"By conducting such tabletop exercises, we can simulate realistic scenarios and assess our collective readiness to handle potential incidents," said Minister of National Security the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, following last week's successful tabletop exercise on board the Celebrity Summit cruise ship.

This exercise, at Heritage Wharf, brought together multiple agencies and stakeholders to simulate a grounding incident involving a ship departing Bermuda and all subsequent actions that would be required.

World Hypertension Day is observed every May 17 to raise awareness and promote hypertension prevention, detection and control. More than one billion people worldwide live with hypertension (high blood pressure), a significant cause of cardiovascular disease and premature death worldwide. 

The Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP, shares the following message about the significance of heart Health.

Good morning.

It is an honour for me to be present today and witness the significant efforts being made to enhance the experience and outcomes of breast cancer patients in Bermuda.

I want to acknowledge the Bermuda Hospitals Board and Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, who worked closely with other clinicians and patients to achieve this milestone.

Thank you to Bermuda Hospitals Board, Deputy CEO Scott Pearman and Dr Chris Fosker, Medical Director and Radiation Oncologist at Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, who join me today.

Good afternoon.

Today, as we celebrate World Asthma Day with nations worldwide, I am here to thank Liz Boden (the co-founder of Open Airways) on behalf of Bermuda for her commitment to improving the lives of so many in Bermuda.

While I have heard that Liz will be retiring shortly, knowing Liz, I genuinely believe that her work and the impact of her work will continue FAR into the future.

"The Ministry wishes all applicants every success as they continue their studies and encourages all eligible students to apply by the deadline," said Minister of Health Kim Wilson, JP, MP, as the Ministry of Health opened applications on Monday for the prestigious Dr Barbara Ball Public Health Scholarship.

The scholarship is named in honour of Bermudian Dr Barbara Ball, a renowned public health physician who dedicated her life to improving the lives of the downtrodden.

This year is the 21^st anniversary of the Vaccination Week in the Americas (VWA) which is being held April 22 - 29. And, every year as part of Vaccination Week of the Americas, more than 40 countries and territories in the Americas come together to recognise the significance of immunising and vaccinating their populations.

An exceptional effort is made to reach individuals who may not have consistent access to health services and people living in urban areas.

The VWA 2023 theme is “Get up to date, #EachVaccineCounts.’

The Ministry of Health reminds the public that COVID-19 antivirals and therapeutics, Paxlovid and Molnupiravir, are available in Bermuda. These oral antivirals are available by prescription only from a physician.

Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, JP, MP, said, “Oral antivirals are pills that can stop the virus that causes COVID-19 from making copies of itself in your body. They successfully treat mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in persons at high risk of becoming seriously ill and can prevent hospitalisation or death.”

Mr Speaker and Honourable Members,

The first strategic principle of the Bermuda Health Strategy 2022-2027 is, “Promoting healthy living and preventative care”.

As we strive for a healthier Bermuda, living a healthy lifestyle and taking steps to prevent the onset of illness are essential actions in our personal journey towards better health and key to improving our population’s health.

Mr Speaker,

As I stated in this House last year, health system change is complex, but our goals are clear. It bears repeating that…

The Hamilton Health Centre currently located on the 3^rd Floor, Reid Hall, 3 Reid Street Hamilton, will be closed March 27 – 31 while the services are relocated back to the Hamilton Health Centre, 67 Victoria Street, location. The Hamilton Health Centre will re-open for services on Monday, April 3, 2023. All services are by appointment only.

Thank you Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to say simply our homeless people deserve shelter and this Government – with the able assistance of the Salvation Army – is doing its part in providing quality transitional housing and support programmes for the most vulnerable in our society.