2024: A year in review
As 2024 draws to a close, we take a look at our coverage of the biggest stories that unfolded this past year.
From high profile criminal cases and political defections and comebacks, to tourism developments and promises of a corporate tax windfall … 2024 has been an eventful year.
For the full highlights, click to view the video above.
Streamlined processes for drivers to roll out in New Year
Reforms to driver’s licence renewals and vehicle inspections are coming, aimed at saving time and money for road users
Bermuda’s road users can look forward to “simplified and modernized processes” in the New Year, according to Transport Minister Wayne Furbert.
Minister Furbert announced amendments to the Motor Car Act 1951 today, aimed at streamlining procedures and reducing administrative and financial burdens for drivers.
Key reforms include the removal of the mandatory medical examination during the driver’s license renewal process for most drivers under 70. Instead, individuals will self-report any medical conditions that could impair their driving ability. Medical certificates will only be required if a reported condition raises concerns about driving fitness.
A Government spokesman confirmed that, “after age 70, the current requirements for periodic medical certification will remain in place to ensure public safety.”
The amendments also include changes to vehicle inspections, reducing the number required during the first five years of a vehicle’s life.
In addition to these reforms, the Ministry of Transport is digitizing all remaining manual processes at the Transport Control Department.
Minister Furbert stated: “We are committed to improving efficiency, reducing bureaucracy, and leveraging technology to enhance services for the public. The 2024 Throne Speech promised to continue to make accessing government services easier and we are keeping that promise to the public.”
BHB Advises Bermuda to be on the lookout for stroke symptoms
BBC Interview with the BHB’s Dr. Meadipudi
The Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) Emergency Department sees an average of five people every week who are experiencing a stroke, more than 200 people every year. Dr. Srinath Meadipudi, Director for the BHB’s Primary Stroke Centre, stresses the importance of addressing a potential stroke as soon as possible.
“The key thing is timing is very important. Once the stroke is happening, you lose a lot of brain cells because the brain is deprived of oxygen.” The average adult human has roughly 100 billion brain cells, and a stroke sees the death of around 2 million brain cells per minute. Dr. Meadipudi says that the rate of loss is not insignificant, “The particular area where the brain cells are dying will affect how the person will present symptoms during a stroke.”
Security Minister calls for responsible behaviour amidst NYE celebrations
Minister Michael Weeks stressing the importance of safety
National Security Minister Michael Weeks (via Bermuda Gov)
As Bermuda prepares to engage in New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day celebrations, the Minister of National Security, Michael Weeks, issued a public safety reminder, urging the community to prioritise safety and responsible behaviour.
Minister Weeks encouraged residents to exercise good judgment when attending functions and gatherings, saying, “While this is a time of celebration, it is essential that we avoid behaviours that could lead to harm.
“Please also be mindful of the tragic consequences that reckless or violent behaviour can bring to our families and friends. Please don’t drink and drive, and please avoid engaging in anti-social actions that could disrupt the peace.”
Minister Weeks concluded, “Let’s ensure this New Year’s celebration is marked by safety and care for each other. Collectively, we can make this a peaceful and safe start to 2025.
“And as we welcome the New Year, I wish everyone a safe, enjoyable, and meaningful celebration. May 2025 bring hope and progress for all of Bermuda.”
via Bermuda Gov
Weather radar offline for maintenance
The Bermuda Airport Authority says the outage is due to an “intermittent fault”
For those keeping an eye on the weather, the radar system viewed online at weather.bm is currently unavailable.
The Bermuda Airport Authority announced that an “intermittent fault” caused the system to be taken offline as a precaution while maintenance is underway to avoid further damage.
This follows a previous outage in October when the radar was offline for about a month. Technicians from the German manufacturer were brought to Bermuda to complete repairs, and the system was restored on November 5th. Today, however, it went offline again.
A BAA spokesperson stated, “The current fault is different to that which caused the radar system outage in October this year.”
They added, “Troubleshooting continues, and the system has been removed from service as a precaution to prevent more significant system damage. During the troubleshooting process the radar system can be returned to service, as required, in order to help support the Bermuda Weather Service team.”
The Airport Authority reassured the public that operating without the radar poses no risk to safety or aviation. The Bermuda Weather Service continues to provide its full range of forecasts and updates.
The spokesperson explained, “During those times when the radar system is unavailable satellite imagery is being provided on the BWS webpage which provides estimated rainfall within the Bermuda area.”
The BAA asked for the public’s patience as its technical team works with the German system vendor to restore the radar to full service, though, no timeline for the repairs was given.
Inside job: New life breathed into old jail
Major facelift for historic Casemates structure at Dockyard
Restoration work at Casemates will continue in the New Year. Photo supplied
Major progress has been made by the National Museum of Bermuda (NMB) to waterproof, stabilise and save the Casemates Barracks and Upper Ordnance buildings. A press release states that this is thanks to funds raised by the Museum’s The Future of History Campaign, which raised $10M for education, operational stability, and expansion. Allocations include supporting the first phase of expansion at Casemates to preserve the historic buildings for future, innovative Museum and education uses.
The release states: “Originally built in the 1830s as a barracks for the men manning the Royal Naval Dockyard fortifications and ammunition store houses, the Casemates complex has played a significant role in 200-plus years of local and global history. The buildings and tunnels that comprise the site are exceptional records of 19th century architecture and military technology. The thick limestone walls of the buildings are bomb-proof, and the casemated roofs were false targets for incoming attacks. The buildings once housed the Scottish “Black Watch”, British military officers, Canadian Navy and incarcerated men when it served as Bermuda’s maximum-security prison from 1961 to 1994.
“Left abandoned in 1994, natural forces — wind, rain and invasive vegetation— have wreaked havoc on the buildings. Since 2006, the Museum has carried out pre-restoration work on the property including clearing invasive vegetation and debris and cleaning up the property thanks to teams of community and corporate volunteers; documenting the buildings using a 3-D laser scanner and archaeologically recording secret tunnels, historic features and old roadways; and photographing and documenting the artwork on the walls of the buildings from the prison era. In 2013, the Government of Bermuda transferred Casemates and its adjacent fortifications to the then Bermuda Maritime Museum, creating the National Museum of Bermuda.”
Elena Strong, NMB Executive Director shared, “It is the Museum’s mandate to save, preserve and repurpose the historic buildings under its care for future use and future generations … Restoring the Casemates complex is a major undertaking. I’d like to thank all the volunteers who have put in thousands of hours of dedicated pre-restoration work, and to our recent partners and donors to The Future of History Campaign for funding the capital investments necessary for saving and stabilising these historic buildings.”
With an injection of philanthropic support, the National Museum was able to start major restoration work this year.
The Casemates work is being overseen by Bermuda Project Management Limited, with work carried out by Island Construction, Crisson Construction and Gray & Co. The Government of Bermuda assisted with the cost of the disposal of the asbestos.
In the new year, more restoration work will continue, including pointing of the roof parapet; fixing damaged chimneys; adding roof access doors; removing invasive plants from the face of the building; adding new water overflows and drainage systems; fixing damaged historic walls on the property; and eventually sealing up the building to allow drying out.
The Museum encourages those interested to follow their progress on The Future of History webpage: www.nmb.bm/campaign
Bermuda-Azores air service suspended
Skyport confirms the connection won’t return next summer amid airline route changes
Air service between Bermuda and the Azores will not return next summer, Skyport has confirmed.
A spokesperson explained: “Whilst Skyport is equally disappointed in the suspension of the SATA Azores International services from Ponta Delgada, airlines consistently evaluate and adjust routes based on strategic, financial, and operational factors.
“We continue to work closely with several airlines in conjunction with the Bermuda Airport Authority and the Bermuda Tourism Authority to ensure Bermuda has adequate airlift and expanding destinations.”
While the specific reason for suspending the flight remains unclear, The Bermuda Flyer reported to social media that Azores Airlines had cited financial difficulties for the route cancellation, which was among four others.
The Skyport spokesperson added: “Despite the loss of this service, Bermuda continues to have a record number of non-stop gateways, with additional options commencing in the Summer of 2025.”
Political veteran and arts visionary honoured by King Charles
Michael Dunkley and Jennifer Phillips earn royal salute
Bermuda Broadcasting graphic
Two Bermudians have been recognized by King Charles in his 2025 New Year’s Honours List.
Michael Dunkley has been awarded a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to Bermuda.
And Jennifer Phillips has earned a King’s Certificate and Badge of Honour for services to the arts.
A press release from the Bermuda Government states:
“Michael Dunkley retired from active politics on March 31, 2024, following a distinguished career. He was a Member of the Bermuda Legislature from April 1997, and from May 2014 to July 2017, Michael Dunkley served as Premier of Bermuda.
During his political tenure, Michael Dunkley also served as Deputy Premier, the Minister of National Security, Opposition Leader and Shadow Minister of National Security and Health.
He is widely recognized throughout Bermuda as a successful and astute businessman, Michael Dunkley is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Dunkley’s Dairy, President of Island Properties Ltd, and the President of Dunkley’s Management Holdings Ltd.
Even though he has stepped down from active politics, he has continued his dedicated service to the community.
Michael Dunkley credits his family’s support in all his achievements, and celebrates this honour with his wife Pamela, daughters, Christine and Brooke, and his three grandchildren.
Jennifer L. Phillips has been passionate about the performing arts for over four decades. She has deep roots in the artistic community even from a young age, having trained as a ballet dancer with the Jackson School of Performing Arts from the age of 4.
Jennifer was a member of the National Dance Theatre of Bermuda and United Dance Productions (UDP) and has performed both locally and internationally. Jennifer is also an experienced stage manager, having worked closely with the Department of Culture on the annual Premier’s Concert for over a decade. Jennfier also served as Chair of the Bermuda Arts Council (BAC).
Her current role at the Bermuda National Gallery (BNG) is one of her greatest passions. Jennifer is one of the longest serving members at the BNG, and has played a key role since 2015, when she joined as Office Administrator.
Thanks to Jennifer’s commitment, the Junior Bermuda Biennial exhibition now provides the island’s young people aged 5-17 with an internationally juried, national platform for artistic expression, and will become a core part of BNG’s Biennial programming going forward.
Jennifer Phillips’ deep understanding of Bermuda’s arts and culture, and her experience in all aspects of our community’s creative endeavors has helped to inspire creativity, and form a steppingstone to future success of so many in our arts community. This year’s King’s Certificate and Badge of Honour is recognition of Jennifer’s significant contributions to Bermuda.”
Police issue warning to would-be lawbreakers
Zero tolerance to traffic offences, beefed-up presence at events
Roadside sobriety checks will continue this week. BPS image
Expect increased traffic enforcement and a zero-tolerance approach to road traffic offences, particularly those involving impaired driving.
This from police as we approach New Year’s Eve … and after a Christmas holiday that was free of any major incidents or criminal activity.
Roadside Sobriety Checkpoints will continue to be in use through to Thursday.
Police activity will be beefed-up at major upcoming events, including the Onion Drop in St George’s tomorrow evening and when football fans gather for the Shield and Friendship Cup Finals at Somerset Cricket Club on Wednesday.
Detective Superintendent Sherwin Joseph, Officer in Charge of the Crime Division said: “There will be traffic checkpoints in operation where officers will be exercising their powers of search under various sections of law, should there be grounds to do so.
“Our intention is to maintain order and provide reassurance to the public while as you celebrate the coming New Year. We would much prefer there is compliance by members of the public rather than our officers having to exercise their powers of arrest and and/or charge anyone with criminal offences.
“However, when and where required, we will decisively address any acts of criminality or anti-social behaviour.”
Cabinet approves plans for ageing Tynes Bay facility
Plans include expanded water and sewage functions
The Tynes Bay Waste-to-Energy Facility, now three decades old, is in need of significant investment to sustain its operations.
The urgency became clear in December 2021 when boiler failures and issues with the baling contingency system forced a temporary shutdown of the plant. Minister Burch acknowledged the lack of TLC over the years.
“It has not been subjected to the type of maintenance it should have had over those thirty years. Three governments can take the blame for that—the UBP, the PLP, and the OBA. That said, you move on and figure out where you’re going next,” he stated.
In 2022, the Government authorized a $22 million stabilization program to replace critical systems and preserve the facility until major maintenance could begin. This was followed by a commissioned Business Case Study.
“We hired KPMG to do a business case for us on how we would go about refurbishing the plant or building a new one and what the costs of that were,” Minister Burch said. “I can tell you Cabinet finally approved the plan going forward.”
While the details of the study are yet to be made public, Minister Burch revealed that future plans for Tynes Bay involve expanding its responsibilities.
“The plan going forward is to expand the responsibility of Tynes Bay to not just dealing with waste but also to deal with water and sewage. And so you have a combined entity that will deal with both of those issues and generate revenue for the country,” he explained.
While the plans for Tynes Bay evolve, Minister Burch says progress is on track to ensure the facility’s critical role in managing Bermuda’s waste. However, it comes with a heavy price tag.
“We’re talking about a quarter of a billion dollars, probably in funding or more to get the plant completely refurbished so that it will last another 30 years,” said Minister Burch.
