Premier discusses world economy with CARICOM heads

Premier Ewart Brown has been sharing thoughts on the global economic crisis with leaders from across the region at the CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Belize.

The Premier said the group discussed how the Bahamas and Jamaica had to borrow from China, with the Bahamas having to lay off more than 1,500 hotel workers as the downturn struck.

"One of the things we learned is that Bermuda is blessed," Dr. Brown told The Royal Gazette over the telephone last night.

"When this crisis hit, we were in a stronger financial position than most. We are learning and observing carefully what they are doing."

Following talks at the meeting, Bermuda has agreed to send 35 soldiers from the Regiment to Trinidad to help with security when it hosts the 5th Summit of the Americas next month.

Dr. Brown said he also agreed to share the Island's fast ferry experience with Trinidad as it embarks on a massive transportation initiative. "We thought we'd cooperate — that's what CARICOM is about. It's a matter of helping each other out to improve," said the Premier.

He said he also agreed that Bermuda would cooperate with other countries to limit the impact of any new legislation on the financial services sector.

"While we work our individual country agenda, we will also work in tandem," he said.

Parliamentary Questions tabled on controversial roadworks

Opposition Senator Michael Fahy has asked Government for answers on whether any remediation work has been carried out at roadworks completed without planning permission.

Sen. Fahy submitted the following Parliamentary Questions to Junior Environment Minister Marc Bean at yesterday's Senate:

What rectification work has been undertaken in accordance with Department of Planning/Ministry of Environment requirements following the illegal destruction of longtail nests at Gilbert Bay, Somerset, by Henry Talbot in 2005?

Who at the Ministry of Works and Engineering authorised the dumping of excavation materials at Grotto Bay following road realignment work at Coney Island Road in 2008?

What rectification work has been undertaken in accordance with Department of Planning /Ministry of Environment requirements following the illegal road realignment work at Coney Island Road in 2008?

Dunkley tables three questions on building project

Opposition Senate Leader Michael Dunkley is seeking a breakdown in steel and building material details for the new Police/court building.

Sen. Dunkley tabled the following Parliamentary Questions to Minister of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing Senator David Burch yesterday:

Would the Honourable Member please provide this Honourable Senate with details, including the name, address and corporate registration number of the company or companies (local or overseas), supplying the steel and reinforcing bar for the new Court House/Police Station?

Would the Honourable Member please provide this Honourable Senate with the names of those individuals either within his Ministry or in contracted firms who ensured that the quantities of building materials ordered from the Company in Q1 and subsequently paid for by the Government are accurate, appropriate and used exclusively for this project?

Would the Honourable Member please provide this Honourable Senate with details of the steel used in the new Court House/Police Station building, including quantities, cost and quality?

TCD testing fee increases tabled

Bills entitled the Auxiliary Bicycles Amendment Act 2009 and Motor Car Amendment Act 2009 were read for the first time in the House of Assembly on Friday.

They herald possible increases in TCD testing fees if approved by Parliament.

The auxiliary bicycles bill amends the main act of 1954 to make it clear that the examination of such bicycles includes testing for compliance with approved emissions standards.

If the bike does not comply, it would be deemed unfit for the roads.

If passed, the amendment bill would also amend the Government Fees Regulations 1976 to increase the fee for the examination of such bikes from $21 to $31 to reflect the emissions-testing part of the examination.

The motor car bill covers the same issue of emissions-testing for other vehicles.

The examination fee for vehicles with four or more wheels will increase from $30 to $45, while the fee for vehicles with less than four wheels rises from $21 to $31.

War vets pension bill approved

All war veterans and their surviving spouses will receive pensions and benefits under a new law approved on Friday in the House of Assembly.

Previously only those who were disabled or died as a result of injuries received during their service were eligible.

The Pensions and Gratuities (War Service) Amendment Act 2009 was sent back to the House after a minor adjustment made by Senators. The bill was supported by both parties and will now become law.

Sunday opening licence fee drop approved

Retailers will no longer have to pay a fee to get a licence to open their stores on public holidays.

MPs approved the Public Holidays Amendment Act 2009 in the House of Assembly of Friday evening.

Finance Minister Paula Cox said the legislation was a way of showing support for the retail sector during difficult economic times — a "red carpet approach" as opposed to red tape. She said the licence fee did not generate large sums for the public purse.

Shadow Finance Minister Bob Richards and Opposition Leader Kim Swan said the UBP supported the change as it would provide relief to shop owners.