Thursday, November 5, 2026
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Pigs will return to the Ag Show

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The Ministry of Public Works and Environment is pleased to announce the 85th Bermuda Annual Agricultural Exhibition.

The annual three-day event will take place 23–25 April 2026 at the Bermuda Botanical Gardens and will once again showcase the very best of Bermuda’s agriculture, craftsmanship, baking, horticulture and community talent.

Prospective entrants are encouraged to review the available categories and submit their applications.

Farmers, gardeners, students, artisans, hobbyists and community groups are encouraged to take part by submitting entries across the wide range of exhibition categories.

Those interested in participating can download entry forms and submission details at
gov.bm/exhibition.

The Exhibition remains one of Bermuda’s most anticipated community events, attracting thousands of visitors each year who come to see prize-winning livestock, vibrant produce displays, handmade crafts, baked goods, student projects and many other traditional features that celebrate Bermuda’s agricultural heritage.

This year’s exhibition will also mark the long-awaited return of pigs, which have been absent from the show in recent years.

The Minister of Public Works and Environment, the Hon Jaché Adams, JP, MP, said their return will be welcome news for many families.

Minister Adams said, “Over the past few years one of the questions I have heard most often about the Agricultural Exhibition is, ‘When are the pigs coming back?’ They have always been one of the highlights for children and families attending the show.

“I am pleased to confirm that pigs will return to this year’s exhibition. D. R. Farms, Mr. Daniel Renald was instrumental in sourcing them from overseas, and we know many young visitors in particular have missed seeing them at the show.”

Minister Adams added that the Agricultural Exhibition continues to play an important role in celebrating Bermuda’s traditions while encouraging participation from across the community.

 “The Agricultural Exhibition is a proud tradition in Bermuda. It brings together farmers, growers, bakers, artisans and students who take great pride in what they produce and create,” the Minister said.

“I encourage anyone who grows something, bakes something, or creates something with their hands to consider entering this year’s exhibition. It is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your talents and be part of an event that celebrates our island’s agricultural heritage.”

Returning to Bermuda after previously appearing at the Exhibition in 2011, the internationally recognised Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show will perform daily throughout the three-day event,  bringing high-energy entertainment and traditional logging competitions to the Botanical Gardens.

The action-packed show features professional lumberjack athletes competing in a range of events that demonstrate the strength, speed and skill historically used in the logging industry.

Spectators can expect thrilling demonstrations including log rolling, springboard chopping, standing block chop, crosscut sawing, axe throwing and high-speed chainsaw competitions.

West stage late comeback as youth shine at North Field

The National Sports Center North Field was a hive of activity as the island’s premier showcase of youth football talent took center stage. In a joint initiative between the Bermuda School Sports Federation and the Department of Youth and Sport, the 2026 All-Star matches provided a high-octane platform for the next generation of Bermudian stars to demonstrate their clinical edge and technical growth.

The day began with a dominant display from the East in the Primary School girls’ fixture, as they overwhelmed the West with a comprehensive 6-1 victory. Molly Morton of Somersfield Academy was the standout performer, delivering a clinical hat-trick to lead her side to glory. The East’s offensive pressure was further rewarded with goals from Rhiannon Rushe, Amira Whitter, and Myla Desjardins. Sofia Cooper managed a consolation for the West, but it was not enough to stem the tide. Tamera Smith earned MVP honors for the East, while Ava-Rose Richardson was recognized as the standout for the West.

The East’s momentum carried into the Middle School girls’ match, though the contest proved far more balanced. Melah Rutherford ignited the East with an early first-half strike, only for Sandys Secondary standout Zaya Cann-Berkley to restore parity with a well-taken equalizer. In a cruel twist of fate for the West, a late own goal ultimately decided the encounter, handing the East a 2-1 win. Both goalscorers, Rutherford and Cann-Berkley, were named MVPs for their respective sides in recognition of their tireless contributions.

However, the tides began to turn as the boys’ divisions took the pitch. In the Primary School boys’ match, the West secured a resolute 3-1 victory, sparked by a magnificent long-range free kick from Declan O’Sullivan. Kash Butterfield doubled the advantage in the second half before Karter Riley effectively put the game out of reach. Maceo Hunt Woolridge clawed one back for the East late on, but the West remained firm. Defensive stalwart Royce Tyrrell was named MVP for the East, while Maze Darrell’s exceptional performance in goal earned him the MVP award for the West.

The evening concluded with the headline Senior School boys’ match, where the West continued their winning streak with a hard-earned 2-1 result. Jayden Smith provided an early breakthrough for the West, and Logan Viera doubled the lead shortly before the interval. The East found a glimmer of hope through a stunning long-range effort from Xave Smith, but the West defensive line held firm under sustained pressure to see out the win. The tireless work rate of midfielders Amir Weller and Kydan Browne did not go unnoticed, as both were honored with MVP awards to cap off a historic day for Bermudian school football.

Bermudian duo face elite test at Puerto Rico Regional Cup

Jasper Lau and Dylan Eiselt tested their mettle against a formidable international field as they represented the island at the 2026 World Triathlon Development Regional Cup in Playa Punta Salinas, Puerto Rico. Competing in the Elite Men’s division, the Bermudian pair navigated a challenging coastal course in Salinas against a high-caliber lineup of regional talent.

Dylan Eiselt produced a resilient performance to secure a 13th-place finish, crossing the line in a total time of 1:01:36. Eiselt remained competitive throughout the opening discipline with a 10:28 swim, followed by a 32:03 bike leg and an 18:11 run. His effort saw him finish just 3:07 behind the eventual winner, Gerald Rojas Carvajal of Costa Rica, who claimed gold in 58:29.

Jasper Lau also navigated the demanding three-stage event to finish 25th overall with a time of 1:09:31. Lau started his morning with an 11:24 swim before battling through a 36:46 bike segment and closing with a 20:23 run. The race marks a valuable step for both athletes on the World Triathlon development circuit.

Use of fake $100 bills leads to arrest

A closeup of the new 100 dollar bill picturing Benjamin Franklin. It’s all about the Benjamins.

Since the end of February 2026, the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) has received multiple reports regarding the use of counterfeit U.S. $100 bills at local businesses. One suspect has been identified and arrested, thus far.

The BPS urges local businesses and residents to remain vigilant about counterfeit bills in circulation.

Check Any U.S. Currency Received

A genuine U.S. $100 bill contains a blue security strip, embedded with images that shift from 100 to bells, as it rotates in light.

Immediately below are key differences that individuals should look out for, before accepting any denomination of U.S. currency, particularly the larger denominations.

The fake U.S. $100 bills passed to date have the same serial number: JE06161268A. In addition, the imitation money contains the following wording:

  • Front – top centre reads “FOR MOTION PICTURES PURPOSES.”
  • Front – top centre reads “THIS IS NOT LEGAL… IT IS TO BE USED FOR MOTION PROPS.”
  • Front – top left reads “COPY.”
  • Back – top left reads “COPY.”
  • Back – centre top reads “IN PROP WE TRUST.”
  • Back – centre top reads “FOR MOTION PICTURE PURPOSES.”

Take Action As Soon As Counterfeit Currency Identified

  • Store staff should refuse any transaction involving counterfeit currency.
  • Anyone receiving counterfeit currency is advised to make note of the currency and description of the person tendering the cash.
  • Call the police immediately on 211.

Information regarding counterfeit currency can also be submitted through the BPS online community reporting portal, https://portal.police.bm.

Tigers roar to netball championship glory at Bernard Park

The Tigers have been crowned the Netball Bermuda Association’s Senior Premier Division Champions after delivering a clinical performance to dismantle the Storm 45-24 at Bernard Park. In a high-stakes, winner-take-all encounter, the Tigers showcased the offensive depth and defensive resilience that has defined their campaign, eventually pulling away to secure the title in convincing fashion.

The foundation of the victory was built on a masterful shooting display by Jahkenya Trott, who proved virtually unstoppable in the circle. Trott led all scorers with a dominant 30-goal haul, finding her range early and maintaining a high conversion rate throughout the match. She was ably supported by Jahtuere Trott, who chipped in with 15 goals to ensure the Tigers kept the scoreboard ticking over and prevented the Storm defense from ever settling.

Despite the margin of defeat, the Storm showed flashes of defiance, led by the industrious Selah Tuzo. Tuzo fought hard to keep her side in contention with 13 goals, while Elishae Smith contributed six and Jasmyn Renfroe added five. However, the Storm struggled to bridge the gap as the Tigers’ mid-court pressure forced several key turnovers, allowing the newly crowned champions to dictate the tempo of the final periods and claim the island’s top netball prize.

Franklin and Turk reign supreme at Bermuda National Squash Championships

Micah Franklin and Melina Turk have solidified their status as the island’s premier squash talents, securing the 2026 GNOSIS Bermuda National Squash Championships titles at the Bermuda Squash Club. Despite the final scorelines, both champions emerged from their respective finals physically spent after a brutal test of endurance.

In the Men’s Open final, second seed Franklin captured the title with a clinical 3-0 straight-sets victory over top seed Taylor Carrick. Franklin admitted the score belied the physical toll, noting his “body was hurting” after a mental battle that required him to remain relentless and proactive throughout.

The Women’s Open title went to Melina Turk, who outlasted Rachel Barnes in a grueling 31-minute encounter. Turk showcased immense resilience to close out the match 11-5, 11-9, 11-13, 11-4 after a tightly contested third-set setback.

The tournament also produced drama in the lower divisions and veteran categories. Colin Alexander claimed the Men’s C Division in a 33-minute five-set thriller, while Jan Brewer (Over 60) and Hadleigh Farrer (Over 50) relied on veteran stamina to secure their respective titles. In the Men’s B Division, Michael Schrah was handed the championship following a walkover victory against Owen Rosorea.

Inside Sports Lindos to Lindos 10K

This week on Inside Sports, Nick & Butch covers various sports events and initiatives in Bermuda. Starting with the Lindos to Lindos event supporting diabetes awareness, the new leadership in the Bermuda Gymnastics Association, the growth of pickleball, and the upcoming Caribbean Championships. It emphasizes the importance of community involvement in sports, diabetes education, and the role of physical activity in promoting health. The discussion also highlights an international running event, the Bermuda Connection, aimed at fostering connections between Bermuda and participants from the U.S.

Australians reach for VPNs, find porn sites blocked as online age-restrictions take effect

Last December, Australia became the first country to impose a nationwide ban on teenagers using social media

International News via Reuters:

Australians were downloading virtual private networks (VPNs) in droves, while one of the world’s largest porn distributors said it was blocking users from its platforms as the country rolled out sweeping online age restrictions on Monday. 

Last December, Australia became the first country to impose a nationwide ban on teenagers using social media. A separate law now requires AI-powered chatbot services to keep certain content – including pornography, extreme violence and self-harm and eating disorder material – from minors or face fines of up to A$49.5 million ($34.5 million).

The country also joined Britain, France and dozens of U.S. states requiring websites which disseminate pornography to verify users are over 18. App stores must also run age checks before allowing downloads of software labelled 18+.

The country’s eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the measures aimed to afford children the same protection online as the world expected offline.

“A child today can’t walk into a bar and order a drink, they can’t stroll into a strip club or browse an adult shop or sit down at a blackjack table in a casino,” she told the Australian Broadcasting Corp.

“This just really brings … those protections that we put for kids in place to the digital realm.”

Three of the 15 most downloaded free smartphone apps on Monday were VPNs, a chart published by iPhone maker Apple showed. The most downloaded VPN, called VPN – Super Unlimited Proxy, ranked ahead of any social media platform, the chart showed.

VPN – Super Unlimited Proxy did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. All internet-connected devices carry an individual code which discloses their location, and VPNs hide the user’s location by assigning a new code to the device.

Canada-based Aylo, owner of a large network of pornography websites, meanwhile blocked Australians from accessing the platforms RedTube and YouPorn, while presenting a version of Pornhub without explicit content.

All the websites carried a banner saying it was “not currently accepting new account registrations in your region”.

Aylo said in an email it had “restricted access to our platforms in a number of locations, including the UK, France, and a number of US states, due to ineffective and haphazard age verification laws”.

Tom Sulston, deputy chair of advocacy group Digital Rights Watch, said it was unsurprising that people were reaching for VPNs.

    “My hope is that, not only will they discover that this works for looking at spicier internet sites, but that it’s just generally a good idea to use VPNs when you’re traversing the internet, because they do offer you some privacy protections.” 

($1 = 1.4351 Australian dollars)

Reporting by Byron Kaye; Editing by Stephen Coates and Edwina Gibbs

Parents back ‘smartphone free childhood’ pledge

More than 200 families commit to delaying smartphones until age 14 and social media until 16

Smartphone Free Childhood Bermuda issued the following media release.

What began as a small WhatsApp conversation among concerned parents has grown into a community-wide movement. Smartphone Free Childhood Bermuda (SFC Bermuda) is encouraging families to sign a pledge to help regulate smartphone use for children, promoting healthier development, stronger peer support, and more intentional digital engagement.

Since launching the pledge in February, more than 200 parents have signed, signaling a growing appetite for clearer norms around children’s access to smartphones and social media. At the heart of the initiative is a simple, shared commitment: “We pledge to delay smartphones until at least age 14 and social media until age 16.”

The pledge, available at https://www.sfcbermuda.com/sign-the-pledge, reflects a shared desire among parents to support one another in setting boundaries that protect childhood while still embracing technology in age-appropriate ways.

“Many of us felt we were navigating this alone,” said Una Walsh-Taylor, a founding parent. “By coming together, we’re creating a supportive community and making it easier for families to navigate the world of smartphones without their children feeling left out.”

Across the world, countries including Australia, Denmark, Chile, and several European nations have introduced or strengthened restrictions on youth social media access and smartphone use in schools, reflecting growing concerns about mental health, focus, and online safety. Organizers of SFC Bermuda say that as a small and connected island community, Bermuda is uniquely positioned to take this growing body of research and apply it thoughtfully at a local level.

“Our goal isn’t to eliminate technology,” said Mike Walsh, a founding member of the group. “It’s to be intentional about when and how our children engage with it. Childhood is short. We want to protect space for play, independence, in-person friendships, and healthy development before introducing the pressures that come with smartphones and social media.”

To continue building awareness and connection, the organizers of SFC Bermuda are hosting two upcoming information sessions where parents can meet others and better understand the goals of SFC Bermuda.

  • March 16, 2026, 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Bermuda High School
  • March 19, 2026, 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Bermuda High School
  • Anyone interested in attending can rsvp at info@sfcbermuda.com
  • Parents interested in signing the pledge or learning more can visit www.sfcbermuda.com.

About Smartphone Free Childhood Bermuda
Smartphone Free Childhood Bermuda (SFC Bermuda) is a grassroots, parent-led community initiative formed in 2025 by parents seeking to create healthier norms around children’s use of smartphones and social media. SFC Bermuda is not a registered charity or political organization. It is a voluntary network of parents committed to sharing research, hosting information sessions, and building peer support through a collective pledge. The group’s focus is on education, community dialogue, and empowering families to make informed decisions that support children’s mental health, development, and wellbeing.

Nvidia-backed Nscale valued at $14.6 billion in fresh funding round

The Series C funding round was led by Norway’s Aker and 8090 Industries, and included Nvidia, Citadel, Dell, Jane Street, among others, the firm said in a statement

International News via Reuters:

Nvidia-backed artificial intelligence group Nscale was valued at $14.6 billion after raising $2 billion in its latest funding round, the British company said on Monday.  

The Series C funding round was led by Norway’s Aker and 8090 Industries, and included Nvidia, Citadel, Dell, Jane Street, among others, the firm said in a statement.

Former Meta executives Nick Clegg and Sheryl Sandberg, and former Yahoo President Susan Decker will join the board of the AI firm, the company said.

The funding round comes ahead of the AI group’s preparations for an initial public offering, for which Nscale Global has hired Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan as underwriters, sources told Reuters earlier this year.

The timeline for the potential listing has not yet been set, the sources had said.

  Founded in 2024, Nscale owns and operates its own data centres, graphic processing units (GPUs), and software stack to deliver large-scale, GPU-powered AI compute.

The new funding will help it expand its data‑centre capacity to meet soaring demand for AI computing from customers, including Microsoft and OpenAI.

Reporting by Ruchika Khanna in Bengaluru; Editing by Harikrishnan Nair

Indonesia searches for missing after landfill collapse kills four

The collapse took place at the Bantargebang landfill on Sunday, located in the region of Bekasi on the outskirts of the capital Jakarta, said Desiana Kartika Bahari, head of the local rescue agency

International News via Reuters:

Rescuers are still searching for five missing people after a large stack of garbage collapsed at Indonesia’s biggest landfill site over the weekend, killing at least four people, an official said on Monday.

The collapse took place at the Bantargebang landfill on Sunday, located in the region of Bekasi on the outskirts of the capital Jakarta, said Desiana Kartika Bahari, head of the local rescue agency.

It was likely triggered by the heavy rain that hit the area from Saturday evening, she told Reuters.

“It was raining all day even from (Saturday) evening and the mountain of garbage was unstable,” Bahari said.

Some trucks were unloading garbage when the collapse took place, and there was also a food stall near the site.

“The missing people are the truck drivers and scavengers,” she said, adding that there there could be more people buried in the landfill.

Four people survived the accident.

More than 200 rescuers, including police and military personnel and 17 excavators, have been deployed since Monday morning to search for the missing.

Bantargebang covers around 110 hectares and receives around 6,500 tons-7,000 tons of garbage per day.

Reporting by Ananda Teresia; Editing by David Stanway

Tobacco Bay named #2 beach in Caribbean ranking

TripAdvisor users place the St. George’s beach among the region’s best, drawing praise from the Corporation for its high standard of hospitality

Tobacco Bay

The Corporation of St. George’s has released the March 2026 edition of the Town Crier, the monthly newsletter that keeps residents and visitors up to date on local news, town works, and happenings across one of the Atlantic world’s most storied communities.

Mayor Quinell Francis, JP, states: “We are elated to be informed by Mr. O’Connor that his team has been selected as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean, ranking at #2. While Bermuda is not technically in the Caribbean, our historical links to the islands are unquestioned. TripAdvisor’s ranking is based on actual users, so the designation reflects a lived experience—whether visiting via cruise ship docked at the other end of the island in Dockyard or arriving by flight. The Corporation of St. George’s congratulates the team at Tobacco Bay for consistently delivering a high standard of town hospitality.”

With a warm welcome, the Corporation invites town members—both residents and businesses—to attend the general council meeting on Thursday, 26 March, at 6 PM. This will be a historic event, as the legislation for the town council is expected to be revamped as municipal reform proceeds.

Town Manager Candy-Lee Foggo announces: “The team is steadfast in delivering on its promise to care for the municipal needs of Bermuda’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Having completed the Somers Garden Wall, attention will now be given to Blockade Alley to relieve drainage issues. Bermuda has seen increased rain, which inevitably brings potholes; the team is addressing these. Residents are reminded to maintain vegetation that can overgrow into the roads, creating impediments for pedestrians and traffic on our narrow streets.”

While the town is a major tourist destination, Ms. Foggo reminds the public that parking is free in designated areas based on time limits and location. Please adhere to the rules to avoid parking tickets.

In the month of March, as Spring begins, the Corporation will host UNESCO World Poetry Day on King’s Square on March 23rd, featuring participation from regional schools. We also remind all town members that the Urban Footrace will take place Friday, March 13th. This event will transform many areas around town, including Ordnance Island, King’s Square, and the length of Water Street.

The full March 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