“It is crucial to streamline the transition of medically fit patients to alternative care settings”
File photos
Government Statement from the Minister of Health on BHB bed shortages
Hospital bed shortages continue to pose a significant challenge, largely due to the number of patients remaining in hospital after being deemed medically fit for discharge. We recognize the strain this places on our healthcare system, affecting both the dedicated staff and patients in urgent need of care. To address this, it is crucial to streamline the transition of medically fit patients to alternative care settings, ensuring the process is both efficient and timely. This approach will help alleviate pressure on hospital resources and improve access to care for all.
Additionally, we are focused on improving elder care services by upgrading existing facilities and planning new ones to meet growing demand. Making home care more affordable and ensuring timely caregiver payments are also key priorities, allowing seniors to age with dignity and proper care in the comfort of their homes.
We understand that some families face real difficulties in providing care at home, and we are committed to supporting those who need additional assistance. However, for families who are able, we strongly encourage you to help your loved ones transition home when it is safe to do so. This not only ensures they recover in a more comfortable and familiar environment but also frees up critical hospital beds for those in urgent need.
Overseas treatment may be needed; hospital says delay is unrelated to ongoing capacity problems
Overseas & file photos
Scheduled chemotherapy sessions have been postponed this week after the hospital’s two oncology nurses became unavailable.
One cancer patient affected told us that they had not yet been given a subsequent date for a chemo session.
Judy Richardson, Chief of Nursing at the hospital, said a significant number of chemotherapy treatments have been delayed, and they hope to resume normal services in about a month.
Nurse Richardson advised that critical patients will be supported in seeking overseas care, and new oncology patients will be referred overseas until chemotherapy nurses are on island.
She said formal recruitment for chemotherapy nurses is ongoing, and one nurse is currently in training.
The Bermuda Hospitals Board has advised that the oncology staffing issue is not related to capacity issues that have put a strain on other hospital staff and resources. It is specifically because the two chemotherapy nurses, who are close to retirement, are unable to work for unrelated and personal reasons.
Nurses aids temporarily downed tools in the face of the mounting pressure
BHB Press Release below:
Bermuda Hospitals Board today explained what is being done to stabilise oncology services following its two chemotherapy nurses being unable to work for unrelated and personal reasons. Chemotherapy nurses are specialist nurses who are trained to give chemotherapy treatments to cancer patients. BHB has two nurses, with an additional nurse who is currently in training and still requires supervision. Recruitment has begun for additional chemotherapy nurses as the two nurses, who have provided an amazing service for many years, are close to retirement. Chief of Nursing, Judy Richardson comments: “The sudden impact of our situation was only known on Monday. We have reached out to local partners, all of our clinical partners and nurse agencies to bring new resources to the island as soon as possible. Everyone in the oncology team is working to provide as much coverage as possible, but a significant number of chemotherapy treatments have been delayed. Patients for whom any delay in treatment will impact their outcomes, or those who have complex or specialised therapies that require chemotherapy nurse skills, will be supported in seeking overseas care. While we hope we can resume normal services in about a month, new oncology patients will also be referred overseas until we have chemotherapy nurses on island. “We are so sorry for this impact, especially as we had just completed recruitment to fill our oncologist roles. The formal recruitment for chemotherapy nurses is ongoing with a sustainable training plan being developed with overseas affiliates. We are also exploring the recruitment of locum nurses as temporary resources as they can be organised more quickly. “We will provide an update to the community as soon as we have secured locum resources,” Mrs Richardson adds.
Cambridge Beaches was among the key locations for the swimsuit shoot. Image: BTA
Press Release: “The Bermuda Tourism Authority is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, the world-renowned lifestyle magazine, to serve as one of the official locations for the 2025 issue, on stands in May. This collaboration will showcase Bermuda’s stunning landscapes and unique charm as the backdrop for the publication’s highly anticipated annual issue, marking a significant comeback having last served as the star location for the magazine’s Swimsuit Issue in 1995. Thirty years ago, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit captivated readers with its 1995 Swimsuit Issue titled ‘Basking in Bermuda’ featuring supermodels, Cheryl Tiegs, Ashley Richardson, and Rebecca Romijn photographed by Walter Iooss Jr., and the cover featuring Daniela Pestova photographed by Mike Reinhardt. The issue showcased the island’s unmatched natural beauty and stunning landscapes, with South Shore Beach featured on the front cover. Now, three decades later, the magazine has returned to showcase Bermuda’s vibrant culture, hidden gems and natural wonders to reflect the spirit of adventure, athleticism, and style that the publication is celebrated for. Taking place in March 2025, the shoot features an inspiring lineup of influential models, entrepreneurs and athletes, with a strong emphasis on body positivity and inclusivity. In a unique collaboration, the Swimsuit Issue worked alongside local Bermudian artists, designers, and communities to authentically represent the island’s iconic charm and lively spirit through supporting print and digital editorial content as well as social posts and stories to a following of over 10 million users. The shoot was filmed across Bermuda’s breathtaking beaches, hidden coves, cultural hotspots, and luxury properties, with a special focus on the iconic Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa. With its stunning ocean views and rich history, the property embodies the island’s timeless beauty, making it the perfect location for this year’s feature. Clarence Hofheins, General Manager at Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa shares “I would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Bermuda Tourism Authority for their ongoing partnership and collaboration and for bringing such exciting opportunities such as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit to our door. The organisation’s support has been invaluable in helping us showcase the beauty and hospitality of Bermuda on a global scale whilst increasing exposure for local businesses like ours to international travelers. We look forward to strengthening our relationship as we grow and thrive as a premier destination.” Jamari Douglas, VP of Marketing, PR and Communications at BTA states “The return of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit to Bermuda underscores the island’s status as a leading destination for luxury travel, fashion photography, and world-class experiences and we are beyond excited to welcome the team. This milestone partnership not only reinforces Bermuda’s appeal as a top tourism destination but also spotlights its commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and natural beauty on a global scale”. Follow Sports Illustrated Swimsuit here. For more information on Bermuda visit www.gotobermuda.com
The Aviators Alliance Bermuda’s first public session draws 100 attendees to the Bermuda College’s North Hall lecture theatre
Patrice Frith-Hayward hosts the Aviators Alliance Bermuda’s first pilot information session with co-founder, Bermudian pilot Tariq Lynch-Wade. Photo: Bermuda Broadcasting Company
The Aviators Alliance Bermuda, a group of aviation professionals and pilots hosted their inaugural information session geared towards those interested in becoming qualified pilots.
The event was held at the Bermuda College’s North Hall lecture theatre which drew 100 members of the public eager to hear from a panellist of 18 Bermudian pilots, some who live abroad, sharing their experiences via virtual conference and in-person.
Tariq Lynch-Wade, one of four co-founders of the organisation said, “Trajectory wise, I think we’re in the boom of a new era, with BermudAir coming about, with obviously the new airport terminal, with Blue Sky Flights…
“There a whole host of additional aviation opportunities being created right now.”
Mr. Lynch-Wade says there are around 15 to 18 Bermudian pilots actively working in the commercial airline industry internationally and countless others employed in the aviation industry as a whole.
He stressed to the audience that entering the industry is not a sole vocation and stressed the importance of connecting with a mentor to help guide aspiring pilots into their chosen career path.
The group consists of Rona Donawa, Ian Frith, Tariq Lynch-Wade and Nicole Warren.
Ms. Donawa said, “I would say inspired…you can see that this is attainable and its really just create to encourage the conversation around aviation as such an amazing field.”
The AAB also offered a raffle prize draw for all attendees awarding the winner, Julie Thomas, two round-trip ticket with BermudAir presented by BermudAir pilot Henrique Mattos and Rona Donowa of the Aviators Alliance Bermuda (pictured below).
BermudAir, one Bermuda-based aviation company, launched in September 2023 which has hired its first Bermudian pilot.
The company awaits the arrival of two additional Embraer 190 aircrafts in April 2025 to meet demand for their expanded destination catalogue.
The L.F. Wade International Airport underwent a major redevelopment plan officially re-opening in December 2020.
Mr. Lynch-Wade added, “We’ll use tonight as a metric to determine what would be our next steps but the aim of the group is to just highlight the aviation industry and show that it is possible for Bermudians to seek out the industry as a viable career.”
One Bermuda Alliance statement from Shadow Health Minister Robin Tucker, MP, via press release:
Broadly the issue of having insufficient patient beds and the staffing issues at KEMH is part of a much larger problem. For starters, taxpayers paid over $400 million to build a hospital with insufficient inpatient stay capacity. It’s pretty obvious just by looking at the design that it was not purpose built to accommodate the inpatient needs of our general population. Families need to be strongly encouraged to take their family members home and care for them. Undoubtably most people want their relatives at home but they simply cannot care for them. There must also be tangible support be put in place to help. A day care is a help, but Bermuda needs more affordable nursing homes and greater caregiver support. It’s unsurprising that staff at BHB are reaching a breaking point. They endured and supported us through the pandemic, yet we saw through the recent silent protest that while they took care of us, we weren’t taking care of them, and after giving so much them, we now ask them to give more. We have known for years that a third of our population will be seniors by 2026, and that chronic conditions are becoming more prevalent. We haven’t adequately prepared for this day so much of what we are seeing play out at KEMH is sadly predicable. We are in a crisis, and families can help by taking home their loved ones to alleviate some of the strain on the hospital and its staff.
South Korea’s trade minister urging his US counterparts to exempt the country from tariff measures
FILE PHOTO: The South Korean and American flags fly next to each other at Yongin, South Korea, August 23, 2016. Courtesy Ken Scar/U.S. Army/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
South Korea’s industry minister will visit Washington, D.C. this week to discuss with top U.S. officials the country’s concern over being placed on a U.S. watchlist and to push for fair treatment on tariffs, the industry ministry said on Wednesday.
The U.S. Department of Energy designation of South Korea as a “sensitive country” sparked controversy in Seoul, with the U.S. ally put on the lowest tier of a watchlist that includes China, Iran and North Korea among others.
Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun would “seek measures to quickly resolve the sensitive country designation issue,” the ministry said in a statement.
Ahn’s visit was an important opportunity, Foreign Minister Cho Ta-yul told lawmakers on Wednesday, when questioned about whether he thought Washington could be persuaded to remove South Korea from the watchlist.
Joseph Yun, the acting U.S. ambassador in Seoul, said on Tuesday that South Korea was added on the list because visitors to the energy department’s labs mishandled sensitive information.
When Ahn meets the U.S. secretaries of commerce and energy, he will also stress how much South Korea has invested in the United States to push for fair treatment on trade before U.S. reciprocal tariffs kick in on April 2, the ministry said.
South Korea’s trade minister recently also visited Washington, where he urged his American counterparts to exempt the country from tariff measures.
Reporting by Ju-min Park and Hyunjoo Jin; Editing by Ed Davies
The exhibition will be on display at the Masterworks Museum until 10 May 2025
Bill Ming, Minister Owen Darrell
Bermuda Government update via press release:
Bermudian artist Bill Ming showcased his latest exhibition, Bermuda – Stories in Memory, at the Masterworks Museum on 14 March 2025. Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, the Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, MP, was in attendance to view Ming’s work, which explores themes of heritage, identity, and cultural memory.
Reflecting on the exhibition, Minister Darrell stated, “Bill Ming’s recent collection of collages tells captivating stories rich with history and culture, capturing the spirit of our people and the stories that define us. His work continues to inspire and celebrate cultural heritage in meaningful ways.”
Born in Bermuda, he has lived in the UK since 1971. He has made a significant impact on the local and international art scene, earning the Bermuda Arts Council Lifetime Achievement Award. Throughout his illustrious career, Bill has showcased his art in numerous solo and group exhibitions, taught at various art colleges, and advised and selected for exhibitions.
Minister Owen Darrell, Bill Ming, Oliver K. DarrellBill Ming
In 1992-93, he became the first Black artist to serve as the Henry Moore Sculpture Fellow at John Moores University. His influence was further extended with his participation in the groundbreaking 1995 exhibition The Caribbean Connection, a pivotal event celebrated as one of the earliest showcases of Caribbean art in London. In 1994, his exhibit Homecoming was featured as one of the inaugural exhibitions at the Bermuda National Gallery.
Bill’s legacy is also visible across Bermuda, with public sculptures displayed in various locations throughout the island. Notable works include “Against da Tide” sculpture in the City of Hamilton and “Figurehead,” a memorial in St. David’s honoring those lost at sea.
Minister Darrell added, “Bill Ming’s artistry is a powerful tribute to Bermuda’s rich history and cultural identity. On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I express my sincere appreciation for his contributions, and I am grateful that he is preserving and sharing Bermuda’s unique narrative through art. I extend my gratitude to Masterworks and Bermudian curator Daisy Gould for bringing this exceptional exhibit to Bermuda. I encourage everyone to visit the exhibit and experience his work firsthand.”
The exhibition will be on display at the Masterworks Museum until 10 May 2025, offering the public an opportunity to engage with Bill Ming’s thought-provoking artistry.
Santander said it had seen a 63% increase in digital transactions since 2019
FILE PHOTO: A pedestrian stands beside a logo for Spain’s Banco Santander in London January 28, 2009. REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
The UK arm of Spain’s Banco Santander said on Wednesday around 750 staff could lose their jobs under plans to close a fifth of its branch network, raising fresh questions about the scale of the lender’s UK presence.
Santander UK, which has recently been the subject of speculation about its future ownership, will close 95 of its 444 branches from June, it said in a statement.
The lender will continue to operate 349 outlets, including 290 full-service branches and 36 reduced-hours branches.
Like other banks across Britain, Santander has steadily reduced its branch network to save costs as more customers switch to digital banking.
Santander said it had seen a 63% increase in digital transactions since 2019, with financial transactions completed in branches down 61% in the same period.
But some UK lawmakers have criticised lenders for widespread closures, saying they made it tougher for local businesses and that vulnerable customers in rural areas were struggling to access their money.
Last September, the Financial Conduct Authority introduced new rules to make it harder for banks to shut branches without ensuring communities have free access to an alternative provider of cash.
“As a business, we must move with customers and balance our investment across all the places where we interact with customers, to deliver the very best for them now and in the future,” Santander UK said.
“Closing a branch is always a very difficult decision and we spend a great deal of time assessing where and when we do this and how to minimise the impact it may have on our customers.”
Santander said it was consulting employee unions on the changes and would provide support to staff affected, including assistance in finding alternative jobs in the bank.
Santander UK, which posted a 38% fall in annual pretax profit to 1.33 billion pounds ($1.73 billion) in 2024, employs around 18,000 people, according to the bank’s annual report.
Banco Santander said last month its UK unit remained a core part of its globally diversified business model and the division was not for sale, after media reports suggested it was reviewing its presence in Britain.
Reuters in January cited sources familiar with the matter as saying that Barclays had approached Santander about a possible offer but the talks ended at a preliminary stage.
($1 = 0.7708 pounds)
Reporting By Sinead Cruise and Andres Gonzalez; Editing by Amanda Cooper and Mark Potter
The law bans Pride on the grounds that it could be considered harmful to children
People protest after parliament fast-tracked legislation to ban the annual Pride march by LGBTQ+ communities on the grounds that it could be considered harmful to children, in Budapest, Hungary, March 18, 2025. REUTERS/Marton Monus
International news via Reuters:
Hungary’s president has signed a law proposed by Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s ruling party that will ban LGBTQ+ communities from holding their annual Pride march, defying criticism by human rights organisations that it restricts freedom of assembly.
Protesters blocked a bridge in central Budapest on Tuesday evening after parliament passed the measure, fast-tracking a law proposed by Orban’s right-wing Fidesz party on Monday.
President Tamas Sulyok, a former Constitutional Court chief who was elected to the largely ceremonial position a year ago by the Fidesz parliamentary majority, signed the law. His office did not reply to Reuters questions on Wednesday.
The law bans Pride on the grounds that it could be considered harmful to children. It also says police can use face recognition cameras to identify people who attend the event, and impose fines on participants.
Orban, who is dealing with a struggling economy and an unprecedented challenge from a new opposition party ahead of a 2026 election, has long been critical of the LGBT community.
His policies often put him at odds with the rest of the European Union. Hadja Lahbib, the EU commissioner for equality, said on X that “the right to gather peacefully is a fundamental right to be championed across the European Union”.
Michael O’Flaherty, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, an independent institution promoting human rights in Europe, said he was “very concerned” about the new law and late on Tuesday urged Sulyok to veto it.
Budapest’s liberal mayor, Gergely Karacsony, also criticised the law and said this year’s Pride “could be bigger than ever”. Organisers said they planned to go ahead with this year’s march – scheduled for June 28 – despite the ban.
“Budapest is the city of freedom, there will be Pride,” Karacsony said.
Orban, in office since 2010, has also pledged to crack down on foreign funding of independent media and NGOs, emboldened by moves by his ally, U.S. President Donald Trump.
Reporting by Krisztina Than; Editing by Frances Kerry
Roche said the changes would also take effect outside the United States
FILE PHOTO The logo of Swiss drugmaker Roche is seen at its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland January 30, 2020. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
Swiss drugmaker Roche has abandoned global targets for a more diverse workforce to avoid penalties from recent U.S. executive orders, the latest in a slew of companies to do so.
Among measures taken, Roche said its Chief Diversity Offices in the U.S. and at its Basel headquarters “will focus on inclusion and belonging, and responsibilities will be re-scoped accordingly”. Diversity was not mentioned under the Offices’ new remit.
According to a memo to global staff made available to Reuters, the changes were made to ensure that Roche “can continue to deliver medicines and diagnostic solutions to patients”.
A number of U.S. companies have been scaling back diversity, equity and inclusion programmes since U.S. President Donald Trump declared some elements of DEI illegal and threatened possible investigations into firms that practice it.
Among companies not headquartered in the United States, Swiss bank UBS this week scrapped references to establishing women in management roles and hiring employees from ethnic minority backgrounds from its 2024 annual report.
Roche said the changes would also take effect outside the United States “because our global programmes and goals can have an impact on our US organisations if we are not compliant under the new law”, according to the memo.
Reporting by Paul ArnoldWriting by Ludwig BurgerEditing by Rachel More
A human resources consultancy firm has been seconded to conduct an audit of the Bermuda Tourism Authority following a scathing culture review published recently.
The BTA says its Cultural Reset Initiative will mark the next phase of creating a “strong, transparent and inclusive workplace culture” through a comprehensive assessment of its internal policies and HR practices.
William “Billy” Griffith, Acting Chair of the BTA Board of Directors said, quote: “This next step is an essential part of ensuring that BTA is an organization where employees feel valued, heard, and supported.”
He added, “…This initiative is not about assigning blame but about strengthening our foundation for the future.”
Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture and Sport Owen Darrell had directed the BTA late last year to carry out an independent review of workplace culture after several high profile departures from the BTA in recent years.
A culture review was published and unveiled to BTA staff members last week which highlighted a need to improve on transparency and accountability; especially within the area of human resources administration.
For the full news release, read below:
The Board of Directors of the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) today announced the commencement of an extensive Human Resources Audit and Cultural Reset initiative, marking the next phase in its commitment to fostering a strong, transparent, and inclusive workplace culture. This initiative follows the findings of the recently conducted Culture Review and will focus on implementing meaningful improvements to enhance employee engagement and organizational effectiveness.
To support this effort, the Board has engaged a well-regarded HR consultancy firm to conduct a comprehensive assessment of BTA’s internal culture, policies, and HR practices. The work will include an independent review of past employee departures, one-on-one engagements with current staff, and a full evaluation of HR policies and procedures to ensure alignment with best practices.
A Commitment to a Stronger BTA
“This next step is an essential part of ensuring that BTA is an organization where employees feel valued, heard, and supported,” said William “Billy” Griffith, Acting Chair of the BTA Board of Directors. “The Board is committed to creating an environment where transparency, fairness, and accountability are standard practice. This initiative is not about assigning blame but about strengthening our foundation for the future.”
What Employees Can Expect
As part of this process, all BTA employees will have the opportunity to share their perspectives through confidential one-on-one meetings with the consulting team. Employees will also have the option to provide anonymous feedback. Additionally, the firm will reach out to former employees to gather insights on their experiences and the circumstances surrounding their departures.
Key areas of focus include:
· Conducting an independent review of past employee departures to assess adherence to process and identify opportunities for improvement.
· Engaging with current staff to understand their experiences and recommendations for positive change.
· Evaluating HR policies, including grievance procedures, performance management frameworks, and employee handbooks, to ensure clarity and fairness.
· Developing strategic recommendations for improving workplace culture, communication, and employee engagement.
The Board has committed to providing regular updates on progress and remains focused on fostering a workplace culture that supports professional growth, collaboration, and excellence.
“This is a constructive and forward-looking initiative designed to make the BTA a stronger organisation,” added Griffith. “By listening, learning, and acting on the findings, we will ensure that the BTA remains a great place to work and an organisation that continues to serve Bermuda’s tourism industry with integrity and excellence.”
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