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MPs to debate Bill for stronger anti-gang measures

The House of Assembly convenes at Veritas Place (File photograph by Blaire Simmons)

A much anticipated report into a September 2023 cyberattack that crippled government services is expected to be tabled today in the House of Assembly.

It will present the findings of a five-member cross-party joint select committee into the attack, which investigated matters including whether a ransom was paid to the hackers responsible.

It comes as legislation allowing witnesses the chance to remain anonymous during investigations and trials involving gang violence is expected to go before MPs for debate.

The Justice and Community Safety Reform Bill 2026, tabled last month, was welcomed by Kim Wilkerson, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, who said it would arm prosecutors with the ability to appeal bail for defendants accused of certain offences, and crack down on threats and attacks against members of the judiciary.

Ms Wilkerson cited the reluctance of witnesses to give evidence in gang-related cases, and murders in particular.

Also up for debate is the Premier, Ministers and Opposition Leader Personal Staffs and Parliamentary Election Amendment Act 2026.

The legislation will introduce a “two-year cooling-off period” during which a person who stood unsuccessfully as a candidate in a General Election or by-election cannot be appointed to, or continue to hold, a publicly funded personal staff appointment.

Proposed appointees will be required to attest in writing to their eligibility, with knowingly making a false declaration to become an offence.

Tougher fines for traffic offences and the removal of requirements for police to announce roadside sobriety checks ahead of time are listed for debate.

The Opposition’s Road Traffic and Motor Car (Road Safety and Penalties) Amendment Act 2026 was brought by One Bermuda Alliance MP Jarion Richardson at the last sitting.

The Corporate Income Tax Agency Amendment Act 2026 is listed, which will amend the funding of the CIT agency, as is the Tax Credits Amendment Act 2026, which aims to improve the “administration of Bermuda’s tax credits regime and to better facilitate the filing of tax credit claims”.

The Human Rights Amendment Act 2026 seeks to broaden protection, including discrimination based on association and discrimination over receiving government support.

The Cost of Living Commission Amendment (No. 2) Act 2026 will amend terms such as “essential commodity”, and reform consultation and collaboration between the commission and other public authorities dealing with consumer protection.

The Bermuda Health Council (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2026 will update the powers of the Bermuda Health Council — amending the Pharmacy and Poisons Act 1979, the Public Health Act 1949 and the Radiation Act 1972.

The House will also debate the supplementary estimates for the 2026-27 Budget.

Among ministerial statements, David Burt will discuss the Government’s official trip to the Azores and building a fairer Bermuda, while Zane DeSilva, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Housing, will provide updates on the affordable housing strategy.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, will address commemorating Emancipation in Bermuda and update MPs on Bermuda’s ridesharing programme, while public works and environment minister Jaché Adams will touch on building better communities.

Education minister Diallo Rabain will address the purpose and progress of the Education Authority Bill and the Cambridge checkpoint tests for lower secondary pupils.

Alexa Lightbourne, the Minister of Home Affairs, will discuss the Affordable Bermuda Agenda and pausing the Integrated Resource Plan to align with the National Electricity Sector Policy.

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Published July 17, 2026 at 3:56 am (Updated July 17, 2026 at 2:55 am)

MPs to debate Bill for stronger anti-gang measures

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