The Department of Marine and Ports making the call this morning
Bermuda ferry service (Creative Commons, 2010)
A spokesperson for the Department of Marine and Ports says that due to the inclement weather, Ferry Service (all routes) have been suspended until further notice. This update coming through at 9:45AM.
The department will advise when services resumes. Passengers can check for updates on www.marineandports.bm
Three-time Olympic track and field athlete Hazel Clark has resigned from the Bermuda Tourism Authority after 6 years with the quango.
Hazel Clark has resigned as Director of Global Sales and Business Development, a key position at the Bermuda Tourism Authority that she has held since 2018.
The position was specifically created for her under former CEO Kevin Dallas, to devise strategies to grow sports tourism through local events and training initiatives.
A former colleague, Bermuda National Athletic Association President Dr. Freddie Evans, singing her praises for her work over the years, such as overseeing the first-ever USATF track meet held in Bermuda, and drawing the likes of world class athletes, such as Noah Lyles and others to our shores.
Dr. Evans said, “It would be hard to describe Hazel’s impact on our ability to create professional track meets. Those that follow Bermuda National athletics know that we’ve done meets in the past – very good quality meets, but we didn’t have the ability to attract the star power that someone like Hazel Clark could.
“She is track royalty not only in the U.S. but the world and when she makes calls, people answer,” he added.
Most notably, Ms. Clark is said to have played a major role in securing three consecutive USATF Bermuda Grand Prix events on the island, which was televised to millions across the US.
She also introduced new talent to the sport with the Fastest Kid on the Rock event.
Ms. Clark’s departure has further fueled speculation that not all is well within the BTA.
It was reported that a number of high-level employees left the organisation in recent years including former CEO Charles Jeffers, II, former chief of marketing and sales Victoria Isley, and VP of sales and business development Devin Lewis.
OBA Senator Dwayne Robinson, spokesperson for Tourism, Culture, and Sport said it was “very disappointing” to see another valuable member of the BTA resign.
Senator Robinson said the loss for the BTA is a loss for the Bermuda Tourism Product, and asked what is happening within the BTA that is in the public’s interest to know.
A new board was also announced today with the addition of two newcomers – tourism professional Billy Griffith, and business owner Dennie O’Connor.
Wayne Caines remains as chair, alongside Jennifer Phillips, Shiona Turini, Kim Swan and deputy chair Joseph Best.
Ms. Clark was unable to provide comment.
CEO of the BTA, Tracey Berkeley wished Ms. Clark well on her departure stating in a release, “We extend our gratitude to Hazel Clark for her significant contributions to Bermuda and the BTA, and we wish her every success in her next chapter.
“The Bermuda Tourism Authority is a dynamic organisation, and like any organisation of our calibre, attrition is a natural part of our evolution. It is important to note that departures include resignations for alternate employment, the conclusion of fixed-term contracts, and instances where employees did not progress past the probationary period among other reasons.”
Ms. Berkeley added, “We are committed to fostering an environment where our team members can thrive. While challenges arise, they will not distract us from our mission to drive Bermuda’s tourism forward and to position the island as a premier travel destination.”
Meanwhile, BTA Chairperson, Wayne M. Caines said, “The Board is aware of the concerns raised regarding workplace culture and takes these matters seriously. To that end, we initiated a Third-Party Culture Review in the last quarter of 2024.
“The final report will be delivered on January 17, 2025, and the Board will review its findings and make decisions shortly thereafter, based on the recommendations of this independent assessment.”
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Tourism said, “The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Owen Darrell, is aware of concerns surrounding the work environment at the BTA, including those raised in relation to recent resignations.”
“The Minister has sought clarity from the Board regarding these issues and has requested a full update. A review is currently underway, and the Minister is awaiting the results,” they added.
The spokesperson further noted that the Minister does not oversee the day-to-day operations of the quango but rather relies on the Board to ensure proper procedures are followed for transparency and accountability.
They concluded, “They have a date to report to the Minister and we await the report to make necessary and informed decisions.”
Government’s new $6M asphalt plant faces another setback, but island-wide paving efforts push forward
Motorists can look forward to smoother roads as paving crews hit the streets today, beginning work in the Heron Bay area. Public Works Minister Lt. Col. David Burch provided an on-site update on the island-wide paving initiative and the timeline for the Government’s new asphalt plant.
Although the Government’s $6 million asphalt plant is unlikely to be operational until next year, Minister Burch assured that ongoing roadworks will not be delayed.
On Middle Road, crews began paving the stretch between Camp Hill and Longford Road. The project is expected to conclude by Friday, February 21st, with rolling lane closures in effect to facilitate the work.
Minister Burch explained that paving efforts are being coordinated with BELCO’s trenching schedule.
“We’re tired of waiting, and so is the public,” he said. “What we’re doing is paving the northern lane all the way to just east of Longford Hill, where we finished before Christmas. BELCO will start doing pull holes this Saturday near Warwick Pond, and by the time we’re finished, we should be able to come behind them and pave the other lane.”
If that’s not the case, Minister Burch emphasized that other areas needing urgent attention will take priority.
“We’ve not done any paving in the West. We’ve done a lot in the East, so we’re trying to strike a balance,” he said. “At the beginning of next month, Scaur Hill will come online, and the road there will need paving. We’re also looking at extending paving in Scaur and addressing other areas as we go along.”
The Ministry of Public Works received a $5 million allocation last year to address Bermuda’s deteriorating roads—nearly doubling the previous budget.
Minister Burch confirmed that two-thirds of the funds have already been spent, with the remainder expected to be used up soon.
Meanwhile, the new asphalt plant that Government purchased to accelerate repairs, faces delays due to challenges at the quarry site.
“The plant is probably not going to be operational for another year,” Minister Burch explained. “That’s the clear indication as a result of a number of factors, not the least which is we’re having challenges at the site at the quarry. There are a number of caves there that we need to inspect and evaluate and figure out how environmentally we can build the foundation of the plant and still maintain the cave. So that’s delayed the process somewhat. The equipment should be coming over the next several months. We expect to put it into service as it comes.”
Despite the delay with the new plant, Minister Burch said he is not concerned as current paving efforts remain unaffected.
“The plant is operating, producing asphalt as you can see,” he said. “We’ve hired private contractors for trucking, which also helps the economy. So, yeah, we’re in business.”
Minister Burch urged motorists to slow down and exercise caution around work crews as paving continues.
The current Middle Road project will take place on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., with traffic controls in place to ensure safety.
15 tickets issued in under two hours during proactive traffic initiative
Police had a proactive start to the weekend, issuing multiple tickets for traffic offenses during an operation in the east end of the island on Friday.
According to a Bermuda Police Service (BPS) social media post, officers handed out 15 tickets in less than two hours. Of these, 13 were for speeding, with the highest recorded speed being 95 km/h. Additional tickets were issued for operating an unlicensed vehicle and driving without a license.
The BPS Facebook post reminded motorists to prioritize safety and compliance, stating, “We want to remind the motoring public to take their time when using the roads, and to ensure that your drivers licenses and vehicle license remain current.”
Applications welcomed from youth aged 17-24
The scholarship provides an opportunity to assist with international sustainability projects
Registration for Raleigh Bermuda’s Venturer Scholarship Programme has opened. Raleigh says that the scholarship allows young people the chance to embark “on a life-changing, 10-week expedition where you’ll develop life skills and tackle thrilling sustainable development projects in amazing locations like Costa Rica, South Africa, Borneo, or Kenya”.
The program has been designed to “develop your character, build your outdoor survival skills, boost your confidence, and empower you to tackle real-world challenges through sustainable development projects.” A representative for Raleigh Bermuda says that spaces are limited. You can find out more and apply here.
Mr Trudaeu has been prime minister for nine years, but has been under internal party pressure to resign.
Speaking to the media today, Mr Trudeau said, “This morning I advised the Governor-General that we need a new session of Parliament. She has granted this request and the House will now be prorogued until March 24th… I intend to resign as party leader, as Prime Minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust nationwide competitive process.”
Mr Trudaeu has has been under internal party pressure to resign.
In June, Liberals suffered a stunning loss to Conservatives in the Toronto-St Paul’s by-election – a seat the Liberals had held for 30 years.
The loss was seen by some as a referendum on Justin Trudeau.
In December, Chrystia Freeland, his Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, suddenly resigned…
“…despite best efforts to work through it, Parliament has been paralyzed for months”, Mr Trudeau said today.
“This country deserves a real choice in the next election. And it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.”
Mr Trudaeu and the Liberal Party won Government in 2015.
They held on to power in 2019 and in a 2021 snap election, but failed to secure a parliamentary majority, meaning Mr Trudeau needed support from smaller parties to advance his agenda.
Issues such as post-pandemic inflation, unemployment, cost-of-living and immigration have dulled the veneer of the once-popular politician.
December polls showed that nearly three-quarters of Canadians disapprove of his leadership.
Canada’s next federal election must be held by October, but other parliamentary parties, including the Conservatives led by Pierre Poilievre, may force an election earlier through a vote of no confidence.
Mr. Dunkley addresses sociopolitical divisions, rising living costs, and the need for a cultural reset
“I have no regrets.” Former Premier of Bermuda Michael H. Dunkley, CBE reflecting on his political career. Mr. Dunkley was recently awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) as part of King Charles’ 2025 New Year’s Honours for his services to Bermuda. Despite retiring from active politics nearly a year ago, Mr. Dunkley says that there is still work to be done.
“We’ve fallen behind on our infrastructure maintenance and redevelopment. We’re allowing our way of life to be pushed back by the struggles that we’re having with the cost of living, with education, with the crime that’s taken place… Just the general comfort of living in Bermuda–such as travelling on our roads. Whether it be the potholes or the nuisance of people failing to obey the simple rules of the road.”
Mr. Dunkley believes that the solution to Bermuda’s many ills will include working across party lines and fostering a culture of respect. “I urge politicians on both sides–don’t talk about (the problems) and get people to believe you’ll do something about them. We need to see action.”
You can view the full interview, above.
Christian Dunleavy says other larger countries have been imposing on Bermuda for a long time.
Is the OECD’s Global Minimum Tax a move by larger countries to reduce Bermuda’s competitiveness?
Christian Dunleavy, Chair of the Association of Bermuda International Companies, says other larger countries have been imposing on Bermuda for a long time.
In the second clip from his interview with Gary Foster Skelton, Mr Dunleavy reaffirms that he doesn’t forsee an immediate exodus of businesses – but we must remain competitive in the face of the external pressure on our Business model.
Traffic was diverted but now back to normal
Repairs being made this morning. Photo: Tony McWilliam
An elderly man was taken to hospital after an incident in Hamilton Parish this morning.
Police reported a downed utility line, close to Shelly Bay MarketPlace.
A BPS press release issued shortly after 7am stated: “A man believed to be in his 70s has sustained injuries as a result, and is currently being treated at King Edward Memorial Hospital. The extent of his injuries are unknown to police. However, the man was conscious and responding to emergency personnel at the scene.”
Police diverted traffic through Radnor Road but in an update shortly after 8am, police said the road was clear and normal traffic flow had resumed.
Deneka Borden, first female Chair of the Bermuda Rugby Referees Society, seeks to change the perception that rugby is just for men
Worldwide, a surge in popularity women’s rugby has contributed tremendously to breaking down gender stereotypes. And here in Bermuda, Deneka Borden, who recently made history when she became the first female Chair of the Bermuda Rugby Referees Society, is confident that given the sport’s current trajectory, we will one day see Bermuda’s women – and men for that matter – making an impact in rugby on the world stage.
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