Grateful runners set the pace with new social club
The Grateful Miles Run Club has attracted around 60 to 100 runners for their weekly runs
Blending social time with a workout…it may have just gotten easier with the Grateful Miles Run Club.
The growth of their social media followers has nearly outpaced the rate of new runners dusting of their trainers to join in.
Jasmine Patterson has the story.
Police recover two stolen motorbikes
Both riders escaped; one arrest imminent
Police recovered two motorcycles previously reported stolen following separate incidents in Hamilton and Flatts over the weekend.
Shortly before 3:30 am on Saturday, officers on mobile patrol observed a motorcycle speeding eastward out of town. After activating emergency equipment, they instructed the male rider to stop, and he initially complied by switching off his engine. However, when an officer approached on foot, the rider restarted the engine and sped off along Crow Lane.
The pursuit continued along Spurling Hill and ended at the junction of Middle Road and Montpelier Road where the motorcycle was found abandoned with its engine running.
A subsequent check confirmed the bike had been reported stolen, and though the rider was not located at the scene, police say an arrest in relation the matter is imminent.
Around midnight on the same day, officers in Flatt’s spotted a male motorcycle rider in the parking lot of the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo.
As officers approached, the rider sped off west along Middle Road, then onto Vesey Street and Loyal Hill Pass before ditching his bike near the junction of Palmetto Road and Parsons Road.
The suspect fled on foot, and a check revealed that this motorcycle, too, had been previously reported stolen.
BPSU Hospital staff wait 7 years for pay increase
Hospital CEO cites funding issues as a barrier to “good-faith negotiations”
BPSU staff at the hospital have worked without a cost-of-living pay increase for 7 years – even as they dealt with the pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hospital CEO Scott Pearman points to the change to a fixed funding model and low revenues as a barrier to negotiating salary increases.
Commuters entering Hamilton this morning were made well-aware of the issue – being greeted by protest signs put there anonymously, highlighting the salary issues.
A series of about 18 placards had been positioned around Crow Lane roundbout, with sogans such as “BHB staff had no pay increase since 2018”, “Hey, PLP fund your only hospital”, and “BHB staff tired of living hand to mouth”.
In response, Scott Pearman, Bermuda Hospitals Board CEO and President praised the efforts of BHB healthcare staff, particularly during the pandemic, but he acknowledged the rising cost of living.
He said, “This is keenly felt by our BPSU staff, who include the nurses, doctors, allied health and non-executive administrative staff.”
“[Bermuda Public Services Union] staff have not had a cost-of-living increase since 2018.”
Mr Pearman said negotiations for the period since 2022 are open. Meanwhile, the Bermuda Industrial Union had one 3.75% increase for the last financial year, and negotiations for this year are close to completion.
Discussions continue to fund a wider pay increase, according to Mr Pearman, and he said Government understands that an uplift in staff salaries requires an uplift in revenue for BHB.
He continues, “The fixed funding model introduced in 2019 has meant BHB’s revenues have been eroded due to the increased cost of doing business with local vendors, and global increases in costs of medical supplies and equipment.”
“BHB has only managed to keep running through major internal savings campaigns, Government concessions, exhausting cash balances and the use of an overdraft.”
“BPSU salaries constitute 72% of our payroll expenses, therefore BHB has not been in a position to enter into good-faith negotiations with the BPSU until a salary uplift was accommodated in our budget.”
Mr Pearman says they await the National Budget before they can proceed with BPSU negotiations.
Crime Stoppers to host 8th annual film weekend
International and independent films – including works by Bermudian producers – set to hit the BUEI big screen
Crime Stoppers’ major fundraiser of the year returns this week with an intriguing line-up of films to be screened at the BUEI Auditorium. The funds raised will support its anonymous hotline and website, empowering community members to “speak up and stop crime.”
The film lineup includes four Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated feature films. For the first time, Crime Stoppers will also showcase three independent films produced by Bermudian talent—Sia Spence, Wendy Tucker Tannock, and SJD World Ltd.
International selections include Anora (Rated R), Conclave (Rated PG), Flow (Rated PG), and The Brutalist (Rated R). The independent offerings feature The Waterboyz (Unrated), Bull Street (Rated R), and Thoughts Become Things (Unrated). Organizers note that the family-friendly film Flow will be shown on Saturday afternoon.
The fundraiser runs from Thursday, February 27 through Saturday, March 2 at the BUEI Auditorium.
Carlnika Roser, Chairwoman of Crime Stoppers Bermuda, said: “Over the last 29 years, we have supported the community in relation to the education, detection, and prevention of crime, through our support of local law enforcement agencies. Callers provide information that leads to criminal arrests, seizure of illegal drugs and weapons (such as firearms and knives) and reporting of anti-social behavior. Over the last 29 years NOT ONE PERSON forwarding information has been identified. This year we hope you again enjoy the selection of amazing films that we will be screening at the BUEI auditorium.”
Film tickets can be purchased online at PTIX or in person at the BUEI Gift Shop. Moviegoers can also enjoy a 10% discount on food at Harbour Front Restaurant with proof of ticket.
Rego Sotheby’s honours top real estate agents
Among the awards was a historic three-way tie for top listing agent
Rego Sotheby’s International Realty has recognised its top-performing agents for 2024, celebrating their achievements across revenue, rentals, sales, and listings.
For the second consecutive year, Margaret Young has claimed the Top Revenue Agent award. Reflecting on her achievement, she said: “This is a testament to my dedicated 23 years with the company building upon my expertise in real estate and the strength of my client relationships.”
With more than two decades of experience, Valerie Nearon earned the Top Selling Agent (Unit Volume) accolade. She remarked: “I have been dedicated to providing exceptional service to both new and returning clients for the past 22 years. My unwavering commitment to understanding and fulfilling their needs ensures that they find
their perfect homes and rentals.”
For the first time in Rego Sotheby’s history, three agents share the Top Listing Agent award:
- Rhonda Casling
- Valerie Nearon
- Keegan Stirling
Rhonda Casling credited her success to her clients, stating: “I am honored and owe this award to my amazing clients. Their trust and faith is my motivator and are truly appreciated. Never is an award such as this earned by one person, so I thank those from our marketing and administration team who make my job so much
easier.”
Keegan Stirling acknowledged the mentorship and opportunities within Rego Sotheby’s saying: “I credit this success to working with and learning from some of the most experienced real estate agents in Bermuda. I’d like to thank my clients for putting their trust in me, especially the international buyers.”
For the second year running, Christina Georgopoulos was named a winner in this category. “I am truly honored and grateful for this recognition for the second year in a row. This achievement reflects not only my commitment to delivering outstanding customer care but also the trust and confidence of my clients. “
Ben Rego, Agency Manager at Rego Sotheby’s, praised the winners: “In an incredibly competitive market, these awards reflect the exceptional dedication, resilience, and expertise each of these agents have demonstrated.”
Partner Penny MacIntyre also commended the team, noting: “We are equally pleased to see both our longstanding agents’ continued success and the increasing number of our next generation cementing their careers as leading agents.”
Extended Interview: Jarion Richardson
In a wide-ranging interview, the OBA Leader reflects on the party’s election defeat, and the gains made
From rebuilding the party while being a minority opposition, to controversial candidate choices, to independents splitting the vote, to low voter turnout, to whether he will step down… OBA Leader Jarion Richardson sits down with Gary Foster Skelton to talk about all these things and more in an extended 20-minute interview.
Howard University Reclaims NEC Swimming and Diving Crown
After losing their title in 2024, the Bison men swim their way to the 2025 crown
The Howard University men’s team has reclaimed its NEC Swimming and Diving Championship title. The Bison made history as the first HBU team to win the title back in 2023. Both the men’s and women’s teams were in Bermuda last year for a training block in preparation for the men’s 2024 title defense.
Meanwhile, Bermudian finance major Myiesha Sharieff played a key role in helping the women’s team secure a second-place finish in the 2025 championship. The backstroke specialist set new personal bests in the 50, 100, and 200-yard events, earning a silver medal in the 100-yard race.
U20 Women Lose to Imperious Canada 9-0
Football: Lady Gombey Warriors bid to qualify for the World Cup takes a hit following second defeat
A tough few days at the office for Bermuda’s Under 20 Women’s National Squad. The young Lady Gombey Warriors opened their World Cup qualifying campaign on Friday with a 3-0 loss to host nation Trinidad. And on Sunday, after a good start, Team Bermuda went down to an imperious Canada 9-0.
Bermuda’s next opponent, Dominica, lost to Canada on Friday by a score of 22-0 – the second-largest margin of victory in CONCACAF Women’s U-20 Qualifying history. The largest margin of victory at this level came in 2005 when the Dominican Republic trounced the British Virgin Islands 25-0.
Bermuda will be looking to claim its first victory in Group E when they face 4th place Dominica in Trinidad on Tuesday at 4pm.
Car levels Reid Street lemonade stand
Driver apparently lost control, no injuries reported
A driver apparently lost control of a vehicle on Reid Street on Sunday afternoon, and collided with Ashley’s Lemonade stand.
The business was unmanned, and no injuries have been reported at this time.
However, the Ashley’s Lemonade stand, a popular Reid Street refreshment spot, appears to have been demolished.
Ashley Stephens, who started her business in 2011 while still in school, arrived at the scene some time after the incident.
Ms Stephens said she is grateful that her team were not at the stand at the time, as they were working at an event in Dockyard.
A tearful but upbeat Ms Stephens said “Everybody is safe, we’re just thankful. Thank God.”
“We’ll be back… The community supports us, they always have.”
Ms Stephens then proceeded to speak with the driver of the vehicle and check that they were OK.
The driver of the vehicle also thanked God that no one was around.
We await further details from Police.
Hyperbaric chamber temporarily closed
Slated to reopen in 2 weeks – March 3rd 2025
Update via Bermuda Hospitals Board: Hyperbaric chamber temporarily closed
The Bermuda Hospitals Board advising that due to unexpected staffing issues, the hyperbaric chamber at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital will be closed until Monday 3 March 2025. We hope to be able to resume operation of the chamber after that date.
Anyone who is planning to dive over the next 10 days or so should be aware that hyperbaric treatment will not be available.
Update via Bermuda Hospitals Board
Fatal road traffic collision in St. David’s
Victim has not yet been named
Update via the Bermuda Police Service:
Shortly before 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2025, Police and Emergency Medical Services were dispatched to a serious road traffic collision involving a van and a motorcycle, on St. David’s Road, just east of the Southside Police Station.
Upon arrival, officers met EMTs from Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service attending to the motorcycle rider, a male, who had suffered severe injuries and was unresponsive.
Emergency Medical Services personnel continued life saving measures commenced by BFRS and the victim was transported by ambulance to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for further treatment.
Sadly, he succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
The driver of the van was not reported to have been injured.
The roadway remained closed while the scene was forensically processed with traffic diversions in place between Stocks Road and Emily’s Bay Lane.
An investigation into this, matter has now been started. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Roads Policing Unit on, 247-1788.
You may also call 211 or, provide the information by using the community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm.
Update via the Bermuda Police Service
