Ministers list key accomplishments since Cox took control

Here is what they said has been their key achievements since they took their respective ministries.

Dame Jennifer Smith, Minister of Education

• Addressing concerns about solidifying the leadership of the governors at CedarBridge Academy;
• The Adopt-A-School programme has raised $100,000;
• Commissioner Wendy McDonnell became responsible for the accelerated restructuring of the public school system with a focus on teaching and learning;
• Permanent Secretary Warren Jones took on the additional role of Acting Commissioner of Education, responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Ministry.

Michael Scott, Attorney General and Minister of Justice

• A review of rehabilitation, monitoring and treatment programmes to see if there are adequate opportunities for offenders to re-enter society;
• Two new prison psychologists;
• Gang Supervision training for the Department of Court Services, Department of Corrections and police officers;
• Amendments proposed in the Parole Board Annual Report 2009;
• A review of the Legal Aid Act 1980 and the Legal Aid Office to effect cost-saving measures;
• A new Contract and Lease Review Committee in the Attorney General’s Chambers.

Neletha Butterfield, Minister of Public Information Services

• Raising awareness of The Bermuda Archives;
• The Bermuda National Library launched its digital newspaper collection and expanded its outreach services to the community;
• Government savings suggestion box for the public;
• The Information Technology Office’s centre in Southside trained 403 people.

Zane DeSilva, Minister of Health

• Promoted the benefits of community blood donations;
• Addressed Bermuda’s obesity problem;
• Promoted awareness of those living with disabilities and those who are vision impaired;
• Established a hypertension task force;
• Produced Bermuda’s first Health in Review report;
• A National Health Plan for Bermuda to be implemented;
• Signing of the Public Private Partnership to build Bermuda’s new hospital.

Glenn Blakeney, Minister for Youth, Families, Sport and Community Development

• Development of an Anti-Doping in Sport Act that will establish the Bermuda Council for Drug-Free Sport as the Sport Anti-Doping Agency for Bermuda;
• Awarded Cultural Legacy Fund grants to 21 recipients;  
• Established a new Department of Human Affairs’ website;
• Commenced construction of a swimming pool at the National Sports Centre.

Michael Weeks, Minister without Portfolio

• Announced plans for a new Youth Council to represent the senior school community, private high schools and the Bermuda College.

Patrice Minors, Minister for Business Development and Tourism

• About 25 meetings with the international business community;
• Business Development and Regulatory Unit led further legislative changes to attract more business to Bermuda;
• Working party set up to attract new and profitable business to Bermuda;
• Established a trademark legislation review committee;
• Launched e-Monday, a one-day online shopping event;
• Public consultation on revisions to the Electronic Transactions Act 1999;
• Technology Leadership forum hosted student networking event;
•  Meetings with at least six hotel developers;
• Bermuda’s first ever hospitality careers fair;
• Bermuda Hospitality Institute launched new programme promising 20 summer students employment;
• New look Tourism Board under the chairmanship of Malcolm Butterfield;
• Newly-branded ‘Feel The Love’ month currently taking place.

Derrick Burgess, Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Works

• New war memorial unveiled;
• Base Lands Development Amendment Act 2010;”.
• Removal of asbestos materials;
• Road improvements at the entrance to Horseshoe Bay;
• Reverse Osmosis Plant commissioned to increase the potable water supply from 35,000 to 155,000 gallons per day for residents in the east end.

Terry Lister, Minister of Transport

• A review of road safety and motorists’ behaviour;
• AirTran Airways services to Baltimore and Atlanta;
• The Department of Marine and Ports Services is assessing shipping channels;
• Incentives for businesses to import and sell hybrid and electric cars.

Walter Roban, Miniser of Environment, Planning and Infrastructure Strategy

• Completion of planning application for King Edward VII Memorial Hospital redevelopment ahead of schedule.
• Secondments for two trainee Land Title Officers;
• Establishment of a Land Registry;
• Completion of the Energy White Paper;
• The Fisheries Amendment Act 2010;
• Government has met with the PEW Ocean Legacy Fund to assess the creation of marine conservation areas;
• The European Space Agency is considering setting up a rocket launch tracking station at Cooper’s Island.

Colonel David Burch, Minister for National Security and Housing

•  Recent arrests, trials and convictions show progress on crime;
• Worked with the new gang task force to make “significant strides” on crime;
• Continued efforts to provide affordable housing;
• Progress expected on Harbour View village housing development once the Fire Department clears the homes for people to move in.