Inter-Island Communications News Brief – March 10, 2021

A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Health will be piloting a walk-in vaccination service starting today. The Bermuda College vaccination centre will accept walk-ins for those persons 65 or older from 3 pm to 6:45 pm until Tuesday, 16 March. The last walk-in vaccination on any day will be at 6:45 pm. Anyone at the vaccination centre after 6:45 pm will be given an appointment for the next available opening on the schedule. To make the process quicker, please Register Online prior to your arrival. However, if you are unable to register online and are 65 years of age or older, you will be able to walk-in and receive your vaccination at the Bermuda College Vaccination Centre. All you need to do is to bring photo ID, such as a driver’s licence. This walk-in service is being piloted to get as many residents over the age of 65 vaccinated by removing the barrier of technology. We urge all persons who have not yet been vaccinated to take advantage of this opportunity. Please note that the Bermuda Hospitals Board vaccination centre is not accepting walk-ins.”

Last Friday’s unauthorized party at Botanical Gardens that saw a hundred or so folks attend what could have been a super spreader event will be the last of its type for some time. This is because the Government has responded by cancelling all similar night time events at government facilities. According to a Government spokesperson quote, “The Department of Parks issued a special permit to an individual to hold what was listed as a birthday party of fewer than 25 persons in attendance at this location, in keeping with the current public health regulations. The Department has no authority to issue permits or exemptions from COVID-19 regulations. The Department can confirm that the application for this event was not accompanied by an exemption granted by the Ministry of National Security. In keeping with the Department’s operational policy, a staff member opens and closes the facility, but they do not remain on-site to monitor the event. The need to promote the safe use of Parks’ facilities, especially in light of the ongoing challenges of the pandemic presents the ideal opportunity to re-examine our policies. Therefore, effective immediately, all night-time events in government facilities, parks and beaches are cancelled until further notice. Day time events for gatherings larger than 25 persons will continue provided there is the written approval from the Ministry of National Security, which will include all necessary guidelines as per the Department of Health.”

There’s a current trend of pedal bike riders and motorcyclists – largely young men – popping wheelies while riding against the flow of traffic on main roads. According to a police spokesperson quote “Such behaviour could result in serious injury, or worse. Not to mention property damage. The Bermuda Police encourage parents and guardians to speak with their children about the dangers of this activity and advise them against participating in it. Motorists and other road users are advised to be on the lookout for individuals engaging in this activity and assist the BPS in dealing with it, by making a report via the 211 number, or calling the main police line, 295-0011. If you are operating a vehicle and find yourself faced with an individual or group of individuals doing wheelies approaching you on your side of the road, please come to a safe and complete stop and allow them to go by, before reporting the incident to police.”

Nearly four hundred thousand dollars in government grant money was issued to nine local community clubs, including three of the island’s historically relevant sailboat clubs, in order to help improve their infrastructure and enhance their facilities. In making the presentation, Premier David Burt shared that, quote, “We certainly recognise that this has been an incredibly challenging time for our island. Our community and sports clubs have also struggled against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic. Even with the adversities that this year has presented, these organisations managed to provide important services to their community. We believe it is important to extend our support where possible to these organisations and their programs. They play an invaluable part in the communities they serve, and these funds will allow them to continue that work. We also recognise that many of our historically black sailing clubs have not had access to significant funding over the years. The Government is proud to keep its promise of assisting them with much-needed upgrades to their club buildings and other facilities which will allow them to engage in important sailing initiatives that benefit its members, and the community. If the Government can find money to provide sponsorship to SailGP, we can also find money to support our historically black sailing clubs.”