Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Home Blog Page 1065

Bermudian Invited to Speak at The White House

Mathematician Dr Lou Matthews chosen to be the guest speaker at the White House last April, thanks to his innovative approach to teaching STEM

Bermudian Dr Lou Matthews’ unique approach to mathematics education, has put him in a class of his own. Following stints at Cedarbridge Academy, the Berkeley Institute and the Department of Education, he is currently based in  Washington DC, where he serves as the Director of Math – Sci at the City Teaching Alliance. On April 12, 2024, Dr Matthews was thrust into the national spotlight when he was invited to the White House to give a speech on his innovative approach to teaching STEM – becoming one of few Bermudians in recent memory to be invited to speak at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Click on the video above for more information.

Solo Traveller tours bucket list destination

Antarctica marks Shuntelle Paynter’s 7th visited continent

(Shuntelle Paynter, via Instagram @ajourneytotelle)

Bermudian Shuntelle Paynter, 32, is an adventurist in every sense of the word. She began her globetrotting journey a decade ago, and has made it her mission to visit as much of the world as possible. By 2022 she had visited all New 7 Wonders of the World. After realising that dream, she focused on her a next challenge—setting foot on all seven continents. On the 8th of December 2024, Shuntelle reached that goal when she arrived in Antarctica.

“It’s been a journey, ten years of travelling… I was speechless. I couldn’t even cry, I was so happy.” Towering, snow-capped mountains provided a picturesque backdrop for the penguins, sea lions and humpback whales photographed by Shuntelle and shared with her 3,000+ Instagram followers.

Miss Paynter notes a distinction between social media influencers who are ‘look at me’ travellers versus ‘learn from me’ travellers, placing herself in the latter camp. “It’s not always the highlight reel or everything that goes right. Anyone who travels knows that things always go wrong.” She says it’s important to be open and honest with your followers about the good, the bad, and the ugly.

When asked about safety concerns or misconceptions, Shuntelle says that there are a few rules that she follows to ensure her trips minimise external threats: “When I’m travelling, I’m never in an isolated area. I need to be where people are because I’ travelling solo. Never post (your location or content to social media) in real time, and always let your emergency contact know where you are.”

After completing such a monumental goal, Shuntelle says that she’s taking the time to savour the journey to Antarctica—but has her sights set on Eastern Africa. “I do want to go to Rwanda to do gorilla tracking, so that may be on my bucket list for 2025. But right now I’m just sitting in this accomplishment.” You can watch our full interview with Shuntelle Paynter, below.

Police report safe and proactive holiday period

Policing efforts over the festive season resulted in nearly four dozen arrests

The Bermuda Police Service today expressed its gratitude over what was described as a “relatively peaceful holiday period.”

Providing the figures on their policing efforts during Christmas Eve through to January 2nd 2025, a BPS spokesperson said police made 47 arrests, responded to 250 calls for service and engaged with 593 motorists.

Of the 47 arrests made, 9 were for impaired driving with 6 of them originating at the sobriety checkpoints.

21 arrests were made in connection to theft, assault and drug related offenses and 17 were for outstanding warrants.

Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons thanked the community for their cooperation and support.

Motorists should expect delays in Warwick

Alternative routes suggested as lengthy roadworks get underway Monday

Roadworks will slow traffic on Middle Road, Warwick, from next week.    File photo

A fresh reminder from The Ministry of Public Works today that road paving and BELCO pull-hole works will commence along Middle Road, Warwick, between Camp Hill and Longford Road, starting Monday.
These works are scheduled to continue until Friday, February the 21st, as part of the island-wide paving plan to improve Bermuda’s public infrastructure.
This project will involve rolling lane closures along sections of Middle Road to facilitate paving and necessary infrastructure updates. Work will take place on weekdays from 7:30am to approximately 6pm.
Representatives from the Ministry of Public Works and BELCO will guide traffic controls, including barricades, signs, cones, and traffic lights. Motorists are reminded to use detour routes to minimise delays. Alternative routes from the west include South Road, Lighthouse Road, and Camp Hill.
From the east, suggested routes include Longford Road, Tamarind Vale, and Burnt House Hill. Drivers are encouraged to plan their journeys accordingly.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Works said: “We are issuing this reminder to ensure that residents, businesses, and places of worship in the area are fully informed and can prepare for the temporary disruptions.
“While we acknowledge the inconvenience, these works are essential for enhancing the safety and functionality of our road network.”
The Ministry says it is working to minimise the impact on the surrounding community. “This project is the first step in our island-wide paving plans for 2025, and we thank everyone in advance for their cooperation and understanding. “Your support is vital as we carry out these necessary improvements,” the spokesperson added.

Extended Interview: Governor Rena Lalgie

An extended interview with Governor Rena Lalgie discussing her tenure as Governor of Bermuda from December 2020 to January 2025.

Governor Rena Lalgie granted an interview with Bermuda Broadcasting News hosted at the Governor’s Residence.

For the full interview, click the video link above.

Changes for Half-Marathon Derby

New start for the 116th edition of the popular event

The starting line for the 116th edition of the Bermuda Day Half-Marathon Derby has moved. Click on the video above for more information.

Bermudian Black Belt Recognised in Japan

Former student, Sensei Bob Smith, invited to return to the world’s largest Karate organisation in Okinawa as an instructor

Sensei Bob Smith’s dedication to martial arts spans nearly 5 decades. The 8thdegree black belt has traveled to Japan on multiple occasions en route to a level of mastery that few have achieved. And last July during his most recent trip to the land of the rising sun, he received unexpected recognition for his innovative contribution to the discipline. Click the video above for more information..

‘We must reduce Bermuda’s “effective tax” in face of CIT’

In part one of our interview with Christian Dunleavy, the ABIC chair highlights how we must remain competitive to balance the impact of the Corporate Income Tax.

The Corporate Income Tax is, quote “the most significant change to our economic model in our history”, end quote… and it has just come into effect.

Amid spurious rumours to the contrary, Christian Dunleavy, Chair of the Association of Bermuda International Companies, does not forsee an exodus of companies from Bermuda over the new tax anytime soon.

However, in an extended interview with Gary Foster Skelton he urges Bermuda to remain competitive and manage the, quote, “effective tax” on those seeking to do business here.

That is, the cost of living, the regulatory demands and the speed of Government services… along with making sure Bermuda is an attractive place to live and work.

The Corporate Income Tax came into effect on January 1st, 2025.
It applies to Bermuda businesses that are part of a multinational enterprise with annual revenue of 750-million euros or more – currently equivalent to about 782-million dollars.
The CIT is the local application of the OECD’s Global Minimum Tax.
Some reduction in other local taxes and fees on the International Business sector is expected.

Cruisers warned as stomach bugs on ships hit 12-year high

Stay informed before you sail

Cruise passengers are being urged to take precautions as 2024 saw a record number of gastrointestinal illness outbreaks aboard ships, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

The CDC reported 16 outbreaks last year, the highest since 2012, affecting nearly 1,900 passengers and 245 crew members. Norovirus, a highly contagious virus often called the stomach bug, was responsible for the majority of cases, with five outbreaks occurring in December alone, causing symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. 

Health officials note that norovirus cases are on the rise nationwide in the U.S., with most infections occurring between November and April.  

Cruises, with their close quarters and large number of passengers, create an ideal environment for such illnesses to spread. 

The CDC advises cruisers to prioritize hygiene to reduce their risk of getting sick. 

If you’re feeling unwell before your trip, consult a doctor to determine if it’s safe to travel. Should you fall ill while onboard, notify the ship’s medical facility immediately and follow their recommendations. 

To further protect yourself, wash your hands frequently, stay well-rested, drink plenty of water, and avoid areas where someone has been sick. If you witness someone getting sick, leave the area and inform cruise staff promptly. 

Stay vigilant and take precautions to ensure your next cruise is smooth sailing. 

Governor Rena Lalgie reflects on Cannabis Licensing Bill and other issues during tenure

Governor Lalgie came to Bermuda four years ago as the first woman and woman of Afro-Caribbean descent to be appointed as Governor or Bermuda.

As she prepares to leave Bermuda, Governor Rena Lalgie has shared her experiences and touched upon the contentious issues that arose during her tenure.
We began by reflecting on the tension between the Government and Government House after the cannabis licensing bill, intended to liberalise cannabis use, was rejected.
Jasmine Patterson asked the Governor whether there was cause for concern in terms of constitutionality and a potential for this contentious issue to shift views on Bermuda’s sovereignty.

Governor Lalgie’s successor, Andrew Murdoch, will be sworn-in on January 23rd.

Bermuda spotlighted in British news publication

NY-based journalist documents her stay in the island’s west end

Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa (Wiki Commons, 2017)

21. 4 Million. That’s the monthly readership of digital newspaper ‘The Independent’, and could be the number of people who might be enticed to visit our pink-sand shores this year. A recent write-up on Bermuda showcases the country from the perspective of a Gen-Z traveler… The article’s author, Meredith Clark, documenting her four days of R&R at Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa

“The 50 minute drive from L.F. Wade International Airport to my accommodation acted as if it was my own private tour of Bermuda” she said, “The taxi cab ride covered the entire length of the island, after all.”

Cooper’s Island, Southlands Estate, and Abbot’s Cliff Park were singled out for offering opportunities to explore Bermuda’s rich biodiversity, and Horseshoe Bay Beach received two-thumbs up for its crystal-clear, turquois waters.

Cambridge Beaches Resort and Spa, credited for the journalist’s stay, was praised for its serene landscape, spa facilities, and overall solitude – welcomed by the New York-based writer. But Bermuda’s very own special beverage got the final nod. “ From the moment I stepped onto the resort’s grounds, I had already felt the effects of my incessant state of burnout subside. Perhaps it was because the duration of my flight was only a mere one hour and 44 minutes from New York City, which lent itself to stress-free travel. Maybe, it was because my Swedish massage churned out all the soreness I’d developed from sitting at my desk all day, or the island’s relaxing atmosphere and picturesque scenery that made me feel at ease.

Or, it could’ve simply been all the Rum Swizzles.” Touché 

Original article, here: https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/central-america-caribbean/bermuda-wellness-spa-review-b2666713.html