Analysts said the April 5 attack on the ship added to risks to global food security and agricultural trade stemming from the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran
Rescued members of a dry cargo ship, which sank in the Sea of Azov, according to local authorities, are assisted on the coast of the Russian-controlled part of the Kherson region, Ukraine, in this picture released on April 5, 2026. Vladimir Saldo, leader of the Russian-controlled parts of Kherson region via Telegram/Handout via REUTERS
International News via Reuters:
A Russian ship carrying wheat that was believed to have sunk in the Sea of Azov after a Ukrainian drone attack has been found and towed to shore, while the death toll from the attack has risen to three, state news agency TASS said on Monday.
Analysts said the April 5 attack on the ship added to risks to global food security and agricultural trade stemming from the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.
Russian media said the vessel was carrying wheat from the Port of Azov, near the city of Rostov, to Port Kavkaz in the strait separating the Crimean peninsula from mainland Russia, where the grain is usually loaded onto larger vessels for export.
TASS quoted emergency services as saying the vessel, which was gutted by fire and began to sink, was towed to the village of Kuchugury in Russia’s Krasnodar region. A video posted by the news agency showed the vessel engulfed in flames and smoke. The agency said two badly burned bodies were found aboard the ship, bringing the death toll to three. An aide to the vessel’s captain had earlier been reported dead.
Public ship databases list Volgo-Balt 138-class vessels at about 3,165 tons deadweight.
Grain consultancy Sovecon earlier described the incident as the first known sinking of a grain-loaded ship in the Black Sea-Azov basin, a major grain-trading route, since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022.
“Against the backdrop of Iran’s conflict and the effective paralysis of diplomacy among Washington, Moscow and Kyiv, the risk of further escalation in the region appears to have increased significantly,” Sovecon head Andrey Sizov said.
Members of the public will have a chance to share their views on CARICOM at a meeting tomorrow evening. It starts at 6PM at St. Paul AME Church on Victoria Street. Government recently issued a Green Paper outlining the potential benefits of full membership. Bermuda is currently an associate member.
Ahead of tomorrow’s public meeting, Kendal Trott went into Hamilton to ask, ‘Should Bermuda become a full member of CARICOM?’
Fees due by the end of May, with 2027 decals to be in place on all moorings and boats by June 1
Government media release:
The Department of Marine and Ports Services, Boats and Moorings section, is reminding boat owners and mooring licensees that registration commenced on April 1st 2026,and the deadline for licensing renewals is midnightSunday, May 31, 2026 or 4:30pm Friday May 29, 2026 if paying in person.
The 2027 decals must be in place on all moorings and boats by June 1st. Mooring licenses that are not renewed as of May 31st will incur a late fee.
Boat and mooring owners are further advised to ensure they have the correct address on file with the Department. Transfers of boats or moorings must be done in person with photo ID at the department. Those who need to update their address can call the Department at 444-1221/246-8222, or email boatsandmoorings@gov.bm to update their details.
Renewal notices are no longer being sent out. Once a customer has provided their updated information, a link will be sent to their email. This will allow owners to access their information online in future. A list of current licensing fees is also available for viewing on the website http:www.marineandports.bm
Payment can be made in three ways:
Payment in person- methods are cash and credit card. Cheques are no longeraccepted.
Payment online can be processed through an individual’s account once they have signed up.
Online Payments will be automatically sent by post.
Online Payments conducted the week prior to June 1st may risk not receiving the Decals on time. Marine & Ports is not responsible for lost mail.
The Boats and Moorings Section is located at 108 Middle Road, Paget (Old Paget Post Office). Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The refreshed system replaces the former Bermuda Job Board
Government media release:
The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today launched Bermuda Job Connect, the Government of Bermuda’s new online platform designed to better connect job seekers and employers.
Now live, Bermuda Job Connect replaces the former Bermuda Job Board with a more modern, user-friendly, data-driven system that reflects the evolving needs of Bermuda’s labour market.
The platform offers enhanced tools to support job seekers and employers. Users can create dynamic profiles, access a growing library of learning resources, and easily apply for jobs. Employers can benefit from improved candidate matching, streamlined recruitment processes, and robust reporting tools to support hiring decisions.
Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, explained, “Bermuda Job Connect reflects our continued commitment to strengthening Bermuda’s workforce and improving access to employment opportunities. More than a job board, it connects people with opportunity and ensures both job seekers and employers have the tools they need to succeed.”
In advance of the launch, the Department actively engaged employers and job seekers through training sessions, demonstrations, and support resources. Weekly training sessions for job seekers will continue throughout April at Bermuda College, offering practical, step-by-step guidance on how to use the platform effectively.
Employers and job seekers are encouraged to visit Bermuda Job Connect and begin exploring its features.
For additional support, users may contact the Department of Workforce Development at dwdsupport@gov.bm.
Iran’s response consists of ten clauses, including an end to conflicts in the region, a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, lifting of sanctions, and reconstruction, the agency added
International News via Reuters:
Iran has conveyed its response to the U.S. proposal for ending the war to Pakistan, rejecting a ceasefire and emphasizing the necessity of a permanent end to the war, the official IRNA news agency said on Monday.
Iran’s response consists of ten clauses, including an end to conflicts in the region, a protocol for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, lifting of sanctions, and reconstruction, the agency added.
Reporting by Menna Alaa El Din; Editing by Toby Chopra
The euro was at $1.1563, while sterling last fetched $1.326
International News via Reuters:
The U.S. dollar fell on Monday, while the yen flirted with the crucial 160 per dollar level, as investors took stock of the escalating Iran war, with all eyes on the latest deadline from U.S. President Donald Trump to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
In an expletive-laden Easter Sunday social media post, Trump threatened to target Iran’s power plants and bridges on Tuesday if the strategic waterway is not reopened, setting a precise deadline of 8 p.m. Eastern Time (0000 GMT Wednesday).
“Every new ultimatum makes the disruption look longer, stickier and more macro-negative,” said Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo in Singapore.
However, investors were also left weighing the possibility of a ceasefire after a media report suggested a last-ditch push from negotiators was underway.
The euro was at $1.1563, while sterling last fetched $1.326. The dollar index, which measures the U.S. currency against six others, edged down to 99.809. With many Asian and European markets closed on Monday, liquidity is likely to remain thin.
The Australian dollar was 0.7% higher at $0.6932, wobbling near last week’s two-month low.
In the kind of mixed messaging that has baffled supporters, foes and financial markets alike, Trump told Fox News on Sunday that Iran was negotiating, with a deal possible by Monday.
Axios reported that the U.S., Iran and regional mediators are discussing terms of a potential 45-day ceasefire that could lead to a permanent end to the war.
Global markets have been rattled since the U.S.-Israel war against Iran broke out at the end of February, with Tehran effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world’s total oil and liquefied natural gas passes.
“If the U.S. escalates, expect global markets to reprice sharply,” said Prashant Newnaha, senior rates strategist at TD Securities.
The Hormuz closure has pushed oil prices well above $100 per barrel, stoking fears of high inflation and upending the outlook for interest rates across the world. Worries about the hit to economic growth have also weighed as stagflation risks swirl.
Traders are now no longer pricing a rate cut from the Federal Reserve until well into the second half of 2027, compared with expectations of two reductions in 2026 at the start of the year.
YEN WATCH
The Japanese yen was nearly flat at 159.455 per U.S. dollar, not far from the 21-month low hit last week as traders watch for indications of Tokyo intervening in the wake of strong warnings from officials in the past few days.
Japanese Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama on Friday put currency traders on notice, saying the government stands ready to act against speculative moves in foreign exchange markets as volatility has risen “significantly.”
Still, many doubt the firepower of any intervention at a time when geopolitical turmoil in the Middle East is fueling relentless demand for the safe-haven dollar. The yen is down 1.5% since the war started, stuck close to the 160 level.
“The conditions for material intervention to support the yen by Japanese officials do not appear present and the market does not appear to have given up on fishing for the official pain threshold,” said Marc Chandler, chief market strategist at Bannockburn Global Forex, in a research note.
Speculators have also been adding to their short yen positioning, with the latest weekly data showing a short position worth $5.7 billion, the highest since July 2024, when Japan last intervened in the FX markets.
Reporting by Hannah Lang in New York and Ankur Banerjee in Singapore; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus, Kirsten Donovan
The criticism came after five EU countries, including Spain, put forward the proposal to tax excess profits earned amid energy price hikes triggered by the Iran war
International News via Reuters:
Spain’s wind industry association AEE warned on Monday that a proposed windfall tax on energy firms’ profits could curb investment in renewable energy just as Europe seeks to cut its reliance on fossil fuels.
The criticism came after five EU countries, including Spain, put forward the proposal to tax excess profits earned amid energy price hikes triggered by the Iran war.
Reuters exclusively reported on Saturday that the finance ministers of Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Austria jointly called for an EU-wide tax in a letter to the European Commission, saying the measure could help fund relief for consumers hit by high energy prices.
According to the AEE, renewable energy, particularly wind, has proven to be the most effective mechanism for keeping prices in check in Spain, one of Europe’s leaders in the use of eolic power.
“Proposing new potential taxes that affect the electricity sector creates legal uncertainty and deters investors, precisely at a time when it is more necessary than ever to invest in technologies such as wind power as a substitute for imported fossil fuels,” it said in a statement.
The AEE has more than 350 members including power utilities Iberdrola, Endesa, Acciona, Portugal’s energy firm Galp, as well as developers, wind turbine manufacturers, consultants, financial institutions and insurers.
Reporting by Emma Pinedo, editing by Andrei Khalip and Ros Russell
“They made a proposal, and it’s a significant proposal. It’s a significant step. It’s not good enough,” Trump said of Iran
International News via Reuters:
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday the Tuesday deadline he has set for Iran to make a deal is final, adding that Iran’s proposal was significant but not good enough.
“They made a proposal, and it’s a significant proposal. It’s a significant step. It’s not good enough,” Trump said of Iran.
“It could end very quickly, the war, if they do what they have to do. They have to do certain things. They know that, they’ve been negotiating I think in good faith,” he said while at an annual White House Easter event.
Reporting by Nandita Bose, Susan Heavey and Bhargav AcharyaEditing by David Ljunggren and Michelle Nichols
Dennis Mbelenzi and Estienne Coetzee produced masterclasses in distance running to claim the men’s and women’s titles at a sun-drenched Ed Sherlock 8K.
In a race honoring one of Bermuda’s true sporting icons, Mbelenzi proved he was in a league of his own from the starting gun. Establishing a punishing rhythm that decimated the chasing pack, he crossed the finish line in a clinical 26:44. His dominance was reflected in a massive winning margin of over two minutes, leaving the rest of the field fighting for the remaining podium spots.
Shannon Lawrence showed immense grit to secure second place in 29:07, followed closely by Peter Christopher, who rounded out the top three in 29:50.
The women’s race was defined by the relentless pace of Estienne Coetzee, who not only secured the female crown but forced her way into the elite bracket of the overall standings. Coetzee finished an incredible 11th overall in 31:57, fending off a spirited challenge from Stepanka Sprincova, who took silver just 21 seconds later. Nina Coetzer completed the female podium, finishing 18th overall in 33:24.
As the road racing season intensifies, both champions have set a formidable benchmark, carrying “engine-room” form into the upcoming spring meets and further cementing their status at the summit of the local middle-distance scene.
The Dandy Town Hornets are the Bermuda Premier Division champions after a dramatic final day saw them come from behind to secure the title with a 2-1 victory over St. George’s Colts.
Knowing only a win at Wellington Oval would guarantee the silverware, the Hornets suffered an early shock when St. George’s player-coach Drewonde Bascome opened the scoring in the 18th minute. However, the leaders responded with the poise of champions; Nizigh Spence equalized just sixty seconds later to settle the nerves.
The decisive blow was struck in the 63rd minute by the league’s top scorer, David Jones, who clinicaly found the bottom corner. The Hornets navigated a frantic final half-hour to spark jubilant celebrations, confirming their status as the island’s best.
The Devonshire Colts did everything possible to snatch the trophy at the eleventh hour, dismantling Young Men’s Social Club 4-2. Elisha Darrell set the tone with an early brace, and while Zeiko Lewis netted twice for Social Club, the Colts’ clinical finishing ensured they finished the campaign as gallant runners-up.
Elsewhere, the PHC Zebras clung to third place despite a shock 1-0 defeat to the relegated Boulevard Blazers, while North Village Rams and Paget Lions shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw to bring the curtain down on a memorable season of Bermudian top-flight football.
Bermuda’s senior girls’ relay team delivered a masterclass at the XXXIX Carifta Aquatics Championships, securing the island’s first gold medal of the 2026 meet on a scintillating second night of finals.
The quartet of Violet Smith, Teagan Mewett, Marleigh Howes, and Katherine Wheddon brought the Pierre Samot Community Aquatic Centre to fever pitch. In a display defined by clinical transitions, the Gombey Warriors stopped the clock in 4:33.17 to claim the 15-17 Girls 400m Medley Relay title, surging ahead of their regional rivals to take the top step of the podium.
While relay gold was the highlight, several Bermudian individual finalists found themselves agonizingly close to the medals. Dominic Wright (13-14 Boys 200m Freestyle) and Katherine Wheddon (15-17 Girls 200m Freestyle) both battled to fourth-place finishes.
The backstroke events followed a similar pattern of near-misses. Rory Shepherd claimed fourth in the 13-14 Boys 100m in 1:04.52, while Connor Hupman produced a standout sub-minute swim of 59.29 to take fourth in the 15-17 Boys final.
In the grueling 400m Individual Medley, Teagan Mewett backed up her relay heroics with a fifth-place finish. Despite the narrow individual misses, the historic relay triumph ensures Bermuda heads into day three with immense momentum and their first championship title safely secured.
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