Jadon Spriggs has claimed his first USTA title in emphatic fashion, storming to victory at the March into Spring Level 6 Tennis Tournament in Zephyrhills.
Competing at the prestigious Mouratoglou Academy, Spriggs delivered a masterclass in consistency to be crowned the Boys’ 18 & Under Singles Champion. The young Bermudian navigated the entire tournament without dropping a single set, a feat that highlights his rapid development on the international circuit.
Spriggs began his campaign with a clinical 6-1, 6-2 win over Daylian Kansara, before facing a sterner tactical test in the quarter-finals against Owen Van Boven. Despite the increased pressure, Spriggs remained composed to secure a 7-5, 6-4 victory, later brushing aside Aaray Shashikiran 6-3, 6-1 in the semi-finals.
In the final, Spriggs once again showcased his superior baseline game, defeating Leonardo Catori 6-4, 6-3 to lift the trophy. Reflecting on the win, Spriggs credited a pre-tournament training stint for helping him adjust to the local conditions.
“I had a great experience winning my first USTA tournament,” Spriggs said. He noted his most challenging encounter came against the top seed, where he fought back from 0-3 down in the second set. “My best advice would be to never give up. I felt he really challenged my abilities.”
The victory serves as a perfect springboard for Spriggs’ next assignment in Guadeloupe, where he aims to secure his first ITF world ranking points.
Swimmer Elijah Daley has been named a finalist for the prestigious Male Rookie of the Year award following a sensational debut season for the Varsity Blues.
The nomination comes as the University of Toronto prepares to celebrate its premier athletic talents at the annual Varsity Blues Awards Gala this Friday, March 27. Daley is among an elite group of finalists for the major year-end honours, a fitting tribute to a campaign where he established himself as a vital point-scorer on both provincial and national stages.
A student of Political Science and Society, Law & Ethics, Daley made an immediate impact in the pool, helping the Varsity Blues secure the OUA provincial banner and a silver medal at the U SPORTS National Championships. His individual brilliance was highlighted at the OUA Championships, where he claimed silver in the 200m Individual Medley to earn OUA All-Star status.
The young Bermudian carried that momentum to the U SPORTS National Championships, competing against the finest collegiate swimmers in Canada. Daley reached three separate A-Finals, finishing an impressive fourth in the 200m Butterfly and securing fifth-place finishes in both the 100m Butterfly and the 200m Individual Medley.
His consistent high-level performances have marked him as one of the most promising recruits in the program’s recent history. As the university community gathers on Friday night, Daley will be looking to cap off a remarkable first year by taking home one of the athletic department’s highest individual honours.
Norre Robinson has made a statement start to his outdoor collegiate season, securing a standout top-ten finish for Louisiana Tech at the LSU Opener.
Competing at the historic LSU-Bernie Moore Track, the freshman sprinter delivered a clinical performance in the 200 metres. Robinson powered through the curve to stop the clock in 21.42 seconds, earning him ninth place overall in a high-calibre field. The time serves as a strong indicator of his successful speed transition following a productive indoor campaign.
Earlier in the day, Robinson took to the blocks for the 100 metres. Facing a crowded field of elite regional talent, he produced a consistent drive phase to clock 10.92 seconds, finishing 16th in the final standings.
Robinson’s individual exploits contributed to a dominant collective outing for the Bulldogs, who tallied 22 top-five finishes across the meet. Having recently set a personal best in the 60 metres indoors, the Bermudian has established a solid foundation as the outdoor schedule intensifies.
The focus now shifts to next weekend, where Robinson and his Louisiana Tech teammates travel to Waco, Texas, for the Clyde Hart Classic at Baylor University.
Bermuda Electric Light Company Limited (BELCO or the Company) today announced the winners of the Company’s annual Kite Safety Poster competition.
The competition was open to Primary 1 and Primary 2 students, and more than 60 posters were submitted. The winners are as follows:
BEST OVERALL POSTER: Luke Rossides, Primary 2 at Saltus Cavendish. Luke wins a $200 Toy Voucher and $200 BELCO Gift Card.
BEST KITE SAFETY MESSAGE: Shiloh Trott, Primary 1 at Northlands Primary School. Shiloh wins a $100 toy voucher and $100 BELCO gift card.
MOST BEAUTIFUL: Ryla Thompson-Dill, Primary 1 at Northlands Primary School. Ryla wins a $100 toy voucher and $100 BELCO gift card.
MOST ORIGINAL: Reyna Robinson, Primary 2 at Saltus Cavendish. Reyna wins a $100 toy voucher and $100 BELCO gift card.
BEST USE OF MIXED MEDIA: Skylar DaSilva, Primary 1 at Warwick Academy. Skylar wins a $100 toy voucher and $100 BELCO gift card.
TRANSMISSION, DISTRIBUTION & RETAIL CHOICE AWARD: Ahsai Cox, Primary 1 at Northlands Primary School. Ahsai wins a $100 toy voucher and $100 BELCO gift card.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS: Josie Ellingson, Primary 2 at BHS and Yannis Deshields, Primary 1 at Purvis Parish School. Josie and Yannis won a $50 toy voucher and $50 BELCO gift card.
Krista Barnes, BELCO’s Director Communications and Corporate Strategy, said: “We were thrilled to receive many beautiful posters from Bermuda’s primary school students, and it was difficult to decide on the winners. This competition is important to help children understand the importance of flying kites safely while also showcasing their creativity. Congratulations to the winners – all our staff and customers look forward to seeing the colourful posters displayed in our lobby and on BELCO’s social media platforms.”
Kite safety remains a top priority in Bermuda, particularly during the Easter season when traditional kite flying is at its peak. BELCO continues this annual competition to raise awareness about the dangers of flying kites near power lines, which can cause power outages and pose serious safety risks to the public. Information about kite safety can be found on BELCO’s website at www.belco.bm.
Discussions and site visits are exploring climate resilience, waste-to-energy, transport, water management and other areas relevant to island governments
The Minister of Public Works and Environment, the Hon. Jaché Adams, JP, MP, is in the United Kingdom from 23 to 27 March 2026, attending the Overseas Territories Trade and Investment Study Visit.
He is accompanied by the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Works and Environment, Kirk Outerbridge, Bermuda’s UK Representative, Kimberley Durrant, and Deputy UK Representative, Brandon Sousa.
The study visit brings together representatives from the British Overseas Territories for a focused programme of discussions and site visits covering infrastructure, climate resilience, waste-to-energy, transport, water management and other areas relevant to island governments.
Minister Adams said, “This visit is important because it gives Bermuda a direct opportunity to engage with other Overseas Territories and UK organisations on practical infrastructure challenges that small jurisdictions share.
“It allows us to examine approaches that may help strengthen Bermuda’s long-term planning, resilience and delivery in key public works areas.”
(L-R): Kimberly Durrant, Bermuda’s UK representative, Kirk Outerbridge, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Works and Environment, Minister Adams, and Brandon Sousa, Bermuda’s Deputy UK representative.
He added, “For Bermuda, there is particular value in seeing how others are approaching energy recovery, sustainable infrastructure and climate resilience.
“Those discussions are relevant to our ongoing work, including the future development of the Tynes Bay Waste-to-Energy Facility and wider efforts to ensure our infrastructure remains modern, reliable and fit for Bermuda’s needs.”
Footballer Aaliyah Nolan is enjoying a career-defining season, with her clinical finishing establishing Bradford City AFC Women as the runaway leaders of the North East Regional Premier Division.
The Bermudian forward has been the undisputed engine for a Bradford side that currently sits atop the table with 45 points. Nolan’s campaign began with a statement of intent in September, dismantling Alnwick Town with a clinical opening-day hat-trick—a high bar she has remarkably maintained throughout the winter months.
Her ability to perform on the road has been a hallmark of City’s success, featuring goals in a 9-0 demolition of Sunderland West End and a brace against Brunsmeer Athletic. The scoring touch showed no signs of cooling in February, as she bagged two goals and an assist against Knaresborough Town before finding the net again in a 5-1 win over Wallsend Boys Club.
Nolan’s consistency has proven vital during the season’s business end. After netting in a disciplined win over South Shields on March 8, she delivered a Player of the Match performance against Harrogate Town on March 22, scoring twice to secure another 3-0 victory.
With Bradford City now firmly in the driving seat for promotion, Nolan’s prowess in front of goal remains the primary threat to any side hoping to derail the Bantams’ march toward the higher divisions.
Statement by Charles Leon O’Brien Sr., spokesperson, Citizens Reform Group & chairman of KEMH Residents Family Council charity:
When we talk about healthcare reform, the focus is often on major infrastructure projects, staffing shortages, or system-wide transformation. But some of the most meaningful improvements come from addressing quiet, everyday inequities that directly affect patients’ quality of life.
One such inequity exists within our hospital system: long-term care patients are required to pay for television access, while patients in acute wards receive the same service at no charge.
For someone living in a hospital over an extended period, television is not a luxury. It is a means of maintaining normalcy, staying connected to the world, and finding comfort in familiar routines. For patients who are immobile, cognitively impaired, or socially isolated, it can be one of the few consistent points of engagement throughout the day.
Families of long-term care patients have repeatedly raised concerns about this arrangement. Many patients cannot afford the weekly fee. Many have no family members available to manage payments on their behalf. Others are unable to navigate the administrative process required to access the service. The result is an uneven and inequitable experience within a public healthcare system that should, by its very nature, be grounded in fairness.
Over the Christmas period, televisions were provided to long-term care patients free of charge for a limited time. The effect was immediate and notable. Patients were calmer, more cooperative, and visibly more settled in their environment. Nursing staff reported fewer non-clinical interruptions and improved productivity, enabling them to direct greater attention to patient care.
This short-term experience reflected what research and established best practice in long-term care already affirmed: access to simple comforts reduces agitation, stabilises mood, and supports a more effective care environment.
From a financial standpoint, the cost of absorbing television access across long-term care wards is modest relative to the benefits it yields. Centralising and renegotiating the service would remove a meaningful burden from patients while delivering operational efficiencies that support staff and strengthen overall care delivery.
Healthcare is not solely about clinical treatment — it is also about dignity. Standardising television access for long-term care patients is a practical, humane step that reflects the kind of healthcare system we aspire to be: fair, compassionate, and centred on the needs of those who depend on it most.
This proposal has been submitted to hospital administration for consideration.
The ECB left rates unchanged last week but warned about a coming surge in prices
International News via Reuters:
Even a “not-too-persistent” overshoot of the European Central Bank’s inflation target from the current energy shock may warrant some moderate policy tightening, ECB President Christine Lagarde said on Wednesday.
The ECB left rates unchanged last week but warned about a coming surge in prices and policymakers are now debating under what scenario they would need to raise interest rates to combat the risk of quick price growth getting entrenched.
“If the shock gives rise to a large though not-too-persistent overshoot of our target, some measured adjustment of policy could be warranted,” Lagarde said in a speech in Frankfurt.
“To leave such an overshoot entirely unaddressed could pose a communication risk: the public may find it difficult to understand a reaction function that does not react,” she argued.
Lagarde did not explicitly equate her criteria with any of the scenarios outlined by the ECB last week. However, they are not too different from the inflation trajectory in the bank’s “adverse” scenario.
In the ECB’s most benign “baseline” case, inflation will average 2.6% this year, rising from around 2% in the past year.
In the adverse scenario inflation will peak above 4% in the second half of this year but return to target by mid-2027, while in the severe option, inflation peaks above 6% early next year and does not return to target for years to come.
“If we expect inflation to deviate significantly and persistently from target, the response must be appropriately forceful or persistent,” Lagarde said. “Otherwise, self-reinforcing mechanisms would kick in and the risk of de-anchoring would become acute.”
SEARCHING FOR EARLY WARNING SIGNS
The ECB must now be on the lookout for early warning signs that the shock is embedding in broader inflation dynamics and it needs to identify such spillovers, including through wages or inflation expectations.
“As expected deviations from our inflation target grow larger and more persistent, the case for action becomes stronger,” she argued.
Financial investors now expect two to three rate hikes from the ECB this year as they see inflation above target for several years.
Part of their argument for early but smaller action is that the ECB came under fire for acting too late during the 2021-2022 inflation surge.
The bank believed the spike to be transitory and did not raise interest rates until inflation was around 8%, four times its target.
But Lagarde argued that the current situation was quite different and several factors point to a lesser pass-through.
The energy shock is so far smaller, especially in the case of natural gas, the labour market is not as tight, there is no post-pandemic pent-up demand, fiscal policies are tighter and the central bank rate is higher, she said.
She also argued that historical evidence suggests that the risk of broad pass-through from energy prices is the exception rather than the rule.
Reporting by Balazs KoranyiEditing by Tomasz Janowski
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has provided Moscow with millions of rounds of ammunition for its war in Ukraine, and sent troops to help Russia expel Ukrainian forces who invaded its western Kursk region in August 2024
International News via Reuters:
Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko began his first visit to North Korea on Wednesday for talks that will cement ties between two close allies of Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has provided Moscow with millions of rounds of ammunition for its war in Ukraine, and sent troops to help Russia expel Ukrainian forces who invaded its western Kursk region in August 2024.
Belarus allowed itself to be used as a launchpad for Russia’s invasion in February 2022, and subsequently agreed to host Russian tactical nuclear missiles on its territory, which borders three NATO alliance countries.
Lukashenko flew in to a red-carpet welcome in the capital Pyongyang, where he was greeted by Kim’s foreign minister and dozens of small children waving the flags of both countries.
Lukashenko later met Kim, and the Belarusian side published a photograph of the two men embracing.
He also paid his respects at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, a mausoleum where the preserved bodies of former rulers Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il – grandfather and father of the current leader – are displayed.
North Korea and Belarus have both lived for years under international sanctions – the former mainly because of its nuclear weapons programme and the latter over its human rights record and backing for Putin in Ukraine.
But both have engaged at different times with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump met Kim three times in 2018 and 2019, during his first term in the White House, but their encounters failed to yield substantive results. Trump said last year he would “love another meeting”, which Kim said could happen if the U.S. dropped its “absurd obsession” with getting North Korea to give up nuclear weapons.
Trump last year re-established direct contact with Lukashenko, who had been treated as a pariah by his predecessor Joe Biden. In recent months, the U.S. has begun to ease sanctions on Belarus in return for releases of political prisoners.
Lukashenko’s trip to North Korea comes just six days after he met Trump’s envoy John Coale and announced the freeing of 250 more detainees. The U.S. side has said Lukashenko may soon visit the White House.
Reporting by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne
Lower petrol prices in February helped offset a rise in clothing costs, the Office for National Statistics said, but that relief looks set to prove short-lived, with oil prices now around 50% higher than a month ago
International News via Reuters:
British consumer price inflation held at 3.0% in February, unchanged from January’s rate, official figures showed on Wednesday, ahead of a likely upward lurch as war in the Middle East pushes up prices.
Lower petrol prices in February helped offset a rise in clothing costs, the Office for National Statistics said, but that relief looks set to prove short-lived, with oil prices now around 50% higher than a month ago.
“Today’s inflation report is little more than a relic of the world before the Iran conflict,” Luke Bartholomew, deputy chief economist at fund managers Aberdeen, said.
Before the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran at the end of February, the Bank of England had forecast that inflation would fall to close to its 2% target in April, when changes to regulated household energy bills and other prices take effect.
But last week the BoE sharply increased its inflation forecast, predicting it would rise towards 3.5% by the middle of the year.
UK PUBLIC’S INFLATION EXPECTATIONS JUMP
A survey published on Tuesday by U.S. bank Citi showed inflation expectations among the British public for the coming year have surged to 5.4% from 3.3%, their biggest monthly increase in more than 20 years, adding to the BoE’s challenge.
While most households’ energy tariffs are currently capped, new prices are due to take effect in July and manufacturers have already reported the sharpest jump in costs since 1992, which may soon be passed on to consumers.
Financial markets on Wednesday were betting on two or three quarter-point interest rate rises by the BoE this year, though many economists think the central bank will keep rates on hold due to the headwinds to growth from higher energy costs.
Governor Andrew Bailey last week advised people against making any firm bets that the BoE would raise rates.
SERVICES INFLATION LOWEST SINCE MARCH 2022
Wednesday’s data showed services price inflation – which the BoE watches closely as a gauge of longer-term inflation pressures – fell to 4.2% in February from 4.4% in January, its lowest since March 2022 and just below economists’ expected reading of 4.3%.
The decline reflected reduced inflation for restaurants, cafes and tickets for concerts and other cultural events.
However, core inflation, which excludes more volatile food, energy, alcohol and tobacco prices, rose slightly to 3.2% from 3.1%, where it had been expected to hold.
“The upside surprise in core inflation today will be of concern for the Bank given it shows we are still contending with sticky price pressures even before accounting for the recent spike in energy prices,” Zara Nokes, global market analyst at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, said.
British inflation is the highest among major advanced economies and the country’s reliance on natural gas for electricity generation and heating makes it vulnerable to price shocks.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government has introduced measures to limit rises in the cost of living, although finance minister Rachel Reeves said on Tuesday any household energy subsidies this year would be more narrowly targeted than during the last gas price surge in 2022.
After the data, Reeves highlighted government measures taking effect next month which would reduce some fixed costs in household energy bills and said the government would be “acting to protect people from unfair price rises if they occur”.
British inflation rose to its highest since 1981 in October 2022 at 11.1% and over the past five years has rarely been near its 2% target.
Reporting by David Milliken and Andy Bruce; Graphics by Sumanta Sen and Andy Bruce; Editing by William Schomberg and Andrew Heavens
The nearly month-long U.S.-Israeli war on Iran has sparked large-scale Iranian retaliation in the form of drone and missile strikes on energy and civilian infrastructure in Gulf countries
International News via Reuters:
Gulf Arab states told the U.N. Human Rights Council on Wednesday they face an existential threat from Iran as they condemned Iranian attacks on their infrastructure, which the U.N. rights chief said might constitute war crimes.
The nearly month-long U.S.-Israeli war on Iran has sparked large-scale Iranian retaliation in the form of drone and missile strikes on energy and civilian infrastructure in Gulf countries, killing civilians and driving up oil prices.
“We are seeing an existential threat to international and regional security. This aggressive approach is undermining international law and sovereignty,” Kuwait’s ambassador Naser Abdullah H. M. Alhayen told the Geneva-based council. Other Gulf states also denounced Iran’s actions which they said were designed to spread terror.
Countries at the 47-member council will vote on a motion condemning Iran’s strikes, asking Iran for reparation and asking the U.N. rights chief to monitor the situation.
Iran defended its actions, saying more than 1,500 civilians had been killed in the U.S.-Israeli strikes so far. “We fight on behalf of all of you against an enemy that, if not restrained today, will be beyond containment tomorrow,” said Iran’s ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva Ali Bahreini, referring to Israel.
Iran has called for its own emergency session on a fatal strike on a primary school which will take place on Friday.
The United Nations’ top rights official Volker Turk on Wednesday urged states to end the Iran conflict, describing the situation as extremely dangerous and unpredictable.
“This conflict has an unprecedented power to ensnare countries across borders and around the world,” he said.
“Attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure must end. If they are deliberate, such attacks may constitute war crimes.”
Reporting by Emma Farge, Editing by Miranda Murray, William Maclean
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