The number of births in Bermuda decreased in 2017 for the first time in three years.

Walton Brown, the Minister of Home Affairs, told the House of Assembly last Friday that there were 578 births in 2017, down from 591 in 2016. In 2015, the figure was 583.

Mr Brown highlighted a string of figures as he tabled the annual report from Registry General Aubrey Pennyman.

Of those born in 2017, 440 had at least one Bermudian parent and 138 had two non-Bermudian parents.

The number of deaths in 2017 was 481, down from 492 in 2016. An additional 13 non-residents died during the year.

There were 440 marriages, down from 450 the previous year. The figure included ten same-sex marriages, eight of which were performed at the Registry General as civil ceremonies, with the others at a hotel and a home.

There were 452 marriages on board 23 Bermuda registered ships in 2017, including two same-sex marriage ceremonies.

Mr Brown noted that the report was tabled five months earlier than in 2017, but was “still later than it should be”.

He said: “We will be working on improving the processes associated with the delivery of this report in a timelier manner closer to the legislated requirement.”

• To read Walton Brown’s statement in full, click on the PDF under “Related Media”