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Who gets what: Funding allocations for key ministries

Alisa Bernardo
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Who gets what: Funding allocations for key ministries

All ministries receive funding boosts, with major increases in health, housing and infrastructure

Every ministry has received a funding increase in the 2026/27 Budget, with allocations rising across healthcare, housing, national security, education and digital services.

Read more below for a full breakdown of who gets what.

Economy and Labour: $29.1m (Up $1.5m)

  • Funding supports continued implementation of the Economic Development Strategy
  • $2.2 million allocated to the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation to strengthen entrepreneurship and support small and medium-sized businesses
  • $4.3 million for the Bermuda Business Development Agency to “enhance its role in positioning Bermuda as a premier blue-chip jurisdiction for foreign direct investment in an increasingly competitive global market”
  • Department of Statistics receives an additional $1.25 million, primarily for the 2026 Census of Population and Housing

Education: $156.5m (Up $7.3m)

  • Capital funding up 71%, supporting maintenance and upgrades across all public schools, including phased safety and security improvements, plus electrical, ICT and classroom air quality enhancements
  • Continued investment in Signature Schools at The Berkeley Institute, CedarBridge Academy and Sandys Secondary School wit upgrades to technology infrastructure, including modernised computer labs, faster internet and expanded digital learning platforms
  • Scholarships and Awards funding increased by $420,000, bringing the total to $2.2m for post-secondary education
  • Additional funding for Technical and Vocational, Applied Science, Non-traditional, Teacher Education and Teachers’ Sabbatical awards
  • Funding support for Bermuda College’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan

Finance: $277.3m (Up $10.7m)

  • $116.7m for employee overheads (up $13.5m)
  • $124.8m for interest on debt, reflecting a small decrease linked to early debt repayment
  • $3.5m retained to advance tax framework reforms, including housing tax credits
  • Continued work on contributory pension reform and preparation for Bermuda’s upcoming mutual evaluation assessment
  • Registrar of Companies to progress legitimate interest access following transfer of the beneficial ownership register from the Bermuda Monetary Authority
  • $2.7m in capital funding for IT upgrades to improve operational efficiency, debt collection and compliance

Health: $302.5m (Up $57m)

  • Funding support for the Bermuda Hospitals Board to stabilise hospital services and improve patient care
  • Progress on rebuilding Lefroy House with increased bed capacity, expansion of the Sylvia Richardson Care Facility, and creation of a new 30-bed unit to ease Emergency Department pressure
  • Upgrades to primary care facilities including Hamilton Health Centre, St. George’s Clinic and Somerset Clinic
  • Implementation of modern Electronic Medical Records
  • Major push toward Universal Health Coverage, with all residents expected to have access to health benefits by October 2026
  • Extended nursing scholarships to support workforce development

Home Affairs: $6.6m (Up $800k)

  • Hiring of a Policy Analyst to advance affordability initiatives, including expansion of the Grow-Eat-Save Programme
  • Establishment of a Residential Rent Registry covering all rented units to address housing concerns and protect tenants
  • Additional funding for the Department of Energy to implement energy policy and diversify Bermuda’s energy sector
  • Creation of a Renewable Energy and Business Innovation Officer role to support clean energy funding, solar pilot programmes and community solar initiatives
  • Expanded bursary support and succession planning within the energy sector
  • Capital investment to modernise IT systems at the Land Title and Registration Department and advance a Pilot Community Solar Project

Justice: $63.24m (Up $5.5m)

  • Majority of increase attributed to approved salary increments across departments
  • Department of Corrections to recruit additional frontline staff to strengthen facility management
  • Capital funding for replacement of obsolete furniture and fixtures within correctional facilities
  • Implementation of a new electronic Corrections Management System to modernise inmate records and operational oversight
  • Support for hosting the 2027 International Prosecutors Conference
  • Funding to meet obligations under the National Anti-Money Laundering Committee framework
  • Relocation of the Legal Aid Office to improve functionality and client accessibility

National Security: $137m (Up $9m)

  • Funding to cover government-wide salary increases and continued recruitment within the Bermuda Police Service, Customs Department and Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service
  • Additional recruitment for new posts within the Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard
  • Continued funding under the National Violence Reduction Strategy for outreach, anti-violence campaigns and counselling services
  • Support for the Bermuda National Drug Control’s Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment programme
  • $9.3m in capital funding for new Coast Guard vessels, completion of the Coast Guard Maintenance Shed, a new fire truck, continued renovations at Police Headquarters in Prospect and construction of a new scanner hall at the docks for Customs

Public Works and Environment: $90.9m (Up $6.8m)

  • $1m to address safety and maintenance concerns on private roads, pending legislative changes
  • $9m to begin construction of the new Swing Bridge in St. George’s
  • $500k for additional workers and machinery to clear overgrown roadside verges
  • $2.5m to break ground on a new Agricultural Centre to strengthen food security
  • $4.5m to refurbish and redevelop underutilised Government properties, including Montpelier, Admiralty House Ballroom and St. David’s Lighthouse
  • $1.7m for restoration works across national parks and public lands, including the Botanical Gardens and public beaches
  • $9m to fully refurbish infrastructure at the Tynes Bay Waste-to-Energy Facility
  • $1.4m for rooftop solar installations across public buildings

The Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation: $58.9m (Up $5.3m)

  • New Youth Library Outreach Officer and continued digitisation of Bermuda’s archival records
  • Investment in artificial intelligence tools within the Department of Planning to speed up building permit approvals and update the Bermuda Plan
  • Advancement of the One Stop Shop initiative and upgraded Government portal with enhanced online payments
  • Expansion of the IDT Apprenticeship Programme to build local digital skills
  • Additional funding to strengthen government cybersecurity and system reliability
  • Launch of a new Public Service Scholarship Programme, offering tuition support in priority fields in exchange for a five-year public service commitment
  • $500k for community club development

Tourism and Transport, Culture and Sport: $109.1m (Up $7.5m)

  • $3.5m in capital funding for 20 electric buses, plus additional funding to order 20 more
  • Continued grants for grassroots cultural and community events supporting local vendors and small businesses
  • $4m increase in Bermuda Tourism Authority grant funding to boost off-season visitor demand and promote 617 new hotel rooms expected to come online later this year
  • $759k increase for the Department of Sport and Recreation, including $560k for Government Golf Courses
  • Camp Connect to provide approximately 4,000 summer camp spaces for school-age children
  • Over $2m allocated to support national sporting bodies and elite athletes
  • $2.5m in capital funding for upgrades at the National Sports Centre
  • $1m increase in Bermuda Airport Authority operational funding for succession planning and workforce development
  • $792k increase in Airport Authority capital funding for IT, cyber resilience, weather radar upgrades and health and safety improvements

Youth, Social Development and Seniors: $97.2m (Up $6m)

  • Establishment of a new Disability Unit within the Ageing and Disability Service
  • Amendments to the Child Day Care Allowance Act to increase support for families with multiple children under age four
  • Increase in the income threshold for Financial Assistance pensioners from $500 to $800
  • A National Youth Council to strengthen youth engagement in policymaking
  • Modernisation of the Charities Act to enhance anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism measures, protecting non-profits from exploitation
  • Increased funding for nursing homes and homelessness prevention initiatives
  • Continued capital investment for a new senior day care facility at the former Gilbert Institute site in Paget

Housing & Municipalities: $8.2m (Up 8.6%) | $32.9m Capital (Up 43%)

  • Increased funding for the Bermuda Housing Corporation to deliver new housing units and expand maintenance and refurbishment works
  • Additional project managers to advance multiple affordable housing developments
  • Infrastructure upgrades in existing developments including Cedar Park, Mary Victoria and Alexandra Road
  • Implementation groundwork for the Draft Affordable Housing Strategy 2025–2035
  • Identification of more than 30 potential development sites, with a first phase ready to proceed
  • Three priority sites confirmed: former Albert Row and Victoria Row properties, and a vacant Government-owned site near Dr. Cann Park in Southampton
  • Financing to be supported by local institutions, backed by a Government guarantee of up to $90m

New scholarships to help Bermudians transition into corporate careers

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New scholarships to help Bermudians transition into corporate careers

Lombard Odier celebrates 50th anniversary with community and talent initiatives

The Association of Bermuda International Companies (ABIC) congratulates its member company Lombard Odier Trust (Bermuda) Limited, Group Lombard Odier, regulated with the Bermuda Monetary Authority to do trust, corporate services and investment business, on its 50th
anniversary of operations in Bermuda.

“Since 1976, Lombard Odier has had a quiet yet impactful presence on the island, contributing to Bermuda’s financial services sector, talent development, and community initiatives, stated Christian Dunleavy, ABIC Chairman and Group President and CEO of Aspen Bermuda. They’ve also demonstrated a true commitment to Bermuda, and ABIC, with two of its Managing Directors, Tracy Tepper and Charmaine Tucker each serving on the ABIC Board for a number of years.”

“As the Group marks its 230th anniversary in 2026, Lombard Odier’s half-century in Bermuda is a testament to our commitment to the island, our clients, and our staff”, said Charmaine Tucker, former CEO and current Group Head of Trusts at Lombard Odier. “We are proud of our legacy as a trusted employer and a responsible corporate citizen, and we look forward to building on this foundation for the next generation.”

To commemorate this milestone, Lombard Odier is partnering with ABIC to launch a series of initiatives throughout 2026. These include:

Career Shifter Scholarships through International Business is Everybody’s Business: In celebration of the anniversary, Lombard Odier is supporting Bermudians seeking to transition into trust and corporate services careers, with a focus on diversity and inclusion.

Community Engagement: Lombard Odier will highlight its longstanding contributions to Bermuda through educational outreach, alumni engagement, and support for sustainability and next-generation talent.

Client and Staff Recognition: Special events and experiences are planned for clients and staff, reflecting the organization’s appreciation of its people and partners.

“We are very excited to collaborate with ABIC and our stakeholders to celebrate this important milestone”, said Benjamin Mushokoza, Managing Director and CEO of Lombard Odier Trust (Bermuda) Limited. “Our 50th anniversary is not just about our history, it is about our ongoing commitment to Bermuda’s future.”

Opinion: Protecting what makes Bermuda, Bermuda

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Opinion: Protecting what makes Bermuda, Bermuda

Nonprofit Alliance of Bermuda Third Sector Spotlight: Bermuda National Trust

By Karen Border, Executive Director, Bermuda National Trust 

There are places in Bermuda that live quietly in our hearts. 

A winding nature trail first explored as a child. A cottage that has stood for centuries. A coastline that reminds us, each time we return, why this island is unlike anywhere else in the world. These places are not just scenery. They are memory, identity and belonging. And once they are lost, they are lost forever. 

Bermuda is small, finite and uniquely vulnerable. Our natural spaces cannot be replaced. Our historic buildings and cultural sites, once altered or destroyed, cannot be recreated.  

But when just 32% of Bermuda remains undeveloped, only 9% is fully protected as nature reserves, and 55 historic buildings have disappeared in the last 15 years, it’s clear that the island we love is under strain. From the pressure of development reshaping our landscape and communities to invasive species, protecting what makes Bermuda Bermuda has never been more urgent. 

Without intentional action, we risk losing the places and stories that define us – and with them, a vital part of our national identity. That is why protecting Bermuda’s heritage matters – not as nostalgia, but as a responsibility to future Bermudians. 

The places we protect connect generations. They foster pride and anchor us in who we are. The Bermuda National Trust exists to protect these connections, preserving both natural and cultural heritage, recognising that the two are inseparable. 

Our natural spaces support physical and mental wellbeing, provide refuge from an increasingly dense built environment and strengthen our connection to the land. Our historic sites tell the stories of Bermuda’s people – from the African diaspora and Portuguese communities to those of European or North American descent, and the many others that have shaped this island. 

We do not do this work alone. The Bermuda National Trust collaborates closely with environmental and heritage partners across the island – including the Bermuda Audubon Society, BEST, the African Diaspora Heritage Trail, the St George’s Foundation, the National Museum of Bermuda and others – strengthening conservation, education, and advocacy through shared expertise and coordinated action. 

At the same time, BNT’s role is distinct: It is the only organisation mandated to safeguard both Bermuda’s natural heritage and its cultural heritage by Public Act of Parliament. This dual responsibility positions BNT as steward of Bermuda’s full heritage landscape: its wild places, historic sites, cultural stories and shared identity. It allows us to take a holistic approach – protecting landscapes and the human stories embedded within them – ensuring heritage remains relevant, accessible and meaningful for future generations. 

Our work spans: 

  • Caring for and providing public access to nature reserves, historic properties and museums across the island 
  • Conservation of artefacts, landscapes and community stories  
  • Education programmes that connect children and adults to Bermuda’s heritage through learning, exploration and storytelling 
  • Advocacy for sustainable development, responsible land-use planning and protection of historic buildings and sites 

Each year, thousands of residents and visitors benefit directly from the Bermuda National Trust’s work – whether through access to natural spaces, visits to historic museums, participation in education programmes or engagement with research that deepens our understanding of Bermuda’s past and present. 

BNT BY THE NUMBERS 

  • 13 publicly accessible nature reserves  
  • 263 acres of natural beauty preserved 
  • 36 acres of arable land in active production  
  • 3 historic house museums showing 3,000+ culturally significant artefacts 
  • 3000+ schoolchildren annually participate in nature and heritage education 
  • 300+ volunteers engaged in hands-on conservation and heritage projects 

Our vision is of a Bermuda where natural and cultural heritage are valued as essential to national wellbeing and identity. A Bermuda where development and preservation are balanced with care. Where children grow up knowing the stories of their ancestors and the land beneath their feet. Where cultural heritage reflects the full breadth of our history. Where open spaces remain places of wonder, learning, and connection. 

This future is not guaranteed. It depends on stewardship – on the choices we make now. 

Supporting the Bermuda National Trust is an act of care for this island and for each other. Whether through membership, volunteering or donation, every contribution helps.   

What we protect today will define the Bermuda we hand to tomorrow. That is why we hold these places in trust – for everyone, forever. 

Karen Border, Executive Director, Bermuda National Trust

Governor joins hands-on taser training with regional officers

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Governor joins hands-on taser training with regional officers

Officers from across the Overseas Territories complete UK-led course

The Governor recently joined UK-based police trainers at the conclusion of instructor-level Taser training hosted by the Bermuda Police Service.

This according to a social media post by Government House.

The course brought together officers from across the Caribbean Overseas Territories to train on the same equipment and procedures.

According to the post, participants “will be able to go back as instructors to their own police services to ensure the deployment and use of tasers is to the highest standards.”

Images: Government House, Bermuda

Middle Road in Smith’s reopens after wall repairs

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Middle Road in Smith’s reopens after wall repairs

Public Works completes restoration and paving between Kilderry Lane and Store Hill

The Ministry of Public Works and Environment advises the public that the previously restricted section of Middle Road in Smith’s Parish, between Kilderry Lane and Store Hill, has fully reopened to regular traffic.

The temporary lane closure was necessary to allow repair work on an older Bermuda wall located alongside the roadway that had sustained damage and required restoration.

With repairs now completed and paving works finished, the roadway has been restored and improved for motorists.

The Minister of Public Works and Environment, the Hon Jaché Adams, JP, MP, commended the teams involved, stating, “I wish to thank the dedicated crews from our Works and Engineering and Highways teams for delivering a quality result.

“Their efforts have ensured that this stretch of road is not only safe again but improved for the motoring public. This is the kind of steady, practical work that keeps Bermuda moving.”

The Ministry thanks the public for their patience and cooperation while the repairs were carried out.

ABIR welcomes use of CIT revenue for debt reduction

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ABIR welcomes use of CIT revenue for debt reduction

Industry group supports payroll tax relief but warns global competition remains fierce

International business has weighed in on the Budget, with the Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers backing plans to use Corporate Income Tax proceeds to cut debt.

John Huff, President & CEO, ABIR said: “As the expected largest contributors to Bermuda’s corporate income tax, ABIR members are pleased to see Government committed to using the CIT proceeds for debt reduction and fiscal discipline including the repayment in full of the $605 million senior notes maturing in January 2027.  

“Additionally, the Government’s first step in reducing employer payroll taxes is also positive — and there’s more to be done.   The retention and creation of Bermudian jobs, the backbone of the economy, will require a sustained commitment to reduce the cost of doing business on island including health care costs.  Global competition remains fierce.

“ABIR is pleased to continue to partner with Government to make Bermuda the jurisdiction of choice.”

PLP defends Budget, accuses OBA of putting ‘balance sheets first’

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PLP defends Budget, accuses OBA of putting ‘balance sheets first’

Party says debt is being slashed while protecting services and expanding support for Bermudians

Statement from The Progressive Labour Party

This PLP Budget is about results

● Massively slashing the debt

● Tax cuts for all working Bermudians

● Increasing healthcare support for our seniors

● Lowering costs for families

● Investing in our infrastructure

● Investing in our youth

We believe that when Bermuda’s finances improve, Bermudians should benefit.

Our approach shows that the PLP can do what OBA never could; reduce debt, strengthen the economy, and support Bermudian families.

The OBA’s suggestion that debt reduction should go even further ignores the responsibility to protect services and sustain growth. The PLP today announced measures that will erase much of the debt that the OBA doubled while in office, while expanding our housing supply, strengthening our healthcare capacity, modernising infrastructure, and supporting economic resilience.

We understand what they never did; leadership means reducing debt AND building the foundations that keep Bermuda strong.

On tax relief, this Budget makes a clear and fair choice: Working Bermudians across income levels are facing cost pressures, and relief should reach the many, not the few. Narrower cuts, as proposed by the Opposition, could leave many without support at a time when they need it most or worse still reduce Bermudians to being forced to submit to screening to obtain relief.

Despite the OBA’s revolving door at leadership, their ideology never changes. Balance sheets come first, Bermudians come last.

While the OBA comments from the sidelines on behalf of the few, The Progressive Labour Party will continue to govern on behalf of the many.

‘Bermuda’s finances stronger than in a generation,’ says Premier

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‘Bermuda’s finances stronger than in a generation,’ says Premier

2026/27 Budget posts $472M surplus, cuts payroll taxes and repays $605M in debt

Statement from the Government of Bermuda:

Today, Premier and Minister of Finance, the Hon. E. David Burt, JP, MP, delivered the 2026/27 Budget Statement under the theme, “Responsible Choices… Lasting Benefits for Bermudians.”

Built on nine years of responsible fiscal management and execution of the Government’s Economic Development Strategy, the 2026/27 Budget delivers for Bermudians by continuing to cut taxes for workers, eliminating duty on more essential goods, and making the largest capital investment in our infrastructure in nearly two decades.

In addition, for the first time ever, Government revenue now includes Corporate Income Tax following the successful implementation of the CIT regime. Thanks to this, and better-than-expected economic performance, this Government will make a significant reduction in Bermuda’s debt and deliver real savings for Bermudian taxpayers.

This Budget delivers a range of measures that will make a real and lasting difference for Bermudians, including:

  • Reductions in payroll tax: Workers earning $48,000 save $120 a year, those earning $96,000 save $840, and those earning $120,000 save $660, no worker will pay more.
  • $605 million in national debt repaid in full, reducing Bermuda’s gross debt by 18% and saving taxpayers $25 million every year in interest costs.
  • A record $182 million capital investment, including continued roadworks, affordable housing, schools, the Swing Bridge, the Tynes Bay Waste-to-Energy Facility, and community improvement projects across the island.
  • The elimination of the remaining 20% customs duty on fuel for electricity generation saving the average household $375 a year in energy costs.
  • $5 million to reduce or eliminate customs duty on more essential goods
  • A further 10% reduction in private car licensing fees, effective 1 April.
  • A projected budget surplus of $472 million and total government revenue exceeding $2 billion for the first time in Bermuda’s history for FY 26/27.

Premier Burt said, “Nine years of hard work and prudent fiscal management have brought us to this moment. Bermuda’s finances are stronger than they have been in a generation, and this Budget makes sure that progress is felt by every worker, every local business, and in the pockets of Bermudian families. It also lays a solid financial foundation for the future, with Bermuda on a path to eliminate net debt within the decade.

“Working Bermudians will pay less in taxes, our national debt is being significantly reduced, and we are investing in our roads, more affordable housing, public schools and critical services. We have made and will continue to make responsible choices that will deliver lasting benefits for Bermudians.”

Risk Summit to mark 20 years since the ‘Class of 2005’ reshaped global reinsurance

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Risk Summit to mark 20 years since the ‘Class of 2005’ reshaped global reinsurance

Industry leaders to reflect on legacy, innovation, and the evolution of catastrophe resilience

The Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) today announced a featured session at the Bermuda Risk Summit 2026 marking the 20-year anniversary of the industry cohort widely known as the “Class of 2005.”

The panel, “From Storms to Strength: The Class of 2005 Turns 20,” will bring together leaders whose companies emerged in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma — a period that reshaped the global reinsurance landscape and accelerated Bermuda’s role as a hub for innovation and catastrophe risk capacity.

Moderated by Mairi Mallon, Chief Executive Officer, Rein4ce, the session will reflect on how the capital, structures, and ideas born out of that period helped define a generation of market development. It will also examine how those lessons continue to inform today’s environment, as new forms of capital, technology, and risk converge.

Panel participants include:

  • John Berger, Chairman, Coaction Specialty Insurance (Former Founder & CEO, Harbor Point Re)
  • Ryan Mather, CEO, Ariel Re
  • Chris McKeown, CEO, Vantage Reinsurance, ILS & Innovation (Former Founder & CEO, New
    Castle Re)
  • Conan Ward, CEO, Solis Re (Former CEO, Validus

“Twenty years on, the legacy of the Class of 2005 is still visible in how risk is structured, capitalised, and transferred,” said Kendaree Burgess, Managing Director, Bermuda Business Development Agency. “That period demonstrated Bermuda’s ability to respond quickly to global need — bringing together capital, expertise, and regulatory clarity to support recovery and resilience. This session offers an opportunity to reflect on what was built and how those foundations continue to support the modern risk ecosystem.”

The conversation will explore the lasting impact of the 2005 market response on Bermuda’s growth, global catastrophe resilience, and the evolution of the modern reinsurance model — while looking ahead to the next generation of risk and capital innovation.

Mairi Mallon added: “Twenty years later, the ‘Class of 2005’ remains a reference point for how the market responds to a capital crunch. During the session we will hear how these companies were built, why Bermuda was right for them and ask if there will be the right conditions again for a Class of 2026 or ‘27..”

The Bermuda Risk Summit brings together international leaders from across (re)insurance, capital markets, regulation, and risk management to examine the challenges and opportunities shaping the global risk landscape.

Session Details
From Storms to Strength: The Class of 2005 Turns 20
Date: 10 March 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Bermuda Risk Summit 2026

Further programme details and speaker announcements will be released in the lead-up to the Summit.

Registration for the 2026 Bermuda Risk Summit is open at a rate of $595 until 9 February, increasing to $695 thereafter. Additional sponsorship and speaking opportunities are available. For more information, visit bda.bm or email bermudarisk@bda.bm.

To secure accommodation at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, reserve your room online or contact 1-441-295-3000 or the Global Reservations Centre at 1-800-441-1414, using the booking code ‘Risk 326’ to access preferred rates.

Bermuda Risk Summit 2026: Building What’s Next is sponsored by:
Headline: EY
Platinum: BILTIR
Gold: AM Best, Aladdin by Blackrock
Silver: Association of Bermuda Insurers & Reinsurers (ABIR), A&G Travel, Ariel Re, AXA XL, A&G Travel,
HSBC Asset Management, KPMG, Walkers (Bermuda) Ltd, Web Connectivity Limited (WCL), A Zywave
Company
Supporting: ACORD Solutions Group, AON, Aspen, Clarendon Wallace, Fidelis Insurance Group, Gnosis,
KBRA, Rein4ce, SiriusPoint Ltd., Smith Technologies Ltd., SS&C Technologies Inc, Teneo, Valani Global,
Wilson Elser
Official Airline: BermudAir
Spirits Sponsor: Gosling’s Limited
Media Partners: Bermuda RE+ILS, Insurance Business America, Insurance Insider, The Insurer from
Reuters

Training will support the mental health of young people

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Training will support the mental health of young people

Health Minister Kim Wilson says 31 per cent of students aged 10 to 19 report depressive symptoms and about 25 per cent report anxiety

The Ministry of Health today announced the launch of the Youth Mental Health Training Programme, a three‑day professional development initiative designed to equip adults, who work with adolescents, with essential mental‑health skills. The training will be offered throughout the year in virtual and in‑person formats, with registration available at www.gov.bm/youthmentalhealthtraining. The programme supports those who regularly interact with young people by strengthening their capacity to recognise early signs of mental‑health concerns and connect adolescents with the appropriate help.

“This programme reflects Government’s commitment to strengthening Bermuda’s mental‑health landscape and ensuring that young people receive informed, compassionate support when they need it most,” said The Hon. Kim Wilson, JP, MP, Minister of Health. “We know that approximately 31 per cent of students aged 10 to 19 report depressive symptoms and about 25 per cent report anxiety, reminding us that these challenges are present in our classrooms, neighbourhoods and families. These are not abstract statistics; they reflect the real experiences of our young people, and this initiative strengthens our community’s ability to support them.”

Dr. Alison Daniels, programme lead and one of the course facilitators, said: “The Youth Mental Health Training Programme gives participants the confidence to act early, respond safely, and partner with professional services when needed. People who work with adolescents are often the first to notice when something is wrong, and this training ensures they are equipped with the right tools to support a young person effectively.”

The Youth Mental Health Training Programme provides practical skills blended with foundational knowledge. Participants will explore how to identify warning signs, provide appropriate immediate support, understand referral pathways and maintain their own wellbeing while supporting others. The training also examines adolescent brain development, local resources, anti‑stigma strategies and communication approaches suited to young people.

Teachers, school staff, youth workers, coaches, mentors, social‑service providers, healthcare professionals, community volunteers and anyone who interacts with adolescents are encouraged to register. The training is especially valuable for individuals who wish to improve their confidence and competence supporting young people during critical moments.

Sessions are held monthly, with virtual and in‑person options. For in‑person training days, lunch will be provided. Participants are asked to note any dietary requirements on the registration form.

Bermuda Tonight – 20 February 2026

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Bermuda Tonight – 20 February 2026

Hotel owners offer reassurance over asbestos storage

Gary Foster Skelton
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Hotel owners offer reassurance over asbestos storage

Westend Properties respond to a Bermuda Broadcasting report highlighting concerns raised by residents

Statement from a Westend Properties spokesperson:

“We adhere to all established protocols governing the handling and disposal of asbestos materials related to the construction work underway at the property. In accordance with these procedures, sealed and properly contained materials are placed in designated containers for collection by the Department of Operations & Engineering, and all required removal fees are paid to facilitate ongoing disposal.

Due to a delay in the scheduled collection process, we were instructed to temporarily and securely store the sealed materials on-site until pickup could be completed. In response to concerns raised, four containers were brought to the site today and an additional three containers will be on site on Saturday to ensure sealed asbestos abatement bags are properly stored and prepared for prompt removal.

The Department of Health conducts regular monitoring visits, and our independent asbestos consultant continues to perform air quality testing. Results to date indicate that the materials remain properly contained.

We are in close coordination with the appropriate departments to expedite collection and will continue to follow all required safety and environmental protocols and remain committed to ensuring the health and safety of our workers and the surrounding community.”

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