The Free Democratic Movement leader explores his agricultural roots
If a big part of politics is personality, there is a particular pressure on leaders to be likeable and engaging, as well as effective.
In a new series, we sit down with four leading figures in the 2025 election – David Burt, Jarion Richardson, Sir John Swan and Marc Bean, to find out what makes them tick – with a focus not on policy, but on the person behind the public image.
For our first candidate profile, we make our way west to speak to Marc Bean. He sees echoes of himself in the land he’s seeking to represent. Mr. Bean reflects on his ties to Constituency 32 Southampton West, and his tutelage under Dame Lois Browne-Evans.
The Department of Tourism, Culture, and Sport to be the title sponsor of the summer celebration
The Government has increased this year’s Carnival grant by just over a quarter of a percent.
At a recent press conference, it was announced that the Department of Tourism, Culture, and Sport will serve as the title sponsor for the summer festivities, which will run from June 11th to June 16th.
In total, the government revealed that Carnival funding has increased by 46% since 2023.
Organizers emphasized that Carnival is “more than just a weekend of revelry; it is a cultural and economic event that benefits the entire country.”
Owen Darrell, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport, spoke about the government’s ongoing support for the celebrations.
He stated: “This event has grown tremendously since its inception 10 years ago, and its impact on our culture, tourism, and local economy is undeniable.
The Government of Bermuda is proud to again offer significant support to this celebration, ensuring its continued success and expansion. Through strategic investment, we aim to expand its reach, using targeted marketing efforts to attract more visitors to our shores. Recognizing the importance of efficient logistics and infrastructure, our support will facilitate the seamless execution of this large-scale event.
We see this as an important opportunity to foster greater community involvement and outreach. This means creating spaces for local artists, musicians, and performers to showcase their talents and contribute to the cultural dynamism of the Carnival in Bermuda festivities.
Bermuda and the Caribbean are family, and you can see it in the way we move, eat, and celebrate. These roots run deep, shaping how we come together, lift each other up, and keep our culture alive. Carnival is more than just a celebration: it is a symbol of freedom and togetherness.
I would like to extend my gratitude to all organisers, stakeholders, and volunteers who are working tirelessly to bring this event to life. Your passion and dedication ensure that Carnival in Bermuda continues to thrive and leave a lasting impression on all who experience it.
The Carnival in Bermuda celebrations not only represent a boost to our economy, but also an invitation to the world to experience Bermuda’s unique culture. With our collective efforts and the support of the community, this year’s carnival promises to be the biggest and best yet.”
$5 million requested in next fiscal budget for preliminary work
Bermuda Government update via press release:
“We have been working with these plans since 2017, after inheriting the initial designs from the previous administration,” stated Minister of Public Works, Lt. Col. the Hon. David A. Burch, OBE (Mil), ED, JP, MP.
The Ministry of Public Works is taking decisive steps to replace the ageing St George’s Swing Bridge, ensuring a long-term solution for residents and motorists.
While substantive repairs to the existing bridge are being carried out this year, the ultimate goal is to construct a brand-new bridge alongside it.
The replacement bridge, which has been in the planning phase since 2016, has now reached a stage where construction must move forward.
Minister Burch confirmed that $5 million has been requested in the next fiscal budget to advance the preliminary work, including finalising designs and preparing for public tender.
“Over the years, we have carried out work to extend the lifespan of the existing Swing Bridge, but we are now at a point where we must move ahead with the replacement,” the Minister explained.
“The new bridge will be erected adjacent to the existing one (on the eastern side)”, the Minister said.
“This is a complex process, and we estimate it will take around three years to complete, barring unforeseen circumstances. Once finished, the transition to the new bridge will happen overnight, and the existing Swing Bridge will be dismantled.”
The Government has engaged with St George’s community throughout the process, ensuring that public input is considered in the design.
“We consulted residents on the type of bridge that will be built, and their feedback has been taken into account,” the Minister stated.
“We now have local expertise within the Ministry, thanks to a Bermudian engineer who trained abroad specifically for this project. While he is no longer an employee with us, we remain in close contact with him”.
Securing land rights has been a key development in advancing the construction of the new bridge.
The Minister confirmed that the Bermuda National Trust (BNT) and the Government have successfully negotiated the purchase of land on the St George’s side, where the new structure will come ashore.
Football: Bermuda’s U17 Men dominate Turks and Caicos
It was a must-win match and Team Bermuda delivered. A hattrick from Kaylen Brunson, followed by goals from Captain Logan Jimenez and substitute Harlem Bean-Fox in the final moments of the match, capped off a dominant 5-nil victory for Bermuda’s U17 men over Turks and Caicos last night at the national sports centre. Standing in their way is Team Canada. Undefeated in the tournament so far, the Canadians crushed Curacao in the first match of yesterday’s double-header by a score of 7 goals to one. The Bermuda Canada showdown for a place in the 2025 World Cup will take place on Sunday at 8pm.
In football, despite splitting their first two matches in the Concacaf qualifier, Bermuda’s men’s Under 17 team are still in with a chance to qualify the under 17 World Cup in Qatar, but it won’t be easy. After going down 6 one to Curacao on Friday, Team Bermuda bounced back against Anguilla on Sunday. And Aaron Lugo Head Coach of the Bermuda Under 17 National Team says that when they take on Turks and Caicos this evening however, there will be no margin for error.
Cricket: The 2025 Bermuda Smash Invitational Set for June 1st
Last year’s inaugural Bermuda Smash Invitational has been hailed a resounding success. And this year organizers have teamed up with CG Insurance as they look to build on that success. At a press conference today BSI spokesperson Jekon Edness explained some of the new players and initiatives fans can look forward to.
In addition to the cricket action on the field, fans will be treated to a golf event at the Port Royal Golf Course as well as a Soca Concert at the National Sports Centre.
Swan: While party politics divides, Independents seek solutions
Sir John Swan: “We all know in our hearts that Bermuda is in a dangerous place.” File image
The following statement was released today by Sir John Swan, Independent candidate for C10, Smith’s North. “Take a deep breath Bermuda. For the last several weeks, the political participants have been attempting to convince you of how good they are and how bad the others are. If nothing else, this election campaign should be convincing us that all party politics do is try and divide us. We are now only a short while from when Bermudians should be deciding the destiny of Bermuda for the next four years, and perhaps for decades to come. On Tuesday, each and every one of us has the opportunity to cast our vote for our future. The Independents have been on the doorsteps and in the media making clear the need for change and explaining how and why a vote for an independent candidate will be a vote for the change needed so desperately in Bermuda. We have not been telling you how bad others are, we have saying we need to change, we need to get better. We need to act together. We all know in our hearts that Bermuda is in a dangerous place. We also know that despite all the promises made over several elections in glossy party platforms, so many of those promises have not been kept. We know that if we keep voting the same way, we cannot expect different results. So, this time, we need to take a chance on a new idea and vote for your independent candidate. We know: Our economy is faltering, the cost of living is rising at a far greater rate than our wages, our pension fund is being emptied at a faster rate than it is being topped up – your future pensions are threatened Our health care system is failing, with thousands of Bermudians not even insured and many, many more unable to afford treatment or needed prescription drugs Our housing situation is in crisis, so many are unable to afford to even think about owning their own home or afford the rents being charged Our education system is failing to prepare our most precious asset, our children, to meet the needs of the future We know so many have left Bermuda because they cannot afford to live in their own country and many, many more are thinking of leaving – none of this is fair, none of this is right It’s Time for change. Independent candidates will: Seek solutions from all of Bermuda residents and beyond, anyone with the skills and will to help can be engaged in finding and delivering solutions to these and our other problems. Work together, bring all of Bermuda together, put an end to the “them and us, and introduce the we.” A Government of the people, by the people and for the people Form a movement of hope, eliminate the endless political bickering, focus on solutions and not blame. Get Bermuda moving forward again, together. We must create change and on Tuesday its our time to make our voices heard. On Tuesday, VOTE for your Independent Candidate, vote for BERMUDA”
Just 5 days away from the General Election, the Progressive Labour Party state their policy plans for seniors
The PLP says it will increase pay for caregivers who work to support seniors, describing them as “underpaid and undervalued.” During a news conference at Alaska Hall, Minister Tinee Furbert alongside PLP candidate Neville Tyrell highlighted their party’s election platform as it relates to seniors care in Bermuda. The party, so far has pledged to construct at least one seniors day care facility by converting a school building, eliminate payroll tax for self-employed caregivers, make homecare more affordable.
Mr. Tyrell said the PLP would streamline the process of building or modifying a home to suit the needs of an elderly family member.
For the full news conference, click the video below.
The island’s third political party says drivers deserve a seat at the table
The Free Democratic Movement would give autonomy to the taxi industry to regulate itself, if it became part of a coalition government.
At a press conference held this morning at King’s Wharf in Dockyard, the FDM stood in support of the Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association (BTOA), echoing arguments that they have not had a seat at the decision-making table under the incumbent government.
FDM chairman Omar Dill said: “One of the concerns specifically of the BTOA is that they have no members of their executive on some of these boards that are making decisions. Some of such decisions are being made by just the Minister without any questions asked.”
Shalleya Codrington, FDM candidate for Constituency 36, Sandys North, added: “It is within the best interests of Bermuda to give them full control over this industry.”
She continued: “From a government standpoint, if we’re ignoring people that work in these industries who know what’s best for the industry, we’re never going to see progress. It’s going to continue on a declining rate.”
The party said it recognises that the industry has been undervalued and overlooked, even after making their concerns known to the government.
One problem that taxi drivers have brought to the attention of the FDM, according to Marc Bean, candidate for Constituency 32, Southampton West, is “the fact that there is too much government interference and intervention, whether it’s through overly burdensome rules and regulations, or, even allowing for the intervention in the industry by government or politician owned entities such as Hitch, which as a result hampers the market, or the free flowing function of the market to the detriment of taxi drivers.”
He added: “There’s no reason why a politician should be involved in manipulating the industry for their own benefit. Taxi drivers have had enough.”
Ms Codrington said she recently engaged in talks with a taxi driver who voiced his concerns to her about the state of his industry and the lack of benefits he is receiving, including health insurance and a government pension.
She added: “He’s over the age of retirement right now and he’s in a position of surviving, he’s not living. He doesn’t feel as if he’s being supported by government, or as if he’s ever been supported by government.”
The party said it would seek to allow the taxi industry to regulate itself.
Mr Dill explained: “As an FDM government, we would seek to allow them to make their own decisions with the government stepping in with safety concerns and things like that.”
The FDM nominated only ten candidates, therefore they cannot win a majority in the House of Assembly. Pressed on how they would push for legislative change in this area, Mr Bean said from collaboration.
He stated: “There’s a good opportunity and chance this time around where we will have a coalition government and with the coalition government, it’s going to require reasoning and consensus and so we’ll be willing to provide what we can to bring it to the table. And again, if our policies make the most sense, if they’re the most effective, then we’re sure that we’ll be able to encourage others at the table to be able to sign on and support what we’re doing.”
On the other hand, Mr Bean noted that if good policies emerge from the Progressive Labour Party, One Bermuda Alliance or independents, then they would also be willing to participate and endorse those initiatives.
The BTOA confirmed to Bermuda Broadcasting that it supports the comments made by the FDM during today’s press conference.
However, Wayne Furbert, the Minister of Transport, pushed back, stating that the government has been actively engaging with the BTOA and has already implemented measures to support taxi drivers.
“Let me just make it very clear that since I’ve been Minister of Transport for the last two and a half years, we have met with the BTOA many, many times, and we have consulted with them,” said Minister Furbert. “As a matter of fact, when I became Minister, they were the first group I consulted with to understand where we should be heading in terms of the taxi industry.”
“Since that time, we have increased taxi rates by approximately 15%, and we have also increased tour rates for taxi drivers. Let me make it very clear that we have reduced payroll tax for taxi drivers from $1,000 to $600 per year. If you recall, about two years ago, the rates were around $3,000.”
Around 2:40 on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, police responded to a reported attempted robbery on South Road, near the junction with Ocean Sands Road, Warwick.
Upon arrival, officers were informed the suspect, a 58-year-old male, had attempted to steal a handbag from an elderly female visitor to the island.
Members of the public came to the assistance of female visitor, preventing any loss of property and detained the suspect until police arrived.
The Bermuda Police Service wishes to thank those members of the public who came to the assistance of the victim in this matter.
The suspect was subsequently arrested and taken into custody.
An investigation into this matter has now commenced and anyone with information is asked to call 211 or, the main police number, 295-0011.
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