Hashtag: #Covid19Finances
Ministry Acknowledges Auditor’s Assessment
The Ministry of Finance said they acknowledge the Auditor General’s assessment of the Covid unemployment benefit programme and said they will incorporate the “recommendations into our approach where a gap has been identified.” A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Finance acknowledges the Auditor General’s assessment... Read more of this article
Auditor General Report: Unemployment Benefit
Today [Nov 12], the Auditor General tabled her second public interest report on the Unemployment Benefit Administration programme to “support Parliament in its examination of the Government of Bermuda’s ongoing response to the coronavirus.” A spokesperson said, “ Between April 2020 and April 2021, the Government paid out $61,335,000... Read more of this article
Premier: BEDC Will Continue To Provide Support
“The BEDC will continue to provide Covid-19 Funding Support until March 31st, 2022,” Premier David Burt said, adding that “it is anticipated that at least a further $3 to $4 million in financial support will be deployed by the end of this fiscal year.” Speaking in the House of Assembly today [July 16] the Premier provided an... Read more of this article
$5.4 Million Paid In Travel Authorization Fees
Over $5.4 million has been raised by the Travel Authorization Form fees, and the company providing the website services has been paid over $500,000, the Government has confirmed. This was stated following a Parliamentary Question in the House of Assembly, with Opposition MP Michael Dunkley asking Minister of Health Kim Wilson for details about the... Read more of this article
Minister: $3.5 Million Paid Over Amount Eligible
Approximately 2,500 people received benefits in excess of the amount they were eligible for in the Unemployment Benefit programme which amounted to approximately $3.5 million, Minister of Finance Curtis Dickinson said, adding that to date, 300 people have refunded the government approximately $500,000. While answering questions in the House of Assembly... Read more of this article
Current Emergency Grant Funding To End
After launching in April, the current phase of the BEDC Covid-19 Emergency Grant Funding will end on June 20th, and the last applications to be considered for support of business impacted during the public health restrictions must be submitted by 11:59 pm on June 19th. A spokesperson said, “The current phase of the BEDC Covid-19 Emergency Grant Funding... Read more of this article
Unemployment Benefits Payments Update
The Ministry of Finance advised that “all persons who have met the required criteria for eligibility for unemployment benefits payments and provided the required documentation have been processed for payment.” A Government spokesperson said, ”It should be noted that there are still over 500 applications whose employers have not verified... Read more of this article
3-Month Extension Of Closed Job Categories
Citing the impact of the pandemic on employment, the Department of Immigration advised that the moratorium on new work permits for closed categories has been extended for an additional three months until July 31st. A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Labour seeks to inform the public of the three month extension of the closed job... Read more of this article
Landlords Asked To Assist As Best They Can
“As the Minister responsible for the Department of Financial assistance, it is my plea to landlords to assist as best you can to be fair and help those in need of support,” Minister of Labour Jason Hayward said, with the Minister also asking Financial Assistance clients to “follow the rules” and “act responsibly.” Minister... Read more of this article
Video: Save Our Restaurants Campaign
Noting that there are “more than 2,500 Bermudians employed in the local hospitality industry” and “there is a growing number of locals unemployed,” the Bermuda restaurant industry is asking people to help ‘Save Our Restaurants’. A spokesperson said, “The restaurant industry in Bermuda has issued a rallying cry to the... Read more of this article
BEDC: Covid Businesses Grants/Loans Available
Businesses can apply via the BEDC for Covid-19 Emergency Grants – with amounts ranging from $5,000 to $7,000 per business — and they can also apply for the Covid-19 Combined Loans/Grants, with amounts under that programme ranging from $10,000 to $40,000 depending on business size. Premier David Burt Speaking at last night’s press... Read more of this article
Applications Can Be Filed: Unemployment Benefit
The Ministry of Finance has renewed the unemployment benefit support for individual workers, and eligible persons can receive $1500 for the full 3 week closure. In an online post, the Bermuda Government said, “The Government is again committed to supporting workers and businesses affected by the revised and necessary regulations. The Ministry... Read more of this article
Minister: Government’s Economic Recovery Plan
“Bermuda finds itself on the edge of a fiscal cliff” as it “has a relatively high level of government debt and obligations,” and the Government’s Economic Recovery Plan “is the response to these various challenges,” Minister of Finance Curtis Dickinson said. Speaking in the House of Assembly today [March 22]... Read more of this article
Payments Of $1500 For Three Week Closure
“All affected employees of businesses that are unable to open will receive payments up to a maximum of $1500 this week, which will cover the 3 weeks of closure,” Premier David Burt said, adding that “affected businesses will be eligible for grants to cover expenses and overheads.” The Premier’s comments were made as the... Read more of this article
Government’s List Of Covid Related Contracts
In response to Parliamentary Questions from MP Michael Dunkley in the House of Assembly, Minister of Health Kim Wilson released a list of Covid-19 related contracts undertaken by the Government. The question was, “Will the Honourable Minister please inform this Honourable House about all Covid-19 related contracts undertaken by the Government... Read more of this article
$234K: Workers & People Directed To Quarantine
The Ministry of Finance “has paid $234,000 to those who are not working and others who have been directed to quarantine” in the past few weeks, Acting Premier Walter Roban said. This follows after increased restrictions were put in place last month due to an outbreak of Covid-19, with the restrictions including the closure of all indoor... Read more of this article
