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‘The party system is the problem’

Independent election candidate Juanae Crockwell seeks to alter the status quo

Guided by service as a core value: Juanae Crockwell announces her candidacy.     Image: Bermuda Broadcasting

The field of electoral candidates is growing by the day and the latest addition is Juanae Crockwell, who will stand as an Independent in Southampton West Central, Constituency 31.
Born and raised Southampton, Ms Crockwell is the Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Centre and describes herself as a community advocate.
At a press conference at her home this morning, she said ‘service’ is a core value guiding her personal and professional life, and shared that her political mentor was her late brother Shawn Crockwell, a former MP and Cabinet Minister.
Ms Crockwell said the party system had outlived its usefulness and what was once the solution is now the problem, as the system stifles innovation.
She said the Independents’ movement was an opportunity for people to come together for true and meaningful change.
Asked by Bermuda Broadcasting about the key issues in C31, Ms Crockwell cited road safety, trash collection, littering at Evans Bay – and uncertainty around what will happened to Port Royal Primary School after it closes.
At the 2020 General Election, the PLP’s Crystal Caesar narrowly beat the OBA’s Ben Smith to win Southampton West Central.

UPDATE: Two teens reported missing (found)

Police are searching for Keith Richardson and Nai’Che Smith

Nai’Che Smith, left, and Keith Richardson (BPS, 2025)

Update: Both 16-year-old Keith Richardson and 15-year-old Nai’Che Smith have since returned, safe and well. The Bermuda Police Service is grateful for the public’s assistance.

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is appealing for the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Keith Richardson and 15-year-old Nai’Che Smith.

Both were last seen around 11:15pm Tuesday, 14th January 2025, in Devonshire.

The teens may be travelling together on foot.

16-year-old Keith Richardson is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, dark complexioned of slim build, weighing around 130 pounds with a low haircut. He was last seen wearing a grey winter jacket and white Nike sneakers.

15-year-old Nai’Che Smith is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, brown complexioned of slim build, weighing around 130 pounds with his hair in dreadlocks. He was last seen wearing black clothing.

Efforts by BPS officers to locate these two teens are ongoing.

Members of the public with any information on the whereabouts of 16-year-old Keith Richardson and 15-year-old Nai’Che Smith are encouraged to report it immediately by calling 211, or the Department of Child and Family Services on 278-9111.

Farewell, Governor Lalgie

Rena Lalgie, Bermuda’s first female and first black Governor, left the island today

Photo courtesy of the Government of Bermuda

Bermuda said farewell to Governor Rena Lalgie today.

A small group of dignitaries, including Premier David Burt and OBA Leader Jarion Richardson, gathered outside the airport departure area to say goodbye to Ms. Lalgie and her husband Jacob Hawkins.

Rena Lalgie has been Bermuda’s first female and first black Governor.

The Premier said she has left an enduring legacy, and her departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the island’s history.

He said: “On behalf of the Government and the people of Bermuda, we express our heartfelt gratitude and wish her continued success and fulfilment in her future endeavours.”

Bermuda’s next Governor, Andrew Murdoch, is expected to arrive this month.


BELCO names its newest apprentices

Ten newcomers join four-year scheme

“Highly skilled team will help transform the energy landscape of Bermuda,” says BELCO President Wayne Caines.        Photo: BELCO

BELCO today announced the ten successful inductees for its 2025 Apprenticeship Programme.
The four-year programme offers successful applicants the opportunity to earn while they learn while training towards a career blending technical training and academic study.
The apprentices officially welcomed to BELCO’s 2025 cohort include: Etreu Addonai, Andre Landy, Jomeko Mallory, Enzi Pitt-Adams, Jalani Richardson, Mikhail Saltus, Josiah Smith, Jai-Zel Smith DeShields, Marcus Wade and Cornell Young.
Apprentices fill various roles within the company including Electrical Fitters, Mechanical Fitters, Line Workers and Electrical Jointers.
BELCO President Wayne Caines said: “We strongly believe in investing in our future and providing hands-on training with apprentices earning while they learn … I’m thrilled to welcome our ten new apprentices and look forward to them being part of a highly skilled team that helps transform the energy landscape of Bermuda.”

Police confirm sudden death at Gibbs Hill Lighthouse

A 36-year-old man died Tuesday afternoon, according to the Bermuda Police Service.

Photo credit: Bermuda Police Service/Facebook

Police confirming the sudden death of a 36 year old man after officers responded to an incident at the Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse this afternoon.
A spokesperson said, quote: “Around 12:15pm, police officers responded to a reported incident at Gibbs Hill Lighthouse in Southampton. Inquiries are ongoing regarding the circumstances of this sudden death.,” end quote.
Any witnesses or members of the public with relevant information are encouraged to contact Constable John Outerbridge by calling 211 at the earliest opportunity.

New route 8 bus detour in effect

The route change has been in effect from Tuesday to facilitate road paving.

The Department of Public Transport said there’s been a temporary change to the regular 8 bus route due to road closures and paving in Warwick.
A spokesperson said all westbound route 8 buses will detour left at the Paget stoplights onto South Road and merge with the normal route at Barnes Corner and the reverse for the eastbound trip.
A shuttle bus will be taking passengers to provide continuous service to Middle Road and Cedar Hill taking around 15 minutes to do one journey.
The detour, which started today, will be in effect until Middle Road near Burnt House Hill reopens in the evenings once crews complete their work.

They added, ” Eastern Shuttle Loop: Operates from the bus stop east of White Sands Road in Paget via Middle Road, then right on Longford Road, right on St. Mary’s Road, Cedar Hill, and right on Middle Road, Warwick, turning around at the old TN Tatem Middle School before reversing the route.

Western Shuttle Loop: Operates from Barnes Corner via Middle Road, turning around just east of Burnt House Hill to reverse the loop.”

The DPT thanked members of the public for their understanding and cooperation.

Taxis call for end to ridesharing program

Randy Broadbelt, public relations officer of the BTOA claims their concerns have been left largely unheard.

Taxi owners urging politicians to end the ridesharing pilot program as part of their election hopes citing major safety concerns posed by the system.
An uber-style ridesharing program was introduced by the Ministry of Transport to offer residents and visitors the option, however, they say its a disadvantage to taxi operators.
The Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association listed a raft of concerns in an interview ranging from no new transport policy updates apart from payroll tax reduction, meter rate discrepancies and an outdated Motor Car Act.
Randy Broadbelt, public relations officer of the BTOA claims their concerns have been left largely unheard.

He further claims the Government isn’t properly collaborating with the private transport industry to find solutions. He underscores the importance of a thriving private transport service to strengthen Bermuda’s tourism economy.

Commissiong to run as independent in C17

The former Progressive Labour Party MP announced his intention to stand in Pembroke Central

The countdown is on to nomination day and more faces of contenders, both, fresh and familiar, are rising to the challenge.

Rolfe Commissiong is the latest independent candidate to be unveiled.

No stranger to politics, the former Progressive Labour Party MP announced his intention to run in Constituency 17, Pembroke Central, in front of BELCO’s facilities on Cemetery Road. The backdrop serving as one factor that influenced his pick to represent C17.

On the current political environment, Mr Commissiong maintained that the status quo is not serving the interests of all Bermudians, citing rapid inflation and high costs of living.

Police confirm incident at Gibbs Hill Lighthouse

The scene has been cordoned off while the scene is processed, according to the Bermuda Police Service.

There was a police presence at the Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse this afternoon with officers responding to a reported incident.

A spokesperson said, “Around 12:15pm Tuesday, 14th January 2025, police officers responded to a reported incident at Gibbs Hill Lighthouse in Southampton.”

“The scene has been cordoned off, while inquiries are underway.”

No further details were given.

The BPS said an update will be provided in due course.