Sunday, November 1, 2026
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MP calls for united effort to address non-profit food shortages 

Progressive Labour Party MP Wayne Caines is calling on the community to come together and support an upcoming food drive, aimed at supporting Bermuda’s most vulnerable residents. 

In a post shared on the popular Facebook group, MAJ’S List, Mr. Caines reminded Bermudians of the spirit of generosity shown in 2019, when the community rallied to provide more than a million dollars in food and supplies to the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian. 

Donations gathered for the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian in 2019

“Today, our own community faces a similar challenge,” he wrote. “Many local charities and organizations that provide meals to at-risk individuals are experiencing food shortages, threatening their ability to support our brothers and sisters in the coming months.”

“We call upon all Bermudians—regardless of creed, color, religion, or political affiliation—to come together once more to support those less fortunate,” he added.

The Caines Family will host the community food drive on Thursday, November 28, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist Youth Center, located on King Street. Residents are encouraged to bring donations of canned goods, fresh vegetables, dry foods, and other non-perishable items, as well as essential baby supplies like formula and diapers.

“Bermuda has always demonstrated a generous and charitable spirit. Together, we can make a significant difference in our community,” Mr. Caines said.

In addition to donations, volunteers are needed to help with traffic management, sorting donations, and ensuring a fair distribution to local charities and churches.

For more information or to volunteer, email maxanne@tpgbda.com.

Bermuda celebrates its deep bonds with the Portuguese

President of Azores helps to mark key milestone

Screenshot

Premier David Burt hosts José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the Azores, at Cabinet.                                    Photo: Instagram @davidburtmp

Events have been held to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the first Portuguese immigrants arriving in Bermuda.

José Manuel Bolieiro, President of the Azores, was among the distinguished guests who gathered at the Grotto Bay Resort at the weekend.

Governor Rena Lalgie was in attendance, along with Deputy Premier Walter Roban and Opposition Leader Jarion Richardson.

Mr Roban highlighted the shared heritage and commitment to ocean stewardship between the Azores and Bermuda, and the enduring contributions of the Portuguese community to our cultural, social, and economic landscape.

In a speech, Mr Roban said both regions are leaders in marine protection, mainly through the Sargasso Sea Commission and shared goals in marine ecosystem management.

He noted that The Azores have protected 30% of their waters, while Bermuda’s Blue Prosperity Plan aims to protect 20% through community-driven initiatives.

Mr Roban described the 175th anniversary of the first Portuguese arrivals as “a milestone that highlights the profound ties we share”.

He concluded with some personal reflections: “From Red Bean Soup, codfish and potatoes, codfish cakes, to Portuguese donuts (malasadas) and the shared value of family, Bermuda’s identity has been profoundly influenced by those who have arrived since the ‘Golden Rule’ first came to our shores 175 years ago.

“The Bermudian identity has been shaped and enriched by all who have joined this community over the years. I personally can speak to this and am extremely proud of this connection and relationship we have to the Azores. We are one people of the Atlantic just as we have all become one people of Bermuda. This is a strong bond and long may this continue. Happy 175th Anniversary.”

President Bolieiro has also met with Premier David Burt and Cabinet members, where topics of discussion ranged from air connections and driving licences to ocean protection.

Yesterday, the City of Hamilton hosted President Bolieiro and he met with CEO Dwayne Caines, who extended greetings on behalf of Mayor Charles Gosling and City Councillors.

A press release issued by the city stated: “President Bolieiro expressed deep pride in witnessing firsthand the influence and accomplishments of the Portuguese-Bermudian community, which has played an integral role in shaping Bermuda’s history and development. His words conveyed both appreciation and admiration for the thriving legacy his people have established in Bermuda.

“The visit served as a symbolic moment of unity and mutual respect, as Bermuda and the Azores celebrated shared heritage and enduring friendships.”

OBA: Protect consumers during grocery store merger

The merger of two major grocery stores has ignited cost-of-living concerns, according to OBA Leader Jarion Richardson.

OBA Leader Jarion Richardson speaks to Gary Foster Skelton about the recent merger between MarketPlace and Supermart

Last week’s news that MarketPlace and SuperMart are now one entity was lamented on social media.
However, Mr Richardson told Gary Foster Skelton that consolidations or buyouts aren’t necessarily a bad thing – but Government must try to protect the consumer.

Mr Richardson compares this situation to the BF&M/Argus merger, in terms of creating concern over prices and reduced competition.

“These consolidations, mergers and buyouts are not, quote unquote, bad”, he says. “The question is, what is the role of the authorities, and how will the authorities make sure that the consumers are protected.”

“…we’re not calling for more regulation. What we’re calling for is a proactive approach in the relevant ministry.”

“…just explain to us what’s being undertaken, what’s being considered, and how we’re going to make sure that the ultimate end goal, which is the protection of consumers and keeping prices the way they are in so much as we can within the bounds of law.”

We reached out last week to Government, MarketPlace and Supermart for response to Mr Richardson.
We had not received anything by newstime.



Motorcyclist hospitalised following crash in Pembroke

Credit: BPS

A motorcyclist was hospitalised after a crash in Pembroke over the weekend.

It happened shortly after 5:15 p.m. on Sunday, near the junction of Parson’s Road and Crossland Lane.

Police arriving at the scene found a 57-year-old man with head and facial injuries. 

The collision involved two motorcycles; however, the second motorcycle had already left the area by the time police arrived.

Officers administered first aid to the injured man, who was unresponsive for a period of time. He was then taken to hospital for further treatment but later checked himself out.

Inquiries into the incident are ongoing and urge anyone with information should call the main police number, 295-0011, or 211.

Information can also be provided through the BPS community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm.

Police investigate suspicious car fire in Pembroke parking lot

Credit: BPS

Police and Bermuda Fire and Rescue Services responded to a report of a car fire in the parking lot near the junction of Elliott Street and Union Street in Pembroke over the weekend. 

Officers arrived at around 9:40 a.m. on Sunday and were informed that a man wearing a black face mask had been seen running from the area.

The vehicle sustained only minor damage, as the fire did not fully engulf it. However, police said items recovered at the scene suggest that the fire was “maliciously” set.

Police have launched an investigation and urge anyone with information to contact Police Constable Quincy Fevriere at the main police number, 295-0011, or via email at qfevriere@bps.bm.

Survey aims to gauge the health of our population

Data from the STEPS Survey are used for analyzing the impact of chronic disease risk factors in our community.               Image from gov.bm

Islanders are being encouraged to participate in a survey billed as a health check on the population.  

‘The STEPS to a Well Bermuda’ survey is being conducted by government, in partnership with the Pan American Health Organization.

Launched a decade ago, the STEPS survey is designed to assess the prevalence of chronic disease risk factors within Bermuda’s population.

Approximately 2,500 households from across the island have been randomly selected to participate. Interviewers are already out in the field gathering information, from those aged 18 and over.

The three parts of the survey consist of a questionnaire about health-related behaviors, including diet and physical activity; measurements of blood pressure, weight, height, and waist circumference – and a finger stick blood sample to measure fasting blood glucose and cholesterol levels. All information collected is confidential and anonymous.

There is no legal obligation to complete the STEPS survey. However, the Department of Health relies on its results for key data, which are used “for analyzing the impact of chronic disease risk factors in our community and creating new policy for chronic disease management”.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, says the survey is crucial to our understanding of the health of our community and how to improve it. She added:

“By participating, you’re helping to build a solid foundation for addressing key health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers, and shaping our approach to prevention and care.”

 Dr. Annabel Fountain, a Bermudian physician who specialises in diabetes, endocrinology and internal medicine, said: “Without data, we are unable to understand the impact of interventions to improve the health of our community. Since the first STEPS survey was completed in 2014, the Government of Bermuda introduced the Sugar Tax. 

“We hope that this, along with other initiatives such as the Healthy Schools programme, and the Bermuda Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Reversal and Diabetes Prevention programmes, will have contributed to reduced rates of obesity and diabetes in our population. 

 “The only way to know is to do these population health surveys regularly. The results will be used to shape future healthcare policies aimed at improving Bermuda’s overall health and well-being.”

For more information about the STEPS Survey, visit: https://www.gov.bm/steps-bermuda call 278-4900 or email steps@gov.bm

New book aims to demystify estate management

Perry Trott has written ‘a practical companion for anyone looking to grasp the legal aspects of estate planning.’ Photo supplied

Bermudian attorney Perry Trott has announced the release of a book, ‘And the Drama Begins.’

Its stated aim, according to a press release, is to demystify the complexities of estate management for everyone, not just the wealthy.

“Estate disputes can be emotionally draining and divisive for families and communities,” the releases states. “Perry Trott, with decades of expertise in legal practice, especially in estate planning, unveils insights into securing a harmonious transition of assets.”

‘And the Drama Begins’ draws from real-life inquiries and experiences from Mr. Trott’s career in Property & Estates law – as Director of law firm Trott & Duncan – as well as his speaking engagements across Bermuda.

Mr Trott, who graduated from The Berkeley Institute and obtained his degrees from Queens University and the University of Bristol, said: “In our community, the stories of family fractures over estate distributions are both heartrending and all too common.

“In my career, I’ve witnessed siblings who had shared every holiday together grow so embittered over an unclear will that they chose to meet only in courtrooms. Such deep emotional scars can take a lifetime to heal, if at all.

“My book addresses these very real challenges by providing individuals the knowledge to draft clear, thoughtful estate plans.

“By doing so, it’s my fervent hope to safeguard not just the financial legacies but the familial bonds that are too precious to be left to legal interpretations.”

In the coming weeks, Mr Trott will be offering presentations on the importance of estate planning at various venues, including churches and social clubs, where attendees will have the opportunity to purchase his book.

‘And the Drama Begins’ is also available at Trott & Duncan, located at 17a Brunswick Street, Hamilton; via the website www.perrytrott.com; and on Amazon.com