Good evening Bermuda,

For the purposes of this evening’s briefing, I will speak to the updated protocols for large group gatherings. As we advised the public recently, the responsibility for approving large group exemptions is now under my Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport.

As of today (June 29), under the current Public Health Emergency measures legislation the maximum number of people allowed to gather is 100 persons. 

However as indicated by the Minister of Health, this evening, on Thursday July 1, that number will move back to 50 people.

Therefore starting Thursday, requests for group gatherings larger than 50 people must be submitted for through the application online form, which can be found on the gov.bm coronavirus webpages under ‘forms’.

I want to stress however, that while we are able to consider applications for large group exemptions, I’m reminding the public that Bermuda and the world are still experiencing a pandemic. 

So, we will consider all applications, but remind prospective applicants that public health guidance must be followed. There is extensive guidance on how to apply for large group gatherings at www.gov.bm, but I will just highlight a few aspects of the process for our viewers:

Applicants must apply through the online form. The application must be completed in one session and takes at least 30 minutes or longer for complex events. Before you begin your application make sure you have all the information required, such as your site map. Incomplete applications can’t be reviewed.

Following submission of the application, you will receive an automatic acknowledgment email with an ID number. Your application will be reviewed for completeness and you will be contacted if any information or documents are missing. 

Once all the information is received, the Ministries of Youth, Culture and Sport and Health will review it and provide a response. Applicants should note that the Standard Large Group Conditions will apply to all large group exemptions, which include the use of SafeKey and collecting contact tracing information for all attendees. 

For more information on Large Group Guidelines and conditions including SafeKey requirements, guidelines for the number of attendees including hosts, organizers, staff, volunteers, players, coaches, officials, spectators, vendors, food and beverage service, the public can visit www.gov.bm.

On a separate matter, I would also like to offer some comment on the recent matter concerning our national swimmers who were not able to gain certification to represent Bermuda at the Olympics.

The way this incident unfolded has been most unfortunate. The situation was politicised and the athletes were caught in the middle. As is common in these situations, there are at least three sides to a story and it saddens me to see the disappointment all around. 

Nevertheless, I am confident that the Standards Committee has been consistent in the application of their criteria as voted and decided on in 2017. 

I appreciate the disappointment fully; however, it is part of competition at any level, but in particular at this highest level of international representation. 

I know Bermuda can get beyond this and certainly look forward to our athletes’ continued development as we move forward.

Finally, I’d like to close by highlighting the upcoming Cup Match Classic, which is scheduled to take place at the end of July.

Cup Match is a truly special time for us as a community and as a Country. 

It’s a time of unity, camaraderie, national pride and of course, the reigniting of friendly rivalries between Somerset and St. George’s fans. 

It’s also a time when the richness of our culture and heritage is on full display.

Sadly last year, for the first time in our history, Cup Match could not take place due to the effects of the pandemic.

But this year, thankfully, the two Clubs were able to come together to ensure that our Annual Classic could happen for our Country.  

Ultimately, the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport is very pleased with this outcome.

And in less than a month, Bermuda will celebrate one of the most anticipated sporting events and holidays on the local calendar – Cup Match. 

We know that it takes significant planning, preparation and organising in order to host an event of this magnitude.

For our part, we are working with the organizers to provide the support needed to help make the Annual Classic possible. 

This includes providing funding and the necessary approvals to allow our two-day national past time to take place. 

Yesterday, I was pleased to meet with the St. George’s Cricket Club leadership, members of the Bermuda Police Service and various government departments to discuss how the Government can support SGCC as it prepares to host Cup Match.

Among the topics discussed were SafeKey requirements, numbers of attendees, venue logistics, COVID-safety protocols and club facility and field preparations.

Yesterday’s meeting is part of a series of meetings being held with the St. George’s Cricket Club and our government and community partners.

And we are we are committed to working with President Neil Paynter and the SGCC to ensure a successful event for all to enjoy. 

On behalf of the Ministry we greatly look forward to recognizing and honouring the historical significance of this important holiday, which includes two days of great cricket being played and the observances of our Emancipation and Mary Prince Day holiday. 

Thank you.