Business Development Agency collaborated with Prestel & Partner for event at The Loren
Prestel & Partner held its Family Office Retreat at The Loren Residence in Bermuda on 16–17 October, bringing together family office principals, family members and invited experts for two days of discussions on family wealth, governance and wellbeing. The Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) supported the retreat as Platinum Sponsor.
The gathering followed an ongoing relationship between the BDA and Tobias Prestel and his team. It brought that international engagement to Bermuda, giving guests time to meet local professionals and experience the island while exchanging perspectives with their peers.
David Parker, Head of Business Development, BDA, said: “Long-term confidence in a place is built through experience as well as information. Our overseas work helps us understand people’s priorities and build relationships. When those relationships bring people to Bermuda, they can meet the people behind our expertise and get a feel for life here. The retreat gave us time to listen to the questions families are asking about their future, while allowing them to discover the island on their own terms.”
The programme connected the practical responsibilities of managing family wealth with the personal considerations that accompany them. Interactive discussions explored estate and succession planning across borders, with Claire van Overdijk KC of Appleby, and the relationship between governance arrangements and family life, with Martin Bertels of Textor Capital.
Andy Mielczarek, Executive Chair and CEO of Bermuda Commercial Bank, brought clarity to complex banking and trust arrangements, helping participants understand the challenges involved in managing personal affairs, assets and businesses internationally.
Richard Emanuel MBE, co-founder of Brain Health Network, moderated a discussion on longevity, wellbeing and what it means to be fit and healthy. Oliver Neubert, founder and chairman of NEOVIVA, addressed wealth, addiction and mental health, including the importance of talking about difficult subjects.
A separate BDA session explored common perceptions of Bermuda and some of its lesserknown aspects, giving guests an opportunity to ask questions and deepen their understanding of the island.
The private retreat was designed around participation and peer exchange. The programme paired moderated discussions with shared meals on The Loren lawn, allowing time for conversations to continue between sessions.
Tobias Prestel, Partner and Managing Director, Prestel & Partner, added: “Many from our network came to Bermuda for the first time. We were all enchanted by the island’s beauty, the possibilities for private wealth, the BDA’s hospitality and the support of our partners. The decision to do this again in 2027 was easy and unanimous. We will be back.”
The next Prestel & Partner Family Office Retreat in Bermuda is scheduled for 22–23 October 2027.
Organisers close Port Royal course with Monday decision expected by 5pm
Round 4 of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship will not be played today, Sunday October 25. Port Royal Golf Course remains closed, no one should travel to the course.
With no improvement in weather conditions and further deterioration expected, the decision has been made not to play the final round today.
The PGA TOUR and tournament officials are continuing to monitor conditions, information regarding play on Monday October 26 will be provided by 5 p.m. local time today.
Dolphin Quest Bermuda is excited to announce our Community Appreciation Day celebrating 30 years of connection, collaboration and conservation.
This all-day family event is from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, November 1st, 2026.
Thanks to the generous support of the National Museum of Bermuda, admission for the day is FREE for visitors and residents.
Proceeds from select activities* will be donated to two charity partners whose missions and purpose align with Dolphin Quest – WindReach offering animal/human connect and care programs and Big Brothers, Big Sisters – fostering mentoring relationships.
Highlights Include:
Special Anniversary Dolphin Connections
Dolphin Moment ($30 per person) A stay-dry dockside interactive program. *
Dolphin Greet ($20 for a family group of 5) A chance to feed a dolphin. *
2pm Dolphin Demo – with additional informational sessions throughout the day
Did you know that three out of every four people who present at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) with a stroke also have high blood pressure?
To mark World Stroke Day, Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) is inviting the public to a free health screening event on Thursday 29 October in the KEMH main lobby from 10am to 2pm.
The event is designed to help the community better understand how to recognise the signs of stroke and learn practical steps they can take to reduce their risk.
Attendees will be able to receive free blood pressure, blood sugar and weight checks, with results explained in relation to stroke risk. Representatives from the Bermuda Stroke Association will be available to provide information and support, while allied health professionals, including physiotherapists and occupational therapists from KEMH and Evolution Rehabilitation, will answer questions and offer advice on stroke recovery and rehab.
Organisations that address some of the major risk factors for stroke will also participate, including the Bermuda Diabetes Association, the Bermuda Heart Foundation, Age Concern and the Department of Health.
“We are seeing an average of four to five people each week presenting to our Emergency Department with a stroke,” said BHB Acting CEO and Chief of Nursing Judy Richardson.
“We established our Primary Stroke Centre in 2019 to help address this growing challenge, and it is making a difference. However, raising awareness remains critical, both in recognising stroke symptoms and managing the major risk factors, including high blood pressure, diabetes and atrial fibrillation.”
Director of BHB’s Primary Stroke Centre Dr Srinath Meadipudi said this year’s World Stroke Day theme, Every M1nute Counts, highlights the importance of recognising symptoms and acting quickly.
“When it comes to stroke, time lost is brain lost,” he said.
“For every minute a stroke goes untreated, nearly two million brain cells die. The best way to remember the warning signs is to BE FAST.”
BE FAST:
Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
Eyes: Sudden loss of vision or changes in eyesight
Face: Drooping or weakness on one side of the face
Arms: Weakness or numbness in an arm
Speech: Slurred speech or difficulty speaking
Time: Call 911 immediately
“If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait. Call 911 straight away. Every second counts, and fast action can save lives and reduce disability.”
Final round tee times on hold at Butterfield Bermuda Championship
Due to current weather conditions, final round tee times for the Butterfield Bermuda Championship on Sunday, October 25, have been delayed. Port Royal Golf Course remains closed at this time.
The PGA TOUR and tournament officials are continuing to monitor conditions, and the next update will be provided at 9 a.m.
Ariel Re, a global reinsurance business, has appointed Tamsin Webster as Chief People Officer.
Ariel Re, a global reinsurance business, has appointed Tamsin Webster as Chief People Officer.
Tamsin brings over 20 years of global human resources leadership experience across financial services, technology and private equity-backed businesses. She joins Ariel Re from ECI Partners, where she served as Head of People, establishing the firm’s first internal HR function and strengthening its leadership succession planning.
Previously, Tamsin was Chief People Officer at Fulcrum Asset Management, where she led the expansion of the People function to support the firm’s growth. Her earlier career includes senior HR leadership roles at UBS, BlackRock and Lloyds Banking Group, alongside advising high-growth businesses on leadership, organisational design and culture.
Ryan Mather, CEO of Ariel Re, commented:
“We are delighted to welcome Tamsin to Ariel Re. Her extensive experience across global organisations and high-growth businesses brings a valuable perspective to our leadership team. As we continue to grow, her expertise in talent development will be instrumental in strengthening our position as an academy firm, where the best in the business want to work, learn and develop.”
Tamsin Webster added:
“I am incredibly excited to join Ariel Re as Chief People Officer. From my first meetings with Ryan and the team, I was inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit, ambition and drive for excellence. I look forward to bringing my experience to the team and playing a part in Ariel Re’s next chapter of growth.”
About Ariel Re:
Ariel Re offers a range of innovative insurance and reinsurance solutions through its offices in Bermuda, London, and Hong Kong, serving clients globally through its Lloyd’s platforms. We operate through Syndicates 1910 and 2006 at Lloyd’s of London and also provide access to Lloyd’s Europe.
As a leading writer of property catastrophe reinsurance, Ariel Re provides protection against significant losses arising from natural catastrophes, including hurricanes and earthquakes.
The Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society is delighted to bring traditional pantomime back to the Daylesford Theatre with Jon Monie’s Absolute Pantomonium—oh yes, it is! Audiences can look forward to a lively mix of slapstick, comedy and memorable characters in a joyous celebration of the magic of panto.
When the beloved Fairy Tales is kidnapped by the villainous Killjoy (boo, hiss!), an extraordinary adventure unfolds. Determined to discover where she has hidden her all-powerful Magical Book of Pantomimes, Killjoy plans to destroy it and bring an end to panto – forever! An unnamed Girl from the Village of Ensemble steps forward from the background to embark on a journey that will change her life forever. Joining her on the adventure are Dame Tilly and Billy Topps from the local Panto Emporium, and the hapless Prince Charmless.
With laughter and mayhem at every turn, the forces of good and evil fight to the final page over the future of pantomime itself!
Directed by panto veteran Carol Birch and co-directed by Elin Daniels, Absolute Pantomonium will be performed at the Daylesford Theatre from Thursday, 3 December to Saturday, 12 December. Carol Birch is passionate about keeping the panto tradition alive. “Pantomime was my first experience of live theatre. I was mesmerized and all the colorful characters stayed in my dreams for months afterwards. For many young people, panto is their first introduction to live performance, and it simply wouldn’t be Christmas without it!”
To suit busy Christmas schedules, this is a short, one-act panto; there will be two performances each evening at 6pm and 8pm, with weekend matinees at 2pm and 4pm. In a new twist this year, two different casts will take to the stage: the Red Team: Robbie Godfrey, Gregg Smith, Kate Farmer and Nicolas Daoust; and the Green Team: Shawn Angiers, Chris Henderson, Jessica Rawson and Adrian Hartnett-Beasley. Audiences can therefore enjoy the show twice and see how each cast makes it its own!
Tickets are $35 and will be available through PTix.bm from Monday 2 November. Cast details will be available when booking.
The Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society’s Daylesford Theatre is located on the corner of Dundonald and Washington Streets in Hamilton, across from Victoria Park.
The City of Hamilton is celebrating another year of food, flavour and culinary creativity following Taste of Bermuda 2026, which brought an exciting mix of returning favourites and innovative new experiences to the Island from October 8 to 11.
From exclusive chef-led dinners and Havana-inspired cocktails to animated dining tables and a movie guests could actually taste, this year’s festival explored new ways to celebrate Bermuda’s culinary talent and hospitality industry.
City Director of Marketing and Communications Ms Jessica Astwood said: “This year, we set out to introduce something completely different to Bermuda’s culinary calendar, and we’re incredibly proud of the creativity and collaboration that went into bringing these experiences to life.
“From the exceptional talents of our local chefs and bartenders to working with international specialists to introduce immersive dining concepts, Taste of Bermuda continues to provide a platform for innovation within our hospitality industry.
“At its heart, Taste of Bermuda is about bringing people together, showcasing our Island’s exceptional culinary talent and creating memorable experiences that celebrate everything Bermuda has to offer. Beyond the events themselves, the festival also helps stimulate economic activity across the City, generating business for local retailers, restaurants and service providers in the lead-up to and throughout the weekend.”
The weekend opened on Thursday evening with Tastemakers, a collaboration between the City of Hamilton and the Bermuda Hotel Association, which saw seven of the Island’s leading hotels host exclusive culinary experiences.
Cambridge Beaches, Rosedon Hotel, Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, The Reefs Hotel, The Loren, Rosewood Tucker’s Point and Fairmont Southampton each presented intimate dining experiences highlighting the talents of their executive chefs and visiting culinary guests.
Diners enjoyed specially curated menus, expertly selected beverage pairings and the personal stories behind each dish, celebrating the creativity and diversity of Bermuda’s hotel dining scene.
Friday evening saw the return of Art of the Pour, presented in partnership with Bacardí Limited, which transformed the iconic Bacardí Global Headquarters into a Havana-inspired celebration of cocktails, music and entertainment with its Havana Nights theme.
The sold-out event immersed guests in the sights, sounds and flavours of Havana, complete with Latin-inspired entertainment, live music, Caribbean flavours and an impressive showcase of Bermuda’s bartending talent.
Bermuda’s leading bars, restaurants and hotels competed, with each team creating an original cocktail inspired by Bacardí’s premium rum portfolio.
The City extends its congratulations to the evening’s winners:
· Most Creative Cocktail: The Rosedon Hotel Siempre Libre created by Aaron Mattis-Robinson
· Best Restaurant & Bar Cocktail: Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio—Dos Legados created by Jahzuena Bradshaw-Douglas & Dante Petty
· Best Hotel Experience: Palmetto Beach at Fairmont Southampton – Rum Row created by Dae
· Best Overall Cocktail: Rosewood Bermuda – La Reina del Bat created by Israel (Izzy) Bennett
Saturday saw the highly anticipated debut of Tabletop Theatre: Where Dining Meets Storytelling, an immersive dining experience that transformed Pier 6 into a theatrical celebration of Bermuda’s seasons, landscapes and culinary heritage.
Developed in collaboration with Las Vegas-based immersive experience specialists Lumen and Forge and graphic design company Further Studios, the event brought dining tables to life through spectacular projection mapping, with animations unfolding directly before guests’ eyes as each course was served.
The late seating continued the festivities with an exclusive after-party featuring music from DJ Chubb, dancing, a personalised fragrance bar, cigar lounge, midnight bites and a NEOCELL Collagen Café.
The festival concluded on Sunday with another Bermuda first, The Edible Movie: Bites, Camera, Action!, which transformed historic Fort Hamilton into a Parisian-inspired outdoor cinema and dining experience overlooking Hamilton Harbour.
Guests were treated to a screening of the beloved animated classic Ratatouille, accompanied by a specially curated tasting menu featuring dishes inspired by the film, served as they appeared on screen. As Remy embarked on his culinary adventures through the kitchens of Paris, audiences experienced the story in an entirely new way, bringing together the magic of cinema and the pleasure of exceptional food.
Adding to the Parisian atmosphere, guests enjoyed complimentary popcorn from a vintage-style popcorn station, bespoke welcome cocktails, whimsical mime performances and the warm glow of festoon lighting, all helping to bring a little taste of Paris to Fort Hamilton.
The event featured two seatings, including an earlier family-friendly experience and an adults-only evening screening. VIP guests enjoyed preferred seating and viewing, exclusive gifts and a complimentary shuttle service from King Street Car Park.
Across the four days, Taste of Bermuda 2026 saw a total of 1,061 tickets sold.
Ms. Astwood added: “What makes Taste of Bermuda so special is the extraordinary collaboration behind it. From our participating hotels, chefs and bartenders to our sponsors, entertainers, creative partners and City staff, an enormous amount of work goes into bringing this festival to life.
“This year’s programme was particularly ambitious, and we’re grateful to everyone who embraced our vision and helped us introduce these new experiences to Bermuda.
“On behalf of the City, I would like to extend our sincere thanks to our sponsors, partners, participating businesses and everyone who joined us throughout the weekend. Their continued support allows us to explore new ideas, celebrate our local talent and continue developing Taste of Bermuda as a signature event on the Island’s culinary calendar.”
The City extends its sincere thanks to its valued sponsors and partners, including Bacardí Limited, the Bermuda Hotel Association, Discovery Wines, and Paradise Mobile, whose support helped bring this year’s festival to life.
About Taste of Bermuda
Hosted annually by the City of Hamilton, Taste of Bermuda is the Island’s premier culinary weekend, celebrating Bermuda’s diverse food scene, world-class hospitality and creative spirit. The festival brings residents and visitors together through a dynamic programme of culinary experiences, entertainment and innovative dining concepts.
For more information about Taste of Bermuda, visit www.cityofhamilton.bm or follow the City on social media.
American Austin Smotherman and Ireland’s Seamus Power share a two-stroke lead at 16 under par following a demanding third round at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.
Facing blustery coastal breezes across the exposed fairways of Port Royal Golf Course, Smotherman held his nerve to card a five-under-par 66. An eagle and five birdies offset two dropped shots, securing the Californian a share of the 54-hole lead.
Alongside him at the summit sits 2022 champion Power, who continued his pursuit of a second title in Southampton with a composed, clinical display. The Irishman negotiated the conditions with a four-under 67, recording five birdies and a solitary bogey to match Smotherman’s 16-under clubhouse mark.
The leading duo will have little room for error on Sunday, with a crowded chasing pack firmly in pursuit.
American Taylor Moore and Canadian duo Ben Silverman and Corey Conners sit just two shots adrift in a tie for third at 14 under par.
A further shot back at 13 under is a congested five-man group that includes Tom Hoge, Chris Kirk, Chan Kim, Danny Walker, and halfway co-leader Chandler Blanchet, setting up a frantic final-round sprint for silverware along Bermuda’s south shore.
American Austin Smotherman has edged into a one-stroke lead midway through a testing third round at the Butterfield Bermuda Championship.
With blustery coastal breezes presenting demanding scoring conditions at Port Royal Golf Course, Smotherman reached the turn at 16 under par, holding a slender advantage over overnight co-leader Chandler Blanchet.
Blanchet, who shared the 36-hole clubhouse lead, remains hot on his compatriot’s heels at 15 under through seven holes as the leaders navigate the tricky front nine.
The chasing pack is tightly bunched right behind them. Former champion Seamus Power, who lifted the trophy in 2022, and Canada’s Ben Silverman sit two strokes off the pace at 14 under par through eight holes.
Both Power and Silverman will be looking to capitalise as the leaders head into the exposed back nine, where Port Royal’s signature cliffside stretches are expected to test the frontrunners in the closing stages of Saturday’s action.
Remarks by:THE HON. JASON HAYWARD JP MP, THE MINISTER OF ECONOMY AND LABOUR
2025 ANNUAL GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT PUBLICATION
October 22, 2026
Good day to members of the media and the listening public…
Today, I am pleased to present an update on Bermuda’s economic performance, following the release of the 2025 Annual Gross Domestic Product report by the Department of Statistics.
The latest figures confirm that Bermuda’s economy continued to expand in 2025, marking another year of positive economic growth.
The 2025 Annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) report from the Department of Statistics confirmed that Bermuda’s economy grew by 1.0% in real terms in 2025 to reach $7.2 billion, marking five consecutive years of economic growth.
Bermuda’s economy increased by 6.5% in nominal terms in 2025 reaching approximately $9.85 billion, and exceeding the Ministry of Finance’s estimate of 2.5 to 3 per cent growth. At current prices, the GDP per capita rose to $154,320 at the end of 2025. This compares with a GDP per capita of $144,705 in 2024.
Despite an increasingly complex global economic environment, characterised by geopolitical uncertainty, international trade pressures and changing economic conditions, Bermuda’s economy has demonstrated resilience, stability and continued progress.
The results reinforce the importance of maintaining a clear economic development strategy, strengthening our international competitiveness, supporting local businesses, and ensuring that Bermudians have meaningful opportunities to participate in our country’s economic success.
One of the encouraging findings in the annual GDP report is that 11 of Bermuda’s 19 industrial groups recorded positive real economic growth in 2025.
Bermuda’s economic growth was led by Financial and Insurance Activities, which grew by 2.8% or $26.1 million. The performance was supported by non-life insurance which rose 12.8%, and life insurance and pension funding which rose 28.3%.
International Business continued to be Bermuda’s largest contributor to GDP, accounting for approximately 29 per cent of total economic output. The sector expanded by 0.8% in real terms, adding approximately $16.8 million in value, and having 5,070 filled jobs in 2025. The industry’s performance demonstrates the continued importance of Bermuda’s international business sector and reinforces the need to preserve our competitive position as a leading international business jurisdiction.
Construction and Quarrying was another positive contributor, rising 5.9% or $15.6 million due to increased building construction activity throughout the year. This follows growth of 9.1% in 2024, demonstrating two consecutive years of strong expansion in construction activity.
Other Service Activities increased 20.3% or $15.0 million, reflecting growth in hairdressing and beauty treatment services and other personal services.
The following industries also demonstrated positive economic performance:
Public Administration, up 4.5% or $14.2 million,
Transportation and Storage, up 6.7% or $8.4 million,
Arts, Entertainment and Recreation, increasing by 24.8% or $7.3 million,
Real Estate Activities, up 0.4% or $4.5 million, and
Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing, recorded an increase of 30.4% or $4.4 million.
Other sectors experiencing modest growth include Information and Communication and Wholesale and Retail Trade.
While the overall results are positive, it is important that we acknowledge areas of the economy where performance has been weaker. The Accommodation and Food Service Activities industry declined by 5.6% or $15.9 million. Education fell 3.7% or $4.2 million. Electricity, Water Supply and Waste Management decreased 4.0% or $3.7 million and Manufacturing declined 11.5% or $3.2 million. Small declines were also observed in Human Health and Social Work; Administrative and Support Services; Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities; and Activities of Households as Employers.
Overall, the Annual GDP report on economic activity for 2025 indicates that Bermuda’s economy continues to grow, supported by performance in key industries such as financial and insurance services, international business and construction. While growth has moderated compared to recent years, continued expansion across most industries demonstrates the underlying strength and adaptability of Bermuda’s economy.
Bermuda’s economy has recorded five consecutive years of real economic growth, demonstrating resilience and stability. Our focus now must be on accelerating that growth, diversifying our economy and ensuring that more Bermudians benefit through employment, homeownership, entrepreneurship and greater economic opportunity.
For more information, please review the 2025 Annual Gross Domestic Product report, available at the Department of Statistics online at gov.bm.
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