The wealthy city-state facing an image crisis, priding itself on its reputation for clean governance
FILE PHOTO: Ng Chee Meng of the People’s Action Party (PAP) participates in a walkabout ahead of the general election in Singapore June 28, 2020. REUTERS/Edgar Su
International news via Reuters:
Pictures of Singaporean ministers and a ruling party lawmaker together at dinners that included a man convicted in a high-profile $2.2 billion money laundering case have caused a stir in the city-state, where there has been increased public scrutiny of the government’s clean image.
The photos shared widely on social media showed Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat, Health Minister Ong Ye Kung and lawmaker and former Education Minister Ng Chee Meng at dinners with Cypriot national Su Haijin, who was jailed last year in one of the biggest cases of its kind in Singapore.
It was unclear when the pictures were taken. The press secretaries of both ministers said in a joint statement they were invited to the dinners by a friend and Su “happened to be there”.
Su was one of 10 foreign nationals arrested in relation to the money laundering case in August 2023.
“As ministers, they meet a diverse range of people at various events and gatherings. The ministers do not know Su personally and have had no contact or dealings with him, before or since these occasions,” it said.
Ng, who won a parliamentary seat in Saturday’s general election after losing in the 2020 contest, said in a statement that as head of the country’s main labour union he attended many events and had no further interactions with Su after learning of the legal proceedings against him.
The wealthy city-state, an Asian financial hub that has been governed by the People’s Action Party since independence six decades ago, prides itself on its reputation for clean governance.
The party was returned in another landslide in elections on Saturday and, by tradition, its members dress in white during campaigning to symbolise purity and incorruptibility.
The prime minister’s office and the PAP did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the pictures.
Online forum platform Reddit and social media posts by mainstream news outlets on Tuesday drew many comments from Singaporeans, some questioning how the ministers could have met Su and others calling for the graft agency to investigate whether there was a relationship between him and the officials.
The PAP has faced increased public scrutiny in the past two years, including over former transport minister S. Iswaran who was jailed for improperly receiving $300,000 of gifts and obstructing justice, and the resignations of the house speaker and a lawmaker over an extramarital affair.
Two ministers were also investigated and cleared of wrongdoing over their rental of exclusive state-owned properties, an issue that generated intrigue on social media.
Reporting by Jun Yuan Yong; Editing by Martin Petty and Kate Mayberry
Jury selection got under way on Monday, with opening statements scheduled for May 12
FILE PHOTO: Sean “Diddy” Combs sits with members of his defense team Teny Geragos and Alexandra Shapiro for a conference ahead of his trial next month on sex trafficking charges, in New York, U.S., April 18, 2025, in this courtroom sketch. REUTERS/Jane Rosenberg/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
Sean “Diddy” Combs will argue at his sex trafficking trial beginning next week that women who took part in his elaborate sex parties did so willingly, but his lawyers will face an uphill battle trying to undermine the credibility of accusers who say the hip-hop mogul forced them to participate.
Combs, a onetime billionaire known for elevating hip-hop in American culture in the 1990s and early 2000s, has pleaded not guilty to five felony counts including racketeering and sex trafficking.
Prosecutors with the Manhattan U.S. Attorney’s office say that for two decades, he used his business empire to lure women into his orbit with promises of romantic relationships or financial support, and then used violence and threats to obligate them to take part in days-long, drug-fueled sexual performances known as “Freak Offs” with male sex workers.
“The defense has quite the uphill battle ahead,” said Heather Cucolo, a New York Law School professor. “There was a clear power dynamic, and that power dynamic is going to be a main focus and a main issue here.”
Lawyers for Combs, 55, have said prosecutors are improperly trying to criminalize a consensual “swingers” lifestyle in which he and his longtime girlfriends sometimes brought a third person into their relationships.
Jury selection for his trial got under way on Monday, with opening statements scheduled for May 12.
To persuade the jury, his lawyers will have to undermine the accounts of at least four women expected to testify that he coerced them into taking part in unwanted sex acts. Combs’ lawyers have signaled they intend to argue the women had financial incentives to falsely accuse Combs of abuse.
Other high-profile criminal defendants in sex abuse trials have deployed similar strategies in a #MeToo era that has encouraged victims to come forward. Many of these defendants, such as R&B singer R. Kelly and British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, have been convicted anyway.
Combs’ defense says it has evidence the accusers are not being candid. Defense lawyer Teny Geragos said at an April 14 court hearing that one accuser, referred to in court papers as Victim-4, had “cherry-picked” material she chose to hand over to prosecutors, leaving out important context.
At a November 22, 2024, court hearing, defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo said another woman, referred to in the indictment as Victim-1, had her lawyer ask another one of Combs’ lawyers for $30 million in exchange for not publishing a memoir. When the money did not materialize, she sued Combs in November 2023 and settled the case for an undisclosed amount, Agnifilo said, without naming the accuser.
R&B vocalist Casandra Ventura, Combs’ longtime former girlfriend who performs under the stage name Cassie, accused Combs of sex trafficking in a November 16, 2023, lawsuit. The case swiftly settled and terms were not disclosed. Combs denied the allegations.
“It’s our defense to these charges that this was a toxic, loving, 11-year relationship,” Agnifilo said at the hearing last November.
FILE PHOTO: Sean “Diddy” Combs stands as he is arraigned on superseding charges in front of Judge Arun Subramanian, at the federal court in the Manhattan borough of New York City, U.S., March 14, 2025 in this courtroom sketch. REUTERS/Jane Rosenberg/File Photo
SURVEILLANCE VIDEO
Combs faces a major obstacle: a hotel surveillance video prosecutors want to show the jury depicting Combs kicking and dragging a woman in a hallway. Prosecutors say the woman had been trying to leave a “Freak Off” at a Los Angeles hotel in March 2016.
Combs’ defense could argue that the video depicted a domestic dispute unrelated to any racketeering conspiracy. Agnifilo has said the woman in the video had taken Combs’ belongings and left the hotel room after discovering he had another girlfriend.
“To the extent that the government says that this is somehow evidence of sex trafficking, it’s evidence of Mr. Combs having more than one girlfriend and getting caught,” Agnifilo said at a September 30, 2024, court hearing.
Neither prosecutors nor the defense have named the woman in the surveillance video. CNN last year broadcast a video that appeared to show him attacking Cassie in 2016. Combs posted an apology on social media days later.
Zachary Margulis-Ohnuma, a New York defense attorney who has tried sex crimes cases, said the indictment lacked details about other specific actions Combs had taken to compel women to take part in the “Freak Offs.”
“The fact that he had a fight with his girlfriend seems like a thin reed to charge RICO,” Margulis-Ohnuma said, referring to the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act.
Prosecutors back up the RICO charge by alleging that employees of Combs’ businesses helped him transport women to the “Freak Offs,” pay the sex workers and cover up the activity.
Combs’ defense has asked U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian to let them call a forensic video expert as a witness to testify that one version of the hotel surveillance video was distorted to make Combs appear more domineering than he was.
But Combs’ assertion that the woman in the video was stealing his property is a “thin line of defense,” said Mark Zauderer, a partner at New York law firm Dorf Nelson & Zauderer.
“Even if the alleged victim had done something wrong, it would be, in my opinion, very unlikely that a jury would find excusable the kind of violence that is shown in that video,” Zauderer said.
Reporting by Luc Cohen in New York; Editing by Howard Goller
It currently has over 6,000 employees, according to its website
FILE PHOTO: An Aurizon coal train travels through the countryside in Muswellbrook, north of Sydney, Australia, April 9, 2017. REUTERS/Jason Reed/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
Australia’s Aurizon Holdings is looking to potentially cut 200 full-time job roles across its business after an ongoing assessment of its non-operational cost base, the rail freight operator said post trading hours on Tuesday.
The firm had mentioned in its half-year results in February that it would implement “additional efficiency improvements” during the current calendar year.
It currently has over 6,000 employees, according to its website.
Aurizon’s half-year results missed market estimates, with an underlying net profit after tax of A$205 million ($132.27 million) coming below a Visible Alpha consensus of A$215.2 million.
It also mentioned that it is owed around A$50 million in aggregate from two of its bulk customers, and another A$15 million from delay charges and handling services for another bulk customer.
The company still expects its group earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for fiscal 2025 to be at the lower end of the A$1.66 billion-A$1.74 billion range it forecast earlier.
Depending on the outcome of the money it is owed, Aurizon said its provision for impairment of receivables for the fiscal year could rise, likely impacting its EBITDA forecast.
Shares of Australia’s largest rail freight operator closed 3.2% lower at A$3.00 per share at 0600 GMT.
($1 = 1.5499 Australian dollars)
Reporting by Shivangi Lahiri in Bengaluru; Editing by Janane Venkatraman
The motivational speaker has been using his experiences to engage foster care stakeholders in the U.S. and abroad
Antonio Grate is a visionary. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, his formative years were shaped by the foster care system.
Some of those experiences were less than pleasant, but he refused to let them break him. Instead, he turned that pain into power—and now travels the world educating and mentoring various foster care and child welfare stakeholders.
He’s on island this week as part of the Bermuda Government’s Department of Child and Family Services Foster Care Month Campaign, addressing a group of social workers and foster parents this morning at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.
He says that reframing the way people and organisations view children in the foster care system is critical for their success. You can watch our interview with Mr. Grate, and Bermuda Department of Child and Family Service Coordinator Selena Simons, below:
Premier says it’s “nonsense” to suggest PLP Government shouldn’t take credit for International Business growth
Premier David Burt asserts that the success of the International Business sector can legitimately be associated with the work of the PLP government.
He also cites the PLP’s payroll tax amendments as a driving force of their budgetary success.
At today’s Chamber of Commerce Budget Breakfast, the Premier and Finance Minister presented the highlights of the new budget to Chamber members, saying “we have four years of strong GDP growth. This GDP growth has exceed the expectations on every given year.”
“International business remains our economic engine, supported over 5000 jobs, and delivered $2.9 billion in foreign currency receipts.”
As the Premier opened for questions, Arthur Wightman, Teritory Leader for Event sponsor PwC, welcomed the budget surplus – a revised estimate of 19.7 million for last year, and a projected 43.3 million this year.
He asked what the Premier would summarize as the most critical decision that led to reaching a surplus, to which Premier Burt responded, “the very controversial changes to the payroll tax, which was the subject of controversy when I was here two years ago. But, that was it.”
“We increased the rates of payroll tax for high earners, while reducing payroll tax for 86% of workers inside the economy.”
Indeed, payroll tax, the single largest contributor to Government revenues for 25 years, spiked even more between 2021 and 2024.
Furthermore, International business – already a sector with comparatively high wages – has seen total annual employment income increase by $453 million dollars in the same period.
Now representing more than 40% of total employment income in Bermuda, International Business is a massive contributor of payroll tax.
Elsewhere in his comments, the Premier rejected any attempt to not correlate I.B.’s success with his Government’s policies.
“There’s another argument, he said, “…the government shouldn’t take credit for what international businesses are doing. It’s a nonsense.”
“It’s an absolute nonsense because I can promise you, if international business was not growing, it would be people shouting from the rooftops – it’s David Burt and the PLP’s fault. So you can’t have your cake and eat it too. It’s either one or the other. And it comes from sound policymaking.”
Answering questions from Gary Foster Skelton, the Premier subsequently said the PLP has created a more stable business environment than the OBA.
GFS: “What’s the nuance here of what government can claim and can’t? Do you manage the house, make it attractive and people want to do the business here… but then it’s up to them to do the business and make the money?” Premier Burt: “I don’t think there’s any nuance. This is total economic management from the local economy to the international economy. And we do not have growth in international business unless people have confidence in the government to make those long term investments inside of a jurisdiction… And we saw a different sense when there was a lack of confidence and falling numbers of jobs in international business under the former government, because of haphazard policymaking, because of conflicts in the public… there were people marching in the streets… People want to be in a space where they can operate stably. If you have a space where there is massive social disruption, where you are voiding contracts in Parliament – private contracts that are established… Those are not the things which set confidence for business growth.”
Chamber of Commerce President – “We cannot build a future on nostalgia”
Photo: Chamber of Commerce President Marico Thomas.
‘Bermuda is anoher world’ is a phrase that charms – but also scares – Chamber of Commerce President Marico Thomas.
Pointing to how Bermuda is being impacted by world events, Mr Thomas told attendees at today’s sold-out Budget Breakfast , “What we want, how we go about getting it, and how we define success, have all changed.”
“We must better understand how global events, geopolitics, and shifts in technology, not only affect our cost of living, and cost of doing business, but also our social cohesion, access to opportunity and overall stability.”
Speaking to a packed Hamilton Princess Ballroom, Mr Thomas said the slogan of their recent AGM, ‘Fighting Together for a Stronger Economy’, is not a rallying cry for just business, or a statement of combat against the Government.
“It’s an invitation”, he said, “a declaration of belief, of intention, and of resolve. This is our fight together.”
Mr Thomas previewed the Chamber’s formal response to the Bermuda Budget 2025/26, applauding the Government for a balanced budget and the ongoing introduction of the Corporate Income Tax, while citing concern over the increase in net debt and uncertainty over debt repayment.
He also highlighted issues in the restaurant and retail sectors, even as Government may have made it easier to shop overseas.
He said, “retailers and wholesalers – who employ thousands – continue to face sustained pressure from declining volumes and tightening margins.”
“While the increase in the personal duty exemption may bring welcome relief to consumers, it also underscores the need to support local businesses navigating an already challenging environment.”
Mr Thomas also highlighted what he calls a “tax imbalance” in the restaurant sector.
“Takeout and counter-service establishments are taxed more heavily than full-service dining restaurants”, he says. “The industry would benefit from an updated and equitable classification system that reflects today’s operating model.”
Mr Thomas said the Chamber’s response to the Budget, to be released in the coming days, will also touch on immigration reform, healthcare funding, workforce development, and addressing the housing shortage.
This morning is the first event of the Chamber’s Calendar…, and also marks the beginning of a repositioning for the Chamber. That repositioning began just days ago at our AGM, where we introduced the theme…: “Fighting Together for a Stronger Economy.” And we embraced it fully – complete with boxing gloves and robe. That was a fun and heartfelt moment for me, because my father, who some of you will know…, was Bermuda’s middleweight boxing champion. Now, I never saw him fight—and there is no way I’d ever get in that ring myself…, but I serve this community with the memory of my parents whose small businesses were the source of income and for our family. The Chamber is here, “Fighting Together for a Stronger Economy” to give this same opportunity to as many other families as possible. Our slogan is not a rallying cry for just business, nor is it a statement of combat against the government—or anyone else. It’s an invitation…, a declaration of belief, of intention, and of resolve. This is our fight together. The Chamber is committed to working with anyone, and everyone focused on building a better Bermuda. Achieving a strong economy and supporting successful employees, will require open dialogue and a shared understanding across the entire community. And this part…, this part needs to be heard very carefully: it’s not just Bermuda that’s changing—it’s the world. And Bermuda is being changed by the world. We are subject now, more than ever, to world events, which significantly impact our island economy and how we live. Some of us might remember the words: “Bermuda is another world.” I love the warmth and romanticism in that phrase – but…, we cannot build our future on nostalgia. Tourism no longer drives the economy as it once did. That was before the internet, before the explosion of global tourism competition, and before International Business became Bermuda’s primary economic engine. Today, everything is different. The phrase “Bermuda is another world” still warms my heart— but if i’m honest, it also scares me to my core. What we want, how we go about getting it, and how we define success, have all changed. And many of our businesses…, our families, and our neighbours are simply…, not… ready. We must better understand how global events, geopolitics, and shifts in technology, not only affect our cost of living, and cost of doing business, but also…, our social cohesion, access to opportunity and overall stability. That’s why this event—and this conversation—matters. We, as a business community, truly value the opportunity to engage with the Honorable Premier and Minister of Finance in this budget breakfast. In just a moment, he will deliver his 2025/26 Budget presentation and take your questions. As we look forward to that discussion, I’d like to offer a brief overview of the Chamber’s formal response to the budget, which will be released in the coming days. First, there has been significant progress. The Government’s expected return to a budget surplus—the first in 21 years—is a major milestone. The introduction of Corporate Income Tax is also an important step toward fiscal reform and international compliance and for this, the government should be applauded. At the same time, there is more to understand and discuss. The increase in net debt despite the surplus, the downward adjustment in CIT revenue forecasts, and the shift from full to partial bond repayment all warrant further clarity. We also echo the following concerns of our members Retailers and wholesalers—who employ thousands—continue to face sustained pressure from declining volumes and tightening margins. While the increase in the personal duty exemption may bring welcome relief to consumers, it also underscores the need to support local businesses navigating an already challenging environment. The Chamber remains concerned about the potential impact on the variety, value, and availability of goods available on island. In the restaurant sector, we highlight a long-standing tax imbalance—where takeout and counter-service establishments are taxed more heavily than full-service dining restaurants. Definitions that once served a purpose are now creating confusion and unfairness within an industry and society that have moved on. The industry would benefit from an updated and equitable classification system that reflects today’s operating model. Beyond sector-specific concerns, our response will also touch on broader challenges such as immigration reform, healthcare funding, and workforce development. All Interconnected issues which play a role in shaping Bermuda’s economic performance and our quality of life. Lastly, following the Chamber’s deep dive into housing at our recent AGM, we welcome the attention the issue received in this Budget Statement. We look forward to continued dialogue with government and community leaders across Bermuda to advance practical, collaborative solutions to this pressing national challenge. At the Chamber, our aim is not simply to react—but to contribute constructively to Bermuda’s national dialogue. We do this by offering data analysis, insight, and partnership. We appreciate the Minister’s willingness to engage—not only today, but throughout the year—and we welcome the opportunity to ask questions and work together toward shared outcomes. Because at the end of the day, fighting together for a stronger economy isn’t just a slogan—it’s our commitment. One that we carry forward in every conversation, with every partner, and on behalf of every member we represent.
Women claim 3 points after winning first match in Mexico. Men draw with hosts to claim 1 point
Bermuda’s Men’s and Women’s National Field Hockey teams have both launched their campaigns in the crucial Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games Qualifying Tournament with impressive opening performances. The tournaments, vital for securing a coveted spot at the CAC Games, have seen both Bermudian sides demonstrate their competitiveness on the international stage.
The Bermuda Men’s team faced a daunting opener against the host nation, Mexico. Despite the home advantage for the Mexicans, Bermuda’s resilience and tactical discipline shone through. In a surprising result, the Bermudian men held Mexico to a 2-2 draw, securing a valuable point away from home. The goals for Bermuda came from Jordache Rawson and Hemijah Bean, showcasing their attacking threat against a traditionally strong hockey nation. This unexpected draw will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to the men’s team’s confidence as they navigate the remainder of the qualifying tournament.
Meanwhile, the Bermuda Women’s team also enjoyed a positive start to their qualifying campaign, facing Guatemala in their opening fixture. The Bermudian women delivered a controlled and effective performance, ultimately securing a 2-0 victory and three valuable points. Goals from Georgia Harris and Jessica Hollis were enough to seal the win, highlighting Bermuda’s attacking prowess and defensive solidity. This clean sheet victory provides a strong foundation for the women’s team as they aim to progress further in the CAC Games qualifiers.
Fitting finale for the IQUW Bermuda Open Squash Championships
The Bermuda Squash Racquets Association Club witnessed a fitting finale to the IQUW Bermuda Open Squash Championships, with packed stands treated to two compelling title deciders. The Ladies Final saw Malaysia’s top seed, Aira Azman, assert her authority with a commanding straight-sets victory over Egypt’s second seed, Hana Moataz. Azman’s clinical performance, wrapped up in just 27 minutes, saw her secure the championship with scores of 12-10, 11-3, and 11-6, demonstrating her status as the tournament’s leading player.
The Men’s Final, however, unfolded as a captivating contrast in intensity and duration. Top seed Miguel Rodriguez of Columbia and Egypt’s second seed, Mohamad Zakaria, engaged in an epic 110-minute marathon that kept fans gripped until the very last point. After a seesaw battle that saw Rodriguez initially take the lead, Zakaria displayed incredible resilience, battling back from 2-1 down to clinch the title 3-2. The Egyptian’s hard-fought victory came after scores of 8-11, 11-7, 11-6, a marathon 15-13 fourth game, and finally an 11-4 triumph in the deciding set.
The IQUW Bermuda Open has once again delivered a week of world-class squash, culminating in two memorable finals that showcased the diverse styles and unwavering determination of the sport’s elite. Azman’s dominant display and Zakaria’s tenacious comeback will undoubtedly resonate with the local squash community, leaving a lasting impression as the tournament concludes.
Bermuda’s national beach volleyball teams have concluded a memorable campaign at the 2025 ECVA Senior Beach Volleyball Championships in St. Lucia, with both the men’s and women’s pairs showcasing impressive form to secure coveted Silver Medals. The final day of competition saw both teams battle their way through tense semi-finals before facing tough opposition in their respective championship matches.
Megan Hands and Hailey Moss represented Bermuda with distinction in the women’s tournament. Their final day began with a crucial semi-final encounter against Grenada, a contest that saw the Bermudian duo display grit and determination to secure a straight-sets 2-0 victory (26-24, 21-15), earning them a place in the Gold Medal Match. There, they faced a strong St. Kitts and Nevis team and despite a valiant effort, ultimately fell 2-0 (21-14, 22-20). The Silver Medal, however, marks a significant milestone for Bermuda’s women’s beach volleyball program, highlighting their growing competitiveness within the region.
The men’s team, comprising Sean Tucker and Benjamin Barnett, mirrored the women’s success in their semi-final clash against Dominica. In a thrilling encounter that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, the Bermudian pair emerged victorious with a 2-0 win (32-30, 21-16), propelling them into their own Gold Medal Match against the formidable host nation, St. Lucia. The championship final saw Tucker and Barnett push St. Lucia all the way, battling hard to take the match to three sets. Despite their spirited performance, St. Lucia ultimately prevailed 2-1 (21-14, 15-21, 15-8). The Silver Medal secured by the men’s team is a testament to their skill and unwavering determination throughout the ECVA Championships, capping off a successful tournament for Bermuda’s beach volleyball contingent.
New PBs and National Records at the 2025 TYR Swim Series in Fort Lauderdale
Bermuda’s Olympians, Emma and Jack Harvey, concluded their impressive participation at the 2025 TYR Pro Swim Series in Fort Lauderdale with standout performances in their respective finals on Day Four. The siblings once again demonstrated their talent and dedication, leaving their mark on the international swimming stage.
Jack Harvey, recently recognised as Bermuda’s Male Athlete of the Year, continued his remarkable form in the A Final of the Men’s 100m Backstroke. His powerful effort propelled him to a second-place finish, clocking an impressive time of 54.56 seconds. This swim not only secured a strong podium position but also saw him break his own national record of 54.87 seconds, which he had established earlier in the day during the preliminary heats. This double record-breaking feat underscores Harvey’s consistent progress and potential in the backstroke event.
Emma Harvey also delivered a noteworthy performance in the Women’s 100m Butterfly B Final, finishing in a commendable fourth place. Her time of 59.88 seconds was a personal triumph, as it surpassed her previous Bermuda record of 59.89 seconds, set at the TYR Pro Swim Series in Knoxville back in January 2024. This achievement highlights Emma’s continued improvement and competitiveness in the butterfly discipline on the international circuit. The TYR Pro Swim Series has proven to be a successful outing for the Harvey siblings, showcasing their commitment to excellence in the pool.
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