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Hamilton Princess & Beach Club career fair a hit

Event highlighted diverse opportunities in the hospitality industry

Update from the Bermuda Government via press release:

The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club hosted a vibrant career fair on February 27, 2025, in the Princess Ballroom, attracting job seekers eager to explore opportunities in the hospitality industry. The event featured a range of openings across multiple divisions, including front office, Exhale spa, recreation, housekeeping, food and beverage, and culinary, offering a gateway for individuals seeking to build a fulfilling career in luxury hospitality.

The career fair welcomed a diverse pool of candidates, from seasoned professionals to those newly entering the workforce. Attendees had the chance to engage with representatives from the hotel, learn about different career paths, and gain insight into the company’s commitment to excellence and community involvement. The event highlighted the hotel’s mission to connect guests to the extraordinary beauty of Bermuda while fostering a dynamic work environment that encourages learning and growth.

Minister of Tourism and Transport, Culture and Sport, the Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, MP, attended the event, stating, “The Hamilton Princess career fair is a great opportunity to showcase the growth of Bermuda’s tourism industry. While we celebrate the numbers that were shared this week by the Bermuda Tourism Authority – the impressive 15% increase in leisure visitors and the record $531 million in visitor spending last year – what is of particular significance, is the meaningful careers being built right here on our shores.”

Among the success stories highlighted at the event was Jaquan Burrows, a former management trainee who has risen through the ranks to become Manager of Housekeeping at the iconic property. Minister Darrell added, “I was extremely pleased to see Jaquan Burrows in his role as Manager of Housekeeping. As his former teacher, watching his journey from the classroom to managing a key department at one of Bermuda’s flagship properties, reminds me why we emphasize hospitality education in our schools. His story isn’t just personal success, it’s living proof that Bermudians can thrive at the highest levels of our tourism industry when given the right opportunities and training.”

Minister Darrell noted that the growth in Bermuda’s tourism industry is commendable, but its success goes beyond statistics. The Minister highlighted the importance of the Tourism Investment Act 2017, which provides incentives for hotels that maintain a predominantly Bermudian workforce. “We’ve structured our tourism investments to ensure Bermudians remain at the heart of our hospitality industry. Hotels receive land tax exemptions when they verify that 70% of their staff are Bermudian – a commitment to keeping tourism benefits firmly rooted in our community.”

The Minister noted that properties like Hamilton Princess are embracing the Tourism Investment Act to enhance their offerings, breathing new life into Bermuda’s tourism product. This comes as the island prepares for hotel capacity enhancements in 2025, including the new rooms in Azura’s Nautilus wing and the anticipated opening of Hillcrest, a boutique hotel in historic St George’s. “Career fairs like today’s event represent the bridge between Bermuda’s tourism aspirations and the prosperity of our people,” concluded Minister Darrell. “For those who couldn’t attend today’s event, I encourage you to explore these opportunities online because tourism in Bermuda isn’t just recovering, it’s transforming, and every Bermudian deserves a chance to be part of this opportunity.”

The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club continues to be a cornerstone employer in Bermuda’s hospitality landscape. Those unable to attend the career fair are encouraged to view current openings and submit applications through the hotel’s online career portal.

Premier David Burt meets with FDM, OBA Leaders

Premier Burt complimented FDM leader Marc Bean for his party’s focus on key issues

Update from the Bermuda Government via press release:

The Premier, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, has initiated discussions across Bermuda’s political spectrum to foster collaboration and unity on key issues.

On Friday (Feb. 28), the Premier met with the leader of the Free Democratic Movement (FDM), Marc Bean to discuss areas of mutual interest. Their conversation focused on identifying opportunities to improve the lives of Bermudians through constructive cooperation.

Both the Premier and Mr. Bean underscored the importance of finding common ground to address Bermuda’s pressing challenges. 

In the meeting, Premier Burt complimented the FDM leader for his party’s focus on the issues during the recent election campaign which is important for fostering debate.

The Premier said, “On Friday, we took an important step forward. Not as members of different political parties, but as Bermudians, committed to the hard work of building a stronger, fairer, more united Bermuda. We may not always agree but what matters is that we find common ground where we can, push each other to be better, and never lose sight of the fact that the challenges we face belong to all of us. At the end of the day, the success of Bermuda isn’t about one party, it’s about what we can achieve together for our island home.”

Premier Burt also met with One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) leader Jarion Richardson to review the dates for the Convening of the Legislature and the 2025/26 Budget. This meeting underscored the government’s approach to ensuring an inclusive dialogue on governance.

The Premier said, “In my meeting with Opposition leader Jarion Richardson, we spoke about the need for the Legislature to be more active in its oversight role, not just during House sessions, but through its committees.

“This was a recommendation from the SAGE Commission and a commitment in our 2017 platform. We made the necessary changes in 2018 to ensure these committees could be appointed. Yet, after finally being formed in 2024, they still haven’t met. That must change.”

Premier Burt concluded, “Accountability is a shared responsibility, and we must ensure the mechanisms for oversight are not just in place, but actually used. That’s why we both agreed on the need to ensure these committees fulfil their role.”

These engagements, the first of several planned meetings across Bermuda’s political landscape, highlight the Government’s commitment to fostering a cooperative approach to governance for the benefit of all Bermudians.

Photos: Premier David Burt, FDM leader Marc Bean

Restricted job categories unchanged

Government issues latest list of jobs under a moratorium on new work permit applications

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Government Press Release: Effective March 1st, 2025, the Ministry of Economy and Labour advises the public that the moratorium on new work permits issued for the following Closed job categories is extended for three months, ending May 31st, 2025.

The following list of Closed job categories is unchanged from the prior three-month period ending February 28th, 2025:

  1. Administrative Assistant
  2. Airline Ground Agent
  3. Bank Teller
  4. Carpet Installer
  5. Cashier
  6. Childcare Assistant
  7. Courier
  8. Customer Care/ Service Rep
  9. Debt Collector
  10. Deckhand
  11. Dispatcher Road Transport
  12. Entertainer/ Musician
  13. Executive Secretary/Assistant
  14. Fisherman
  15. General Bartender
  16. General Labourer
  17. Golf Instructors
  18. Grocery Packer
  19. Guest Service Agent
  20. Handyman
  21. HR Officer/ Manager
  22. Intern
  23. Laundry Attendant
  24. Legal Clerk
  25. Librarian
  26. Office Receptionist
  27. Painter
  28. Para-Professional
  29. Photographer
  30. Pool/Beach Attendant
  31. Public Relations Officer
  32. Real Estate Agent
  33. Retail Floor Supervisor
  34. Room Attendant
  35. Salesperson
  36. Seasonal Work Permits
  37. Security Guard
  38. Senior Clerk
  39. Taxi Driver
  40. Teaching Aide
  41. Technician salesperson
  42. Telephone Switchboard Operator
  43. Tourist Retail Salesperson
  44. Travel Agent/ Consultant
  45. Wallpaper Technician
  46. Warehouse Clerk

The following list of restricted job categories included under the Work Permit Policy is unchanged from the prior three-month period ending February 28th, 2025:

  1. Dish/ Pot Washer
  2. Electrician
  3. General Carpenter
  4. Kitchen Assistant
  5. Kitchen Porter
  6. Landscape Gardener (Entry Level)
  7. Plumber
  8. Residential/ Commercial Cleaner
  9. Tennis instructor
  10. Waiter/ Server

According to the Work Permit Policy, Section 3.7, the application process for jobs in the Restricted job categories is the same as that for the Open category, except the employer must:

1. Apply for a maximum term of one (1) year; and
2. Submit evidence that any candidates screened and recommended by the Department of Workforce Development (“DWD”) have been appropriately considered. DWD is expected to respond to enquiries by employers within ten (10) working days. Should no response be forthcoming from DWD, the employer may submit the application with written evidence that they made enquiries.

The partner of a Bermudian, Permanent Resident Certificate holder, non-Bermudian on a work permit, or other legal residents of Bermuda who have already received permission to reside may now apply to seek employment. Partners who do not have permission to reside may apply to reside and seek employment. Further details on Partner-Genuine and Subsisting Relationships are available online at gov.bm.

The Ministry of Economy and Labour’s main aim is always to ensure the effective use of policies that create job opportunities for Bermudians. Closed and Restricted job categories encourage companies to consider and develop Bermudians in the workforce. As the employment landscape in Bermuda continues to shift, policy amendments will reflect the changes in demand.


Individuals looking to increase their skillsets and employability are always encouraged to register with the Department of Workforce Development at dwd@gov.bm and explore more options for further education through Bermuda College at www.college.bm.

Traffic delays on Harbour Road due to collision

A driver lost control of their vehicle around 4.30pm Friday

Photo: Bermuda Broadcasting Company

Delays on Harbour Road this evening after a motorcar hit the wall of a private residence, near the junction with Salt Kettle Lane in Paget.


The incident took place around 4:30pm Friday, after the driver of the vehicle apparently lost control.

Police reported that she did not appear to be injured.


After the incident, traffic was restricted to one lane, and motorists were advised to approach with caution due to oil on the roadway.

BTA: arrival numbers are up in 2024 but limited hotel inventory hinders growth

The Bermuda Tourism Authority published their 2024 Q4 and year-end visitor statistics

Bermuda’s tourism industry appears to be making strides to recover four years after the Pandemic.
The latest statistics from the Bermuda Tourism Authority says 2024 proved a year of significant growth across air, cruise, and yacht arrivals.

Though a lack of hotel inventory, they said continues to hinder growth.

Air visitor arrivals rose in 2024 driven by strong performance in key U.S. markets, which saw year-over-year increases from New York, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington DC.  

The BTA says it attributes this growth to 25% increase in air capacity offering more gateway cities and seats available to Bermuda.  

The number of vacationers travelling specifically to the island for leisure increased to 139,546 visitors or 15% year on year.  

Additionally, leisure air visitors spent $300.12 million or 10% more than the previous year.  

Total visitor spending reached $531 million with air visitors spending $416.5 million in 2024 or a 22% increase from 2023.  

Most of the spending increase was in the accommodation sector with air visitors spending $245.1million at hotels, or 37% more than the previous year. 

Occupancy rates increased 4.5%, which the BTA says stifles air visitor growth during the summer months.  

They said, “The temporary closure and renovation of major properties, such as the Fairmont Southampton and Elbow Beach hotels, has shrunk the available inventory, with hotel capacity remaining at approximately 75% of 2019 levels.”  

In 2025, hotel capacity is expected to remain relatively flat, with only modest increases anticipated, including the addition of some newly completed rooms in the Nautilus wing of Azura and the planned opening of Hillcrest, a new 14-room boutique hotel in St George’s.  

Bermuda welcomed over 535,000 cruise visitors in 2024 translating to a 1.9% increase, contributing to the island’s tourism economy although, cruise spending was down 8.7% to an average spend of $214.16 per passenger.  

Superyacht arrivals rose by 30% from 56 to 79 and a total 974 yachts reached our shores contributing over $13.8m in economic impact.  

The BTA says events held during the shoulder months- January through May and September through December continue to drive positive economic impact to supplement volume. This includes the Chubb Triangle Challenge, Butterfield Bermuda Championship PGATOUR, Apex Bermuda SailGP and the Newport Bermuda Yacht Race.  

The Vegan Fest, a locally curated food festival to boost visitor experiences saw a 30% increase in visitation.  

Tracy Berkeley, CEO said, “We are moving in the right direction, and we will not be derailed from our mission to maximise value for Bermuda’s tourism sector. Bermuda has seen growth across key metrics in 2024, and my team is on track for more good news, driving long term group business and making inroads in the luxury sector.” 

She says the BTA look forward to welcoming more visitors this year and 2026.  

Anti-whaling ship stops in Bermuda ahead of next campaign

Neptune’s Pirates crew prepares for ‘Operation Ice Storm’ to confront Icelandic whalers

A flagship vessel leading anti-whaling campaigns in international waters has made a stopover in Bermuda and will host an open day tomorrow.

The crew of Neptune’s Pirates, a branch of the Captain Paul Watson Foundation, is preparing their ship for their next campaign.

They are on a mission to protect the oceans, guided by the principles of Captain Paul Watson, a pioneer in the fight against illegal poaching.

Their main focus is to disrupt whaling operations, raise awareness about animal cruelty, and advocate for ocean conservation.

“Basically, if they’re whaling in international waters, they’re breaking the law,” explained Larry Routledge, ship manager and bosun.

“Our job is to highlight that, publicize it, broadcast it, and keep it in the media. We try to actively stop them, but without being overly aggressive. We follow a policy of aggressive non-violence, which means actions like crossing their path or using a water cannon to disrupt their operations.”

The flagship vessel, John Paul DeJoria, which is currently moored in Dockyard, is named after the American entrepreneur who generously donated it.

Mr DeJoria has also contributed a second ship, which is currently being prepared in Melbourne to later confront Japanese whalers. This expansion brings Neptune’s Pirates fleet to two ships, increasing their conservation efforts.

However, defending the ocean from the frontlines is not without its challenges.

Mr Routledge said, “We did have some incidents that resulted in a charge being laid against our founder and leader, Paul Watson. He was in jail for five months last year. We were on our way to Greenland after a failed campaign in Iceland – heading through the Northwest Passage to the North Pacific to intercept the Japanese whalers, who had just built a $42-million factory ship and are whaling actively in the North Pacific. We were confronted in Greenland by the Danish police, who arrested our captain and some of our crew members for an incident that happened in 2010. There’s a lot of controversy and politics in the anti-whaling business, but most of the people you’ll find here are doing it on moral grounds. We soldier on and use any controversy we can muster to get some sort of publicity out of it.”

Following the arrests, the crew abandoned their mission and headed to Halifax for the winter. But when bad weather struck, they decided it was more cost-effective to spend the winter in Bermuda.

During their stay, they’ve been maintaining and preparing the vessel for their next campaign, Operation Ice Storm, where they plan to challenge Icelandic whalers who have received permits to hunt this year.

Currently, the crew is operating with a skeleton team of eight, keeping a strict budget as an NGO to ensure that every dollar raised goes directly to their mission.

When they launch their next campaign, the crew will grow to around 30 members.

As a gesture of gratitude to the islanders who have warmly welcomed them, tomorrow, they’re inviting residents onboard for an open house to share what life is like on their ship.

“The Bermudians have been so friendly towards us and so welcoming and hospitable – we thought we’d give them a chance to have a look at what we do, introduce ourselves,” said Mr Routledge. “We have really appreciated the friendliness; it has been overwhelming. It really is one of the friendliest places I’ve been, and we just thought we’d reciprocate some of that.”

Tours will be held on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow.

Bermuda represented at UK Youth Parliament

Vincent Darrell became the third young Bermudian to participate

Bermuda was represented in the House of Commons in London today, as Vincent Darrell became the third young Bermudian to participate in the UK Youth Parliament.

Mr Darrell addressed an audience of approximately 300 youth representatives from across United Kingdom constituencies, as well as fellow British Overseas Territories.

He spoke on inclusiveness and accessible pathways to higher education.

In a press release, the Government of Bermuda London Office commended Mr Darrell for “his exemplary contribution to the discussion and for representing Bermuda’s youth with such distinction.”

Of the experience, Mr Darrell said, “I am deeply grateful to the Bermuda Youth Parliament and the London Office for the opportunity to be the first male speaker at the UK Youth Parliament Day. It was an honour to address the vital topic of education—an essential pillar for helping Bermudians climb the socioeconomic ladder. If we truly wish to uplift our community, we must commit to bringing light, liberty, and learning to all.”

Kimberley Durrant, UK Representative for the Government of Bermuda, said, “Congratulations to Mr. Darrell for this tremendous achievement. The London Office remains committed to providing similar opportunities for young Bermudians to engage in global dialogues, showcasing the leadership of our country’s next generation.”

One Bermuda Alliance unveils Shadow Cabinet Ministers and Senate team

Opposition Leader Jarion Richardson calling for progress, inclusivity, and accountability

Opposition leader Jarion Richardson unveiled his newest Shadow Cabinet Ministers and Senate team this morning, at the One Bermuda Alliance headquarters.

All 11 opposition MPs were assigned their respective portfolios in Parliament, apart from the leader himself.

Mr. Richardson said he will go without portfolio while his Deputy, Ben Smith will lead as shadow minister of education.

Linda Smith is Shadow Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors; Dwayne Robinson is Shadow Minister of Tourism and Transport, Culture and Sport.

Dr. Douglas DeCouto will continue as Shadow Minister of Finance; Vance Campbell is Shadow Minister of Economy and Labour; Robert King is Shadow Minister of National Security, Cabinet and Innovation.

Michael Fahy, will enter familiar territory as Shadow Minister of Home Affairs, along with Housing and Municipalities.

Robin Tucker, who could not attend this morning’s conference, was appointed Shadow Minister of Health.

Opposition whip Craig Cannonier, and Scott Pearman retained their previous portfolios for Public Works and Environment and Ministry of Justice, respectively.

The Senate is comprised of newcomer Maurice Foley, Victoria Cunningham and Marcus Jones.

You can watch the full press conference, below:

Lucky Money hits Bermuda’s stage

Jamaican play makes its final tour stop in Bermuda, featuring comedy icon Oliver Samuels

Come and laugh until your belly hurts!

That’s the promise from the cast of Lucky Money, a “must-see” production starring Jamaica’s theatre and comedy legend, Oliver Samuels.

The cast has been touring Lucky Money across Canada, England, and the U.S., with Bermuda as their final stop—thanks to the efforts of Wendell “Shine” Hayward of Danji Productions.

Before taking the stage this weekend, the visiting Jamaican actors stopped by to give us a sneak peek at what Bermudian audiences can expect.

The family friendly production will start at 7 pm on Friday and Saturday at the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium.

Tickets are  available online at bdatix.bm.

WATCH the full interview above.

Mr Cup Match Named New SCC Head Coach

Cricket: Janeiro Tucker unveiled as Somerset’s new cricket head coach

Mr Cup Match, Janeiro Tucker, is the new Head Coach at the Somerset Cricket Club.

Mr Tucker has been in the Assistant Coach role at the club for the past two seasons and will be succeeding retiring coach, Jeff Richardson,  for the upcoming 2025 Cricket Season.