The Ministry of Public Works and Environment advises the motoring public of road closures on Mount Hill and Berkeley Road, Pembroke, on Saturday, July 4, 2026. Mount Hill will be closed from Berkeley Road to Overview Hill from 10:00 a.m. on July 4 until 2:00 a.m. on July 5. Berkeley Road will be closed from 10:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on July 4.
The road closures are to accommodate the Mount Hill Community Day Event, including activities that require pedestrian movement between Northlands School and a nearby playing field.
Motorists are advised to avoid these areas and use alternative routes. Residents requiring access should expect delays during the closure periods. Traffic control will be managed by event organizers using stop-and-go signage, and motorists are urged to follow all directions given.
Please refer to the attached Road Traffic Notice for full details.
The relationship between Bermuda and the United States is one of the most enduring international relationships in our Island’s history. As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, I extend my warmest congratulations and best wishes to the American people on this historic milestone.
For centuries, Bermuda and the United States have shared a friendship built on mutual respect, opportunity, and the strong personal connections between our peoples. Families, businesses, students, athletes, and visitors have crossed the ocean between our shores for generations, creating a relationship that is both enduring and deeply valued.
Today, the United States remains Bermuda’s closest neighbour, our largest trading partner, our largest tourism market, and one of our most important international partners. The ties between our countries continue to create opportunities for Bermudians and contribute to the strength and success of our Island.
This relationship has helped shape Bermuda’s economy, enriched our communities, and strengthened the bonds between our peoples. It is a friendship that has stood the test of time and continues to benefit us all.
As our American friends commemorate this remarkable milestone, we also celebrate the enduring friendship that has connected Bermuda and the United States for generations. It is my hope that this relationship will continue to grow, creating even greater opportunities for cooperation, prosperity, and mutual understanding in the years ahead.
To the people of the United States, congratulations on your 250th anniversary. Bermuda values your friendship, and I look forward to seeing the bonds between our two peoples continue to flourish for generations to come.
Brent futures were up 14 cents, or 0.19%, at $71.94 a barrel by 2:31 p.m. ET (1831 GMT), ending the week just 5 cents lower than last Friday’s close
International News via Reuters:
Oil prices were little changed for the week as traders held on to hopes for a successful outcome from attempts to secure peace between the U.S. and Iran.
Brent futures were up 14 cents, or 0.19%, at $71.94 a barrel by 2:31 p.m. ET (1831 GMT), ending the week just 5 cents lower than last Friday’s close. West Texas Intermediate was up 9 cents, or 0.13%, at $68.78 a barrel.
Trading was light as U.S. markets were closed ahead of the U.S. Independence Day holiday on Saturday. On Thursday, the two oil benchmarks had hit their lowest levels since before the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran began in late February.
Investor hopes for a full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz are being buoyed by peace talks between the U.S. and Iran, Commerzbank analysts said.
“The U.S.-Iran dealmaking process remains fragile but continues for now, as the question of Strait of Hormuz tolls and administration remains contentious,” Citi analysts wrote.
“We expect the MoU (memorandum of understanding) to hold, not because trust has suddenly emerged, but because the incentives to break are poor for both sides,” Citi analysts said.
Some shipping has resumed through the Strait of Hormuz, as called for under the initial U.S.-Iranian deal, but uncertainty is high after the two countries exchanged strikes last weekend following an Iranian attack on a cargo ship.
With the prospect of shipping more oil, Gulf producers are working to increase output. OPEC output in June rose by 3.3 million barrels per day month-on-month, according to a Reuters survey.
Kuwait’s oil production rose sharply to 1.65 million bpd in June, from 580,000 bpd in May, a source close to the matter told Reuters on Thursday.
At least five supertankers carrying a total of 10 million barrels of Saudi oil have left the strait and Saudi Aramco has switched to spot pricing from longer-term contracts to speed sales in Asia, according to trade sources and shipping data.
“Overall, the recovery in Middle Eastern supply is outpacing our initial expectations while Chinese-depressed import demand remains weak,” said Rory Johnston, founder of the Commodity Context newsletter.
As the availability of supplies grows, the market structure has turned from backwardation to contango, reflecting decreasing expectations of future shortages.
Brent crude for prompt delivery traded this week below contracts for delivery as far as six months into the future, the latest sign that increasing shipments through the strait have caused a near-term glut.
Reporting by Amanda Stephenson in Calgary and Robert Harvey in London, Sam Li in Beijing and Helen Clark in Perth; Editing by Mark Potter, David Goodman, Louise Heavens, Mark Porter, Bill Berkrot, Rod Nickel
Led by Cristiano Ronaldo and billed as one of the main contenders, they have looked more functional than frightening, mixing quality with the inconsistency that left them runners-up behind Colombia in Group K after two draws in three matches
International News via Reuters:
Portugal’s place in the World Cup last 16 has brought relief rather than euphoria, with Roberto Martinez’s side through after victory over Croatia but still struggling to match the expectations that followed them into the tournament.
Led by Cristiano Ronaldo and billed as one of the main contenders, they have looked more functional than frightening, mixing quality with the inconsistency that left them runners-up behind Colombia in Group K after two draws in three matches.
Their laboured 2-1 win over Croatia secured progress but did little to silence concerns back home, where performances from leading players such as midfielders Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes have come under scrutiny.
Ronaldo netted a penalty for his first World Cup knockout-stage goal, extending for at least one more match what could be his Portugal farewell after his sister suggested in an interview he would retire from the national team after the tournament.
Yet the 41-year-old’s role as an almost untouchable figure remains a source of unease among some supporters and sections of the Portuguese media.
Ronaldo was substituted in the second half against Croatia and appeared to give Spaniard Martinez an unhappy look as he left the pitch, adding another layer to the debate over how Portugal should use their captain in the knockout stage.
“The national team is a group of players who are still striving to become a proper team,” Portuguese newspaper Record headlined.
That search for cohesion now faces a severe examination.
Portugal next meet European champions Spain in the round of 16 on Monday, a tie that offers Martinez’s side the chance to transform a campaign of doubts into one of genuine momentum.
Reporting by Fernando Kallas; Editing by Ken Ferris
Authorities said a security perimeter would be established along Reforma Avenue, where fans have been gathering in the thousands to watch Mexico play on dozens of large screens installed along the thoroughfare
International News via Reuters:
Mexico City authorities said on Friday they were tightening access controls to the city’s public viewing spots for Sunday’s World Cup match between England and Mexico, after four people died during massive late-night celebrations following Mexico’s knock-out win on Tuesday.
Authorities said a security perimeter would be established along Reforma Avenue, where fans have been gathering in the thousands to watch Mexico play on dozens of large screens installed along the thoroughfare. Mayor Clara Brugada said access, including to the famous Angel of Independence Monument and the large Zocalo square, will “remain open to the public, but entry will be capped once capacity is reached.”
The city’s authorities will also close some metro stations and public transportation services to prevent overcrowding. Several major streets will also be reserved for pedestrians to improve safety for fans, authorities said in a press conference.
Crowds of fans gathering along Reforma Avenue have steadily grown as Mexico advances through the World Cup, with around a million people taking to the capital’s streets on Tuesday night to celebrate the team’s victory over Ecuador.
Three of the victims in the capital – a 44-year-old man and two women, aged 19 and 48 – died of suffocation after being crushed in the crowd, authorities said. A fourth person was hospitalized with severe seizures and gastrointestinal bleeding, and later died after a cardiac arrest.
Earlier on Friday, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum urged fans to avoid heavy drinking and steer clear of packed gathering spots if the national team beats England in the World Cup round of 16.
“We must avoid alcohol abuse, because whenever there is excessive drinking at these kinds of celebrations, problems can arise, including more violence linked to alcohol,” Sheinbaum said at her regular morning press conference.
She also called on supporters to avoid overcrowded areas, saying fans and authorities alike share responsibility for ensuring celebrations remain safe.
FIFA is considering bringing Sunday’s game between Mexico and England forward due to severe weather forecasts and a risk of flooding, sources told Reuters. Local media reported a noon local time (1800 GMT) kickoff is being contemplated instead of the scheduled 6 p.m. (0000 GMT) start.
“We remain in contact with FIFA and are awaiting confirmation on whether there will be any changes to the schedule,” Brugada said.
Reporting by Raul Cortes and Fabiola Aramburo; Editing by Bill Berkrot, Iñigo Alexander and Daina Beth Solomon
It’s a long and winding road that has led Diallo Rabain all the way back to his previous role as Education Minister. Gary Foster Skelton traces Crystal Caesar’s short tenure and highlights the road bumps she encountered…
Premier David Burt announced a ministerial reshuffle this afternoon at Government House after replacing Crystal Caesar, Michael Weeks and Wayne Furbert in his Cabinet
A surprise Cabinet reshuffle has resulted in a young Senator appointed to the front bench … and a former Education Minister getting his old job back. Premier David Burt announced today that 29-year-old Ryan Robinson Perinchief is the new Minsiter of National Security. He has also been appointed to the Senate, and succeeds Michael Weeks in the security post. Returning to the role of Minister of Education is Diallo Rabain. Dr. Emily Gail Dill will take replace him as Minister for the Cabinet Office. Minister of Home Affairs, Alexa Lightbourne will take on the Innovation portfolio alongside her current responsibilities. The reshuffle follows the resignation of Crystal Caeser, who expressed frustration about lack of support and not being able to discharge her responsibilities as Education Minister in ways she wanted to.
Premier Burt was tightlipped on the reasons why Michael Weeks – along with junior minister Wayne Furbert, lost their posts. The Premier merely stating that he has selected a Cabinet that will deliver on government’s promises.
Ryan Robinson Perinchief – a lawyer, Rhodes Scholar and former chair of the Bermuda Police Service MIsconduct hearings – said he looks forward to working on legislative priorities around cannabis reform and CCTV and Speed camera technologies to improve public safety.
Returning to the role of Minister of Education is Diallo Rabain. Dr. Emily Gail Dill will replace him as Minister for the Cabinet Office.
It follows the resignation of Crystal Caeser, who expressed frustration about lack of support and not being able to discharge her responsibilities as Education Minister in ways she wanted to.
The new Minister of National Security is Ryan Robinson Perinchief. He succeeds Michael Weeks.
The new members of Cabinet were sworn in at Government House this afternoon.
Federal police did not identify the suspects but said in a statement that the operation aimed to dismantle a criminal group accused of laundering proceeds from international drug trafficking
International News via Reuters:
A Brazilian federal police operation targeting suspects with alleged ties to the PCC drug gang was accelerated after the U.S. sanctioned two suspects this week, helping one of them evade capture and hindering the investigation, Federal Police Director-General Andrei Rodrigues said on Friday.
“Had the designation not occurred, the outcome might have been different, and we would have located the individual,” Rodrigues told journalists on Friday. “So, in my view, it caused a setback to the investigation.”
Federal police did not identify the suspects but said in a statement that the operation aimed to dismantle a criminal group accused of laundering proceeds from international drug trafficking.
Investigators said the suspects allegedly ran a sophisticated network that moved and laundered money through cryptocurrency transfers, cash transportation, high-value banking transactions and transfers between individuals and companies. A preliminary analysis identified more than 10 billion reais ($1.92 billion) in financial transactions linked to the scheme, federal police said.
Earlier this week, the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control added two Brazilian nationals to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, alleging Victor Henrique de Oliveira Shimada had links to Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), one of Brazil’s biggest criminal organizations, and Stella Stefanie Nunes Henrique de Oliveira had links to Shimada.
Oliveira was arrested in the operation, two sources close to the investigation told Reuters. Shimada remains at large, one of the sources said.
MONTHS-LONG INVESTIGATION
A third person familiar with the probe said planning for Friday’s raid began in March and was authorized to go forward last month. Police rushed to bring the operation forward when they got news of the sanctions, the same person added, but Wednesday’s U.S. announcement likely alerted the suspect, allowing him to make efforts to evade it.
The same person said Brazilian investigators had alerted their U.S. counterparts before the sanctions were announced that the suspects were being investigated.
The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Shimada’s lawyers said in a statement they had not yet accessed the court records and would review the case and official information to determine the appropriate course of action. Reuters could not immediately reach Oliveira’s representatives.
The U.S. designated PCC and rival gang Comando Vermelho as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, effective last month.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s administration has sought to avoid such designations, fearing they could eventually open the door to U.S. military action or sanctions on banks that unknowingly do business with gang members.
The U.S. sanctions also targeted three little-known Brazilian companies, two of them in the financial sector, for their alleged links to one of the sanctioned individuals.
($1 = 5.2060 reais)
Reporting by Ricardo Brito in Brasilia; Additional reporting and writing by Isabel Teles in Sao Paulo; Editing by Gareth Jones, Mark Potter and Bill Berkrot
Al-Obeid is the capital of North Kordofan state, a focus of recent fighting in a war between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF)
International News via Reuters:
Another human rights catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan around the besieged city of al-Obeid, the United Nations human rights chief said on Friday, warning of a pattern of atrocities and urging the world to act.
Al-Obeid is the capital of North Kordofan state, a focus of recent fighting in a war between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) that began more than three years ago and has caused a vast humanitarian crisis.
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said civilians had been subjected to siege-like conditions for 18 months, with critical shortages of clean water in al-Obeid and relentless drone strikes.
During a debate at the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, Turk told delegates his office had documented patterns of summary executions, abductions, torture and sexual violence along the routes taken by displaced people across the Kordofan region.
He urged the international community not to allow a repeat of the widespread atrocities that took place in al-Fashir in North Darfur last year.
“The signs from al-Obeid are clear and unmistakable: Another human rights catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan, this time in the capital of the strategic state of North Kordofan,” Turk said.
RISK OF NEW WAVE OF DISPLACEMENT
The session was called by Britain, whose envoy previously warned of large-scale atrocities as the RSF massed forces around al-Obeid, one of Sudan’s largest cities, and a place where people displaced from other conflict areas have sought shelter.
The world could not allow al-Obeid to be “the next senseless tragedy”, Britain’s Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said in a statement published alongside the council session. “The international community must rise to the moment,” she said.
The U.N. International Organization for Migration said on Friday that a full-scale attack on al-Obeid could again uproot hundreds of thousands of civilians, at a time when humanitarian operations were stretched to their limits.
Since February, the number of newly displaced across the wider Kordofan region has risen by nearly two-thirds to more than 219,000 people, according to IOM figures. Al-Obeid hosts around half a million people, including more than 83,000 internally displaced people.
The RSF says its operations around al-Obeid are military in nature. It has previously said that it does not intentionally target civilians and that those responsible for abuses will be held to account.
The force did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
CIVILIANS KILLED BY DRONES
As in other conflicts, the war in Sudan has become increasingly dominated by drone strikes, which often cause civilian casualties.
At least 45 civilians were killed and 41 injured in 15 drone strikes in al-Obeid and surrounding areas between June 6 and 28, according to the U.N. human rights office.
Human rights groups have documented alleged war crimes by both sides in the war, and the RSF has been accused of repeated atrocities and ethnic violence, including in its stronghold of Darfur in western Sudan.
In al-Fashir, at least 6,000 people were killed in just three days when the RSF captured the besieged and famine-stricken city in late October, according to the U.N. human rights office.
The office found the RSF and allied militia committed war crimes and crimes against humanity, including mass killings, summary executions, sexual violence, and torture.
A proposed resolution being considered by the U.N. Human Rights Council strongly condemns the escalating violence committed by the RSF in and around al-Obeid, and expresses deep concern about the imminent risk of large-scale atrocities.
The foreign minister in Sudan’s army-aligned government, Mohieldin Salim Ahmed Ibrahim, told the council that the international community should exert concrete pressure to stop the flow of advanced military equipment and weapons to the RSF.
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