Rideshare license application deadline extended
Transport Minister Owen Darrell this afternoon told Bermuda Broadcasting, he will accept all new applications until all 150 licenses have been allocated
The window for applications to become a rideshare operator has been extended.
The original deadline for submissions was at 5pm Thursday, 14 May.However, Transport Minister Owen Darrell told us this afternoon that he is welcoming new applicants until all 150 licenses are distributed.
Jasmine Patterson has this update.
Senior UK minister resigns, calls for a leadership contest to oust PM Starmer
Disastrous results for the governing Labour Party in local elections last week have plunged Britain into a new crisis, just under two years after Starmer won a large majority on a vow to bring stability and end a decade of political chaos
International News via Reuters:
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer was struggling to hold on to power after his main rival in the government resigned on Thursday, accusing him of political drift, and others positioned themselves for potential challenges to his leadership.
Disastrous results for the governing Labour Party in local elections last week have plunged Britain into a new crisis, just under two years after Starmer won a large majority on a vow to bring stability and end a decade of political chaos.
After days of calls by Labour lawmakers for Starmer to quit or set out a timetable for his departure, Wes Streeting resigned as health minister, the first senior minister to break cover. He said he was standing down because “it is now clear you will not lead the Labour Party into the next general election”.
But Streeting did not trigger a formal contest, and other senior cabinet ministers expressed their support for Starmer.
Labour members of parliament and trade unions said they wanted the debate about what comes next to focus on ideas rather than personalities or factions, his resignation letter said.
“It needs to be broad, and it needs the best possible field of candidates,” Streeting wrote.
Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, like Streeting a Labour Party politician, said separately he would seek a seat in parliament – a move that could pave the way for him to challenge Starmer.
STREETING SAYS BRITAIN NEEDS VISION
“Where we need vision, we have a vacuum. Where we need direction, we have drift,” Streeting said. “Leaders take responsibility, but too often that has meant other people falling on their swords.”
Starmer responded with a letter expressing regret Streeting had stepped down, saying “it is incumbent on all of us to rise to what I see as a battle for the soul of our nation” and “turn the page on the chaos”.
A source close to Streeting said the former health minister had enough support to mount a formal leadership challenge but had not triggered an immediate contest because he felt it would be preferable for Starmer to set out an orderly timetable.
Starmer has said he will battle to keep his job, and sources close to him say he is determined to fight any leadership contest.
The pound edged lower after Streeting’s resignation and news that Burnham would seek to return to parliament.
“It moves us one step closer to a Labour leadership challenge. How many steps are between here and there, that’s still uncertain,” said Nick Rees, head of macro research, Monex Europe, London.
POTENTIAL CANDIDATES FACE OFF AGAINST STARMER LOYALISTS
Earlier on Thursday, Starmer’s former deputy, Angela Rayner, said she had been cleared of deliberate wrongdoing over her tax affairs, an impediment to any leadership contest, but she would not say whether she wanted to launch a formal bid.
Labour lawmaker Josh Simons said he would resign from his seat in Greater Manchester, opening a possible route for Burnham to win a place in parliament – something needed for him to bid to become prime minister.
Burnham said he would seek permission to stand as Labour’s candidate in the seat but stopped short of saying he would challenge Starmer.
“Much bigger change is needed at a national level if everyday life is to be made more affordable again. This is why I now seek people’s support to return to parliament,” he said on X.
Another potential candidate is armed forces minister Al Carns, a former Royal Marine seen by some in Labour as a new face who could freshen up the party.
But education minister Bridget Phillipson repeated her backing for Starmer and suggested the rest of his cabinet team was supportive.
“This is now a chance for us to pause, take a breath as a party and try and draw a line under all of this,” she said.
Starmer, 63, has adopted a “business-as-usual” approach and finance minister Rachel Reeves warned lawmakers against plunging Britain into chaos when its anaemic economy was turning a corner. The economy grew unexpectedly in March.
Business leaders fear another leadership race to choose what would be Britain’s seventh prime minister in about a decade would deter investment – something the Labour government has said must improve to turn around Britain’s fortunes.
The political instability has pushed borrowing costs higher, with some investors nervous about the possible election of a more left-wing, tax-and-spend Labour prime minister.
“There have been too many changes of government strategy, leadership, just in my six years of being CEO,” Amanda Blanc, boss of insurance company Aviva, told Reuters. “And I think that is harmful to a major economy such as the UK and how we are perceived abroad.” ($1 = 0.7398 pounds)
Reporting by Elizabeth Piper, Andrew MacAskill and Alistair Smout, Additional reporting by Muvija M, Sam Tabahriti and William James; Writing by Elizabeth Piper and Kate Holton; Editing by Alison Williams and Timothy Heritage
Police renew witnesses appeal in 2021 murder of Jordan Outerbridge
Full police statement:
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) is renewing the appeal for information regarding the fatal shooting of Jordan Outerbridge.
Around 10:30pm, Tuesday, April 6, 2021, Mr. Outerbridge was the first person to leave a regularly scheduled card game at a nearby Tribe Road Number 2, Warwick residence.
As he was about to head home to his wife and two girls along the Railway Trail in Warwick, a gunman wearing a blue coloured jacket with a hood shot him multiple times, before escaping on the back of a waiting motorcycle.
The gunman’s accomplice, riding the motorcycle, wore black clothing.
To date, no one has been arrested in connection with the murder or of Mr. Outerbridge who was 37-years-old at the time of his death.
Detectives are grateful for the assistance received from the public so far and remain confident that there are individuals who have knowledge of the circumstances surrounding Mr. Outerbridge’s killing.
Anyone who can help bring those responsible to justice are once again encouraged to contact Acting Detective Inspector Anneka Donawa on 247-1739, or by e-mailing adonawa@bps.bm.
Alternatively, anonymous tips can be shared through the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers Bermuda hotline 800-8477, or their website, www.crimestoppers.bm.
BoE’s Pill calls for ‘prompt but modest’ rate hike to quell inflation pressure
Pill, who cast the lone vote for an increase in borrowing costs at the BoE’s rate-setting meeting in April, said policymakers needed to think about whether rates should go up sooner rather than later
International News via Reuters:
Bank of England Chief Economist Huw Pill said on Thursday a “prompt but modest” increase in interest rates would help to head off the risk of inflation pressure caused by the Iran war becoming stuck in the British economy.
Pill, who cast the lone vote for an increase in borrowing costs at the BoE’s rate-setting meeting in April, said policymakers needed to think about whether rates should go up sooner rather than later.
“If you wait until the market is forcing you to move, I think that may involve more challenges for the central bank than if you act a little more actively,” he said at an event hosted by NatWest.
By taking “prompt but modest” action, the BoE would be able to influence the response of businesses and workers to the rise in headline inflation, Pill said.
Earlier on Thursday, BoE Deputy Governor Sarah Breeden was quoted as saying by the Financial Times that interest rates did not need to rise in June or July. BoE Governor Andrew Bailey has also said he wants more time to assess the situation.
Pill said the risk of so-called second-round effects – such as firms putting up their prices or workers demanding higher pay in response to an energy-driven rise in inflation – was likely to be weaker than after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, given the current weakness in the labour market.
However, he also said it was not clear the labour market was as loose as when there were oil price spikes in 2008 and 2011, which did not lead to second-round effects on inflation.
As well as worries about inflation caused by the Iran war, political pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pushed long-term British government borrowing costs to their highest levels in nearly three decades in recent days.
Asked about the rise in those borrowing costs, Pill said the BoE might want to offset some of the pressure on the economy but not if the increase in market rates was driven by inflation concerns.
Reporting by David MillikenEditing by William Schomberg and Paul Simao
College students draw praise at Commencement Ceremony
Bermuda College celebrated its Spring 2026 Commencement Ceremony today, honouring graduates as they marked a major milestone in their academic journeys.
Family, friends, faculty, and community leaders gathered to celebrate the achievements of the students, at a celebratory event filled with pride.
Dr. David Sam, President of Bermuda College, along with Premier David Burt, shared words of encouragement and congratulations as the graduates prepare for the next chapter in their lives.
Cuba’s electrical grid suffers partial collapse as protests flare
By mid-morning officials had restored power to some essential services in the region
International News via Reuters:
Cuba’s electrical grid suffered a partial collapse early on Thursday morning, the country’s grid operator UNE said, snuffing out power across eastern Cuba and testing the patience of Cubans already exhausted from seemingly interminable blackouts amid a U.S. fuel blockade.
By mid-morning officials had restored power to some essential services in the region, the grid operator said, though much of Cuba east of Camaguey, including the island’s second-largest city, Santiago de Cuba, remained largely without electricity.
The Caribbean island of nearly 10 million people has reached a tipping point this month, as summer heat sets in and the vast majority – including in the capital Havana – now suffer without electricity for 20 hours or more each day.
The blackouts dramatically worsened in January after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened tariffs on any nation supplying the island with fuel. Venezuela and Mexico, once the country’s top suppliers of crude oil, have since cut off shipments.
Trump has predicted Cuba would “collapse” and has said he wants to oust the current communist-run government.
Cuba’s energy and mines minister said on Wednesday that the island had completely run out of fuel oil and diesel, both critical to powering the island’s electrical grid, and blamed blackouts on the U.S. blockade.
Widespread protests broke out across Havana on Wednesday evening as the power cuts in some parts of the city spanned 24 hours or more, threatening to spoil frozen food reserves and making sleep all but impossible for many residents.
“The country has no fuel and that’s no lie,” said Rodolfo Aragon, a 55-year-old small business owner who said he saw little hope for the future amid Cuba’s conflict with the United States. “Our economy has hit rock bottom.”
The United Nations last week called Trump’s fuel blockade unlawful, saying it had obstructed the “Cuban people’s right to development while undermining their rights to food, education, health, and water and sanitation.”
Reporting by Dave Sherwood, additional reporting by Mario Fuentes; Editing by Nia Williams
Third Annual Kim Burns Memorial Pickleball Tournament Returns This Weekend
PAB Press Release:
The Pickleball Association of Bermuda is proud to host the third annual Kim Burns Memorial Pickleball Tournament, taking place from Saturday, May 16th through Thursday, May 21st at the WER Joell Tennis Stadium.
Held each May in celebration of the life and legacy of Kim Burns, the tournament honors one of Bermuda’s most passionate and respected pickleball players, mentors and ambassadors for the sport. Burns, who passed away following a courageous battle with cancer, continues to inspire Bermuda’s close-knit pickleball community through an event rooted in competition, camaraderie and community spirit.
This year’s tournament will be the largest yet, featuring 27 categories with 16-player draws across doubles, mixed doubles and singles competition.
Players from across the island will compete throughout the six-day event, showcasing Bermuda’s growing passion for pickleball while paying tribute to a player remembered not only for her talent on the court, but also for her encouragement, sportsmanship and love for the game.
The tournament has quickly become a meaningful fixture on Bermuda’s sporting calendar, bringing together athletes, friends and supporters to celebrate Kim’s enduring impact on the sport and the wider community.
Opening and closing presentations throughout the tournament will reflect on the lasting legacy Burns leaves behind, while competitors battle for titles in what is expected to be one of the association’s most competitive events to date.
The Pickleball Association of Bermuda said the event continues to embody the very best of sport — unity, resilience and friendship — while ensuring Kim Burns’ spirit remains an enduring part of Bermuda’s pickleball story.
UK stocks rise as strong economic growth offers relief amid political uncertainty
The blue-chip FTSE 100 index ended 0.46% higher, while the mid-cap FTSE 250 rose 1.33%
International News via Reuters:
UK shares edged up on Thursday, as strong first-quarter economic growth offered some respite to investors shaken by escalating political uncertainty in the country.
The blue-chip FTSE 100 index ended 0.46% higher, while the mid-cap FTSE 250 rose 1.33%.
Data showed Britain’s economy grew unexpectedly in March, suggesting it was in better shape than many feared after a sluggish fourth quarter last year.
However, some analysts warned that stockpiling of goods due to supply chain disruptions stemming from the Middle East conflict could have inflated the figures.
“We need to be cautious about judging the genuine trend,” said Rob Wood, chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics.
Economists also said issues related to measuring post-pandemic shifts in spending may be contributing to the pattern of strong first-quarter growth.
George Brown, senior economist at Schroders, said that economic strength may wane as the year progresses.
“UK GDP has developed a habit of starting the year well, only for momentum to slow due to residual seasonality… That should mean the Bank of England talks tough but stops short of the hikes markets are pricing in.”
Market participants expect the central bank to raise rates at least two times this year, according to data compiled by LSEG.
QUESTIONS REMAIN OVER STARMER’S FUTURE
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s future hung in the balance after Wes Streeting resigned as health minister and called for his ouster, following disastrous results for the Labour Party in last week’s local elections.
Investors are worried that Starmer’s potential successor could advocate for increased spending, adding pressure to Britain’s already strained finances.
Long-term British borrowing costs surged to their highest in nearly 30 years earlier this week.
Among individual stocks, Legal and General rose 6.16% and was among the top percentage gainers on the FTSE 100, after the Financial Times reported possible buying interest was building in the company.
Auto stocks advanced 3.23%, outweighing a 3% slide in the investment banking index, dragged by a 12.76% decline in 3i Group.
The investment firm’s stock hit its lowest since 2023 amid a slowdown at discount retailer Action, its key portfolio company.
Reporting by Niket Nishant in Bengaluru; Editing by Harikrishnan Nair and Diti Pujara
Power cuts hit hundreds of homes
Just under 1,000 BELCO customers were reportedly without power at around 4pm this afternoon – the majority in the east end of the island.
According to the utility’s outage map, 888 customers lost electricity in St. George’s, followed by 53 in Sandys and 31 in Devonshire.
In a post to social media earlier today, BELCO encouraged all customers to unplug sensitive electronics and devices due to today’s unpredictable weather conditions.
“In the event of a weather-related outage or power surge, this simple step can help protect your valuable equipment from damage,” the post read.
BELCO also urged residents to stay weather aware and report outages via 955 if needed.
According to the Bermuda Weather Service, low pressure passing to the north is driving a cold front over the island with heavy showers, nearby thunderstorms and strong winds with gusts to gale force that linger through early Friday.
“Conditions improve into the weekend as high pressure heralds a return to drier weather with an easing breeze,” the BWS advised.
Mayor receives Chains of Office
Newly-elected Mayor of Hamilton Dr. Michael Branco was formally invested with the Chains of Office by the City’s Chief Executive Officer Dwayne Caines, during a ceremony at City Hall
The Corporation of Hamilton is pleased to formally welcome Mayor Dr. Michael Branco as Mayor of Hamilton following his election victory in the Municipal Elections held on May 7, 2026.
Dr. Mayor Branco was legally sworn in immediately following the announcement of his election win by former Mayor Charles Gosling, who served the City with distinction for more than 14 years across two terms. On May 13, Mayor Branco was formally invested with the Chains of Office by the City’s Chief Executive Officer Dwayne Caines during a ceremony at City Hall, attended by his family, friends, fellow Councillors, colleagues, and members of the City team.
The ceremony marked an important moment in the City’s democratic transition and celebrated the beginning of Mayor Branco’s tenure. Mayor Branco was elected after receiving 140 votes, compared with 43 votes for fellow mayoral candidate Mr. Elmore Warren.
Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Mayor Branco said: “Being invested with the Chains of Office was a proud and humbling moment. The weight of the Chains is significant, just like the responsibilities of this office. I will serve our residents, our businesses, our staff, and the City of Hamilton with all my energy, intellect, ethics, and heart throughout my term.”
Mayor Branco’s first week in office has included briefings on immediate City priorities, preparation for his first Board meeting as Mayor, ceremonial duties, and engagement with residents. On his first day in office, he visited North Hamilton with the City Engineer to review first-hand feedback received from residents during the election canvass.
Mayor Branco said the response from the community has been encouraging.
“During the election, I walked the streets of Hamilton several times over, meeting voters, knocking on doors, and listening to feedback,” he said. “It was a humbling experience, and I am a better person for it. The feedback and excitement about the new City Council have been positive and overwhelming. There is a real sense of hope and possibility, and now we must get to work.”
The newly elected Council held its first Board meeting on May 13 and constituted its committees as follows:
North Hamilton & Residents — Chair: Councillor Brown
Finance — Chair: Councillor Barnett
Infrastructure — Chair: Councillor Pacheco
Staff & Legislation — Chair: Councillor Brimmer
Unsheltered Population — Chair: Councillor Caines
The City will also be reactivating the Waterfront Committee, with the Chair to be announced soon.
Mayor Branco said the Council’s immediate focus will be on delivering early progress while remaining mindful of budgets, resources, and operational capacity.
“Our priorities include improving quality of life for residents in North Hamilton, bringing more vibrancy to the City through events in North Hamilton and along the Waterfront, helping Bermudian businesses thrive in Hamilton, working with our partners to address the needs of the unsheltered population and related community challenges, and thoughtfully bringing artificial intelligence into City operations as a tool to work alongside our team, not to replace them,” said Mayor Branco.
The new Council is also eager to have its first meetings with Government to discuss the path forward for Municipal Reform and the preservation of the City’s right to hold elections.
Mayor Branco brings more than 25 years of experience across business, technology, and innovation. He was sworn in as a City Councillor in July 2025 and previously served as an Associate Member of the City of Hamilton’s Infrastructure Committee from 2019 to 2023.
He is the founder of Celeste Ventures, a technology advisory and investment company, and previously served as CEO of Fireminds, where he grew the company into an award-winning software and cloud services firm operating across multiple jurisdictions. Mayor Branco is also the founder of PTIX, Bermuda’s leading ticketing platform, and played a key role in the development of Innovation House, a prominent technology and commercial hub in Hamilton.
Through Celeste Ventures, he oversees a diverse portfolio of ventures spanning SaaS, Insurtech, advertising, and IT services, including the successful transformation of AAC Saatchi & Saatchi into the Two Point O Collective.
Mayor Branco holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Western University and an MBA from Ivey Business School. He has completed executive training at Stanford University in artificial intelligence, distributed databases, and board governance, and recently completed his Doctorate in Business Administration at Rutgers Business School, with research focused on artificial intelligence and finance.
Civically engaged, Mayor Branco has served on multiple committees within the City of Hamilton, is a Justice of the Peace, and currently serves as Chair of Bermuda Forward, a non-partisan think tank focused on Bermuda’s long-term economic and social development. He is also a past Chair of YPO Bermuda.
Mayor Branco succeeds Charles Gosling, and the Corporation of Hamilton extends its sincere thanks to Mr. Gosling and the retiring Councillors for their years of dedicated service and leadership.
“We are fortunate that the outgoing Council fought hard for the City, defended our right to elections, and laid a strong financial foundation for the City’s continued success,” said Mayor Branco. “I am forever thankful to Mayor Gosling and the retiring Councillors, who gave more than 15 years of dedicated service.”
During his tenure, Mr. Gosling helped guide the City through a period of meaningful progress and modernization. Under his leadership, the City introduced open Council meetings, strengthening transparency and public engagement, while continuing to champion Hamilton’s long-standing tradition of democratic representation. His stewardship, alongside Council and staff, supported initiatives aimed at enhancing the City’s operations, public spaces, and economic vitality.
The Corporation of Hamilton warmly welcomes Mayor Branco to his new role and looks forward to his leadership in continuing to support Hamilton’s growth, vibrancy, democratic representation, and economic development.
The occasion also included the swearing-in of City Councillor Tony Thompson (pictured above).
Media release and images supplied.
