A $200,000 review of the controversial airport redevelopment deal has found that it was largely within market and industry norms but contained some “unusual” terms that makes it near impossible for Government to get a better deal for the taxpayer. Premier and Finance Minister David Burt told the country at a press conference on Friday…...
Archives for February 2018
Budget 2018 – What it means for you
Wherein we break down real life implications of David Burt's first budget
Premier and Finance Minister David Burt has delivered his first budget which he says will empower citizens and “place Bermuda on a path toward economic growth, economic diversification, and economic security for all Bermudians.” Among the plans announced are initiatives and policies on personal and business taxes, education and training, technology, and entrepreneurship. Big winners…...
Summary of Budget 2018 – Key points at a glance
A handy guide without the rhetorical flourishes
The nutshell: Government is planning on spending just under $1.2 billion over the next year, while raking in just under $1.1 billion. It will borrow the difference of about $89 million. About 16 % of its estimated spend will be vaporised by interest payments on Bermuda’s $2.5 billion debt, leaving just over $1 billion for…...
Premier: Bermuda’s debt will be under control by 2019 – Budget 2018/19
Premier David Burt has repeated a pledge that 2019 is the year Bermuda’s debt will be brought under control by ending a ten year run of annual increases in net debt. And in his first Budget Statement, he told the House of Assembly that, while the debt is just $60 million shy of the mandatory debt…...
Policy changes target foreign direct investment, economic growth – Budget 2018/19
Premier and Finance Minister David Burt has announced major policy changes aimed at stimulating the economy, including relaxation of the longstanding 60-40 rule, opening up the legal industry to global law firms and expanding the banking industry. And Government will also be relaxing height restrictions for residential and mixed-use developments in the Hamilton Economic Empowerment…...
Opposition Leader on Tax Reform Commission
Opposition Leader and Shadow Finance Minister Jeane Atherden is among the members of the Tax Reform Commission. The newly formed Commission was unveiled today by Premier David Burt, who reminded the public that he was fulfilling a commitment made when his party was in Opposition. These commissioners have a mammoth task ahead of them, but…...
Mental health patients’ right to refuse medical treatment to be secured under proposed new rules
Patients with mental disorders will be given the right to consent to – or refuse – medical treatment under a radical and overdue overhaul of Bermuda’s mental health laws. The raft of proposed changes also include establishing a mental health regulatory authourity, community treatment orders and a code of practice. Health Minister Kim Wilson announced…...
Progress has been made on LGBTQ issues – OUTBermuda
LGBTQ lobby group OUTBermuda is looking on the bright side in the wake of the final approval of the Domestic Partnership Act. In a statement reacting to the development, the group recognises that the DPA satisfies international human rights requirements and highlights progress made for the LGBTQ community since sexual orientation discrimination was outlawed in…...
Marriage Equality fight to continue say advocates
Government says it is pioneering human rights for LGBTQ community
Bermuda is now among the few territories – if ranked alongside English speaking Caribbean nations – to provide legal recognition for same sex couples, but advocates for “marriage equality” say they will continue the fight after the Domestic Partnership Act was given the final approval by Governor John Rankin yesterday. The law which provides for…...