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Insurer Aegon’s ‘messy’ capital creation beat, no UK update knock shares

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Insurer Aegon’s ‘messy’ capital creation beat, no UK update knock shares

Some analysts said the beat was messy, benefiting from non-recurring events, while the statement lacked detail on some smaller parts of Aegon’s business

International News via Reuters:

Aegon said on Thursday it generated more capital than the market had envisioned in the second half of 2025, mainly driven by U.S. insurance brand Transamerica, but failed to convince investors awaiting updates on its UK business review.

Some analysts said the beat was messy, benefiting from non-recurring events, while the statement lacked detail on some smaller parts of Aegon’s business. The shares fell 4% in early Amsterdam trading.

“Aegon has reported a typically messy set of results, with no update as yet on its UK strategic review or other parts of the business,” J.P. Morgan analysts said in a note to clients.

As part of a plan to relocate its head office and legal seat to the United States by early 2028, Aegon recently started a review of its business in Britain, a process that might lead to a sale of some parts of the business, though not the asset management arm.

Aegon CEO Lard Friese said on Thursday that the company would give an update on the review in the summer.

The group’s operating capital generation before expenses rose 8% to 711 million euros ($838 million) in the six-month period, above the median estimate of 654 million euros from analysts polled by the company. 

Its U.S. business accounted for roughly two-thirds of the generated capital and continued to grow in the quarter, betting on its focus on middle and mass affluent markets.

The decision to fully relocate to North America was made last year, though Aegon has been restructuring its business and prioritising U.S. growth for much longer. The $4.9 billion sale of its Dutch business to ASR Nederland in 2023 was also a part of this strategy.

($1 = 0.8481 euros)

Reporting by Mateusz Rabiega in Gdansk, editing by Milla Nissi-Prussak.

Maycock and Darrell excel as Bermuda Rendezvous Tournament concludes

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Maycock and Darrell excel as Bermuda Rendezvous Tournament concludes

The 44th Bermuda Rendezvous Tournament has come to a close at Warwick Lanes, with the island’s elite bowlers delivering a masterclass in precision and poise across four competitive divisions. In a field that saw massive participation, David Maycock emerged as the standout performer of the week, securing a rare double triumph to cement his status at the top of the sport.

Maycock first showcased his clinical accuracy in the Singles Handicap event, navigating a crowded field of 139 entries to claim the title with a total score of 804 pins. His momentum carried over into the high-stakes Men’s Scratch Roll Off, where he outlasted a staggering 172 competitors to be crowned the men’s champion. On the women’s side, Shereika Darrell proved equally formidable, rising above a competitive pool of 104 entries to claim the Women’s Scratch Roll Off championship.

The team events were equally hard-fought, with the Doubles Handicap title going to the duo of Ellsworth Bean Jr. and Quincy Bean. The pair demonstrated exceptional chemistry and consistency to post a combined total of 1493 pins, ultimately finishing at the top of an 89-team leaderboard. The tournament’s 44th edition once again highlighted the enduring popularity of the sport in Bermuda, with the massive turnout at Warwick Lanes reflecting a vibrant and highly competitive bowling community.

BoE’s Mann welcomes inflation data, wants improvement in underlying figures

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BoE’s Mann welcomes inflation data, wants improvement in underlying figures

Data published on Wednesday showed British inflation fell to 3.0%, its lowest since March last year, but a measure of price pressures in the services sector remained strong

International News via Reuters:

Bank of England interest rate-setter Catherine Mann said British inflation data published this week represented “good numbers” although there was not as much improvement in the underlying figures as the central bank had hoped to see.

Mann, in an interview with Kathleen Hays Presents: Central Bank Central, a podcast, said a recent rise in the unemployment rate was “very much of a concern” and the BoE was getting close “to some sense of where monetary policy is balanced between the inflation objective and full employment.”

Data published on Wednesday showed British inflation fell to 3.0%, its lowest since March last year, but a measure of price pressures in the services sector remained strong.

Asked whether she would back a rate cut at the March meeting of the BoE’s Monetary Policy Committee, Mann said she was not sure that a projected fall of inflation to 2% in the coming months meant Britain had fixed its high inflation problem.

“It’s actually pretty hard to tell exactly what is the sustainable or underlying trend rate of inflation, and whether or not the 2% that we are … likely to see coming forward in the next few months is in fact a sustainable 2%,” she said.

Mann voted with the majority in a 5-4 decision by the MPC this month to keep rates on hold. She said at the time that the time for a cut was closer.

Investors were putting the likelihood of a quarter-point rate cut by the BoE in March at about 80% on Thursday.

Writing by William Schomberg; editing by Suban Abdulla

Elite team named for pickleball championships

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Elite team named for pickleball championships

Hamilton, Bermuda – February 19, 2026
The Pickleball Association of Bermuda (PAB) is proud to officially announce its Open Elite Team for the 2026 Caribbean Championships, set to be hosted in Bermuda.

The team was selected through PAB’s established performance-based criteria, including international results, National Championships performance, DUPR ratings, trials, and role-specific evaluation. The roster reflects competitive readiness, defined team roles, and alignment with Bermuda’s highperformance framework.

Open Elite Team

Men
Gavin Manders (Co-Captain)
Benjamin Jones
Jamie Stowe (Player & Coach)
Tom Mills
Mical Russell

Women
Sasha Fisher (Co-Captain)
Patricia Mills
Melisa Judd
Lily Hallett
Naphisa Smith

Assistant Coach: Jonny Singleton

Alternates (In Order)
Men:

  1. Jasper Thomas
  2. John Singleton

Women:

  1. Courtney Fisher
  2. Rachel Sawden

Hosting the Caribbean Championships presents a defining opportunity for Bermuda to compete at the highest regional level on home soil.

“As National Director and Co-Captain, I feel the weight of it — and I welcome it,” said Gavin Manders. “This isn’t just about hosting. It’s about defending our ground, raising our standard, and showing the Caribbean exactly who Bermuda is when we compete together with intention.

This team is battle proven at the highest levels and understands the task at hand. We are preparing with purpose. And we’re going to hold each other accountable, because that’s what moments like this demand.

And while we battle, we lead. There will be young players in the stands watching how we respond to pressure, how we support each other, how we carry ourselves when it gets tough. That’s legacy. That’s culture.

On home soil, we plan on setting the tone right from the beginning. This is bigger than a tournament. It’s an opportunity to inspire the next generation.”

Co-Captain Sasha Fisher emphasized the tactical focus required to compete at the highest level.

“Hosting raises the standard,” Fisher said. “Our focus is preparation, discipline, and execution. If we control the details in training, we give ourselves the best chance to perform when it matters most.”

PAB President George Thomas highlighted the broader significance of the moment for Bermuda.

“”This team has been forged through the highest levels of international competition. Our gold medal at the 2025 Caribbean Nations Cup and our performances at the 2024 and 2025 World Cup were not accidents — they are the product of a deliberate high-performance system built over three years.”

“When we welcome the Caribbean to Bermuda in March, we showcase what our community of 63,000 can achieve through commitment, structure, and belief. Every athlete on this roster carries that responsibility, and every young player watching from the stands will see exactly what’s possible.

“We are ready. This is Bermuda’s time!”

The 2026 Caribbean Championships will not only showcase elite regional competition but will also include developmental initiatives and junior programming designed to strengthen the sport across the island.

As Bermuda prepares to host the region, the focus remains clear: elevate the standard, compete with purpose, and continue building a legacy for the future of Caribbean pickleball.

Inside Sports with Oliver Bettschard & Ralph Scott

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Inside Sports with Oliver Bettschard & Ralph Scott

This week on Inside Sports, Nick & Butchy B focus on the journeys of young athletes Oliver Bettschard and Ralph Scott. Highlighting the importance of mental coaching, family support, Faith, and community involvement in sports development. They also touch on the challenges and opportunities faced by athletes as they transition to higher levels of competition, particularly in golf and basketball; and the significance of choosing the right university and the impact of sports on personal growth and community pride.

Khan and Benfica Residential Academy unstoppable in Florida showcase

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Khan and Benfica Residential Academy unstoppable in Florida showcase

Bermudian standout Riley Khan has helped the Benfica Residential Academy girls program reach a new milestone as they claimed the Female Under-17 Division title at the 25th Annual Weston Cup & Showcase. The prestigious event, widely regarded as Florida’s premier Presidents’ Day Weekend tournament, is the largest youth soccer competition in the United States. The victory in Florida marks the sixth tournament championship in just the first year for the Benfica girls program, which incredibly remains undefeated.

The Benfica squad produced a performance of utter dominance throughout the tournament, scoring 25 goals without conceding a single one. They opened their campaign in the Showcase/Gold division with a clinical 7–0 demolition of Fort Lauderdale United FC before maintaining their momentum with a 2–0 win over Strikers Miami FC. Khan and her teammates followed this up with a 5–0 shutout of SWFL Surge and a 3–0 victory in their final group match, again defeating Strikers Miami FC.

The knockout stages proved to be more of the same for the academy side. In the semi-final, they once again dispatched SWFL Surge with a 5–0 scoreline to book their place in the championship match. Facing Strikers Miami FC for a third time in the final, Benfica remained composed to secure a 3–0 win and hoist the trophy. The result further highlights the rapid development of Khan, whose move to the Florida-based academy in 2025 has seen her become a cornerstone of both her club and the Bermuda Under-17 national team.

Motorcyclist reportedly injured following crash in Devonshire

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Motorcyclist reportedly injured following crash in Devonshire

Traffic diversions are in effect on North Shore Road at Barker’s Hill and Dock Hill

Image and media release supplied by the Bermuda Police Service.

Police and other first responders are currently on scene following a single vehicle road traffic collision involving a motorcycle on North Shore Road Devonshire, near the Tynes Bay Waste Facility.

Details remain limited at this time. However, the male rider is believed to have sustained a possible head injury. Out of an abundance of caution, officers are conducting a forensic examination of the scene.

Traffic diversions are in effect:

  • North ShoreRoad/Barker’s Hill
  • North Shore Road/Dock Hill

Motorists are advised to avoid the area, expect delays, and use alternative routes where possible.

Mixed fortunes for Bermudian stars across the English leagues

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Mixed fortunes for Bermudian stars across the English leagues

Nahki Wells and his Luton Town teammates suffered a frustrating setback on the road as they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat against Wigan Athletic. In a tightly contested affair, the deadlock was finally broken in the 72nd minute when Joe Taylor found the back of the net for the hosts. Looking to spark a late comeback, the Luton coaching staff turned to their veteran Bermudian striker, with Wells entering the fray in the 82nd minute. Despite his inclusion, the Hatters were unable to find a way through a resolute Wigan defense.

The drama continued in the Endeavour Auto Suffolk FA Premier Cup quarter-finals, where two Bermudian internationals faced off at the Flannery Stadium. Reggie Lambe and his Needham Market side emerged victorious, but the match was defined by a moment of indiscretion for Willie Clemons. The Leiston FC midfielder was shown a second yellow card in the 77th minute—just 18 minutes after his first—leaving his side a man down for the closing stages. Needham Market eventually capitalized on the numerical advantage in the 83rd minute when Luke Ingram struck the decisive blow to send his team through to the semi-finals.

In the women’s game, Kenni Thompson and AFC Bournemouth Women endured a difficult evening on their travels to face Oxford United. Following a scoreless first half, the deadlock was broken by Oxford’s Holly Manders in the 62nd minute. The hosts were later reduced to ten players after Nicole Barrett received a second caution, but despite the player advantage and Thompson’s creative efforts from midfield, the Cherries could not find an equalizer, ultimately losing 1-0.

Elsewhere, Ava Frazzoni was in action for AFC Sudbury Women as they visited the Nest Grounds for an FA Women’s National League encounter against Norwich City Women. It proved to be a tough outing for the Sudbury squad, who were unable to contain a clinical Norwich side. Despite Frazzoni’s presence in the lineup, the match concluded in a 3-1 victory for the Canaries, leaving Sudbury to reflect on a difficult result against one of the league’s top contenders.

Health Ministry issues ‘urgent’ recall of baby formula

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Health Ministry issues ‘urgent’ recall of baby formula

The items include several Cow & Gate and Aptamil infant milk and follow‑on milk formula products

The Ministry of Health is advising the public that Danone has issued an urgent recall of several Cow & Gate and Aptamil infant milk and follow‑on milk formula products due to the possible presence of a toxin known as cereulide. This toxin may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.

A number of the 15 recalled products are known to have been available for sale in Bermuda. Environmental Health Officers conducted inspections early this morning (February 18, 2026)  and have removed affected products from shelves in several local stores.

Parents and caregivers who have purchased any of the recalled products are strongly advised not to feed them to infants. Instead, please return the product to the store where it was purchased. A full refund will be provided, with or without a receipt.

Customers can visit www.cgbabyclub.co.uk to check which batch numbers are included in the recall. For further information or assistance, please contact Cow & Gate through the same website.

The Ministry of Health will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

Smith: ‘Temporary freeze on education reform is simply unacceptable’

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Smith: ‘Temporary freeze on education reform is simply unacceptable’

Ben Smith questions Education Minister’s decision to temporarily halt education reform

Statement from Shadow Education Minister Ben Smith

It’s time for the Ministry of Education to take the future of students in the Bermuda Public School System seriously. After school closures, millions of wasted taxpayer dollars and false hope, Minister Ceasar’s announcement that there will be a temporary freeze on education reform is simply unacceptable.

Public schools have already been closed leaving members of the community displaced and stressed.

Parents have endured months of uncertainty and anxiety, with some opting to take on the added expense of paying for private schools. Others have felt they had no choice but to leave Bermuda in search of a better education for their children.

And now the public is told that everything is being paused? Does that sound fair to students, parents or educators?

By pausing the reform, is Minister Caesar admitting that the school closures, and the reform overall, is an error?

Is the Minister now suggesting those closures were a mistake?

If no schools are closing “in the foreseeable future,” what has changed in the Government’s thinking? What new data, analysis, or educational rationale has caused this shift? And what assurance can parents have that this position will not change again next year?

Education reform cannot be driven by reaction or pressure. It must be grounded in clear evidence, transparent planning, and consistent leadership. Families deserve stability. Teachers deserve certainty. Students deserve a system that is not constantly shifting.

I am calling on Education Minister Crystal Caesar to explain:

· Why were schools previously closed?

· What has changed to justify halting further closures?

· Is there a defined long-term structure for the system?

· How does the Government intend to rebuild the trust that has been lost?

Confidence in public education is fragile. It will not be restored through further announcements while questions remain unanswered.

The Hon. Ben Smith MP

Education Minister schedules talks with parents

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Education Minister schedules talks with parents

The meeting comes as education reform appears to be hitting the pause button

Statement from Minister of Education, Crystal Caesar

As the Government continues to strengthen Bermuda’s public education system, our immediate priority is to ensure that students, parents, and school communities experience stability, clarity, and strong learning outcomes throughout this school year and into the 2026 academic year.

Minister of Education, the Hon. Crystal Caesar, JP, said: “Our focus is simple: every student in our classrooms today must feel supported, safe and able to succeed while we continue improving the education system for the future.

That means strengthening teaching and learning while giving families clear guidance about what to expect for the next school year.”

Over the past month, the Ministry has met with PTA executives of Parish and Middle Schools, the Bermuda Union of Teachers, the Bermuda Public Services Union, Department of Education staff, school principals, school boards, and affected schoolteachers and parents, among others. We are grateful for the frank, honest feedback shared in response to the recommendations from the four parish school principals, middle and senior school principals. That feedback has helped shape decisions to prioritise student stability while ensuring schools have the time and support needed to implement long-term improvements effectively.

For clarity, the Ministry confirms the following for the September 2026 school year:

School Stability

• No school closures are planned for the foreseeable future.

Senior School Transitions

• As with this year, students will not transition to Senior Signature Schools for Year 9 in September.
• Current M3/Year 9 students’ selected Senior Signature School placements will be honoured.

Middle and Parish School Placements

• Current M2 will remain at their present middle school sites.
• Year 8 students currently in parish schools may choose to attend Dellwood, Whitney, or Sandys Middle School.
• All Year 6 students already registered for middle school will receive placement confirmations during the week of March 2, 2026.
• Current Year 6 and Year 7 students in parish schools may remain there for Years 7 and 8 if parents prefer. Families who wish for their child to attend a middle school instead may request that option. Parents who have already registered for a middle school, that request will also be honoured.

Minister Caesar emphasised that alongside system stability, the Ministry remains focused on strengthening literacy and numeracy, improving teaching and learning, supporting student wellbeing, and maintaining safe and inclusive school environments.

“To maintain open communication and build continued trust, we are committed to providing regular updates to our stakeholders first, followed by the wider community, in accordance with our established communication protocol. We understand that parents want certainty and straightforward communication,” the Minister said. “When school resumes after the mid-term break, we will meet directly with parents of Year 8 and M2 students to review logistics and next steps. That meeting is scheduled for February 24. Our responsibility is to ensure every child can learn with confidence today while we build a stronger education system for tomorrow.”

Senator, The Hon. Crystal C. Caesar, JP
Minister of Education

UK police arrive at home of King Charles’ brother Andrew, Telegraph reports

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UK police arrive at home of King Charles’ brother Andrew, Telegraph reports

It said six unmarked police cars and around eight plain clothed officers were seen arriving at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate earlier on Thursday

International News via Reuters:

The Daily Telegraph said on Thursday that British police had arrived at the residence of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in eastern England.

It said six unmarked police cars and around eight plain clothed officers were seen arriving at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate earlier on Thursday.

Thames Valley Police said earlier in February they were looking at allegations that Mountbatten-Windsor had passed confidential government documents to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to recently released files.

Mountbatten-Windsor has denied any wrongdoing and said he regrets his friendship with Epstein, but he has not responded to specific requests for comment after the latest files were published by the U.S. government.

Thames Valley Police did not have an immediate comment on the report.

Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; Editing by Kate Holton

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