Bill puts war pensions change into effect

An administrative step necessary to effect a doubling of war veterans’ pensions was approved by the House of Assembly yesterday.

The Pensions (War Service) Order comes after the Pensions and Gratuities Act 2007 was passed earlier this year.

The Act removed clauses that precluded some black war veterans from receiving benefits, extended medical and dental benefits, and doubled the pension payment from $400 to $800 per month.

The Pensions (War Service) Order will put that increased payment into effect, backdated to April 1 this year.

BFA to get more land at Gym Field

Bermuda Football Association has been granted a lease for extra land at Gym Field in Devonshire. MPs approved the 50-year lease for 0.29 acres to be added on to the existing Gymnasium Road facility, which is being developed as a national training centre.

Horton announces summer sports camp

Ten summer camps will be hosted by Government this year. Education Minister Randy Horton announced that these will run from July 2 until August 1, in order to provide child care services at affordable prices. The camps will also offer summer employment for high school and college students who want a career working with children.

The events will cater for children ranging in age from those entering Primary School this September through to Middle School students, with one catering for those with special needs. Mr. Horton announced that one of the events will be a pilot programme — a Sports Camp at Devonshire Recreation Club, featuring football and cricket for boys and netball and softball for girls.

Parents can register their children at the office of the Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation at the F.B. Perry Building, 40 Church Street, Hamilton, from 10 a.m until 2 p.m daily until all the camps are full.