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Promotion joy and play-off pain for Bermuda’s overseas stars

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Promotion joy and play-off pain for Bermuda’s overseas stars

The promotion party has officially arrived in West Yorkshire as Bradford City Women secured their return to the FA Women’s National League Division One with a clinical victory over Harrogate.

In a match fraught with the tension of a title decider, it was Bermudian international Aaliyah Nolan who proved to be the hero. Nolan’s first-half strike was the difference between the two sides, securing a 1-0 win and ensuring Bradford City were crowned the North East Regional Women’s Football League (NERWFL) Premier champions.

The atmosphere was electric at Horsfall as Bradford looked to navigate the final hurdle of an arduous campaign. Harrogate proved a stubborn defensive unit, but their resolve was broken midway through the first period. Nolan, showcasing the clinical edge that has defined her season, found space in the area to fire home what would ultimately be the winning goal. While Harrogate pushed for an equaliser in a physical second half, the Bradford backline held firm to spark jubilant scenes at the final whistle.

However, the mood was vastly different in Lincolnshire, where Milan Butterfield and his Halesowen Town teammates saw their promotion ambitions extinguished on a difficult afternoon at the Sir Halley Stewart Field.

In a cagey Southern League Central Premier Play-Off Semi-Final defined by tactical discipline, Butterfield worked tirelessly in the midfield to provide a foothold for the visitors. Yet, clear-cut chances remained at a premium, and the deadlock was eventually broken in the 75th minute when Yusifu Ceesay found the decisive breakthrough for Spalding United.

Despite a frantic final fifteen minutes in which the Yeltz threw everything forward, the Spalding defense held firm to secure a 1-0 win. The result brings a curtain down on a campaign of immense progress for Butterfield and Halesowen, who must now turn their focus toward rebuilding for another charge at the title next term.

Saltus Grammar School reigns Supreme as Furbert smashes 26-year record

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Saltus Grammar School reigns Supreme as Furbert smashes 26-year record

The Flora Duffy South Field Stadium at the National Sports Centre provided the backdrop for a historic day of youth athletics as Saltus Grammar School were crowned the Bermuda School Sports Federation’s Primary School Track and Field Champions. In a dominant display of depth, Saltus secured the overall title with a combined score of 275 points, successfully fending off a resilient Warwick Academy and West Pembroke Primary.

While Saltus celebrated team glory, the individual story of the day belonged to West Pembroke’s Skye Furbert. In a performance for the ages, Furbert shattered a 26-year-old record in the Under 9 Girls 100 metres, stopping the clock at a blistering 13.93 seconds. The time eclipsed the previous mark of 14.35 seconds, which had stood since 2000. Furbert’s record-breaking sprint was the highlight of a flawless triple-gold campaign, as she also claimed victory in the 200 and 400 metres before anchoring her relay team to yet another record-breaking finish. Her exploits earned her the 2026 Toby Colombe Award for the meet’s best performer.

The divisional standings highlighted a wealth of emerging talent, with Nico Simmons of Warwick Academy mirroring Furbert’s dominance by securing a perfect 30-point tally in the Male Under 10 category. The Over 10 divisions saw similar excellence, as Gabrielle Saunders of Somersfield Academy and Shammaah Darko of Warwick Academy both finished their events with maximum points.

Further success was shared across the field, with Diamond Morris of Saltus Grammar School taking the Female Under 10 title and Elliott Davidge securing top honours for the champions in the Male Under 9 bracket. As the curtain falls on the 2026 championships, the event stands as a landmark day for Bermudian youth sport and a testament to the enduring sporting legacy of Saltus Grammar School.

DeSilva-Andrade’s knockout hopes dimmed after narrow Israel defeat

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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DeSilva-Andrade’s knockout hopes dimmed after narrow Israel defeat

The Montreal 2026 World Boccia Cup continues to be a rigorous test of resilience for Bermuda’s Yushae DeSilva-Andrade, as the 2025 Female Athlete of the Year suffered a second consecutive heartbreak in a tense Pool A encounter.

Facing off against Israel’s Orit Kelner, the world number seven was desperate to kickstart her campaign following a difficult opening-day loss to the Czech Republic. In a match defined by tactical patience and razor-thin margins, it was Kelner who ultimately held her nerve to secure a 3-2 victory, leaving the Bermudian standout with a mountain to climb in Quebec.

The contest was a far tighter affair than DeSilva-Andrade’s opener, showcasing the clinical precision that has seen her climb into the world’s elite top ten over the last twelve months. Despite trailing in the early ends, she mounted a spirited late comeback to pull within a single point. However, Kelner managed to obstruct the “jack” with expert placement in the final end, denying DeSilva-Andrade the crucial equaliser.

Reflecting on the performance, DeSilva-Andrade remained positive despite the result.

“It wasn’t the result I wanted but it was a very tight game,” she said. “There was so much improvement for me in that game. Even though I didn’t win, I’m extremely proud of myself. I have my final pool game tomorrow against Japan.”

The result leaves DeSilva-Andrade at the bottom of BC1 Female Pool A, facing a nearly impossible task to reach the knockout stages. With only the top performers advancing, her final fixture against Japan’s Hiromi Endo has shifted from a qualification battle to a matter of pride and vital ranking points.

While Montreal has proven a difficult hunting ground so far, the narrow nature of this latest defeat suggests the form that earned her national honours is close to returning as she looks to finish her pool play on a high.

KBRTA upgrades long-term issuers rating from ‘Stable’ to ‘Positive’

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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KBRTA upgrades long-term issuers rating from ‘Stable’ to ‘Positive’

The Government of Bermuda welcomed the latest ratings action from Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA)

Full news release from the Ministry of Finance:

The Government of Bermuda welcomes the latest ratings action from Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA), which has affirmed Bermuda’s long-term issuer ratings at A+ and its short-term issuer ratings at K1+, while improving the outlook on the long-term ratings from Stable to Positive. The improved outlook to Positive signals that KBRA sees the potential for an upgrade in Bermuda’s long-term ratings if current positive trends are sustained.

Premier and Minister of Finance, the Hon. E. David Burt, JP, MP, said: “This is another strong independent endorsement of Bermuda’s economic direction. KBRA’s decision to affirm our ratings and revise the outlook to Positive reflects the progress Bermuda has made in strengthening the public finances, supporting economic growth, and positioning Bermuda for long-term success.”

The Premier continued: “Most importantly, this report recognises that Bermuda has entered a new fiscal era. The introduction of a corporate income tax has strengthened the Government’s revenue base, improved our ability to reduce debt, and created more room to provide relief to working people and invest in Bermuda’s future.”

In its report, KBRA said the Positive Outlook reflects the “constructive structural shift” of Bermuda’s public finances from the new corporate income tax. The agency noted that higher expected revenues should support debt reduction and allow for payroll and other tax deductions that benefit the wider economy. KBRA also pointed to Bermuda’s world-class international business sector, its innovation in emerging financial industries, its strong institutions and regulatory environment, which position the island well for “continued prosperity”.

KBRA further noted that Bermuda achieved its first fiscal surplus in 21 years in FY 2024/25 and expects stronger surpluses in the years ahead as the new corporate income tax reshapes the Government’s revenue profile. The agency said this stronger fiscal position should allow Bermuda to extinguish the $605 million liability due in January 2027, while continuing to lower debt ratios over the medium term.

KBRA said Bermuda appears likely to continue posting stronger growth than in the pre-Covid and post-global financial crisis years, supported by international business, investment, economic reform, strategic government investment, and increased hospitality capacity.

BBC Radio News: Thursday Noon – 30 April 2026

Jasmine Patterson
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BBC Radio News: Thursday Noon – 30 April 2026
Bermuda BroadcastingBBC Radio News: Thursday Noon - 30 April 2026
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8:09
  1. BBC Radio News: Thursday Noon - 30 April 20268:09
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Community screening of film recounts 1981 General Strike

Jasmine Patterson
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Community screening of film recounts 1981 General Strike

In commemoration of the 45th Anniversary of the labour strike, Victory: The Story of the General Strike 1981 will be screened at the Devonshire Recreation Club Hall.

Community organisers, Imagine Bermuda and other partners are hosting a documentary screening recounting the events of the 1981 Labour Crisis this weekend.


In commemoration of the 45th Anniversary of the labour strike, Victory: The Story of the General Strike 1981 will be screened at the Devonshire Recreation Club Hall.


Organisers, Imagine Bermuda said, “This chapter involved a paradigm shift; fostering solidarity between so-called ‘blue collar’ and ‘white collar’ employees; as well as healing unintended rifts, remnants of the ’65 Belco Crisis.”

“On Sunday, May 3rd, in addition to the film, we will highlight some of those who exemplified those qualities. These include:

· Dr Barbara Ball: The first local female doctor; who put aside the advantages of segregation and class privilege, to support working people represented by the BIU.

· Canon Thomas Nisbett leveraged his role in the Anglican Church to co-chair the Striking Workers Families Support Committee in solidarity with strikers.

· Rev Larry Lowe leveraged his role at St Paul AME to co-chair the Striking Workers Support Committee.

· Police Sgt Campbell Simons facilitated a spontaneous unauthorized peaceful march through Hamilton by 200 strikers and supporters, rather than going by the book.”


The film will be screened on Sunday, 3 May at 6 pm and it’s free to the public.

Students build F50 catamarans in SailGP challenge

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Students build F50 catamarans in SailGP challenge

Cedar Bridge Academy was crowned the winner of the competition

Cedar Bridge Academy’s entry for the SailGP Inspire Learning Boat Design Challenge.

SailGP has announced that Cedar Bridge Academy has been named the winner of the SailGP Inspire Next Gen Challenge in Bermuda, recognizing outstanding innovation, sustainability and engineering design.

Delivered with the support of Bermuda-based registered charity Endeavour, the Next Gen Challenge is part of SailGP Inspire, the global championship’s award-winning community, education and outreach program. In Bermuda, approximately 1,600 students ages 11–14 participated, building model F50 catamarans from repurposed materials while applying sustainability principles, teamwork and real-world engineering skills.

Judges praised Cedar Bridge Academy’s model F50 as “engineered to a remarkably high standard,” citing its ingenious use of repurposed materials and exceptional attention to detail across the wings, hull, spinnaker and foils.

Sandys Secondary Middle School placed second, impressing judges with its creative use of upcycled soda cans inspired by the Bonds Flying Roos colorway. Bermuda High School finished third.

SailGP Inspire, supported by global partner Mubadala, has engaged more than 34,000 young people globally, creating pathways into sailing and the wider marine industry through hands-on experiences and innovation-led learning. In Bermuda, the program also connects students to the island’s rich sailing heritage and its influence on the iconic F50 design.

The Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix (May 9–10) marks the fifth stop of the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship, with international teams racing identical high-speed F50 catamarans. Winning schools will receive tickets to attend the event and receive a behind-the-scenes tour of the SailGP Tech Site.

The event will be a spotlight moment for Bermuda, showcasing the island’s capabilities, beauty and status as a top global sailing destination on the world’s stage. This will be the fourth time Bermuda hosts the Rolex SailGP Championship. Tickets remain on sale to the general public for the event at SailGP.com/Bermuda. 

Reputed head of crime family to run again for seat in Irish parliament

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Reputed head of crime family to run again for seat in Irish parliament

Hutch’s name is among the confirmed candidates on the Dublin city returning officer’s website for the May 22 Dublin Central constituency by-election for the seat vacated by former Irish finance minister Paschal Donohoe

International News via Reuters:

Gerard Hutch, named in a 2023 court case as the head of a well-known crime family in Ireland, will seek election to the Irish parliament in a by-election next month after narrowly missing out on a seat in a parliamentary election 18 months ago.

Hutch’s name is among the confirmed candidates on the Dublin city returning officer’s website for the May 22 Dublin Central constituency by-election for the seat vacated by former Irish finance minister Paschal Donohoe.

Hutch, better known as “The Monk”, finished in fifth place in the four-seat constituency at the 2024 national election.

Analysts say he faces a potentially tougher task this time round with just one seat up for grabs and all the parties whose candidates were elected last time competing again. Hutch’s surge at the national election also faltered when he struggled to attract vote transfers from other candidates.

“I think it’s great to put someone in there with a chequered past. That’s what we need in the Dail (parliament), you need change,” Hutch told the Irish Times this week when asked what it would mean if someone with his past were elected to parliament.

“You need a man like me in there who can talk to the guy in the street.”

Ahead of the 2024 vote, Hutch said he was running as he did not think the deprived inner-city community where he grew up was properly represented. Rivals saw his support as a protest vote.

He was identified as head of the Hutch family by an Irish court in 2023 when he was acquitted of involvement in a 2016 murder. He denies being the leader of a crime gang.

The Hutch drug trafficking gang was named by the U.S. State Department in 2022 as being locked in a turf war with the Kinahan crime group, also based in Dublin, that resulted in 18 murders in the previous six years.

Reporting by Padraic HalpinEditing by Gareth Jones

Bank of England holds rates and spells out inflation risks from Iran war

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bank of England holds rates and spells out inflation risks from Iran war

The Monetary Policy Committee’s nine members voted 8-1 to keep the BoE’s benchmark Bank Rate at 3.75% with only Chief Economist Huw Pill seeking a hike to 4.0% now

International News via Reuters:

The Bank of England kept interest rates on hold on Thursday and set out scenarios for the economic impact of the Iran war, one of which could require a “forceful” increase in borrowing costs.

The Monetary Policy Committee’s nine members voted 8-1 to keep the BoE’s benchmark Bank Rate at 3.75% with only Chief Economist Huw Pill seeking a hike to 4.0% now, in line with expectations in a Reuters poll of economists.

A day after U.S. Federal Reserve kept rates on hold and shortly before the European Central Bank was expected to stay on hold too, the MPC said it would continue to monitor closely the situation in the Middle East.

While there was a risk of “material second-round effects” from the energy price shock – such as demands for higher pay or companies raising prices rather than absorbing higher costs – the jobs market was weakening and a rise in financial market borrowing costs would help limit inflation, the MPC said.

“The Committee stands ready to act as necessary to ensure that CPI inflation remains on track to meet the 2% target in the medium term,” it said in a statement, repeating language it used after its previous meeting in March.

Investors view Britain as highly vulnerable to the jump in energy prices due to the country’s heavy use of natural gas.

Data published last week showed a rise in input costs for firms and companies raising their expectations for price increases in the 12 months ahead at a record pace.

But there are also concerns about a sharp hit to economic growth caused by the war. 

SCENARIOS FOR WAR IMPACT

Faced with deep uncertainty about the duration of the war and the extent of the economic damage it will cause, the BoE scrapped its usual practice of publishing a central forecast for inflation and other key economic indicators.

Instead, it produced three scenarios based on energy prices and different degrees of second-round effects.

Under the most damaging Scenario C, where energy prices will stay high for a prolonged period, inflation could peak at 6.2% – almost double its most recent reading – and stay above the BoE’s 2% target for the next three years, based on current market expectations for rates.

If that risk materialised, it was “likely to warrant a forceful tightening in monetary policy,” the BoE said.

However, Scenarios A and B would require a “less restrictive policy stance” with the rise in market-based interest rates since the start of the war helping to offset inflationary pressures.

The scenarios were based on market pricing in the 15 days to April 22 and did not incorporate a further spike in global oil prices this week which hit a fresh four-year high earlier on Thursday on renewed concerns about the duration of the war.

BoE Governor Andrew Bailey said he placed most weight on Scenario B “albeit with slightly reduced second-round effects” but he also placed “some weight” on Scenario C.

Around half the other members of the MPC who voted to keep rates on hold also said they put more weight on Scenario B.

Some MPC members “might prefer to act early” to stave off the risk of inflation getting stuck too high while others could prefer waiting for more evidence of that risk crystallising, the BoE said.

Earlier this month, Bailey told investors in a Reuters interview that their bets on interest rate hikes this year were premature given the uncertainty about the duration and impact of the war.

Before the BoE announcement on Thursday, investors were pricing in almost three quarter-point rate hikes this year.

Bailey and other senior BoE officials are due to hold a news conference at 1130 GMT.

As well as its big exposure to high gas prices, Britain’s economy is subject to worries about politics with Prime Minister Keir Starmer struggling to keep his grip on Downing Street which has raised questions about the government’s fiscal plans.

British government bond yields are the highest among the Group of Seven economies.

Reporting by William Schomberg, David Milliken and Suban Abdulla

Global oil price retreats after hitting 4-year high on concern of US-Iran war escalation

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Global oil price retreats after hitting 4-year high on concern of US-Iran war escalation

The market moved higher after Axios, citing unidentified sources, reported late on Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump is slated to receive a briefing on Thursday on plans for a series of military strikes on Iran

International News via Reuters:

Global oil prices retreated after hitting a four-year high of more than $126 a barrel on Thursday on concerns that the U.S.-Iran war could worsen and lead to a protracted Middle East oil supply disruption that could hurt global economic growth.

Earlier in the day, the market moved higher after Axios, citing unidentified sources, reported late on Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump is slated to receive a briefing on Thursday on plans for a series of military strikes on Iran in hopes it will return to negotiations on its nuclear programme.

Prices later dropped without any obvious catalyst.

Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM said the decline did not look related to a specific development and reflected the heightened volatility in the market since the Iran war started on February 28.

“It just sums up the unpredictable nature of trading in a Trump world,” he said.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude futures were down $2.05, or 1.7%, to $115.98 a barrel as of 1016 GMT, after touching an intraday high of $126.41, the loftiest since March 9, 2022. The prompt contract for June delivery expires on Thursday. The more active July contract was at $109.93, down 51 cents or 0.5%.

Two large sell orders for June Brent traded shortly before 0930 GMT, traders noted and LSEG data showed.

Additional reporting by Colleen Howe, Trixie Yap and Florence Tan; Editing by Christian Schmollinger, Sharon Singleton

Japan’s PM vows all diplomatic efforts to ensure passage of vessels through Hormuz

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Japan’s PM vows all diplomatic efforts to ensure passage of vessels through Hormuz

Takaichi made the comment after phone talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian

International News via Reuters:

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Thursday that she will continue all diplomatic efforts to ensure the passage of all vessels though the Strait of Hormuz.

Takaichi made the comment after phone talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Takaichi said that in the process of ensuring the safe passage of a Japanese-related vessel through the Strait of Hormuz, she personally appealed directly to the president and, together with the foreign minister and the embassy, carried out various diplomatic efforts.

Reporting by Kaori Kaneko. Editing by Mark Potter

Some 287 nominated for 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, Trump likely among them

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Some 287 nominated for 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, Trump likely among them

Of this year’s nominations, 208 are individuals and 79 are organisations, said Kristian Berg Harpviken, adding that there were many new nominees compared to last year

International News via Reuters:

Some 287 candidates will be considered for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, the secretary of the Norwegian Nobel Committee said on Thursday, with U.S. President Donald Trump likely to be among the nominees.

Of this year’s nominations, 208 are individuals and 79 are organisations, said Kristian Berg Harpviken, adding that there were many new nominees compared to last year.

“Since I am new in the job, one of the things that has to some extent surprised me is how much renewal there is from year to year on the list,” Harpviken said in an interview. He has held the position since January 2025. 

Despite the number of conflicts rising worldwide and international cooperation under pressure, the award remains relevant, he added.

“The Peace Prize is even more important in a period like the one we’re living in,” he said. “There is as much good work, if not more, than ever.”

TRUMP LIKELY NOMINATED, BUT NOT CONFIRMED

The leaders of Cambodia, Israel and Pakistan have said they nominated Trump for this year’s prize. Their nominations, if made, would have been done in spring and summer 2025, and they are therefore valid given the deadline was January 31.

There is no way of verifying they have done as they have said as nominations remain secret for 50 years and Harpviken declined to say on Thursday whether Trump had been nominated.

A nomination is not an endorsement by the award body.

In addition to committee members, thousands of people worldwide can propose names: members of governments and parliaments; current heads of state; university professors of history, social sciences, law and philosophy; and former Nobel Peace Prize laureates, among others.

Many names appear on betting sites giving odds on this year’s possible laureates, from Russia’s Yulia Navalnaya, the wife of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, to Pope Leo and Sudan’s Emergency Response Rooms, a volunteer aid group, among others. 

CONCERN FOR HEALTH OF JAILED IRANIAN LAUREATE

Harpviken said the committee was deeply concerned about the health of the 2023 Peace Prize laureate, Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi, which is worsening after she suffered a heart attack in prison.

Her supporters said on Wednesday her life was in imminent danger.

“Her sister was able to visit her in prison yesterday and the reports coming out after that are actually quite alarming as to her health condition,” said Harpviken.

“We see there is a lot of international pressure now. So we hope that the Iranian authorities do pay attention to that and release her so that she can have proper medical treatment.”

WHO ELSE COULD BE NOMINATED?

Among possible nominees for this year’s prize are Lisa Murkowski, the U.S. senator for Alaska, and Aaja Chemnitz, a member of the Danish parliament elected from Greenland, according to the Norwegian lawmaker who nominated them both.

“Together they have worked relentlessly to build trust and to secure a peaceful development of the Arctic region over many years,” said the lawmaker, Lars Haltbrekken.

Greenland has been in particular focus this year due to Trump’s relentless push to acquire the island from NATO ally Denmark. 

This year’s Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on October 9, while the ceremony will take place on December 10.

Last year’s laureate was Venezuela’s Maria Corina Machado.

Reporting by Gwladys Fouche and Nerijus Adomaitis in OsloEditing by Gareth Jones

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