Speaking on the recently-released Entrepreneurship Blueprint, Labour Minister Jason Hayward hopes to see expanded incubator services akin to those he has seen overseas
Shared marketing and accounting services, easier access to funding, and reducing customs duty for retailers and entrepreneurs…
…these are some of the things that could help start-up businesses establish themselves.
Following the release of the Bermuda Entrepreneurship Blueprint last month, Labour & Economy Minister Jason Hayward sat down with us to talk about the long-term strategy to ‘unlease innovation’ and ’empower opportunity’.
He highlights a trip to the US, where he says he “got to appreciate the role that an incubator and accelerator actually plays in supporting the ecosystem for entrepreneurs and small businesses.”
Asked about what additional support bodies such as BEDC and Ignite could provide, the Minister gave the example of shared marketing and accounting services, “so that each organization doesn’t have to bear the brunt of this cost…
“How can you have shared spaces to minimize the rental costs in the early stages of one’s entrepreneurial journey?…
“Those are the things in which we saw… what I believe can be emulated in Bermuda…”
Minister Hayward spoke about the difficulty for start-ups to access funding from the banks, and said there are opportunities to create more trade agreements with other territories to allow local businesses to export.
He also said conversations are ongoing about reducing customs duty for entrepreneurs and retailers.
“We want to ensure that we have an environment where people are empowered and actually succeed, and where there are barriers, we’d have reasonable dialog as it pertains to how we can reduce those barriers as best as we possibly can.”
A steering committee for the entrepreneurship strategy is set to be rolled out in the coming weeks, the Minister said, to plan how to meet the objectives of the entrepreneurship strategy.
Shortly before 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 1, 2026, Police, Emergency Medical Services as well as Bermuda Fire and Rescue Services, were dispatched to a serious road traffic collision involving a rental micro-car and a motorcycle near the junction of South Road and Knapton Hill, Smith’s.
It was reported that the rental vehicle was proceeding east on South Road, approaching Knapton Hill, while the motorcycle was travelling in the opposite direction.
The bike rider, a 23-year-old male, appears to have lost control of the motorcycle as he negotiated a left hand bend on South Road, at the junction with Knapton Hill.
The motorcycle entered the eastbound lane into the path of the rental car, and the two vehicles became involved in a collision.
The motorcycle rider sustained injuries which were deemed to be life threatening. He was attended to at the scene by EMTs who immediately commenced life saving measures.
The injured male was transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where sadly, he was pronounced dead a short time after.
An investigation into this matter has commenced and anyone with information is asked to contact Police Constable, Asaph Rawlins, on 717-2123 or via email at, arawlins@bps.bm. You may also call the main police number, 295-0011.
Bermuda’s football officiating has entered a new era following the unopposed election of pioneering FIFA referee Tashon Simons as President of the Bermuda Referees’ Association (BRA).
Simons, who in 2017 became the first Bermudian in over a decade named to the FIFA International Referees List, succeeds Anthony Francis. He inherits an organization facing critical structural and recruitment thresholds.
BRA 2026 EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
• President: Tashon Simons
• Vice President: Dwight Jackson
• Secretary: Kentoine Jennings
• Treasurer: Ralshon Douglas
Simons outlined a clear mandate targeting the 17-to-30 demographic to secure the island’s refereeing pipeline.
“We will look at options to make refereeing more attractive so that more young people join the ranks, and I hope to recall some who recently stopped,” Simons said.
A central pillar of his presidency will include opening formal negotiations with the BFA to increase match fees. However, Simons warned that pay hikes must be earned through member commitments to regular training, technical courses, and general meetings.
The new regime also confirmed it will strictly enforce existing governance frameworks, including the Disciplinary Code, Code of Conduct, and Matchday Protocol, to elevate the professional image of the domestic game.
Opposition MP also suggests the work being done does not match residents’ priorities
Statement by Linda Smith, OBA MP for Constituency #31, Southampton West Central:
Residents were surprised to see an announcement that roadworks would begin this morning on Church Road.
They are even more surprised to learn this morning that the work due to be undertaken, does not include anything they have requested, specifically traffic calming measures, safety improvements and remediation work where the road is crumbling. These are issues that residents in the area have been asking Government to deal with for over five years.
Instead, the work set to begin today is filling potholes and paving. There are many other roads in Bermuda that have much bigger potholes than Church Road, so it is disappointing that the issues, which are of increasing concern to residents and road users, are seemly being ignored.
Additionally, had Public Works provided some advance notice, they would also note that Port Royal School is having its Fair this Friday, which will be disrupted by a lane of Church Road being closed to traffic, reduced parking and the roadwork. Certainly, it would be much better if road works could take place during the school break.
As previously pointed out in numerous correspondence to the Government by residents and road users, Church Road is home to two nursery schools, Port Royal Primary School, Southampton Post Office and St. Anne’s Church. In addition to local traffic, Church Road is increasingly used by commercial vehicles as a short-cut between Middle and South Roads. The combination of high traffic volumes and speeding vehicles creates serious safety risks for children, seniors, tourists and residents who use Church Road.
It is unfortunate, however, this abrupt announcement of work on Church Road seems indicative of a lack of planning and consideration of the resident’s and road user’s requests and requirements. Perhaps there could be a reconsideration of the timing and the nature of the work required, as well as consultation with the area so that concerns of the residents and road users can be appropriately addressed.
The Bermuda Captive Conference is proud to announce Thomas McMahon as the recipient of the 2026 Fred Reiss Lifetime Achievement Award, recognising his outstanding contribution to Bermuda’s captive insurance industry and his decades of leadership, advocacy and service to the captive community both locally and internationally.
Presented annually at the Bermuda Captive Conference, the Fred Reiss Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest individual honour bestowed by the Bermuda Captive Network. Named after captive insurance pioneer Fred Reiss, the award recognises individuals whose vision, commitment and leadership have left a lasting impact on Bermuda’s position as a global leader in captive insurance.
Tom’s career spans more than three decades in captive insurance and risk management. Since entering the industry in 1994, he has played a pivotal role in the formation, management and evolution of captive insurance companies across a wide range of sectors and structures. Today, he serves as Executive Vice President of Davies Captive Management Bermuda, where he continues to provide strategic guidance and leadership to clients and colleagues alike.
Throughout his career, Tom has been a passionate advocate for Bermuda’s captive industry, dedicating countless hours to industry organisations, regulatory consultation and international business development efforts.
A Past President and Secretary of the Bermuda Insurance Management Association (BIMA), Tom has long been a respected voice within the captive community. He has also served as Chair of the Bermuda Captive Conference, helping guide the event through periods of significant change and ensuring its continued success as one of the industry’s leading global gatherings.
His contributions extend well beyond Bermuda. Tom played an important role in industry engagement with European regulators during the development of Solvency II, helping ensure that the unique nature of captive insurance companies was properly understood and recognised within evolving international regulatory frameworks. His efforts helped preserve a regulatory environment that supports the continued growth and success of Bermuda’s captive sector.
Tom has also been instrumental in promoting Bermuda internationally, representing the jurisdiction at major captive industry events and helping strengthen Bermuda’s reputation as a world-class domicile for captive insurance.
“Tom embodies everything this award represents,” said Gráinne Richmond, President of the Bermuda Captive Network.
“For more than 30 years, he has quietly and consistently dedicated himself to the advancement of Bermuda’s captive industry. His technical expertise is second to none, but what truly sets Tom apart is his willingness to share that knowledge, mentor others and always put the interests of the industry first.
Many of us have found ourselves in a meeting or discussion where, at some point, somebody inevitably says, ‘Let’s just ask Tom.’ That speaks volumes about the trust, respect and confidence he has earned throughout his career. Bermuda’s captive community is stronger because of his leadership, and we are delighted to recognise his extraordinary contribution through this year’s Fred Reiss Lifetime Achievement Award.”
Beyond his professional achievements, Tom is widely recognised as a mentor, advisor and trusted friend to many within the industry. His thoughtful approach, integrity and commitment to supporting others have helped shape the careers of countless professionals across Bermuda’s insurance market.
The team at Davies Captive Management Bermuda were equally enthusiastic about the recognition.
“We are absolutely delighted that Tom has been recognised with the 2026 Fred Reiss Lifetime Achievement Award,” said colleagues at Davies Captive Management Bermuda.
“Few individuals have contributed as much to Bermuda’s captive industry over such a sustained period of time. Tom’s leadership, professionalism, technical excellence and generosity have influenced not only our organisation, but the wider captive community. This recognition is richly deserved, and we could not be more pleased to see him honoured by his industry peers.”
The Fred Reiss Lifetime Achievement Award has previously been awarded to some of the most influential figures in Bermuda’s captive insurance history, including the late Leslie Robinson and Bala Nadarajah, Eduardo Fox, Cyril Whitter, Cathy Duffy, Jeremy Cox, Brian R. Hall OBE, Michael Burns and Jill Husbands.
Tom now joins this distinguished group of industry leaders whose contributions have helped shape Bermuda’s captive insurance sector and strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading captive domiciles.
The award was presented during the Opening Session of the 2026 Bermuda Captive Conference at the Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club.
About the Bermuda Captive Conference
The Bermuda Captive Conference was created in 2004 to help promote, support and grow the island’s world-leading captive insurance industry sector. Attendees include captive insurance owners, risk managers, sponsors, vendors, plus legal, audit, banking and support services from Bermuda, North America, Caribbean, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the United Kingdom.
About the Bermuda Captive Network
The Bermuda Captive Network is a membership-focused organisation providing education, business development and effective representation for Bermuda’s captive and managed insurance industry. Representing all aspects and demographics of the Bermuda captive industry, the Network reflects the innovation, energy and collaborative approach of this growing market, while continuing to promote Bermuda as a world-class domicile in the global risk market.
The Network’s strategic priorities focus on growing its international presence, delivering an expansion of resources, adding value to members and other stakeholders through events, forums, consultation, data and analytics, as well as promoting the development of a more diversified membership. The Network will also offer enhanced advocacy, leading and evaluating changes in Bermuda’s legislative and policy landscape with one voice, to ensure the interests of Bermuda and its stakeholders are represented.
Department of Culture unveils first documentary in a series preserving Bermuda’s cultural stories
The Department of Culture welcomed guests to the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) on 16 May for the premiere of Voices of the Rock: Ruth’s Mosaic, the first film in a new series highlighting Bermudians who have made significant contributions to the Island’s cultural heritage. Held during Heritage Month, the event celebrated the life and legacy of Ms Ruth E. Thomas, whose leadership continues to help shape Bermuda’s cultural landscape, including her instrumental role in establishing Premier’s Concert.
Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, the Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, MP, said, “This project is important because it tells a part of Bermuda’s story through the life of one of our cultural icons. It also reflects the history of the Department of Culture and the many individuals whose work has helped preserve and promote our heritage. Ms Ruth Thomas’ story is one that deserves to be documented, celebrated and shared.”
Produced by Method Media and filmmaker Milton Raposo, Ruth’s Mosaic launches the Department’s Voices of the Rock series, an initiative that preserves Bermuda’s cultural history through film while supporting local creatives and storytellers.
Following the screening, guests gathered for a reception and photos with Ms. Thomas to reflect on her enduring contributions to Bermuda’s cultural development. The Department of Culture hopes the film will inspire greater appreciation for Bermuda’s cultural leaders and encourage continued support for heritage preservation and local storytelling.
The Department thanks Ms. Thomas for her ongoing cultural work and her commitment to preserving and promoting Bermuda’s heritage.
Single-lane closures scheduled weekdays as public works crews carry out upgrades
The Ministry of Public Works advises the public that there will be rolling single lane closures on Church Road, Southampton Parish, from Tuesday, 2 June 2026 to Friday, 19 June 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
The closures are to facilitate infrastructure improvement works, with traffic control managed by representatives from the Ministry of Public Works and Environment. Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area where possible and use alternative routes via Lighthouse Road, South Road and Middle Road.
Motorists travelling through the area should expect delays and are advised to exercise caution.
Please refer to the attached Road Traffic Notice for full details on the lane closures and traffic controls that will be in place during this period.
Media release supplied by the Government of Bermuda.
Health officials encourage residents to get tested and learn the facts during HIV Awareness Month
The Ministry of Health today announced the start of HIV Awareness Month, a month‑long national campaign encouraging the people of Bermuda to take charge of their health by getting tested, learning the facts, and helping build a stigma‑free community.
The campaign launched with a press conference outside the Sexual & Reproductive Health (SRH) Clinic, reinforcing the message that confidential testing and prevention services are available right here in our community.
Throughout June, the SRH Clinic will offer free, confidential HIV testing. Testing is quick, simple, and an essential part of routine healthcare.
Minister of Health Kim Wilson said: “I want to encourage everyone in our community to take charge of their health. HIV testing is quick, confidential, and could save your life. Too often, people assume that if they feel well, there’s no need to get tested, but feeling fine doesn’t mean you’re HIV‑free, because HIV may not show symptoms for years. That’s why everyone should know their HIV status as part of routine healthcare.
“This month, the Sexual & Reproductive Health Clinic is offering free testing, prevention guidance, and confidential support. Knowing your status protects you and the people you care about, and it helps us build a stigma‑free Bermuda where everyone feels safe seeking care.”
As part of the Ministry’s commitment to sexual health, free mpox vaccinations will also be available throughout June at the SRH Clinic. The mpox vaccine is safe, effective, and helps prevent severe illness, with confidential appointments and designated walk‑in days. Individuals at higher risk of exposure, including those with multiple sexual partners, are encouraged to get vaccinated this month.
For more information about HIV testing, prevention options, or mpox vaccination, contact the Sexual & Reproductive Health Clinic or visit www.gov.bm/HIV.
Media release and images supplied by the Government of Bermuda.
On Tuesday, the BoE said that 65,945 mortgages were approved in April, up from 63,979 in March, the highest point since January 2025
International News via Reuters:
British lenders approved the most mortgages in 15 months in April while consumer credit grew faster than expected, according to Bank of England data, which showed some resilience in the economy despite higher borrowing costs caused by the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
On Tuesday, the BoE said that 65,945 mortgages were approved in April, up from 63,979 in March, the highest point since January 2025. Economists polled by Reuters had expected 62,000 approvals during the month.
Net unsecured lending to consumers rose by £1.859 billion ($2.50 billion), above economists’ forecast of a £1.7 billion increase though just below March’s £1.904 billion rise.
Paul Dales, chief U.K. economist at Capital Economics, said it was likely that households had “pulled forward” their planned house purchases before mortgage rates rose more.
“If so, mortgage approvals would soon fall back,” he said. “That would certainly fit more comfortably with other indicators that show housing market sentiment has soured since the war triggered a jump in mortgage rates.”
Britain’s housing market has slowed since the war in Iran started in late February, according to other data.
Weaker consumer sentiment and rising mortgage rates since the resurgence of conflict in the Middle East caused lenders like Nationwide Building Society to report the first monthly fall in house prices since December in May.
Figures from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors also showed drops in prices and buyer demand in April.
Net monthly mortgage lending – which reflects completed house purchases and lags behind approvals – fell to a net £4.368 billion ($5.88 billion), the lowest since October 2025 and down from an increase of £6.833 billion in March.
($1 = 0.7427 pounds)
Reporting by Suban Abdulla; Editing by David Milliken and Thomas Derpinghaus
Department promises responses within two business days for key immigration enquiries
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance customer service, the Department of Immigration is pleased to announce that, effective June 1, 2026, members of the public will be able to submit specific enquiries directly to the Department.
Enquiries relating to work permits, British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC) Bermuda passports, Bermudian status, and Permanent Resident’s Certificate applications may be submitted through the following dedicated government email addresses:
British Overseas Territories Citizen (BOTC) Bermuda Passports – botcpassport@gov.bm
Bermudian Status and Permanent Resident’s Certificate Applications – statusprc@gov.bm
Members of the public who submit inquiries through these email addresses can expect an acknowledgement or response within 2 business days.
Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, said, “The introduction of these dedicated email channels reflects the Department’s ongoing commitment to improving customer service and making Immigration services more accessible and responsive to the public. We have listened to the concerns and feedback from our community, and this initiative is another important step towards delivering a more efficient and customer-focused service.”
The Department of Immigration takes this opportunity to remind the public that complaints relating to employers and/or employees who may be abusing the Work Permit Policy or Immigration laws can be reported to the Department’s Compliance Section by calling 246-8059 (Hamilton Office) or 444-1050 (Airport Office).
CCLEC conference focuses on tackling smuggling, trafficking and other cross-border threats through greater cooperation
Bermuda’s role in regional border security took centre stage last week as senior Customs and law enforcement leaders from across the Caribbean gathered at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club for the 48th Annual Conference of the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC).
Held from 26 to 29 May 2026, the conference brought together regional officials to discuss the frontline role of Customs in protecting communities from smuggling, firearms, narcotics, human trafficking, financial crimes and other transnational threats.
The conference was held under the theme, “Protecting Society: Caribbean Customs in Action Through Vigilance and Commitment,” and marked the return of the major regional Customs gathering to Bermuda for the first time in more than two decades.
The opening ceremony was held on Wednesday, 27 May, and included remarks from His Excellency the Governor, Mr Andrew Murdoch, Premier the Hon David Burt, JP, MP, the Minister of National Security, the Hon Michael Weeks, JP, MP, CCLEC Executive Committee Chairman Mr Roderick Croes, of Aruba, Mr. Claude Paul, Permanent Secretary of CCLEC, and Collector of Customs Mrs Lucinda Pearman.
The Premier, who delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Government of Bermuda, said the work of Customs and border enforcement remains central to public safety, economic confidence and regional security.
Premier Burt said: “Customs is central to national security. It is central to economic stability and confidence. It is central to the protection of our people.
“A port must move goods, but it must also protect communities. Customs must support trade and economic growth, but it must also stand against those who try to use legitimate commerce as cover for crime.”
The Premier also recognised the frontline role of Customs officers and law enforcement partners across the region.
He said, “Very often, before the crime, before the weapon reaches the street, before the narcotics reach a community, before the proceeds of crime are moved, hidden or disguised, there is Customs.”
Minister Weeks said Bermuda was proud to host the conference and to support CCLEC’s continued work in regional Customs cooperation.
He noted: “Mr Claude Paul, Permanent Secretary of CCLEC, thank you for your leadership through the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council, and for the important work CCLEC continues to advance across our region.
“Bermuda has a distinct role in this region. We sit in the Atlantic, but we are closely connected to the Caribbean through our shared security interests, our maritime links, our trade routes and our partnerships.”
Minister Weeks said the conference theme was especially relevant as Customs administrations face increasingly complex threats.
He added, “Modern threats do not respect borders. Illicit trafficking, transnational organised crime, firearms and narcotics smuggling, financial crimes, cyber-enabled criminal activity and human trafficking all require Customs administrations to remain alert, coordinated and ready to respond.”
Mrs Pearman said hosting the conference was an important opportunity for Bermuda Customs to support regional cooperation and highlight the operational realities facing Customs administrations.
Collector Pearman said of the event: “The Customs Department was honoured to host this important regional conference and to welcome colleagues from across the Caribbean to Bermuda.
“Customs work is practical, operational and constant. Every day, officers are making decisions that protect our borders, support legitimate trade and help prevent dangerous goods from reaching our communities.
“That work is not always visible to the public, but it is essential to the safety, stability and well-being of society. Customs officers stand on the frontline against threats that can affect families, businesses and communities long before those threats are seen more widely.
“This conference allowed us to share experiences, discuss common challenges and build the relationships that make that work more effective.
“It also reminded us that Customs officers across the region carry a shared responsibility. Whether in Bermuda or elsewhere in the Caribbean, their vigilance, professionalism and judgement play a direct role in safeguarding our people and protecting the integrity of our borders.”
Mrs Pearman added: “Smuggling, trafficking, firearms, narcotics and other forms of organised criminal activity require close cooperation between jurisdictions.
“No Customs administration can meet these challenges alone. The protection of society depends on officers, agencies and countries working together, sharing information and acting with a common purpose.”
The conference focused on Customs standards, intelligence sharing, professional development, modern border management, technology, risk-based enforcement, trade facilitation and regional cooperation against smuggling, trafficking and other transnational threats.
Media release and images supplied by the Government of Bermuda.
The agency said on Tuesday there had been 48 deaths and six people have recovered in Congo
International News via Reuters:
The World Health Organization said there have been 321 confirmed cases of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo outbreak and 116 suspected cases, marking a large drop in the number of suspected cases as hundreds were ruled out after investigation.
The agency said on Tuesday there had been 48 deaths and six people have recovered in Congo. The Congolese authorities first put out the new case numbers on Monday.
In Uganda there have been nine confirmed cases and one associated death, WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier told reporters in Geneva.
The WHO said on Friday that there were 906 suspected cases of the Bundibugyo Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including 223 suspected deaths that were being investigated. Later Jean Kaseya, director-general of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, said in an FT op-ed published on Sunday that more than 1,100 suspected cases were being investigated.
When asked why the latest figures showed a significantly lower number of suspected cases, Lindmeier said the data suggested hundreds of cases had been discounted.
“They have been cleared out and have either other diseases or have just had fever and nothing else,” Lindmeier said, adding that the numbers would fluctuate over time as people get tested.
A suspected case includes anyone who is picked up by surveillance or who presents with symptoms at a health centre, he added. Confirmed cases include only those who have tested positive for Ebola Bundibugyo.
Testing has been a challenge in this outbreak as initially the more common tests used for Ebola did not detect the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is no approved vaccine, and capacity has been limited.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website also listed 116 suspected cases, and added: “On May 29, the DRC Ministry of Health updated their total suspect case count to remove suspected cases that have been ruled out after investigation and suspected deaths that are pending the results of ongoing investigation.”
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention announced the outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, Congo’s 17th Ebola outbreak, on May 15, and the World Health Organization swiftly declared it a public health emergency of international concern.
Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin; editing by Matthias Williams and Alex Richardson
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