More than 1,500 residents took shelter as the fires wiped out some 6,300 hectares
International news via Reuters:
At least four people have died and six have been injured in a series of wildfires in South Korea, as firefighters rushed to put out the fires amid dry, windy weather, the Korea Forest Service said on Sunday.
Over 9,000 staff and 105 helicopters were deployed to quell the fires engulfing areas mostly in the southeast of the country, damaging residential buildings and a temple, the authorities said.
More than 1,500 residents took shelter as the fires wiped out some 6,300 hectares (16,000 acres) of forests, Acting President Choi Sang-mok told a disaster response meeting.
“I request that the Korea Forest Service pay special attention to securing the safety of personnel in charge of extinguishing wildfires in the air or on the ground,” Choi said as he vowed to use all available resources to stop the fires.
Three of the four people who died were firefighters and one was a public servant, according to the Yonhap news agency.
Reporting by Hyunsu Yim; Editing by William Mallard
Europeans splashed $155 billion on travel to the United States in 2023
FILE PHOTO: Travelers wait to check in at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City, U.S., April 6, 2023. REUTERS/Eduardo Munoz/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
Danish traveller Kennet Brask loved his fishing trip to Florida two years ago and was planning to return this year. But after watching U.S. President Donald Trump’s explosive meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskiy in the White House, he called it off.
“When I saw this meeting, I told myself, ‘I’m never going to go to the United States as long as Mr. Trump is the President there,'” Brask told Reuters, adding that Trump was “so rude” and didn’t behave like a grown-up.
Instead, he will head to Mexico.
Brask is one of a number of Danes, Germans and more broadly Europeans who are reconsidering travel plans as a result of Trump’s actions, according to five travel agents across the continent.
In just two months, the president has upended the U.S.’s longstanding alliance with Europe, suggested annexing Greenland, launched a global trade war, and issued orders that focus on stricter border policy, tighter visa vetting procedures and a crackdown on undocumented migrants in the United States.
Europeans splashed $155 billion on travel to the United States in 2023, according to EU figures, while transatlantic travel has bolstered earnings for airlines such as British Airways over recent quarters.
Visitor numbers to the U.S. from Western Europe fell 1% year-on-year in February, according to preliminary data from the U.S. National Travel and Tourism Office, after rising 14% in the same period last year. This was led by a 26% decline in travellers from Slovenia, followed by Switzerland and Belgium.
Trump’s rhetoric on Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, has been a particularly sensitive issue for Danes. One Dane, Kim Kugel Sorenson, told Reuters he cancelled a trip to California for a family friend’s wedding and removed stars and stripes from a tattoo so as not to appear to be pro-American.
U.S. arrivals from Denmark fell 6% in February after increasing 7% a year ago, according to NTTO data.
European travel agents and travel data firms told Reuters they were also seeing a drop in searches for trips to the U.S., leading them to focus advertising on other destinations.
“We have taken an active decision to not spend a dime on marketing for any tours to the USA due to both the lack of client response and the current situation and attitude towards Denmark and Greenland in particular,” Steen Albrechtsen, a senior product manager at Albatros Travel in Copenhagen, said.
Overseas visitors spend seven to eight times more than domestic U.S. travellers, according to the U.S. Travel Association.
The stronger dollar, which rose ahead of Trump’s inauguration but has since fallen back, and sluggish European economy may also deter some from U.S. trips, though travel agents said political tumult was having the most impact.
The number of internet searches for flights to the U.S. has fallen sharply this month in France, Italy, and Spain, said Mirko Lalli, CEO of the Data Appeal Company, a tourism data provider. Demand from Britain, however, remains robust, he added.
GETTING CLOSER TO CANADA
Germans in particular are shifting their sights to Canada as an alternative, German travel agency America Unlimited said.
With Trump’s threats of turning Canada into a 51st state, some Europeans see a holiday there as a sign of solidarity.
“Canada is experiencing an unprecedented boom,” said America Unlimited CEO Timo Kohlenberg.
In turn, Canadians may flock to Europe this summer as they shun travel to the United States.
European vacation rental properties have seen a 32% jump in bookings from June to August year-over-year from Canadians, according to Key Data, a short-term rental analytics company.
Other travel companies, like Europe’s largest tour operator TUI, still expect the U.S. market to hold up, particularly for city trips and camper tours.
“We are expecting more travellers from Germany vacationing in the U.S. than in 2024,” a TUI spokesperson told Reuters.
In February, German visits to the U.S. fell 9% year-over-year after increasing 18% in the same period a year ago, according to the NTTO.
Britain and Germany have updated their advice for citizens travelling to the U.S. to emphasise the country’s entry rules. Germany’s foreign ministry said it was monitoring whether there had been a change in U.S. immigration policy after three nationals were detained.
Maria del Carmen Ramos, immigration attorney and partner at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP, said people arriving at the U.S. border were receiving greater scrutiny, but border patrol agents had more discretion and authority than people realised.
“It seems like it’s the Wild West at the border and there’s no rhyme or reason as to how things are being done,” she said.
(This story has been refiled to correct Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s first name in paragraph 1)
Additional reporting by Stine Jacobsen in Copenhagen. Editing by Josephine Mason and Mark Potter
ABIC hopes to increase the pipeline of Bermudians trained for jobs in international business
HSBC Team
Update via ABIC press release:
The Association of Bermuda International Companies (ABIC) successfully hosted its 15th Annual Charity Golf Tournament with the introduction of a title sponsor, Relm Insurance, for the first time in the event’s history.
Held at the Belmont Hills Golf Course on Friday, March 21, the tournament brought together members of the international business community, corporate partners, and supporters for a day of friendly competition and philanthropy.
Funds raised from the tournament will be earmarked to support a professional development day for teachers and Ministry of Education officials, scheduled to take place in Q2. This initiative, a part of ABIC’s Train the Trainers program, aims to equip teachers and curriculum developers with a deeper understanding of Bermuda’s international business sector—including the diverse career pathways available today and in the future, the skills and qualifications needed to succeed, and how students can best prepare for these opportunities.
AON Team – Winners of the ABIC 15th Annual Charity Golf TournamentAON Team – Champs
By strengthening educators’ knowledge, ABIC hopes to increase the pipeline of Bermudians who are trained and ready to compete for jobs in international business.
Investing in Bermuda’s Future Workforce Christian Dunleavy, ABIC’s Chairman, shared his enthusiasm for the initiative: “The success of this year’s tournament is about more than golf—it’s a fun competition to help build Bermuda’s future workforce.
By investing in the professional development of our educators, we are ensuring that students receive the guidance and insight they need to pursue fulfilling careers in international business.”
“We also want to thank the company sponsors and all the company teams. Without their support, we could not have had a successful fundraise”, Mr. Dunleavy continued.
Relm StaffBrown and Brown All Women Team
Title Sponsor’s Perspective
This year’s tournament was made even more special with the support of Relm Insurance as the event’s first-ever title sponsor.
Joseph Ziolkowski, CEO and Founder of Relm Insurance, shared his thoughts on the partnership: “Relm is thrilled to have been the first title sponsor of the ABIC Annual Charity Golf Tournament. It was a fantastic day on the course — but more importantly, a meaningful investment in developing Bermuda’s future business leaders. We look forward to continuing our work with ABIC to grow Bermudian expertise and deepen Relm’s investment in the community.”
KPMG Team
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
The success of the tournament would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors:
Title Sponsor: Relm Insurance
Platinum Sponsor: Aspen Bermuda Limited
Gold Sponsor: KPMG
Silver Sponsor: HSBC ABIC extends its sincere gratitude to these sponsors for their commitment to education and workforce development in Bermuda Looking Ahead ABIC remains committed to fostering educational opportunities that bridge the gap between the classroom and Bermuda’s international business sector. With this year’s tournament setting a new benchmark for success, plans are already underway for future initiatives that will continue to support workforce development and economic growth.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry has criticised the development
FILE PHOTO: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks with Minister of Finance Bezalel Smotrich during the weekly cabinet meeting at the Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv, Israel, January 7, 2024. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun/Pool/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
Israel’s security cabinet approved a plan to separate 13 Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank from their neighbouring communities, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Sunday.
The settlements will ultimately be recognised as independent, he posted on X about the move, which follows the approval of tens of thousands of housing units across the West Bank.
“We continue to lead a revolution of normalisation and regulation in the settlements. Instead of hiding and apologising – we raise the flag, build and settle. This is another important step on the path to actual sovereignty in Judea and Samaria,” Smotrich said, using Israel’s term for the West Bank.
Israel’s opposition to ceding control of the West Bank has been deepened by its fears of a repeat of the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas-led militants. Its military says it is conducting counter-terrorism operations in the West Bank and targeting suspected militants.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry criticised the approval of the separation of the neighbourhoods and their recognition as independent settlements as disregarding international legitimacy and resolutions.
Hamas, the Palestinian militant group governing Gaza, condemned the move in the West Bank, describing it as a “desperate attempt to impose realities on the ground and consolidate colonial occupation on Palestinian lands”.
Around 700,000 Israeli settlers live among 2.7 million Palestinians in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, land Israel captured in 1967 during the six-day war. Most countries consider Israel’s settlements on territory seized in the war to be illegal. Israel disputes this, citing historical and biblical ties to the land.
Israel’s pro-settler politicians have been emboldened by the return to the White House of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Smotrich, head of the far-right Religious Zionism party and a key partner in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition, has for years called for Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank.
He noted that until now the 13 settlements were formally considered part of their parent communities, in some cases for decades, which he said caused significant difficulties in their daily management.
“Recognising each of them as an independent settlement is an important step that will greatly assist in their advancement and development,” Smotrich said.
Reporting by Steven Scheer; Additional reporting by Ali Sawafta; Editing by William Mallard
His government has handed out A$3.5 billion in energy bill relief in a bid to tackle inflation
FILE PHOTO: Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese speaks to the media during a press conference at the Australian Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, August 16, 2024. REUTERS/Tracey Nearmy/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
Australia’s government said on Sunday that a federal budget this week would include an A$1.8 billion extension to a scheme to reduce energy bills, ahead of what is expected to be a closely-fought general election due by May.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s centre-left Labor government has already handed out A$3.5 billion in energy bill relief in a bid to tackle inflation, as it grapples with rising living costs in the nation of around 27 million.
On Sunday, ahead of handing down on Tuesday its final budget before the election, Albanese said Australian households and around one million small businesses would get another A$150 “in rebates automatically applied to their electricity bills in quarterly instalments”.
“Treasury estimates this will directly reduce headline inflation by around half of a percentage point in 2025,” Albanese said in a statement, which costed the measure at A$1.8 billion.
The government’s main political opposition, the conservative Liberal-National coalition, said it would not oppose the scheme’s extension, after the country’s energy regulator last week warned that power prices in some eastern regions could surge by nearly 9% from July.
As announced on Saturday, the budget will also expand a scheme to help would-be home buyers get on the property ladder, as housing, the largest contributor to the rising cost of living in Australia, shapes up as a key election issue.
The budget pledges come after a widely-watched poll in February showed most Australian voters wanted the Labor government out of office. In the poll, Albanese’s approval rating hit its lowest point since he was elected to office in May 2022.
The government, which has not yet officially called the election, is working to lift support via a slew of measures aimed at pleasing families and businesses grappling with high living costs.
Australia’s central bank, which in February cut rates for the first time in more than four years, warned at the time that it was too early to declare victory over inflation and was cautious about the prospects of further easing.
Reporting by Sam McKeith in Sydney; Editing by Daniel Wallis
Beijing is keen to attract foreign investment at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions
Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong chats with other attendees before the opening ceremony for the China Development Forum at Diaoyutai Guesthouse in Beijing, China March 23, 2025. cnsphoto via REUTERS
International news via Reuters:
Chinese Premier Li Qiang urged countries to open their markets to combat “rising instability and uncertainty” at a business forum in Beijing on Sunday, as China braces for further U.S. tariffs.
“In today’s increasingly fragmented world with rising instability and uncertainty, it is more necessary for countries to open up their markets and enterprises… to resist risks and challenges,” Li told dozens of foreign CEOs and visiting U.S. Republican Senator Steve Daines at the China Development Forum, state media reported.
Foreign CEOs including Tim Cook of Apple, Cristiano Amon of Qualcomm, Pascal Soriot of AstraZeneca and Amin Nasser of Saudi Aramco are attending the forum on Sunday and Monday, and some are expected to meet President Xi Jinping on Friday, sources have told Reuters.
Beijing is keen to attract foreign investment at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, as policymakers try to boost domestic consumption to offset fresh U.S. tariff headwinds.
“We will focus on combining policy intensification with stimulating market forces,” Li said, according to a Xinhua report, without elaborating on specific stimulus measures.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang delivers a speech during the opening ceremony for the China Development Forum at Diaoyutai Guesthouse in Beijing, China March 23, 2025. China Daily via REUTERS
“We will implement more active and promising macroeconomic policies, further intensify counter-cyclical adjustments, and introduce new incremental policies when necessary.”
Li expressed hope that entrepreneurs would be “staunch defenders and promoters of globalisation” and “resist unilateralism and protectionism”.
There were fewer American CEOs attending the summit than last year due to heightened geopolitical tensions between Beijing and Washington, according to one source.
Li met with Daines and seven other American CEOs on Sunday afternoon, which Daines billed as a chance for them to share their views of the business environment in China.
The Montana lawmaker, a strong supporter of President Donald Trump, met with Vice Premier He Lifeng on Saturday in the first visit to China by a U.S. politician since Trump took office in January.
Trump has announced a wave of fresh “reciprocal” tariffs to take effect on April 2, targeting countries with trade barriers on U.S. products, which could include China. He imposed 20% tariffs on Chinese exports this month, prompting China to retaliate with additional duties on American agricultural products.
The Trump administration is set to conclude a review by April 1 of Beijing’s compliance with a “phase one” U.S.-China trade deal struck in his first term.
During the forum, Chinese economic policymaker Han Wenxiu vowed further efforts to deepen supply-side reforms and promote self-reliance in science and technology, according to state media.
In recent weeks, Chinese commerce ministry officials have met with at least a dozen executives from foreign firms including Brazilian mining giant Vale, Airbus, PepsiCo, Procter & Gamble, Honeywell, and Swire.
These meetings came as official data showed foreign direct investment last year plummeted the most since the 2008 global financial crisis.
China’s State Council unveiled an action plan to attract foreign investment last week, which promised measures such as smoothing cross-border data transfers.
As China concluded its annual parliamentary session this month, the government vowed to “vigorously boost” consumption in an economy facing sluggish consumer demand and a protracted property crisis.
However, analysts have said policymakers will need to launch greater stimulus efforts if Beijing is caught up in a spiralling trade war with Washington this year.
Reporting by Laurie Chen; Editing by Jamie Freed and William Mallard
1798 Alien Enemies Act enacted on the grounds migrants committed violent crimes
FILE PHOTO: Graffiti of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua is seen on a steel beam in the Elmhurst neighborhood of the borough of Queens in New York City, U.S., March 17, 2025. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
Trump administration officials on Sunday defended their use of extraordinary war powers to deport scores of Venezuelan migrants despite a judge blocking the move and Venezuela denying U.S. officials’ assertions that the deportees were gang members.
“It’s modern-day warfare, and we are going to continue to fight that and protect American citizens every single step of the way,” Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News host Maria Bartiromo on the “Sunday Morning Futures” program.
Bondi said the Trump administration’s decision to deport 137 Venezuelan migrants last weekend to El Salvador was justified because they were members of Venezuela’s feared Tren de Aragua gang and posed a safety risk.
Venezuela’s interior minister, Diosdado Cabello, said on Friday, however, that none of the Venezuelans deported by the U.S. to El Salvador were members of the gang, which Washington has declared a terrorist group. Relatives and immigration advocates for some of the men have also denied any links.
FILE PHOTO: U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi looks on during her first press conference at the Justice Department in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 12, 2025. REUTERS/Craig Hudson/File Photo
The administration used the 1798 Alien Enemies Act, a wartime law, to deport the migrants on the grounds that they were committing violent crimes and sending money back to Venezuela.
White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said on CBS’ “Face the Nation” program, without citing evidence, that Tren de Aragua was a proxy of the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
“The alien sedition act fully applies because we have also determined that this group is acting as a proxy of the Maduro regime,” Waltz said. “Maduro is deliberately emptying his prisons in a proxy manner to influence an attack on the United States.”
U.S. District Judge James Boasberg said on Friday he would continue to probe whether the Trump administration violated his order temporarily blocking the use of the act for deportations after it failed to turn around two flights carrying the Venezuelans.
The Trump administration is facing a March 25 deadline to respond to his request for more details on the deportations.
Some legal scholars view the situation as an escalation in President Donald Trump’s confrontation with the judiciary and say it raises concerns of a looming constitutional crisis.
Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, told ABC News’ “This Week” program that he would not defy Boasberg’s order but reiterated that the Trump administration would continue its arrests of migrants they deem dangerous.
FILE PHOTO: Tom Homan, who was appointed “border czar” by U.S. President Donald Trump, speaks to members of the media at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 4, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard/File Photo
“We’re going to continue to arrest public safety threats and national security threats,” Homan said. “We will keep targeting the worst of the worst.”
Bondi criticized Boasberg for interfering with the Trump administration’s agenda.
“This is an out-of-control judge, a federal judge trying to control our entire foreign policy,” she said.
On Friday, Boasberg told a justice department lawyer at a hearing that he could not recall ever having heard government lawyers address him in the way the administration had in this case. He did not specify what language he took issue with.
Bondi also stepped up her critiques of other federal judges who she accused of trying to stymie the president’s policies.
“We are in court every day, fighting against these activist judges. We’re not going to stop. Many of them should be recused from these cases,” Bondi said. “They will be recused from these cases.”
Reporting by Valerie Volcovici, Nathan Layne and Phil Stewart; editing by Ross Colvin, Paul Simao and Nia Williams
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Carney’s remarks
International news via Reuters:
New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Sunday called a snap election for April 28, saying he needed a strong mandate to deal with the threat posed by U.S. President Donald Trump, who “wants to break us so America can own us.”
The comments showed the extent to which relations between the U.S. and Canada, two long-time allies and major trading partners, have deteriorated since Trump imposed tariffs on Canada and threatened to annex it as the 51st state.
Although the next election was not due until October 20, Carney is hoping to capitalize on a remarkable recovery by his Liberal party in the polls since January, when Trump began threatening Canada and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation.
Upon being sworn in as prime minister on March 14, Carney had said he could work with and respected Trump. On Sunday, however, he took a more combative approach.
“We are facing the most significant crisis of our lifetimes because of President Trump’s unjustified trade actions and his threats to our sovereignty,” Carney told reporters after the Governor General – the personal representative of King Charles, Canada’s head of state – approved his request for an election.
“Our response must be to build a strong economy and a more secure Canada. President Trump claims that Canada isn’t a real country. He wants to break us so America can own us. We will not let that happen.”
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Carney’s remarks.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney announces a federal election, after his meeting at Rideau Hall with Governor General Mary Simon to dissolve parliament, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada March 23, 2025. REUTERS/Blair Gable
Canadians are rallying for their country and seeing a resurgence in nationalism as Canada-U.S. relations top the list of issues preoccupying residents, according to recent polls.
Trump on March 6 delayed a broad 25% tariff on some Canadian goods for 30 days. He has since imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports and threatened reciprocal tariffs on additional goods, including Canadian dairy and lumber, on April 2.
Carney, a former two-time central banker with no previous political or election campaign experience, captured the Liberal leadership two weeks ago by persuading party members he was the best person to tackle Trump.
Now he has five weeks to win over Canadians. On Sunday, Carney proposed cutting the lowest income tax bracket by one percentage point.
Polls suggest the Liberals, who have been in power since 2015 and badly trailed the official opposition Conservatives at the start of the year, are now slightly ahead of their rivals.
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney announces a federal election, after his meeting at Rideau Hall with Governor General Mary Simon to dissolve parliament, in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada March 23, 2025. REUTERS/Blair Gable
“We moved from an election where people wanted change to an election that’s really much more about leadership,” said Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs.
“The ability of the Conservatives to attack the Liberals has been greatly diminished, because people are focused on the here and now and the near-term future, not on what happened over the last 10 years,” he said by phone.
The Conservatives have sought to portray Carney as an elitist who plans to continue the Trudeau-era policy of high government spending. They also accuse him of being less than clear about how he transferred his personal financial assets into a blind trust.
Carney bristled last week when asked about the trust, and accused the reporter asking of engaging in “conflict and ill will”. The prickly reaction could give hope to the Conservatives that Carney might stumble during what will be his first campaign.
Key to any victory will be a good performance in the predominantly French-speaking province of Quebec. Carney had trouble at one press conference when asked to respond in French, first misunderstanding the question and then answering in English.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, on the other hand, speaks flawless French and is a seasoned politician who has fought seven elections.
Laura Stephenson, a politics professor at Western University in the Canadian city of London, said Carney’s inexperience might not be that important given the Trump factor.
“I have a feeling we’re going to see a little more grace extended than is usually given to politicians during this campaign,” she said.
An online Angus Reid poll of 4,009 people released on Monday put the Liberals on 42% public support and the Conservatives on 37%. Angus Reid said the margin of error was around 1.5%, 19 times out of 20.
Reporting by David Ljunggren and Fergal Smith, editing by Deepa Babington, Louise Heavens, Ross Colvin and Nia Williams
Formerly served as Assistant Vice President, Bermuda Legal at Global Atlantic Financial Group Limited
Bermuda Chamber of Commerce update via press release:
The Bermuda Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Woods as its new Chief Executive Officer.
Jennifer is a dynamic and passionate advocate with extensive experience in legal, compliance, regulatory reporting, governance, and business strategy.
Ms. Woods brings a wealth of expertise to the Chamber and is poised to drive innovation and growth for Bermuda’s business community.
Her combination of legal knowledge, regulatory expertise, operational leadership, and deep-rooted passion for Bermuda’s economic development makes her exceptionally well-suited to continue the Chamber’s path of growth and innovation.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer as our new CEO,” said Marico Thomas, President of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce.
“Her strategic vision, energetic leadership, and commitment to fostering a vibrant and resilient business environment make her the ideal choice to guide the Chamber through this exciting period of transformation.”
Prior to joining the Chamber, Woods served as Assistant Vice President, Bermuda Legal at Global Atlantic Financial Group Limited, where she provided strategic legal counsel on corporate governance, compliance, and regulatory matters.
She also held key leadership roles at BF&M Limited, including Legal Counsel, Head of Regulatory Reporting, and Complaints Officer, working across the company’s 16 operating jurisdictions.
Earlier in her career, Jennifer completed her legal training with Appleby (Bermuda) Limited and practiced at Carey Olsen (Bermuda) Limited, gaining valuable experience in both corporate law and private practice.
In addition to her corporate background, Woods is a dedicated community advocate. She currently serves as Vice President of the Bermuda Boxing Federation, where she has been a board member for the past eight years.
Her passion for mentorship and youth development is reflected in her past leadership of the Youth Peer Mentoring Program at YouthNet, formerly Bermuda’s largest mentoring programme, which offered traditional, peer, reading, and workplace mentoring.
“I am honored to step into the role at such an exciting time for Bermuda’s business community,” said Woods. “The Chamber plays a vital role in supporting and advocating for businesses of all sizes, and I look forward to working closely with our members, stakeholders, and the wider community to foster sustainable growth and economic prosperity.”
Woods holds an Associates in Insurance Regulatory Compliance, two Master of Science in Law degrees with concentrations in Asset Management Practice, Compliance & Regulation, and an additional Master’s in Law, Business & Management from the University of Law in London.
She also holds multiple certifications in compliance, asset management, and regulatory affairs. She is a Barrister and Attorney, a Chartered Regulatory Counsel, a Commissioner for Oaths, and a Notary Public.
As CEO, Woods will focus on strengthening the Chamber’s advocacy efforts, expanding member services, and fostering strategic partnerships to enhance Bermuda’s business landscape.
Bermuda Chamber of Commerce update via press release
Staffing hurdles must be removed before 2025 tourism season
Shadow Minister of Public Works Craig Cannonier via press release:
As Shadow Minister of Public Works, I cannot stress enough the importance of having adequate lifeguard coverage at our public beaches—especially as we approach the upcoming cruise ship season. Bermuda’s beaches are a treasured part of our tourism offering, but without proper safety measures in place, we are putting lives at risk and damaging our reputation as a safe and welcoming destination.
The Minister has acknowledged ongoing issues, including a decline in applications, low starting pay, and an overreliance on seasonal workers. While it is encouraging that the Government is engaging external expertise through the RNLI and advertising for eight full-time consultant lifeguard positions, the reality is this: we are rapidly approaching a busy tourism period, and these matters should have been settled long before now.
This cannot become another example of action delayed. We’ve had tragic reminders of what’s at stake. The safety of both residents and visitors must come first, and it is unacceptable that we are still scrambling weeks before the cruise ships begin arriving in greater numbers.
We call on the Government to expedite the hiring process, improve working conditions, and prioritize the retention of Bermudian lifeguards. If necessary, bring in qualified professionals temporarily to ensure our beaches are protected—because failure to act decisively now could cost lives.
Let us be clear: lifeguards are not optional—they are essential. The time to act is not tomorrow, or next month—it is today.
OBA Shadow Minister for Public Works Craig Cannonier via press release
Police investigate two-vehicle collision involving car and motorbike
Credit: Bermuda Police Service
A motorcyclist has been hospitalised following a ‘serious’ two-vehicle collision in Southampton, according to police.
The incident occurred just before 2:30 pm, east of Seymour Farm Road.
A police spokesperson stated: “Reports indicate that a man driving a car exited a private driveway and collided with a motorcyclist travelling in the westbound lane.”
The motorcyclist is believed to have sustained potentially serious injuries and has been taken to hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, the car driver reportedly did not suffer any injuries.
Police have advised motorists of traffic delays as the investigation at the scene continues.
As of 3:30 pm, traffic diversions were in place at the junction of South Road and Middle Road (also known as Barnes Corner) and at the Middle Road/St. Anne’s Road junction.
Witnesses to the collision are encouraged to contact PC 2556 Tashun Simons at 515-2556 or via email at tsimons2@bps.bm.
Free Democratic Movement calls for immediate action on economic stability, housing, and food security in Government’s first 100 days
The Free Democratic Movement (FDM) has issued its response to the 2025 Throne Speech, expressing support for some government initiatives while raising concerns over proposals that it argues could hinder Bermuda’s economic growth and governance.
The FDM welcomes efforts such as reducing import duties and modernising property laws but warns against increased regulatory burdens and fiscal risks. In its response, the party calls for immediate action within the first 100 days of government to address key issues such as economic stability, affordable housing, education and food security.
Below is the full statement written by FDM leader, Marc Bean.
The Free Democratic Movement (FDM) appreciates the opportunity to respond to the 2025 Throne Speech. While we acknowledge areas of alignment, we also highlight critical concerns and significant risks associated with certain proposals. Additionally, we recommend key initiatives that the government should implement within its first 100 days to generate immediate positive impact. We encourage the government to consider these practical and constructive proposals.
Common Ground and Shared Goals
We welcome several government initiatives, including the reduction of import duties to lower the cost of essential goods, an effort aligned with our economic policy. We also support modernizing the Landlord and Tenant Act to establish equitable practices, which reflects our longstanding advocacy for balanced property laws.
Additionally, while we strongly support the principle behind the proposed rent-to-own schemes as a pathway to increasing homeownership, our approach differs slightly; we recommend explicitly targeting tenants of the Bermuda Housing Corporation (BHC) and Bermuda Land Management Corporation (BLMC), an aspect not clearly outlined in the government’s current proposal.
We also support removing mandatory connections to BELCO, as this promotes consumer choice and advances renewable energy alternatives. Additionally, we cautiously endorse the creation of an Education Authority, provided this entity can operate independently and, in the students’ best interests. We also support the proposed amendments to the Education Act 1996 as we recognize inclusivity is useful in some instances, and in other instances dedicated special education schools are the best fit. Updates to the Children Act 1998 also reflect our shared commitment to safeguarding vulnerable youth.
We support the government’s review of the Mental Health Act 1968 and advocate for a comprehensive approach that prioritizes treatment over punishment. Mental health parity is essential, ensuring conditions like depression and anxiety receive the same level of care and support as physical health issues. Strengthening outpatient treatment, therapy, and reintegration programs will provide those in need with real pathways to recovery and stability.
Critical Areas of Concern and Risks
Despite areas of agreement, we hold serious concerns about several proposals that risk negatively impacting Bermuda’s economy and governance. Expanding the Cost-of-Living Commission’s investigative powers to extensively scrutinize private businesses will undermine investor confidence, economic growth, and stability. Similarly, extending the Regulatory Authority’s oversight into previously unregulated sectors risks increasing bureaucracy, reducing market flexibility, and discouraging innovation and investment. Such interventions represent an overly restrictive approach and risk exacerbating the very issues they aim to address. Our firm position is that promoting competition, not implementing heavy-handed regulation, is the most effective way to address Bermuda’s economic challenges.
Regarding the Corporate Income Tax (CIT), while the law has already come into effect, we strongly advise against over-reliance on uncollected revenues. Given the Government’s track record of fiscal mismanagement, prematurely counting on uncertain revenue streams poses significant financial risks. The FDM recommends holding 80% of CIT revenues in a dedicated account for five years before exclusively utilizing these funds for debt reduction. This conservative approach ensures responsible and effective management of public resources.
We also express caution regarding the establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund. Such funds typically benefit nations operating budget surpluses, not those with substantial national debts. Therefore, we advise careful consideration and fiscal discipline regarding such initiatives.
On environmental policy, we agree with pausing new marine protected areas until improved enforcement measures and data collection practices are agreed upon with local fishermen. Nonetheless, we remain opposed to the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Program (BOPP) in its current form due to insufficient inclusion of local fisheries stakeholders.
We recognize the government’s proposal to amend the Tourism Investment Act 2017 to support smaller guest houses and health-related tourism. However, current infrastructural issues, particularly limited accessibility for differently abled individuals, must first be resolved before pursuing medical tourism effectively. Additionally, and with a broader view, we propose replacing the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) with a privately funded Tourism Stakeholders’ Council led by the private sector to drive innovation and marketing without taxpayer funding. Even though we need to see major changes in the BTA, it must be noted that the decline in tourism reflects broader governmental shortcomings.
Recommended Actions for the Government’s First 100 Days
To immediately ease economic pressures, reduce the cost of living, and minimize unnecessary government spending burdens on taxpayers, the FDM proposes the following targeted initiatives for consideration within the government’s first 100 days:
· Economic Stability: Implement a simplified 15% customs duty rate and reduce payroll taxes for all employees, immediately lowering the cost of living, increasing disposable income for families, and significantly reducing operational costs for businesses.
Additionally, eliminate dividend taxes to encourage reinvestment and stimulate economic growth.
· Housing Solutions: Introduce flexible zoning regulations, establish long-term leases for government properties, and waive land taxes for affordable rental units, immediately boosting affordable housing availability.
· Energy Reform: Initiate a transition from heavy fuel oil to Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) at BELCO, combined with reduced regulatory barriers for renewable energy investments.
· Food Security: Enhance local agricultural initiatives, utilizing unused arable land, extending leases for government farmland, permanently protecting Agricultural Reserve land, and empowering the Bermuda Farmers Association to promote sustainable food production.
· Educational Clarity: Immediately pause the ongoing public education transition to an effective independent educational model led by educators, parents, and community stakeholders.
Conclusion
As Bermuda charts its future, we honor visionaries such as A.B. Place, Henry Hughes, Joaquin Martin, David Augustus, and James Rabain, whose actions preceded the 1959 theatre boycott. Inspired by the friendly societies and their aims of inculcating self-determination, mutual aid and a relentless drive toward independence, they recognized that true equity emerges only from genuine liberty. Their example highlights creativity and self-reliance as essential foundations for community empowerment.
Bermuda now faces challenges reminiscent of their era, reaffirming the continued relevance of these principles. Our approach embraces open markets and minimal government interference, understanding that true prosperity cannot be legislated through restrictive measures. To build a resilient, peaceful and prosperous Bermuda, we must commit to supporting one another, locally, regionally, and globally.
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