PLP Blog | Bermuda Progressive Labour Party

Minister Walter Roban took to the floor of the House of Assembly today and delivered an extensive report on the accomplishments of his Ministry over the last year. It's truly impressive what he's done to improve the quality of care that we receive. Minister Roban:

Time certainly would not allow me to share every activity we have undertaken but please allow me to provide you with some of the highlights.

Mr. Speaker, you will recall that a Throne Speech initiative is the establishment of a National Health Strategy for Bermuda. The Ministry is currently meeting with key stakeholders to develop a strategy which will provide the framework within which all entities in the healthcare sector will operate. It is anticipated that public consultation on the contents of the plan will commence at the end of the calendar year.

Mr. Speaker, this Honourable House has considered amendments to the Nurses Act and the Nurses Rules and Optometrists and Opticians Regulations have been gazetted. All of these legislative provisions align these services with international best practice. Several other pieces of legislation including proposals for a complementary and alternative medicine act, regulations for health care professionals and providers, funeral directors, discipline and appeals are presently at various stages of completion between the Ministry and the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

Mr. Speaker, a Department of Health Pandemic Committee successfully coordinated the Departments response to the H1N1 Pandemic. Situation updates were provided to the public on a regular basis and the Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit and the Community Health Nursing Service worked effectively with the island’s physicians to provide management and follow-up to all identified cases.
The Health Promotion Office published and distributed over 800 calendars to focus on healthy behaviours and promote wellness. The Office continued to conduct health information campaigns via radio (healthy people in healthy communities adverts) and adverts on obesity, healthy living, HIV and AIDS.

As part of Public Health Week, the department awarded the Public Health Recognition Award 2009 to the Bermuda Diabetes Association and the Public Health Professional Award to Dr. Joseph Froncioni in recognition of their outstanding contributions to public health on the island.
The Department of Health held a “Healthy Schools Award Ceremony to recognize schools that promote a healthy learning environment.
There was also recognition of Public Health Week in April, HIV/AIDS Awareness in June, World AIDS Day in December, World Breastfeeding Week in August and National Wellness Day.

Mr. Speaker, The Environmental Health Section focused on amendments to legislation to ensure that multi-dwelling units/rooming houses are in compliance with the Public Health Act and other relevant legislation. Cabinet has approved these proposals and drafting instructions are underway.
The Environmental Health section also worked with the Department of Financial Assistance and other government agencies to ensure standards of care in Child Care Centers and with Child Care Providers.

Mr. Speaker, a Project Officer was assigned to coordinate strategic planning for Lefroy House and the Sylvia Richardson Care Facility to ensure consistent operational practices and resident centered care. To that end staff at both facilities received training in the Eden Project Philosophy and selected staff have been trained and certified as Eden Associates.

Mr. Speaker, you will also recall that as a result of the work of the Diabetes task force, the “Guidelines for Diabetes Care in Bermuda 2009” along with a “Diabetes Passport” were produced.
Mr. Speaker, the Oral Health Section provided comprehensive oral health services to children and adolescents 0-18, seniors, special patients and prisoners; including:
o Restorative care
o Preventive and hygiene services
o Interceptive orthodontics
o Dental surgical services and
o Comprehensive care under general anesthesia for appropriately selected patients.
In addition, they conducted a successful oral health education campaign during February 2010 (Oral Health Month) and provided oral health education, according to a set curriculum, for each classroom in all nurseries preschools and primary schools.
They also successfully screened children in years P2, P3, M2 and S2 in all schools with results indicating that Bermuda maintains levels of decay that are well below global averages and are among the best in the world.

Mr. Speaker, the National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged was transferred to the Ministry of Health in August 2009 and now has a new vision.
Over the past year, the Office has implemented a new communication plan and strategies for effective and efficient client management.
The Office organized activities to celebrate the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.
Monthly meetings have been established between the National Office and the Department of Health to improve case management of persons in the community.
Cabinet has considered and approved the process for Bermuda to become a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. This is in line with the Throne Speech commitment to focus on disability issues within the community. A taskforce has also been formed to investigate and submit proposals for access to Government Buildings for persons with disabilities.

Mr. Speaker, let’s talk about FutureCare. Phase II of FutureCare was developed and launched successfully on 1st April 2010. A detailed communication plan was developed and executed including Town Hall meetings, radio and television interviews and work on a FutureCare film for CITV, which is now in post-production.
Additionally, the Health Insurance Department made substantial progress towards the completion of the Department’s Automation Project. By the end of July 2010, the Department will have completed the base-line implementation of the software application.
The Department also made significant progress towards implementing its reorganization. Cabinet approved a new structure in January 2010 and Draft Job Descriptions are with the Department of Human Resources for review.

Mr. Speaker, the Bermuda Health Council continues to make significant progress against its mandate under the direction of its CEO and the restructured membership of the Council.

In 2010 their focus has been on developing and consulting on a framework to regulate healthcare businesses, and on enhancing the regulatory framework for health insurers.

The Council produced an update of the Bermuda Health System Profile, using Pan American Health Organisation methodology, providing an overview of the health sector and reforms since the last Profile in 2004.
The Council is presently working on identifying mechanisms to monitor utilization and expenditure on prescription drugs. An assessment of the pharmaceutical sector was conducted in 2009 and work is ongoing to identify ways to make prescription drugs more affordable for the public.

Mr. Speaker, one of the functions of the Health Council is to license and regulate health insurers. The Council developed a system to monitor employers’ compliance with the Health Insurance Act 1970, which is being implemented in 2010.
The Council has produced guidelines to curtail “upfront payments”. This work was conducted with multi-disciplinary collaboration from across the healthcare sector in 2009. These Guidelines were published in June 2010.

The Council has developed a framework to control the entry of high-tech medical equipment into the health system as a mechanism to contain costs. The Council is currently developing a process to conduct health technology assessments, following the model of most sophisticated health systems.

The Council also commissioned Price Waterhouse & Cooper (PwC) to conduct a study of regulated physician fee levels in Bermuda and comparison to US. This was the first study to benchmark Bermuda fee levels. The study found that rates are generally on par with high-cost US locales.

The Council also identified and implemented mechanisms to monitor and report on health system expenditure and financing. Bermuda’s first National Health Accounts Report has been produced in 2010 and will be published shortly.

Mr. Speaker, then there is the Bermuda Hospitals Board. There have been many advances over the last year. I will try to highlight a few.

We have expanded our Clinical Advisorships
• Vascular(Lahey Hospital in Boston)
• Radiation Oncology (Lahey)
• Prostate/Breast Cancer programmes (Dana Farber Cancer Institute)
• Cardiologist(Lahey)
• Robot (Lahey)
• Trauma (Mass General)
• Psychiatry (Howard University)
 
As it relates to Physicians, the BHB has
• Hired Obstetricians to prevent crisis in pre-natal care on island
• A Chief Geriatrician will be arriving on island before the end of the summer
• Interventional Radiologist Dr Raj Koppola has arrived on island
• Dr Carla Ming Reese was hired as an Obstetrician
• Dr Fox (Physiatrist) is currently working with the Day Hospital
• Dr Alikani (Medical Lead for Palliative Care/Agape House)
o [Palliative care (from Latin palliare, to cloak) is any form of medical care or treatment that concentrates on reducing the severity of disease symptoms, rather than striving to halt, delay, or reverse progression of the disease itself or provide a cure. The goal is to prevent and relieve suffering and to improve quality of life for people facing serious, complex illness.]
• Dr Lynette Thomas (completed a Nephrology Fellowship in Boston) and is returning to BHB this month
9 out of 11 physicians (the Chiefs) on the Medical Staff Committee are now Bermudian.

Hospitalists
• Patient Satisfaction with physicians jumped 20% following introduction of the Hospitalist Programme
• Hospitalists for Surgical patients have now been appointed to ensure the same standard of care for all inpatients
Infection Rates
• Quality Indicators for hospital-acquired infection rates (MRSA and C-Difficile) lower than other countries
Urgent Care Centre
• Opened 1 April 2009
• Volumes higher than expected
• Tested for potential disasters, when Hurricane Bill passed
• Survey shows high patient satisfaction with service
• Waiting time about 20 minutes – an option for people wherever they are on the island
Medhost
• We now have improved data on waiting times – waiting times for the ER in Bermuda are lower than average in US. We will be working to improve them to meet the expectations of this community.
 
Telemedicine has been advanced in Bermuda
• Robot – access to over 90 specialists at Lahey for patients in Bermuda
• Introduction of wireless
o Infrastructure driven by robot
o Free patient and visitor access to internet
o 75% of KEMH now wired

KEMH Redevelopment Project
• Milestones for 2009/10
o Passage of the Special Planning Act
o Procurement Process – RFQ completed; RFP on time
o Central Coordinating Committee established
Ward Upgrades
• New beds already installed in hospital
• Ward upgrade now underway –Perry Ward complete, Cooper Ward underway. Includes
o Painting
o New Air Conditioning
o Upgraded bathroom facilities
o New windows
Capital Projects
• Profit from the hospital is put straight back into healthcare improvements
• Overall amount invested in fiscal year – over $13m
• ER Entrance Completed
• Plans designed
o for Diagnostic Imaging/ER/Pharmacy
o for 3rd floor waiting area/patient advocate office
• New Dimensions project complete at MWI
• Painting Exterior of KEMH and CCU buildings in blue completed for all buildings except the old hospital section (as it is due to be demolished) and Queen Edwards Nursing Residence (as separate renovations are planned)
MWI has not been forgotten.
• Patient Satisfaction baseline complete for all programmes
• New small freezer for dietary
• New switch room
• Remediation of Community Rehab Offices
• Remediation of Vocational Rehab
• Complete re-build of Water Tank and Pressure system
• Modernisation of Reid Ward
• Replacement of all windows in Devon lodge
MWI- Learning Disability
• Opened Westside Villa with Project 100 (8 LD clients housed)
• Group Home opened on Smith Hill Road (5 LD clients housed)
• Single medical record introduced – for both KEMH and MWI – to ensure holistic view of patient
• Twelve new graduates through the LD City & Guilds Programme – 52 nurses aides (out of 98) have gone through the programme
MWI - Physicians
• Bermudian psychiatrist hired (Dr Chantelle Simmons)
• Chief of Psychiatry hired (Dr Michael Radford)
• 5th Consultant Psychiatrist hired

MWI – Substance Abuse
• Smoking Cessation programme for substance abuse clients introduced
• Work started on specific accreditation for substance abuse directorate
• New gym opened to support new wellness component of substance abuse programme

MWI – Child & Adolescent Services
• Two summer camps run for ADHD and Autistic clients
• Autism clinics about to start
MWI – Mental Health
• MOU with Dept of Corrections and Bermuda Police Service
• Mental Health Plan Approved and Launched
• MindFrame/PhotoVoice Exhibition held at City Hall

Culture of Service Excellence
• Values-Based Behaviours introduced
• Service Standards – organisational and departmental - introduced
• Measurement of patient, staff and physician satisfaction through regular surveys
• Monthly telephone patient satisfaction survey used by departments to drive improvements
• A one day Service Excellence training programme has been developed and is being delivered to all staff and management
 
Succession Planning
• All Bermudian managers and supervisors given opportunity to be assessed for future potential – 50 have been assessed to date
• 9 Bermudians have been promoted and transferred to other positions based on the results of BHB’s Succession Management Programme:
o Chief Business Development Officer
o Chief Nursing Officer
o VP, Quality & Risk
o Director, Critical Care
o Director, Substance Abuse
o Director, Information Technology Services
o PPP Project Manager
o Director, Child & Adolescent Services (Expanded Scope)
o VP, Medical Operations

Scholarships 2009
• Scholarships awarded totaling $140,000 (paid over time periods from one to four years)
• Awarded to five students pursuing degrees in healthcare.
• One jointly funded with GlaxoSmithKline, who is contributing $30,000.

Stroke Rehab
• Stroke team in place
• Next step is identifying cluster of beds as a stroke unit
New beds introduced
• 66 new medical/surgical beds and mattresses
Quick Wins
• Wayfinding/Signage now up in KEMH
• Hotel Services
o New linens
o New curtains
o New floor treatment
o Microfibre mop pilot
o Food delivery
 
Nursing
• Hourly rounding introduced
• Bermudian Chief of Nursing, Quality & Risk appointed
• Bermudian VP, Quality & Risk Management appointed
• Association with Mass General
• Nurse practice standards being revised in preparation for the new hospital
Accreditation
• Hospital Wide Accreditation with Accreditation Canada
o Accreditation Coordinator appointed
o Focus now on next survey in May 2011

Mr. Speaker, I believe that as we come to the end of this Parliamentary Session, it is important to highlight the significant and critical services that are provided as a result of this Government’s financial commitment to the health and wellbeing of this community.

And, there's more that he didn't include! Minister Roban and his team are to be commended for their work improving the quality of care we receive.

The Minister isn't letting up. Expect more great things from the Ministry in the next fiscal year!

Mr. UBP, Kim Swan, is once again standing up for the powerful aristocratic interests who, for decades, opposed democratizing the Corporations. In today's daily, Kim Swan misleads the public to defend an undemocratic government that one former councillor described as "cliquey, racist and discriminatory."

It makes you wonder whose side Kim is really on. Is he on our side? Or, is he on the side of the old oligarchy who is desperate to protect their undemocratic old boys' club?

Democracy just doesn't suit the interests of the UBP and their oligarchic friends. Their party strongly opposed one man, one vote and promoted an electoral system that, for decades, stacked the deck in favour of the old, aristocratic elites. Now, they're doing it again. They're defending an undemocratic, oligarchic system that puts power in the hands of a privileged few.

Just like they did in the days that led up to the historic 1998 election, they're misleading the public using fear and smear to defend an oligarchy. Remember Grant Gibbons' famous saying that international business would turn the 'lights out' in Bermuda if the PLP was elected? Then, we must long remember this statement by Mr. UBP, Kim Swan: "Are they ready for street litter, backed-up sewage systems and unkempt parks?"

The UBP's message is simple: Be afraid. Be very afraid. If you reject government by an elite oligarchy, terrible, horrible things are going to happen.

It wasn't true in 1998. And, it's not true now.

The PLP Government is making it easier for you to find your lost airline baggage. Today, we announced the arrival of self-service kiosks uniquely designed to assist passengers who experience baggage delays.

And, we're leading the way. LF Wade International is the first airport in the world to introduce the SITA WorldTracer Kiosk which allows passengers to scan their baggage claim tags and enter their contact details so they can remain fully informed until their bag is returned to them.

These new WorldTracer Kiosks are linked into the global tracing system for mishandled baggage and their deployment is part of a multi-million dollar overhaul of the airport’s range of passenger self-service technology.

Aaron Adderley, General Manager, LF Wade International Airport:

The WorldTracer Kiosk is an innovative element in this major technology upgrade. SITA is also introducing more common-use self-service kiosks for passenger check-in, and upgrading our flight information displays and airport operational database.

This project will completely overhaul the passenger-facing technology for the entire airport and will also incorporate on-site maintenance and support by local company, BAS-Serco, supporting employment in Bermuda.

The PLP Government is committed to improving your quality of life. This technology will certainly help.

Today, Minister Neletha Butterfield announced the creation of a Women's Council. Minister Butterfield:

TODAY, IT GIVES ME GREAT PLEASURE TO ANNOUNCE THAT THESE 7 RECOMMENDATIONS HAVE BEEN REFINED AND WILL BE PUT FORWARD AS PART OF A TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR A NEW “WOMEN’S COUNCIL” .

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A WOMEN’S COUNCIL IS THE NEXT STEP IN THE REVIEW OF THE 1997 WOMEN’S ISSUES REPORT AND THE COUNCIL WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE NEAR FUTURE AND TASKED WITH IMPLEMENTING THE SEVEN RECOMMENDATIONS.

The Seven Recommendations - policies the Women's Council will work on - are as follows:

• AN EQUAL PAY ACT TO BE DRAFTED AND ENACTED

• EMPLOYERS TO BE REQUIRED TO FORMULATE WRITTEN WORKPLACE SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICIES

• EMPLOYERS TO GRANT MINIMUM FAMILY LEAVE POLICY

• GOVERNMENT TO ESTABLISH A FUND FROM PAYROLL TAX TO SUPPORT MATERNITY/FAMILY LEAVE

• PROVISIONS FOR THE MINISTER RESPONSIBLE TO ISSUE REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE ISSUE OF MARRIAGE LICENSES

• ADOPTION OF THE QUINCY MODEL INVOLVING A COMMUNITY, MULTI AGENCY BASED APPROACH, INCLUDING A VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN RESPONSE TEAM

• CONTINUATION OF THE VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ROUND TABLE MEETINGS AND EXPANSION OF PARTICIPANTS TO INCLUDE A BROADER REPRESENTATION OF THE GENERAL COMMUNITY

Stay tuned for more news from the Women's Council!

Today, Minister David Burch announced a new partnership with City & Guilds to provide training, education and international certification opportunities for Bermudians. Minister Burch:

In an effort to lead Bermudians towards the pathway of career progression and security, the National Training Board has been working closely with key industry partners to identify international standards for vocational qualifications and certifications. The goal to achieve flexible learning options has been identified with the City and Guilds institute for higher learning.

Today, the Ministry is signing a Memorandum of Understanding with this very reputable training provider. Courses in a variety of subjects can begin at entry level, and end at a level equivalent of a post graduate degree.

Together, City and Guilds and the National Training Board will aim to bridge the skills gap and increase the return on investment for a more economically and socially resilient nation that is better prepared for the next era of growth...

May I also take this opportunity to remind Bermudians that the certification standards being implemented across the board are designed to prepare our people to compete internationally – not just on these 21 square miles.

This new partnership will prepare Bermudians to excel here in Bermuda and across the world. We hope that you will take advantage of it.

This morning, Premier Ewart Brown talked up Bermuda and recent tourism events to an estimated several million listeners, when he was interviewed by Dan Taylor, host of one of New York’s most popular radio shows on WCBS-FM.

Dan Taylor is currently on Island this week conducting his radio show from the Fairmont Southampton. This morning, the Premier talked up the recently announced talent line up for the 2010 Bermuda Music Festival, the recently launched Endless Summer promotion which gives visitors value for money for the latter months of the summer, Bermuda's close proximity to major US East Coast cities, and the Island’s charm, beauty and hospitable people.

We're partnering with some of CBS Radio’s best radio talent to promote Bermuda to some of our American gateway including Philadelphia, Washington DC and New York.

In addition to Taylor, some of the other personalities including Cadillac Jack of 98.1 WOGL, former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason, and 1210AM’s “Big Talker” Dom Giordano have or will be broadcasting from our island.

Carvel Van Putten is a former Corporation of Hamilton Councillor. In today's daily, he exposes the way the Corporation of Hamilton really works. The Royal Gazette:

Former councillor Carvel Van Putten says he was treated like an outsider in his time with the Corporation of Hamilton — and that reform is long overdue.

Mr. Van Putten believes his background as a Court Street-based black businessman meant his views on some issues were taken less seriously than others' before he resigned two years ago.

He says opening up the electoral process will help modernise the two-century old Corporation, a suggestion he put to Premier Ewart Brown in a letter shortly after quitting in July 2008.

In that letter, he dubbed the Corporation "cliquey, racist and discriminatory"; and around the same time he predicted to The Royal Gazette the municipality was on the verge of collapse.

Yesterday, he said most times the Corporation got together he felt like an outsider, particularly one occasion at Bermuda Yacht Club.

"When I met the new Governor, I was the only man of colour there at that time," he said.

"We were talking about the Governor. They were discussing issues of the city and what Government was paying to do, but I felt like an outsider listening to them talk. It was like white people talking and I was listening."

Mr. Van Putten said while on the Corporation his idea of helping homeless people in the City Hall area by giving them car washing jobs was knocked back by fellow members who said that was Government's problem.

He added that sometimes when members saw him in the street they would quickly make their excuses and leave.

In his letter to the Premier, he stated: "I felt that I was discriminated against just because I was black and a member of the Bermuda Industrial Union.

"I was on occasion asked to leave meetings or banned from meetings simply because I was affiliated with the Bermuda Industrial Union."

The Corporation of Hamilton isn't a true democracy. It's a club designed to benefit the privileged. And, they're doing everything they can to hold onto their power - including using taxpayer money to fund a smear campaign that spreads misinformation. It's time to reform the Corporation.

The PLP caucus exists as a medium for open expression of ideas, the determination of policies and the discussion of matters to be debated in the House of Parliament.

The Party and the public are best served when each person present can freely express views and opinions secure in the knowledge that confidence is not violated. Sadly in recent times that has not been the case. Apparently within our ranks there is at least one person who is surreptitiously leaking information to the press, and indicating, sometimes incorrectly, the way his/her colleagues voted. Many times this has been done before deliberation on issues is complete. That conduct may be viewed as noble if it served the common good, but can only be perceived as deplorable when it is used to further a selfish personal agenda.

To deal with this the Party is in the process of selecting an investigatory committee to seek the person/s responsible for the disclosures and prevail upon them to desist.

We are eager to restore trust and confidence so that there can be unfettered exchange of views within Caucus so we can work collectively for Bermuda’s benefit.

The Corporation of Hamilton (COH) is spending tens of thousands of dollars of tax payer's money on an attack campaign against the Government. However, what they won't tell you may surprise you.

After hundreds of years of inequity, inequality and secrecy, some of the reasons why Government is committed to reforming the Corporations through repealing sections of the Municipalities act are listed below:

Franchise

One man, one vote. It's a concept that defines our democracy. But, it's not the case in the Corporation of Hamilton. The voting is stacked in favour of a powerful elite. Get the Facts:

• Only a husband and wife can vote from each household even if other adults over 18 live there.
• If two non-married adults own property together only one can vote in COH elections
• No vote if land tax is overdue
• Non-Bermudian residents living in Hamilton for three years or more can vote but Bermudians over 18 living at home in the city can't
• Multiple business owners get several votes in COH elections much like post emancipation when only 3,000 people voted out of 30,000 due to property vote
• Uncertainty over future COH administrations - current incumbents promise change but future group could be regressive - need to ensure 21st century governance model and that Bermuda Government controls all of Bermuda

Economic

The Corporation of Hamilton is a wealthy institution that primarily serves the interests of Front Street and Reid Street. Get the facts:

• Most COH revenue comes from wharfage, paid by all in Bermuda
• Revenue collected largely spent on Front Street to detriment of North Hamilton.
• North Hamilton residents recently attended a COH meeting to express their anger, frustration at lack of attention and funding for their area
• Government had to create the North Hamilton EEZ due to COH
  ignoring the area
• COH claim to have a balanced budget and use attack ads at the taxpayers' expense to criticize Government, but the COH doesn't pay for: Police, Fire Service, Traffic Wardens, Future Care, Day Care, Tourism promotion, bus and ferry maintenance, construction of infrastructure (bus terminal), and much more.
• COH do not pay land tax on $1.5 billion of reported assets
• COH not helpful regarding the negotiations for the Par-La-Ville hotel
• Hamilton docks are lifeline for the country and should be
  controlled by Government
• Government accused of keeping cruise ships out of town but when passengers ferried from Dockyard all Hamilton shops were closed
• COH employees ordered to sign petition or face job loss and economic difficulty

Cultural

Instead of investing taxpayer money in improving the lives of people, the Corporation of Hamilton is using it to fund a smear campaign against democratic reform. They also operated the COH like a club. Get the facts:

• COH refusal to allow Sally Bassett statue on City Hall property
• COH refused a Tourism hosted event at Barr's Bay park due to concerns over the grass but permit Yacht Club to host Newport to Bermuda and other groups to use the Park
• COH efforts to evict the Bermuda Society of Arts from gallery
• COH tried to prevent staff organizing with BIU resulting in a walk out and strained labour relations
• The COH attack ads claim Hamilton is "Bermuda's City," yet only a handful of people have a say in who gets to run the City, hardly a model of democracy for the 21st century

The Municipalities Reform Act 2010 Misinformation

The Corporation of Hamilton is using fear and misinformation to try to scare you into opposing the democratization of the corporation. The truth is, the act DOES NOT:

• Affect ownership and management of the ports
• Transfer land assets in any aspects of the Corporations
• Preserve the inequity of the property vote
• Transfer any services to Government
• Require any change of reduction in staff or personnel as a result

The elected Bermuda Government of the day has a responsibility to look after the national interests of the island and the ports, places and people - the lifeline of the country are too important to be controlled by a small group of undemocratically 'elected' business men and women.

Help Save Bermuda's City from hundreds of years of cronyism - Say yes to Government's Municipal reform

Emancipation Day is almost upon us. Help Government erase the final vestiges of pre-emancipation Bermuda. Support reform.

The 2010 Bermuda Music Festival will once again be playing host to world renowned musical acts supported by homegrown Bermuda talent. Join us from Thursday, September 30th - Saturday, October 2nd October for the 2010 Festival.

This year's headlining acts include Angie Stone, Ziggy Marley and Toni Braxton!

Premier Ewart Brown made the announcement at the Tourism Industry Night. But, that wasn't his only exciting announcement. Premier Brown:

First, is the launch of an incentive programme aimed at bringing visitors to our shores. The Feel the Love Rewards is targeted towards Bermudian residents and friends of Bermuda.

Participants, or Bermuda Ambassadors, have an opportunity to receive financial rewards in exchange for influencing upwards of 25 visitors to our shores between August 2010 and July 2011. At the Diamond level, i.e. over 50 visitors, everyone has the opportunity to earn at least $2,500.

Our message to participants is simple … You’ve always been a supporter of Bermuda so why not reap the rewards?

The concept is fresh and the programme is easy.

We’re doing a full court press to get residents and friends of Bermuda involved and if you’re interested or know someone who’s interested you can get started tonight. Our Feel the Love Reward representative - Ms. Ticole Swan - will sign you up right now or provide you with more information.

Premier Brown went on to announce more details about the Music Festival:

The 15th Annual BMF will be held Thursday Sept. 30th, Friday Oct. 1st and Sat. October 2nd at the Fairmont Southampton.

On Thursday evening we’ll welcome Grammy award winner and son of the legendary Bob Marley ---- Ziggy Marley to the Fairmont Southampton Beach Club stage.

Ziggy’s no stranger to Bermuda and his performances are inspiring and electric. Frankly I can’t think of a better way to spend the evening than having the sand in your toes, while rocking to the tunes of this acclaimed reggae artist.

On Friday we’ll welcome co-headliners… soulful songstress Angie Stone and hip-hop and R&B star Estelle.

Credited as being one of the originators of the neo-soul movement, Angie Stone has mapped a life-long musical journey that encompasses rap, hip-hop, R&B and jazz.

Meanwhile, London born, multi-talented Estelle, who burst on the scene a couple of years ago with her unique style that mixes rap, R&B and reggae, will round out our Thursday night line-up.

On Saturday night, we’ll welcome an artist who’s had an extensive career in the entertainment industry. R&B singer-songwriter Toni Braxton is sure to delight the crowd when she lights up the night on Saturday. This six-time Grammy award-winner has sold over 40 million records worldwide and we can’t wait to see what she has in store for us on the final night of the BMF.

These extraordinary artists will be joined by our local talent Homegrown, McCartney K and Friends and the Chewstick Collective. Tickets for the Bermuda Music Festival go on sale Mon. July 26th at 9 a.m. online at bdatix.bm.

Get excited. Get ready. Get your tickets. Bermuda Music Festival 2K10 is right around the corner.