Trump inauguration: Implications for Bermuda unknown
Bermuda Government says local representatives were not in attendance
United States President Donald J. Trump (Gage Skidmore / Creative Commons, 2024)
“The Golden Age of America begins right now.” A bold promise from 47th U.S. President Donald Trump at his inauguration this afternoon. Former U.S. Presidents Joe Biden, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama were among the political heavyweights in attendance.
President Trump’s second term has already caused a stir among world leaders, with talks of purchasing Greenland from Denmark and ‘taking back the Panama Canal’ from Panama. Denmark and Panama have rejected those respective proposals.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer have extended welcomes to President Trump, with the latter stating “The special relationship between the U.K. and the U.S. will continue to flourish for years to come.”
It’s unclear what a second Trump presidency might mean for Bermuda. The two countries frequently collaborate on security, education, and immigration initiatives… including Bermudians’ visa exemption for travel to the United States.
According to the US Consulate, approximately 8,000 American citizens reside in Bermuda—and around 625,000 Americans visit the island each year.
The Trump Administration has its sight sets on a number of domestic issues, including tightening the southern border with Mexico and potentially ending birthright citizenship for undocumented immigrants…
The full implications of a second Trump Presidency on Bermuda are unknown but we will reporting on key developments in the coming weeks and months.
Webb seeks to shift political paradigm
Renee Webb has laid out a 10 point plan as part of her campaign
Former PLP Minister Renee Webb has put herself forward to run in Constituency 13, Devonshire North Central.
She lead her campaign speech setting the goal of changing the political paradigm.
Bermuda Broadcasting broke the story at the weekend.
Ms. Webb held a news conference at Taste 141 at the John W. Swan Building Monday morning, opening by giving her reasons for running as an independent.
The seat is currently held by Diallo Rabain, the Minister of Education which he secured with a 65% majority in 2020 against the OBA’s Charles Francis Batton Swan and the FDM’s Leighsa Darrell-Augustus.
Ms.Webb served nearly 15 years as an MP and seven years as a member of the Cabinet as Bermuda’s first female telecommunications, tourism and information technology minister.
Ms Webb has recently served as the Bermuda Office EU representative in Brussels and senior advisor.
Explaining her reasoning for leaving the PLP and party politics, Ms. Webb says she has no hard feelings however, believes their time in power is short lived.
With a ten point plan, Ms. Webb was out canvassing this weekend advocating to put an end to seniors struggling to make ends meet and putting Bermudians first.
For the full news conference, click the video link below:
FDM attacks PLP’s ‘profit for the powerful’ playbook
Party responds to Zane DeSilva’s criticism of its economic policy
The Free Democratic Movement today issued the following statement in response to PLP MP Zane DeSilva.
“Zane DeSilva’s attachment to such a baseless and degrading article is as predictable as it is revealing. It’s no secret he’s David Burt’s loyal foot soldier — despite his aspirations to take his place as Premier. But let’s cut through the noise and address their hypocrisy head-on.
He accuses the Free Democratic Movement (FDM) of being “out of touch.” On that, we agree — because we’re proud to be out of touch with the PLP. Why? Because 65% of Bermuda is not in touch with the PLP. The real problem is that his party is out of touch with the people it claims to represent.
While the PLP dangles tax relief for workers like crumbs from the table, the FDM offers a real plan: tax relief for everyone — workers, seniors, and business owners alike. This approach cultivates inclusion and growth. But oddly, as a businessman, he does not seem to care about excessive taxation on business owners. Then again, he is not an ordinary businessman. While legitimate entrepreneurs take risks to create wealth, his strategy is clear: for every dollar he has to pay in taxes, he rakes in thousands through Government contracts …
… Mr. DeSilva embodies the PLP’s warped view of business — not as a driver of innovation and prosperity, but as a mechanism to exploit Bermudian voters, treating us like cash cows to be milked dry.
While he criticizes the One Bermuda Alliance (OBA), the public hasn’t forgotten how Island Construction — the very company he owns — thrived under OBA/UBP leadership. In fact, the only vehicles dominating Government projects during the OBA’s time in office — and still dominating today — belong to Island Construction. His company thrives no matter who’s in power because Zane DeSilva has mastered the art of playing both sides. Half of his business principals back the PLP, and the other half back the OBA. This ensures he always wins. Meanwhile, in his desperate attempt to discredit the FDM, he accuses us of the very tactics he has perfected: prioritizing personal gain and power over Bermuda’s well-being.
Let’s not forget The Honourable Marc Bean’s leadership was rejected by the PLP precisely because he demanded accountability and integrity. His call for “clean hands and pure hearts” struck fear into the soul of a party that thrives on backroom deals and cronyism. This standard is one the FDM continues to uphold — a standard the PLP fails to meet …
… The only threat to the PLP’s ignoble regime is a coordinated opposition. This is why they fear collaboration among opposition parties — it jeopardizes their grip on Bermuda’s dwindling resources. This is the PLP’s playbook: profit for the powerful, debt for the people.
If they want to talk about the FDM’s silence, let’s address the real silence: the deafening inaction of 29 PLP MPs who sat mute in Parliament for five years. They collected taxpayer-funded salaries while enabling disastrous policies that have crippled our country. That silence wasn’t free; it was bought and paid for by David Burt and Zane DeSilva.
Finally, we encourage the public to visit www.fdmbda.com to explore our economic policy in full. It’s a comprehensive plan designed to restore prosperity and justice to Bermuda, in stark contrast to the financially illiterate policies of the PLP, which have left our country impoverished and disillusioned.
To David Burt, Zane DeSilva, and the PLP’s PR spin doctors: remember, the FDM and The Honourable Marc Bean have all the receipts. Rest assured; we are not afraid to expose the truth. The politics of plunder and exploitation must end on February 18th.
It’s time for Bermudians to demand more than childish and deceptive rhetoric. It’s time to call for honest, accountable leadership that prioritizes the needs and voices of Bermudian voters.”
Derrick Burgess steps down from Constituency 5
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Derrick Burgess is a long-serving MP since 1998 has retired
MP for C5, Hamilton East, Derrick Burgess: Photo supplied
Deputy speaker of the House, Derrick Burgess has retired from politics and will not be up for re-election in constituency 5, Hamilton East, according to the Progressive Labour Party.
In a statement released this afternoon, the party confirmed Mr. Burgess has decided it is the time to step away from frontline politics having served in various Cabinet positions including Deputy Premier.
A party spokesperson said, “His labour roots, which led him to the Presidency of the Bermuda Industrial Union, enabled him to be an ardent voice for the workers of Bermuda, and a dedicated advocate for the principles of the Progressive Labour Party.”
“We thank “Cousin Derrick” for his nearly 27 years of service, and we wish him the best in his retirement.”
He has held his seat in C5 since the PLP’s first general election victory in 1998.
Party Leader David Burt said, “Being a representative is a significant sacrifice, and I pay homage to MP Burgess for his many years of service. Cousin Derrick has been on the front line of fighting for better conditions for workers, and those in our community who need a champion.
“He has served in many roles in our party, and I wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement.”
Derrick Burgess cited the historic PLP win in 1998 as a “momentous occasion” for him saluting the contributions of political stalwarts such as Dame Jennifer Smith, Ottiwell Simmons, Dame Lois Browne Evans and many others, who have been part of his political journey.
Mr. Burgess, in a written statement stated, “Serving in Cabinet under three different premiers and being elected deputy premier of Bermuda during my time in parliament was certainly a milestone in my life, and something I will never forget. I could not have accomplished any of this without the trust and confidence of the voters in Hamilton Parish, the ‘ Bible Belt ‘.”
The party stated it will not be making any further comment on the internal selection process.
A number of PLP candidates are due to be rolled out during news conferences this week.
For Derrick Burgess’ full statement released to media, read below:
I, Derrick Burgess, sat in parliament as an opposition member until the PLP triumph to victory in November 1998, a momentous occasion for Bermuda and me. Not only had we won the government for the first in our history, but I was in the company of some great people of the Bermuda Progressive Labour Party who remained on the front lines in Parliament and in the streets fighting for a better Bermuda for all despite the struggle and consequences to them and their families; individuals such as Dame Lois Browne Evans, Reggie Burrows, Ottie Simmons, Dr Barbara Ball, Eugene Blakeney, Stanley Lowe, David Allen, Stanley Morton, Authur Hodgson, Premier Dame Jennifer Smith, Premier Alex Scott, Premier Ewart Brown and others too numerous to mention., I salute them all.
The tenacity of the above in their commitment to the people of Bermuda and the PLP has made me a better, dedicated life member of this party, which has nurtured me to remain steadfast in my fight to help our people, particularly our seniors. Serving in Cabinet under three different premiers and being elected deputy premier of Bermuda during my time in parliament was certainly a milestone in my life, and something I will never forget.
I could not have accomplished any of this without the trust and confidence of the voters in Hamilton Parish, the ‘ Bible Belt ‘. I would like to thank my branch for all their hard work, commitment, and dedication over the past 27 years – because without you, not much was possible. Your encouragement made this voyage smooth and enjoyable.
Let me close by saying that I, Derrick Burgess, will remain a loyal and committed member of the PLP, and
willing to serve my party whenever summoned. PLP all the Way, All the way PLP.
Wayne Caines will not run in election
The former National Security Minister wants to focus on health, family, and professional endeavors
Photo: Government of Bermuda
Wayne Caines will not be running in February 18th General Election.
In a statement released today, Mr Caines said:
“As a proud member of the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) and the Member of Parliament for Devonshire North West (Constituency 14), I have been immensely blessed and honored to serve the people of Bermuda for the 8 past years. Representing the remarkable individuals and families of Constituency 14 has been one of the greatest
privileges of my life, and I remain deeply grateful for the trust and support I have received since my journey began on 17 July, 2017.
Throughout my tenure, I have fallen deeply in love with Constituency 14 and its people. The relationships we have built, the challenges we have faced, and the progress we have achieved together have profoundly shaped me, both personally and professionally. Every conversation at a doorstep, every shared celebration, and every moment of community solidarity has been a reminder of the incredible spirit and resilience of our people.
After much thought and prayerful consideration, I have made the decision not to stand as a candidate in the upcoming general election. At this time, I wish to focus on my health, my family, my professional endeavors, and the charitable causes that hold a special place in my heart. This decision was not made lightly, as my love for public service and my commitment to my community and Bermuda remain as strong as ever.
To the constituents of Devonshire North West: I will continue to stand by you, working closely with the PLP’s confirmed candidate to ensure they are fully acquainted with the unique needs and aspirations of our community. I am committed to canvassing with them and supporting their efforts to build on the work we have accomplished together.
I am proud to be a lifelong member of the PLP and remain steadfast in my belief that we can create lasting change for Bermuda. My commitment to being a change agent for our country is unwavering, and I look forward to continuing to serve in ways that uplift and empower our people.
To my colleagues in the PLP and the broader Bermuda community: thank you for your encouragement, your partnership, and your belief in the collective potential of our nation. While I step away from public office, my heart remains fully engaged in the work of building a better Bermuda for all.”
Wayne Caines’s first official foray into the political arena was as Chief of Staff to Premier Dr Ewart Brown from 2006 to 2008.
Following a spell as CEO of Digicel Bermuda, Mr Caines returned to politics and reclaimed Devonshire North West for the PLP in the July 2017 General Election, after the OBA flipped it in 2012.
He immediately took on the role of National Security Minister and set up the Violence Reduction Team, bringing in Pastor Leroy Bean as Gang Violence Reduction Coordinator in October 2017.
Mr Caines came under criticism in 2018 for posting a video on social media, in which he asked two female servers at a London cafe whether they had, quote: “any titty milk”.
He later apologised and said his comments were inappropriate.
Mr Caines oversaw the National Security Ministry during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
In July that year, Mr Caines and then-Tourism Minister Zane DeSilva were seen dancing during a controversial party at Blu restaurant that violated several COVID-19 safety protocols – protocols the Security Minister had himself set up.
Both Mr Caines and Mr DeSilva were asked to resign their posts, but within a few months Mr Caines had already been installed as the new Chair of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, and also became the President of BELCO.
Most recently, Mr Caines’s tenure at the BTA has come under scrutiny following a number of high profile resignations, prompting an independent review into the working culture at the quango.
Police seek witnesses to Middle Road collision in Warwick
A motorcycle and car collided on Middle Road yesterday; authorities urge anyone with information to come forward
Police are appealing for witnesses following a two-vehicle collision on Middle Road in Warwick yesterday afternoon.
At approximately 4:40 pm on Sunday, January 19, a motorcycle and a car collided just east of Camp Hill. According to police, it appears that the motorcycle was being ridden in the eastbound lane of Middle Road and the car was exiting the parking area of Island Cuisine, when the two vehicles collided.
The motorcyclist, understood to be an 18-year-old Pembroke man, apparently sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital via ambulance. The car driver, believed to be a 35-year-old Pembroke woman was unharmed.
Both vehicles sustained damage, and traffic was disrupted for around an hour following the incident.
Authorities are urging any witnesses who have not yet come forward to contact Constable Holly Lavigne-Smith at 211, or e-mail hlavigne-smith@bps.bm.
Alternatively, those with relevant information are encouraged to share it with a police officer they know, or provide it through the Bermuda Police Service online community reporting portal, https://portal.police.bm/.
Stretch of Woodlands Road to close for 5K race
Motorists are advised to avoid the area on Sunday and use alternative routes via Serpentine Road and St. John’s Road
The Ministry of Public Works has announced that the annual Butterfield & Vallis 5K race, taking place this Sunday, will require a temporary road closure in Pembroke.
Woodlands Road, from the Serpentine Road roundabout to the St. John’s Road roundabout, will be closed to traffic from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM during the event.
Representatives from Butterfield & Vallis will manage traffic control measures, including barricades and signage. Access to this section of the road will be restricted to emergency vehicles only.
Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area and use alternative routes via Serpentine Road and St. John’s Road during the race.
RBR invites residents to “take soldiering for a test drive”
The overnight experience will include fieldcraft exercises, team-building activities and basic physical training
The Royal Bermuda Regiment is offering a unique taste of soldier life in an upcoming event this weekend, which includes a stay at Warwick Camp.
According to the RBR, participants who sign-up for the overnight experience will visit locations across the island “where their mettle may be tested in various scenarios and environments.”
Major Dwight Robinson, the battalion’s Regimental Career Management Officer, said: “Designed to not just entertain the participants over the weekend, the exercise intends to provide for those who may be curious – or apprehensive even – about joining the regiment a chance to get in and among the training troops and see exactly what service is like without the pressure of feeling obligated to an initial three-year service contract.”
The” temporary soldiers” will engage in hands-on activities such as first aid lessons, fieldcraft exercises, team-building tasks and basic physical training.
“Participants can interact with our resources, engage with and ask questions of the training staff to get a real feel for what it is like to be a serving soldier,” Major Robinson added.
“They will test their personal limits and experience the character development, co-operation, comradeship and esprit de corps which exists in the regiment.
“They will come away from the day with a sense of accomplishment and adventure, achieved on the basis of what we have planned to be an enjoyable experience.”
The event, which takes place ahead of Februarys recruitment training package, is targeted at physically and mentally robust people aged 18 to 52, who are legally resident in Bermuda.
It will run from 9am on Saturday, January 25th until about noon on Sunday, January 26th.
For more information or to join the Royal Bermuda Regiment, visit rbr.bm, call 238-1045, or WhatsApp 707-0353 .
Youth group looks at election travel sponsorship
Students studying abroad might get their voices heard in the General Election
A youth organisation is calling on Bermudian students studying overseas to fill out an online survey so that they can capture the number of those wishing to travel back home to vote.
Bermuda Youth Connect recently criticised the timing of the General Election, which is to be held on February 18th when many young Bermudians are abroad pursuing higher education.
The youth group previously stated, “This decision effectively silences the voices of our youth, denying them their democratic right to shape our island’s future.”
However, it now appears that Bermuda Youth Connect has found a way for this portion of voters to participate in the democratic process through election travel sponsorship.
On its Facebook page, the youth organisation said it is “encouraging students abroad to please fill out the [survey] to secure sponsorship to come home and vote.”
The post added: “In lieu of overseas voting provisions like absentee ballots, we hope that young people will take advantage of this opportunity to exercise their right to vote and have a direct role in Bermuda’s future.”
To be considered for sponsorship, Bermuda Youth Connect said students must be registered to vote and provide proof of student status.
The survey will close on Wednesday, January 22 at 11:59 p.m.
Justin Mathias issues election statement
Former Senator and chair of the OBA on running as an Independent
Justin Mathias Photo: Facebook
Statement from Justin Mathias:
“Given that news leaked of my consideration to run as an Independent in the upcoming election I thought it was imperative to write this piece to let you how I came to this decision, which certainly has not been an easy one and filled with mix emotions.
I have believed in the OBA since its start in 2011 and I have been a member ever since. I have supported them through the ups, the downs and everything in between.
On November 15, 2024 we had a Reply to the Throne speech delivered by the OBA party leader which was one of my final straws.
In that Reply to the Throne Speech the Opposition Leader said that “It’s time for an election”, and he repeated it numerous times. I immediately messaged a prominent OBA front facing member asking if they had 36 candidates?
He said no!
So how and why was is it so irresponsible? …
… As people who are holding public office or wanting to hold public office, we have a serious and moral duty to protect the individuals in which we serve and want to serve.
Premier Burt decided to call the OBA’s bluff in the lead up to the 2020 election when Craig Cannonier dared him to call an election. So, what fool wouldn’t believe he would do it again when given the opportunity to defeat a weak OBA who was begging to get kicked, bruised, and beaten again. Then you add a weakened and tired Bermudian electorate who is apathetic to both parties you have the perfect winter storm of 2025.
Burt put his brilliance on display once again by forcing the outgoing Governor to call one of the shortest elections in history because the Government’s fiscal year ending on March 31st and Budget debates having to occur well in advance.
Bravo, the OBA adds another silver platter to David Burt’s growing collection.
I still can’t get over the fact that the OBA did not have 36 candidates in waiting when Jarion Richardson read that speech and 3 months later still doesn’t have 36 candidates.
It truly baffles the mind.
The ‘serious business party’ that touts on core values at any opportunity, and we can’t find one value to adhere to?
Any political strategist worth their weight in gold would tell you that after the press conference that occurred on January 8th where the Premier announced the election would have salivated at the opportunity presented to the OBA. At 6:30 pm when the cameras cut at Alaska Hall they should have moved right down the street to OBA HQ where the OBA should have announced their 36 candidates, renewed their platform, enhanced their vision for the future, said we were ready all along and we are ready to form the next Government.
But that didn’t happen! Even the tree frogs couldn’t compete with the deafening silence.
Here we are 12 days after the election announcement and Bermuda’s only other serious political party alternative is once again not a viable option. It rather continue the “life support” agenda of being delayed to responding to Government, slow to rolling out candidates, and giving vague platitudes hoping that the public’s disdain for the PLP would overshadow their unorganized trainwreck of an organization.
4 years and 3 months of irresponsible inaction, smokes and mirrors trying to pretend to the Bermudian people that change was occurring. When you look at who’s still representing the OBA and PLP, it’s the same career individuals trying to milk the political system and public purse until the last drop.
I am tired of the wasted time and energy trying to fix an organization that is fundamentally flawed and not giving that energy to affecting change to Bermudians. 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.
Simply put if we had real election laws in this Country, I would wonder who would still be able to stand in this election, on both sides.
Enough is enough! We need to send party politics to the backbenches where they deserve to be. If any politicians that truly care about Bermudians and representing her People should consider standing on their own two feet and run on the merit and stop hiding behind Party banner.
I am part of my own movement that is combined of friends, family, former colleagues, constituents and supporters who want to chart a new path. I truly believe that the time is now for independent representation in each constituency that will provide the best voice for each community and in turn build a collective benefit to the entire nation.
If you considering a run as an independent and want advice, understand the gravity or serving, or simply want to help please feel free to reach out. You can find me on any of my social media accounts or by email at independentmathias@gmail.com .”
Justin Mathia
Independent candidate
Two vehicle collision near Camp Hill Warwick
The Bermuda Police Service says no serious injuries were reported
Emergency responders at the collision site east of Camp Hill, Warwick/Photo supplied
A car and a motorcycle collided on Middle Road in Warwick, according to the Bermuda Police Service.
A spokesperson confirmed the incident happened around 4:40pm Sunday, just east of Camp Hill.
They said, “No serious injuries [are]reported at this time.
“Traffic diversions are currently in place at Camp Hill, Burnt House Hill and Tamarind Vale. An update will be provided in due course.”
Police had advised motorists to take alternate routes, if possible.
Witnesses to the collision are asked to contact the B.P.S. by calling 211.
