Commission Of Inquiry To Resume On Nov 18th
The Commission of Inquiry into Historic Losses of Land in Bermuda will reconvene its hearings at 10.00am on Wednesday, November 18th.
A spokesperson said, “The Commission of Inquiry into Historic Losses of Land in Bermuda will reconvene its hearings at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 18th November 2020 in the Dining Hall at the Warwick Camp, 1 South Road, Warwick WK 01.
“The hearings will continue thereafter as directed by the Chair of the Commission. It is expected that Commissioners will conclude hearing evidence regarding the historic expropriation of land at Tucker’s Town and St. David’s Island.
“Thereafter, persons who have been granted standing for matters related to loss of land in other areas of the Island will be heard. Such persons will be notified in writing when their matters will be addressed.
“Based on the evidence it will hear, the Commission will make recommendations to the Government of Bermuda that may remedy the systemic causes that gave rise to losses of citizen’s property in Bermuda through theft of property, dispossession of property, adverse possession claims and/of such other irregular means by which law was lost in Bermuda.
“The Commission may also refer cases to the Director of Public Prosecutions where appropriate, and/or may make recommendations that might forestall future land losses by any unlawful or irregular means.
“As has been previously noted, the Commission is not a court of law, and will not issue any orders that will address individual land losses, except as part of a result of a systemic cause, nor will it attempt to provide an individual remedy for any loss.
“The hearings are open to the public, but all attendees will be expected to adhere strictly to Government health guidelines: masks must be worn by all attendees, hand-sanitizing directions must be followed and physical distance must be observed. The Commission reserves the right to restrict access to the hearings should the maximum number of persons permitted in the facility be achieved.
“To the extent possible, the Commission will ensure that its proceedings are recorded and/or live-streamed.
“Information regarding the Commission, including its mandate, its Members, the Rules of the Commission, dates of hearings and other significant Commission documents may be viewed on the Commission’s website, historiclandlosscoi.bm.
Background
“The Commission of Inquiry into Historic Losses of Land in Bermuda was established on 31st October 2019 by Premier, the Honourable E. David Burt JP MP, pursuant to the Commissions of Inquiry Act 1935. The Commission, which is chaired by retired Justice Norma Wade Miller OBE JP, has been directed to inquire into historic losses of citizens’ property in Bermuda, in keeping with the mandate of the House of Assembly as expressed in its Resolution of 4th July 2014.
“Other Commissioners are Mrs. Maxine Binns, Ms. Frederica Forth, Mrs. Lynda Milligan-Whyte, The Hon. Wayne Perinchief, Mr. Jonathan Starling and Mr. Quinto Stovell.
“The Commission delayed its initial hearing date of 19th March 2020 until such time as the Government of Bermuda deemed it safe for persons to assemble. The Commission also adjusted the date by which persons seeking standing, or who had anecdotal information but who did not wish to seek standing, could submit documentation. The initial deadline in March was tentatively shifted to 30th May 2020. The latter date was adjusted to 8th June 2020 but, in light of reported challenges encountered members of the community who sought to access relevant documents, the Commission communicated that the deadline would be extended until 30th June 2020. Finally, in order to accommodate further requests for extensions, the Commission determined that the final deadline for submissions would be 23rd July 2020.
“The Commission held its first Evidentiary Hearing on 8th September 2020. After an adjournment, the Commission reconvened on 19th October 2020 and adjourned on 30th October 2020.”
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