Move Combines Economic Development with Labour, Immigration and Workforce Development
The Cabinet Office advised today, 22 February 2022, that upon the advice of the Premier, Her Excellency the Governor has transferred responsibility for Business Development, International Business, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC), the Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) and the Economic Development Department from the Premier to The Hon. Jason Hayward, Minister of Labour.
Premier David Burt said: “I am confident Minister Hayward is capable of handling these added responsibilities and those sectors will in turn have a Minister focused on providing policy development and execution in support of economic growth for Bermuda while I devote time to the Ministry of Finance. The transferred responsibilities will enjoy synergies with workforce development and immigration that will further advance Bermuda’s Economic Recovery Plan creating jobs in this economy and getting Bermudians back to work.”
The Premier also noted that the new Ministry would be known as The Ministry of Economy and Labour and would also include the Department of Statistics. “Data-driven policy is necessary to provide the targeted assistance that will equip Bermuda’s workforce for jobs that will be created.”
Minister Hayward said: “I thank the Premier for having confidence in me and I am humbled by this opportunity to serve. As we continue to live with Covid-19, economic development, growth and diversification are top priorities for the Government. The Ministry of Economy and Labour will lay the foundation for a human-centered sustainable economic recovery. I am looking forward to working with all agencies and stakeholders to deliver on the Government’s economic recovery plan.”