Lane closures planned in Warwick, Smith’s and Devonshire from Monday
The Ministry of Public Works and Environment advises the motoring public of upcoming traffic disruptions on Middle Road, Warwick near camp Hill, South Road, Smith’s near the Loren at Pink Beach and on North Shore Road, Devonshire, near Robinson’s Bay Park.
Middle Road, Warwick near Camp Hill: Temporary Lane Closures
The Ministry of Public Works advises the public that a single‑lane closure will be in effect on Middle Road, Warwick, from Camp Hill Junction to Longford Road, Monday, 8 June through Monday, 27 July 2026, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. daily.
This traffic interruption is required to facilitate paving works along this section of Middle Road.
Motorists are advised that traffic delays are expected. Detour routes via South Road and Harbour Road are recommended. Traffic control will be managed using stop‑and‑go signs and temporary traffic signals, and motorists are urged to proceed with caution and follow all instructions on site.
South Road, Smith’s near The Loren at Pink Beach: Temporary Lane Closure
The Ministry of Public Works advises the public that a single‑lane closure will take place on South Road, Smith’s, near The Loren at Pink Beach, from Monday, 8 June through Wednesday, 30 September 2026, between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily.
The lane closure is necessary to allow for wall construction works in the area.
Motorists should expect intermittent delays while travelling through the area. Traffic will be controlled by temporary traffic lights, and the public is encouraged to exercise patience, proceed with caution, and follow all traffic controls while the works are underway.
North Shore Road, Devonshire, near Robinson’s Bay Park: Temporary Lane Closure
The Ministry of Public Works advises the public that a lane closure will occur on North Shore Road near Robinson’s Bay Park, Devonshire, from Monday, 8 June through Friday, 12 June 2026, between 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. daily.
This traffic interruption is required to accommodate water trench works in the area.
Motorists should anticipate traffic delays and are advised to travel with caution. Stop‑and‑go signs and, where necessary, traffic lights will be in use under the direction of on‑site traffic controllers.
Media release supplied by the Government of Bermuda.
Community members are invited to a youth-led tea ceremony celebrating hospitality, cultural traditions and meaningful conversation
The community is invited to attend The Global Tea Exchange, a youth storytelling tea ceremony taking place on Sunday, June 14, 2026, from 4:00pm to 6:00pm at the Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist Church Youth Center.
Held under the theme One Stool. Many Stories. A World of Tea, the event will bring together children, teen leaders and community members for a ceremonial afternoon of cultural storytelling, tea, delicacies and connection.
The Global Tea Exchange is designed as an intimate, multigenerational gathering where young people share short cultural stories from countries around the world. Teen leaders, dressed in traditional attire, will extend hospitality by serving tea and cultural delicacies while guests listen, learn and reflect.
The event will take guests on a cultural journey from East to West, with featured countries including Japan, the Philippines, India, Kenya, Congo, Italy, Portugal, Jamaica. Attendance is limited to 50 people to create a warm and personal atmosphere.
Organizer Odia Vassell said the event was created to give young people a meaningful platform while bringing the wider community together.
“The Global Tea Exchange is about more than tea. It is about listening, learning and creating space for young voices to be heard. We wanted to design an experience where children could share cultural stories with confidence and where guests could leave with a deeper appreciation for the people and traditions that shape our community.”
Ms. Vassell said the event also reflects the importance of hospitality and respect across cultures.
“Around the world, tea is often connected to welcome, care and conversation. This event uses tea as a simple but powerful way to bring people together. Each story, each flavour and each act of service is an invitation to slow down, listen and see one another more clearly.”
The afternoon will include a ceremonial opening, youth storytelling, teen-led hospitality, tastings of tea blends and cultural delicacies, and an intermission for guests to connect and reflect. The event is suitable for all ages and is designed for anyone who values culture, community and meaningful exchange.
Ms. Vassell added, “This is not just a children’s event. It is a community gathering. Whether you are young, older, from Bermuda or from another part of the world, there is a place for you at the table. We hope people will come with curiosity, openness and a willingness to experience something beautiful together.”
Tickets are $35, with proceeds supporting the Hamilton SDA Multicultural Ministry – Outreach Fundraiser. Guests are encouraged to reserve their seats early because space is limited.
Event Details Event: The Global Tea Exchange Theme: One Stool. Many Stories. A World of Tea. Date: Sunday, June 14, 2026 Time: 4:00pm – 6:00pm Location: Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist Church Youth Center Tickets: $35 Website: www.Tea4unity.com
Guests with severe food allergies are advised that the event includes a variety of tea blends and cultural delicacies, and cross-contamination may be possible.
Public Works Minister calls on residents to reduce single-use plastics and support environmental initiatives
The Minister of Public Works and Environment, the Hon. Jache Adams, JP, MP, today encouraged residents to observe Earth Day on 5 June and World Oceans Day on 8 June, highlighting Bermuda’s ongoing commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. This year’s Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet”, focuses on collective action, while World Oceans Day will be observed under the theme “One Ocean, One Climate, One Future — Together”.
Reflecting on Earth Day, Minister Adams emphasized the importance of individual and community action in protecting Bermuda’s natural environment.
“Earth Day reminds us that we all have a role to play. I encourage residents to participate in community clean-ups, support conservation initiatives, and make choices that contribute to a greener Bermuda,” said Minister Adams.
He noted recent conservation successes, including the internationally recognised recovery of the greater Bermuda land snail, once feared extinct, as an example of what can be achieved through sustained scientific effort and collaboration. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources continues to support biodiversity, strengthen environmental protections, and promote responsible stewardship of Bermuda’s natural resources.
Turning to World Oceans Day, Minister Adams highlighted the importance of protecting Bermuda’s marine environment and reducing pollution.
“Our ocean is central to our way of life, and protecting it requires consistent action. I encourage residents to reduce single-use plastics, dispose of waste responsibly, and support efforts to preserve marine habitats,” he said.
The Minister noted that Bermuda continues to advance long-term ocean planning through the development of a Marine Spatial Plan and ongoing research to better understand and protect marine resources.
Minister Adams concluded by encouraging residents to view these observances as more than symbolic occasions.
“These days are an opportunity not only to reflect, but to act. By working together and making informed choices, we can continue to protect Bermuda’s environment for future generations.”
Media release supplied by the Government of Bermuda.
Police say rider arrested on suspicion of impaired driving following Devonshire crash
Images: Bermuda Police Service
A motorcyclist was seriously injured in a single-vehicle collision on Barker’s Hill in Devonshire on Saturday afternoon.
Police and other first responders were dispatched to the scene just north of the junction with Parsons Lane shortly after 3.45pm
According to police, initial information suggests the motorcycle was travelling south along Barker’s Hill when the male rider lost control of the vehicle and collided with a roadside rock face.
Passersby rendered assistance until Emergency Medical Services personnel arrived. The rider was treated at the scene before being transported by ambulance to hospital.
Police said the man’s injuries are considered serious.
The rider was subsequently arrested on suspicion of driving while impaired.
An investigation into the incident has begun.
Anyone with information about the collision is asked to contact Police Constable Colby Pimentel by e-mail at cpimentel@bps.bm or by calling 295-0011.
Corporation says the former Premier helped shape the modern City of Hamilton and elevate Bermuda’s global standing
Statement from the City of Hamilton on the Passing of Sir John Swan
Mayor Dr. Michael Branco and the Corporation of Hamilton join the people of Bermuda in mourning the passing of National Hero Sir John Swan, whose leadership, vision and unwavering belief in Bermuda helped shape the modern City of Hamilton and the country we know today.
City flags are flying at half-mast across Hamilton today in honour of Sir John’s life and legacy.
Sir John was more than a former Premier. He was a champion for Bermuda, a steadfast advocate for the City, and a statesman who consistently challenged us all to think bigger, build smarter and aspire to world-class standards. His vision for Hamilton was bold, progressive and rooted in the belief that Bermuda could stand shoulder to shoulder with the very best jurisdictions in the world.
Throughout the years, the Corporation of Hamilton could always count on Sir John for thoughtful counsel, constructive criticism and passionate advocacy for economic growth, entrepreneurship and business development. He believed deeply in the power of opportunity and inspired generations of Bermudians to dream boldly, invest confidently and lead with purpose.
His legacy can be seen not only in the physical and economic transformation of Bermuda during his tenure, but also in the confidence and ambition he instilled in the country itself. Sir John elevated national conversations around development, international business and Bermuda’s place on the global stage. He was fearless in his convictions, deeply committed to his country and determined to leave Bermuda better than he found it.
As a Corporation, we honour his extraordinary life, service and enduring contributions to both our City and our country. We will join the national mourning process and do our part to ensure his legacy is remembered with the dignity and respect it deserves.
On behalf of the Mayor, Councillors, management and staff of the Corporation of Hamilton, we extend our deepest condolences to the Swan family, including former City Councillor Nicholas Swan, and to all who mourn Sir John’s passing.
May he rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire Bermuda for generations to come.
24-year-old remains in custody pending court appearance next week
A 24-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of impaired driving and possession of a bladed article late Friday night after police said he showed signs of impairment.
In a social media post, the Bermuda Police Service said officers on mobile patrol in the west end of the island had cause to stop a motorcycle travelling east along Somerset Road at around 11:45pm.
“A check of the vehicle revealed that its license and insurance had expired,” the post read. “Whilst speaking with the bike rider, a 24-year-old male, officers observed he showed signs of impairment.
“The male was then arrested for driving while impaired. A subsequent search led to the recovery of a knife which he had in his possession.
“The subject was further arrested for possession of a bladed article.”
Police said the man was taken to Hamilton Police Station, where he remains in custody pending a court appearance early next week.
The BPS reminded the public that high-visibility policing operations remain in effect.
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.
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.
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.”
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.”
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