Video: Minister Rabain & Minister Furbert
Minister of Education Diallo Rabain and Minister of Transport Wayne Furbert convened a joint post-Budget press conference today [Feb 22], presenting key allocations and initiatives outlined in the 2024 Budget.
Minister of Education Diallo Rabain said, “Good day, Bermuda,
“I am thrilled to stand before you today to outline our vision and strategic steps we are taking through the 2024/25 Ministry of Education Budget Allocation. Our commitment is unwavering as we will continue to lead with purpose and pave the way for lifelong learning the empowers every Bermudian.
“As we continue to Invest in Our People and our Future, in the next fiscal year, our budget reflects an increase of $2.7 million from the 2023/24 estimate. A testament to our belief in the transformative power of Education and reinforce our commitment to enhancing our education system.
Education Reform
“The Ministry is progressing with Education Reform and the transformation of the Bermuda Public School System from a three-tier to a two-tier system. This reform isn’t just structural; it’s about creating a nurturing environment that caters to our students’ diverse needs and talents. This fiscal year, we will continue laying the groundwork for our next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators.
“In September 2023, we celebrated a significant milestone with the opening of the first Parish Primary Schools in Warwick and Hamilton Parish, marking the beginning of a new chapter in our education reform journey. The path has been one of learning and growth, with its fair share of challenges and triumphs. We are acutely aware that not everything has unfolded as we envisioned. However, our commitment to enhancing the educational landscape remains unwavering.
“To that end, we have allocated funding for the continued development of programs and ongoing professional development for our dedicated educators at the Parish Primary Schools. Additionally, work to continue the education reform development needed to open the Smith’s and Devonshire Parish Primary Schools along with the Signature School at Sandys Secondary Middle School in September 2025.
“This type of investment is a testament to our belief in the transformative power of education and our determination to provide the best for our children.
“The feedback from last week’s professional development sessions is a beacon of the positive impact we are striving to achieve. Words of encouragement and stories of inspiration have reached my desk, shared by educators who are witnessing firsthand the fruits of their labour and the promise of what lies ahead. These successes are milestones and stepping stones towards realising the vision we have set for our country’s educational future.
“As we move forward, let us take pride in our achievements and draw strength from the challenges we have overcome. Together, we are laying the foundation for a brighter, more informed future for our children.
“Funding of $5.6 million has been allocated to support the Education Reform capitol development projects, including continuing the current ongoing works at our first two parish primary schools, Francis Patton and Purvis. Work will be completed to provide upper-level classrooms on the newly developed classrooms at Purvis for the Year 7 and Year 8 students, and additional work will be completed at Francis Patton to complete the Lyceum Preschool Building on the site and to support the parish primary school curriculum.
“Funds have also been allocated to commence the foundation work for our two new Parish Primary Schools: Smith’s Parish Primary School at the Harrington Sound Primary School site and Devonshire Parish Primary School at the Elliot Primary School site, and the third Signature Senior School at the Sandys Secondary Middle School site where the offerings will be Hospitality and Tourism and Education Services Signature Learning Programmes for entering S1 students.
The Department of Education
“The Department of Education has been allocated $117.5 million, which will finance a range of educational programmes and services, including the staffing of all schools.
“The Department will continue to provide our Bermuda Public School System students with equitable access to holistic, high-quality instruction that is culturally relevant and empowers them to reach their full potential.
The Bermuda Library and Archives
“The Department of Libraries & Archives has been allocated a $3.2 million budget for the 2024/25 fiscal year, marking a $160,000 increase from the previous year. This budget will support modernization efforts, such as the creation of a new website and digital repository, improvement in records management, digitization of significant historical records including the Royal Gazette microfilm project, and the acquisition of equipment for scanning historic documents and photographs, enhancing the Bermuda National Library and Archives.
“These enhancements will not only safeguard resources and government records, enriching Bermuda’s cultural, educational, and historical landscape, but also lay a foundation for future research and exploration. By focusing on the digitization and preservation of cultural heritage, the Department aims to foster a deeper sense of pride and identity among Bermudians, promoting a greater understanding and appreciation of the island’s rich history, thereby enriching the community’s access to archival information for genealogical research and educational purposes. We are not just preserving our past; we’re making it accessible for all, continuing to transform our library and archives into a beacon of knowledge and pride.
Bermuda Government Scholarships and Awards
“Understanding the need to Invest in Our People and our Future, we will continue supporting Bermudians through Scholarships and Awards for post-secondary education. We have budgeted over $2 million in 2024/25, an increase of over $1 million since 2017.
“The Ministry will commit $30,000 to providing a scholarship for up to 3 years for either undergraduate or post-graduate students at the University of the West Indies and fund the Further Education Awards and College Promise Programme, $500,000 and $450,000, respectively.
“As a reminder, the College Promise Programme, provides public high school graduates with a GPA of 3.0 or higher the opportunity to attend Bermuda College tuition-free. This program was created in 2020 and has provided Bermudians access to cost savings of being able to complete 2 years of schooling in Bermuda, tuition-free. A tremendous savings alternative allowing parents paying for 2 years vs. 4 years of schooling, making higher education a reality for more Bermudians.
“Additionally, discussions around the number of male teachers in the Bermuda Public School System and the significant impact as role models for our children have taken place. As an outcome of those discussions, this year, the Ministry will provide three awards of $7,500 to assist males in funding teaching practicums to encourage male teachers to consider joining the Bermuda Public School System.
The Bermuda College
“In 2024/25 the annual grant to the Bermuda College will remain the same as last year at $14.6 million. Through partnerships, grants, and dual enrolment programs, we’re ensuring that our students are not just ready for the world but poised to lead it
“In 2024/25 the Bermuda College will continue to work with the Department of Education to provide college courses to qualified students through its Dual Enrolment programme as part of the Signature Learning programmes in the Bermuda Public School System curriculum. In October 2023, there were 55 Dual Enrolment students from both public senior schools across various programs. There were also 13 students in the Certificate of Nursing Assistants [CAN] program and 3 students in the Emergency Medical Technician [EMT] program.
“The Ministry envisions further development of this programme as students transition through their Signature Learning Programme and when more Signatures come online.
“The Bermuda College will continue to receive a $300,000 tuition grant to assist students with financial needs in the academic and APACE divisions. In 2023 134 student benefitted from this grant and 155 have benefitted to date in this school year. A comparative number of students is anticipated to be assisted with the 2024/25 grant.
“Like the recently announced partnership with Troy University, Bermuda College will continue expanding its articulation agreements with higher education institutions in the United Kingdom and throughout North America to ensure a seamless transition for Bermuda College graduates who wish to pursue additional education at 3 and 4-year institutions.
“Through a $350,000 grant for capital funds from the Government for the safety of their students, Bermuda College will carry out much-needed infrastructure repairs to their campus.
Conclusion
“As we embark on the fourth year of Education Reform, our resolve has never been stronger. With the continuing to advance the 3-tier to 2-tier plan with parish primary school rescoring process to be completed in the coming weeks and the tabling of the necessary legislation in this parliamentary session to begin the process of forming the Education Authority, we are laying the foundations for an education system that is inclusive, quality-driven, and lifelong
“We see that the hard work of our staff, community members, and change partners to date, has set a strong foundation for continuing the implementation of our strategy for a 21st-century learning environment in the Bermuda Public School System. I thank all who have participated to get us this far and look forward to continued support for the benefit of our children.
“Today, I’ve shared a glimpse into our plans for the coming fiscal year, but this journey is ours to share. I invite each of you to join us in this transformative endeavour. Together, we can ensure that our children’s future is bright, boundless, and distinctly Bermudian.
“I encourage all to tune in when the Ministry of Education’s budget is debated, where I will elaborate on all areas of the total budget.
“Thank You.”
Minister of Transport Wayne Furbert said, “Good afternoon:
“I am pleased to present an overview of the Ministry of Transport’s budget allocation for the fiscal year 2024/2025, along with key highlights for the upcoming fiscal period.
“The Ministry of Transport’s 2024-2025 fiscal year budget is sixty-eight million, two hundred and forty-six thousand dollars [$68,246,000]. This is a decrease of four million, one hundred and five thousand dollars [$4,105,000] from the 2023-2024 prior fiscal year.
“The departments within The Ministry of Transport are:
- Ministry Headquarters
- Department of Marine and Ports,
- Transportation Control Department and
- Department of Public Transportation
“The Ministry of Transport’s estimated revenue for 2024/25 is forty-two million, forty-eight thousand dollars [$42,048,000], the majority of which will be accounted for within the operations of the Transport Control Department.
“The Ministry Headquarters oversees the formulation of policies and strategic plans for the transportation infrastructure and related systems. It collaborates closely with its internal departments, quangos, and external partners to foster a collective approach in policy development.
“Throughout the last year, the Ministry has worked together with the Bermuda Airport Authority, Bermuda Tourism Authority and Skyport in an effort to increase air service to Bermuda. The collaborative efforts and initiatives have materialized successfully.
“I am pleased to report the significant decrease in the Ministry of Transport’s budget of approximately $4.1million mainly attributed to the absence of the requirement of the Guaranteed Minimum Regulated Revenue [GMRR] payment to Bermuda Skyport Corporation Limited. This reduction underscores the growth in air lift in Bermuda. The team has worked on strategically enhancing air service to Bermuda, particularly in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This reduction in the budget serves as evidence of the substantial advancements made in this regard.
“The Department of Marine and Ports is responsible for regulating and safely operating Bermuda’s maritime affairs, including marine border security, search and rescue, and public transportation.
“In a significant stride toward enhancing public transportation services, a recent contract signing on the 6th February 2024 with the department and Strategic Marine of Singapore, to purchase two new ferry builds, stands as a beacon of positive news for commuters. A robust procurement process was conducted with the highest bid equating to $36 million, however the department was able to secure a contract significantly lower, specifically $19.5 million, whilst maintaining quality assurance within the contract. The investment into our ferry fleet is the largest budget item in 2024/2025 capital plan. As part of the Ministry’s infrastructure capital plan, the purchase, which will replace the JE Cecil Smith and Warbaby Fox ferries, signals a pledge to modernizing the ferry fleet and cater to the increasing demand for efficient and sustainable transportation options. These new vessels, each capable of carrying up to 550 passengers, not only mark a considerable investment in maritime infrastructure but also promise to improve the overall commuting experience for residents and tourist alike.
“In a groundbreaking move, the Department of Public Transportation and the Department of Marine and Ports will be introducing and implementing digital fare media for buses and ferries, marking a historic milestone in public transportation. This initiative, the first of its kind, represents a paradigm shift towards more efficient, convenient, and technologically advanced payment systems. The introduction of digital fare media not only streamlines the ticketing process for buses and ferries but also enhances the overall commuter experience, bringing public transportation into the 21st century.
“Commuters will enjoy the convenience of seamless transactions, as digital fare media eliminates the need for physical tickets or cash. The integration of smart card technology and mobile applications offers passengers a range of payment options, providing flexibility and accessibility for diverse user preferences. Beyond the convenience factor, this innovation contributes to more accurate ridership data, aiding in optimizing routes and improving service efficiency. As a positive step towards a cashless and digitally connected society, the implementation of digital fare media not only modernizes public transport but also sets a precedent for future technological advancements in the transportation infrastructure. This forward thinking approach promises a more connected, efficient, and user-friendly public transportation system, bringing about positive changes in the daily lives of commuters and visiting tourists.
“Throughout this fiscal year, the Ministry’s overarching mandate is to continue the enhancement of Bermuda’s transportation systems, ensuring alignment with present and future demands for transportation services and products. This commitment underscores the government’s dedication to ‘Investing in our people and our future.’
“Lastly, I extend my gratitude to the dedicated and industrious team at the Ministry of Transport, as well as our valued partners who collaborate closely with the Ministry to ensure the successful attainment of our common goals.
“Thank you.”
Very happy with the move towards digital fares. This will make it much easier for tourists and others to catch the bus without having to purchase tickets or have specific coins.
Additionally, I am very happy with what I have heard recently about education reform. It hasn’t and won’t be without its challenges, but it is necessary and I believe in the reform as presented. Remember that some critics and opposition (both internal and external) are doing it strictly for political reasons. Real reform always has opposition.
Hopefully ‘this forward thinking approach’ will still allow cash . Not every one on earth has a smart device.
As long as digital fares are not through a business that a PLP ministers family owns…. That hitch app skimming money off taxi drivers for the benefit of who? Taxi drivers should be screaming and refusing to use it.
As long as disclosed, and as long as the politicians are not involved, why not? A PLP or OBA or FDM member should not be blocked from participation in a free market economy simply because of one’s relation.
This was never the case during the forty thieves economy. I mean, there were many companies owned by certain UBP/OBA families that got nearly every contract back in the day. Seems to only be corruption under a PLP government.
“the implementation of digital fare media”
The PLP Government is finally going to introduce BurtCoin?
Furbert is speaking using Alice in Wonderland’s “a word means what I want it to mean”. Realty and fact is not in the PLP vocabulary, but they get away with it.
I thought it was Humpty Dumpty who said “When I use a word … it means just what I choose it to mean — neither more nor less” in “Through the Looking Glass”, but I take your meaning.
You are correct, thank you. I should have checked the quote before posting. I do wonder how digital fares will work when Bermuda does not, and until there is a central Bank, is unlikely to have, a digital currency? Jamaica and Barbados have both, maybe Burt thinks Caricom membership will be the answer.
It’s about time we did something about a Bermudian having to wait 5 months or more just to get their Passport renewed !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I WISH mine was renewed in only 5 months. I had to wait 10 months and I had to get an ESTA to travel to the United States in those 10 months.
P.S. My British passport was renewed within 30 days!
Agreed. Not everyone has a smart phone. Will cash and tickets be phased out eventually?