26 February 2010 | Minister Zane DeSilva

The Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing has been provided with a budget of $143,5 million in 2010–2011, an increase of $6.2 million over the original budget of $137.3 million dollars for 2009-2010. The Ministry’s key initiatives and programmes for 2010–2011 demonstrate its responsibility to the people of Bermuda to provide a safe and secure community that is free of violence and social unrest.

As we approach the start of a new financial year in an increasingly challenging economic environment, the Government seeks to uphold its commitment to provide greater safety through higher police visibility, international support and training, increased use of community intelligence targeted at apprehending the perpetrators of criminal acts.

Concerns about the escalation of gang related crime, and the negative impact it could have on our key areas of International Business and tourism, requires urgent, decisive and vigorous action and the budget of $65.7 million for the Bermuda Police Service reflects this intention. Additional funding has been provided for full time monitoring of CCTV operations to assist in gathering information and recording evidence of crime; professionally accredited training for investigations of serious crimes; and forensic accounting services to increase capacity to investigate complex financial and money laundering crimes.

At the same time a national task force will be established to coordinate cross departmental efforts to tackle this negative behaviour in our society. These initiatives will also seek to provide better trained and equipped officers in the Bermuda Police Service with enhanced technical support and proactive intervention to fight deviant behaviour.

The fruits of the Bermuda Police Service’s Problem Orientated Policing and Partnership (POPP) operational approach, along with the Service’s commitment to Police With the Community, are now being seen. A focus on partnerships will see engagement with area MP’s, Parish Councils, and other community representatives; meetings with key partners; increased involvement of Community Action Groups; advisory groups in each of the three geographical areas to provide feedback to local Area Commanders; school programmes; and community impact assessments.

In response to the increasing security concerns regarding drug addicted inmates in the Department of Corrections’ facilities, the Ministry will introduce a therapeutic community programme aimed at providing an opportunity for inmates to free themselves from the ravages of addiction. Under this model, participants will be housed together, separated from other inmates, and undergo a treatment regime that is primarily a peer-driven 24-hour living environment in which offenders with similar problems learn to work and live together, thereby learning the skills they need to work and live outside the institution without drugs.

As some key indicators suggest, there is cause for hopeful optimism with regard to the health of the economy. However, a full recovery is likely to be gradual. It is unlikely that we have seen the full effect of the slowdown and as the recession adversely impacts our economy, the trend of rising unemployment and income loss dictates a need for on-going support for Bermudian families at risk.

Therefore the Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing will provide re-training and cross- training opportunities for youth and persons seeking to re-position themselves in the job market. In addition, the Department of Labour and Training, with a budget of $8.6 million, will continue its Summer Employment Programme and accelerate its National Certification and Apprenticeship Programmes.

The availability of affordable housing remains in the forefront of Ministry initiatives for the coming year. BHC will provide interest free loans to qualified individuals who are first time home buyers, to work with private sector property owners to provide units to BHC clients, and to expand the Rent Geared to Income Initiative.

Given the impact of the economic downturn, the Interest-Free Loans initiative will provide first-time home owners with an opportunity to purchase a home that otherwise would not be possible.

Major developments will continue throughout 2010-2011. The highly successful Loughlands development continues apace. Thus far, three of the four phases have been completed, with 66 Bermudian families now owning a piece of the rock.

The fourth and final stage will be completed this Spring, and will enable another 30 families to own a home.

The Rent Geared to Income initiative will take a giant leap forward with the completion of the Perimeter Lane Development. This development will provide homes for 38 families with rents determined as a percentage of the family income. Harbour View Village will provide 58 homes to families that had won homes through the Bermuda Homes for People programme. This Government is honouring the commitment of that project. We expect these homes to be ready by the end of 2010.

The Department of Immigration continues with the implementation of its system automation, thereby streamlining the application and approval process for work permits, land licences and passports.

The Bermuda Regiment continues to develop our young people to support the country in times of need, and to support our regional partners when necessary.

The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, the unsung heroes of the Ministry, continues to quietly and efficiently provide emergency support to all of Bermuda, including the L.F. Wade International Airport.

Thus the funding provided to the Ministry of Labour, Home Affairs and Housing in these tough economic times will be used for the benefit of the people of Bermuda in providing services via the 7 departments of the Ministry.

Thank you.