Police, banks warn of online dating scams
Fraudsters prey on the heart: key warning signs and prevention tips
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) and the Bermuda Bankers Association (BBA) have issued a warning to residents about the growing threat of romance scams, urging individuals to stay vigilant against online fraudsters.
Romance scams typically begin when criminals establish contact with victims through online dating sites or social media platforms. Over time, the scammer, often located abroad, builds trust, sometimes even creating the illusion of a romantic relationship. Once the victim is emotionally invested, the scammer fabricates a financial emergency or claims they need assistance with travel expenses to visit the victim. These fraudulent requests can result in significant financial losses for the unsuspecting individual.
To help residents identify and avoid falling victim to such scams, authorities have outlined several red flags:
- “Your new friend moves too fast. Scammers are trying to develop a quick relationship with you so be on your guard when someone professes their love to you.
- If your love interest asks you to send money, or for payments in gift cards, cryptocurrency or through a wire transfer, be very suspicious.
- Does your new friend have an online profile? Look for inconsistencies between what they post, and what they tell you. If you’re suspicious, post their profile picture through your browser’s reverse image search to see if it’s been stolen from the internet.
- If you receive a message from your friend and they use the wrong name, that may be a red flag. Many of these fraudsters are working on multiple victims at the same time.
- Scammers will claim that they live close to you but that they’re working overseas. They do this so that they have numerous reasons to ask for you for money. Be on your guard.
- If you receive a cheque or another form of payment from someone you’ve met online and they ask you to cash it and send a portion of the funds back to them – don’t do it. This is known as the “overpayment” scam.”
Authorities urge anyone who suspects they are being targeted by a romance scam to report the incident to the police immediately.
Additional information on financial crime prevention, along with resources for consumers and small businesses, can be found on the BBA website at https://bermudabankers.org/for-consumers-and-businesses and through Bermuda’s four licensed banks’ websites and social media channels.
Exclusive-FDA staffers told that ‘woman,’ ‘disabled’ among banned words; White House says it’s an error
A list titled “Prohibited words” has been circulating in official FDA work chats
International news via Reuters:
Some U.S. Food and Drug Administration scientists have been told to stop using the words “woman,” “disabled” and “elderly” in external communications, two sources familiar with the matter said, part of a list of banned terms that a White House spokesman said had misinterpreted President Donald Trump’s executive order.
A list with the file name “Prohibited words” has been circulating since at least last week in official work chats, according to two FDA scientists with direct knowledge of the matter who requested anonymity for fear of professional repercussions.
The list, which has not been previously reported, is sowing further confusion at an agency struggling with the Trump administration’s sweeping firings.
The two scientists said that neither they nor their managers knew who issued the directive or why many of the more than two dozen words were included.
“I don’t understand why we can’t use a word like ‘woman,'” one FDA source who received the list told Reuters. “The words on the list would make it almost impossible to do our jobs.”
Another federal health agency was told in recent weeks to remove words such as gender, transgender, LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) and nonbinary from its communications to ensure that they comply with executive orders that solely recognize male and female sex and eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
As a result of that directive, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention took down publicly available health information, such as HIV datasets, and withdrew research papers that were being considered for publication in scientific journals for review by Trump appointees.
Public health experts said the removal of such terms threatens their ability to address all kinds of medical needs as they affect different groups, including those with HIV and sexually transmitted diseases.
The list circulating within the FDA and reviewed by Reuters is broader and includes words such as underrepresented, underserved, understudied, sex, identity, diverse, women, woman, promote, definition, continuum, ideology, self-assessed, special populations, elderly and disabled. It was not accompanied with an explanation.
The White House spokesman told Reuters that most of the words on the FDA list didn’t need to be removed from communications. He said that an error may have resulted from FDA officials misinterpreting Trump’s executive order against “gender ideology.”
The spokesman said the FDA does need to prohibit use of the words gender, inclusion, identity, diversity, inter, intersex, equity, equitable, transgender and trans to comply with the order.
An FDA spokesman said the agency has no official list of banned words and declined to comment about the White House’s contention that some words can’t be used.
The two FDA sources said colleagues told them the list had originated within the Center for Devices and Radiological Health, which has more than 2,000 workers and is tasked with ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical devices.
The two sources said the restrictions on their speech, coupled with recent employee firings, would slow review processes for medical devices and prevent scientists’ ability to question device safety before release to the public.
The White House spokesman said more than 1,000 workers at the FDA have been dismissed across divisions, out of a total workforce of nearly 20,000. The firings are part of mass layoffs across federal agencies by the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency.
Reporting by Rachael Levy in Washington; Additonal reporting by Tim Reid; Editing by Michele Gershberg and Leslie Adler
Emperial Group Op-ed: Election results are sobering
Low voter turnout reflects a profound disappointment in the political process
Failure to Address Failure is the Problem
How do we explain an unprecedented number of candidates entering the general election alongside an unprecedented decline in voter turnout?
This paradox raises critical questions about the state of our political landscape. Why couldn’t the combined opposition collaborate before the election to prevent splitting the vote?
This glaring mistake clearly favoured the incumbent Progressive Labour Party (PLP).
Furthermore, how do we address the PLP’s failure to instil confidence among the majority of the 45,000 registered voters in Bermuda, especially when their mandate from just 12,300 voters should not be seen as sufficient justification for their platform?
By the same token, what makes independent challenges appear irrelevant to the parliamentary process, and how can we ensure that all voices are heard in a democracy that claims to represent the interests of every citizen?
The recent outcomes of the February 18, 2025, general election starkly illustrate these issues.
The Emperial Group has chosen to lead by example in voicing legitimate grievances regarding the legitimacy of the PLP leadership, particularly in light of the squandered opportunity for National Unity in 2009.
This missed pathway could have undoubtedly helped us avoid the cycle of violence that the PLP leadership has knowingly exploited for its own agenda of character assassination and self-aggrandizement.
The election results are sobering. The PLP retained a majority with 25 seats, while the One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) increased its representation to 11.
This outcome leaves many Bermudians questioning the efficacy of their political representation and the ability of opposition parties to present a viable alternative.
The continued dominance of the PLP signals an alarming acceptance of mediocrity and a blatant disregard for the electorate’s dissatisfaction.
A particularly troubling indicator of this disillusionment is the record-low voter turnout of approximately 55%, a stark contrast to the 82.76% turnout in 1998.
This decline reflects a profound disappointment in the political process itself. Many voters feel that the PLP has neglected or outright rejected their needs and expectations.
The high turnout in 1998 was driven by a desire for change—an aspiration that has since eroded as citizens grapple with the reality that their voices seem increasingly irrelevant.
The Emperial Group acknowledges that while the “Vote 4 Unity” campaign may not have achieved its primary objective, it succeeded in bringing pressing issues to the forefront.
The PLP can no longer be trusted to differentiate between winning an election and winning for the country.
Premier Burt’s recent overtures toward collaboration with independent candidates and the Free Democratic Movement (FDM) suggest a potential shift toward coalition governance.
Yet this is a small consolation for voters who yearn for real accountability and representational integrity.
It is imperative for political leaders—from the Premier to the opposition leader and former Parliamentarians—to confront the growing apathy among the electorate.
This indifference cannot merely be dismissed as a byproduct of electoral fatigue; it is a clear signal that the current political framework is failing to engage and inspire.
The Emperial Group stands firm in its commitment to addressing these failures and ensuring that the grievances of the public are heard.
Bermudians deserve a political landscape that is responsive to their aspirations and challenges.
The failure to capitalize on the opportunity for National Unity in 2009 has left a void that has been filled by divisive politics and exploitation of societal tensions.
The PLP leadership has perpetuated a cycle of violence for its own gain, focusing on character assassination rather than meaningful governance.
As we look to the future, the 2025 General Election has paved the way for us to hold leaders accountable for their responsibilities in this unprecedented political outcome.
The Emperial Group stands firmly for coalition governance, which begins with accepting leadership from “we the people.”
It is clear that the system itself is not broken; rather, it is the leaders who are deliberately failing to address their shortcomings.
We must demand a political landscape that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of all Bermudians and fosters genuine collaboration and accountability.
Only by embracing this vision can we hope to restore trust in our political institutions and ensure that every voice is heard in the democratic process.
There’s a lot more that needs to be addressed, and it will most certainly be dealt with. As the saying goes, “Who the cap fits, let them wear it.”
It’s time for all leaders to take responsibility for their actions and for Bermuda’s future.
Let us work together to build a future that reflects the true will of the people and holds all leaders accountable for their manifest failures whenever that is required, without fear or favour.
Peace & Love,
Eugene Dean
Emperial Group | eugene@emperialgroup.org
OBA recovers 2020 general election losses
This takes their total number of sitting MPs to 11 against the PLP’s 25 seats
The One Bermuda Alliance earned an additional 4 seats in yesterday’s General Election taking their total number of sitting M.P’s to 11 to the Progressive Labour Party’s 25 seats.
The Opposition party’s popularity had waned since the end of their one term administration in 2017.
One of the key seats to watch last night was Southampton East Central as the victor Dwayne Robinson held a tightly held race to the top against the P.L.P’s Mischa Fubler.
Linda Smith, a former journalist and communications executive emerged the winner in a four-way all female race in Southampton West Central.
We take a look in this report by Jasmine Patterson to zero-in on the Opposition’s gains.
Football: Bermuda Select to Face USL Teams
Bermuda takes on Maine on Friday at the National Sports Centre
In football, the action-packed start to year for Bermuda’s national football squads shows no signs of slowing down. This weekend, the highly anticipated 2025 Bermuda Select Invitational kicks off at the National Sports Centre. Three top-tier teams—Bermuda Select, Rhode Island FC, and Maine Hearts of Pine from USL League One—will battle it out in a series of international friendlies starting on Friday at 7pm.
While winning the Bermuda Select Invitational would be an added bonus , Coach Findlay emphasizes that the primary goal of the event is to provide players from Bermuda’s domestic leagues an opportunity to showcase their skills against top-tier teams and potentially earn a spot on the national squad.
Bermuda Select Team:
Goal Keepers
- Detré Bell (North Village Community Club)
- Jahquil Hill (St. Georges Cricket Club)
- Tomas Mello (FC Bascome)
- Jayden Symonds (Pembroke Hamilton Club)
Defenders
- Eusebio Blankendale (Western Stars Sports Club)
- Julian Carpenter (Paget Football Club)
- Daniel Cook (Western Stars Sports Club)
- Jorg Dublin (Devonshire Colts Football Club)
- Tahzeiko Harris (North Village Community Club)
- Lejaun Simmons (Devonshire Recreation Club)
- Darin Usher (Pembroke Hamilton Club)
- Terrance Webb (Western Stars Sports Club)
Midfielders
- Keishon Bean (Pembroke Hamilton Club)
- Jayen Ebbin (Pembroke Hamilton Club)
- Diaje Hart (Paget Football Club)
- Jabri Salam (St Georges Cricket Club)
- Khari Sharriff (FC Bascome)
- T’Syi Showers (Pembroke Hamilton Club)
- Dakayo Leverock (Western Stars Sports Club)
- Amar Lewis (Western Stars Sports Club)
- Jahmori Martin (Wolves Football Club)
- Samario Valasse-Paul (Wolves Football Club)
Forwards
- Jai Bean (North Village Community Club)
- Justin Bell (Hamilton Parish Workmen’s Club)
- Blaiz Hall (St. Georges Cricket Club)
- David Jones (Western Stars Sports Club)
- Leroy Lewis Jr. (Hamilton Parish Workmen’s Club)
- Keyni Mills (Somerset Cricket Club)
- Enrique Russell (Pembroke Hamilton Club)
- D’Andre Wainwright (Pembroke Hamilton Club)
Delta CEO says flight crew on Toronto plane that crashed was experienced
The airport will need to inspect the runway before it can be returned to use
International news via Reuters:
Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian said on Wednesday the flight crew on board the regional jet that flipped upside down upon landing in Toronto earlier this week was experienced.
The crew on Delta’s Endeavor Air subsidiary in Monday’s crash, in which 21 people were injured, was familiar with wintry conditions in Toronto, Bastian told “CBS Mornings” in an interview.
“There is one level of safety at Delta,” Bastian said. “All these pilots train for these conditions.”
Bastian called the video of the incident “horrifying” but praised the actions of the flight crew to quickly evacuate the airplane.
“This is what we train for,” Bastian said. “We train for this continuously.”
Delta said on Wednesday only one of the 21 passengers remains hospitalized. All of the injured are expected to survive.
Two runways remain closed at Toronto’s Pearson Airport, including the busiest runway in the country, with the wreckage still on airport grounds.
The crash reduced capacity at Canada’s largest airport which has a limit on departures for its three other operational runways, Pearson duty manager Jake Keating told news channel CP24.
Even after the wreckage is removed, the airport will need to inspect the runway before it can be returned to use, he said.
Pearson said on social media X that as of 7 am ET on Wednesday, about 5% of its departing flights and 6% of its arriving flights have been cancelled.
On Tuesday, investigators said they recovered black boxes for lab analysis. Transportation Safety Board of Canada senior investigator Ken Webster said that following initial impact on the runway, parts of the CRJ900 aircraft separated and a fire ensued.
Bastian said despite several high-profile incidents, air travel remains safe. “It is the safest form of transportation, period,” Bastian said.
Webster echoed other aviation safety officials saying it was too early to tell what happened to Flight 4819 from Minneapolis-St. Paul. Air crashes are usually caused by multiple factors.
Pearson on Monday was dealing with high winds and frigid temperatures as airlines attempted to rebound after a major weekend snowstorm.
In a separate video showing the plane’s descent, the landing appeared flat and did not show the regular “flare” of the jet, where pilots pull the nose up to increase pitch just prior to touchdown, experts said.
The 16-year-old CRJ900, made by Canada’s Bombardier and powered by GE Aerospace engines, can seat up to 90 people.
Separately, Bastian said he had spoken to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and was not concerned by the layoff of several hundred employees at the Federal Aviation Administration, saying they were in “non-critical safety functions.”
Bastian said the Trump administration was committed to boosting air traffic controller hiring and improving air traffic technology.
Reporting by David Shepardson. Additional reporting by Allison Lampert in MontrealEditing by Bernadette Baum, Chizu Nomiyama and Marguerita Choy
Governor congratulates Premier on election win
Mr. Andrew Murdoch replaced Rena Lalgie as Governor of Bermuda last month
Update via Government House Bermuda press release:
Following the General Election on 18th February, I was pleased to receive the Hon E David Burt JP MP, and to congratulate him.
I would like to record my thanks to all those who enabled a safe, peaceful and democratic electoral process.
19 Feb 2025
Watch our full election night coverage
Bermuda gives incumbent party a third term; OBA claws back four seats
PLP wins election amid historic low voter turnout
Bermuda gives incumbent party a third term; OBA claws back four seats
A victorious David Burt declared that voters have chosen fariness and a Government that will put Bermudians first, as the Progressive Labour Party soared into a third term in office.
The PLP secured 25 out of 36 seats, losing only 4 to the OBA, in the face of the lowest voter turnout in modern history.
The constituencies that the OBA clawed back were from the 6 seats they lost in the 2020 snap election. The Opposition had already gained one of those losses back when Vance Campbell crossed the floor last August.
However, the OBA was not able to pull back C19 Pembroke West from the PLP’s Jache Adams, who retained for a second term.
Independent candidates and the FDM were unable to win any seats, although 2,281 people voted independent – more than 9% of the vote share, which is unprecedented in recent elections. The FDM, however, saw their vote share drop compared to 2020.
Cire Bean was the most succesful independent, coming second to the PLP’s Rev. Dr. Emily Gail Dill in C36 Sandy’s North, as he was the only independent to get more than 200 votes.
Marc Bean was once again the FDM’s most succesful candidate. The party founder and leader was runner up to Scott Simmons in Southampton West, with 225 votes.
The voter turnout was strikingly low, with only 24,779 members of the electorate making their voices heard. That’s 1,295 fewer than the 2020 snap election that took place in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.
There will be several new faces in the House once parliament resumes – although some are already established politicians.
The PLP’s Paul Wilmot, Pastor Leroy Bean, Owen Darrell, Alexa Lightbourne have taken over the seats previously held by Lt. Colonel David Burch, Derrick Burgess, Walter Roban and Wayne Caines.
The newcomers from the OBA are Dwayne Robinson, Doug De Couto, Robin Tucker and Linda Smith. They will be joined by along with former OBA senator and Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy, who took over the seat previously held by retiring Susan Jackson.
WATCH our full election night coverage below:
