Cricket: The 2025 Bermuda Smash Invitational Set for June 1st
Last year’s inaugural Bermuda Smash Invitational has been hailed a resounding success. And this year organizers have teamed up with CG Insurance as they look to build on that success. At a press conference today BSI spokesperson Jekon Edness explained some of the new players and initiatives fans can look forward to.
In addition to the cricket action on the field, fans will be treated to a golf event at the Port Royal Golf Course as well as a Soca Concert at the National Sports Centre.
Swan: While party politics divides, Independents seek solutions
Sir John Swan: “We all know in our hearts that Bermuda is in a dangerous place.” File image
The following statement was released today by Sir John Swan, Independent candidate for C10, Smith’s North. “Take a deep breath Bermuda. For the last several weeks, the political participants have been attempting to convince you of how good they are and how bad the others are. If nothing else, this election campaign should be convincing us that all party politics do is try and divide us. We are now only a short while from when Bermudians should be deciding the destiny of Bermuda for the next four years, and perhaps for decades to come. On Tuesday, each and every one of us has the opportunity to cast our vote for our future. The Independents have been on the doorsteps and in the media making clear the need for change and explaining how and why a vote for an independent candidate will be a vote for the change needed so desperately in Bermuda. We have not been telling you how bad others are, we have saying we need to change, we need to get better. We need to act together. We all know in our hearts that Bermuda is in a dangerous place. We also know that despite all the promises made over several elections in glossy party platforms, so many of those promises have not been kept. We know that if we keep voting the same way, we cannot expect different results. So, this time, we need to take a chance on a new idea and vote for your independent candidate. We know: Our economy is faltering, the cost of living is rising at a far greater rate than our wages, our pension fund is being emptied at a faster rate than it is being topped up – your future pensions are threatened Our health care system is failing, with thousands of Bermudians not even insured and many, many more unable to afford treatment or needed prescription drugs Our housing situation is in crisis, so many are unable to afford to even think about owning their own home or afford the rents being charged Our education system is failing to prepare our most precious asset, our children, to meet the needs of the future We know so many have left Bermuda because they cannot afford to live in their own country and many, many more are thinking of leaving – none of this is fair, none of this is right It’s Time for change. Independent candidates will: Seek solutions from all of Bermuda residents and beyond, anyone with the skills and will to help can be engaged in finding and delivering solutions to these and our other problems. Work together, bring all of Bermuda together, put an end to the “them and us, and introduce the we.” A Government of the people, by the people and for the people Form a movement of hope, eliminate the endless political bickering, focus on solutions and not blame. Get Bermuda moving forward again, together. We must create change and on Tuesday its our time to make our voices heard. On Tuesday, VOTE for your Independent Candidate, vote for BERMUDA”
Just 5 days away from the General Election, the Progressive Labour Party state their policy plans for seniors
The PLP says it will increase pay for caregivers who work to support seniors, describing them as “underpaid and undervalued.” During a news conference at Alaska Hall, Minister Tinee Furbert alongside PLP candidate Neville Tyrell highlighted their party’s election platform as it relates to seniors care in Bermuda. The party, so far has pledged to construct at least one seniors day care facility by converting a school building, eliminate payroll tax for self-employed caregivers, make homecare more affordable.
Mr. Tyrell said the PLP would streamline the process of building or modifying a home to suit the needs of an elderly family member.
For the full news conference, click the video below.
The island’s third political party says drivers deserve a seat at the table
The Free Democratic Movement would give autonomy to the taxi industry to regulate itself, if it became part of a coalition government.
At a press conference held this morning at King’s Wharf in Dockyard, the FDM stood in support of the Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association (BTOA), echoing arguments that they have not had a seat at the decision-making table under the incumbent government.
FDM chairman Omar Dill said: “One of the concerns specifically of the BTOA is that they have no members of their executive on some of these boards that are making decisions. Some of such decisions are being made by just the Minister without any questions asked.”
Shalleya Codrington, FDM candidate for Constituency 36, Sandys North, added: “It is within the best interests of Bermuda to give them full control over this industry.”
She continued: “From a government standpoint, if we’re ignoring people that work in these industries who know what’s best for the industry, we’re never going to see progress. It’s going to continue on a declining rate.”
The party said it recognises that the industry has been undervalued and overlooked, even after making their concerns known to the government.
One problem that taxi drivers have brought to the attention of the FDM, according to Marc Bean, candidate for Constituency 32, Southampton West, is “the fact that there is too much government interference and intervention, whether it’s through overly burdensome rules and regulations, or, even allowing for the intervention in the industry by government or politician owned entities such as Hitch, which as a result hampers the market, or the free flowing function of the market to the detriment of taxi drivers.”
He added: “There’s no reason why a politician should be involved in manipulating the industry for their own benefit. Taxi drivers have had enough.”
Ms Codrington said she recently engaged in talks with a taxi driver who voiced his concerns to her about the state of his industry and the lack of benefits he is receiving, including health insurance and a government pension.
She added: “He’s over the age of retirement right now and he’s in a position of surviving, he’s not living. He doesn’t feel as if he’s being supported by government, or as if he’s ever been supported by government.”
The party said it would seek to allow the taxi industry to regulate itself.
Mr Dill explained: “As an FDM government, we would seek to allow them to make their own decisions with the government stepping in with safety concerns and things like that.”
The FDM nominated only ten candidates, therefore they cannot win a majority in the House of Assembly. Pressed on how they would push for legislative change in this area, Mr Bean said from collaboration.
He stated: “There’s a good opportunity and chance this time around where we will have a coalition government and with the coalition government, it’s going to require reasoning and consensus and so we’ll be willing to provide what we can to bring it to the table. And again, if our policies make the most sense, if they’re the most effective, then we’re sure that we’ll be able to encourage others at the table to be able to sign on and support what we’re doing.”
On the other hand, Mr Bean noted that if good policies emerge from the Progressive Labour Party, One Bermuda Alliance or independents, then they would also be willing to participate and endorse those initiatives.
The BTOA confirmed to Bermuda Broadcasting that it supports the comments made by the FDM during today’s press conference.
However, Wayne Furbert, the Minister of Transport, pushed back, stating that the government has been actively engaging with the BTOA and has already implemented measures to support taxi drivers.
“Let me just make it very clear that since I’ve been Minister of Transport for the last two and a half years, we have met with the BTOA many, many times, and we have consulted with them,” said Minister Furbert. “As a matter of fact, when I became Minister, they were the first group I consulted with to understand where we should be heading in terms of the taxi industry.”
“Since that time, we have increased taxi rates by approximately 15%, and we have also increased tour rates for taxi drivers. Let me make it very clear that we have reduced payroll tax for taxi drivers from $1,000 to $600 per year. If you recall, about two years ago, the rates were around $3,000.”
Around 2:40 on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, police responded to a reported attempted robbery on South Road, near the junction with Ocean Sands Road, Warwick.
Upon arrival, officers were informed the suspect, a 58-year-old male, had attempted to steal a handbag from an elderly female visitor to the island.
Members of the public came to the assistance of female visitor, preventing any loss of property and detained the suspect until police arrived.
The Bermuda Police Service wishes to thank those members of the public who came to the assistance of the victim in this matter.
The suspect was subsequently arrested and taken into custody.
An investigation into this matter has now commenced and anyone with information is asked to call 211 or, the main police number, 295-0011.
Leader Jarion Richardson says change happens when people say “enough is enough”
“A vote for the OBA is a vote for a government that believes in you.” A direct statement that sits at the centre of a speech given by opposition leader Jarion Richardson at One Bermuda Alliance headquarters this morning.
He says that his party’s election platform is the answer to solving many of Bermuda’s problems, and that they’re seeking to build a country that prioritises respect, integrity, and opportunity for all.
Our Gary Foster-Skelton asked Mr. Richardson to speak to the specifics of those aforementioned solutions. “If you get in (to power), what would an OBA government do within the first one hundred days?” Reducing red tape and implementing absentee voting were two key issues that Mr. Richardson says his party will implement should they see success at the polls next week.
Mr. Foster-Skelton probed Mr. Richardson, and the One Bermuda Alliance’s, claims that the OBA works in service of the elite few and rewards the powerful, asking Mr. Richardson to list some of those connections.
Mr. Richardson listed the Fairmont Southampton / Gencom deal, the National Sports Centre energy deal, and the solar rebate project. When asked whether or not the One Bermuda Alliance’s stalled Morgan’s Point endeavour is of a similar nature, Mr. Richardson said that it is not comparable to the ruling Progressive Labour Party’s undertakings.
A member of local media asked if the OBA’s divisive ‘Pathways to Status’ initiative would see new life if they become the next government. Mr. Richardson answered plainly, “The party has no plans on pathways to status at this time.”
The PLP’s Jamahl Simmons responded to Jarion Richardson, saying the OBA is misrepresenting its record, and suggests that promises of renewal are merely a return to their old policies.
Mr Simmons says, “They imposed furlough days on public servants, cut essential social programs… sought to allow the children of guest workers to compete with Bermudian children for jobs.”
“In contrast, the [PLP] has consistently supported Bermudians by introducing a minimum wage, expanding access to affordable childcare… and boosting seniors’ pensions annually.”
More than $116k in grants have been distributed to seven organisations
Update via Bermuda Government press release:
The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, the Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, has approved the latest round of Sport Investment Grants, reinforcing the Government’s commitment to fostering sports development in Bermuda.
The funding, allocated through the Sport Investment Programme, supports National Sport Governing Bodies (NSGBs) and other organisations in their efforts to enhance participation and performance across various disciplines.
This initiative aligns with the Department of Sport and Recreation’s broader strategy to promote sustainable and effective pathways for athletes and sports programmes.
Minister Darrell reaffirmed the Government’s dedication to transparency, accountability, and equity in sport funding, stating, “Investing in sport is an investment in our community, our youth, and our national identity.”
“These grants provide vital support to our athletes and organisations, ensuring they have the resources needed to compete at their best. Sport has the power to unite, inspire, and instil discipline, and we remain committed to fostering a culture of excellence and opportunity for all.”
The grants, totalling over $116,000, have been distributed to seven organisations, each playing a crucial role in Bermuda’s sporting landscape.
The Bermuda Netball Association has received $11,650 to support their All-Star event, celebrating top netball athletes on the island.
The Bermuda Cricket Board has been allocated $45,000 to assist the Senior Men’s National Team in their preparations for the ICC Americas Final, including travel for the T-20 North American Cup.
Additionally, the Bermuda National Athletic Association has been awarded $30,000 to facilitate charter flight support for athletes and officials representing Bermuda in swimming and athletics at the Carifta Games.
Further funding has been provided to the Bermuda Island Games Association, which received $10,048 to cover entry fees for all teams competing in the 2025 Orkney Games across multiple disciplines, including gymnastics, athletics, sailing, swimming, and football.
The Kappa Alpha Psi – Kappa Classic, Bermuda’s largest youth football tournament, has been granted $10,000 to support event operations and prizes.
CedarBridge Academy Football Team has secured $5,000 to enable their participation in the Dallas Cup, offering young athletes exposure to high-level competition and training.
Lastly, the Pickleball Association Bermuda has received $5,000 to assist with expenses related to competing in the Cape Coral Open and APP Fort Lauderdale Open.
The Department of Sport and Recreation continues to work closely with sports bodies and community organisations to strengthen Bermuda’s sporting ecosystem.
By investing in initiatives that support athlete development and participation, the Government is reinforcing the vital role of sport in fostering national pride, health, and community engagement.
Education Ministry implements contingency plan as the matter heads to tribunal
The Department of Education has issued a contingency plan to ensure that classes can resume at Sandys Secondary Middle School after a two-day teacher sickout forced the campus to close.
The Ministry of Education and the school’s Board of Governors have been in discussions with the Bermuda Union of Teachers to resolve the issues that led to the action.
According to a government spokesperson, the matter was escalated to the Ministry of Labour for mediation and will now proceed to a tribunal.
Acting Minister of Education Crystal Caesar said parents were informed of yesterday’s closure via the Schoology platform after the principal received notice that teachers would not be reporting to work for a second consecutive day.
Minister Caesar, added: “This morning, some teachers have reported to work. To mitigate the lack of teaching staff and ensure learning and instruction are in place, the Department of Education has established a contingency plan to support SSMS with the support of the Department of Education officers and certified teachers. The classes have resumed.”
She emphasised that the well-being of students and staff remains a top priority and assured parents that the government is committed to rebuilding trust within the school community.
“We sincerely appreciate the patience and understanding of parents and students during this time and will keep all stakeholders informed as new developments arise,” said Minister Caesar.
FILE PHOTO: Welding robots work on a Volkswagen production line for the Golf VIII and Tiguan cars at the VW headquarters in Wolfsburg, Germany May 23, 2024. REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer/File Photo
International news via Reuters – WASHINGTON DC:
Donald Trump’s trade advisers were finalising plans on Wednesday for the reciprocal tariffs the U.S. president has vowed to impose on every country that charges duties on U.S. imports, ratcheting up fears of a widening global trade war.
Separately, trade ministers of the 27-country European Union were due to meet later by videoconference to determine their response after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said tariff moves against the bloc “will not go unanswered”.
Trump stunned markets with his decision on Monday to impose tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports beginning on March 12.
The plans drew condemnation from Mexico, Canada and the European Union, while Japan and Australia said they were seeking exemptions from the duties.
The news sent industries reliant on steel and aluminum imports scrambling to offset an expected jump in costs.
Last week, Trump imposed an additional 10% tariff on Chinese goods, effective February 4, with Chinese countermeasures taking effect this week.
He delayed a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada for a month until March 4 to allow negotiations over steps to secure U.S. borders and halt the flow of fentanyl.
Some U.S. workers welcomed Monday’s metal tariffs, but many manufacturing-heavy firms expressed deep concern over the next steps, warning the tariff hike would reverberate across supply chains, affecting all businesses that rely on the materials.
Executives from companies including supermarket chain Ahold Delhaize and Siemens Energy warned tariffs would lead to higher prices as they seek to pass on the extra costs of imports.
Europe’s steelmakers are also worried that U.S. tariffs will lead to a flood of cheap steel coming into Europe. French steelmaker Aperam urged Brussels to intervene to curb imports if that happened, while Austria’s speciality steelmaker voestalpine called on the EU to take immediate countermeasures.
Australia’s industry minister meanwhile said the nation’s plan to boost “green” aluminium exports would not be derailed by the threat of U.S. tariffs.
“The world has a high demand for our aluminium; we need it as part of the transition to net zero,” Ed Husic told reporters at the National Press Club in Canberra. “The question is for our American friends do you really want to pay more for that product that you’ve got a big demand for?”
MONUMENTAL UNDERTAKING
White House officials have been tight-lipped about the structure or timing the next tariffs, with one source saying the announcement might come later in the week.
Trump said on Monday he would announce reciprocal tariffs over the next two days on all countries that impose duties on U.S. goods, and said he was also looking at separate tariffs on cars, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.
Trade experts say structuring the reciprocal tariffs that Trump wants poses big challenges for his team, which may explain why the latest duties were not announced on Tuesday.
William Reinsch, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said Trump officials could opt for a more easily implemented flat 10% or 20% tariff rate, or a messier approach that would require separate tariff schedules matching U.S. tariffs to each other country’s rates.
One source tracking work on the tariffs said details were still being worked out late Tuesday.
Damon Pike, a trade specialist and principal with the U.S. division of accounting firm BDO International, said the reciprocal tariffs that Trump envisioned would result in a monumental undertaking, given that each of the 186 members of the World Customs Organization had different duty rates.
“At the international level, there’s something like 5,000 different descriptions at the 6-digit (product subheading) level, so 5,000 times 186 nations. It’s almost an artificial intelligence project,” he said.
Trump also could use the same International Emergency Economic Powers Act used to justify the tariffs imposed on China and pending for Canada and Mexico.
“Absent IEEPA, there would need to be some kind of agency action first before any trade remedy tariffs can be imposed … but everything seems to be on the fast track,” Pike said, adding that normally tariffs would be done by Congress.
Reinsch said imposing reciprocal tariff also ceded control of the U.S. tariff schedule to other countries, following whichever tariff rate they set, and could lead to counterproductive results.
“For example, if Colombia has a high tariff on coffee in order to protect its industry, we would put a high tariff on Colombian coffee to match theirs, even though we don’t grow coffee. The only people hurt would be U.S. consumers,” he said.
(Reporting by Andrea Shalal and David Lawder in Washington; Editing by Lincoln Feast, Mark John and Sharon Singleton)
Ideas include food price controls, reducing BELCO charges and preventing monopolies
The PLP says they will look to reduce the cost of living if elected for a third term on February 18th.
MP Jamahl Simmons, Senator Mischa Fubler and Attorney General Kim Wilkerson outlined proposals from their party platform.
Both AG Wilkerson and Senator Fubler conceded that some of these ideas will require a balancing act as Government seeks to implement them.
MP Simmons said that political platforms are partially aspirational.
Watch the full discussion above. PLP statements below.
MP Jamahl Simmons: The Progressive Labour Party is committed to making life more affordable for all Bermudians. Today, I want to share our plans to reduce the cost of essential goods and utilities, ensuring that every family can thrive. We understand the financial strain that high prices of essential items place on our households. To address this, we will implement increased oversight and controls over the cost of essential food items. This includes: ● Implementing fair pricing control and transparency measures to ensure that any import duty cuts are passed on to all of us and not just to boost company profits ● Expand the categories of essential goods to give more access to necessary goods for Bermudians ● Supporting a food cooperative and community based initiatives to encourage competitive, diverse, affordable options ● Launching a digital grocery price tracker to promote transparency among major supermarkets. ● Reducing red tape and eliminating permit costs for streetside food vendors, farmers markets and local producers. ● Diverting funds raised by the sugar tax to support the agricultural and fishing sectors, increase food production and distribution and promote the 100% utilization of arable land ● Reprioritizing the parks dept to be good focused incorporating food production into select underutilized public spaces foot food security, community gardens and hubs. By strengthening food security we can reduce reliance on imports and keep prices stable.
Senator Mischa Fubler: High utility costs are a significant concern for all of us. It affects our quality of life, the cost of doing business and our ability to spend our hard earned money on our family and our priorities. . To address the high cost of utilities and enhance energy resiliency, the PLP plan includes: ● Amending section 35 of the Electricity Act to remove or limit categories of recoverable expenses that allow BELCO to pass certain costs onto consumers. This change will ensure fewer costs are recoverable, prioritising affordability for Bermudians. ● Further empowering the Regulatory Authority to implement fairer pricing on retail electricity tariffs. ● Owning our own electricity generation that is not dependent on global oil prices. We must develop community solar programs to expand access to renewable energy alternatives for Bermudians. This will help to drive technology progression and economies of scale in this industry. Which should result in more efficient, cost effective solar generation systems while also moving us towards the Integrated Resource Plan’s renewal energy mix goals. ● Reviewing and amending current legislation and regulations that require mandatory connection to BELCO, to allow more diverse and independent energy generation without risk to electrical grid stability. ● Reviewing the Retail Tariff and Feed-In-Tariff methodology to continue to protect consumers from the extreme variations in international oil pricing. Adjusting the approach to calculating consumption rates – how much BELCo charges you – and generation rates – how much BELCo pays you for your generation – will help to make them fairer for all Bermudians. At the end of the day, we understand that utility bills are painful. We will help to ease this burden while moving towards a greener Bermuda – by promoting leveraging the sun and perhaps as well in the future the wind and sea to generate the electricity we need. We must own our electricity in the long run so that the price of our electricity in Bermuda is not dictated by the global price of oil and gas. By taking these steps, we are dedicated to easing the financial burden and environmental impact on Bermudian families.
Attorney General Kim Wilkerson: Today, I address a critical component of our Progressive Labour Party’s vision: strengthening free market competition through robust anti-monopoly legislation. Our goal is to create an economic environment where fairness prevails, innovation thrives, and all Bermudians benefit from a dynamic marketplace. Bermuda’s economic framework currently lacks specific antitrust regulations governing business combinations. This absence creates the potential for conditions that could stifle innovation and place undue financial burdens on our citizens. To rectify this, the PLP is committed to introducing comprehensive anti-monopoly legislation. This initiative aims to prevent market dominance by a few and promote a vibrant, competitive marketplace. Key components of our plan include: ● Establishing a Regulatory and Competition Authority: We will create an empowered body responsible for overseeing market practices, ensuring transparency, and enforcing fair competition standards. ● Implementing Clear Guidelines: Our legislation will define explicit criteria for mergers and acquisitions, preventing the formation of monopolies and promoting a diverse business landscape. ● Protecting Consumer Interests: By fostering competition, we aim to enhance product quality, encourage innovation, and ensure fair pricing, directly benefiting consumers. We will draw insights from successful antitrust frameworks worldwide, adapting them to Bermuda’s unique context. This approach ensures that our policies are both effective and tailored to our specific economic environment. In conclusion, our commitment to strengthening free market competition through anti-monopoly legislation is a testament to our dedication to economic fairness and prosperity for all Bermudians. By fostering a competitive marketplace, we pave the way for innovation, fair pricing, and a thriving economy that serves everyone. Your PLP team is committed to building a fairer Bermuda by easing the burden placed on you and saving you money. That’s why we need competition.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
