Bermudian international striker Kole Hall has been officially retained by National League North side Chorley FC for the upcoming 2026-27 campaign.
The 27-year-old forward moved to Victory Park in June 2024 and enjoyed an impressive debut season with the Magpies, netting 12 goals in 39 appearances. However, Hall’s progress was cruelly halted when he was sidelined for the entirety of the 2025-26 season after suffering a serious, unexpected medical condition upon returning from international duty.
Following an extended period of rehabilitation, the club has reached a new agreement to support the frontman as he steps up his workload toward full match fitness.
The global football community rallied around the striker during his illness, with a GoFundMe campaign raising over £10,000 to assist with his medical expenses. Hall has expressed his immense gratitude to the supporters and officials at Chorley, as well as the wider public, for the overwhelming waves of support.
Chorley manager Andy Preece expressed his delight at securing Hall’s services for another year, emphasizing the forward’s unique quality when firing on all cylinders.
“Kole has had a frustrating season with illness and injuries,” Preece said. “We know if we can keep him healthy he is one of the best strikers in the league. He offers an all-round threat which is hard to find at any level.”
With the contract finalized, Hall is eager to pull the shirt back on and spearhead the Magpies’ attacking line as they look ahead to the new league campaign.
Bermuda’s Daniel Phillips made a blistering start to his campaign at the M15 Kayseri tournament in Turkey, dropping just a single game to secure his place in the main draw.
Competing on the hard courts for the ITF World Tennis Tour event, the rising Bermudian star turned what could have been a tricky qualifying hurdle into a dominant display of power and precision.
Facing off against the United States’ Martin Ramirez, Phillips asserted total authority from the opening serve. He dominated the baseline rallies, hitting through the court with supreme confidence to sweep the opening set without conceding a single game.
Ramirez simply had no answer to Phillips’ relentless tempo. While the American managed to finally get himself on the scoreboard in the second set, it proved to be nothing more than a brief consolidation as Phillips swiftly wrapped up a clinical 6-0, 6-1 straight-sets victory.
The emphatic win sends a clear warning to the rest of the field in Kayseri as Phillips carries formidable momentum into the main draw.
Bermudian youth athletes Raelyn and Reyna Robinson produced a spectacular track and field performance on the international stage, storming to a combined five gold medals at the Abu Dhabi Championships.
Competing as unattached athletes at the prestigious Zayed Sports City, the talented duo asserted dominance over their respective sprint and field divisions against a highly competitive international field.
Raelyn Robinson enjoyed a flawless weekend in the Under-10 category, executing a clean sweep across all four of her events. She ignited her campaign by capturing the 80m title in 12.98 seconds, before doubling down in the sprints to claim the 150m crown in 24.38 seconds.
Showcasing immense versatility, Raelyn then stepped up in distance to comfortably secure the 300m gold in 56.98 seconds, before leaping to a dominant victory in the Long Jump with a best mark of 3.13 metres.
Not to be outdone, younger sibling Reyna Robinson mirrored that golden touch in the Under-8 division. Reyna stormed to a magnificent victory in the 150m sprint, stopping the clock at 29.70 seconds to claim the top step of the podium. She very nearly made it a sweep of her own, digging deep to secure a superb silver medal in the 80m final in 15.48 seconds.
The extraordinary medal haul in the Middle East marks a brilliant international breakthrough for the young siblings as they continue to showcase the immense depth of rising athletic talent emerging from Bermuda.
Bermuda’s youth basketball development is set to take a historic step forward this summer, with the island officially confirming its debut participation at the prestigious 2026 Portugal Basketball Festival.
Marking a monumental milestone for the local game, Bermuda will send two select youth squads to the European continent for the very first time to test their skills against a formidable international field.
To ensure they are battle-ready, the Bermudian contingent will first undergo an intensive, one-week developmental training camp in Lisbon to adapt to the climate, sharpen tactical systems, and gel as a unit.
Organisers have promised a high-calibre environment designed to push emerging talent to their absolute limits.
“This is where new teams step onto an international stage and face real competition in every youth category,” a tournament representative stated. “It’s time to test your limits on the court. It’s the beginning of a legacy.”
The festival has established a fierce reputation for showcasing top-tier global youth talent, demanding elite tactical discipline and high-level athleticism. For the Bermudian players, the tournament represents vital international exposure and the foundational bricks for the island’s long-term basketball future.
The latest Support Public Schools donation will help teachers and students across the island’s public primary schools
More than $17,000 worth of new school supplies have been delivered by the truckload to the island’s public schools thanks to a community-driven initiative.
Alisa Bernardo was at St. David’s Primary School as students and teachers received their donation.
More in the above report.
Media release:
Support Public Schools, Bermuda (SPS.bm) has inspired supporters to purchase more than $17,300 worth of new school supplies to benefit Bermuda’s public schools this term. In addition, several thousand dollars’ worth of good quality second-hand office supplies have been donated by companies to help support teachers and administrators. The supplies will be delivered to grateful teachers and students on June 9th and 10th.
Since SPS was founded in 2018, approximately $700,000 worth of new school supplies have been purchased by SPS supporters to benefit public school teachers and students. In addition, hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of second-hand office and school supplies, including computers, furniture, sports equipment and apparel, books and games have been donated to all public schools.
Butterfield remains the most generous supporter of SPS.bm since inception, this year repeating its purchase of $10,000 to help fulfill public school teachers’ “wish lists” for much-needed school supplies.
The Bermuda legal fraternity will put on their sneakers to participate in the Bermuda Bar Association’s Annual Walk on Thursday June 11, 2026, supporting SPS for the third year in a row. Last year they raised more than $7,000 to purchase school supplies for Bermuda’s 15 primary schools.
Bermuda Bar Association former President, Richard Horseman said:
“The Bermuda Bar Association commenced the Legal Fraternity Annual Charitable walk in 2014 as a platform in which the legal fraternity could give back to the community. Of course, many law firms and lawyers have their own charitable programmes and give back in their own way, but the members and the Bar Council felt that it was important to organise this event to recognise the Bar Association’s commitment to helping those in need, particularly Bermuda’s youth. Support Public Schools is an extremely worthy recipient of this year’s event. A quality education is critical in preparing Bermudian students for future success, and SPS is assisting this need by providing resources teachers and students need for a well-rounded education. I am proud to have been involved with the former Bar Council who came up with the idea many years ago and delighted to see that the event has now solidified itself into a permanent annual event”
SPS was also delighted to once again receive support this year from the Bermuda Monetary Authority who purchased 12 cases of paper for public schools.
“The SPS team consistently work with great dedication to ensure that our public-school teachers have the resources, tools, and support they need to succeed in the classroom. Your ongoing commitment makes a meaningful difference for both educators and students across our community. It is truly our pleasure to continue supporting this important work. We value the collaboration and the positive impact that Support Public Schools has in strengthening public education. We are indeed grateful for the opportunity to continue making our contributions in a way that helps in advancing these efforts.”
Other generous supporters this year include a repeat $5,000 donation from Deloitte, as well as donations from Argus, Butterfield & Vallis, Legal & General Re, Challenger Banks Ltd., Bermuda Public Services Union, BELCO, Catalina Holdings, Ernest and Young, Expertise Group Limited, MS Reinsurance, Catalina Re, Canterbury Law Limited, BEDC, Chubb, and Everen.
Sports in public schools was promoted by a repeat gift of footballs by Frankie Jr. and Susana Brewster of the ProShop. Special thanks also goes to Chubb for donating coffee mugs for public school teachers.
Many companies also donated towards our Spring “paper drive” buying cases of printer paper, which delighted teachers call “gold”, with a total of 75 cases purchased and distributed to schools.
St. David’s Primary Principal Mr. Gladstone Thompson said:
“On behalf of the St. David’s Primary School community, I extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Support Bermuda’s Public Schools for your continued commitment to uplifting and strengthening public education across our island. Your dedication to supporting students, educators, and schools has made a meaningful and lasting impact. Through your advocacy, resources, and generosity, you help ensure that our public schools remain places where children can learn, grow, and thrive in a supportive and enriching environment.
We are deeply thankful for the role you play in championing educational equity and excellence. Your efforts not only enhance learning opportunities for students but also inspire educators to continue their work with renewed purpose and confidence, knowing that our community stands behind us. Please accept our heartfelt thanks for all that you do in service of Bermuda’s public schools. Your support is truly valued, and we look forward to the continued positive difference we can make together.”
Francis Patton Principal, Todd Fox said:
“On behalf of the students and teachers at Francis Patton School, we would like to thank you once again for your generous donation of school supplies for P4 and P5, Art and PE. Your kindness and continued support to provide valuable resources that enrich our students’ educational experiences are truly appreciated. We are grateful for your commitment to our school community and for making such a positive difference. The teachers and students of Francis Patton School sincerely appreciate your generosity and ongoing partnership.”
SPS founder and main organiser, Ms. Juliana Snelling thanked everyone stating:
“The entire SPS team is thrilled to be making our second delivery of school supplies for the 2025/26 school year in our 8th year running. We are so grateful for our long-standing, as well as new supporters, who have given so generously which enables us to deliver critical and exciting supplies to all of Bermuda’s public primary schools. Our motivation in founding SPS, and a mission to which our entire team remains committed, is to ensure that Bermuda’s young students have the instructional resources they need to thrive in a stimulating, creative and fun school environment. The entire community has a vested interest in putting education first and providing every opportunity we can to help shape our future leaders. Our twice-yearly deliveries contribute to enhanced learning experiences and outcomes, and we are always grateful for the many letters of thanks and appreciation we receive from principals, teachers and students.”
Each year public school teachers provide SPS with “wish lists” of what will improve their classroom experience. This year the items included fidget chair bands, electric sharpeners, board games, STEM Kits, CDs for Listening Centers, wobble cushions, noise cancelling headphones, geometry sets, laminators, sand timers and more. Supporters can respond to the specific classroom need that inspires them.
These items are then made available for purchase at discounted prices by SPS’ two retail suppliers, AF Smith Ltd. and Phoenix Group Ltd. The stores then deliver the supplies directly to the classrooms free of charge on designated delivery days overseen by SPS.bm volunteers. Principals, teachers, and students then send thank-you letters describing how the supplies are helping to improve the classroom experience. Supporters can visit website SPS.bm to read moving letters from principals, teachers and pupils who attest to how the SPS supplies are being put into amazing use.
Donations are welcomed throughout the year. Supporters can make online purchases on the SPS.bm website with a credit card or make a bank transfer to AF Smith Ltd: BNTB A/C 20006060173876100 (Memo ref: SPS SUP003) or HSBC A/C 010715613001 (Memo ref: SPS SUP003). Alternatively, they can purchase supplies themselves and drop them off to SPS at the address below. Second-hand good quality office and school supplies including computer equipment and furniture are also welcomed.
SPS.bm is proud to have been selected as the 2024 Winner of the Meritus Foundation Award which recognises community leaders helping people and planet and demonstrating values of passion, courage, humility and empathy. Ms. Snelling was also recognised in the 2025 King’s Honour’s List with a King’s Certificate and Badge of Honour for her work through SPS and the Grateful Bread to help those in need in our community.
To learn more, visit the website SPS.bm or email SPSteam@sps.bm or tel. 296-8444 at Canterbury Law Ltd., a proud supporter of SPS.bm.
Bernd Lange, who chairs the European Parliament’s trade committee, said he expected a clear majority of the EU assembly to back the deal struck last July at U.S. President Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Scotland
International News via Reuters:
The European Union is set to fulfil its side of the EU-U.S. trade deal through a vote in parliament next week, a senior lawmaker said on Wednesday, while expressing little confidence that the United States will stick to the deal’s terms.
Bernd Lange, who chairs the European Parliament’s trade committee, said he expected a clear majority of the EU assembly to back the deal struck last July at U.S. President Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Scotland.
The German Social Democrat said the approval was only possible because of a number of safeguards put in place by the parliament, allowing the EU to react if the Trump administration breached the deal’s terms and terminating the deal at the end of 2029 unless there is new legislation to renew it.
“You can’t have any certainty. That’s the problem,” Lange told a media briefing.
“As long as the U.S. set-up remains as it is… with decisions on important issues only made in the White House and by the president you have to constantly expect that decisions will be made against agreements,” he continued. “We see that and others too, such as Brazil.”
The Trump administration has proposed 25% tariffs on many imports from Brazil, which Lange said appeared politically motivated.
The lawmaker also said that the relative advantage the European Union had enjoyed under the Turnberry deal, with lower tariffs on its exports than faced by many rivals, had gone now that 10% U.S. tariffs applied almost universally.
“We can completely forget the special transatlantic relationship in this matter and we have to defend our interests rationally,” he said.
U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said last week that the United States was committed to complying with the terms of the trade agreement. “We understand that a deal is a deal,” he told reporters on the sidelines of an OECD meeting in Paris.
Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop, Editing by Louise Heavens
Lebanon was drawn into the wider Middle East conflict on March 2 when the Tehran-backed Hezbollah militia fired rockets at Israel in solidarity with Iran, which was under U.S.-Israeli attack, prompting a major Israeli air and ground campaign
International News via Reuters:
The UN human rights office will deploy a team of investigators to Lebanon next week to assess potential violations of international law by all parties during the current war in the country, UN human rights chief Volker Türk said on Wednesday.
Lebanon was drawn into the wider Middle East conflict on March 2 when the Tehran-backed Hezbollah militia fired rockets at Israel in solidarity with Iran, which was under U.S.-Israeli attack, prompting a major Israeli air and ground campaign.
Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin, editing by Linda Pasquini
The Ministry of Public Works and Environment is advising that due to National Heroes Day on Monday, 15 June 2026, household waste collection will follow a roll-over schedule.
On roll-over weeks, waste collection days move over by one day, resulting in waste normally collected on Monday being collected on Tuesday, Tuesday’s waste on Wednesday, and ending with Friday’s waste being collected on Saturday.
Recycling collection will remain unchanged as this is not a recycling collection week.
Members of the public may also use the Tynes Bay Public Drop-off, which is open 7 days a week from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. to dispose of household waste, TAG recyclables, hazardous materials such as paints and pesticides, and bulky burnable and non-burnable items.
For the 2026 Garbage and Recycling calendar and a comprehensive list of What Goes Where, visit gov.bm/waste.
Media release supplied by the Government of Bermuda.
New programme offers 500 free scholarships in high-demand digital and technology skills
Bermuda College and Google launch a new initiative to provide residents across the island with the critical training needed to thrive in a changing global economy.
Bermuda is actively building the workforce of the future and offering access to free resources and training through Grow with Google, that prepares local workers and businesses for today’s technology-driven workplace.
Skills development and career growth
500 scholarships have been awarded to Bermuda residents and, by signing up, people will get access to a vast number of courses until December 31, 2027.
The initiative will give residents the opportunity to learn new skills, reskill, upskill or retrain through flexible online courses designed to help people strengthen their current careers, prepare for new roles and gain access to the digital economy.
The programme will include access to foundational Grow with Google Career Certificates in areas such as cybersecurity, data analytics, IT support, digital marketing and e-commerce, project management and user experience design.
Advanced certificates include advanced data analytics, business intelligence and IT automation with Python, while shorter courses include AI Essentials, Prompting Essentials and Agile Essentials.
The courses are 100 per cent online and self-paced. Foundational certificates are designed for learners with no prior experience and can typically be completed in three to six months of part-time study. Shorter Google courses can be completed in approximately five to seven hours.
A Google spokesperson said: “Google is proud to partner with Bermuda College to bring Grow with Google to residents across the island.
“Bermuda is an important place for Google, and as we invest in the island’s digital infrastructure, we also want to invest in its people and their opportunities.
“This first of its kind partnership for Bermuda is about helping residents build practical, job-ready skills that can support career growth, open new pathways and make the opportunities created by technology more accessible to everyone.”
Dr David Sam, President of Bermuda College, added: “This is an exceptional opportunity for Bermuda.
“Through this partnership with Google, residents will be able to access world-class training at no cost, in areas that are increasingly important to employers and to the future of work.
“Bermuda College’s mission is to provide innovative education and partnerships that lead to local and global success.
“Grow with Google aligns directly with that mission by giving learners flexible access to skills that can transform lives, support career progression and strengthen Bermuda’s workforce.”
The programme began as a soft-launch pilot for Bermuda College faculty and staff before being introduced to the St David’s Primary School community, where Google shared the opportunity with parents as part of its engagement connected to the Nuvem and Sol transatlantic cable projects and planned cable landing station in St David’s.
Dr Ali Arouzi, Vice President, Academic Affairs at Bermuda College, said: “This partnership reflects the College’s commitment to expanding digital access and bridging skills gaps in Bermuda.
“Students gain clear career advancement benefits, including in-demand digital skills, industry-recognised credentials and pathways to higher earning potential.”
He added: “The flexible, self-paced format allows learners to upskill while balancing work and personal commitments.
“Since opening the initiative to the campus, we have seen strong engagement and early success, with participants completing multiple courses in a short period, demonstrating both the platform’s accessibility and its clear impact in driving continuous professional growth.”
Tawana Flood, Head of Bermuda College’s Athora Professional and Career Education division, known as APACE, said: “APACE is focused on practical, career-relevant learning, and this partnership gives adults across Bermuda a remarkable way to invest in themselves.
“The courses are accessible, flexible and built around skills that employers need now. Whether someone wants to return to learning, update their CV, prepare for promotion or explore the digital economy for the first time, Grow with Google gives them a clear and supported place to start.”
After completing a course, participants will receive an official Google certificate of completion that can be added as a badge to professional profiles on LinkedIn.
Road Safety Council urges revellers to avoid driving impaired or fatigued
As Bermuda prepares to celebrate Carnival 2026 from June 10–16, the Bermuda Road Safety Council (BRSC) is reminding residents and visitors that the most important part of any celebration is getting home safely.
Carnival is a time to celebrate Bermuda’s culture, creativity, and community spirit. Thousands of people will attend events throughout the week, enjoying music, entertainment, and social gatherings. While we encourage everyone to enjoy the festivities, we also urge the public to make safety a priority and plan ahead before attending any event.
Through our Operation Action – Changing Minds, Changing Behaviours campaign, the Bermuda Road Safety Council continues to encourage road users to make responsible decisions that protect not only themselves but everyone who shares our roads.
The Bermuda Road Safety Council strongly encourages all event organizers, promoters, and carnival-goers to incorporate a transportation plan into their celebrations, particularly when alcohol will be consumed.
If you drink, do not drive. If you drink, do not ride.
Driving or riding while impaired places your life, your passengers, pedestrians, and other road users at risk. A single decision to operate a vehicle after consuming alcohol can result in serious injury, loss of life, criminal charges, and consequences that can affect families forever.
If you plan to consume alcohol, arrange safe transportation before leaving home. We encourage the use of:
• Taxis • Minibuses • A designated sober driver • A trusted family member or friend
With ridesharing services commencing June 10th, we encourage the public to learn more about this new safe transportation option by clicking on the link below:
The BRSC also reminds the public that alcohol is not the only danger on our roads during Carnival.
This message aligns with the Council’s June road safety theme, “Alert Today – Alive Tomorrow,” which focuses on the dangers of fatigued driving.
With many people attending multiple events over several consecutive days and nights, fatigue can become a serious safety concern. Scientific research has shown that fatigue impairs reaction time, concentration, awareness, and decision-making. In some cases, driving while severely fatigued can affect a person’s ability to operate a vehicle as much as alcohol impairment.
Fatigued driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving.
We encourage everyone to get adequate sleep throughout Carnival week and to recognize the warning signs of fatigue, including difficulty concentrating, frequent yawning, drifting between lanes, missing traffic signals, or struggling to keep your eyes open. If you are tired, do not drive. Find another way home.
Before starting your vehicle, ask yourself:
• Have I been drinking? • Am I too tired to drive? • Do I have a safe way home?
If the answer to any of these questions gives you pause, do not get behind the wheel.
The Bermuda Road Safety Council wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Carnival 2026. Celebrate responsibly, look out for one another, and remember that every decision you make on the road has the potential to save a life.
Plan Your Ride. Get Your Rest. Make the Right Choice.
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