CURB praises Government’s commitment to legal reform
The anti-racism activist group highlights the government’s emphasis on restorative justice
Full press release:
Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda (CURB) applauds the Government of Bermuda for its commitment to law reform, restorative justice, and the continuation of the Land Grab Commission, as outlined in the 2025 Throne Speech. CURB particularly welcomes the Government’s commitment to advancing restorative justice principles. The proposed reforms reflect a significant step forward in creating a more equitable and rehabilitative justice system that addresses root causes of crime while fostering accountability and healing within our communities. These initiatives reflect a significant step toward building a more just, equitable, and responsive society.
Advancing Law Reform
CURB strongly supports the Government’s recognition that many of Bermuda’s laws must be modernized to reflect contemporary principles of justice. The reinstitution of the Law Reform Commission is a positive step towards ensuring greater fairness and equity within Bermuda’s legal system. The Government’s focus on legal reform, particularly in the areas of youth justice, wrongful imprisonment, and access to legal aid, is commendable.
Key reforms include:
· Raising the age of criminal responsibility from 8 to 14 under the Young Offenders Act 1950. This change aligns Bermuda’s legal framework with modern international standards and recognizes the importance of providing young people with the opportunity for rehabilitation rather than criminalization. Scientific research underscores that early involvement in the criminal justice system has long-term negative consequences, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized youth. This amendment is a necessary and welcome reform.
· Introducing a statutory compensation regime for individuals wrongfully convicted and imprisoned. The miscarriage of justice can have devastating effects on individuals and their families, and ensuring fair compensation is a critical step toward restoring dignity and rebuilding lives.
· Conducting a comprehensive review of Legal Aid, ensuring equitable access to legal representation for all Bermudians, regardless of economic status. Equitable access to
justice is a cornerstone of a fair society and ensuring that all residents – regardless of financial status receive adequate legal representation is essential in addressing systemic disparities.
Commitment to Restorative Justice
CURB is encouraged by the Government’s continued emphasis on restorative justice and crime prevention. As highlighted in the Throne Speech, a justice system focused solely on punishment fails to address the root causes of crime or create long-term solutions.
The Government’s commitment to:
· Implementing the National Violence Reduction Strategy to break cycles of violence,
· Fostering rehabilitation and personal growth, and
· Enhancing community safety represents a progressive shift towards justice that prioritizes healing, accountability, and community well-being.
Supporting the Land Grab Commission’s Work
CURB welcomes the Government’s renewed commitment to the Commission of Inquiry into Historic Land Losses, now that the legal barriers to its progress have been resolved. Addressing historical land injustices is vital to Bermuda’s pursuit of racial and economic justice. We urge the Legislature to give serious consideration to the Commission’s findings and recommendations, ensuring that past injustices are acknowledged and rectified.
Moving Toward a More Just Bermuda
CURB believes that these reforms represent a crucial moment in Bermuda’s history. The Government’s focus on law reform, restorative justice, and historical land losses aligns with CURB’s ongoing efforts to promote racial equity and systemic change. We look forward to working with policymakers, stakeholders, and the wider community to ensure that these commitments lead to tangible, lasting improvements for all Bermudians.
“Course correction” over ocean plans; Road repairs a priority
New Public Works & Environment Minister expands on plans for the year ahead
One of our most pressing concerns.
This is how newly-minted Minister of Public Works and Environment, Jache Adams, described the condition of our roads.
Expanding on Throne Speech plans, Mr Adams said not only will Public Roads be addressed, but amendments to laws governing Private Roads will give the Minister more authority to streamline the implementation of safety measures:
Taking on the mantle of the Environment Ministry, formally under Home Affairs, Minister Jache Adams reiterated that the implementation of new Marine Protected Areas will be paused while discussions take place with Stakeholders.
He said an official meeting with fishermen is pending, and even acknowledged a degree of ‘course-correction’ when it comes to the Ocean Prosperity Plan:
FULL MINISTERIAL STATEMENT, JACHE ADAMS, MINISTER OF PUBLIC WORKS & ENVIRONMENT:
Good afternoon, members of the media and the people of Bermuda.
Today, I am here to expand on the initiatives within the Ministry of
Public Works and Environment’s remit and reinforce our responsibility
to ensure that Bermuda’s infrastructure, public lands, and environment
are properly maintained, protected, and managed for the benefit of all.
Undoubtedly, the state of our roads, housing infrastructure, and
environmental policies have been the subject of much public
discussion. Whether it is road conditions, access to affordable housing,
marine conservation, or air quality, these issues affect people’s
everyday lives. The Ministry of Public Works and Environment’s focus
is to ensure that Bermuda’s built and natural environments function
properly, serve the public effectively, and are responsive to the people’s
needs.
One of the most immediate concerns facing the island is the condition
of our roads. The wear and tear caused by extensive underground
works, the ongoing need for resurfacing, and the backlog of
maintenance issues have left many of our roads in an undesirable state.
The Government is aware and is committed to taking action.
This year, roadworks will be accelerated with an expanded paving
schedule to ensure progress as swiftly as possible. Public roads will be
prioritised, but the Government will also address the condition of
private roads through legislative amendments allowing for greater
intervention.
Amendments to the Private Roads (Improvement) Act 1969 and the
Private Roads (Lighting) Act 1984 will expand the Minister’s authority
to install traffic-calming measures, safety mirrors, and lighting in areas
where road safety has been a growing concern.
The goal is to improve road conditions for all residents and ensure that
public and private roads are maintained to a proper standard.
A recent example of this commitment is the completion of the Scaur
Hill safety enhancement project. This major infrastructure initiative
involved reconstructing a 230-foot retaining wall along Somerset Road,
which our dedicated engineering teams delivered on time and on
budget.
Alternative traffic routes were seamlessly established during
construction to minimise disruption and removed upon completion.
This reflects the ministry’s ability to execute complex projects without
compromising public convenience.
I would like to sincerely thank the area residents for their patience and
generosity, including those who allowed the use of their properties for
temporary detours.
I would also like to acknowledge and pay tribute to my predecessor,
Lieutenant Colonel David Burch. It was under his leadership that this
project was initiated, and his commitment to improving bermuda’s
infrastructure continues to be felt in the work we do today.
Public infrastructure extends beyond our roads. While the Ministry of
Housing is leading the charge to expand affordable housing, my
Ministry will play a supporting role in ensuring the necessary
infrastructure is in place to facilitate this effort.
Another area of significant public interest is marine conservation. In
recent years, the Government committed to expanding marine
protected areas as part of its ocean conservation strategy. However, the
voices of local fishermen must be heard in these discussions.
Their livelihoods depend on the ocean, and any policies governing its
use must be both fair and enforceable. That is why the Government will
pause the implementation of new marine protected areas while further
discussions take place.
This pause allows us to reflect on the balance between environmental
stewardship and economic sustainability. Stakeholder engagement has
already led to revisions of the marine protected area network under the
Blue Ocean Prosperity Plan, including adjustments to site locations,
protection levels, and access needs to accommodate shipping,
infrastructure maintenance, and tourism.
This work is not just about protecting fish stocks—though that is
crucial. It is also about strengthening our resilience to climate change,
maintaining biodiversity, and securing the long-term health of our
ocean-based industries.
The Ministry of Public Works and Environment will continue to be
actively engaged in these discussions, working closely with the fishing
community, environmental scientists, and industry representatives to
develop a plan that reflects both science and local experience. Final
proposals will be guided by the input of our people and will undergo
additional public consultation before submission to the Cabinet.
Each of these initiatives reflects the Government’s broader goal of
ensuring that Bermuda remains a fair, stable, and affordable place to
live. The work of the Ministry of Public Works and Environment is
central to that vision. My Ministry is taking deliberate steps to improve
the quality of life for all Bermudians.
Thank you.
Pension Fund in decline
CPF projected to run out in 17 years
The Social Insurance pension fund will run out sooner than previously reported.
The Actuarial Review of the Contributory Pension Fund from August 2023 projects that the fund will be depleted in 2042 – two years earlier than the last triannual review. (Scroll down to view the Review, or click HERE)
This follows the trend of the last two Actuarial Reports in 2017 and 2020. Each report shows the fund being exhausted progressively sooner.
The financial performance of the fund over three years was above expectations, the Review states, mainly due to higher-than-expected investment and contribution income.
The number of contributors to the fund declined by 850 people since the last review, and it should be noted that it was possible to suspend contributions for a year from June 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Premier and Finance Minister David Burt acknowledged the seriousness of the situation in the House of Assembly on Friday.
He assured the public they are facing up to the challenge, saying “the government continues to advance consultation regarding the necessary amendments that will make the CPF sustainable.”
“The funding gap for the CPF has larger, more difficult issues to resolve given the rapidly aging population, and persons living longer and drawing more benefits over time.”
The Premier says that topping up the fund with revenues from the Corporate Income Tax has been suggested during consultation with local and international business.
“The need to address the Contributory Pension Fund is an urgent one. Whether the answer is future revenues from corporate income tax changes, the contributions or increases in the eligibility age for social insurance. The government looks forward to a bipartisan consensus to advance the difficult but necessary changes to ensure that this fund is sustainable.”
“I wish to assure current and future pensioners that the government is clear on the challenges facing Bermuda’s pension plans.”
The Actuarial Review of the CPF also states that the Old-Age Support ratio has fallen from 3.1 to 2.8, another continuing trend.
That means that as of August 2023, there were 2.8 people of working age per pensioner. That ratio was 4.4 in July 2011, so over twelve years there had been a drop of more than 1-and-a-half working age persons per pensioner.
Bailey Bridge works reach halfway point
Upgrades to the portion of Causeway deck aim to improve safety and extend lifespan
Credit: Bermuda Government
The Ministry of Public Works and Environment has begun ‘essential upgrade work’ on the Bailey Bridge section of the Causeway, with progress already at the halfway mark.
Crews started work on Saturday and continued through Sunday, replacing the bridge’s deck panels as part of a wider effort to enhance safety and ensure long-term structural durability.
The eastbound lane has already been completed, and work is now focused on the westbound side. According to the Ministry, the current phase is expected to be completed within the coming week, weather permitting.
The new deck panels are designed to last between 10 and 15 years and feature the same anti-skid surface coating as the previous panels, helping to maintain traction for vehicles during wet weather conditions.
The Bailey Bridge, which has experienced natural wear over time, is receiving this upgrade to safeguard reliability and ensure peace of mind for all who use the Causeway.
Credit: Bermuda Government
Minister of Public Works and Environment, Jache Adams stressed the importance of the project, stating: “This is a key infrastructure improvement that speaks to our commitment to public safety and long-term planning.
“The Bailey Bridge is a vital link for the east end, and ensuring its structural integrity is a top priority for the Government.”
He also acknowledged the bridge’s role to residents: “We understand how important this route is for daily commuters and emergency services. Our teams have worked efficiently to complete the eastbound lane, and we appreciate the public’s patience as we move ahead with the westbound side.”
Looking ahead, the Ministry also plans to replace the bridge’s steel member components, which play a key role in its structural support. This future phase will not require any lane closures.
“We are not just addressing immediate needs,” Minister Adams added. “The public will see that we are making smart, forward-thinking upgrades that will serve the public well into the future.”
New US Consul General appointed
Ms. Antoinette Hurtado is set to arrive in Bermuda later this week
U.S. Consulate update via press release:
The U.S. Department of State has appointed Ms. Antoinette Hurtado to serve as the next, full-time, U.S. Consul General to Bermuda. Ms. Hurtado is a career Foreign Service Officer with over 20 years of experience in overseas and domestic positions.
Ms. Hurtado’s previous overseas assignments include: Political and Consular Officer at the U.S. Embassy to Australia in Canberra; Consular Officer at the U.S. Consulate General in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Special Assistant to the Director of Communications and Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan; and Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See in Rome, Italy.
Ms. Hurtado also has served in several roles in Washington, DC. She taught public diplomacy and communications classes at the State Department’s training center and led teams that developed and implemented digital public engagement campaigns with youth networks in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
She worked in the private sector for a year-long exchange program as a Lawrence Eagleburger Fellow.
She also served in the Department’s 24/7 Bureau of Intelligence and Research watch office and as an advance officer for the Secretary of State where she arranged overseas and domestic travel programs and logistics for the Secretary.
Prior to her assignment to Bermuda, Ms. Hurtado served as the Diplomat in Residence for the Southwest region, recruiting the next generation of American professionals and students in Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico for U.S. Department of State careers and student programs.
“I am honored and excited to serve as the next U.S. Consul General to Bermuda and I look forward to working alongside the dedicated and talented team at the Consulate,” says Ms. Hurtado.
“I extend my sincere gratitude to Mr. Vanja Vukota for his leadership in this role until my appointment was confirmed. The United States and Bermuda have a four centuries-long history and partnership, and I look forward to strengthening that relationship and collaborating to advance our shared interests.”
Ms. Hurtado is from Southern California. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University, and a Master of Public Policy from Harvard University. She has studied Spanish, Portuguese (Brazilian), and Italian. Ms. Hurtado will arrive in Bermuda on March 27.
China presents top military, cyber threat to United States, US report says
Russia, Iran, North Korea and China also threats to the U.S.
International news via Reuters:
China remains the United States’ top military and cyber threat, according to a report by U.S. intelligence agencies published on Tuesday.
China has the ability to hit the U.S. with conventional weapons, compromise U.S. infrastructure through cyber attacks, and target its assets in space, and seeks to displace the U.S. as the top AI power by 2030, the Annual Threat Assessment by the U.S. intelligence community said.
Russia, along with Iran, North Korea and China, seek to challenge the U.S. through deliberate campaigns to gain an advantage, with Moscow’s war in Ukraine having afforded it a “wealth of lessons regarding combat against Western weapons and intelligence in a large-scale war,” the report said.
BF&M Annual Results for 2024
Operating expenses remained flat ($56.5 million, prior year $57.2 million)
BF&M update via press release:
BF&M Limited (“BF&M”) (BSX: BFM) today reported IFRS net income of $13.9 million for the year ended 31 December 2024 (2023: $27.2 million).
Operating income, excluding the impact of external market factors such as the change in the fair value of investments and/or one-off exceptional gains or costs, was $17.9m for the period, in line with the year ended 31 December 2023 (2023: $18.7m).
Operating expenses, excluding expenses relating to the combination with Argus Group, remained flat ($56.5 million, prior year $57.2 million).
These results announced today are in respect of BF&M Limited on a standalone basis and do not reflect the combination with Argus Group Holdings that was completed on 6 January 2025.
Core Investment income was strong at $19.3 million, and ahead of the prior year ($18.2 million).
This gain largely resulted from increased bond and bank income on the group’s investment portfolios.
Property and casualty (P&C) insurance contributed income before allocated expenses of $7.6 million, down from the prior year (2023: $22.6 million).
Whilst the business in Bermuda and Cayman benefitedfrom attractive original property rates, this was offset by the continuing high cost of reinsurance.
Performance in the Caribbean business was mixed. Given the high capital intensity of that business, we are reviewing our business in those Caribbean jurisdictions where returns on capital were below target levels.
Finally, the P&C business, taken as a whole, benefited from the absence of significant catastrophe losses in 2024.
Pensions contributed profit before allocated expenses of $16.6 million, ahead of the prior year (2023: $13.3 million). This rise reflected an increase in assets under management, primarily driven by investment performance.
Health insurance reported income before allocated expenses of $3.6 million. The business continues to experience rising claim costs year over year. Looking forward into 2025, a key focus will be on managing the cost of claims by leveraging the scale and systems of the enlarged group.
Fair value adjustments had a net positive income impact of $17.7 million. This is comprised of $7.6 million from ALM portfolios (net change in fair value of assets less reserves) and $10 million from general insurance and surplus portfolios.
In addition, the 2024 results benefited from exceptional profits arising from the sale of property.
Abigail Clifford, Group President and CEO, stated: “The profitability of the BF&M group overall in 2024 was in line with our expectations, supported by the strong performance of our investment portfolios, and resilient performances in both P&C Bermuda and our Pensions business.
In 2024 we continued to face the challenge of ever-growing health claims costs, but the combination with Argus now gives us greater scale to address that challenge as an enlarged business.
2025 will be a transformational year as we combine our businesses and reshape our future. We look forward to the coming year with confidence.”
The Board has declared a dividend of $0.28c per BF&M share for all those on the share register on 28 March 2025. This dividend is expected to be paid on 11 April 2025.
BELCO on Fuel Adjustment Rate hike
The FAR reflects the total cost to deliver fuel to the BELCO central plant
BELCO update via press release:
Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (BELCO) today advised that beginning 1 April 2025 there will be an increase in the Fuel Adjustment Rate (FAR).
With the approval of the Bermuda Regulatory Authority, the FAR will increase from the existing rate of 13.360 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to 15.515 cents per kWh. The FAR is comprised of 13.637 cents per kWh FAR and 1.878 cents per kWh Government tax on fuel.
The FAR reflects the total cost to deliver fuel to the BELCO central plant and is comprised of two parts – the fuel adjustment and Bermuda Government taxes. The fuel adjustment is based on the total cost of purchasing fuel and includes shipping costs.
The FAR is calculated quarterly and rises and falls as the purchase price of BELCO’s fuel rises and falls. The FAR is a cost recovery mechanism and both revenue and earnings neutral as 100% of the cost and any savings due to a reduction in BELCO fuel costs are passed on to customers.
The breakdown of the new tariffs can be found on BELCO’s website at belco.bm.
For a low-usage residential household whose consumption is 200-kilowatt hours per meter reading cycle, there will be an increase of approximately $4.31 to a monthly bill (after discount).
For the average residential household whose consumption is 650-kilowatt hours per meter reading cycle, where the majority of Bermuda residential customers fall, there will be an increase of approximately $14.01 to a monthly bill (after discount).
For a high-usage residential household whose consumption is 1,500-kilowatt hours per meter reading cycle, there will be an increase of approximately $32.33 to a monthly bill (after discount).
BELCO President Wayne Caines said, “We understand that any increase in electricity costs impacts our customers. This adjustment reflects the global reality of fluctuating fuel prices that are beyond our control. We want to assure our customers that BELCO remains committed to exploring energy solutions that will help stabilize costs in the long term. In the meantime, we encourage customers to visit our website for energy-saving tips that can help manage consumption and reduce monthly bills.”
BELCO customers can learn more about their bill as well as tips on energy efficiency and ways to reduce their bill at belco.bm.
EU approval among its citizens hits record high as security fears grow, poll shows
The survey showed the economy was still the main concern of EU citizens
International news Reuters:
Support for the European Union among citizens is at a record high, with three quarters saying membership of the bloc is beneficial because of its role in protecting peace and strengthening security, a Eurobarometer poll showed on Tuesday.
The poll, conducted for the European Parliament in January and February, found that 74% EU citizens thought their country benefited from EU membership – the highest recorded since the question was first asked in 1983.
After three years of war in Ukraine on Europe’s eastern flank, the survey comes amid fears that Moscow may attack an EU member in the coming years and doubts about the future of U.S. protection for Europe via the NATO defence alliance.
“The main reason why people think that EU membership is beneficial has changed: protecting peace and strengthening security has gained three points since the summer and is now in first place with 35%,” Eurobarometer said.
The previous top reason, improved cooperation between EU countries, lost two points to poll at 34%, it said. While the EU has a limited role in security and defence policy – an area that falls under national competencies – the bloc has moved to step up joint defence spending, joint procurement and to develop its defence industry to deter a potential attack from Russia.
The survey, carried out through 26,354 face-to-face interviews in all 27 EU countries, showed the economy was still the main concern of EU citizens.
One third expect their standard of living to decrease over the next five years, a seven point deterioration against mid-2024 and 43% are keen for EU institutions to focus on tackling rising living costs.
Almost a third of citizens were worried about the EU’s industrial competitiveness, a five point increase in the past year, Eurobarometer said, as Europe’s companies face tough competition from China and the United States.
Two thirds of citizens said they wanted the EU’s role in protecting citizens from global crises and security risks to become more important, Eurobarometer said, while 50% recognise that this protective role has already grown in recent years.
Reporting by Jan Strupczewski; Editing by Ros Russell
Soccer-James’ quality never in doubt, says England boss Tuchel
James has played just 14 matches in all competitions for Chelsea this season
International news via Reuters:
England manager Thomas Tuchel said he has never had any doubts about the quality of Reece James after the right back marked his first international start in two years by scoring the opener in Monday’s 3-0 win over Latvia.
The 25-year-old set England on their way to a comfortable World Cup qualifying win at Wembley with a sublime first-half free kick as Tuchel picked up his second win in as many matches since taking charge.
James made his England debut in 2022 but has been limited to 17 caps due to a succession of injuries.
An injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold opened the door for James to return to the line-up under Tuchel, who coached James at Chelsea from 2021-2022.
“There cannot be any doubt about Reece’s quality, it’s the highest level,” Tuchel told reporters. “We were in close contact in the last weeks.
“We were clear he’d trained without pause and if he didn’t play it was the choice of the club, protecting him. We knew he was in a good space mentally.
“If you play a dominant match like today he can be, like in the last 20 (minutes), a hybrid midfielder and help to create an overload because he has the quality on the ball.”
James has played just 14 matches in all competitions for Chelsea this season, with the club managing his minutes given his injury problems.
“I know the quality he has in that foot — it’s amazing. He has every right to be happy and proud of his performance. He’s in excellent shape,” Tuchel said.
“When we called him up he hadn’t had many games but it wasn’t due to injury, they were just taking care and managing him. He looks sharp and in shape.”
Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford
Soccer-Barcelona’s Pedri puts Champions League glory ahead of Ballon d’Or
Barcelona are on an 18-game unbeaten run in all competitions
International news via Reuters:
Barcelona midfielder Pedri said he is putting team trophies ahead of individual accolades this season and would only want to be awarded the Ballon d’Or if his side won the Champions League and completed the treble.
Barcelona are on an 18-game unbeaten run in all competitions which has taken them to the top of LaLiga, the Champions League quarter-finals and the semis of the Copa del Rey.
“I would rather win the treble than the Ballon d’Or. If the Ballon d’Or comes, I want it to come alongside the collective titles,” he told local media on Monday.
“Being nominated is a dream, but winning the trophies is more important to me. We are at a time where everything is at stake. You can lose three games and be out of the three titles.”
The 22-year-old said it was important to meet the challenges head on and would look forward to a Champions League final against fierce rivals Real Madrid if they both made it.
“We must continue to enjoy these matches to get the best outcome. I would certainly welcome a Champions League final against Real Madrid – it would mean we made it.” he added.
“You can’t be afraid of any opponent.”
Reporting by Shifa Jahan in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford
