The Ministry of Home Affairs wishes to remind the public of the process for making submissions toward the Blue Prosperity Plan.
To be clear, the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme (BOPP) team is not involved in reviewing the submissions of the draft Blue Prosperity Plan submitted this month to the Government for consideration.
As was announced at the recent Press Conference, a Ministerial appointed Review Panel, independent of BOPP, will be responsible for evaluating all public submissions to the Blue Prosperity Plan’s proposed Marine Protected Area Network and Potential Use Areas.
The Review Panel will acknowledge receipt and consider all submissions. Furthermore, all information received by the panel will be made public.
During their review, if most of the panel believes that to provide a robust recommendation on a submission, they must hear directly from the submitter or subject experts, the Chair can request the relevant parties attend an in-person meeting to discuss the submission.
Following their thorough evaluation, the panel will provide the Minister of Home Affairs with a report including their recommendations.
Once considered and if required, the Minister will select the recommendations to amend the Blue Prosperity Plan further. This amended Plan and the submitted Panel report will be introduced to the Cabinet for consideration and approval.
Details of the panel and its remit are available at forum.gov.bm.
As with the BOPP process, all relevant documentation will be made public.
Lastly, recognizing some individuals' preferences, printed copies of the written submission application form will be available for collection at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 's headquarters in the Botanical Gardens during normal working hours, Monday to Friday, 8:45. a.m. to 5:00 pm. These forms can be completed and submitted in the secure mailbox outside and to the left of the main entrance of the DENR Botanical Gardens offices. Any supporting documentation can also be included with each submission.
However, should individuals prefer to complete their application electronically, there is no need to sign up for a DropBox account.
Here are the steps for downloading the form without an account:
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Visit forum.gov.bm
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Locate and click on the 'Blue Prosperity Plan' consultation
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Click on 'Read more' and go to Step 1
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Immediately below Step 1, click on the 'Final Draft Blue Prosperity Plan Submission Form' link, which will open a new window/web page
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In this window/web page, click on 'Or continue with download only' located at the bottom
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The document will open in a new window/web page
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Here, you can download the document to your device by clicking the arrow pointing down.
Each submission should be sent to the dedicated email – msp@gov.bm.
Considering the public's interest, the Ministry of Home Affairs is encouraged and anticipates receiving many submissions in the coming days. Public involvement in this process is critical to strengthening and creating a Blue Prosperity Plan for Bermuda that works for all.