Petition urges government to reconsider school’s fate
More than 200 people have signed an online petition to save Prospect Primary School from closure.
The campus is set to shut its doors at the end of the academic year in June as part of government’s education reform plans.
Last year, Education Minister Diallo Rabain said the Devonshire campus would be redeveloped as a signature school for students with exceptionalities.
The petition, launched by Prospect parents yesterday, is calling on the relevant authorities to reconsider their decision and has already garnered more than 200 signatures.
The petition organisers said the notion of Prospect Primary School closing is “not only concerning but deeply personal.”
They highlight that students risk being relocated, separated from friends and teachers with whom they have formed strong connections.
Organisers said,“These bonds are crucial for their emotional development, and abruptly severing them could lead to long-lasting psychological impacts.”
They also expressed concern over the potential for larger class sizes as a result of the restructuring of the public school system.
“Children require a stable environment to excel, not chaos and uprooting to overpopulated schools,” organisers added.
Earlier this week, parents, students and politicians called for the government to halt plans to close Gilbert Institute in Paget.
Bermuda Broadcasting has reached out to the Ministry of Education for further comment.
General Wing visitor parking lot will be accessible from Berry Hill Road
Update via Bermuda Hospitals Board
Bermuda Hospitals Board advises the public that there will be no through traffic on the campus of King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) between Point Finger Road and Berry Hill Road on Friday 7 February from approximately 1pm to 6pm.
The General Wing visitor parking lot will be accessible from Berry Hill Road.
To ensure safety, please adhere to all signage, barricades and directions of personnel at the site.
The road closure will facilitate two consecutive crane lifts, the first outside the Orthopaedic (Fracture) Clinic and the second by the General Wing lobby entrance.
This will allow the replacement of an air handling unit and air unit coils.
Doug De Couto says economy outside of IB has only grown 0.4% annually since pre-COVID
STATEMENT FROM DR DOUGLAS DE COUTO, SHADOW MINISTER OF FINANCE:
“Members of the media, good morning and thank you for joining me today.
The economy and the cost of living is perhaps the biggest concern of Bermudians today. From our canvassing, from conversations with family and friends, and in some cases our own experiences, we know that many people in Bermuda are struggling to make a living and get by.
We know this is one of the most important problems we need to work on for the Bermudian people.
That’s why our platform states that: “Every person living in Bermuda should have the means to live a dignified life with adequate healthcare, housing and food. Our mission is to ensure that every Bermudian, including the most vulnerable in our society, enjoys this basic right.”
There are many underlying causes for this problem, and while some may be out of our control, many are – and the One Bermuda Alliance is laser-focused to applying maximum effort to improving this for Bermuda.
The cost of living crisis is intertwined with our poor local economy. Government and industry statistics show that since before Covid:
• There are 989 fewer jobs on the island than since the PLP took power in 2017 • The local GDP has only grown 0.4% per year since before Covid – no growth at all • Shipping volumes are down -10% since before Covid – fewer people buying fewer things
How someone feels about their cost of living is directly related to the economic opportunities available to them – and people’s current mood reflects the local economy’s particularly poor performance under the current Government.
The Government will also want to claim success for reduced inflation – but that’s not much consolation for those stuck with already-high costs, and stagnating opportunity on-island.
The One Bermuda Alliance will tackle the cost of living by:
Growing the local economy and increasing opportunity
Improving healthcare coverages and reducing costs
Addressing housing costs and availability
Reducing the cost of energy and food
Supporting seniors
And, in all of our initiatives, we will take care to care of those most in need.
Local Economy
We believe in a growth mindset, and increasing the size of the economic pie for all. While there is an important and necessary role for direct Government support for those in need, we aim for a future where fewer people even require that support, because they have the opportunity for success.
We will cut red tape and bureaucracy and make it easier for Bermudians to start and run businesses. This includes increasing the certainty and transparency of working with Government. Today, Government ministers often override rules and regulations for some, but not others. We will ensure fair access to Government contracts for all. We will also cut payroll taxes for business that hire young Bermudians, to incentivize their employment.
And, we will attract high quality investment, from overseas and local investors. We will aggressively market to and seek them out – rather than fly to Dubai and CARICOM we will get actual projects and investments working on the ground today, that hire Bermudians and use Bermudian firms.
A growing economy will also attract a larger working population, helping with costs like healthcare and pensions, which can be reduced by spreading them over a larger, younger, and healthier population.
Healthcare
Health care costs and coverage are impacting Bermudians at all economic levels. Some Bermudians can’t afford any healthcare, some can’t retire for fear of losing healthcare, and others struggle with prescription and co-pay costs.
We will ensure that everyone in Bermuda can get good health care with good health outcomes – at an affordable cost. We will do this by working collaboratively with our health care professionals and insurers – not threatening to lock them up.
Food and energy
Like healthcare, food and energy costs are negatively impacted by our smaller working population. Fewer people buying food, gas, and electricity means those businesses need to charge more per person just to cover staff and operating costs. That’s why a growing, more vibrant economy with more workers is part of keeping those costs in control.
However, we’ll immediately cut the Sugar Tax, and work with importers, distributors, and retailers to ensure that savings makes it to the costs of goods experienced by Bermudians. We will also work with local farmers and fishermen to increase local food production. For example, rather than bringing in expensive foreign consultants pitching high-tech and energy intensive vertical farms, we’ll work with our experienced local farmers on “right-tech” solutions that work for Bermuda.
We’ll address energy costs by giving the Regulatory Authority stronger powers to keep electricity costs in check. And, we’ll work on practical and immediately useful expansions of renewable energy, such as streamlining planning and other rules to make solar power feasible for renters and those with lower incomes.
Seniors
Bermuda has an aging population, that needs to be taken care of with dignity and appreciation. Many individuals struggle to afford basic necessities as they age, and many families struggle to pay for care for their elders, including food, housing, and professional assistance. That’s why so many seniors are stuck in the hospital, when they should be somewhere dignified, comfortable, and cost-effective. We’ll support better services for our seniors, whether it to be to support independent living, or provide them a safe place to live with appropriate care.
It would be fair to say all of the above collectively represents an ambitious agenda, which we acknowledge. However, it’s all essential work to arrive at a fair and prosperous Bermuda for all of us.”
The Bermuda-based airline has recently purchased two new Embraer aircrafts to join their fleet in Spring 2025 boosting flight frequency
Three new destinations – Montreal, Richmond and Providence, were added to BermudAir’s schedule Photo: BermudAir
BermudAir will soon offer Montreal, Canada, Richmond, Virginia and Providence, Rhode Island as new routes from Bermuda, this spring. The company said BermudAir will operate twice-weekly flights to each of these destinations aboard their Embraer aircrafts direct to these destinations eliminating the need for complicated layovers. Two Embraer E190 aircrafts will be added to their existing fleet starting Spring 2025 creating additional flights to Orlando, Toronto and Halifax.
Adam Scott, Founder and C.E.O. at BermudAir said, “We understand just how critical it is to make Bermuda more accessible and at the same time, to provide residents with seamless access to key destinations, whether for work, school, family, or medical travel.
“These new routes and our significant investment in fleet expansion—reflect our commitment to providing improved service and reliability, more choices, and greater comfort with a stress-free travel experience for our community.”
A spokesperson added, “All flight schedules are subject to regulatory approval.” BermudAir currently services flights to Boston, New York, Baltimore, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando-Florida, Toronto, Halifax, Hartford Bradley- Connecticut, Raleigh-Durham-North Carolina and Charleston-South Carolina.
Jarion Richardson, leader of the opposition One Bermuda Alliance says their policy objective remains to protect Bermudians
One Bermuda Alliance leader Jarion Richardson confirmed that the party would offer a public consultation on new proposals for immigration reform, should they be elected to government.
The General Election is scheduled for Tuesday, February 18 with both parties the ruling Progressive Labour Party and the OBA fielding 36 candidates each. A historic 110 total candidates, including those representing the Free Democratic Movement and independents will vie for seats in parliament.
Last week, the PLP’s Premier and party leader David Burt, Economy and Labour Minister Jason Hayward, the minister responsible for immigration and PLP candidate Lauren Hayward Bell doubled down in opposition to the former OBA’s controversial ‘Pathways to Status’ bill that sought to grant Bermudian status to permanent resident certificate holders or those residing on the island for more than 20 years.
The subject was reignited after the OBA presented the person characterised by the PLP as the ‘architect’ of the bill, former Home Affairs minister, Michael Fahy as their candidate in Pembroke South West -widely seen as an OBA ‘safe seat’.
Mr. Richardson was asked whether or not an iteration of the controversial Pathways to Status bill would make a re-appearance should the OBA re-claim control of the government. He said firstly, the topic of immigration reform must be “de-weaponised” in order to find solutions to growing the country’s population size.
The Government has stated that the population will be comprised of 25% senior citizens by 2025 with an estimated 8,400 additional jobs needed for the economy to sustain the current population.
He said, “We have to protect Bermuda and Bermudians and part of doing that is making sure there’s enough economic resources and jobs in Bermuda and the way to do that is through immigration reform.
“So, there’s a lot of work to be done. There was a plan put forward. It, obviously…it was weaponised – I truly believe that. And to that end now, we have to effectively de-weaponise immigration and make immigration reform, not a topic that used to beat people about the head, but a genuine conversation about how Bermuda’s going to thrive into the next generation.”
The PLP argued last week during a news conference that their rejection of Pathways to Status was aimed at protecting young Bermudians who otherwise would have to compete for internships against the children of non-Bermudians and protect the small available size of land for Bermudians.
Mr. Richardson’s response points to a wider, pressing issue of coming to a solution that will equally protect Bermudians and expand the economic pie.
Placement of current and future cameras being assessed
National Security Minister Michael Weeks (File photo)
Update From National Security Minister Michael Weeks via Government press release:
Good day, Bermuda.
As your Minister for National Security, I want to begin by emphasizing that your voices matter.
I hear your concerns about privacy and the placement of CCTV cameras in your communities, and I want to assure you that they are being taken seriously.
My top priority is the safety and well-being of every resident of Bermuda.
A strong partnership between the government and the people we serve is essential to achieving that goal.
While CCTV cameras have played a critical role in crime prevention and law enforcement efforts, I fully understand that their presence raises valid privacy concerns.
I assure you that we are actively reviewing these concerns and assessing the placement of both existing and future cameras to ensure they meet our shared objectives- enhancing security while respecting individual privacy.
We will approach this process thoughtfully and transparently, with the goal of striking the right balance between safety and privacy.
Engagement with residents, community leaders, and key stakeholders will remain a priority throughout this process.
Your input is invaluable, and we are committed to working together to find solutions that address your concerns while keeping Bermuda safe for everyone.
Thank you for your patience, feedback, and trust as we navigate this important issue.
Rest assured, my team and I are listening, and we are dedicated to implementing a CCTV system that supports security and the rights of our community.
Industry leaders call for real solutions from political hopefuls
With the General Election approaching, voters are weighing a range of concerns – including food security.
The incumbent government has called the fishing industry “a cornerstone of the island’s economy and culture,” but the Fishermen’s Association of Bermuda (FAB) argues that more must be done to safeguard its future.
As key food producers, fishermen are making it clear that at the ballot box, their vote will go to the candidate who will represent them most effectively.
“There are many issues that have plagued fishermen for decades,” said FAB president Allan Bean. “We need a government that listens to what we’re saying and respects us for what we bring to the table.”
Currently, there are around 300 registered fishermen on the island, and together with their supporters, they make up a significant voting bloc.
Fishermen warn that their industry is at risk of being crushed by overregulation and have long fought for a seat at the table when it comes to decisions about the future use of Bermuda’s waters.
They hope that the next Government of Bermuda will involve them at the ground level of decision-making.
Secretary of the FAB, Jamie Walsh, said: “We’re willing to work with anyone, but candidates and the government need to recognise that fishermen are experts in our field. We need to be treated as major stakeholders in ocean-related matters. When they perform public consultation, it can’t just be a performance – it must be real and meaningful.”
Despite all the noise the fishermen have made in recent years, they say they have seen little direct engagement from political hopefuls during the 2025 campaign.
They urge voters to ask the tough questions about their respective candidates’ tangible policies on food security.
“It’s not good enough to give a nice speech, a nice talk,” Mr Bean said. “Actions speak louder than words.”
Could the new wave of independent candidates offer a fresh perspective?
“I’m excited about the independent movement,” said Ms Walsh. “It’s great that they’re not beholden to a party line. I think we’ve bumped up against that quite often in negotiations, so I think it’s great to have candidates who can really take a look at what good management means – not with a political agenda.”
Among the key policies that fishermen have long advocated for is species-specific embargoes within certain seasons – such as May to July, when locally caught yellowfin tuna is abundant.
“Providing the conditions are right, we can catch a high volume of fish, but because of imports, the fishermen aren’t able to move that fish readily,” Mr Bean explained. The fishermen need to turn over the fish within seven days of landing it. We can’t do that if the market is flooded with imported fish.”
Beyond regulations, there is also concern about attracting younger generations to the industry, as 60% of registered fishermen are over the age of 50.
Ms Walsh stated: “The fishing industry needs to remain relevant to younger players, and it also needs to be economically viable. There are cost barriers in terms of equipment and policy changes that have made it really unattractive to get into the industry. There needs to be a better mechanism.”
Before the island heads to the ballot box on February 18, fishermen say they want political candidates who can offer viable solutions that will benefit both the industry and the island.
“We want to hear from them that, if they are successful in becoming MPs, they will be a voice on our behalf – that’s most important to our industry,” Mr Bean said.
Team Bermuda and 7 of the region’s top teams in the Cayman Islands for the first-ever Pickleball Caribbean Championships
Who is the Caribbean’s King of the Pickleball Courts? That question will soon be answered at the inaugural Pickleball Caribbean Championships this week. Bermuda Broadcasting caught up with Team Bermuda before they made their way to Pickleball Cayman for the 8-team tournament.
Tournament format features 5 double-headers over 9 days
The new Concacaf U-17 Men’s Qualifiers consist of a single round, in which the participating Member Associations are split into eight groups. After round-robin play, where each team will play against each team in its group once, the eight group winners qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Bermuda is apart of Group A along with Canada, Curacao, Anguilla, and Turks and Caicos Islands.
February 7-16, 2025: Bermuda to host Concacaf under 17 men’s qualifiers at the National Sports Centre
It’s been over 20 years since Bermuda has hosted a major boy’s international football tournament. But that’s all going to change this weekend when the island will host Group A in the Concacaf under 17 men’s World Cup qualifiers. The Gombey Warriors will face fellow Group A teams from the Turks and Caicos, Curacao, Canada and Anguilla at the National Sports Centre starting on Friday. And BFA President Mark Wade, the new tournament format means the stakes couldn’t be more straightforward.
OBA Candidate for C12 Craig Cannonier says Bermuda deserves answers
“We must get back to making Bermuda what it always has been.”
The One Bermuda Alliance’s Craig Cannonier calling the ruling Progressive Labour Party’s stewardship of the country’s roads, railway trails, and housing a complete failure.
Mr. Cannonier, who has been the Shadow Minister for Public Works and is currently running in Constituency 12 Devonshire South Central, points to the Bermudiana Beach Resort as a focal point for the PLP’s incompetence.
Contrasting the Bermudiana beach resort to projects initiated or overseen during the OBA’s time in office, Mr. Cannonier stated “We built, as a government, St. Regis, The Loren, renovated the Azure and other hotels. Within four years we got all this work done. The PLP would never be able to stand on any record like that, at all.”
He also spoke to the poorly performing boreholes, the flooding of major thoroughfares, and the much-needed replacement of St. George’s swing bridge.
Our Jasmine Patterson asked about the $100 million dollar price tag to repave the country’s roads, and how the One Bermuda Alliance would hope to fund this endeavour. Mr. Cannonier says that existing funds would be reallocated to cover those costs.
“When Bermuda speaks, we need to listen… If the people are saying that this is where the money needs to go, then we need to follow suit with that.”
A point of contention for many young Bermudians, according to Mr. Cannonier, is the lack of affordable housing.
He says that the One Bermuda Alliance is currently in talks with developers who are able to utilise new technologies that could see weather-appropriate, hurricane-durable homes built for less money than traditional Bermuda homes.
Ms. Patterson asked OBA leader Jarion Richardson, who will be running in Constituency 23 Paget West, whether or not an iteration of the controversial Pathways to Status would be implemented should they retain power.
“We have to advance immigration reform, and what that final position looks like has to be decided.”
You can watch the full press conference, including the media Q&A session below:
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