In a statement to Reuters on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the European Commission said the move is linked to EU rules restricting the use of certain antimicrobial substances in food-producing animals
International News via Reuters:
The European Commission said Brazil is not included on a list of countries authorized to export certain animal products to the European Union, effectively barring a wide range of shipments starting September 3.
• In a statement to Reuters on Tuesday, a spokesperson for the European Commission said the move is linked to EU rules restricting the use of certain antimicrobial substances in food-producing animals
• The decision means Brazil will no longer be able to export products including beef, poultry, eggs, as well as live animals, to the European bloc
• The move comes days after a long-negotiated EU-Mercosur trade deal provisionally entered into force on May 1
• Brazil must demonstrate compliance with EU antimicrobial use requirements for the entire lifetime of animals from which exported products originate
• Once compliance is demonstrated, the EU will authorize exports again, the statement said
• The European Commission said it has closely engaged with Brazilian authorities and will continue working toward compliance
• Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment
Reporting by Julia Payne and Isabel Teles; Additional reporting by Fernando Cardoso; Editing by Iñigo Alexander
The island marked International Nurses Day today with a ceremony at City Hall
Bermuda marked International Nurses Day today with a ceremony at City Hall honouring the island’s nursing workforce and their vital contributions to public health and community wellbeing. The annual observance, held globally on May 12 to commemorate the birth of Florence Nightingale, brought together healthcare leaders, government officials, and nurses from across the island.
This year’s theme, “Nurses: A Voice to Lead. Empowered Nurses Save Lives”, highlights the essential role of nurses in delivering safe, effective, and person‑centred care, and underscores the importance of supporting the full scope of nursing practice.
During the ceremony, Minister of Health The Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP, delivered the official proclamation and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening Bermuda’s nursing workforce.
Minister Wilson stated: “Our nurses are the backbone of Bermuda’s healthcare system. Their expertise, compassion, and leadership touch every part of our community. Today we honour not only the work they do, but the strength and resilience they show every day. When we empower nurses, we strengthen our entire health system.”
The programme also featured remarks from the Mayor of Hamilton, the Chief Nursing Officer, and nursing leaders from the Bermuda Hospitals Board, Bermuda College, and the Bermuda Nurses Association.
The ceremony concluded with a call to continue uplifting and investing in nurses throughout Nurses Week (May 6–12) and beyond, recognising them as the heartbeat of Bermuda’s healthcare system.
Media release and images supplied by the Government of Bermuda.
The statement by the State Department comes ahead of a high-stakes summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week, where Iran’s chokehold on the strait will be on the agenda
International News via Reuters:
Senior U.S. and Chinese officials agree that no country can be allowed to exact shipping tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, the State Department told Reuters on Tuesday, in a sign that the two countries are trying to find common ground on efforts to pressure Iran to give up control of the vital waterway.
The statement by the State Department comes ahead of a high-stakes summit between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week, where Iran’s chokehold on the strait will be on the agenda.
Iran’s near-complete closure of the vital trade artery since the joint Israeli-U.S. airstrikes on the country on February 28 has sent shockwaves through global energy markets.
The State Department said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the issue in an April phone call.
“They agreed that no country or organization can be allowed to charge tolls to pass through international waterways like the Strait of Hormuz,” department spokesman Tommy Pigott told Reuters in response to questions about the call. The State Department has not previously provided a readout of the call in a break from its usual practice.
China’s embassy did not dispute the U.S. account of the discussion, saying it hoped all sides can work together to resume normal traffic through the strait, which before the war handled one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply.
“Keeping the area safe and stable and ensuring unimpeded passage serves the common interest of the international community,” embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu told Reuters.
Tehran has demanded a right to collect tolls on shipping traffic as a precondition for ending the war. The U.S. has imposed a naval blockade on Iran, and Trump has floated the possibility of imposing its own fees on traffic or working with Iran to collect tolls. After domestic and international pushback, the White House has since said Trump wants to see the Strait of Hormuz open up for traffic without any limitations.
Chinese officials so far have avoided direct mention of tolls, even while condemning the U.S. blockade.
‘NORMAL AND SAFE PASSAGE’
Two sources briefed on the Wang-Rubio exchange said Rubio had raised the prospect of Chinese vessels paying tolls, which they said appeared aimed at encouraging Beijing to apply more pressure on Tehran to bring the conflict to an end.
China maintains ties with Iran and remains a major consumer of its oil exports. Trump has been leaning on China to use its influence to push Tehran to make a deal with Washington.
In a subsequent meeting with Iran’s foreign minister, Wang said the international community shared a “common concern about restoring normal and safe passage through the strait” while reiterating that China supports Iran in “safeguarding its national sovereignty and security.”
China vetoed a U.S.-backed resolution in the United Nations last month encouraging states to work together to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, arguing it was biased against Iran. That prompted U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, to argue that Beijing was tolerating Iran holding the global economy at gunpoint.
Washington together with Bahrain has drawn up another U.N. resolution demanding Iran halt attacks and mining in the strait, but diplomats say this is also likely to meet with Chinese and Russian vetoes if it comes to a vote.
That resolution also calls for an end to “efforts to exact illegal tolls” in the strait.
China has ordered its companies not to comply with U.S. sanctions against Chinese oil refineries over purchases of Iranian crude, measures intended to isolate and pressure Tehran.
Reporting by Michael Martina; Additional reporting by David Brunnstrom and Andrea Shalal; Editing by Andy Sullivan and Alistair Bell
The Lumina Festival is pleased to announce that its flagship event, The Financial Literacy Summit, will be returning on Friday, Sept 25 at the National Museum of Bermuda, and early bird tickets are available for purchase from now until June 1st.
Founded by CEO Zach Wilson, the Financial Literacy Summit aims to give everyday people a platform to get answers about financial literacy and to tackle growing wealth disparities across the island by providing those at various stages in their financial journey with a plan and a renewed purpose.
This year’s theme, Art of The Possible, challenges participants to think bigger. They’ll hear from local financial experts, entrepreneurs, and professionals on how to make smart money decisions today that will kickstart their success tomorrow and fuel their long-term goals.
“Many people in our community feel that certain elements of financial success and stability are out of their reach, “ said Zach Wilson. “Through The Lumina Festival, our goal is to show participants that navigating stocks and investing, reaching financial freedom—it’s not just limited to those from a well off or corporate background. We want to give our community the resources they need to take control of their financial futures and recognize that anything is possible for them. It’s also important that we showcase success stories from professionals who look like us and share similar experiences.”
The event will feature panels, workshops, and interviews on financial literacy topics such as budgeting, banking and debt, investing, entrepreneurship, and generational planning, and will explore three new topics—Creative Business, Real Estate, and Digital Finance.
“We’re excited about our new workshops. By introducing these new topics, especially the Creative Business topic, we’re seeking to shine a light on the many creatives in Bermuda who’ve successfully carved out a space for themselves in the industry,” said Zach. “There are just as many creatives who don’t know how to profit from their skills, and we want to give them the tools to achieve this. Participants can also hear directly from the experiences of successful entrepreneurs who juggle traditional 9-to-5 jobs, people who’ve committed to investing full time, and many more.”
Following the summit, guests can mingle with like-minded individuals and event speakers at the networking Happy Hour sponsored by CG Insurance from 5 – 7 p.m.
“As a pensions and life insurance provider, CG is excited to support a forum that encourages meaningful conversations around financial literacy, long-term planning, and retirement readiness, “ said Naz Farrow, CEO of CG Insurance. “This sponsorship strongly aligns with CG’s commitment to supporting the communities we serve through education and empowerment. Opportunities like the Financial Literacy Summit create an important space for knowledge exchange, bringing together professionals, community members, and industry leaders to share insights that can help empower Bermudians to build stability and plan confidently for their financial futures.”
Early bird tickets are available at ptix.bm, starting at $140 for general access, $180 for general plus access, and $389 for VIP access. Prices will increase on June 1st.
For more information and general inquiries, email info@luminafest.com or visit luminafest.com. Follow The Lumina Festival on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for event updates
Acting Detective Chief Inspector, Leroy Mathurin and Acting Detective Inspector, Zoenique Williams of the Bermuda Police Service’s Specialist Investigations Department, recently attended the 11th Asset Recovery Interagency Network – Asia Pacific (ARIN-AP) Asset Recovery Training Seminar held in Seoul, South Korea, from April 21 to 22, 2026.
The specialised training brought together asset recovery practitioners, prosecutors, investigators, financial intelligence experts, and international law enforcement representatives from multiple jurisdictions to discuss emerging trends, legislative developments, investigative strategies, and best practices in asset tracing, restraint, confiscation, forfeiture, and international cooperation.
Participation in the ARIN-AP training is considered strategically significant for Bermuda as the jurisdiction continues strengthening its anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, proliferation financing, and sanctions enforcement framework ahead of the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) 5th Round Mutual Evaluation schedule for 2027. Asset recovery effectiveness, including the identification, tracing, restraint, confiscation, and recovery of criminal proceeds, remains a critical component of the FATF assessment methodology.
This training enhanced the officers’ operational knowledge and technical skillsets in both conviction-based and non-conviction-based asset recovery regimes, which are essential tools in disrupting organised crime, depriving criminals of illicit proceeds, and protecting the integrity of Bermuda’s financial system.
In addition to the technical training, the seminar provided valuable opportunities to strengthen professional networks with international asset recovery specialists and partner agencies. These relationships are vital in facilitating intelligence sharing, cross-border cooperation, and the timely execution of asset recovery enquiries spanning multiple jurisdictions.
The Bermuda Police Service continues to prioritise the development of specialist investigative capabilities to ensure the organisation remains equipped to respond effectively to evolving financial crime threats and international compliance obligations. Attendance at forums such as ARIN-AP further supports the BPS’s commitment to enhancing institutional capacity, operational effectiveness, and international cooperation in the fight against financial crime.
Media release provided by the Bermuda Police Service.
The UK Health Security Agency said the individuals were already isolating and not showing symptoms
International News via Reuters:
British health authorities said on Tuesday that 10 people from remote British island territories who were contacts of individuals in the hantavirus outbreak will be brought to the UK for precautionary isolation.
The UK Health Security Agency said the individuals were already isolating and not showing symptoms. The move was intended purely as a precaution, it said.
The outbreak has been linked to the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius, which travelled through the South Atlantic and made stops at several places. The 10 people being transferred to Britain are from the overseas territories of Saint Helena island and Ascension Island.
According to the cruise company’s website, 32 guests and one crew member disembarked from the vessel at Saint Helena and two guests had a medical evacuation via Ascension Island.
The British government did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the identities of the people.
The health agency added that the risk to the wider public remained very low and said it would continue contact tracing and monitoring of people linked to the ship.
Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; Editing by Cynthia Osterman
A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday temporarily paused a lower court ruling against the Trump administration’s 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act
International News via Reuters:
A U.S. appeals court on Tuesday temporarily paused a lower court ruling against the Trump administration’s 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act, keeping the tariffs in place for three importers that had won a reprieve from the duties last week.
• The U.S. trade court ruled against the new tariffs on Friday, but did not widely block their collection
• The Trump administration appealed
• While the ruling is paused, tariffs resume for the two businesses and Washington state, which sued over the tariffs
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit issued a short-term administrative stay and is considering a longer pause
• Washington qualified as an importer because it paid tariffs through the University of Washington, a public research institution
• The businesses and Washington state have seven days to oppose a longer pause of the lower court ruling in their favor
• The 10% global tariff was imposed in February, after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down most of the tariffs that Trump imposed in 2025
• The 10% global tariff is scheduled to expire in July, unless extended by Congress
• The latest global tariffs were imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974
Reporting by Dietrich Knauth; Editing by Nia Williams, Rod Nickel
A petition is calling for teacher who was put on administrative leave to be reinstated
Students knowing the right answer
The Ministry of Education is aware of a petition circulating regarding the reinstatement of a teacher on leave. A Ministry spokesperson stated today that any suggestion that the Minister acted outside of her authority, or improperly, is false.
Under the Education Act 1996, the Minister has a responsibility to ensure that Bermuda’s public education system is operating fairly, properly, and in the best interests of students.
That includes asking questions and reviewing matters when concerns are raised about student wellbeing, school discipline, or whether established procedures were followed.
The spokesperson continued: “At no point has the Minister suggested that teachers should not be fully supported in maintaining discipline or carrying out their professional responsibilities.
“On the contrary, teachers must be empowered and supported to manage their classrooms effectively and to uphold standards of behaviour that foster safe, respectful, and productive learning environments.
“At the same time, discipline must remain appropriate, proportionate, and aligned with the Code of Conduct, which promotes a positive and restorative approach.
“Discipline should be viewed as a teachable moment, using incremental interventions to address inappropriate behaviour, promote accountability, and support meaningful behavioural change.”
The spokesperson reiterated that teachers deserve support and respect in fulfilling their duties, just as students and parents deserve fairness, care, and protection.
“These principles are not in conflict; they are complementary and essential to a strong and effective education system,” they emphasised.
Minister Caesar stated: “No Minister can ignore concerns involving the well-being or treatment of a child and pretend it is someone else’s responsibility. The role requires good governance and accountability, upheld by legislation.
“When concerns are brought forward, the Minister has a duty to seek information, review what took place, and ensure that decisions were handled fairly and appropriately. That is not interference. That is part of the Minister’s job.
“It is disappointing that a sensitive matter involving a child and a staffing issue has been politicised publicly.
“The Ministry will not discuss individual students, staff members, or confidential human resource matters, because protecting privacy and respecting due process are responsibilities the Ministry takes seriously.”
The Ministry can confirm that:
• The relevant matters are under active review. • Established procedures are being followed; and • The Ministry remains engaged with the appropriate parties.
The Ministry of Education and the Minister will continue focusing on supporting teachers, protecting students, and ensuring Bermuda’s public education system operates fairly, responsibly, and with accountability for all.
Residents encouraged to review and comment on Bermuda’s proposed National Electricity Sector Policy 2026 ahead of the May 21 consultation deadline
The Ministry of Home Affairs is encouraging residents to attend a public meeting on the proposed National Electricity Sector Policy 2026 (NESP 2026), which is currently open for consultation.
The meeting will be held on Monday 18 May 2026 at 6.30pm at St. Paul’s AME Church Centennial Hall, Hamilton. Residents and stakeholders are invited to put questions to Ministry representatives and to comment directly on the proposed policy framework.
The NESP 2026 sets out the Government’s policy intent to modernise Bermuda’s electricity sector for the first time in over a decade. The policy anchors the transition in affordability, reliability, and equity, while taking account of the rapid evolution of energy technology and the contribution of ongoing public and technical input.
Public consultation closes on Wednesday 21 May 2026. The Ministry invites written submissions to be shared via forum.gov.bm.
Engagement on the National Electricity Sector Policy will continue beyond the close of consultation. Contributions and proposals received after that date will be logged for consideration as the policy and the supporting regulatory instruments develop. Decisions on the regulatory framework and specific technologies for Bermuda’s electricity sector remain the statutory responsibility of the Regulatory Authority of Bermuda (RA).
The Ministry invites the public to review the proposed policy direction, join the 18 May meeting and contribute to the consultation while it remains open.
Media release supplied by the Government of Bermuda.
The contest, traditionally a good-natured celebration of pop music and high camp now in its 70th year, has become mired in crisis over Israel’s military offensive in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023
International News via Reuters:
The Eurovision Song Contest gets off to a tense start in Vienna on Tuesday with a protest due to be held hours before the first semi-final featuring Israel, whose attendance prompted five countries to boycott over the Gaza war.
The contest, traditionally a good-natured celebration of pop music and high camp now in its 70th year, has become mired in crisis over Israel’s military offensive in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack of October 7, 2023.
The public broadcasters of five countries – Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland and Slovenia – are boycotting this year’s event, making it the smallest since 2003 with 35 entries. That will also most likely reduce viewership from last year’s estimated 166 million, more than the Super Bowl’s 128 million.
‘WE WILL NOT BE TERRORISED’
A first protest, expected to draw an estimated 500 people, was planned for Tuesday afternoon and the tension in the city was palpable ahead of the semi-final scheduled for 9 p.m. (1900 GMT).
“We won’t let ourselves be terrorised into silence,” Vienna Mayor Michael Ludwig of the Social Democrats said on Friday in an angry response to a small group of pro-Palestinian protesters who blew whistles at a concert he was speaking at.
“Unfortunately we will need large security measures because of people like you, for example. That will incur great expense, but we will nevertheless hold a festival of togetherness, I can promise you that,” he said.
The joint head of Amnesty International Austria, Shoura Hashemi, said on X Ludwig should apologise for his “unbearable, false, divisive” remarks aimed at peaceful protesters.
Austrian officialdom is strongly supportive of Israel, and pro-Palestinian protests are small. A handful of protests are planned this week, with attendance estimated at up to 3,000.
IRELAND SAID ATTENDANCE WOULD BE ‘UNCONSCIONABLE’
Police also say there could be spontaneous protests, particularly on Saturday, the day of the final. A cold snap, with rain and temperatures not due to exceed 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit) all week, could help keep numbers down.
Irish broadcaster RTE referred back to its statement in December that it would be “unconscionable” to take part.
Israel often alleges a global smear campaign against it.
At least 1,200 people were killed in the October 7 attack, most of them civilians. Israel responded by launching an assault on the enclave that killed more than 72,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, and left much of Gaza in ruins.
Israel’s contestant last year was Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the attack, who came second thanks to a massive public vote.
Its contestant this year, Noam Bettam, has no obvious political connotation but did receive a formal warning on Saturday for posting videos instructing the public to vote for him 10 times, the maximum allowed.
Contest Director Martin Green told Reuters he hoped those boycotting would return.
“They are members of our family, right? We miss them,” he said, adding: “We remain in dialogue to see if we can find pathways for them back.”
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