The report finds no domestic cases but urges ongoing vigilance

Media Release:

The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Justice announce the publication of Bermuda’s 2025 Proliferation Financing National Risk Assessment. The report, prepared by the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee, assesses Bermuda’s proliferation financing risks. It also strengthens the jurisdiction’s anti-money laundering, anti-terrorist financing and counter-proliferation financing framework. This is Bermuda’s first national assessment of proliferation financing risks and follows a series of risk assessments undertaken since 2013, when the jurisdiction completed its first comprehensive assessment of money laundering risks.

The Hon. E. David Burt, JP, MP, Premier and Minister of Finance, said: “This report reflects Bermuda’s prudent approach to safeguarding the integrity of our financial system. While no proliferation financing activity has been identified within the jurisdiction, the assessment recognises that as an international financial centre, Bermuda must remain vigilant to indirect risks arising from global financial flows. By strengthening our understanding of these risks, we are ensuring that our regulatory and supervisory frameworks remain sound, proportionate, and aligned with international standards to protect our economy over the long term. I thank the public and private sector stakeholders whose expertise, collaboration and commitment have contributed to this important assessment and helped strengthen Bermuda’s resilience against emerging financial risks.”

The report evaluates specific threats posed by sanctioned jurisdictions with advanced proliferation capabilities. It identifies vulnerabilities linked to cross-border financial activity, complex corporate structures, and emerging technologies such as digital assets, where global typologies show increased risk. The assessment also considers the potential consequences of proliferation financing, including reputational damage to the jurisdiction, exposure to international sanctions, disruption to legitimate trade, and broader economic and security impacts.

The assessment confirms that Bermuda has not identified any proliferation financing activity, breaches of targeted financial sanctions, or assets linked to designated entities. However, it underscores the importance of maintaining vigilance given Bermuda’s role as an international financial centre and its exposure to global financial networks.

Senator, the Hon. Kim Wilkerson, JP, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, added: “From a legal and regulatory perspective, this assessment reinforces Bermuda’s strong compliance culture and our commitment to upholding international obligations. Its findings inform the continued development of targeted policies and enforcement measures, and I encourage all stakeholders to review the report and incorporate its insights into their compliance frameworks. A coordinated, risk-based approach will remain essential in protecting the jurisdiction from money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing risks.”

The report forms part of Bermuda’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a robust and effective AML/ATF/CPF regime. Government, regulators and industry stakeholders are encouraged to use the findings to enhance risk awareness, strengthen controls, and support coordinated efforts to mitigate emerging threats over time.

The report is available at: https://www2.gov.bm/department/office-national-anti-money-laundering-committee

Junior Bermuda Biennial accepts any medium and encourages original work by artists aged five to 17; submissions close July 19

Media Release:

The Junior Bermuda Biennial is a new addition to the Bermuda Biennial – the Bermuda National Gallery’s flagship exhibition, which has been running for over three decades.

The Junior Bermuda Biennial provides our youngest artists with a national platform and encourages them to push the boundaries of their creativity. It is a free, open submission, internationally juried exhibition which showcases the next generation of artists (aged 5 to 17).

Applications must be submitted online by July 19, 2026.

The exhibition will be on display at the Bermuda National Gallery from November 2026 through Spring 2027.

This year, we are thrilled to welcome back 2024’s juror Molly Bretton. She is the Director of Outside In, a UK-based organization providing a platform for artists who encounter significant barriers to the art world due to health, disability, social circumstance, or isolation.

In her previous role as Head of Learning at the Royal Academy of Arts (RA) in London, Molly was instrumental in establishing the RA’s Young Artists Summer Show, an open submission exhibition for UK students. Now in its eighth year, it serves to champion the importance of art in education, celebrate teachers fostering creativity in children, and showcase the breadth and quality of work being produced by young people across the country.

In 2017, Molly won a Marsh Award for Excellence in Gallery Education for her work in accessible and inclusive arts education.

Artworks will be selected based on originality, unique imagination and technical skill. We want to see children’s own imagination, not other people’s. Artists should avoid characters created by others such as those in comics, films or cartoons. Artworks which have been copied from existing artworks will not be accepted. We are looking for a wide variety of artwork. These can be in any medium – from drawing to painting, printing, photography, video, textiles, digital art, sculpture, or a combination of mediums. There is no set theme and there is no size limit. Please note, not all submitted artworks will be selected for the final exhibition.

Submissions for the 2026 Junior Bermuda Biennial are fully online. Artists can submit up to three pieces created within the last two years by uploading digital images of their work. The submission form requires the title, year completed, medium and size for each artwork. Artists are also asked to include an artist statement. An artist statement provides insight into the inspiration and process behind your work, helping both the juror and viewers connect with your art. We recommend writing 2-3 sentences (up to 60 words). Additional tips on writing an artist statement can be found in the Application Guidelines.   Parents or teachers may submit on behalf of the artist, but we kindly ask that the artist’s own words and language be used. All applications must be submitted by Sunday, July 19, 2026.

Key Dates:

Sunday, July 19: Applications close (midnight). Monday, August 31: Artists will be notified by this date whether or not they have been selected for the exhibition. Friday, October 9 – Saturday, October 10: Selected artworks to be dropped off at the Gallery. These should be delivered unframed. Saturday, November 7: Preview reception for exhibiting artists and BNG members. Details and RSVPs will be sent out closer to the date. Tuesday, November 10: The 2026 Junior Bermuda Biennial opens to the public.

Looking for inspiration? You can explore the 2024 Junior Bermuda Biennial archived online, and see some of the work of other young artists! Young artists are encouraged to visit the Bermuda National Gallery for free and explore the galleries, where they can be inspired by the diverse range of mediums and styles on display. Complimentary BNG Kids activity booklets for ages 7-10 and 11-14 are available in the Gallery and can also be accessed at www.bng.bm. Free tours for camp groups can be booked online.

He will serve as transition consultant to ensure seamless governance for St. George’s.

Media Release:

The Mayor of the Corporation of St. George’s, Quinell Francis, JP, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Richard L. James as Acting
Corporation Secretary and Transition Consultant, effective 2 July 2026.

This appointment follows the departure of Ms. Candy-Lee Foggo, who has served the historic town as Corporation Secretary for the past 11 years. Mayor Francis stated:
“We want to express our gratitude to Ms. Foggo for her over a decade of service, and we wish her the very best in her future endeavors.”

This appointment follows the departure of Ms. Candy-Lee Foggo, who has served the historic town as Corporation Secretary for the past 11 years. Mayor Francis stated:
“We want to express our gratitude to Ms. Foggo for her over a decade of service, and we wish her the very best in her future endeavors.”

Mayor Francis said:

“The Corporation of St. George’s has a significant responsibility to the residents, businesses and visitors of the Town. St. George is not only the birthplace of Bermuda, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it must be actively protected, conserved and managed with care, accountability and a strong sense of stewardship. During this transition, our absolute priority is maintaining an open door and seamless continuity for our community.

“The Council is committed to ensuring that the Corporation is well governed, responsive and operationally sound. Mr. James brings extensive public sector leadership experience, a strong background in governance and organizational improvement, and a proven record of leading public bodies through periods of transition, reform and organizational renewal. We are confident that his appointment will provide valuable support to the Corporation during this important period. Because St. George is a town built on relationships, Mr. James will be engaging directly with our local town businesses, community groups, and residents in the coming weeks to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are met.”

Mr. James brings more than three decades of senior leadership experience in Bermuda’s public sector. He previously served as Chief Architect in the Ministry of Works and Engineering and as Development Manager at the Bermuda Housing Corporation. He also held extended acting assignments including Acting Assistant Cabinet Secretary, Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Works and Engineering, and Acting General Manager of the Bermuda Housing Corporation.

Throughout his career, Mr. James has been called upon to support Ministries, Departments, and Quasi-Autonomous Non-Governmental Organizations (QUANGOs) during periods of organizational challenge and change. His work has included governance improvement, policy development, strategic planning, operational reform, accountability systems, and the strengthening of management processes.

He is a Registered Architect in Bermuda and holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Howard University, a Master of Architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and a Master of Science in Management from Boston University.

In addition to his public service and governance experience, Mr. James is an international associate of Franklin Covey and has facilitated leadership and organizational effectiveness programs for more than twenty years across Bermuda’s public and private sectors, as well as in the Cayman Islands, The Bahamas, Jamaica and Suriname. He is certified to deliver a range of leadership programs focused on trust, execution, team leadership, project management, and personal effectiveness.

As Acting Corporation Secretary and Transition Consultant, Mr. James will assist the Corporation in key areas, including:

• Engaging directly with town stakeholders and business owners to maintain open lines of
  communication;
• Strengthening governance and decision-making processes;
• Improving administrative and records management systems;
• Enhancing financial and operational accountability;
• Supporting the development of policies, procedures and management systems;
• Improving reporting between operations and Council;
• Supporting staff and Council during the transition period; and

• Helping to prepare the Corporation for the appointment of a permanent Corporation Secretary.
  

Mr. James said:

“It is a privilege to serve the Mayor, Council, staff and people of the Town of St. George during this important transition period. My aim is to help ensure the alignment of the Corporation’s systems, policies, procedures and operating processes in support of responsive, reliable and well-coordinated services. St. George thrives on its close-knit community relationships, and I look forward to meeting face-to-face with local residents and business owners to hear their thoughts, address questions, and ensure a smooth, transparent transition.”

Mayor Francis added:

“This appointment reflects the Council’s commitment to responsible stewardship, accountability and service to the Town. We look forward to working with Mr. James as we continue to support the effective administration of the historic Town of St. George.”

Community Feedback & Questions

To ensure all constituent questions, ideas, and concerns are captured and addressed during this transition, the Corporation has established a dedicated communication channel. Residents and business owners are encouraged to submit inquiries directly via email at mayor@stgeorge.bm. The Corporation will provide regular updates addressing feedback in future Corporation General Council Meetings.

An intensive six-hour search of 52,000 square feet failed to locate the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake and the public is urged to report sightings and avoid contact

Media Release:

The Ministry of Public Works and Environment today provided an update on ongoing activities being undertaken by the Government in response to the reported sighting of an Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake.

The Ministry confirms that the rattlesnake was not found during an intensive search conducted on Thursday, 2 July.

The attached photograph, supplied to the Government by the person who reported the snake sighting, remains part of the official assessment.

Contrary to speculation circulating on social media, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) believes the photo to be genuine.

DENR wishes to publicly thank the individual in question and to note that the individual has been interviewed by DENR and the Bermuda Police Service multiple times, and that the Government received a single still image and no video.

On Thursday, personnel from the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, along with other personnel from within and outside the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, conducted an intensive search of the area where the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake was last seen.

The search lasted approximately six hours, and approximately 52,000 square feet of ground was searched foot by foot. The reproductive risk cannot be fully dismissed, as the gender of the snake is not known.

The public should remain vigilant but not panic. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes are defensive, and they do not seek out humans. The greatest risk is from accidental close contact, stepping on or near a concealed snake, approaching too closely, or attempting to catch, move or kill it.

Rapid reporting is now the most important public action. The safest and most effective public response is immediate reporting, accurate location information and avoiding contact.

If the snake is sighted, individuals should:

• Move to a safe distance and call 911 immediately.
• Members of the public should not approach, capture or attempt to kill the animal.
• If it can be done safely, individuals should note what the snake looked like or take a photograph from a distance.

In the event of a snake bite:

• Call 911 immediately.
• Move away safely and put distance between you and the snake. Remain calm and still, and keep the affected limb at about heart level.
• Remove rings, watches or tight clothing before swelling begins and follow the instructions of emergency responders.
• Individuals should not cut the wound or attempt to suck out venom, and should not apply a tourniquet or ice.
• Alcohol should be avoided, and no medication, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, should be taken unless directed by a doctor.
• Early medical treatment is critical, and every venomous snake bite must be treated as an emergency.

The Government’s search and response efforts remain active, and the Ministry will continue to assess and search relevant sites as credible information is brought forward.