The Premier believes a video of him dancing at carnival was shared with malicious intent, but adds that he looks forward to next year’s event
Whether the Premier or not the Premier, David Burt will keep dancing at Carnival.
A video of him dancing during the weekend’s festivities was shared on social media, leading to comments both critical and supportive.
Speaking to Gary Foster Skelton today, he said the video was shared with malicious intent – but he will continue to celebrate carnival, and looks forward to next year’s event.
He also praised the Ministry of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, and the Bermuda Tourism Authority for hosting a “fantastic” event in a “very safe manner.”
The lump sum a public sector retiree can withdraw from their pension is going to be subject to review; the Premier encourages retirees to consider the fact that people are living longer
Be careful about making a short-sighted decision with your pension.
This from Premier and Finance Minister David Burt, concerning the retirement funds for public sector workers.
Bermuda Broadcasting is aware of concerns among some retirement-age public sector workers, including teachers, that the lump sum withdrawal they can take out of their pension fund may change.
This would affect those retiring after the end of March 2027, as public sector pension reform begins a decade-long process to progressively raise retirement ages by 5 years, and increase contributions by 2%.
As of now, public sector retirees can opt to reduce their future pension by up to 75% and take out a lump sum, equal to “eleven and one-half times the amount of the annual reduction” (source: PUBLIC SERVICE SUPERANNUATION ACT 1981).
Responding to our questions today, the Premier confirmed that the calculation determining the lump sum is going to be subject to review, but the total pension due to a person will not change.
Gary Foster Skelton questioned whether there could be an exodus of some older public sector workers, due to concerns that they will not be able to take out as large a lump sum as they had previously expected.
Premier Burt said that Government is meeting with all concerned public officers to help them understand the changes, and he encouraged retirees to carefully consider the fact that people are living longer.
He also stressed that all of the reforms have been made to ensure the pension fund remains stable into the future.
The International Criminal Court has scheduled a vote for July 24 on whether to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan from office, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing diplomats and documents
International News via Reuters:
The International Criminal Court has scheduled a vote for July 24 on whether to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan from office, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing diplomats and documents.
Reuters could not immediately verify the report. The ICC did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.
Reuters reported earlier this month, citing a diplomatic source, that the executive bureau of the court’s governing body had ruled Khan committed serious misconduct following an 18-month-long probe into accusations that he had non-consensual sexual interactions with a lawyer in his office.
Khan has denied any wrongdoing.
Reporting by Mrinmay Dey in Mexico City; Editing by Edmund Klamann
One Republican senator called the framework pact announced this week the “worst foreign policy blunder in decades,” another said some reported provisions seemed “ill-advised,”
International News via Reuters:
U.S. President Donald Trump’s interim deal to end the Iran war met scorching public criticism from some of his fellow Republicans as copies of the signed agreement circulated on Capitol Hill on Thursday.
One Republican senator called the framework pact announced this week the “worst foreign policy blunder in decades,” another said some reported provisions seemed “ill-advised,” and some pro-Republican commentators also broke with Trump over the agreement.
The criticism was a rare rebuke from members of the Republican Party who have mostly offered full loyalty to the president, but are increasingly restive as the economic effects of the Iran conflict have hurt their prospects ahead of midterm elections in November that will decide control of Congress. Democrats, who are seeking to regain control of one or both of the legislative chambers, have also been critical of the agreement.
The White House sent the text of the U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to members of Congress on Thursday, a day after Trump signed the preliminary deal to end the war. The document, seen by Reuters, matched what had been read out by a U.S. official on Wednesday.
Lawmakers from both parties have said they want more information from the White House.
By Thursday, congressional aides said there had been no briefings for Congress on the deal or the administration’s plans, and there had been no announcement that any were scheduled.
Some of the sharpest criticism of the MOU has involved reports that the Trump administration has agreed to release frozen Iranian assets, allow the creation of a $300 billion private wealth fund to trigger investment in Iran and ease sanctions.
‘BLUNDER’
“Iran’s nuclear ambitions were not curbed, and they have learned that threatening the Strait of Hormuz works and will undoubtedly leverage it in the future,” Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana wrote in a post on X.com.
He noted that before the war, the strait – one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes – was open and Iran faced steep sanctions. “Now, 13 Americans are dead, families have paid billions at the pump, sanctions will be lifted, and the bombing has stopped. This is the worst foreign policy blunder in decades,” Cassidy wrote.
Roger Wicker of Mississippi, the Republican chairman of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee, said he worried that the MOU “negotiates away” U.S. military successes.
Wicker also said it would be a mistake to force Israel to stand down against Hezbollah in Lebanon and opposed lifting any sanctions on Iran or unfreezing Iranian funds, “in exchange for Iran’s mere agreement to negotiate for another 60 days.”
Trump blasted his critics in a post on social media. “These fools, who think I haven’t been tough enough on Iran, when the Stock Market Just Hit A RECORD HIGH, and Oil prices are “tumbling” down, are either jealous, bad people, or stupid. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!! President DJT” he wrote.
The agreement to end the conflict and open the economically vital Strait of Hormuz is in some ways a positive for Trump, who has needed a way out of a conflict that has driven up energy prices and sapped U.S. military resources. And the final agreement, still to be negotiated, could provide additional gains for the U.S.
But critics argue that the interim deal offers Iran significant benefits in return for giving the United States two things it had before – an open strait and a promise from Iran to not develop a nuclear weapon.
COMMENTATORS: ‘A DISASTER’
Ben Shapiro, a conservative pundit and podcaster who had previously cheered the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, blasted the memorandum of understanding as a “disaster,” but placed the blame on Vice President J.D. Vance. Shapiro said Vance had failed Trump by backing the deal.
“This MOU appears to be, just from the text, a disaster that does not achieve any of the actual signal goals that were set by the administration,” Shapiro told Fox News on Wednesday.
Mark Levin, one of Trump’s most outspoken supporters, has also broken with him over the deal. On Thursday, the conservative Fox News commentator took aim at Republican Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas for suggesting Iran should be allowed to retain ballistic missiles for defensive purposes.
“This man should never be elected dogcatcher,” Levin said of Marshall in a Thursday post on X, calling the administration’s decision not to include ballistic missiles in the agreement an “outrage.”
“To downplay the damage these missiles do (ask the Arab countries what they think about ballistic missiles) and the significance of not including them in any deal is utterly irresponsible,” Levin wrote. “Iran is a terrorist regime that has killed our people, how many more times do we need to be reminded of this.”
Still, many Republicans praised the agreement.
On KCMO Radio, Marshall praised Trump for choosing “a path to lasting peace – not another forever war” and said there would be controls on how Iran spends the money it receives and that it would not come from U.S. taxpayers.
Lawmakers may eventually review a deal. Under the 2015 Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act (INARA), passed after Democratic President Barack Obama’s international Iran nuclear pact, any agreement involving Iran’s nuclear program and the easing of sanctions must be reviewed by Congress.
The Trump administration has given mixed signals about whether he planned to do so, but several lawmakers, including Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, a close administration ally, have said it must be sent to Capitol Hill.
Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; additional reporting by Nathan Layne, David Morgan and Doina Chiacu; editing by Don Durfee
The Homeland Security Department said there have been more than 150 drone incursions into prohibited airspace at eight game locations, including three dozen incidents in Atlanta
International News via Reuters:
U.S. agencies have seized more than 50 drones near FIFA World Cup sites since the start of the tournament last week, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said Thursday.
In Kansas City, a joint federal-city counter-drone team intercepted eight drones on Wednesday during World Cup 2026 events at Kansas City (Arrowhead) Stadium and FIFA Fan Festival. The Federal Aviation Administration has barred drones from flying over World Cup 2026 matches and related fan events across the United States.
The Homeland Security Department said there have been more than 150 drone incursions into prohibited airspace at eight game locations, including three dozen incidents in Atlanta.
During match days, all aircraft operations, including drones, are prohibited within a radius of three nautical miles and up to 3,000 feet above ground level around the stadiums unless specifically authorized by air traffic controllers. Drones are barred within a one-nautical-mile radius and up to 1,000 feet above ground level for fan events throughout the country.
The FAA said drone operators who enter restricted airspace without approval can face fines of up to $100,000, along with criminal charges and confiscation of the drone.
The FBI also has drone mitigation teams it will station around World Cup stadiums.
A man pleaded guilty last year after he was charged with violating defense airspace by flying a drone over an NFL AFC playoff game in Baltimore in January 2025; a Massachusetts man was charged with unlawfully flying a drone near the finish line of the April 2024 Boston Marathon, which prompted law enforcement to seize it mid-air.
Reporting by David Shepardson; editing by Padraic Cassidy
EU diplomats say there is a gradual convergence of views among the 27 EU members that there is a problem with the goods trade deficit with China, which now amounts to some €1 billion ($1.15 billion) per day
International News via Reuters:
European Union leaders were set to debate new and tougher measures on Thursday that could be needed to curb the bloc’s growing trade deficit with China and its heavy reliance on the world’s second-largest economy for rare earths and other critical supplies.
EU diplomats say there is a gradual convergence of views among the 27 EU members that there is a problem with the goods trade deficit with China, which now amounts to some €1 billion ($1.15 billion) per day. The situation is more critical as transatlantic tariffs diminish access to the U.S. market.
Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden said he favoured dialogue with China, while insisting that trade relations had to be fair and not “a one-way street”.
China’s goods trade surplus with the EU hit €360.6 billion in 2025, a 15% increase on 2024, and has expanded by 10% in the first four months of this year as Chinese firms have sold more to the EU and imported less.
Beijing has also exploited its dominance in processing of critical minerals by placing export restrictions on rare earths in April 2025, a response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs that has also hit EU companies.
“We live in a world of wolves now. We no longer live in a world of pink ponies and rainbows,” said one EU diplomat.
AGREEMENT ON EU’S CHINA PROBLEM, SPLITS OVER RESPONSE
Keenly aware it needs to diversify its trade, the European Union has concluded multiple mineral partnerships and free trade deals with Australia, India and Indonesia in the past year.
EU leaders at a summit in Brussels are likely to agree it needs to go further, diplomats say. They are expected to ask the European Commission, which oversees the bloc’s trade policy, to engage with China while bolstering EU trade defences.
There is less unity, however, on how this should be done. Countries like France advocate for a tougher line, while Germany, the EU’s biggest exporter, and Spain, increasingly home to Chinese investments, are more cautious.
“I’m not sure that we can get to an agreement,” Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten said before the summit. “But it’s good to have an open conversation on, on the one hand, the disbalance in trade with China and, on the other hand,… on how to boost the competitiveness of the European Union itself.”
The split was exposed last month when France, Italy, the Netherlands and Lithuania said in a joint paper the EU should look into a new measure to limit over-reliance on single foreign countries, possibly with additional duties or quotas to protect domestic producers.
Spain had initially been listed as a signatory, but then publicly distanced itself from the paper.
“We need friends, we need balanced relationships,” Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said on Thursday before the EU leaders’ discussion. “We need to be pragmatic, and we need to build bridges both with major economies – potential allies such as China – and traditional allies, such as the United States.”
EU trade defences are already focused on China. Of 21 new anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigations, 18 target Chinese producers. The bloc has also imposed additional duties on imported electric vehicles made in China since 2024, sparking Chinese retaliation on EU dairy products and brandy.
Critics say the EU needs to speed up investigations and prioritise cases, rather than handling them purely on a first-come-first-served basis. They also argue the cases are too narrow in scope and say Chinese producers can often overcome tariffs.
The Commission said Chinese EV imports did fall following the tariffs, but Chinese producers simply shipped more hybrid vehicles instead. EV imports have also rebounded in the first quarter of this year.
The EU executive is due to conduct a broad review of trade defences in the third quarter and has mooted potential new measures to tackle overcapacity and overreliance on single suppliers – notably China. For sensitive sectors, EU companies may be required to find three possible sources. ($1 = 0.8689 euros)
Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; Additional reporting by Andrew Gray, Charlotte Van Campenhout, Ingrid Melander, Anna Koper and Javi West Larranaga; Editing by Joe Bavier
A boost to tourism, a driver of economic activity and further proof that Bermuda is a premier destination for cultural and entertainment tourism … The benefits of Carnival in Bermuda were extolled today by Owen Darrell, Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, and Jasmine Furbert, Director of Visitor Experience at the Bermuda Tourism Authority.
We spoke to Jalen Harvey, Chair of the Bermuda National Events & Entertainment Committee, who said Carnival forms part of a broader mission to promote major events across the island. He highlighted the committee’s official events platform, inrhythm.gov.bm, which provides the public with access to event information, ticketing details, and updates on upcoming events.
In this episode, we uncover the science and transformative power of movement as medicine. Beyond fitness and weight loss, movement plays a critical role in regulating stress, boosting mood, improving mental clarity, and building resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
Feedback shared at a town hall meeting next Thursday will shape future policy, ensuring it’s “practical, balanced, and responsive to Bermuda’s needs”
The Ministry of Economy and Labour will host a public town hall meeting on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul AME Centennial Hall in Hamilton to discuss proposed Pay Transparency Legislation and gather feedback from residents, employers, employees, and other stakeholders.
The proposed legislation is part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen labour protections, promote fairness in the workplace, and help address wage disparities. It seeks to increase transparency around how pay is determined, support equal pay for equal work, and give employees access to information to help identify and address unfair pay practices.
The town hall meeting hosted by the Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, will feature presentations from CURB Executive Director Stacey-Lee Williams and Human Rights Commission Executive Officer Lisa Reed.
Attendees will receive an overview of the proposed legislation, including:
• Measures to improve pay transparency in Bermuda’s workplaces
• Requirements for salary ranges in job advertisements
• Restrictions on salary history inquiries during recruitment
• Employee access to pay information and workplace protections
• Proposed enforcement mechanisms and employer responsibilities
• Opportunities for public feedback on the proposed legislation
A brief presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session and the opportunity to engage directly with presenters, ask questions, and share their views on the proposal.
Minister Hayward explained, “Pay transparency is an important tool for promoting fairness, accountability, and confidence in the workplace. As we consider this proposed legislation, it is essential that we hear from employees, employers, and the wider community. This town hall meeting provides an opportunity for meaningful dialogue that will help ensure any future legislation is practical, balanced, and responsive to Bermuda’s needs.”
Members of the public, employers, employees, business owners, human resource professionals, and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to attend and participate in this important discussion.
The proposed Pay Transparency Legislation consultation paper is available at forum.gov.bm, where members of the public can also submit feedback and comments on the proposal.
Media release supplied by the Government of Bermuda.
In the inaugural episode of What’s Next? with Clarien, we sit down with Clarien CEO, Ian Truran to discuss leadership, banking, community engagement, and the impact of technology and AI on the financial sector in Bermuda.
Officials say the replacement crossing will be built alongside the existing bridge, avoiding a full closure during construction
Swing Bridge Replacement Rendering
Work to replace the ageing Swing Bridge is expected to begin early next year, with government officials saying the project is ahead of schedule and will be built without closing the existing crossing.
Minister of Public Works and Environment Jache Adams joined us at the site today, where he outlined the timeline for the three-year project and reassured residents about traffic management.
While construction is still months away, site preparation work has already begun, and motorists can expect changes to traffic patterns, adjustments to familiar routes and the relocation of some bus stops in the coming weeks.
For now, motorists travelling through St. David’s and into St. George’s are being advised to follow posted signage, observe traffic management measures and allow extra travel time as site preparation work continues.
Access to St. David’s remains via St. David’s Road, while access to Double Dip is currently available through Gate 1 and the Southside Road near the Police Station.
The agency currently has 23 field staff supporting epidemiological investigations and the DRC health ministry, Dr. Satish Pillai, the incident manager for the CDC’s Ebola response, said in a briefing
International News via Reuters:
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Thursday it would make available $107 million in emergency funding to strengthen its domestic and international response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.
The agency currently has 23 field staff supporting epidemiological investigations and the DRC health ministry, Dr. Satish Pillai, the incident manager for the CDC’s Ebola response, said in a briefing. There are over 125 CDC staff across the DRC and Uganda working on the response, he said.
A month after the World Health Organization declared an international emergency, the outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain has grown to 875 confirmed cases, including 202 deaths, with warnings mounting that it could become the worst Ebola outbreak on record — surpassing the 2014 to 2016 West Africa epidemic that killed more than 11,000 people.
Less than 10% of pledges made to support the response in Congo and Uganda have been received from donors, Africa’s top health body said earlier on Thursday.
Donors have pledged $910 million, including $80 million from African Union member states, but so far less than $90 million has actually been released for the affected countries, an Africa CDC official said.
The United States says it is the biggest donor to the response and has asked others to contribute.
The U.S. CDC team in the DRC is helping with efforts to improve community acceptance of surveillance, isolation, and safe burial, Pillai said. They are also supporting assessments of entry ports and providing technical assistance to labs on diagnostic testing.
“Critically, we’re also working with the government of DRC to support preparedness in provinces immediately west of the outbreak zone to contain the spread of the outbreak,” he said.
The teams in Uganda are also helping with border health support, including airport screening assessments, Pillai added.
The risk to the United States remains low, he said, but the CDC is prepared for the “unlikely event” should there be a case in the country.
The agency’s World Cup preparedness team is closely coordinating with the Ebola response team, said team leader Cria Gregory. The CDC is holding calls twice a week with health officials in the 11 U.S. cities hosting matches to discuss Ebola and other potential threats, including measles and heat-related illnesses.
Reporting by Ahmed Aboulenein; Additional reporting by Sneha S K in Bengaluru and Christian Martinez in Los Angeles; Editing by Devika Syamnath and Bill Berkrot
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