Royal Visit 2026: King Charles in St George’s
The Royal visit began in St. George’s where crowds gathered to welcome His Majesty King Charles III
Masters School wheel away with historic win at 130th Penn Relays
The historic brick walls of Franklin Field bore witness to a milestone moment for New York’s Masters School, as their High School Boys’ 4x400m relay team captured one of the most prestigious honours in global athletics.
Competing at the 130th Penn Relays, the quartet of Henry Frasca, Mason Rosenblatt, Khair Parris, and Bermudian standout David Morris secured the coveted Penn Relays Wheel by winning the High School Boys’ Prep School division.
In a race defined by clinical transitions, the team stopped the clock at a stellar 3:21.71. The performance was not only enough to secure divisional gold but also etched itself into the record books as the second-fastest mark in the school’s history—missing the all-time record by just one second.
The magnitude of the feat was further highlighted by the overall standings. In a gargantuan field of more than 500 relay teams from across the US and the Caribbean, the Masters School finished 41st overall.
To “bring home the Wheel”—the iconic bronze plaque awarded to champions—is a feat rarely achieved by private school programs. As the team returns to New York, the 4x400m unit is now firmly established as the one to beat heading into the state championships.
Berkeley and Warwick share spoils in middle school basketball thriller
The Warwick Academy Gymnasium was transformed into a cauldron of noise this week as the Bermuda School Sports Federation hosted the Middle School Basketball Finals. In a night defined by tactical grit, The Berkeley Institute and Warwick Academy emerged as the big winners across three high-stakes encounters.
The drama peaked in the Junior Varsity Final, where Berkeley edged out hosts Warwick 22-20 in an overtime classic. Jacob Furtado proved the clinical edge for the champions with nine points, a feat mirrored by Warwick’s Liam Johnson. In a fitting tribute to the contest’s quality, both were named joint MVPs.
Warwick Academy found redemption in the Varsity Girls final, delivering a defensive masterclass to dismantle Saltus Grammar School 29-11. Led by MVP Jaime Cedenio’s 11 points and eight from Belle Burns, the hosts cruised to victory, though Saltus MVP Evie Hook earned plaudits for a resilient seven-point display.
However, the evening belonged to Berkeley, who secured a historic double by claiming the Varsity Boys title with a 35-28 win over Warwick. Troy Washington (12 points) and Ajani Carey (11) led the charge, while Micah Oliveira took home MVP honors. Despite the loss, Warwick’s Max Kimberley and Quinton Husbands were both recognized as MVPs for their spirited contributions.
The results cap a stellar season, highlighting a wealth of emerging talent as the focus now shifts to the summer sports calendar.
Vendor Applications for Digital Payment Market Opens
The Government of Bermuda today announced that local businesses are invited to apply for vendor spaces at the Bermuda Digital Finance Forum: Digital Payments Workshop & Market, taking place on May 14, 2026, at Pier 6. Interested businesses can apply for a vendor space here: https://bit.ly/DFFVendors.
The Government is also offering complimentary tickets for Bermudians to attend the workshop and market and receive up to $100 in digital assets to spend onsite, helping drive participation while giving businesses hands-on experience accepting digital payments. Bermudians can apply for complimentary tickets here: https://www.ptix.bm/Event/8791
The Digital Payments Market will be from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and bring together more than 500 attendees for a Harbour Nights-style community event featuring local vendors, live entertainment, and hands-on digital payments activations. The market is expected to feature more than 30 local vendors. Local businesses will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services while gaining practical experience accepting digital payments. The event is designed to help businesses explore payment options that can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and expand customer access.
The Digital Payments Workshop will take place before the market from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. The workshop will provide a beginner-friendly introduction to accessing and using digital assets.
To help vendors prepare for the event, onboarding sessions will be hosted at the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation offices. These sessions will introduce the benefits of digital payments, help vendors set up digital wallets, and provide support so they can participate confidently in the market.
“The Government of Bermuda is proud to support local businesses as part of the Bermuda Digital Finance Forum: Digital Payments Workshop & Market,” said The Hon. E. David Burt, JP, MP. “This event is about more than introducing residents to digital assets. It is about helping small businesses experience practical digital payments tools that can save money, improve efficiency, and create new opportunities for growth.”
Last year’s inaugural forum onboarded more than 400 residents to digital finance through a first-of-its-kind community airdrop using Coinbase wallets and the USDC digital dollar. This year’s event builds on that foundation by expanding participation for both residents and businesses, creating a real-world marketplace where digital assets can be used with local vendors.
The initiative forms part of the Government of Bermuda’s broader commitment to digital innovation, financial inclusion, and ensuring local businesses are equipped to participate in the future of finance. Complimentary government-supported tickets are limited, and available while supplies last.
DeSilva-Andrade remains defiant after pool play exit
The Montreal 2026 World Boccia Cup has concluded in challenging fashion for Bermuda’s Yushae DeSilva-Andrade, as the 2025 Female Athlete of the Year suffered a third consecutive defeat to bring her individual campaign to a close.
Competing in her final fixture of BC1 Women’s Pool A, the world number seven faced off against Japan’s Hiromi Endo. Despite moments of tactical brilliance, DeSilva-Andrade was unable to disrupt the clinical rhythm of her opponent, ultimately falling to a 7-2 defeat.
The result followed a consistent but frustrating pattern for the Bermudian star; she managed to register exactly two points in each of her three pool matches but found herself on the wrong side of the scoreline against elite opposition.
Despite the results, DeSilva-Andrade remained remarkably composed when reflecting on her performance at the Maurice Richard Arena.
“So today I played my last game of this tournament,” she said. “No, it wasn’t the result I wanted, but it was a great game nonetheless. I pushed my opponent just as hard as she pushed me. I went into the match with good spirits and ended the same way.”
While she leaves Montreal without a win in the individual division, her resilience under pressure and high level of self-belief suggest that the form which earned her national honours is likely to return as she shifts her focus to the next international window.
‘This is our year’ – Nolan celebrates historic promotion with Bradford City
Fresh from firing Bradford City Women back to the national stage, Bermudian international Aaliyah Nolan says the club’s promotion was the result of a season-long “statement” of intent.
Nolan’s decisive first-half strike against Harrogate earlier this week did more than just win a football match; it secured the North East Regional Women’s Football League (NERWFL) Premier title and an immediate return to the FA Women’s National League Division One.
Reflecting on a campaign where the West Yorkshire side dropped just three points, Nolan revealed that the heartbreak of the previous year served as the primary catalyst for their success.
“As a team, from the first game, our sights were on promotion,” said Nolan. “We were so close last season that this season we were going to show our fans that this is our year to be champions. We’ve worked all year for this moment, and to win with a statement and good performance under the lights proves the mentality we’ve had all year.”
For Nolan, the title marks a personal milestone in her career overseas. Having become a focal point of the Bantams’ attack, she confirmed that the current campaign has been her most prolific since arriving in English football.
“Personally, I thought this season went great,” she added. “From my teammates to the staff, everyone has supported me, and it has been wonderful—especially with my highest goal-scoring season overall since I’ve moved to England.”
While the league trophy is safely in the cabinet at Horsfall, the work is not yet finished. Bradford City still have cup commitments on the horizon, and Nolan is determined to ensure the club finishes the year with further silverware.
“League season is finished,” she said. “But we still have some cup games left to show why we are Champions.”
Tesla sales rebound continues in several European markets in April
Tesla’s sales have recovered strongly in Europe this year after two consecutive annual declines, including a drop of nearly 27% in 2025
International News via Reuters:
Registrations of Tesla cars continued to rebound in France, Denmark and the Netherlands in April, but fast-moving Chinese rivals such as BYD kept chipping away at the U.S. electric vehicle maker’s market share.
Tesla’s sales have recovered strongly in Europe this year after two consecutive annual declines, including a drop of nearly 27% in 2025.
The EV maker’s sales rose almost 45% across Europe in the first quarter. Interest in new and used EVs has surged across the continent since the Iran war began on February 28, driving fuel prices higher.
The company run by Elon Musk also received a boost in Europe last month after a Dutch regulator approved the use of its driver-assistance software. The regulator, vehicle authority RDW, has notified the European Commission of its plan to seek European Union-wide approval for the software, which Tesla sells via a monthly subscription.
Tesla registrations, a proxy for sales, leapt 102% in Denmark in April from a year earlier, according to bilstatistik.dk. Data from PFA showed they also jumped 112% in France, while Dutch automotive industry association BOVAG reported a 23% increase.
The rebound comes despite Tesla’s small ageing lineup of just two models. The company has not launched a new mass-market vehicle since the Model Y in 2020.
Tesla is also facing intensifying competition from a growing number of Chinese rivals and traditional carmakers as new electric models continue to enter the market.
In Denmark, Tesla sold fewer cars than Chinese EV startup Xpeng in April, while in the Netherlands it was outsold by BYD.
Reporting by Nick Carey. Editing by Mark Potter
Bermuda Trade Union Congress marks May Day
New leadership team vows to strengthen workers’ voice amid economic pressures
On this May Day, the Bermuda Trade Union Congress (BTUC) joins workers across Bermuda and around the world in recognizing the enduring importance of organized labour and the collective strength of working people.
This year’s observance comes at a time when workers continue to face economic pressures, evolving workplace dynamics, and increasing demands on their livelihoods. In this environment, the role of the BTUC as the collective voice of labour remains not only relevant – but essential.
The Bermuda Trade Union Congress recently held its Biennial Convention on April 24, 2026, at which a new slate of Chief Officers was elected to lead the organization for the 2026–2028 term. Bro. Dean Smith of the Bermuda Fire Service Association (BFSA) was elected President, and Sis. Kim Richards of Bermuda Public Service Association (BPSU) was elected General Secretary. They will serve alongside:
Sis. Selena Fields (BEU), 1st Vice President
Bro. Chris Furbert (BIU), 2nd Vice President
Sis. Renee Jones (BIU), Treasurer
Sis. Thelma Simmons (BIU), Assistant General Secretary / Assistant Treasurer
Together, this leadership team will guide the Congress in advancing the interests of workers across Bermuda.
As the BTUC enters this new biennial period, the focus remains clear: strengthening unity among affiliates, reinforcing accountability in governance and representation, and ensuring meaningful engagement at the highest levels of Government. Structured dialogue with key decision-makers will continue to be prioritized to ensure that the concerns of workers are heard, respected, and acted upon.
The Congress also recognizes the importance of internal solidarity. A renewed commitment to collaboration among affiliates will ensure that the principle of “an injury to one is an injury to all” remains at the core of the labour movement.
May Day is not only a time to reflect on the achievements of the past, but also to recommit to the work ahead. The BTUC remains steadfast in its mission to protect the rights of workers, advocate for fair and equitable treatment, and strengthen the voice of labour throughout Bermuda.
In unity and solidarity, the Bermuda Trade Union Congress wishes all workers a meaningful and reflective May Day.
Motorcyclist seriously hurt in Harbour Road crash
Police seek missing passenger and witnesses after late-night collision near Lower Ferry
Around 11:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026, Police and other first responders were dispatched to a report of a single vehicle motorcycle collision on Harbour Road, near Lower Ferry.
Initial information suggests the motorcycle was traveling east when the rider lost control and collided with a wall.
As a result of the collision, one man was transported to King Edward Memorial Hospital with injuries described as very serious.
There are indications that a second male may have been on the motorcycle; however, he was not present at the scene when police arrived. That individual is urged to contact police as soon as possible.
Traffic diversions are currently in place at Highwood Lane and Chapel Road.
Police are appealing for witnesses and ask anyone with information to call 211 at the earliest opportunity.
Media release and image supplied by Bermuda Police Service.
Trump’s attacks on Europe’s leaders worsen transatlantic frost
Trump this week lashed out at German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over his criticism of the Iran war, calling him “totally ineffective,” and threatened to cut the 36,400 U.S. troops based in Germany
International News via Reuters:
The past weeks have not been reassuring for those who thought Europe could navigate its tricky relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump this week lashed out at German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over his criticism of the Iran war, calling him “totally ineffective,” and threatened to cut the 36,400 U.S. troops based in Germany.
He has taken aim at British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in strikingly personal terms, saying that he is “not Winston Churchill,” and threatening to impose a “big tariff” on imports from the UK.
More worrying for Europe, Trump’s Defense Department has floated punishing NATO allies that it believes are not supporting U.S. operations in the war with Iran, including suspending Spain as a member and reviewing U.S. recognition of the Falkland Islands as a UK possession.
“It’s unnerving to say the least,” said one European diplomat. “We are braced for anything, anytime.”
The latest U.S. broadsides, fired over disagreements about the Iran war, have seemingly turned U.S.-Europe relations back to the early days of the second Trump administration and raise fresh questions about the best way to handle a mercurial ally.
A second European diplomat said former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who had a rocky relationship with Trump during his first term, had modeled the right approach.
“We’ve all learned a bit how to handle Trump by now. You must not react immediately, you must let the storm pass, while standing firmly on your positions,” the diplomat said.
Even those who attempted flattery have faced Trump’s ire, the diplomat said. “All those who tried that got their volley of insults, like the others. So everybody realizes now that flattery doesn’t work either,” the diplomat said.
The White House had no immediate comment.
BACK IN THE CROSSHAIRS
Last year, U.S. tariffs, Trump’s push to acquire Greenland and a cut in U.S. aid to Ukraine deeply unsettled transatlantic relations.
Some leaders, including Starmer, Merz and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, worked to stabilize ties through regular visits, trade deals and policy shifts, including some that have been unpopular domestically, only to find themselves in the crosshairs again following the start of the Iran war in February.
Even NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, known in Europe as a “Trump whisperer”, faced a scolding from Trump during a White House meeting this month. Trump also blasted Meloni – once his favorite European leader – after she criticized the Iran war and chided Trump for what she called an “unacceptable” verbal assault against Pope Leo.
While many members of the U.S. administration are deeply skeptical of Europe, not all members of the president’s Republican Party support Trump’s approach.
“The continued attacks on NATO allies are counterproductive, the comments hurt Americans,” wrote Republican Representative Don Bacon on X on Thursday, following Trump’s threat to cut troop levels in Germany.
“The two big airfields in Germany give us great access in three continents. We are shooting ourselves in our own feet.”
Some of Trump’s social media posts this week caught European officials off guard.
Less than two hours before the post about U.S. troop levels in Germany, Berlin’s top general, Carsten Breuer, told reporters that he got a thumbs up for Germany’s new military strategy when he met with Defense Undersecretary Elbridge Colby at the Pentagon earlier in the day. He gave no indication that any troop reductions were discussed.
The German embassy declined to comment.
German military officials were fairly sanguine about the situation and military cooperation remained intact, a former senior U.S. defense official said. “They’re saying, ‘We’ve seen this movie before. This is going to be a lot of bluster and at the end of the day, nothing is going to change.'”
BOLDER OPPOSITION TO THE U.S.
Jeffrey Rathke, a former U.S. diplomat who heads the American-German Institute at Johns Hopkins University, said European allies were becoming bolder in their opposition to Trump’s policies, not least due to political pressure at home.
“Merz has become increasingly pointed in his criticisms of the U.S. decision to go to war against Iran,” he said. “It’s pretty clear that something has changed for someone who, just two months ago, went out of his way to say, ‘It is not our time to lecture the United States.'”
“The U.S. war is not just something that the German public can observe in a detached way. It’s something that affects them,” he added, citing a war-related surge in energy costs.
European diplomats say they remain committed to transatlantic ties even as the “tectonic plates” of Europe and the United States are shifting, but changes are required.
“For us, the main lesson is that we can’t rely anymore on the post World War status quo, and that we need to be not only a soft power space, but a space that can be also backed by power,” said one Western diplomat, noting that Europeans were acting quickly to expand their military capabilities.
Reporting by Andrea Shalal; additional reporting by Michel Rose in Paris and Humeyra Pamuk and Patricia Zengerle in Washington; Editing by Don Durfee and Alistair Bell
UK mortgage approvals rise to 4-month high, BoE data shows
The number of mortgages approved for house purchase – a leading indicator for home sales – rose to 63,531 in March from 62,708 in February
International News via Reuters:
British lenders approved the most mortgages in four months in March while consumer lending grew at the fastest annual rate in over two years, according to Bank of England data which showed some resilience in the economy at the start of the Iran war.
The number of mortgages approved for house purchase – a leading indicator for home sales – rose to 63,531 in March from 62,708 in February, the highest number since November and bucking economists’ expectations in a Reuters poll for a fall.
Friday’s data also showed net unsecured lending to consumers rose by 1.895 billion pounds ($2.58 billion) in March, slightly less than in February but above economists’ forecast of a 1.75 billion pound increase, and representing the fastest annual credit growth since January 2024 at 8.9%.
A drop in consumer confidence since the start of the Iran war and the prospect of higher mortgage rates have caused property surveyors and mortgage lender Halifax to report falling prices and lower buyer demand in March.
But figures from Nationwide Building Society released earlier on Friday showed house prices continuing to rise modestly in April, increasing by 3.0% from the same month in 2025.
Rob Wood, chief UK economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, questioned how long the trend would continue.
If the BoE raised borrowing costs as markets expect, the interest rate on a new two-year fixed-rate mortgage at 75% loan-to-value looked set to rise to 4.8% in the coming months, up from 4.5% now and 3.9% at the start of the year, he said.
“Accordingly, we look for house price inflation of just 1.0% in Q4 2026,” Wood said.
On Thursday, the BoE kept interest rates unchanged at 3.75%. Governor Andrew Bailey said there was a range of possible paths for interest rates, depending on how long the Strait of Hormuz remained closed, and that he would not push back against market expectations for two quarter-point rate rises this year.
($1 = 0.7352 pounds)
Reporting by David MillikenEditing by William Schomberg
