PLP Blog | Bermuda Progressive Labour Party

Yesterday, the Department of Transportation released a comprehensive and detailed plan to use new technology to create efficiency and enable the Government to collect more parking ticket fines. Premier Ewart Brown:

The objective of the proposed amendment before the House today, while far more aggressive, is to provide ample opportunity for the offender to pay fines rather then attend court. Where an offender refuses to pay the prescribed fine or answer a summons the court may hear and determine the case ex parte and thus rule out the requirement to issue warrants.

As in other jurisdictions, it is anticipated that the increased penalty and the obvious discount will act as an incentive for prompt payment of fines in the future. And if this is not incentive enough, the threat of not being able to relicense a vehicle should serve as an added incentive.

In summary, the proposed amendment will serve to streamline processes associated with parking ticket offenses, increase the recovery of fines and ensure that said recovery occurs in a more timely fashion.

Read our comprehensive plan to ensure that revenue is collected and offenders pay.

Today, Minister Walter Roban noted that the PLP Government is taking action to improve the lives and health of our seniors. Minister Roban:

First, we have worked to expand community-based services. The Bermuda Hospitals Board has developed a home health programme and the Hospital Insurance Commission approved coverage for some home health services.

Second, we expanded the role of the Office of the Coordinator, Seniors and Disabled and established the National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged (NOSPC), to provide a range of services for seniors in one facility, including assessment, case management, referral and follow-up services.

Third, we reviewed Parish Rest Homes in conjunction with the Bermuda Fire Service and the Ministry of Works and Engineering. Identified needs for facility improvement plans and established priorities for facility improvement.

Fourth, we opened the Sylvia Richardson Care Facility and initiated renovations to the Lefroy House Care Community.

Fifth, adopted “the Eden Philosophy of Care” at both these long term care facilities.

We've come so far, but, there is more work to be done. Minister Roban:

We are presently working through the feasibility of transferring responsibility for the management of the Sylvia Richardson Care Facility and the Lefroy House Care Community to the Bermuda Hospitals Board.

Mr. Speaker, I can also confirm that before the end of the summer, Bermuda will again have the services of a geriatrician.

A great deal of work continues within the Department of Health, Bermuda Hospitals Board and the National Office for Seniors and the Physically Challenged to address the needs of our elder community.

In addition, Honourable Members are well aware of our wellness clinics, dental services, FutureCare and the recent introduction of the Diabetes Guidelines. All point directly back to recommendations within the reports I previously mentioned.

We introduced FutureCare. We opened Sylvia Richardson. We've improved the quality of care our seniors receive. But, we're still not satisfied. As Minister Roban notes, we are committed to and have a plan for continuing to improve healthcare on our island.

The PLP Government is committed to creating opportunities for our young people. We're pleased to be creating those opportunities for three talented Bermudians at our London Office. Summer interns Trent Lightbourne, Mica Murray and Aliyyah Ahad were all chosen to travel to London as part of the Government of Bermuda's Summer Employment Programme. The internship commenced on July 5, and will last for five weeks.

The joint initiative between the Cabinet Office and the Department of Labour and Training was the brainchild of Premier Ewart Brown. Premier Brown commented:

This exposure can only bring benefits to these young people. This Government will continue to work hard to provide every opportunity to make our young people citizens of the world.

Minister David Burch agreed, adding:

When the Premier asked if this was possible we had no difficulty in identifying the best and brightest in our programme and providing them with the opportunity to broaden their horizons in one of the world's leading cities.

At the end of the internship the three will present a researched presentation to the London Office team on Bermuda’s relationship with the UK based on their overall experiences.

If you are a student studying in London, make sure to register with the London office so we can keep you abreast of the events organized by the office. Register at www.londonoffice.gov.bm

Premier Ewart Brown is expected to advise the House of Assembly today that the Media Council Act 2010 will not be taken up by the Government this Session.

The Premier is encouraged by the media's willingness to establish a council on it's own. But, he notes that the Media Council should actively reach out to the public. To that end, he is calling for “ownership of the Code of Practice” to be “fostered through ease of access and a committed Public Relations campaign to ensure that the public is well informed of its rights...” Premier Brown:

...the business of accountability is not new to Governments in Bermuda but it is unchartered territory for the media. In much the same manner as the affairs of government are enhanced by strict accountability measures and the vigilance of members of the public, the same is required of the media. In the absence of a statutory framework it is the responsibility of every citizen to demand accuracy, fairness and balance in the media’s reporting.

Ownership of the code of practice must now be fostered through ease of access and a committed PR campaign to ensure that the public is well informed of its rights. Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate that prior to the growth of a self-regulating council, its brief adolescence was characterized by vilification of this Government for promoting the very ideals that now form the coalition of self-regulation. Clear evidence Mr. Speaker, that in Bermuda, its not what you say but who says it.

The Media Council is designed to ensure that media outlets maintain the highest ethical and journalistic standards.

The Bermuda that many long for is a Bermuda that bestows power upon an elite oligarchy. One of the last remaining formal vestiges of Bermuda's oligarchy is the Corporation of Hamilton.

The Corporation is not a true democracy. It does not derive it's power from the people. Instead, it institutionalizes governance by a rich, aristocratic elite.

The Corporation had decades to reform itself. Except for a cynical last ditch attempt to hold on to power, it didn't. For years, it's leaders were happy to keep it a fundamentally undemocratic club for the rich and powerful. The people were left on the outside looking in.

The PLP Government is moving to reform the Corporations to give power to the people. The powerful oligarchy is furious that we are seeking to democratize the Corporations. They're also furious that we are seeking to make Bermuda more efficient.

The truth is, Bermuda is the size of a small town in the United States or United Kingdom. We don't need multiple layers of bureaucracy. Our reforms make government more efficient by eliminating unnecessary layers of bureaucracy.

Minister Zane DeSilva made the case in the House of Assembly yesterday:

Mr. Speaker, the people of Bermuda have been treated to an inappropriate, ill considered and in many cases misleading public relations campaign compliments of the Corporation of Hamilton.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members will have noted that this Government has not engaged in any counter-attack via the media but have remained focused on the task at hand. To descend to the personal attacks that formed the basis of this campaign would have proven a distraction from the real work.

Mr. Speaker, in the course of his presentation to Cabinet in June of this year the Mayor of Hamilton indicated that his Corporation’s aims were:

“1) making voting easier and accessible to all Hamilton residents; 2) eliminating privilege and increasing accountability in the Corporations and 3) modernizing the Corporations’ authority to reflect the realities of the modern era.”

These are commendable aims, ones, which, in general, are shared by the Corporations and the Government. How we approach these general principles and interpret them in this legislation will test our commonalities and our mutual commitment to genuine reform.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members will see from the Bill that the criteria for voting in Municipal elections are now proposed to mirror our national elections. The effect of this Bill will be to eliminate once and for all the last vestiges of the property vote that we recognized as flawed many decades ago.

Minister DeSilva goes on to discuss the secrecy of the Corporations. It requires an audit of the Corporation - something we would expect the Opposition to strongly support! It requires the Corporation to pay it's fair share of taxes. If you and your family have to pay property taxes, why shouldn't the Corporation? And, it also ensures that vital services will continue to be available within the city. DeSilva continues:

Mr. Speaker, a core national function is that of taxation. In a 21 square mile Island there is no rationale for any tax structure other than the national one, which reflects the elected Government’s policy. This Bill will also address this issue by ending the ability of the Corporations to levy those charges based solely on their ownership of the Island’s ports.

On this point it is important to emphasize two things, Mr. Speaker. Firstly, the limited balance sheet of the Corporations evidences the importance of this revenue to their bottom line. Insofar as is required to maintain functions and service levels no prejudice will result from this change. The change is a matter of principle that is in fact honored already in its practice. While the Corporation levies the fees and taxes, the Collector of Customs does the administrative collection. This practice has no place in a modern democracy.

The second point to be made, Mr. Speaker, is that these changes will take effect on 1st April 2011 to permit adequate preparation on both sides.

Mr. Speaker, in particular much has been made of the balance sheet of the Corporation of Hamilton. The picture painted thereby is not a full story and although accurate to an extent it does not represent a full overview of the position. This Bill will require an independent audit of the assets, liabilities, income and expenditure of the Corporations within three (3) months of the Act coming into force.

Mr. Speaker, it is important to note that the Corporations balance sheet will also be required to reflect the reality for most hard working Bermudian families: land tax payments. This Bill ends, Mr. Speaker, the historical exemption from the payment of land tax by the Corporations.

Mr. Speaker, for the avoidance of doubt I wish to make it clear that not one comma, semi-colon or full stop in this Bill affects the assets of the Corporations. Not one service provided by the Corporations is transferred to the Government. Mr. Speaker, no jobs are affected and no employee should be or feel threatened as result.

Mr. Speaker, even language has been the subject of the public discussion on this initiative. This Bill represents, reform, in some areas repeal, but above all it represents justice and equity. The modernization that will result is desperately required and if there is truth to the desire of some to work with this Government, this Bill provides a useful starting point for a round of meaningful discussion, free from the glare of media spotlight and unaided by full-page ads.

It's time to modernize the Corporation. It's time for real democracy. And, it's time to reform the last vestiges of Bermuda's oligarchy.

Reflecting on the comments of the Opposition Party given by Bob Richards, Minister Paula Cox summed it up in one word: "Trite." Minister Cox:

It baffles me that the Opposition’s comments took no account of the range of dynamics that shape the outcome of a bond sale. The key considerations include the following factors: previous knowledge of the issuer, the sovereign credit rating of the issuer, the country size of the issuer in terms of GDP, the size of the offering and therefore the presumed liquidity of the offer, and the state of the market.

Informed observers and commentators commended Bermuda’s outcome on its debut offering in global debt capital markets. On the date of the issue, the bond sale was priced at the tightest end of the market, namely, a spread of 250 basis points over the US 10-year Treasury Bill.

All the Opposition could say was that it was an expensive exercise for Bermuda. It caused me to ask the question – ‘expensive compared to what?’

If we look the Opposition’s record of long term borrowing when the United Bermuda Party was in government, we find that the coupon or interest rate was higher than what Government achieved on the recent bond. For example, in 1994, the United Bermuda Party Government attracted a rate of 7.59% on a senior debt issue. A Progressive Labour Party government refinanced that facility at a lower rate of 5.39% in 2004.

Another example, in 1997, the United Bermuda Party government attracted a rate of 6.72% on an issue with a ten year maturity. You will note that both issues were single bullet maturities and not staggered as the Opposition said should have been done with the recent issue. In any event, that ten year facility was refinanced at 5.73% in 2007.

The simple truth is that no administration in Bermuda has been able to obtain a long term interest rate on debt instruments below 5%.

Further, if the Opposition had conducted some research before it rushed to the media with ill-advised comment, it would have found that other sovereign issuers in 2010 with similar maturities have offered investors coupons or interest yields in a range of 5.0-7.5%.

So the question for the Opposition is: “expensive compared to what?”

It is also a regret that the Opposition continues to be dismal about Bermuda’s future. One hundred and forty-six global investors (including some Bermuda entities) collectively were prepared to invest $2.4 billion in Bermuda. These investors have a positive outlook for Bermuda. The Government of Bermuda has a positive outlook for our Country and anticipates that all of the loans on Bermuda’s books will be paid off in time.

It is important to remember that there is nothing inherently bad about debt. Debt is a tool that allows households, businesses as well as governments to transfer cash-flow from one period to another. The key is to be prudent and remain within the capacity to repay.

Bermuda’s level of debt is prudent and sustainable. Our debt to GDP ratio remains one of the lowest in the world. Our capacity to repay long term debt is both viable and visible.

Further, the debt is reflected in visible improvements to social infrastructure in our community including modernized school buildings and equipment, an airport that meets international safety and security standards, a modern cruise dock that accommodates the larger cruise vessels deployed in the cruise business, modern bus and ferry service, well equipped clinics and other public health facilities, safety improvements to Bermuda’s roads, etc, etc.

The borrowing has not been frittered away. Rather, it has been transformed into assets that will service the community for many years to come.

The subject of debt is a serious matter that should be discussed soberly and objectively. It is disappointing that the Opposition has chosen to politicize the subject for its own narrow political ends. Their statement has done nothing to enlighten the community.

Minister Cox has done her homework. It's no wonder she recently won an international award for her work on our behalf. She has Bermuda's best interests at heart and works hard everyday to do the best by our people.

This statement makes it clear that the Opposition cares little about facts and will use any and every opportunity to feebly criticize a PLP Government that puts Bermuda and Bermudians first.

Today, Minister Neletha Butterfield announced a new Mirrors Programme targeting Middle School students. Minister Butterfield:

I RISE TODAY TO SHARE WITH MY HONOURABLE COLLEAGUES THE LAUNCH OF THE NEW MIRRORS PROGRAMME COACHING FOR SUCCESS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS.

MR. SPEAKER, 50 STUDENTS EACH, AT WHITNEY INSTITUTE AND SANDYS MIDDLE SCHOOLS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN A 3 DAY INTENSIVE TRAINING PROGRAMME WITH A FOCUS OF BEING SUCCESSFUL IN THEIR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT DURING THE SCHOOL ACADEMIC YEAR. 10 TEACHERS HAVE BEEN TRAINED BETWEEN APRIL AND THIS CURRENT WEEK TO SUPPORT THE PROGRAMME AND WILL CONTINUE TRAINING IN LATE AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER.

MR. SPEAKER, THE SUCCESS EXPERIENCED THUS FAR WITH OLDER STUDENTS IN THE PROGRAMME, LED TO THE DECISION TO INTRODUCE A PRIMARY PREVENTION COMPONENT TO BUILD STUDENTS’ PERSONAL SKILLS FOR SUCCESS. THE NEW PROGRAMME IS DESIGNED TO ENGAGE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE TO MAKE MORE USE OF THE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES PRESENTED TO THEM BY RAISING THEIR ATTAINMENT, AWARENESS, AND POTENTIAL IN EDUCATION.

MR. SPEAKER, THIS TRAINING COMPONENT HAS A PROVEN TRACK RECORD IN THE UK, WITH 85% TO 100% IMPROVEMENT IN BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDE; 50% TO 65% IMPROVEMENT IN SCHOOL ATTENDANCE; AND, 95% SUCCESS RATE IN STUDENTS IMPROVING THEIR GRADES. WE ARE LOOKING FOR SIMILAR RESULTS AS WE PILOT THE PROGRAMME IN OCTOBER 2010 THROUGH JUNE 2011.

MR. SPEAKER, AFTER STUDENTS COMPLETE THEIR THREE-DAY TRAINING, THEY WILL ENGAGE IN WEEKLY COACHING SESSIONS WITH TRAINED EDUCATION MENTORS FOR 8 MONTHS; ATTEND A MID-TERM FOLLOW UP SESSION; AND PARTICIPATE IN A COMBINED COMPLETION CEREMONY AT THE END OF THE SCHOOL TERM. THIS CEREMONY WILL BE DESIGNED TO FOSTER RELATIONSHIPS ACROSS SCHOOLS.

MR. SPEAKER, THE MIRRORS PROGRAMME CONTINUES TO ENHANCE OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH THE ELEMENTS OF TRANSFORMATION, PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE COACHING. BOTH MIDDLES SCHOOL PRINCIPALS ARE EXCITED ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE PROGRAMME IN OCTOBER. PARENTS HAVE BEEN ENGAGED AND ARE RECEPTIVE TO THEIR CHILDREN’S PARTICIPATION. STUDENT APPLICATIONS ARE CURRENTLY BEING ACCEPTED AT THE MIRRORS OFFICE AND WILL CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER MONTHS.

There's still time for you to get involved with Mirrors. If you're sick and tired of crime in our community, do something about it. Get involved with this important programme today. Minister Butterfield:

MR. SPEAKER, THIS WEEK, MIRRORS IS LAUNCHING THE VISIONS AND DREAMS IN ACTION, “EACH ONE TEACH ONE” VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN FOR EDUCATION MENTORS 25 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER. I ENCOURAGE THE COMMUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE NEW PROGRAMME BY BECOMING AN EDUCATION MENTOR FOR ONLY 30 MINUTES EACH WEEK. TRAINING WILL BE HELD FROM SEPTEMBER 17TH TO 19TH FOR WHITNEY INSTITUTE MENTORS; AND OCOTBER 1ST TO 3RD FOR SANDYS MIDDLE SCHOOL MENTORS. PLEASE CONTACT THE MIRRORS OFFICE AT 294-9291 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY TO BECOME AN EDUCATION MENTOR.

MR. SPEAKER, MIRRORS IS IMPACTING OUR COMMUNITY BY DEVELOPING HUMAN POTENTIAL. WE ARE WORKING ON TRANSFORMING OUR COMMUNITY, ONE PERSON AT A TIME THROUGH PRIMARY PREVENTION EFFORTS WHERE WE ARE MAXIMIZING YOUNG PEOPLE’S POTENTIAL IN EDUCATION.

The PLP Government is committed to programmes like Mirrors that put our young people on the right path.

Today, Minister El James took to the floor of the House of Assembly and noted that the PLP Government has plans to raise graduation standards in June 2011. He also noted that it would be unfair to change graduation requirements in the middle of a school year. Minister James:

I woke up one morning early this week to learn that Bermuda’s education system and our public school students were once more being used as Political footballs. The daily newspaper informed us that, and I quote, “Students in the public school system are allowed to graduate without having the minimum grade point average (GPA) to get into an American college or university.” unquote.

Mr. Speaker, I had to read that paragraph several times, and I’m still not sure what the daily was trying to say.

Did they mean that American universities were accepting our students even if the students didn’t qualify for entry?

Were they trying to say that Bermuda’s public school students have to meet the US university entry requirements in order to graduate?

After reading the rest of the article, I decided that the daily was implying that we in the Bermuda Ministry of Education had lowered the standards which students must achieve in order to graduate from Senior School.

The truth, Mr. Speaker, is that we have not lowered our standards.

In November last year I said that we were going to raise the bar. I said that I wanted to require students to have a GPA of 2.0 or better in order to graduate.

But let me be clear, Mr. Speaker. I said this in November, 2009, and I’m sure that you realise that the 2009/10 school year started two months before, in September.

There is no way that we could raise the standard for graduation in the middle of the school year. So for either the daily or the Opposition to express any kind of surprise that standards were not raised for this year’s graduating class is disappointing to say the least.

The requirements for graduation will become more stringent in the future, but they will not take effect until June, 2011. Before students start school this September, they will know what the requirements will be for them to graduate with a Bermuda School Certificate.

Minister James went on to point out that while the requirements remained the same this year, we are still striving for excellence. Minister James:

Mr. Speaker, I have to stress that while the graduation requirements may have remained the same, that does not mean that the Principals, Teachers and Students at both CedarBridge and Berkeley have not been working to improve their results.

Before I go any further, I want to make sure that I am not accused, again, of playing “a numbers game at students’ and parents’ expense” by explaining that the graduation results that I am about to give are based on those students who qualified for graduation at the end of June, 2010. Some students who may not have accumulated enough credits to graduate are taking summer classes as we speak so that they can graduate later this year. Their achievements will be reflected in future graduation figures.

Mr. Speaker, in September, 2010 there were 113 BSC students at CedarBridge who were eligible to graduate at the end of the school year. Ten of those students started the year in S3 because they had not accumulated enough credits to move on to S4, and I am pleased to report that all of those students worked hard throughout the school year to earn the credits they needed to graduate in June. The remaining 103 students started the year in S4.

Mr Speaker, of the 113 that started the year, 108 or 96% graduated in June. Of those who graduated, 15% had GPA’s of less than 2.0. 65% had a GPA between 2 and 3 and 20% had a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Overall, 85% of those students who graduated had a GPA of 2.0 or higher which was up by 1% over last year.

At Berkeley, the results were similar.

130 students started the year at Berkeley with an opportunity to graduate in June. Of those, eight were S3 students who had not moved on to S4 the year before, and again, all of those students earned sufficient credits to graduate.

Mr. Speaker, 124 or 95% of the students who started the year at Berkeley graduated in June. Of those, 16% had a GPA of less than 2.0. 72% had a GPA between 2 and 3, and 12% had a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Overall, 84.5% of the Berkeley students graduated with a GPA of 2.0 or higher which was up from 82% the year before.

In summary, considering all graduates this year, 84% had a GPA of 2.0 or greater. This was up from 80% in 2009 and 72% in 2008.

Mr. Speaker, we must be doing something right, as the vast majority of the students who graduated from Berkeley and CedarBridge are going on to tertiary education at the Bermuda College or overseas. Those that are going overseas are going to some of the best Universities, including: Dalhousie, Mt. Allison, Mt. St. Vincent, McGill, Brock, St. Mary’s, the University of Kent, Teeside University, Temple University, Barry University, Johnson and Wales University, Clarke University, Cambrian University, Georgia State University, and the University of Georgia.

Mr. Speaker, I have to congratulate our students for their performance. They have worked hard, and they have done well.

But am I satisfied with the overall results?

No. And I don’t think that any of us will ever be satisfied, because we always want to see all of our students do better.

We have to keep raising our expectations and standards, we have to keep pushing, and we have to require more from everyone in education including students, teachers, Principals and Officers.

But you know, Mr. Speaker, at some point we have to stop using public education to try to score cheap political points. We have to all row in the same direction, we have to find positives in our results and stop pulling our students down at every opportunity.

We will do our part. We are moving forward with a new, internationally recognised curriculum and we are raising the bar on everyone. I just hope that everyone else will do the same.

We're striving to improve our education system. But, let's not use our students as political pawns. Let's work together to improve education in Bermuda.

Yesterday, Premier Ewart Brown welcomed the news that Florida Democratic Congressman Kendrick Meek came out against the harmful Neal Bill. The Premier met with Meek, among others, in his most recent trip to Washington, DC. Premier Brown:

The remarks attributed to Congressman Meeks are very encouraging. Several months ago I led a delegation to Capital Hill delivering the message that changes to the US tax structure as proposed in Congressman Neal’s Bill would be damaging not only to Bermuda’s economy but on the economic well being of many Americans. We have met with Mr. Meek on numerous occasions and I am glad to see that he has come to the same conclusions that we have regarding the Neal Bill.

The Neal Bill which aims to alter the American tax structure as it relates to re-insurers could have a devastating impact on the primary pillar of Bermuda’s economy and is expected to also increase taxes on residents of areas in the US reliant on the services provided by the reinsurance industry.

Emancipation Day is coming and the PLP Government is ready to celebrate and remember. We kick off the festivities this Sunday. We hope you can join us:

Sunday, 18th July at 1:00 P.M.
Heritage Productions Presents “6th Annual Emancipation Awards Luncheon”
Bermuda Industrial Union, Upper Level.
Tickets are $35, available from Brunswick Bakery, Nu-Look Barber Shop, Somerset Cricket Club and St. George’s Cricket Club. For more information, please call Kalmae Best on 296-1142.

Thursday, 22 July at 6:00 P.M.
Department of Community and Cultural Affairs in concert with Bermuda Friendly Societies Association Present “Stairway To Freedom”
A dramatic presentation preceded by a train tour of North Hamilton. Train departs Pitts Bay Road (in front of Barr’s Bay Park) at 6:00 P.M. “Stairway To Freedom” begins at 7:00 P.M.at Manchester Unity Hall (Union and Victoria Streets). Free train tickets are available from the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs. Please call 292 1681 to secure a ticket for the train tour.

Tuesday, 27 July at 5:30 PM
Film And Discussion Liberty Theatre
A screening of the film “500 Years Later” directed by Owen Alik Shahadah.
Discussion panellists: Dr. Quito Swan, Dr. Llewellyn Simmons and Ms. Victoria Pearman. Discussion Moderator: Dr. Radell Tankard.
Light Refreshments at 5.30 PM. Film begins at 5:45 P.M followed by discussion.

Thursday and Friday, 29th July and 30th July from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
“Cup Match Heritage Tent” Somerset Cricket Field
A tent showcasing information on Emancipation. Open from 1 to 5 P.M. both days of Cup Match. Located next to the Somerset Cricket Club.

Sunday, 1 August: Emancipation Day at 6:00 P.M. “Service of Praise” Barr’s Bay Park.
Music, readings and dance. Dramatic performance by TROIKA. Members of the public are encouraged to wear white.

Tuesday, 31 August at 7:00 P.M.
5th Annual Dr. Kenneth E. Robinson/Cyril Packwood Memorial Lecture: “Bermuda, Africa, Diaspora: Trilogy Of The Journey” Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.
Lecturer Dr. Michael Gomez is a Professor of History at New York University and is the author of Reversing Sail: A History of the African Diaspora. Light refreshments will be served.