Under a 2025 agreement, Britain will transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining control of the strategically important U.S.-UK air base on Diego Garcia under a 99-year lease
International News via Reuters:
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer was making a big mistake by entering into a lease of the U.S.-UK air base on Diego Garcia.
“Prime Minister Starmer is losing control of this important Island by claims of entities never known of before,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Trump also said it may be necessary for the U.S. to use Diego Garcia, and an airfield located in Fairford, in order to “eradicate a potential attack” by Iran if Tehran decides not to make a deal resolving their longstanding nuclear dispute.
Under a 2025 agreement, Britain will transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius while retaining control of the strategically important U.S.-UK air base on Diego Garcia under a 99-year lease.
Reporting by Bhargav Acharya and Ryan Patrick Jones; editing by Costas Pitas
In a filing in Miami federal court, the BBC said it intends to argue that Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit should be dismissed
International News via Reuters:
Britain’s public broadcaster, the BBC, said on Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump had failed to establish that it defamed him in a documentary broadcast shortly before he won a second White House term.
In a filing in Miami federal court, the BBC said it intends to argue that Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit should be dismissed because he failed to state successful claims for defamation and for a violation of a Florida unfair trade practices law.
The BBC said it also intends to argue that the court lacks jurisdiction to hear Trump’s case under Florida law, federal rules governing civil cases, and the U.S. Constitution’s “due process” clause. It has apologized to Trump for the edit.
Lawyers for Trump did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The BBC has until March 17 to respond formally to Trump’s complaint, which he filed on December 15. A trial is scheduled for February 15, 2027.
Trump accused the BBC of splicing together footage of parts of a speech he gave on January 6, 2021, to make it appear that he had directed supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol later that day, when lawmakers planned to certify Democrat Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election.
The edit, for the documentary “Trump: A Second Chance?”, spliced together a section where Trump said supporters would march on the Capitol with another, recorded nearly an hour later, where he exhorted them to “fight like hell.”
Trump, a Republican, is seeking at least $5 billion of damages on each claim against the BBC, which is publicly funded.
Fallout from the documentary, including allegations of bias, led to the resignations of the BBC’s top executive and its head of news in November.
Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Kevin Liffey
Minister salutes ‘solo sweepers’ who remove roadside debris, sweep streets, and clear overgrown vegetation
The Minister of Public Works and Environment, the Hon Jaché Adams, JP, MP, today hosted an appreciation event on Devon Springs Road in Devonshire to recognise the dedication and service of the Island’s solo sweepers, whose ranks have now grown to 20 following recent efforts to strengthen the programme.
The solo sweepers are deployed across Bermuda to remove roadside debris, sweep streets, and clear overgrown vegetation in assigned areas.
The expansion reflects the Government’s continued focus on improving roadside cleanliness.
Minister Adams said the programme is a practical example of how targeted investment can deliver visible results for the community.
He added that the expanded team complements the ongoing work of the Ministry’s Highways Section and the Department of Works and Engineering, creating a broader, coordinated effort to maintain our roadways.
“The people of Bermuda have been asking for cleaner roads, better visibility, and safer conditions. We’re not ignoring that. We’re acting on it. These sweepers are part of that response, part of that commitment, and part of a wider plan to improve infrastructure across Bermuda.”
Minister Adams closed by thanking the workers personally for their contribution.
“These men and women show up and get the job done. It’s honest work, it’s important work, and it makes a real difference in people’s lives. I’m proud of them, and grateful for the role they play in keeping Bermuda clean, safe, and moving.”
The Ministry said it will continue monitoring roadside conditions and adjusting deployment areas to ensure the expanded team delivers maximum impact for residents across the island.
Minister of National Security Michael Weeks expressed serious concern following reports that police were called on Monday, February 16, 2026, after a child was seen carrying what appeared to be a black handgun.
Minister Weeks stated: “This incident is deeply troubling on so many different levels. A child in possession of what appeared to be a firearm ought to send shock waves throughout our community, and this matter demands that someone ought to be held accountable for this incident.
“That is something that could very easily have escalated into a dangerous situation with a very different outcome, especially if armed officers had to respond in real time. Thankfully, through the professionalism and competence of the BPS officers, nothing more serious occurred. Thank God it did not come to that.”
He continued, “I want to commend the officers involved. They handled this situation with professionalism, calm judgment, and care for the child’s safety, and that deserves recognition. That is exactly the kind of measured policing our community needs and expects.”
Noting that the item recovered was later confirmed to be a black-painted replica firearm handed over by an adult at a nearby residence, the Minister stressed the broader lesson for the community.
“As a father and as someone who cares deeply about our young people, I am urging parents and guardians to pay closer attention to the activities of their children and to monitor their behaviour.
“We have to keep a close eye on what they are doing, what they are being exposed to, and what they think is acceptable. These are our children, all of them, and it takes all of us working together to guide them in the right direction,” Minister Weeks said.
He added, “We are living in a time when concerns about youth violence and gun violence are very real, and situations like this remind us why vigilance at home and in the community matters so much.”
Minister Weeks emphasised that community partnership remains central to public safety, noting appreciation for members of the public who alerted police and helped bring the matter to a safe resolution.
Free martial arts seminars to be provided by Ministry of National Security
The Ministry of National Security is inviting members of the public to attend a series of free Community Personal Safety Seminars designed to equip residents with practical tools to enhance their personal safety and awareness.
A total of 12 seminars will be held at various locations across the island, providing residents with multiple opportunities to participate at a time and place that works best for them.
Participants will learn how to recognise potential risks, respond appropriately to threatening situations, and apply simple strategies to reduce vulnerability in everyday environments.
The seminars will include interactive discussions and practical demonstrations focused on prevention, awareness and confidence-building.
Members of the public are encouraged to visit martialarts.bm/personalsafety to view the full schedule of dates, times and locations, and to register for the seminar that best suits their availability.
The seminars will be led by Sensei Bob Smith, an 8th Degree Black Belt and Bermuda’s Chief Instructor for the International Okinawan Goju-Ryu Karate-Do Federation (I.O.G.K.F.), one of the largest Okinawan karate organisations in the world, established in 63 countries.
Sensei Smith began his martial arts training in New York City in 1967 and has studied multiple disciplines, including Goju-Ryu Karate, Tae-kwon do, Kung-Fu and Jiu Jitsu
He has served as President of the Bermuda Karate Do Association, the Bermuda Martial Arts Commission and the Bermuda Martial Arts Federation.
With decades of experience in both martial arts instruction and defensive tactics training, Sensei Smith brings practical, real-world insight to the subject of personal safety and protection.
Minister of National Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, said, “Personal safety starts with awareness. These seminars are about giving residents practical knowledge that can make a real difference in everyday situations.
“This initiative is part of a broader effort to empower the public with information and skills. When people have more knowledge, they feel more confident in their ability to protect themselves, their home and others , and I hope that the public takes advantage of these very instructive and informative seminars to enhance the safety in the wider community.”
The Ministry encourages residents to take advantage of this opportunity to increase their awareness, preparedness and confidence.
Friday is Budget Day and all eyes will be on Premier and Finance Minister David Burt as he sets out his government’s financial priorities.
Bermuda Broadcasting will provide extensive coverage and analysis, starting with the traditional ‘Budget Walk’ from the Finance Ministry to Parliament.
The Budget Statement will be read at 10am and we’ll carry it live on ZBM TV9, Inspire 105 radio and on our Bermuda Today app.
We’ll highlight the main takeaways and explain what they’ll mean to your pocketbook.
That’s Budget Day this Friday, with Bermuda Broadcasting. Stay tuned.
Police extend condolences as the investigation into the St. George’s collision continues
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm 16-year-old Siena Frankson, as the victim in the fatal road traffic collision which occurred around 9:46 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, just west of Stone Crusher Corner, Kindley Field Road, St. George’s.
At the time, Ms. Frankson was the pillion passenger on a motorcycle ridden by an 18-year-old male who reportedly lost control of the vehicle as they travelled east. The bike collided with some nearby rocks catapulting Ms. Frankson into the nearby water.
She was recovered by police officers who performed life saving measures until the arrival of EMTs a short time after.
Ms. Frankson was transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital where, sadly, she was subsequently pronounced dead.
The motorcycle rider who incoherent following the collision, was also transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. He received treatment for minor injuries and was discharged.
We extend sincere condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Frankson and a BPS Family Liaison Officer is at this time assisting her loved ones.
An investigation into this, the third fatal road traffic collision in Bermuda, this year is ongoing.
Any witnesses who have not already come forward, or persons with relevant information, are once again encouraged to contact Acting Sergeant Ralshon Douglas on 717-0964 or, via e-mail at rdouglas@bps.bm as soon as possible.
Police confirm suspect remains in custody pending a court appearance
A man is in custody after allegedly attempting to break into a private residence.
Police say they are aware of a video circulating on social media that documents the incident. The footage appears to show an occupant preventing the man from entering the home through a window.
A BPS spokesperson said: “We wish to inform the public that the suspect in that matter has been arrested and remains in custody pending a court appearance.”
The visit comes after Greenland, Denmark and the U.S. late last month launched diplomatic talks to resolve the crisis between the parties
International News via Reuters:
Denmark’s King Frederik arrived in Nuuk on Wednesday as he embarked on his second visit to Greenland within a year, underscoring unity with the Danish territory in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to acquire the Arctic island.
The visit comes after Greenland, Denmark and the U.S. late last month launched diplomatic talks to resolve the crisis between the parties, following months of tension within the NATO defence alliance over Trump’s repeated comments.
Denmark’s prime minister said on Friday that she and her Greenlandic counterpart held a constructive meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but warned that Trump’s desire to acquire Greenland hadn’t changed.
The king wore a black customized puffer jacket with the Danish and Greenlandic flag on the left side of his chest.
KING ALSO VISITING SCHOOL AND MILITARY HQ
He hugged Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and the head of the Inatsisartut, the Greenlandic parliament, Kim Kielsen, who received him on the tarmac.
King Frederik will later on Wednesday visit a school and the headquarters of Denmark’s Joint Arctic Command in Nuuk, as well as Royal Greenland, the island’s largest company and seafood producer.
The Danish royal family traditionally makes annual visits to Greenland, often appearing in the island’s national dress, which includes a white anorak for men and an elaborate beaded collar in bright colours for women, as well as sealskin boots.
King Frederik has spent extended periods of time in Greenland, including a four-month expedition on the island’s ice sheet.
On Thursday, the king will visit Maniitsoq on the west coast, around 140 km (87 miles) north of Nuuk. On Friday he will visit the Arctic Basic Training programme in the western town of Kangerlussuaq.
Reporting by Louise Rasmussen; Editing by David Holmes
Far-right activist Quentin Deranque, 23, died on Saturday after being beaten by hard-left activists outside a conference centre in Lyon where Rima Hassan, a member of the European Parliament, was speaking
International News via Reuters:
Eleven people including two aides to a French far-left lawmaker were arrested in France overnight and early on Wednesday on suspicion of involvement in the killing of a far-right activist last weekend in Lyon, according to the Lyon prosecutor’s office, which has opened a murder investigation.
Among them is at least one aide to Raphael Arnault, a lawmaker from far-left party France Unbowed (LFI), who said on Tuesday that the aide had “stopped all parliamentary work”.
“It is now up to the investigation to determine responsibility,” Arnault said on X.
Another of Arnault’s assistants was also among the detained, French media outlets reported. The prosecutor did not immediately confirm the report and Arnault did not respond to an emailed request for comment.
Far-right activist Quentin Deranque, 23, died on Saturday after being beaten by hard-left activists outside a conference centre in Lyon where Rima Hassan, a member of the European Parliament, was speaking.
Videos of the confrontation were widely shared on social media. Hassan and other members of the LFI have condemned the killing.
Both the hard left and hard right have been capitalising on frustration with the minority centrist government ahead of local elections next month and a presidential vote next year, set to take place in a highly polarised environment.
Jordan Bardella, party president of the far-right National Rally, has called for Arnault’s resignation.
“The left and the far-left have crossed an unacceptable red line in our democracy: respect for the opinions and physical integrity of their opponents,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
In a separate news conference, the LFI’s national coordinator Manuel Bompard said his party was in no way responsible for Deranque’s death, and that it now felt threatened itself.
Shortly after the announcement of the arrests on Wednesday morning, the Paris headquarters of LFI received a bomb threat and had to be evacuated until the all-clear was given when police secured the scene.
Reporting by Sophie Louet, Gabriel Stargardter, Gianluca Lo Nostro in Paris, Charlotte Van Campenhout in Amsterdam, Inti Landauro in Brussels; Editing by Kevin Liffey
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