City employees earn International Leadership qualification
City of Hamilton employees have been formally recognised after completing an internationally accredited leadership qualification
The City of Hamilton is proud to announce that six City employees have successfully completed the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) Level 3 Certificate in Leadership and Management, an internationally recognised qualification designed to strengthen workplace leadership skills.
The employees were formally recognised at this month’s meeting of the full Council and include Sanitation Driver Donald Whitfield, Gardener Marcus Ming, Sanitation Foreman Keith Gumbs, Parking Attendant Administrator Jordan Darrell, Parks Foreman Tir-Rel Woodley, and Sanitation Labourer Larance Durham (absent from photo).
The ILM Level 3 Certificate in Leadership and Management is designed to build the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to lead effectively in today’s workplace. Over the course of 13 weeks, participants developed core leadership and management capabilities that support stronger team performance, improved decision-making, and greater personal effectiveness.
The programme covered a broad range of topics tailored to first-line supervisors and aspiring managers, including Understanding Leadership, Leading and Motivating a Team Effectively, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Developing Themselves and Others, Giving Briefings and Making Presentations, and Managing Risk in the Workplace.
These modules equipped participants with practical tools to lead with purpose, communicate effectively, navigate workplace challenges with confidence, and better understand the laws and regulations that influence safe and effective operations.
The programme’s Bermuda College lecturer, Erwin Lightbourne, said: “These individuals showed remarkable resilience and commitment, stepping outside their comfort zones to grow as leaders while balancing full-time roles. Their achievement is truly well deserved.”
Mayor Charles Gosling said: “I am always inspired when people choose to invest in themselves and continue growing, no matter what stage of life or career they are in. Taking that next step not only strengthens their own potential, but also enriches the entire organisation and the community we serve.”
City CEO Dwayne Caines said: “Completion of this certificate reflects a readiness to apply stronger leadership practices in the workplace, contribute more effectively to organisational goals, and help cultivate a positive team culture. These graduates have demonstrated commitment, discipline, and a clear willingness to grow as leaders.”
Mr. Caines added that moments like these reinforce the pride he has in the City team, noting that returning to an academic environment is no small undertaking, particularly to achieve a qualification of such international rigour.
The City congratulates all six employees on this outstanding achievement and commends their commitment to professional growth, leadership development, and continued excellence in public service.
Charity prepares youth for future maritime careers
Endeavour’s latest Maritime Career Springboard Programme equipped nine Bermudians aged 16 and older with hands-on experience, skills development and industry exposure
Media release and images supplied.
Endeavour, a Bermuda-based charity that engages diverse youth in hands-on learning through sailing, has partnered with The Bermuda College Athora Division of Professional and Career Education to provide young Bermudians with maritime training, employability skills and career development opportunities.
The Endeavour Maritime Career Springboard Programme offers Bermudian youth aged 16 and older with hands-on experience, skills development and industry exposure, preparing them for future careers in the maritime industry. Since 2018, 92 young Bermudians have completed the programme, with more than 70% now employed or continuing their education – many in the maritime sector.
From January 12 to February 27, nine Bermudians aged 16 to 25 – three females and six males – successfully completed the seven-week programme. The group represented a diverse range of academic and career stages, including three high school students, one from CedarBridge Academy who is dual-enrolled at The Bermuda College; one from The Berkeley Institute; and a G.E.D. student from the Adult Education School. The cohort also included high school and college graduates, as well as current college students.
Notably, five participants were first introduced to sailing through Endeavour’s STEAM Education through Sailing Programme, a five-day immersive learning experience offered to all students in Bermuda ages 11-12 years old. Of those, three advanced to complete Endeavour’s Graduate Programme, and two furthered their skills development through Endeavour’s Assistant Instructor Programme, then volunteered their time to support younger students.
The programme continues to be accessible to participants of all experience levels, welcoming both advanced sailors and those with little to no prior sailing background. Notably, one participant advanced from Endeavour’s No Limits Sailing Programme, underscoring the organisation’s commitment to expanding opportunities for young people of all backgrounds and abilities.
Eighteen-year-old Derek Ingram Jr. has made history as the first graduate of the No Limits Sailing Programme to progress into the Springboard Programme. Derek began sailing with Endeavour in 2017 and, over the course of nine years, developed his confidence and skills through the initiative.
Through hands-on training, certifications, and mentorship, participants gained practical skills and valuable insight into maritime careers. All members of the 2026 cohort reported increased awareness of industry opportunities and greater confidence in pursuing careers in the sector.
Derek shared about his experience: “I enjoyed exploring various businesses within the marine industry, and l have learned how different parts of the marine sector work together—from sailing and boat handling to safety procedures and the importance of maintaining equipment. I especially enjoyed learning about The Department of Marine & Ports Services and its ferry operations, which gave me a real appreciation for how the industry works together.”
Noah Astwood, 18, said: “Through this programme, I’ve strengthened my confidence, sailing and teaching skills, while opening my eyes to the many careers in Bermuda’s maritime industry. The mentorship and networking opportunities have inspired me to pursue my goals with purpose and determination.”
Roger Dill, 25, said: “The programme helped me understand how to begin a career in the maritime industry and what to expect. I especially valued the career days and certifications, which will support my future path.”
A key milestone this year was that the programme was delivered entirely by alumni, demonstrating the strength of Endeavour’s development pathways and inspiring participants to envision their own success.
“Each Springboard graduate has shown extraordinary dedication, and we are inspired by all they have achieved,” said Jah-Shon Smith, Endeavour East Chief Instructor. “Their growth, driven by commitment and hard work, is remarkable. We are particularly encouraged by their enthusiasm for exploring career paths, building connections, and embracing new experiences. Their success is a testament not only to their efforts but also to the guidance and support of their coaches, mentors, teachers, and families who supported them along the way. We can’t wait to see the incredible futures they will create and what they will accomplish next.”
Jennifer Pitcher, Endeavour’s Executive Director, said “The maritime sector offers a world of exciting career opportunities—from marine engineering and vessel navigation to marine conservation, diving operations, boat handling and so much more. Through strong partnerships with Bermuda’s marine organisations, we are proud to provide Bermudian youth with hands-on training, mentorship, and career guidance to help shape the next generation of maritime professionals. We are immensely proud of each Endeavour Maritime Springboard Graduate and inspired by their achievements. We wish all our graduates the very best in their future endeavors.”
Endeavour extends its appreciation to its marine partners and industry professionals, whose mentorship, expertise, and support provided invaluable hands-on learning and career exposure opportunities.
- Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo & Bermuda Zoological Society – Dr. Alex Amat & team
- Bermuda Coast Guard – Captain Jeff Patterson & Sergeant Richardson
- Bermuda Maritime Operations Centre – Scott Simmons & Peter Stickland
- Bermuda Shipping & Maritime Authority – Taran Card
- Bermuda Yacht Services – Mark Soares
- BIOS – Kaitlin Noyes, Claire Fox & team
- Department of Marine & Ports Services – J. Maquel Bailey, J. Maynard, J. Dyer & the rest of the crew
- K.S. Watersports – Kevin Sousa
- Ocean Sails – Stevie & Suzanne Hollis
- Spar Yard Marine Solutions Ltd. – Mark Goodwin
- Spirit of Bermuda & Bermuda Maritime Academy – David Goulbourne
- Waterstart – JP Skinner, Anne Kermode & Phoebe Barboza
- Teekay Tankers Ltd. – Angelique Burgess
In the programme’s final week, five participants earned their RYA Dinghy Instructor qualification, while another five gained hands-on experience through job shadowing with our marine partners. Special thanks to Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo, Waterstart, Spirit of Bermuda, the Department of Marine & Ports Services, and Endeavour’s Maintenance Technician, Ian Morrell, for making these rewarding opportunities possible.
“Endeavour’s marine partners play a vital role in inspiring Bermudian youth,” said Brittany Siddle, Community Engagement Coordinator. “Through their guidance, industry insight, and encouragement, they empower Bermuda’s next generation of maritime professionals to pursue their goals with confidence, ambition, and determination.”
“As an accredited Royal Yachting Association (RYA) training centre, Endeavour offers internationally recognised certifications, equipping participants with transferable skills for careers across the marine industry and beyond,” said Olivia Reilly, Endeavour’s Operations Manager. “These include RYA Sailing Levels 1–3, RYA Powerboat Levels 1-2, Seamanship, Safety Boat, First Aid, VHF Marine Radio Short Range Certificate (SRC), Safe & Fun Safeguarding, and for those interested in teaching sailing to youth, the RYA Dinghy Instructor qualification is also available. It opens doors to diverse pathways and exposes participants to exciting opportunities across the maritime industry.”
Karen Smith, Programme Coordinator of Bermuda College APACE, said: “Bermuda College is proud to partner with Endeavour in bridging the gap between education and industry. This programme exemplifies what becomes possible when academic institutions and community organisations align their strengths; we are able to meet the real and evolving needs of Bermuda’s maritime sector while creating flexible, accessible pathways for young people at every stage of their journey. By combining Bermuda College’s resources with Endeavour’s hands-on, experiential approach, we ensure that participants are not only workforce-ready but genuinely inspired to build careers right here in Bermuda.”
Mrs. Pitcher added, “Endeavour’s work is made possible through the generous support of our donors and partners. Special thanks to programme partners including The Bermuda College, The Berkeley Institute, and CedarBridge Academy, and all of the marine partners whose collaboration makes this programme possible. We’re deeply thankful to Endeavour’s donors including lead founding partner, Orbis Investments, as well as PwC Bermuda, Arch Capital Group Ltd., and the Centennial Bermuda Foundation. Thank you to Teekay Tankers Ltd. for supporting scholarships for the Endeavour Maritime Career Springboard Programme, and to Nicole Butterworth for dedicating her time and expertise to facilitate the Royal Yachting Association First Aid Course.”
Endeavour will host the tenth cohort of the Maritime Career Springboard Programme from Monday, January 11 to Friday, February 26, 2027. Eligible candidates must be Bermudian, aged 16 or older, able to commit to the full programme, and demonstrate a positive attitude with a strong willingness to learn.
Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, November 4, 2026, via email at education@endeavour.bm.
To learn more about Endeavour’s programmes, visit Endeavour.bm.
French train collides with truck carrying military pontoon, train driver killed
Sixteen people were injured and two of them were in critical condition
International News via Reuters:
A French high-speed train collided with a truck carrying military equipment at a level crossing near Calais on Tuesday, killing the train driver, the local prefecture and railway operators said.
Sixteen people were injured and two of them were in critical condition, the prefecture said. More than 200 passengers were on the train at the time of the crash and the truck was carrying a military pontoon, it said.
The train was travelling from Dunkirk to Paris when the incident occurred at around 7 a.m. near the town of Bully-les-Mines, railway operator SNCF said in a separate statement.
Local prosecutor Etienne Thieffry said the police had started an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter and were holding the civilian truck driver in custody for questioning.
SNCF said traffic had been interrupted on the line and the prefecture said it would remain closed until further notice.
Reporting by Inti Landauro and Sophie Louet; Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta, Tomasz Janowski and Alison Williams
Kanye West refused entry to UK, Wireless Festival cancelled
Organiser Festival Republic said his permission to enter and perform in Britain had been withdrawn on Tuesday and the three-day event had been cancelled and refunds would be issued to all ticket holders
International News via Reuters:
Britain has blocked U.S. rapper Kanye West from travelling to the country to headline London’s Wireless Festival in July over his past antisemitic comments and celebration of Nazism.
Organiser Festival Republic said his permission to enter and perform in Britain had been withdrawn on Tuesday and the three-day event had been cancelled and refunds would be issued to all ticket holders.
The decision followed mounting pressure on the government after Kanye West, now known as Ye, was named a headline act on April 1. Several major companies withdrew sponsorship, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the artist should never have been invited.
“We will always take the action necessary to protect the public and uphold our values,” Starmer said.
Authorities said Ye was denied entry on the grounds that his presence would not be conducive to the public good.
YE HAD OFFERED TO MEET JEWISH COMMUNITY
Earlier on Tuesday, Ye offered to meet Britain’s Jewish community, saying his only goal was to come to London and present a show of change, “bringing unity, peace and love through music”.
He said he was aware of the controversy surrounding his planned Wireless appearance.
“I would be grateful for the opportunity to meet with members of the Jewish community in the UK in person, to listen,” he said. “I know words aren’t enough – I’ll have to show change through my actions. If you’re open, I’m here.”
He has performed in the U.S. and Mexico City this year but was barred from Australia last July after releasing “Heil Hitler”, a song promoting Nazism. He also advertised a swastika T-shirt for sale on his website.
In January, he took out a full‑page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal to apologise for his behaviour, which he attributed to an undiagnosed brain injury and untreated bipolar disorder, and renounced past expressions of admiration for Adolf Hitler.
MINISTER DECRIES PATTERN OF BEHAVIOUR
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said Ye’s actions amounted to a “pattern of behaviour”, citing the song and merchandise, and accused him of using mental health as an excuse.
Festival Republic managing director Melvin Benn had previously said Ye’s comments were “abhorrent” but defended the booking, arguing against denying artists second chances.
Jewish groups welcomed the visa decision. The Board of Deputies of British Jews said meaningful engagement would require genuine remorse, while the Jewish Leadership Council had condemned the booking amid a rise in antisemitic attacks.
Ye, 48, has not performed in Britain since headlining Glastonbury in 2015. Sponsors including Diageo, Pepsi and Anheuser‑Busch InBev withdrew support for Wireless, while PayPal said its branding would not appear in future Wireless promotion material.
Reporting by Suban Abdulla and Sam Tabahriti; additional reporting by Natalia Bueno Rebolledo; Writing by Paul Sandle; Editing by Kevin Liffey, Alison Williams and Ros Russell
UK stocks fall in broad-based declines as Trump’s Iran deadline looms
Trump threatened that “a whole civilization will die tonight” as Iran showed no sign of accepting his ultimatum to open the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday evening, Washington time
International News via Reuters:
UK shares ended lower in broader-based losses on Tuesday, as investors turned risk-averse heading into U.S. President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz with no compromise in sight.
Trump threatened that “a whole civilization will die tonight” as Iran showed no sign of accepting his ultimatum to open the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday evening, Washington time.
The blue-chip FTSE 100 index dropped 0.8% to 10,348.8 points at close, while the midcap FTSE 250 slid 0.4%.* Trump has given Iran until 8 p.m. in Washington (0000 GMTand 3:30 a.m. in Tehran) to end its blockade of Gulf oil. * Trading in the UK picks up on Tuesday after a long weekendbreak where markets were shut for the Good Friday and EasterMonday holidays. * The blue-chip index briefly hit an over one-month highearlier in the day, but Tuesday’s fall meant snapping a four-daywinning streak. * Aerospace and defence lagged, declining 2.6%; shares ofRolls-Royce fell 3.9%. * Travel and leisure shed 1.9% with airline stocksparticularly hit as crude oil prices climbed amid the volatilesituation in Iran. * Oil and gas was a bright spot, rising 0.8% tracking highercrude oil prices. * Heavyweight banks lost 0.8%, while pharmaceutical andbiotech shares fell 2.2%. * On the data front, a survey showed that businesses inBritain’s services sector reported the biggest month-on-monthjump in costs in March since 2021. * A U.S. inflation reading due later this week would be oninvestors’ radar for more clues on the Federal Reserve’sinterest rate path.
Reporting by Shashwat Chauhan in Bengaluru; Editing by Sahal Muhammed and Matthew Lewis
Heads of IEA, IMF, World Bank to meet next Monday to discuss energy crisis
“This energy crisis calls for all hands on deck & international cooperation,” Birol said on social media platform X, stressing the need for the three institutions to support governments worldwide
International News via Reuters:
The leaders of the International Energy Agency, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank will discuss the energy crisis triggered by the Iran war next Monday, IEA executive director Fatih Birol said on Tuesday.
“This energy crisis calls for all hands on deck & international cooperation,” Birol said on social media platform X, stressing the need for the three institutions to support governments worldwide amid the economic fallout from the war.
Birol, the IMF’s chief Kristalina Georgieva and the World Bank’s Ajay Banga agreed last week to form a coordination group to help deal with the regional disruption that has caused one of the largest supply shortages in global energy market history.
Their response mechanism could include targeted policy advice, assessing potential financing needs and providing support, including through low- or zero-percent financing, as well as unspecified risk mitigation tools, they said.
Birol’s statement came as U.S. President Donald Trump issued a threat to Iran that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” unless Tehran accepted an ultimatum to open the Strait of Hormuz, previously an international waterway through which a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas typically passed.
Birol recently told French newspaper Le Figaro that the current oil and gas crisis triggered by Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is “more serious than the ones in 1973, 1979 and 2022 together”.
Reporting by Dominique Vidalon, America Hernandez,; Writing by Charlotte Van Campenhout and Forrest Crellin; Editing by Gareth Jones
BELCO reminds Paget customers of planned outage
The utility says the primary purpose of the supply interruption is to replace a faulty switch
Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (BELCO or the Company) wishes to remind customers that a planned outage is scheduled for tomorrow, Tuesday, April 7, 2026, affecting the following areas of Paget between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.:
· Southcote Road
· Treadway Lane
· Birdcage Lane
· Hilton Drive
· South Road (parts)
The primary purpose of this work is to replace a faulty switch. While this section of the circuit is de-energised, BELCO will also take the opportunity to retension the overhead conductors and replace crossarms and insulators as required. New poles have already been installed and are ready for the transfer. These upgrades will strengthen the network and support a safe and reliable electricity service for customers.
Please note that these times are approximate and every effort will be made to minimise the duration of the supply interruption. In the event of inclement weather or changes to operational priorities, the outage will be rescheduled for Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at the same time.
Customers in the affected areas are encouraged to unplug sensitive equipment prior to the outage.
BELCO thanks customers for their patience and cooperation as the Company continues its work to maintain a safe and reliable electricity supply for Bermuda.
For further information, please contact BELCO at 295-5111.
CARIFTA athletes deliver ‘impressive’ performances
Owen Darrell, Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport was in attendance at the games and offered his praise to the athletes
The 2026 CARIFTA Games, held in Grenada from 4–6 April, highlighted Bermuda’s strong representation across track and field. Competing against the Caribbean’s best, Bermuda’s athletes have delivered a series of impressive performances. Whilst the Track and Field events took place, the CARIFTA Swimming Championships were also being held in Martinique from 2-9 April.
Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, the Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, MP, was in attendance to support the team, highlighting the Government’s commitment to youth development and athletic excellence. Praising the athletes, Minister Darrell stated, “Our athletes have once again demonstrated what dedication and discipline can achieve. Their performances at CARIFTA inspire us all and reinforce that sport matters in shaping our young people and bringing our community together. Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches, and supporting staff. I am proud of you and Bermuda is proud of you.”
Among the standout achievements, Bermuda’s female swim relay team, consisting of Marleigh Howes, Teagan Mewett, Katherine Wheddon, and Violet Smith, delivered a commendable performance, securing the island’s first gold medal at the Swimming Championships.
Additionally, Miles Outerbridge made history by breaking a longstanding national track record in the 100 meters. He also took home the silver medal in the 200 meters, marking a significant milestone not only in his personal career but also for Bermuda track and field as a whole. These accomplishments are a testament to the athletes’ hard work, as well as the dedication of their coaches and support staff.
The Government of Bermuda congratulates the entire Bermuda CARIFTA team for their efforts, sportsmanship, and proud representation of the island on the international stage.
Inside Sports with Kim Robinson
In this weeks episode of Inside Sports, Ian & ‘Butchy B’ talk with Kimberly Robinson, a proud Bermudian Mother of two sons who are making significant strides in the world of professional hockey.
Olde Towne gears up for summer season
Ferry service to St. George’s has been expanded to now include Saturdays
The Corporation of St. George’s dedicates a road in Miss World’s name and showcases UNESCO World Poetry Day as the town gears up for
summer visits with new 550 seat fast ferry.
The Corporation of St. George’s, the municipal provider for Bermuda’s oldest settlement, updated the town on recent activities and events. Mayor Quinell Francis, JP, had the pleasure of hosting the Bermuda Government’s Cabinet for a special dedication, renaming the area formerly known colloquially as ” Top & Bottom Road” to Gina Swainson Way.
This is a fitting acknowledgment of the trail Ms. Swainson blazed for those who followed her. The Mayor stated, “From this day forward, this road will carry the name of one of St. George’s most celebrated daughters and one of Bermuda’s greatest icons.” The public can view the dedication on the CSG website at https://corpstgeorge.bm/ginaswainson.
On March 23, 2026, schoolchildren from the surrounding area saw St. George’s ‘Through Their Eyes,’ with poetry readings on the town square, masterfully emceed by town stalwart Ms. Kristin White. The event was an enlightening and enjoyable display of talent. Town Manager Candy-Lee Foggo noted, “St. George being part of UNESCO allows the town to not only present our students’ educational talents but also share a collective perspective from a youth point of view. In the Towne Hall, we have student poems and drawings on display for any visitor to see.” This event is part of the Corporation’s ongoing program to showcase the value of town living and is supported by community sponsors: Churchill’s, Dowling’s Marine Gas Station, Food Hub, Four Star, Robertson’s Drug Store, Saltwater Jewellery, and Wahoo’s Bistro & Patio.
Bermuda will receive King Charles III days after the Annual Peppercorn Ceremony on April 22 at King’s Square. As if that were not enough, ferry service to the town has been expanded to now include Saturdays, alongside the launch of a ride share service in Bermuda. Reliable
transportation is particularly important to the town, as restaurants have published reports of guests being stranded in the town late in the evening.
The Parliamentary Registrar has announced Polling Day for Municipal Elections will be Thursday, May 7, 2026.
The full April newsletter is available through the Corporation of St. George’s official channels.
Read the newsletter: https://corpstgeorge.bm/thetown/newsletters
Sign up: https://corpstgeorge.bm/newsletter
