Democracy, Bermuda-Style Bermuda remains a British colony but is self-governing in almost all significant respects, with a Parliamentary system modeled after that of the UK. Although we are nominally under the responsibility of a Governor who is appointed by the Queen, the House of Assembly is where the big decisions are made. The house has 36 elected members representing all areas of the island. At the moment the majority belong to the Progressive Labour Party (PLP), who won a snap election in October 2020. The PLP has 30 seats with the opposition One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) now represented with 6. The October 2020 election was also contested by the Free Democratic Movement, led by
Bermuda has its own very colourful currency
MONEY
MATTERS The Premier, David Burt, JP, MP
The Governor, Her Excellency Rena Lalgie
former PLP leader Marc Bean. Its 5% of the popular vote was not enough to secure any parliamentary seats. The Premier is chosen by the majority party from its elected members to lead the Government and therefore the country. As ‘guest work’, one is not entitled to vote or stand for election.
Members of the House of Assembly pose for an official photograph
New Resident 2022
ISLAND ESSENTIALS
The island has its own currency, the Bermuda dollar, which is ‘pegged’ to the US dollar — one Bermuda dollar equals one US dollar. American money is accepted everywhere. Nearly all ATM’s dispense Bermuda dollars but there are a few that provide US dollars – including several in the departure lounge at the airport. Major credit and debit cards are accepted island-wide. Unlike some of the islands to our south, we don’t have hundreds of banks registered here. There are only a few, with names probably unfamiliar to you (with the notable exception of HSBC). All of them offer the range of services you might expect, such as loans, investment services and online banking. With money laundering of major concern worldwide, don’t be surprised if you’re asked for a great deal of personal information when opening an account. 7
