The OBA says that they support tourism, but history will show that support is not forthcoming when PLP policies are in play.
It’s not what you say, it’s what you do.
The OBA often speaks in support of tourism, while at the same time questioning and undermining the investment and work required to grow the industry under PLP administrations.
Whether it’s creating doubt about developers and developments or pushing back on positive progress there is a definite pattern. The totality of their actions and approach sends the wrong signals to investors at a time when Bermuda is rebuilding momentum and bringing investment back.
The irony is that our PLP Government has had to provide remediation to their failed Morgan’s Point Development while ensuring a complicated Fairmont Southampton project is actually realised for the benefit of our country.
Tourism supports thousands of Bermudian families and is the bedrock of our heritage. It is an industry that runs on confidence from Bermudians, visitors, airlines, hotel partners, and investors. That confidence comes from consistency. Mixed messages slow that down and make the work even harder. Only clear commitment and steady leadership can grow this industry.
Yet despite the erratic commentary and inconsistent commitment displayed by the Opposition, we are working to strengthen Bermuda’s tourism product, increasing our presence in key markets, and supporting growth across the industry.
Bermuda needs commitment on tourism, not idle chatter designed to distract, divide, and dismantle progress.
Bermuda’s overseas contingent experienced a weekend of high drama and contrasting results as league campaigns reached a critical juncture across the English football pyramid.
Willie Clemons enjoyed an afternoon to remember at Flannery Stadium as his Leiston FC side secured a vital 1-0 victory over Banbury United. In a tightly contested Southern League Premier Central clash, Leiston demonstrated defensive resilience to claim all three points and maintain their mid-table momentum.
There was similar joy on the road for Kane Crichlow, whose Chelmsford City FC side produced a professional display to edge past Chippenham Town. Playing at the Thornbury Surfacing Stadium, the Clarets secured a narrow 1-0 win in the National League South, with Crichlow providing his trademark energy to help his side navigate a testing away fixture.
The most dramatic comeback of the day belonged to Ajani Burchall and Wimborne Town. Facing a daunting two-goal deficit at the Honeycroft grounds, Wimborne showed remarkable character to turn the match on its head and defeat Uxbridge. The victory keeps their promotion aspirations alive following a spirited second-half revival.
However, it was a more somber afternoon for Keziah Martin and Justin Donawa at Edgar Street. Martin faced a reunion with his former employers, Buxton FC, but there was to be no fairytale result as Hereford FC succumbed to a 2-0 defeat in the National League North. The result leaves Hereford looking for a quick response as they aim to consolidate their position in the play-off hunt.
Milan Butterfield also tasted defeat as Halesowen Town fell 2-1 to Real Bedford at the Ledger Stadium, while Coolridge Fubler’s Binfield FC suffered a narrow 1-0 loss on the road at Harrow Borough in the Isthmian League. Elsewhere, the Bermudian pair of Aunde Todd and Brighton Morrison were on the wrong side of a clinical 3-0 scoreline as Badshot Lea struggled against Tooting and Mitcham United.
In the afternoon’s stalemate fixtures, Ayleal Dill and Southwell City played out an entertaining 2-2 draw with South Normanton Athletic. Zhani Burgess experienced an identical scoreline with Quorn FC, as they shared the spoils with Stratford Town in an end-to-end Southern League encounter at the Arden Garages Stadium.
The City of Hamilton is pleased to announce that Fort Hamilton has officially reopened to the public and is once again available for event bookings, following extensive renovations and archaeological investigations.
Over the past two years, the City has undertaken a comprehensive restoration programme at the fort, focused on infrastructure, accessibility, sustainability, and heritage preservation. Works completed include:
Major upgrades to electrical and water infrastructure to support daily operations and future events, including a new high-voltage power vault and a 36,000-imperial-gallon water tank
Installation of a new covered public terrace designed to harvest rainwater, alongside site-wide trenching to support upgraded power, potable water, irrigation, and data services
Improved accessibility through the installation of an ADA-compliant access ramp
Extensive archaeological investigations, expert analysis of artefacts, and detailed 3D topographic survey work to document and protect the site
Ongoing environmental restoration, including removal of invasive plant species, new planting initiatives, and the recovery of historic stonework
Repairs to historic stonework and roofs of existing buildings to preserve the Fort’s structural integrity
Installation of a memorial plaque honouring the late George Ogden, former City Parks Superintendent, for his role in shaping the Fort’s landscaped grounds
“Fort Hamilton is one of the City’s most significant heritage assets, and this restoration was carefully designed to balance preservation with practical improvements,” said Patrick Cooper,
City Engineer and Chief Operating Officer. “The work completed over the past two years ensures the Fort remains structurally sound, accessible, and fit for purpose, while honouring its history. Much of this initial phase focused on essential infrastructure and preservation work that strengthens the Fort behind the scenes. These foundational upgrades, many of which are not immediately apparent to visitors, were critical to ensuring the site’s long-term sustainability, safety, and functionality. The City has intentionally approached the restoration as a phased programme, with future phases expected to include enhancements to internal facilities such as the kitchen and additional visitor-facing improvements over time.”
Archaeological surveying and excavation formed a core component of the restoration initiative, designed to protect the site while supporting future upgrades. The project was undertaken by the City in collaboration with the Bermuda National Trust, and led by Florence Laino, Archaeological Project Manager for the City. The work aligns with the City’s Strategic Plan to enhance Hamilton’s heritage assets and deliver high-quality public spaces.
One of the most significant discoveries occurred ahead of the installation of the new water tank, where excavations uncovered the buried remains of the Fort’s 19th-century outhouse. Beneath a later concrete slab, archaeologists revealed an earlier floor surface, intact urinal structures, drainage systems, and deposits including clay tobacco pipes, slate fragments, fish bones and scales, buttons, and other artefacts. Among the finds were fragments of clay tobacco pipes from Ireland and the clay boot of what appears to be a toy soldier, offering rare insight into daily life at the Fort during the 1800s.
Situated on a hilltop along the eastern boundary of the City, Fort Hamilton offers panoramic views and is an ideal vantage point for enjoying Bermuda’s spectacular sunsets. Historically a British Garrison, the Fort later served as headquarters for the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps from the mid-1890s to the mid-1930s. In the decades that followed, the dry moat was transformed into lush tropical gardens, now accessible via a winding pathway.
Today, Fort Hamilton is an integral part of Hamilton’s parks network and features manicured gardens and lawns, spectacular views and is open daily from 8:00 a.m. until sunset. To book Fort Hamilton for an event, visit www.cityofhamilton.bm or contact the Venue Rentals Coordinator at venuerentals@cityhall.bm.
Statement by Shadow Finance Minister Dr Douglas De Couto:
During today’s motion to adjourn at the end of our Parliamentary session, the Premier tabled the report on the Premier’s, Ministers’, and Opposition Leader staff for fiscal years 2023/24 and 2024/25. By law, this report is to be tabled by the end of May each year for the prior financial year.
Until now, the most recent report tabled was in late 2020 for the 2019/2020 financial year. On December 12 last year, we wrote to the Premier requesting reports to the current date, so we are pleased to receive this report today.
However, we still look forward to the Premier producing the reports for years 2020/21 through 2022/23, also as required, and hope that he will provide these when Parliament resumes on 1 May.
The City of Hamilton advises the public that tree removal works will take place on Reid Street, just east of Court Street, in the vicinity of the former Canadian Hotel site, on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
The works will involve the removal of five trees (two White Cedars, one French Oak, one Mahoe, and one False Ebony) with operations scheduled to commence at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday.
To facilitate the safe execution of the works, parking spaces adjacent to the work site will be temporarily restricted. Traffic flow in the immediate area may be impacted, and motorists are encouraged to plan accordingly.
The trees identified for removal have caused significant disruption to the surrounding sidewalk and road surface due to root heaving, creating safety and maintenance concerns.
In keeping with the City’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing its urban green spaces, the removed trees will be replaced with a selection of False Ebony and Mahogony trees. These will be installed alongside appropriate root guard systems to help prevent future infrastructure damage.
As part of the City’s ongoing sustainability initiatives, the removed trees will be repurposed rather than discarded. The wood will be air-cured through a process known as “flaking” before being crafted into bespoke street furniture, including benches and tables, many of which can already be seen throughout the City.
Once properly cured, the timber is transformed by the City’s in-house carpenter into handcrafted pieces. This programme, led by Parks Superintendent Steven DeSilva, has saved the City tens of
thousands of dollars in materials and labour costs in recent years while also reducing environmental impact.
Separately, the City recently completed the planting of eight new trees along King Street as part of its ongoing streetscape improvement efforts. These included a mix of False Ebony, Brachychiton, Mahoe, and Mahogany species, following earlier works in May 2025 to address similar sidewalk disruptions caused by tree roots.
The City thanks the public for their understanding and cooperation as these essential works are carried out to improve the safety, functionality, and appearance of Hamilton’s streets.
Ten students to attend briefing breakfast ahead of ABIR’s risk forum
Ten highly engaged Bermuda College students have been given an exciting opportunity to jump-start their (re)insurance careers at the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers’ (ABIR) Risk Forum next month.
ABIR’s Education Partners, The Institutes Knowledge Group and the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies, will host a briefing breakfast with selected students immediately preceding the ABIR Risk Forum.
“The Institutes believe the future of the (re)insurance sector depends on how intentionally we invest in emerging talent today. Opportunities like the ABIR Risk Forum provide students with meaningful connection, real-world context, and a closer look into a dynamic global industry,” said Kate Horowitz, Executive Vice President and Head of Business Units for The Institutes. “Combined with The Institutes globally recognized designations, these experiences help students build the skills, confidence, and professional foundation to thrive in the many rewarding careers in risk management and insurance.”
Victoria Cunningham, Executive Director, Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies said, “This opportunity recognises the commitment these students have already shown through the ‘Special Topics in Insurance’ programme. Attending the ABIR Risk Forum will give them direct exposure to the conversations, challenges, and leaders shaping the global risk landscape, an experience that could be truly career-defining. We are proud to see our students stepping into these spaces and are grateful to ABIR for helping to open that door.”
Craig Simmons, professor emeritus said, “Bermuda College is committed to establishing itself as a leading knowledge producer for the (re)insurance industry. Through our Special Topics in Insurance course and strategic industry partnerships, we remain at the forefront of talent development. We appreciate the opportunity for our students to participate in the ABIR Risk Forum, supporting Bermuda’s next generation of talent.”
Collin Anderson, ABIR’s Director, Policy & Regulation said, “ABIR is delighted to assist Bermuda’s future (re)insurance leaders by exposing them to a veritable who’s who of international standard setters. The ten students are emerging talents, who are all just starting out on their careers in the world’s risk capital. We know they will benefit from meeting established (re)insurance executives in the audience and listening to cutting-edge content on stage.”
ABIR’s inaugural Risk Forum has the theme – ‘Compliance, Capital, Capacity’ – and will be held at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess on 8 April, 2026.
This year’s Forum will feature distinguished leaders from the global (re)insurance industry and international supervisory community including:
Petra Hielkema, Chairperson, European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA)
Sir Charles Roxburgh KCB, Chair, Lloyd’s of London
Craig Swan, CEO, Bermuda Monetary Authority (BMA)
Scott White, President, US National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
Jonathan Dixon, Secretary General, International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS)
Nicolas Papadopoulo, CEO, Arch Capital Group Ltd
Stephen Catlin, Founder & Life President, Convex Group
Shannon Bender, Executive Vice President, Group General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd.
Andrew Mais, Senior Advisor, Deloitte; Former Commissioner, Connecticut Insurance Department; Former NAIC President; Former IAIS Executive Committee Vice Chair
Proceedings will kick off officially at 10.30 a.m. with a welcome from Mark Cloutier, ABIR Chair and His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Andrew Murdoch CMG.
A Bermuda market reception will bring proceedings to a close, led with keynote comments by Premier E. David Burt, JP MP and Minister of Finance and Economy and Labour Minister Jason Hayward, JP MP.
The event is supported by ABIR member companies and event partners KBRA, Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA), Deloitte and The Institutes Knowledge Group.
ABIR was founded in 1993 and represents Bermuda’s major property and casualty insurers and reinsurers doing business in 150 countries. For three decades, the Bermuda market’s risk-bearing capacity has played a key role in enabling insurance to be accessible and affordable, to the benefit of consumers around the world. Bermuda is an internationally recognised center of global expertise on underwriting for catastrophe, climate, cyber, mortgage & credit risk transfer products, along with other specialty insurance and reinsurance. For more information, please visit www.abir.bm or follow us on X @ABIR_Bermuda
About The Institutes & The Institutes Knowledge Group
The Institutes® are a not-for-profit comprised of diverse affiliates that educate, elevate, and connect people in the essential disciplines of risk management and insurance. Through products and services offered by The Institutes’ nearly 20 affiliated business units, people and organizations are empowered to help those in need with a focus on understanding, predicting, and preventing losses to create a more resilient world. Learn more at Global.TheInstitutes.org.
The Institutes Knowledge Group helps people build foundational, technical, and leadership skills to stay ahead of evolving trends in risk management and insurance. We offer more than 25 practical professional Institutes Designations, including CPCU®, along with topic courses, micro-courses for learning in the flow of work, collegiate studies, and executive and leadership education programs, all focused on the business of risk management and insurance.
Like many of you, I got that OBA postcard. And like many of you, I tossed it out, because we know exactly what it was. A glossy piece of paper of half-truths, and manipulated numbers designed to divide, amplify negativity and make you forget who the OBA truly are.
We know that too many of us are still feeling pressure. We feel it at the grocery store. We feel it when the bills come in. We know it because we feel it too and unlike an OBA focused on exploiting it, we are focused on fixing it
The OBA wants you to believe the economy is stalled when unemployment is at a record low.
The OBA wants you to blame the PLP for the cost of living …They don’t want you to understand that the cost of living is skyrocketing across the globe and hope you will think that nothing is being done. They don’t want you to know that we’ve cut payroll taxes on workers to the lowest level ever, expanded the Child Daycare Allowance, slashed duty on essential items, while working with grocers to introduce the Affordable Bermuda basket.
They talk about debt, hoping you will forget that they doubled it and that you won’t see that the PLP Government, having delivered consecutive budget surpluses will make the largest repayment of Bermuda’s debt in history.
On education, we all know that there is a lot of work still to be done. Yet unlike the OBA who cut public education funding, free Bermuda College and scholarships, the PLP have increased investment in Public Education, ensured all Bermudians can attend the college, and expanded scholarships.
When the OBA aren’t trying to mislead you, they bring forward “solutions” that raise more questions than answers.
They say Bermuda’s roads need fixing, but then say more money needs to be put towards paying off the debt.
They say that Bermuda is in a housing crisis, then calls for the government to slow down and move “cautiously,” while calling for more money to be diverted towards the debt.
As a former OBA MP once said, “The OBA does contradict themselves, and we make no apology for that.”
This Government isn’t perfect, but because we are a part of the community, are actually in the community and deeply connected to the community, we know the real challenges people are facing. The challenges being faced by some Bermudians isn’t a joke, it isn’t a myth and it isn’t something to play games with.
Though we don’t always get everything right, we care about our fellow Bermudians, know what is at stake for families that are struggling and we will keep fighting for Bermudians every day.
Transport Minister Owen Darrell tabled regulations today, which give taxi drivers a very brief window to claim digital app-based transport requests, before they are offered to the new operators.
Minister Darrell says applications will start being accepted shortly – and depending on applicants we could see new operators up and running by May.
WATCH the report above.
Ministerial Statement by Owen Darrell, Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport
The weekend is here, and there’s plenty happening across the island for all ages to enjoy. From community events to entertainment and activities, there’s something for everyone to take part in. Kendal Trott has the latest on what’s happening this weekend.
Two charities are benefiting from a fundraiser honouring the life of Emma Norman.
Emma was a respected athlete who died from cancer last year at the age of 33. An Emma-zing Shave was launched to celebrate her vibrant spirit while raising funds for PALS Cancer Care and the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre. With a goal of $30,000, the initiative has already surpassed $20,000. We spoke to Colleen English DeGrilla, Executive Director of PALS, and Chris Fosker, CEO and Medical Director of the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, who detailed where the funds will go and why this initiative is so important. We also spoke to one of the head-shaving participants who helped organize the initiative, as well as others taking part, who shared what it means to be involved.
We also spoke with Kyle Adams, a close friend and former colleague of Emma Norman and one of the organizers behind An Emma-zing Shave, as well as a head-shaving participant. He shared more about how the initiative came together and the inspiration behind it. We also heard from John Humphreys, a fellow participant and friend of Emma, who spoke about what this effort means to those within the insurance and reinsurance industry.
The EU and parties to the CPTPP – a trade agreement which comprises 12 countries, including Japan, Britain, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Malaysia – met on the sidelines of the WTO ministerial conference in Cameroon on Friday
International News via Reuters:
The European Union and the parties to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership agreed on Friday to move forward with reaching a “historic” digital trade agreement between both trading blocs, Canada’s trade minister said.
“The concrete resolution from today’s conversation was: let’s move forward on digital trade agreement,” Maninder Sidhu, Canada’s Minister of International Trade told Reuters.
The EU and parties to the CPTPP – a trade agreement which comprises 12 countries, including Japan, Britain, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Malaysia – met on the sidelines of the WTO ministerial conference in Cameroon on Friday.
“If this comes together, as it hopefully will, this will be historic. It will be the largest trading agreement in civilization,” Sidhu said.
He said the coming together of the two blocs which together represent 1.6 billion people and $35 trillion economies would be significant.
The EU said in a statement that this agreement could serve as a blueprint “for a region-to-region track of work” in digital trade.
“An EU-CPTPP Digital Trade Agreement would be an enormous success. We need to accelerate, as DTAs represent a future-proof layer of trade agreements,” said a EU spokesperson.
The deal would look at e-commerce, data flows and storage, the minister said, adding that ministers will continue to engage in further conversations on what the deal could look like.
Reporting by Olivia Le Poidevin in Yaounde; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama
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