MPs return to the House of Assembly today for the first time in 2024, with a single piece of business legislation listed for debate.

Additionally, the Economic Development Amendment Act 2024 is to be tabled by Jason Hayward, the economy and labour minister, for debate in two weeks.

Lawmakers will deal with the Investment Business Amendment Act 2023, tabled in December by David Burt.

The sitting is notable for the number of MPs scheduled as absent, with seven government legislators away and two from the Opposition.

Three ministers are off today: transport minister Wayne Furbert, health minister Kim Wilson and education minister Diallo Rabain.

Mr Hayward will address the House on the National Training Board annual reports from 2019 to 2023.

He will also speak on the guidance to employers on distributing tips and other gratuities.

Michael Weeks, the national security minister, is to give a statement on addressing street harassment.

Shoring up Bermuda’s legislation to protect women from harassment such as catcalling was an item in November’s Throne Speech.

Vance Campbell, the Minister of the Cabinet Office, is scheduled to speak on the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Bermuda.

A second piece of legislation is scheduled to be tabled, with the Premier bringing the Registrar of Companies (Annual Corporate Regulatory Fees) Act 2024.

The item for debate is a lengthy piece of housekeeping legislation updating the Investment Business Act 2003.

The Act pertains to “the supervision and regulation of recognised investment exchanges and recognised clearinghouses”.

Today’s sitting marks the calm before the storm for MPs, with the Budget statement looming — followed by the Opposition’s reply, then the Budget debate.