A teenager was taken to hospital after an alleged hit and run incident. It happened just after 8am today in the Hermitage Road, Devonshire area. A female car driver came into contact with the 13-year-old male pedestrian after he exited a bus. Police say the driver stopped to check on the teen before driving on. The teen was taken to hospital for checks but was not believed to be seriously hurt. Any witnesses, as well as the driver of the car involved, should call Constable Oba Swan on 211.
Sir Gary Hickinbottom is set to take up his post after Justice Bell has completed his term of office
Governor Rena Lalgie, has announced the appointment of The Rt Hon Sir Gary Hickinbottom as a Justice of Appeal for the Court of Appeal of Bermuda.
Sir Gary, who has had a distinguished legal career spanning over four decades, will assume his role following the completion of Justice Bell’s term of office.
Of the appointment, Governor Lalgie stated, “Sir Gary brings to the Court of Appeal a wealth of valuable knowledge and insight from his 20+ years of experience as a Circuit Judge, High Court Judge, and Court of Appeal Judge both within England and Wales and in Commonwealth jurisdictions, as well as his experience as an arbitrator and assessor.”
Sir Gary is set to serve as an Acting Justice of the Court of Appeal during the March 2025 session.
Opposition hosts its first news conference since last week’s election call, and outlines its vision
Opposition Leader Jarion Richardson has promised real change and long term solutions to Bermuda’s most pressing concerns.
This morning, the OBA held a news conference at its Reid Street headquarters to unveil its election campaign, focused on “correcting the course of the country” after what Mr. Richardson described as 19 years of mismanagement under the PLP government.
Flanked by party candidates, he said this election is hardly straight forward given the risk of the Free Democratic Movement and independent candidates splitting the vote, which he says could solidify another PLP victory.
Mr. Richardon pledged to legislate absentee voting for students and ordinary residents within the first year in power should his party be elected, following heavy criticism about the timing of the February 18th election.
Bermuda can’t depend on miracles nor be over reliant on the Corporate Income Tax revenues, Mr Richardson said.
Mr. Richardson also stating he remains confident that a full slate of candidates will be rolled out on Nomination Day, which is January 31st.
For the full news conference, click the video link above.
The National Hero tackles the PLP head-on in scathing op-ed
(Sir John Swan, Instagram, 2024)
The following letter was sent to Bermuda Broadcasting by Sir John Swan on the 13th of January 2025:
And so it begins – January 13th 2025
So the Premier has now announced the much anticipated election. On February 18th Bermudians will cast their ballots and decide who and what style of Government they want for the next five years.
I am proud to have announced that I will be standing as an independent and am pleased that we are already seeing other individuals rise to the challenge as independent candidates. And I believe many more will be announcing in the coming days. You may ask why I, at my age, have decided to re-enter the world of Bermuda politics and it’s a good question.
I believe that contrary to the spin of remarks made in announcing the election, Bermuda is in a very serious situation. I believe so many of the most important factors of life in Bermuda are simply off track and failing.
We heard no mention of the size of our national debt nor that virtually all of this debt has been incurred by a PLP Government. The published debt is well over $3 Billion, something over $50,000 per resident of Bermuda, but if you add in the other debt Bermuda owes, the total is probably closer to $6 BILLION!
There was no mention of the lack of graduation success of our students in the public education system.
Also, no discussion on the failing public infrastructure – the state of our roads, buildings, bridges, etc
What about the crisis of our medical system, where thousands of Bermudians cannot afford health insurance, where emergency patients cannot get beds in the hospital because of long term, non urgent patients taking the space required.
The fact that so many Bermudians cannot afford to pay for the basics of life in Bermuda and have to continuously decide whether to pay for prescriptions, rent, electricity or food and so much more.
It is very clear that the current political system is failing. Party Politics is failing. Indeed in the press conference where the Premier announced the election, what did those in attendance chant in the end “PLP All the way, all the way PLP”. WHAT ABOUT BERMUDA I ASK? We cant bring the same answer to the same problems and expect a different answer.
I ask Bermudians to ask themselves are they better off than they were, are they confident in the future, do they believe the current system is going to solve the problems and bring Bermuda back on track. I am running because I believe the answer is no. And I believe I cant just hide in the outfield, I have to engage and try to help. We need a new system, a system where all of Bermuda can be involved in finding solutions and working together to make them happen. This is the vision that the Independent movement brings. Its time for real and meaningful change.
Motorists asked to exercise caution around working crews and open trenches
BELCO has resumed its transmission upgrade works in the west end of the island.
A company spokesperson announced today: “Works resumed with the opening of cable joint holes to facilitate the pulling and jointing of underground transmission cables on Middle Road in the Warwick Pond area and will continue, between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm, daily.”
During this period, traffic will be restricted to a single lane with traffic controls in place. Motorists are advised to drive cautiously or consider using detour routes via South Road or Harbour Road.
BELCO Managing Director Shelly Leman stated, “We are in the final stages of our transmission upgrade project and I appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as these essential works take place. Once completed we will have a modern, more robust grid that will assist in our journey towards a more sustainable energy future.”
The upgrade will continue westward along Middle Road toward Lighthouse Road and Southampton Princess, with crews progressing approximately 800 feet per week. Single-lane closures will move accordingly as work advances.
Bad weather had disrupted service over the weekend
File photo
After cancellations over the weekend due to poor weather, the ferry service resumed full service today. For the complete schedule, visit www.marineandports.bm
Members of the public share their thoughts on the introduction of absentee voting to grant young people and those living overseas the ability to participate in elections while off-island.
With Premier David Burt announcing a General Election slated for February 18th, many have expressed concerns about the level of participation for Bermuda’s young people.
We sought to find out the public’s opinion on the matter on the streets of Hamilton.
Some say that the country’s youth, many of whom are studying overseas, have been deprived of a say in the election.
A PLP spokesperson stated via a news release, “We recognise the frustration of students who may be unable to return home to vote. Unfortunately, Bermuda’s electoral laws currently do not allow for absentee voting. This issue has arisen in every election held since universal adult suffrage, and we believe that, given advances in technology, we can and should revise our electoral laws in the future to better reflect the realities of today.”
Full PLP Statement below…
PLP spokesperson: “The Progressive Labour Party understands the concerns raised regarding the February 18 election date and its impact on young Bermudians studying overseas. While we recognise that this timing presents challenges for Bermudians who will be unable to participate, we remain committed to ensuring fair and accessible elections for all Bermudians. Out of a commitment to youth participation, we are planning a voter registration drive at Bermuda College to encourage young people to get registered or update their registration.” “We recognise the frustration of students who may be unable to return home to vote. Unfortunately, Bermuda’s electoral laws currently do not allow for absentee voting. This issue has arisen in every election held since universal adult suffrage, and we believe that, given advances in technology, we can and should revise our electoral laws in the future to better reflect the realities of today.” “We have worked tirelessly to engage and empower young Bermudians, both locally and overseas, through initiatives such as increased scholarships, the Youth Employment Strategy, expanded opportunities for young entrepreneurs, additional investment in youth development, and the implementation of the National Youth Policy. We encourage young voters to stay engaged and to connect with us to ensure their voices are heard in shaping Bermuda’s future.” “The PLP remains focused on building a Bermuda that is fairer for everyone and welcomes ongoing dialogue to address the concerns of young voters and their families. Together, we can ensure that every Bermudian feels valued and included in our democratic process.”
Bermuda Youth Connect, Future Leaders Bermuda and others want to see the vote extended to students overseas.
Youth are being denied their right to vote by election date… Absentee balloting should be included on an election platform…
Just some of the thoughts coming from various youth organisations and representatives in Bermuda.
As far back as 1998, the impact of election timing on the overseas student vote has been highlighted by politicians on both sides of the aisle… often just ahead of an election.
Gary Foster Skelton details opinions past and present, young and not-so-young, in the report above.
Read the PLP response to this issue HERE. Full statements from the youth organisations below…
Statement from Bermuda Youth Connect, Bermuda is Love and Taj-Donville Outerbridge: We, the undersigned Charities, Youth Organizations and activists, are profoundly disappointed that the Premier has announced the General Election for February 18th, 2025—while droves of young Bermudians are off the island in pursuit of higher education. The Premier’s choice denies young Bermudians their right to vote, participate in the electoral process, and have a direct influence on Bermuda’s future. This decision is troubling, perplexing and reminiscent of a past that current leaders have condemned. In 1998, former Union Leader and current Deputy Speaker of the House was justifiably and astutely “concerned that parents of overseas students, already overladen with steep tuition and school expenses, should even have to consider the additional expense of bringing home a child for a day or two to vote”. Tuition has nearly tripled since 1998, and deregulation within the aviation industry has led to exorbitant flight costs—drastically increasing the same barriers for youth to vote. Most importantly, although the Premier calls General Elections—the Bermudian taxpayers pay for them, which can cost almost $700,000. Bermuda is at a critical juncture, with an ageing population, declining birthrate, rising costs of living, and an alarming number of Bermudians leaving the island for stability. Young people are critical to improving our island. Yet, for many young people, this election would have been their first opportunity to vote since the 2020 Snap Election. Particularly as the government has yet to progress on its 2012 plan to “examine various options surrounding absentee ballots”—young people abroad will be unable to vote. Bermuda Youth Connect was founded during the last National Election in 2020 in response to gaps across the board in youth engagement. As daughters, sons and proud Bermudians, it saddens us to watch the slow hallowing of democratic norms that members of The Progressive Group, like Florenz Webbe Maxwell, Reverend Dr Erskine Simmons and Izola Harvey, worked diligently and morally to attain. We encourage youth to register to vote in the same spirit of persistence and boldness. The registration deadline is January 15th, 2025, and voters can update their information or register to vote at http://elections.gov.bm. As we gear up for the next General Election, we look forward to the events that Bermuda Youth Connect will host as we dare to invent the future we want to see. We encourage you all to do the same. In Hope, Bermuda Youth Connect, Bermuda is Love and Taj-Donville Outerbridge.
PLP Spokespersonresponds to Election Timing and Overseas Voters: The Progressive Labour Party understands the concerns raised regarding the February 18 election date and its impact on young Bermudians studying overseas. While we recognise that this timing presents challenges for Bermudians who will be unable to participate, we remain committed to ensuring fair and accessible elections for all Bermudians. Out of a commitment to youth participation, we are planning a voter registration drive at Bermuda College to encourage young people to get registered or update their registration. We recognise the frustration of students who may be unable to return home to vote. Unfortunately, Bermuda’s electoral laws currently do not allow for absentee voting. This issue has arisen in every election held since universal adult suffrage, and we believe that, given advances in technology, we can and should revise our electoral laws in the future to better reflect the realities of today. We have worked tirelessly to engage and empower young Bermudians, both locally and overseas, through initiatives such as increased scholarships, the Youth Employment Strategy, expanded opportunities for young entrepreneurs, additional investment in youth development, and the implementation of the National Youth Policy. We encourage young voters to stay engaged and to connect with us to ensure their voices are heard in shaping Bermuda’s future. The PLP remains focused on building a Bermuda that is fairer for everyone and welcomes ongoing dialogue to address the concerns of young voters and their families. Together, we can ensure that every Bermudian feels valued and included in our democratic process.
Overall criminal offenses committed in Bermuda were down just over 8% in 2022, marking the fourth consecutive downward trend according to the Bermuda Police Service today.
Official crime statistics are in from police today with the latest figures showing a decrease in the total number of offenses in 2022 compared to the previous year.
The report states that there were 2,902 offenses recorded in 2022 compared with 3,165 in 2021, representing an 8.3% decline.
According to police, this is a continuation of a fourth consecutive downward trend in the number of offenses reported following a high of 3,694 offenses reported in 2018.
Crime figures showed there were 9 murders in 2022, two more than in 2021.
Five of the murders were firearms related and three involved the use of a bladed weapon.
According to the statistics, a total of 39 firearms incidents were recorded of which 15 were confirmed and 13 unconfirmed – a decrease from the previous year.
There were 319 fewer offenses of anti-social behaviour reported from 726 to 407 while police state that this was largely due to the COVID regulations being in place.
Additionally, the BPS recovered a total of 11 firearms from the streets compared to 6 in 2021.
22 were recovered in 2018, comparatively.
In 2022, there were 11 road traffic fatalities, while 132 people were seriously injured in road collisions with speed and impaired driving remaining the main cause so says police.
Darrin Simons, Commissioner of Police stated, “While there have been increases in some categories, the fact remains that overall, crime was down in 2022. Admittedly, COVID regulations would have had an influence on the figures.”
“However, despite the challenges highlighted here, your Bermuda Police Service continues its efforts, unabated, to maintain this downward trend. We may not get it right all the time, but we seek to ensure that we do get it right the majority of the time.”
Police issued a total of 9,233 traffic tickets in 2022 as part of their strategy to address the high number of RTCs however. a spokesperson notes that the public must do their part to exercise greater caution when driving and do not drive while impaired.
The BPS 2022 Crime Statistics can be viewed at: https://www.bermudapolice.bm
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