Jarion Richardson, Leader of the Opposition Image: OBA
The OBA has organized a ‘Rally & Meet-Up’ for its members. It will take place at the Vasco Da Gama Club in Hamilton on Tuesday, January the 21st, from 6pm to 7.30pm. The OBA’s newsletter states that it’s a chance to “meet fellow members and connect with like-minded individuals … hear from our leaders as we share our vision for a better future … get involved in shaping the change we all want to see. “As we approach the February 18th election, your engagement in our democratic process matters more than ever. Your voice is powerful, and together, we can make a difference.” The event is for OBA members only.
The Butterfield Mile was held on Front Street Friday night as the first event of the Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge race weekend
A new champion was crowned on Front Street this evening in the men’s elite Butterfield Mile.
Competing in Bermuda for the first time Ben Claridge from the UK, who trains with Dage Minors, proved too strong for the rest of the field, finishing 3 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor in a time of 4 minutes 10 seconds.
Minors who was looking to race his way into the history books with a record third title in a row, had to settle for 4th place.
The Bermuda Tourism Authority board recently came under scrutiny after Hazel Clark, their director of global business development and partnerships left the quango.
BTA logo/Bermuda Tourism Authority
Its been confirmed to Bermuda Broadcasting Friday evening that a confidential draft of a culture review has been completed and received by the Bermuda Tourism Authority. The report was ordered as part of an ultimatum set by Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism. The move was reported in a leaked email to The Royal Gazette and called for a report to be completed by a set date. Matters came to light after the resignation of Hazel Clarke, one of a slew of high profile figures who has left the BTA in recent times. A spokesperson for the board told us, “The Board of Directors for the Bermuda Tourism Authority has today received a confidential draft report of the independent Culture Review. They added, “They will review the findings and discuss the recommendations of the independent assessment.”
The annual laugh fest is shaping up to bring top international talent as headliners, according to organisers.
Entertainment news now and Richard Simon describes himself as the Chief Chuckler at Just For Laughs Bermuda. He brought the event to Bermuda in 2007 when he moved from Montreal, where the original Just for Laughs was created. The show starts up again here next Wednesday and Mr. Simon told us what we can expect.
The 2nd-Generation MP has comfortably held Pembroke South West since 2012
Photo Supplied
Susan Jackson, Shadow Minister for Transport and Tourism, and the One Bermuda Alliance MP for C20 Pembroke South West, is retiring from parliament.
Ms Jackson was elected as the C20 MP in 2012, succeeding her late mother Louise Jackson who had held the seat for the UBP since 2003.
A rumour reached our newsroom that Ms Jackson was going to run independent, but Ms Jackson confirmed to our newsroom that she has retired her parliamentary position and is not considering a run as an independent.
OBA Leader Jarion Richardson told Bermuda Broadcasting that, although sad to see her retire, the One Bermuda Alliance wishes MP Susan Jackson all the best as she enters her next stage of life.
“Susan is to be commended for her decades of service to the people of Bermuda and especially the residents of constituency 20. Susan Jackson has served the people well and has continued her family’s legacy, walking in the footsteps of her mother, the late MP Louise Jackson.”
“It has been an honour to work with MP Jackson. I have learned a lot from her over the years and wish her nothing but the best. The people of Bermuda were fortunate to have been served by you.”
MPs from the governing party list achievements, respond to critics
Hosts of today’s press conference: Jason Hayward, Jache Adams and Emilygail Dill. Image: Bermuda Broadcasting
“Bermuda, the choice before us is clear”. Progressive Labour Party MP and candidate for Constituency 36 Sandy’s North, Reverend Emilygail Dill, addressing the country at a press conference today. Ms. Dill, along with Junior Minister of Finance Jache Adams and Labour & Economy Minister Jason Hayward, listed their party’s achievements. They cited post-pandemic economic growth, expedited access to financial assistance, the development of low-cast housing, tax breaks for lower earners and increased rights for workers such as a statutory minimum wage. Mr. Hayward, MP and candidate for Constituency 17 Pembroke Central, highlighted the strides made in the realm of labour protections. “Our record of accomplishments has been clear, and our actions demonstrate our commitment to advancing workers rights.” Ms. Dill spoke about the party’s gains in the areas of women’s safety, including the criminalisation of revenge porn and harsher penalties for sex-offenders. “This is the record of a party that believes in fairness. A party that believes in justice. A party that knows that when we support women, we support our entire society.” Bermuda Broadcasting’s Gary Foster Skelton posed the following question to Mr. Hayward: “You’ve shared a list of achievements with regard to benefits afforded to employees and tax breaks for low-earners. Is it your sense that everyone is feeling that benefit? And if so, why is it that we continue to hear that the cost of living remains too high and Bermudians can’t afford to live in their own country?” Mr. Hayward says that the high cost of living remains a social reality, but his party has worked to relieve that pressure for families: “We’ve reduced taxes in a number of areas, including payroll tax…We’ve reduced taxes on staple items … There is a number of things that the Progressive Labour Party has done, and will continue to do, to ensure that we ease some of the pressures on families in Bermuda based off the cost of living. “But the cost of living, to be clear, is a global challenge. It is not unique to Bermuda, but our response to that particular challenge I believe is something that we should applaud…” The MPs were also challenged about what appears to be a lack of tangible progress on developing casinos and vertical farming, as ways to diversify the economy.
You can view the full PLP press conference, below:
Words from Independent candidate Gavin Kennedy, who rolled out his campaign in C28 Warwick West this morning at Warwick Playground.
Mr. Kennedy, a small business owner from the constituency, said he has been talking to people in the area where more and more of them are relying on hand-outs.
He stressed the need to reinvent the tourism industry and improve management of government finances.
He said he sees “new faces at the food lines, the lines are getting longer. We need to make a change and give youth more power to vote when they’re not on the island”.
On his decision to run as an Independent, he said as a former PLP voter and growing up in a UBP household, he believed in both parties but hasn’t seen much of change in the past ten years.
Following his remarks, Bermuda Broadcasting asked what specific issues are of greatest concern in the constituency; many people, he said, have concerns about the economy.
Mr Kennedy said the economy is going well but regular people are not feeling it as more and more rely on hand-outs.
Sir John Swan, who is facilitating the Independents, said he feels the time has come now for a beginning and a new era for Bermuda , in which party politics is taken off the table.
The PLP’s Dennis Lister III won the seat in the 2020 General Election, taking 60% of the votes and defeating the OBA’s Dwayne Robinson.
The Green Family, who own the property and several commercial buildings said the 130,000 sq. foot space will be a place where design, art, and community coexist.
Digital Renderings of Luscar Place, Rego Sotheby’s International Realty
A new commercial development purchased by The Green Family is slated to break ground early this year on Pitt’s Bay Road in Hamilton’s business district. Realtor Penny Macintyre of Rego Sotheby International Realty says there is already interest in Class A/A+ office, retail and restaurant space as a result of a 3 year shortage in the City of Hamilton and Pembroke. The seven-story building, featuring an energy efficient design, will be located at the corner of Pitts Bay Road and Waterloo Lane. A news release states that Luscar Place will also feature two ground-floor retail units including an outdoor patio, and 11-foot high ceilings. The Green family stated, quote: “Our vision is to create not just a landmark structure, but a gathering space where design, art, and community coexist, inspiring all who experience Luscar Place,” end quote. The Green Family also own Waterloo House, Point House and Dorchester House.
…and if simply disruptors, will it hurt the Opposition the most?
Just over a week into the 2025 General Election campaign, and both the OBA and PLP have set their sights on the prize, with most of their candidates in place.
The FDM is yet to unveil any candidates, while four new independents have already been rolled out.
However, do any of the alternative options have a real chance of winning seats – or are they just drawing votes away from the main parties?
If the latter is true – will it work out better for the PLP or the OBA?
Gary Foster Skelton looks at the election story so far in the report above…
Reaching out: Premier David Burt pictured during his party’s voter registration push. Photo: PLP
The PLP today issued an update on its voter registration drives. A press release stated: “Over the last 7 days, PLP candidates have registered many voters, especially young voters, throughout Bermuda. The PLP held voter registration drives at: Bermuda College – organised by Progressive Minds; The Berkeley Institute; CedarBridge Academy; Harrington Workmen’s Club; Allen Temple AME Church; Elliot Primary School (for Devonshire). Premier David Burt – “I am incredibly proud of our candidates and the dedicated team that has been working tirelessly to engage with and help to register voters across Bermuda. “Over the past week, we’ve seen firsthand how our message is resonating — especially with young voters who recognise and appreciate the work this PLP Government has done. From expanding scholarships and apprenticeships to implementing a minimum wage, creating jobs in tourism and construction, and making record investments in youth programmes and mental health services, we are building a fairer Bermuda for them and all Bermudians.”
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