Wednesday, October 21, 2026
type here...
Home Blog Page 1045

OBA: PLP is deflecting from the issues

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
-
0
OBA: PLP is deflecting from the issues

Says that the PLP have botched education reform

Statement via a One Bermuda Alliance press release

How typical of David Burt’s Government and the PLP.  The Party Chairwoman, Dawn Simmons, releases a statement on the proposed closure of Gilbert Institute.  Yet her statement attacks the OBA when the closure is the PLP’s decision.  And the PLP statement doesn’t bother to address the legitimate concerns of the Gilbert parents, or the school’s Parent Teachers Association (PTA), about this latest PLP school closure.

It is fair for the PLP to note that Minister Burch foreshadowed the closure of Gilbert in Parliament a few weeks ago.  He did.  Yet what Col. Burch actually told MPs was that Gilbert was “scheduled for closure next year”, which is hardly specific.

And the PLP statement ducks the real issue here.

The PLP’s botched school reforms have been a complete and utter disaster.  We have heard from the West End ‘Warriors’, the families of St. George’s Prep, and others.  Now the Gilbert parents and PTA are rightly angry about how the PLP Government has badly handled this whole process.

The parents and PTA state that PLP Minister Diallo Rabain has never met with them since the idea was first floated in June 2024.  If an Education Minister is going to close a school, he or she should have the courage and courtesy to meet with the parents, the PTA, and the teachers to explain the Government’s rationale, to hear their concerns, and to adjust plans as appropriate.

Instead the PLP hides behind a press release from their Party Chairwoman Dawn Simmons.  This is the very same Dawn Simmons who is now the PLP candidate for Paget East in the General Election.  Gilbert Institute is in Paget East.  Will Dawn Simmons now canvass the Gilbert school neighbourhood to explain why the PLP seeks to close this valued community school?

And if Premier Burt’s press conference last week was not a new policy announcement by the Government, as the PLP suggest, then why did the Premier bother to hold a press conference? 

Was the Premier seeking to reheat yesterday’s news as something new from the PLP?  Was it a shameless promise to seniors to try to get them to vote PLP?

We have a Premier and PLP Government that is just not listening to our people.  It’s time to vote out the PLP.

And as for Gilbert, the OBA’s Shadow Education Minister has called for a “pause” on the PLP school reforms.  If the OBA is elected to Government in two weeks’ time, we will defer any closure of Gilbert so that it remains open next year.

Update via One Bermuda Alliance press release

Rebounding Britain: A shifting narrative

Grae Minors
-
0
Rebounding Britain: A shifting narrative

Pundits argue that Britain may be able to surf between the two economic powers

FILE PHOTO: People cross a comercial street, with the City of London financial district seen behind, in London, Britain, January 16, 2025. REUTERS/Isabel Infantes/File Photo

International news by Mike Dolan for Reuters:

From the Western world’s biggest economic car crash to an emerging bridge between trade-warring superpowers, Britain’s shifting 2025 narrative is hard to keep up with.

Neither angle will likely turn out to be the ‘right’ one. But the sudden switch is yet another example of how dangerous it can be for investors to chase the macro zeitgeist in 2025.

This 180-degree turn in the mood surrounding the UK since mid-January is surely welcomed by the Bank of England, which is holding its first policy meeting of 2025 this week.

Hark back just three weeks.

At the time, the central bank appeared to be in a serious bind. ‘Gilt’ yields had catapulted to multi-decade highs, potentially signaling a full-blown strike among buyers of British government debt. The pound was falling against the dollar. Stagflation fears were festering, as the business community widely panned the new Labour government’s tax-and-spend budget. And exchanges between the incoming U.S. administration and the UK government were proving rancorous.

Billionaire Bridgewater founder Ray Dalio told the Financial Times on January 21 that a “debt death spiral” was in the works.

Two weeks later, the UK looks like a different country.

‘DEATH SPIRAL’ TO ‘VERY NICE’

The UK has enjoyed a series of benign inflation reports, rising demand for higher yielding gilts, a rapid sterling bounce and accelerated BoE easing expectations.

Meanwhile, finance minister Rachel Reeves laid out a series of long-term growth spurs this week, reinforcing the idea that the Labour government has converted from an austerian to a ‘go-go’ growth cheerleader.

The World Economic Forum in Davos last month joined in the love fest.

Some 14% of 5,000 global corporate leaders polled by PwC said they expect Britain to receive more international investment this year than every country except the United States. That’s the highest ranking the UK has held in 28 years.

Aided by these calmer waters, markets have moved from pricing just two BoE rate cuts this year – in line with the increasingly cautious Federal Reserve – to at least three.

In turn, the 30-year gilt yield had fallen about 40 basis points from the 27-year high it reached in January to roughly 5.5%, while the pound’s trade-weighted index has reversed nearly all of January’s slide.

TRANSATLANTIC BRIDGE?

But the most remarkable turnaround may be the perception of where Britain stands in what could be an unfolding global trade war.

Just one month ago, British Prime Minister Kier Starmer was trading barbs with Tesla boss and Trump adviser Elon Musk. This reinforced fears among investors that the United Kingdom, stuck outside the European Union, could be squeezed mercilessly if the bloc were forced into a trade war with Washington.

That view has now been flipped on its head. Pundits now argue that Britain may be able to surf between the two economic powers, possibly even attracting investment from both as a result of its halfway status.

This is partly because Starmer’s charm offensive towards Trump appears to be working. The U.S. president publicly warmed to, in his words, a “very nice” UK prime minister this week.

Starmer is also attending this week’s EU summit amid reports that Brussels might be open to Britain joining the so-called Pan Euro Mediterranean convention on tariff-free access to EU markets.

Add to this the fact that the U.S. actually runs a trade surplus with Britain and there is a reasonable hope that London could potentially dodge any tariffs that Washington is drawing up against the EU while simultaneously pursuing more open trade with both.

Taking this scenario to its logical conclusion, there’s even chatter the UK could potentially become a ‘third country’ investment destination for European companies seeking to avoid rising trade barriers between Washington and Brussels.

Will the UK actually become a Transatlantic bridge?

The idea is far neater than what is likely to be a messy reality. And much hinges on global developments far beyond Britain’s control.

But just like the changes in the UK debt, growth and interest rate narratives of the past month, this is another massive plot shift, as the UK moves from being an isolated small economy squashed by giant warring economic powers to a potential trade war winner.

The BoE will certainly not want to alter this rosy picture when it convenes this week. But if the past few weeks are any indication, it shouldn’t get too comfortable.

The opinions expressed here are those of the author, a columnist for Reuters.

Update via Reuters by Mike Dolan, Editing by William Maclean

Temu, Shein targeted as EU cracks down on unsafe e-commerce imports

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
-
0
Temu, Shein targeted as EU cracks down on unsafe e-commerce imports

Shein said it would engage with the consumer agencies

FILE PHOTO: A company logo for fashion brand Shein is seen on a pile of gift bags on its Christmas bus as part of a nationwide promotional tour in Liverpool, Britain, December 14, 2024. REUTERS/Phil Noble/File Photo

International news via Reuters: Chinese online marketplace Temu and fast-fashion retailer Shein will be liable for the sale of unsafe and dangerous products on their platforms, the European Commission said on Wednesday, as part of a crackdown against a flood of cheap e-commerce imports into the European Union.

The EU executive also said it would coordinate a joint investigation by the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network of national consumer authorities into Shein based on suspicions that the company infringes EU consumer protection rules.

The measures by the EU executive echo a similar push by the U.S. government which ended a trade provision this week used by retailers including Temu and Shein to ship low-value packages duty-free to the United States.

The Commission said its concerns were triggered by some 4.6 billion low-value items below 22 euros ($23) imported into the EU last year, equal to 12 million parcels per day, 91% of which came from China. The 4.6-billion-euro figure was double that in 2023.

“Under certain conditions, marketplaces can also be held liable for the sale of non-compliant or dangerous products. They are exempted from liability for the illegal behaviour of the sellers, but subject to certain conditions,” the Commission said in its guidelines.

It said cheap, unsafe imports posed unfair competition to EU sellers that follow the rules while the large number of packages being shipped has a negative impact on the environment and climate.

The EU executive will also propose to EU countries a handling fee for e-commerce imports to meet the cost of supervising such imports.

The Commission, which in 2023 proposed scrapping the duty-free exemption for parcels below 150 euros as part of a reform of the bloc’s custom rules, urged EU countries to quickly adopt the measure.

Under a new measure called product safety sweep, EU countries can for the first time check via an e-surveillance tool before products are shipped whether they are dangerous or not.

“We want to see a competitive e-commerce sector that keeps consumers safe, offers convenient products, and is respectful of the environment,” EU tech chief Henna Virkkunnen said in a statement.

Shein said it would engage with the consumer agencies and the Commission.

“We share the CPC Network’s goal of ensuring European consumers can shop online with peace of mind, and we intend to work closely with the CPC Network and the Commission to address any concerns,” a spokesperson said.

Temu, already the subject of an EU investigation under the Digital Services Act since last October, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Commission officials said they were assessing its response to their concerns and those of consumer watchdogs.

($1 = 0.9605 euros)

Update via Reuters – Reporting by Foo Yun CheeEditing by Mark Potter

‘NO!’ Global community reject Trump’s Gaza plan

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
-
0
‘NO!’ Global community reject Trump’s Gaza plan

President Donald Trump touts U.S. takeover of Gaza and resettling of Palestinians

International news via Reuters

Here are some global reactions to the announcement.

SAUDI ARABIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY

“Saudi Arabia rejects any attempts to displace the Palestinians from their land. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has affirmed the kingdom’s position in ‘a clear and explicit manner’ that does not allow for any interpretation under any circumstances.”

GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER ANNALENA BAERBOCK

Baerbock said the Gaza Strip belongs to Palestinians and their expulsion would be unacceptable and contrary to international law.

“It would also lead to new suffering and new hatred…There must be no solution over the heads of the Palestinians.”

BRITISH FOREIGN MINISTER DAVID LAMMY

“We’ve always been clear in our belief that we must seek two states. We must see Palestinians able to live and prosper in their homelands, in Gaza, in the West Bank.”

FRANCE’S FOREIGN MINISTRY SPOKESPERSON CHRISTOPHE LEMOINE

“France reiterates its opposition to any forced displacement of the Palestinian population of Gaza, which would constitute a serious violation of international law, an attack on the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinians, but also a major obstacle to the two-state solution and a major destabilising factor for our close partners Egypt and Jordan as well as for the entire region.”

SPANISH FOREIGN MINISTER JOSE MANUEL ALBARES

“I want to be very clear on this: Gaza is the land of Gazan Palestinians and they must stay in Gaza.

Gaza is part of the future Palestinian state Spain supports and has to coexist guaranteeing the Israeli state’s prosperity and safety.”

EGYPT’S FOREIGN MINISTER BADR ABDELATTY

Abdelatty discussed with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa the importance of moving forward with recovery projects in Gaza without Palestinians leaving the Gaza Strip.

KREMLIN SPOKESMAN DMITRY PESKOV

Russia believes a settlement in the Middle East is only possible on the basis of a two-state solution. “This is the thesis that is enshrined in the relevant U.N. Security Council resolution, this is the thesis that is shared by the overwhelming majority of countries involved in this problem. We proceed from it, we support it and believe that this is the only possible option.”

CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY

“China hopes all parties will take ceasefire and post-conflict governance as an opportunity to bring the Palestinian issue back on the right track of political settlement based on the two-state solution.”

TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER HAKAN FIDAN

U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments on a plan to take over Gaza are “unacceptable”. Any plans leaving Palestinians “out of the equation” would lead to more conflict.

SENIOR HAMAS OFFICIAL SAMI ABU ZUHRI

“Our people in the Gaza Strip will not allow these plans to pass, and what is required is to end the (Israeli) occupation and aggression against our people, not to expel them from their land.”

PALESTINIAN PRESIDENT MAHMOUD ABBAS AND THE PALESTINIAN LEADERSHIP

Abbas said the Palestinians will not relinquish their land, rights, and sacred sites, and that the Gaza Strip is an integral part of the land of the State of Palestine, along with the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

SENIOR IRANIAN OFFICIAL

“Iran does not agree with any displacement of Palestinians and has communicated this through various channels.”

IRISH FOREIGN MINISTER SIMON HARRIS

“It’s very clear the direction of travel here, we need a two state solution, and the people of Palestine and the people of Israel both have a right to live in states safely side by side and that’s where the focus has to be. Any idea of displacing the people of Gaza anywhere else would be in clear contradiction with U.N. Security Council resolutions.”

AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE

“Australia’s position is the same as it was this morning, as it was last year. The Australian government supports on a bipartisan basis a two-state solution.”

PALESTINE LIBERATION ORGANIZATION SECRETARY GENERAL HUSSEIN AL-SHEIKH

“The Palestinian leadership affirms its firm position that the two-state solution, in accordance with international legitimacy and international law, is the guarantee of security, stability and peace.”

ISLAMIC JIHAD

“Trump’s positions and plans are a dangerous escalation that threaten Arab and regional national security, especially in Egypt and Jordan, which the U.S. administration wants to put in confrontation with the Palestinian people and their rights.”

DEMOCRATIC AND PALESTINIAN-AMERICAN U.S. REPRESENTATIVE RASHIDA TLAIB

“Palestinians aren’t going anywhere. This president can only spew this fanatical bullshit because of bipartisan support in Congress for funding genocide and ethnic cleansing. It’s time for my two-state solution colleagues to speak up.”

(Editing by Bernadette Baum via Reuters)

Bermuda Tonight – 4 February 2025

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
-
0
Bermuda Tonight – 4 February 2025

Bermuda Tonight – 3 February 2025

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
-
0
Bermuda Tonight – 3 February 2025

National Museum offers free entry this February

Alisa Bernardo
-
0
National Museum offers free entry this February

Mark your calendars for their Community Day on the 23rd

The National Museum of Bermuda (NMB) is opening its gates to all residents for free during the month of February.

The initiative, ‘Free for February’, sponsored by RenaissanceRe and Butterfield, is now in its twelfth year.

NMB Executive Director Elena Strong stated: “Eliminating the barrier of admission allows for increased access for residents to engage with and explore Bermuda’s complex and diverse past. Also, non-profit and private partnerships like this are essential as we carry out our work as a vital community education resource.”

Later this month, NMB will host a free Community Day on Sunday, February 23, from 10am to 3pm. The event will include food vendors, door prizes, interactive art and craft activities, games, a family yoga class, artist talks, dolphin demonstrations, Native American dancing and Gombeys.

Of the partnership, Jody Feldman, managing director of Butterfield, said: “We are proud to continue our support for NMB and all they do to create meaningful education opportunities for Bermudians of all ages.”

A spokesperson for RenaissanceRe added, “Museums are essential educational resources for our community. By understanding our history, we can put the present into context and better prepare ourselves for the future.”

During February, museum goers, at no cost, can explore NMB’s permanent exhibits, which cover a diverse range of topics, including Bermuda’s cultural links with the West Indies and the Azores, trans-Atlantic slavery and slavery in Bermuda, the island’s defence heritage, shipwrecks and early settlement, the construction of Dockyard, and more.

An NMB spokesperson said the newest temporary exhibit to take up residence at the museum is ‘STONE: From Bermuda to Charleston‘,  a solo exhibit by Bermudian architect and artist John Gardner.

“The exhibit explores the legacy of Bermuda limestone and how it has shaped two distinct architectural worlds across the Atlantic: Bermuda’s iconic, white-roofed homes and Charleston, South Carolina’s historic structures built during the 17th and 18th centuries, ” the spokesperson explained.

“Through a collection of triptychs of landscapes and Bermuda limestone, Gardner explores the cultural and architectural links between these two regions, proving new insights into Bermuda and stone’s far-reaching impact. His exhibit also serves to engage the visitor though archival photographs. historical panels, and video interviews. “

To take advantage of Free for February, Bermuda residents should bring proof of residency, such as a driver’s licence or utility bill.

NMB is open daily from 10am to 5pm (last admission at 4pm).

Former premiers clash on plausibility of independent movement

Jasmine Patterson
-
0
Former premiers clash on plausibility of independent movement

Sir John Swan and Michael Dunkley, C.B.E., have a difference in opinion on whether independent candidates are at a high enough standard to be elected

Two former premiers are at odds on the plausibility of independent candidates forming a coalition or majority government following the outcome of the upcoming General Election.
Michael Dunkley, the former leader of the OBA says it’s wishful thinking at this stage on the likelihood of independents gaining any significant traction at the polls on February 18th.
Meanwhile, Sir John Swan, former Premier, co-founder of the Independent Candidates Movement in Bermuda and independent candidate for Smith’s North, constituency 10, argues residents are willing to step outside their comfort zone to make a change for the future.

‘Running a government requires a unified team’

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
-
0
‘Running a government requires a unified team’

OBA’s Scott Pearman says Independents fail the stress test of practical reality

Scott Pearman: “Some independents have extremely divergent views on issues facing Bermuda.”         Photo: OBA

OPINION: By Scott Pearman, OBA candidate for C22, Paget East

“The 2025 General Election will have 110 candidates, the most in the history of Bermuda elections. A total of 27 independent candidates have put their names forward but when you cast your vote on February 18th, will an independent candidate be able to represent your interests in Parliament? What would an independent candidate be able to achieve?
Having more citizens contesting an election is not a bad thing and should be welcomed. Too many capable people shy away from politics for any number of reasons.  However, the notion of independents has obvious flaws. 
Politics is a team effort. To set the Island’s education policy, or healthcare plans, you must first become the Government.  That requires a like-minded team of at least 18 MPs, working together to maintain the confidence of the House of Assembly.  To run the Government requires a unified team, an agreed consensus on the solutions to deploy, set policy and advance legislation for Bermuda.
Independents can be a voice on specific issues. Yet, ultimately, an independent MP lacks the necessary support of party colleagues.  The notion of independent candidates may appeal to the non-partisan voters, but it badly fails the stress test of practical reality.
Since our defeat in 2020, candidates for the OBA has spent the past five years analysing our Island’s problems.  Weekly Caucus meetings involve our team discussing, debating, and devising solutions to create opportunity for all.  Our Caucus reflects Bermuda – with broad diversity of age, gender, race, economic activity, and life experience. 
The OBA is a cross-section of our Island and is the only party to have released solutions to address the issues facing all Bermudians – a platform that was developed and refined over more than a year. Premier David Burt decided to call an election for 18 February, yet the PLP’s Platform is still nowhere to be seen. And no independent candidates have released a comprehensive platform, with most running on single issues important to them.
If you are considering voting for an independent, please ask that candidate what his or her actual position is on the numerous and complex issues facing our island.  If you hope for a ‘movement of independents’, are you sure that – if any were to be elected – those elected would even agree with each other on the issues?
Where does each independent candidate stand on the proposed Corporate Income Tax?  On independence from the UK?  On the legalization of cannabis, the size of our police service, or whether immigration should go up or down?
Some independents have extremely divergent views on issues facing Bermuda – so what happens when they disagree?  How would independent MPs reach a consensus, and how long would that take?
The issues faced by political leaders in today’s Bermuda are complicated.  Striving for collaboration and achieving consensus is not easy, particularly on issues where reasonable people disagree.  A cohesive team is needed – a team with a plan already in place to tackle our issues from day one.  The OBA has done the work and is ready to form the Government on day one.
It is clear the PLP Government has run out of ideas.  More than two decades in power has left David Burt’s PLP fractured, lacking in solutions, and just plain tired.  Six PLP MPs, including four former cabinet ministers, are quitting politics altogether.
We need a fresh, new team with energy and ideas.  The OBA is ready to form the next Government, to tackle the issues we face, creating opportunities for all Bermudians.  If you are really considering voting for an independent, please ask yourself: how much would an independent MP actually be able to achieve?
With so much at stake in the next election, it would be a shame to waste your vote on a candidate who is powerless to change Bermuda for the benefit of all Bermudians.”

A Proud Moment for Bermuda

Julie Matthews-Borchardt
-
0
A Proud Moment for Bermuda

The BFA President and Sports Minister, Owen Darrell, congratulate U17 Women’s Football team for their performance

The excitement was still palpable when U17 Lady Gombey Warriors returned to the island yesterday to a hero’s welcome. And BFA President Mark Wade said, although Team Bermuda faced tough challenges during their matches in Puerto Rico, he was particularly impressed with how the players were able to dig deep and find a way to win.

Meantime, The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sport extending its congratulations to the Bermuda Under-17 Women’s National Team for qualifying for the final round of the Concacaf Women’s U-17 Championship.

Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport, Sen. Owen Darrell, who was at the L.F. Wade International Airport to welcome the team home over the weekend described it as a proud moment for Bermuda, 

“Their hard work, discipline, and passion have propelled them to this significant milestone, and we stand behind them as they prepare for the final round of competition. On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, I commend the players, coaches, and support staff for their dedication to the sport and for representing our country with such excellence. We look forward to cheering them on as they continue their journey.”

A Ministry spokesperson adding, “We remain dedicated to ensuring that young Bermudians have the resources and opportunities to excel in their sports, fostering the next generation of talent.”

Parks Department: Accepting proposals from concessionaires

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
-
0
Parks Department: Accepting proposals from concessionaires

Eleven parklands on offer for the 2025 summer season

Update from the Bermuda Government’s Department of Parks: Proposals are being accepted from suitable concessionaires to provide beach/park concession services at eleven (11) public parklands for the summer season of 2025 (1 April to 30 November).

Locations of these concessions and square footage is detailed below:

  • Mangrove Bay – Site 1: 10ft x 10ft
  • Parson’s Road Park – Site 2: 15ft x 10ft
  • Penhurst Park – Site 1: 10ft x 10ft
  • Great Head Park (St. David’s Battery) – Site 1: 15ft x 10ft
  • Ferry Point Park – Site 1: 15ft x 10ft
  • Admiralty House – Site 2: 10ft x 10ft
  • Elbow Beach – Site 1: 15ft x 10ft
  • Government Waterfront – Site 1: 15ft x 10ft
  • Daniel’s Head Beach Park – Site 1: 10ft x 10ft
  • Ducks Puddle Annex Park – Site 1: 10ft x 10ft & Site 2: 10ft x 10ft
  • Warwick Longbay Playground – Site 1: 15ft x 10ft

Proposals may be submitted for one or more of the above-listed locations, with the understanding that only one location will be awarded per concessionaire.  

The Commercial Activity application form and concession location maps can be collected at the Department of Parks main office located at Global House, Ground Floor, 43 Church Street, Hamilton or from our website at https://www.gov.bm/department/parks.

Proposals, along with the completed Commercial Activity application form, must be hand-delivered to the Reception Desk of the Department of Parks Main Office, Global House, 43 Church Street, Hamilton, Ground Floor, or submitted via e-mail to jlcarvalho@gov.bm by 3:00 pm by 17 February, 2025.

Questions are to be forwarded to Mrs. Jessica Carvalho (Acting Park Planner) at jlcarvalho@gov.bm during the proposal period, with final questions forwarded no later than two (2) working days (13 February, 2025) prior to the proposal submission date.

Update via Bermuda Government

Canadian university reaffirms Bermuda connection

Grae Minors
-
0
Canadian university reaffirms Bermuda connection

Mount Saint Vincent University President attended Bermuda-alumni event

Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Nova Scotia is a lot like Bermuda–sans the crystal clear blue water and pink-sand beaches. That’s the sentiment of Dr. Joël Dickinson, President of MSVU.

“We’re one of the largest growing cities in The Maritimes, but it still has a very community feel. Just like when you’re in Bermuda, everyone knows each other. It’s very much the same.”

Dr. Dickinson was recently on-island for an MSVU/Bermuda-alumni event. She spoke to Bermuda Broadcasting about what prospective Bermuda-students can expect from their time at MSVU.

Interview with Mount Saint Vincent University President, Dr. Joël Dickinson, below:

1...1,0441,0451,046...1,096Page 1,045 of 1,096

© Bermuda Broadcasting Company Limited 2026 All rights reserved.

Stream live

Popular news

SportsPoliticsJobs & EconomyCrimeHealthcareBusiness & Finance

Editor Picks