Police say the driver escaped with a minor head injury
Police and other first responders were called out to the scene of an overturned car this afternoon in Smith’s Parish.
It happened on Harrington Sound Road near the junction with Somersall Road.
Officers say the male driver of the car involved, was found conscious and alert with a minor head injury.
He was given medical assistance at the scene.
There were traffic delays while the scene was cleared.
The visit underlines Syria’s geopolitical transformation under Sharaa, a former al Qaeda commander who has established close ties with Western and Middle Eastern powers that shunned Assad
International News via Reuters:
French President Emmanuel Macron landed in Syria on Monday, Syria’s state news agency reported, in the first visit to Damascus by a European Union head of state since rebels led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa toppled Bashar al-Assad in 2024.
The visit underlines Syria’s geopolitical transformation under Sharaa, a former al Qaeda commander who has established close ties with Western and Middle Eastern powers that shunned Assad, as he seeks to rebuild a country shattered by 13 years of war.
“I am here to affirm France’s commitment to the Syrian people. For a sovereign Syria, united in its diversity and at peace with its neighbours. Together, let’s open a new page of stability and peace,” Macron said in a post on X published after his arrival.
He was received at Damascus airport by Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, the Syrian state news agency SANA reported.
Syria’s reconstruction is set to be one of the key themes of the trip, and Macron will be accompanied by business leaders including the CEOs of TotalEnergies and French container shipping group CMA CGM, a French presidential official told reporters in a briefing ahead of the visit.
Macron will also stress France’s commitment to a free, pluralistic Syria that respects all of its communities and meet Syrians from all backgrounds and affiliations, the official added.
Sharaa met Macron during a visit to France last year, his first to a European country since toppling Assad. The French president was a leading voice calling for the lifting of Western sanctions that had throttled the Syrian economy and were largely removed last year.
Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, whose country was a strong backer of the anti-Assad rebellion, was the first foreign head of state to make a trip to Syria after Assad was toppled, visiting in January 2025.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Damascus in January, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy met Sharaa during a visit to Syria in April.
Reporting by John Irish and Makini Brice in Paris; Muhammad Al Gebaly and Menna Alaa El Din in Cairo; Feras Dalatey in Dubai; Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by Alex Richardson
The militant group’s promise to end its body overseeing ministries — which has run for more than a decade — was a key part of the plan for a civilian-ruled post-war Gaza set out by U.S. President Donald Trump
International News via Reuters:
Hamas said on Monday it had dissolved its de facto government in Gaza and was ready to hand over to a group of Palestinian technocrats — a move it described as a step forward in a U.S.-backed plan for the enclave, but Israel dismissed as a “stunt”.
The militant group’s promise to end its body overseeing ministries — which has run for more than a decade — was a key part of the plan for a civilian-ruled, post-war Gaza set out by U.S. President Donald Trump after the start of a fragile ceasefire with Israel in October.
Hamas said the ministries themselves and the staff it had appointed would stay in place and it would still oversee security and policing in parts of Gaza left under its control following the U.S.-brokered truce.
TRUMP BOARD SAYS IT WILL WATCH ‘ACTIONS, NOT PROMISES’
The Trump-appointed Board of Peace, set up to monitor the plan, said it noted Hamas’ move. But it added that “ultimately, our assessment will be guided by actions, not promises, to meet the critical needs of the people of Gaza”.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar dismissed Hamas’ announcement. The group’s “apparent willingness to ‘make room’ for a technocratic government is designed to prevent its own disarmament,” Saar said on X.
“As long as Hamas retains its weapons, any civilian government will of course operate as Hamas dictates,” Saar added. Israel insists on the full implementation of Trump’s plan, including Hamas laying down its weapons, he said.
Hamas has accused Israel of repeatedly violating the ceasefire and failing to go through with other parts of the plan, which calls for Israeli forces to withdraw from Gaza.
The small coastal enclave remains in ruins more than 2-1/2 years after the latest Gaza conflict was triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023, raids on Israel.
Hamas has refused to disarm until Israel halts attacks in Gaza, the latest of which killed five people on Monday, medics in the enclave said. Israel says its attacks in Gaza since the ceasefire have been aimed at thwarting militant threats.
In a press conference in Gaza City on Monday, Ismail Al-Thawabta, director of the Hamas government media office, said the head of the “Government Emergency Committee” oversight body had resigned and that the body itself had been dissolved.
This is “a demonstration of the seriousness of these measures, in implementation of the agreed arrangements, and to facilitate the administrative transition process,” Thawabta said.
Under the Trump-backed plan, Hamas is supposed to hand over government oversight to a National Committee for the Administration of Gaza, a U.S.-backed group of Palestinian technocrats.
The head of that National Committee, Ali Shaath, said his 15-member committee was ready to assume its responsibility in Gaza as soon as the “necessary resources and enabling conditions for its work are in place.”
“The fundamental requirements for the commission’s success are the existence of one authority and one law under a clear reference framework, and one weapon subject to that authority,” Shaath wrote in a post on his Facebook page.
ISRAELI STRIKES KILL FIVE IN GAZA, MEDICS SAY
Israeli troops control more than 60% of Gaza, patrolling what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu describes as a buffer zone to deter Hamas attacks. Netanyahu says Israel will not withdraw from the territory.
Israel’s devastating aerial and ground bombardment of Gaza displaced nearly the entire population of 2 million people, most of whom now live in tents or damaged buildings in a narrow coastal strip of territory governed by Hamas.
Gaza health officials said an Israeli airstrike killed a couple in an apartment in Gaza City’s Tel Al-Hawa neighbourhood on Monday. The Israeli military said the strike targeted and killed Fadi Ashour Daghmash, a Hamas armed commander.
Two other strikes — one on a tent housing displaced people and another on a vehicle in Khan Younis in the south — killed three people and wounded at least 20 others, medics said.
The Israeli military did not immediately comment on those two incidents.
Reporting and writing by Nidal al-Mughrabi. Additional reporting by Eman Abuhassira and Tala Ramadan in Dubai and Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem; editing by Rami Ayyub and Andrew Heavens
Grid operator UNE said it was investigating the cause of the nationwide blackout
International News via Reuters:
Cuba’s national electric grid collapsed on Monday at midday, the country’s grid operator said, leaving around 10 million people on the Caribbean island without power.
Grid operator UNE said it was investigating the cause of the nationwide blackout.
Cuba has for months suffered from hours-long, and more recently, days-long power outages linked in part to a decrepit grid and a U.S. imposed oil blockade that has cut off the island’s fuel supply.
The nationwide outage is more bad news for Cubans already exhausted from rolling blackouts that make it impossible for many to work or sleep in the Caribbean summer heat.
Cuba has frequently struggled to keep the lights on during a years-long economic crisis but the Communist-run government has entered unprecedented territory under increased pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Nearly two-thirds of the country was already without power when the grid collapsed on Monday.
Reporting by Dave Sherwood; Editing by Kylie Madry
Defence financing is set to be a key topic at this week’s NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey
International News via Reuters:
Britain, the Netherlands, Finland and Poland are making “significant progress” on the new Multilateral Defence Mechanism and aim to establish it by 2027, the countries said in a joint statement on Monday.
Defence financing is set to be a key topic at this week’s NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey. The MDM is one of several competing initiatives aimed at channelling more private cash into rearming nations.
“We have benefited from the support of a broader group of allies in developing the technical details of this model,” the four nations said in their statement.
They said they would work to expand the coalition of nations involved in the project and would move on to the next phase of developing the mechanism with countries that have declared their participation in autumn.
Another key project in the increasingly crowded field of defence financing initiatives is the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank.
Canada is aiming to announce around 10 founding nations for the DSRB at the NATO summit. The Polish finance ministry did not immediately respond to an emailed question about whether it was in talks to join the DSRB.
Britain has ruled out participation in the DSRB, opting to pursue the MDM project instead.
Reporting by Alan Charlish, Barbara Erling, Editing by Alexandra Hudson
For the second day in a row, teenage prospect Aeziah Divine quietly secured another crucial points finish in the R&G Moto4 British Cup after a highly disciplined ride at Snetterton.
The 16-year-old Bermudian rider, competing under the Fibre Tec Honda by MLav Racing banner, showcased his growing maturity to cross the line in 13th place for a second consecutive race. While the position mirrored his opening race result, Divine’s outright pace took a significant step forward as he sliced more than four seconds off his previous outing, stopping the clock at a swift 25:00.276.
With Saturday’s front suspension technical issues firmly resolved by his mechanics, Divine was able to push his machinery closer to the limit from the opening lap on the flowing Snetterton 300 layout. Rather than being swallowed up by the aggressive midfield skirmishes common to the “Road to MotoGP” developmental class, he locked into a steady, rhythmic lap management strategy to hold his track position.
The dual 13th-place finishes represent a vital haul of championship points, bringing a sense of stability back to his campaign after a heavy practice crash in the previous round at Donington Park. Divine and the Fibre Tec Honda squad will now shift their focus to Round 4 at the iconic Brands Hatch GP circuit, aiming to translate this improved pace into a top-ten challenge.
The Bermuda Olympic Association has unveiled a historic 104-member delegation for the upcoming 2026 Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Running from July 24th to August 8th, the 25th edition of the Games marks the centennial of its founding in 1926. Bermuda is making its own history by sending 78 elite athletes across 17 different sport disciplines—the island’s largest-ever squad deployed to a multi-sporting event.
“This is one of our largest and most well-rounded teams in recent memory,” said BOA President Peter Dunne. Chef de Mission Jon Beard added: “Our athletes have worked incredibly hard… I know all of Bermuda will be behind them.”
Bermuda will battle the region’s finest across a diverse sporting landscape, spearheading campaigns in both team and individual disciplines:
Athletics & Swimming: Spearheaded on the track by Dage Minors, Nirobi Smith-Mills, and Sakari Famous, alongside a powerful swim contingent featuring Jack Harvey, Sam Williamson, and Madlyn Moore.
Triathlon & Cycling: Americas Championship standout Tyler Smith and teammate Nicholas Pilgrim lead the triathlon charge, while Kaden Hopkins and Nicholas Narroway anchor the cycling time trials.
Team Sports: Large contingents are set to compete in Field Hockey, Rugby Sevens (featuring Alexander Brown and Tashon DeSilva), and Netball (led by Debre Evans).
Sailing & Racquet Sports: Sebastian Kempe and Adriana Penruddocke take to the water, while Micah Franklin guides the squash team, and Daniel Phillips links up for tennis.
Archery, Volleyball, Bowling & Equestrian: Complete with robust rosters including Camerin Pickering in archery and Angela Hollaran in equestrian events.
Bermuda’s teenage gymnastics prospect Jaia Simmons made a spectacular impression on the big stage, securing a podium finish at the prestigious 2026 Inter-Regional Challenge Cup Final.
Competing inside the iconic, high-pressure environment of the Utilita Arena Birmingham, the 13-year-old produced a clinical display of power and precision to claim third place in the Tumbling (Tum) Level 2 Women’s 13-14 Age Group Division. Simmons handled the occasion with maturity well beyond her years, executing two high-difficulty passes to finish the division with an impressive overall score of 57.20.
Sprinting down the fast Birmingham track, Simmons showcased exceptional technical control, nailing her aerial rotations and stick-landing her final passes to capture the judges’ attention.
The podium finish marks a massive developmental milestone for the young Bermudian, proving she can perform under the intense spotlights of a major arena that has historically hosted World Championships and Commonwealth Games fields. The 57.20 score puts the rest of the competitive field on notice, capping off an outstanding international excursion for the young athlete as she continues her rapid rise through the junior tumbling ranks.
Bermuda’s senior men’s sprint team made history at the prestigious Barbados Grand Prix, blasting their way to a podium finish in the 4x100m relay.
The standout quartet of Norre Robinson, Miles Outerbridge, Cameron Basden, and Denver Tucker clocked a swift 40.29 seconds to take a brilliant third place. Competing at the world-class Usain Bolt Sports Complex in St. Michael, their outstanding performance secured the second-fastest time ever recorded by a Bermudian senior men’s team.
Lead-off man Robinson exploded from the blocks in the humid conditions, before Outerbridge ate up the backstretch. A seamless bend from Basden set up anchor man Tucker, who held off a fierce late surge from the chasing Caribbean powerhouses to book a spot on the podium.
The 40.29-second milestone capped a highly encouraging weekend for the island’s contingent, which also saw Olympic triple jump star Jah-Nhai Perinchief continue his competitive return.
Swapping his signature event for the long jump pit, the 28-year-old Commonwealth Games bronze medalist grinded out a solid fourth-place finish with a top leap of 7.14 meters.
Building match fitness after a lengthy injury layoff, Perinchief used the event to fine-tune his runway speed and approach mechanics against elite international opposition — providing a vital stepping stone for the remainder of the season.
The grant “enhanced workforce readiness across the island”
Bermuda College Foundation (“the Foundation”) proudly celebrates the transformative impact of a $200,000 donation from the Chubb Charitable Foundation – Bermuda, awarded in December 2024, which has significantly strengthened technical education programmes at Bermuda College (“the College”) and enhanced workforce readiness across the Island.
As a longstanding strategic partner, the Chubb Charitable Foundation – Bermuda has consistently demonstrated its commitment to advancing education and economic opportunity in Bermuda. This most recent investment builds upon previous support, which includes the donation of two hybrid vehicles to the College’s Motor Vehicle Technology Programme, a “Train the Trainer” initiative to build faculty
expertise in emerging automotive technologies, and vital scholarship funding for students.
The $200,000 grant has enabled targeted upgrades across four key Technical Education Division programmes at Bermuda College: Motor Vehicle Technology, Plumbing Technology, Electrical Wiring, and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC). These enhancements are already driving meaningful outcomes for students, faculty, and industry.
Advancing Modern, Hands-On Technical Training
The funding has been used to procure industry-standard tools, equipment, and training platforms that reflect today’s sophisticated workforce requirements. Highlights include:
Additionally, a portion of the investment has supported targeted facility enhancements, ensuring safe, and improved learning environments that reflect the College’s commitment to student success and excellence.
Measurable Impact on Students and Community
The enhancements funded through Chubb’s generosity are already producing measurable benefits:
A Partnership Driving Bermuda’s Future Workforce
Kerry Judd, Executive Director of Bermuda College Foundation underscored the importance of this partnership: “The Chubb Charitable Foundation – Bermuda continues to be an extraordinary partner in shaping the future of technical education in Bermuda. This investment is not just about equipment and learning resources, it is about creating pathways to meaningful careers, supporting innovation in teaching
and learning, and ensuring our students are prepared to meet the evolving needs of our economy. We are deeply grateful for Chubb’s ongoing vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our students.”
“Chubb is proud to support Bermuda College Foundation and the incredible work being done to prepare students for meaningful careers in technical fields of the future,” said Lori Dunstan, Executive Director, Chubb Charitable Foundation – Bermuda. “This investment reflects our belief in the power of education to strengthen communities, expand opportunity, and build a skilled workforce for generations of Bermudians.”
Looking Ahead
Bermuda College Foundation looks forward to continuing its work with the Chubb Charitable Foundation Bermuda to further advance the College’s Technical Education Division. Future initiatives will build on this momentum to expand programme offerings, deepen industry alignment, and ensure Bermuda develops a strong pipeline of highly skilled, job-ready professionals.
Media release and images supplied.
Regional meetings in Saint Lucia will help inform the ongoing review of full membership
The Premier the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, and the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, JP, MP, are currently leading a Bermuda delegation to the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia.
The meeting takes place from 5 to 8 July 2026, and is being convened under the chairmanship of the Hon. Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, who assumed the rotating CARICOM chairmanship on 1 July.
This annual gathering brings together regional leaders, under the theme “CARICOM: From Resilience to Renewal in a Changing World”, to discuss key issues affecting the Caribbean Community and its future development.
And this week’s Conference of Heads of Government will provide Bermuda’s delegation with the opportunity to engage directly with regional leaders and senior CARICOM officials, particularly as it relates to Bermuda’s proposed full membership in CARICOM.
It should be noted that as Bermuda continues to explore its full membership, technical discussions remain ongoing.
Government stressed that no decisions regarding the proposed White Paper have been made, and insights gained through this engagement with regional leaders will help inform the Government’s ongoing consultation process.
Today, Premier Burt said, “The CARICOM Heads of Government Conference provides an important opportunity for Bermuda to engage with regional leaders on the issues shaping the future of the Caribbean community. Bermuda values its longstanding relationship with CARICOM, and we look forward to contributing to the conversations that will help shape the Region’s future.”
Minister Lightbourne added, “Regional cooperation has never been more important, and Bermuda welcomes the opportunity to work alongside Caribbean leaders to advance solutions to the challenges and opportunities we share.
“Against the backdrop of Bermuda’s consultative efforts, our participation in the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting will provide additional insights and perspectives from Member States and the Secretariat, allowing us to incorporate critical regional developments and policy considerations into our analysis. Any findings put before the public will be evidence-based, balanced and informed by both local feedback and regional realities.”
The Government will continue to keep the public informed as work progresses on the White Paper.
Media release supplied by the Government of Bermuda.
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