In the January-March period, Tesla sales rose 27.1% to 2,726 vehicles, in line with the increase in all electric car sales
International News via Reuters:
Tesla’s new car registrations in Portugal fell 1.7% in March from a year ago to 1,189 units, while overall fully-electric car sales rose 24% to 6,704, the country’s automobile industry association ACAP said on Wednesday.
In the January-March period, Tesla sales rose 27.1% to 2,726 vehicles, in line with the increase in all electric car sales, it said.
Reporting by Marta Serafinko in Gdansk, editing by Andrei Khalip
Changes designed to create a fairer, smoother process for families
The Bermuda Government has unveiled a revamped registration process for its popular Camp Connect summer programme, aiming to eliminate long-standing frustrations for parents while maintaining access for approximately 4,000 preschool, primary and middle school students.
Camp Connect, which offers a range of summer activities for young people across the island, has consistently received high marks from families for its programming. However, the registration process itself has often been criticised as stressful and difficult to navigate.
In response, the Ministry has partnered with the Government’s Digital Transformation team to introduce a completely new registration system designed to improve both fairness and efficiency.
Officials say the updated process will streamline sign-ups, reduce bottlenecks and create a more equitable experience for families seeking placements.
The move reflects a broader push to modernise government services and enhance user experience through digital solutions, particularly for high-demand programmes like Camp Connect.
With demand expected to remain strong this summer, the Government is encouraging parents to familiarise themselves with the new system ahead of registration opening, as it looks to deliver a smoother and more accessible process for all applicants.
The City of Hamilton is encouraging all eligible voters to take part in the upcoming municipal election on May 7 and play a role in shaping the future of their City.
Municipal elections provide City residents and business ratepayers with an opportunity to have their say in the leadership and direction of Hamilton. From infrastructure and public spaces to events and services, decisions made at the municipal level have a direct impact on daily life in the City.
Mayor Charles Gosling encouraged participation from all eligible voters, stating:
“Voting in the municipal election is one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to be part of the City’s future. I encourage everyone who is eligible to ensure they are registered and to come out and vote.”
Who Can Vote?
You may be eligible to vote in the municipal election if you are:
· A City resident listed on the Parliamentary Register; or
· A business ratepayer, or a designated representative of a business that pays rates within the City
How to Make Sure You’re Registered
Residents:
Check that you are registered on the Parliamentary Register (the same register used for general elections). If you have recently moved to Hamilton or recently turned 18, you should confirm that your registration details are up to date with the Parliamentary Registry. To be eligible to vote in the municipal residents’ election, you must be a Bermudian resident living within the City of Hamilton.
Business ratepayers: Business ratepayers are reminded that voting in a municipal election is not automatic. To ensure you are eligible to vote, you must ensure your business is registered and that a designated voter (nominee) has been appointed. The nominee must be a director, officer, or employee of the business and must also be registered on the Parliamentary Register.
Completed business voter registration forms must be submitted to the Parliamentary Registry, along with the required supporting documentation. Businesses are encouraged to ensure this process is completed ahead of the registration deadline, as those who are not registered will not be eligible to vote. If several companies sit under the same holding structure, only the company that is the registered ratepayer is entitled to the municipal business vote.
If you are unsure of your status, contact or check updates from the Parliamentary Registry.
How to Vote
· Voting takes place in person at designated polling stations within the City
· Voters will be required to present valid identification
· Polling locations and times will be confirmed by the Parliamentary Registry
Mayor Gosling added:
“Opportunities to have a direct say in how our City is governed should never be taken for granted. We should not be complacent when it comes to the right to vote. Participation is how residents and ratepayers show they value representation and want to have a say in their City’s future.
“For 15 years, ever since Government first stated its intentions regarding municipalities, I have advocated for and worked to protect local democratic representation in Hamilton. I believe strongly that this only works when people take part. As Aretha Franklin’s father C. L.
Franklin once said, “If you anticipate failure, you will fail”. If we assume our participation doesn’t matter, then we have lost the very voice we have. So I encourage every resident and business ratepayer to make sure you are registered and to come out and vote.
“Comments made in the Senate recently suggested that low candidate turnout could justify removing a democratic process. However, participation, whether through standing for election or voting, is itself part of that process. We cannot force people to run, just as we cannot insist people vote. Choosing not to engage with the ballot box is also a decision and should be considered just as seriously as casting a vote.
“It therefore benefits every resident and ratepayer to ensure they are registered and to participate in this election. If people value having a say in their City, this is the moment to be involved.”
The City encourages all eligible voters to confirm their details early and to look out for official election information.
For full details on registration and voting procedures, visit the Parliamentary Registry’s official channels.
The Ministry of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport hosted the Cultural Apprenticeship Programme Breakfast on March 28, celebrating Bermuda’s rich cultural heritage and the continued success of the Department of Culture’s Cultural Apprenticeship Programme. The event brought together tradition-bearers, apprentices, and community partners to highlight the importance of mentorship, knowledge transfer, and creative expression in preserving Bermuda’s unique identity for future generations.
Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, the Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, MP, said, “This programme continues to demonstrate how investing in people and cultural knowledge strengthens our national identity. By supporting tradition-bearers and apprentices, we are ensuring that Bermuda’s heritage is not only preserved, but actively practiced, shared, and evolved in meaningful ways.”
Andrew Baylay (Department of Archives),Malikah Jackson (Department of Archives), Keith Caesar, Karla Ingemann (Department of Archives)
This year’s programme highlighted two impactful apprenticeships. In partnership with the Bermuda Archives, tradition-bearer Keith Caesar and apprentice Kaleb McKenzie are working to preserve and enhance access to Bermuda’s documentary heritage through digitisation and archival work. Additionally, the Gombey Regalia Apprenticeship Programme, led by tradition-bearer Kelzine Thompson, alongside apprentices Marco Santucci, Katharyn Albouy, and Nicole Young, is helping to sustain the island’s vibrant Gombey traditions through hands-on training in regalia-making. The Ministry commends all participants for their dedication to safeguarding and advancing Bermuda’s cultural legacy.
The Ministry of Justice is thanking the Bermuda Equal Justice Initiative for a donation of approximately 1,000 books and 15 tablet devices for the benefit of inmates at the Westgate Correctional Facility.
The donation was formally handed over yesterday during a visit to Westgate attended by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Sen. the Hon. Kim Wilkerson, JP, Commissioner of Corrections Keeva Joell-Benjamin, and other Department of Corrections officials this week.
Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Sen. the Hon. Kim Wilkerson, JP, said, “I wish to thank the Bermuda Equal Justice Initiative for this thoughtful and meaningful contribution to the Department of Corrections.
“Donations such as this support the wider goal of rehabilitation by giving inmates greater access to reading materials and learning tools that can encourage personal development and positive use of time.”
The Minister added, “Access to books and educational resources can play an important role in helping individuals reflect, learn and prepare for a more productive future. This donation is a welcome example of how community partnership can support that process in a practical way.”
Commissioner of Corrections Keeva Joell-Benjamin stated, “The Department appreciates this donation and the opportunities it can provide within the correctional setting.
“The addition of books and tablet devices will help expand the resources available to inmates in a structured and supervised environment.”
The Commissioner added, “From an operational perspective, resources such as these can support educational, literacy and rehabilitative activities that form part of an inmate’s overall development while in our care.
“We are grateful for the support and will ensure the items are introduced in a manner that aligns with the Department’s established procedures and security requirements.”
The Ministry of Justice thanked Mr Eron Hill, founder and executive director of the Bermuda Equal Justice Initiative, for his support of the Department of Corrections and its contribution towards initiatives that can assist with inmate development and rehabilitation.
President Donald Trump said in a Reuters interview that the U.S. will end its war on Iran fairly soon and could return for “spot hits” if needed
International News via Reuters:
The dollar fell for the second straight session on Wednesday amid growing signs of a possible ceasefire in the Middle East conflict, which will likely ease market volatility.
President Donald Trump said in a Reuters interview that the U.S. will end its war on Iran fairly soon and could return for “spot hits” if needed. He had earlier said in a Truth Social post that Iran’s new leader asked for a ceasefire.
Trump is scheduled to address the nation “to provide an important update on Iran” at 9 p.m. EDT on Wednesday (0100 GMT on Thursday).
The U.S. dollar has benefited from a safe-haven bid since the conflict began in late February. Expectations that a ceasefire could be near have reversed some of the markets’ most popular trades.
The dollar pulled back from this year’s high of 160.47 per dollar against the Japanese yen, moving back through the psychologically important 160 level that had fanned concerns about intervention by Japanese authorities. The euro hit its highest level in a week.
The euro edged up 0.63% versus the dollar to $1.1621, on track for the second consecutive session of gains.
The dollar was down 0.16% to 158.45 against the Japanese yen. Sterling strengthened 0.78% to $1.3310.
“What’s going on now with the reversal and the risk to a degree is not surprising because of how dislocated everything got,” said Eugene Epstein, head of trading and structured products at Moneycorp in New Jersey.
The dollar index, which measures the currency against a basket of currencies including the yen and the euro, was last down 0.37% at 99.353.
Still, attacks continued to take place on multiple fronts on Wednesday, with drones hitting fuel tanks at Kuwait’s international airport, while Qatar said an oil tanker was struck by an Iranian cruise missile in Qatari waters.
Oil prices slid, with Brent crude futures dropping 2.44% and were last trading at about $101.50.
US JOBS DATA IN VIEW
This week’s main U.S. economic focus will be Friday’s jobs report for March. It is expected to show that employers added 60,000 jobs during the month, according to the median estimate of economists polled by Reuters, following an unexpected loss of 92,000 jobs in February.
A sharp deterioration in the labour market would likely revive expectations for rate cuts from the Federal Reserve this year, which have been largely priced out as rising oil prices from the Iran war stoked inflation concerns.
“You might have a short-term increase in inflation but because this is a supply shock, it will eventually manifest itself in slower economic growth,” Epstein said.
“And the Fed is not going to be raising rates into the potential of a slowdown in economic growth. I think that’s been a major misconception in the market and why the dollar has rallied so much. So what’s going on now is the unwind of that.”
The dollar weakened 0.85% to 0.792 against the Swiss franc, on track for the second straight session of losses.
The dollar weakened 0.21% to 6.873 versus the offshore Chinese yuan. The Australian dollar strengthened 0.65% versus the greenback to $0.6945.
Reporting by Chibuike Oguh in New York; Additional reporting by Samuel Indyk and Satoshi Sugiyama; Editing by Lincoln Feast, Arun Koyyur and Aurora Ellis
Hereford moved a step closer to their season objectives on Tuesday evening as a clinical second-half display saw off Macclesfield FC at Edgar Street.
In a National League North clash requiring both patience and precision, Bermudian duo Justin Donawa and Keziah Martin were instrumental in maintaining the Bulls’ defensive shape and midfield control.
After a cagey opening period, captain Dawson broke the deadlock, netting a vital double to seal a 2-0 victory. The win keeps Hereford firmly on track as they look to solidify their position in the upper reaches of the table.
Further south, Kane Crichlow and Chelmsford City were forced to settle for a point in a hard-fought 1-1 draw against AFC Totton. Despite the Clarets creating numerous openings at the Dunmow Group Community Stadium, a decisive second goal proved elusive, though the point maintains their steady momentum in the National League South.
There was silverware on the horizon for Harry Twite, who made a triumphant return to the Basford United starting XI.
Twite and his teammates competed in the Nottinghamshire FA Senior Cup Semi-Final, Basford United picked up a 3-1 win over Carlton Town. Twite and his teammates progress to the Senior Cup Final.
It was a tougher evening for Coleridge Fubler and Binfield FC. In their final mid-week match under the lights at Green Lane, the “Moles” suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Hartley FC. Despite a spirited home finale, a single strike was enough to deny Fubler’s side a share of the spoils in their Isthmian League encounter.
Pfizer sued Poland and Romania in late 2023 in a Belgian court to force the two countries to comply with a contract signed between the European Commission and Pfizer for the delivery of a set number of vaccine doses over several years
International News via Reuters:
A Belgian court on Wednesday ordered Poland and Romania to take delivery of 1.9 billion euros ($2.2 billion) worth of COVID-19 vaccines made by Pfizer and BioNTech in a case brought by the U.S. drugmaker three years ago.
Pfizer sued Poland and Romania in late 2023 in a Belgian court to force the two countries to comply with a contract signed between the European Commission and Pfizer for the delivery of a set number of vaccine doses over several years, the court said.
Poland refused in April 2022 to comply with the contract, citing the evolution of the pandemic, the war in Ukraine and a possible abuse of dominant position by Pfizer. Romania later took the same step.
The Brussels court rejected those arguments and ordered Poland and Romania to take delivery of the vaccine doses and pay Pfizer.
Poland was ordered to take delivery of Pfizer vaccine doses worth 1.3 billion euros, while Romania was ordered to take 600 million euros’ worth.
“Poland intends to pursue all legal remedies available to it to amend this ruling and defend its interests,” its Health Ministry said in a statement. The ruling requires a detailed analysis regarding its implementation, and the financial and practical aspects, it added.
Pfizer said it expected both countries to pay.
“This decision reflects the importance of the contractual obligations that underpinned a successful European pandemic response, which was built on the principle of solidarity between Member States,” it said in a statement.
During the most acute phase of the pandemic, the European Commission and EU governments agreed to buy huge volumes of vaccines, mostly from Pfizer and its partner BioNTech, amid fears of insufficient supplies.
As the pandemic abated, some EU countries pushed for a reduction IN the number of vaccines being ordered to cut the expense.
Pfizer and Moderna, another top supplier of COVID vaccines to the EU, have agreed to postpone some deliveries, though that was not considered enough by Poland and Romania.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk blamed his predecessor Mateusz Morawiecki for the setback.
The Romanian government said it did not have an official announcement on the ruling and so could not comment.
($1 = 0.8614 euros)
Reporting by Inti Landauro and Bhanvi Satija; Additional reporting by Alan Charlish and Luiza Ilie. Editing by Mark Potter and Toby Chopra
Trump also said he would state in the speech, which is due at 9 p.m. EDT on Wednesday (0100 GMT on Thursday), that he was considering withdrawing the U.S. from the NATO alliance
International News via Reuters:
The United States will end its war on Iran fairly soon and could return for “spot hits” if needed, President Donald Trump told Reuters on Wednesday, hours before he was scheduled to make a primetime address to the nation.
Trump also said he would state in the speech, which is due at 9 p.m. EDT on Wednesday (0100 GMT on Thursday), that he was considering withdrawing the U.S. from the NATO alliance.
Asked when the United States would consider the Iran war over, Trump said: “I can’t tell you exactly … we’re going to be out pretty quickly.”
U.S. action has ensured Iran will not have nuclear arms, he said: “They won’t have a nuclear weapon because they are incapable of that now, and then I’ll leave, and I’ll take everybody with me, and if we have to we’ll come back to do spot hits.”
TRUMP SAYS HE IS CONSIDERING QUITTING NATO
Global oil supplies are expected to be hit twice as hard this month as in March, the International Energy Agency said on Wednesday, underlining the urgent need for an end to the conflict Trump began with Israel on February 28.
Trump said separately on social media that Iran had asked for a ceasefire but that he would not consider it until Tehran ceased blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a major fuel shipment route. Iran denied any such request.
Two security sources from Pakistan, which is mediating in the conflict, earlier told Reuters Islamabad had proposed a temporary ceasefire to both sides but had not heard back from either.
Trump signalled on Tuesday he could wind down the war in two to three weeks even without a deal and scaled up threats to pull the U.S. out of the NATO defence alliance if European states did not help stop Iran threatening the waterway.
In his remarks to Reuters, Trump said he would express his disgust with NATO for what he considers the alliance’s lack of support for U.S. objectives in Iran. He said he is “absolutely” considering an attempt to withdraw the United States from NATO.
European states took pains to appear unruffled and France’s junior army minister Alice Rufo said operations by NATO in the Strait of Hormuz would be a breach of international law.
JET FUEL AND DIESEL SHORTAGE EXPECTED TO HIT EUROPE SOON
Trump’s comments underscored growing unease about a conflict that has killed thousands, spread across the region and caused unprecedented energy disruption.
International Energy Agency head Fatih Birol said the main issue so far from Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz was the lack of jet fuel and diesel that was already a problem in Asia and would hit Europe in April or May.
Businesses around the world are struggling, with cosmetics and tea among the latest sectors to report difficulties.
Washington had threatened to intensify operations unless Tehran agreed to not pursue nuclear weapons or uranium enrichment and to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox News Channel’s “Hannity” program there was potential for a “direct meeting at some point” and the U.S. could “see the finish line”.
TANKER HIT OFF QATAR, BLAZES IN BAHRAIN AND KUWAIT
Drones hit fuel tanks at Kuwait’s international airport, causing a big blaze, and authorities in Bahrain reported a fire at an undisclosed company facility from an Iranian attack.
Qatar said an oil tanker leased to state-owned QatarEnergy was hit by an Iranian cruise missile in Qatari waters, but that there were no injuries or environmental damage.
An overnight strike hit Shahid Haghani Port, Iran’s largest passenger terminal, deputy regional governor Ahmad Nafisi told state media, calling it a “criminal” attack on civilian infrastructure.
Iran has fired repeatedly on Gulf countries, some home to U.S. bases, during the conflict, and is using the Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas, as a bargaining chip.
Oil reversed earlier gains on Wednesday on Trump’s talk of an exit from the war. Asian, European and U.S. stocks rose.
Higher fuel prices are weighing on U.S. household finances before the November midterm elections, with two-thirds of Americans believing the U.S. should work to exit the Iran war quickly, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found.
HOUTHIS LAUNCH COORDINATED ATTACK
Iran reiterated on Tuesday it was ready to intensify attacks on U.S. assets and allies or reach a resolution, without saying how that could occur given the warring sides’ conflicting demands.
Its Revolutionary Guards have threatened to hit U.S. companies in the region including Microsoft, Google, Apple, Intel, IBM, Tesla and Boeing, from 8 p.m. Tehran time (1630 GMT) on Wednesday. Trump has said he was not concerned.
Iran said an air strike had killed one person, wounded another and damaged 32 residential units in the northwestern city of Tabriz and that 132 historical monuments had been damaged in 18 Iranian provinces since the start of the war.
Debris from Iranian missiles struck several areas in central Israel. Such debris has accounted for most of the 19 deaths in Israel so far but there were no reports of new fatalities.
In Iran, 3,492 people have been killed, including 1,574 civilians and 236 children, U.S.-based rights group HRANA said. Iranian Emergency Organization Jafar Meyadfar said 24 healthcare workers had been killed and 114 injured, Tasnim news reported.
Yemen’s Houthis said they carried out a missile attack on Israel along with Iran and Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon for the first time after joining the war in recent days. Israel’s military said air-defence systems were intercepting the threats.
In Lebanon, where Israel has stepped up an offensive, at least seven people were killed and 24 wounded in two Israeli strikes in the Beirut area, the Lebanese health ministry said. Israel said it was targeting two senior Hezbollah figures.
Reporting by Reuters bureaux; Writing by Costas Pitas, Martin Petty, Philippa Fletcher; Editing by Lincoln Feast, Alison Williams and Keith Weir
Bermuda’s Kayla Bardgett produced a flawless display of horsemanship to help the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) clinch the IHSA Zone 5 Championship title.
In a high-stakes weekend featuring 31 colleges, the hosts delivered a clinical performance to secure their spot at the upcoming National Championships.
The spotlight fell on Bardgett in the Open Equitation on the Flat, where she faced a grueling field of the region’s elite riders. The competition tested technical limits, requiring riders to compete without stirrups before the top four were ordered to swap horses for a final evaluation.
Bardgett’s adaptability proved the decider. She was crowned Zone Champion, a result that guarantees her individual qualification for the IHSA Nationals—a feat reserved only for the top two riders in each zone.
The victory held extra significance for the Bermudian, marking her final competitive appearance in the ring she has called home for three years.
“Closing out my last time competing in this ring was an extremely emotional moment,” Bardgett said. “Every person, every push, and every bit of belief has led me to this.”
With the Zone 5 trophy secured, Bardgett and her SCAD teammates now shift their focus to the season finale. After dominating on home soil, the team heads to the National Championships as one of the favorites for national glory.
A fire risk has forced a recall action affecting up to around 700,000 Stellantis cars worldwide, including models from the group’s brands Peugeot, Citreon, Fiat and Jeep, the company confirmed on Wednesday
International News via Reuters:
A fire risk has forced a recall action affecting up to around 700,000 Stellantis cars worldwide, including models from the group’s brands Peugeot, Citreon, Fiat and Jeep, the company confirmed on Wednesday.* Notices issued by Germany’s KBA regulator on Tuesday saidmodels produced between mid-2023 and early-2026 should bechecked for a possible defect that can cause water to enter theengine compartment, potentially leading to a fire * The recall covers most of Stellantis’s brands, with AlfaRomeo and Lancia also affected * Stellantis said in a statement that customer safety was”at the core of its values” and said a free service to resolvethe issue would take around 30 minutes
Reporting by Rachel More and Giulio Piovaccari; editing by Matthias Williams
Bermudian freshman Norre Robinson continued his impressive start to the collegiate outdoor season, helping Louisiana Tech to a podium finish at the prestigious Clyde Hart Classic.
Competing at the home of Baylor University in Waco, Robinson anchored a strong day for the Bulldogs’ sprint unit with a starring role in the relays.
Robinson was entrusted with the crucial lead-off leg in the Men’s 4x100m relay. A clinical start and a clean exchange set the platform for the Louisiana Tech quartet, who clocked 41.04 seconds to claim third place.
The performance saw the Bulldogs hold their own in a high-caliber field featuring some of the South’s elite regional talent.
Earlier in the meet, Robinson tested himself in a crowded 200m field of over 40 sprinters.
Time: 22.16 seconds
Position: 29th overall
While the time was slightly slower than his wind-aided season opener in Baton Rouge, it provided a vital benchmark as the youngster adapts to the grueling demands of the NCAA outdoor circuit.
The freshman’s ability to deliver under pressure has seen him quickly become a reliable fixture for the Bulldogs.
With a relay medal now under his belt, Robinson’s focus shifts to refining his drive phase and top-end speed as Louisiana Tech prepares for the heart of the Conference USA schedule. On this evidence, the young Bermudian has plenty more to offer as the season reaches its peak.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
