Arbitrade has released no press releases since November, except for news about a civil action in a Florida court. Meanwhile, the only signs of life at Victoria Hall are the plants that grow on the outdoor balconies.
Chubb
Ltd has received approval from the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory
Commission to increase the company’s ownership in Huatai Insurance Group
Company Ltd to 26.2 per cent. That is up from its current 20 per cent and,
as a result of the increased Chubb stake, Huatai Group becomes the first
domestic Chinese financial services holding company to convert to a Sino-foreign
equity joint venture. Huatai Insurance Group is the holding company of Huatai
P&C Insurance Company, Huatai Life Insurance Company, Huatai Asset
Management Company, Huatai Baoxing Fund Management Company, among other
subsidiaries. Huatai Group’s insurance operations have more than 600 branches
and 11 million customers. Evan Greenberg, chairman and chief executive officer
of Chubb, said: “We made our first investment in Huatai in 2002 and became the
company’s largest shareholder. This increased ownership is an important
milestone towards our goal of majority and beyond ownership. “Chubb’s
continuous investment in China over the past 17 years, including our wholly
owned Chubb China subsidiary, demonstrates our long-term commitment to the
development of a strong Chinese financial services industry and the important
role it plays in serving Chinese society and the welfare of its people.”
Ascendant
Group Ltd’s core earnings dropped 10 per cent to $18.3 million last year as
electricity sales slipped. Net income plunged 73 per cent, to $5.4 million
from $20.2 million in 2017, driven by a one-off $12.8 million restructuring
charge, related to operational efficiency measures as well as costs for
financial and strategic advisers, the company stated. Core earnings broke down
to $1.87 per share compared to $2.06 per share in 2017. Ascendant said lower
sales at its power utility, Belco, and higher expenses at group level drove the
fall in earnings. This was offset by a 30 per cent increase in earnings for
Ascendant’s non-utility business. The company spent $10.69 million on buying
back 650,745 of its own shares last year at an average price of $16.43. In its
earnings statement, released today, Ascendant said the aggressive repurchasing
was made “in light of its strong financial position and the material discount
to book value of its share price”. Book value, the accounting value of the
business’s assets minus its liabilities, was $28.57 per share at the end of
2018. The buybacks benefited earnings per share by about 6.2 per cent, or 12
cents per share, the company added. Ascendant said that it closed new financial
facilities totaling $158 million last year to support its capital plan and
improve the company’s capital structure. The company’s board also announced
a quarterly dividend of 11.5 cents per share, unchanged from the previous
quarter. “Our performance in 2018 continued to be very strong from a financial
and operational perspective,” Sean Durfy, chief executive officer of
Ascendant, said. “We are proud of the company’s efforts to control costs in
the face of lower electricity sales in 2018. We continued to work constructively
with the Regulatory Authority to ensure an appropriate rate compact.” He added
that 2018 had been a year of progress in implementing the company’s capital
plan and building a strong foundation for the future, with work at the new North
Power Station progressing well. We are currently halfway through the
construction phase of the 56 megawatt replacement generation which will replace
50 per cent of our older generators,” Mr Durfy said. “The 10MW battery
energy storage system, which will be used for spinning reserve, will be up and
running by May 2019. The company also began the $55 million grid modernization
programme in 2018. All of these initiatives are in support of a more reliable
energy system that will reduce costs for our customers over the long run.”
Ascendant announced in January that its board had begun to evaluate strategic
options including a potential sale of the company. There was no detail on any
progress made, but the company reiterated its reasons for this approach.
Ascendant stated: “The company understands that its responsibility is to a
broad group of stakeholders, including shareholders, customers, employees, and
regulators. Each of these stakeholders brings to bear on the company a wide
range of perspectives and expectations. Furthermore, the industry in which the
Company operates is facing unprecedented change, and with change, we must have
the ability to explore and leverage new opportunities for the betterment of
Bermuda. The board remains enthusiastic about the future prospects of Ascendant,
to the benefit of all of its stakeholders, and will continue to communicate
progress on strategic alternatives for the company as this process continues.”
Dennis Pimentel, president of Belco, said 2018 had been a busy year for
regulatory matters. “Belco submitted an integrated resource plan in February
2018 as well as the final Grid Code in October 2018,” Mr Pimentel said. Also
in October 2018, the Regulatory Authority released the new Retail Tariff
Methodology as well as the Feed In Tariff Methodology General Determination.
Having certainty around the regulatory process enables us to continue to provide
Bermuda with a reliable, cost-effective electricity supply.”
While
the European Union ponders blacklisting Bermuda, a committee of the European
Parliament has found that a quarter of the EU’s member states behave like tax
havens. The special tax committee, compiled by MEPs from across the
political spectrum after a year-long investigation, named Belgium, Cyprus,
Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta and The Netherlands as countries that
“display traits of a tax haven and facilitate aggressive tax planning”. The
committee’s finding will add pressure on institutions such as the EU Council
and the European Commission, which have not acknowledged that any member states
are tax havens. The parliamentary committee, known as the Special Committee on
Financial Crimes, Tax Evasion and Tax Avoidance, made a series of
recommendations including that a global tax body should be established within
the United Nations. It also calls for a European financial police force and an
EU anti-money laundering watchdog. The committee was formed a year ago as
concerns mounted in the light of reports including those known as LuxLeaks, the
Panama Papers and the Paradise Papers. Committee member Jeppe Kofod said:
“Europe has a serious money laundering and tax fraud problem. We have the
world’s largest, richest and most integrated single market with free movement
of capital, but little to no effective cross-border supervision and 28 differing
national anti-money laundering and anti-tax fraud provisions.” As reported in
The Royal Gazette yesterday, EU envoys were scheduled to agree yesterday on a
new, expanded blacklist of jurisdictions deemed non-co-operative on tax matters,
which will then be formally adopted by EU finance ministers in a meeting on
March 12. Reuters reported that Bermuda is on the draft list, but that EU states
are still considering whether the island will be included on the new blacklist.
A
New York investment firm that is in the process of buying Bermuda Commercial
Bank has “no plans with regard to gaming”, one of its principals insisted
yesterday. Lewis Katz, managing partner of Permanent Capital, was asked by The
Royal Gazette to comment on a statement
made in Parliament on Friday by finance minister Curtis Dickinson, who said the
Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission had “engaged in discussions” with BCB and
two other local banks about accepting the proceeds of casino gaming. Mr Katz
said: “We are still in the process of obtaining governmental and regulatory
approvals to purchase BCB, we do not yet own the bank and have no plans with
regards to gaming. We respect BCB, their board and management, and otherwise
defer to them.” BCB CEO Hubert Esperon said: “In 2018, Bermuda Commercial
Bank Limited met with the gaming commission. This meeting was mainly to explore
the opportunity and challenges of the potential introduction of gaming to the
island. As mentioned before, Bermuda Commercial Bank Limited has no plans at
this time to bank the gaming industry in Bermuda.” The securing of a local
bank with a US correspondent bank willing to accept the proceeds of casino
gambling has long been viewed as a major hurdle for the Government and the
commission as they attempt to get the island’s fledgling casino industry off
the ground. Mr Dickinson told the House of Assembly last
week: “As a high priority, the commission has engaged in discussions with
three local banks, namely the Bank of NT Butterfield, Clarien Bank and the
Bermuda Commercial Bank to secure a local bank with a US correspondent bank
relationship that would accept the proceeds of the casino gaming operations.
Further discussion will be carried out with the BMA (Bermuda Monetary Authority)
as banking regulator and the US correspondent banks.” HSBC took a global
decision to limit its involvement with the gambling sector, while Clarien and
Butterfield have yet to commit to any involvement. A Butterfield spokesman told The
Royal Gazette: “We can confirm we are engaged in ongoing dialogue with the
commission but have no additional comment at this time.” A spokesman for
Clarien Bank said: “We continue to work with all of the various stakeholder
groups in order to inform our risk appetite for this sector.” The Royal
Gazette asked New York-based Signature Bank, which is to offer banking services
to Bermuda’s fintech start-ups, if it had plans to handle the proceeds of
casino gaming on the island. Spokeswoman Susan Turkell said today: “We are not
banking gaming companies.” It was announced last
month that Permanent Capital had struck a deal to buy BCB from parent
company Somers Ltd, with plans to grow the business and expand its services.
Mark Pettingill, Permanent’s lead counsel in Bermuda, said then that providing
banking services to the gaming industry was “unequivocally not part of the
business plan”. However, he added: “The bank is open to banking any
industry, as long as it meets all Bermuda regulatory requirements.” Bermudian
businessmen John Tartaglia and Michael Moniz have been named on a notice to
incorporate Permanent Capital Holdings Ltd, a local affiliate company of
Permanent Capital. The pair own MM&I Holdings, a company that was poised to
make tens of millions of dollars from a controversial casinos deal with the
Government. They attempted to land a lucrative contract to provide a cashless
gaming system to any casinos that opened in Bermuda, as outlined in a special
report in The Royal Gazette in October 2017. Mr Moniz and Mr
Tartaglia were listed on the notice of incorporation alongside Mr Pettingill and
Grant Spurling, both lawyers from Chancery Legal law firm, and Mr Katz and Logan
Sugarman, of Permanent Capital. A spokesman for Permanent Capital said Mr
Tartaglia and Mr Moniz were directors of a local holding company that was being
used to enable the merger agreement to go ahead, and neither they, Mr Pettingill
nor Mr Spurling would be the ultimate owners of BCB once the transaction was
completed. The ultimate owners, it was stated, would be Mr Katz, Mr Sugarman and
Bermudian-based businessman Chris Maybury. Mr Sugarman’s involvement in the
purchase was nixed
by Permanent Capital, after the Florida-based Offshore Alert website revealed
details of US lawsuits and judgments relating to him.
A
man accused of trying to smuggle $9.5 million of heroin into Bermuda said he had
no idea packages of the drug were hidden in his suitcase. Josef Vlcek, 49,
told police in a recorded interview he had bought the bags in an East London
market and had seen nothing unusual about them at the time. Mr Vlcek, from the
Czech Republic, told police he flew to Bermuda for a holiday, but he had also
wanted to find work on the island. He said he did not know how much his flight
cost because another man had helped him pay for it, but he refused to identify
him. A translator told officers: “He says he doesn’t want to get anybody
else involved. He also said he didn’t put the drugs in the case and he hates
drugs.” Mr Vlcek was arrested at LF Wade International Airport on September
23, 2017, after he arrived on a flight from London. The court previously heard
that a customs officer noticed a bulge in the lining of one of his suitcases and
an X-ray revealed packages hidden inside the bag’s lining. Three packages were
found in his two suitcases containing a total of about 2.9 kilograms of heroin.
As the trial continued, the jury were shown footage of a police interview of Mr
Vlcek recorded after his arrest. During the interview, Mr Vlcek alternated
between speaking to officers in English and talking through a local translator.
Mr Vlcek said he was in London for several days before coming to Bermuda, and
had recently spent time in South Africa, Tanzania and Germany. He said most of
the trips were holidays, and that he usually tried to find work in the countries
he visits. The translator said: “He says he always finds a little job that
pays for his travels.” Mr Vlcek said he had intended to stay at a hotel in
Bermuda and pay cash, but police said he only had $600 in cash. He told officers
himself: “I always find some job. If yes, then I will stay here. If not, go
back.” Asked about what kind of work he did, Mr Vlcek said: “I can do
anything. I can do gardening, I can do driving. I do whatever I find.” He
added that he had done some gardening work in London, but could not say who
hired him and that he had thrown away his gardening clothes before flying to
Bermuda. Mr Vlcek said he did not know anyone in Bermuda and did not realize he
would need a work permit to be employed in Bermuda. He said he had no idea what
the packages found in his suitcase contained, and that when he was shown the
X-ray he initially believed the package contained “gold or diamonds”. One of
the officers responded that he did not believe Mr Vlcek’s story. The officer
said: “You are saying that you want us to believe that you went to a gypsy
vendor or a street vendor and you bought two suitcases with three kilograms of
heroin and flew to Bermuda with no idea how much you had paid for your flight,
no idea of how much you were going to spend in Bermuda and didn’t research the
fact that you couldn’t work without a permit in Bermuda?” The translator
said: “He said he doesn’t know who put the drugs in the suitcase.” The
trial continues.
Bermuda’s
gang violence reduction co-ordinator explained yesterday how he negotiated a
$33,000 raise after he accepted the job for far less reward than he initially
sought. Leroy Bean said his $125,000 salary was “somewhat of a medium”
for the stressful role. Desmond Crockwell, a community activist, claimed
that if the increase was performance-related it amounted to a “slap in the
face” for others working tirelessly to tackle the issue of gangs. Wayne
Caines, the Minister of National Security, announced Mr Bean’s appointment in
October 2017 when he said the one-year agreement would pay about $92,000. He
revealed on Tuesday the contract was extended for two years in September 2018
when a $125,000 salary was agreed. Mr Bean said he was approached for the job on
a number of occasions, thanks to leading anti-gang group Cartel. He explained
yesterday: “During that time they asked me what did I want for a wage and I
gave them a price. In actual fact when they hired me the price they had given me
was nowhere near what I had asked for.” Mr Bean said: “After the year, when
they came back to me, they asked me would I stay on, I said yes. They did up
another contract for two years and then we talked. We came to somewhat of a
[median], where the $125,000 was.” Mr Bean said he accepted the initial
$92,000 salary with a view to renegotiating the pay after 12 months if the
Government was satisfied with his work. He believed the gang violence reduction
team was “making inroads” but admitted there was still much to be done. Mr
Bean said: “I think there has been some success and I think certain statistics
would even show that. “I wouldn’t say it’s my success; I believe it’s
Bermuda’s success, I believe we as a people come together.” He said his work
involved “crazy” hours and explained: “The job, it’s very unusual. It
takes a lot of stress, takes a lot of pressure when you’re around grieving
people and people have just been murdered. It’s more than just a regular job.
Sometimes I go home and I’m falling asleep on my chair — the virtue that’s
actually drained on your body when you’re pouring your heart and soul into
something. It’s not a straightforward job and many people don’t understand
that it’s a high-stress job.” Mr Crockwell said three community activists or
organisations “that are in the trenches” could each have benefited from
$10,000 instead of the additional money going all to one person. He added:
“One person can’t do what three people can do, especially if those people
have the passion and the experience to do it. It makes sense to spread the
resources as opposed to them putting it into one person, what they’re saying
is that Pastor Leroy Bean is solely responsible for the reduction in gang
violence. That feels like a slap in the face.” Mr Crockwell said Mr Bean
“does his work well but he’s only one man. I believe that in his heart of
hearts he would have understood if the resources were shared. He’s a worker
that’s very good at what he does but he also understands that there are a lot
of other people that do the work as well.” Information about Mr Bean’s
salary came after Mr Caines said last November that his “compensation was not
changed” when the contract was extended for two years. However, details
published on the Government’s Official Gazette last week showed he was
hired as a “gang consultant” from September 1, 2017 to August 31, 2020 on
$334,654. That total worked out at an average of about $111,551 a year or
$121,327 for each of the last two years, if the first was paid at $92,000. The
latest details were provided on Tuesday evening by the national security
ministry in a media release. It said that “based on his education, experience
and on par with similar roles within the civil service, in September 2018,
Pastor Bean’s contract was renegotiated and renewed for two years at
$125,000”. The increase represented a pay hike of nearly 36 per cent. The
Royal Gazette pursued further details and reasons behind the difference in
figures but was told a full response would be provided in the ministry’s
budget response, which took place yesterday. MPs heard then that the gang
violence reduction team was aware of its need to boost resources. Mr Caines told
the House of Assembly: “It is intended that within this fiscal year, three
part-time staff will be hired to allow the team to have a dedicated pool of
outreach workers who can maintain and provide service to meet the Government
mandate.” He said that $60,000 for the hires had been earmarked in the
team’s 2019-20 budget. No further comment was received from the Government
after a series of questions from the Gazette yesterday.
Rushing
to impose a living wage could fuel a “hustle economy” in which bosses dodge
their tax contributions by paying staff in cash, the Bermuda Employers Council
has warned. Family Centre also cautioned against mandated higher wages
risking the jobs of low-skilled workers or preventing them from gaining
full-time employment. Both groups welcomed the announcement that Lovitta Foggo,
the labour minister, was drawing up legislation for a Wage Commission to tackle
both a minimum wage and a living wage. The independent commission is to partner
with unions and employer groups, according to a ministry statement on Monday.
Keith Jensen, president of the BEC, said the council believed “hustle”
practices had “flourished during the recent recession”. He said some bosses
resorted to cash to sidestep “health insurance, pension contributions, social
insurance and payroll taxes”. Mr Jensen added: “In the worst-case scenario,
a poorly conceived living wage may embolden the hustle economy.” He said
“thoughtful consideration” of a recommended living wage came at a time when
Curtis Dickinson, the finance minister, had proposed “relatively few tax
increases in light of uncertainties in the economy”. He warned: “While there
have been identified positive outcomes of a living wage, moving wage costs
rapidly in an economy that is walking on a tightrope may introduce
self-inflicted, cost-push inflation.” Cost-push inflation refers to cases in
which overall prices rise because of higher wage costs. Mr Jensen said such a
scenario could be triggered by “the combination of an ill-advised living wage,
the 25 per cent increase in foreign currency purchases tax, the fixed cost taxes
and dividend taxes which are still being dealt with from last year’s Budget,
the sugar tax, and the structural economic issues within the
retail/restaurant/personal service industries”. The BEC, which represents unionized
and non-union members across the island, was said to be “understandably
cautious” of the living wage’s potential impact. Mr Jensen said the council
looked forward to having its say in the commission’s deliberations. Martha
Dismont, the executive director of Family Centre, commended the move in July
2018 when a parliamentary Joint Select Committee tabled its report on the wage
change. A living wage in keeping with Bermuda’s prices was suggested at $18.
This week, Ms Dismont called it “very critical” to legislate a living wage
from “a comprehensive perspective that helps to ensure the legislation
achieves what is intended”. Ms Dismont said that some employers gave
low-skilled workers the chance to become full-time staff with “smaller, more
casual jobs as a start”. She added: “We also expect that this is done by
paying these ‘casual’ workers with cash. Those same employers may maintain
an accurate accounting of these payments, and one would hope that they are
following the proper legal requirements under the Employment Act. However, if
there are employers who are maintaining lower-skilled workers through cash
payments, they will likely be the first who are cut once employers are required
to pay a higher wage.” Ms Dismont said it would be “not surprising” if
more bosses had turned to offering cash during the economic downturn. “These
arrangements tend to support the needs of employers as well as the individual
who needs to earn some, or any, level of income. If employers were given the
incentives and supports to hire unemployed, lower-skilled workers, it may reduce
the practice of saving costs by sidestepping the legal requirements and paying
in cash.” Not all workers paid in cash were low-skilled, she added.
“However, our experience is that these workers tend to be subcontractors, who
work independently and receive their pay however the employer chooses to pay
them.” Ms Dismont said Family Centre’s concern was the chance of
“lower-skilled workers losing entry points for work”. She said such workers
could suffer as a result of the legal requirement for a higher wage if employers
began “asking for a higher skill level”. Ms Dismont said she hoped that a
comprehensive look at a statutory wage would include examining how workers who
had been taking their wages in cash could transition to a wage through job
training incentivised programmes. She added: “To the point of whether
employers will look for other ways to cut corners, we believe that until we
solve the high cost of doing business in Bermuda problem, employers will
continue to look for ways to achieve costs savings to save their businesses.”
Entrepreneur
and philanthropist Michael Bloomberg will join Brian Duperreault, chief
executive officer of AIG, at an industry forum in New York later this month
highlighting Bermuda’s historic and mutually beneficial relationship with the
US. The former three-term mayor of New York City and founder of Bloomberg LP
and Bloomberg Philanthropies will take part in a “fireside chat” with David
Burt, the Premier, moderated by AIG’s Duperreault at the multi-industry forum,
the latest in a series hosted in different cities by the Bermuda Business
Development Agency. The Bermuda Executive Forum New York takes place on March 21
at Convene at 117 West 46th Street. “The visit to New York by Premier Burt and
the BDA underscores the importance of the US-Bermuda relationship and promotes
opportunities to further develop initiatives that are mutually beneficial,”
Constance Dierman, the US Consul General to Bermuda, said. “The US and Bermuda
have enjoyed sustained ties for over 400 years, and our shared history has
forged a strong relationship. Today, there are over 8,000 Americans who live and
work in Bermuda and a half-million people from the US who visit Bermuda each
year. The US is Bermuda’s most significant trading partner, accounting for
more than 70 per cent of all imports, and Bermuda is an important, strategic
partner to the US in many areas — including insurance, law enforcement, border
security, aviation, space, marine research, and education.” The forum will
mark the second time Mr Bloomberg has participated in a BDA event. In May 2017,
he addressed a forum of senior business leaders at Bloomberg LP in New York,
highlighting the special role Bermuda plays in the global economy. Mr
Duperreault, the Bermudian market veteran, was the keynote speaker at the
BDA’s first New York forum last May, detailing the island’s unique
combination of experience, quality and innovation to a packed audience of close
to 300 attendees. Mr Burt will be joined at this month’s full-day event by
finance minister Curtis Dickinson and more than 40 leading industry and
regulatory executives who will take part in moderated panel discussions on
global industry trends and the advantages and opportunities for business in
Bermuda. Mr Bloomberg, served as New York’s mayor from 2001-13. He has been
appointed the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Climate
Action and the World Health Organisation’s Global Ambassador for Non--communicable
Diseases. Bloomberg Philanthropies, which encompasses his charitable activities,
focuses on five key areas: arts, education, the environment, government
innovation and public health. Mr Duperreault spent 30 years working in Bermuda
and the US in senior executive roles at Marsh & McLennan Companies, Ace Ltd,
and AIG, where he started his career. He was appointed of AIG in May 2017.
Previously, he was chairman and CEO of Bermuda’s Hamilton Insurance Group,
which he established in 2013. “We are thrilled to welcome Mr Bloomberg and Mr
Duperreault to our New York event,” Roland Andy Burrows, BDA CEO, said.
“They are both iconic and influential business leaders whose contribution to
our event’s discussion and thought leadership will be invaluable — and
underscore Bermuda’s respected reputation as an innovative, blue-chip
financial centre. We look forward to their participation.” The March 21 event
— running 8am to 5:30pm, followed by a networking reception — will be a
forum for prospective investors and professionals interested in learning more
about the Bermuda market. Panellists will debate topics ranging from Brexit to
US tax reform to climate change, along with industry trends affecting a wide
gamut of sectors, from long-term, healthcare-liability, captive and cyber-risk
insurance to alternative asset management and the impact of disruptive
technologies on global finance.
Retail
sales fell for a ninth consecutive month in November, with only one of the seven
retail sectors eking out a year-on-year increase. Adjusting for inflation,
the volume of retail sales fell 2.3 per cent. It is now the equal longest spell
of consecutive months of declining sales volume since the darkest days of the
recession, when Bermuda saw retail sales volume decline for almost four years
from May 2008 until February 2012. The last nine-month spell of consecutive
declines was from August 2012 to April 2013. In value terms, retail sales in
November decreased 1.1 per cent to $94.7 million. Returning residents declared
overseas purchases of $6 million, which was 6.3 per cent lower than the same
month in 2017. Building material stores reported a 0.9 per cent in sales volume,
while all other sectors dropped, with motor vehicle retailers down by 22.8 per
cent. Apparel stores decreased 3.6 per cent in volume terms, and 0.5 per cent in
sales value. Food and liquor sales were down in volume by 1 per cent and 1.1 per
cent, respectively, although higher prices meant the value of sales increased
1.8 per cent for food, and 2.5 per cent for liquor. Service stations saw a 0.3
per cent decrease in sales volume. In the “all other stores” sector, sales
volume was down 3 per cent. Revenue for marine and boat suppliers dropped 42 per
cent as a result of fewer sales for larger ticket items. Sales of furniture,
appliances and electronics dropped 4.2 per cent. There was a 2.3 per cent
increase in sales at pharmacies, and a 4.9 per cent increase in gross receipts
of miscellaneous goods. The Retail Sales Index was 95.9, which is the lowest for
the month of November in a six-year snapshot of data in the latest retail sales
bulletin from the Department of Statistics. The retail sales rate of inflation
in November was 1.3 per cent.
The
Corporation of Hamilton has urged the public to turn out tonight for a
Government hosted meeting on municipal reform. Charles Gosling, the Mayor of
Hamilton, said the change “essentially strips the ratepayer in the City of
their voting right, including the residents”. Ratepayers were especially
called upon for the town hall meeting, set for 5.30pm at the Heritage Worship
Centre on Dundonald Street. City Hall issued a statement yesterday that the
legislation turning the municipalities for Hamilton and St George’s into
quangos had been tabled in Parliament by Walter Roban, the Minister of Home
Affairs, one week after the close of public consultation online. Feedback had
been “overwhelmingly against any kind of Government interference in the
municipalities”, the statement said. Mr Gosling called the change “entirely
undemocratic” and added: “I strongly encourage everyone, especially the
ratepayers and residents of the City to attend the town hall on Thursday so that
they can ask questions of the minister about their voting rights and impending
lack thereof.”
Historic
St George property Aunt Nea’s Inn is on the market and will stage an open
house on Saturday. “Built in 1791, Aunt Nea’s Inn represents a unique
opportunity to invest in Bermuda’s growing tourism industry,” realtor
Belcario Thomas said. “Lovingly restored by former owners Faith Bridges and
Neil Moncrieff in 2015, this iconic property is located on a half-acre lot in
the town of St George’s, a Unesco designated historic site. “Investors will
enjoy a fully turnkey operation, providing 11 revenue generating units, all in
quality condition.” Steeped in history, the property was once the American
Consul’s residence. The 19th century poet Tom Moore is said to have stayed at
the Inn and penned his poem Odes to Nea there. “Guests to Aunt Nea’s
enjoy an oasis of tranquility, manicured gardens and stunning St George’s
Harbour views from wraparound upper-floor balconies,” Mr Thomas said. He said
the property’s prime location offers appreciable area values with nearby
infrastructure investments from the St Regis Hotel development project such as
public roadworks, an upcoming marina and the ongoing development at LF Wade
International Airport. The property is listed for $2,995,000.
Opinion.
By Michael Fahy, a former Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Tourism,
Transport and Municipalities, and Junior Minister of Finance under the One
Bermuda Alliance government. “You can fool some of the people all of the
time, and all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the
people all of the time.” — Abraham Lincoln. It is rarely worthwhile
engaging directly with opinion writers who choose to write grossly misleading,
hysterical, yet deplorably inaccurate pieces in response to my various opinions.
However, in today’s climate, curtailing phony facts for the benefit of public
knowledge is essential, enlightening and serves to elevate a person’s
understanding of the truth and reality — if at first they do not succeed, or
like it. One such example is a piece written two weeks ago by one infamous
writer, in which he conveniently missed the mark when responding to my opinion
about immigration reform for Bermuda. His piece suggested, erroneously, that I
was asking Bermuda to turn into the Cayman Islands. I am sincerely invested in
and care deeply for my home country and its people to not refute, respectfully,
his disparaging opinion piece. So let me set the record straight. The point of
my opinion was to show how an economy booms when you warmly welcome guest
workers and give them opportunities, which, as is demonstrated all over the
world, translates into opportunities for the local population. It is as simple
as that. Instead of trampling over my opinion, perhaps actually reading it in
its entirety without blinkers and without cozying up to convenient selection, he
might have been able to understand the point being made — and that is more
people on island translates to tangible and direct benefits for Bermudians.
However, such reality would not fit his and his handlers’ political mantra
that foreigners are unwelcome and that they steal jobs from Bermudians. In his
piece, the infamous writer went on to suggest that liberalisation of immigration
policies means little or no controls and protection for Bermudians. What utter
drivel! In typical fashion, the writer famously disregarded the facts.
Convenient amnesia kicked in when he failed to mention that when the One Bermuda
Alliance amended the work permit policy in 2015 after more than a year of
consultation — with, among others, the Bermuda Trade Union Congress — the
following concepts were introduced:
How can I confirm the aforementioned points are true and factual, one may ask? I dutifully carved them into existence during my tenure as Minister of Home Affairs — fact! The OBA’s approach was a deliberate carrot-and-stick approach. The Progressive Labour Party never did that. In fact, when the PLP came into power in 2017, it changed very little indeed to the 2015 Work-Permit Policy, other than tinker with the policy on musicians. The initiatives introduced by the OBA are regularly used for the benefit and protection of Bermudians. And no time was it ever, ever said that Bermudians should be sacrificed on any altar of convenience! The PLP’s Trumpian attitude towards foreigners and those that the PLP says are not “real Bermudians” is what is killing our economy. The fact is when Bermuda’s unemployment was at its lowest in about 2007-08, the PLP issued the highest level of work permits in our history. As it happens, in 2013 the OBA issued the lowest number in about 15 years and never came close to the record highs under the PLP. Shame to let facts get in the way of a good story! The PLP’s attitude is this: keep out anyone who is not a “real” Bermudian. Sad, since the most successful economies in the world embrace diversity and are welcoming to outsiders. However, immigration should never be to the detriment of the local population. Never, ever. The Pathways to Status initiative was actually quite simple and was certainly not detrimental to Bermudians. It was designed to regularize the issue of children who were born in Bermuda; give persons who had been in Bermuda at least 15 years the right to apply for permanent residency and those who had been here for 20 years or more the right to apply for status. These applications would be subject to criteria laid out by the Government. The numbers we were talking about were not 7,000, as the PLP would have you believe, but were fewer than 2,000 — if everyone took up the offer that met the minimum criteria and was approved. Some of the matters being addressed were being dealt with by the courts, so it was high time to address them in legislation and policy. Interestingly, the working group borne out of the withdrawn Pathways to Status Bill came up with proposals eerily similar to Pathways to Status. The sad part is that the pathways initiative was killed off for political expediency. Pure and simple. The PLP refused to debate it. Some of the OBA MPs cowardly buckled even after agreeing and assuring their support. Open information forums were shut down, Parliament was blocked and the Senate invaded. Democracy requires debate, not mob rule exploiting ignorance and encouraged by lies and deceit. Article 20 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights states: “Everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association”. Now, with this UN declaration in mind, please reconsider whether this basic human right entitlement was upheld during a dark time in Bermuda’s history. Our global citizens are ashamed, alarmed and wholly embarrassed at the degrading behavior displayed. Most unwelcoming and uncaring indeed. The PLP and its writers would rather paint a narrative that those who help Bermudians via encouraging non-Bermudians to the island are evil people who are anti-Bermudian or not “real” Bermudians themselves. Such tactics are doing a disservice to all Bermudians — “real” or otherwise — and taking us backwards. These writers are in fact so desperate to paint a false narrative that they use partial quotes to make a point. For example, I said: “Until we unlatch and swing open the gates to the outside world and warmly welcome job makers, investors and overseas workers, and give them reasons to remain in Bermuda, we are doomed to a deep, dark depression.” Instead, the PLP writers say I simply said: “Swing open the gates to the outside world.” Presumably this was done in an attempt to suggest that “opening the gates” should be to the detriment of Bermudians. It is this intellectual dishonesty from the PLP on the issue of immigration that is lowering the debate that needs to be had. The scare tactics may be successful in many arenas, but in the interest of all Bermudians it is time to be really progressive, not regressive. It is time to heed the words of Abraham Lincoln or we will continue to sink into the abyss."
Michael
DeSilva has been appointed director of security and emergency management at the
Hamilton Princess and Beach Club. Mr DeSilva, formerly the Commissioner of
the Bermuda Police Service, will be responsible for overseeing the security,
safety and wellbeing of the hotel, its employees and its guests. As part of his
role, he will help to train, educate and develop the security team as well as
other colleagues in different aspects of security and safety. In his 33 years
with the BPS, Mr DeSilva, a Bermudian, rose from the rank of Cadet, as a
17-year-old, to Commissioner. In this role he had command of 450 sworn police
officers, 90 civilian support staff, 75 reserve police officers and 12 police
cadets and operated with an annual budget of $68 million. During his tenure with
BPS, he held the position of president of the Association of Caribbean
Commissioners of Police and was the world regional chairman for the Caribbean
for the International Association of Chiefs of Police. He also served as the
director of operations for the Government’s Emergency Measures Organisation,
which aims to prepare government departments and non-governmental agencies for
severe weather events and other disasters, helping to coordinate emergency
response and recovery. Mr DeSilva is a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy,
National Executive Institute and the UK College of Policing’s International
Strategic Leadership Programme. He holds a Master of Business Administration
(MBA) degree from the University of Derby. For his time with BPS, he was awarded
the Colonial Police Medal in 2011 for meritorious service, and the Queen’s
Police Medal in 2017 for distinguished service. Tim Morrison, general manager at
Hamilton Princess and Beach Club, said: “We are extremely pleased to welcome
Michael DeSilva into the Hamilton Princess and Beach Club family. Michael’s
reputation as a committed public servant precedes him and we are confident that
he will bring this dedication to his new role and help us to ensure the safety
and security of our colleagues, the hotel and its guests.” Mr DeSilva said:
“Hamilton Princess and Beach Club is an iconic institution in Bermuda and I am
very proud to become a part of it. I look forward to working with the
exceptional team and to ensuring that we put Bermuda’s best foot forward by
providing a first class, safe and secure destination for our visitors.”
Abuwi
Rasool, one of the founders of the Bermuda Society for the Blind, has died at
89. Mr Rasool taught handiwork to other blind people, ran his own shop in
Hamilton, and prided himself on traveling unaided all over the world. Born
Wilfred John Tacklyn, Mr Rasool lost his eyesight in a dynamite explosion in
1948, when he was 19. The accident occurred at the government quarry in Hamilton
Parish, where he was working as a driller for the Department of Works and
Engineering The explosion almost claimed his life, as he recalled in an
interview with The Royal Gazette last year. Doctors were surprised when
he smiled on being told he was blind, but Mr Rasool said: “I was just happy to
be alive.” He attended rehabilitation courses at the School for the Blind in
Brooklyn, New York. He then took two years’ training at the Royal School for
the Blind in London, where he met several members of the Royal family. In later
years, when royalty called on Bermuda, Mr Rasool would often meet them —
including Princess Margaret, who was a regular visitor. On returning home, the
St George’s native initially supported himself selling newspapers in King’s
Square. He was also one of the first people on the island to learn Braille. In
1954, with Jean Howes and Lance Hayward, Mr Rasool founded the Beacon Club, a
precursor to the Bermuda Society for the Blind. The group assisted the BSFB and
offered a support group for the blind, including visits for housebound blind
people. Amanda Marshall, a former board president of the BSFB, said Lady Gladys
Hall, a philanthropist who worked with Bermuda’s blind community, introduced
the legislation formally creating the society in 1957. Dr Marshall recalled Mr
Rasool as “a very intelligent man with a range of interests”. She added:
“He was a very strong advocate for the empowerment of people who were blind,
and he was a very good teacher.” Mr Rasool, who treasured his independence,
was the longest serving member at the BSFB workshop in its headquarters in
Hamilton, Beacon House. Blind workers wove items from brooms to baskets and
stools, and Mr Rasool trained many others. He worked at Beacon House until an
injury in 2001, and was a long-serving board member for the BSFB. Mr Rasool
became a Muslim 48 years ago through the Nation of Islam, transitioning to
Orthodox Islam under the tutelage of the late Imam Warith Deen Mohammed. He
travelled frequently to Chicago during this time, and later opened Bermuda’s
first Muslim book store. For more than 15 years, until his health failed, he ran
a shop, Abuwi Gift Case, on Brunswick Street. Other accomplishments included
sailing on the Lord Nelson, a tall ship catering for the disabled, in a
crossing of the English Channel in 1992 when he was 63. In 2001 he completed the
Haj, the Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Last year he told the Gazette
that he was “most proud of all the years I spent working at Beacon House”.
Lois Astwood, a cook and volunteer at Beacon House from 1976 to 2001, said Mr
Rasool was “very independent — he didn’t depend on anyone. He could see
everything in his shop by feeling and smelling,” she said. “He was a
supervisor at Beacon House who trained people to do the work.” Women and men
divided the work between them, but Mr Rasool knew all the tasks. Ms Astwood
recalled Mr Rasool as “a nice man who liked to talk — and he was always in
the right”. Mr Rasool’s funeral service was held on Tuesday at the Masjid
Muhammad Mosque in Hamilton. He is survived by his daughter, Tanya Sutton,
brothers Leon and Leonard, and his sister, Catherine Blakeney.
Bermuda
has been added to a draft tax haven blacklist by the European Union, along with
nine other jurisdictions, according to Reuters. The news agency said it had
been told by an EU official that the island, together with the United Arab
Emirates, Oman and other Caribbean and Pacific islands, are included on a draft
list that will go before EU envoys today. It is up to the envoys to agree the
new list, which will then be formally adopted by EU finance ministers in a
meeting on March 12, according to Reuters. Last night, David Burt, the Premier,
said the island’s Economic Substance Act and regulations meet the requirements
of the EU, and that Bermuda “should properly be omitted from any list of
non-cooperative tax jurisdictions”. The Premier said technical officers and
ministers are in daily contact with officials in Brussels, and representatives
of key member states, to ensure “that it is clear Bermuda has met the
requisite standard. This has been a difficult process, but I am confident that a
fair examination of Bermuda’s legislation in this area of economic substance
will clearly show that we have complied with the standard required of us and we
should properly be omitted from any list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions.
It is important to recognize that no decisions have yet been made. We look
forward to implementing the new substance regime in Bermuda.” Reuters reported
that the official it had spoken with said the EU is still considering whether
Bermuda and the UAE will be added to the list. In 2017, the EU decided to
blacklist jurisdictions that are non co-operative on tax matters, and to monitor
countries that commit to change their tax rules to comply with EU standards.
However blacklisted jurisdictions could face reputational damage and stricter
controls on their financial transactions with the EU, although no sanctions have
yet been agreed by member states. The five jurisdictions currently on the
blacklist are American Samoa, Guam, Samoa, Trinidad and Tobago, and the US
Virgin Islands. According to the report by Reuters, 62 jurisdictions have
committed to abiding by the tax standards set by Brussels, and most had been
required to overhaul their rules by December or last month. The news agency
reported that Bermuda and the UAE have not complied by the set deadlines, but EU
states are assessing whether their delays could be warranted.
Extra
cash from cost savings in the Department of Education have gone to finance
special programmes, the Minister of Education said. Diallo Rabain told the
House of Assembly that there was no increase in the department’s $114 million
budget, but it had found $2.3 million in savings and reallocated the funds.
Extra money has gone to finance autism spectrum education, the continued
implementation of standards-based grading, and science, technology, arts and
maths programmes. Mr Rabain said Steam classes have been added to primary
schools, with eight more to be added this year. He added the department would
release annual reports on progress on the Plan 2022 blueprint for the
education system. He also told the House work was under way on succession
planning for the island’s principals. Mr Rabain said that although the budget
for substitute teachers had decreased, the change was offset by increased
funding for teaching assistants. The Minister highlighted the Government’s
intention to phase out middle schools in favour of specialist signature schools
and promised that a round-table group will be set up to help introduce the
change. Cole Simons, the Shadow Minister of Education, said he was happy to see
Government make progress on Plan 2022, and that the budget for the
Ministry showed “signs of financial discipline”. He added: “Teachers have
said they are still taking money out of their pockets to pay for supplies for
their classrooms.” Mr Simons said it was a “perennial problem” that had to
be tackled. “We need to somehow support these teachers, reimburse them for any
expenses they have to make things better for their students.” Mr Simons also
asked for more information about how many pupils required special needs
education and how many high-risk pupils were being treated by school
psychologists. “We need to know the scale of the challenge because these
people are our loved ones and we need to give them the support they rightfully
deserve.” Mr Rabain said there were 706 pupils on individual educational
programmes.
A
pastor appointed to battle gang violence was signed up for $33,000 a year more
than it was claimed he would be paid when his contract was extended, official
documents have revealed. Leroy Bean was given the post of gang violence
reduction co-ordinator in October 2017 and Wayne Caines, the Minister of
National Security, said the 12-month contract would pay about $92,000. The
agreement was later extended for a further two years and Mr Caines said last
November the “compensation was not changed”. A list published on the
Government’s Official Gazette, however, showed Mr Bean’s deal was
valued at $334,654 over three years — an average of about $111,551 a year or
$121,327 a year for the last two years of the deal, if his first annual salary
was $92,000. However, the Government admitted last night that Mr Bean would get
$125,000 a year for the two extra years added to the original contract. A
spokesman confirmed Mr Bean was paid $92,000 for the initial one-year deal. The
spokesman added: “At its conclusion and based on his education, experience and
on par with similar roles in the Civil Service, in September 2018 Pastor
Bean’s contract was renegotiated and renewed for two years at $125,000, the
equivalent of PS 38.” The spokesman said the pay scale was in line with that
for a case manager at the Department of Court Services, an education manager at
Westgate prison and a co-ordinator at the Department of Child and Family
Services. The Government was asked last night to explain the discrepancy and Mr
Caines’s claim last November that Mr Bean’s pay cheque would not go up, but
did not respond by press time. The details of the $334,654 contract were
included in a table of national security ministry contracts worth at least
$50,000 uploaded under public access to information requirements. Mr Bean was
described as a “gang consultant” with a contract from September 1, 2017 to
August 31, 2020. Mr Caines said, when he first announced the appointment, that
Mr Bean brought 20 years’ experience of work with gangs, and had served as a
residential care officer at the former Department of Social Services. Mr Bean
said at the time: “With the help of Bermuda, we can conquer this problem. And
when I say Bermuda, I believe that each one of us plays a part in everything
that will be done. It’s not one organisation or one party.” Mr Caines
confirmed in November: “Pastor Bean is an integral component in our efforts to
stem the tide of anti-social behavior in Bermuda. As such, I offered to extend
his contract for a further two years, which he accepted. Pastor Bean’s
compensation was not changed and is available [to be viewed] in the public
domain.” The Royal Gazette asked the Government last week about the
difference between the contract value in the online list and the salary details
provided earlier. A spokesman said on Sunday that the national security ministry
was busy on budget-related work, but a “full response” would be provided in
the House of Assembly today. The list of contracts included another gang
consultant, Darren Woods, hired from April 16 last year to March 31, 2020 for a
total of $166,458 — about $83,230 a year. Further details of his role were
also requested from the Government. Mr Caines said in the House of Assembly last
April that Mr Woods had been seconded to the department from another ministry to
act as a case manager. He was described yesterday in a press release as the
ministry’s youth outreach prevention manager. Mr Caines told MPs last November
that the two-man gang violence reduction team worked every day to tackle the
island’s gang culture. He said the pair had met at-risk pupils in both public
senior schools, as well as police, and co-ordinated mediation between
schoolchildren involved with rival gangs. He said then that Mr Bean’s work was
“highly confidential and sensitive” and that it was inappropriate to reveal
details. Figures provided by the Government in January showed three
firearms-related deaths or injuries last year, down from nine in 2017 and 14 in
2016. The data also revealed there were 27 incidents in 2018 that involved a
firearm, were believed to involve a firearm, or where a firearm was recovered,
compared with 49 in 2017 and 82 the year before that. Two fintech consultants
were also on the list of national security ministry contracts. Loretta Joseph
was hired for $60,000 between February 1 and April 30 last year. A $70,000
contract lasting a little more than three months was awarded to Lydia Dickens or
CB Limited, a Bermudian business of which she was understood to be managing
director. Samantha Knight, described on her LinkedIn profile as an “operations
consultant and attaché to the Minister of National Security”, was listed in
the table as a consultant on a $105,807 contract from January last year to the
end of this month. The document also showed Pallans Associates was hired for
$58,900 as a radio communication system consultant between May 30, 2017 and the
end of 2018. Mr Bean did not respond to requests for comment.
The
former interim chief executive of the telecommunications and electricity
watchdog is suing the organisation after his $250,000 contract was cut short.
Lawyers for Aaron Smith said his agreement with the Regulatory Authority of
Bermuda was terminated last October, more than three months early. In a writ
filed at the Supreme Court, he asked for $74,404 in compensation. Mr Smith was
the fifth person to lead the organisation since it was established by Act of
Parliament in 2011. Wakefield Quin, acting for Mr Smith, said in a writ that his
post as interim chief executive was agreed on February 17, 2018. They added the
contract was fixed for a year and would end on February 16, 2019, unless it was
terminated earlier “in accordance with specific provisions”. The writ, which
was published on the Offshore Alert website, claimed the RAB agreed to pay a
total of $250,000 to Mr Smith in monthly installments or prorated for any period
of less than a month. However, the writ said: “On the 31st October, 2018, the
defendant, in breach of contract, terminated the agreement causing the plaintiff
loss and damage.” It added the RAB “purported” to end the agreement under
provisions that related to serious misconduct or criminality, bringing the
organisation into serious disrepute or prejudicing its business interests. The
clauses were said to have allowed the RA to terminate the contract without being
liable to pay Mr Smith more money. However, the writ said: “The plaintiff
denies that he at any time breached these provisions or any other provision of
the agreement.” Wakefield Quin said that on July 18, 2018, Michael Swain, then
the RAB’s recently hired chief financial officer who was nearing the end of
his probationary period, wrote to Mr Smith and told him that he needed to
relocate to France. The writ added: “Swain was distraught and upset when he
presented the letter to the plaintiff. He was offering to continue to work in
his position as CFO from abroad remotely until his circumstances changed or
other arrangements could be made, but he needed to leave Bermuda immediately to
be with his wife.” The writ said Mr Smith notified the RAB’s board in person
and in an e-mail the following day. It added that he believed the matter to be a
“human resource management issue” and his responsibility. The document
claimed various options were considered and it was Mr Smith’s “primary
concern” that there was continuity. It said Mr Swain had indicated he could
work from overseas. The writ alleged the RAB was open to a consultancy
arrangement and, fully informed about the situation, paid Mr Swain for August.
Lawyers for the RAB were said to have sent Mr Swain a draft consultancy
agreement as negotiations continued. The writ added: “Swain surprised all
concerned and advanced the position that he was now confirmed in his post as an
employee. Negotiations broke down with Swain and the defendant terminated its
relationship with Swain by way of letter dated the 27th September 2018. As a
result of the above, the defendant then terminated the plaintiff’s contract
alleging that he was in breach of the agreement by his handling of the Swain
employment matter.” Wakefield Quin said that Mr Smith would argue he acted in
a professional manner and “fulfilled his contractual responsibilities to the
defendant to a high standard”. The writ said he would claim that it was the
actions of the RAB’s board that “compromised the interests of the Regulatory
Authority”. Mr Smith is seeking $74,404, which was the balance owed under his
agreement, or alternatively damages, plus interest and costs. The RAB announced
its fourth chief executive, Denton Williams, in January, three months after he
resigned as chief operating officer at Ascendant Group, the parent company of
Belco. Its first CEO, Philip Micallef, was appointed in October 2012, but left
in September 2014 for personal reasons. He was followed by Robert Watson in
January 2015, who left nine months later, also for personal reasons, and Kyle
Masters, then a legal adviser to the RAB, taking the helm as interim CEO.
Matthew Copeland was appointed in March 2016 and stepped down in February 2018,
when Mr Smith took the role on an interim basis. Mr Smith declined to comment
yesterday. Mr Swain said: “I am presently seeking legal advice and have no
comment at this time.” The writ was witnessed by Chief Justice Narinder Hargun
on February 4 and the RAB was required to respond within 14 days of it being
served. A spokeswoman said: “The authority does not comment on matters before
the court.”
It
is likely that One Communications and Digicel engaged in “tacit
co-ordination” in the past, which would have impacted the electronic
communications marketplace in Bermuda. That is the view of the Regulatory
Authority of Bermuda, which is seeking feedback from the public and
stakeholders, to a number of intervention proposals aimed at promoting
competition that furthers “the interests of Bermuda consumers and
residents”. It is doing so through a consultation document that was released
on February 18. Feedback submissions were to have been made by the end of
tomorrow, but the deadline has now been extended to March 29. The RA’s review
is to consider whether there are operators in the electronic communications
sector who hold a position of market power, such that it is necessary for the
authority to intervene and impose regulations to prevent or deter
anti-competitive effects. It noted that One Communications and Digicel,
together, accounted for more than 90 per cent of total revenues in the sector in
Bermuda in 2017. The RA has looked at six service categories, namely broadband,
mobile, fixed voice, subscription television, business connectivity and
off-island connectivity, and suggested remedies in areas of concern. The
consolation document follows a preliminary consultation in 2017, and concludes
with a handful of questions on which the RA seeks feedback. Improvements within
the sector have included the roll-out of network upgrades, with internet speeds
above 100 Mbps available to customers, and extensive 4G mobile coverage.
However, the RA has concerns where there is significant market power, or SMP. By
its definition, this is a position of economic strength that can allow a company
to individually, or jointly with others, “behave independently of competitors,
customers and ultimately consumers”. Where it identifies that such a situation
exists, the RA said it “is keen to ensure any remedies proposed are effective
and strike a balance in terms of competition and investment incentives”. It
said it recognized the concern that two major competitors, or more, can “adopt
a uniform conduct or common policy”, that does not benefit customers. The RA
said that a joint SMP “does not require, or imply, that the sectoral providers
are engaging in illegal collusion, but refers to whether they constitute a
collective entity relative to their competitors, trading partners and customers
in a particular market”. In its assessment of the retail broadband market in
Bermuda, the RA said: “The evidence presented suggests that OneComm and
Digicel Group are likely to have engaged in tacit coordination in the past.”
The RA welcomed the investment in fibre networks that have been undertaken by
both companies, but added that it “remains concerned that, despite the
improvement in the price/speed ratio received by consumers, overall prices may
still not be aligned with costs, and OneComm and Digicel Group continue to have
the incentives and ability to coordinate and sustain such an outcome”. It
added: “The continued alignment in pricing on the new, faster networks is
clear evidence of tacit coordination. Therefore, despite the investments in
fibre networks, the Authority is not confident that the market conditions are
such that the risk of tacit coordination in the future has been eliminated.”
Broadband is one of six categories reviewed by the RA; the others include mobile
services, subscription TV and landline telephone services. The 152-page
consultation document includes the RA’s observation and proposed remedies in
eight market areas where it has identified one or more SMP providers. In some
cases, it proposes that services include a stand-alone option separate from
bundled offerings; that there is accounting separation; that prices are “cost
orientated”; and that there is fair and reasonable wholesale access for other
companies that seek to enter the market. In the broadband category, the RA has
also proposed a definition of a 20 per cent differential on upload and download
speeds, whereby if a service falls 20 per cent below its stated speed, a
customer would have the right to exit the contract with that provider.
St
George’s residents labelled a plan to turn the Olde Towne into a quango as an
attack on democracy at a public meeting last night. Walter Roban, the
Minister of Home Affairs, told attendees the change would mean a higher priority
from the Government and better funding for the Corporation of St George.
Residents, however, questioned why the Government could not simply increase
funding without changing the municipality. Mr Roban also promised that the
reform would help the Government bring the St George’s marina project to life,
but Quinell Francis, the Mayor of St George, said the corporation has been
waiting for the Government to pass legislation for the marina for years. Ms
Francis said: “It has been with the Government for the past eight years. We
have seen the Progressive Labour Party, the One Bermuda Alliance and now the PLP
again. We have been waiting for the legislation to be put forth to be approved,
and now we are being told again that it is on the agenda and all we can do is
hope that this will come to fruition. The residents of the town are unhappy
about the loss of their ability to vote for the candidates they want in the
corporation. From this meeting, it’s very clear that the people want to elect
their officials. This town is a close-knit community and that has been the buzz
around the town, that they won’t have their say. An appointed board instead of
an elected board doesn’t sit well in the Town of St George. That is the main
concern.” More than 100 people attended the meeting at East End Primary with
Zane DeSilva, the Minister of Tourism and Transport, and Lieutenant-Colonel
David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, joining Mr Roban in answering
questions. In an opening presentation, Mr Roban said the change from a
municipality to a quango would benefit the town in a variety of ways. He said:
“It will mean enhanced services, including the deployment of smart-city
technology. It will mean improved infrastructure. It will mean better upkeep of
public spaces, and it will allow, finally, for the creation of a marina, which
St George’s have long desired. It will also allow the creation of a World
Heritage Site management plan for the town, which is crucial for the
continuation of St George as a Unesco World Heritage Site.” Mr Roban said the
legislation would also ensure that residents have a say in the creation of a
strategic plan for the town. He added the legislation would not result in any
job losses or that the operation structure of the municipalities would be lost.
“It does not mean a takeover. That is the word that has been bandied about
quite a bit over the past couple of weeks. The people of St George will be the
ones making the decisions of the town. Persons who reside, or do business, or
work in the town will have the opportunity to provide input to the selection
process of the mayor and the councillors, especially four of those
councillors.” Residents questioned why it was necessary to “dismantle” the
corporation to achieve that aim and voiced concern about an appointed
corporation. One resident said: “If the people who are really involved in
this, who are living in the town, are not going to be electing their mayor and
councilmen, I’m not sure if that’s really the will of the people.” Another
said: “While the ministry might not want to call it a takeover, that’s
essentially what it is. It seems like a bit of a coup d’état in reverse by
the central government.” Cyniqua Anderson, a common councillor for the town,
added it was misleading for the Government to say residents would have
involvement in the selection of four of the councillors. She said: “According
to the Bill, there’s this selection committee of three people that will
appoint the remaining four. It also mentions that the selection committee is
appointed by you [the Government] as well. So it seems to me as if you appoint
all the individuals.” Mr Roban replied that the selection committee will be
made up of people from the town, and they would select from the people who put
their names forward to sit on the corporation.
Before
the America’s Cup got under way in 2017, organisers promised the world; cash,
attention, tourism — Bermuda would get it all. Two years on, hotel
industry leaders Stephen Todd and Tim Morrison said the six-week sailing event
more than lived up to its hype. “Being the America’s Cup host hotel before
the event, it was very successful for us, for the year, but moreover brought
attention back to the island,” said Mr Morrison, general manager of the
Hamilton Princess and Beach Club, and Bermuda Hotel Association president. He
arrived two years ago, just after the America’s Cup ended. But it wasn’t a
cure-all. Bermuda still has a number of problems that tourism professionals are
trying to work through. “Right now we have a 4 per cent projected drop-off in
airlift this year through one of our main gateway cities, which is out of
JFK,” Mr Morrison said. “We just can’t see further erosion, because it
will impact the ‘heads in beds’ and the people to the island and the
economy.” The two believe the seasonal nature of Bermuda’s tourism is one
factor holding the island back. Ironically, Bermuda started out as a winter
destination. Back in the 1880s, when the Hamilton Princess was first built, it
was a place for wealthy people from snowy climates to catch a little sun, but
not too much sun. Over time it changed completely to become a spring and summer
trip. However, Mr Todd, the chief executive officer of the Bermuda Hotel
Association, insists you can still have a wonderful time during Bermuda’s
“off-season” from January to October. “We are struggling to find ways to
end the seasonality of Bermuda tourism,” Mr Morrison said. He admitted that
winter in Bermuda, with temperatures sometimes dipping into the 50s, doesn’t
provide a lot of beach weather, but he thinks it’s great for group business
and events. During the ITU World Triathlon last April the hotel reached around
90 per cent occupancy. “We did very well,” he said. “And that was
approaching the high season.” To take a strike at seasonality, the Hamilton
Princess is winterizing its open-air 1609 Bar and Restaurant overlooking
Hamilton Harbour. “We are putting a roof and doors on it so we can use it for
groups and use it into the winter season,” Mr Morrison said. “You’ll still
get that wonderful sea breeze location. The windows will pop up and the wind
will flow through the facility. There will be some changes to the menu. We will
be rolling that out in the start of April.” Mr Todd thought that if
Bermuda’s tourism was year around, more Bermudians might be attracted to the
industry, because they wouldn’t have to find another source of income in the
off-season. “There are so many career paths in the industry,” he said. “We
are one of the largest employers in Bermuda. We need to ensure we don’t just
attract, but retain the talent and those who are committed to maintaining our
service to keep our visitors coming back.” Another challenge for Mr Todd and
Mr Morrison is simply helping the outside world to locate Bermuda on the map.
“Years ago people knew more about Bermuda, but the newer generation doesn’t
know about Bermuda as much,” Mr Morrison said. “We need to do our part.”
Mr Todd said: “Bermuda is still one of the best kept secrets.” He wants
people who do know about us to think of us as a weeklong destination, not a
weekend getaway. At the Hamilton Princess alone, you could spend several days
enjoying the amenities on the property as opposed to venturing out, but once
they do, we want to make sure they have a total experience of a destination.”
Another problem for Bermuda is transport. Last summer there were sometimes four
cruise ships in port with 9,000 visitors looking to get around the island.
“It’s about putting a game plan in place,” Mr Morrison said. “We have to
talk as an industry to see how we can work together to avoid these
transportation problems.” Mr Todd said we’d seen a number of great additions
to Bermuda’s transportation, such as the introduction of two-seater electric
cars. “They are great for couples, but didn’t work as well for families with
multiple children,” he said. Children are an important part of the 2018
Bermuda Tourism Plan, which aims to bring more families to the island. The hotel
just finished renovating a pink cottage on the grounds to house their new Prince
and Princess Club programme. The cottage has toys, games and activities for the
hotel’s younger guests. “We are working on appealing to children more so we
can get families here,” Mr Morrison said.
The
alleged importer of $9.5 million of heroin was on edge after he was detained at
the airport, the Supreme Court heard yesterday. Susie Williams-Stovell, a
customs officer, told the court that Josef Vlcek, then 47, “was sweating and
appeared nervous”. She added: “His chest was heaving fast.” Ms
Williams-Stovell was speaking on the second day of Mr Vlcek’s trial. She said
that she was working at the airport the day Mr Vlcek arrived in Bermuda and that
she had conducted an inspection of a suitcase carried by the defendant at about
7.07pm. Ms Williams-Stovell added: “I saw a bulge in there under the
lining.” She said that Daniel Cardoso, another Customs officer, had cautioned
Mr Vlcek. Ms Williams-Stovell said that she, Mr Cardoso and Mr Vlcek went into a
search room, where the bag was inspected. She added: “We revealed carbon paper
so that you could see that there was a package.” Ms Williams-Stovell said that
she saw a brown powder under the paper. She said that Mr Cardoso then swabbed
the outside of the package to test for the presence of drugs. Ms
Williams-Stovell told the court: “In this case it said heroin.” She said
that she and Mr Cardoso left the search room to X-ray the second bag at about
7.55pm. Ms Williams-Stovell added: “We X-rayed the suitcase and you could see
packages on the screen.” Mr Vlcek, of the Czech Republic, has pleaded not
guilty to the importation of about 2.9 kilograms of heroin on September 23, 2017
and possession of the drug with intent to supply. Detective Constable Shannon
Trott said he transported the two suitcases from a secure storage area to the
forensic lab at Southside Police Station the day after Mr Vlcek was detained. Mr
Trott said: “I searched the suitcases starting with the smaller bag. Upon
opening the bag, I saw a package that was blue and silver in colour that had
been pierced and an off-white powder was exposed.” Mr Trott said that he
removed the package and placed it in an evidence bag. The suitcase was also
placed into an evidence bag. The trial continues.
Bacardí
supports the right to seek justice for those whose properties were confiscated
in Cuba by the Fidel Castro regime almost 60 years ago. The Bermuda-based
company was commenting in the wake of the United States’ opening of a very
limited scope for lawsuits against Cuban companies benefiting from properties
seized after the Caribbean country’s 1959 revolution. The family-owned global
drinks giant moved to Bermuda in 1965, after Cuba’s communist government
confiscated the company’s private assets in October 1960. US President Donald
Trump’s administration this week opened the door to a limited number of legal
actions under a section of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act. Title III allows
for protection of property rights in Cuba, creating the opportunity to sue those
who “traffick” confiscated property, such as hotel owners using sites that
were seized decades earlier. Bacardí told The Royal Gazette : “Bacardí, like
many others, is a company that lost all of its Cuban properties to illegal
confiscation without compensation. We support the right and ability of those
impacted to seek justice and to prevent further trafficking in stolen
properties.” Successive US presidents have suspended Title III for successive
six-month periods, given the potential for complex and expensive legal actions
against many global businesses and the potential for subsequent trade disputes
with the US. Major investors in Cuba include British tobacco giant Imperial
Brands, which runs a joint venture with the Cuban government making premium
cigars; Spanish hoteliers Iberostar and Melia, which run dozens of hotels across
the island; and French beverage-maker Pernod-Ricard, which makes Havana Club rum
with a Cuban state distiller. Bacardí has battled with Pernod-Ricard in the US
courts for years over who owns the right to the Havana Club name. While this
week’s loosening of the suspension limits lawsuits under Title III to a list
of about 200 Cuban businesses and government agencies that are already subject
to special US sanctions because they are tied to the Cuban military and
intelligence ministries, there are signs that firmer action could be on the way.
The Trump administration said its latest Title III suspension would expire after
30 days, while most previous suspensions have lasted six months. The action is
being presented as retaliation for Cuba’s support of Nicolas Maduro, the
president of Venezuela, whom the US is trying to oust in favour of opposition
leader Juan Guaido. On Twitter, US senator Marco Rubio wrote: “Today, expect
the United States to take the first in a series of steps to hold the regime in
#Cuba accountable for its 60 years of crimes & illegality which includes its
support for the murderous #MaduroCrimeFamily. Justice is coming. And more to
come.” The US has maintained a six-decade trade embargo on Cuba. Bacardí was
founded in Santiago de Cuba in 1862. Mahesh Madhavan, Bacardí’s CEO, told The
Royal Gazette last month, that he hoped Bacardí’s global headquarters would
remain in Bermuda for the next “500 years” and that “Bermuda is our home
now”.
Southampton
Rangers Sports Club will show the red card to people who take part in antisocial
behavior, its president warned yesterday. Jason Wade said the club would
rigidly enforce its existing policy to ban people who got out of line. Mr Wade
said: “The policy of banning individuals is not new to the club, but we
finally have a team of chairmen who are committed to enforcing the policy. In
the past, people have put themselves forward for the disciplinary chairman, but
when it comes time to implement, they are nowhere to be seen.” Mr Wade added
that Roxy Richardson and Wayne Raynor were elected the new co-chairmen of the
disciplinary committee at the end of last year and they had acted to tackle
antisocial behavior. Ms Richardson said: “We took it on because we want to
change the atmosphere of the club. We want to reinvigorate the community. In
order to do that, we have to get a handle on antisocial behavior and to do that
we have to start with those who are involved in it.” Mr Richardson warned that
anyone found to be involved in bad behavior at the South Shore club would be
banned. The get-tough policy was posted on social media last week to help get
the message over to patrons of the club. Ms Richardson said: “Social media is
something that everyone uses, so we decided it would be a great way to get it
out there.” Ms Richardson said the majority of club members had backed the
policy. She added: “People have been thanking us for what we have done. There
has been a positive change in the atmosphere of the club. We still have a
variety of people coming in, but it’s a different atmosphere.” Ms Richardson
added the club had also pushed back the bar’s opening time to distance it from
the club’s youth sports programmes. She said it was hoped the changes would
help improve the club’s support for the area. “That’s what we are
trying to do. Make the club better for the community.”
Members
of Coral Beats, Bermuda’s own all female Brazilian percussion band have been
busy on the weekends cleaning up Bermuda’s beaches and scouring the land and
ocean for unique instruments to use in a rhythm in their upcoming cert to be
held in the PPMH Hall at Warwick Academy on Sunday, 10th March at 7pm. The show
will be a culmination of a very intense five day workshop with visiting
Brazilian artist, Mestre Bola. Sue Riihiluoma, Coral Beats leader says, “We
will have been through a very inspiring process of hard work, endless drumming,
singing, clapping and repeating rhythms for hours on end and will be very
excited to share our hard work and passion with the community”. The group
which usually consisted of twenty five musicians has performed in the past for
Ted Talks, The Bermuda Festival, Harbour Nights, conventions and parties. With
the five day workshop they are expecting to expand their repertoire. Not only
will they performing new melodies but also will use found objects on the beach
to create new sounds for those that attend the concert. Donations are welcome at
the door.
Butterfield
Bank has introduced a new online platform that is causing some customers
headaches. The new version of Butterfield Online was launched last Saturday
evening and is accessed through a new web address..
Customers are e-mailed a verification code in order to access the new platform
the first time they log in. Several customers contacted The Royal Gazette
to say they were having various problems accessing the new platform, or that
they could not get through to the bank on the telephone to seek assistance. More
people voiced their thoughts on the upgrade through the consumer-oriented
Facebook page Maj’s List. Some said they were having difficulties logging into
the new platform. Others said they were struggling to transfer money. One poster
said they waited for 47 minutes to get through to the bank’s call centre.
Asked about the issues, a spokesman for Butterfield said: “A majority of
customers who have attempted to login to the new Butterfield Online have been
successful. Others, for whom the bank did not have current e-mail contact
information, have had to contact our call centre to provide or update their
e-mail address. As one would expect with a significant change to the online
banking platform, our call centre is currently dealing with a high volume of
queries, which has resulted in longer-than-usual wait times. We thank our
customers for their patience.” Some claimed that they had been given no notice
of the changes before the weekend switchover. The spokesman said: “Customer
notices were provided via all social media channels, online banking messaging
and in-branch signage in advance of Saturday’s migration of accounts. Those
notices included requests for customers to confirm their e-mail addresses with
our call centre, as the new system relies on a one-time verification code sent
by e-mail for first-time login.” The switch to the .com web address applies to
personal banking customers, while corporate accounts have not yet been migrated
from the former .bm URL. Some customers have complained that their beneficiary
and bill payment templates were lost in the switchover. Butterfield said this
was not the case. “The new Butterfield Online features new tools and
information to enhance users’ online banking experience,” the Butterfield
spokesman said. “Although Butterfield Online has a new look, users’
payment/beneficiary templates and standing order information have automatically
been loaded to the new system.” Butterfield has also launched a new version of
the Butterfield Mobile Banking app, which is available from the App Store and
Google Play. It is identified by the icon with a white background under the name
“Butterfield Mobile Banking”. The previous version of the app also continues
to be available to meet the needs of corporate banking customers.
Premier
David Burt rejected talk of independence yesterday as he asked the British
Government to dismiss a report that recommended that British citizens resident
in Bermuda should have voting rights. However, the Premier warned the stance
on independence could change. Mr Burt said that Bermuda had a constitutional
relationship with the UK. He added: “There are certain persons inside the
House of Commons that believe that we should have a different relationship and
we should serve as a province of the United Kingdom. If the 50-year settlement
between our constitutional affairs will change, then I think the people of
Bermuda will have a different discussion.” Mr Burt said that Bermuda was in
“new and dangerous territory”. He added: “From the perspective of the
Government, we are going to stand by our principles. We are going to stand by
the Constitution which we currently have, our constitution settlement, which
says that the UK cannot legislate for our own affairs. And if the United Kingdom
changes that position, then we’ll have decisions to make here.” Mr Burt was
speaking as he called on the UK Government to reject the Global Britain and the
British Overseas Territories: Resetting the Relationship report. The report,
created by the House of Commons’ Foreign Affairs Committee, made 14
recommendations. These included the mandatory publication of a beneficial
ownership of companies register, the right to vote for UK citizens resident in
Bermuda, and legalisation of same-sex marriage. Mr Burt gave notice of a motion
against the report in the House of Assembly. He said that members of the
committee responsible for the report were not uninformed about the island. Mr
Burt added: “They have been to Bermuda, they are persons that have interacted
with our government on many different occasions.” He said he believed the
committee members had a different perspective of the island. Mr Burt explained:
“They view Bermuda as a province of the United Kingdom that they can govern
and legislate for from Westminster. We do not agree with that perspective, and
we are going to make it very clear in this House, and I expect to receive
unanimous support on this particular motion, that it is for us to make our own
laws. And if they want to be colonial, then they need to go back to a different
era. It is not for today.” Mr Burt said Bermuda’s position on beneficial
ownership was “a bipartisan one, endorsed by successive governments. We will
adopt the global standard for a public register of beneficial ownership once one
is implemented.” Mr Burt said the motion would “signal the political
unanimity” in Bermuda. He added: “This united front will convey to the UK
Government that on these issues, Bermuda is of one accord.” Mr Burt said that
Bermuda’s designation as an Overseas Territory was “a cute way of saying a
colony”. He added that the island had enjoyed a relationship where Britain
“respected our ability, and our constitution, insofar as we have the ability
to make our own laws” for 50 years. But the Premier said: “It seems as
though that view in the United Kingdom is changing. So what we want to do is
make it as clear as possible, so that they understand the view of Bermuda and
then the ball is in their court. I look forward to leading the debate on this
motion and tracing for the people of Bermuda, and reminding some, and perhaps
informing others, of the history of voting rights in this country, and setting
out in the clearest possible terms possible that Bermuda, in this 21st century,
will not be turned back to the worst excesses of what we thought was a bygone
colonial era.” The news came as leaders of the Isle of Man, Jersey and
Guernsey were in London as a cross-party amendment came before the Houses of
Parliament to force the Crown Dependencies to start a public register of
beneficial ownership. The dependencies complained the amendment was
unconstitutional and the British Government delayed the vote.
The
Minister of Tourism revealed yesterday that American Airlines had withdrawn one
of its daily Bermuda flights and warned more could follow if airport operators
Skyport did not back marketing efforts. Mr DeSilva predicted that the number
of aircraft touching down in Bermuda would decrease this year. He said: “We
now have an airport that is not run, not owned, not operated by us any more —
it is operated by Skyport. I’m sure the Honourable Member, who was premier
when he signed off on that agreement, surely recognizes that Skyport is
responsible for getting airlift and approving marketing incentives. If they
don’t support marketing incentives, we may lose a few more.” Mr DeSilva was
speaking as he replied to questions from Michael Dunkley, a One Bermuda Alliance
backbencher, during the reply to the Budget in the House of Assembly. But Mr
Dunkley said that the government still had a “great deal of responsibility”
for the numbers of air passengers who arrived in Bermuda. He added: “If
government wants to use the excuse that it is somebody else’s problem that is
a cop out.” Mr DeSilva said parts of the airport deal were “atrocious” and
that the public would be told about the details from the floor of the House. Mr
Dunkley also took aim at Mr DeSilva for comments he made while in Opposition
about high salaries for some members of the Bermuda Tourism Authority. He said:
“I assume now that we haven’t heard anything about that he believes that the
compensation levels are fitting and appropriate.” Mr DeSilva replied: “I
chastised some of the executives of the BTA — it was at a time when we had the
lowest number of visitors we had in, I think, 48 years. Someone making $400,000
a year doesn’t phase me but you have got to perform.” Government reduced its
grant to the BTA from $26 million to $22.5 million in the Budget, but said that
tax changes would mean the quango would get more money overall. Part of the cash
was expected to come from the introduction of new fees charged to cruise
passengers. Leah Scott, the Deputy Opposition Leader, said that the BTA had done
an excellent job of increasing tourism numbers and that the body should remain
independent. Ms Scott highlighted a BTA report that said tourism had suffered
from Bermuda’s “culture of no” and asked for a progress report on the
$200,000 report designed to boost the beach economy. Mr DeSilva said Bermuda’s
beaches were an “untapped” source of revenue. He added: “We all know there
was a lot of fanfare over Shelly Bay Beach. We will look at continuing to do
something on our beaches. We know that Horseshoe Beach is super crowded during
the season and if we can start filtering them around the island to some of the
other beaches ... we are going to put some emphasis on that going forward."
He added that promotion of Somerset’s Long Bay Beach would help to spread the
numbers around the island. Mr Dunkley also questioned the breakdown on
government’s $2m investment into the ITU World Triathlon Bermuda. Mr DeSilva
said Mr Dunkley wanted specifics, he should submit a parliamentary question.
Chocolate and sugar-laden
breakfast cereals will be affected by the sugar tax from the start of next
month, the Government said yesterday. However, drinks with artificial sweeteners
instead of sugar will be excluded from the hikes. A spokeswoman for the Ministry
of Health said that the addition of the new items was “in alignment with the
original consultation feedback, which called for application to a wider set of
items”. She added: “Changes to the tariff code will be made to exclude
artificially sweetened drinks from the sugar tax.” The spokeswoman said that
the price of cocoa preparations that contained added sugar would also go up. The
rate of duty on items covered by the tax is 50 per cent. The rate will increase
to 75 per cent on April 1. The spokeswoman said that the tax was introduced to
encourage the public to choose healthier options. She added: “Lowering our
sugar consumption is necessary to combat our obesity, diabetes and kidney
disease rates, which are driving up healthcare costs untenably. Under the new
tax, both consumers and businesses would benefit from avoiding sugar-based
products.” The spokeswoman said that the Government “welcomes and
encourages” businesses to cater to the public’s “increasing demand for
healthier alternatives. A market exists for this and more and more products can
be seen on many retailer’s shelves reflecting the changing mood and tastes of
the population.” A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Finance said that the
decision on which items would be added to the list of taxable items was “based
on feedback to the original consultation and public dialogue since”. She added
that more than $1.02 million was collected by the Government through the tax in
the last quarter of 2018. The Government did not respond yesterday to questions
on how much of the tax would be used to improve public health and where the cash
would be spent. Curtis Dickinson, the Minister of Finance, announced in his
Budget Statement two weeks ago that a wider selection of items would be taxed
from next month.
The
hotel industry backed a commission to set a living wage yesterday, but warned
that “one size does not fit all”. Stephen Todd, president of the Bermuda
Hotel Association, said the group recognized the need for a living wage and a
minimum wage but that the hospitality industry’s tradition of staff tips had
to be considered. He added: “We also wish to ensure that the wider community
has a full appreciation of what it entails across multiple industries. We are
supportive as an association, with the caveat that the uniqueness of our
industry is taken into consideration.” Mr Todd was speaking after Lovitta
Foggo, the labour minister, said that a commission was to be set up to implement
a living wage. The Government’s Throne Speech last November promised to
implement a wage in line with Bermuda’s cost of living during this session of
Parliament. Mr Todd said he would “not like to see it rushed through”. He
explained: “If they were to press forward right after the Budget, that would
leave us with a finite time period.” Mr Todd said a top concern in the hotel
industry was for tipping to be taken into account. He added: “Our
understanding as an association is there is going to be further consultation to
ensure any future legislation is reflective of the uniqueness of hotels. The
discussion around a living wage or minimum wage has to factor in the component
of gratuity. It is not a component of salary that can be overlooked.” Mr Todd
said the living wage would be “skewed” if it failed to take into account
gratuities, which affected “significant” numbers of employees in the hotel
industry. He added that gratuities were given to a wide range of staff, from
waiters and service staff to housecleaning and laundry workers. Mr Todd said:
“If I were a manager and I saw that individuals I was responsible for were now
earning higher than I was, that would be a disincentive for management.” He
said the BHA had met the Bermuda Industrial Union and passed on its views to the
ministers responsible for labour, tourism and finance. Mr Todd added: “What we
have asked them to do through consultation is to ensure that industries such as
ourselves are taken into consideration.” The labour ministry said the
independent commission will be composed of “a body of experts”, including
representatives from the Trade Union Congress and employer groups. The creation
of a wage commission was a recommendation of the Parliamentary Joint Select
Committee on the Establishment of a Living/Minimum Wage Regime last year. Ms
Foggo said legislation for the creation of the commission was being worked on
and three town hall meetings would be scheduled. She said more than 90 per cent
of members of the International Labour Organisation had a statutory wage scheme.
Ms Foggo said it was “unconscionable” for people to be working “two or
three jobs, who are still barely able to put food on the table”. She said even
small wage increases had “a profound impact on people’s wellbeing and
happiness, both in the workplace and at home”. The JSC report said that a
statutory wage floor to support those who are economically insecure was needed.
The report added: “Incipient poverty, the erosion of the middle class and
growing despair have led to charities and assistance programmes of various types
being overwhelmed as growing numbers of Bermudians, including children, do
without the economic necessities required to lead productive and fulfilling
lives.”
The
alleged importer of $9.5 million of heroin was caught after customs officials
spotted a bulge and traces of glue in the lining of one of his suitcases, the
Supreme Court heard yesterday. Takiyah Simpson, for the Crown, told the
court that Josef Vlcek, then 47, was detained by customs officers after he
arrived at the airport on a flight from Britain with two suitcases. Ms Simpson
said: “He cleared immigration and proceeded to the customs baggage hall. where
he made his way to the Green Channel.” She added Mr Vleck was selected for a
secondary inspection. She said: “During the search of the first suitcase
belonging to the defendant, the customs officer noticed a slight bulge and glue
residue in the lining of his suitcase.” Ms Simpson told jurors that the
defendant’s two suitcases were scanned by an X-ray machine and “anomalies
were found”. She said a customs officer pulled out some of the lining in one
of the suitcases and removed a package wrapped in carbon paper. Ms Simpson added
that the officer pulled back the paper and found “a beige powder substance in
a vacuum-sealed bag”. She said that a scan done on the outside of the package
showed traces of heroin. Ms Simpson added: “The Bermuda Police Service were
called and the defendant was arrested and he was later charged.” Mr Vleck, of
the Czech Republic, has pleaded not guilty to the importation of about 2.9
kilograms of heroin on September 23, 2017 and possession of the drug with intent
to supply. Daniel Cardoso, a customs officer, told the court that he was working
at the secondary desk at the airport when Mr Vleck arrived. He said that Mr
Vleck had been flagged for a second inspection by another officer at about 7pm.
Mr Cardoso said that Mr Vleck told him that he had travelled to Bermuda for a
ten-day holiday. He said that the defendant told him that he was an artist and
had flown to the island alone. Mr Cardoso asked if the two bags he was carrying
belonged to him. Mr Vleck replied: “Yes, they are mine.” Mr Cardoso said
that Mr Vleck told him that he had booked his flight and accommodation the day
before. He added that he noticed a “bulge” on the outside of one of Mr
Vleck’s suitcases. He said: “At this point I suspected that there was
something in the bag.” Mr Cardoso said that he called over another customs
officer who pulled back lining inside the bag and exposed carbon paper. He said
that he cautioned Mr Vleck, packed up his bag, and escorted him to an interview
room. Mr Cardoso said Mr Vleck asked: “What’s wrong with my bag? When we
were outside, I think there’s some problem.” He added that he told Mr Vleck:
“There’s definitely a problem.” The trial continues.
The
Department of Education has asked the Bermuda Union of Teachers to a meeting to
tackle fears over a new grading and reports system for pupils. Kalmar
Richards, the Commissioner of Education, announced that the meeting would be
held today with help from the Labour Relations Office. Ms Richards said: “Our
goal in meeting with union representatives is to bring resolution to their
concerns, to ensure progress reports are sent home to parents this week and to
encourage the BUT against taking any further irregular actions that will have an
adverse impact on the teaching and learning of our students. The Department of
Education considers keeping students and parents informed about ongoing student
progress to be of paramount importance and uses the PowerSchool database and
report cards distributed throughout the school year as the methods for doing
so.” Ms Richards added that the database showed some teachers were already
using the system and that the education department was committed to supporting
teachers and principals to ensure that parents got the new-style report cards by
Friday. The meeting was set up after weeks of conflict between the Government
and teachers over the introduction of the new standards-based grading system.
Diallo Rabain, the Minister of Education, claimed teachers had “refused” to
enter grades. But the BUT said teachers had not been properly trained in the new
system. The Government announced a delay in the introduction of the report cards
last December.
An
expert on the African-American co-operative movement is to speak at an event
hosted by the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation this month. Jessica
Gordon-Nembhard, an author and economist, will make a presentation at the
seminar at the St Paul’s Centennial Hall, Hamilton on March 30 from 6pm to
8:30pm. Dr Gordon-Nembhard will focus her presentation on community-based asset
building, racial wealth inequality and the benefits and impacts of
co-operatives. She will also share key insights from her book, Collective
Courage. Collective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative
Economic Thought and Practice. “I am excited about what is happening
in Bermuda in the co-operative movement and looking forward to learning more,”
Dr Gordon-Nembhard said. “I want to share what I have been learning about the
African-American co-operative movement, the benefits of co-operatives to their
communities as well as members; and the ways that co-operatives contribute to
community economic development and community-based asset building.” William
Spriggs, director of economic and co-operative development at BEDC, said: “The
term co-operative economics may be confusing for some, but most of us understand
what it means to be co-operative economically. In fact, many of Bermuda’s
Friendly Societies and Lodges and bricks-and-mortar Sports Clubs were built upon
this principle, so it will be interesting to learn how key facets of Bermuda’s
early economic co-operation fit within Dr Nembhard’s broader research. Dr
Gordon-Nembhard was a 2016 inductee into the US Cooperative Hall of Fame. She is
professor of community justice and social economic development, chairwoman of
the Department of Africana Studies, and director of the McNair
Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Programme at John Jay College, City University,
New York. She is also an affiliate scholar with the Centre for the Study of
Co-operatives (University of Saskatchewan, Canada), and the 2017 recipient of
the CASC Merit Award for exemplary contributions to the field of co-operative
studies (Canadian Association for Studies in Co-operation). She is a political
economist specializing in community economics, black political economy and
popular economic literacy. Her research and numerous publications explore
problematics and alternative solutions in co-operative economic development and
worker ownership, community economic development, racial wealth inequality,
credit unions and community-based asset building, and community-based approaches
to justice. Collective Courage was a finalist for the University of Memphis
Benjamin L Hicks National Book Award in 2014.
A
trailblazing use of blockchain in the insurance and reinsurance sector will be
unveiled in Bermuda today. There will be a demonstration of the Bermuda
Insurance Exchange, which is described as the industry’s first distributed
ledger technology risk and capital exchange. A production trial will go live on
the island in July. If all goes to plan it will bring savings and other
efficiencies for brokers, cedants and insurers, and lead to a fully-fledged
exchange. “This is an opportunity for Bermuda to establish itself as the most
advanced insurance market in the world,” David Edwards, chief executive
officer of ChainThat, said. He believes it could drive more business to Bermuda
and grow the existing insurance and reinsurance market. If it succeeds, the
company will look to have full-time staff on the island to support the exchange.
This afternoon’s invitation-only demonstration is being done in partnership
with island-based technology company Fireminds. It has sparked a high degree of
interest. About 80 businesspeople are expected to attend. Mr Edwards said: “We
had targeted 18 to 20, but when word got around the ‘Bermuda community
effect’ meant more wanted to take part.” ChainThat provides insurtech
solutions. It is backed by Bermuda-registered consulting and managed services
company Xceedance, with which it works strategically and operationally. It has
its headquarters in London, and a team of 20 developers. Mr Edwards is a regular
visitor to the island, spreading interest in the development of the distributed
ledger exchange, which uses the R3 Corda blockchain platform. The exchange gives
broker, reinsurance and insurance companies access to the capital markets using
blockchain. It will allow the transfer of risk and capital between direct
insureds, brokers, cedants and captive insurers and insurers, reinsurers,
industry loss warranties and insurance-linked securities. Mr Edwards said it
will cut frictional costs, with potential savings of 30 per cent. He added:
“Even if someone says they get 10 per cent, that’s still 10 per cent off the
expense ratio, which can have a huge impact.” Explaining the purpose of the
production trial, which could have up to 20 companies involved, he said: “We
have to prove this to them, and the only way to do so is for them to prove it
for themselves.” The exchange will be implemented in stages, initially
providing the framework for a traditional reinsurance market, including
placement, accounting, settlement and claims. The next stage will be the
introduction of new capital, supporting the same processes for ILS and ILW.
Rebecca Oliver, business development director at ChainThat, said: “The
exchange will enable the existing market participant businesses, brokers and
risk carriers, to develop and market new competitive products and extend their
distribution reach. Cost control and innovation are the two big issues that are
being discussed in insurance boardrooms around the world. By automating the
current operational framework, we believe the Bermuda Insurance Exchange
provides the insurance and reinsurance market with the opportunity to both
maintain margins, while reducing pricing to the insured. In turn, this will
increase business performance and global competitiveness.” ChainThat started
using the R3 Corda platform two years ago. Mr Edwards praised its security and
privacy elements, and said data on the distributed ledger is only shared with
people involved in the same transaction, and on a “need-to-know” basis.
Going forward, Mr Edwards said the exchange will be focused on Bermuda, and he
hopes the island will innovate and take advantage of its solutions. “It is key
that everything is done within Bermuda to start with. Once you have it
established, then you can start to look at global footprints and other hubs.”
Mr Edwards mentioned the “Bermuda island effect” among the reasons why the
exchange is being launched in Bermuda, rather than elsewhere, such as London,
which also has a large insurance sector. He noted Bermuda’s small size and the
concentration of the insurance industry around Hamilton, where “people can
just walk up to each other in the street and say we want to do this”. He said:
“Everyone is here, and that is why we have come to Bermuda. This is a place
where there can be lots of expansion and new capital once this platform is up
and running.” It is hoped that between five and 20 companies, including
brokers, cedants and reinsurers, will be involved in the production trial
starting in July. “We are ready to go now; some people are ready, some are
not. So we said July, which gives time for others to get an understanding of the
platform and figure out the ‘use cases’ they want to prove it on it. Then
everybody can go at the same time.” The trial is expected to last for six
months. Mr Edwards said: “It is a production platform, so if people say
‘we’re ready’, the trial can stop for them and go into full production
with their counter parties.” A steering committee is being set up to assist
with quantifying the success of the exchange. There will be key performance
indicators for the initial use cases, such as on placement, accounting,
settlement and claims. “We have some accelerators to help [participants] build
the business cases, and help them examine their processes. They need to
understand their existing processes, so they can see the benefits of this at the
same time.” Mr Edwards said cost savings will depend on how deeply a
participant integrates with the system. “We have a phased approach. People can
come on and just use the interface, access it, and export the data into their
systems. Then we have the full API [application programming interface], the
interface, to allow them to link their existing systems to it, so they can get
right-through processing with their existing systems; that is where they are
going to see the real value and savings.” On the potential benefits for
Bermuda, Mr Edwards said: “Hopefully it will drive new business to Bermuda.
There are lots of businesses out there that would potentially look to put their
reinsurance into Bermuda, but it can be a hard process today, especially for the
smaller ones. The idea of giving them an efficient platform is that the products
will have a much further reach from Bermuda, and go across the globe.” He
added: “If it is a success, it has potential to be big for Bermuda. I’m
excited at the potential and how Bermuda can adopt it, both for the companies
themselves and the Government. What the Premier is doing with his blockchain
initiative, fintech, insurtech, and these new digital asset regulations, is
really exciting. Who knows what Bermuda is going to look like in the next five
years. It could be huge what is going on here.”
The
total value of merger and acquisition deals in Bermuda topped $70 billion in
2018, more than double the previous year’s tally, a report released today by
offshore law firm Appleby found. The island was home to four deals of more
than $5 billion, including the second-largest deal of the year, Axa’s $15.3
billion acquisition of XL Group Ltd, a Bermudian-based global business insurer.
“Bermuda saw total deal value increase to more than $70 billion last year due
in large part to a highly active insurance market,” said Timothy Faries,
Bermuda managing partner and group head of corporate. The insurance industry
experienced intense competition, and the need to increase scale and diversify,
led to two of the largest deals of 2018 across the offshore region.” The
latest edition of Offshore-i, an Appleby report that provides data and
insight on merger and acquisition activity in the major offshore financial
centres, focuses on transactions announced over the course of 2018. While the
total number of deals in the offshore region dipped when compared to 2017, value
was up significantly. Bermuda led the way in the number of mega-deals — those
valued at $5 billion or more — although the island’s total of 307 deals was
down on 2017. In total, there were 2,781 deals targeting offshore companies in
2018, representing a 5 per cent drop in deal activity. However, the 57 deals
that exceeded $1 billion, including nine mega deals, fuelled a significant rise
in value. Appleby said acquisitions have become increasingly popular over the
last two years, compared to taking a minority stake in a company or releasing
more shares to investors, and now make up nearly half of all offshore M&A
activity, the report found. “Investing companies are no longer content to just
take a seat on the board, but want full control of an asset in order to gain a
competitive advantage over rivals,” said Cameron Adderley, partner and global
head of corporate at Appleby. “This drive to do strategic deals is likely to
continue, providing finance remains readily available, interest rate rises
predictable and markets stable. Gaining access to transformational technologies
also remains a big incentive across almost every sector.” While the primary
focus of Offshore-i is on transactions in which offshore targets are
purchased by investors, the report also examines deals in which the acquirer is
based offshore. There were 3,532 outbound deals announced over 2018 with a total
value of $340 billion, which includes 66 deals worth more than $1 billion each.
Bermuda saw a slight decrease in the number of outbound deals from the previous
year, but a 59 per cent increase in cumulative outbound deal value to $57.1
billion. The jurisdiction also accounted for the second-largest outbound deal,
Bermudian-based Brookfield Property Partners’ $9.4 billion acquisition of GGP.
The ten largest outbound deals across jurisdictions were each worth over $4
billion. The report’s key findings were:
Immigration system changes are
still a government priority, the national security minister told the House of
Assembly. Wayne Caines disputed the suggestion the Government was “resting on
its laurels” and said that a bipartisan committee had been at work on the
subject. However, he said any reform had to benefit Bermudians and ensure
opportunities for them. Mr Caines told MPs during debate on the Reply to the
2019-20 Budget on Friday: “It’s basic. We believe that any immigration plan
must be fair, must look at the needs of Bermudians, Bermudians who have grown
tired of watching everyone else benefit from this lovely island while they sit
and watch and have no opportunities. We have a responsibility to make sure this
country runs efficiently and Bermudians are not second-class citizens in their
own country, and we will not apologise for that. Why would we, when everyone
else has their own passport and a place they can go and another place they can
domicile? Our people only have Bermuda.” Walton Brown, the Minister for the
Cabinet Office, said the Government’s focus was on job creation. He added:
“We cannot simply bring people to the island. We can only bring people if
there are concrete jobs that can be filled. It is a very simplistic view being
advanced by the Opposition — just bring in more people. We believe that we
need to have a co-ordinated approach to this. We recognize that we need more
people on the island, but more people will come to the island if jobs are
created. That’s just a fact of life.” Mr Brown said the Progressive Labour
Party would also try to find a solution to the problem of permanent resident’s
certificate holders and belongers. However, Scott Pearman, a One Bermuda
Alliance backbencher, insisted that Mr Brown’s view that people should be
brought in only if there were jobs to fill was flawed. He said: “Respectfully,
that’s absolutely wrong.” Mr Pearman highlighted a new advertising campaign
from the Bermuda Business Development Agency that said that for every new job
filled by someone from overseas, 1.3 Bermudian jobs were created. Mr Pearman
said: “They don’t come in and take Bermudian jobs.” Mr Pearman added that
it was important that Bermuda attracted wealth and job creators. But he said:
“We also need to ensure we retain those who are already here.” Jamahl
Simmons, the Minister without Portfolio, said the Opposition had tried to
“rewrite, rehabilitate and resurrect the failed, rejected Pathways to Status
agenda”. He added: “Or as I like to call it — open up the immigration
floodgates and hope for the best for Bermudians.” Mr Simmons said that for the
economy to grow the Government had to create an environment where there will be
more people on island “but Bermudians benefit too”. He added: “Not as an
afterthought, not as a by-product. That is a key difference.” Trevor Moniz, of
the OBA, said that the Government “weren’t willing to do what was
necessary”. Mr Moniz added that the Cayman Islands had “figured it out”
and that Bermuda needed to “take a page from their book in terms of
immigration. There was a point in time where we had too many people here — we
had to try to restrict it. Now we have too few people here — and we have too
little money in our economy. We need people who are going to come here, doing
professional jobs, who are going to be spending money.” Rolfe Commissiong, of
the PLP, said that talk of the need to bring more people to Bermuda struck “a
very dissident chord in myself and generations of black Bermudians in this
country”. Mr Commissiong highlighted sections of Mr Brown’s book, Bermuda
and the Struggle for Reform: Race, Politics and Ideology, 1944-1998, about
immigration to Bermuda during the 1960s. Mr Commissiong asked: “Who did they
displace? Who did they marginalize in our society? Our parents and my
generation.” He added: “You want to know why the current statistics we see
around racial disparity are the way they are still in Bermuda in 2019? Look no
farther than that period in our history.” Mr Commissiong said that Bermuda did
not want to be like the Cayman Islands. He said: “Our parents fought and
sacrificed to make sure we weren’t going to be like Cayman. So take your
Cayman examples and you know where to put them.” Craig Cannonier, the Leader
of the Opposition, said that Bermuda’s high cost of living had “always been
buffered by a healthy number of people living and working in Bermuda”. He
added: “We have got to get high net-worth people investing in Bermuda to
create the many opportunities that have allowed Bermudians to live a good,
healthy lifestyle. There are not enough people on this island to support the
economy.” He added that there was “blame enough to go around” for the
state of the island’s economy, “but the fact remains right now if we don’t
get something happening, hopelessness is going to set in”.
A
Joint Select Committee set up to investigate why protesters were pepper-sprayed
by police outside Parliament in December 2016 has held all of its meetings in
secret. The Royal Gazette can reveal that the bipartisan
parliamentary group, which promised to carry out its work with “fairness,
transparency and sensitivity”, has held 40 sessions in the past year, none of
them open to the public or media. A public access to information request for
transcripts of hearings and minutes of meetings of the committee was rejected on
the basis they were “in camera deliberations” and could not be disclosed
because of parliamentary privilege. The JSC, headed by Kim Swan, a Progressive
Labour Party MP, pledged to table its findings in the House of Assembly three to
six months after it was formed in January last year but has yet to do so. Dennis
Lister, the Speaker of the House, gave the committee another three-month
extension on Friday to complete its work. Mr Swan would not answer questions
about the committee in a phone interview on Thursday. The clerk to the committee
later wrote in an e-mail: “Mr Swan ... asked me to advise that the committee
will be reporting soon and thus it will not comment until that time.” Mr
Lister did not respond to a telephone message or e-mail. David Burt, the
Premier, said the PLP, on being elected to power in July 2017, was given the
opportunity to “seek the facts and to obtain justice for those Bermudians that
were victimized in such a brutal manner” on December 2, 2016, when protesters
and police clashed during a demonstration in Hamilton about the
multimillion-dollar redevelopment of the airport. Mr Burt added: “As we seek
justice and the truth around what and who instigated the horrific action taken
against peaceful protesters, we must also adhere to the rule of law governing
how such matters are handled. The work of a joint select committee is a matter
for the chairman, its members and the Speaker, who have roles in the regulation
of the committee’s procedure. The standing orders of the House of Assembly
direct that the sittings shall be private. It is not for the Premier to comment
on the same.” Standing order 38 (8) of the House of Assembly rules that
“subject to any order of the House or resolution of the committee, the
sittings of a select committee shall be private”. But JSCs can hold public
hearings and they have done so in the past. At least two JSCs convened during
the PLP’s last term of office, one on the public education system and one on
gang violence, held open meetings, which the public could attend and which the
media reported. Mr Burt did not respond to a further question on whether he
believed the events of December 2, 2016 were of significant enough public
interest to warrant public hearings of the JSC. Craig Cannonier, the Opposition
leader, said: “There would have been merit in holding at least some of the
committee meetings on an issue of such public importance in public. This
involved both parties — the OBA was in government at the time and PLP MPs were
heavily involved in the protest, as were the unions. It is up to the committee
chair to decide, but I think the public should have had at least some
opportunity to view the committee’s work.” Andrew Simons, a former One
Bermuda Alliance senator who briefly sat on the seven-member committee before he
was replaced in the Upper Chamber in June last year, said he was unsure why the
meetings were held in secret. He added: “In general, committees of Parliament
should meet in public.” Mr Simons said joint select committees tackled
important topics and should conduct their business in public “unless there is
a compelling reason not to and those committees should be able to explain what
those reasons are”. Michael Dunkley, who was premier when the protest took
place, said he gave evidence to the committee late last year. Mr Dunkley has
been accused several times by the PLP of directing the actions of the police
outside Parliament, allegations that he and then Commissioner of Police Michael
DeSilva denied. Mr Dunkley and Commissioner of Police Stephen Corbishley, who
replaced Mr DeSilva last year, declined to comment on whether they believed the
hearing should have been held in public. Mr Corbishley said the Bermuda Police
Service supported the remit of the JSC, had provided evidence to the committee
and awaited “the final report in its entirety”. Mr Swan tabled a motion in
the House in late 2017 that called for the committee to be formed to look into
“the events generally, including the decision-making and any directives of the
executive and the then Speaker of the House [Randy Horton] given to the
police”. He and other MPs said there was a need to “get to the bottom” of
why police officers wore riot gear and used incapacitant pepper spray on
protesters who blocked access to Parliament. Wayne Caines, the national security
minister, said: “In order for any healing process to take place, there must be
an opportunity for this country to look at this event and ... delve into the
facts to deal with it in order to move on; almost like the Truth and
Reconciliation Commission in South Africa. As jaded, as disgusting, as heinous
as the past was, they had to look at that and categorically and systematically
work through the challenges.” An official notice published on March 23, 2018
included a commitment for each member of the JSC to “carry out all facets of
its operation, including but not limited to research, investigations and
deliberations, with fairness, transparency and sensitivity”. The Royal
Gazette’s Pati request for all records held by the House of Assembly
concerning the committee resulted in the release of only two documents — a
list of dates and times for the 40 meetings and a list of existing members.
These are Mr Swan, Senate president Joan Dillas-Wright, PLP members Neville
Tyrrell, Tinée Furbert and Scott Simmons, and OBA members Ben Smith and Marcus
Jones. The information officer for the House of Assembly said the other records
were exempt from Pati.
Rosewood
Bermuda’s managing director, Paul Telford, has stepped down. The hotel
announced Mr Telford’s leaving today, but said he would continue to work with
the property’s ownership group, providing hospitality consultation on their
investments in Bermuda. Mr Telford joined the resort as part of the opening team
in 2008 and worked in several roles at the property before taking the helm in
2015. A hotel spokesman said they were grateful for the outstanding leadership
Mr Telford provided to Rosewood Bermuda over the last ten years. In the last
year, Mr Telford led the Rosewood Bermuda team through a full renovation and
successfully re-launched the property to great acclaim. He was also named as
chairman of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, as an ambassador for tourism on the
island. “He has played an important role in his work with Rosewood and Bermuda
with his stewardship and passion as a hospitality professional,” the spokesman
said. “We have the utmost respect for Paul, and thank him for his efforts and
steadfast commitment to the resort, and wish him much success in the next phase
of his career.” Rosewood is now searching worldwide for Mr Telford’s
replacement. Until a formal managing director has been appointed, Remus
Palimaru, hotel manager of the Rosewood London, has been brought in on a
short-term assignment to oversee the daily operations of the hotel and to organize
the property and team for the 2019 high season.
The
island’s newest soldiers passed out from a tough two weeks of basic training
at the weekend. The troops from the first of two Recruit Camp intakes this
year were awarded their rank slides and section and individual awards at Warwick
Camp as family and friends looked on. Private Alex Godet, 23, who won the top
recruit prize, said he thought his commitment to his section and the intake
helped win him the accolade. The IT network support specialist from Paget added:
“I tried to motivate the section and the whole group. I was always positive
where I could be, trying to motivate everybody.” Private Godet, who also won
the marksmanship award, said: “I’ve really enjoyed it. Anybody wondering
about joining the regiment, go for it. You learn a lot and you make friends
along the way.” He added he planned to do the Junior Non-Commissioned
Officers’ Cadre and hoped to go on to join the potential officers’ course.
Private Godet just pipped Private Andrea Burrows to the top recruit prize —
and she was also given a special award to mark her efforts in Recruit Camp. The
20-year-old cashier at hardware store Masters said: “It’s awesome. I feel my
hard work has paid off and I’ve definitely seen improvements in myself.” Pte
Burrows, at 5ft 1in the smallest of the intake, added: “I’m looking forward
to being a better soldier.” She put her recognition down to “determination,
hard work, taking on challenges and not being afraid to push myself past my
limits”. Private Burrows said: “I want to go up to corporal and become a
medic.” She admitted she found foot drill a struggle, but said she forced
herself through grueling lessons on the parade ground. Private Burrows, from
Pembroke, added: “My muscles weren’t used to the tension or the strain put
on them. But I caught on pretty fast and other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed
my training.” Lance Corporal Ci’re Bean, who won best section leader and the
best section awards for 1 Section, said afterwards: “I feel it was
well-deserved. We all worked hard and encouraged each other through a lot of
tough points, but we got through together as a family.” Sergeant Andy Howe of
the Royal Anglian Regiment, the RBR’s British Army affiliated regiment, joined
the training squad for Recruit Camp. He said: “They’ve crammed a lot of new
information into two weeks ... and from what I see, it’s going the right way.
The team here are dedicated, they want results and they’re fighting for it.
Instead of these soldiers having to be here, we have to convince them to be part
of a unit they can be proud of.” The awards were presented at Warwick Camp on
Friday night with dignitaries, including John Rankin, the Governor, and Wayne
Caines, the national security minister, in attendance. Former senior RBR
officers, including Honorary Colonel Eugene Raynor, and representatives of other
uniformed organisations also watched the new soldiers begin their military
careers. Lieutenant-Colonel David Curley, the RBR’s commanding officer, said
the troops on parade were “evidence of a changing regiment”. He added: “In
times of crisis, your regiment stands ready to respond, be it assisting the
Bermuda Police Service, clearing roads after a hurricane or patrolling our
island waters.” Colonel Curley added that the troops had learnt new skills,
overcame challenges and made new friends. He told the new soldiers: “I am
proud of the new recruits who stand before us. I encourage all of you to exploit
every opportunity that the regiment puts before you. We are fully committed to
investing in our people so that as your capacity increases, so will the capacity
of your regiment.”
Alex Swan, a prominent
businessman and entrepreneur, has died. Mr Swan was 76. The realtor and
developer was a decades-long friend and business associate of Sir John Swan, the
former premier. Mr Swan was a general manager for John W. Swan Limited, and ran
the company during Sir John’s time in political office. His work there laid
the foundation for his future business success. Mr Swan later operated
Progressive Realty and bought the rental division of John W. Swan Limited, JWS
Rentals, in 1998. Sir John said he met Mr Swan when both of their families lived
in the Mount Hill area of Pembroke. He said he worked with Mr Swan for about 33
years that he was a focused worker and a proud father. Sir John said: “Alex
was a very definitive worker. He got on with whatever job he was given. When I
became Minister of Marine and Ports, I left him in charge of sales for the
company. He was my No 1 real estate person. We were also friends. We did things
together and even travelled together.” Sir John added that Mr Swan was
involved with the Pembroke Hamilton Club and had served as its president. He
said: “Alex was a big PHC man. He loved that club.” MPs on both sides of the
House paid tribute to him at Friday’s House of Assembly session. Kim Swan, of
the Progressive Labour Party, said Mr Swan had been a stalwart of the football
community. Rolfe Commissiong, a PLP backbencher, added Mr Swan had been an “an
iconic, pioneering figure in Bermuda’s black community” for decades. Mr
Commissiong said he had “paved the way in terms of black business development
and entrepreneurship. He had an abiding love and interest in the welfare of
Bermuda and Bermudians. That generation that he was a part of laid the
foundation for the Bermuda we have today.” Michael Weeks, of the PLP, said Mr
Swan was “a knowledgeable colleague” at the Leopards Club in Hamilton.
Government
ministers took aim at the One Bermuda Alliance’s Reply to the Budget last
night. Curtis Dickinson, the Minister of Finance, said that it was easy to
simply call for cost cuts, but much more difficult when the human impact was
weighed. Mr Dickinson said: “It’s easy to say cut people’s jobs, but the
fact of the matter is every action has a reaction. If you cut people’s jobs in
the public service, where are they going to go?” He also defended the decision
to not feed into the Sinking Fund, explaining that the island’s economic
situation has become more positive. The Progressive Labour Party MP said: “The
notion that we would now borrow money to save makes no sense.” David Burt, the
Premier, meanwhile said the Budget Reply failed to highlight how the OBA would
diversify the economy or make the Budget cuts they want. Mr Burt said: “I hope
that Nick Kempe, the Shadow Minister of Finance, will take a page from a former
shadow minister and actually come and produce an alternative budget. Show the
Government how you would spend our money. If you say you would spend less, then
say what you would cut.” He said the PLP clearly laid out in its Budget how it
plans to diversify the economy while helping those who need assistance. Opening
the debate, Wayne Furbert said it was clear based on the dueling Budget
statements that the PLP was the future, while the OBA is entrenched in the past.
Mr Furbert, the junior finance minister, said: “I could talk about how the
workers of the Government were not given a salary increase in five years. I
could speak for an hour about the pain they inflicted on our seniors and
didn’t give them an increase for five years. I could speak about how the
former minister told our seniors money didn’t grow on trees, but I’m not.”
Mr Furbert quipped that the OBA’s Budget Reply must have been published before
last night, when it was revealed that a banking solution for fintech businesses
had been found. He said: “Finally, we have hope for jobs coming here to this
island. I’m assuming the honourable Member printed that report before they
heard the good news.” Mr Furbert added that while the subject of the European
Union’s economic substance regulations are unknown, they could prove to be a
huge economic boon for the island if companies decide to establish themselves
here. “If they each put a boot on the ground, we can get the economic reality
that we are looking for, in terms of payroll tax, in terms of retail sales,”
he said. “It goes on and on.” He also fired back at claims that the PLP had
not improved efficiencies, saying that the OBA hiring freeze had cost millions
in revenue. Mr Furbert said there were insufficient resources in the Office of
the Tax Commissioner, which resulted in a lack of audits. He added: “We found
$330,000 of cheques in a drawer not processed.” Mr Furbert said that while the
$300 base rate for Land Tax would result in larger bills for some, the Tax
Reform Commission had recommended an even higher $500 base rate. He described
the Budget as “transformational” and said that it “sets the government
movement for future growth”. However Trevor Moniz, an OBA backbencher, took
issue with Mr Furbert’s assessment He said: “It’s a holding Budget —
again. It doesn’t really achieve anything, it’s just holding on to where we
are.” Mr Moniz said that he felt it was a mistake not to add to the Sinking
Fund. He explained: “Most of us, I think, would think it’s a good idea to
have a fund for a rainy day. And I think that this government is glad we had
one. What would they do without it?” Mr Moniz said the Government was “still
riding on the coattails” of the previous administration. He added: “They are
riding on the America’s Cup, they are riding on the airport project, they are
riding on the tourism success. That’s fine. But you have to have more than
that.” Craig Cannonier, the Leader of the Opposition, said that the cost of
living in Bermuda “continues to be a challenge”. He added: “I don’t feel
that the Budget has addressed the cost of living to really present the realities
of what’s going on in Bermuda right now.” Mr Cannonier said the high cost of
living had always been supported by a “healthy number of people living and
working in Bermuda”. Michael Dunkley, an OBA backbencher, that there were many
“interesting” and “worrying” aspects to the Budget. The former premier
said that the Budget showed numbers and estimates that “have been changed for
the worse over the Budget from last year”. Mr Dunkley added: “This goes
against the grain of the fiscal discipline the PLP government have alluded to
over the past week, and I believe it creates doubt about the accuracy of the
Budget.”
Legislation
implementing budgetary steps laid out by Curtis Dickinson, the finance minister,
has been tabled to go into effect later this year.
The Land Tax Amendment Bill 2019, tabled yesterday in the House, will come into effect on July 1, 2019 if approved. The Bill is aimed at tourist units such as hotels, cottage colonies and guesthouses, but excludes vacation rental units. On top of a base charge of $300, the Bill imposes charges based on the property’s annual rental value, with a special rate for properties inside Economic Empowerment Zones. The Financial Services Tax Amendment Act 2019 will impose an extra tax on banks and domestic insurers — although health insurance and the Government’s own insurance gets a pass. However, additional landholding charges that had been scheduled to take effect on March 31 this year have been deferred another two years, under the Bermuda Immigration and Protection (Landholding Charges) Amendments Regulations 2019. Also tabled was the amendment to hike the foreign currency purchase tax from 1 per cent to 1.25 per cent, and Bills extending customs duty relief to hotels and restaurants to 2024.
A
committee investigating a clash between protesters and police outside the House
of Assembly has been granted a three-month extension. The Parliamentary
Joint Select Committee, headed by Progressive Labour Party backbencher Kim Swan,
was set up in January last year to examine the events of December 2, 2016. Mr
Swan had indicated last month that the committee was at the “wrapping-up
stages”. Dennis Lister Jr, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, told MPs
today the group had been given an extra three months to finish its work. Several
protesters were pepper-sprayed by police officers two years ago during a protest
against the redevelopment of the airport. It was revealed last month that an
undisclosed settlement — said to be about $225,000 — had been agreed with
complainants who were seeking legal action against the Police Complaints
Authority.
Community
members staged a demonstration against “inadequate” sentencing and
rehabilitation for sex offenders yesterday. The hour-long action outside the
House of Assembly came two days after David Minors, a former government road
safety officer, was jailed for five years for sexual offences against an
underage boy. About 50 members of the public attended the gathering, as well as
a number of politicians during the House’s lunch break. Juanae Crockwell, who
led the action by the group Advocates for Change, said a five-year sentence for
sex offenders was not a win for victims. Ms Crockwell said: “I know that it is
not a win when I have a friend who for the last 30 years of her life has been
dealing with the effects of her trauma. To watch a predator get five years when
she has been dealing with this for 30 years — she can’t escape it, she cant
serve time and then go on with her life. In Bermuda, someone who gets a
five-year sentence is released within three years. What happens in those three
years that guarantee that when he or she is released, the community is safe?”
Ms Crockwell said the Department of Corrections did not have good enough
programmes to protect the public when offenders are released. She said she would
like Parliament to introduce minimum sentences for sex crimes. Christine DaCosta
also called for tougher penalties and changes to the laws to protect children.
Ms DaCosta said she was preyed on by a teacher when she was 16, but that this
did not break any laws. She said: “If your daughters and sons are between the
age of 16 and 18, they are not protected by the law. It is legal for a predator
to groom your child.” Suzann Roberts-Holshouser, the former One Bermuda
Alliance MP, called for a programme for released sex offenders. Ms
Roberts-Holshouser said offenders should be “given an opportunity to
understand their illness and to get help for life”. David Burt emerged from
the House and said he supported the efforts of those gathered, and invited them
to submit a petition to Parliament. The Premier added: “There will be a debate
upon that petition if it is submitted to Parliament, so it can get the opinion
of the House, so we can look if there are any further changes and strengthening
to our legislation which is necessary.” Kathy Lynn Simmons, Minister of Legal
Affairs, said she would meet with representatives of the group next week to
discuss their concerns. Wayne Caines, Minister of National Security, said
preventive measures and programmes to address multigenerational trauma were
needed. Mr Caines said: “We have to put processes or systems in place that
allow victims or people that have been traumatised to get the proper help they
need.” He agreed that more mandatory programmes should be held in correctional
facilities, but said they would only be effective if offenders are willing to
get help. Mr Caines said the church and other “safe” institutions should
also be held more accountable. Advocates for Change described the gathering as
the beginning of a series of events and initiatives to bring awareness on the
issue and to discuss solutions to protect the community. The group pointed to
statistics from the campaign group Scars and the Bermuda Health Council, which
showed one in three Bermuda residents suffered sexual abuse before the age of
18. It stated: “What these statistics reveal is that we have an epidemic of
sexual abuse on this island and it needs to be addressed with purpose. Take a
stand Bermuda.”
Boosting
the working population with more foreigners would help ease financial pressures
on Bermudians, the Opposition claimed yesterday. The One Bermuda Alliance
said the island needs an attractive immigration policy and expected to see the
controversial Pathways to Status policy returned under a new name. The OBA Reply
to the Budget suggested the Progressive Labour Party acknowledged behind closed
doors the need for more guest workers — despite public messages to the
contrary. Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, reading out the OBA’s response, warned
immigration could be “Bermuda’s Brexit” because it is splitting the
country and causing uncertainty in business. The Opposition’s finance
spokeswoman in the House of Assembly, who delivered the speech because shadow
finance minister Nick Kempe sits in the Senate, said: “The fundamental
inhibitors to growth remain the same from the OBA’s time in government. A
clear and welcoming immigration policy is needed to ensure that we can attract
the global expertise and capital needed to grow our stagnant economy and
drastically increase our working population. Furthermore, it is essential that
we arrest the exodus of long-term contributors to our economy. We fully expect
to see Pathways to Status presented repackaged with a different name. It is long
overdue.” Days of demonstrations shut down Parliament when the former OBA
administration tried to table its inflammatory legislation in March 2016. The
Bill was designed to make it easier for long-term residents to gain permanent
residency and status, but was withdrawn after the protests. Mr Kempe admitted
yesterday: “Perhaps it was rushed.” However, Craig Cannonier, the OBA
leader, claimed: “Mr and Mrs Bermuda are beginning to understand the
importance of opening our doors.” In her 26-page Budget response, Ms
Gordon-Pamplin cited the 2018 annual report from the Fiscal Responsibility
Panel, which said expanding the workforce was “the only realistic counter to
the island’s demographic challenge from a rapidly shrinking and ageing
population. She added: “This is a pivotal moment in Bermuda’s history and
this issue cannot be avoided any more as it is presently being subjected to a
slow death by committee. The Premier purports to be able to pass immigration
reform because he feels he has the people’s trust. The OBA welcomes him to
move ahead.” She claimed that many people who have lived and worked on the
island for more than ten years were “forced to keep one eye on the door” and
invested their savings overseas. Ms Gordon-Pamplin said: “At some point we
must allow workers and their children, who have an extended period of employment
or residence in Bermuda, the ability to fully formalize their relationship with
Bermuda through some form of pathway to status mechanism.” She suggested
support appeared to exist within the PLP. Ms Gordon-Pamplin said: “It is well
known that members of this government are stating in meetings with international
business that they recognize the need for increased immigration. This is in
stark contrast to much of their public political messaging. Like Brexit, will
immigration split a political party? Unlike in the UK, will a leader emerge in
this government to unite the country around this issue in the name of
prosperity?” The House heard that an increased residential working population
would help alleviate issues including debt, through greater payroll tax
collection and local spending; healthcare costs, thanks to “generally younger
and healthier” guest workers; global company compliance requirements, as
businesses must do more to justify their presence in Bermuda; and individual tax
burdens, as more workers would spread the cost further. Ms Gordon-Pamplin added:
“While it would be nice to think that all that growth can happen from
returning Bermudians that went overseas during the seven years of famine, recent
history does not support that happening without also increasing the number of
guest workers.” The finance spokeswoman called for more capital to be invested
in the local economy, to help entrepreneurs struggling to find financing through
banks. She also said government service delivery should be changed, and pointed
to previous comments from David Burt, the Premier, made in his days as junior
finance minister, that offered support for privatization. Ms Gordon-Pamplin
called for an independent education authority and more aid for business
development. She was heavily critical of the PLP’s performance during its
first stint in power, which she blamed for the country’s precarious financial
position today. She said: “The PLP did the exact opposite of best practice.
Capital expenditures grew along with the yearly deficits as did the incessant
borrowing and related interest costs on the debt. From 2001-02 to 2007-08,
government revenues grew each year by 6.8 per cent on average, however the
public debt grew by 116 per cent, from $128 million to $277 million. This
reckless management of the people’s money was a recipe for disaster waiting to
happen. Seven years of plenty were followed by seven years of famine.” She
claimed that 2009-10 was a particularly bad year as the public debt doubled in
12 months from $335 million to $666 million. Ms Gordon-Pamplin said: “During
the seven years of famine, our debt grew by 512 per cent, or sixfold, from $335
million to $2.05 billion. The preceding examples are highlighted not just to
cast blame, albeit well deserved, but so as to frame the realities of that time
as the debt created from the mismanagement of projects and operational
overspending under the last PLP administration continues to haunt us to this
day.”
The
Bermuda Casino Gaming Commission is in talks with three locals banks as it
attempts to get the island’s fledgling casino industry off the ground, finance
minister Curtis Dickinson said yesterday. Mr Dickinson told Parliament the
commission is trying to secure a local bank with an American correspondent bank
relationship which could accept the proceeds from gaming. He said the commission
had engaged in discussions with Butterfield Bank, Clarien Bank and the Bermuda
Commercial Bank as a “high priority”. The securing of a bank has long been
regarded as a major stumbling block for the casino industry. Clarien told The
Royal Gazette a year ago it would make a “risk-based decision” on
whether to have further discussions with its stakeholders, including its
overseas correspondent banks, once it had a better understanding of the
island’s casino legislation and regulations. Butterfield declined to comment
when approached by the Gazette at that time. Bermuda Commercial Bank is
being sold to New York investment firm Permanent Capital, whose lead counsel in
Bermuda is Mark Pettingill, the former One Bermuda Alliance MP. Mr Pettingill
told the Gazette last month that providing banking services to the gaming
industry was “absolutely not a focus” and did not form part of BCB’s
business plan. Mr Dickinson added further discussion will be carried out with
the Bermuda Monetary Authority as banking regulator and the US correspondent
banks. In an extensive Ministerial Statement on gaming, Mr Dickinson also told
the House of Assembly responsibility for betting shops would move from the
betting licensing authority to the commission, and that the industry’s
legislative framework would be revised. David Burt, the Premier, previously
noted that the Bahamas had been faulted in 2016 over money-laundering issues
with its betting shops. Former executive director Richard Schuetz, in his
resignation letter, pointed to “glaring deficiencies in the
anti-money-laundering regime of this island’s betting sector”. Mr Dickinson
said yesterday: “In order to ensure this sector is regulated thoroughly and to
a level or standard equivalent to mature regulatory jurisdictions, the current
legislative framework will need to be revised. The commission is poised to
complete the legislative framework including AML/ATF controls for licensing and
supervision of betting and other non-casino gaming activities in 2019.
Consultation with the betting operators regarding the legislative changes and
the pending compliance requirements is ongoing. This consultation has involved
educating them on the introduction of a new AML/ATF regime and the subsequent
impact this may have on resources and their operations. The commission will
assist them in understanding the importance of adopting policies that create
robust internal controls that will meet the new legislative requirements. The
commission is also drafting a Licensing Conditions and Code of Practice document
which will be introduced in tandem with the legislation governing the betting
sector.” Mr Dickinson also pointed to the struggles to find a new executive
director to replace Mr Schuetz, who left the post in December 2017. He said:
“It has been decided to engage the services of an executive recruiter to
assist with securing a suitably qualified leader for the commission’s team as
soon as possible.”
The
Mayor of Hamilton warned the Government could be hit with a large compensation
bill if it passes legislation transforming Bermuda’s municipalities into
quangos. Charles Gosling was speaking after Walter Roban, Minister of Home
Affairs, tabled the Municipalities Reform Act 2019 in the House of Assembly. Mr
Gosling told The Royal Gazette: “It is a complete change in the
beneficial ownership of the corporation. He added: “If ownership is taken
away, you are deserving of full and proper compensation for that.” Mr Gosling
acknowledged the municipalities were enacted through an Act of Parliament, but
continued: “That doesn’t mean that it is a child of Parliament. It doesn’t
mean that Parliament owns the assets. Right now, it is not my job to make it
easy to calculate, nor identify, those who should be compensated.” The Bill
removes municipal elections and allows the minister to appoint a mayor and four
of eight councillors. “The remaining four councillors would be appointed on
the recommendation of a selection committee appointed by the minister. Mr
Gosling challenged the Government’s decision to afford more authority to the
minister. He said: “The current legislation, as amended in 2015, allows the
minister so many powers to instruct and have public officials act on his behalf.
What, and more importantly, why would you need more power than that —
especially when no minister in this government has even exercised that
authority?” Mr Roban said that repealing municipal elections would save about
$79,000. He said that the offices of mayor and councillors would remain intact
and there would be no job losses. Mr Gosling also warned that the Bill would set
a dangerous precedent that could enable assets to be seized from charities. He
said: “There are many Bermuda institutions that have been incorporated through
Acts of Parliament — the largest landowner after the Government is the Bermuda
National Trust. Surely you don’t want to set a precedent where they are able
to come in and take over the assets of the corporation without due compensation
and do the same with the Bermuda National Trust, Bermuda Audubon Society or
other agencies. These are similarly legislated bodies, which have no de facto
set of owners, but where they are an organisation that exists with very specific
and valuable assets.” Mr Roban said the Bill affords greater legislative and
financial authority to the Corporation of St George. Quinell Francis, the Mayor
of St George, has been a vocal opponent of the level of consultation over
municipality reform. She did not respond to a request for comment yesterday.
Bermuda’s
emergency volunteer organisations are joining forces to boost recruitment and
retention in an age when fewer people are giving back. The Bermuda Police
Reserves hosted a round-table discussion with the Royal Bermuda Regiment and St
John Ambulance to tackle mutual challenges. The February 2 and 3 meetings were
the first, with the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service expected to join. Sandra
Beach, commandant for the Reserves, told The Royal Gazette that a
recruitment and retention division had been added in 2017, when “we noticed
that our numbers weren’t growing”. At a joint function with the Regiment in
2018, both organisations noticed they faced the same dilemma. Each identified
challenges in recruitment and, with the exception of the Regiment, retention.
While St John has 60 volunteers on its books, only a small core regularly shows
up. The Regiment hopes for at least 40 more recruits for its intake of 300 while
the Reserves, at 42 members, could take 80 more. Adam Hall, chief officer for
administration at the Bermuda Police Reserves, also oversees recruitment and
retention. He said the Reserves and St John could take a leaf out of the
Regiment’s public relations book. “We need to be more in the public eye,”
he said. “For the Reserves, it is about creating our own identity — we are a
department within the Bermuda Police Service but we are also an organisation in
ourselves.” Garaeth Adderley, commissioner for St John Ambulance, said
volunteers often signed up but quickly moved on. “We have people coming
through the door, they are getting the training and then they are gone. We offer
our training for free for those who are willing to stay around, usually for
about three years. An emergency medical responder programme would normally cost
you $1,800.” Mr Adderley said the group hoped to dispel the view that its
volunteers were just “band aid stickers”. Duncan Simons, adjutant and public
relations officer for the Royal Bermuda Regiment, said the force was 10 per cent
under strength, but could still carry its responsibilities. He added:
“Optimally, we would like to overbear by 5 per cent.” He said that no other
organisation in Bermuda could match its leadership, training and travel
opportunities for young people. Each of the organisations discussed a strategic
plan highlighting the benefits of volunteering. Mr Hall said that the Reserves
were also looking to bolster training opportunities, such as personal
development and extra courses for officers. He added: “We have programmes in
the works including college evening classes. We also have internal training
within the BPS — we have officers trained in underwater search and rescue and
in the marine section that have pilot licences.” Mr Hall said the Reserves
were looking to streamline recruitment training, adding: “Similar to the
Regiment, we need to bring down the time frame.” Mr Simons said that the
Regiment aimed to realign its focus in key areas. First was to ensure that its
training was “externally accredited and transferable to the civilian world”.
Second was humanitarian aid and disaster relief, and the third entailed
“focusing on our military aid to the civil authority — how do we further
support the security services and Police?” Mr Adderley emphasized highlighting
the benefits of joining St John. “We are offering a life skill that can help
the community. We offer everything from First Aid and CPR training to Emergency
Medical Responder. If you get these skills, you might be saving a member of your
own family.” He noted that volunteers also gained access to a host of sporting
and entertainment events. Mr Hall said collaboration would be key. “Rather
than having just our regular Reserve recruitment tent at Harbour Nights, we will
have all of our organisations there together. Not everyone will lean towards the
Police or St John Ambulance, but maybe they would enjoy the Regiment or fire
service.”
The
Government has put together a plan for reform based on “a future forward
Government for the people of Bermuda”, David Burt told Parliament this
morning. The Premier said professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers
and unions had been consulted to follow through on the Progressive Labour
Party’s election pledge of 2017. He said that the Spending and Government
Efficiency report had shortcomings including “no unifying vision and no
altruistic purpose”. Mr Burt added: “Part of realizing a vision is actually
having one. It is the Government’s intent to focus on the outcomes that
society needs and wants, while managing major economic, social and technological
changes.” As well as a target operating model for the Government plan, Mr Burt
said there would be a “quick wins” plan that would lay out “specific
deliverables to be accomplished in the near term”. He told MPs that the
Government Reform Strategic Plan would be tabled in the House of Assembly.
Responsibility
for betting shops is to move from the betting licensing authority to the Bermuda
Casino Gaming Commission, Curtis Dickinson, the Minister of Finance, announced
this morning. The commission is in talks with three local banks to
secure a bank on the island with a US correspondent bank relationship that can
accept the proceeds of casino gaming, he said. Meanwhile an executive recruiter
has been taken on to help the commission in securing “a suitably qualified
leader for the commission’s team as soon as possible”, Mr Dickinson said.
Community
affairs minister Lovitta Foggo announced a series of updates on programmes
within Department of Community and Cultural Affairs in a Ministerial
Statement at the House of Assembly today.
Bermuda
is developing its capabilities to deal with “major cruise ship incidents”
aboard a vessel in local waters, Wayne Caines, the Minister of National
Security, told Parliament this morning. Mr Caines was delivering an update
to MPs on the island’s disaster risk reduction and mitigation team. The team
is also drawing up plans for Ferry Reach residents in case of an incident at the
area’s fuel facilities. Evacuation plans would include the area’s two prison
facilities. The island will conduct a counter terrorism exercise next year at
the airport after being approached by both the US Department of State and US
Northern Command. And the team will send a member to the British Virgin Islands
this month to learn from its hurricane experience.
Homeowners
hit out at changes to land taxes yesterday after revisions announced in the
Budget meant people with the lowest value properties could pay more than three
times their current rate. A twice-yearly payment of $44 will soar to $150
for someone whose house has an annual rental value of $11,000, according to the
Government’s online tariff calculator. Tax rates for properties in the lowest
two bands — with ARVs of up to $22,000 — will drop to zero but the addition
of a $300 per year base rate signaled a hike in costs. Val Sherwood explained:
“I have a little cottage and I pay $61.10 twice a year. The ARV is $12,900,
it’s 500 square feet, a one-bedroom cottage, I rent it out. With this new base
rate, I’m going to be paying $150 every six months, so that works out at 2½
times the existing tax rate.” She added: “If I was just a single person
living in that one little cottage, that is significant.” Ms Sherwood said she
contacted the Government’s land tax office but felt there was a “lack of
clarity” and had the impression staff “hadn’t been consulted a great
deal”. Although she felt able to shoulder the extra cost, she feared others
might struggle to find the money. Ms Sherwood added: “I can understand doing
something that’s progressive, in terms of asking those who have more to pay
more, but it’s often not as simple as that. I’m not sure that people are
aware of the implications at all.” Curtis Dickinson, the Minister of Finance,
said in his Budget Statement last week that land taxes for owners of larger
homes would be increased. Properties with ARVs of more than $120,000 will be hit
with hikes of three percentage points but those with rental values between
$44,001 and $120,000 face an increase of five percentage points. Mid-range homes
— those with an ARV of between $22,001 and $33,000, and $33,001 and $44,000
— will remain unchanged at a tax rate of 3.5 per cent and 6.5 per cent
respectively. Land tax on properties with an annual rental value of up to
$11,000 will drop from 0.8 per cent to zero, but with a base charge of $300.
Owners of homes in the $11,001-22,000 bracket will also be zero rated, compared
with a 1.8 per cent tax last year and will also have a base charge of $300.
Seniors will continue to get an exemption on homes with an ARV of $45,500 or
less. The Government’s website stated the proposed rate changes to residential
properties would be effective from July 1. Another homeowner who contacted The
Royal Gazette feared she and her husband would be stretched to meet the levy
increase on their property, which has an ARV of $64,000. According to the
Government’s online tax calculator, their half-yearly payments were $1,893 but
with the proposed rates the couple will be asked to fork out $2,400 every six
months. The householder said: “We only have a certain amount of income a month
on our pensions, which is not very much. It looks like we are going to have a
huge increase. It just boggles the mind, how is anyone supposed to live on that?
Sharon Cranfield and Loreen Emery, chairwomen of the Real Estate Division of the
Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, said that the organisation understood the need for
the new base rate of $300 on all land tax properties as a revenue generator
across the board and acknowledged the cost to government of providing basic
services. The women said: “We are pleased that senior exemption will remain on
all properties with an ARV of $45,500 or less — providing it is their primary
home. However, we express concerns over the effect that the 5 per cent increase
on properties between $44,001 and $120,000 will have on the economy and those
already struggling with debt and mortgage payments.” Mr Dickinson rejected a
proposal outlined in the Pre-Budget Report to introduce new rental taxes but
said $85.4 million could be raised by land tax in 2019-20. That compared with
$80.3 million of revenues in the revised figure from the current financial year,
which ends this month. Land tax rates on commercial properties were temporarily
increased by 5 per cent in 2018 and were scheduled to revert to 7 per cent at
the end of the coming June. However, Mr Dickinson said the rate would instead be
lifted to 9.5 per cent, and from 7 to 8 per cent on tourist properties. The
Government was contacted yesterday for comment.
Little
change has been made to the 60:40 company ownership rule after the Premier
announced its reform more than a year ago, it was claimed. David Burt
pledged to revise the quota in a move designed to increase investment and boost
moneymaking opportunities for Bermudians. At the time, Mr Burt, who was also
Minister of Finance, admitted the proposal would face opposition from two sides.
However, it was feared “pushback” from Progressive Labour Party supporters
stalled movement on the plan. The regulation was introduced to ensure that local
companies were at least 60 per cent controlled by Bermudians. Mr Burt announced
in his 2018 Budget Statement: “We will increase access to capital for
Bermudians by reforming the 60:40 rule to one that only requires 40 per cent
Bermudian ownership in order to operate in the domestic economy.” John Wight,
the president of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, sharing his personal thoughts,
said: “No major progress or changes were made since then, other than
Government allowing international law firms to enter the Bermuda market.” A
Pre-Budget Report published in January stated that the PLP administration
planned to relax the 60:40 rule and aimed for a “more flexible approach” to
local companies seeking exemption. Curtis Dickinson, the finance minister, said
in his 2019-20 Budget Statement last week that the Government would produce
guidelines for how exemptions were granted and also simplify the application
process. Mr Wight, the president and chief executive of BF&M, responded:
“We will see what this means.” He explained that an opportunity for
exemption has existed under the Companies Act 1981 for “many years”. Mr
Wight added: “My belief is that if a company needs to go through the process
of applying for an exemption to a rule, that doesn’t provide the welcoming
approach that perhaps Bermuda should be looking to adopt going forward to
encourage foreign investment into Bermuda to promote competition to support
Bermudian entrepreneurs who are seeking capital to start and grow their
businesses. My own personal view is that reducing the barrier of the 60:40 rule
in Hamilton should be discussed as there has been very little demand for
commercial building purchases or renovations over the past ten years and this
can be a way to stimulate foreign investment and create Bermudian jobs.” Sir
John Swan, the Premier of Bermuda between 1982 and 1995 who was credited for
establishing the island as a major offshore financial centre, said: “60:40 is
an anachronism that was put on by the so-called establishment of Bermuda when
they saw what the foreigner was coming in here and doing to boost the economy
and they wanted to make sure they had some control over it. We are living in a
different world, different set of conditions, and if you don’t embrace
what’s available, it doesn’t give you many options to do very much and
that’s exactly where we are right now; we are in a stalemate.” Sir John
added that the deadlock applied to economic policy and immigration that could
stimulate growth. Another leading figure in the business community believed that
lowering the 60 per cent ownership level would significantly widen business
opportunities because “the total investor base would technically expand
exponentially”. He added: “The basic premise being that if the majority did
not need to be owned by Bermudians then the number of people able to own the
entity would be significantly larger.” Sources close to political circles
believed Mr Burt’s plan to flip the quota met resistance from a small, but
loud, number of PLP voters. One said: “It got pushback from the people that
support him. Some of the PLP constituents seem to have this fear about bringing
in people from overseas, with their money, and thinking that they’re going to
take over the island or get Bermudian status and they don’t want any threat
from that.” Another claimed there had also been “pushback” at a recent
meeting when the matter was raised and while there was some “uneasiness”,
that did not extend to the entire PLP voter base. The source added: “Those who
have a business or want to go into business, they wish to get the foreign
investment to come in but they don’t know if, when divvying up the profits,
they should have as much as 60 per cent.” The Royal Gazette asked the
Government what progress had been made to reform the 60:40 rule since Mr
Burt’s statement last year, as well as whether new exemptions will be
introduced, but received no comment.
Kathy
Simmons, the Attorney-General, plans to meet with citizens concerned over the
sentencing of sex offenders next week, after a group held a gathering outside
the House of Assembly today. She assured the public that children’s well
being was of “paramount importance to our Government” and said the
administration was committed to the an evaluation of the existing regime. A
statement follows: “The community will be reminded that last year, this
Government introduced the Criminal Code Amendment Act 2018 to ensure that sex
offenders are afforded treatment and other interventions both while in custody
and upon release from custody. The 2018 Amendment included provisions for sex
offenders not be released on parole or on their earliest release date, if they
do not complete the required rehabilitation programmes. This is being enforced.
This Government was the first to enforce the provision for notification, as the
Minister of Legal Affairs disclosed information to the public in relation to sex
offenders who are considered to present a risk of significant harm to the health
or safety of the public, an affected group of people, or an individual. That
occurred last year, and again last month. The public is reminded that offenders
are placed on the sex offender register upon conviction. This also requires them
to register of annually registration and notifications to the proper authorities
of changes in the offender’s circumstances etc. Also, a rigorous management
and monitoring regime is in place for these offenders released from custody.
Further, the Offender Risk Management Team plays a major role in offender
management. In addition, the Department of Court Services utilizes tools and
assessments, such as has electronic monitoring devices, urinalysis testing, and
treatment programmes, to reduce re-offending risks of offenders in the
community. Curfew checks and regular home visits are also conducted. As
policymakers, this Government’s decisions cannot be based on emotions alone.
Our decisions must be level-headed, based on evidence and facts. We hear the
concerns from the community and we are committed to reviewing and enhancing
existing systems. Education of the community also remains vital. The Ministry of
Legal Affairs will continue to monitor the implementation of the sex offender
regime to ensure that it achieves the intended outcome of protecting the
community from sexual offenders through effective rehabilitation and treatment
programmes, and successful management practices.”
A
pioneering presence in the Bermudian media landscape was honored at a forum this
week. Montague Egbert Sheppard was recognized for his role in radio and
television broadcasting at the emancipation event Through a Glass Darkly: Black
Bermudians in the Media. Lovitta Foggo, the Minister of Labour, Community
Affairs and Sport, said that Mr Sheppard’s impact on Bermudian television in
the 1950s and 1960s was “profound”. She added: “The social, political and
economic order which prevailed in Bermuda at that time was very different from
that of today. We lived in a society that was dominated by racism and sanctioned
segregation.” Ms Foggo said that Mr Sheppard’s Capital Broadcasting Company
“established a niche in the arena of public broadcasting that was prolific,
unparalleled and unprecedented in the history of public broadcasting in Bermuda.
Not only was Capital Broadcasting the first broadcasting company to introduce
the production of colour television into Bermuda, it was also the first to
secure an affiliation with one of the major three television networks in the
United States — the ABC Network. According to Historian Ira Philip, Capital
Broadcasting Company was the first enterprise to be owned, controlled and
operated by black people in the western hemisphere.” Ms Foggo said that
Capital Broadcasting had been “instrumental” in training local Bermudian
talent — “talent which still graces our airwaves today”. She presented Mr
Sheppard with a plaque, on behalf of the Department, for his work in the
community. One of the objectives of the event was to look at home media shaped
how black Bermudians were viewed and view themselves. It was organized by the
Department of Community and Cultural Affairs and held at the Bermuda Industrial
Union on Thursday night. Glenn A Blakeney Sr, Qian Dickinson and Dr Dana
Selassie served as panellists.
The
Mayor of Hamilton is considering staging a public rally to highlight public
opposition to government’s proposed municipalities reform. Charles
Gosling, who along with Quinell Francis, Mayor of St George’s, has decried the
lack of public consultation over the matter, said the Corporation of Hamilton is
also working on newspaper and radio advertisements. A government forum and St
George’s poll have indicated barely any support among respondents for reform.
Mr Gosling told The Royal Gazette: “The purpose of any rally on our part would
be to harness the public support [for the Corporation of Hamilton] exhibited by
the Government’s consultation forum, in a more public way. We would engage
other stakeholders to speak to the necessity for strong, local government, to
explain our position and give examples of the city’s accomplishments. We would
allow other community leaders to voice their support. The focus of the ads is to
reach a broader section of the community and to garner more support from the
public. Online web banners ads will link directly to more information where the
public can be better informed about the government’s intentions and why local
Government should remain. Government asked for public consultation, provided the
forum, Bermuda has spoken but will government listen?” The Progressive Labour
Party is proposing to either dissolve the corporations of St George’s and
Hamilton integrating their functions into a government administrative structure,
or change them into quangos giving the Government increased oversight. A poll
issued by Ms Francis for St George’s revealed that out of 188 responses, 179
were in support of the Corporation of St George’s remaining as it is [153 were
residents or businesses of St George’s]. There were five in favour of a quango
and two in favour of a takeover. Meanwhile, the government’s own online forum
showed 164 against reform, four in favour of the quango option and four in
support of a take over. “You can’t deny those results,” Mr Gosling said.
“The added voice from the poll in St George’s also speaks volumes to the
fact that government oversight is not welcome in the town.” The Royal Gazette
asked Walter Roban, Minister of Home Affairs, for his views on the outcomes and
whether they would impact government’s decision. A spokeswoman for the
Ministry of Home Affairs said: “The consultative process includes many forms
beyond the online forum. It includes meetings with individuals and key
stakeholders in the community. Over the past year we have been diligently
listening and that feedback, alongside the government online forum, will shape
how we move forward.” The Corporation of Hamilton’s Resident’s Committee
is to conduct a door-to-door residential survey. Mr Gosling said that the
government has “minimised” the public’s ability to make an informed
decision over the future of Bermuda’s municipalities. Government held two town
hall meetings in Hamilton and one in St George’s in the summer and spring of
last year and carried out a public survey last September. Mr Gosling said:
“The turnout was abysmal — they were lucky if they had 20 people at both
Hamilton meetings. The recent consultation process was announced by a two page
document and was shared with the media at the end of the first day of
consultation. There has been no supporting advertising at all. Government made a
choice in not engaging in an awareness programme giving the public a minuscule
time limit. It now needs to honour the public’s response without resorting to
additional, non-disclosed, potentially opaque meetings.” Ms Francis told The
Royal Gazette she believed the public had not been fully informed about the
options being presented by Government. She added: “The major concern among
persons in the town is the removal of elected officials, with many identifying
that they would like the Corporation of St George’s to remain as is.” Mr
Gosling highlighted a residential satisfaction survey the corporation issued
last year that averaged 4.2 out of five for satisfaction levels with five being
excellent. The survey revealed that a lack of police officers on the beat in
North Hamilton was cited as “a major concern. Issues like safety need to be a
joint effort with local and national Government to be effective,” Mr Gosling
said. He described a “gross” lack of traffic wardens to enforce parking
fines as a “thorn for many” adding: “Parking can and needs to be resolved
but legislation needs to be passed to enforce and that’s where Government has
our hands tied. We have been trying since 2011.” Government will host two
post-consultation meetings, one on March 5 from 6:30pm at East End Primary
School and one on March 7 from 5:30pm at the New Testament Church of God:
Heritage Worship Centre. Mr Roban has said government wishes to enhance the two
cities with the creation of a “thriving residential centre and entertainment
hub” in Hamilton and a mega-yacht port and marina for St George’s, among
other developments. Mr Roban said: “Unfortunately, neither corporation has the
financial means to make the necessary investment needed to make this vision a
reality.” He said following the completion of the consultation, government
will release the results of the consultation and a timeline for the proposed
changes to the corporations.
Butterfield
Bank’s Bermuda workforce shrank by 18 in 2018, ending the year at 572. As
a group, Butterfield had 1,373 employees at the end of the year, including 99
temporary staff. That figure is measured on a full-time equivalency basis, and
compares to 1,190 in 2017, 1,240 in 2016 and 1,141 in 2015. In its latest filing
at the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Butterfield also detailed
non-accrual loans it has on its books. Among them is a $3.75 million government
loan that dates back to the time the bank had operations in Barbados. It sold
those operations in 2012. That non-performing loan accounted for almost a third
of the $12.1 million total of impaired commercial loans owed to Butterfield, as
of December 31. It was also the main element in a $4.8 million increase in total
non-accrual loans at the bank, which stood at $48.7 million at year end.
A
Holland-based tall ship for students, the Gulden Leeuw, has called at
Bermuda for the week. The three-masted topsail schooner, whose name means
“Golden Lion”, has more than 60 trainees on board and 20 staff, and is
expected to head on tomorrow. Ilya Cherapau, manager of the Bermuda Sailors
Home, said the stop on the island gave students a chance to meet parents and
enjoy some shore time. He added: “The home offers rest and recreation for
seafarers — often all they need is a quiet place to check wi-fi and relax.”
The ship, which sails all over the world, arrived in Bermuda last weekend on its
way north from the Caribbean.
Roderick
Benjamin, 66, was named by the Bermuda Police Service as a man found in an
unresponsive state on Wednesday night on the Railway Trail near Loyal Hill,
Devonshire. Mr Benjamin was discovered by a member of the public at about
10.30pm, a spokesman said, offering “sincere condolences to his family and
friends”. Foul play is not suspected.
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