Bermuda is aiming to become a world leader among small island nations in the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), according to Telecommunications Minister Terry Lister.
Police and Fire Services use the technology to quickly determine the locale of an incident, while Government uses it in planning applications, land valuation and protecting the Island's healthy coral reefs, the Minister said.
Speaking at a press conference marking International GIS day, Mr. Lister said: "GIS in Government is a collective and co-operative effort driven by a number of departments.
"The Government has made exceptional progress in the use of Geographic Information and Bermuda is well positioned to become a worldwide leader among small island nations in the use of GIS. Our main challenge now is to effectively meet and manage the increasing demand for GIS services as more Government departments and businesses begin to realise the value of GIS.
"As Bermuda's environment becomes more complex, emergency services are becoming increasingly dependent on the ability to access multiple layers of geographic data, which can be provided by several departments as for instance, roads, addresses and buildings are provided by the Ministry of Works and Engineering.
"The GIS Committee created the following vision statement as part of its strategy. It states that: 'The Bermuda Government will be, and will be recognised as, a world class provider and user of geographic information and services. With our collaborative, accessible and reliable spatial data infrastructure, we will enhance efficiency and promote integrated decision making to positively impact Bermuda's society, environment and economy.'
"I am confident that the collective efforts of the Government departments on Government's GIS Committee and the strategy we are now embarking upon will make this vision a reality and will position Bermuda to take advantage of the many opportunities and services that can be provided by this technology."
Demonstrations of GIS in surveying, habitat mapping, conservation, planning, archaeology and tourism will take place at Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo on Monday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
By Tim Smith
Wednesday 19 November 2008
Tuesday 18 November 2008
Distinctive districts for revitalised Hamilton quarter
Published: November 18. 2008 09:45AM Distinctive districts for revitalised Hamilton quarter
By Matthew Taylor
Court Street: The hub of the North Hamilton Economic Empowerment Zone.
Exciting plans to transform North East Hamilton have been unveiled by Minister of Finance Paula Cox, detailing how the area will change over the next ten years.
Revitalisation will include creation of open spaces, expanding pedestrian areas, the introduction of more public art and more street lights.
Ms Cox said the neighbourhood varies dramatically from one block to the next so it was not possible to create a general set of policies and regulations.
"Therefore the innovative and creative solution is to capitalise upon the existing micro-neighbourhood structure of North East Hamilton and create 13 distinct districts."
It's hoped the redevelopment will attract more locals and tourists, improve and increase the housing stock, provide community facilities, protect areas of cultural value, consolidate neighbourhoods, increase commercial opportunities and inspire investor confidence.
The area became the Island's first Economic Empowerment Zone in November 2005.
Legislation will now be introduced to usher in the North East Hamilton Land Use Plan, to be known as the EEZ Local Plan, and see the establishment of an Economic Empowerment Zone Agency.
The next phase of the initiative will be to create a Local Plan for North East Hamilton which will contain specific, detailed land use policies and design regulations for each district.
The draft EEZ Local Plan will be subject to at least two months of public consultation and can be revised before it is brought to the House for final approval.
Ms Cox said: "North East Hamilton is an area steeped in tradition. It is an area in Hamilton that was once a hub of activity, full of vitality and energy.
"Yet regrettably over the years this area has not always reaped the economic benefits of other more recognised areas in the City of Hamilton.
"For this reason the Government determined to focus on North East Hamilton and its talented entrepreneurs in a bid to jumpstart much needed attention and capital to this multi-faceted section of our community."
To date stakeholders in the zone have taken advantage of :
• Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation guarantees on business loans.
l EEZ business loans and grants, available up to a maximum of $10,000 each.
l Reduction in payroll tax rate up to nine tax periods for new businesses established in the EEZ.
l Wealth building and financial management courses for EEZ residents.
l Grants provided to EEZ community organisations to undertake direct grassroots initiatives in the zone.
l Duty exemption for retailers on imported items for capital improvement and refurbishment projects.
By Matthew Taylor
Court Street: The hub of the North Hamilton Economic Empowerment Zone.
Exciting plans to transform North East Hamilton have been unveiled by Minister of Finance Paula Cox, detailing how the area will change over the next ten years.
Revitalisation will include creation of open spaces, expanding pedestrian areas, the introduction of more public art and more street lights.
Ms Cox said the neighbourhood varies dramatically from one block to the next so it was not possible to create a general set of policies and regulations.
"Therefore the innovative and creative solution is to capitalise upon the existing micro-neighbourhood structure of North East Hamilton and create 13 distinct districts."
It's hoped the redevelopment will attract more locals and tourists, improve and increase the housing stock, provide community facilities, protect areas of cultural value, consolidate neighbourhoods, increase commercial opportunities and inspire investor confidence.
The area became the Island's first Economic Empowerment Zone in November 2005.
Legislation will now be introduced to usher in the North East Hamilton Land Use Plan, to be known as the EEZ Local Plan, and see the establishment of an Economic Empowerment Zone Agency.
The next phase of the initiative will be to create a Local Plan for North East Hamilton which will contain specific, detailed land use policies and design regulations for each district.
The draft EEZ Local Plan will be subject to at least two months of public consultation and can be revised before it is brought to the House for final approval.
Ms Cox said: "North East Hamilton is an area steeped in tradition. It is an area in Hamilton that was once a hub of activity, full of vitality and energy.
"Yet regrettably over the years this area has not always reaped the economic benefits of other more recognised areas in the City of Hamilton.
"For this reason the Government determined to focus on North East Hamilton and its talented entrepreneurs in a bid to jumpstart much needed attention and capital to this multi-faceted section of our community."
To date stakeholders in the zone have taken advantage of :
• Bermuda Small Business Development Corporation guarantees on business loans.
l EEZ business loans and grants, available up to a maximum of $10,000 each.
l Reduction in payroll tax rate up to nine tax periods for new businesses established in the EEZ.
l Wealth building and financial management courses for EEZ residents.
l Grants provided to EEZ community organisations to undertake direct grassroots initiatives in the zone.
l Duty exemption for retailers on imported items for capital improvement and refurbishment projects.
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