Pickleball: Team Bermuda beats Cayman to win the inaugural Caribbean Championships
Trailing 2 – 0 in the gold medal match after the men’s and ladies doubles, Team Bermuda’s backs were seemingly against the proverbial wall. And when Captains Gavin Manders and Sasha Fisher went down 1-0 in the mixed doubles, it seemed the writing was on that proverbial wall. But the Bermuda Captains found another gear, taking the next 2 sets to put Bermuda on the board. Benjamin Jones and Imani Phillips followed that win up by winning their mixed doubles match in straight sets to tie things up. With the score tied at 2 all, the stage was now set for a Dream Breaker showdown.
Cayman and Bermuda faced off in similar fashion in the round of 16 at World Cup in Peru last fall, with Cayman edging out Bermuda by a mere 2 points to move on to the quarterfinals. And when the Caymanians jumped out to a 4-0 lead, it seemed that we were heading for a similar outcome.
But with that epic loss seemingly still fresh in their minds Team Bermuda once again found another gear. Great play by Imani Phillips gave Team Bermuda the lead and Benjamin Jones sealed the victory for Team Bermuda with a smash. Final score: 21-18.
Focus on strengthening Bermuda’s borders and enhancing public safety
Update via Bermuda Government Press release:
Organised by the Customs Department, the training session leveraged the BPS’ expertise in drug trafficking patterns, emerging smuggling methods, and enforcement techniques.
The specialised session equipped enforcement personnel with updated knowledge and strategies for detecting and preventing illicit substances and contraband from entering Bermuda.
This joint training is part of an ongoing initiative conducted in previous years to ensure officers remain well-prepared to address evolving threats.
This latest session included new recruits, ensuring that newer staff members are aligned with experienced personnel and fully equipped to perform their duties effectively.
This initiative reinforces both agencies’ commitment to strengthening Bermuda’s borders, enhancing public safety, and keeping the island secure.
Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP stated: “This training is a critical part of our efforts to protect Bermuda’s residents from the dangers of drug and weapon smuggling.
“Criminals are constantly finding new and sophisticated ways to smuggle illicit substances and contraband, and we must remain vigilant. By strengthening our borders, enhancing public safety, and promoting collaboration between law enforcement agencies, we are taking significant steps to make Bermuda a safer place.”
The training covered topics such as identifying synthetic drugs, investigative tactics, and interagency coordination to disrupt trafficking networks.
A spokesperson for the Customs Department noted: “We are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Police and benefit from their extensive experience in tackling drug-related challenges.
“This partnership enhances our ability to protect Bermuda’s residents from the threats of drug smuggling and illicit contraband, including the evolving tactics criminals use to breach our borders.”
Collector of Customs Lucinda Pearman highlighted the importance of interagency collaboration, stating: “The exchange of knowledge and resources between our departments is invaluable.
“By sharing best practices and intelligence, we are better equipped to address the complexities of drug enforcement in today’s environment.”
Acting Detective Inspector Zoenique Williams from the Drug Unit emphasised the necessity of joint efforts, adding: “Our fight against the illegal drug trade requires constant vigilance and a unified approach.
“By equipping Customs trainees with the knowledge and tools to detect and prevent drug and weapon trafficking, we strengthen the security of our borders and communities.”
Acting Superintendent Jason Smith, Officer-in-Charge of the Serious Crime Unit, reinforced the benefits of this initiative, stating: “The Bermuda Police Service is pleased to have partnered with our sister agency, the Customs Department, in this all-important initiative.
“The benefits for both the BPS and Customs are far-reaching and will ultimately ensure the safety and protection of our community against the dangers associated with the trade of illicit substances and weapons, while also securing Bermuda’s reputation as a safe place to live, visit, and conduct business.”
The Customs Department and BPS remain dedicated to ongoing collaboration and training initiatives to ensure enforcement personnel are well-prepared to confront evolving threats.
All Bermudian seniors aged 65 and over are eligible to vote in the Advance poll.
The Progressive Labour Party strongly encourages seniors to take this opportunity.
We know life gets busy and it makes sense to vote at a time that is convenient to you.
The Advance Poll affords you this opportunity.
If you are going into town this Monday or Tuesday, why not go ahead and vote when you’re going about your day?
“We remind all seniors that they can take advantage of the advance poll and we’re here to help,” said Party Chair Dawn Simmons. “If you are a senior and you need a ride to Advance Poll, call us at 703-8757. The PLP believes in empowering our seniors. That’s why we have increased pensions for our seniors 6 times. We are the party who introduced FutureCare and we have plans to expand FutureCare to cover a specialist visit. We encourage all seniors to vote in the Advance Poll.”
The Advance Poll is also open to persons who are traveling on election day.
Please bring your travel documents with you.
Members of the Bermuda Police Service (bring your warrant card) and election day workers are also encouraged to take advantage of the Advance Poll.
Incapacitated voters and voters with scheduled procedures should send a doctor’s note to pro@gov.bm.
All voters must bring ID to the advance poll.
The Advance Poll is open from 8 am to 8 pm on Monday, February 10th and Tuesday, February 11th at the Mount Saint Agnes Academy School. If you need a ride, we can help.
Five Bermudian artists will be joining the songstress during the international tour
Bermudian singer-songwriter Heather Nova will be launching her international tour featuring 30 shows in 35 days in northern Europe. The tour, promoting her brand-new album starts March 6th in Germany.
Nova discusses her passion for inspiring the next generation of singers and performers by previously hosting a singer-songwriter competition. In light of this, she announced 5 local artists will be opening her shows on tour.
She also revealed more about her early life in Bermuda, growing up as an artist, travelling the world with her family and her big break.
Government starts recruitment drive ahead of the summer season
Image: DCI
A recruitment drive for government’s Summer Day Camp 2025 programme has been launched, encouraging islanders with a passion for working with children to apply for various roles. A press release was issued today by the Department of Sport and Recreation. Owen Darrell, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport, said: “We are seeking enthusiastic and dedicated individuals to join our team of counsellors, coordinators, and supervisors to help deliver an unforgettable summer experience for Bermuda’s youth. “Joining the Summer Day Camp team is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in youth engagement, leadership, and teamwork while making a lasting impact on the community. Whether you have a passion for sports, arts, or mentoring young minds, this programme offers a rewarding environment to develop skills and build connections.” Positions available include Camp Counsellors, Special Needs Counsellors, Specialists (Art/Dance/Sports), Camp Coordinators, Senior Supervisors, Assistant Supervisors, Custodians, Office Clerk, and Store Persons. Applicants must be 18 years or older and hold valid First Aid and CPR certification, as well as Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk (SCARS) certification. Candidates must also be available for the full six-week summer camp programme. Applications can be found on www.sportsandrec.bm from February 10, until March 7, 2025. For more information, call 295-0855 or visit www.sportsandrec.bm
Day Two: Team Bermuda continues where they left off
Team Bermuda adds to their medal haul at the Pickleball Caribbean Championships in Cayman. Gavin Manders took bronze in the open elite men’s singles, while Imani Phillips claimed silver in the women’s singles. In the over 50 Ladies Doubles, Myra Virgil and Marie-Helene Pare claimed bronze in the 3.5 category. And in juniors action, Jaden Jones and Owen Stewart won gold in the U18 doubles.
Turks and Caicos and Anguilla kicked off Group A action this afternoon at the National Sports Centre
The U17 Men’s Concacaf qualifiers kicked off this afternoon at the National Sports Centre. In the first Group A match of the tournament Turks and Caicos beat Anguilla 3 nil. The Gombey Warriors will face Curacao at the National Sports Centre this evening at 8pm.
Facility aims to strengthen food security and expand local farming industry
Farmers are another step closer to reaping the benefits of a much-needed crop storage facility.
Plans were first proposed in 2022 to replace the ageing Agricultural Services Centre on Schools Drive in Devonshire, which the Government has deemed unfit due to an asbestos roof and failing cold storage rooms.
This week, Minister Roban confirmed that Brunel Engineering Consultants Ltd has provided designs for the new build, and the necessary permits have been secured.
The project, aimed at bolstering food security and supporting Bermuda’s farming industry, is now estimated to cost $14.5 million – $1 million more than last year’s estimate owing to inflation. If the Ministry’s funding request is approved in the 2025/26 budget, construction is expected to take two years.
“This is something that the farming community has been advocating for,” said Minister Roban. “I have from the very inception supported its redevelopment, not only because it is necessary, but because it allows the Government to lead by example—showing how a commercial structure can be environmentally sustainable.”
The 15,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, to be built adjacent to the current one, will include cold storage, a hydrocool room, and expanded dry storage for essential farming supplies. It will be powered by renewable energy with a backup generator.
Once constructed, Minister Roban assured that the relevant ministry would ensure ongoing maintenance and uphold the centre as a first-class facility.
“They have been working in some challenging conditions and still have been a complement to the agricultural community,” he said. “I do not doubt that the team in the future will do the same—at an even higher level with even better resources.”
Minister Roban highlighted that only half of Bermuda’s available farmland is currently in use and that the new facility could help expand agricultural activity.
“If there are greater resources available, farmers can confidently expand their operations, employ more people, make more investments, and grow the farming contribution to the economy,” he said.
Underscoring the need for the upgrade, Minister Roban highlighted Bermuda’s vulnerability to food supply shocks and the existing facility’s risk of hurricane-related damage.
He added that improved storage capacity could extend embargo periods, allowing local crops to stay on the market longer and reducing reliance on imports.
“Many crops, if left to natural conditions, will deteriorate because they are perishable,” Roban explained. “This facility will allow us to sustain their life and make them available to the marketplace without having to rely on imports. And then we can keep an embargo lasting longer if we know there’s a sustainable supply on the island – which is what helps our farmers.”
Giving back to the island’s youth whilst growing your company’s social media presence—a winning approach to bridging generational gaps in Bermuda’s business sector.
SkillCraft Bermuda is parlaying their Summer Student Internship Programme into its fourth year, showing corporate stakeholders the real-time benefits of paying it forward.
“If you’re someone who wants to empower the next generation to have meaningful lives and be successful in their careers, it’s a really important thing you could do” says Margot Shane, co-founder of SkillCraft.
Co-founder Emilie Faulkner-Meek believes the experience edifies the company and interns, providing practical opportunities for growth. “It’s a social media internship, and we invite 15 local businesses or charities to take on one of our young interns and host them for six weeks. The businesses or charities get some help with their social media, and they get to mentor Bermuda’s next generation as well.”
SkillCraft is currently seeking local businesses to partner with on this year’s iteration of the Programme, with applications being accepted until next Friday, the 14th of February.
To find out more, including how to become an intern host for the Programme, click here.
You can hear more from Margot Shane and Emilie Faulkner Meek via interview, below.
Facility-upgrades covered by funds allocated following the Mid-Year Budget Review
Update via Government Press Release: Attorney General and Minister of Justice Kim Wilkerson Visits Westgate Correctional Facility, Reinforces Commitment to Improvements
“This visit has been eye-opening,” said Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Sen. The Hon. Kim Wilkerson, JP.
The Minister recently conducted her maiden tour of Westgate Correctional Facility, accompanied by her Senate colleague Arianna Hodgson , as well as Acting Assistant Commissioner of Corrections Gladwin Simons, Acting Assistant Commissioner Darynda Caisey Brown, Chief Officer Dwight Richards, Acting Chief Officer Michael Christopher, and Department of Corrections (DOC) Facilities Manager Van Dyke Bean.
This visit follows the transfer of DOC oversight to the Ministry of Justice last year and was aimed at gaining firsthand insight into the facility’s conditions, staff concerns, and ongoing improvement initiatives.
A key highlight of the visit was the Minister’s review of progress following the Government’s Mid-Year Budget Review, which allocated $400,000 in additional funding to strengthen DOC’s rehabilitation and facility programmes.
These funds have supported initiatives such as increased staffing for inmate programmes, upgraded IT resources for educational opportunities, and vocational training expansion—including enhanced culinary arts.
Minister Wilkerson toured various units during her visit, engaged with inmates, and spoke directly with correctional officers.
She noted that while urgent facility repairs remain a priority, meaningful progress is being made in key areas.
The Minister added: “There is a long list of challenges to address, but we are pressing ahead with what we can do now—such as the kitchen upgrade and new equipment that I was pleased to see in operation today.
“Watching the inmates actively engaged in baking and culinary training was a particularly rewarding moment.”
She also commended the inmates for their renovation work within the facility, particularly the painting she observed in one of the blocks. “I was very impressed by the quality of the work done by the inmates.
“Their efforts in refurbishing parts of the facility, including painting, demonstrate the valuable skills they possess. This is exactly the kind of initiative we need to build on—ensuring that inmates can contribute meaningfully to the upkeep of the facility while being compensated for their work.”
Minister Wilkerson emphasised her belief that work done within the prison should be recognised and rewarded, helping inmates build their resumes for future employment and boosting their confidence in developing practical skills.
“If we can empower inmates with skills that will serve them well after their release, we are taking an important step toward successful reintegration. Their contributions should not go unnoticed, and I support ensuring that these opportunities help them transition into the workforce.”
The Minister also observed the fully equipped IT lab, which is helping inmates build essential digital skills.
Another highlight of the tour was the art room, where inmates are developing their talents and expressing themselves through creativity.
However, she emphasised the need for volunteers to support the facility’s carpentry workshop, calling on community members with relevant skills to contribute.
Addressing past concerns raised by corrections officers about working conditions and staffing shortages, Minister Wilkerson reaffirmed her commitment to improving the DOC environment and ensuring officers receive the support they need.
“Our corrections staff do an invaluable job in a demanding environment. We are listening to their concerns and working to make necessary improvements. While we recognise the challenges, the Government remains committed to providing resources where they are most needed.”
This visit marks the beginning of a series of engagements by the Minister with DOC personnel and stakeholders to assess progress and identify further areas for enhancement.
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