The Beneficial Ownership Act 2025 aims to support Bermuda’s obligations to meet international standards on transparency and anti-money laundering

The Office of the Registrar of Companies has released draft Beneficial Ownership Regulations 2026 and updated Guidance Notes to help registered entities prepare for new compliance requirements under the Beneficial Ownership Act 2025.

The documents have been issued ahead of expected legislative amendments later this summer and outline proposed filing procedures, verification requirements, reporting timelines and record-keeping obligations for beneficial ownership information.

Premier and Finance Minister David Burt said the updated framework reinforces Bermuda’s commitment to transparency, effective regulation and maintaining its reputation as a trusted international financial centre.

The Beneficial Ownership Act 2025 requires Bermuda-registered entities to identify and maintain accurate information on individuals who ultimately own or control legal entities, while strengthening oversight by the Registrar of Companies and supporting international anti-money laundering standards.

The Registrar said the draft Guidance Notes provide practical advice on identifying beneficial owners, reporting obligations and due diligence expectations.

Further amendments to the legislation and regulations are expected in the coming weeks, including proposed exemption orders for trusts and funds. Enforcement has been deferred until August 31, 2026, giving registered entities additional time to prepare for the new requirements.

Family Centre is inviting the community to support its annual Cup Match Tag Day on Wednesday, July 29, with Cup Match ribbons now on sale for a minimum donation of $3.

The fundraiser, sponsored by Clarien Bank for the 25th consecutive year, helps ensure children, teens and families across Bermuda can access free mental health counselling and therapeutic youth programmes.

This year’s event will feature celebrations at Clarien’s Point House headquarters, including entertainment by MC PowerGirl, the H&H Gombeys, DJ Korie Minors and Ashley’s Lemonade.

Tag Day is held in memory of Family Centre founder and former Executive Director Martha Dismont, who championed the event as a way to combine Cup Match spirit with community support for Bermuda’s young people.

Dr Sandy De Silva, Executive Director of Family Centre, said every ribbon purchased, donation made and volunteer who signs up helps the charity continue providing counselling and youth programmes at no cost to families in need.

Members of the public can support the fundraiser by purchasing ribbons, making donations, volunteering at tagging stations, hosting workplace fundraisers or placing corporate ribbon orders. Family Centre will also have a fundraising table at Harbour Nights on July 29.

More information, including ribbon locations and volunteer opportunities, is available on Family Centre’s website.

Opposition MP calls for action on potentially dangerous dogs

Shadow Minister for the Environment, MP Linda Smith is calling on the Minister of Public Works & Environment to immediately release the long-awaited Canine Advisory Committee report and its recommendations.

She says a recent call by some to reinstate a ban on pit bull terriers is proof that current restrictions and enforcement efforts are failing.

Updating dog law legislation is in the interest of public safety and animal welfare. It is also important for ongoing animal control, managing healthy breeding populations, mandating proper animal shelter, improving data collection and increasing the number of dogs licensed, as required.

Government has been promising to bring forward legislation and new initiatives since the ad-hoc Canine Advisory Committee completed its work some two years ago.

Unfortunately, so far, the only deliverable has been an online dog licensing renewal process, which does nothing to control illegal breeding, neglect and dangerous conditions.

According to the Ministry’s own performance measures released in the 2026/2027 Budget, only 2600 dogs, or 25% of the eligible dog population, are licensed. If that is correct, then several thousand dogs that should be registered, are not.

A year ago, Public Works & Environment Minister the Hon. Jache Adams said dog control changes were being put on hold but that some recommendations were being considered. He said the recommendations up for consideration included a ticketing system for minor infractions, data collection in support of better animal housing, and a publicity campaign encouraging responsible animal ownership.

So far, there has been a lot of talk, but no teeth put in the effort to improve the dog control problem. We clearly need solid legislation and effective enforcement in place to protect our people and the welfare of our dog population. We do not need a publicity campaign, as most people who want to be responsible pet owners probably already are. If the Government wishes to provide real information to the public, the Ministry should stop stalling and release the report now, complete with recommendations as presented by the Committee.

The Convex End-to-End has awarded $297,500 in grants to Bermuda charities, bringing the event’s total charitable giving since its launch in 1988 to $7.5 million.

Four organisations each received major grants of $50,000: Coalition for the Protection of Children, Dementia Bermuda, Knowledge Quest Ltd. and SkillCraft Bermuda.

New this year, five organisations received $12,500 Community Impact Grants: C.A.R.E. Learning Centre, It Takes A Village Foundation, Bermuda Optimist Dinghy Association, Performance Pathways and Future Leaders Bermuda.

Warwick Academy received the Deloitte School Award for outstanding student participation and fundraising, while Keep Bermuda Beautiful was presented with the Anne Mello Award in recognition of its contribution to the community.

Chair of the Bermuda End-to-End Charitable Trust, Christen Styche, thanked participants, volunteers, donors and sponsors, saying the grants would help organisations continue delivering vital programmes across the Island.

The ceremony also recognised outstanding volunteers and fundraisers, with Africans in Bermuda receiving the Founder’s Trophy, Keisha Brooks named Volunteer of the Year, the Bermuda Gig Rowers recognised as the Top Fundraising Team, Wendell Dill honoured for 30 years of service as Master of Ceremonies, and Dudley Cottingham receiving the Joan Dismont Top Fundraiser Award.

The next Convex End-to-End is scheduled for May 1, 2027.

The Selection and Appointment Committee is inviting members of the public to apply to serve on Bermuda’s Human Rights Tribunal.

The independent tribunal hears and determines human rights complaints under the Human Rights Act and plays a key role in protecting the rights of people across the Island.

Committee chair Seth Darrell said the panel is seeking individuals with experience, interest or knowledge of human rights law or related issues. Applicants for the tribunal chair position must be qualified barristers and attorneys with at least five years’ standing and knowledge of human rights law.

Current members of the Judiciary, Legislature and Public Service are not eligible to apply.

Tribunal members are compensated on a per-hearing basis. Applications must be submitted online by 3 p.m. on Friday, August 7.

Mr Darrell encouraged eligible residents from all backgrounds to apply, saying the tribunal benefits from a broad range of perspectives and lived experiences that reflect Bermuda’s community.

A poignant ceremony was held this week to remember those lost at sea.

It’s an annual tribute organized by The Guild of the Holy Compassion.

The MV Olander and the pilot boat St. David met near Murray’s Anchorage, east of St. George’s Island.
Anglican Bishop Nicolas Dill blessed wreaths that were released overboard.