The Commission, which negotiates trade policy on behalf of the 27 EU member states, said Washington must provide “full clarity” on the steps it intends to take following the court ruling
International News via Reuters:
The European Commission demanded on Sunday that the United States stick to the terms of an EU-U.S. trade deal reached last year, after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Donald Trump’s global tariffs and he responded with new levies across the board.
The Commission, which negotiates trade policy on behalf of the 27 EU member states, said Washington must provide “full clarity” on the steps it intends to take following the court ruling.
After the court struck down Trump’s global tariffs on Friday, the U.S. president announced temporary, across-the-board tariffs of 10%, which he then hiked to 15% a day later.
“The current situation is not conducive to delivering ‘fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial’ transatlantic trade and investment, as agreed to by both sides” in the joint statement setting out the terms of last year’s trade agreement, the Commission said. “A deal is a deal.”
The comments were far more strongly worded than the Commission’s initial response on Friday, which had said only that it was studying the outcome of the Supreme Court decision and keeping in contact with the U.S. administration.
Last year’s trade deal set a 15% U.S. tariff rate for most EU goods, apart from those covered by other sectoral tariffs such as on steel. It also allowed zero tariffs on some products such as aircraft and spare parts. The EU agreed to remove import duties on many U.S. goods and withdrew a threat to retaliate with higher levies.
“In particular, EU products must continue to benefit from the most competitive treatment, with no increases in tariffs beyond the clear and all-inclusive ceiling previously agreed,” the EU executive said, adding that unpredictable tariffs were disruptive and undermined confidence across global markets.
It said that EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic had discussed the issue with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on Saturday.
Reporting by Philip BlenkinsopEditing by Peter Graff
Mexico’s defense ministry said a shootout in the western state of Jalisco left Oseguera seriously injured and he died during an air transfer to Mexico City
International News via Reuters:
Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, commonly known as ‘El Mencho,’ has been killed in a military raid, Mexican officials said on Sunday, as the country’s government has been ramping up pressure on cartels after U.S. intervention threats.
Mexico’s defense ministry said a shootout in the western state of Jalisco left Oseguera seriously injured and he died during an air transfer to Mexico City. The ministry noted that U.S. authorities had provided “complementary information.”
The operation set off a wave of violence, with torched cars and gunmen blocking highways in more than half a dozen states.
An ex-police officer, Oseguera was the shadowy leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), an outfit named for the western state that is home to one of Mexico’s biggest cities, Guadalajara.
Over a relatively short period of time, the CJNG morphed into an international criminal enterprise rivaling former allies in the Sinaloa Cartel, the gang of captured kingpin Joaquin ‘El Chapo’ Guzman, now in a U.S. prison.
The military operation against Oseguera follows a pressure campaign from the Trump administration on Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government to ramp up its crackdown on drug trafficking, including U.S. threats to intervene directly in Mexico.
“The operation for his arrest was led by the Defense ministry, and he ended up being killed,” a government source familiar with the operation told Reuters.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said Oseguera’s killing was a “great development” for the U.S. and Mexico, as well as the rest of Latin America.
The kingpin’s killing notches a major victory for Mexico’s war on drug cartels that are responsible for smuggling billions of dollars in cocaine and fentanyl into the U.S. It is also expected to unleash a wave of violence across Mexico.
“A tremendous amount of violence is going to happen,” said Vanda Felbab-Brown, an expert on international organized crime.
She compared Oseguera to other key drug figures taken down in recent years, Guzman and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, both of the rival Sinaloa cartel.
“Apart from the heads of the Sinaloa cartel, El Mencho has been the biggest prize for many, many years.”
Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro urged residents to stay home until the situation was brought under control, and the U.S. embassy advised its citizens to shelter in place.
Videos on social media showed cars ablaze, sending dark smoke into the sky, on roads in Jalisco. Mexican media outlets reported burning vehicles and gunmen blocking highways in more than half a dozen states across the country, particularly in the north and west.
Air Canada said on Sunday it temporarily suspended operations in Jalisco’s Puerto Vallarta on the Pacific coast, a popular beach resort for Canadians and Americans.
United Airlines and American Airlines said they have canceled flight operations to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.
“United Airlines flight operations to PVR are cancelled,” the carrier said in an emailed statement to Reuters.
American Airlines told Reuters in a separate statement it has canceled flights to and from PVR and GDL for the remainder of Sunday, Feb. 22.
Reporting by Emily Green, Lizbeth Diaz, Stephen Eisenhammer, Leila Miller and Laura Gottesdiener; Writing by Daina Beth Solomon, Editing by Christian Plumb; Additional reporting by Andrea Shalal and Jasper Ward in Washington, Gnaneshwar Rajan and Disha Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and David Gregorio
New soldiers say two-week training built confidence, structure and strong friendships
Images and media release supplied.
Soldiers who passed out last week from a Royal Bermuda Regiment recruit camp shared how the two-week course benefited them through the development of skills and increased fitness levels.
As well as enhanced discipline and structure, the troops noted that strong bonds were formed during the foundational training.
Private Noldré Brown, a 23-year-old Mailboxes employee from Sandys, signed up to participate in something outside of ordinary life.
“It’s definitely improved my discipline,” he reflected. “Being able to withstand things that I wouldn’t do on a normal basis, being able to overcome any doubts and lack of belief in myself that I may have had and just push through in whatever way was necessary. Everything is organised in the Regiment, so it has also been a huge boost to my level of structure.”
Pte Brown added: “The most challenging thing was understanding that you’re not just here by yourself and implementing what the Regiment’s teaching you within a team setting. You’re accountable not only for yourself but also for the next person in the team.”
With his sights set on joining the RBR Coast Guard and rising through the ranks, Pte Brown said he would encourage anyone else considering a regimental career to sign up.
“Wherever you are in your life, it can be a huge benefit,” he said. “Everything you learn here, no matter how basic you may see it on the outside, they’re all skills that you can transfer into your everyday life.
“It will put you in a space where you can challenge yourself. You can receive nothing but good from it.”
Lessons for the recruits included foot drill, weapons handling, first aid and communications. They were tested during an overnight exercise in inclement weather as well as live firing on the range at Warwick Camp. Further challenges came in the shape of an obstacle course competition and the RBR’s two annual mandatory fitness tests.
Private Peninah Muchai, 42, a mother-of-three who is originally from Kenya and has lived in Bermuda for six years, enlisted to see how far she could push herself and to give back to the community.
She said: “It has been challenging and exciting at the same time. I didn’t know how I would do with the challenges, especially the obstacle course, the patrols at night, the running and everything – I enjoyed it, but I had to push myself.
“I had to keep in mind that I came here and I’m not giving up.
“The most enjoyable part was making new friends and I loved the food; also my corporal, he was a nice tutor, he took us through every step. It was fun sometimes, a bit tough sometimes but it was all worth it.”
Private Liam Clease, 22, from Devonshire, enlisted because he sought change, challenge and structure.
He said: “I wanted to find something that I could build a career out of. So far, I think I’m getting on the right path.”
Pte Clease added: “I enjoyed meeting all these people. I didn’t think I was going to get along as quickly as I did with all the other recruits, it only took a couple of days for us to start clicking with each other and I ended up making really good friends.”
Reflecting on his own development, he said: “I see myself coming out of my shell a lot, challenging myself to meet new people and not be afraid to try new things.”
Private Lisbeth Alvarez, 23, from Warwick and a Marks & Spencer sales associate, said that she was pushed physically and in learning to increase her self-discipline.
She added: “I enjoyed weapons and drill, those were my two favourite things.
“I’ve definitely gotten a bit stronger, physically, I’m able to do a lot more push-ups than I did when I started. In terms of discipline, drill really taught me to centre myself and my emotions.”
Lieutenant Scott Brown, who was the recruit camp platoon commander – his first time in that role – described the experience as “very rewarding”.
He said: “It was a fantastic group. We had stronger numbers with 22 Bermudians through the gate, supported by 12 recruits from the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment. We had a really solid platoon.
“Overall, it was a mix of very capable and intelligent people but, most of all, eager and willing to get stuck in and soldiering.”
Lt Brown noted that the troops had a variety of life experiences and that opportunities within the RBR are similarly varied.
“There are all sorts of ways that they can contribute,” he added.
The recruits passed out on Friday and will take part in continuation training for about two months before they are posted to their various RBR companies.
In a message to anyone considering signing up to the Regiment, Lt Brown added: “If you’re genuinely looking to change your life and really form a new foundation for self, then take the brave step and walk through the gates – that will be half the battle won.”
For information on joining the Royal Bermuda Regiment, visit rbr.bm, call 238-1045 or contact the Recruiting Team at rbr.recruiting@gov.bm.
More than 1,100 participants raise over $70k to support cancer patients
More than a thousand people turned out for a worthy cause this morning, undeterred by grey skies.
The 38th Annual P.A.L.S. Walk brought the community together to reflect, remember, and support cancer care on the island.
Around $70,000 was raised, helping the charity continue its mission to ensure that no one has to face cancer alone.
Executive Director Colleen English DeGrilla said she was inspired by the turnout, which surpassed 1,100 participants.
“I love it. I’ve heard so many people say they’ve had such fun. It’s a good day — a feel-good event — and I love watching families come back year after year to support P.A.L.S.”
The charity encouraged participants to reflect on who they were walking for, inviting them to write touching tributes on markers displayed on a poster wall inside its headquarters.
Former executive director Ann Smith Gordon, who dedicated more than three decades of service to the organisation, said she was moved by the show of support.
“It’s very touching to see so many people who support P.A.L.S.,” she said.
Reflecting on the charity’s impact and evolution since its inception in 1980, she added: “The best thing is that the wonderful principles we set down over 40 years ago are continuing and going from strength to strength.”
It was an afternoon of contrasting fortunes for Bermuda’s international women’s contingent, headlined by a sensational individual performance from Keunna Dill in a ten-goal thriller in the North West.
In the North West Women’s Regional Premier League, Keunna Dill proved to be the catalyst for one of the season’s most remarkable comebacks. FC United of Manchester Women appeared dead and buried after a disastrous first half left them trailing Penrith AFC Ladies 4–1 at the interval.
However, Dill spearheaded a second-half resurgence, finding the back of the net just three minutes after the restart to reduce the deficit. She completed the comeback in the 60th minute, firing home her second of the afternoon to level the scores at 4–4. United eventually secured a breathless 6–4 victory, with Dill’s brace proving pivotal in a win that keeps her side eighth in the standings.
The FA Women’s National League provided a tougher outing for other Bermudian stars. Kenni Thompson was an unused substitute for AFC Bournemouth Women as the Cherries secured a clinical 2–0 victory over Gwalia United to maintain their promotion charge.
Elsewhere, Eva Frazzoni and AFC Sudbury Women suffered heartbreak at the Elite Travel Stadium. Despite a spirited performance, Sudbury went down 4–3 to Luton Town Ladies in a high-scoring encounter. Meanwhile, Jasmine Spence and her Newport Pagnell Town Women’s teammates played out a hard-fought 2–2 draw with Leicester City Women at Saffron Lane, ensuring a share of the spoils in a tightly contested fixture.
Audit examines Government’s financial statements for year ending March 31, 2025
The Auditor General comments below on the Audited Financial Statements of the Consolidated Fund of the Government of Bermuda for the year ended March 31, 2025.
Auditor General Heather Thomas is the Government of Bermuda’s independent auditor, and whose office is mandated to report whether the Government’s financial statements are fairly stated in accordance with public sector accounting standards accepted in Bermuda and Canada.
The Audit Act 1990 requires the Auditor General to report on whether the Government’s “financial statements are fairly presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.” The Independent Auditor’s Report and the summary financial statements were signed off December 9, 2025, and tabled in the House of Assembly – Friday, February 20, 2026.
The Auditor General’s office provides the citizens of Bermuda and users of Government’s financial statements with the independent assurance that those statements are fairly stated, or to alert the users of matters that were of most significance in her professional judgement of the audit of the Financial Statements of the Consolidated Fund of the Government of Bermuda for the current year.
In her Independent Audit Report, Ms. Thomas highlighted a key audit matter on Government’s Asset Retirement Obligations (ARO). Reporting on key audit matters provides additional insights and transparency into how important items were addressed by her Office during the audit. Matters that are complex, have a high degree of uncertainty or are important to the public are highlighted as key audit matters.
The liability for ARO was raised as a key audit matter because these liabilities are significant estimates of future costs, and, in the fiscal year 2023, the Government of Bermuda was required to adopt Public Sector Accounting Standard PS 3280 Asset Retirement Obligations. “I qualified my opinion in the audit reports relating to fiscal years 2023 and 2024 on the basis that the Government had not provided sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the completeness, valuation of the amounts recorded and the disclosures required. In fiscal year 2025, the Government prepared a supported ARO estimate. As of March 31, 2025, the Government recorded $44.4 million in ARO. Much of the liability relates to the removal of asbestos. It includes identifying legal requirements and assumptions to estimate the future costs required to complete the necessary future remediation. I concluded that liabilities for ARO are fairly stated, in all material respects, and are disclosed appropriately in accordance with the requirements of public sector accounting standards generally accepted in Bermuda and Canada”, stated Ms. Thomas.
Similar to prior years, in her Auditor’s Opinion, the Auditor General included an Emphasis of Matter paragraph to highlight that the Consolidated Fund financial statements are not summary consolidated financial statements of the Government of Bermuda.
Ms. Thomas said: “There are approximately 50 entities, their assets and liabilities of which are outside of the Consolidated Fund, and I encourage the Government of Bermuda to account for the full nature and extent of the financial affairs and resources which the Government controls. Summary accounts of the Government of Bermuda would give the citizens of Bermuda and users of the government audited accounts the tool to understand and assess the totality of the public financial affairs and resources entrusted to the government.’ said Ms. Thomas
The Auditor General expressed her appreciation to her team, the Accountant General’s Department, and the Ministry of Finance for their cooperation throughout the audit.
Health Ministry releases inspection scores for licensed establishments
The Ministry of Health has released the latest food establishment inspection grades — read the full statement below.
“The Ministry of Health announced that Grades for food establishments licensed 1 April 2025-31 Mar 2026 are now publicly available on the Government of Bermuda portal, Gov.bm.
“Each year, Environmental Health Officers conduct inspections of restaurants, cafés, bars, grocery stores, and other food businesses to assess compliance with Bermuda’s food safety standards. Establishments are assigned a grade based on hygiene, food handling practices, temperature control, structural conditions, and overall risk management.
“Minister of Health, Kim Wilson, stated: “Ensuring the safety of Bermuda’s food supply is one of our highest public‑health priorities. The publication of the 2025 food establishment grades reflects our continued commitment to transparency and to supporting informed choices for residents and visitors alike. I want to thank our Environmental Health team for their diligent work throughout the year, and I commend the many food businesses that consistently meet and exceed our standards. Together, we are strengthening confidence in Bermuda’s food sector and protecting the well-being of our community.”
“The Ministry thanks all food businesses for their continued cooperation in maintaining safe and healthy environments for the community.”
Update: The Ministry has issued a correction regarding the grade assigned to The Rotisserie Grill.
“The Ministry of Health wishes to advise the public of a correction to the 2025 Food Establishment Grades recently published on the Government portal.
“Due to an administrative error, The Rotisserie Grill was incorrectly listed as receiving a Grade D, when in fact the business was awarded a Grade B following its inspection. The online listing has now been updated to reflect the accurate grade.
“We sincerely apologise to the establishment, its staff, and the public for this mistake. Ensuring the accuracy of all published information is a priority, and we regret any concern or reputational impact this error may have caused.
“The Ministry has reviewed its internal verification process and is implementing additional checks to prevent similar errors in the future.
“We thank The Rotisserie Grill for its understanding and remain committed to maintaining transparency and public confidence in Bermuda’s food safety system.”
HAMILTON, Bermuda (Feb. 18, 2026) — The Athene Life Career Expo is scheduled for June 17, 2026, at Pier 6, Front Street, Hamilton.
“Bermuda is a global (re)insurance hub, and the Athene Life Career Expo is part of our commitment to helping expand education about the opportunities in life (re)insurance,” said Natasha Scotland Courcy, CEO and General Counsel of Athene Life Re. “I am very proud to have created this Expo. Watching it grow and seeing how excited people get for it each year has been incredible.”
The goal of the Athene Life Career Expo is to introduce more of the local community to the career opportunities in life (re)insurance. Attendees will have the chance to network, connect with industry experts and hear from special guest speakers. Last year featured three-time Olympian Hazel Clark as a keynote speaker.
A complimentary lunch will be provided, and there will be giveaway prizes, including a laptop from Red Laser. Martello Re is the platinum sponsor of the 2026 Athene Life Career Expo.
High school and college students, recent graduates and individuals exploring a career change are encouraged to attend. Registration opens May 4, 2026. For more information, visit www.lifecareerexpo.bm.
Bursary programme will provide two scholarships worth $25,000 each
The Ministry of Home Affairs is pleased to announce the launch of the Department of Energy Bursary Programme, a initiative designed to attract talented Bermudian students to careers in energy policy, sustainability, and emerging technologies that will shape the island’s future.
The programme offers two scholarships worth $25,000 each, paired with a paid 8 to 12-week summer internship at the Department of Energy. This unique combination gives scholarship recipients meaningful exposure to real-world policy development, regulation, and strategic projects while building the professional networks essential for a successful career development.
The Department of Energy is responsible for developing and implementing policy, legislation, and regulation that ensure a secure, sustainable energy future for Bermuda. The Department also oversees broadcasting, telecommunications, and space and satellite operations. These sectors are critical to Bermuda’s economic competitiveness and resilience.
The Department is committed to promoting energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy solutions while collaborating across Government to advance national priorities in climate action and digital infrastructure.
Today the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, JP, MP, Minister of Home Affairs, said, “This bursary programme reflects our Government’s commitment to investing in Bermudian talent and preparing the next generation to lead Bermuda’s transition to a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient energy landscape. We are opening doors for students across engineering, climate science, policy, and business to turn classroom learning into public-service impact. I encourage every eligible student to apply and join us in solving the challenges and seizing the opportunities that will define Bermuda’s energy future.”
Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must be Bermudian students whose academic pursuits align with the Department’s priority skill areas:
Engineering and Technical Disciplines
Environmental and Climate Sciences
Physical and Applied Sciences
Energy Economics and Public Policy
Law, Regulation, and Governance
Business, Finance, and Project Management
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should visit BermudaScholarships.com and search for “Department of Energy Bursary Programme” to access the full application requirements and submission portal.
Screening of PBS documentary includes live Q&A with Emmy-nominated director
The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) is proud to honour Black History Month with a special screening of “Black Godfather of Scuba” at 6:30pm on Thursday February 24th. This moving documentary celebrates a trailblazer who reshaped both scuba diving and historical storytelling.
The 25-minute screening will be followed by a live virtual Q&A with the film’s award winning director, Matt Kay. This special event offers audiences an exclusive opportunity to dive deeper into the remarkable life and legacy of Dr. Albert “Doc” Jones.
Part of the PBS REEL SOUTH series, “Black Godfather of Scuba” highlights the groundbreaking work of Dr. Albert “Doc” Jones, an accomplished marine scientist and founder of the National Association of Black Scuba Divers. Jones dedicated his life to uncovering submerged histories of the African diaspora. His work led to the discovery of the Henrietta Marie, the first recovered slave ship, sparking a mission to honour and preserve the stories of those lost during the Middle Passage.
Director Matt Kay is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker based in London whose acclaimed documentaries spotlight powerful, character driven stories. His work spans global platforms including Netflix, A&E, National Geographic, and Disney+. Kay’s films have screened at over 50 major festivals, earned international awards, and reached millions of viewers.
Tickets are $15 for General Admission and $25 for BUEI’s Big Screen Package, which includes a complimentary glass of wine, beer or non-alcoholic beverage and a snack pack. Thanks to Discovery Wines & Spirits for their generous sponsorship of Films At BUEI. As a bonus, ticket holders can enjoy 15% off dinner at the Harbourfront Restaurant when you dine before the film! Reservations are required and can be made by calling 295-4207.
Tickets are selling fast and can be purchased online at BUEI.org/events and PTIX.bm. You can also buy tickets in person at BUEI’s Oceans Gift Shop or by calling 294-0204
It was an afternoon of high drama across the English football pyramid for Bermuda’s overseas contingent, with high-scoring thrillers and last-minute heartbreak defining the day’s action.
In Devon, Nathan Trott and his Cardiff City teammates suffered a heavy 5–2 defeat at the hands of Plymouth Argyle. Despite the setback, Trott’s side remains at the summit of the Sky Bet League One standings.
Meanwhile, a last-minute equalizer prevented Nahki Wells and Luton Town from securing a vital win at Kenilworth Road. Wells had put Luton ahead in the 13th minute with a smart turn and finish, but Burton Albion substitute Fabio Tavares nodded home two minutes into added time to deny Town a morale-boosting victory.
In the Southern League Premier Central, Milan Butterfield and his Halesowen Town teammates secured a standout 4–1 victory against Zhani Burgess’ fourth-placed Quorn at The Grove. Elsewhere, Willie Clemons helped Leiston FC to a convincing 3–0 away win over AFC Sudbury at the Elite Travel Stadium.
Further results for Bermudian stars included:
Reggie Lambe and Needham Market played out a 1–1 draw with Bury Town.
Kane Crichlow and Chelmsford City shared the points in a 2–2 draw with Salisbury FC.
Ajani Burchall’s Wimborne Town fell to a heavy 5–0 defeat against Gloucester City.
Keziah Martin and Justin Donawa saw their Hereford FC side lose 2–1 to Scarborough Athletic.
Ayleal Dill’s Southwell City were beaten 2–1 by Clifton All Whites, while Hayden Dill and Eccleshill United went down 4–0 to Horbury Town.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
