US West Texas Intermediate crude futures were down $2.23, or 2.16%, at $101.04 per barrel by 0426 GMT
International News via Reuters:
Oil prices fell on Monday after surging last week to near six-month highs, amid hopes of easing hostilities between the United States and Iran, although persistent attacks on key producer Saudi Arabia kept investors wary.
US West Texas Intermediate crude futures were down $2.23, or 2.16%, at $101.04 per barrel by 0426 GMT. Brent crude futures were down $2.21, or 1.89%, at $114.51.
On Friday, prices settled nearly $3 higher after Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia stoked energy supply concerns. Brent finished the week up 6% and WTI ended 2.3% higher.
On Sunday, Qatari mediators traveled to Tehran as part of an effort to de-escalate regional tensions in coordination with the United States, an official briefed on the situation said.
“Concerns over renewed military hostilities in the Middle East, which drove much of last week’s crude rally, have eased this morning, but the reprieve may prove temporary,” said Vandana Hari, founder of oil market analysis provider Vanda Insights.
Hari said US President Donald Trump has not dispelled market expectations that strikes on Iran could still follow after the November 3 midterm elections.
“We therefore expect volatility to remain elevated, with risks still skewed to the upside,” she added.
Despite the mediation talks, attacks continued over the weekend with the Iran-backed Houthis saying they struck an airport and oil facilities in Saudi Arabia on Saturday. Saudi Arabia said on Sunday it had intercepted more missiles and drones.
The effects of the US-Israeli war on Iran that began on February 28 continue to reverberate as companies adjust to the disruptions of commercial shipping through the key Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb Strait caused by the conflict.
On Monday, the energy ministers from Saudi Arabia and Singapore said state-owned oil company Saudi Aramco will start storing crude oil in Singapore from the second half of 2027, to shore up the resilience of Aramco’s supply chain in the region.
“While supply risks surrounding the Strait of Hormuz remain firmly entrenched, the current pullback appears more reflective of position adjustments and risk management rather than any meaningful improvement in the underlying supply situation,” said Priyanka Sachdeva, head of market insight at Phillip Nova.
The head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, reinforced the concerns about the supply situation, saying on Monday at an industry event in Singapore that he does not expect energy markets in 2027 to return to where they were before the Iran war.
Reporting by Mohi Narayan in New Delhi and Colleen Howe in Beijing; Editing by Lincoln Feast, Saad Sayeed and Christian Schmollinger
Oil prices eased, with Brent crude futures down nearly 2% at $114.50 a barrel after surging to a six-month high last week
International News via Reuters:
Major currencies traded in tight ranges on Monday at the start of a busy week of central bank decisions and corporate earnings, while a pullback in oil prices and Treasury yields weighed on the dollar.
Oil prices eased, with Brent crude futures down nearly 2% at $114.50 a barrel after surging to a six-month high last week, following a Reuters report that Qatari mediators were in Tehran on Sunday as part of an effort to de-escalate regional tensions in coordination with the US.
Meanwhile, US Treasuries largely held onto gains from a recent safe-haven rally, as a tech-led selloff over concerns about AI spurred a rotation out of risk assets even as elevated oil prices kept inflation worries alive.
Yields on US 10-year notes were last down to 4.967% while those on 30-year notes were at 5.299%, hovering near one-month lows.
“For the time being, it seems to point to the US bond market being in the driving seat for broader dollar performance,” said Ray Attrill, head of FX strategy at National Australia Bank.
“The market is sort of responding to the fall we’ve seen in Treasury yields and the fact that yield differentials between the US and other kind of G10 majors are compressing. I think that’s taken a little bit of the heat out of the US dollar.”
The euro rose 0.15% against the greenback to $1.1218, amid relief that France was spared a Moody’s downgrade despite social unrest. Sterling strengthened 0.1% to $1.3379.
The dollar index, which measures the US currency against a basket of peers, was little changed at 101.65.
The Australian dollar was flat at $0.7031 and New Zealand’s kiwi traded 0.05% stronger at $0.5701.
The Japanese yen was steady at 156.92 per dollar.
Corporate earnings reports from hyperscalers Alphabet, Microsoft and Amazon will also test the fragile AI-led market rally and broader risk appetite.
CENTRAL BANK DECISIONS IN FOCUS
Five major central banks will announce closely watched policy decisions later in the week. The US Federal Reserve, the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan are all expected to hold rates steady despite inflation pressures, while leaving room for December hikes.
New Zealand and Canada’s central banks are expected to raise rates this week.
“Forward guidance could matter more than the decisions themselves,” said Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone, in a note.
“The decisions themselves may be largely discounted. The real issue that could move the dial in short-term rates … is how policymakers shape expectations for subsequent meetings and whether markets need to reprice the forward rates curve.”
Investors will also be paying attention to a packed US economic calendar — including the October consumer confidence report, the PCE price index and jobless claims — which could provide additional clues on the outlook for Fed policy.
Elsewhere, spot gold was slightly higher, trading at $4,014 per ounce. [GOL/]
In cryptocurrencies, bitcoin was down 0.3% at $80,134.29, while ether was 0.9% lower at $2,323.34.
Reporting by Jiaxing Li in Hong Kong; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus and Kevin Buckland
Sadly, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm that the 17-year-old young man shot on Curving Avenue, Pembroke, more than a week ago, has since succumbed to his injuries, at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.
Following the teen’s passing, a BPS Family Liaison Officer was assigned to assist his next of kin.
The investigation regarding this now fatal firearm incident, which occurred around 10:45pm Wednesday, 14th October 2026, remains active and has transitioned to a murder enquiry.
A further investigative update will be provided, in the coming days.
Finale had been called off this morning due to bad weather; Monday’s playoff to air live on ZFB TV7
Blustery conditions forced the decision to pack up and cancel today’s golf at Port Royal.
Due to the unfavorable weather forecast for Monday, October 26 at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, and with conditions expected to make the completion of 72 holes uncertain, the tournament results will be considered final through 54 holes in accordance with PGA TOUR Regulations.
With winds expected to be less severe for a limited period on Monday morning, a playoff between Seamus Power and Austin Smotherman will be conducted tentatively at 9 a.m. ADT at Port Royal Golf Course with the intention to play the iconic 16th hole to determine the Champion.
The playoff will be aired live by Bermuda Broadcasting on ZFB TV7.
Smotherman and Power share the lead at 16-under par after 54 holes, two shots clear of the field. The first player to win a playoff hole takes the title.
Power, the 2022 champion, is chasing his second Butterfield Bermuda Championship title and his third PGA TOUR win. No player has won this tournament twice. Smotherman is going for a breakthrough win on an island course where the wind has defined the week.
The format is sudden death with the intention to play the iconic 16th hole until a winner is decided.
Spectator Information For the safety of fans and volunteers, spectators will not be permitted on property at Port Royal Golf Course. Fans can watch the playoff on ZFB TV7.
If you were unable to use your Sunday, October 25 ticket on Saturday, October 24, please reach out to Jordan Swan at jswan@butterfieldbdachampionship.com regarding questions.
Statement from the Board of Teen Services and Teen Haven
Teen Services and Teen Haven acknowledges the unfortunate circumstances surrounding the organisation, which has faced longstanding operational and financial challenges. After the former administration and Executive Director departed, a volunteer management committee sustained the organisation by maintaining operations, recruiting staff, and ensuring the continued delivery of essential residential services. Despite these efforts, the organisation has been unable to overcome its longstanding challenges, and the Board has made the difficult decision to cease operations effective December 31, 2026. The former Board of Directors has since dissolved, with the volunteer committee continuing to provide interim oversight during this transition.
Upon assuming responsibility, the committee identified significant financial and administrative deficiencies, including the absence of critical historical records and supporting financial documentation. An independent audit was commissioned; however, it could not be completed because insufficient historical information existed to substantiate the organization’s financial position. The committee has also been unable to secure a formal lease agreement for the premises, further complicating efforts to establish long-term operational stability. These circumstances, compounded by limited financial resources, have significantly restricted the organization’s ability to rectify inherited challenges and establish a sustainable path forward.
Notwithstanding these difficulties, the volunteer management committee has worked diligently to maintain the facility and its essential services for the women and children currently residing at Teen Haven. Significant strides have been made toward facilitating alternative housing arrangements, including obtaining signed consent and information-release forms from residents to engage relevant housing agencies and community partners on their behalf. These efforts remain ongoing, with the committee focused on coordinating an orderly and responsible transition ahead of the facility’s closure.
As Teen Services and Teen Haven approaches the end of its operations, the committee’s immediate financial priority remains covering the essential costs of maintaining the facility and supporting its residents. We are deeply saddened that an organisation established to serve vulnerable women and children has reached this point. While the circumstances are regrettable, the volunteer management committee remains committed to fulfilling its responsibilities with transparency, compassion, and accountability, ensuring that the remaining time and resources available are directed toward the needs of those currently in our care.
END
Statement from the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors
The Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors is aware that Teen Haven/Teen Services is scheduled to dissolve in December 2026.
For decades, the Government has supported Teen Haven/Teen Services through grants, recognising the organisation’s important contribution to Bermuda’s young people, young mothers, and families. Founded in 1967, the non-profit organisation has provided counselling, sexual and reproductive health support, career education, and residential services to those in need.
The Government acknowledges the significant contribution that Teen Haven/Teen Services has made to the community and regrets that the organisation is approaching closure.
Government remains committed to supporting a responsible transition that prioritises the wellbeing of residents and their children. Teen Haven/Teen Services remains an independent charitable organization governed by its Board of Directors, which is responsible for decisions regarding the organization’s future and dissolution.
In accordance with section 23(1) of the Charities Act 2014, the Registrar General initiated the appointment of an Administrator to assist Teen Haven/Teen Services with the management of its affairs and provide a period in which the organisation could strengthen its governance, compliance and operational framework. Following the organization’s acceptance of this intervention, the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors provided the assistance of an Administrator and an Interim Executive Director to support those improvements and ensurecontinuity of services.
In April 2026, the Government provided an Administrator and an Interim Executive Officer to support Teen Haven/Teen Services during a period of organisational challenges and transition. Their role was to assist the organisation in strengthening its operational processes, administrative procedures, governance practices, and service delivery functions so that critical matters could be addressed in an organised and responsible manner. The Administrator and Interim Executive Officer were not appointed to oversee the dissolution of the organisation, but rather to support operational stability and continuity of services during this period.
Through these efforts, progress has been made in several key areas:
Resident Support and Transition Planning
Work has been undertaken to engage housing service providers and relevant agencies to identify suitable accommodation and support options for residents based on their individual circumstances. Residents have been kept informed of developments and have been provided opportunities to participate in planning their next steps.
Operational, Infrastructure and Compliance Matters
Attention has been given to addressing a range of operational and compliance issues, including building infrastructure and fire safety matters. Assessments and consultations have been undertaken to identify outstanding requirements and support informed decision-making by the organisation.
Employment-Related Matters
The Board will pursue employment matters with the Department of Labour to bring resolution where possible. This process is being managed through the appropriate statutory mechanisms.
The Government’s involvement has been directed towards supporting vulnerable residents, assisting the organisation to strengthen its operations, and helping to ensure that services continue to be delivered responsibly during this transitional period. The Ministry remains focused on ensuring that affected residents receive appropriate support and that the transition is managed with care, dignity, and accountability.
The Ministry cannot provide further details on operational matters related to Teen Haven/Teen Services. Additional media enquiries regarding the organisation and its dissolution should be directed to Teen Haven/Teen Services and its Board of Directors.
The Minister of Education is right when he states in a recent opinion piece that the conversation about an Education Authority should begin with our children. He is also right that school reform takes years and should not be reversed every time a Minister changes.
But Bermuda has seen exactly that happen. In early 2025, the Working Group developing education reform was stood down after a Cabinet reshuffle. It was revived only when the current Minister returned to the portfolio.
That is the problem an Education Authority should solve. The One Bermuda Alliance supports an Independent Education Authority, and we have argued for one. The question is not whether Bermuda needs one. It is whether this Bill creates one.
In July, the Minister set out how the legislation should be judged: whether appointments are genuinely merit-based, whether accountability is enshrined in law, and whether the framework will endure across administrations. Those are the right tests. The Bill as tabled does not yet pass them.
The Bill’s opening words create “an autonomous body.” The same sentence then places it “under the general direction of the Minister.” The Minister may issue written directions on any matter he considers to be in the public interest, and the Board must have regard to them. Nothing requires those directions to be published.
Parents should also know that this Bill does not hand the day-to-day running of our schools to anyone. On education, the Authority’s role is to “make recommendations to the Minister.”
The process for selecting the initial Board members has merit. Independent criteria are set, and the Minister must publish how each appointee meets them.
But the first Chairman and the first Chief Executive Officer are appointed directly by the Minister. That bypasses the open selection process the Bill itself creates for the CEO. The Minister also sets members’ terms and pay, fills vacancies, and can remove members on broad grounds without independent review. And the ex officio seat promised in July to the Commissioner of Education has gone to the Permanent Secretary instead.
On the hardest transition questions, such as abolishing Department posts and setting up new school governance, the Board “shall act in accordance with” the advice of a Transition Advisory Committee. That committee includes the Permanent Secretary and public officers appointed by the Minister. An independent board bound by the Ministry’s own officials is not independent where it matters most.
Quarterly reports on student outcomes, monthly progress reports and the annual operating plan all go to the Minister. None of them must be published or laid before Parliament.
The Bill also makes it a criminal offence, with fines of up to $25,000, for anyone at the Authority to disclose its affairs to anyone other than the Minister or the Authority itself. There is no protection for whistleblowers. Independence and accountability should go together, but this Bill points both at one office.
The Minister decides when the reform provisions come into force, so the 18-month clock starts only when he says so. When it ends, he may lay a Bill, or he may explain the delay, every six months, indefinitely. The budget needs annual approval from two Ministers, with no multi-year protection.
A future Minister could stall this reform without changing a word of the Act. That is exactly what happened to the Working Group in 2025.
The One Bermuda Alliance will seek to bring constructive amendments to:
· appoint the first Chair and CEO through the Bill’s own merit-based process;
· make the Transition Advisory Committee genuinely advisory;
· publish ministerial directions and quarterly reports;
· protect whistleblowers and public access to information;
· set a firm commencement date and a hard backstop on delays;
· give the Authority multi-year budget certainty.
The Minister has invited both sides to engage on the merits, and I accept. Our children deserve an Education Authority that is independent in fact, not just in name so let’s build that one.
Ten days out from the elections that will determine control of the closely divided Congress, Barack Obama took to the campaign trail to accuse the Republican president of corruption
Former US President Barack Obama campaigns for Democratic US Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jocelyn Benson at a rally in Detroit, Michigan, US October 24, 2026. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook
International News via Reuters:
US President Donald Trump has been telling voters to view the midterm elections as if he were on the ballot, and on Saturday one of his Democratic predecessors did just that.
Ten days out from the elections that will determine control of the closely divided Congress, Barack Obama took to the campaign trail to accuse the Republican president of corruption, deride his strategy for Iran and skewer the gilded aesthetic he has applied to White House renovations.
Obama stumped for Democratic candidates at rallies in Cleveland and Detroit, lampooning the Trump administration. Campaigning in Michigan for US Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, Obama framed the November 3 vote as a “circuit breaker” to “at least rein in some of the foolishness” of Trump’s presidency.
“We got to flip that circuit breaker, bring some accountability to this government,” Obama said.
Obama, president from 2009 until Trump began his first term in 2017, remains one of the most popular figures among Democrats. They hope that bringing him into the race can fire up their supporters for a tight US Senate race in which El-Sayed faces Republican Mike Rogers, a former US representative.
The former president obliged the Michigan crowd by playing to Democrats’ frequently repeated criticisms of Trump and of Republicans’ willingness to go along with him.
“We have never seen a president excel in straight-up grifting, on your dime, like this,” Obama said. “Never seen a president so intent on selling favors like this … Now the party seems to stand for corrupt government, or inept government, or no government.”
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But in a Truth Social post on early Sunday morning, Trump called Obama a “grossly incompetent President” and labeled El-Sayed a “Muslim Brotherhood Jihadist, who hates Jews and Blacks and AMERICANS and TRUMP”.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll in August found that 63% of Americans think the president and his family have inappropriately profited from cryptocurrency since he returned to the White House last year and that 69% believe his policy decisions are influenced by his private business dealings.
Obama also ridiculed the administration’s claims of victory against Iran. He argued that the war has given Iran more economic leverage because its threats to attack shipping in the Strait of Hormuz have unsettled oil exporters.
“Iran now has veto power over the Strait of Hormuz, where oil goes through to get to the world,” Obama said.
In his social media post, Trump derided the Obama administration’s approach to the Iranians, saying that he “paid off Iran with $Billions, and gave them a road to a Nuclear Weapon” with his 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action accord with Iran. The United States withdrew from the 2015 agreement during Trump’s first term.
The former president also accused the Trump administration of emphasizing unimportant matters, sarcastically calling Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth someone “laser-focused on important matters like the jawline and testosterone levels of our troops” and ridiculing White House renovations as tacky.
“He’s got the White House looking like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory,” Obama said.
Reporting by Dan Catchpole in Seattle, additional reporting by Karl Plume in Chicago; Editing by Sergio Non, William Mallard and David Goodman
The 71-year-old pontiff said he was particularly concerned about the humanitarian situation in the southwestern Yemeni city of Taiz, “where the population suffers due to the lack of food, water and medical assistance”
Pope Leo waves as he leads the Angelus prayer from a window of the Apostolic Palace, during which he called for an end to hostilities in Yemen and expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Taiz, at the Vatican, October 25, 2026. REUTERS/Vincenzo Livieri
International News via Reuters:
Pope Leo called for an end to the violence in Yemen on Sunday, as he addressed the faithful from the window over St Peter’s Square less than two weeks after having surgery for lung cancer.
The 71-year-old pontiff said he was particularly concerned about the humanitarian situation in the southwestern Yemeni city of Taiz, “where the population suffers due to the lack of food, water and medical assistance”.
He waved and smiled to the crowds after reaching the window unaided — the same spot where he announced on October 11 that he would have an operation to remove a small growth on his lung, in the first health scare of his papacy.
“I’m making a heartfelt appeal for the hostilities to stop, so that the people in Yemen and across the entire region can live in peace,” he said in a very firm and clear voice.
The pope said he was also praying for those who had been killed and wounded in the “terrorist attack against Orthodox faithful” at the Hamoud church in Jordan on Friday.
“I’m close to that community and the entire country, which is known for the peaceful and respectful coexistence of different religions,” the pontiff said.
Pope Leo urged everyone to accompany with prayers a meeting of religious leaders to promote peace that will take place in the Italian city of Assisi on Tuesday.
He had been due to attend that event, but cancelled his visit on the advice of doctors to aid his recovery, the Vatican said on Friday.
The pope had the lower lobe of his right lung removed in surgery on October 13 after being diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, the most common form of lung cancer.
Last week, doctors said he would not need any further therapy, indicating that his tumour had not spread.
Reporting by Joshua McElwee; Writing by Valentina Za; Editing by Andrew Heavens
Portugal is grappling with one of Europe’s most acute home affordability crises, as prices have more than doubled since 2017 while rents for new leases have nearly doubled, with young people among the hardest hit
Housing activists march to protest against Portugal’s worsening housing crisis, amid growing concerns over rising rents, house prices and a shortage of affordable homes in Lisbon, Portugal, October 24, 2026. Picture taken with a mobile phone. REUTERS/Miguel Pereira
International News via Reuters:
Portuguese police cleared a camp in central Lisbon held to protest against the country’s deepening housing crisis, baton-charging demonstrators in the early hours of Sunday and making 25 arrests.
Portugal is grappling with one of Europe’s most acute home affordability crises, as prices have more than doubled since 2017 while rents for new leases have nearly doubled, with young people among the hardest hit.
The Portuguese protests echo recent demonstrations in Spain over home shortages and surging rents. There have also been protests in cities including Paris, where small student demonstrations over school conditions broadened into wider protests against the government’s economic policies.
In Portugal, dozens of officers, some with police dogs, moved in on the camp in Rossio Square shortly after 2 a.m. (0200 GMT), having warned protesters their tents would be dismantled if they weren’t removed and threatening disobedience charges for those who resisted.
POLICE SAY OPERATIONS ‘PROPORTIONATE’
Protesters had pitched more than 100 tents after Saturday’s protest march by thousands along one of Lisbon’s main avenues.
“We have an obligation to fight for what we believe in,” said one marcher, Vitor Gomes, 21, a multimedia communications student, adding that housing speculation, wealth concentration and rising inequality made him pessimistic about the future.
Police said the operation was “proportionate” and that 25 people arrested for disobedience were later released and are due in court on Monday.
POLICE SAY OFFICERS AND PROTESTERS INJURED
A smaller camp of about 50 tents was also dismantled in Porto’s Praca D. Joao I, where police made six arrests.
While police reported seven minor injuries among officers and protesters in the two operations, activist group Casa para Viver (Homes to Live) said 60 people were hurt and called for a fresh protest outside parliament on Tuesday.
“Choosing the early hours of the morning to unleash dogs and baton-charge peaceful protesters is a political decision. It shows this government would rather repress those denouncing the housing crisis than address it,” the group said.
Protesters say soaring rents and higher living costs are squeezing households and turning housing into a growing source of discontent, with young people among those hardest hit.
The Bank of Portugal estimates a shortfall of 300,000 homes nationwide, equivalent to Lisbon’s entire housing stock.
The protesters are demanding that the government scrap a bill to make evictions easier and end rent caps on new leases, which passed a first parliamentary reading, although the far-right Chega party abstained.
Reporting by Sergio Goncalves and Miguel Pereira; Editing by Clarence Fernandez, Aislinn Laing and David Holmes
The measures include £285 million of seed funding next year under a new “Good Growth” scheme, which the finance ministry said would let local leaders invest in their own growth priorities without seeking permission from central government
British Finance Minister John Healey reacts during the Labour Party’s annual conference in Liverpool, Britain, September 28, 2026. REUTERS/Phil Noble
International News via Reuters:
British finance minister John Healey will use next week’s budget to hand mayors in England new funding and powers, including a £1.5 billion ($2 billion) borrowing facility, as part of plans to move economic decision-making out of Westminster.
The measures include £285 million of seed funding next year under a new “Good Growth” scheme, which the finance ministry said would let local leaders invest in their own growth priorities without seeking permission from central government.
“I’m calling time on local leaders going cap in hand to Westminster. That is no way to run a country,” said Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Here are the key points:
• The Good Growth funding is designed to reduce local leaders’ reliance on fragmented bidding pots from central government
• The funds can be used for housing, regenerating high streets and improving transport links
• The government will work with mayors to design the £1.5 billion borrowing facility, which it said would give them access to capital to back local growth projects
• Strategic authorities will receive a further £150 million next year to build up staff and expertise as they take on bigger budgets
The Bermuda Monetary Authority (Authority or BMA), in partnership with CPA Bermuda, has delivered the College Readiness Programme for a second year, continuing a joint effort to equip young students with practical financial knowledge as they prepare for life after high school.
Held on 21 and 22 October at BMA House, the free two-day programme was designed for college-bound high school seniors. Facilitators from the BMA and CPA Bermuda engaged with students to help strengthen their understanding of personal finance and support more confident, informed financial decision-making.
The initiative builds on the inaugural College Readiness Programme launched by the BMA and CPA Bermuda in October 2025. During the first programme, students explored budgeting, loan strategies and banking fundamentals before applying their knowledge to develop personalised college financial plans. Parents were also provided with resources to reinforce financial awareness and independence at home. The programme also gave students and parents opportunities to connect with representatives from the BMA and CPA Bermuda and learn about the value of professional networks.
This year, the programme welcomed 20 students from across Bermuda. Through a series of interactive sessions, participants explored topics including Design Your Life, where they learned to set SMART+ goals aligned with their personal aspirations; Budgeting for Campus Life, which guided students in creating realistic student budgets; and Funding College, which examined financial aid, loans and savings strategies for financing higher education. Additional sessions focused on Credit and Debt, helping students understand how credit works and how to use it responsibly; Digital Spending and Safety Nets, which addressed managing online spending, subscriptions and emergency savings; and Building Your Financial Plan, where students applied key lessons to develop practical financial plans for their college journey. Together, these sessions were designed to strengthen students’ financial confidence and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the financial realities of college and early adulthood.
Shanna Lespere, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the BMA, said: “Building financial capability early gives young people a stronger foundation for the decisions they will make throughout their lives. As students prepare for college and greater independence, having the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial choices becomes especially important. By working with CPA Bermuda through initiatives such as the College Readiness Programme, we can help young people develop practical skills that support their financial wellbeing while contributing to a more financially informed and resilient community.”
The College Readiness Programme supports the BMA’s broader focus on financial literacy and customer protection. The Authority has identified financial literacy initiatives that enhance the general public’s understanding of financial services as part of its strategic priorities.
Jozelle Opoku, President and CEO of CPA Bermuda, said: “Financial literacy is a critical life skill. Whether students choose to attend Bermuda College or study overseas, understanding how to manage their money and create a realistic college budget is an essential part of preparing for success. Through this programme, CPA Bermuda want to give students the practical tools and confidence to make informed financial decisions as they take their next steps.”
Through its continued partnership with CPA Bermuda, the BMA seeks to make financial knowledge more accessible to young people and encourage sound financial habits at an important stage in their lives.
Durkin and Desjardins bag double wins at Carifta multisport showpiece
Hosts Bermuda delivered a masterclass on home turf, defending their overall title at the Carifta Triathlon, Aquathlon and Mixed Team Relay Championships with a staggering total of 329 points.
The two-day spectacle at Clearwater Beach underlined the island’s supreme depth in multi-sport disciplines, leaving nearest challengers Barbados a distant second on 148 points and Trinidad and Tobago third on 141.
The foundations of the title defence were laid during an emphatic opening-day aquathlon programme, where Bermuda secured three gold medals.
Ethan Smith set the standard in the Boys 13–14 division, clocking 16 minutes 3 seconds to lead a Bermudian one-two ahead of Spencer Haldeman (16:08). Colette Durkin followed with victory in the Girls 13–14 race in 17:11, spearheading a home podium sweep alongside Elena Bortoli (silver) and Evelyn Fahy (bronze). Eva Desjardins rounded off the day-one gold rush with a dominant win in the Girls 11–12 category (9:01), with team-mate Madeleine Friend taking silver.
Testing conditions greeted athletes on day two as the focus shifted to the bikes and sprint triathlons, but Bermuda’s momentum only accelerated.
Rory Shepherd produced a commanding performance to capture gold in the Boys 15–16 Super Sprint in 30:36, while Spencer Haldeman upgraded to the top step of the podium in the Boys 13–14 race, taking gold in 31:32.
Durkin and Desjardins cemented their status as the standouts of the championships by each bagging a second individual gold. Durkin led another Bermudian sweep in the Girls 13–14 Super Sprint, crossing the line in 34:36 ahead of Naomi MacGuinness and Elena Bortoli. In the Girls 11–12 Youth event, Desjardins matched her aquathlon triumph by striking gold in 18:37, once again finishing clear of silver medallist Friend.
Bermuda capped off their commanding weekend in the team events, with the Bermuda A squad storming to gold in the Junior Mixed Team Relay to put the final stamp on an emphatic 181-point margin of victory.
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