The Word of Life Christian Youth Organisation is gearing up for its Super Bowl Games event, inviting middle and high school students to CedarBridge Academy on March 13th. The initiative aims to inspire positivity, spiritual awareness, and provide a fun, engaging social space for teens. We spoke with Mark Hall, Director of Word of Life Bermuda, who shared more about the purpose behind the event and what young people can expect.
The Louvre has roiled by last October’s robbery, when four burglars made off with jewels worth $102 million that are still meeting
International News via Reuters:
French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday accepted the resignation of the head of Paris’ Louvre museum, which has been grappling with the fallout from a high-profile jewel heist and rolling strikes.
Laurence des Cars tendered her resignation, which Macron accepted “praising an act of responsibility at a time when the world’s largest museum needs calm and a strong new impetus to successfully carry out major projects involving security, and modernization,” his office said.
The Louvre has roiled by last October’s robbery, when four burglars made off with jewels worth $102 million that are still meeting. Strikes have also led to regular closures.
Reporting by Dominique Vidalon and Michel Rose
The United States began collecting the temporary new 10% tariff on Tuesday but the Trump administration was working to increase it to 15%
International News via Reuters:
British trade minister Peter Kyle said he was confident the trade deal Britain struck last year with the United States would still stand despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest move to apply a 10% global import tariff.
The United States began collecting the temporary new 10% tariff on Tuesday but the Trump administration was working to increase it to 15%, sowing confusion over U.S. tariff policies in the wake of last week’s Supreme Court defeat.
But Kyle said he was confident following engagement with the U.S. administration in recent days that a deal reached between the two countries last year would still stand.
“It was the best deal and it remains the best deal, and the fundamental terms that we had negotiated with the United States remain in place,” Kyle told a parliamentary committee.
Last year, Britain negotiated an ‘Economic Prosperity Deal’ that applied a basic 10% tariff, and preferential terms across a range of industries, including cars, planes and agriculture.
Some elements of that deal have yet to be fully negotiated and implemented.
Kyle said that while he would like a fully comprehensive trade deal with the U.S. that needed both parties to want to move forward at the same pace, and that only pursuing such an agreement could limit opportunities for other smaller deals.
“Let me be very clear again, that we believe that tariffs are a lose, lose… It is not good for American business, it is not good for British business, and is not good for the stability and predictability upon which you build a trading relationship,” he added.
“However, in these moments, we have maintained relations, conversations with counterparts, and we are… seeking other opportunities to move forward at pace.”
Reporting by Catarina Demony, writing by William James
Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, is suspected of killing eight people on February 10 before taking her own life
International News via Reuters:
Canada will press OpenAI officials on Tuesday about their safety protocols after it emerged the ChatGPT maker did not contact police about an account it banned belonging to an alleged mass shooter, a government minister said.
Jesse Van Rootselaar, 18, is suspected of killing eight people on February 10 before taking her own life. OpenAI said it banned her account last year on ChatGPT for policy violations, which it said did not meet internal criteria for reporting to law enforcement.
Evan Solomon, the federal minister in charge of artificial intelligence, has summoned OpenAI’s top safety officials for a meeting in Ottawa.
“I’m hoping (they) … will tell us more details about their safety protocols, their escalation thresholds and how they keep Canadians safe, and if they have a threat that they perceive, what the technology does and what the human process does,” he told reporters.
“We do want to know exactly what OpenAI does so Canadians have an understanding of what’s going on and some transparency.”
A spokesperson for Solomon said the minister would not speak to the media after the meeting, since it was scheduled to take place late on Tuesday.
In 2024, the Liberal government introduced draft legislation to crack down on online hate, but the effort stalled amid criticism it was too broad in scope. Ministers say they will try again this year with a revised bill.
“All options are on the table when it comes to understanding what we can do about AI chatbots,” said Solomon.
Van Rootselaar, who police say was born male but identified as a woman and began transitioning six years ago, had a history of mental health problems. The killings took place in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, a town of around 2,400.
OpenAI says it banned Van Rootselaar’s account in 2025 after it was flagged by systems that identify “misuses of our models in furtherance of violent activities.” The company considered contacting police, but determined the account did not meet the threshold of posing an imminent and credible risk of serious physical harm to others.
Reporting by David LjunggrenEditing by Rod Nickel
Last week’s arrest of Mountbatten-Windsor led some lawmakers to openly question during a debate if it was time to end the parliamentary convention that prevents them from criticising the royal family
International News via Reuters:
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government agreed on Tuesday to release documents relating to the appointment of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as a trade envoy amid widening scrutiny over his ties to U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Last week’s arrest of Mountbatten-Windsor, King Charles’ younger brother, led some lawmakers to openly question during a debate if it was time to end the parliamentary convention that prevents them from criticising the royal family.
Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was the first member of the British royal family to be arrested in more than three centuries when he was questioned by officers on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
He has always denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein, and said he regrets their friendship.
CONFIDENTIALITY RULES
Chris Bryant, a junior trade minister, said during the debate that Mountbatten-Windsor had been on “a constant self-aggrandising, self-enriching hustle” as the envoy.
Bryant called Mountbatten-Windsor “a rude, arrogant and entitled man who could not distinguish between the public interest which he said he served, and his own private interest”.
Mountbatten-Windsor, the second son of the late Queen Elizabeth, served as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment between 2001 to 2011 in a role that allowed him to travel the world meeting senior business and government figures in the unpaid role.
The police began investigating Mountbatten-Windsor after the U.S. government last month released emails that appeared to show he had passed documents to Epstein while he worked as a trade envoy. Trade envoys are usually barred from sharing such material under confidentiality rules.
FILES COULD EMBARRASS FORMER MINISTERS AND ROYAL FAMILY
Lawmakers from opposition parties lined up to criticise Mountbatten-Windsor. At least four lawmakers said the convention shielding the royal family in parliament should end.
“These arcane rules make a mockery of our democracy,” said Brendan O’Hara, a member of parliament for the Scottish National Party. “Nobody, regardless of rank or privilege, should or must be above the law.”
The House of Commons Speaker had given lawmakers approval to discuss the former prince on the basis that he is no longer a member of the royal family, having been stripped of his titles.
The Liberal Democrats had put pressure on the government to compel it to release all the documents related to his appointment using an arcane parliamentary procedure known as a humble address.
Bryant said that the government supported the motion, and it was unanimously passed by lawmakers.
There was a small turnout from lawmakers from the ruling Labour Party and the opposition Conservatives, the two main political parties.
Bryant said he would try to get the documents released as soon as possible, but officials would need to check it would not interfere with the police investigation.
Publication of the vetting documents could embarrass figures who served in then Prime Minister Tony Blair’s government when he was appointed as well as members of the British royal family, which is facing its worst crisis in 90 years over Mountbatten-Windsor’s connections to Epstein.
Mountbatten-Windsor has not spoken publicly since the release of more than 3 million pages of documents by the U.S. government relating to Epstein, who was convicted of soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2008.
Those files suggested Mountbatten-Windsor had in 2010 forwarded to Epstein reports about Vietnam, Singapore and other places he had visited on official trips.
Reporting by Andrew MacAskill and Michael Holden; Editing by Alison Williams
The Bermuda Premier Division has descended into a thrilling three-way tussle for supremacy, with just two points separating the top three sides as the season enters its final stretch.
The PHC Zebras currently hold the narrowest of leads at the summit on 30 points. However, the Dandy Town Hornets and Devonshire Colts are looming large on 28 points apiece. The Colts appear to be the “dark horses” in this race; they crucially hold two games in hand over the leaders, a factor that could shift the balance of power in the coming weeks. With the Zebras and Hornets currently inseparable on a plus-13 goal difference, every strike is carrying immense weight.
At the bottom, a “four-way scrap” for survival is equally tense. St. George’s Colts and Young Men’s Social Club sit just above the trapdoor on 10 points, but the Paget Lions are only a point behind with two vital games in hand. The Boulevard Blazers remain rooted to the foot of the table on 6 points, facing a steep mountain to climb to retain their top-flight status.
In the individual stakes, the Zebras’ Enrique Russell leads the Golden Boot race with 12 goals, chased by Senoj Mitchell and Zeiko Lewis on 10. Meanwhile, the First Division has become a straight duel between the Somerset Trojans and Robin Hood, both locked on 22 points. While the team race is tight, the scoring chart is not; Robin Hood’s Keishen Bean has been in a world of his own, amassing a staggering 18 goals in just 10 matches to leave the rest of the field in his wake.
Bermuda’s young tennis hopefuls face a crucial period of recalibration after being outclassed by a clinical Guatemala side in their latest Under-16 qualifying fixture.
In a tie defined by shifting conditions and home-court advantage, the trio of Jaden Jones, Michael Collins, and Hasan Khan struggled to find their rhythm against the seasoned hosts. Jorge Estevez set the tone early, dismantling Jones 6-1, 6-0, before Martin Garcia secured an unassailable 2–0 lead for Guatemala with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over a resilient Collins.
Any hopes of a consolation point were extinguished in the doubles, as Collins and Khan fell 6-1, 6-2 to the dominant Garcia pairing. The result leaves Bermuda with no room for error in their remaining Group 1 matches as they chase a spot in April’s final qualifying rounds in Canada.
Veteran coach Brent Smith noted that while the team struggled with the “jitters” and altitude early on, technical improvements—including halving their double-fault count—offer a glimmer of hope. The focus now shifts to recovery and clinical execution as the squad looks to “hit the ground running” in their next rubber.
Bermuda’s Cameron Basden has made an immediate statement of intent, shattering school records as the collegiate track and field season burst into life in Tampa.
Representing Barry University at the Spartan Open, Basden proved that his off-season preparation has paid dividends. Competing in the Men’s 200-metres, the Bermudian international powered through the Florida heat to secure a seventh-place finish in a high-caliber field.
His time of 22.22 seconds was more than just a strong season debut; it officially became the fifth-fastest time in the history of the university’s program. The “Buccaneers” utilized the meet as a primary curtain-raiser for their spring campaign, with Basden’s historic turn providing the spark for the squad as they prepare for the rigors of the Sunshine State Conference.
For Basden, the result marks a significant leap in his collegiate development. With the first meet of the year already yielding a place in the history books, the focus now shifts to the coming weeks as he aims to climb even higher up the all-time list.
Bermuda’s Men’s National Bowling team has made a significant statement of intent on the international stage, securing the services of the world-renowned expert Joe Slowinski as their new head coach.
Slowinski arrives with one of the most decorated resumes in the sport. As a USBC Gold Coach—the highest possible level of certification—he brings over 40 years of experience specializing in elite, data-driven, and biomechanical training. His career has spanned the globe, including highly successful stints in the Philippines and Malaysia, as well as a tenure as a master teaching professional at the prestigious Kegel Training Center in Florida.
Known for his scientific approach to the physical game, Slowinski has a proven track record of delivering silverware. He has coached national teams to gold medals at the Pan American, South American, and European Championships, and is widely regarded as a pioneer in modern coaching techniques such as the “Drop Your Drive Shoulder” (DYDS) method.
The partnership has already begun in the digital space, with the Bermudian squad meeting their new mentor via an online session. Slowinski has wasted no time in laying the framework for a revamped training program, focusing on the technical and mental disciplines required to compete at the highest level.
The primary objective for Slowinski and the team is the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, which will be hosted in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, this coming July. With the tournament serving as one of the major benchmarks for regional dominance, the appointment of such a high-caliber coach signals Bermuda’s ambition to be standing on the podium when the final pins drop in the Caribbean.
Gov’t confirms renovation works remain on schedule, but the building must then be fitted for operational readiness
The Bermuda Post Office wishes to provide an update regarding the reopening of Mangrove Bay Post Office.
Previous communication advised that reopening was anticipated in late March 2026. That timeframe reflects the projected completion of the major renovation works.
As is standard for public facilities undergoing structural refurbishment, the completion of construction does not immediately allow for reopening. Once renovations conclude, the building must be fitted and configured for operational readiness. This includes installation of counters and equipment, system configuration, restocking of postal supplies, and the completion of all required safety and compliance checks.
Accordingly, Mangrove Bay Post Office is scheduled to reopen to the public in May 2026.
The completed works will provide a substantially improved environment for customers and staff, including enhanced airflow, a secure and level floor, refreshed interior finishes, and a safer, more welcoming space overall.
Minister Rabain stated, “I am happy to share that renovation works at the Mangrove Bay Post Office are expected to be completed this Spring and remain on schedule and on budget. The government is proud to continue its path in investing in critical infrastructure throughout the island. We remain committed to the timely delivery of this project and will continue to monitor its progress to ensure completion within budget, scope, and quality standards.”
During the continued closure of the Mangrove Bay Post Office, the following arrangements remain in place:
Mail addressed to Mangrove Bay post boxes will continue to be redirected to Southampton Post Office for customer collection.
Owing to space constraints at the Southampton Post Office, the Warwick Post Office will continue to temporarily manage parcel deliveries ordinarily processed at Mangrove Bay.
Regular mail delivery services to all district residents will continue without interruption.
The Bermuda Post Office appreciates the public’s patience and understanding as we finalise these improvements and prepare the facility to resume full service safely and efficiently.
The CBI’s monthly distributive trades survey showed the main sales volume balance sink to -43 in February from -17 in January, only just above December’s six-month low of -44
International News via Reuters:
British retail sales fell sharply in February, which stores partly blamed on unusually persistent wet weather that encouraged shoppers to spend online instead, the Confederation of British Industry said on Tuesday.
The CBI’s monthly distributive trades survey showed the main sales volume balance sink to -43 in February from -17 in January, only just above December’s six-month low of -44.
“Retail sales volumes fell at a sharp pace in the year to February, with some firms reporting that the wet weather discouraged shoppers from visiting stores,” CBI economist Martin Sartorius said.
Online sales grew at the fastest pace since April 2021, but not enough to boost the overall index.
Prospects for March are somewhat brighter, with expected sales volumes standing at -17, the least negative in six months.
The CBI’s quarterly retail business optimism gauge edged up only marginally to -34 this month from November’s -35 reading, which was the lowest since 2008 and reflected concerns ahead of finance minister Rachel Reeves’ November budget.
Next week Reeves will set out new growth forecasts and borrowing plans, although she has said she does not intend to announce significant changes in government policy.
“Firms will be looking for the Chancellor to set out how the government plans to mitigate the impact of rising employment costs in the distribution sector, particularly given its vital role in providing first jobs for young people,” Sartorius said.
Reporting by David Milliken, editing by Andy Bruce
