Football: It’s the end of the road for Team Bermuda in the Concacaf U17 women’ World Cup qualfiiers
Bermuda took an early lead in their final match of the Concacaf Under-17 Women’s Qualifiers in Toluca, Mexico, when Janya Sealy fired a free kick into the back of the net in the 4th minute.
However, after that, it was all Costa Rica. The Central Americans dominating every aspect of the proceedings. Leading 5-1 at halftime, Costa Rica would continue their dominance in the second half, adding 4 more unanswered goals. The final score was Costa Rica 9, Bermuda 1.
The company said: “As the P&C and Specialty risk division of global insurance leader AXA , AXA XL is known for facing into risks and providing innovative solutions for its clients most complex risks. This would not be possible without our greatest asset – our people.”
“We appreciate all our colleagues for their commitment to excellence and congratulate these colleagues for their individual and collective contributions to the company’s strong performance in 2024. We wish them much success in their new roles.”
New York trip is part of effort to “promote Bermuda’s leadership in the global investment space”
Photo: Jason Hayward, Minister of Economy and Labour, with Michelle Noyes, Head of Americas at AIMA (photo supplied)
Government of Bermuda Press Release
The Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, Minister of Economy and Labour, recently met with senior executives of the Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) during a strategic visit to New York City as part of ongoing efforts to promote Bermuda’s leadership in the global investment space.
Minister Hayward engaged in high-level discussions with Michelle Noyes, Head of Americas at AIMA, and Joseph Engelhard, Senior Counsel, U.S. Policy and Regulation. AIMA is the world’s largest membership association for the alternative investment industry, representing over 2,000 members across 60 countries.
The dialogue centred on strengthening Bermuda’s strategic relationship with AIMA and its members, with a shared focus on positioning Bermuda as a premier jurisdiction for fund management.
Key topics included strategies to expand Bermuda’s market share in the global alternative investment and hedge fund sectors and our readiness to support innovation in digital asset funds to remain competitive in an evolving financial landscape.
Minister Hayward emphasised, “Bermuda’s regulatory strength, commitment to innovation, and world-class financial services infrastructure make it uniquely positioned to attract and support forward-looking investment managers. We are working proactively with global industry leaders to ensure Bermuda remains a hub for excellence in fund management and digital asset innovation.”
The meeting reaffirmed Bermuda’s role as a collaborative, forward-thinking partner and leader in alternative investment markets.
BermudAir officially launched its inaugural direct service between Bradley International Airport and L.F. Wade International Airport yesterday – starting a new chapter in travel between Bermuda and New England.
Founder and CEO of the boutique airline Adam Scott stated,“The launch of our service between Bradley International Airport and Bermuda marks an exciting milestone for BermudAir. This new route strengthens our commitment to providing seamless, premium travel experiences while deepening the connection between Bermuda and New England.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Connecticut travellers aboard and look forward to introducing them to the warmth and hospitality that define BermudAir and Bermuda.”
The new service will operate year-round, twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays.
Bermuda Broadcasting had an exclusive front-row seat for the inaugural flight.
Football: Lady Gombey Warriors aim to end World Cup qualifiers on high note
In football, the Lady Gombey Warriors will take on Costa Rica tomorrow in their final match of the under 17 women’s Concacaf qualifiers in Mexico. And although Team Bermuda has no realistic chance of qualifying for the knockout stage, Coach Gary Adams says there’s still a lot to play for.
Website launched to gather public and business feedback “to shape national policy”
Government of Bermuda Press Release:
As Bermuda continues to confront the global and local pressures of inflation and affordability, the Ministry of Home Affairs has launched a new survey to invite residents to share their lived experiences to shape national policy.
The Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, JP, MP, today announced the launch of the Government’s new Cost of Living website, www.costofliving.gov.bm, along with a public feedback survey aimed at gathering insights from residents on their experiences with Bermuda’s high cost of living.
As highlighted last week during the Minister’s post Throne Speech Remarks and House of Assembly Ministerial Statement, this initiative is a pivotal component of the upcoming Cost of Living Summit, designed to unite key stakeholders in developing actionable solutions to alleviate financial pressures on Bermudian families.
Minister Lightbourne said, “The Government of Bermuda remains steadfast in its commitment to tackling the rising cost of living, a challenge that affects every household, business, and community on our island.
“Introducing this engagement mechanism is a clear demonstration that we are committed to taking decisive action informed by data and feedback from members of the public. It’s more important than ever to ensure that policy solutions are informed by the lived realities of our people, meeting the moment with honesty, collaboration, and action.
“The Cost of Living website will serve as a central hub for information on government’s cost-of-living initiatives.”
The Public Survey, accessible through the website, invites Bermudians to share their personal experiences with rising costs, their perspectives on affordability challenges, and their recommendations for targeted government action. Responses will directly inform policy development and the Government’s approach to addressing cost drivers such as food prices, energy costs, and housing affordability.
The Ministry also notes that in addition to the Public Survey, a targeted Business Survey is also currently being conducted, and a business-centric focus group has taken place. Both feedback mechanisms have already yielded invaluable insights from stakeholders.
Residents can visit www.costofliving.gov.bm to complete the survey which will close at the end of April 2025.
Scam artists falsely claim to be HSBC staff, alleging that there is ongoing fraud on your account.
Press release: HSBC Bermuda reminds the public to stay vigilant in the presence of attempts by scammers to trick the public through phone calls (otherwise known as vishing). The caller falsely claims to be HSBC staff, alleging that there is ongoing fraud on your account. They request you to share your online banking login information and may instruct you to click on links to download an app. Their ultimate goal is to gain remote access to your computer/device to authorize fraudulent transactions. “We would like to remind you that HSBC will never ask customers to disclose their PIN, security code or one-time password. In addition, HSBC would never request customers to engage in a transaction to help identify or catch a fraudster. We encourage our customers to remain vigilant. If you have any doubts during a call, it is recommended to end the call and directly contact the HSBC Contact Center at 299-5959 or reach out to your Relationship Manager for assistance.” For comprehensive information on fraud and common scams, please visit our recommended resources at www.hsbc.bm/help/fraud-guide/common-scams or www.business.hsbc.bm/en-gb/regulations/fraud-guide.”
A delegation of 15 Bermudian women including Minister Tinee Furbert attended the International Women’s Leadership Conference in Dubai.
Bermuda women attend the International Women’s Leadership Conference in Dubai. Photo: Government of Bermuda
A full news statement from the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors:
Bermuda took centre stage last week as Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, the Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, led a delegation of 15 Bermudian women to the International Women’s Leadership Conference in Dubai. The event was hosted by African business leader Madame Ibukun Awosika.
Under the theme “Women in Leadership: Living the Dream,” the 2025 conference welcomed over 600 influential women from around the world, including heads of state, entrepreneurs, academics, and activists, for a transformative gathering focused on leadership, legacy, and global collaboration.
In her address, Minister Furbert delivered a powerful message, highlighting Bermuda’s history and progress while encouraging women to expand their ambitions.
“My dream did not envision being here, but here I am. My dream did not envision running for Parliament, or becoming a Minister, but here I am. We must release fear and embrace possibility, for we are meant to expand beyond the limits of what we once believed possible.
“And, as I reflect on the journey that brought me here, I am reminded of another Bermudian woman, one whose legacy shaped history. This famous sister once said, “To be free is very sweet.” That was her eternal dream, to one day be free. Mary Prince dared to DREAM of freedom, and this was reflected in her ‘super-power’ in that…she refused to be silenced.
And, although Mary Prince never lived to taste the sweet fruit of freedom; she left a legacy impacting women to this day. It’s because of Mary Prince, and so many women like her, that I stand here today.
“Bermuda’s contribution was both symbolic and substantial. Two Bermudian women participated in the open forum: Dr. Crystal Clay, executive coach and leadership strategist, and Sherry Lilly, entrepreneur and advocate for wellness and community engagement. Their contributions resonated with the global audience and reinforced Bermuda’s leadership in multiple sectors.”
The delegation’s attendance was made possible through a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC), and organisational support from Dr. Dana Selassie, who played a key role in coordinating Bermuda’s participation. Dr. Selassie, who attended last year’s conference as part of the UN Women delegation, was instrumental in advocating for Bermuda’s deeper involvement in the global women’s leadership movement. Her efforts in 2024 led to the establishment of Bermuda’s first Mary Prince Women’s Entrepreneurial and Leadership Conference, which launched last summer.
Building on this momentum, it was announced that Madame Ibukun Awosika will return to Bermuda to headline the second annual Mary Prince Women’s Entrepreneurial and Leadership Conference, scheduled for 6–8 August 2025.
“The energy, purpose, and power coming out of Bermuda is undeniable,” said Dr. Selassie. “This is no longer just a moment, it’s a movement. We are proud to help shape a global platform that connects women of Africa, the Caribbean, and the Diaspora with real tools, real impact, and real sisterhood. I want to thank Minister Furbert, Permanent Secretary Valerie Robinson-James, and the team at BEDC for believing in this vision for Bermuda’s women entrepreneurs and leaders.”
Minister Furbert added, “I am incredibly proud of the delegation that represented Bermuda. The 15 Bermudian women who attended spanned industries including education, finance, health, technology, cultural preservation, social innovation, and entrepreneurship. Several attendees were self-funded, demonstrating the passion and commitment of Bermudian women to lead on the world stage.”
Bermuda’s growing influence in global leadership conversations is evident, and the Mary Prince Conference is rapidly establishing itself as a key forum for these discussions to continue at home.
For more information or to register interest in the 2025 Mary Prince Women’s Entrepreneurial and Leadership Conference, please email info@zhyoninternational.com.
Turkey vowing to help rebuild Syria’s infrastructure and state institutions,
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attends an interview with Reuters, in Brussels, Belgium April 4, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman
International news via Reuters:
Turkey wants no confrontation with Israel in Syria, but repeated Israeli strikes on military facilities there are eroding the new government’s ability to deter threats from enemies, including Islamic State, Turkey’s foreign minister told Reuters on Friday.
In an interview on the sidelines of a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Hakan Fidan said Israel’s actions were fuelling regional instability by targeting Syria, where the government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa is a close ally of Turkey.
“We don’t want to see any confrontation with Israel in Syria because Syria belongs to Syrians,” Fidan said, adding that Syrians alone should decide their country’s security.
NATO member Turkey has fiercely criticised Israel over its attacks on Gaza since 2023, saying they amount to a genocide against the Palestinians, and has applied to join a case at the World Court against Israel while also halting all trade.
Israel denies the genocide accusations.
The animosity between the regional powers has spilled over into Syria, with Israeli forces striking Syria for weeks since a new administration took control in Damascus. Turkey has called the Israeli strikes an encroachment on Syrian territory, while Israel has said it would not allow any hostile forces in Syria.
In this “transition period”, Fidan said, Turkey does not want to see Islamic State (ISIS) or the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group take advantage of “the absence of the regular forces, some absence of military capabilities” in Syria.
“Unfortunately Israel is taking out, one by one, all these capabilities that a new state can use against ISIS and other terrorist attacks and threats,” he said.
“What Israel is doing in Syria is not only threatening the security of Syria, but also is paving the way for future instability of the region”.
However, if the new administration in Damascus wants to have “certain understandings” with Israel, which like Turkey is a neighbour of Syria, then that is their own business, he added.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attends an interview with Reuters, in Brussels, Belgium April 4, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman
Turkey has emerged as one of the main foreign allies of Syria’s new Islamist government. Ankara had for years backed the rebels who now make up the bulk of the new government as they fought to topple former President Bashar al-Assad.
Turkey has vowed to help rebuild Syria, from infrastructure to state institutions, and provided it with political support in international platforms. It has called for the full lifting of Western sanctions on Syria for reconstruction efforts to start, while welcoming the formation of a transitional government.
TIES WITH U.S.
On Friday, Fidan, who held talks last week with U.S. officials in Washington, said that he understood the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump was reviewing its policy regarding Syria and the sanctions imposed on it.
“They are… reviewing the Syrian file (and) understand that there is a need to make a change on sanctions policy because that was introduced for a different regime and different threat assessment,” Fidan said.
“Now we have a new Syria. I think that new Syria requires a different approach,” he said, adding that Ankara had been conveying its views on the matter to its Western allies.
While eyeing warmer ties with Washington under Trump and backing its initiative to end the Ukraine war, Turkey has also opposed some of the new administration’s Middle East policies, including a plan to take over the Gaza Strip and turn it into a “Riviera of the Middle East”.
Fidan pointed to Trump’s “problem-solving techniques” as a way of resolving lingering disputes between the two NATO allies, especially U.S. sanctions on Turkey’s defence industry, and added he was hopeful a solution could be found.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan attends an interview with Reuters, in Brussels, Belgium April 4, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman
He said any possible peace deal brokered by the U.S. between Kyiv and Moscow would be “difficult to digest”, but still better than more death and destruction, and added a deterrence factor was needed to ensure the war did not restart.
Asked about Trump’s threats of U.S. military strikes against Iran, Fidan said diplomacy was needed to resolve the dispute and that Ankara did not want to see any attack taking place against its neighbour Iran.
Reporting by Samia Nakhoul; Writing and additional reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu and Huseyin Hayatsever; Editing by Jonathan Spicer and Gareth Jones
The financial district is struggling to recover from a pandemic-induced drop in demand
FILE PHOTO: Two men observe the new Eden Dock development as Canary Wharf opened a new waterfront decking area to the public as part of a wider push to green the estate in the financial and business district in London, Britain, October 2, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Coombs/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
Office vacancies in London’s Canary Wharf district have reached a record high and could hit as much as 30% in the coming years if the area cannot find tenants to fill 2 million square feet of space becoming vacant, according to property data firm CoStar.
The east London financial district is struggling to recover from a pandemic-induced drop in demand, even as other central areas of the city and prime locations globally from New York to Paris show signs of recovery.
The former docklands area was transformed from the late 1980s onwards into a cluster of towers occupied largely by banks, but has suffered recently as some major tenants such as HSBC opt to move nearer the city centre.
Vacancies in the “Docklands Core” area – which incorporates Canary Wharf and part of the surrounding Isle of Dogs peninsula – hit 18.6% last month, the highest recorded level in data going back to 2003, CoStar said.
That vacancy rate was 9.8% in March 2020 and 3.5% eight years ago.
By contrast, the latest vacancy rates in the City and West End were 9.8% and 7.6% respectively, CoStar said, adding the figures were preliminary.
FILE PHOTO: Workers walk through Cabot Square in Canary Wharf financial district, London, Britain, February 13, 2025. REUTERS/Isabel Infantes/File Photo
Planned Canary Wharf departures including HSBC – which leaves its 45-storey office in 2027 – could push the rate to 30%, CoStar said, though that estimate was based on none of the vacated space being filled.
Canary Wharf Group (CWG), which manages much of the area and is owned by Brookfield and the Qatar Investment Authority, has said it is diversifying its tenant mix and looking at repurposing some offices for other uses, as is planned for the vacated HSBC skyscraper.
CWG declined to comment.
Canary Wharf is also undergoing a multi-year transformation, including development of new flats, hotels, laboratories and a theatre.
Big banking tenants Citi, Morgan Stanley and Barclays have committed to staying, while Fintech Zopa recently announced a move to the area.
Reporting by Iain Withers, Editing by Tommy Reggiori Wilkes and Alex Richardson
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