We Love Dancehall celebrated its fifth anniversary last night, bringing Carnival energy and authentic dancehall vibes to the National Sports Centre.
The event featured performances and sets from international and local talent, including DJ Mac, World Baba, Ricky Platinum, Prince Royal, King Addies, King Pin, and DJ Ripley, keeping the crowd entertained throughout the night.
The Winners of the Bermuda Day Float Awards Ceremony 2026 were announced this week, at an event hosted at MakerSpace.
Several Bermudians have been recognised in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours for their outstanding contributions to law, community service, emergency relief, conservation, and sport.
Veteran defence attorney Elizabeth “Liz” Christopher has been appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to law and justice in Bermuda. Called to the Bar in 1991, Christopher has built a distinguished legal career spanning more than three decades, handling complex criminal cases and contributing to significant legislative reforms. She has also been widely recognised for her pro bono work and advocacy on behalf of vulnerable and marginalized members of the community.
Lionel Cann has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to emergency disaster relief and homelessness. Through his long-standing work with The Salvation Army, Cann has played a leading role in community outreach, emergency shelter operations, and disaster response both in Bermuda and internationally, including relief efforts following the September 11 attacks and Hurricane Katrina.
The King’s Certificate and Badge of Honour has been awarded to John Paul “JP” Skinner for his services to marine education and conservation. As founder and Executive Director of Waterstart Ltd., Skinner has spent nearly 25 years introducing young Bermudians to marine science, environmental stewardship, and ocean-based learning opportunities.
Also receiving the King’s Certificate and Badge of Honour is Troy Farnsworth for his services to the community through Boccia Bermuda. Farnsworth’s leadership has helped develop the sport locally, creating opportunities for athletes with disabilities to compete internationally and raising Bermuda’s profile in Paralympic sport.
The honours recognise individuals whose dedication, leadership, and service have made a lasting impact on Bermuda and its communities.
HAMILTON, Bermuda (June 12, 2026) — The Athene Life Career Expo will take place Wednesday, June 17 at Pier 6, Front Street, Hamilton. This free event is designed to connect students and professionals with career opportunities in Bermuda’s life (re)insurance industry.
New this year, the event will feature an interactive artificial intelligence tool designed to help participants explore the life and annuity (re)insurance industry. Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with executives over a networking lunch and participate in a dedicated student session offering practical guidance on securing a first role or internship. In addition, participants can take advantage of one-on-one resume reviews, personalized career guidance and complimentary professional headshots.
The Athene Life Career Expo continues to build interest in the industry. Last year, 96% of attendees said they wanted to pursue a career in the field after attending the event.
Giveaway prizes, including a laptop from Red Laser and one round-trip ticket through BermudAir, will also be offered. Martello Re is the platinum sponsor of the 2026 Athene Life Career Expo. Somerset Reinsurance, Chariot Re, Chubb and Sun Life International are gold sponsors.
When and where:
RSVP:
If you are interested in attending, please reply with your full name and outlet.
To learn more about the Athene Life Career Expo or to view the event schedule, visit www.lifecareerexpo.bm/.
Tea is often hailed as a universal healer.
And this weekend, an event called The Global Tea Exchange will seek to draw together people in Bermuda from different cultures and walks of life.
It takes place at the Hamilton Seventh Day Adventist Church on Sunday at 4pm and organizer Odiva Vassell spoke to our summer intern, Daryn Fox.
Fresh appeal for donors ahead of World Blood Donor Day tomorrow
(Hamilton, Bermuda – Thursday 11 June 2026) Ahead of World Blood Donor Day on Sunday 14 June, Bermuda Hospitals Board’s Blood Donor Centre is appealing to the public to become blood donors.
BHB Chief of Pathology and consultant haematologist Dr Eyitayo Fakunle said: “World Blood Donor Day 2026 is a reminder that something as simple as donating blood can mean everything to someone else. This year’s theme, ‘One Drop of Humanity. Give Blood. Save Lives.’ speaks to the kindness and compassion shown by ordinary people who choose to help others through blood donation.
“Blood donation is not only important during times of crisis or disaster. Hospitals need blood every single day. Regular, voluntary donors help ensure that safe blood is always available when patients need it most.”
Minister of Health Kim Wilson praised participants in the annual Corporate Blood Drive competition, who helped replenish the blood supply throughout the past year, saying: “I commend the contribution made by [winner] Conduit Re and extend my appreciation to all 21 companies that participated in this year’s Corporate Blood Drive. Your collective efforts have played a vital role in maintaining Bermuda’s blood supply and supporting the patients who depend on it.
“Each donation represents a meaningful act of service to our community, and I am grateful to every employee who chose to give.”
Dr Fakunle added: “As we mark World Blood Donor Day, we encourage everyone who can to consider becoming a regular blood donor and to encourage family and friends to do the same. This strengthens our blood services, ensuring that safe blood remains accessible to every patient who depends on it.
“To us, each of our donors is a hero and we thank them all. Their kindness, generosity and willingness to give truly make a difference. One drop really can save lives.”
Why donate?
Join Us and Save Lives
We encourage you to:
If you’re healthy, over 18 (or 17 with parental consent) and meet general donation guidelines, you could be someone’s hero. Check out the blood donation criteria at bermudahospitals.bm/be-a-donor/.
Bolt had argued in its £190 million dispute with HM Revenue and Customs that it was liable to charge value added tax of 20% on its margin, rather than on the entire fare charged to customers
International News via Reuters:
Britain’s tax authority on Friday won an appeal in a dispute with Estonian ride-hailing and food delivery company Bolt, a ruling that could affect rival Uber’s similar case worth over £1 billion ($1.3 billion).
Bolt had argued in its £190 million dispute with HM Revenue and Customs that it was liable to charge value added tax of 20% on its margin, rather than on the entire fare charged to customers.
But London’s Court of Appeal ruled in HMRC’s favour, overturning two lower tribunal decisions. The court said Bolt should not be allowed to use a tax scheme originally designed for tour operators or travel agents, called the Tour Operators Margin Scheme (TOMS).
Uber has a similar case pending, which has been on hold while Bolt’s case proceeded. A London tribunal said in a ruling last year that Uber had deposited disputed tax sums of £1.446 billion.
A Bolt spokesperson said the company was disappointed by the ruling and “will consider all options available to us”.
An HMRC spokesperson said: “We welcome the Court of Appeal’s judgment, which confirms our position on the VAT treatment of private hire vehicle operator services of passenger transport.”
($1 = 0.7457 pounds)
Reporting by Sam Tobin. Editing by William James and Mark Potter
The company has tapped advisers from Rothschild & Co and PJT Partners Inc to lead the sale, likely to take place in 2027
International News via Reuters:
Shell is preparing to launch a sale of its offshore wind farms that could fetch more than $1 billion, in the oil giant’s latest move away from renewable energy, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.
The company has tapped advisers from Rothschild & Co and PJT Partners Inc to lead the sale, likely to take place in 2027, the report said.
Shell declined to comment on the report. Rothschild and PJT did not immediately respond to Reuters’ requests for comment. Reuters could not independently verify the report.
Under CEO Wael Sawan, Shell is aiming to curb the company’s low-carbon projects to focus on liquefied natural gas trading and upstream.
Shell had said in February it is reviewing strategic options for its India-based Sprng Energy renewable power unit.
Reporting by Unnamalai L in Bengaluru and Stephanie Kelly in London; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar
Central to the agreement is ensuring that platforms can no longer classify workers as independent contractors and sidestep minimum wage requirements and obligations such as healthcare, sick leave and social security contributions
International News via Reuters:
The International Labour Organization agreed on Friday to adopt the first binding employment standards for gig workers in sectors such as ride-hailing and food delivery, potentially giving them rights on pay, safety and social benefits.
Central to the agreement is ensuring that platforms can no longer classify workers as independent contractors and sidestep minimum wage requirements and obligations such as healthcare, sick leave and social security contributions.
The standards, however, still need ratification by governments, and then enforcement. The U.S., for example, has frequently declined to ratify ILO conventions, whereas European countries have been more supportive.
A total of 406 members including the governments of China, Japan, Germany, France and South Africa voted in favour of the employment standards convention and eight, including the United States and New Zealand, voted against, while 36, including Britain and India, abstained. Members of the U.N. agency include governments, employers and workers.
U.S. representative Lorenzo Riboni told delegates the U.S. did not support a prescriptive binding convention in fast-evolving areas of the economy.
“This is especially true for the cross-cutting platform economy, where overly rigid rules hinder innovation and harm workers that they intend to help,” Riboni said.
‘LANDMARK’ FOR PLATFORM WORKERS
The World Bank estimates that the number of app-based gig workers globally ranges between 154 million and 435 million people.
Rights groups, including Human Rights Watch and trade unions, say that the widespread classification of workers as independent contractors allows companies to avoid paying the minimum wage and providing benefits.
A 2025 Human Rights Watch report found that U.S. platform workers surveyed earned a median of $5.12 per hour after expenses, with overall compensation falling about 30% below the federal minimum wage.
Amanda Brown, vice chair of the ILO’s Workers’ Group, said the deal was a landmark moment for platform workers worldwide and a response to years of documented abuse and exploitation.
“For the first time in the history of international law, the women and men who move our cities, who clean and care in our homes … will be named, recognised and protected by a binding international standard,” Brown told delegates.
The convention also states that platforms must disclose how automated systems affect workers.
Lena Simet, a senior advisor on economic justice at Human Rights Watch, said the convention was a breakthrough, though challenges remained.
“It is a floor, not a ceiling, and governments now need to ratify it, enforce correct classification, and close gaps for workers misclassified as self-employed,” she said.
MANAGEMENT BY ALGORITHM
The convention also sets, for the first time, international rules concerning algorithmic management, meaning that platforms must disclose how and when automated systems are being used to manage pay and access to work.
The ILO has no enforcement power, but ILO members can submit complaints that may lead to investigations and put pressure on governments.
If a country has ratified the convention and implemented it into national law, then individuals may be able to take a platform economy company to court.
Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin, Editing by Friederike Heine, Susan Fenton and Helen Popper
The EU has been weighing a “Made in Europe” framework as part of broader industrial policy during the shift to electrification
International News via Reuters:
Automakers Volkswagen, Stellantis and Renault, which account for about 60% of Europe’s car output, are urging the EU to adopt a simple “Made in Europe” rule and stronger incentives to boost local production.
In a joint letter sent to European Parliament members, seen by Reuters, the three groups called for 70% of vehicles sold in the European Union to source 70% of their value from within the 27-country bloc, covering the full value chain from engineering to manufacturing.
The EU has been weighing a “Made in Europe” framework as part of broader industrial policy during the shift to electrification.
While no final regime for vehicles is in place, policymakers are examining local content thresholds, state support and incentives linked to regional production to strengthen supply chains and reduce reliance on imports.
‘UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGE’
Volkswagen, Stellantis and Renault said they were committed to maintaining a strong manufacturing base in Europe, but this depended on a more realistic regulatory framework.
“European automakers face an unprecedented challenge to their competitiveness due to significant technology gaps in strategic areas, intense global competitive pressure and persistently high energy, manufacturing and regulatory costs,” they said in the letter, first reported by the Financial Times.
The initiative builds on an earlier call by Volkswagen and Stellantis for the EU to shield its auto industry through incentives and favourable treatment for locally made electric vehicles.
The companies said demand remained weak in Europe, with around 3 million fewer vehicles sold annually than in 2019, underscoring the need for policy support.
They called for measures to encourage European-based manufacturing, including targeted support for battery production and greater regulatory flexibility, especially for small cars, to make EVs more affordable and support local supply chains.
“We want to offer clean, affordable, technologically cutting-edge cars to Europe’s middle class,” they said.
The automakers pointed to the EU car market’s current 26% of imports as a reference point.
“Europe is not closing itself off. Europe only stops the trend of further outsourcing industrial production to third countries,” they said.
Reporting by Giulio Piovaccari. Editing by Mark Potter
“A small sacrifice that pays big dividends for others.”
That’s how one volunteer with The Grateful Bread describes his experience giving back through the community action group.
Now the team is preparing for another free give-away this weekend offering brand-new toiletries alongside a wide selection of gently used clothing, shoes, toys and household items.
Organizers expect hundreds of residents to attend through-out the day noting that the need remains strong. They say the initiative helps bridge gaps within the community while providing support to those in need.
The Grateful Bread welcomes donations year-round as well as volunteers, including students seeking community service hours.
More information can be found on their Facebook page.
The give-away takes place Saturday at Saint Andrew’s Church in Hamilton next to the People’s Pharmacy driveway exit from 1:00 pm until 4:30 pm.
