Inter-Island Communication News Brief – July 17, 2019

A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of National Security’s Gang Violence Reduction Team is pleased to announce that the therapeutic form of the Redemption Farm Programme commenced in earnest today, with eight at risk young men joining the programme.

“The initiative is funded by the Bermuda Government and will involve partnerships with private and public entities which include the Bermuda Farmers Association. The Redemption Farm will provide successful engagement of at-risk young men in a socially restorative, incentivized employment training programme.

“Operated from a holistic approach, the programme will give participants the ability to obtain vocational and entrepreneurial skills through various forms of farming.

“Today, the men were introduced to the farm and met the key players involved in the programme. Following this, they attend Cabinet Building and met with Premier David Burt and the members of cabinet, where Minister Caines shared his vision for the programme and the Premier and Cabinet members gave the men their support and encouragement.”

The Minister of National Security Wayne Caines said, “While much emphasis has been placed on the physical farm itself, it must be stated that the concept for Redemption Farm is greater than just the physical location.

A spokesperson said, “The Department of Energy has announced that effective immediately, the general public will be able to exchange up to ten incandescent light bulbs, at one time, for ten LED light bulbs free of charge.

“You will recall that on 1 May, 2019 the Department of Energy launched the initial LED Exchange Programme which allowed for the exchange of just one incandescent bulb. In an effort to further the aim of the Ministry of Home Affairs to encourage a greener Bermuda, the Department has made the necessary allowances to ensure the public has access to even more energy saving, and cost efficient LED bulbs.

“After conducting research with local retailers, the Department of Energy found that a standard 60-Watt A19 bulb is the most popular choice among customers.

“A 60-Watt bulb generates approximately $46 per year if used for five hours each day. An LED light bulb equivalent will only generate around $6.90 per year. Switching to an LED bulb generates a savings of about 85% in energy usage annually.

“The Department of Energy and the Ministry of Home Affairs hope that all residents will take advantage of the LED Exchange Programme to contribute to a greener, more energy-efficient Bermuda.

Congratulations again to the Independent Bermuda team for finishing the Heart of Europe debate tournament in the the second place overall slot! It all went down in the Czech Republic, with the squad finishing the finals as runners-up to South Korea.

The team — composed of Hailey O’Donnell and Genevieve Lau of Bermuda High School, as well as Kate Tobin of Somersfield Academy — won 7 out of 8 debates in the preliminary rounds, picking up the most wins, the highest judges ballots, and the highest speaking points.

The team walked into the quarter finals Monday where they knocked out team CDS Red [Czech Republic], then getting past team Bulgaria in the semi finals with a split decisions of 3 judges to 2.

They entered the finals and debated the motion “This house would ban the use of a space programme for any military or covert purposes,” which they had to propose.

Equally, beyond picking the second overall spot, the team earned individual speaking prizes. Hailey O’Donnell was ranked as the best overall speaker at the tournament, while Genevieve Lau ranked 3rd overall and Kate Tobin ranked 4th.

Congratulations to Halle Teart for being designated as the 2019 Validus Scholar by Validus Re. A spokesperson said, “Halle is entering her sophomore year at Johns Hopkins University, studying Sociology and Africana Studies. Additional bursaries were awarded to Zahra Wilson who will attend the University of Tampa and Timothy Vieira who will attend McGill University. Support also continues for 2018 Validus Scholar, Kenji Robinson at Acadia University.

“The Validus Scholarships provide funding to Bermudian students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree at an accredited university. Scholars are selected based on academic acumen, financial need, good character, and community involvement.”

Jeff Clements, Chief Executive Officer of Validus Re said, “Halle was chosen from a very talented and competitive group of Bermudian students. She exhibits a strong work ethic and determination that we expect from Validus Scholars. We are delighted to support her as she continues her academic career.”