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Zane DeSilva: ‘Rogue officers’ leaked confidential information

Grae Minors
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Zane DeSilva: ‘Rogue officers’ leaked confidential information

MP maintains innocence in Savvy Entertainment loan saga

Op-ed from Minister of Housing & Municipalities, Zane DeSilva:

Recent articles in The Royal Gazette have referenced a case involving alleged fraud related to Mr. Blakey and Savvy Entertainment. It is a matter of public record that I was charged with a money laundering offence. 

Let me be clear, I loaned Kevin Smith $200,000 to invest with Mr. Blakey.

Mr. Blakey reneged on that loan and Kevin was unable to pay me back. We pursued Blakey and he sent me $100,000. However, once the police investigation demonstrated that the $100,000 paid to me came from the $800,000 he swindled from the Bermuda Government, I returned it as anyone would.

Kevin Smith and I continued to pursue Blakey for the remainder of the debt. Happily, we managed to secure a further $60,000 in repayments before he disappeared, a matter I brought to the attention of the police officers investigating the matter. He still owes Kevin Smith $140,000. I will continue to do all I can to assist him to get that money back.

This case, including all relevant evidence, was fully reviewed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who made the decision not to proceed with the case. Despite this, The Royal Gazette have chosen to rely on confidential Police statements that is part of their investigation. It is very worrying for the integrity of Police enquiries that emails and other documents obtained during a legitimate investigation are now in the public domain. This is a continuing enquiry. There is an extradition warrant out for Mr. Blakey to be brought back to Bermuda so that he can be prosecuted for Fraud. 

There is a presumption of innocence that I am entitled to and, in fairness even he is entitled to. The presumption of innocence is a cornerstone of our justice system, and when legal matters are tried in the press, instead of the courts, it compromises the integrity of the police investigation, undermines public trust and strikes at the administration of justice.

The decision by the Royal Gazette to try this matter in the press is likely to lead to Mr. Blakey being able to complain that he cannot get a fair trial in Bermuda and thus avoid extradition altogether.

I call upon His Excellency the Governor and the Commissioner of Police to launch an immediate investigation into how this confidential information has been leaked. We all want Mr. Blakey brought back to Bermuda so that he may face trial and the police should be concentrating their efforts at ensuring that happens –  rather than allowing rogue officer/s to disclose confidential information.

Hon. Zane DeSilva, JP, MP

The Bermuda Flyer: Air Canada announces Montreal – Bermuda service

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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The Bermuda Flyer: Air Canada announces Montreal – Bermuda service

Route slated to start on the 12th of June 2025

Update coming via The Bermuda Flyer:

Air Canada Rouge has announced that they will begin direct Montreal to Bermuda service this summer.

The route will be operated by Air Canada Rouge Airbus A319 aircraft, with the first flight to occur on June 14th.

The news comes shortly after local airline BermudAir announced their plans for a direct service to Montreal, beginning just two days before the Air Canada service on June 12th.

AC1968 will depart Montreal at 13:20, arriving in Bermuda at 16:55. The return flight, AC1969 will depart Bermuda at 17:45 and arrive in Montreal at 19:30.

Bus disruption on Wednesday, 12 March 2025

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bus disruption on Wednesday, 12 March 2025

Service will be paused from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Government update via press release:

The Department of Public Transportation (DPT) wishes to inform the public of a brief interruption in bus service on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Service will be paused from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to accommodate a full complement staff meeting.

The DPT appreciates the public’s understanding during this time and apologizes for any inconvenience caused. Regular service will resume once the meeting concludes.

Home Affairs Minister shares joys of reading with young students

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Home Affairs Minister shares joys of reading with young students

More than 1,350 books were delivered across Bermuda’s primary, middle, and high schools

Minister Lightbourne reads to Prospect Primary students for World Book Day. 

Government update via press release:

On Friday (March 7), as part of the 2025 World Book Day events, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, JP, MP, spent time reading to more than 30 Prospect Primary School students. 

Organised by Nikita Robinson (of The Worship Room on Magic102.7FM), World Book Day aims to share the joys of reading and the importance of literacy with young girls and boys in Bermuda’s nursery, primary, middle, and senior schools. 

As part of the observations, more than 1,350 books were delivered to 40 pre/nursery schools, and 17 primary, middle and senior school reading classes and libraries. 

For her part, Minister Lightbourne donated a book to every student at Prospect Primary. And on Friday, she delighted the youngsters by reading a book titled “The Most Magnificent Thing” by Ashley Spires — a story that chronicles a young girl’s perseverance in making her great idea come to life. 

Minister Lightbourne said, “As a mother and lifelong advocate for learning, reading to the students of Prospect Primary on World Book Day was a personal and fulfilling experience. 

“Seeing their faces light up with curiosity and excitement reminded me of the joy that books brought me as a child and the vital role literacy plays in shaping our future leaders inspiring them to consider ‘what could be’. Every child deserves the gift of imagination through storytelling and the opportunity to dream beyond their circumstances. 

“I am grateful to Nikita Robinson for her dedication to this initiative, which inspires young minds across Bermuda. When we invest in literacy, we invest in our children’s potential.”

Anyone interested in sharing the love of reading with Bermuda’s young people or who wish to purchase or donate books is encouraged to email Nikita@hott1075bermuda.com, for more information.

Police motorcycle involved in single vehicle collision

Jasmine Patterson
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Police motorcycle involved in single vehicle collision

The Bermuda Police Service said the collision happened in Smith’s parish Saturday

Roadways have reopened following a single vehicle road traffic collision in Smith’s parish.

Police said the collision involved a police motorcycle near the junction of Paynter’s Road and Harrington Sound Road Saturday afternoon.

Traffic heading in an easterly direction was diverted onto Paynter’s Road while west bound traffic was diverted at Shark Hole Hill along Harrington Sound Road to North Shore Road.

A spokesperson said, “Motorists are advised to use alternative routes to get to their destinations.”

The roads had been reopened to traffic around 3.15pm today.

An update from police on the condition of the rider is expected in due course.

‘She Sings’ acoustic set for IWD at Bermuda National Gallery

Jasmine Patterson
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‘She Sings’ acoustic set for IWD at Bermuda National Gallery

‘She Sings’ featured an all-female line-up of singer/songwriters at the Bermuda National Gallery

Photo: Jasmine Patterson

The Bermuda National Gallery hosted its inaugural ‘She Sings: Celebrating Women in Music’ acoustic music event for International Women’s Day on Friday night.

The all-female, indoor concert set featured the vocal talent Bermuda-based artists including South African born sister act, moya & iona, East-London songstress, Purple Ferdinand, Bermudian genre-nomad, Raven and Bermudian-Ethiopian artist-on-the-rise, Rachel Brown, in the intimate atmosphere of the gallery.

Event MC and Executive Director of the BNG, Jennifer Philips said, “The audience was really blown away. Everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves.

“It was really the idea of our program officer Mikaela Kawaley-Lathan and we always talk about how we’re a team of five women and with International Women’s Day tomorrow and with so many talented female musicians here in Bermuda, why not celebrate IWD by bringing some of us together to do a concert at the gallery.”

Each artists performed a mixture of covers and original songs played on their acoustic instruments to a crowd of around 70 people.

Ms. Philips said the team were ‘pleasantly surprised’ by the number of attendees considering it was the first event they’ve hosted of this kind.

She added, “It was successful enough that I think we’re going to consider making it an annual event and we do have enough talent in Bermuda that IWD can be a reason to celebrate this way each year.”

Discovery Wines donated the wine bottles from a female-owned, Chateu Pagau ‘Pink Pagau’ rose, from one of the top wine producers in France.

The BNG has also hosted private weddings in the gallery space in the past.

“I’m told by all the sound engineers that come into the Gallery the acoustics here are wonderful so it really does lend itself to music events such as this” Ms. Philips added.

“We are a non-profit and so, one of the ways the community supports us is by renting the gallery for their private events and with our rotating roster of world-class exhibitions on the walls, decor is never an issue and its always just a really inspiring place to have any kind of event.”

All four performers bios can be found at: https://bng.bm/she-sings-music-concert/

Bermuda Tonight – 7 March 2025

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bermuda Tonight – 7 March 2025

Study examines the local vote, through a global lens

Gary Foster Skelton
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Study examines the local vote, through a global lens

The low voter turnout in Bermuda’s recent election is reflective of a global trend

Did you vote in the recent election? If not, why not? If so, what were the most important issues?

An anonymous study led by Cornell University is asking such questions, in an attempt to see how our small democracy compares to much larger ones.

Speaking to Cornell Professor Peter Loewen, Gary Foster Skelton found out that Bermuda is not the only place where fewer voters are making their voices heard.

Watch the report for more…

Lisa Reed awarded Woman of the Year

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Lisa Reed awarded Woman of the Year

In her acceptance speech, the executive officer of the Bermuda Human Rights Commission pledged to continue advocating for all

The following statement was issued by the Women’s Resource Centre.

The International Women’s Day Committee, in partnership with the Women’s Resource Centre (WRC), hosted its annual International Women’s Day event on March 7th, 2025, at Pier 6 under the theme “Accelerate Action.” This empowering gathering brought together leaders, advocates, and change-makers committed to advancing gender equity and creating a brighter future for women and girls in Bermuda.

The event was hosted by Patrina ‘Powergirl’ Paynter and began with a networking continental breakfast. The programme featured three dynamic speakers—Donna Raynor, Kirsten Beasley, and Sherrie-Lynn Lilley—who delivered TEDx-style talks, each highlighting a critical aspect of action-driven leadership.

Donna Raynor spoke on the importance of resilience and perseverance in breaking barriers, drawing from her experiences in athletics and corporate leadership. Kirsten Beasley challenged the notion that emotion is a weakness in leadership, instead emphasising how emotional intelligence fuels problem-solving, decision-making, and meaningful action. Sherrie-Lynn Lilley explored the complexities of intersectionality in leadership, highlighting how race, gender, and disability can shape experiences and advocating for a more inclusive and equitable path forward for women.

Their insights laid the foundation for a panel discussion, moderated by Sloane Johnson, which delved into personal and professional interpretations of accelerating action. The panellists shared defining moments when they moved from waiting for permission to taking decisive action, discussed the challenges of navigating leadership as women—particularly in overcoming biases and imposter syndrome—and explored strategies for ensuring women not only take a seat at the table but confidently own their space in leadership roles.

A key highlight of this year’s celebration was the introduction of the Teen of the Year Award, recognising an outstanding young woman leading with purpose and resilience. Shia Bean, a CedarBridge Academy student, was named the inaugural recipient, celebrated for her leadership, dedication to community service, and artistic expression. As a youth leader, prefect, dance choreographer, and entrepreneur, Shia exemplifies the power of young women to inspire change and uplift those around them.

The finale of the event was the announcement of the 2025 Woman of the Year Award to Lisa Lister Reed. A trailblazer in finance, government consulting, and human rights, Lisa has spent decades advocating for policy reforms, disability rights, and community mentorship. Her commitment to inclusion and social justice has strengthened Bermuda’s human rights framework and created opportunities for underrepresented communities. The award was presented by Tammy Richardson-Augustus, the 2024 Woman of the Year, in a heartfelt moment of recognition.

In her closing remarks, Juanae Crockwell, Executive Director of the WRC, emphasised the importance of collective action in accelerating progress for women and girls. She highlighted the WRC’s 2024 achievements, including providing counselling support to 87 women, hosting 20 community education and wellness workshops, offering subsidised childbirth education, introducing a youth programme and establishing a hardship fund. Ms. Crockwell highlighted the WRC’s continued advocacy work, pushing for policy changes to support domestic abuse survivors and protect women’s bodily autonomy.

“The theme ‘Accelerate Action’ is a call to each of us to step up, speak out, and support initiatives that create lasting change,” said Ms. Crockwell. “Change does not happen in the abstract. It happens when we each decide to act. So as we leave here today, let us commit to more than just reflection. Let us commit to action.”

Sponsored by EY, Butterfield, Bacardi, KPMG, Fidelity International, WTW, Appleby, and Arch, all funds raised from this event will support the WRC’s advocacy efforts, ensuring that its mission to champion gender equity and provide vital services continues to make a lasting impact.

Organisations must “live and breathe a culture of safety”

Gary Foster Skelton
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Organisations must “live and breathe a culture of safety”

Minister reaffirms Government’s commitment to child safeguarding

Tinée Furbert, Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, at the Child Safeguarding Workshop. Photo supplied

Tinée Furbert, Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, delivered remarks at the Child Safeguarding Workshop on Thursday, March 6th, seeking to reinforce the Government’s commitment to the protection and well-being of Bermuda’s young people.

Government Press Release:
“Addressing a room of dedicated professionals and community stakeholders, Minister Furbert emphasized that safeguarding children is not just a policy requirement but a moral and national responsibility. “Our young people are our most vulnerable and most valuable community members. They deserve more than just our love, they deserve our absolute commitment to their safety and well-being,” said Minister Furbert.
“The workshop, hosted by the Office of Youth Affairs (TOYA), marks the second major safeguarding session since October, underscoring the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen child protection measures across Bermuda.
“Minister Furbert highlighted key milestones in Bermuda’s child safeguarding journey, including establishing the National Child Safeguarding Committee in 2019 under section 11A of the Children Act 1998. She also reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to implementing the National Policy—“Working Together to Safeguard Children”, which was launched in 2023 to enhance Bermuda’s Community Protection Framework.
““We need organizations that don’t just have policies on paper, but live and breathe a culture of safety. This means rigorous vetting, comprehensive training, and environments where young people feel safe to speak up, to be heard, and to be protected,” Minister Furbert stated. The Minister also reiterated that child safeguarding is a key requirement for organizations receiving Government grant funding, ensuring that all entities entrusted with Bermuda’s youth uphold the highest safety standards.
““Our National Youth Policy is clear—keeping young people safe isn’t optional. It’s our fundamental responsibility,” she added. The Government encourages all organizations working with children and youth to adopt and regularly review their safeguarding policies, ensuring best practices are upheld.
“For more information on Bermuda’s National Child Safeguarding Policy and upcoming training opportunities, please email the Office of Youth Affairs at toyaevents.bm”

The Salvation Army’s thrift store to shut

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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The Salvation Army’s thrift store to shut

They said the decision to close the thrift store came down to resource allocation

The following press release was issued by The Salvation Army:

The Salvation Army is announcing the closure of its thrift store at 44 King Street in Hamilton, Bermuda on March 31, 2025.

This difficult decision follows careful consideration and review of the organization’s services and resource allocation across Bermuda.

“We are deeply grateful to the many supporters, volunteers and dedicated staff who have been
part of our journey in Hamilton,” says Captain Dennis Maybury, regional public relations officer.

“The Salvation Army has proudly serviced the community by offering quality used clothing and
household items at affordable prices for local families and individuals to support sustainable
shopping practices.”

Donation intake at the thrift store will cease today. In response to the store closure, The Salvation Army is focused on minimizing disruption to customers and commits to transferring all remaining items back into the local community.

Alternative resources are available through a variety of partners including Bermuda Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity Restore, The Barn, Second Look, PALS Thrift Shop and many other locally run retail outlets.
The Salvation Army regularly assesses its operations in each community to ensure long-term
sustainability. The sustainability of the thrift store has been a challenge, and the closure of the thrift store will allow for a greater focus on programs and services experiencing increased demand due to ongoing economic challenges after the pandemic.

“Making this decision is never easy, but it’s part of our responsibility to assess the needs of
each community regularly and to ensure long-term sustainability,” added Maybury.
Last year:

  • 10,340 contacts were made during street ministry
  • Just under 50,000 visits were made to The Salvation Army in Bermuda for assistance
  • Over 8,000 visits were for food, Christmas hampers and other essentials
  • 2,718 addiction bed days were provided
  • 7,442 shelter bed days were provided

The Salvation Army remains committed to delivering essential community programs, including family services, addiction recovery, life-skills training, transitional housing, emergency shelter and food assistance.

With demand for these services at an all-time high, the organization continues to expand and adapt its support to meet the needs of the Bermuda community.

Independent Senators appointed

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Independent Senators appointed

Tawana Tannock a newcomer to the Upper House

Senator Tawana Tannock

The following statement was issued by the Bermuda Government today:
As per Section 31(1)(a) of the Bermuda Constitution, the seats of all Senators became vacant upon the dissolution of the Legislature on 8 January 2025. 
On 31 January 2025, His Excellency the Governor, Andrew Murdoch, encouraged qualified persons to submit expressions of interest for future appointment to the Senate by the Governor acting in his discretion. A large number of expressions of interest were received and considered by the Governor.
The Governor, acting in his discretion as per Section 27(2)(c) of the Bermuda Constitution, has decided to:
– reappoint Mrs Joan Dillas-Wright MBE, JP and Mr R John Wight; and
– appoint Ms Tawana Tannock in place of Ms Kiernan Bell who had advised the Governor of her wish to retire from the Senate at the dissolution of the Legislature.
The Governor said “I am grateful to Mrs Dillas-Wright and Mr Wight for their continued commitment to serve on the Senate.  I also welcome Ms Tannock’s willingness to serve in the Senate as an independent Senator.  Each of them brings their own unique experiences to the work of the Senate which I believe will be of great value to the legislature.  I wish them well in their future duties.
I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the service of Ms Kiernan Bell as one of Bermuda’s independent Senators over the last two years. I am sure she will be missed by her colleagues in the Senate, and I wish Ms Bell all the best in the future.”
Ms Tannock said “I appreciate this exciting opportunity to be one of the independent voices in the Senate and to serve our entire community, particularly those who feel disenfranchised, underrepresented, or uninformed regarding the role of the Senate. I encourage public engagement in the work of the legislature, and welcome comments, questions and concerns on legislation and Senate activities, to my Senate email address.  I pledge to be responsive and transparent, continuing my record of advocating for and participating in community engagement initiatives.”
Note:
Ms Tawana Tannock works as the Managing Director of Skuld Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association (Bermuda) Limited.  
Ms Tannock was called to the Bar of England and Wales and to the Bermuda Bar. She completed her BVC at the College of Law, MA in Legal Studies from the University of Bristol and is a member of Gray’s Inn.  She holds a BA in History and Political Science from Spelman College and has several insurance industry designations.
Prior to entering the insurance industry, Ms Tannock worked in the Ministry of Justice as a Parliamentary Counsel, Crown Counsel, Probation Officer and Drug Treatment Court Case Manager. She is the former Executive Director of the Centre for Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (CADA), a former history teacher and a past Chairperson of the Bermuda Human Rights Commission.
In addition to her work at Skuld, Ms Tannock is passionate about volunteering her time, skills and experience and is active in private and public sector organisations. 

Senator John Wight

Senator Joan Dillas-Wright

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