The Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA) has announced a temporary no-fly zone over the Great Sound that will take effect during next month’s Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix. The restriction will cover the airspace above and around the racing event, as illustrated in the diagram below, from the 6th May to 10th May 2026, between the hours of 09:00 a.m. and 05:00 p.m.
For the safety of event participants, spectators and the general public, please note that the flying of non-participating aircraft, unmanned aircraft (drones), microlights, gliders, airships and balloons will be prohibited in the temporary no-fly zone. However, an approved helicopter will be flying in this airspace. A Notice to Airmen has been disseminated to the aviation community.
The BCAA would also like to remind the public that, as usual, rules and regulations are in place for the use of drones and other small unmanned aircraft, including the five permanent no-fly zones. For further details about these policies, visit the BCAA’s website at www.bcaa.bm/drone-operations.
Around 4:17 PM on Saturday, April 25, 2025, police and other first responders were dispatched to the scene of a serious two vehicle collision on Somerset Road near the junction with Westside Road in Sandys.
Details surrounding the collision remain limited at this time; however, it has been reported that a taxi and a motorcycle were involved. The motorcycle rider, a male, tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The female taxi driver is not believed to have been injured.
Traffic diversions are in place. Westbound traffic is being redirected onto Sound View Road, while eastbound traffic is being diverted onto Scotts Hill Road as police process the scene. Motorists are advised to use caution.
Witnesses are urged to contact the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788.
A German-led international team of marine scientists has returned to the Sargasso Sea to continue long-term research on one of the ocean’s most remarkable and still partly unresolved mysteries: the early life stages of the European eel.
The expedition is led by Professor Reinhold Hanel of the Thünen Institute of Fisheries Ecology (Germany), who has been working with his team in the Sargasso Sea region for more than a decade. His first research expedition to the area dates back to 2011, when scientists set out from Bermuda to investigate the spawning grounds of European eels—an event also reported locally at the time.
Since then, the research has developed into a long-term survey programme. The current expedition, which concluded on April 12, 2026, represents the sixth survey of the working group in the Sargasso Sea since 2011, and the fifth mission conducted aboard the research vessel Walther Herwig III as part of a regular three-year survey cycle.
The Sargasso Sea is the only spawning area for the critically endangered European eel (Anguilla anguilla). The eels spawn in the ocean to the South of Bermuda but migrate several thousand kilometres to inshore Europe, the Baltic, the Mediterranean, and northern Africa, to live most of their lives in brackish or freshwater environments.
The eels are harvested for human consumption, driving a decline that is exacerbated by other threats, including habitat loss, barriers to migration, pollution, and more. The European eel has experienced more than 90% fall in recruitment since the 1970s.
“Many aspects of the eels’ spawning behaviour and early development remain unknown, including the exact locations and environmental conditions of spawning,” explained Prof. Reinhold Hanel, Cruise Leader.
“During the recent expedition, researchers collected plankton samples across a large survey area in the western and central Sargasso Sea to determine the distribution, abundance, and size of eel larvae.”
“These data are essential for understanding recruitment processes and long-term population trends of this critically endangered species.
“The work also contributes to broader ecosystem research as, in addition to eel larvae, the scientists are studying plankton communities including jellyfish, sunfish larva and mesopelagic fishes that inhabit the so-called ‘twilight zone’ of the ocean.”
Prof. Hanel has been collaborating with the Sargasso Sea Commission for several years and has contributed to scientific initiatives supporting its conservation goals.
“A single species action plan for the European eel was agreed at the 15th Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Migratory Species in April 2026,” said Dr David Freestone, Executive Secretary of the Sargasso Sea Commission.
“This plan has been in the making for years, with the Sargasso Sea Commission facilitating meetings of the range states of the European eel. Data from researchers like Prof. Hanel was instrumental in getting it over the finish line.”
Bermuda is the only land mass in the Sargasso Sea, and the Bermuda Government has championed the conservation of this globally significant and unique ecosystem for more than a decade.
The Sargasso Sea Commission was established with the signing of the Hamilton Declaration in Bermuda in 2014 with the aim to “encourage and facilitate voluntary collaboration toward the conservation of the Sargasso Sea.”
The Governments of Bermuda and the UK have recently launched a new initiative – the development of a ‘Hamilton Declaration II.’ The aim of the new declaration is to provide a mechanism to signal political support for the development of a collective proposal for an area-based management tool for the conservation of the Sargasso Sea under the BBNJ agreement.
It was a weekend of high stakes across the English pyramid as Bermuda’s overseas contingent battled for promotion, play-off spots, and survival.
In League One, Cardiff City continued their march toward the title with a 5–1 demolition of their opponents. While Nathan Trott—instrumental in the Bluebirds’ recent promotion—rested on the bench, debutant Harry Tyrer stepped in to maintain the momentum at the top of the table.
In the Championship, Nahki Wells once again proved the man for the big occasion. The veteran striker’s clinical 16th-minute penalty set the tone for Luton Town’s 2–1 win over Barnsley, a result that keeps their play-off dreams alive heading into the final day of the regular season.
Further down the pyramid, Keziah Martin celebrated as Hereford FC secured their National League North safety with a gritty 2–2 draw. There was joy, too, for Milan Butterfield, whose Halesowen Town side secured a fifth-place finish with a 5–0 thumping of Sudbury.
However, there was heartbreak for Reggie Lambe and Needham Market, who missed out on the play-offs by the narrowest of margins—goal difference—following a 2–0 defeat to Banbury.
With the domestic calendars drawing to a close, the focus now shifts to a final week of drama for those still chasing silverware and promotion.
The Bermuda Walls Festival wraps up its 2026 celebration this weekend with the conclusion of its Bailey’s Bay Project, bringing together art, community and culture for a vibrant, family-friendly finale on Sunday, April 26.
Following a week of live mural painting across the island earlier this month, the focus is now on Bailey’s Bay, where more than a dozen local artists have been beautifying the approximated 150 foot stretch of wall on the Railway Trail on the eastern end of the Bailey’s Bay Footbridge. The local artists involved are:
Alice Coutet
Adrienne Smatt
Arianna Simmons
Chewstick Foundation
DaeLyn Saint-Surin
Deelight Paul
Nanohour
Jahbarri Wilson
April Cherry
James Cooke
Jaaziah Richardson-Webb
Kathy Carter
Kay the Healer
Kyle Simmons
Natalie K Sannemalm
Shanna Hollis
Tai-Quan Ottley
Eshe Holdipp
That’s not the end of the local artist involvement, with the general public invited to join in the final stages of this community-driven art installation. Residents and visitors of all ages are encouraged to roll up their sleeves, pick up a paintbrush and help complete one last section of the wall. All materials will be provided – along with baby wipes for the inevitable mess! – so attendees are encouraged to wear something they do not mind getting paint on.
Taking place on Sunday from 10am to 4pm, the event promises a lively day out for the whole family. Alongside the mural painting, attendees can enjoy a range of local vendors including D1 Sugar Rush, Blissful Delight, Metal & String and Fluffy Stuff.
Entertainment throughout the day, including tunes and games from DJ Rusty G, will add to the festive atmosphere, with a special performance by the Hamilton Parish Hot Peppers majorettes at 3pm.
Parking will be available at Duck’s Puddle Park, with a limited shuttle service running to and from the event site to ensure easy access for attendees.
The Bailey’s Bay Project reflects Bermuda Walls’ ongoing mission to bring people together through art, transforming public spaces while celebrating Bermudian creativity and culture. This final day offers a unique opportunity for the community to leave their mark on a lasting piece of public art.
‘This project is all about our culture,’ said Nhuri Bashir, one of the founders of Bermuda Walls. ‘We’ve seen incredible support from the community throughout the festival, and this final moment at Bailey’s Bay is a chance for everyone to be part of something meaningful and lasting. We can’t wait for everyone to check it out.’
The Hon. Tinèe S. Furbert, JP, MP, Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors Tinee Furbert, and the MP of the area said: ‘The Art Mural project has been a vision and a collaboration since 2019 and it is fulfilling to see it come into fruition, celebrating people, culture, artists and the history of Bailey’s Bay – transforming the historic whistle railway stop wall.’
Shanna Hollis, a local artist, said: ‘It’s been incredibly exciting to curate the local community mural while including my peers and the creative friends I’ve connected with along the way.
‘I was especially thrilled to have our youngest muralist, April Chery, join us. I’d admired her illustrations at Somerfield’s personal project showcase, so seeing her step into this space felt really special. Years ago, Kendra Earls gave me my start in mural painting on the Floral Duffy Mural, and it’s been meaningful to now play a part in extending that same opportunity and encouragement to local creatives of all ages.
‘Without a doubt, this has been my most rewarding creative project to date. I’d also like to thank our sponsors for supporting the arts and helping bring this project to life.’
Cultural architect, Dejon Simmons, said: ‘From conception, the intention was never just to create something to look at, but to create something people could be part of, a living, breathing atmosphere where the community takes precedence, defines the story, contributes to it, and sees itself reflected in what’s built.
‘At its core, this is about bringing people together to exchange history, past and present, among artists, residents, and those passing through. It allows cultural identity to move beyond conversation, creating teachable moments and taking physical form through one another.
‘Seeing that unfold in Bailey’s Bay, through both the artists and the community, shows what’s possible when we build from within and allow culture to lead.’
The event is free to attend and open to all, with no tickets required. Some vendors may be cash only.
The Bermuda Walls Bailey’s Bay Project is made possible by generous support from sponsors, including Barritt’s, Belvin’s, Bermuda Tourism Authority, Burnt House Productions,Butterfield & Vallis, Dasfete, the Hamilton Parish Council,Hitch, the Harvey Cooper Award, Tinee’s Place, and Take Five.
Tashana Walter Morgan, Verbal Victory Trustee; Eli Oduntan, 2nd Place, Saltus Grammar; Minister Crystal Caesar; Hunter Pewter, 1st Place, Somersfield Academy; George Morris, 3rd Place, Dellwood Middle School; and Mrs. Vivlyn Cooper, Verbal Victory Trustee. Photo supplied
Government of Bermuda Press Release:
The Minister of Education, Senator the Hon. Crystal Caesar, recently welcomed the winners of the Verbal Victory Spelling Bee during a courtesy visit following their outstanding performances at the national finals held on March 8.
The visit provided an opportunity to formally recognise the achievements of the top three competitors: Hunter Pewter, who claimed first place representing Somersfield Academy; Eli Oduntan, who secured second place from Saltus Grammar School; and George Morris, who earned third place representing Dellwood Middle School. Each student was commended for demonstrating exceptional spelling ability, academic discipline, and confidence under pressure.
Minister Caesar, who attended the finals, praised the students for their composure and dedication throughout the competition.
“I was present at the finals and was thoroughly impressed with all the students who advanced to that stage,” Minister Caesar said. “The finalists exemplified tremendous composure, confidence, and intellectual curiosity. Their performances reflect not only their hard work but also the quality of instruction and encouragement they receive both at school and at home.”
She further emphasised the importance of academic competitions such as the Verbal Victory Spelling Bee in fostering strong literacy skills and a lifelong love of learning among Bermuda’s students.
Also present was Mrs. Vivlyn Cooper, Trustee of the Verbal Victory Spelling Bee, who applauded the participants and highlighted the broader impact of the programme.
“The Spelling Bee, beyond the correct spelling of words, helps students develop confidence, sharpen their communication skills, and discover their own potential,” Mrs. Cooper said. “As we have seen, it also creates lasting friendships and a strong sense of community. The Committee offers heartfelt congratulations to our remarkable spellers who demonstrated focus, courage, and a true love for language.”
The Ministry of Education commends the Verbal Victory Spelling Bee Committee, educators, parents, and sponsors for their continued commitment to nurturing academic excellence and celebrating student achievement across Bermuda.
Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (BELCO or the Company) today announced that a contingent of linemen travelled to Jamaica last week to assist in power restoration efforts following Hurricane Melissa.
The linemen left on Saturday, April 11 and will spend two weeks on the island, returning on Friday, April 24. The linemen are Shawn Wade, Jacari Renfroe, Malik Smith, Eusebio Blakendal, Josiah Smith, Marcus Wade, Cornell Young and retiree Kevin Santucci.
Hurricane Melissa made landfall near New Hope, Jamaica, as a category 5 hurricane on October 28, 2025, causing widespread damage to the island including the electricity infrastructure.
Nearly six months after the storm, approximately 17,000 customers across the island’s western parishes remain without power. Crews from 18 Caribbean partner utilities have been on the ground supporting Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) throughout the restoration, with 97.5% of customers now reconnected. BELCO’s team has joined that effort at the request of the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC), to assist JPS with the “last mile” of restoration.
The team arrived in Kingston on April 11, completed an orientation session with JPS, and began field work on April 13 in Westmoreland, in western Jamaica. The team is working in some of Jamaica’s most challenging terrain. The western parishes, where the majority of remaining customers are located, are characterised by rugged, hilly, and remote landscapes, with narrow roads and limited access points that make every step of the restoration process more demanding.
The BELCO team took their own safety and working equipment including climbing gear, personal protection devices and other work-related equipment such as hard hats, steel toe boots, and insulated gloves. Safety is the number one priority for BELCO staff and the local residents.
BELCO last sent crews to the British Virgin Islands in 2017 following category 5 Hurricane Irma, which wrought a path of destruction across the Caribbean.
Bermuda has also benefited from the support of other CARILEC utilities. In 2014, 19 CARILEC linemen from the Bahamas, Belize, Barbados and Cayman travelled to Bermuda to work alongside BELCO team members during restoration efforts following the back-to-back impact of Hurricane Fay and Hurricane Gonzalo.
BELCO President, Wayne Caines said: “As a member of CARILEC, BELCO linemen have on previous occasions travelled to member countries to assist with power restoration following hurricanes, and we have also benefited from the mutual assistance agreement. I am proud of our team who are currently in Jamaica to assist with final restoration efforts to restore power to residents who have been without power for almost five months. I wish them a safe and successful trip and thank them for their service to assist the people of Jamaica.”
At the Chamber of Commerce AGM, an economist, two politicians and an insurance executive faced the question of whether Bermuda is built to succeed in a volatile geopolitical environment
“Preparing for the unexpected is what we should be doing all the time…”
This from economist, Craig Simmons, speaking during the local geopolitics panel at the Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting.
He joined Labour and Economy Minister Jason Hayward, Shadow Finance Minister Dr Doug De Couto, ABIR’s Director of Policy Collin Anderson, and moderator Marico Thomas, Chamber President.
The attendees had already were presented with a sobering picture of a global economy in flux by KPMG’s Stefano Moritsch. He said we’re living in a geopolitical recession, where regional tensions and a race for technological supremacy will continue to disrupt once-established supply chains and processes.
It’s this new terrain that Bermuda must navigate.
Economist Craig Simmons opened the panel discussion by citing Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s work, and suggesting global disruptions are par for the course in a hyper-connected global economy.
He added that Bermuda has been built for efficiency rather than resilience…
“We have a choke point”, he said, “in terms of all of our food is coming from two points – New Jersey and Florida…
“Government revenue is heavily dependent upon Corporate Income Tax, and the Payroll Tax that comes from international business…
“So we’ve we’ve got points of vulnerability… acknowledge that, and build a society that is able to withstand hits.”
When asked about supply chain vulnerability, Labour and Economy Minister Jason Hayward said that “Government is actively pursuing alternative shipping routes.”
WATCH the full report above, or the full panel discussion HERE.
Full Geopolitics Panel discussion at the Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting.
The panel consists of Labour and Economy Minister Jason Hayward; Shadow Finance Minister Dr Doug De Couto; ABIR’s Director of Policy Collin Anderson; former Senior Economics Lecturer at Bermuda College Craig Simmons; Stefano Moritsch, Global Geopolitics Lead at KPMG International; and moderator, Chamber President Marico Thomas.
Stefano Moritsch, Global Geopolitics Lead at KPMG International, speaks to the Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting about the impacts of global changes that could potentially affect Bermuda’s economy.
Peace talks between Iran and the United States could resume soon in Pakistan, three Pakistani sources told Reuters on Friday, after the last round of talks expected earlier this week fell through
International News via Reuters:
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Friday that a U.S. blockade on Iran is going global, adding Tehran had a chance to make a “good deal” with Washington.
“Our blockade is growing and going global,” Hegseth told reporters.
“No one sails from the Strait of Hormuz to anywhere in the world without the permission of the United States Navy,” he said.
Peace talks between Iran and the United States could resume soon in Pakistan, three Pakistani sources told Reuters on Friday, after the last round of talks expected earlier this week fell through.
Standing next to top U.S. General Dan Caine, Hegseth said the U.S. was “not anxious” for a deal with Iran, and repeated Trump’s previous comments of having “all the time in the world.”
“Iran knows that they still have an open window to choose wisely … at the negotiating table. All they have to do is abandon a nuclear weapon in meaningful and verifiable ways,” he said.
Caine said the U.S. Central Command continues to maintain a strict blockade on all ports in Iran. Thirty-four ships had been turned around as of Friday morning, he said. The U.S. military would continue to interdict Iranian vessels in the Pacific and Indian oceans, Caine added.
“We’re enforcing the blockade across the board against any ship of any nationality that is transiting to or from an Iranian port or territory,” Caine said.
“We’re closely tracking vessels of interest headed towards Iran and those moving away from Iran that were outside the blockade area when this blockade was ordered and … we’re prepared and postured to intercept them,” he said.
The U.S. naval blockade on Iran began on April 13.
Hegseth also warned that any attempts by Iran to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz would be a violation of the ceasefire.
“Transit (of the Strait of Hormuz) is occurring, much more limited than anybody would like to see and with more risk than people would like to see, but that’s because Iran is doing irresponsible things with small, fast boats … with weapons on them,” Hegseth said.
Reporting by Phil Stewart, writing by Bhargav AcharyaEditing by Tomasz Janowski and Michelle Nichols
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