PLP Blog | Bermuda Progressive Labour Party

Calling Bermuda an "important market," Four Seasons executive vice President Scott Woroch confirmed that the luxury chain is moving forward with redevelopment of the Coral Beach Club. He expects construction to begin this year.

Even in the midst of a global recession, the Four Seasons luxury hotel brand is bullish on Bermuda tourism. We look forward to beginning construction on yet another jewel in the crown of the Platinum Period tourism revitilisation.

Thousands of Bermuda seniors are already benefiting from FutureCare and many more will become eligible during phase II enrollment which begins on 1 April 2010. Health Minister Walter Roban discussed FutureCare and other priorities within his Ministry funded by the Recovery Budget:

The Bermuda Hospitals Board will break ground on the new ambulatory care wing. This however has ramifications for the Department of Health who is a tenant of the Old Hospital Building. In order to allow redevelopment of our hospital, the Government Environmental Health and Vector Control Sections are being relocated. This work should be complete by Spring 2010.

In April 2009, the Health Insurance Section of the Ministry of Finance was transferred to the Ministry of Health. Also at that time, the Section was given the added responsibility of implementing FutureCare along with the existing programmes it manages including the Government Health Insurance Plan (HIP), the Mutual Reinsurance Fund and the Government Subsidy Programme.

In the upcoming year, the Health Insurance Department will undergo a reorganization which will see an increase in permanent staff and the introduction of relationship management, business development and case management to meet the needs of the population that they serve. The Department will also complete the implementation of its automated claims management system.

The National Office for Seniors and Physically Challenged was transferred to the Ministry of Health in August 2009.

In the upcoming year, the National Office will be charged with developing a national strategy for seniors, developing proposals for the development and care of the learning disabled and increasing awareness and accessibility for the disabled community.

With plans for the redevelopment of our acute care hospital well advanced, the Bermuda Hospitals Board has been requested to place equal attention to the mental health needs of the community. In this regard, the Mid Atlantic Wellness Institute will begin the implementation of a Mental Health Plan for Bermuda. This will include the launch of an assertive outreach team, a new supervised group home, improved services for autistic children and reform of Bermuda’s forensic mental health services.

And finally – FutureCare!!!

When it comes to FutureCare, some are trying to scare seniors with misinformation. The truth is, FutureCare is designed so that those who need it most, get it first. Already, 2,681 of our seniors are benefiting from the landmark programme. And, even more seniors will be eligible to receive it when phase II begins on 1 April. Minister Roban:

April 2009 saw the implementation of Bermuda’s first affordable insurance plan for seniors – FutureCare.

FutureCare was introduced as a phased plan. The programme has been extremely successful in its first year with 2681 seniors presently enrolled.

Phase II of the plan will come into effect on 1st April 2010. Eligibility for phase II will include:
• persons 70 years of age and older; and
• persons who will turn 65 between the period of 1st April 2010 and 31st March 2011.

The implementation of phase II will also mean that our surviving War Veterans will be enrolled in the plan and therefore benefit from the health benefits available under FutureCare.

The monthly premium for persons enrolling as part of phase II of FutureCare will be $600 per month. Those persons presently enrolled in FutureCare will see their premium rise from $260 - $300 per month.

The implementation of Phase II of FutureCare will mean that in its second year of operation, FutureCare will be available to 2/3rds of Bermuda’s senior population.

For those of you wondering when the remaining seniors will enter the plan, I can also report that Phase III of FutureCare will commence effective 1st April 2011 and that phase will see eligibility open to all of Bermuda’s remaining seniors. An extensive communications plan will be implemented effective today to communicate FutureCare eligibility.

The Government portal, effective today, has the eligibility criteria posted.

Effective Monday 1st March, information will be available at the Health Insurance Department at Sofia House, Church Street.

There will also be radio spots running from Monday 1st March until the end of April on all radio stations and CITV and town hall meetings, visits to the popular talk shows and print advertising in order to inform the public and to answer any questions they might have.

If you are, or know of a senior that is not yet enrolled in FutureCare and meets the eligibility requirements, make sure to enroll and take advantage of this landmark benefit that thousands of Bermuda's seniors already enjoy.

Late yesterday, Minister Paula Cox responded to what's become an annual tradition going back several decades: budget bashing. Minister Cox:

Government welcomes the views of the community on the National Budget 2010-2011. Government accepts that this budget was tough but it is also fair.

To date I cannot recall any PLP Budget or Budget Reply that was not criticised by the business sector. It is usually a coordinated response from various sectors so nothing unique this year.

Also just like Auditors-General can be equal opportunity critics of whomever is the Government in power,so too is business. The more things change the more they stay the same. I cite below a quoted comment from a report in respect of the former UBP Government

"Bermuda has long sold the cooperative relationship between Government and private industry as a fundamental reason for our success. But the unilateral announcement by the Premier on independence, the context of the 1995 Budget and Government's subsequent handling of International Business concerns in those areas have demonstrated that the partnership is not always in place."

"Many decisions are made by Government without consultation and, more often than not, are seen to be politically expedient rather than soundly-based fiscal policies. Government thinks it listened but I am not sure it hears. It does not hear, for example, when we explain that rather than extending taxation, it should lower its spending."

Budget bashing is nothing new. But, the truth is, the Recovery Budget is designed to ensure that priorities like public safety, education and social programmes don't face dramatic cuts. Minister Cox:

No one likes paying any increases in taxes and even when the PLP Budgets have had a lower level of increases there have been complaints. It is par for the course. I was under no illusions as to the reaction.

I note for instance that the UK Chancellor was roundly criticised when he delivered a Budget - not because he introduced increases but because he deferred the pain of introducing taxes or more stringent measures when the UK has huge budget deficits. The criticism was that the Chancellor was putting his Party interests ahead of national interest by not taking more punitive fiscal measures.

Ireland is getting kudos from financial markets for taking some harsh economic measures but their populace is far less impressed. In Ireland teachers and police have had their gross salaries slashed by as much as 15 %. Doing the right thing has made life more difficult for Ireland's citizens, especially for its public servants and there is the risk of increased strikes. The lower salaries of the Irish means there is less money in the pockets of consumers and is said to be potentially damping consumer spending which fuels about 50% of the economy. So though internationally Ireland is seen to being proactive the reality is on the ground the people are suffering. We did not take such drastic steps to cut public sector staff but some jurisdictions have done exactly that. Tax increases will never be viewed favourably but they are a matter of necessity in these difficult economic times. There are always other options, cutting the level of public services, increasing debt at higher and more unsustainable levels and cutting staff and other Government spending. There are always risks and costs to actions and inaction. It is said that the debate over the extent to which the public sector should shoulder the burden has occupied Ireland's radio waves and dinner tables for months.

One young Irishman commented :"Everybody needs to get real, referring to public sector workers who have threatened work actions. because they are not getting the salary increases they wanted.

For me personally, I have to look at the macro level and rely on the residual goodwill which still exists notwithstanding the noise and angst and know that the people and business know from my track record and their prior experience that I do not act in an arbitrary, capricious and ill-considered manner . If anything I have sought to shield Bermuda's tax-payers from harsh tax increases over the years. So even if the people and businesses would have preferred a different outcome there is enough trust and goodwill that despite the ire common sense will prevail and the crucial conversations will continue as always. That is part of negotiation, balance and maturity in strategic relationships. We are all in it together and we are in it for the long haul. The payroll tax was also an equal opportunity tax- all of us will feel the pinch and all sectors- not one group exclusively. The aim of us all is to keep the good ship Bermuda afloat and to see she and her people survive the choppy waters and we will. The best policies are also those where everyone shoulders the burden and there is a levelling of the playing-field.

The Budget seeks to sustain the level and quality of services that the community demands and this comes with a price tag. “Vulnerable sectors of the economy have been given measures of relief and as the economy transitions to the path to recovery, there will be an opportunity to review tax yields and adjust the fiscal burden as appropriate. “However, it is important to keep things in perspective. The government travel budget has been a political football during the last several years. The facts are that the travel budget is $6 million in a modern day budget of $ 1 thousand million or 0.6 per cent of the overall current programme budget. “Bermuda competes in a complex and sophisticated global arena and travel is a necessary component of conducting government business. “Similarly, if Bermuda’s successes are to be sustained then it is important to have the benefit of expertise that is not available in our small indigenous population. If we are to compete effectively with the best in the rest of the world and prevail, there are occasions when expertise from outside Bermuda will assist. The budget for overseas consultants is about $27 million in 2010-2011 or some 2.7 per cent of the operational budget. For the results and outcomes anticipated, this expenditure constitutes value for money. “Ministry of Finance noted in the National Budget Statement that there will be enhancements to the procurement process for capital projects such that the new regime will align with international best practice. The enhanced governance measures will include disclosure requirements, stricter reporting regimes and improved change order management. “Similar enhancement will be introduced for operational programme costs. “The tax increases were necessary and the burden was shared across the community for the long term benefit of all stakeholders.”

I would anticipate that next year in the National Budget we can have more of a re-balancing.

The Recovery Budget made tough choices. In the midst of a recession, we chose to preserve a strong social safety net and make sure that government continues to work for people.

The "Great Lie" being advanced by the opposition is that all we need to do is cut Ministerial travel and foreign consultants and all our problems will be solved. Don't believe them. The vast majority of Bermuda's budget is spent on things like public safety, education, social programmes and the ministries and departments that ensure a strong and stable government.

Minister Neletha Butterfield notes that the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation will continue to provide a high level of service thanks to the Recovery Budget. She also announced that the PLP Government's landmark DayCare programme served over 700 families and 750 children through the end of 2009. According to a recent survey, nearly 90% of recipients stated that their quality of life improved thanks to DayCare! Minister Butterfield:

(The) level of funding is similar to the level of funding received during the current fiscal year, and will allow the Ministry to carry on with its two-pronged mandate of developing human potential through the provision of human services; and the promotion and support for cultural, community, human affairs and library services.

In recognition of the need for sound social policy initiatives and programmes aimed at strengthening families and addressing social dysfunction among some of our youth, the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation intends to continue with several key initiatives, including the following:

CHILD DAY CARE ALLOWANCE PROGRAMME

Government has been extremely encouraged by the success of its child day care allowance scheme operated through the Department of Financial Assistance. The initiative was launched in November 2008, and by the end of December 2009 the Programme had assisted over 700 families and 750 children. During the week ending 12th February 2010, 471 children were benefiting from the scheme, which has been particularly beneficial to single mothers who have struggled to make ends meet financially.

A satisfaction survey conducted in 2009 revealed that nearly 90% of child day care allowance recipients stated that their quality of life had improved; over 50% reported spending more time with their children, with an emphasis on reading; 37% reported better control of expenses; 35% are pursuing a higher level of education; 31% have pursued employment opportunities; and 28% have implemented budget plans.

DayCare is a big success for Bermuda. It's improving the quality of life of our people. It's allowing Bermudians to pursue greater opportunities without having to worry about the burdens of child care. It's a landmark programme that is making a real difference in people's lives.

There's more. The incredibly successful Mirrors Programme continues to be a priority of this government. Minister Butterfield explains the extent of the programme as well as new programmes targeted at helping parents. Minister Butterfield:

The successful Mirrors Programme enters its fourth year of operation in 2010 and the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation has been allocated $2.5 million in fiscal year 2010/11 to continue this initiative. This will allow for the conduct of two intensive 6-day residential training courses, one for 15-18 year olds (co-ed) and one for 19-23 year olds (male only), as well as to introduce two (2) new Middle School coaching for success training sessions. In addition, Mirrors will continue to deliver Parent Workshops and Professional Development Trainings for participants 21 years of age and over.

There's much more. Minister Butterfield goes on to highlight other essential programmes funded by the Recovery Budget. THis includes the Cultural Legacy Fund, Psyco-Educational Treatment Programme, Cross Ministry Intervention Team and the National Drug Control Master Plan Implementation. Minister Butterfield:

CULTURAL LEGACY FUND

In fiscal year 2009/10 The Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation established a Cultural Legacy Fund valued at $100,000. The purpose of this Fund is to encourage innovation across the full spectrum of culture and the arts and to provide opportunities for Bermudian artists. I recently announced the first proud recipients of Cultural Legacy Fund grants. It is our desire to grow the Cultural Legacy Fund in years to come so that it represents a major funding source for arts and culture in Bermuda, thereby encouraging further creativity and innovation as well as providing new training and development opportunities. Accordingly, the Ministry has been allocated a sum of $200,000 for the Cultural Legacy Fund in fiscal year 2010/11.

PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL TREATMENT PROGRAMME

There continues to be an ongoing need to treat some of our children with severe behavioural disorders at overseas facilities. Last year the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation administered the programme for over 50 children. To continue this programme, the Ministry has been given an allocation of $3.1 million for fiscal year 2010/11, a similar amount to that allocated in the previous fiscal year.

CROSS MINISTRY INTERVENTION TEAM

The Cross Ministry Intervention Team (CMIT) delivers community-based intensive intervention to address the needs of high risk families. CMIT has evolved from a 2 year pilot programme and has a permanent home within the Department of Child and Family Services. The goal of CMIT is to provide immediate intervention, treatment and structure in the lives of families identified to be receiving services from two or more of the following agencies: Department of Child and Family Services, Department of financial Assistance, Department of court Services and the Bermuda Housing Corporation. CMIT has had good success in strengthening families by improving their ability to provide structure and guidance for their children through parenting; life skills coaching; and training through group and individual therapy as part of an integrated agency response. In order to sustain CMIT, the Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation has been allocated $1.7 million in fiscal year 2010/11 to enable CMIT to continue its important work.

NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL MASTER PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

The Department for National Drug Control is the lead unit in Government with responsibility for the balanced approach to implementation and coordination of national drug control efforts embodied in the National Drug Control Master Plan. Various cross-ministry initiatives with the Police, Customs, Corrections and Education are underway and the funding allocated to the Ministry will allow these initiatives to continue. I highlight the Mandatory Drug Treatment Programme that has recently been established at the Prison Farm Facility as one example of a collaborative, inter-agency initiative that we hope will make a difference in the lives of many. Funding received will also support the monitoring and evaluation of the Mandatory Drug Treatment Programme. The Ministry of Culture and Social Rehabilitation has been allocated $340,000 in fiscal year 2010/11 to continue coordinating the implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan.

DayCare. Mirrors. These are successful programmes that help people. They're also programmes started and supported by the PLP Government. Our priorities are your priorities. And, they're reflected in this Recovery Budget - a budget that puts our people first.

Haiti may no longer be in the international media spotlight, but, millions continue to suffer. As part of the PLP Government's continued commitment to helping the people of Haiti, Premier Brown announced that he is in discussions to deploy the Regiment to help with the rebuilding efforts. Premier Brown made the following comments from the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Dominica:

...the health focus of CARICOM’s support to Haiti has been well received and we are now discussing more long-term assistance. The opportunity to provide Haiti with a building code to minimize the impact of any further natural disasters will not be squandered and together we will provide technical assistance as requested.

Having discussed the matter with Minister of Public Safety Col. Burch, we agreed that an eventual role for the Bermuda Regiment might be the rebuilding of certain structures at an appropriate time. The Haitian Foreign Minister told us that 3,700 schools need to be rebuilt. Based on the Regiment’s success in Jamaica, Cayman and Grenada, we can see a possible role for our uniformed women and men once the effort has reached this phase.

Today, the Premier along with other CARICOM leaders will discuss climate changes and tax policy. He will also participate in a discussion with Robert Zoellick, President of the World Bank.

Attorney General and Minister of Justice Kim Wilson outlined funding her ministry is receiving to ensure that justice is swiftly delivered. Attorney General Wilson:

Under the supervision of the Permanent Secretary, Justice Headquarters will continue to fulfill its primary objective of directing policy implementation in accordance with the Government’s legislative agenda and overseeing departmental operations within the Ministry. Justice Headquarters monitors the implementation and maintenance of the justice mandate in an effort to inspire public confidence and increase knowledge and access to justice for members of the community and will continue to do so.

The Legal Aid Office will continue to ensure that all members of society are afforded access to justice. Justice Headquarters will continue to provide management oversight of the budget allocation to the Legal Aid Office which will facilitate the provision of legal representation and services to members of the public who are legally aided.

In discharging the Ministry mandate, I am pleased to inform the public that every effort has been and continues to be made to ensure the preparedness of Ministry employees to discharge their responsibilities which, in many instances, may determine both the fortunes and the safety of our community.

Members of the Judiciary and the Department of Public Prosecutions remain in the forefront of the ongoing fight against the increased number of incidents of violent crime in our community. In particular, the Judiciary has as its mandate the task of adjudicating charges of criminal conduct, resolving disputes, upholding the rights and freedoms of the individual and preserving the rule of law. These tasks must be carried out fairly, justly and expeditiously. Thus, the responsibility of our judges and magistrates necessitates that they must be equipped with immediate access to the current law and legal reports and that they are kept abreast of international best practices. In this regard, funding has been allocated for judicial conferences and training in order to aid the professional development of our Judges and Magistrates.

As a result of the recent increase in violent and serious crime, the Witness Care Unit will continue to provide information and support to witnesses in an effort to reduce feelings of intimidation and to encourage greater participation in the prosecution process. The Department of Public Prosecutions, under the supervision of the Director and Crown Counsel, will continue to successfully manage the operations of the Witness Care Unit.

As a compliment to enhance witness participation in the prosecution process, funding will continue to be provided to effect the implementation of a Judicial Videoconferencing System in the courts during this fiscal period. This initiative provides an additional tool aimed at reducing witness intimidation; increasing public safety and facilitating the safe participation of expert and vulnerable witnesses during court proceedings.

There's more. New initiatives and technology will be utilized by the Ministry. Attorney General WIlson:

The Ministry's primary objectives for 2010/2011, will also focus on upgrading the current administrative and technological infrastructure to facilitate the efficient delivery of services to client Ministries and the general public. As it pertains to the Attorney-General's Chambers, this will be accomplished through the continued funding and implementation of the Legislative Information Management System (LIMS). LIMS will arm the Legislative Drafting section of Chambers with advanced technology that will permit high quality internet-based access to the law. Additionally, LIMS will equip Parliamentary Counsel with a modern drafting tool which will standardize drafting conventions and also enable the discharge of the statutory requirement imposed on the Attorney-General to publish current legislation.
With regard to current law, the Law Reform Commission, which is charged with responsibility for the systematic and continuing reform of the law, will become fully operational during the fiscal year.

The Judicial Department will continue to perform its tasks judiciously, fairly and expeditiously. Funding will be provided to maintain the administrative framework of the court system to ensure its efficient operation. Further, additional funding has been secured to facilitate the ongoing operation of the Criminal Justice Information System, which stores records of all court proceedings and matters.

With regard to our human resources, the professional development of Bermudian counsel remains a priority for the Ministry and is an integral part of effective and organized succession planning.

Thus, funding will continue to be provided for the development of Bermudian legislative drafters. Simultaneously, the Pupil Barrister program will continue, as a vehicle to provide professional development opportunities for Bermudians who possess a law degree to obtain their professional qualification and join the legal fraternity as public sector lawyers.

Funding will also be identified for the implementation of electronic monitoring of persons who are eligible to be released on bail. This is a Throne Speech initiative which will result in savings for the Government and will permit more effective monitoring of persons on bail.

On a further note, in keeping with Government’s drive towards transparency, the Legislature will be a fully independent body in the new fiscal year and will not form part of the Minister of Justice’s mandate. This will enable total transparency and governance on both sides of the House of Assembly.

As evidenced by its core programs and initiatives, the Ministry of Justice continues to demonstrate its commitment to the advancement and implementation of policies and initiatives designed to progress the Ministry mandate of the fair and proper administration of justice. Exercising financial restraint and prudence, the Ministry will fulfill its primary mandates, meet public expectations and advance Throne Speech initiatives with its budgetary allocation of $19.7 million in the 2010/2011 fiscal period whilst remaining responsive to the ever-changing needs of our community.

Increased transparency and electronic monitoring are just a few of the advancements the Ministry will make in 2010-2011. The priorities of this Ministry are critical to Bermuda's ability to swiftly deliver justice.

Bermuda's advanced technology policy and infrastructure makes us an attractive destination for businesses and visitors alike. The Recovery Budget enables the Ministry of Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce to keep Bermuda on the cutting edge. Minister Michael Scott explains where we've been and where Telecommunications has been and where we're going:

With the adoption and provision of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) we are continuing to maintain Bermuda’s position as one of the world’s leading jurisdictions. The highly anticipated telecommunications regulatory regime changes, and continual development of regulations designed to service the global satellite operator community, keep us on the cutting edge of technology implementation and regulation and more importantly positions the Department of Telecommunications to contribute to the diversification aims of the economy, which is a key policy of the Government. Additionally, the important task of reducing our Island’s reliance on fossil fuels remains on the front burner of the Ministry’s agenda. We are poised to publish the White Paper on Energy which we believe will serve as the road map for securing the sustainability of our energy future.

In 2008 The Department of Telecommunications began the process of preparing five consultation documents that would help to outline future regulatory reform. Two initiatives that stand as positive for our industry, include Local Number Portability, which would allow a customer to change carriers while still retaining his or her existing telephone number and Retail Price Control, launched in May 2009, that explored the appropriate types of retail price regulations to impose on products and/or services offered by firms in markets where they are deemed to be dominant. All carriers were asked to provide written comments to these documents. Following their submissions and in an effort to work with our industry partners on these new initiatives, the Department of Telecommunications held workshops where providers were able to ask questions and gain clarification on the consultation documents and how they would be beneficial to the industry.

I am pleased to report that the Electronic Communications Act 2010 which resets the legislative framework for telecommunications in Bermuda, and the Bermuda Regulatory Authority Act 2010 which creates an independent authority with legislative powers to supervise, monitor and regulate the electronic communications sector, is near completion. The introduction of the new unified telecommunications license, while being responsive to technology advances and sensitive to the demands of the industry, will remove the existing segmented licenses and allow all carriers to offer any telecommunications service of their choosing.

These policy and regulatory changes have “Bermuda First” as the overriding principle and will result in the introduction of clear and precise practices and rules that will serve as the industry roadmap defined in the new Regulatory Authority Act.

In the next financial year, the Department of Telecommunications will host additional workshops that will solicit input from our industry partners on other consultations relating to regulatory reform. We will also invite the public to participate in a consultation on matters relating to Consumer protection. This will address items relating to the rights of the public with respect to contracts, quality of service, access to usage information, billing information, and complaint handling and recourse procedures.

And our work continues as we create the new Regulatory Authority that will be responsible for the administration of the entire electronic communications sector.

The Department of E-Commerce will continue to promote technology literacy and use Bermuda talent to help enact internet privacy policies. Minister Scott:

A large part of Bermuda’s attraction for international business, is our reputation for being a technology savvy jurisdiction. The Department of E-Commerce will carry on its efforts to maintain this reputation so that Bermudians can continue to reap the benefits that come with living in a global, digital world.

As the technology landscape continues to change, we must guarantee that we meet best international practices, particularly in the areas of internet policy and legislation. In this budgetary year, specialist consulting services will be retained, most of which are Bermuda based, to assist with advancing revisions to the Electronic Transactions Act (ETA); the development of the Privacy legislation; and the development of policies which prepares Bermuda for upcoming changes to the Internet. Protecting our online information must remain a top priority and we will actively address cyber security issues and the promotion of safe online practices.

The Department of E-Commerce continues to encourage the development of top Bermudian student ICT talent as well as promoting and supporting the local ICT industry through partnerships with other stakeholders. The Department will always support the ICT industry and its youth initiatives. These include the Technology Leadership Forum’s Student Internship Program; the Technology Innovation Awards; the Student IT Career Guide; entrepreneurship and technology activities.

The Department of Energy will continue to move forward with policies that support sustainability. Minister Scott:

Around the world people are seeking ways to reduce energy usage and costs. Alternative energy sources and policies which govern them are integral to the sustainability of not only our community, but our world. The Department of Energy continues to gather information that will be the basis for a National Energy Policy for Bermuda; also a key opening priority for the Energy Commission is the determination of “feed in tariffs” for the various sources of renewable energy that will be sold to BELCO. As we view the urgency of Bermuda’s energy need, the Department of Energy’s focus will be on publishing the Energy White paper that outlines Government’s vision for achieving a sustainable energy supply for Bermuda.

Beyond the white paper, the Department of Energy has embarked on a campaign that will involve the entire community, encouraging each of us to take charge of our individual energy consumption by changing bad energy habits in our homes and our offices. Government is not exempt from this habit change.

The Ministry of Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce intends to lead the charge in this initiative by working with the other Ministries to modify the energy consumption habits that currently exist within the Government.

And, finally, the Minister notes Bermuda's ongoing commitment to bringing technology industry jobs to Bermuda. Minister Scott:

I mentioned diversification initiatives, and will close on this note. We have learned that the satellite industry lacks needed insurance capacity. In an industry where increasingly launches are multi-company financed, space vehicle have more and more complex technology and so are more difficult to insure with the current market capacity, in short, increased insurance capacity is becoming critical. Bringing more satellite operators to Bermuda’s shores by addressing their acknowledged insurance needs is a initiative which I as Minister and the team at the Department of Telecommunication are robustly pursuing - the results can realise a boom of new insurance lines and industry recognition of Bermuda as a place for intelligent suites of targeted industry insurance services and products.

The Recovery Budget helps create technology jobs and keeps Bermuda on the cutting edge when it comes to promoting sustainability, ensuring a strong telecommunications infrastructure and policy and promoting e-Commerce, internet safety and ensuring privacy.

Part of the PLP Government's comprehensive commitment to public safety is the rehabilitation of those who served their time. To advance that mission, tomorrow, the PLP Government will host the Community Reintegration Fair "Bridging the Gap IV" at the Westgate Correctional Facility.

Several organizations and potential employers will be on hand to provide services and opportunities to those striving to reintegrate into society after serving time. Those organizations include:

Ø Bermuda College
Ø Bermuda Hospitals Board
Ø Bermuda Housing Corporation
Ø Women's Resource Center
Ø C.F. Batson Swan Ltd.
Ø D & J. Construction Ltd.
Ø Department of Court Services
Ø Department of Financial Services
Ø Dreaming in Colours
Ø Families 4 Change
Ø Focus Counselling Services
Ø Hasco Construction
Ø Harbour Light
Ø Hustle Truck (BHC)
Ø MEF/Little Venice Groups
Ø Narcotics Anonymous
Ø Sousa's Landscape
Ø Turning Point

We look forward to a successful event.

The PLP Government helped bring WestJet to Bermuda, and, now, an airfare war has broken out on the Bermuda-Toronto route. Air Canada has slashed it's fares to as low as $84 each way. Bermuda.com has the story:

Air Canada has slashed its airfares between Bermuda and Toronto for the months of May and June. Fares are as low as $84 each way, according to Bermuda-based travel agency Meyer-Franklin Travel.

Customers must travel between May 3rd and June 23rd of this year.

The Air Canada move has all the markings of a hotly contested airfare war. Westjet is due to hit the Bermuda market for the first time on May 3rd -- the exact same date Air Canada's new sale begins.

Wesjet's introduction into the Bermuda market breaks Air Canada's 60 year monopoly on the Toronto route. Tourism and transport officials in Bermuda hope Westjet's new service will drive down airline ticket prices while driving up the number of visitors from Canada.

Meyer-Franklin Travel says the hot offer from Air Canada is good only until March 10th. Last week Westjet promoted a very similar airfare sale to Bermuda which has now expired.

While the tourism economy remains challenging, much needed competition on the Bermuda-Toronto route is certainly welcome.

The Recovery Budget includes critical funding that will be used to beautify Bermuda, crack down on environmental offenders, protect our mangroves and complete a Green Building Code. Minister Glenn Blakeney notes that the 2010-2011 theme of his budget is sustainability:

As it pertains to the Ministry of the Environment and Sports, the Honourable Minister noted a number of initiatives the Ministry is undertaking which are in line with our mission which is to secure a balance between the protection, conservation and enhancement of Bermuda’s natural environment and the sustainable development needs of the community, and to facilitate the development of Bermuda’s young people through sports and recreation.

Many of the initiatives the Ministry is undertaking this year have an underlying theme of sustainability incorporated into them. For example, the Department of Parks will be amending the National Parks Regulations to better respond to the current issues that it faces daily, including prolific litter and dumping, vandalism and scrambling. The officers in that Department will also undergo training to issue tickets to offenders. This will go a long way to ensuring Bermuda’s parks are available for the enjoyment of future generations.

Like many tropical islands, maintaining and sustaining our natural habitats are important in ensuring that future generations can enjoy our natural beauty. For Bermuda, mangroves are an important habitat for terrestrial and marine animals and are recognized as providing critical shelter for juvenile fish and organisms at key parts of their lifecycle. Mangroves also provide an irreproducible buffer to coastal erosion. In 2010 a strategic Mangrove Conservation and Restoration Plan will be created and an experimental mangrove restoration site will be initiated to provide guidance for the enhancement and protection of existing stands of mangroves and initiate new stands of mangroves in a comprehensive way.

One of the features of sustainability is the development of public private partnerships working together for a common good. The Ministry is demonstrating such commitment with its management programme for Coopers Island. Public private partnerships between various Ministries and Government Departments; in conjunction with local schools, non-governmental organizations and members of the general public have been formed and much work has already been accomplished, such as clean up days and environmental remediation and restoration work.

The emphasis on sustainability has even been woven into the review of the Bermuda Building Code and the adoption of the revised regulations is planned for implementation in early course. The new code will incorporate sustainable development principles through the adoption of green technologies as well as fully integrating accessibility requirements. Crime prevention standards will also be incorporated.

The completion of a “Green” building code will be another important step to help manage Bermuda’s built environment in a sustainable way.

The Department of Planning is leading this effort on providing sustainable development guidance and will continue to review, update and change its operational systems in order to ensure that the current planning processes reflect modern international best practice in the inherent best interest of Bermuda and in realizing greater efficiency.

The PLP's budget should not only be known as the Recovery Budget, but, the Green Budget as well.