Two cohorts complete innovative AI programme in partnership with The Clarity Institute
Credit: Bermuda College
Bermuda College is celebrating the achievements of two student cohorts who recently completed its Foundation in Generative AI course, delivered in collaboration with The Clarity Institute.
A spokesperson for Bermuda College described the programme as a “significant milestone” in the schools commitment to “offering cutting-edge educational opportunities to empower students to excel in the rapidly evolving landscape of generative AI technology.”
The course, delivered once a week in the evenings, introduced participants to the core principles of AI technology. Among those enrolled were 20 Bermuda College staff members.
Dr Ali Arouzi, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Bermuda College, stated: “This partnership with The Clarity Institute exemplifies the College’s dedication to providing innovative learning solutions and skillsets for our employees. The AI technology can assist us in efficiently formulating our strategic goals, enhancing operational competences and improving decision-making processes.”
She added: “We are thrilled to congratulate the first two cohorts of AI students who are now equipped with the skills to thrive in an AI-driven world.”
Stuart Lacey, Founder and CEO of The Clarity Institute, underscored the importance of AI education in preparing professionals for the future. “AI is no longer just a buzzword; it’s a vital skill that professionals across all industries need to embrace,” he said. “We are incredibly proud to partner with Bermuda College in offering courses that not only educate but empower Bermudians too. The success of these cohorts is proof of the demand and game-changing potential for AI education here in Bermuda.”
The next AI course at Bermuda College begins on February 6th and financial aid is available.
Students return after unexpected closure due to staff shortages
Classes at Whitney Institute Middle School resumed today, according to an update from the Department of Education and the school’s Board of Governors.
The resumption follows yesterday’s early dismissal of all students, which occurred due to a significant number of staff members calling out sick.
Pastor Terence Stovell, Chair of the Whitney Institute Middle School Board, explained to Bermuda Broadcasting that a lack of available substitute teachers prompted the cancellation of classes.
He also confirmed that parents were informed via email, and phone calls were made to arrange transportation for students to leave the school.
A spokesperson for the Department of Education stated that discussions were held with the school’s principal, Board of Governors, and the teachers’ union to address the “unexpected closure.”
After classes resumed today, a Government spokesperson stated: “The Department and Board of Governors take this opportunity to thank parents and students for their patience.”
Christopher Bean says managing his brother’s campaign in C36 inspired him to run
Christopher Bean has officially announced his decision to stand as an independent candidate in Constituency #35, Sandys North Central, for the upcoming General Election.
A proud product of Somerset, Christopher expressed a deep desire to “give back to the community that raised him.”
Following in his older brother Cire Bean’s footsteps, Christopher enters the race after serving as Cire’s campaign manager in last year’s Sandys North by-election. Christopher acknowledged that joining his brother on the campaign trail inspired him to step into the political arena.
He explained his choice to run as an independent, stating that it allows him to be a clear and unrestricted voice for the people. “Party politics has served its purpose. Now we need something new, something creative to get us out of the rut we are currently in, and I believe I am the best option for that,” he said.
Professionally, Christopher serves as Operations Manager at the private psychiatric facility Dignity House and is Chairman of the Board for Beyond Inclusion. Additionally, he is the Director of Operations for his brother’s charity, Payakid, which provides vocational skills and employment opportunities for young people to help steer them away from antisocial behaviour, gang involvement, and crime.
Addressing such challenges in Bermuda, Christopher said there is a significant amount of loss in the community that must be tackled. He advocates for rehabilitation and proactive rather than reactive measures and suggested restructuring some existing systems.
“I don’t think the wheel needs to be completely reinvented, but I believe it’s the execution of some of these ideas that will really move Bermuda forward,” he added.
Standing alongside his brother, Cire Bean confirmed he will once again contest Constituency #36, Sandys North.
Reflecting on their joint decision to enter the election race, Cire said: “We are young enough to understand that we do not know it all, but old enough to understand that we know better.”
The brothers shared that they come from a politically engaged family and always knew their paths would lead to politics.
After his loss in the C36 by-election, Cire stated that his focus is to “be successful for the people, not for my own being.”
“We are ready to fight,” Cire declared.
In Constituency 36, Cire will face incumbent Rev Dr Emily Gail Dill of the PLP, Carl Neblett of the OBA, and newly unveiled FDM candidate Shalleya Codrington.
Meanwhile, in Constituency 35, Christopher will challenge Speaker of the House and PLP stalwart Dennis Lister, as well as the OBA’s Rodrae Durrant.
For the full video of Tuesday’s press conference: click the play button below.
PLP MP describes the project as a “lifeline” for seniors and their families
Plans are already underway to repurpose the Gilbert Institute – which is scheduled to close in June as part of education reform – into a senior day care facility, according to Premier David Burt.
Speaking at a press conference at his party’s headquarters, Premier Burt announced that an architect has been engaged to design the project, with renovation and refitting works set to begin once the school closes this summer. He said services at the facility are expected to be offered either later this year or in 2026.
MP Neville Tyrrell, representing Constituency 26, Warwick South Central, said the facility will provide programmes tailored to the diverse needs of Bermuda’s seniors, including art therapy and exercise classes.
He described the centre as a “lifeline for seniors and their families”, offering crucial support to the “sandwiched generation” – working adults who care for their elderly parents while juggling careers and other responsibilities.
“This project also underscores something bigger – our belief that no one in this country should have to choose between caring for a loved one and earning a pay cheque,” MP Tyrrell added.
Meanwhile, Premier Burt revealed that, in the interim, Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, Tinee Furbert, is actively working with existing organisations to recruit additional staff and expand senior day care services across the island.
Bermuda continues to face a chronic shortage of rest home and nursing beds, with many facilities operating waitlists. Premier Burt said his party intends to address this by facilitating the construction of additional units to meet demand.
Political newcomer Iesha Musson, the PLP candidate for Constituency 20, Pembroke South West, was also present at the press conference. She highlighted the PLP Government’s ongoing commitment to seniors, stating that their record in this area “speaks for itself”.
Ms Musson noted that since taking office, the PLP Government has raised pensions for seniors annually, increased funding for hardship programmes, expanded home care allowances, and launched a dementia care pilot programme.
Their remarks come just over a week before the PLP is set to unveil its election platform.
A British Airways passenger plane flies over a road direction sign as it makes its landing approach to Heathrow Airport in west London, Britain, January 28, 2025. REUTERS/Toby Melville
LONDON (Reuters) – British finance minister Rachel Reeves is expected to back the expansion of Heathrow Airport on Wednesday, turning to the country’s most controversial infrastructure project in her hunt for economic growth.
But even with her support, the plan for a third runway at Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest airports, has numerous hurdles to overcome even before construction can start.
WHY IS THE UK CONSIDERING A THIRD HEATHROW RUNWAY NOW?
Reeves wants to breathe life into a stagnant economy and has said infrastructure projects will help drive growth by luring investment, and in Heathrow’s case, boosting trade and tourism.
The Labour government, elected in July, is under increasing pressure after Britain’s economy flatlined during its first six months in charge.
Meanwhile, Heathrow Airport operates at 99% capacity and risks being overtaken in Europe, where it is the busiest airport. Its two runways compare with four each in Paris’ Charles de Gaulle and Frankfurt Airport, and six at Amsterdam’s Schiphol.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE HEATHROW EXPANSION PLAN?
Heathrow’s third runway was given the green light in 2009 before being scrapped by a new government in 2010. That sparked ideas about building a new hub airport east of London, before a commission recommended a new runway at Heathrow in 2015.
In 2020, Britain’s top court overturned a previous ruling blocking expansion on environmental grounds, giving the third runway the green light. But that came during the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought air traffic to a standstill.
Heathrow then focused on travel recovery. In 2024, passenger numbers jumped to 84 million, overtaking a pre-pandemic high and pushing the third runway back onto the agenda.
WHAT ARE THE ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIONS TO THE EXPANSION?
Heathrow is just 15 miles (24 km) west of London. Residents have for decades complained about noise pollution, safety risks from flights over the densely populated city, and more recently, about the impact of soaring carbon emissions.
The 2020 ruling against expansion, overturned later that year, referenced a failure to take into account the government’s commitments on climate change.
Increasing use of sustainable aviation fuel will help cut carbon emissions from flying, helping to boost Heathrow’s case.
Still, the expansion plan could face a legal challenge in the shape of a judicial review of a government decision in favour of the new runway.
Working in Heathrow’s favour is the government’s promise to overhaul planning rules to make it easier to build, including potentially streamlining the judicial review process on Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects like Heathrow.
HOW MUCH WOULD THE PLAN COST?
Building a new runway was estimated to cost 14 billion pounds ten years ago, but inflation since then may put the final bill in excess of 20 billion pounds.
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE CHALLENGES?
Other challenges abound. The complex project would involve re-routing London’s orbital motorway through a tunnel, at a time when the number of construction workers in the UK is falling and as the government pushes other big projects, like a plan to build over a million new homes.
The right balance of incentives is also needed. Investors will want a long-term settlement in place to ensure fair returns, while airlines will want to avoid being saddled with lofty future costs.
Last year, Heathrow’s ownership changed when French private equity group Ardian and Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund bought stakes in the hub.
Ardian, now Heathrow’s biggest shareholder with a 23% stake, told the Financial Times in November that it would support management if it wanted to build a new runway.
Reeves’s expected support puts the ball in Heathrow’s court to submit a planning application.
Heathrow’s most recent statement on the third runway is that it is considering options “in line with strict tests on carbon, noise and air quality.”
(Reporting by Sarah Young; Editing by Bernadette Baum)
Office of the Privacy Commissioner closed until the 29th of January
Data Privacy Day 2025: This year’s theme is Take Control of Your Data. A spokesperson for the Office of the Privacy Commissioner says that the aim of the day is to educate and empower residents on protecting their personal information.
“Almost a month after the Personal Information Protection Act 2016 (PIPA) entered into force on 1 January 2025, the theme is most topical and brings home the importance of Bermuda residents knowing their rights: a campaign and Individuals’ Guide to PIPA that PrivCom launched back in December 2024.”
The event is set to feature a keynote speech by Privacy Commissioner, Alexander White, which will explore practical steps to safeguard data in an increasingly digital world focusing on urging Bermudians to embrace a culture of privacy and data protection.
The spokesperson continues, “PrivCom has been celebrating Data Privacy Day since the appointment of the Commissioner and the office inception at the beginning of 2020.” “In 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively, PrivCom explained the history and importance of celebrating International Data Privacy Day by publishing a series of posts and holding a series of events, including an interactive AI workshop organised in cooperation with an overseas organisation.”
“In January 2024, PrivCom launched its Road to PIPA implementation plan during Data Privacy Week 2024 and published a blog post about teaching young people how to use ChatGPT in a safe and ethical way. For tips on protecting your personal information, visit www.privacy.bm.”
In celebration of Data Privacy Day 2025, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner will be closed for business. Normal operations will resume in Wednesday 29 January.
Story provided by the Office of the Privacy Commissioner
Research vessel is covering for the Atlantic Explorer
The Neil Armstrong, pictured here at Penno’s Wharf, can carry 20 crew and 24 scientists. Photo: Tony McWilliam
A spectacular research vessel has been turning heads in the east end. The Neil Armstrong arrived in Bermuda on January the 13th and has been in and out of Penno’s Wharf. The vessel is standing in for the Atlantic Explorer, which is owned and operated by the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, and is currently undergoing scheduled maintenance at a shipyard in Jacksonville, Florida. The 238-foot Neil Armstrong, named after the first person to walk on the moon, was launched in 2014. It is owned by the U.S. Navy and operated by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The Atlantic Explorer is due to return to Bermuda at the end of February.
Work on the new Beach Club set to commence in February
Construction work continues at Fairmont Southampton Hotel
Photo supplied by Westend Properties
Construction work continues at Fairmont Southampton Hotel
Photo supplied by Westend Properties
Construction work continues at Fairmont Southampton Hotel
Photo supplied by Westend Properties
Construction work continues at Fairmont Southampton Hotel
Photo supplied by Westend Properties
Construction work continues at Fairmont Southampton Hotel
Photo supplied by Westend Properties
Construction work continues at Fairmont Southampton Hotel
Photo supplied by Westend Properties
Construction work continues at Fairmont Southampton Hotel
Photo supplied by Westend Properties
Photos: Westend Properties
A Statement from Westend Properties today highlights ongoing work at the Fairmont Southampton Hotel site, such as interior demolition of guest rooms, scaffolding being erected for ongoing work, and upcoming orders of new guestroom furniture.
50 construction workers are on site regularly, the statement reads – 80% of whom are local. Waves of new workers are expected in the coming weeks as broader construction starts at the Beach Club, pending approvals.
Alessandro Colantonio, Chief Investment Officer at Gencom, said “…every container delivered, every trash dumpster removed, and every new worker hired represents a critical step towards the reopening of the iconic Fairmont Southampton… Stay tuned for additional updates in the weeks and months ahead.”
The Fairmont Southampton Hotel and Beach Club, Bermuda’s largest hotel with 593 rooms, was shuttered in October 2020. Financing for the renovation and reopening was finalised last year, with a groundbreaking ceremony shortly afterwards.
The hotel is due to reopen in Spring 2026.
Full Statement from Westend Properties below:
To mark the beginning of a new year, Westend Properties is pleased to offer a series of updates about the ongoing renovations at the Fairmont Southampton. The Waterlot successfully relaunches As promised, Bermuda’s beloved steakhouse, The Waterlot, reopened its doors on December 4th, 2024, after an extensive renovation that was thoughtfully executed. The feedback on the updated restaurant has been overwhelmingly positive, with guests highlighting how the balance between tradition and modernity exceeds their expectations and has elevated the overall dining experience. A recent visitor to the restaurant diner noted, “What strikes me most is how beautifully you’ve restored this Bermuda institution. The warmth of the space, the impeccable service and the perfectly executed menu all speak to the care and vision you’ve brought to this project. You’ve managed to honour The Waterlot’s storied history while breathing fresh life into every aspect of the experience.” Construction continues throughout the property Since our last official update and the groundbreaking ceremony in November, we have activated building permits for the renovations to the hotel and shipping containers filled with construction materials and equipment have been systematically arriving to the site. Construction at the work site continues, with interior demolition of the guestrooms and on-site staff dorms under way, including the removal of all furniture that will not be re-used, carpeting, wall coverings, vanities and other finishes. This liquidation prepares these areas for the more comprehensive demolition works which will start in the coming weeks. As part of this undertaking, a mast climber – a piece of scaffolding equipment that is vital to the liquidation, demolition and renovation – has been installed outside the hotel’s façade. Lobby level liquidation will also commence shortly. Work on and around the Beach Club is ongoing and is expected to ramp up in the weeks ahead. A new utility trench between the club and the hotel that will be used to facilitate the transfer of critical water, power, fibre and sewage to and from the club is in the process of being built. We’re gearing up to commence work on the new Beach Club in February, pending receipt of the required applicable building permit.
Other work scheduled for the upcoming weeks includes: – Resealing and repainting the exterior of the Boundary Sports Bar and Grille building – Finalising the approvals of shop drawings and placing the orders for the guestroom furniture, plumbing fixtures, carpets and tiles – Demolition of the hotel pool hardscape, beginning with removing the existing pavers
There are currently approximately 50 construction workers on site on a regular basis, including management. About 80% of these employees are locals. We are expecting to onboard additional waves of workers in upcoming weeks as the broader construction starts on the Beach Club and continues at the hotel. “As this important project moves forward, every container delivered, every trash dumpster removed, and every new worker hired represents a critical step towards the reopening of the iconic Fairmont Southampton,” said Alessandro Colantonio, Chief Investment Officer at Gencom, the managing partner of Westend Properties. “Stay tuned for additional updates in the weeks and months ahead.”
…PLP says OBA misunderstands budgets, and financial updates are provided regularly
The timing of the general election means the latest budget, due in February, won’t be tabled until after the next administration is chosen.
At the candidate rollout last week, Gary Foster Skelton asked OBA Leader Jarion Richardson for specifics of what they would do if they won.
Mr Richardson intimated that they must be cautious about promises because there might be something we’re not being told about Government spending.
“One of the things we have to do when we first get in is ascertain the state of the government’s finances”, he said.
“We were well aware that we were going to get audited financial statements going into the budget season. As it stands right now, we don’t have any of that information.”
Shadow Finance Minister Douglas De Couto backed up the party leader.
He said, “the PLP Government has increased the net debt by $106 million over the past two years… that’s why our leader says we need to see what’s in the budget, because what else is in there that we’re not seeing today?”
A PLP spokesperson responded to the OBA below:
“The OBA’s comments reveal a clear misunderstanding of Budgets and finance. The suggestion that the PLP government is withholding information is both unfounded and misleading. Public financial updates are provided regularly, including through the Pre-Budget Report, which outlines the state of Bermuda’s finances and proposed fiscal measures. “Our commitment to sound public finances has never wavered, that is why Bermuda has its first budget surplus in 21 years. This is due to fair economic policies such as reducing payroll taxes for 86% of workers and every local business while implementing modest increases for high earners. The public needs to remember – the OBA opposed this cut of taxes for 86% of workers – but the PLP delivered tax fairness and a budget surplus. “The opposition’s comments are just an excuse to hide their lack of concrete plans and Bermudians deserve clarity on their proposals. Whose taxes will they increase…? “This government remains focused on results: affordable childcare, increased pensions, reducing the cost of living, and expanding healthcare access while reducing co-pays. Those are our plans – that are funded. What are the OBA’s plans?”
PARIS (Reuters) -The United States has reported its first outbreak of H5N9 bird flu in poultry on a duck farm in California, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) said on Monday.
U.S. authorities also detected the more common H5N1 strain on the same farm in Merced County, California, they said in a report to Paris-based WOAH, adding that the almost 119,000 birds on the farm had been killed by Dec. 2.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), commonly called bird flu, has spread around the globe in recent years, leading to the culling of hundreds of millions of poultry. It also spread to dozens of mammal species, including dairy cows in the U.S. and killed a person in Louisiana.
The strain that has caused most damage in recent years has been H5N1. H5N9 is rarer.
“This is the first confirmed case of HPAI H5N9 in poultry in the United States,” the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in the report to the WOAH.
“The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in conjunction with State Animal Health and Wildlife Officials, are conducting comprehensive epidemiological investigations and enhanced surveillance in response to the HPAI related events,” it added.
(Reporting by Sybille de La Hamaide. Editing by Gus Trompiz and Mark Potter)
The video attempts to implicate senior PLP figures in the death of celebrated footballer, Marco Warren, who died May 2023
Darrin Simons, Commissioner of Police Photo: File Image
The Commissioner of Police is calling on the community to refrain from sharing a video which contains defamatory content in connection to the death of Marco Warren.
Darrin Simons, Commissioner of Police stated, quote: “Since this unfortunate incident, the Premier has been in contact with police and willingly assisted us with our ongoing inquiry.
“Additionally, I must state clearly, there is no information to suggest that government Minister, Tinee Furbert, has had any involvement in the matters alleged.” end quote.
Marco Warren, a talented footballer, died in May 2023 after a road collision on North Shore Road, just west of Trinity Church Road. A former PLP Senator, Curtis Richardson, was charged with causing his death and a case is before the courts.
49-year-old Richardson pleaded not guilty to causing the death of Marco Warren by driving without due care and attention during last November’s Supreme Court arraignment session.
Urging residents to think before sharing the content of the video, the Commissioner stated that sharing unsubstantiated claims or defamatory content can have serious consequences – not only for the individuals targeted, but also legally, for those responsible.
The ruling Progressive Labour Party also commented on the video, and said the “false smear campaign” of dishonesty and baseless personal attacks are despicable, unacceptable, and go far beyond the realm of acceptable public discourse.
The party expressed regret for the family of those affected, and implore all parties to condemn the malicious act.
The Free Democratic Movement’s chair, Omar Dill, addressed the video during a press conference where they party rolled out several new candidates this morning at Sessions House in the City of Hamilton.
On social media site ‘X’, the FDM posted, “The Free Democratic Movement firmly condemns the use of social media to spread false statements that cause unnecessary harm. These actions are deeply troubling, as they often reopen wounds for families already enduring unimaginable pain.
“The real victims are not just those targeted but the loved ones left to bear the emotional toll. We must strive to uphold a sense of integrity and compassion, recognizing the lasting impact such behavior has on families and communities.”
Deputy leader of the OBA, Ben Smith said his party denies any involvement in the creation of the video nor condones how the incident was used to disparage public figures.
He stated, “Such abhorrent, slanderous accusations have no place in Bermuda, and we urge whoever is behind this video to delete it and refrain from posting any further similar content. Videos such as this only serve to divide our community.”
The BPS further encourages anyone with relevant information in connection to the death of Marco Warren to contact Acting Detective Superintendent Jason Smith on 717-0864.
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