He began his statement by noting that the Aircraft Registry continues to grow and be profitable for Bermuda. The registry is set to take in $22 million against $9.9 million in expenditures, amounting to a profit of some $12.1 million for government. He also noted that the airport runway would be worked on to ensure that it meets international standards.

He went on to note that we are expanding Heritage Wharf to ensure that we can permit the new NCL Breakaway class of ships to birth. Minister Burgess:

The Department of Marine and Ports will continue to enhance marine service levels and ensure that marine infrastructure meets the needs of modern cruise and cargo ship operations in local waters. This Department received an increase of $270K in the current account and is expected to increase revenues by $418K. Initiatives in Financial Year 2012/13 include:
• Extension of the Heritage Wharf cruise pier to permit the new NCL Breakaway class of ship to berth at that facility starting in May 2013;
• Finalize channel development work to ensure that ships transiting the North Channel are able to do so with sufficient margin of safety;
• Progress simulator evaluation and pilot familiarization of cargo/container ship transits to and from Hamilton Harbour at night in order to ensure that 24 hour vessel movements can occur. This will allow additional ship operating efficiencies to be realized through the elimination of port arrival and departure delays which add to voyage costs when operating on fixed schedules to and from U.S. ports.

These improvements will ensure that our cruise and commercial traffic can continue to flow freely in and out of Bermuda.

He went on to note that monies have been made available to refurbish existing buses and to buy new buses:

The Department of Public Transportation receives an increase of $1.2 million which includes a $900K increase for parts. The goal for this department is to provide better service to the community. To assist in making this goal a reality, we have received funds to replace the aging buses. In fiscal year 2012/13, DPT has been provided $3 million to purchase replacement buses. These vehicles will adhere to the latest in clean air standards, serve to reduce the weighted average age of the fleet and increase fleet reliability. DPT’s oldest buses that are less reliable and have become increasingly costly to operate will be retired. Presently, the average age of the fleet is 7.8.

He concluded by noting that the Ministry continues it's commitment to creating jobs and is looking for Bermudians to fill three mechanic positions:

We are presently in the process of hiring three additional mechanics. I have personally had discussions with the Bermuda Industrial Union, whom I am happy to say is working with us to ensure that the new hires will work a late shift. At present some of the problems lie in the fact that the negotiated settlement has the mechanics working from Monday through Friday (8 hours per day) when our operation is a 7 day one (19 hours per day). We will be keeping a keen eye on the situation with respect to getting our children home from school.

New buses. New hires. Accommodating ships. Additional revenues. Under the PLP, the Ministry of Transportation is working to improve Bermuda.