PLP’s Iesha Musson to stand in C20
The first new PLP candidate announced since the election was called, in arguably the toughest seat for the PLP to win
The PLP today rolled out Iesha Musson as their candidate in Constituency 20, Pembroke South West. (Video highlights above, full press conference below)
Ms Musson is the first new PLP candidate announced since the election was announced – in arguably the toughest seat for the PLP to win.
The constituency encompasses Front Street to Dundonald Street as far east as King Street, and west as far as Fairylands and up to the Pitt’s Bay / St John’s Road roundabout.
Susan Jackson held the seat in 2020 with 80 per-cent of the vote. Ms Musson told Gary Foster Skelton she is only just starting to canvass the area.
Ms Musson cites a passion for youth development and family preservation, and a love of service.
Pembroke South West is the first of the five OBA-held constituencies that had no PLP candidates at the time the election was called.
The remaining are Smith’s North, held by Ben Smith, Devonshire South Central, held by Craig Cannonier, Scott Pearman’s seat in Paget East, and OBA Leader Jarion Richardson’s seat in Paget West.
FULL LIVE PRESS CONFERENCE:
FDM unveils its economic policy
Lower payroll tax, higher take-home pay, and relief for businesses promised
FDM logo
The Free Democratic Movement unveiling their economic policy this afternoon. The 5 page document outlines four core principles (fiscal responsibility, market-driven growth, empowering through economic participation, customs duty and payroll tax reforms) alongside a timeline for policy implementation.
The party promises to simplify customs duties to a flat 15% rate and reduce customs duties for registered businesses in the short term (0-1 year). Medium term (years 2-3) goals include the promotion, development, and export of Bermudian-produced products including alcohol, honey, spices, and other goods. The FDM also seeks to replace the Bermuda Tourism Authority “with a privately funded Tourism Stakeholders Council, led by private sector leaders, to drive marketing and innovation without reliance on government funding.”
Economic diversification will target ‘i-Gaming’, the cannabis industry, offshore fishing, and international education: “Upgrade Bermuda College to a university, hosting 200 international students annually, generating tuition and other related revenues.”
You can read the full document, below.
Private jet lands after encountering mechanical issues
Learjet 60 reported issues with landing gear
Footage: N714TS landing (Anonymous submission, 2025)
Issues with landing gear apparently forced a private jet to make an unscheduled landing in Bermuda this afternoon.
This according to flight blog The Bermuda Flyer:
The aircraft, a Learjet 60 registered N714TS, experienced an issue with its nose landing gear. The aircraft circled to the east of the island and attempted multiple low approaches, burning fuel before landing.
The Bermuda Flyer reporting:
“The pilots reported feeling “adverse yaw” on takeoff and requested to complete a low approach for the air traffic control tower to view the state of the landing gear. The tower and an aircraft on the ground both reported that the landing gear looked “slightly skewed.”
The aircraft landed safely by 3PM without issue.
Flight path of aircraft N714TS (FlightRadar24.com, 2025)
A Skyport representative explained, quote: “A Learjet 60 departed L.F. Wade International Airport today and reported a landing gear malfunction indicator. The aircraft returned to the airport as a precaution landing safely and taxiing to the apron under its own power.
“No emergency was declared.”
BUEI hires new Head of Education
Seeks to foster ocean literacy and environmental advocacy
Summer Wood (BUEI, 2025)
Summer Wood has been appointed as the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute’s new Head of Education. A BUEI spokesperson says that Ms. Wood, a Bermudian, brings extensive experience in programme management, curriculum coordination, and leadership in education to this crucial role,
making her an ideal candidate to further BUEI’s mission of fostering ocean literacy and inspiring
environmental advocacy.
Ms. Wood’s experience includes leading multiple departments as an IB MYP Coordinator at
Somersfield Academy, where she oversaw program development and evaluation. She brings a strong
track record of success in collaborating with diverse stakeholders, demonstrated by her co-chairing
of the Student Diversity Leadership Conference and her work in facilitating student group projects
focused on impactful causes. Her commitment to environmental education is also evident in her past
work with the Duke of Edinburgh Award program and BAMZ camps, where she engaged children of
all ages.
Ms. Wood said “I am thrilled to join this dynamic team and promote the connection between learning
and doing through BUEI’s robust education programmes. I have held many different roles in
education and I am excited to contribute my passion as an educator to BUEI’s impactful delivery of
ocean literacy and environmental education programmes for students of all ages across the island.”
In her new role, Ms. Wood will oversee the delivery of all education programmes, lead fundraising
initiatives, and work collaboratively with BUEI’s team to develop and update educational offerings.
“We are incredibly enthusiastic about welcoming Summer to the BUEI team,” said Karla Lacey, BUEI
CEO. “Her passion and demonstrated skills in educational leadership and her commitment to
inspiring a love for the planet perfectly align with BUEI’s mission.
Press release: BUEI, 2025
Full press conference: Juanae Crockwell to run as Independent in C31
WRC Executive Director announces her intention to stand in Southampton West Central
Age Concern to gauge mental health needs of seniors
Charity calls on residents to “help shape the future of mental health support for our community”
Age Concern is seeking public feedback to explore ways to improve the mental health and well-being of older adults in Bermuda.
This week the charity launched a Mental Health Needs Assessment Survey, which is part of its ongoing commitment to advocate for Bermuda’s ageing population.
A spokesperson for Age Concern explained: “The survey seeks to gather valuable insights into the mental health status, challenges, and preferences for support among older adults in Bermuda.”
Older adults, their caregivers or family members are encouraged to take part in the survey which will seek to identify mental health needs, challenges and preferences for education and support.
“By participating in the survey, community members will directly contribute to the development of impactful mental health education sessions and services tailored to the needs of our older population,” the spokesperson said.
The charity gave its assurance that all responses will remain confidential and solely be used for program development purposes.
To participate, complete the survey online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Q9DGBPF before the deadline of January 31st, 2025.
‘The party system is the problem’
Independent election candidate Juanae Crockwell seeks to alter the status quo
Guided by service as a core value: Juanae Crockwell announces her candidacy. Image: Bermuda Broadcasting
The field of electoral candidates is growing by the day and the latest addition is Juanae Crockwell, who will stand as an Independent in Southampton West Central, Constituency 31.
Born and raised Southampton, Ms Crockwell is the Executive Director of the Women’s Resource Centre and describes herself as a community advocate.
At a press conference at her home this morning, she said ‘service’ is a core value guiding her personal and professional life, and shared that her political mentor was her late brother Shawn Crockwell, a former MP and Cabinet Minister.
Ms Crockwell said the party system had outlived its usefulness and what was once the solution is now the problem, as the system stifles innovation.
She said the Independents’ movement was an opportunity for people to come together for true and meaningful change.
Asked by Bermuda Broadcasting about the key issues in C31, Ms Crockwell cited road safety, trash collection, littering at Evans Bay – and uncertainty around what will happened to Port Royal Primary School after it closes.
At the 2020 General Election, the PLP’s Crystal Caesar narrowly beat the OBA’s Ben Smith to win Southampton West Central.
UPDATE: Two teens reported missing (found)
Police are searching for Keith Richardson and Nai’Che Smith
Nai’Che Smith, left, and Keith Richardson (BPS, 2025)
Update: Both 16-year-old Keith Richardson and 15-year-old Nai’Che Smith have since returned, safe and well. The Bermuda Police Service is grateful for the public’s assistance.
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is appealing for the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Keith Richardson and 15-year-old Nai’Che Smith.
Both were last seen around 11:15pm Tuesday, 14th January 2025, in Devonshire.
The teens may be travelling together on foot.
16-year-old Keith Richardson is described as 5 feet 8 inches tall, dark complexioned of slim build, weighing around 130 pounds with a low haircut. He was last seen wearing a grey winter jacket and white Nike sneakers.
15-year-old Nai’Che Smith is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, brown complexioned of slim build, weighing around 130 pounds with his hair in dreadlocks. He was last seen wearing black clothing.
Efforts by BPS officers to locate these two teens are ongoing.
Members of the public with any information on the whereabouts of 16-year-old Keith Richardson and 15-year-old Nai’Che Smith are encouraged to report it immediately by calling 211, or the Department of Child and Family Services on 278-9111.
Farewell, Governor Lalgie
Rena Lalgie, Bermuda’s first female and first black Governor, left the island today
Photo courtesy of the Government of Bermuda
Bermuda said farewell to Governor Rena Lalgie today.
A small group of dignitaries, including Premier David Burt and OBA Leader Jarion Richardson, gathered outside the airport departure area to say goodbye to Ms. Lalgie and her husband Jacob Hawkins.
Rena Lalgie has been Bermuda’s first female and first black Governor.
The Premier said she has left an enduring legacy, and her departure marks the end of a significant chapter in the island’s history.
He said: “On behalf of the Government and the people of Bermuda, we express our heartfelt gratitude and wish her continued success and fulfilment in her future endeavours.”
Bermuda’s next Governor, Andrew Murdoch, is expected to arrive this month.
