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Bermudian educator receives top award in UAE

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bermudian educator receives top award in UAE

Dr. Rajeev Goonewardene. Ph. D, won the Top Performer award at the UAE’s Digital Educator Global Academy

Dr. Rajeev Goonewardene, Ph.D. Photo: Government of Bermuda

A full press release from the Government of Bermuda:

The Government of Bermuda proudly congratulates Dr. Rajeev Goonewardene, Ph.D, the Department of Education’s Acting Education Officer for Science, on being recognised as a Top Performer in the United Arab Emirates Digital Educator Global Academy, where over 11,000 educators participated globally.

Dr. Goonewardene’s achievement was honoured during a Suhoor gathering, a cherished tradition of the holy month of Ramadan, hosted by H.E. Abdulla Nasser Lootah, UAE Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Sharing.

The event brought together representatives of 32 countries participating in the UAE’s Government Experience Exchange Programme (GEEP) in the spirit of collaboration and unity. Bermuda’s Special Representative for the Middle East, Ms. Alexia Hefti, accepted the award on Dr. Goonewardene’s behalf.

The Digital Educator Global Academy is a fully-funded UAE initiative designed to equip more than 11,000 educators from around the world with cutting-edge skills in areas like e-learning and artificial intelligence. Participants engaged in interactive training to enhance digital learning environments and drive innovation in their home countries’ education systems.

The Minister of Economy and Labour, Hon. Jason P. Hayward, stated: “I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Goonewardene on this outstanding achievement. To be recognised by the UAE during Ramadan—an occasion dedicated to reflection and community—makes this honour all the more meaningful. His award is a testament to Bermuda’s ability to shine on the world stage. It highlights the dedication of Bermudian educators to embracing digital transformation and educating a future-ready Bermuda.”

His Excellency, E Dr. Waleed Al Ali, Secretary General of the Digital School; Alexia Hefti, Bermuda’s Special Representative, Middle East and Africa (accepting on behalf of Dr G), and His Excellency Abdulla Lootah, Deputy Minister of Cabinet Affairs for Competitiveness and Knowledge Exchange.

The Minister of Education, Senator Crystal Caesar, said: “We are pleased to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Dr Rajeev Goonewardene, who excelled amongst the 11,000 worldwide to take the top honour in the UAE’s Digital Educator Global Academy. Dr. Goonewardene has set a new standard of excellence. His achievement inspires us and significantly contributes to the future of learning in Bermuda and the global education community.”

Minister Caesar added, “We are delighted that over 70 Bermuda Public School system educators also enrolled in the UAE’s Digital Educator Global Academy; the course was self-paced and had to be completed by January 31, 2025.

“On behalf of the Ministry of Education, we extend our congratulations and look forward to the integration of this professional development opportunity.”

Dr. Rajeev Goonewardene shared: “I am truly honoured and humbled to have represented not only Bermuda but also my dedicated Curriculum and Assessment team at the Department of Education in the Digital Educators Global Academy training programme.”

He added: “This has been an enriching experience, allowing me to expand my expertise. It is a privilege to contribute to Bermuda’s reputation as a leader in digital education, demonstrating that despite our small size, we continue to make a significant impact on the global stage.”

Bermuda’s participation in the Digital Educator Global Academy is part of a broader engagement in the UAE’s Government Experience Exchange Programme, following the Partnership Agreement signed on July 10, 2024, between Minister Hayward and H.E. Abdulla Lootah. This partnership continues to offer Bermuda valuable opportunities for knowledge-sharing in governance, education, and innovation.

BEDC is lead sponsor of Bermuda Half Marathon Derby

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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BEDC is lead sponsor of Bermuda Half Marathon Derby

The Derby has been a staple cultural and sporting event since 1909

Members of the Bermuda Half Marathon Derby Committee: Left to Right: Kim Tucker, Natalie Price, Curtiss Smith, Donte Hunt (BEDC’s Director of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises), Frigga Simmons, Dr. Gina Tucker, Melissa Looby, Roger Lee Sr.

Full press release from the Bermuda Half Marathon Derby Organising Committee:

The Bermuda Half Marathon Derby Organizing Committee is pleased to announce the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) as the lead sponsor for the highly anticipated 2025 Bermuda Half Marathon Derby.

As one of Bermuda’s longest-running and most cherished sporting traditions, the Half Marathon Derby continues to bring together athletes, spectators, and the wider community in a celebration of endurance, unity,
and national pride.
BEDC’s sponsorship will play a pivotal role in supporting the event’s continued success,
reinforcing the organization’s commitment to fostering local economic growth and community development.

Through this partnership, BEDC will help enhance opportunities for small businesses, vendors, and entrepreneurs to benefit from the economic activity generated by the event.


“We are delighted to welcome BEDC as our lead sponsor for the 2025 Bermuda Half Marathon Derby,” said Dr. Gina Tucker, President of the Bermuda Half Marathon Derby Committee.


“Their dedication to economic empowerment and community engagement aligns perfectly with the spirit of the Derby.

“With their support, we look forward to delivering another outstanding race experience for participants and spectators alike.”


The Bermuda Half Marathon Derby has been an iconic event since its inception in 1909,
attracting elite athletes, local runners, and enthusiastic supporters from across the island.

Beyond the race itself, the event provides a platform to uplift Bermuda’s small business community through vendor opportunities, business showcases, and initiatives aimed at maximizing local economic impact during the Heritage Weekend.

“BEDC is proud to support the 2025 Bermuda Half Marathon Derby as the lead sponsor,” said Erica Smith, Executive Director at BEDC.

“This event is more than just a race—it is a celebration of resilience, community, and Bermudian excellence.

“Through our sponsorship, we look forward to not only supporting the athletes but also creating opportunities for local businesses, vendors, and entrepreneurs to thrive.”


Registration for the 2025 Bermuda Half Marathon Derby is now open on the event’s official
website (https://www.bermudamarathon.bm/registration).

Participants and supporters can expect an exciting race day filled with energy, camaraderie, and community spirit.


For more information about the 2025 Bermuda Half Marathon Derby, sponsorship details, and vendor opportunities, please visit www.bermudamarathon.bm or contact info@bermudamarathon.bm.

Causeway lane closure extended as restoration work continues

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Causeway lane closure extended as restoration work continues

Traffic management equipment will be in place while the work is carried out

Motorists are being alerted to a continued lane closure due to ongoing repair work to restore the bride deck on the Causeway Bailey Bridge in St. George’s.

A Ministry of Public Works and Environment spokesperson said, “This extension is necessary to complete essential maintenance work safely and efficiently.”

The closure is expected to be in place this Saturday and Sunday between 6am and 6pm, daily.

They also said traffic controls managed by Ministry staff will be set up using traffic lights and stop-and-go signs.

A spokesperson concluded, “The Ministry appreciates the public’s continued patience as these important infrastructure works progress.

“Motorists are urged to proceed with caution while travelling through the affected area.”

Police appeal for help in locating 58-year-old man

Jasmine Patterson
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Police appeal for help in locating 58-year-old man

Michael Miranda last seen in Hamilton Parish on Wednesday afternoon

58-year-old Michael Miranda. Photo: Bermuda Police Service

[UPDATE 28.3.24: Mr. Miranda has been found safe and well.]

Police are seeking the public’s assistance in locating 58-year-old Michael Miranda.

He is a Bermudian National, according to a Bermuda Police Service news release today.

They said, “Mr. Miranda is described as being 5’ 5” in height, of slim build, white complexioned, with brown hair.

“He was last seen around 4:30 P.M. on Wednesday, March 26th, walking in a westerly direction along North Shore Road near the junction with Old Road, Hamilton Parish.”

Mr. Miranda was wearing blue pants and a white T-shire with writing on the front, when he was last seen yesterday.

Police are asking that anyone with information on the whereabouts of 58-year-old, Michael Miranda, to call the main police number 295-0011.

Minister Lightbourne pledges action on cost of living

Alisa Bernardo
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Minister Lightbourne pledges action on cost of living

‘This government is focused on people, not politics’, says newly instated Minister of Home Affairs

Credit: Government of Bermuda

Stabilizing electricity bills, tackling the rising cost of essential goods, advancing a sustainable energy transition, and strengthening consumer protections — these are among the core Throne Speech pledges outlined in more detail today by Minister of Home Affairs, Alexis Lightbourne.

The newly refocused Ministry is tasked with the ambitious goal of reducing the cost of living – starting with reforms to energy legislation.

“Our energy sector is at a crossroads, said Minister Lightbourne. “The Integrated Resource Plan, also known as the IRP, has laid out a transformative path toward sustainable and cost-effective electricity. Since 2019, we’ve been laying the groundwork to reduce fossil fuel dependence and transition to modern energy solutions.

The goals defined in the IRP include:

  • Reducing our fossil fuel reliance
  • Stabilizing costs
  • Infrastructure development
  • Outreach and education on energy efficiency and conservation and
  • Deploying new energy technologies which will chart our path toward building a
    sustainable future.

Energy transitions worldwide are being addressed systematically and we endeavour to do the same. This day-one reality means that, while customers may not see major improvements in their bills overnight, they should feel confident knowing that the next phase is designed to stabilize electricity bills through amending the Electricity Act to ensure transparent and efficient operations.”

Minister Lightbourne acknowledged that the cost-of-living crisis won’t be solved overnight, but promised to move forward with “urgency, transparency, and action”.

A key initiative she unveiled is the launch of Bermuda’s first-ever Cost of Living Summit, aimed at bringing together stakeholders from across sectors to examine the root causes of high living costs and identify tangible solutions.

Minister Lightbourne further explained, “In the lead-up to the Summit, the Ministry has launched a two-part national engagement effort:

  • Stakeholder Consultations with businesses, a survey which is already underway, engages
    with service providers, and community leaders to identify barriers, bottlenecks, and
    solutions from every sector.
  • Those findings will support focus group efforts to better drill down on the core drivers of
    costs in Bermuda.
  • We will then launch a Public Survey, in the coming days, which will capture lived
    experiences and ideas from residents on how affordability challenges are affecting their
    lives.

The insights gathered will inform a Cost-of-Living Report, and will provide clear recommendations for reform, especially in consumer protection and regulatory oversight.”

While a date for the Summit has not yet been announced, it is expected to take place later this year.

As for when residents might begin to feel relief in their energy bills or grocery receipts, Minister Lightbourne stressed the importance of first gathering robust data to inform any sustainable solutions.

“Since my appointment, I’ve sought first to understand the current landscape and what the Ministry has already advanced,” she stated. “You may recall the 2020 amendment to the Cost of Living Act, which included the Cost of Living Commission’s remit and the designation of 33 essential goods to be duty-free. Our current efforts are focused on collecting further data through surveys and stakeholder engagement — to better understand the challenges faced by both businesses and residents — and to inform a strategy that can deliver sustainable impact on the cost of living.”

Cricket Board unveils North America Cup team

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Cricket Board unveils North America Cup team

In addition to Bermuda, the North America Cup will feature the National T20 teams of Bahamas, Canada, Cayman and the USA

The Bermuda Cricket Board (BCB) said it is excited to announce the team for the upcoming North America Cup being held in Cayman Islands, 19-27 April 2025.

The team will depart Bermuda on April 14th and will play two warm-up matches, prior to the start of the inaugural tournament.

The team will include the following players:

  1. Terryn Fray (Capt)
  2. Derrick Brangman
  3. Alex Dore
  4. Dalin Richardson
  5. Delray Rawlins
  6. Dominic Sabir
  7. Jarryd Richardson
  8. Jermal Proctor
  9. Marcus Scotland
  10. Kevon Fubler
  11. Onias Bascome
  12. Sinclair Smith
  13. Zeko Burgess
  14. Allan Douglas Jr

In addition to Bermuda, the North America Cup will feature the National T20 teams of Bahamas, Canada, Cayman and the USA.

Event to celebrate female entrepreneurs in the east end

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Event to celebrate female entrepreneurs in the east end

The community festival coincides with the grand re-opening of two well-known St. George’s businesses

Women-owned businesses based in St. George’s will be part of a showcase at a special community event this weekend.

HERstory Women’s History Month Festival is branded by organisers as a vibrant celebration of women’s history, culture, and entrepreneurship.

Sponsored by the Women’s Resource Centre and curated by Long Story Short, the event opens at The Arcades at 12pm on Saturday, with a speech by St. George’s Mayor Quinell Francis.

Following that, the day will be filled with storytelling, entertainment, historical site visits and tours with various artisans. Area MP Renee Ming will speak at the close of the cultural activities at 4pm.

The Festival coincides with the grand re-opening of two well-known St. George’s businesses in their new spaces at The Arcades—Long Story Short, a tour company and retail store owned by Kristin White, and Frequency Café and Hub, owned by Rolisa Camille.

The building, located on the western end of Water Street and also accessible from Duke of York Street, also houses Lacquered Lounge, East End Variety, and St. George’s Dance Studio.

“Rolisa and I are so excited about our new locations and eager to welcome the community to The Arcades! On Saturday, guests can enjoy incredible food and drinks, browse for books and gifts, take a tour and see the remarkable potential of the space for future events,” Kristin White explained.

Long Story Short’s story began in 1979 in the cellar of the 18th-century Bermuda National Trust property, Tucker House. At that time it was a small bookshop called The Book Cellar. In 2012, to save it from closing down, Kristin White purchased it, and over the last 12 years, she has rebranded the business, expanded into gifts and other products, as well as tours that have gained international media attention.

“Over the years, my history tours have turned into lots of other cultural offerings, including lectures, food and cocktail experiences, and scavenger hunts. My team and I also curate larger events, like group trip itineraries, corporate dinners and community festivals,” Ms White explained.

“Now, I’m repositioning the brand to focus more on these, with a full tour centre and expanded tour calendar. Our new fleet of electric bicycles will be arriving soon, just in time for the height of the summer visitor season! And, though we’ll be putting more focus on tours, my retail store will continue to be a mainstay. The space has been beautifully designed and merchandised by my friend Nicole Golden, owner of Urban Cottage. And we will continue offering a thoughtful selection of books, particularly those that feature Black and female authors, and eco-friendly, fair trade, and local goods. Soon, we’ll be adding a gourmet pantry, with wine & spirits for purchase as part of our partnership with Gosling’s. We will also have a new section of our own designed merchandise and souvenirs.”

Frequency Café and Hub started in February 2022, born from Rolisa’s vision of a café where impact mattered; you left feeling on a higher frequency than you came in, with hopes that would then ripple to the next person and so on.

Her return to The Arcades is a full circle moment.

“I worked at Café Latte when I was 14 years old, a café that was right here in The Arcades where my café is now,” Rolisa Camille explained. “This space holds a great deal of meaning for me, and I am overwhelmed with happiness to have this beautiful new space.”

The vibrant café, designed by St. George’s-based multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur Tara Sapien, features several eating nooks, window seating, bright murals and a full kitchen.

Rolisa’s plans for Frequency Café & Hub include an expansion of food and beverage offerings, growing the catering services, and she intends to obtain a liquor licence to offer wine and beer.

She described, “Now that the brand is established, the goal is to introduce my grander vision for Frequency, which includes community kindness and connection initiatives, including a Café Conversations podcast geared to uplifting, connecting and inspiring Bermuda as a whole.”

Rolisa and Kristin said, “We are so excited to welcome new faces to our businesses, see familiar customers and friends, and just celebrate being in our new space. We are thankful to everyone who made this possible.”

Respect the giants, warns whale expert

Alisa Bernardo
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Respect the giants, warns whale expert

As whale watching season peaks, Andrew Stevenson highlights rising humpback numbers and the importance of respectful observation

“Be patient, be passive and you’ll have an amazing encounter,” said Andrew Stevenson, who, for nearly two decades, has dedicated himself to researching, filming, and writing about humpback whales in Bermuda.

March and April are peak months for whale sightings as the mammals travel from Southern breeding grounds to Northern feeding grounds.

“We have this incredible opportunity here in Bermuda, which is unique where we have a platform providing a window into the pelagic social lives of humpback whales,” Mr Stevenson said.

Just yesterday, he identified 29 individual whales by their fluke patterns. In the past 18 years, he has identified nearly 2,500 whales through fluke IDs.

While sightings anecdotally appear to be on the rise due to the positive impact of conservation efforts, Stevenson warns that humpback whales still face threats, including boat strikes, entanglement, and plastic ingestion.

“We did publish a paper a couple of years ago on an abundance analysis of the humpbacks and it does indicate that the humpbacks are definitely increasing in numbers and there’s obvious reason for that because we’ve stopped hunting them since 1986,” he said. “So, if we’re not killing them, then they are going to increase in numbers. However, they still have exposure to getting hit by motorboats, boat strikes, ship strikes. Entanglement is a big, big issue. I think every single whale that I see has got entanglement scars. And, then ingesting plastic is also a big problem.”

As part of his passion for sharing knowledge, Mr Stevenson created the Facebook group Whales Bermuda Sightings for fellow enthusiasts to report their humpback sightings.

As whale watching activity intensifies, boaters are reminded to adhere to guidelines, including keeping a respectful distance – at least 100 meters (or 300 feet) away from any whale.

Credit: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources

Under the Protected Species Act, it is illegal to harm, harass, or disturb a humpback or sperm whale—with violations resulting in fines of up to $25,000 or imprisonment.

Stevenson urges boaters not to chase whales and said he has noticed a recent positive shift in behaviour.

“I got to a point some years ago where I was really quite dismayed at watching the number of boats out there and how aggressive they were in pursuing the whales,” he said. “Recently I noticed that there has been a change in boaters’ behaviour, and I think the message is getting out there that if you just sit there and wait, you can have these encounters. So, I’ve been really pleasantly surprised at how patient people have been in trying to observe whales.”

The public can soon have a chance to see Mr Stevenson’s work at a double screening of his films, Where the Whales Sing and The Secret Lives of Humpbacks, at Specialty Cinema on April 9th. Tickets are available for purchase at the theatre.

Currently, a third film is in the works.

He says his passion for whales is driven by a desire to increase understanding and advocacy for their protection.

“I have no background in marine biology or film making and that encounter that I had with a whale almost 20 years ago has changed my life,” Mr Stevenson said. “So I’m passionate about these whales. I do everything I can to increase our knowledge of them, increase our understanding of them. And the more we know, the more we understand, the more we can. And so that’s my ambition – that’s my call to action personally.”

Bermuda Tonight – 26 March 2025

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bermuda Tonight – 26 March 2025

Premier in D.C. for Blockchain Summit & US meetings

Gary Foster Skelton
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Premier in D.C. for Blockchain Summit & US meetings

Discussions with US officials include financial innovation, international cooperation, and regional affairs

Government Press Release:

Premier and Minister of Finance, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, departed Bermuda yesterday for Washington, D.C., where he will hold a series of meetings with U.S. government representatives and participate in the DC Blockchain Summit 2025.

The Premier is joined by the Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward JP, MP.

While in Washington, the Premier and Minister will meet with senior U.S. officials to discuss matters related to financial innovation, international cooperation, and regional affairs.

Scheduled meetings include:

  • Rep. Bryan Steil – Chairman of House Financial Services Subcommittee on Digital Assets
  • Rep. Joaquin Castro – House Committee on Foreign Affairs
  • Rep. Zach Nunn  – House Financial Services Committee
  • Rep. Young Kim – House Financial Services Committee
  • Rep. Gabe Amo – House Committee on Foreign Affairs

These meetings were arranged through Mr. Darrell Thompson of theGroup in collaboration with the Government of Bermuda’s Overseas Representative and Washington DC Office Director, Anthony Howell.

As part of the DC Blockchain Summit today, Premier Burt participated in a fireside chat titled “Blockchain & Bermuda” with journalist and host of the Crypto America Podcast, Eleanor Terrett. The discussion focused on Bermuda’s regulatory leadership in digital finance and our island’s success in attracting major industry leaders to our shores, like Coinbase, Circle and Kraken.

While attending, the Premier and Minister engaged in strategic dialogue with US officials also in attendance, including:

  • Governor Mark Gordon of Wyoming
  • Sen. Tim Scott – Chairman of the Senate Banking Committee
  • Rep. French Hill – Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee
  • Rep. Warren Davidson – Chairman of the House Financial Services Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance, and International Financial Institutions

Speaking before his departure, Premier Burt said, “At a time of growing geopolitical and economic uncertainty, maintaining strong and strategic relationships in Washington, D.C. is more important than ever for Bermuda. This visit is an opportunity to strengthen our relationship with the United States through productive dialogue with U.S. lawmakers and officials.

“At the DC Blockchain Summit, we continued telling the story of how Bermuda is building a fair, well-regulated, forward-looking financial services sector and discussed important topics with tech leaders, such as secure technology for options to enable important functions that the people of Bermuda have called for such as absentee voting. We will continue to advocate for Bermuda’s interests and engage directly on the issues that matter to our economy and our people.”

The Premier and Minister are scheduled to return to Bermuda on Thursday, March 27.

Gold Cup: End of the Road for Gombey Warriors

Julie Matthews-Borchardt
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Gold Cup: End of the Road for Gombey Warriors

Nations League Football: Senior Men’s National Squad Eliminated By Honduras

In Concacaf Nations League action, the third time was not a charm for Bermuda’s senior men’s national squad. Despite some courageous football,  Team Bermuda was eliminated from the 2025 Gold Cup qualifiers after a 3rd straight defeat to Honduras last night in the second leg of the two-match play-offs.

Police recover suspected live ammunition

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Police recover suspected live ammunition

It was found after Spanish Point residents reported suspicious activity

Credit: Bermuda Police Service

Police have launched an investigation after discovering suspected live ammunition in Spanish Point. 

At around 10:20 pm last night, officers were called to a report of suspicious activity outside a home in the Spanish Point Road area of Pembroke Parish. 

A police spokesperson said, “Upon arrival, officers spoke with occupants who reported hearing a strange noise outside a bedroom window and upon going out to determine the source, observed two individuals wearing dark coloured clothing and black helmets, running out of the driveway.” 

Officers conducted a search of the area and recovered two rounds of suspected live ammunition. 

Police are appealing for anyone with information, particularly residents of Spanish Point Road who have Ring cameras or other CCTV devices, to check for recordings of suspicious activity or individuals matching the suspects’ descriptions. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Serious Crime Unit at 247-1739. 

You may also call 211 or the main police number at 295-0011. 

Alternatively, you can share information with a police officer you know or via the community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm. 

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