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Attorney General to stand in Constituency 23 

Alisa Bernardo
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Attorney General to stand in Constituency 23 

The Minister of Justice says she will be a “changemaker for C23 and Bermuda”


Premier David Burt today announced Attorney General Kim Wilkerson as the Progressive Labour Party candidate for Constituency 23, Paget West, in the upcoming General Election.

Ms Wilkerson will face Opposition Leader Jarion Richardson, who secured just over 60% of the vote in the 2020 election.

At a press conference this morning, Premier Burt described Ms Wilkerson as a proud product of Bermuda’s public education system who was a trusted voice in the Senate, and a passionate advocate for service. He praised her commitment, which he said goes “beyond titles and offices.”

Ms Wilkerson, whose career in the insurance industry spanned 35 years, said she brings to the role her background in public service, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to address the issues faced by residents of C23.

She described herself as “a changemaker for C23 and Bermuda” but acknowledged that she has not yet begun canvassing the area.

Ms Wilkerson explained that her decision to run was a late one, made after careful consideration of whether she could balance the responsibilities of her role as Attorney General and Minister of Justice with the demands of serving the residents of C23.

“I recognise that the issues in C23 are in line with the national issues, so getting more granular into what those people need is what I will be doing shortly,” she said.

Ms Wilkerson stated that she would soon begin canvassing in Paget West and expressed confidence that she has the qualities needed to “put up a credible fight”.

For the full news conference, click on the link below:

Updated: Industrial action at Sandys Secondary School

Grae Minors
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Updated: Industrial action at Sandys Secondary School

Children were being sent home shortly after 8am

Sandys Secondary Middle School (Facebook, 2021)

9:38am: Sandys Secondary Middle School students were left in limbo this morning as members of staff took industrial action. Parents could be seen returning to collect their children from the front of the school. The reason for the strike is unclear at this time. Bermuda Broadcasting has reached out to a Ministry of Education spokesperson for comment.

10:49am: It is understood that the Sandys Secondary Middle School board issued a statement to parents explaining that the school had to be closed due to staff shortages.

1:45pm: An update has been released by the Ministry of Education:

“The Ministry of Education is aware of the teacher shortage at Sandy Secondary Middle School today. This morning, the Acting Minister, Crystal Caesar, JP, MP, and Acting Permanent Secretary, Kalmar Richards, met with the Board to discuss the abrupt school closure.”

“The Acting Minister and Acting Permanent Secretary are working with the Principal, Sandy’s School Board and the Bermuda Union of Teachers to address and resolve staff concerns. The Ministry sincerely apologises to the parents, guardians and students for today’s unscheduled closure. The Board and Principal will notify parents when classes will resume this evening. Any further public statements will be issued after parents and students have been notified.”

7:45pm:  The Ministry of Education and Board of Governors has advised that Sandys Secondary Middle School will open as usual tomorrow, 23 January 2025. To facilitate meetings with the teachers, the Board of Governors and the Bermuda Union of Teachers, the school will close one hour earlier at 2:30 pm.

Arrangements have been made for the school buses to collect students at 2:30 pm.

The school administration will notify parents and students this evening of the earlier closing tomorrow.

The Ministry and Board of Governors take this opportunity to extend appreciation to parents and students for their patience. 

For the story, click the video link below:

Bermuda Tonight – 21 January 2025

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bermuda Tonight – 21 January 2025

Man who was jailed for manslaughter among OBA candidates

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Man who was jailed for manslaughter among OBA candidates

It appears to be a journey from juvenile crime, to wanting to contribute to his community…

One of the candidates rolled out by the One Bermuda Alliance yesterday – Kellan Lewis – was imprisoned for his role in the killing of 18-year-old Kellon Hill in August 2008.

Mr Hill died following an altercation in which a group of teens reportedly set upon him, and he was fatally stabbed.

Five teens were charged but only Kellan Lewis, who was 16 at the time of the killing, was found guilty of manslaughter in 2010.

He was given a 12-year sentence, and released in December 2014.

Mr Lewis will stand in Constituency 32: Southampton West, currently held by the PLP’s Scott Simmons.

In prison, Mr Lewis wrote ‘Street Philosophy’, a book about the mindset that can lead young people into crime.

In February 2020, Mr Lewis told an audience at the National Library about his experiences.

A Royal Gazette article reports that his book chronicles a spiral into crime leading to “glorification”, increasing trouble with the law, and ultimately standing trial for murder at the age of 16.

The RG article reports that Mr Lewis told his audience, including then-Commissioner of Corrections Lt Col Edward Lamb, that crime “comes down to one thing — money”.

Mr Lewis said at the time he was often asked to share his story with young people.

He has also supported young rappers through his company, Rawyal Family Management.

Yesterday, Kellan Lewis was among nine OBA candidates announced to stand in the February 18th General Election.

Set to contest Constituency 32, Southampton West, Mr Lewis was not present when OBA Leader Jarion Richardson announced his candidacy.

The Bermuda Equal Justice Initiative responded to our story about Mr Lewis’ candidacy.

The organization stated, “Mr. Lewis’s decision to transform his life and his decision to put himself forward to serve his community should be commended.”

“Since his release from prison well over a decade ago, he has done amazing work on himself and for our community.”

“He was held accountable, served his time, and is now seeking to make a meaningful contribution to society – he is the quintessential example of what we should hope will happen to all young who go through a broken system that prioritizes shame and punishment over rehabilitation.”

OBA Leader Jarion Richardson has affirmed his party’s support of Kellan Lewis as candidate for C32. Read more HERE.

Serious collision on Parsons Road

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Serious collision on Parsons Road

A serious traffic collision was reported involving a motorcyclist and a pedestrian

Police have diverted traffic onto Deepdale Road West and Roberts Avenue in Pembroke.

Two people are in hospital with serious injuries following a collision at the junction of Crosslands Lane and Parsons Road, Pembroke.

A Bermuda Police Service spokesperson said the incident happened between a motorcyclist and a pedestrian around 7.20pm Tuesday.

Officers and emergency responders were at the scene where they tended to the collision victims. They said, “Both persons were attended to at the scene before being transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for further treatment of their injuries, which are described as serious.”

Traffic diversions are in place at Deepdale Road West (Two Way Deepdale) and Roberts Avenue, according to the B.P.S.

They stated, “We are appealing for your patience and cooperation while this is being done and urge that motorists approach the area with caution.”


PLP to back new co-ops to reduce food prices

Jasmine Patterson
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PLP to back new co-ops to reduce food prices

Also, the party leaders responds to decision by two candidates to drop out of election race

Premier Burt cited new initiatives including reducing energy taxes by an additional 20% in the next Budget, a senior day-care to support the “sandwiched generation”, free primary care visits for all HIP insurance holders and specialist visits for FutureCare policyholders.
During Tuesday’s news conference at the party’s headquarters, Premier Burt said that the cost of living commission has faced pushback from grocers who are not sharing their prices for fear the government will enter into competition.
He said while the PLP has no intention of operating a grocery store, it will support community groups willing to open co-ops selling essential goods.

Premier Burt was joined by party colleague and MP for Constituency 7, Hamilton South, Anthony Richardson, who said the decisions by Wayne Caines and Derrick Burgess not to stand in the election were not evidence of a rift within the party.
And Premier Burt says their choices were personal.

The Premier Also responding to accusations, from critics, of a dictator-like leadership style.

PLP says OBA has ’empty promises and no vision’

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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PLP says OBA has ’empty promises and no vision’

PLP also suggests OBA is not being transparent about backroom deals with FDM and independents

Jarion Richardson / PLP Headquarters. File photo

Swiftly responding to the OBA’s news conference this evening, the PLP accused the Opposition of being ‘fundamentally out of touch, unprepared, and incapable’ of leading the country:

PLP Press Statement:
The OBA’s latest candidate rollout was yet another display of a party that is fundamentally out of touch, unprepared, and incapable of leading Bermuda forward.
He rolled out several candidates but didn’t give us bios, plans or any information about these candidates. It underserved them. A party that doesn’t value its candidates is a party that doesn’t serve its people.
What Bermudians saw today was not a bold vision for the future, but a continuation of the OBA’s inability to answer basic questions or offer meaningful solutions to the challenges our people face.
Former OBA Chair, Senator and candidate Justin Mathias got it right when he called this an “unorganised trainwreck of an organisation.”
When asked directly, the OBA Leader refused to be open and transparent about possible pre-election backroom deals with the FDM and Sir John Swan’s so-called “independents.”
When pressed on whether they would collaborate with independents and other parties, Jarion Richardson said that they “don’t want to share” their specific plans for collaboration?!
So, what is their secret plan?! This is dishonest, and clearly, there are plans afoot to try to fool the Bermudian public.
Bermudians deserve to know: Are these so-called “independent” candidates secretly working with the OBA behind closed doors?
Why won’t the OBA be honest about their intentions?
It’s a clear indication that they are more focused on political trickery than serving the people.
Genuine leadership starts with consistent, meaningful engagement, not photo ops during election season.
When pressed to name five things his government would do in the first 100 days if they won the election, the OBA Leader waffled and failed to provide any specifics. This is deeply concerning.
Bermudians want solutions to rising costs, better opportunities for their families, and a brighter future for their children. If the OBA cannot articulate a plan, how can they claim to be ready to govern?
Let us not forget the words of former OBA Chair Justin Mathias, who described the OBA as “fundamentally flawed” and stated they “…don’t have individuals who have the calibre to form a government.” This stinging condemnation comes from someone who knows the OBA better than most, and today’s rollout only reinforces this lack of confidence.
While the OBA stumbles through candidate rollouts, empty rhetoric, and secrecy, the PLP remains focused on delivering for Bermudians. We have a proven track record of fighting to keep costs down for families, increasing seniors’ pensions, and investing in education and infrastructure. Our vision for Bermuda is clear, and our commitment to progress is unwavering.
Bermudians deserve leaders who are transparent, connected, and ready to govern with a clear plan for the future. The OBA has once again shown they are not up to the task. The PLP will continue to fight for a fairer Bermuda for all of us.


Public primary schools receive $31K in supplies

Alisa Bernardo
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Public primary schools receive $31K in supplies

The donation comes from an initiative aimed at bridging the resource gap between private and public schools

Support Public Schools Bermuda at Northlands Primary School

East end public primary schools received a significant boost today, with educational supplies totalling more than $31,000 delivered as part of the community action initiative, Support Public Schools.

The initiative, founded by Juliana Snelling, aims to narrow the gap between public and private school students, promoting socio-economic justice in Bermuda.

“Sadly, the gap between public and private in every sphere of life is widening each year. So we need more support,” said Ms Snelling.

Each year, public school teachers compile wish lists for classroom supplies, which are then fulfilled by supporters who purchase items online. This year’s donations included new and pre-loved items.

Ms Snelling highlighted the importance of the community’s involvement:”We had an incredible giving of second-hand supplies—loads of computers, office supplies, furniture, all of that. I just want people to keep talking, spread the word. Don’t throw things out at the dump. Call Support Public Schools, call Canterbury Law, myself. We will send out an instantaneous message to all schools at all levels and set up a pick-up time so they can come and use this stuff. They can’t afford new office chairs; they can’t afford new glue sticks for their kids. These are things that we need to help with. It needs to be a private-public partnership to make this work.”

Corporate sponsors also play a vital role in the initiative. Butterfield, which has supported SPS since its inception, donated $10,000 toward fulfilling teacher wish lists.

“Providing essential learning supplies helps create a positive impact for teachers, students, and their overall learning experience,” said Shawnette Griffin, head of retail banking for the Butterfield Bermuda office. “Butterfield is committed to investing in our young people and their future development, and we encourage anyone interested to support this initiative fully.”

Butterfield & Vallis, another consistent supporter, has contributed $5,000 annually since the programme’s inception.

“Butterfield and Vallis has a long legacy of supporting the community in various sectors, and education is, of course, top of the list,” said Takeysha Simmons, HR strategist for the company. “Why not lean into supporting our kids, our future leaders, and decision-makers?”

Since its inception, SPS supporters have contributed $600,000 worth of new school supplies to public classrooms, along with hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of second-hand items.

It’s a cause that requires collective effort.

“The demand keeps growing, and the gap—we can help close it together,” said Ms Snelling.

Acting Principal of Northlands Primary, Tamica Darrell, expressed her gratitude for the donations, stating: “SPS’s dedication to addressing resource gaps aligns perfectly with our shared mission to empower students to focus on their education and dream big.”

Ms Snelling echoed the sentiment, adding: “I think it shows them that we care, that we care about public school kids—that they matter to us. Their education matters to us.”

OBA rolls out 9 candidates

Alisa Bernardo
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OBA rolls out 9 candidates

Opposition Leader declares the One Bermuda Alliance is “ready to form the next Government of Bermuda”

At the One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) headquarters, Opposition Leader Jarion Richardson announced nine confirmed candidates who will contest the upcoming General Election.

Mr Richardson described the team as a “strong, cohesive, and committed group dedicated to the future of our country” and declared they are “ready to govern on day one.”

The nine candidates include:

Clifton Lambert, Constituency 4 – St. George’s South
Rodrae Durrant, Constituency 35 – Sandys North Central
Victoria Cunningham, Constituency 28 – Warwick West
David Rogers, Constituency 14 – Devonshire North West
Deon Smith, Constituency 29 – Southampton East
Tarik Smith, Constituency 24 – Warwick South East
Kellan Lewis, Constituency 32 – Southampton West
James Perry, Constituency 1 – St. George’s North
Montell Currin, Constituency 26 – Warwick South Central

The group of OBA candidates, which includes some fresh faces, has reportedly been canvassing ahead of the upcoming General Election.

When asked by Bermuda Broadcasting how many candidates had been actively canvassing in their constituencies and for how long, party leader Jarion Richardson stated that all candidates had been “around for some time.”

Victoria Cunningham, the OBA candidate for Constituency 28, sought to clarify that the team had been collectively canvassing together, sometimes in pairs.

She explained: “While some of my colleagues might have just been rolled out today, they have been actively out in the community.”

While not every candidate spoke during the press conference, Bermuda Broadcasting posed a question to those standing in historically Progressive Labour Party (PLP) strongholds.

Rodrae Durrant, the OBA candidate for Constituency 35, will be running against the PLP’s Dennis Lister, who secured three-quarters of the vote share in the 2020 General Election.

Mr Durrant, who grew up in Somerset, said he has not seen effective representation from the PLP in the area.

“If you ask me why I am doing this – I am doing this because I want the Bermuda I was promised under the PLP for my children. As Jarion said, what you have here is a group of people who are dedicated and committed to ensuring the future of Bermuda.”

Further details on this announcement will be provided in subsequent news coverage.

Award-winning fish sandwich kitchen to close in the west end

Alisa Bernardo
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Award-winning fish sandwich kitchen to close in the west end

Get your final fix before Taste the Love leaves Woody’s on February 8

Sad news for foodies… A popular west-end kitchen, renowned for its award-winning fish sandwiches, is set to close next month.

Taste the Love, which operates as a concession at Woody’s Sports Bar, announced on Facebook today that its final day of operation will be Friday, February 8.

The post read: “This decision was not made lightly, but due to circumstances beyond our control, it has become necessary for us to move on.

“As a dedicated Bermudian team, our mission has always been to share our delicious Bermudian cuisine with locals and visitors to our beautiful island. We are incredibly grateful to have been honored with the Best Fish Sandwich of the Year award for several consecutive years. Your support has continually motivated us to strive for excellence.”

The staff at Taste the Love expressed their heartfelt thanks to their valued customers for their support over the years, adding: “You have been more than just customers; you have become friends and family. As part of such a close-knit community, we believe our paths will cross again.”

PLP to unveil “bold” election platform early February

Alisa Bernardo
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PLP to unveil “bold” election platform early February

According to the Premier, it will include cost-of living measures “designed to lift every Bermudian”

Premier David Burt has announced that the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) will unveil its election platform on February 6, featuring measures to help Bermudians address challenges stemming from the cost-of-living crisis.

Speaking at a press conference this afternoon at his party’s headquarters, the Reginald A. Burrows Building, Premier Burt said: “While the root causes of these prices are global, the solutions we put forward are local, tailored to the needs of Bermudian families.”

Careful not to reveal too much of the party’s platform, he spelled out a few proposed initiatives that the next PLP Government would implement, including:

  • Taking further action to address rising food costs by fostering competition and exploring new ways to deliver affordable options directly to Bermudians, even if it involves supplying the items themselves
  • Reducing energy taxes by an additional 20% in the next Budget, bringing the total reduction of government taxes on energy to 80%—a “significant reduction” that will be reflected on energy bills
  • Establishing a senior day care facility that will provide meals and activities, supporting the “sandwiched generation”
  • Introducing a free primary care visit for all HIP insurance holders and a specialist visit for those on FutureCare

Premier Burt described these agenda items as examples of “putting money into spaces where it can reduce the burden on persons.”

He added, “These measures will build on our progress and reflect our commitment because we believe in being clear in our plans and sharing what we’ve done and what we will do to continue building a fairer Bermuda for all.”

Premier Burt was joined by party colleague and sitting MP for Constituency 7, Hamilton South, Anthony Richardson.

Mr Richardson highlighted the PLP’s record of investing in Bermuda’s residents, citing policies such as the Unemployment Benefit during the Covid-19 pandemic, reduced duty on essential food items, frozen petrol prices at the pumps, and a freeze on the government’s portion of health insurance fees.

He noted that these measures were deliberate decisions to support Bermudians during difficult times, but emphasised that there is still more work to be done.

Further new initiatives designed to address the cost-of-living challenges will be revealed in the party’s platform on February 6.

“We will not shy away from them. Together, we can ensure Bermuda is a place of opportunity, equity, and security for all,” Mr Richardson said.

For the full news conference, click the link below.

OBA’s Smith warns ‘be wary’ after Mathias statement

Gary Foster Skelton
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OBA’s Smith warns ‘be wary’ after Mathias statement

Deputy Leader Ben Smith says Justin Mathias’ intention to run as an independent is driven by personal agenda

Photo: oba.bm & Facebook

Justin Mathias’ intention to run as an independent is driven by personal agenda, and he only recently asked how he can help the opposition, according to the OBA’s Ben Smith.

The Deputy Leader of the Opposition took aim at the former OBA chairman and candidate, and said his press statement is “a clear example why the electorate should be extremely wary about voting for independent candidates.”

“Mr. Mathias seeks to persuade the Bermudian public that he reached his decision to stand as an independent after the OBA publicly demanded in November 2024 for the election to be called.”

“If that were true… then why over the last couple of weeks has Mr Mathias reached out to several OBA members, including [OBA Leader Jarion] Richardson… Mr. Mathias messaged him stating: “Let me know if I can help in any way!” (screenshot from conversation below)


Mr Smith continues, “Either he is misleading the Bermudian people about his newly-found beliefs in “independents” – or he was misleading his former OBA colleagues only days ago.”

Justin Matthias has served as an OBA senator, the chair of the OBA Youth Wing, and served briefly as OBA chair before resigning in 2018.

Mr Mathias lost Warwick North East in a 2018 by-election, when Curtis Dickinson flipped it for the PLP.

Yesterday, Mr Mathias spoke publicly about his intention to run as an independent, saying he is “tired of the wasted time and energy trying to fix an organization that is fundamentally flawed… The characters of individuals they continue to allow to be a part of OBA and PLP are continuing to drag down the collective, us ordinary citizens.”

Statement from OBA Deputy Leader Ben Smith:
“Justin Mathias’ press statement announcing that he intends to stand in the upcoming General Election is a clear example why the electorate should be extremely wary about voting for independent candidates. You simply do not know who is genuinely running to effect positive change in the lives of Bermuda and her people.
In the case of Mr. Mathias, it’s obvious his return to politics is driven by a personal agenda after his departure from the OBA.
I strongly believe everyone has the right to express how they feel, whether I agree with their sentiment or not. If Mr. Mathias wants to run for Parliament by wrapping himself in the clothes of a so-called “independent”, then that is his right.
However, to put out a media statement misrepresenting the reality of his decision making is just plain wrong.
In his announcement, Mr. Mathias seeks to persuade the Bermudian public that he reached his decision to stand as an independent after the OBA publicly demanded in November 2024 for the election to be called. Really?
If that were true, and he decided to stand because of the actions of our leader in November 2024, then why over the last couple of weeks has Mr Mathias reached out to several OBA members, including Mr Richardson. Only 12 days ago, on 8 January 2025, Mr. Mathias messaged him stating: “Let me know if I can help in any way!”
Mr Mathias cannot have it both ways. Either he is misleading the Bermudian people about his newly-found beliefs in “independents” – or he was misleading his former OBA colleagues only days ago.
As far as Mr Mathias’ other claims about the OBA, he neglects to mention the fact that he has not been a part of the OBA for almost two years, since April 2023.
The public should think very carefully before voting for this newly-converted “independent”.”

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