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Two new oncologists join BHB

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Two new oncologists join BHB

Dr Dagmara Poprawski and Dr Bhanu Bandlamudi came on board in February and are now seeing patients

The following statement was issued by the Bermuda Hospitals Board.

Bermuda Hospitals Board is very pleased to introduce to the community its two new oncologists, who recently joined BHB.

Dr Dagmara Poprawski and Dr Bhanu Bandlamudi joined BHB in February and are now seeing patients.

Acting Chief of Staff Dr Anna Neilson-Williams comments: “I’m so pleased to be able to welcome Dr Poprawski and Dr Bandlamudi to Bermuda and BHB. They are highly qualified oncologists who will be a great addition to the oncology team. Their experience and expertise are going to be of great benefit to our patients. They join Dr Alisha Tucker in the Oncology team. This means we now have three fulltime oncologists available and can offer our usual in- and outpatient oncology services.

“I would also like to thank our community partners for their continued collaboration and support working to maximise oncology care provision in Bermuda, especially the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre and PALS.”

Dr Poprawski joins BHB from the King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre in Saudi Arabia, where she worked as a medical oncology consultant from October 2020, mainly within the King Abdullah Center for Oncology & Liver Disease. Among her previous positions, she served as a senior medical oncologist and chief investigator for the Northern Adelaide and Mt Gambier Hospital in Australia.

Having gained her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in 1992 from the University of Adelaide, Dr Poprawski also has a graduate diploma in tropical medicine and hygiene and a master’s degree in clinical tropical medicine from Mahidol University in Thailand. Dr Proprawski achieved her certificate in geriatric oncology from Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy.

Dr Proprawski is a member and fellow of many societies and colleges, including the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia, European Society of Medical Oncology, Medical Oncology Group of Australia and Private Cancer Clinicians of Australia. She is a member of the editorial group of QPW Cancer Journal, a member of the Emirates Oncology Society, and vice chair of the Exercise in Oncology Subgroup of Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer.

Dr Bandlamudi joins BHB from Subha Comprehensive Cancer Care in India, where he worked as a consultant in medical oncology and radiation oncology from February 2020. He previously worked in the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences in Uttar Pradesh, India.

In 2011, Dr Bandlamudi gained his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from Rangaraya Medical College, Kakinada. He achieved a postgraduate medical degree (MD) in radiation oncology in 2016 from Kasturba Medical College, Manipa, and a specialised Doctor of Medicine in medical oncology from Jawaharial Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research in 2019.

Dr Bandlamudi is a Member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, European Society for Radiotherapy & Oncology, American Society Radiation Oncology, European Society of Medical Oncology, and Indian Society of Medical and Pediatric Oncology.

Moves to bolster safeguards for children

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Moves to bolster safeguards for children

‘Comprehensive’ guidance for Litigation Guardians to be launched in September

Consultations with stakeholders took place earlier this month.  Photo supplied

The following press release was issued today by the Bermuda Government:
“The Ministry of Youth, Social Development, and Seniors has completed a productive week of consultations to strengthen protections for Bermuda’s most vulnerable children through an enhanced Litigation Guardian service. From March 3rd – 7th, the Ministry hosted strategic discussions with the Judiciary, Litigation Guardians, and Community Partners, facilitated by returning Consultant Anthony Douglas CBE with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
The Consultant led specialised sessions for the different stakeholder groups that included:

  • Litigation Guardians who explored: how to handle complex casework management, the emerging child safeguarding trends, and best practice frameworks for structured annual programme reviews.
  • Magistrates examined international best practices in child protection proceedings and discussed the impact of developmental issues in relation to the child’s timeline and court delays.
  • Community partners inclusive of Parent guide, Milestones, MASC, and the Coalition for the Protection of Children were provided an overview of the critical role of Litigation Guardians in supporting vulnerable youth and discussed the need for cohesive collaboration.
  • Participants in the work sessions acknowledged notable progress made by the Litigation Guardians and Social Workers in amplifying children’s voices in both casework and court reports.

The Ministry now aims to advance this work by fostering continued collaboration across the various stakeholder partners to maintain a culture of continuous improvement.
Consultant, Mr. Anthony Douglas, who has provided expert guidance to the Ministry for several years on developing a comprehensive Litigation Guardian service, also focused on assessing the past achievements of the litigation service and identifying priority areas for future enhancements and strengthening. During the past year, the Ministry established several foundational elements for a sustainable Litigation Guardian service, such as:

  • A dedicated meeting room space for client interviews
  • A policy and procedural guide for appointing litigation counsel for children when necessary
  • A public information pamphlet developed to highlight the Role of Litigation Guardians

Minister Tinée Furbert expressed satisfaction with the progress made to-date: “I am heartened by the strides we have made in ensuring children and young people in Bermuda have a strong and independent voice. Our commitment is to build on the litigation guardian service with a sense of urgency, ensuring that decisions made in the best interests of children are swiftly implemented.”
The Ministry has identified four key priorities for the coming year to build on the Litigation Guardian Framework:

  1. Finalising a comprehensive Practice Guidance for Litigation Guardians, to be launched in September
  2. Enhancing the role of the Practice Manager to focus more on providing training, coaching and mentorship of the Litigation Guardians
  3. Producing the first annual report of the Litigation Guardian Service
  4. Implementing robust performance management and quality assurance measures for the litigation guardian practice

The Ministry is also releasing today a first-time information pamphlet about the Role of the Litigation Guardian.
The pamphlet provides information on what is a litigation guardian, what does a litigation guardian do; the best standards of service and practice for litigation guardians; and, how a litigation guardian adds value on behalf of a child.
Copies of the information pamphlet will be distributed to the various stakeholder agencies and can also be collected from the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors Headquarters and downloaded from the Ministry’s website at https://www.gov.bm/ministry/youth-social-development-and-seniors.
The Ministry of Youth, Social Development, and Seniors remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of children in Bermuda and will continue working closely with all stakeholders to strengthen the Litigation Guardian framework.”

UK financial watchdogs drop diversity and ‘name and shame’ reforms

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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UK financial watchdogs drop diversity and ‘name and shame’ reforms

Several Wall Street firms have also softened their stances on DEI

FILE PHOTO: People walk as the sun shines in the City of London financial district in London, Britain, March 4, 2025. REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo

Britain’s top financial regulators have scrapped proposed new rules to boost diversity and inclusion in the industry, and mothballed a fresh crackdown on non-financial misconduct, citing fears of imposing unnecessary regulatory burdens on firms.

The Prudential Regulation Authority and Financial Conduct Authority said on Wednesday they had no plans to follow a joint consultation with further regulation, in light of industry feedback and already pending changes to the law.

Sam Woods, CEO of the PRA, said his organisation still believed an “appropriate focus” on D&I could benefit governance, decision-making and risk management across the sector but new requirements “could be seen as in tension” with efforts to support competitiveness by reducing red tape on firms.

Britain is moving at pace to lighten the regulatory load on its financial services industry, a critical cog in a sluggish UK economy. But some stakeholders fear the moves, which include disbanding of certain regulators and a reduction in banks’ capital requirements, could endanger the sector in the long run.

The latest position updates from the PRA and FCA follow a massive backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives in the United States during the first weeks of President Donald Trump’s second term in office.

On Inauguration Day, Trump launched executive orders revoking a slew of liberal policies including support for the rights of the disabled, low-income or social and ethnic minorities.

Several Wall Street firms have also softened their stances on DEI, sparking concerns among staffers who fear a future increase in workplace discrimination, bias and inequality.

“Developments across the pond and the repeated push back on publishing final rules by the FCA and PRA mean today’s statement does not come as a surprise at all,” Noline Matemera, partner at law firm Osborne Clarke LLP, told Reuters.

“Whether (it) is the death knell for focusing on D&I in financial services in the UK is yet to be seen.”

“NAME AND SHAME”

The FCA said separately it would axe proposals to use a “public interest” test for announcing investigations into regulated firms, part of a drive to enhance transparency of its enforcement activities and deter wrongdoing.

Lawmakers strongly criticised the suggested change in a report entitled “Naming and shaming: how not to regulate”, and called on the watchdog to ditch the plans entirely.

But the FCA said it had observed significant support for reactively confirming investigations already in the public domain and for notifying the public about potentially unlawful activities of unregulated firms as well as regulated firms which were seen operating outside the regulatory perimeter.

The watchdog said it would also look to publish greater detail of matters under investigation on an anonymous basis, with final policy to be announced by end-June.    

“Considerable concerns remain about our proposal to change the way we publicise investigations into regulated firms, so we will stick to publicising in exceptional circumstances as we do today,” Nikhil Rathi, Chief Executive Officer of the FCA, said.

Reporting By Sinead Cruise; Editing by Kirsten Donovan

Prince William to visit UK troops in Estonia next week

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Prince William to visit UK troops in Estonia next week

Visit comes as Britain and other European allies ramp up defence spending

FILE PHOTO: Britain’s William, Prince of Wales walks on the day of the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in London, Britain, March 10, 2025. REUTERS/Isabel Infantes/File Photo

International news via Reuters:

Prince William will travel to Estonia next week to visit British troops involved in NATO operations there as part of the UK’s drive to show solidarity with its allies and highlight its commitment to the defence of the alliance’s eastern flank.

During the two-day visit, which begins on March 20, William, the heir to the throne, will also carry out engagements in Tallinn to learn more about how country has responded to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, his office Kensington Palace said on Wednesday.

He will also have a meeting with Estonian President Alar Karis and learn about the country’s innovations in renewable energy and technology, the palace said.

Britain has about 900 troops based in Estonia and Poland as part of ‘Operation Cabrit’, the British contribution to NATO’s build-up of strength on its eastern flank following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The royal’s visit comes as Britain and other European allies ramp up defence spending after the U.S. President Donald Trump said other NATO nations had to contribute more to Europe’s security or he would not defend them.

Last month, British media reported that Baltic states were unhappy not to have been invited to a summit in London to discuss Ukraine.

The Estonian visit, the first to the Baltic state by King Charles’ eldest son, is not the first such symbolic mission undertaken by William. Two years ago, the prince visited British soldiers in Poland who were involved in providing support to Ukraine.

The latest trip is overtly for William to visit the British army’s Mercian Regiment, of which he is the Colonel-in-Chief, who are based there. His uncle, Prince Edward, also visited British troops in Estonia in 2022.

Reporting by Michael Holden; editing by Sarah Young

Dollar struggles to lift off lows as global trade war ramps up

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Dollar struggles to lift off lows as global trade war ramps up

E.U. to impose counter tariffs on 26 billion euros worth of U.S. goods from April

FILE PHOTO: U.S. Dollar banknotes are seen in this illustration taken July 17, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

The dollar struggled to lift off a five-month low against other major currencies on Wednesday, as traders digested tit-for-tat U.S.-EU tariffs and a potential Russia-Ukraine ceasefire, while awaiting U.S. inflation data amid worries about the economy.

President Donald Trump’s unpredictable announcements on trade policy have whipsawed markets and drawn tariff retaliation from trading partners, ramping up a global trade war.

The European Union will impose counter tariffs on 26 billion euros ($28.39 billion) worth of U.S. goods from April, the European Commission said on Wednesday, in response to blanket U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium that came into force earlier in the day.

“There are so many, so many moving parts,” said Kenneth Broux, head of corporate research FX and rates at Societe Generale.

“We’re not seeing any safe haven in European assets this morning because of retaliation of the trade war,” Broux added.

The euro eased after hitting a five-month peak of $1.0947 on Tuesday as Ukraine said it was ready to support Washington’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefire with Russia. The ball is now in Moscow’s court.

The Kremlin said on Wednesday it was waiting for details from the U.S., while senior Moscow sources said a deal would have to take account of Russia’s advances and address its concerns.

The euro traded 0.15% lower at $1.0902 in midday European trading.

Europe’s single currency has been flying high on the promise of massive fiscal spending by Germany, although the situation has become more complex after the Greens vowed to block those plans and unveiled rival proposals.

That remains the “overarching story” for the euro, Broux said.

SOURCE OF VOLATILITY

The Canadian dollar was steady after a volatile session on Tuesday, when Trump pledged to double tariffs on steel and aluminium to 50%, only to reverse course just hours later.

The Bank of Canada decides policy later on Wednesday, with traders expecting another quarter-point interest rate cut.

The greenback edged lower to C$1.4415.

Canada will announce C$29.8 billion in retaliatory tariffs on the United States on Wednesday, a Canadian official, who declined to be named, said.

“Trade uncertainty persists and therefore so does market volatility,” said Kyle Rodda, senior financial markets analyst at Capital.com.

“The U.S. growth outlook continues to deteriorate,” Rodda added, pointing to increased attention on the release of the consumer price index (CPI) later in the day, which he warned “could be a significant source of volatility”.

The U.S. dollar index, which measures the currency against a basket of six others, edged up 0.1% to 103.6, following Tuesday’s slide of 0.46% that took it to its lowest since October 16.

Investors have been on edge since Trump avoided ruling out the possibility that a recession would result from his trade policies in an interview on Sunday with Fox News.

Wednesday’s CPI report may be setting the market up for “a lose-lose situation”, said Julien Lafargue, chief market strategist at Barclays Private Bank.

“A higher-than-expected reading could fuel the stagflation narrative while a weaker-than-expected print could cement recession fears,” Lafargue said.

“What the market really needs at this point is better visibility on growth rather than on inflation.”

The United States also resumed military aid and intelligence to Kyiv.

Increased optimism for an end to the war in Ukraine lifted the Swiss franc, which firmed to as much as 0.8840 per dollar before paring gains.

Sterling steadied at $1.2942, just below a four-month high of $1.29655 hit in the previous session. [GBP/]

The dollar gained 0.6% to 148.74 yen, after sinking to a five-month trough of 146.545 yen in the prior session.

“We’re waiting for Friday for these trade union agreements in Japan,” Broux said, calling the dollar’s strength against the yen despite tighter bond spreads on Wednesday “a bit of a mystery”.

Many of Japan’s biggest companies have met union demands for substantial wage hikes for a third consecutive year, seeking to help workers cope with inflation and retain staff amid labour shortages. But it’s unclear whether the hikes will be strong enough to spur consumer spending and encourage the Bank of Japan to increase its policy rate, still at a low 0.5%, more aggressively.

($1 = 0.9158 euros)

Reporting by Yadarisa Shabong in Bengaluru and Kevin Buckland in Tokyo; Editing by Kim Coghill, Kirsten Donovan

A call to healing, wholeness, and hope

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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A call to healing, wholeness, and hope

An all-encompassing approach to Bermuda’s many challenges

Dr. Stanley James

Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist Church Hosts Special Series Guided by Dr. Stanley
James
Hamilton, March 2025 – In today’s environment of rising anxiety, global uncertainty, and societal tension, Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist Church warmly invites the community to the urgent and transformative series, “State of the Nation: A Call to Healing, Wholeness & Hope.”


Guided by Dr. Stanley James—a physician, Assistant Pastor at Hamilton Seventh-day
Adventist Church, and PhD researcher in Racial Disparities in Healthcare at Aberdeen
University—this empowering educational series integrates, inspiring personal stories,
spiritual empowerment, health education and prophetic insights on current events.


Special guests, including Dr. Brooks from Dynamic Urology, oYering urology screenings,
Dr. Schuyler Dowling, Dr. Peter McCullough, epidemiologist and cardiologist, and Dr.
Leonard Gibbons of the Bermuda Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and Hope
Healthcare, providing expert health evaluations and wellness lectures.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:

Clear Guidance for Uncertain Times:
Reduce anxiety through compassionate insights that clearly explain global events and
provides practical steps for confidently navigating the future.


Dr. James emphasizes, “We all are concerned about the state of the nation, and all of us have a part to play. Business, Government., Private industry and faith-based communities. At the Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist church, we are deeply concerned about the physical health of
the community, the mental health of youth and young adults and the erosion of the moral fabric of culture and want to address the state of the nation.”


“We are providing free, practical health advise, Biblical insights for spiritual growth and
clear, natural strategies for mental health and prophetic perspectives for peace of mind.
We warmly invite everyone to join us in finding genuine hope, support, and practical
tools for a better tomorrow.”


EVENT DETAILS:
Location: 43 King St. Hamilton, Bermuda
Dates: 8th-22nd March 2025
Time: 6:00pm daily, except Thursdays. Saturdays 11:00am and 6:00pm
Admission: FREE – All Are Welcome
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: info@thestateofthenation.org
Website: thestateofthenation.org
Phone: 292-4276
Watch live on YouTube at www.youtube.com/StateOfNation or on Facebook on TNN –
Bermuda News As It Happens

Personal Stories of Hope:
Hear authentic local testimonies from community members who have transformed
adversity into meaningful, empowered lives.

Comprehensive Health Screenings & Expert Education:
Free physician assessments, dental checks, and urology screenings provided by Dr.
Brooks of Dynamic Urology, alongside valuable health insights from Dr. Leonard
Gibbons and others.

Spiritual & Emotional Empowerment:
Learn practical strategies for emotional resilience and clarity, finding strength through
spiritual support and clear, accessible teachings.

Bermuda Tonight – 11 March 2025

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bermuda Tonight – 11 March 2025

Zane DeSilva is the New PLP Deputy Leader

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Zane DeSilva is the New PLP Deputy Leader

Mr DeSilva defeated challengers Michael Weeks and Diallo Robain in a vote by PLP delegates and superdelegates

The PLP issued the following statement the immediately following the election:

Statement on the Election of Zane DeSilva as PLP Deputy Leader

“The Bermuda Progressive Labour Party elected Zane Desilva, a long-serving MP and Minister for Housing and Municipalities, as its Deputy Leader.

Premier and Party Leader David Burt remarked, “Tonight, Delegates of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party have spoken and selected one of our hardest working Parliamentarians as our Deputy Leader. Zane has been a steadfast supporter of the Progressive Labour Party, and his passion, loyalty, and commitment as Deputy Leader will help drive our Party forward.”

The PLP remains dedicated to protecting Bermudian jobs, expanding opportunities, and ensuring that our economic policies work for the many, not just the privileged few. With Zane DeSilva as Deputy Leader, we will continue our collective work to build a stronger and fairer Bermuda for all.”

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Middle to Senior school transition revised due to “unreadiness”

Gary Foster Skelton
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Middle to Senior school transition revised due to “unreadiness”

Public school M2 & Y8 students will not move to Berkeley or CedarBridge as expected

Francis Patton and Purvis Parish Schools, Dellwood Middle School and Whitney Institute. File photos

Second-year public middle school students, who were set to transition, along with M3s to senior school in the Fall, will remain in Middle School as Year 9 students instead.

Parents at Francis Patton and Purvis Parish Schools, Dellwood Middle School and Whitney Institute were informed about the “revised plan” on Tuesday evening.

They were also informed that Y8 Parish Primary students will transition to Middle School instead of High School to complete the Y9 programme.

The Ministry of Education published a news release shortly after parents were informed, with new Minister of Education Crystal Caesar explaining that the workload of the senior schools teams has “created some unreadiness”.

This revision partially reverses the plan announced by then-Education Minister Diallo Rabain in November 2024.

Its part of the overall education reform plan to transition the public education system from a three-tier to a two-tier system.

At that time, Minister Rabain said the current M2 and M3 year groups, plus Year 8 students from already-transitioned Parish Primaries, would move on to Senior Schools in September 2025. Cedarbridge Academy and the Berkeley Institute were due to transition to a five-year programme, and take on an additional academic year as M2 and Year 8 students transfer to senior schools as well as the usual M3s.

Many M2 and Year 8 students have already attended Senior School taster sessions and selected Signature Programmes.

This evening, parents of M2 and Y8 students were told that the physical move to senior schools would no longer take place, but the students will follow a Year 9 curriculum at Middle School.

Y9 students will take the same courses at Middle School sites as they would have taken at Senior School sites, parents were told, and they will start earning senior school credits.

Schools will also develop plans to help students adjust to the change, with details to be shared with parents by the end of the month.

The revision to the senior schools transition plan follows reports released just before the February 2025 General Election that school leaders had cited concerns over readiness at a meeting in January.

Then-Acting Minister of Education Crystal Caesar said at the time, “we are giving the senior school leaders and staff on the front lines an opportunity to come up with a comprehensive plan that can be clearly communicated to both parents and students for September 2025.”

Today, Minister Caesar confirmed the change of plans, saying “the senior school teams are working on the essential tasks of completing Signature Learning Programmes (SLP) courses for S4 students for 2025, preparing for incoming S1 students for September 2025 – who are currently M3 students and preparing for both internal and external examinations in the next few months.

“This complexity of these critical tasks has created some unreadiness. The senior school teams have been working long hours to accomplish these demands. I appreciate their time and commitment.”

Government Press Release below:
The Ministry of Education has announced the revised transition plans for Year 8 and M2 students for September 2025.
The Minister of Education, Senator, the Hon. Crystal Caesar, emphasised the collaborative nature of the decision-making process, stating that this follows her meeting on 28 January with the senior school leadership teams from CedarBridge Academy, The Berkeley Institute, and Sandys Secondary Middle School. This meeting was a crucial step in reviewing their progress and assessing their readiness for September 2025, and it was a testament to the collective commitment to the students’ education.
To highlight the scope of the work that the senior school teachers are engaged in, Minister Caesar stated, “The senior school teams are working on the essential tasks of completing Signature Learning Programmes (SLP) courses for S4 students for 2025, preparing for incoming S1 students for September 2025 – who are currently M3 students and preparing for both internal and external examinations in the next few months.” The Minister emphasised, “This complexity of these critical tasks has created some unreadiness. The senior school teams have been working long hours to accomplish these demands. I appreciate their time and commitment.
Minister Caesar continued, “Following the meeting on 28 January, the Commissioner of Education facilitated meetings with parish primary school principals from Francis Patton and Purvis Parish Schools, middle and senior school principals, the Department of Education and the Education Reform Unit. The following changes were agreed:

* Current M2 students will NOT physically move to the senior school site in 2025. However, they will remain at their respective middle school sites and complete a Y9 Senior programme. These students will be on track and have the credits necessary to transition to Year 10 Senior School in September 2026.
*Year 8 students at the Parish schools will transfer to a middle school site in September 2025 to complete the Y9 Senior programme.

Minister Caesar added, “The Middle School Principals have provided sound leadership around the changes and are prepared to lead and ensure a successful Y9 Senior programme at their respective sites.”
Minister Caesar concluded, “I have carefully listened to the concerns and insights of school leaders, teachers, and parents. Understanding that this transition impacts students and families directly. The Department of Education leadership team is now prepared to meet with the 20 parents of current Year 8 students from Francis Patton and Purvis Parish Schools and 222 parents of the current M2 students from Dellwood, Sandys and Whitney to share the framework and logistics for Y9 students for September 2025. The parent presentations include information on the components of the Y9 program and address questions raised by parents to date. The presentations are tailored to meet the needs of each parent group. The meetings will take place today, Tuesday, 11 March. We recognise that parents and students have many questions, and we are committed to keeping school communities informed. These are the first meetings, and a second one will be arranged before the end of the school term.”

Habitat ReStore finds new home on King Street

Alisa Bernardo
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Habitat ReStore finds new home on King Street

The thrift and consignment store, offering affordable home furnishings while supporting charitable housing projects, reopened this week

Habitat for Humanity Bermuda has officially reopened its home furnishing and décor store at a new location on King Street. The store, previously located on Front Street in the building that once housed Blucks, had to relocate due to the deteriorating condition of the site.

“We were very sad to leave our Front Street location, but the building was literally falling down around us, and it just was no longer safe for us and for our customers,” said Sheelagh Cooper, Chairwoman of Habitat for Humanity Bermuda. “Since then, we’ve been looking for a spot. Then one of our donors decided to buy us this building and donate it to Habitat, so that’s very exciting. It’s a beautiful building. We are putting it into a trust so that it will be used for this purpose in perpetuity.”

Grosvenor Lodge, the new location of the Habitat ReStore operation

The new store is situated next to the Hamilton Fire Station, within the Southeast Hamilton Empowerment Zone, which provides savings on land tax from the government. These benefits, along with the absence of overhead costs, allow Habitat for Humanity to direct more funds towards their charitable cause.

“We have a great business model,” Ms Cooper explained. “We are all volunteers. Everything is donated.”

The ReStore serves as a significant source of revenue for Habitat for Humanity, though the charity still relies on donations from the corporate sector.

Purchases made in its retail store will help fund much-needed building and housing projects island-wide.

“We’re in the middle of four projects at the moment,” said Ms Cooper. “One of them is a four-apartment complex in Devonshire to house mothers and children. The property was donated, and we are fixing it up to create the four apartments. We’ve got two house projects on the go at the moment. We’ve already completed three or four this year since January. So, we’ve got plenty and quite a waiting list.”

In an effort to expand its inventory, Habitat for Humanity has also introduced consignment sales at the new location. “One thing we are going to do with this location, at least for the time being, is take consignment items, and so that will encourage people to bring really nice items here,” Ms Cooper shared.

The new store offers a wide variety of affordable home furnishings. For example, shoppers can purchase a couch for $200 or chairs for just $75 each. Habitat for Humanity is also considering allowing local artists to display and sell their work in the store. “We’re planning to offer the opportunity to various artisans, if they would like to set up their own work in here like a gallery. We would sell the items for them and then take a percentage, of course. But it might liven things up, and there will be new things all the time. We have four rooms just like this that we will be using for that purpose.”

The store, which opened yesterday, is now eagerly welcoming customers. “Come on in, we have lots of things. It’s beautiful, it’s spacious, it’s fun. And do some thinking about what you might have around the house that you’d like to sell through Habitat,” Ms Cooper said.

If you are interested in donating an item, consigning goods, or volunteering your time for a good cause, get in touch with the charity via habitat.bermuda@gmail.com.

Extended Interview: Michael Fahy

Gary Foster Skelton
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Extended Interview: Michael Fahy

The returning politician talks housing crisis, immigration, cost of living, and Pathways to Status…

Falling population numbers and failing immigration policy have had and continue to have a detrimental effect on our cost of living.

This is a theme that runs throughout our extended interview with Michael Fahy, Shadow Minister of Housing & Municipalities, and Home Affairs.

At the open of his conversation with Gary Foster Skelton, Mr Fahy points to the first PLP Government’s term limit policy as a genesis of the housing crisis. Incoming guest workers, he says, shifted from family homes to 1 or 2 bedroom apartments, pushing Bermudians out of the space.

He says we need to look at housing and immigration policy in tandem, consider changes to enable more city living, and potentially have renewable energy requirements for new builds.

On the cost of living, Mr Fahy isn’t convinced that the PLP’s planned oversight of grocery store prices – in particular, a price tracker – is going to help keep prices down.

Throughout, Mr Fahy cites our population numbers as a factor impacting living costs.

Mr Fahy also responds to questions about his political history, namely the OBA government’s Pathways to Status policy. He asserts that the PLP’s response, while politically effective, divided the community and created an unwelcome attitude to potential investors.

Bermuda’s economic growth spotlighted at Risk Summit

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bermuda’s economic growth spotlighted at Risk Summit

Minister Jason Hayward outlines plans for continued growth, innovation, and diversification in Bermuda’s economy

Credit: Government of Bermuda

The following statement was issued by the Bermuda Government:

On Monday, March 10, the Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, participated in a Seaside Chat at the Bermuda Risk Summit 2025, highlighting Bermuda’s robust economic growth, leadership in the global insurance industry, and strategic plans for economic diversification.

During the discussion, Minister Hayward emphasized Bermuda’s strong and resilient economy, which has experienced an average of over 5% year-over-year growth since the pandemic. He noted that Bermuda remains one of the fastest-growing economies in the Latin American and Caribbean region, and against that backdrop, international business, real estate, and financial services collectively account for 58% of the island’s economic activity.

“Bermuda’s insurance and reinsurance sector is a cornerstone of our economy, contributing $2 billion in value-added, representing 29% of our total real GDP,” Minister Hayward stated. “With $150 billion in gross premiums written and coverage extending to over 150 countries, Bermuda remains a trusted partner in global risk management, particularly in catastrophe and climate-related insurance.”

The Minister outlined his vision for continued economic growth and diversification, highlighting opportunities in InsurTech, fintech, digital assets, as well as our green and blue economy. He emphasized the Government’s commitment to regulatory excellence through the Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA), which maintains a robust yet agile regulatory framework that fosters innovation while ensuring market stability.

In the face of global competition, Bermuda must continue to ensure that industry is supported as it innovates and progresses. The Minister noted that the business ecosystem provided in Bermuda is appreciated by the company leaders he meets with, and leaders in African nations have taken note and will seek to emulate our success. It is for us to work together – government, business and the regulator – to ensure that success is sustained and grows.

Minister Hayward also addressed the importance of public-private collaboration in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and ensuring Bermuda remains an attractive destination for international business. He discussed initiatives such as youth employment and internship programs, the Finance to Fintech program, and the Bermuda Coders Initiative, all aimed at equipping Bermudians with the skills needed for a dynamic and evolving economy.

Additionally, the Minister underscored the Government’s commitment to improving immigration processes and investing in infrastructure to support international business. Minister Hayward noted that the first certificate for an Approved Hamilton Residential scheme was being issued, which will add to the housing available in the City of Hamilton, but the government’s investment in housing developments will continue. He highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships, maintain Bermuda’s competitive edge in the insurance industry, and promote the island as a premier hub for risk transfer solutions.

Minister Hayward concluded, “I am confident in the future of Bermuda’s economy and our ability to maintain our leadership in the global insurance industry. By leveraging our strengths in insurance, financial services, and technology, we will drive sustainable growth and innovation, ensuring Bermuda remains at the forefront of global risk solutions.”

Credit: Government of Bermuda

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