The Champions Program, a 24-hour mobile crisis response service and grief counselling network, has seen 96% of the 107 children treated following the murder of a family member or loved one graduate from high school.
Enhanced information sharing between helping agencies and faith-based organisations is at the forefront of the National Violence Reduction Strategy.
Community groups have praised the collaborative approach but will there better ways of tracking violence and improved outcomes?
One charity, The Gina Spence Program, says its program launched 15years ago is producing positive results by using clinicians trained specifically in homicide bereavement.
The Premier says a proposal to increase MP salaries is deeply flawed – the Opposition Leader wants to veto the whole idea.
The OBA does not support any pay rise for Government MPs says Jarion Richardson, in response to the report of the Salaries Review Board that was tabled in the House on Friday.
Premier David Burt and the PLP have also pushed back on the board’s recommendations.
They propose salary increases of almost 19% for all MPs and Senators.
This would reflect the cost of living increase since 2015, the board says, which is when the economy started to improve following the recession.
As a reflection of the wight of the roles, the board also proposes a further 18.8% hike for the Premier’s salary, and the Speaker of the House would get the same as a Minister.
Premier David Burt last night said he does not support the recommended increase for the Premier, and he says any cost of living adjustment should be across the board for all officers and members.
He said he finds some aspects of the report deeply flawed, and the proposals disproportionately favour the Premier and the Speaker.
A PLP spokesperson today said, “The document tabled in Parliament was produced by an independent committee and neither the Government, nor Parliament are under any obligation to enact these proposals, many of which we oppose.”
“We will consult with our caucus and our constituents taking the necessary time to ensure that any decisions we make reflect both careful consideration and the values we stand for…”
“Many Bermudians are facing significant challenges due to the high cost of living, and we hear your frustrations.”
OBA Leader Jarion Richardson left no room for doubt, and said his party categorically does not support any pay rise for MPs.
The Salaries Review Board justified their proposal by citing that MPs have not had a pay rise since 2009, took a 10% pay cut in 2011, and the economy has shown improvement since 2015, with inflation since then having risen 18.8%.
According to Jarion Richardson, however, you don’t get a pay rise when everything is going wrong for everybody else. “That’s not how leadership works”, he said.
“Because there’s 800 plus homeless people in Bermuda. Because people are getting treated in the hospitals in the corridors and sleeping in the corridors. Because our housing crisis. Because we have Bermudians fleeing the island for economic reasons. I mean, there’s a myriad of things going wrong with Bermuda right now…”
When asked if there should be performance indicators for MPs, Mr Richardson said, “there’s already a performance indicator. It’s called the general election.”
Two arrests were made following an incident Wednesday afternoon near the Hamilton Bus Terminal. A police spokesperson said a bus operator asked for help from officers on patrol with an unruly passenger, a 14-year-old boy.
He was taken off the bus but caused damage by striking the side view mirror.
As he was being apprehended, an 18 year old male intervened and was subsequently arrested for threatening behaviour and obstruction.
The younger teen was arrested for willful damage.
Police added, “They were both taken to the Hamilton Police Station where they were processed and bailed.”
Bermuda is on par with sustainability prospects seen in other islands surveyed including Barbados, the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad and Malta.
Over 80% of corporate companies across the region and in the U.K. channel islands who responded to the KPMG survey said they have established policies or plans.
This demonstrates promise for the future, according to Laura Heintzman, ESG Manager at KPMG.
She said companies are at an early stage of adoption for sustainability programs but it is a sector within companies that are growing.
Arnaud van Dijk a Partner & Head of ESG for KPMG Islands Group said Bermuda is favourably positioned to be on the cutting edge of new developments within sustainability practice due to its high exposure to the UK, EU and USA.
Momentum for change is moving forward however, there are significant challenges still at play such as access to capital for sustainability technology and geopolitical pressures that impact government policies and attitudes towards climate change.
Bermuda, he says, is perfectly positioned to facilitate and develop frameworks to support growth in this sector.
The potential impact of proposed marine restrictions on commercial fishermen is to be scrutinised.
Proposed Offshore Marine Protected Areas, or MPAs, will also be reviewed to balance ecological protections against the practicalities of fishing.
Government will integrate these objectives and others into their Blue Prosperity Plan, following an independent review that also called for more data to back up the plan, and demonstrable enforcement against current fisheries violations.
Meaningful engagement with commercial fishermen is critical to moving forward with plans, the panel said, and Government has committed to ongoing dialogue focused on enforcement and MPAs.
The Fishermen’s Association had previously withdrawn from the BOPP consultation process, in part saying there is insufficient data to justify proposed marine restrictions that could impact their livelihoods.
The FAB welcomed the independent panel review, and said they have been asking for years for better data on fish stocks and improved enforcement. Both have been recommended by the panel.
Praise heaped on PGA event that shines a global spotlight on Bermuda
Hundreds of spectators enjoyed world class golf during the Butterfield Bermuda Championship at Port Royal Golf Course. Photo by Tony McWilliam
The Butterfield Bermuda Championship continues to bring global recognition to the island while promoting tourism and local businesses. This from the Government today in a press release stating the four-day event, which wrapped on Sunday at Port Royal Golf Course, solidified its place as a key event on Bermuda’s sports calendar. Government says this PGA TOUR tournament continues to draw international attention, create significant economic benefits, and provide charitable support to the local community. Owen Darrell, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport, said: “This event showcases Bermuda’s ability to host world-class sporting events while bringing tangible benefits to our economy and community. It’s a testament to the hard work of everyone behind the scenes and an opportunity to inspire the next generation to see what’s possible in the sport of golf.” A special moment during this year’s championship was the presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award to MP Kim Swan, recognizing his decades of contributions to the sport of golf in Bermuda. Today’s press release from the government stated: “From his remarkable achievements as a professional golfer to his ongoing commitment to mentoring and inspiring young golfers, MP Swan’s legacy continues to shape the future of the sport on the island.” Minister Darrell extended his congratulations, calling it a “well-deserved honour for an individual who has dedicated his life to promoting golf and its values”. Government stated today that beyond the competition, the Butterfield Bermuda Championship “offers opportunities for Bermuda’s youth to engage with the sport and see first-hand the doors it can open”. Chairman of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, Wayne Caines, said the tournament “not only attracts international visitors, but also boosts local commerce, strengthens community ties, and showcases Bermuda as premier destination for year-round travel”. The winner of the 2024 Butterfield Bermuda Championship was 36-year-old Rafael Campos of Puerto Rico, who picked up $1.2 million in prize money.
The funds will support training, grounds management, and educational initiatives to preserve the historic 32-acre Botanical Gardens located in Paget.
New ways of funding the upkeep and development of the Botanical Gardens in Paget. could be in the pipeline, according to Public Works Minister Lt. Col. David Burch.
The Bermuda Botanical Society has entered into an M.O.U with the government to support the gardens through grants, corporate sponsorships, donations, and community group fundraising efforts.
Public Works Minister Lt. Col. David Burch said the MOU provides access to a wider range of funding sources for projects to improve the historic land.
During a news conference on Tuesday, he explained the idea to enter into an M.O.U. was born out of the National Gardens Plan 2022 – 2026.
Part of that plan includes a mandate to bridge a stronger partnership with the Bermuda Botanical Society and keeping public costs low while exploring new funding methods.
The 32-acre Botanical Gardens in Paget had fallen into disrepair over the years.
Minister Burch said, “The MOU establishes the Bermuda Botanical Society as the Bermuda Botanical Gardens Registered Charity holding grants and privately donated funds to be disbursed on the direction of the Department / Ministry and solely for agreed Bermuda Botanical Gardens improvement projects, assets or initiatives described in the MOU scope of works.”
“This agreement modernises the Gardens’ funding model,” he added.
Minister Burch stressed that under the agreement the Department of Parks remains fully responsible for the maintenance of the gardens.
The difference now is the Society will have more options to finance projects such as past contributions to renovate the Horticultural Hall and Visitor’s centre.
The investments will go towards training, management, restoration, research and educational initiatives to enhance the work the Department of Parks and the Botanical Society already do.
The Society tends to the Garden’s Native and Endemic Plant Collection home of the Olivewood and the Palmetto and a key supporter of the site since their formation in 1985.
President Jennifer Flood said with additional funding, the gardens can play larger part in conservation efforts.
At this time, they are not actively fundraising however, the Government’s landscape architect, Danny Simmons is currently sourcing grant opportunities.
Ms. Flood said it will be awhile before the public will see upgrades in the gardens until foundational work is completed after funds are secured.
The Botanical Society relies entirely on volunteers to encourage the study and promotion of the botanical sciences within Bermuda.
The botanical gardens is also most notably known as the home of the annual Agricultural Exhibition
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