Police confirm a man was shot in Pembroke
The Bermuda Police Service said the nature of the man’s injuries are unknown
Full statement from the Bermuda Police Service:
UPDATE: Police today said the victim’s wounds sustained in the firearms incident are not life-threatening. They are now renewing an appeal for witness information as the investigation continues.
A BPS spokesperson said, “We are interested in speaking with persons who may have seen any suspicious individuals, or activity, in the area of St. Monica’s Road prior to, or shortly after the shooting.
“Those residents with CCTV cameras are asked to check these devices for any such activity and reach out to ADI Anneka Donawa on 717-2240 or via email, adonawaw@bps.bm.”
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Around 10:35 p.m on Thursday April 2, 2026, police received multiple reports of gunshots heard in the area of St. Monica’s Road, Pembroke.
Officers attended the scene and ascertained that one male had sustained gunshot wounds and was transported via private vehicle, to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.
The extent of his injuries remains unknown at this time.
An investigation into this incident is now underway and anyone with information is asked to contact the main police number, 295-0011 or the independent and confidential Crimestoppers number 800-8477.
Alternatively, we urge you to share the information with a police officer, you know or via the community reporting portal at portal.police.bm
Young entrepreneurs step into the market
Student entrepreneurs at the Berkeley Institute promoted their wares at a vendor’s market last weekend.
Student entrepreneurs at Berkeley promoted their wares ‘on the shop floor’, so to speak, last weekend.
The Berkeley Institute PTSA held a vendors market to raise monies for the Class of 2026 Scholarship Fund.
Local business owners were present, alongside students who were being given their first opportunity to operate in a live marketplace.
WATCH the feature above.
Cabbies call for systemic issues to be resolved
Taxi operators union prepares to launch its own ride-hailing app, and doubles-down on the need for enforcement of regulations governing taxis and rideshare
The taxi operators union says it supports the potential boost to public transport through “additional PSV operators who will operate within a regulated framework”.
However, it is against the use of private vehicles as de facto taxis.
The union is also skeptical of sustained improvements if “longstanding systemic issues” remain unaddressed.
This comes as the BTOA is rolling out its own digital ride-hailing app – Journi. Once launched, Journi will be able to compete with Hitch and RideBermuda to channel fares to rideshare operators.
Bermuda Broadcasting reached out to the Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association after the passing of amendments to the Motor Car Act in March. This enables the addition of up to 150 new rideshare operators to supplement the current taxi fleet.
The accompanying regulations were tabled last Friday, which would ensure rideshare operators can only respond to app-based callouts – no roadside hailing -, and give taxi drivers a 60-second window in which to respond to a digital callout before it is offered to ridesharers.
Asked if the public will benefit from more options if taxi drivers are not available, a BTOA spokesperson said: “The BTOA agrees that the public benefits from a transportation system that is reliable, accessible, and responsive.”
“However, simply increasing the number of operators does not automatically guarantee improved service. Public benefit depends on a well-regulated system that ensures fairness, reliability, and continuity of service across all operators.”
The BTOA reiterates that it does not oppose increased options “in principle”, but says if there is uneven enforcement or reduced obligations for certain operators, there are risks to service standards, reliability, and fair competition.
Among other things, the BTOA remains concerned over what it calls a “lack of enforcement over the past 20+ years, a “lack of collaborative engagement between the Government and the BTOA”, and a “lack of data collection and public reporting by the Transport Control Department”.
As for the 60-second ‘headstart’ given to taxi operators to claim an app-based call under new regulations, the BTOA says “prioritising licensed taxi operators is appropriate and aligns with maintaining an established, regulated service base.”
…but without consistent oversight, the union worries that the concept of ‘taxis first’ may not necessarily translate into meaningful industry protection.
Meanwhile, the BTOA itself is providing a platform for rideshare calls, with the planned island-wide launch of its own ride-hailing app, Journi, on May 15th.
Driver onboarding started yesterday, with business engagement from the 1st of May.
A press release states, “Journi Ltd is wholly owned by BTOA, with no external investors or private shareholders. Governance is retained within the local taxi industry, ensuring that decision-making reflects the realities of licensed owners and operators.”
Read the full Q&A between us and the Taxi Operators Union below…
Questions from Bermuda Broadcasting to the BTOA, sent March 19th following the passing of the Motor Car Amendment (answers provided March 27th):
What is the BTOA’s reaction to the passing of the Motor Car (Ride-sharing) Amendment Act 2026?
The BTOA was not surprised by the outcome; however, we are disappointed in the decision.
The Government has exercised its legislative authority, and the taxi industry must now turn its focus to the regulations that have been introduced, but not yet debated or formally tabled for full discussion.
This stage is critical, and we emphasise the importance of meaningful stakeholder engagement before implementation.
The BTOA will continue to seek collaboration with the Government, the Transport Control Department, the Public Service Vehicle Board, industry stakeholders, and the public to ensure the regulations are practical, fair, and enforceable.
The legislation could result in up to 150 new seasonal rideshare PSVs.
Does the BTOA agree or disagree with Minister Owen Darrell’s comments that this will “strengthen the [transport] system, not replace [the taxi industry]”?
The BTOA welcomes improvements in transportation availability, including extended service coverage and increased accessibility for the public and visitors.
We support the introduction of additional PSV operators who will operate within a regulated framework and provide public service.
However, we do not agree with the use of private vehicles transporting passengers for hire, as this has historically been restricted under Bermuda law.
Our position has remained consistent: the issue is not with the concept or label of “ride-share,” but with how it is implemented and regulated.
Our concerns remain focused on longstanding systemic issues, including:
• Lack of enforcement over the past 20+ years
• Lack of collaborative engagement between the Government and the BTOA
• Lack of response to formal and informal communications from the BTOA
• Lack of data collection and public reporting by the Transport Control Department
• Lack of transparency in the drafting and transition from the ride-share pilot programme to formal legislation
Without addressing these areas, it is difficult to conclude that the system will be strengthened in a balanced and sustainable way.
Ultimately, won’t the public benefit from having more transport options, such as rideshare taxis, if traditional taxis are not available or are unresponsive?
The BTOA agrees that the public benefits from a transportation system that is reliable, accessible, and responsive.
Increasing availability can be positive when it is supported by consistent standards, accountability, and proper oversight.
However, simply increasing the number of operators does not automatically guarantee improved service.
Public benefit depends on a well-regulated system that ensures fairness, reliability, and continuity of service across all operators.
If the BTOA does not believe the public will benefit from having more transport options, please explain why.
The BTOA does not oppose increased options in principle.
The concern lies in the structure and execution of those options.
If there is uneven enforcement, reduced obligations for certain operators, or a lack of long-term accountability, the system risks:
• Inconsistent service standards
• Reduced reliability during off-peak periods
• Unfair competitive conditions within the PSV sector
A strong and stable core taxi industry remains essential to ensuring year-round service and public confidence.
Minister Darrell says the government’s approach “supports a balanced transportation system: taxis first, rideshare when needed.”
Does the BTOA agree or disagree that giving taxi operators the first option ahead of rideshare operators ensures the current industry is protected?
In principle, prioritising licensed taxi operators is appropriate and aligns with maintaining an established, regulated service base.
However, the effectiveness of this approach will depend entirely on how it is implemented and enforced in practice.
Without clear operational guidelines and consistent oversight, the concept of “taxis first” may not translate into meaningful protection for the industry.
The BTOA and other taxi bodies have long argued for more enforcement of current laws against taxi operators and drivers that do not adhere to the requirements of their licenses.
Does the BTOA support stripping licenses from taxi operators that are in violation of current laws?
The BTOA supports enforcement and adherence to all acts, laws, and regulations.
We believe that accountability is critical to maintaining professional standards and public trust.
Where there are clear and repeated violations, and appropriate action should be applied in a fair and consistent manner.
Is the BTOA confident that Government will move to enforce current laws governing taxi operators?
The Government will likely move to enforce existing laws more visibly, particularly in the current environment.
We welcome this and look forward to fair and balanced administration.
We also expect transparency and would encourage formal public reporting on enforcement activity and outcomes in the months ahead.
At this time, we also remind all PSV operators to ensure full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
The BTOA remains available to support operators in understanding their obligations and navigating regulatory requirements.
Is the ‘lifetime’ taxi license part of the problem? Would a shift to shorter terms with reviews before renewals help to ensure taxi operators adhere to the requirements of their licenses?
The BTOA is open to discussions around mechanisms such as periodic reviews or performance-based standards, provided that any changes are implemented fairly, transparently, and with consideration for the significant investment made by current license holders.
Any reform must strike a balance between accountability and protecting the value and stability of the existing industry.
What happens now? Will the BTOA accept the new legislation, or can the public expect any industrial action in response?
At this time, BTOA members have not made any motions or taken any votes to pursue industrial action.
The focus moving forward is on constructive engagement, particularly as the regulations have been introduced but not yet debated or fully discussed.
This provides an important opportunity to ensure that the final framework reflects the operational realities of the industry and delivers a balanced outcome for all stakeholders.
Leo, the first US pope, emerges as pointed Trump critic
In recent weeks the pope has emerged as a sharp critic of the Iran war
International News via Reuters:
Pope Leo last May became the first U.S. leader of the global Catholic Church, but for the initial 10 months of his tenure he mostly avoided comment about his home country and never once mentioned President Donald Trump publicly.
That era has come to an end.
In recent weeks the pope has emerged as a sharp critic of the Iran war. He named Trump, for the first time publicly, on Tuesday in a direct appeal urging the president to end the expanding conflict.
It is a significant shift in tone and approach that experts said indicated that the pope wanted to serve as a counterweight on the world stage to Trump and his foreign policy aims.
“I don’t think he wants the Vatican to be accused of being soft on Trumpism because he’s an American,” said Massimo Faggioli, an Italian academic who follows the Vatican closely.
Leo, known for choosing his words carefully, urged Trump to find an “off-ramp” to end the war, using an American colloquialism the president and administration officials would understand.
“When (Leo) speaks, he’s always careful,” said Faggioli, a professor at Trinity College Dublin. “I don’t think that was an accident.”
Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich, a close ally of Leo, told Reuters the pope was taking up the mantle of a long line of pontiffs who have urged world leaders to turn away from war.
“What is different … is the voice of the messenger, for now Americans and the entire English-speaking world are hearing the message in an idiom familiar to them,” said the cardinal.
POPE SAYS GOD REJECTS PRAYERS OF WAR LEADERS
Two days before appealing to Trump directly, Leo said God rejected the prayers of leaders who start wars and have “hands full of blood”, in unusually forceful remarks for a Catholic pontiff.
Those comments were interpreted by conservative Catholic commentators as aimed at U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has invoked Christian language to justify the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that initiated the war.
They also led to one of the Trump administration’s first direct responses to a comment by Leo.
“I don’t think there is anything wrong with our military leaders or with the president calling on the American people to pray for our service members,” White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said, when asked about the pope’s remarks.
Marie Dennis, a former leader of the international Catholic peace movement Pax Christi, said Leo’s most recent comments and his direct appeal to Trump “reflect a heart broken by unrelenting violence.
“He is reaching out to all who are exhausted by this unrelenting violence and are hungry for courageous leadership,” she said.
POPE RAMPING UP CRITICISM FOR WEEKS
Leo had previously taken aim at Trump’s hardline immigration policies, questioning whether they were in line with the Church’s pro-life teachings. In those comments, which drew backlash from conservative Catholics, he refrained from naming Trump or any administration official directly.
The pope also carried out a major shake-up of U.S. Catholic leadership in December, removing Cardinal Timothy Dolan as archbishop of New York. Dolan, seen as a leading conservative among the U.S. bishops, was replaced by a relatively unknown cleric from Illinois, Archbishop Ronald Hicks.
Leo has been ramping up his criticism of the Iran war for weeks.
He said on March 13 that Christian political leaders who start wars should go to confession and assess whether they are following the teachings of Jesus. On March 23, Leo said military airstrikes were indiscriminate and should be banned.
Cardinal Michael Czerny, a senior Vatican official, said the pope’s voice would carry weight globally because “everyone can perceive that he speaks … for the common good, for all people and especially the vulnerable.”
“Pope Leo’s moral voice is credible, and the world wants desperately to believe that peace is possible,” said the cardinal.
Leo on Thursday began four days of Vatican events leading up to Easter Sunday when he will deliver a special blessing and message from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.
One of the most closely watched appointments on the Vatican’s calendar, the Easter speech is usually a time when the pope makes a major international appeal.
Editing by Janet Lawrence
Oil resumes its climb, stocks tumble on Trump statements
Brent crude surged more than 7% to around $110 a barrel after Trump said in a prime-time address on Wednesday that the U.S. would hit Iran “extremely hard” in the coming weeks
International News via Reuters:
Oil prices surged, U.S. bond yields spiked on Thursday, and global equity markets gave back gains after remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump dashed hopes of a swift resolution to the Middle East war.
Brent crude surged more than 7% to around $110 a barrel after Trump said in a prime-time address on Wednesday that the U.S. would hit Iran “extremely hard” in the coming weeks and “bring them back to the Stone Ages where they belong”.
On Wall Street, stocks opened lower on the last trading day of the week, with markets closed for the Good Friday holiday.
European shares also sank and Asian markets closed lower.
Government bond yields jumped on expectations that an inflation spike would force central banks to raise interest rates, or at least keep them on hold. [GVD/EUR][US/]
The dollar index climbed 0.39%.
“Over the past 48 hours, Tehran and Washington have exchanged a cacophony of statements, some suggesting rising odds of de-escalation. At the same time, kinetic action has continued unabated,” BCA Research’s Felix-Antoine Vezina-Poirier said.
“Our GeoMacro strategists offer simple guidance for weighing volatile headlines: Stick to the facts. First, shipping through Hormuz has picked up over the past few days. Second, Iran is deliberately shifting away from GCC targets toward Israeli ones.”
WALL STREET POINTS LOWER, ASIA CLOBBERED
MSCI’s gauge of stocks across the globe fell 0.43% to 992.44.
On Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.12% to 46,511.17, the S&P 500 eased 0.02% to 6,574.05 and the Nasdaq Composite lost 0.10% to 21,818.35.
In a closely watched address on Wednesday, Trump said U.S. attacks on Iran would be intensified over the next two to three weeks. That came just a day after he told Reuters the U.S. would be “out of Iran pretty quickly”.
The pan-European STOXX 600 index fell 0.2%, while Europe’s broad FTSEurofirst 300 index fell 5.30 points, or 0.22%.
Asian equities bore the brunt of the subsequent reaction, with Japan’s Nikkei closing down 2.4% and South Korea’s Kospi index sliding 4.7%.
“The only thing that really matters is whether the Strait of Hormuz will open soon,” said Prashant Newnaha, senior rates strategist at TD Securities, referring to the narrow chokepoint through which a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas is shipped.
“Trump’s speech doesn’t imply this is likely to happen as quickly as the markets were expecting.”
Trump said on Wednesday the U.S. did not need the key oil gateway and that it would open naturally once the conflict was over.
Spot gold fell 1.48% and spot silver fell 3.17%.
There were growing signs of urgency in oil-importing emerging markets. [EMRG/FRX]
India’s central bank moved to ban trading of so-called non-deliverable forwards in an effort to halt the rupee’s run of record lows. The move sent the currency up 2%, although analysts questioned how long the rebound would last.
Brent futures rose to $106.43 per barrel, up 5.21%, as U.S. West Texas Intermediate soared 8.43% to $108.56.
“The fact that we can expect 2-3 more weeks of action, boots on the ground were not ruled out (during Trump’s TV address) and that threats to hit infrastructure were reiterated, will put the market back on the defensive,” Pictet Asset Management’s Jon Withaar said.
The yield on benchmark U.S. 10-year notes fell 2.8 basis points to 4.293%. The 2-year note yield, which typically moves in step with interest rate expectations for the Federal Reserve, fell 1.1 basis points to 3.792%.
Euro zone benchmark Bund yields snapped a three-day decline and traders raised bets for interest-rate hikes.
German borrowing costs were still on track for their first weekly decline since the start of the war. The 10-year government bond yield fell 0.7 basis points to 2.989%.
Additional reporting by Ankur Banerjee in Singapore. Editing by Mark Potter and David Gregorio
FTSE 100 closes higher after Britain’s move to hold talks on Strait of Hormuz
British foreign minister Yvette Cooper will chair the virtual meeting of about 35 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Canada and the United Arab Emirates on Thursday
International News via Reuters:
London’s FTSE 100 stock index closed higher on Thursday after Britain said it would host talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
British foreign minister Yvette Cooper will chair the virtual meeting of about 35 countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Canada and the United Arab Emirates on Thursday to explore ways to restore freedom of navigation in the area. The United States is not due to attend.
U.S. President Donald Trump has vowed more aggressive strikes on Iran, saying military operations would be intensified.
Iran is drafting a protocol with Oman to monitor traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, the official IRNA news agency cited the Deputy Foreign Minister as saying on Thursday.
The blue-chip FTSE 100 index closed up 0.6%, while the midcap FTSE 250 closed down 0.2%. Both indexes logged weekly gains in a holiday-shortened week.* The energy index rose 2.7%, leading gains as oil hitaround $110 a barrel after U.S. President Donald Trump vowedcontinued attacks on Iran. [O/R] * Oil majors BP and Shell rose 2.6% and 2.9% respectively,ranking among the top gainers on the benchmark index. * The pharma index climbed 1.7% as AstraZeneca rose 1.9%after it said a late‑stage trial showed its Imfinzi combinationimproved progression‑free survival in a common liver cancer. * British business confidence fell from +2.8 on the eve ofthe conflict to -1.1 by the end of the 10-week survey period onMarch 16, according to a survey of accountants that echoedsimilar concerns from other groups since the start of theU.S.-Israeli attacks. * British companies expect to raise prices more quickly inthe coming 12 months as they respond to a surge in energy pricesdue to the Iran war, a Bank of England (BoE) survey showed. * Markets are pricing in more than two quarter‑point hikesby the BoE by the end of the year, according to data compiled byLSEG. * Markets will be closed for Good Friday and Easter Monday.
Reporting by Tharuniyaa Lakshmi in Bengaluru; Editing by Sahal Muhammed and Jane Merriman
Lufthansa, Air France-KLM vie for minority stake in Portugal’s TAP
Portugal re-launched the long-delayed privatisation of TAP in July, aiming to sell a 44.9% stake to a strategic airline partner able to expand the carrier’s global reach and competitiveness
International News via Reuters:
Germany’s Lufthansa became the second major European airline after Air France-KLM to confirm a non-binding bid for a minority stake in Portugal’s flag carrier TAP on Thursday, as Lisbon moves ahead with its privatisation plans.
Portugal re-launched the long-delayed privatisation of TAP in July, aiming to sell a 44.9% stake to a strategic airline partner able to expand the carrier’s global reach and competitiveness, with a further 5% earmarked for TAP employees.
A Lufthansa spokesperson told Reuters the airline had submitted an offer, following an earlier move by Franco-Dutch group Air France-KLM.
British Airways-owner IAG has also shown initial interest in TAP.
OFFERS MUST INCLUDE STRATEGIC PLAN
The non-binding offers, due by 5 p.m. (1600 GMT) on Thursday, must include a suggested price for the TAP stake, an industrial and strategic plan, and expected synergies.
Neither Air France-KLM nor Lufthansa disclosed the price offered, and the German airline issued no public statement.
“Our ambition is to strengthen operations in Lisbon while developing connectivity elsewhere in Portugal, including Porto,” Air France-KLM CEO Benjamin Smith said in a statement earlier.
TAP’s key appeal lies in its prime and lucrative slots connecting its Lisbon hub with Brazil, Portuguese-speaking African countries and the United States, routes the government intends to preserve and expand.
TAP A ‘NATURAL FIT’ FOR AIR FRANCE-KLM
Smith said that “TAP is a natural fit” within Air France-KLM’s multi-hub strategy, with Lisbon becoming its sole southern European hub, linking the Americas and Africa.
In November, Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr said his group would be TAP’s “best partner,” and a tie-up would bolster Lisbon’s role as an Atlantic hub linking the Americas and Africa.
Under the privatisation decree, the government may later sell its remaining 50.1% to the buyer of the minority stake now on offer.
The next step is for the state holding company Parpublica, which handles the bidding, to prepare within 30 days a report on each proposal’s merits for the government. It will then select the most suitable non-binding offers and invite those bidders to submit binding proposals within 90 days.
The privatisation is expected to conclude in the second half of 2026.
Reporting by Sergio Goncalves, Klaus Lauer and Gianluca Lo Nostro; Editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak, Tomasz Janowski and Bernadette Baum
Wall mural inspired by community culture
The Bermuda Walls Bailey’s Bay mural initiative is bringing Bermudian history to life through a collaborative public art project. Local artists have each been given a section of wall to create murals inspired by the history and culture of Bailey’s Bay, combining storytelling and creativity into one large-scale piece.
We spoke with Shanna Hollis, one of the curators of this specific project, who shared the vision behind the initiative and encouraged the public to support the effort through donations. We also spoke with one of the participating artists, Adrienne Smatt.
Rider arrested following police chase
The Bermuda Police Service said the suspect was eventually stopped and arrested at The Lane in Paget
Full statement from the Bermuda Police Service:
Shortly after 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, police officers were on mobile patrol along Dundonald Street, Pembroke, when a motorcycle rider traveling at a high rate of speed, overtook theirs, as well as a number of other vehicles.
The officers caught up with the male motorcycle rider after he stopped at a nearby service station.
As they attempted to speak with him, he sped off and failed to stop at several red lights and stop signs as he sped through and out of the city.
He lost control of the motorcycle near Shelton Road, Pembroke and fled on foot, but was eventually caught on The Lane, Paget.
Checks revealed the suspect had several outstanding warrants for similar offences was riding a motorcycle while disqualified from operating all vehicles until 2027. His driver’s license was expired and the bike he was riding was unlicensed and uninsured.
He was subsequently was arrested and taken into custody
The Bermuda Police Service again advises members of the public to co-operate with officers performing their lawful duty. Also, please ensure your vehicles are properly licensed and insured and that your driver’s license is up to date.
Also, please be reminded, Roadside Sobriety Checkpoints are now in effect and will be until and including Sunday, April 5, 2026.
Bermuda tracks historic Artemis II Moon Mission launch
U.S. Consul General highlights island’s quiet impact on global space milestones
NASA’s highly anticipated Artemis II mission successfully launched yesterday evening, marking the first crewed flight in the agency’s return-to-the-Moon programme. This historic moment had a Bermudian connection, with critical data from the mission tracked right here in Bermuda at Cooper’s Island.
Qian Dickinson spoke with Antoinette Hurtado, U.S. Consul General to Bermuda, about the historic launch, and she highlighted the fact that Bermuda continues to play a quiet but vital role in some of humanity’s biggest scientific achievements.
