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IB drives economic growth in 2023

Gary Foster Skelton
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IB drives economic growth in 2023

International Business contributing nearly a third of our Gross Domestic Product last year.

Jason Hayward, Minister of Economy and Labour, today lauded three consecutive years of economic expansion.

Financial and Insurance Activities increased by $72.9 million, Accommodation and Food services by $53.6 million, and Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities grew $29.4 million.

Growth was seen in Transport, Information and Communication, Education, and Arts and Entertainment – among others.

Four sectors saw a decline – Construction, Agriculture and Fishing, Electricity and Water Supply, and Public Administration.

With International Business contributing so heavily to GDP, as well as Government payroll tax, Gary Foster Skelton asked about our economic diversity (video below).

Winter break out of school programmes open for registration

Jasmine Patterson
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Winter break out of school programmes open for registration

A choice of four programmes are designed to provide enriching and educational opportunities for students up to senior school level hosted by the Department of Youth Affairs. 

A new programme of activities has been drawn up to keep youngsters busy over the festive period.

The Out of School Programme of Winter Activities has been organized by The Department of Youth Affairs, and runs from December the 23rd to January the 3rd.
A press release issued today states that it is designed to provide enriching, fun, and educational opportunities for young people of all ages.
The programme includes various activities across multiple locations and online registration opens tomorrow at 9am.
Tinee Furbert, Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said, quote: “We understand how challenging it can be during the holidays, and our aim is to support families by offering these enriching, structured activities for children of all ages,” end quote.
To register, go online tomorrow to www.ospbermuda.bm or call 734-TOYA.

Fraudsters strip $1.2m from Bermuda residents – in a week

Tony McWilliam
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Fraudsters strip $1.2m from Bermuda residents – in a week

Police, banks say scams are on the rise

Think before you share: Fraudsters are fleecing islanders at an alarming rate          File photo

A spike in fraud has seen residents duped to the tune of $1.2m … this week alone.
This startling figure was released by police today, with The Financial Crime Unit citing a “troubling rise” in fraudulent activity targeting both local businesses and members of the public — particularly customers of the banks.
Scammers impersonating agents from the Fraud Department of local banks are contacting customers and falsely claiming fraudulent activity on their accounts.
Login credentials are then requested to “resolve” the issue. Police say once the fraudsters gain access to the accounts, they quickly transfer funds to overseas locations.
Echoing the concerns of police, HSBC Bermuda today issued its own warning about a spike in fraud.
HSBC stated that the scammers’ ultimate objective is to remotely take control of your computer to authorise fraudulent transactions.
A bank spokesman stated, quote: “HSBC will never ask you to disclose your PIN, security code or one-time password.”
HSBC has extensive scam warnings on its website.
Meanwhile, police are urging residents to be extra vigilant as we enter the holiday season, when cases of fraud typically rise.
The bottom line from police and the banks: If you are uncertain about the legitimacy of a call, hang up and contact your bank directly.
And if you receive an email claiming to be from your bank, check the email header to see if it matches the details of legitimate emails you’ve received from your bank before.

Ever wondered about life as a soldier?

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Ever wondered about life as a soldier?

Royal Bermuda Regiment will host Open Day on Saturday

Coast Guard duties are among the range of activities offered by the Regiment.       Photo supplied

A chance to discover life as a soldier this weekend as The Royal Bermuda Regiment hosts an Open Day.
It will take place on Saturday, starting at 9am.
A press release states that the event will allow islanders to learn more about the opportunities offered by the Regiment.
Attendees will be able to witness a dynamic, battalion-wide training exercise taking place at multiple locations across the island.
The event is designed to foster a deeper understanding of the Regiment and its operations.
A RBR spokesperson said: “It’s an informal event that offers plenty of opportunities for anyone interested to ask questions and, if they wish, to consider further whether the Regiment might be a good fit for them.”
While the event is geared towards those aged 18 to 32, anyone aged up to 52 can enlist and is welcome to attend.
Activities will include an introduction to the RBR and its history, a tour of Warwick Camp, and a visit to the Coast Guard base in Sandys.
Saturday’s Open Day runs from 9am to 1pm.
For more information or to register, call 238-1045 or email rbr.recruiting@gov.bm

Bermuda Tonight – 27 November 2024

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bermuda Tonight – 27 November 2024

The Salvation Army launches Annual Christmas Red Kettle Appeal

Jasmine Patterson
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The Salvation Army launches Annual Christmas Red Kettle Appeal

The charity is seeking the community’ support of their largest fundraising campaign which directly finances programs helping the island’s most vulnerable people.

Salvation Army held their official launch of the Annual Christmas Kettle campaign donation drive on Wednesday at the City Hall steps.  

They’re asking your help this season in continuing the work of their hope-giving mission. 

The Salvation Army is aiming to raise $1million in Kettle and Red Shied donations to support their feeding, housing and the Harbour Light rehabilitation programs that run all year round.  

Captain Dennis Maybury, the Salvation Army’s Regional Public Relations Officer said, “Last year the Salvation Army provided 8,085 seniors and local families with food hampers and toys at Christmas. This year the need is greater.”

The charity was overwhelmed with gratitude by the community response to their emergency calls to re-stock their food bank in October. 

Major Cathy Simms, Area Commander for Bermuda hopes people will extend their generosity. 

In the spirit of the season, Charles Gosling, Mayor of Hamilton and Dwayne Caines, the City CEO kicked off the ceremony with a donation of $10,000.   

Governor Rena Lalgie encouraged the wider community to continue to give freely this holiday season.  

The official opening was attended by, Premier David Burt, Ministers Lt. Col. David Burch, Tinee Furbert, the Northlands Primary school choir, and Salvation Army Brass Band.   

‘Fear of crime is worse when there’s fewer police’

Gary Foster Skelton
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‘Fear of crime is worse when there’s fewer police’

Police Commissioner Darrin Simons says we need more officers to increase visible police presence.

Police numbers were at 358 during the summer, and are set to be bolstered by 24 new recruits starting in December.

…but the establishment level was previously set at 420.

Watch the interview clip above for the Police Commissioner’s take on the situation.

Climate Study projects sea level rise, storm impacts

Gary Foster Skelton
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Climate Study projects sea level rise, storm impacts

Smith Warner International have produced 750 pages of data collection, modelling, discussions and analysis of the hazards Bermuda may face.

Walter Roban, Minister of Home Affairs, said the information in this report will form the foundation for a climate action plan, and any future policies that may be needed to address our vulnerabilities.

The Study was fully financed by the UK Government.

Minister Roban urged all residents to take a look at the study, and said that even though our contribution to greenhouse gas globally is minimal, we, like all islands, are on the front-line of climate change.

The report identifies different levels of risk to our infrastructure, including exposed buildings, BELCO, and 96% percent of coastal reserves, all needing some form of protection.

The report also re-emphasizes the need to protect coral reefs and mangroves, which in turn are our natural protection against storm surge and coastal erosion.

Minister Roban acknowledged that some of these details are already known, but this report brings all the facts together.

The report is online at www.gov.bm/climatechange.

New faces on Sargasso Sea panel

Tony McWilliam
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New faces on Sargasso Sea panel

Commissioners help to monitor the health of unique marine eco-system

The new line-up of the Sargasso Sea Commission. Images supplied

Three new appointments have been made to the Sargasso Sea Commission.
The Commission has a stewardship role in keeping the health, productivity and resilience of the Sargasso Sea under continual review.
The new Commissioners, approved by Cabinet, are Dr Frank Muller-Karger, Dr Ana Colaço and Dr David Johnson
Dr Frank Muller-Karger, a first-time appointment to the Commission, is a Professor in the College of Marine Science at the University of South Florida with a PhD in Marine and Estuarine Sciences.
Dr Ana Colaço is a deep sea ecologist at the University of the Azores. She is now entering her second three-year term as a Sargasso Sea Commissioner.
And Dr David Johnson, a first-time appointment to the Commission, is a Director of Seascape Consultants Ltd. and the former Executive Secretary of OSPAR – the environmental organization responsible for the Northeast Atlantic.
The Sargasso Sea has a unique ecosystem characterized by floating seaweed, known as sargassum, which serves as habitat and breeding grounds for various marine species, including fish, turtles, and crustaceans. This biodiversity plays a crucial role in the local fishing industry and the diverse marine life supported by the Sargasso sea enhances Bermuda’s appeal as a tourist destination.
The Bermuda Government has led the Sargasso Sea initiative since 2010 and was one of the original signatories to the Hamilton Declaration on Collaboration for the Conservation of the Sargasso Sea, which celebrated its 10th anniversary earlier this year.
Commissioners working in their independent capacities collaborate with ten Signatory governments of the Hamilton Declaration.

Mischa Fubler joins the Senate

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Mischa Fubler joins the Senate

His appointment follows the untimely death last month of Senator Leslie Robinson

Newly-minted PLP Senator Mischa Fubler is seen here at his signing-in ceremony with Governor Rena Lalgie.         Photo supplied

A new Senate appointment was announced today.
On the advice of Premier David Burt, Governor Rena Lalgie appointed Mischa Fubler to the role of Senator.
Senator Fubler’s appointment is with immediate effect and will be followed by his appointment as a Junior Minister.
The move follows the untimely death last month of Senator Leslie Robinson.
Mischa Fubler is the PLP’s General Election candidate for Southampton East Central.
A Government press release this morning stated that Mr Fubler attended CedarBridge Academy, before continuing his education at York University in Toronto, where he obtained a B.A. in Urban Studies.
He also holds a M.Sc. in Information Systems from Brooklyn College in New York.
Mr Fubler leads a team of software developers at a Bermuda-based international reinsurance company as the Assistant Vice President of Applications and Management Information. 
Today’s press release stating that he regularly volunteers for local youth outreach opportunities, sharing his IT journey and career advice with middle and high school students. 

Bermuda Tonight – 26 November 2024

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bermuda Tonight – 26 November 2024

Tourism numbers up, air arrivals still below 2019

Gary Foster Skelton
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Tourism numbers up, air arrivals still below 2019

Tourism visitor numbers continue their upward trend, although we are yet to get back to pre-pandemic levels.

Our cruise visitor numbers, however, have grown beyond 2019, bolstered by winter cruise arrivals. Air visitor spending is also up.

Although this year’s Q2 cruise visitors were more than 28,000 below 2019, compared to pre-pandemic numbers we had 6,000 more visitors in Q3, and 31,000 additional cruisers in Q1.

63,000 more tourists have stopped in Bermuda so far this year, compared to 2023, and 185,000 more than in 2022.

We’re still more than 36,000 shy of where we were in 2019 at this time of year – and it’s our air arrivals that are holding us back.

46,000 fewer tourists have landed at our airport so far in 2024, compared to pre-pandemic 2019.

On the other hand, estimated air visitor spending is above 2019 for the second quarter running – comparatively, an extra $7.4 million dollars going into our economy between July and September (although this does not account for inflation).

Year to date, air visitors are thought to have spent $61 million more than last year, and $5.4 million more than 2019 – again, not accounting for inflation.

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