Microsoft expected to invest 13 billion USD in artificial intelligence firm
FILE PHOTO: A view shows a Microsoft logo at Microsoft offices in Issy-les-Moulineaux near Paris, France, January 9, 2025. REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes/File Photo
Britain’s competition authority said on Wednesday that Microsoft’s partnership with OpenAI Inc does not qualify for investigation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002.
The Enterprise Act 2002 establishes and provides for the functions of the Office of Fair Trading, the Competition Appeal Tribunal and the Competition Service; to make provision about mergers and market structures and conduct; to amend the constitution and functions of the Competition Commission; to create an offence for those entering into certain anti-competitive agreements; to provide for the disqualification of directors of companies engaging in certain anti-competitive practices; to make other provision about competition law; to amend the law relating to the protection of the collective interests of consumers; to make further provision about the disclosure of information obtained under competition and consumer legislation; to amend the Insolvency Act 1986 and make other provision about insolvency; and for connected purposes.
Commentator suggests the OBA criticised the PLP campaign, but not extreme comments from their own supporters
Collaboration between political parties can be a complex thing.
For one, in our electoral system, the party in charge may get all the credit for any combined efforts.
Secondly, while Premier David Burt has touted efforts to foster collaboration, it comes on the heels of a contentious election campaign.
In a clip from our extended interview, political commentator Cordell Riley suggests OBA Leader Jarion Richardson was right to call out a PLP campaign leaflet for attacking him personally, but also says the OBA have not scolded their own supporters when they become disrespectful.
*In an extended interview, Cordell Riley and Gary Foster Skelton discuss how the vote was split in the recent election, and the low voter turnout. It will be online at bbc.bm soon
Youth charity founder and Independent candidate Cire Bean criticises the government’s policy on tackling violence
Government policy aimed at curbing anti-social behaviour and crime lacks an end goal.
This from Cire Bean, who stood in Sandys as an Independent candidate in the General Election. Mr. Bean founded the charity, Pay-A-Kid, which sources work for at-risk youth.
He says the government has made positive steps in collaborating on a national strategy but warns that without proper execution, it could fall short of achieving its objectives.
Mr. Bean said his charity has impacted around 300 young people since it launched when he was 17 and continues to see the benefits of giving at-risk youths their full attention.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of National Security responded, “The claim that the Government’s National Violence Reduction Strategy lacks a clear vision is without merit.
“The strategy is built on a clearly defined goal: a safer Bermuda where violence is minimised through collaboration, increased opportunities for our youth, and justice where necessary.
“More importantly, this is not just talk—it is action.
“The Government has implemented key initiatives, including expanding the programmes that the Gang Violence Reduction Team delivers and increasing vocational and educational opportunities for our youth.”
The statement concluded, “We are tackling the root causes of violence—economic hardship, social alienation, and generational trauma—while also ensuring restoration and rehabilitation.
“The strategy is a comprehensive plan that we are confident will deliver the results we seek to achieve, with the ultimate objective of making Bermuda a safer and more secure country for us all.
“We are available to discuss with Mr. Bean any specific ideas he has that would assist us in that goal.”
Prior to her formal appointment, she served in an Acting capacity
The following statement was issued today by Government:
“The Head of the Public Service, Cherie Whitter, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Keechia Tuckett as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health.
Ms. Tuckett will work under the policy direction of the Minister of Health and will be responsible for overseeing the Department of Health, the Department of Health Insurance, the Bermuda Hospitals Board, and the Bermuda Health Council.
In her role, Ms. Tuckett will also provide critical policy advice and executive administrative support to the Minister of Health.
With nearly two decades of dedicated service to the Bermuda Government, Ms. Tuckett has been a public officer since 2005.
Most recently, as the Director of the Health Insurance Department, she was responsible for aligning health insurance services with the Ministry of Health’s strategic objectives. This includes but is not limited to ensuring a healthcare system which is accessible affordable and effective; protection of the community from public health threats; providing the public with information that leads to healthier lives; and following best practices internationally and international conventions.
Prior to her formal appointment as Permanent Secretary, Ms. Tuckett served in an Acting capacity, further demonstrating her commitment to public service.
Ms. Tuckett began her career as a Staff Nurse at King Edward Memorial Hospital and holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Long Island University.
In addition to her professional achievements, Ms. Tuckett is an active member of numerous Boards and Committees, both in her professional and personal life.
Her roles include serving on the Bermuda Hospitals Board, the Bermuda Health Council, the Health Insurance Committee, Warwick Academy PTA President, the Warwick Academy Board of Governors, the Bermuda Debate Society, Teen Services Board of Governors, and the Outstanding Teen Awards Committee.
Ms. Tuckett is eager to make significant contributions to health reform initiatives aimed at improving the accessibility and quality of healthcare services throughout the island.”
Annual event raises funds for diabetes awareness while promoting the health benefits of walking
Small steps can lead to big strides in better health: BDA Executive Director Lori Rockhead joins Alisa Bernardo for a ‘walk and talk’ in the Arboretum
“These Feet Are Made for Walking.”
That’s the theme of the upcoming Lindo’s to Lindo’s Road Race—the annual walk and fundraiser in support of the Bermuda Diabetes Association (BDA).
The charity estimates that one in three Bermudians are affected by prediabetes, with many unaware of their condition during the time when it’s still possible to prevent it developing.
Marking its 26th year, the event raised $26,000 in 2024 and remains the BDA’s biggest annual fundraiser. An estimated 13 per cent of Bermuda’s population suffers from diabetes, based on a 2014 figure that is expected to have increased.
According to a BDA press release, the Diabetes Prevention Programme highlights that a minimum of 150 minutes of physical activity per week—such as walking—can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes.
This year’s event features a 10k competitive run, a 4-mile competitive walk, and a 4-mile fun run/walk, with an entry fee of $35. Participants will set off from Lindo’s Family Foods in Warwick at 8:30am, making their way to Lindo’s Market in Devonshire.
The race takes place this Sunday, and there’s still time to register by Friday or Saturday at the latest via RunSignUp.com.
Race number and T-shirt pick-up will be held on Saturday, 8th March, from 8:30am to 12:30pm at the Jack King Building in the Botanical Gardens.
Funds raised will support the BDA’s efforts to educate the community about diabetes, treatment, and prevention, as well as provide financial assistance through its Client Assistance Programme.
Zach Moniz, Lindo’s Family Foods Manager, said: “We are honoured that this event not only celebrates community spirit but also emphasises the life-changing benefits of walking – or jogging. It’s such a simple, yet powerful way to improve your health and mood.
“Together, we can inspire healthier lifestyles and provide essential resources to those affected by diabetes. We encourage everyone to take part and help us make strides toward a healthier Bermuda.”
Ahead of the event, Alisa Bernardo spoke with BDA Executive Director Lori Rockhead about the health benefits of walking and how even small steps can lead to big improvements in overall well-being.
U.S. officials investigating whether Britain violated a bilateral pact following Apple request
FILE PHOTO: A view of a signage outside an Apple store in London, Britain, October 11, 2024. REUTERS/Mina Kim/File photo
International news via Reuters:
Apple has appealed a British government order to create a “back door” in its most secure cloud storage systems, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The iPhone maker removed its most advanced security encryption for cloud data, called Advanced Data Protection (ADP), in Britain last month, in what was an unprecedented response to government demands for access to user data.
That means Apple can access iCloud backups in certain cases that it otherwise could not, such as copies of iMessages, and hand it over to authorities if legally compelled. With end-to-end encryption enabled, even Apple could not access the data.
Governments and tech giants have long been locked in a battle over strong encryption to protect consumers’ communications, which the authorities view as an obstacle to mass surveillance and crime fighting programs. But Britain’s demands are seen as particularly sweeping.
U.S. President Donald Trump last week likened the UK government’s demand to “something that you hear about with China,” in an interview with The Spectator political magazine.
FT said that Apple appealed against the order last month around the same time as it withdrew ADP from the UK, rather than comply with the technical capability notice it received from the Investigatory Powers Tribunal in January.
Britain’s Home Office and the Investigatory Powers Tribunal did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment, while Apple declined to comment.
Reuters reported last week that U.S. officials were investigating whether Britain violated a bilateral pact by reportedly pressuring Apple to create a “back door” for government access to encrypted cloud backups.
The move could breach the CLOUD Act, which bars the United Kingdom from issuing demands for the data of U.S. citizens and vice versa.
Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli, Krishna Chandra Eluri and Alan Barona
Police said the suspect tried to steal an electronic item after arranging a transaction with a seller through social media
Stock photo
An 18-year-old was arrested at the weekend after attempting to stealing an item during an online buyer exchange on South Road in Paget.
The Bermuda Police Service said the suspect has since been charged with the crime and warns others selling items online to beware.
According to police, the victim had arranged to meet with a prospective buyer who had responded to an online advertisement to sell an electronic item through social media.
However, around 2pm Saturday when the pair met near the junction of the Railway Trail and South Road in Paget – the buyer tried to snatch the electronic item.
Police said a struggle ensued and the 18-year-old suspect fled the area without the item on a motorcycle.
An eyewitness offered a description of the suspect, and he was later located by officers at a parking lot near Collector’s Hill in Smith’s.
Once approached and informed he would be arrested under suspicion of attempted theft, the suspect resisted officers and he was detained for assaulting a police officer.
The suspect appeared in Magistrates Court this week and a trial date for the matter was set down.
Police, in a news statement today urged residents to remain vigilant when making these kinds of sales transactions through the internet.
A spokesperson added, “Police believe this arrest may assist with their ongoing investigations into a recent spate of incidents in which individuals selling items advertised on social media, had the items stolen when meeting “buyers.”
U.S. consumers and businesses to suffer from price hikes on products imported from Mexico
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum holds a press conference a day before the imposition of tariffs by U.S. President Donald Trump, at the National Palace in Mexico City, Mexico March 3, 2025. REUTERS/Luis Cortes
International news via Reuters:
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and said her government would respond with its own measures, without immediately providing details.
Trump’s across-the-board tariffs, which took effect overnight, mark a turning point in over 30 years of economic integration between Mexico and the U.S. and could have deep repercussions on Latin America’s second-largest economy.
Mexico and the United States are each other’s top trading partners, with key industries such as the automotive sector benefiting from the cross-border movement of goods facilitated by their trilateral trade deal which also includes Canada.
“There is no reason, rationale or justification to support this decision that will affect our people and nations … Nobody wins,” Sheinbaum told a press conference.
She said she would give details on Mexico’s response, including retaliatory tariffs, at an event in the capital’s iconic Zocalo square on Sunday.
Sheinbaum added she would speak with Trump this week, “probably on Thursday.”
Mexico’s peso and main stock index weakened on Tuesday, with the peso down around 0.6% against the dollar and the index down 1% before mid-day.
ECONOMIC STORM CLOUDS
While Sheinbaum acknowledged the importance of Mexico’s economic integration with the U.S., she also defended the strength of the Mexican economy, highlighting “historic” jobs and minimum wage numbers as well as a well-developed social safety net.
To weather tariff-related turbulence, Sheinbaum pitched cutting Mexico’s imports and manufacturing some products locally, part of her government’s broader “Plan Mexico” economic framework, while also sending exports such as Mexican avocados elsewhere.
Moody’s analyst Alfredo Coutino predicted the tariffs would send Mexico into a recession, with the economy shrinking around 0.8%.
U.S. consumers and businesses will suffer from price hikes on products imported from Mexico, Sheinbaum said, with the automotive industry facing “the most problems” as auto parts can cross the border several times as a car is assembled.
Analysts estimate the tariffs could add billions of dollars in added costs for automakers that build their vehicles in whole or in part in Mexico, with Sheinbaum mentioning Detroit-headquartered General Motors as one of the carmakers likely to be most affected.
The Mexican leader called the tariffs a blatant violation of the U.S.-Canada-Mexico free trade agreement, which was negotiated during Trump’s first term, and warned that legal action could come.
After delaying his decision for a month, Trump on Monday declared the tariffs would go into effect because Mexico, along with Canada and China, had failed to do enough to stem the flow of the deadly fentanyl opioid and its precursor chemicals into the U.S.
Sheinbaum said Mexico had taken “decisive actions” during the 30-day pause to bring down the amount of fentanyl moved into the United States.
In recent weeks Mexico has deployed thousands of soldiers to hot spots along its border with the U.S. and extradited nearly 30 jailed convicts and others accused of ties to violent drug cartels.
Rather than continue to make concessions to Washington, “Mexico should stop going above and beyond, avoid overreacting, and instead let time work in its favor,” analysts at Bradesco BBI said in a note to clients, anticipating market fallout and pressure from the U.S. lobby could play to Mexico’s advantage.
Reporting by Kylie Madry and Brendan O’Boyle; Writing by Brendan O’Boyle; Additional reporting by Noe Torres and Natalia Siniawski; Editing by Stephen Eisenhammer, Christina Fincher and Alistair Bell
Charity’s partners to provide on-site counselling and support services
It takes a village—an age old adage that is at the heart of The Gina Spence Program (GSP)’s work. GSP founder and CEO, Dr. Gina Spence, says that tackling grief and loss is a communal endeavour.
This Friday the 7th of March, GSP will host their first inaugural Grief and Loss Awareness Day event on the grounds of City Hall from 12pm to 2pm.
Mental health support resources, live music performances, and a moment of reflection aimed at promoting healing through unity is listed on the event’s line-up.
GSP is seeking donations for the Grief and Loss Awareness Day event (click here for more information).
You can watch our coverage of GSP’s Grief & Loss Awareness Day event press conference, below:
Past Relay for Life events have raised more than half-a-million dollars. Photo supplied
Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre has announced that registration is now open for the 2025 Relay For Life of Bermuda. This year’s event, themed ‘Garden of Light,’ will take place on May 9 and 10, at the North Field, Bermuda National Sports Centre. Organizers say the event raises funds to provide life-saving cancer care “while uniting the community in honour, remembrance, and hope”. Past events have generated between $500,000 and $870,000 annually. A press release states: “These funds have allowed Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre to expand services, provide state-of-the-art care, and ensure that uninsured and underinsured individuals have access to the care they need.” This year, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre celebrates its 80th anniversary and to commemorate this milestone, the ‘Garden of Light’ theme will also feature in the Centre’s first-ever float entry in the Bermuda Heritage Day Parade. Following the parade, the float will be displayed at the Bermuda Society of Arts. For more information, go to bermudarelay.bm
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