17-year-old’s Kemiya Smith and Ceyarie Jackson have been performing with United Dance Productions since as long as they can remember.
An uplifting story now about Bermudian talent.
17-year-old’s Kemiya Smith and Ceyarie Jackson have been performing with United Dance Productions since as long as they can remember.
And this holiday season, the two talented dancers took to the stage in one of their final performances with the school – the 2024 edition of UDP’s Soulful Christmas Show.
Julie Matthews-Borshardt has the details in the video above.
Racing returned with a roar on Sunday as thousands of spectators gathered at Coney Island Park for the Pink Sands Scrambling motocross competition—an event the Government is hailing as a resounding “success.”
The buzz of motocross racing made a thrilling comeback at Coney Island Park on Sunday, providing nostalgic scenes for many Bermudians. It had been more than two decades since the venue last hosted racing, and its revival drew thousands of spectators.
The Pink Sands Scrambling motocross competition, organized by Jyire Mitchell, saw over 80 local and international riders competing for cash prizes in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Following the event, Lt. Col. David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, had nothing but praise for the organizers.
“I think it was better than my wildest dreams. It was well-organized and a tremendous success. I think that it proves you can do things differently in a space, return it to its natural state, and not cause any lasting damage,” Minister Burch said.
In the lead-up to the competition, plans to temporarily transform the National Park into a racetrack drew objections from environmentalists. However, Minister Burch supported Mr. Mitchell’s proposal, emphasizing the balance between opportunity and environmental responsibility.
He added that Coney Island Park is now in “better shape than it was before the event,” with organizers restoring its condition and taking the opportunity to clean up two decades of pollution from the lagoon.
On the cultural impact, Minister Burch highlighted how the event brought generations together to celebrate a key part of Bermuda’s history and identity.
“It’s a place of peace, and I think it’s because you insert young people into the equation who are racing, and in many instances, are supported by their fathers. And so, it’s a whole knock-on effect of familial and friendly benefits that come from motocross in the country. I just think it’s a tremendous compliment to their effort that you could have 8,000 people together and not one incident. Everybody operated on the basis that we’re here to watch motocross and motocross only,” he said.
While overcoming scrutiny from environmentalists was one challenge, it wasn’t the only hurdle Mr. Mitchell faced in bringing his vision to life. His planning application required checking additional boxes, which Minister Burch consulted on him with.
Looking forward, Minister Burch hopes the success of this event will inspire other young entrepreneurs to pursue their ideas.
“I hope that other young people, having seen his experience… because when I got to him, he was a little discouraged because he’d been told no at the first hurdle. And I just think that we, as a country, need to transition from being transient and say, yeah, we’ll explore just about anything. Some of the answers will be no, we can’t do it. But I suspect that a majority of them will actually be yes, and we’ll have this type of success on a number of fronts,” Minister Burch said.
Premier David Burt, who attended the event, echoed this sentiment, describing it as a “remarkable showcase of Bermudian talent and community spirit” and “a perfect example of what can happen when bold ideas are supported, which the government was proud to do.”
Rena Lalgie offers reassurance after high-profile cases involving powerful figures
Governor Rena Lalgie: “Individuals in every walk of life make errors of judgement … that does not necessarily mean that those institutions are … corrupt or failing.” Photo: Bernews
The system is working. That’s the key takeaway from an extraordinary message issued by Governor Rena Laglie this afternoon, stressing the importance of accountability, transparency and integrity in public life. “As well as recent headlines regarding various Police Conduct matters,” the Governor states, “there have been a series of stories in recent years reporting disciplinary and criminal matters taken up against members of the uniformed services and those in positions of significant power and influence. “These individual cases may raise questions about standards and integrity in public life. Whilst some of these cases have shown up criminal, concerning or unacceptable behaviour, this is in fact a powerful demonstration that our accountability systems, whilst they could be stronger, are indeed working. “Individuals in every walk of life make errors of judgement and sometimes show character flaws through their behaviour. That does not necessarily mean that those institutions are, in and of themselves, corrupt or failing.” Governor Lalgie adds that public service is a privilege: “The public rightly has high expectations around the conduct, integrity and accountability of all public servants … I am pleased … that in recent years, the systems and processes that enable accountability have been applied effectively, fairly and with an appropriate degree of transparency.”.
Yellow lines missing on repaved roads due to broken machinery, says Public Works Minister.
Motorists may have noticed that all roadways repaved by the Government over the last year are missing the yellow centre lines.
According to Lt. Col. David Burch, Minister of Public Works, the issue is due to broken equipment. While repairs are ongoing, he could not commit to a specific timeline for when the issue will be resolved.
Minister Burch explained: “The machine is broken. We are having challenges with repair. Since the advent of post-Covid and supply chain issues, I’m not going to say I expect X, because when X date comes and it hasn’t happened, I will have misled you —that will be the accusation—or worse, I will have lied. So, as soon as we can, it will be fixed.”
In the meantime, dotted white lines have been placed down temporarily to mark the centre of newly repaved roads.
Minister Burch also delivered a strong message to those driving and riding across the island, urging motorists to slow down. He said: “I would say this is way outside of the Ministry of Public Works’ responsibility, but the people in this country need to slow down. Simple. The roads are dreadful—everybody knows that because everyone complains—but I see people riding and driving like they’re on a super highway.”
Lt. Col. David Burch concedes House statement was premature, but reiterates his concern about grocery prices
The notion of transforming the shuttered Heron Bay School into a government-backed co-operative grocery store remains unclear, after a premature announcement stirred debate and confusion.
Social media users reacted strongly when it was inadvertently suggested that the school — closed under education reform — would be repurposed as a co-op grocery store next year. Seeking clarity, Bermuda Broadcasting spoke with Lt. Col. David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, who admitted the concept is “in line for consideration” but far from finalized.
Minister Burch, who is tasked with repurposing government assets closed as part of education reform, recently outlined upcoming plans for several schools during the House of Assembly:
Gilbert Institute will be converted into a seniors care facility;
Clearwater Middle School will be temporarily repurposed while awaiting its long-term transformation into a senior school;
Heron Bay School will serve a dual purpose, with the upper level dedicated to co-operative enterprises and the lower level and field leased for a cricket programme.
“Heron Bay is a two-storey building,” Minister Burch explained: “The upper part of the school, as I indicated in the House before, is headed to be a community space for various things similar to TN Tatem. That may include a grocery store. That’s not under our remit, but it’s in line for consideration,” Minister Burch explained.
Heron Bay Primary School
The notion of a government-backed co-operative grocery store at Heron Bay School was aired in the House and cited as a way to introduce competition and lower food prices. However, Minister Burch later admitted he read the wrong statement during his address.
“They’re my ideas. I’m not responsible for making it happen, but I’m in the room and have had some conversations. The minister who is responsible—who I don’t think we’ve decided yet—will come forward with those plans,” he clarified.
Despite the mix-up, the inadvertent announcement has continued to circulate, prompting further speculation. Responding to the feedback, Minister Burch took responsibility.
“It was broadcast. I know that ZBM were very responsible in my view, in the sense that your station reported on the statement that was published. The House got two statements — I read the wrong one. My mistake. I take full responsibility. It’s in the public domain, so I expect people to comment on it. But it’s a mistake, and at the appropriate time, the appropriate minister will bring forward whatever the plan is.”
Minister Burch, however, expressed personal frustration regarding grocery pricing.
“I think it’s unconscionable that the government in 2022 reduced the duty on staple goods to 0%, and all the data show no reflection of that in grocery store prices. Anyone would be motivated to do something significant about that.”
When pressed on other factors influencing food prices—such as supplier costs and freight — Minister Burch maintained his stance.
“I think that you would have a list of expenses that you have: the cost of the item, shipping, duty, trucking locally. You take one of those out and it has an impact on your pricing. And we’ve seen zero.”
While it remains unclear whether a co-operative grocery store will become a reality, Minister Burch underscored the government’s commitment to addressing the high cost of living.
“Between housing and the cost of living, they’re running neck and neck. Any government with any sense would address these two things. Well, there are three really in this country—the other one is roads. Two of them fall under this ministry. And so, therefore, the focus is on addressing those issues. The challenge is, you can’t snap your fingers and fix it overnight. But consistency in delivering and addressing these problems must give people confidence, as opposed to us doing nothing.”
The Bermuda Taxi Operators and Owners Association is branching out on its own to try to modernize standards, according to its newest executive.
Taxi owners have welcomed the payroll reduction passed by the legislature this year but claim the government has yet to address other problems they’re facing.
The B.T.O.A is also inviting all residents to take part in their new survey online to provide feedback on their experience with the taxi’s on island. You can find it online at B.T.O.A.bm.
The Salvation Army has been grateful for the community’s generosity this year after it’s food bank nearly ran dry in October.
A story about festive generosity now. Major Darryl Simms and Major Cathy Simms…. of the Salvation Army ….will be helping over 300 Families this Christmas ….by offering food vouchers and gifts. And they welcome new volunteers.
The rich and lesser-known history of Bermuda’s Portuguese community has been brought to life in a new book by Azorean historian Eduardo Medeiros.
Titled “175 Years of Portuguese in Bermuda”, the nearly 700-page publication, released last week, is described by the author as “pure history.”
This is the third book Mr. Medeiros has written for the Association of Azorean Emigrants, and it explores the stories of Portuguese immigrants, their contributions to Bermuda, and the discrimination they faced over the decades.
“They were the only immigrants that could not have their families here for a long period of time, especially between the late 30s until the late 60s – that’s when it was the hardest period,” Mr. Medeiros explained. “I considered that matter but also talk about the discrimination against them as an ethnic group. So, the discrimination they faced from the white community and the Black Bermudian community, too, especially from the white. So, yes, I think it will be a good book for people to learn more about themselves, who they are, and the Portuguese community.”
The book also delves into personal stories that impacted the evolution of Bermuda’s overall society.
“So, of course, community leaders: Luis Bernardo, Joseph Perry, and many other names that the reader will get to know formed and helped to shape the Azorean community in Bermuda,” Mr. Medeiros shared. “And many other stories of random people that were not in politics. They were not rich, but they show this general history because, in my opinion, sometimes history, especially in the past, just usually used to show the big names. But history is not made of just those people. It’s made of common people, and I do believe that.”
The book commemorates the 175th anniversary of the Golden Rule’s arrival in Bermuda, the brigantine that transported 58 emigrants from Madeira and marked the beginning of a significant Portuguese presence on the island.
Mr. Medeiros spent two years meticulously compiling research from sources in the Azores, Madeira, mainland Portugal, and Bermuda. So far, his work has been well received by readers.
“I have been having very positive feedback from the people that read, and they were very happy, very excited about this book,” Mr. Medeiros said. “If you consider the last book that came out about this subject was in the 90s, and Milton Raposo did a documentary some years ago for the 170th anniversary. So, I think people are very happy for what was done here by me and how many things people only heard stories through their parents or their grandparents. And now it’s written, has the sources, and it’s history written.
“So that’s why I think it’s going to have a big impact on the people, and that’s why I have already given it to the library so anyone can read it. For people that are not even Portuguese, to know this history, to learn more about this community that’s part of the puzzle that Bermuda is.”
The book, available in both Portuguese and English, can be purchased at the Music Box on Reid Street or the Bermuda Bookstore.
The OBA’s Dion Smith providing insight and actionable steps for digital defense
Digital security expert and One Bermuda Alliance candidate, Dion Smith (Bermuda Broadcasting, 2024)
Ho-ho-oh no! The holiday season sees Bermudians spending their hard-earned cash with online retailers, but the threat of being defrauded looms large. Both the BPS and the Bermuda Government have warned residents of the dangers that come with navigating the digital space, with locals finding themselves on the receiving end of elaborate banking scams. The elderly population are particularly vulnerable.
“Older adults are often targets of cybercrime. They fall prey to scams and fraud because they may not be as familiar with online risks or targeted phone calls.” Words from Dion Smith, Managing Director of Smith Technologies and One Bermuda Alliance Candidate for Constituency 27 Warwick North Central.
The cybersecurity expert says that the island’s senior citizens, alongside business professionals, have been scammed out of hundreds to thousands of dollars. He’s calling on the island’s financial institutions to do more in the way of fraud mitigation and protection.
“Would disabling or removing the option to send wires on personal accounts be possible? By removing the wire option and only enabling it for persons who have requested it, this could have an immediate impact on preventing the loss of funds (to scammers operating via overseas bank accounts).”
While the implementation of this suggestion has yet to see any movement, Mr. Smith says that there are six simple steps that Bermuda residents can take to keep themselves safe online.
Use a strong, unique password:
A good first line of defense is a strong password. Avoid easy-to-guess passwords like “123456” or “password.” Instead, create passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. If it’s hard to remember different passwords for each account, consider using a password manager. These tools safely store and manage your passwords for you.
Be aware of phishing scams:
Phishing scams are common tricks where fraudsters send fake emails or messages pretending to be from a trusted company, like your bank or even a friend. If you get a suspicious email asking for personal information or telling you to click on a link, don’t do it. Speak to a trusted person to help by checking the validity of the company. In addition the email can be forwarded to your IT person or the police who can further investigate.
Install security software and keep it updated:
Make sure your computer and devices have antivirus and anti-malware software. These programs help protect you from viruses and malicious attacks. Just as important is keeping your system updated. Those updates fix weaknesses in your computer that hackers could exploit, so don’t ignore them.
Be cautious on social media:
While social media can be a great way to stay in touch with loved ones, it’s important to be mindful of what you share. Scammers can use the information you post, like your birthdate or address, to steal your identity. Always adjust your privacy settings and be cautious about friend requests from people you don’t know
Watch out for unfamiliar calls and messages:
Fraudsters often use phone calls or text messages to steal information. If someone calls claiming to be from a government agency, tech support, or a financial institution asking for personal or financial details, be wary. Legitimate organizations will never ask for sensitive information over the phone. Hang up and verify their claims by contacting your own bank or a trusted person.
Educate and empower yourself:
Finally, stay informed about the latest scams and fraud tactics. There are many free resources online that can help you learn more about staying safe in the digital world. Libraries, community centers, and senior organizations often offer cybersecurity workshops. The more you know, the better protected you are.
In the interim, Mr. Smith encourages the people of Bermuda to do their due diligence. “While the internet can offer tremendous benefits, it’s important to be cautious and protect yourself from online threats. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy the benefits of technology with peace of mind.”
What will Bermuda look like in the face of rising seas and other climate risks? A new interactive tool, launched by Government, is providing a clearer picture of the island’s future.
Source: gov.bm/climatechange
Small island and developing states are often described as being on the frontlines of climate change, but for territories without immediate, visible signs, the future impacts can be hard to imagine.
That’s why many stakeholders are leveraging tools such as Geographic Information Systems to visualise environmental data and inform climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Today, the government unveiled its own GIS platform based on the findings of the recently published Climate Change and Its Impact on Bermuda Study.
In colourful, interactive data layers, the platform maps out:
Projected sea-level rise and its impact on Bermuda’s coastline and infrastructure
Vulnerability assessments for communities, ecosystems, and key industries
Climate adaptation measures and priority areas for intervention
Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, underscored the importance of the initiative, explaining: “Bermuda is at the forefront of addressing climate change in a meaningful way. This GIS platform not only complements the findings of our climate change study but also empowers residents, businesses, and policymakers with the tools they need to make informed decisions. Our goal is to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.”
The GIS platform is now live and accessible to the public at gov.bm/climatechange.
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