Tuesday, November 3, 2026
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Government praises decrease in BELCO rates

Customers could see rates drop by 0.54-2.66%

Image: BELCO.bm

The Ministry of Home Affairs acknowledging the Regulatory Authority of Bermuda’s (RA) recent approval of adjustments to BELCO’s electricity rates, which resulted in an average reduction of 0.54% to 2.66% across customer classes.

A government spokesperson says that the decision marks meaningful progress toward “balancing the need for a sustainable energy infrastructure with the interests of Bermuda’s residents and businesses.” Lower electricity rates could provide much-needed financial relief, support affordability, and contribute to the island’s economic recovery.

Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Walter Roban, stated via press release, “The Government remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring energy affordability, reliability, and sustainability for all Bermudians. A commitment that aligns with our broader goal of responsibly addressing the island’s economic and environmental priorities.”

“I commend the collaborative approach taken by the RA and BELCO, whose efforts underscore the importance of transparency and accountability in Bermuda’s energy sector. The Ministry looks forward to continued cooperation to ensure a sustainable and equitable energy future for Bermuda.”

Lamb Foggo UCC closed Saturday

The Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre will be closed Saturday December 28th

File Photograph

Bermuda Hospitals Board cites a shortage of staff as the reason for the closure.

BHB apologises for the inconvenience, and says the temporary closure is to ensure adequate staffing levels to safely manage demand for all patients who require urgent or emergency care.

The UCC will reopen for its regular hours of 9am to 9pm on Sunday 29 December.


Police: “No significant incidents” over holiday

The 911 police number was briefly offline on Christmas day

Police advised that a technical issue caused a temporary outage involving the emergency 911 and non-emergency 211 telephone numbers, as well as the main Police telephone number 295-0011.

The public were first alerted about the outage and alternative numbers around 12:30pm on Christmas Day. The issue was resolved by 3:30pm.

Police reported no significant incidents of anti-social behaviour or disorder over the Christmas Day and Boxing Day holiday.

The public should be reminded that road sobriety checkpoints are still underway – having started on the 24th of December.

Sobriety checkpoints will continue, as scheduled, through to the 2nd of January.

Deadline nears for National Heroes Committee applications

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Last call to join the National Heroes Committee—apply by tomorrow.

The Department of Culture is reminding the public that applications to join the Naming and Recognition Committee for Bermuda’s National Heroes close tomorrow, December 28th.

This committee plays a key role in recommending individuals for recognition as National Heroes.

A government announcement stated, “This is your opportunity to help shape Bermuda’s legacy by honoring those who have made significant contributions to our island.”

For more information, interested individuals can visit culture.bm.

The King – 25 December 2024

King Charles Christmas Message 2024

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Season’s Greetings from BBC!

Season’s Greetings from Bermuda Broadcasting Company

Update: Tee Street crash

Seniors were involved, no-one badly hurt

The junction of Tee Street and Middle Road, where’s yesterday’s collision took place, is marked by a road sign as a ‘Frequent Accident Spot’.     Photo supplied

Police today provided an update on a road accident that took place yesterday just off Tee Street in Devonshire.
It involved two cars and occurred around 11am near the junction with Middle Road.
Good news – no one was seriously hurt.
The driver of one of the cars, an 89-year-old Devonshire man, was taken to hospital for checks.
The driver and passenger of the other car were a 67-year-old man and a 39-year-old woman, both from St. George’s.
The St. George’s man was also taken to hospital for checks.
Traffic diversions were in place for about two hours and both damaged cars were later towed away.
Witnesses should contact Constable Jeral Jackman on 211, or e-mail jjackman@bps.bm 

Bermudian Jahdia Spencer elected as councillor for Britain’s Labour Party (full interview)

The 26-year-old politician is aiming high in her new role

*Editor’s note: In her full interview above, Jahdia Spencer inadvertently named ‘Natasha Butterfield’ when listing political figures she admires; she actually meant ‘Neletha Butterfield’ and we are happy to make this clarification on her behalf.

“Seeing people on stage like Paula Cox, Natasha Butterfield and Dr. Ewart Brown getting the crowd going and egging-on for change really inspired me.” Jahdia Fox recounting her earliest encounter with the power of politics, attending a Progressive Labor Party (PLP) rally as a child. Fast forward to 2024, and the 26-year old has been voted in as a councillor for the U.K.’s Labour Party in London’s West Thamesmead ward.

On Thursday the 19th of December, Miss Spencer beat out four other candidates to secure her seat in the London borough of Greenwich. Leading the charge for Labour with 464 votes, the Bermudian says that emotions ran high on the night of her win. “I was extremely excited, and relieved as well… I was just glad that the work I put in with the residents really made a difference.”

You can watch our full interview with Labour Councilor Jahdia Spencer, above.

Ministry urges accountability for immigration agencies amid delays 

Ministry of Economy and Labour brings attention to “critical” immigration matter

The Ministry of Economy and Labour is calling on employers and the public to hold immigration agencies accountable, following reports of delays in the submission of immigration applications to the Department of Immigration.

In some cases, applications are delayed for weeks or months and lack proof of payment when submitted. A government spokesperson stated quote: “Alarmingly, some agencies shift blame for these delays onto the Department of Immigration, raising concerns about the agencies’ integrity and business practices.”

The Minister responsible for Immigration is urging employers and the public to exercise caution when engaging immigration agencies. Employers must ensure the agencies they work with operate ethically and responsibly, as agency negligence can lead to significant risks. These risks include civil penalties, such as fines of up to $5,000 for employers and employees found non-compliant—for instance, working without a valid work permit or the Minister’s permission. Employers submitting work permit applications less than one month before the current permit expires may also incur late fees.

The Ministry strongly encouraged employers to review the Department of Immigration’s Work Permit Policies to avoid potential issues. For assistance, they can contact the Chief Immigration Officer at dwming@gov.bm or 444-1048 or the Assistant Chief Immigration Officer at magrimes@gov.bm or 246-8048.

Members of the public encountering unethical practices by immigration agencies are encouraged to report them to the Department of Consumer Affairs at 297-7627 or consumers@gov.bm.

“An intake officer will take your information, and your complaint will be assigned to an enforcement inspector,” the government spokesperson explained.

“The Ministry of Economy and Labour thank the public for their understanding and attention to this critical matter.”

Jewish celebration tomorrow a first for Bermuda

Menorah lighting will take place in the city

Flyer supplied

Bermuda’s very first public menorah lighting will take place tomorrow at 5pm on the steps of City Hall.
The menorah is a seven-branched candelabrum used in Jewish worship.
There will be festive music and refreshments – and admission is free.
Organizers describe it as a historic and heartwarming event: “This special occasion will bring together members of the community to celebrate the spirit of Hanukkah.”
Dwayne Caines, CEO and Secretary of the City of Hamilton, will be among the invited guests.

Opposition Leader’s Christmas message: “Give”

“Love your neighbour, be kind to one another”

Jarion Richardson, Leader of the Opposition One Bermuda Alliance

My fellow Bermudians, I am Jarion Richardson, the Opposition Leader and Leader of the One Bermuda Alliance.

As you know, this is the time of year that politicians release their Christmas message.

When I sat down to write my message this year, I got to thinking about the joy that Christmas brought to me when I was a child. I remember the anticipation of Christmas day, the presents under the tree, the smell of my mom’s baking for weeks before the big day and the sights, sounds, smells and chaos of Christmas day in the Richardson house.

To this day, I am brought right back to my childhood by the smell of a Christmas tree.

Normally, I would spend the next few minutes talking about the year in review and what you can expect from me and the OBA over the coming year. Not this time.

Quite simply, too many of our fellow Bermudians are struggling, and many of us simply won’t get to celebrate the same kind of Christmas that I did as a child.

So, here’s my Christmas message for this year. Give!

If you can afford it, please give!

You can make all the difference in the world to a child or a family by making a donation. What you see as a small contribution could change Christmas from bleak to joyful for someone.

Give to the Salvation Army. Their website is on the screen.

Contact Regina Peniston and donate to the Court Street Boxing Day dinner. Her contact is on the screen.

Contact Gina Spence-Virgil of the Gina Spence Programme and donate $25 to help a member of your community who is struggling this Christmas. And if you can, donate $50 or a hundred.

Buy toys for the Toys for Tots program and bring a smile of joy to a child who might otherwise not receive a Christmas gift this year.

Go to the Family Center’s website and make a donation to their Holiday Wish List. The Family Center helps so many people. Let’s help them to make this Christmas a little bit better.

And don’t forget the collection boxes for groceries at local supermarkets.

Really folks, that’s all that you need to hear from me in this Christmas message. If you can, please give. Love your neighbour, be kind to one another, please give as much as you are able. And have a wonderful and joyful Merry Christmas.