Videos: OBA & PLP Senators After Bills Pass
Yesterday [Oct 9] Senators passed the Cruise Ships Casino Act, the Municipalities Amendment Act, and the St. George’s Levy Act; paving the way for cruise ships to open their casinos while docked in Bermuda, changes to the way the Municipalities operate, and an extra tax levied on gas imported via the St George’s oil docks.
The Opposition Senators spoke against the Municipality reform, while the Government Senators spoke in favour of it. The Corporation of Hamilton has spoken out against the Bill, and some members of the Corporation were at the Senate yesterday.
OBA Senator Michael Fahy, who serves as Minister of Home Affairs, explained the Municipality Act is not getting rid of the residents vote, but is adding a vote for the businesses so “everyone can be heard.” He said the Act also increases oversight and returns wharfage dues to be handled by the Municipalities.
Senator Fahy also said the oil tax will raise around $430,000 which the Corporation of St George’s can use to invest in the Town.
PLP Senator Renee Ming said the business vote will impact the Municipalities, especially in Hamilton. She said there is approximately 600 residential voters and 900 business voters. She said the business vote could grow, which could result in residents having “lost their voice.”
OBA Senator Jeff Baron said the Municipality Bill is about “good governance,” and said it passed by a margin of 7-3.
PLP Senator Marc Daniels spoke about the retroactive/lease aspects of the Bill, expressing concern about the possible impact of investor confidence if we allow the Government to retroactively cancel contracts.
In December 2012, the Corporation of Hamilton signed a lease with Allied Development Partners, giving the developers a 262-year lease on 26-acres of City waterfront on Front Street.
The City said the long lease is in “keeping with the leases given to 9 Beaches and Club Med” and was necessary in order to “secure the capital necessary to build a $1.7 billion infrastructure.”
The Bill [PDF], as tabled, requires approval of Cabinet and Legislature to validate leases over 21 years entered into by the Corporation on or after 1 January 2012.
OBA Senator Michael Fahy:
OBA Senator Jeff Baron
PLP Senator Renee Ming
PLP Senator Marc Daniels
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Listened to all the video’s and some may disagree, but I think Marc Daniels is the most well-spoken individual amoungst them all. IT would also seem that he is a bit more in the know concerning this Municipalities Act.
Agree
I listened to ‘two minutes’ of his remarks and I must agree with Mazumbo.
I shall get back to the rest in due course.
Mr. Daniels has a bright future ahead of him in local politics.
Senator Daniels often presents well but is not more “in the know” than the substantive Minister responsible for the Municipalities – Minister Fahy. During the debate, Daniels was corrected on legal outlines he tried to speak to on the legislation by both Minister Fahy (a lawyer) & the Senate President (re. COH authority on any contract terms exceeding 21 years). Surprising given Daniels’s legal background.
This is how we learn.
Thank you.
Jade, you are joking right? I listened to the debate, and what you are describing is the fact that when Senator Daniels started to delve deeper, Min Fahy became very uncomfortable, using point of clarifications and orders to appeal(whine) to the President. She, on every occasion, acquiesced to Min Fahy, even when Fahy’s deflections where without basis. Hey, Daniels is very promising, as are Rabain and Ming. Fahy is strong, Baron wants to be…..Nalton contributes, and so does Woolridge. Swan is light, very light. The independents rubber stamp everything!
Who is Senator Daniels?
Oh nvm stupid question. It’s Marc Daniels.
Cordial Saludos Hermano Daniels,
Muy bien trabaja hoy.
Por favor, continua.
El Futuro