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Salvation Army salutes generous response to its SOS for more donations

Alisa Bernardo
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Salvation Army salutes generous response to its SOS for more donations

The Salvation Army is thankful for the community’s swift response to its recent call for help amid shortages at its city food bank.

Photo supplied

Thanks to donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations island-wide, the North Street Family Services location stayed open through October.

Earlier this month, the charity reported that its budget for October had been exhausted early due to rising demand for its services. However, just hours after the Salvation Army put out the initial, urgent call for donations, the community responded.  

Notable contributions included around $4,000 worth of food from the Bermuda Police Service.

Captain Dennis Maybury, public relations officer for The Salvation Army, described the outpouring of public support as “nothing short of extraordinary.”

He added, “This support has had an immediate and lasting impact, enabling our North Street location to continue our mission of serving those in need.”

With demand expected to grow over the Christmas season, the charity encourages continued support.

For ways to donate, visit their website salvationarmy.bm

Video: Remembrance Day Observances 2024

Jasmine Patterson
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The 2024 Remembrance Day Ceremony and Parade took place along Front Street Monday morning to commemorate those who fell in the two World Wars and other campaigns of the Allied Forces.

Video: 2024 Remembrance Day ceremony on Front Street, Hamilton on 1 November 2024. Dignitaries gathered for a poppy wreath laying ceremony at the Cenotaph located at cabinet grounds.

The ceremony, led by Governor Rena Lalgie, featured a procession of wreath laying by Premier David Burt and other dignitaries as per tradition, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

The Royal Bermuda Regiment provided support for the ceremony with a Guard on parade, joined by the Bermuda Police Service, Sea Cadets and the Junior Leaders. Music was provided by the Regiment Band & Corps of Drums, the Somerset Brigade Band, the Salvation Army Band, the North Village Band and the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band.

Bermuda Tonight – 12 November 2024

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bermuda Tonight – 12 November 2024

Exhibit explores Bermuda’s links to Charleston

Tony McWilliam
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Exhibit explores Bermuda’s links to Charleston

Cultural and historic ties highlighted at the National Museum of Bermuda

From Bermuda to Charleston is now open to the public.         Photo supplied

The historic and cultural connections between Bermuda and Charleston, South Carolina, are explored in a new exhibit at the National Museum of Bermuda.

Stone: From Bermuda to Charleston features a collection of contemporary artwork by John Gardener.

In a press release, the NMB stated that the exhibit invites viewers to “reflect on shared histories, resilience, and the rich heritage” that links Bermuda and Charleston.

The museum describes the exhibit as “a powerful reminder of the cultural connections that span continents and generations. Stone: From Bermuda to Charleston is set against the stunning backdrop of the museum’s Sandys site, providing an immersive experience for visitors to engage with Bermuda’s vibrant history and heritage through Gardener’s artistry.”

Owen Darrell, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport, stressed the importance of supporting cultural initiatives that bridge communities and celebrate Bermuda’s identity, noting: “Culture is the heart and soul of our daily lives. It’s what draws us together and shapes how we understand ourselves and each other … These cultural events are not just celebrations of artistic talent, but are pillars of our identity.”

For further information, contact: info@nmb.bm

Bankers respond to plans to address ‘unbanked’ population

Gary Foster Skelton
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Banks will work to ensure no one is denied service without good reason, but they must continue to meet international standards.

This was affirmed by the Bermuda Bankers Association in response to Throne Speech plans to amend banking laws.
The PLP Government wants to legislate so all residents have access to banking services, a promise first declared in last year’s Speech from the Throne.
Last year, Geoff Scott, CEO of the Bermuda Bankers Association, said it should be determined exactly what segment of the population needs this provision, so any risks associated with the endeavour can be understood.
The BBA released the following statement in response to this year’s Throne Speech”
“The Bermuda Bankers Association will continue to engage with the Bermuda Government and the Bermuda Monetary Authority to ensure that, while Bermuda’s residents are not unreasonably denied access to financial services, we maintain the high standards, safety and soundness of Bermuda’s banking system that are essential to the international financial system.”

Government pledges socio-economic improvements to create ‘fairer’ Bermuda, Throne Speech

Jasmine Patterson
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Government pledges socio-economic improvements to create ‘fairer’ Bermuda, Throne Speech

A focus on continuing improvement to Bermuda’s economic renewal and social transformation driving the core message in the 2024 Throne Speech delivered Friday morning by Governor Rena Lalgie.

Bermuda’s overall economic performance was described as strong, growing and resilient, during the Throne Speech presentation.

To maintain growth, the Government has focused on legislative changes to improve housing inventory and promote property development.  

You’ll recall that the Bermudiana Beach Resort conversion to residential units should add an additional 94 units to the local market.  

In addition, legislative amendments will be made to access derelict properties and there will be changes to the landlord and tenant act. 

On the legal front, efforts to boost the jury selection pool will be made by permitting jurors to sit up to the age of 75 and increasing allowances.  

And there will be a new court, to support victims of domestic violence.  

Governor Lalgie said, “In partnership with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Judiciary, the Ministry of Justice will support the creation of a domestic violence court programme, ensuring devoted attention to the protection of victims with speedier protection orders and equally requiring accountability on the part of perpetrators.”  

The government also seeks to set up a formal process of regulating mergers and acquisitions affecting the costs of essential goods and services on the island to protect consumers.

Governor Lalgie added, “Given the real challenges with costs in Bermuda, residents rightly should expect that the Government should act in the public interest if it is deemed necessary to do so. Therefore, during this legislative session, the government will commence consultations on amendments to legislation to allow scrutiny of local mergers and acquisitions that concentrate significant power in essential sectors.”

Canon James Francis, 1928-2024

Gary Foster Skelton
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Canon James Francis, 1928-2024

Canon James Francis, the first black Bermudian Canon Residentiary at the Anglican Cathedral, passed away this weekend.

Canon James Francis, 1928-2024. Photo courtesy of Christ Anglican Church, Devonshire

Canon Francis served at the Cathedral for 12 years from 1985. He then presided over Christ Anglican Church Devonshire for 20 years until his retirement in 2018.
His successor at Christ Church, Reverend Jay Tucker, says Canon Francis was his mentor and a father figure, and was instrumental to his own ordination in the Anglican church.
Almost prophetically, Canon Francis told the congregation that one day, Reverend Jay would be the priest in charge at Christ Church.
They met every week for breakfast up until just a few months ago.
Premier and Progressive Labour Party Leader, David Burt, said Canon Francis was “a true servant leader… He exemplified the values of faith, hope, and community, reminding us all of the power of service to transform lives.”

Bermuda Tonight – 8 November 2024

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bermuda Tonight – 8 November 2024

Throne Speech: National debt could be cleared in 10 years

Gary Foster Skelton
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Throne Speech: National debt could be cleared in 10 years

Government’s projected tax income could apparently eliminate our 3 billion-dollar-plus national debt in the next decade.

Protected tax revenues in the next ten years could clear national debt, Government claims

This eye-opening prediction was made today in the 2024 Throne Speech, as Governor Rena Lalgie relayed the PLP Government’s brief comments on its intentions for the upcoming Corporate Income Tax:

“…legislation will be introduced to update the Corporate Income Tax (CIT) framework and address matters relating to use of excess tax revenue. Based on the recommendations from the Tax Reform Commission and the International Tax Working Group, this legislation will codify how funds collected by the Corporate Income Tax regime will be reserved for use. The projections state that with the next 10 years, the Government should have enough in additional tax receipts to eliminate Bermuda’s Debt and establish a sovereign wealth fund to make strategic investments for Bermuda’s future.”

The Corporate Income Tax is Bermuda’s local application of the OECD-mandated 15% global minimum tax.

This only affects the net income – essentially the profits – of large multinational companies with revenues of at least 750-million euros.

The Throne Speech promises legislation that will direct those new tax revenues to a certain place, but it doesn’t tell us what that place will be.

It drops a hint, by stating that projections suggest the national debt could be cleared within ten years by additional tax receipts.

How could this work?

Government revenues for 2024 were estimated to be $1.23 billion as of February, although predicted payroll tax revenues have increased since then.

An approximate 4 million-dollar Budget surplus has been forecast following the mid-year review.

So, to clear our near $3.3 billion debt in 10 years, we need on average a $330 million surplus every year – and that’s only if all the surplus went on debt.

Premier David Burt said in February that annual Corporate Income Tax revenues could be more than double that figure.

One thing that was not addressed in this year’s Throne Speech is how other measures may be used to balance out the impact of the CIT.

In last year’s Speech from the Throne, the Governor said “additional revenues that may accrue to the Government must be balanced by a reduction in existing taxes and customs duty to ensure that Bermuda remains competitive and retains our thriving international business sector.”

The corporate income tax set to come into effect in less than two months, on January 1st 2025.

Remembrance Day parade set for Monday

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Remembrance Day parade set for Monday

Dignitaries will lay wreaths at the Cenotaph in time-honoured tribute

The Royal Bermuda Regiment Band & Corps of Drums, seen here at today’s Throne Speech ceremony, will be in action again on Monday.              Photo by Tony McWilliam

On Monday, the Remembrance Day Parade will take place to commemorate those who fell in two World Wars and other campaigns of the Allied Forces.

The ceremony gets underway at 10.30 am along Front Street.

Wreaths will be laid at the Cenotaph by Governor Rena Lalgie, Premier David Burt and other dignitaries.

The Royal Bermuda Regiment will support the ceremony with a Guard on parade and will be joined by the Bermuda Police Service, Sea Cadets and the Junior Leaders.

Music will be provided by the RBR Band & Corps of Drums, the Somerset Brigade Band, the Salvation Army Band, the North Village Band and the Bermuda Islands Pipe Band.

There will be road closures on Monday morning due to the parade and motorists are encouraged to consider alternative routes to avoid delays.

Banking and pension amendments promised in 2024 Throne Speech

Gary Foster Skelton
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Banking and pension amendments promised in 2024 Throne Speech

Legal amendments to ensure banking services are provided for all, and a cap on fees paid to pension fund administrators – two items we have been told are coming in tomorrow’s Throne Speech.

What’s to come in the 2024 Throne Speech?

Preparations have been taking place at the Cabinet building today, and Gary Foster Skelton was on site speculating on what else we may see in the next year’s legislative agenda.

Government has advised that banking laws will be amended to require that basic banking services are provided for all, to ensure that all residents have access to such services.

Furthermore, Government will introduce a cap on fees paid to pension plan administrators. Current fees have been found to be higher than in other jurisdictions.

The change could mean a Bermudian worker entering the workforce now would have an additional $75,000 in their pension at retirement.

As for what else may feature?…

Questions linger as to how we might continue the long, winding road to “affordable universal healthcare for all”? This was called an “unquestionable priority” in the 2020 speech.

The protections in the Landlord and Tenant Act still await the “greater balance” lauded in the 2022 speech. The Chamber of Commerce today called for such changes to come soon because “housing remains the main challenge to longer term economic growth and development plans for businesses”.

…and the pending Corporate Income Tax will play a role, as Government looks how to manage the potential windfall. Will we hear more about where that money will go?

The Throne Speech is scheduled to start at 10.30am, Friday November 8th at the Cabinet Building.

Bermuda Tonight – 7 November 2024

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bermuda Tonight – 7 November 2024
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