Minister encouraging residents to ‘own a part of history’
Bermuda College stamp (2025)
In celebration of Bermuda College’s 50th Anniversary, the Bermuda Post Office (BPO) is pleased to advise of the latest commemorative stamp issue ~ “Bermuda College 50th Anniversary”.
This stamp celebrates the Bermuda College’s half-century anniversary and honours its history of excellence as Bermuda’s only tertiary institution.
Speaking on the new stamp, Acting Minister of Education Crystal Caesar said, “I encourage the public to embrace this piece of history by purchasing the Bermuda College 50th Anniversary Commemorative Stamp Series. We are appreciative of the Bermuda College’s place in our community and its legacy will be one that has provided opportunity and growth for countless individuals.”
As outlined in the Liner Notes: The Bermuda College was created by the Bermuda College Act 1974. It began with the amalgamation of three institutions: the Bermuda Hotel and Catering College established in 1965, the Bermuda Technical Institute in 1956 and the Academic Sixth Form Centre in 1967. Some of these institutions had even earlier antecedents. The Bermuda College crest depicts its antecedent institutions and is still used as the official seal of the institution.
A government spokesperson says that “the Bermuda College’s 26-acre, wireless campus has 39 full-time lecturers and over 1,000 students, 552 of whom are registered in credit courses. Credit programmes lead to associate degrees, diplomas or certificates, while the College’s partnerships with external institutions provide on-island access to undergraduate degrees and professional certifications and designations.”
The stamps are available for purchase from the Bermuda Post Office or any sub-post office. Commemorative Stamp orders can also be made online at https://philatelic.bermudapost.bm/.
Mr. Murdoch, a naval lawyer and former FDCO legal director, pledged to do his ‘very best’ for Bermuda
Former Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Legal Director and British naval lawyer, Andrew Murdoch, was officially sworn-in today as Governor of Bermuda. Mr. Murdoch was formally greeted on the tarmac at the airport last evening by a delegation of leaders.
A Swearing-In Ceremony for Governor Murdoch took place this morning on the Cabinet Office Lawn. The ceremony was presided over by the Secretary to the Cabinet Major Marc Telemaque, and the official Oath was administered by the Chief Justice, Larry Mussenden. Mr. Murdoch pledging to do his very best for Bermuda, noting his arrival at an important time for the country.
SpaceX’s Starship explodes in flight test, forcing airlines to divert By Joey Roulette
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A SpaceX Starship rocket broke up in space minutes after launching from Texas on Thursday, forcing airline flights over the Gulf of Mexico to alter course to avoid falling debris and setting back Elon Musk’s flagship rocket program.
SpaceX mission control lost contact with the newly upgraded Starship, carrying its first test payload of mock satellites but no crew, eight minutes after liftoff from its South Texas rocket facilities at 5:38 p.m. EST (2238 GMT).
Video shot by Reuters showed orange balls of light streaking across the sky over the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince, leaving trails of smoke behind.
“We did lose all communications with the ship – that is essentially telling us we had an anomaly with the upper stage,” SpaceX Communications Manager Dan Huot said, confirming minutes later that the ship was lost.
The last time a Starship upper stage failed was in March last year, as it was reentering Earth’s atmosphere over the Indian Ocean, but rarely has a SpaceX mishap caused widespread disruptions to air traffic.
Dozens of commercial flights diverted to other airports or altered course to avoid potential debris, according to flight tracking website FlightRadar24. Departures from airports in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, were also delayed by about 45 minutes, it added.
The Federal Aviation Administration, which regulates private launch activities, said it had briefly slowed and diverted planes around the area where space debris was falling, but normal operations had since resumed.
The FAA regularly closes airspace for space launches and reentries, but it can create a “debris response area” to prevent aircraft from entering if the space vehicle experiences an anomaly outside the originally closed zone.
SpaceX CEO Musk posted a video on X showing the debris field and said: “Success is uncertain, but entertainment is guaranteed!”
The failure came a day after Blue Origin, billionaire Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ space company, successfully launched its giant New Glenn rocket into orbit for the first time.
‘NEW GENERATION SHIP’
The Starship upper stage, 2 meters (6.56 feet) taller than previous versions, was a “new generation ship with significant upgrades,” SpaceX said in a mission description prior to the test. It was due to make a controlled splashdown in the Indian Ocean roughly an hour after its launch from Texas.
Musk said a preliminary assessment of the failure showed an internal leak of liquid oxygen fuel built up pressure and led to the rocket’s breakup.
The FAA is likely to open a mishap investigation that would ground Starship – as the agency has done in the past – and examine whether any of the debris from the rocket’s mid-flight blast fell on populated areas or outside of Starship’s predetermined hazard zone.
The mishap threatens to derail Musk’s goal to launch at least 12 Starship tests this year, depending on how quickly SpaceX can implement fixes and whether the FAA opens a mishap investigation.
“Nothing so far suggests pushing next launch past next month,” Musk said.
The billionaire, who was appointed to a new government cost-cutting role by incoming President Donald Trump, has repeatedly criticized the FAA for overreaching and making politically-motivated decisions.
Musk called for FAA chief Mike Whitaker to resign in September, shortly after the FAA fined SpaceX and delayed one of its launches. Whitaker said in December he would step down before the start of Trump’s term. A replacement has not been named.
The mission on Thursday was SpaceX’s seventh Starship test since 2023 in Musk’s multibillion-dollar effort to build a rocket capable of ferrying humans and cargo to Mars, as well as deploying large batches of satellites into Earth’s orbit.
SpaceX’s test-to-failure development approach has in the past included spectacular failures as the company pushes Starship prototypes to their engineering limits. Thursday’s test failure, though, occurred in a mission phase that SpaceX has flown through previously.
The towering Super Heavy booster, meanwhile, returned to its launchpad roughly seven minutes after liftoff, as planned, slowing its descent from space by reigniting its Raptor engines as it hooked itself on giant mechanical arms fixed to a launch tower.
(Reporting by Joey Roulette; Additional reporting by David Shepardson in Washington and Dan Catchpole in Seattle; Editing by Sandra Maler and Jamie Freed)
OBA candidate says his community efforts are an act of remorse
Today, OBA candidate Kellan Lewis told Gary Foster Skelton why he is standing for election, how he changed in prison, and he sought to express his deep regret for his role in the death of Kellon Hill.
The family of Mr Hill, who was stabbed to death in 2008, have condemned the OBA for what they say is a “shocking and deeply insensitive decision” to roll out one of the people involved in the crime as an election candidate.
Five teens were charged with the murder, but only Kellan Lewis, who was 16 at the time of the killing, was found guilty of manslaughter in 2010.
In prison, Mr Lewis appeared to turn his life around.
He wrote a book about the mindset that can lead youth to descend into crime, and following his release he formed a music company to support young Bermudian rappers.
Mr Lewis was announced on Tuesday as the One Bermuda Alliance candidate for Constituency 32: Southampton West.
Responding to the news, the family of Kellon Hill released a statement in which they say Mr Lewis, who served 4-and-a-half years of a 12-year sentence for manslaughter, has “made no effort to engage with our family or to address the pain and suffering caused by their involvement in Kellon’s death.”
In response to the family’s statement, Kellan Lewis said he has previously spoken to members of the Hill family privately, and he is open to further communication.
He also said that his efforts to contribute to his community are a part of him taking accountability and showing remorse.
Rayki Bascome-Emery will hold a news conference tomorrow announcing his candidacy in C22 Paget East
Rayki Bascome-Emery, independent candidate for C22 Paget East, Photo: Supplied
Rayki Bascome-Emery, the former chairman of the Free Democratic Movement, will announce his candidacy during a news conference tomorrow.
In a news statement, Mr. Bascome-Emery states that he has been canvassing in the C22 Paget East area. He notes public safety and the impending closure of the Gilbert Institute primary school’s closure as part of public school system reform as key issues in his constituency.
He stated, “We forget about those empty promises and focus on working together to create a genuine change in our communities. As part of my campaign, I’ve started working with businesses to find private sector solutions for problems presented by this government.
“This includes trash collection, lowered prices on select goods, employment opportunities and solutions to reduce anti-social behaviour all provided through businesses in the community.”
He believes voters are looking for candidates with new ideas regardless of their background or former political affIliations.
Paget East was secured by the OBA’s Scott Pearman in 2020 with 56% of the vote while the PLP’s Curtis Richardson lost with 43% of votes out of a total 837 ballots cast.
Mr. Bascome-Emery concluded, “The idea that there are safe seats that cannot be touched due to party alliance is dead.
“The people want change and they want to be represented by people they know care.”
His aim is to localise solutions by divesting power from the government using a community-driven initiative, ‘Project 22’
Mr. Bascome-Emery told media today he resigned from the FDM as chair last October and left the party, having made up his mind to become an independent some time ago.
For the full statement, read the below:
I would like to first thank the constituents of Paget East for engaging with me over the last few weeks the conversations are valued, appreciated and will be taken in consideration. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to share my visions with you. I would like to thank everyone who has supported me during this time. It is your support that makes this easier and easier. I debated this with my friends for weeks before deciding to run as an independent candidate. They told me not to do it. They said that it would be too difficult, that I have other endeavours in my life that could use my attention and that I do not need politics getting in the way. To be fair they’re right, and I understand and I appreciate their concerns but if not me then who? For far too long the UBP and now the OBA have kicked the can down the road in C22.
They have taken the seat for granted, made empty promises and shown blatant disregard for the people that live in our community. Where was the Shadow Minster of National Security when Keni Outerbridge was murdered in his constituency? Silent, absent, minding the businesses that pay him more. We are now watching the closure of Gilbert Institute, a school with almost one hundred years of history, based on the idea that we as country cannot afford to educate our children. Where is the MP for the area when the school in his constituency is being closed? Silent, absent, minding the businesses that pay him more. So the idea is this. We forget about those empty promises and focus on working together to create a genuine change in our communities. As part of my campaign, I’ve started working with businesses to find private sector solutions for problems presented by this government. This includes trash collection, lowered prices on select goods, employment opportunities and solutions to reduce anti-social behaviour all provided through businesses in the community. There are some people who will ask, why not a PLP seat? The answer is simple, this isn’t about parties and the PLP’s day will come eventually. If not this election, then the next. This is about the people and the people need proper representation now. The idea that there are safe seats that cannot be touched due to party alliance is dead. The people want change and they want to be represented by people they know care. Whether I win or lose doesn’t exactly matter here. What matters is the example. That someone was willing to challenge the status quo for the benefit of the people.
For Friday’s full news conference, click the video below:
Premier David Burt thanked him for carrying the torch for the PLP in Hamilton East
Pastor Leroy Bean, who has served as Chair for the Progressive Labour Party’s Constituency 5 branch in Hamilton East, will contest the seat in the upcoming General Election.
During a press conference at the PLP’s headquarters, Premier David Burt expressed his gratitude to incumbent Derrick Burgess, who revealed his retirement earlier this week, for his longstanding service as an MP.
Premier Burt stated, “We recognise that to continue to deliver a fairer Bermuda, we need leaders who are rooted in their communities, understand the challenges people face, and have a track record of delivering solutions. Today, I am proud to announce that the Progressive Labour Party have chosen someone who is that kind of leader as our candidate for Constituency 5, filling the shoes of someone whose shoes are difficult to fill.”
Through his church, Transfiguration Ministry, and the Transfiguration Safe House for substance abusers, Pastor Bean has provided counselling and mentorship to those battling addiction, homelessness, and other challenges.
In 2017, he was appointed Bermuda’s Gang Violence Reduction Coordinator. Reflecting on this role, he stated: “I have stood on the frontlines … not just to fight against violence but to fight for the healing of our people, our families, and our future.”
A resident of Constituency 5, Pastor Bean has been canvassing the area for the past two decades alongside former MP and Deputy Speaker of the House, Derrick Burgess. He said he is determined to honour Mr Burgess’ legacy by carrying the torch forward.
Bishop Bean highlighted that the key concerns for voters in Hamilton East align with national issues such as housing, youth-related challenges, and financial disparities.
While Hamilton East has been considered a PLP stronghold, Premier Burt noted that this perception is solely due to the dedicated work of Mr Burgess.
He also emphasised that there are “no safe seats” in this election but expressed confidence in Pastor Bean’s ability to deliver.
Concluding his remarks, Pastor Bean stated: “Let us commit to the work of transformation, not just in Hamilton East but for all of Bermuda.”
Her entry into the race could see a first for Bermuda – five names on the Southampton West Central ballot, with the majority being women
“I am ready to listen, serve, and work for you.”
Those were the words of Karen Hodgkins as she announced her decision to stand as an Independent candidate in the upcoming General Election.
Ms Hodgkins declared that the opportunity for Bermuda to move beyond party politics has arrived. “If you are sick of party politics, the back and forth, the negativity – you need to make the decision to vote for your independent,” she said. “I believe if we do not take this opportunity now, this opportunity may never come again.”
With over a decade of political experience, including serving as deputy chairman of the One Bermuda Alliance (OBA), Ms Hodgkins says she is ready to represent the voters of Southampton West Central in the House of Assembly.
Speaking to the media against the scenic backdrop of Evan’s Bay in Southampton, she noted her deep connection to the area. Having lived there for many years, she said she knows the community and its people well.
Her independent campaign began last July after attending a meeting on the “Independents Movement,” led by former UBP Premier, Sir John Swan.
Describing herself as a “visionary” and a “hard worker” with the know-how to “get things done,” Ms Hodgkins outlined her priorities if elected.
She expressed an urgency to tackle the housing crisis through purpose-built shelters for the homeless and affordable housing for youth and single mothers. She also aims to eliminate the sugar tax to lower grocery bills, expand nursing care facilities for seniors through public-private partnerships or subsidised in-home care, and update legislation on harassment, stalking, and mental health.
Ms Hodgkins suggested that some of her initiatives could be funded by excess revenues generated from the Corporate Income Tax, but only “after we have allocated a percentage to pay down on our massive debt.”
In the 2020 General Election, the Progressive Labour Party’s (PLP) Crystal Caesar narrowly defeated the OBA’s Ben Smith to win the Southampton West Central seat.
Currently, the OBA has listed Linda Smith as its candidate for C31, while the PLP continues to back Crystal Caesar, Minister for the Cabinet Office.
However, Ms Hodgkins is not the only Independent candidate in the race – Juanae Crockwell confirmed her candidacy last week. With the potential addition of a Free Democratic Movement candidate, voters in this constituency could face a ballot featuring five names, the majority of whom are women.
Chief of Staff calls the pairs impending arrival “great news” for patients
Credit: Bermuda Hospitals Board
Two new oncologists are expected on island by the end of the month.
This update comes from the Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB), which says the pair will undergo a two-week training and orientation programme upon their arrival.
Chief of Staff Anna Neilson-Williams called the development “great news for the patients of [its] oncology service” and added, “We appreciate your understanding through what we know has been a challenging period.”
The BHB has been working to fill vacancies since the departure of two oncologists last year.
Ms Neilson-Williams said there have been discussions with overseas hospitals to establish locum agreements to support local services during hiring gaps or oncologist vacations.
She stated: “Oncologists are specialist positions and the type of oncologist hired for an island service is increasingly rare, so the hiring time can take six or more months. If we are able to establish locum agreements, this could help us better maintain local services during hiring periods or oncologist vacations.”
Once the new oncologists arrive, Ms Neilson-Williams said the BHB’s service will have three full-time oncologists and “be able to take on all new cancer cases as before.”
Health Minister encourages residents to get vaccinated to curb spread
Credit: Government of Bermuda
“Stay alert.” That’s the message from health officials following a rise in fever and respiratory illnesses reported across the community.
The Ministry of Health issued the warning after its Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit observed an increase in cases of COVID-19, common cold, coronavirus (seasonal), human metapneumovirus, strep throat, RSV and influenza.
Notably, flu cases have reached high alert levels, exceeding the norm for this time of year.
Minister of Health Kim Wilson urged the public to remain vigilant and take preventive action.
“I strongly encourage the public to stay alert and adopt essential precautions given the recent surge in fever and respiratory illnesses,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson. “I also suggest that if you haven’t already, please get the flu shot. Annual flu vaccination is a straightforward and effective method to safeguard yourself and others from seasonal influenza. It lessens the likelihood of severe illness and helps curb the spread of the virus in our community.”
The Ministry reminded residents that flu jabs can be arranged through GP offices or by contacting the Hamilton Health Centre at 444-0720.
To prevent the spread of flu and other illnesses, the Ministry recommended frequent hand washing, staying home when unwell, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
Anyone experiencing symptoms of influenza – such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, headaches, or fatigue – is advised to consult their physician.
A Ministry of Health spokesperson added: “Some people are at higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu, especially those 65 years and older, people with certain chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, pregnant women, and young children. It is particularly important to seek early medical advice if symptoms are severe.”
Swearing-In Ceremony for His Excellency set for later this morning
Bermuda’s new Governor Designate, Andrew Murdoch, arrived on the island last evening ahead of his official Swearing-In Ceremony.
Mr Murdoch was formally greeted on the tarmac at the airport by a delegation of leaders and officials, including Premier David Burt, Acting Governor Tom Oppenheim, Chief Justice Larry Mussenden, Opposition Leader Jarion Richardson, Secretary to the Cabinet Marc Telemaque, Police Commissioner Darrin Simons, Royal Bermuda Regiment Commander Major Ben Beasley, and Skyport President Aaron Adderley.
The Swearing-In Ceremony for Governor Murdoch will take place this morning at 11:30 am on the Cabinet Office Lawn.
Members of the public are invited to watch the live coverage of the event starting at 11:05 am via the Bermuda Government’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.
In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved inside the Cabinet Office Building.
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