The One Bermuda Alliance is gunning to have its debate today on the Absentee Ballot Act 2025, tabled in September, as MPs prepare to leave the House of Assembly for the Christmas break.

If the debate proceeds, it will be over the wishes of the Progressive Labour Party. Last month, Diallo Rabain, the Minister of the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, said he had asked for the Bill’s withdrawal in favour of collaboration on comprehensive electoral reform.

Robert King, the Leader of the Opposition, stood his ground that the OBA would be going ahead with the debate.

The sitting today will also come with the 30-minute Premier’s Question Time, when David Burt will field questions from government and opposition MPs.

Statements will include an address by Mr Burt on the “protection of public officers”, as well as an update on government finances.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, will speak on the theme for Heritage Month 2026, and Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, will discuss the 2025 report from the Bermuda Drug Information Network, along with security over the Christmas holidays.

Statements include an update from Jason Hayward, the labour minister, on the Labour Advisory Council 2025, and the 2024 annual report of the Registrar General.

Alexa Lightbourne, the Minister of Home Affairs, has two updates lined up on the Affordable Bermuda Agenda and the National Electricity Sector Policy.

Mr Rabain will speak on electoral reform, along with the digital transformation plans for the Government announced this week.

MPs will hear from Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, on water pollution regulations.

Up for debate are the Land Valuation and Tax Amendment Act 2025, covering digitisation, and the Bermuda Monetary Authority Amendment Act 2025, enabling the BMA to share confidential details with the Bermuda Deposit Insurance Corporation.

MPs are expected to debate the Beneficial Ownership Amendment Bill 2025 — housekeeping legislation for the principal Act that covers “compliance with the Financial Action Task Force international standards which require that countries ensure that competent authorities have access to adequate, accurate and up-to-date information on the beneficial ownership of legal persons created in Bermuda and those with sufficient links to the jurisdiction”.

The Insurance Amendment (No 2) Act 2025 introduces provisions for the BMA’s oversight of the industry.

Download PDF File

Order of Business.pdf

• To read the Order of Business in full, see Related Media