Mr Simons continued, quote: “After this matter was first reported in the media, I initiated an investigation.”
“Confidentiality is not optional. It is a fundamental responsibility of every member of our organization,” end quote.
Anyone with information related to this breach is encouraged to contact Chief Inspector Jason Smith on 717-0864, or the confidential crime stoppers line at 800-8477.
BPS Press Release from Commissioner Darrin Simons: Since 2019, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) confidentially held information about the Savvy matter. That information was recently leaked. The release of confidential information from any investigation constitutes a breach and is of grave concern to the BPS. When a serving, or former officer, leaks confidential information, it undermines the trust you place in us. After this matter was first reported in the media, I initiated an investigation. Confidentiality is not optional. It is a fundamental responsibility of every member of our organization. We remain committed to transparency and accountability and treat breaches of our professional standards seriously. Anyone with information related to this breach is encouraged to contact Chief Inspector Jason Smith jsmith2@bps.bm or 717-0864 or the confidential crime stoppers line at 800-8477
Zane De Silva has responded to reports about his role in a $200K loan to Savvy CEO
PLP MP Zane De Silva was sworn in to the Cabinet last month by Governor Andrew Murdoch. File photo.
Zane De Silva, newly-appointed Minister of Housing and Municipalities, believes there is an effort to undermine his candidacy to be the PLP’s Deputy Leader.
This comes after his role in a private $200-thousand-dollar loan made to Savvy Entertainment was highlighted in a Royal Gazette article on Sunday.
The Royal Gazette previously reported that Savvy Entertainment, under CEO Anthony Blakey, received an $800-thousand-dollar loan from Government in 2018, for a proposed music studio and watersports contest.
The loan has not been repaid, and Mr Blakey remains in the US.
The RG has published a number of stories regarding a private loan made by PLP MP Zane De Silva to a third party, that was then transferred to Anthony Blakey.
Today, Zane De Silva responded to the story, stating “Let me be clear, I loaned Kevin Smith $200,000 to invest with Mr. Blakey.”
“Mr. Blakey reneged on that loan and Kevin was unable to pay me back. We pursued Blakey and he sent me $100,000. However, once the police investigation demonstrated that the $100,000 paid to me came from the $800,000 he swindled from the Bermuda Government, I returned it as anyone would.”
“Kevin Smith and I continued to pursue Blakey for the remainder of the debt. Happily, we managed to secure a further $60,000 in repayments before he disappeared, a matter I brought to the attention of the police officers investigating the matter.”
“He still owes Kevin Smith $140,000. I will continue to do all I can to assist him to get that money back.”
Mr De Silva was charged in 2022 with money laundering. He paid the $100-thousand back to Government from the funds Mr Blakey sent to him, and the Director of Public Prosecutions subsequently dropped the case.
A police document cited by the Royal Gazette states that Zane De Silva transfered $200-thousand dollars to a third party to invest with Anthony Blakey on January 8th, 2018.
Mr DeSilva was a Cabinet Minister at that time.
Today, Mr De Silva named the third party as Kevin Smith.
The RG reports that the third party sent $150-thousand to Savvy Entertainment the day after Mr De Silva made the transfer.
Mr De Silva is calling on the Governor and the Commissioner of Police to launch an investigation into how confidential information has been leaked.
The Ministerial Code of Conduct states “Ministers must ensure that no conflict arises, or appears to arise, between their duties and their private interests”.
We have reached out to both Mr De Silva and Premier David Burt to request on-camera comment. We were told the Premier is not available as he is off-island.
UPDATE: Police Commissioner Darrin Simons says the leak of confidential information about the Savvy matter is of “grave concern”. Read the story HERE.
Social media posts make false claims about purchasing lost goods
An example of one of the fraudulent posts Image supplied
The Bermuda Post Office (BPO) is once again alerting the public to a fraudulent social media post currently circulating on social media. In a press release today, the Bermuda Government stated: “The post falsely claims that individuals can purchase lost parcels through a link provided in the caption. “This post is a scam and is not affiliated with the Bermuda Post Office or the Government of Bermuda. We strongly advise the public not to click on the link, as it may result in personal data theft or financial fraud. “The BPO urges individuals who encounter this post to report it to Facebook immediately. Furthermore, the public is reminded to rely solely on official, verified information from the Government of Bermuda and its agencies.”
Government says the discounted bills would help reduce opposition and planning delays
FILE PHOTO: Onshore wind turbines at Little Cheyne Court Wind Farm operate beside electricity pylons in Dungeness, Britain, July 10, 2024. REUTERS/Chris J. Ratcliffe/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
British households living near new pylons will benefit from discounts to their energy bills, as the government seeks to win support for the infrastructure required to add new clean power sources to the grid.
Residents living within 500 metres of new or upgraded electricity pylons could get reductions of up to 2,500 pounds ($3,230) over 10 years, the government said in a statement on Monday.
The proposed discount comes as the government is due to introduce its Planning and Infrastructure Bill to parliament this week, aimed at helping meet a target of decarbonising the country’s power sector by 2030 through adding renewable power capacity.
Meeting that target will require the country to substantially increase its electricity transmission network. Expanding in the past that has been a slow process, as plans have struggled to win local support.
The government said the discounted bills would help reduce opposition and planning delays.
“This will benefit the whole country by ensuring we build the clean power system we need,” energy minister Ed Miliband said in a statement.
Companies building new pylons, or substantially upgrading existing ones, will also be expected to fund local projects such as sports clubs or leisure facilities in affected communities.
Government figures show the average domestic energy bill in 2024 was 2,252 pounds, with electricity accounting for 1,143 pounds, and gas 1,109 pounds.
($1 = 0.7739 pounds)
Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; editing by Sarah Young and Christina Fincher
Majority of Greenlanders favour political and economic independence from Denmark
FILE PHOTO: A man walks as Danish flag flutters next to Hans Egede Statue ahead of a March 11 general election in Nuuk, Greenland, March 9, 2025. REUTERS/Marko Djurica/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, will hold a parliamentary election on March 11 with independence a key campaign theme after U.S. President Donald Trump said he wants control over the world’s biggest island.
Greenland became a formal territory of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953, with Copenhagen controlling foreign affairs, defence and monetary policy. It has had the right to hold a referendum on independence since 2009 and some locals see the election as a chance to secede.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Polls show that a majority of Greenlanders favour political and economic independence from its former colonial ruler. However, views differ on the timing and the potential impact on living standards, with Denmark contributing just under $1 billion annually to the local economy.
The island has a rich but largely untapped supply of resources, including ample rare earth minerals.
Trump sees Greenland’s strategic location as the shortest route from Europe to North America as vital for the U.S. ballistic missile warning system.
WHAT WILL ELECTION DAY LOOK LIKE?
Polls will open on March 11 at 1100 GMT and close at 2200 GMT. There will be no exit polls, and the result is expected on March 12 between 0100 GMT and 0300 GMT.
WHO CAN VOTE?
Out of Greenland’s 57,000 citizens, around 40,500 are eligible to vote, according to Greenland’s Domestic Affairs Ministry. Around 27,000 people voted in the last general election in 2021.
There are 31 seats in Greenland’s parliament, Inatsisartut, and 16 seats are needed for a majority.
WHAT PARTIES ARE RUNNING?
Inuit Ataqatigiit
Greenland’s ruling party, the left-leaning socialist Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA), led by Prime Minister Mute Egede, advocates for an economically and politically independent Greenland, but has not yet proposed a plan to achieve this.
IA opposes mining for uranium and other radioactive materials due to risks to the environment.
The party currently holds 11 seats in Greenland’s parliament and is represented in Denmark’s parliament by Aaja Chemnitz, who holds one of Greenland’s two seats in the Danish Folketing.
IA has said it will not rush an independence vote through after the general election, cautioning about possible economic and welfare implications.
Siumut
Greenland’s largest party, the social democratic Siumut, led by Erik Jensen, supports a gradual succession from Denmark, suggesting a referendum in the coming four years.
The party proposes reducing the economic contribution of about $17,500 per inhabitant the island receives yearly from Denmark over the next 15 years as Greenland moves towards full independence.
Siumut currently holds 10 seats in Greenland’s parliament.
Naleraq
Left-wing Naleraq, led by Pele Broberg, is the largest opposition party and strongly advocates for a swift transition to full independence.
Naleraq has said that becoming a sovereign state will spur new business opportunities for Greenland and wants to develop opportunities for industries such as fishing, which accounts for more than 95% of exports.
It has also said it wants to pursue a defence agreement with the U.S. and could choose a so-called “free association”, under which Greenland would receive U.S. support and protection in return for military rights, without becoming a U.S. territory.
It could also consider such an option with Denmark, or another country.
Naleraq currently holds five seats in parliament.
Demokraatit
Social-liberal Demokraatit, led by Greenland’s Minister of Industry and Raw Minerals Jens-Frederik Nielsen, envisions an independent Greenland with a free market economy.
However, it cautions against premature action to safeguard the people and economy from a potential decline in living standards.
Demokraatit currently holds three seats in parliament.
Atassut
The centre-right conservative party Atassut, led by Aqqalu Jerimiassen, advocates for unity with the Danish realm and opposes a transition to independence without a clear plan.
According to Atassut, Greenland is not yet ready for independence.
The party currently has two parliamentary representatives.
Qulleq
Newly-formed left-wing Qulleq, led by Karl Ingemann, advocates for rapid independence and wants full control of the island’s resources, which it says could alleviate social and economic suffering among Greenlanders.
($1 = 0.9208 euros)
Reporting by Isabelle Yr Carlsson and Louise Ramussen; Editing by Sharon Singleton
The S&P 500 has pulled back about 6.1% from its February 19 record high
FILE PHOTO: A view of the Canary Wharf skyline, in London, Britain, October 28, 2024. REUTERS/Hollie Adams/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
HSBC on Monday downgraded U.S. equities, citing uncertainty around tariffs, while turned bullish on European stocks following boost from Germany loosening its fiscal reforms.
The brokerage lowered U.S. equities to “neutral” and raised rating on European stocks, excluding UK stocks to “overweight” from “underweight.”
The Trump administration’s massive moves on trade and other policies have injected uncertainty, while a proposed $1.2 trillion European fiscal bazooka and the emergence of China as the tech race leader are marking a potential turning point for investor capital away from the United States.
The S&P 500 has pulled back about 6.1% from its February 19 record high on worries that the trade war will hurt corporate profit and slow growth.
“It is important to stress that we are not turning negative on US equities – but tactically, we see better opportunities elsewhere for now,” said HSBC’s Global Equity Strategist Alastair Pinder said.
Morgan Stanley Equity Strategist Michael Wilson believes the S&P 500 could fall another 5% to 5,500 points by mid-year, before ending the year at around 6,500, which is a 12.7% upside from the benchmark index’s last close.
“The path is likely to be volatile as the market continues to contemplate these growth risks, which could get worse before they get better,” Morgan Stanley’s Wilson said in a note on Monday.
Reporting by Kanchana Chakravarty and Medha Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli
Speculation that Duterte might evade the law by visiting Hong Kong
FILE PHOTO: Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte delivers a speech during the proclamation rally for his political party PDP-Laban’s senatorial candidates ahead of the midterm elections, at Club Filipino in San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines, February 13, 2025. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte said in Hong Kong that he was ready for possible arrest amid reports the International Criminal Court (ICC) was poised to issue a warrant over his years-long “war on drugs” that killed thousands.
The “war on drugs” was the signature campaign policy that swept Duterte to power in 2016 as a maverick, crime-busting mayor, who delivered on promises he made during vitriolic speeches to kill thousands of narcotics dealers.
The office of the current President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said on Monday no official communication had been received from Interpol yet, but indicated Duterte could be handed over.
“Our law enforcers are ready to follow what law dictates, if the warrant of arrest needs to be served because of a request from Interpol,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro told reporters.
It was not immediately clear how long Duterte would stay in China-ruled Hong Kong – which is not a party to the ICC. Duterte was in the city to speak at a campaign rally attended by thousands of Filipino workers, hoping to boost support for his senatorial candidates in upcoming Philippine midterm elections.
“Assuming it’s (warrant) true, why did I do it? For myself? For my family? For you and your children, and for our nation,” Duterte told the rally, justifying his brutal anti-narcotics campaign.
“If this is truly my fate in life, it’s okay, I will accept it. They can arrest me, imprison me.
“What is my sin? I did everything in my time for peace and a peaceful life for the Filipino people,” he told the cheering crowds in Hong Kong’s downtown Southorn Stadium, appearing with his daughter, the Philippines Vice President Sara Duterte.
An elite Hong Kong police unit for protecting VIPs was stationed in the vicinity of the hotel where Duterte is staying, according to a Reuters witness.
But a spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry Commissioner’s Office in Hong Kong said they were aware of the visit and the rally had been “applied for in advance in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong.”
“It is understood that Mr. Duterte and Ms. Sarah’s visit to Hong Kong is a private holiday,” the spokesperson said.
The Hong Kong government’s security bureau and police gave no immediate response to a request for comment.
The Philippines presidential office dismissed speculation that Duterte might evade the law by visiting Hong Kong, while appealing to Duterte’s supporters to allow the legal process to take its course.
During a congressional hearing last year into his bloody crackdown on drugs, Duterte said he was not scared of the ICC and told it to “hurry up” on its investigation.
The firebrand Duterte unilaterally withdrew the Philippines from the ICC’s founding treaty in 2019 when it started looking into allegations of systematic extrajudicial killings.
More recently, the Philippines has signalled it is ready to cooperate with the investigation in certain areas.
Additional reporting by Jessie Pang and Karen Lema in Manila; Writing by James Pomfret; Editing by Stephen Coates and Michael Perry
The Bank of England is expected to hold interest rates at 4.5% next week
FILE PHOTO: British Pound Sterling banknotes are seen at the Money Service Austria company’s headquarters in Vienna, Austria, November 16, 2017. REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
The British pound further eased against the euro and hovered at one-and-a-half month lows on Monday following its biggest weekly loss in over two years versus the shared currency, though it steadied against the U.S. dollar.
The euro has had a strong run over the past week after Germany’s game-changing fiscal reforms boosted the European growth outlook, while the dollar has languished against major currencies due to worries about a U.S. economic slowdown and flip-flops in tariff policy.
The spotlight will be on the release of Britain’s monthly gross domestic product later this week.
“Unless there is a significant deviation from the consensus, the data is not likely to impact expectations regarding Bank of England policy,” George Vessey, lead FX and macro strategist at Convera said.
The Bank of England is expected to hold interest rates at 4.5% next week.
Britain’s jobs market cooled in February, with hiring activity slowing and starting salaries rising at the slowest rate in four years, according to a survey on Monday that underscored companies’ concerns about higher employment costs and a soft economy.
The euro was up 0.14% at 83.97 pence,, while the pound was steady on the dollar at $1.29265.
Vessey said the pound was struggling to regain technical levels against the euro, and if it could not, “further downside could be on the horizon, particularly as the fiscal divergence between the UK and euro zone may favour the euro due to differing growth trajectories”, Vessey said.
Germany last week proposed to ramp up spending with a 500 billion euro special fund sought for infrastructure and plans to reform its debt rules to boost defence spending.
Reporting by Yadarisa Shabong in Bengaluru; Editing by Alison Williams
Britain and the Philippines signed a joint defence framework agreement over the weekend
FILE PHOTO: British Foreign Minister David Lammy speaks during the joint press conference with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique Manalo, in Taguig City, Metro Manila, Philippines, March 8, 2025. Jam Sta Rosa/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
Britain is concerned by China’s “dangerous and destabilising” activity in the South China Sea, British foreign minister David Lammy said on Monday.
“We are concerned by dangerous and destabilising activities by China in the South China Sea,” Lammy said in a post on X. “The UK and world economy depends on these trade routes being safe and secure.”
In a video accompanying his post, Lammy said: “The Philippines is at the sharp end of this (Chinese activities), facing frequent challenges to freedom of navigation and international law.”
His remarks follow a visit to the Philippines, which has been expanding its security partnerships with countries including Britain amid rising tensions in the South China Sea and confrontations with China.
Britain and the Philippines signed a joint framework agreement over the weekend to enhance cooperation across defence, regional security and climate action.
Last month, the U.S. condemned the “dangerous” manoeuvres of a Chinese navy helicopter that endangered the safety of a Philippine government aircraft patrolling a disputed area in the South China Sea.
Reporting by Sachin Ravikumar; editing by Sarah Young
MP maintains innocence in Savvy Entertainment loan saga
Op-ed from Minister of Housing & Municipalities, Zane DeSilva:
Recent articles in The Royal Gazette have referenced a case involving alleged fraud related to Mr. Blakey and Savvy Entertainment. It is a matter of public record that I was charged with a money laundering offence.
Let me be clear, I loaned Kevin Smith $200,000 to invest with Mr. Blakey.
Mr. Blakey reneged on that loan and Kevin was unable to pay me back. We pursued Blakey and he sent me $100,000. However, once the police investigation demonstrated that the $100,000 paid to me came from the $800,000 he swindled from the Bermuda Government, I returned it as anyone would.
Kevin Smith and I continued to pursue Blakey for the remainder of the debt. Happily, we managed to secure a further $60,000 in repayments before he disappeared, a matter I brought to the attention of the police officers investigating the matter. He still owes Kevin Smith $140,000. I will continue to do all I can to assist him to get that money back.
This case, including all relevant evidence, was fully reviewed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who made the decision not to proceed with the case. Despite this, The Royal Gazette have chosen to rely on confidential Police statements that is part of their investigation. It is very worrying for the integrity of Police enquiries that emails and other documents obtained during a legitimate investigation are now in the public domain. This is a continuing enquiry. There is an extradition warrant out for Mr. Blakey to be brought back to Bermuda so that he can be prosecuted for Fraud.
There is a presumption of innocence that I am entitled to and, in fairness even he is entitled to. The presumption of innocence is a cornerstone of our justice system, and when legal matters are tried in the press, instead of the courts, it compromises the integrity of the police investigation, undermines public trust and strikes at the administration of justice.
The decision by the Royal Gazette to try this matter in the press is likely to lead to Mr. Blakey being able to complain that he cannot get a fair trial in Bermuda and thus avoid extradition altogether.
I call upon His Excellency the Governor and the Commissioner of Police to launch an immediate investigation into how this confidential information has been leaked. We all want Mr. Blakey brought back to Bermuda so that he may face trial and the police should be concentrating their efforts at ensuring that happens – rather than allowing rogue officer/s to disclose confidential information.
Air Canada Rouge has announced that they will begin direct Montreal to Bermuda service this summer.
The route will be operated by Air Canada Rouge Airbus A319 aircraft, with the first flight to occur on June 14th.
The news comes shortly after local airline BermudAir announced their plans for a direct service to Montreal, beginning just two days before the Air Canada service on June 12th.
AC1968 will depart Montreal at 13:20, arriving in Bermuda at 16:55. The return flight, AC1969 will depart Bermuda at 17:45 and arrive in Montreal at 19:30.
Service will be paused from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Government update via press release:
The Department of Public Transportation (DPT) wishes to inform the public of a brief interruption in bus service on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Service will be paused from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to accommodate a full complement staff meeting.
The DPT appreciates the public’s understanding during this time and apologizes for any inconvenience caused. Regular service will resume once the meeting concludes.
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