Politicians spar over planned seniors’ home
OBA calls on Minister to urgently move forward; Minister cites ‘rigidity’ of planning policy
Channel House at Southside, St. David’s, built by the U.S. Navy in 1942, has been earmarked for conversion into a Seniors’ Residential Living Facility. Photo: Bermuda Broadcasting
A hold-up on the development of a new seniors’ home has prompted a back-and-forth between the two main political parties.
Here’s a statement issued by the OBA today:
“Shadow Minister for Youth, Social Development and Seniors, Linda Smith, is calling on the Minister of the Cabinet and Digital Innovation, The Hon. Diallo Rabain, to facilitate approval for a new 45-bedroom seniors’ residential facility.
This coming after the Development Applications Board rejected an application for the redevelopment of Channel House on Longfield Road, in Southside.
Ms Smith says, “The urgent need for senior care facilities is at a crisis point, which is a major contributor to the lack of available beds at KEMH as patients medically fit to leave have nowhere to go. We also know that there are often long wait lists for spaces at the island’s care homes. We desperately need appropriate facilities for our seniors.”
In a split vote, the DAB rejected an application to convert a large office building into a residential facility for seniors. While recognising the urgent need for residential care facilities the DAB said the application went against a policy of the Bermuda Plan 2018 relating to mixed use zones.
The building, which has been vacant for an extended time, previously housed government offices. The DAB’s rejection of the application noted that its previous use was commercial, and policy requires that the reuse include some level of commercial activity on the ground floor.
A similar DAB rejection for repurposing the former BLDC Head Office, Triton House, for residential use was overturned by the former Minister of the Cabinet in February, who at the time referred to the urgent need for affordable housing. Ms. Smith said the same urgent consideration should be given to seniors.”
Government issued the following statement:
‘The Minister for Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, JP, MP, explained, “The public and this Government fully understand the urgent need for quality senior care facilities in Bermuda.”
“To that end, the application for this project was submitted on March 5, 2025. Immediately upon receipt, and due to the project’s importance, the Department of Planning expedited the application to obtain a DAB decision, which was made on April 2, 2025. Once the applicant submits an application for appeal, I will prioritise my review of the submission to make a swift determination in accordance with the Appeal Procedure Rules. I have every intention of seeing this project move forward without unnecessary delay.
“That said, this case also highlights a broader issue with the rigidity of existing planning policy in the 2018 Bermuda Plan. When applications with clear benefits, no detrimental planning impacts and social value — like housing for our seniors — are supported by the Department of Planning but blocked by technical policy constraints, it becomes clear that change is needed.
“Pending the wider review of the 2018 Plan, legislative amendments will be advanced to ensure that developments in the public interest don’t become hostage to procedural red tape in the future. These changes will allow the planning system to respond more effectively and pragmatically without sacrificing accountability or standards.
“While others are quick to comment, we are focused on delivering tangible outcomes — both for this project and for the future of planning in Bermuda.”’
PLP: OBA shipping proposal ‘shows they only care about those who vote for them’
PLP accuses Opposition of “political games” by sharing their proposal publicly
Photo: The new MV Oleander arriving in Bermuda in 2019 (file)
The Progressive Labour Party has claimed that the One Bermuda Alliance’s idea for a backup fund to offset increases to shipping and import costs is evidence that they care only about businesses that historically support them.
The PLP also says the OBA know the proper channels to put forward such proposals, rather than using “media hype”.
On Wednesday, Shadow Finance Minister Dr Douglas De Couto and Shadow Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy proposed a Supply Chain Contingency Fund to subsidise shipping companies, in the face of the Trump Administration potentially increasing US port fees and hiking tariffs on imports into the US.
This would be financed by the projected budget surplus and revenue from the Corporate Income Tax.
The OBA’s Michael Fahy said importers and shipping companies are exploring new trade routes, but such solutions would take time and increase costs in the short term. Hence their proposal for a fund to help soften the impact.
However, a PLP spokersperson responded, “it is remarkable that the OBA, who repeatedly criticised the PLP’s plans to use the future revenues from the Corporate Income Tax… is now proposing to use revenues from that same tax to subsidise shipping and import companies.”
“It shows that the OBA’s earlier objections were purely political and, true to form, that they seemingly only care about costs that affect the businesses that have always supported their party.”
Michael Fahy has denied that their fund is an attempt to ‘bail out’ shippers and importers, saying “when you speak to shippers, we know that the freight costs are very high already…”
“That actually gets passed on to the consumer.”
‘Political theatrics’
Mr Fahy had also questioned why the OBA were not included in a recent meeting with stakeholders, despite what he called “the Premier’s stated desire for collaboration rather than criticism.”
A PLP spokesperson said, “the OBA knows the appropriate and established channels to share genuine ideas or proposals.”
“Choosing instead to bypass these channels, in favour of media hype, signals that they are more focused on political theatrics that tackling the cost of living.”
Speaking to Bermuda Broadcasting, Michael Fahy affirmed his opinion that the OBA should have been included in the meeting as this is a matter of national importance, and a large number of people in Bermuda did vote for the OBA.
“If you’re going to have collaborative ‘desires’,” Mr Fahy said, “then it would make sense to invite all stakeholders to the table to at least hear what everyone has to say.”
“We’re putting forward a proposal that we think can work. Period.”
Meanwhile, the PLP spokesperson added that they are engaged in ongoing dialogue with the U.S. Government, they are coordinating with CARICOM to strengthen regional food production, and are in discussions with Canadian officials to explore contingencies that will ensure consistent and affordable access to essential goods.
The spokesperson said “The PLP understands the concern many Bermudians are feeling as global developments, especially the recent proposal to increase US shipping fees, present new challenges…”
“Bermudians can rest assured that we remain engaged in a proactive manner to protect the well-being of every person and business in our island community.”
“The PLP has demonstrated our ability to govern in times of crisis and are focused on the task at hand; protecting Bermudian interests, and not the political games of the Opposition.”
OBA’s Robert King says that ‘red tape is holding Bermuda back’
Argues that the negative impact of burdensome bureaucracy can be seen in construction sector
Bermuda has too much red tape. It’s a recurring complaint from members of the public who believe bureaucracy has been hindering economic growth.
Addressing the issue last year, government sought submissions for its red tape reduction consultation. However, the Opposition One Bermuda Alliance says that this was not enough.
Shadow Minister of National Security, Cabinet Office & Innovation Robert King believes the negative impact of red tape can be seen in the construction industry, where he says that there are four-hundred applications waiting for planning approval.
Mr. King says that red tape, and its stifling effect on the construction industry, impacts all levels of society. Skilled and unskilled workers, Bermudian and immigrant. The issue, he argues, is multilayered and calls for a holistic solution.
You can listen to the full interview with Robert King in audio format, below.
Bermuda underscores its ‘cooperative, transparent and compliant’ reputation at European forum
Premier and Finance Minister David Burt is in Warsaw, Poland with a delegation from the Bermuda Monetary Authority
Premier and Finance Minister David Burt with Jean-Paul Servais, Chairman of the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA – Belgium) and Chair of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). Photo: Government of Bermuda
Attendance at a European financial forum has proven a vital means of attracting new international business and job creation on island, according to Premier and Finance Minister David Burt.
Premier Burt, with a delegation from the Bermuda Monetary Authority, have been in talks in Warsaw, Poland at the three-day at the 2025 Eurofi Financial Forum alongside the Polish EU Council Presidency.
The Eurofi Forum is a European think tank for financial services where top industry regulators and chairs of the international standards setting bodies gather to discuss emerging trends.
Premier Burt, in a news release stated, “Fostering ongoing relationships is crucial to strengthening Bermuda’s position as a vital player in the international insurance industry.
“Through these engagements, we are not only enhancing our global standing but also securing long-term growth and stability for the Bermudian economy.”
The Premier met with leaders on the European insurance sector, including Petra Hielkema, the Chairperson of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) and Thea Utoft Ho Jensen, Director General of Insurance Europe.
Premier Burt also reconnected with Florian Wimber, Head of European and International Affairs for the German Insurance Association, whom he met on his previous official travel to the EU in September.
Long-term insurance, a key driver for recent growth in for Bermuda’s insurance and reinsurance markets fueled discussions.
Premier Burt emphasised the strong reputation Bermuda holds among EU representatives who seek the expertise of the island’s financial services and regulators.
The final meeting of the day was held with Jean-Paul Servais, Chairman of the Financial Services and Markets Authority (FSMA – Belgium) and Chair of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), representing over 130 national authorities worldwide.
The discussions centered around emerging issues in global financial services.
The Bermuda delegation is scheduled to return home next week.
26th Kappa Classic Kicks Off Tonight
Nearly 2000 children aged 7-14 representing 126 teams are expected to compete in the youth football tournament
It’s the highlight of the year for many of Bermuda’s aspiring young footballers. The 26th edition of the annual Kappa Classic kicks off this evening at the National Sports Centre rain, blow or shine. As the largest youth festival on Bermuda’s sporting calendar, last year’s event drew over 1,000 boys and girls aged 7 to 14, representing 123 teams. And Co-Chair TaijaunTalbot says this year’s event promises to be even bigger.
Beyond scoring goals, the Kappa Classic is about education. And as Mr Talbot explains, this year a number of scouts from schools in the UK will be in attendance.
Bruce Keyes, Admissions Manager at St. Andrew’s College in Ontario, Canada, who will also be at Kappa this weekend said quote,
“Attending the Kappa Classic is a fantastic opportunity to see Bermuda’s youth talent in action.”
Mr Keys adding, “We’ve had tremendous experiences with our Bermudian students, and we’re excited to meet more young athletes who are ready to take the next step both academically and athletically.”
Family of missing man want him back in ‘safe environment’
Concern mounts among Michael Miranda’s loved ones as search nears two weeks
The family of a missing man have expressed concern after receiving no leads or sightings of him in 13 days.
Fifty-eight-year-old Bermudian Michael Miranda was first reported missing on March 27, found a day later, and then reportedly went missing again.
He was last seen by police on March 28 in the City of Hamilton, near the Salvation Army facility on North Street, around midday.
Police renewed their appeal to locate him on April 4 and have since intensified search efforts.
According to Mr Miranda’s niece, Stephanie Tankard, it is not common for him to go missing.
She explained: “He is in a mentally fragile or vulnerable state right now, so we just want to be able to find him and get him the care that he needs. We know he’s not taking any of his medications because he doesn’t have them. He has no money, nothing on him besides the clothes on his back.”
Known to her as “Uncle Mikey,” Ms Tankard described him as a “very easy-going, fun-loving, kind of go-with-the-wind type of person” before his mental state began to deteriorate.
Mr Miranda’s family homestead is in the My Lord’s Bay area. He grew up in the Crawl area, attended Whitney Institute, and previously worked at Bermuda Motors.
On Monday, Ms Tankard and her family were joined by several community friends from the Queen’s Club who organised a search party, covering ground in the Shelly Bay area, but their efforts were “to no avail”.
With the wet and windy weather, she noted that some of their biggest concerns now centre around the elements.
“It’s been cold, it’s been rainy these last couple of days, and that’s our biggest concern because he has no money on him. We don’t really know if he’s in a protected space. We’re just not sure where he’s laying his head—if he’s warm, if he’s hungry. These are some of the most pressing concerns we have when it comes to him.”
Police said they have focused their search on the Shelly Bay area, where Mr Miranda was known to frequent, and will be returning there tomorrow morning.
In the meantime, the public is encouraged to keep their eyes peeled for Mr Miranda.
To those with any information on possible sightings, Ms Tankard urged: “I would probably suggest just calling the police service to let them know, and then they will contact us regarding the status. Any sightings – anything – would be helpful at this point. Nothing is too small. I know Bermuda is a small community, but we’re a loving and proud community.
“My uncle’s lived here all his life and given a lot. I would hope that he has many friends and family out here who just want to see him back in a safe environment, getting the care that he needs at the end of the day.”
Anyone with information on Mr Miranda’s whereabouts should immediately call 911 or 211. If you feel comfortable, let him know that his family may not realise they are looking for him.
Maternal and child health highlighted at World Health Day panel
The panelist’s discussion was entitled, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures: The First 1000 Days of Life in Bermuda”
Fiona Dill, Doula and Executive Director at “ It Takes a Village”, Lynn Jackson, Chief Nursing Officer, Department of Health, Allison Outerbridge, Public Health Nutritionist, Department of Health and Dr. Alison Daniels, Coordinator, Child Care Regulation Programme, Department of Health at Bermuda College
Photo: Ministry of Health
The full news release from the Ministry of Health:
The Ministry of Health proudly hosted an enlightening panel discussion, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures: The First 1000 Days of Life in Bermuda,” in honor of World Health Day on Monday, April 7, 2025.
This thought-provoking event, held at Bermuda College’s Athene Lecture Hall, united experts, community members, and stakeholders to share insights and strategies to advance maternal and child health in Bermuda.
Moderated by Ms. Janice Mullings-George, RN, Founder of Reset to Reboot, the panel featured a distinguished lineup of experts:
Ms. Fiona Dill, Doula and Executive Director at ‘It Takes a Village’, Dr. Terrylynn Tyrell, Coordinator of the Child Development Programme, Ms. Allison Outerbridge, Public Health Nutritionist, Dr. Ricky Brathwaite, CEO of Bermuda Health Council, Ms. Lynn Jackson, Chief Nursing Officer, Department of Health and Dr. Alison Daniels, Child Care Regulations Programme Manager.
Panelists at the Bermuda College’s Athene Lecture Hall, Paget. Photo: Ministry of Health
Minister of Health Kim Wilson expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am grateful to the panelists for their insightful contributions and participation, as well as to everyone who attended this important discussion.
“I also want to extend my thanks to the Health Promotion and Wellness Office, Department of Health team for organizing such a meaningful event that highlights the importance of creating healthy beginnings and hopeful futures.”
The Ministry’s efforts through the First 1,000 Days Integrated Care Pathway Initiative were central to the panel discussion, emphasizing critical milestones such as prenatal screenings, maternal mental health support, and breastfeeding rates.
Panelists shed light on the importance of early intervention, quality child care at regulated care facilities and home care providers, maternal health and wellbeing, nutrition, integrated care pathways, community support, and resources available to ensure a healthy start for Bermuda’s future generations.
Attendees praised the event’s collaborative spirit and wealth of actionable knowledge.
As World Health Day 2025 ended, the Ministry of Health celebrated its commitment to creating “Healthy Beginnings and Hopeful Futures” for all.
Ms. Fiona Dill, Doula and Executive Director at ‘It Takes a Village’, Dr. Terrylynn Tyrell, Coordinator of the Child Development Programme, Ms. Allison Outerbridge, Public Health Nutritionist, Dr. Ricky Brathwaite, CEO of Bermuda Health Council, Ms. Lynn Jackson, Chief Nursing Officer, Department of Health and Dr. Alison Daniels, Child Care Regulations Programme Manager. Photo: Ministry of Health
Michael Miranda still missing after 13 days
Police say they were the last to see him on March 28, near the Salvation Army on North Street
Video: Detective Inspector Kenten Trott of the Vulnerable Persons Unit appeals to the public to help locate Michael Miranda.
Fifty-eight-year-old Bermudian Michael Miranda has been missing for almost two weeks.
He was first reported missing on March 27, found a day later, and then reportedly went missing again.
According to police, he was last seen by officers on March 28 in the City of Hamilton, near the Salvation Army facility on North Street, around midday.
Police renewed their appeal to locate him on April 4 and have since bolstered search efforts, involving students from the police training school.
When last seen, Mr Miranda was wearing a green camouflage jacket, blue track pants and black boots, as pictured below:
Mr Miranda is described as being 5’ 5” in height, slim built and light complexioned with brown hair, worn long.
According to Mr Miranda’s family, he is not known to disappear.
Police said they have focused their search on the Shelly Bay area, where Mr Miranda was known to frequent places such as Shelly Bay Beach, Shelly Bay Plaza and My Lord’s Bay.
Stepdaughter Korin Henderson made a heartfelt plea, stating: “Mike, if you are listening or watching somehow, some way, can you please come forward? I just want you to know that we love you and we just want the right help for you.”
She also encouraged the public to help the family in searching for him by checking backyards and abandoned houses.
Police implored residents in the Shelly Bay area to check their CCTV for any sightings of Mr Miranda, as well as abandoned vehicles, backyard sheds and boats where a person might seek refuge.
“If anyone can help, please, I just want him found,” Mrs Henderson added.
Anyone with information on Mr Miranda’s whereabouts should immediately call 911 or 211. If you feel comfortable, let him know that his family may not realise they are looking for him.
Police have invited residents to join them from 9.30am tomorrow in the Shelly Bay area as they continue their search for Mr Miranda.
UK boarding schools court local students at Kappa Classic
Local organisation connecting Bermuda’s youth to overseas opportunities
Representatives from eight British boarding schools will be in Bermuda this week to meet with local students, as part of Bridgeway Education’s 2025 UK Education Fair Meet & Greet.
Neil Speight, founder of Bridgeway Education, has spent more than two decades advocating for Bermudian youth to broaden their horizons through overseas academic opportunities.
This year’s event will take place during the 26th iteration of the beloved Kappa Classic at the National Sports Centre. The 2024 Kappa Classic drew more than one-thousand participants aged 7 to 14 across 123 teams.
Mr. Speight hopes that the young football players and their parents will take the opportunity to meet with the school’s visiting representatives to learn more about their options across the pond.
The schools in attendance include: Repton School, Scarborough Academy, Ardingly College, Bede’s Senior School, Bedford School, Clayesmore School, Culford School, and Dallam School.
Speaking with Bermuda Broadcasting, Repton School’s James Wilton and Scarborough Academy’s Remco Weeda say that their respective institutions provide an environment where Bermudian students are encouraged to become the best versions of themselves whilst having access to numerous sports and arts programmes.
Bridgeway Education’s 2025 UK Education Fair Meet & Greet runs from Friday the 11th of April through Sunday the 13th of April at the National Stadium. More information can be found at https://bridgeway.bm
Lido complex re-opens today
Sign that new season is underway; beachside eatery lifts its shutters
Sea Breeze Terrace at the Lido. Photo supplied
Foodies will be pleased to learn that the Lido complex overlooking Elbow Beach re-opens today for lunch and dinner.
A full a la carte menu is available in the Gazebo and on Sea Breeze Terrace.
Director Jacky DiMeglio said: “If a diner prefers air conditioning, we will be able to accommodate inside the restaurant, although this year we are focusing more on the expansive patio and covered gazebo overlooking Elbow Beach.
“Guests have kept calling to see when we will re-open so we are very pleased to share this news and look forward to welcoming back old friends and making new ones.”
The Lido restaurant will be available for private events along with Mickey’s on the Beach and the Deep nightclub.
More information at www.lido.bm
Beijing bites back at US tariffs by curbing Hollywood imports
Chinese bloggers suggested banning American movies in response to Trump’s tariffs
International news via Reuters:
China said on Thursday it would immediately restrict imports of Hollywood films in retaliation for President Donald Trump’s escalation of U.S. tariffs on imported Chinese goods, though analysts say the impact is likely to be minimal.
After three decades during which China annually imported 10 Hollywood movies, its National Film Administration said Trump’s increase of tariffs on Chinese imports would further sour domestic demand for U.S. cinema in China after years of decline.
“We will follow market rules, respect the audience’s choices, and moderately reduce the number of American films imported,” the NFA said on its website.
Chris Fenton, author of “Feeding the Dragon: Inside the Trillion Dollar Dilemma Facing Hollywood, the NBA, and American Business”, said the move was a “super high-profile way to make a statement of retaliation with almost zero downside for China.”
Hollywood studios once looked to China, and its giant film market, to help boost box office performance of movies. But domestic films increasingly have outperformed Hollywood’s fare in China.
Now, U.S. films account for only 5% of the overall box office receipts in China’s market. And worse for Hollywood, China taxes that small amount 50% before any revenues go back to the USA,” Fenton told Reuters.
SMALL BOX OFFICE TAKE
Hollywood studios receive only 25% of China’s box office whereas other markets give studios double that, he said.
“Such a high-profile punishment of Hollywood is an all-win motion of strength by Beijing that will surely be noticed by Washington,” Fenton added.
Earlier this week, two influential Chinese bloggers suggested that one response to Trump’s tariffs would be to ban or restrict American movies. Some exhibitors dismissed the possibility, noting China’s Film Bureau had given Marvel’s “Thunderbolts” an April 30 release date.
The restrictions arrive before the start of the summer box office, with such major releases as “Mission Impossible — The Final Reckoning,” which may mark Tom Cruise’s last appearance in the long-running franchise, a new “Superman” movie from “Guardians of the Galaxy” filmmaker James Gunn, and Marvel’s new take on “The Fantastic Four.”
Seth Shafer, principal analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan, predicted the restrictions would have limited impact.
“Only roughly 25% of domestic wide-release films are now released in China and that percentage has dropped steadily over time due to increasing competition from China’s local film production industry,” Shafer said. “For domestic films that do get a release in China, typically less than 10% of the film’s global gross box office revenue comes from China.”
In 1994, China began importing 10 American films each year through the internationally recognised revenue-sharing distribution model. Imports including “Titanic” and “Avatar” became box office smashes in the Chinese market, making actors such as Leonardo DiCaprio and directors such as James Cameron household names among Chinese film lovers across generations.
China is the world’s second-largest film market. However, in recent years, as local entertainment culture has bloomed, the enthusiasm of Chinese audiences for Hollywood movies has waned.
Since 2020, domestic films have consistently accounted for around 80% of annual box office revenue, up from around 60% previously.
On China’s all-time box office list, only one imported film ranks in the top 20 – “Avengers: Endgame”, with revenue of 4.25 billion yuan ($579.83 million). The remaining films in the top 20 are all domestic productions.
($1 = 7.3297 Chinese yuan renminbi)
Reporting by the Beijing Newsroom, Lisa Richwine and Dawn Chmielewski in Los Angeles, Harshita Mary Varghese in Bangalore; editing by Louise Heavens, Mark Heinrich and Sharon Singleton
