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New resources target online mental health risks

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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New resources target online mental health risks

Students, parents and educators to receive guidance on safe digital communication and wellbeing

The Ministry of Health, supported by the Bermuda College and Orygen (Australia), has launched #ChatSafe Bermuda, and partnered with Simply Bloom, to equip young people, families, and educators with tools for safer and healthier digital engagement.

Originally developed by Orygen, Australia’s leading organisation for youth mental health research and innovation, the #ChatSafe guidelines provide practical, evidence-based guidance on how to communicate safely online about suicide, self-harm, and mental health. Bermuda is the first small-island jurisdiction to localise the model.

“The Ministry of Health is committed to fostering a culture of compassion, understanding, and support for our youth,” said Minister of Health, Kim Wilson. “#ChatSafe Bermuda strengthens that commitment by helping families, schools, and peers navigate difficult conversations in ways that can truly save lives.”

#ChatSafe Bermuda includes guidance on how to post safely, respond to others in distress, use respectful language, and connect individuals to support. Resources will be available digitally and in print for students, educators, and parents, with school-based workshops and assemblies planned from November 2026.

“We’re thrilled to have collaborated with the Ministry of Health to launch the #chatsafe guidelines in Bermuda,” Professor Jo Robinson, Head of Suicide Research at Orygen, said. “Now more than ever, it’s vital we equip young people with the tools they need to talk safely online about self-harm and suicide, and by working together we can help make the internet a safe place for young Bermudians and encourage those who are struggling to reach out for support.”

Complementing this, the Ministry is partnering with Simply Bloom, owned and operated by Ms. Chardonaé Rawlins, to deliver a Digital Wellness Guide tailored to Bermuda’s needs. Simply Bloom Bermuda is a Bermuda-based wellness service focused on supporting families, children, and educators through mental health and personal development resources. It offers holistic counselling, parenting support, workshops, and school-based programs designed to build resilience and emotional well-being.

“As digital spaces continue to shape how young people connect, learn, and express themselves, it is essential that families feel supported in navigating both the opportunities and challenges they present,” said Ms Rawlins.

“Together, we are working to ensure young people are not only safe online but supported to thrive. While #ChatSafe Bermuda focuses on safe communication around suicide and distressing content, Simply Bloom’s guide takes a broader approach to digital wellbeing, supporting healthy online habits, safety, and overall wellness for individuals and families across the island.”

Together, these initiatives provide a comprehensive approach to digital mental health, equipping the community not only to respond safely in moments of crisis, but also to build healthier, more balanced relationships with the digital world.

The initiative builds on findings from Bermuda’s 2022 National Adolescent Mental Health Survey, which highlighted both the prevalence of mental health challenges and young people’s reliance on online spaces for support.

“#ChatSafe Bermuda is a direct response to what our young people told us,” said Dr. Daniel Cavanagh, Chief Researcher at Bermuda College for the Youth Mental Health Plan. “They want more education about mental health. This partnership gives them the tools to have conversations about mental health safely and with confidence.”

The resources were launched at the Youth Mental Health Town Hall on Social Media and Digital Wellness at Bermuda College on May 12, 2026, and will be distributed through schools, community partners and public awareness campaigns.

Media release supplied by the Government of Bermuda.

Emergency housing capsules get green light … but only for four years

Alisa Bernardo
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Emergency housing capsules get green light … but only for four years

Minister Rabain overturns refusal of capsule housing proposal, citing engineering assurances and the urgency of housing crisis

Final planning permission for an emergency housing pilot at Boaz Island has been granted following an appeal – but the approval comes with an expiration date.

Diallo Rabain, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, said the permission is granted “for a strictly limited period of four (4) years” and is subject to the enforcement of eight technical frameworks.

The Bermuda Housing Corporation previously appealed the Development Applications Board’s recommendation to refuse its proposal for emergency capsule housing units on Malabar Road in Sandys.

The project was initially rejected by planning, in part due to its lack of “Bermuda Image features”.

The proposed pilot of capsule units had also sparked concern among area residents and prompted formal objections over factors such as population density, infrastructure capacity and the preservation of the neighbourhood’s character.

In a detailed seven-page letter dated June 5, Minister Rabain said he had carefully considered the record of appeal, including “assessing the proposal against the provisions of the Bermuda Plan 2018 as a whole, balancing the urgent national mandate for transitional shelter with the vital planning protections owed to our local communities.”

He continued: “The objections raised by local residents are valid, deeply understood, and respected. Communities have an absolute right to expect that any development introduced into their neighbourhoods is structurally resilient, environmentally sanitary, and protective of their privacy. It is the Ministry’s role to ensure that innovation is never weaponised at the expense of the community’s standard of living.”

“However, the evidence now before me demonstrates that the initial areas of friction have been systematically resolved through robust, data-driven engineering and operational compromises.”

Planning permission for the units, granted for a term of four years, is attached to a number of conditions.

Regarding the aesthetics of the capsule units, Minister Rabain said BHC has “confirmed that the units feature a factory-applied white powder-coated aluminium cladding designed to reflect Bermuda’s classic white wall surfaces, complemented by dark window framing.”

He added, “this approval is conditional upon BHC applying traditional Bermuda accent colours to the exterior entrance doors and structural steel base plates before deployment, thereby establishing an intentional visual connection to Bermuda’s architectural heritage.”

Engineering evaluations from Brunel Ltd. confirmed the structures have a specific structural design life of only five to ten years and are structurally rated to withstand extreme hurricane wind speeds of 150 mph.

“Any consideration for a future extension beyond this 4-year limit will not be automatic; it will remain entirely conditional upon a formal evaluation of the units’ physical durability,” Minister Rabain said.

Other factors addressed by Minister Rabain in the letter include guarantees of public safety and hurricane resilience, immediate privacy issues, safe highway access and public road setbacks, environmental protections, public health and waste management, and community compatibility.

An emphasis was also placed on the strict enforcement of the pilot’s lifecycle.

“This project is approved strictly as a temporary, controlled pilot initiative to evaluate alternative construction speeds and fiscal performance during a national housing emergency,” wrote Minister Rabain.  “In alignment with BHC’s written confirmation, this permission will automatically expire 4 years from the date of the issuance of the Certificate of Completion and Occupancy, at which point the units must be removed and the site restored, unless a formal renewal is granted based on proven operational compatibility.”

Zane DeSilva, Minister of Housing and Municipalities, has repeatedly defended the use of alternative construction methods such as modular housing due to their cost-effectiveness and ability to deliver housing rapidly. He previously expressed confidence to Bermuda Broadcasting that the project would ultimately get the green light.

Priority occupancy of the capsule units will be given to essential workers and vulnerable households.

The project falls under a 10-year roadmap aimed at tackling the housing crisis, with a target of delivering between 950 and 1,350 affordable and attainable housing units by 2035 using modular, precast, hybrid and mid-rise construction methods.

Our newsroom has reached out to Minister DeSilva for comment on this latest development.

Read Minister Rabain’s full decision letter below.

APPL0003-26-Minister-Decision-Letter

A friendship that crossed party lines

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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A friendship that crossed party lines

Former Premier honours Sir John Swan’s leadership while reflecting on a friendship forged beyond politics

Former Premier Dr Ewart Brown issued the following statement on the passing of former Premier Sir John Swan.

“Bermuda has lost a National Hero, and I have lost a personal friend.

Sir John Swan was a skilful politician and a shrewd businessman. He navigated Bermuda’s challenging political waters during the early days of party politics and went on to become the island’s longest serving Premier.

Bermuda must forever be grateful for the many accomplishments of Sir John. Notably, during his tenure, Bermuda became more globally renowned than ever. Even though we are a tiny island nation, we can still walk tall and take a rightful place on the world stage.

Personally, Wanda and I were fortunate to spend special times with John and his late wife, Lady Jackie Swan — especially after I left active politics. John and I had many good times filled with camaraderie and laughter, even though we disagreed on many things. Our friendship can provide a lesson for younger compatriots. Whether on the same side of the aisle or not, those of us who share a love of country can still find a way to talk with each other, enjoy each other and care deeply for our respective families.

John and I were fortunate to experience what the party system could never deliver — dedication to country first, along with mutual respect and fondness, irrespective of party affiliation.

Our heartfelt condolences are extended to his children and grandchildren.”

Bermuda Tonight – June 5

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bermuda Tonight – June 5

Police appeal to Cedar Park residents

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Police appeal to Cedar Park residents

Authorities say those living in the area may have information that could assist the investigation into the May 27 shooting

As the investigation into the recent confirmed firearms incident which occurred in the Cedar Park Road area of Prospect, Devonshire, the Bermuda Police Service is renewing its appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to please come forward. 

The shooting which occurred shortly before 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, left one man with multiple gunshot wounds.  

He was transported to hospital via private vehicle before the arrival of officers at the scene.  

Anyone with information is asked to immediately contact Detective Sergeant, Odessa Philip, on 717-2193 or via e-mail: ophilip@bps.bm  You may also call 211, the main police number 295-0011 or, the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477.  

Alternatively please use the Bermuda Police Service reporting portal at portal.police.bm 

Detective Sergeant Philip stated: “We are appreciative of those individuals who have assisted by reaching out and sharing with us what they know with regard to this matter. However, we believe there are others out there, particularly residents of Cedar Park who may have seen or heard something on the night in question but have not yet reached out. No matter how insignificant you think the information you have might be, it could prove useful to the investigation. We encourage you to please contact us via any of the options mentioned and help to bring the person or persons responsible for this threat to the safety and wellbeing of your community, to justice.” 

BELCO outage resolved within hour

Alisa Bernardo
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BELCO outage resolved within hour

A load shed briefly disrupted service to about 11,000 customers yesterday evening

Around 11,000 BELCO customers experienced a brief power outage yesterday evening after the utility company experienced a “load shed” at about 5pm.

Wayne Caines, BELCO’s president, said power was restored to the majority of affected customers within approximately 20 minutes.

He added: “The remaining 800 customers in St George’s were restored shortly after, with all customers back online within an hour.

“BELCO thanks customers for their patience this evening.”

The personal touch that helped build an economy

Gary Foster Skelton
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The personal touch that helped build an economy

Tracing the remarkable life, career and skill sets of Sir John Swan, often cited as one of the key architects of the Bermuda success story

Bermuda has lost one of its true greats.

Sir John Swan, who has died at the age of 90, was the island’s longest-serving Premier.
An international statesman and national hero, he has been described as one of the architects of modern Bermuda.

Many say Sir John’s common touch – allied to his broad personal and political appeal – were unmatched.

Leading the tributes, Premier David Burt said Sir John dominated politics for a generation and remained true to his ideals.

Opposition Leader Ben Smith, Sir John’s godson, described him as an affable man of the people.

Gary Foster Skelton takes a look back at Sir John’s remarkable life and career.

Politicians heap praise on Sir John Swan

Jasmine Patterson
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Politicians heap praise on Sir John Swan

Current and former politicians have heaped praise on Sir John Swan, citing the ways in which he helped to shape the Bermuda economy as we know it today.

Sir John was integral, they say, in creating the environment that fostered growth of the international business sector.

Premier David Burt said Sir John dominated Bermuda’s politics for a generation and, quote ” those of us who have followed him in this office still feel the shadow of his larger-than-life presence.”.

Premier Burt continued, “Sir John’s ‘common touch’ remains a hallmark of his life and legacy. Whether in the White House or at Cup Match, he was the same man…true to his beliefs and ideals and always ready to greet people with his characteristic warmth,” end quote.

Opposition Leader Ben Smith said Sir John will be remembered most fondly for his warm, congenial spirit:

Former Premier Michael Dunkley said its a dark day for Bermuda, losing an exceptional statesman.

He reflected on the good work Sir John did for his country as a man of the people.

John Barritt a former UBP cabinet minister and journalist, remembered Sir John for his formidable approach to political roadblocks by finding common ground.

Stocks fall sharply as strong jobs data fuels rate hike bets; oil set for weekly gain

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Stocks fall sharply as strong jobs data fuels rate hike bets; oil set for weekly gain

Iran reaffirmed support for the Hezbollah militia and demanded Israel withdraw from southern Lebanon, complicating efforts to end the broader conflict between the U.S. and Iran

International News via Reuters:

Shares fell sharply on Friday after a blowout jobs report fueled bets of a rate hike by the U.S. Federal Reserve and as investors turned defensive ahead of the weekend, wary of the flare-up in Middle East hostilities.

Iran reaffirmed support for the Hezbollah militia and demanded Israel withdraw from southern Lebanon, complicating efforts to end the broader conflict between the U.S. and Iran. Israel has said it would not withdraw troops from Lebanon.

On Wall Street, all three indexes were lower, led by a selloff in technology shares, including AI chipmaker Nvidia. Shares in Broadcom were down nearly 7%, continuing losses since the semiconductor company reported underwhelming results on Wednesday.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1%, the S&P 500 lost 2.4% and the Nasdaq Composite dipped 4%.

Data showed U.S. employers added far more jobs than expected in May, bolstering bets that the Fed could raise rates late this year.

U.S. Treasury yields surged following the report, with the yield on the 2-year note, which typically moves in step with Fed rate expectations, hitting a 15-month high. It was last at 4.164%.

“We’re talking about a strong economy,” said Gary Schlossberg, market strategist at Wells Fargo Investment Institute.

“That just adds to inflation risk coming from the Gulf. It makes it difficult for the Fed to even think about rate cuts and might even increase the chances — although we’re still not forecasting that yet — of a rate hike by the Fed before the end of the year against the backdrop of inflation.”

The pan-European STOXX 600 index eased 0.29%. MSCI’s gauge of stocks across the globe fell 2.23%.

“There are some near-term pressures on the short end of the curve and it’s largely because of the geopolitical impact on the price of oil and headline inflation but looking through that, we also understand that these pressures tend to be temporary and calm back down,” said Talley Leger, chief market strategist at the Wealth Consulting Group.

OIL SET FOR WEEKLY GAIN

Oil prices slipped after Oman said operations at Mina al Fahal port were proceeding normally following a Reuters report that oil loadings had been suspended after an explosion.

Brent crude futures fell 2% to settle at $93.09 a barrel and U.S. crude dipped 2.69% to $90.54 per barrel, with both contracts set to post their first weekly gains in three weeks. 

In currencies, the yen settled around the 160 per dollar level and was last down 0.09% at 160.12, as Japanese officials ramped up warnings about the ailing currency, keeping traders on alert for further intervention from Tokyo.

Data on Friday showed Japan’s foreign reserves fell by $77 billion in May.

The euro was down 0.74% at $1.1523. Sterling weakened 0.64% to $1.3334.

The dollar index was on track to gain 0.62%, supported by the Middle East conflict.

Cryptocurrencies extended recent declines, with bitcoin shedding 6.04% to $59,746.51 and heading for a weekly decline of nearly 18%, its biggest since the week FTX collapsed in November 2022, while ether declined 12.02% to $1,559.57.

Spot gold fell 3.49% to $4,317.64 an ounce.

Reporting by Chibuike Oguh in New York; Additional reporting by Sinead Carew, Lawrence White and Rae Wee; Editing by Rod Nickel and Andrea Ricci

Pope Leo to meet Catholic abuse survivors on Spain trip, Vatican says

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Pope Leo to meet Catholic abuse survivors on Spain trip, Vatican says

Further information will only be provided after the meeting, a statement said, so as to protect the survivors’ privacy

International News via Reuters:

Pope Leo will meet with survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic clergy during his week-long visit to Spain, the Vatican said on Friday.

Further information will only be provided after the meeting, a statement said, so as to protect the survivors’ privacy.

Leo, the first U.S. pope, is leaving on Saturday to visit Spain and the Canary Islands from June 6 to 12.

The possibility of the pope meeting abuse survivors had been the subject of media reporting in recent days.

A 2023 report by Spain’s human rights ombudsman estimated hundreds of thousands of victims of ​clergy abuse there over decades, echoing similar scandals that have shaken the Church in places across the globe.

Reporting by Joshua McElwee; Editing by Angelo Amante

Congo warns of ‘rapid’ community spread of Ebola, 71 new cases confirmed

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Congo warns of ‘rapid’ community spread of Ebola, 71 new cases confirmed

The new data, included in a daily situation report published by the health ministry, bring the total number of confirmed cases to 452 since the outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola was announced on May 15

International News via Reuters:

Democratic Republic of Congo said on Friday that 71 new Ebola cases were confirmed in a 24-hour period and warned of rapid community transmission of the deadly disease.

The new data, included in a daily situation report published by the health ministry, bring the total number of confirmed cases to 452 since the outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola was announced on May 15. There have been 82 confirmed deaths.

The cases remain heavily concentrated in Ituri province in northeast Congo, a remote part of the country with poor health infrastructure and widespread insecurity due to fighting by armed groups.

The daily total of 71 new cases – 65 in Ituri province and six in North Kivu province – is one of the biggest during the outbreak, the 17th in Congo’s history.

“The number of confirmed cases recorded in the two provinces demonstrates rapid and continuous community transmission,” the situation report said.

Cases have been confirmed in 17 of Ituri’s 36 health zones, as well as in seven health zones in North Kivu and one health zone in South Kivu, the report said. There are also cases in neighbouring Uganda.

Earlier on Friday, World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced a $518 million six-month ‌plan to fight Ebola, calling for money and political commitment to halt the spread of an outbreak that is already the fourth-biggest on record.

The strategy aims to help Congo and neighbouring Uganda contain their outbreaks, while assisting other countries to prepare for ​possible cases through measures including enhanced border screening, the WHO and Africa Centres ⁠for Disease Control and Prevention said.

Reporting by Congo newsroom; Writing by Robbie Corey-Boulet; Editing by Nia Williams

JD Vance blames UK student murder on ‘mass invasion of migrants’

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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JD Vance blames UK student murder on ‘mass invasion of migrants’

Last year, Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old white man, was handcuffed by police as he lay dying from stab wounds after his killer falsely alleged a racist attack

International News via Reuters:

U.S. Vice President JD Vance on Friday waded into a British dispute that has erupted over the murder of a student, blaming his death on what he said was civilizational decline and the failure to stop the “mass invasion of migrants”.

Last year, Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old white man, was handcuffed by police as he lay dying from stab wounds after his killer falsely alleged a racist attack. The killer, a Sikh man, was sentenced on Monday to life in prison.

Video footage showed officers ignoring Nowak’s pleas as he lay dying, sparking questions over why the police had believed the allegation of racism and not Nowak who said repeatedly that he had been stabbed and could not breathe.

“Henry Nowak died the same way a civilization dies: abandoned, handcuffed by authorities who neither trusted nor cared for him, and accused of hate crimes he did not commit,” Vance said on X. “Each time a life like his is lost, the proper response — the only response — is righteous anger.”

Vance said Nowak would be alive today “if the last few generations of European elites had stood their ground against the politics of self-hatred and the mass invasion of migrants, many of whom despise the West and the people who love it”.

A spokesperson for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, responding to Vance’s comments, said the Nowak family did not want his death to be used to create further division or hatred.

“We should respect their wishes,” the spokesperson said. “Even in the most terrible circumstances, our politics should bring people together. That is who we are as a country.”

ANGER OVER POLICING BIAS CLAIMS

The case has sparked widespread anger in Britain, with populist political leader Nigel Farage and tech billionaire Elon Musk amplifying right-wing talking points that the country has “two-tier policing” where fears of being called racist have led to ethnic minorities being given greater protections than others.

Starmer has said police had serious questions to answer about their handling of the incident, including how accusations of racism informed police thinking, and an investigation is taking place.

But he condemned a violent and disorderly protest that took place on Tuesday night and said it was “unforgivable” to exploit the death to stir tension after Farage called for people to respond with “pure cold rage”. 

He also told Musk to stop interfering in British politics on Thursday after the tech boss posted repeatedly about the case and said it showed that police were biased against white people in Britain.

The local police force has rejected accusations of any bias, but police chiefs have said they would review guidelines that were drawn up in response to decades of well-documented incidents of racism in policing on how officers should treat ethnicities differently.

ROCKY BRITISH-US RELATIONS

Relations between the United States and Britain — historically close allies — have publicly deteriorated since the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran began in February, with President Donald Trump repeatedly mocking Starmer for failing to provide greater support.

Vance has previously accused European leaders of censoring free speech and failing to control immigration, and the U.S. State Department on Thursday condemned what it called “ideological conditioning and two-tiered policing” in Nowak’s treatment.

A spokesperson for Starmer said on Friday that Britain’s relationship with the U.S. remained “incredibly strong” but rejected the State Department comments.

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy told Sky News on Friday that he welcomed the fact that the U.S. government had extended its condolences to the Nowak family but said he did not recognise “this caricature of Britain having a two-tier criminal justice system”. 

Reporting by Kate Holton and Andrew MacAskillEditing by Ros Russell and Rosalba O’Brien

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