If the energy price spike proves to be temporary, the need for a monetary policy adjustment will be limited ECB Governing Council member Stournaras told an annual shareholders meeting of the Greek central bank
International News via Reuters:
European Central Bank policymaker Yannis Stournaras said on Monday that the appropriate euro zone monetary policy will depend on the size and nature of energy supply disruption from the Iran conflict.
If the energy price spike proves to be temporary, the need for a monetary policy adjustment will be limited, ECB Governing Council member Stournaras, who is also governor of the Bank of Greece, told an annual shareholders meeting of the Greek central bank in Athens.
He added that a tighter monetary policy stance would be expected if the pressure from rising energy prices prove to be stronger and more persistent, affecting medium-term inflation expectations and wage developments.
Reporting by Angeliki Koutantou; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne and Toby Chopra
Trump’s repeated threats to destroy civilian infrastructure including power plants and bridges if the vital waterway is not open by Tuesday have put traders on edge for reciprocal attacks by Iran
International News via Reuters:
Oil prices rose while stocks were mixed on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump warned of “hell” for Iran unless it reopens the Strait of Hormuz by his self-imposed deadline, but a report of a push for a ceasefire appeared to ease some nerves.
Trump’s repeated threats to destroy civilian infrastructure including power plants and bridges if the vital waterway is not open by Tuesday have put traders on edge for reciprocal attacks by Iran on targets in the Gulf states.
With liquidity thin as many countries around the region observed the Easter Monday and Tomb Sweeping Day holidays, S&P 500 e-mini futures fluctuated between gains and losses, down 0.1%, while MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was up 0.4%. The Nikkei 225 rose 0.6%, as South Korea’s Kospi advanced 1.4%.
Investors took some confidence after Axios reported that the U.S., Iran and a group of regional mediators are discussing the terms for a potential 45-day ceasefire that could lead to a permanent end to the war, citing four U.S., Israeli and regional sources with knowledge of the talks.
Brent crude futures opened higher before paring gains, rising 1.2% to $110.29 a barrel on the potential supply disruption.
“The markets are obviously nervous,” said Sim Moh Siong, currency strategist at OCBC in Singapore. “We’ve seen many of these deadlines being pushed out, and it’s difficult to tell to what extent this deadline is going to stick, or will it be pushed out too,” he added.
“There was a lot of de-escalation hope, but some of this hope has fizzed out over the weekend in the ramping up of threats to blow up Iranian power plants and bridges.”
Markets looked through an agreement on Sunday by members of the OPEC+ group to raise its output quotas by 206,000 barrels per day for May, as several major oil producers behind the Strait of Hormuz have sustained damage to oil production facilities and transport infrastructure since the war started.
“It is puzzling how well Asian equity markets are trading today, despite the threat of an imminent escalation in the war,” said Mark Matthews, head of research for Asia at Bank Julius Baer in Singapore.
“There are two plausible explanations: The first is that the market is convinced, despite all the bad news, that the war will end relatively soon,” he said. “The second is that even if the war continues, its negative impact will be outweighed by fiscal stimulus, a bit like what happened during the pandemic.”
On Friday, the U.S. jobs report showed employment growth rebounded more than expected in March, with a 178,000 increase in nonfarm payrolls representing the biggest increase in more than a year. The unemployment rate fell to 4.3% from 4.4%, as people dropped out of the workforce.
The data complicates the picture for the Federal Reserve, which will next decide on monetary policy at a two-day meeting ending on April 29. However, swaps pricing indicates the market is expecting no moves at all from the U.S. central bank until September 2027, according to the CME Group’s Fedwatch tool.
The U.S. dollar index, which measures the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was down 0.1% at 100.13. The yield on the U.S. 10-year Treasury bond was up 1.2 basis points at 4.3565%.
In Tokyo, the yield on the Japanese government bond set a fresh record for the 21st century on concerns about rising inflation. The yield on the notes was up 4.5 basis points at 2.425%, the highest since February 1999. Against the yen, the U.S. dollar was flat at 159.615 yen.
Gold slid 0.5% to $4,653.82. In cryptocurrencies, bitcoin was up 1.9% at $68,886.31, while ether climbed 2.6% to $2,122.32.
Reporting by Gregor Stuart Hunter; Editing by Lincoln Feast and Shri Navaratnam
Bermuda’s international stars illuminated the English women’s football pyramid this weekend, with clinical finishing and high-stakes drama defining a prolific Saturday for the island’s talent.
Fresh from League Cup glory, Kenni Thompson maintained her clinical edge for AFC Bournemouth. In a dominant 5-1 dismantling of AFC Wimbledon, the winger stepped up in the 68th minute to fire home a crucial penalty, effectively breaking the visitors’ resolve and continuing the Cherries’ relentless form.
In the North West, the Bermudian duo ofKeunna Dill and Trinae Edwards were the architects of a five-star performance for FC United of Manchester. Dill’s attacking persistence was rewarded with a goal as they brushed aside Fleetwood Town 5-0 to bolster their promotion credentials. The scoring trend continued in the North East, where Aaliyah Nolan spearheaded a 3-0 victory for Bradford City, finding the net to see off South Shields.
However, it was a day of two halves for Eva Frazzoni at AFC Sudbury. Despite Frazzoni finding the scoresheet to help her side to a 2-1 halftime lead, opponents Actonians surged back with three unanswered goals after the interval to snatch a 4-2 win. Despite the mixed results, the message from the weekend was clear: Bermuda’s attacking contingent remains a formidable force on the English stage.
Shadow National Security Minister Robert King commented following the latest shooting incident on Good Friday
Full media statement from the One Bermuda Alliance:
My thoughts are with the victim of this latest shooting and his family and we are thankful that no lives were lost.
This incident is not isolated, it is part of a deeply troubling pattern. The increase in gun violence in our community is undeniable, and the human cost is simply too high.
Easter is a time that calls us to renewal, to hope, and to reconciliation. It reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is a responsibility to choose a better path. That is the call before us today.
We must be clear: violence cannot be allowed to define us. The normalization of gun violence is unacceptable. It requires not only a law enforcement response, but a whole-of-community approach, one that addresses root causes, strengthens prevention, and rebuilds a culture of respect for life.
This is a moment for leadership and for action.
We are calling for: A strengthened and coordinated strategy to disrupt the flow of illegal firearms and real action and results towards protecting our community.
Let us all commit to choosing peace, to value life over anger, retaliation, or pride. To those who may feel trapped in cycles of violence: there is another way and support is available in the community.
Let this Easter be a turning point—a collective commitment to building safer communities, to protecting our young people, and to restoring a sense of peace and security for all.
Enough is enough. The time for decisive action and for unity is now.
Attorney General Senator Kim Wilkerson, the Minister of Justice said, “It was important for me to visit Westgate again and hear directly from inmates about their experiences and concerns.”
Full statement from the Ministry of Justice:
The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Sen. the Hon. Kim Wilkerson, JP, visited inmates at the Westgate Correctional Facility last Wednesday, as part of the Ministry’s continued engagement with the Department of Corrections and its efforts to address the challenges facing the island’s correctional system.
The visit provided the Minister with an opportunity to speak directly with inmates to get direct feedback on an active training programme, alongside a wider exchange on the realities of life at Westgate, for those in custody and the staff who work alongside them.
It follows earlier engagement with Department of Corrections leadership and the Prison Officers Association Executive and forms part of the Ministry’s ongoing work to better understand the challenges across the correctional system and support practical improvements.
The visit comes as the Government moves ahead with several measures aimed at improving operations across the Department of Corrections.
In October 2025, an independent expert panel reviewed the Department’s three facilities against the Overseas Territories Detention Standards Framework.
The report was finalised in March 2026 and produced a number of recommendations which the Government has accepted and has already begun to implement.
Minister Wilkerson is expected to table the standards review panel report when the Senate resumes, along with an outline of the key steps being taken in response to its findings.
The Minister stated: “It was important for me to visit Westgate again and hear directly from inmates about their experiences and concerns.”
She added: “This is not about quick fixes or appearances. It is about better understanding where the pressures are, what needs to change, and making sure the Department has a clear direction.”
The Ministry noted that implementation work is already underway. Last week, Mr. Russ Crooks, Head of the International Liaison Team with HM Prison and Probation Service, was on island providing direct support to that effort.
Over the coming months, additional specialist support will be brought in to assist with staff profiling to better align roles with operational needs, while also helping to build leadership capacity across the Department.
The Minister added: “The Government is under no illusion about the work required, and that is why we are moving on several fronts at once. The standards review has given us a roadmap and we are acting on it.”
She continued, “That includes support for continued leadership development, review of staffing arrangements, active recruitment, and continued engagement with the Prison Officers Association on practical measures that support the safe and effective running of the Department.”
More broadly, the Department of Corrections continues to work to grow its workforce as quickly as possible. A recruitment drive for corrections officers is currently underway through 17 April, and interested applicants are encouraged to apply at govtcareers.gov.bm.
The Ministry of Justice said today’s visit reflects the Minister’s direct involvement in the work now underway to improve conditions, address longstanding concerns, and support a safer and more effective corrections system for staff, inmates and the wider community.
Bermuda’s swimmers made an immediate splash at the XXXIX Carifta Aquatics Championships in Martinique, securing two podium finishes on a high-octane opening night.
Teagan Mewett provided the island’s breakthrough moment at the Pierre Samot Community Aquatic Centre. Competing in the 15-17 Girls 200m Breaststroke, Mewett delivered a composed tactical performance to touch the wall in 2:45.80, claiming a well-deserved bronze and Bermuda’s first medal of the 2026 championships.
The momentum surged in the sprint lanes as Rory Shepherd excelled in the 13-14 Boys 50m Backstroke. After qualifying strongly, Shepherd found an extra gear in the final, clocking a blistering 29.19 to secure the silver medal, narrowly beaten to the wall by Barbados’ Michael Sobers.
In the relay events, Bermuda’s depth was on full display. The 15-17 Boys quartet of Connor Hupman, Noah Maranzana, Gabriel Maranzana, and Logan Jones battled to a sixth-place finish in the 4x100m freestyle, stopping the clock in 3:39.32.
The 15-17 Girls team of Gabriella Cechini, Katherine Wheddon, Elanna Fulton, and Marleigh Howes mirrored that result, also finishing sixth in their 4x100m freestyle relay with a time of 4:09.67. With two medals already in the bag, the Bermuda delegation heads into day two with significant wind in their sails.
Bermuda’s Miles Outerbridge produced a performance for the ages at the 53rd Carifta Games, storming to gold in the Under-20 100m and becoming the fastest man in his country’s history.
In a sensational display of power and poise, Outerbridge stopped the clock at a blistering 10.21 seconds. The victory does more than just secure the top step of the podium; it erases a 30-year-old landmark, eclipsing the national record of 10.27 seconds set by DeVon Bean back in 1996.
Outerbridge’s historic sprint was the jewel in a night of grit for the Bermudian contingent in Grenada. In the Under-17 400m final, Zydon Lightbourne Furbert fought through a rapid opening turn to claim a credible fifth-place finish in 49.35 seconds.
The middle-distance events under the stadium lights tested the island’s endurance runners. Riana Robinson secured seventh in the Under-17 Girls 1500m with a time of 4:55.08, while teammate Elena Bortoli showed great determination to finish 12th.
In the Boys’ 1500m, Gianluca Bortoli held his own against a high-tempo regional field to cross the line ninth in 4:11.71. However, the night belonged firmly to Outerbridge, whose golden moment has provided a massive boost to the Bermuda camp as they look to build on this record-breaking momentum.
A video captured a large blaze seen at the Government’s Airport Waste Management Facility in St. George’s Saturday night
Materials caught fire at the AWMF in St. George’s. Images: Supplied
A portion of landfill holding the island’s non-hazardous waste, large appliances and vehicles at the Airport Waste Management Facility reportedly caught fire on Saturday night.
Officers from the Bermuda Police Service and firefighters from the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service were present at the site near the former airport terminal in St. George’s.
Premier David Burt implored residents to continue to look out for one another this Easter holiday
Full statement from Premier David Burt:
Easter carries a message that speaks to all of us. For those of faith, it is a sacred time of reflection and renewal. For others, it is an opportunity to pause, reconnect, enjoy the holiday and look ahead with hope. At its heart, Easter reminds us that no matter the challenge, no high the barrier, there is always a path forward, especially when we work together.
Our Bermudian culture can be seen across the island. The sight of kites rising into the sky is a quiet symbol of hope, resilience, and the joy of simply being together. The meals we dine on this weekend are in many ways the same as those enjoyed by generations of Bermudians before us. Across our beaches and in our homes, our traditions reflect the strength of our people and the pride we take in who we are.
As we gather this Easter, let us continue to look out for one another. A kind word, a helping hand, or simply taking the time to check in can make a meaningful difference. That spirit of compassion and care is part of what makes Bermuda home.
As I mark my final Easter serving as your Premier, I am grateful for all the times you have supported one another, faced challenges with determination, and kept working together for the good of our country. That is the Bermuda we know, and that is the Bermuda we continue to protect and make better for all.
May this Easter renew our sense of hope and strengthen the bonds we share as a people.
Ben Smith, leader of the Opposition One Bermuda Alliance said the Easter holiday signals a time for renewal
Full statement from the One Bermuda Alliance:
For many families across the island, Easter is a special time of year.
To some, it is a time to go to church to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. For others, it is a time to be still; to reflect on their blessings and enjoy quiet time with their families, sharing a home cooked meal.
The Easter holiday signals a time of renewal. Spring has just begun, flowers are blooming, and the days are growing longer and warmer. This is also a time for families to gather and share traditions.
Kite-making is an age-old craft that has been handed down from generation to generation. The cutting of sticks, the string designs, the selection of vibrant tissue paper colours—all in preparation for Good Friday morning.
There’s no sweeter sound than that of a hummer purring in the air. Well, there is. And that’s several hummers. I remember, during my youth, my friends and I would test the breeze first thing in the morning to ensure it was perfect for pitching. Excited was an understatement!
In the afternoon, we’d enjoy fish cakes and hot cross buns while playing marbles; each of us wanting to leave with our pouches fuller than what we started with. What great memories!
Whatever you do this holiday weekend, please take a moment to check on the seniors and the vulnerable. We cannot afford to lose sight of our sense of community and must make conscious efforts to rebuild bridges that have been broken.
I implore you to be careful on our roads and please do not drink and drive. Call a taxi. Call a friend or loved one, but do not operate a vehicle. Think about your life and the lives of others.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday weekend as you enjoy your time with friends and loved ones.
The Bermuda Police Service confirmed the motorcyclist and one of the drivers were rushed to hospital Friday night
Full statement from the Bermuda Police Service:
Around 11:18 pm on Friday April 3, 2026, police received reports of a road serious road traffic collision involving two motorcars and a motorcycle on Middle Road, near the junction with Evans Bay, Southampton. The motorcycle rider sustained head injuries and was initially unresponsive. One of the motor cars had its airbag deployed, and the driver was trapped inside the vehicle.
The nature and extent of his injuries are unknown at this time.
The motorcycle rider and the injured motorcar driver have been transferred by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment of their injuries.
The roadway was closed to vehicular traffic while the scene was processed.
The Bermuda Airport Authority said the aircraft landed safely at the L.F. Wade International Airport at 4.51pm Friday
Air France flight 178 taxis at the L.F. Wade International Airport runway after emergency crews inspect aircraft. Photo: Jasmine Patterson
An Air France flight diverted to the island today after the pilot suspected a ‘suspicious’ odour in the cabin, according to the Bermuda Airport Authority.
The Causeway and Kindley Field Road was temporarily closed to traffic while several local emergency vehicles from the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service and Bermuda Police Service responded to the notice of an emergency diversion.
The airbus landed safely at L. F. Wade International Airport at 4.51pm on Friday.
No injuries were reported.
CEO of Bermuda Airport Authority, Lester Nelson confirmed, “Air Traffic Services reported that Air France flight 178 from Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Aeropuerto Internacional Benito Juárez (Benito Juárez International Airport), Mexico City International Airport (MEX), diverted to Bermuda.”
He said, “The diversion was due to the pilot’s report of a suspicious odor in the cabin, believed to be electrical, and the aircraft landed safely at the L.F. Wade International Airport, with the airport’s airport fire department on standby.”
Emergency vehicle attended the aircraft which was stationed at the southern perimeter of the airport’s runway while checks were carreid out.
The plane was then cleared to enter the airport’s terminal where they deplaned passengers.
According to the BAA, Air France is coordinating with its airline partners in Bermuda to transport its passengers to their destination.
——————————————————————————————————————————————–
UPDATE:
Air France’s replacement aircraft arrived on Saturday afternoon at Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport (video below).
Video credit: Maurice Foley, St. David’s resident and aviation enthusiast
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