Deaths Exceed Births For Third Consecutive Year
For the third consecutive year, in 2020 the number of deaths exceeded the number of births, with a recent Government report stating that in 2020 the “number of deaths increased 6% to set another record high of 566, with an ageing population and Covid-19 as contributory factors.”
This is according to the recently released Bermuda Digest of Statistics, which said, “For the third consecutive year, the number of deaths exceeded the number of births, resulting in a population decline of 26. The number of births rebounded from 2019’s record low with a 3% increase to 540.
“Bermuda’s sex ratio at birth was 99 males per 100 females compared to a sex ratio of 92 for the total population. The number of deaths increased 6% to set another record high of 566, with an ageing population and Covid-19 as contributory factors.”
The statistics above/below pertain to 2020, and as Bernews has previously reported, in 2021 the birth rate declined even further, with less than 500 births recorded. The statistics pertaining to deaths in 2021 are not yet available, however with the 491 births in 2021 it is more than possible that when those statistics are released, deaths could again exceed births in 2021, which would make it four consecutive years.
The island’s ageing population and/or declining birth rate is cited as impacting aspects including, but not limited to, the health system, pension system and education system.
The recently released Bermuda Health Strategy 2022-2027 [PDF] noted that “1 in 3 people will be aged over 65 by 2039″ and added “there are 3.9 people in the workforce for every over-65 dependent. By 2039, this will drop to 1.7 which could result to a reduction of funding into our healthcare system.”
The recent Contributory Pension Fund Actuarial Report – which suggested increasing the retirement age to 70 — stated, “The total number of working age persons [age 20 to 64] is projected to decline gradually resulting in a declining old-age support ratio [3.1 to 1.6 over 50 years].”
The declining birth rate was also cited during the consultation process for Primary schools, with the consultation document noting that “Bermuda’s birth rate continues to decline, and projections show that the decline in enrolment will continue.”
“Like most of the developed world, Bermuda is faced with the challenges associated with the growth of an ageing population,” the former Finance Minister said earlier this month.
One of the seven themes in the Government’s ‘Economic Recovery Plan’ is titled ‘Expanding the Resident Population,’ and it states the below:
Extension of the Temporary Residency Certificate [1-year]
To capitalize on the increasing number of Digital Nomads and students in tertiary education completing their courses online, the One Year Residential Certificate allows persons such the ability to reside in Bermuda while working remotely, and Non-Bermudian Post-Secondary Students the ability to complete their higher education from Bermuda. They will be enjoying life in Bermuda while contributing daily to the local economy.
Implementation of this policy by the Ministry of Labour has been successfully completed with the Temporary Residency Certificate programme in full operation. Over 937 Certificates have been issued since August 2020 and over 638 Certificate holders were living in Bermuda as of the end of October 2021. The Policy allows persons to re-apply for a further certificate if they wish to stay longer than one year.
Further Measures to Expand the Resident Population
In its efforts to retain and expand the residential population in Bermuda, the Government increased the maximum period that visitors may stay on the island without further permission from the Minister responsible for Immigration from 90 days to 180 days.
Further, with the implementation of the Repatriation and Mixed Status Families legislation (Bermuda Immigration and Protection Amendment Act 2020) the Government has allowed for persons born overseas to Bermudian parents to be Bermudian from birth as of the effective date of the legislation and moving forward.
Additionally, in March 2021, the Department of Immigration removed the administrative requirement for applicants to produce an Affidavit of Domicile to better facilitate persons born overseas to Bermudian parents to apply for and obtain Bermudian Status.
Additionally, legislation to advance comprehensive immigration reform by providing a process for Long-Term Residents to apply for Permanent Residency in Bermuda was passed in October 2021. This initiative will be completed once the Immigration Amendment Act comes into force on 1st December 2021. The Government has also recently released a Position Paper on Long-Term Residents here.
Minister of Labour Jason Hayward mentioned this during the most recent session in the House of Assembly, saying, “A key feature of our plan is expanding Bermuda’s residential population to counteract the negative effect of aging demographics.
“Bermuda’s population is aging, you know that there will be more people leaving the workforce than entering the workforce, you know that skews our dependency ratio.
“So this Government is well aware and cognizant that we need to bring in more persons. Where we may disagree is the way in which we bring in more persons, once the economy starts to expand, we have natural organic growth in terms of persons that are here to work, but not to displace Bermudians who are suitably capable and qualified for doing the jobs.
“Because our priority is always getting our people back to work,” the Minister added. “Ensuring Bermudians are leading dignified lives.”
Rihanna is pregnant. Should see a surge.
Because people care about celebrities that much
“with an ageing population and Covid-19 as contributory factors”
Not to mention the number of Bermudians escaping persecution in Bermuda and fleeting to the United States, Canada and Britain!