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Royal Bermuda Regiment leads multinational hurricane relief mission in Jamaica

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Royal Bermuda Regiment leads multinational hurricane relief mission in Jamaica

Working alongside regional partners until February 28

A contingent of the Royal Bermuda Regiment (RBR) has travelled to Jamaica to spearhead a multinational humanitarian mission supporting recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

The deployment comprises 26 RBR soldiers and officers who will remain on the ground until February 28, focusing on roof repairs in the parish of St Elizabeth, which suffered extensive damage when Hurricane Melissa made landfall as a Category 5 storm in October 2025.

The Bermudian troops will be joined by eight members of the Cayman Islands Regiment and five from the Turks and Caicos Islands Regiment. Together, the regional forces will partner with the Jamaica Defence Force and the Guyana Defence Force to repair as many damaged homes as possible, delivering immediate and tangible benefits to affected communities.

RBR Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Simons said the deployment highlights Bermuda’s ability to provide practical assistance on the ground while also demonstrating regional leadership.

“The Regiment affords Bermuda a mechanism to put boots on the ground in Jamaica to support the recovery from Hurricane Melissa, supplementing the Bermuda community’s generous support in the months since the storm,” he said.
“This is also an opportunity for Bermuda to lead a co-ordinated effort… demonstrating co-ordination and interoperability.”

He added that RBR personnel will embed with the JDF Engineer Task Force South in St Elizabeth, assisting with roof repairs across the parish during the two-week mission.

The deployment follows an initial reconnaissance visit carried out by the RBR in November 2025 to assess storm damage and identify the most effective ways to assist recovery efforts. While several projects were considered, roof repair was selected for its ability to deliver rapid, visible improvements to residents’ living conditions.

All RBR personnel are deploying primarily as labourers, though individual specialist skills have been logged to enhance the mission’s effectiveness. These skills include carpentry, masonry, landscaping, construction expertise and communications support.

As Commander-in-Chief of the RBR, Andrew Murdoch said the operation reflects both Bermuda’s commitment to Jamaica and its capacity for regional leadership.

“With the full support of the Government of Bermuda, the Regiment can provide much needed assistance in Jamaica, making use of its skills and experience,” he said.
“I am particularly delighted that the operation will involve contingents from three Overseas Territories… under the operational command of the Royal Bermuda Regiment.”

Minister of National Security Michael Weeks said the Government was proud to honour its commitment to assist Jamaica following the hurricane.

“The Royal Bermuda Regiment has a long and distinguished history of providing such relief and I have every confidence that they will have an indelible and meaningful impact on the recovery efforts in Jamaica,” he said, adding that the mission would further strengthen the close bonds between Bermuda and Jamaica, as well as between the RBR and the Jamaica Defence Force.

“For such a time as this,” the Minister added, “the Bermuda Government is proud to deploy our RBR troops to render humanitarian aid and assistance to those in need.”

Tributes paid after death of ‘fearless’ journalist

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Tributes paid after death of ‘fearless’ journalist

Ceola Wilson described as brilliant, intense and authentic

Ceola Wilson. Photo from Facebook

Moving tributes are being paid after the passing of journalist Ceola Wilson, at the age of 64.

Known for her fearless and direct reporting style, Ms Wilson made her mark at the Bermuda Broadcasting Company and the now-defunct DeFontes Broadcasting Company, before setting up her own news website, Bermuda Real.

She also produced several landmark documentaries, highlighting the plight of islanders struggling with poverty, the incarcerated – and one of Bermuda’s first heart transplant patients.

A former Warwick Academy student and 1984 graduate of Long Island University, Ms Wilson’s career spanned four decades in radio, television and print.

Rick Richardson, the former CEO of Bermuda Broadcasting Company, said Ms Wilson was a rare individual who gave her all, at all times: “Ceola was serious about her craft of journalism and demanded respect. She was fearless, intense, and quick-witted.  
“She honed her skills in the tough market in New York when we sent her for a working stint at WLIB. When she returned to Bermuda she was better than ever. Ceola was a brilliant investigative journalist and we will sadly miss her.”

Ian Rawlins, Head of Business Development at the Bermuda Broadcasting Company, first met Ms Wilson when he was a 19-year-old summer student at the station: “After just one week working alongside her, I knew we’d create quite a stir in the newsroom. As a summer student, I gained invaluable hands-on experience in journalism and production, and Ceola’s guidance was instrumental in shaping my skills. She exemplified the art of breaking news, asking tough questions, and crafting compelling stories. Her daily reminder echoed in the newsroom: ‘7:00pm comes every day, we need to present a newscast every day.’ Her passion for fresh stories and commitment to meeting deadlines were truly inspiring, and her influence has had a lasting impact on my approach to journalism.”

Former Premier Dr. Ewart Brown said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of the passing of Ms Wilson, “a journalist whose voice and presence helped shape Bermuda’s media landscape for decades … Ceola was unique among Bermudian journalists. She answered to no one but herself. That independence was not merely a professional trait; it was her hallmark. She approached her work with conviction, asked the questions others avoided, and remained steadfast in her commitment to reporting as she believed it should be done. I extend my sincere condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time. May they take comfort in knowing that her work made a lasting impact on Bermuda.”

Ms Wilson’s former colleague at Bermuda Broadcasting, Trevor Lindsay, posted a tribute on Facebook which triggered hundreds of responses, many of them praising Ms Wilson’s contribution to Bermuda.

Mr. Lindsay described Ms Wilson as “a woman who was never soft around the edges, never watered down, and never pretended to be anything other than exactly who she was … Her mind was sharp, her instincts unmatched, and her presence unforgettable. One of the most brilliant female reporters Bermuda has ever seen.”

Former journalist Valerie Pethen, who once ran the Bermuda Government’s communications office, described Ms Wilson as “the most authentic journalist I have worked with … She challenged everything. Cabinet ministers cringed when she was in a press conference. They tried to ban her. I wanted her there to ask the tough questions all the other reporters were afraid to ask. She sought truths from them she already knew. Tough! Brave. Brilliant. Totally unapologetic.”

Former MPs also posted tributes to Ms Wilson, on Trevor Lindsay’s Facebook page.

Patricia Gordon Pamplin said Ms Wilson was a fierce reporter who always strove to show a balanced account of whatever subject she was reporting, and did not suffer fools gladly: “Underneath her tough boss lady facade, there was a soft, vulnerable, kind and sensitive person. I pray that she will rest in peace, and that her family will be comforted by embracing the profound impact and footprint of her legacy.”

John Barritt recalled working with Ms Wilson’s mother at the Bermuda Sun: “As they say, apples do not fall far from the tree. I was not the least bit surprised when Ceola chose to pursue a career in journalism. It suited her perfectly and she never ever gave up as she pursued the story that needed to be told. No question Ceola will be missed – and by many.”

Join the Regiment for breakfast walk & run

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Join the Regiment for breakfast walk & run

Fitness and fellowship come together for soldiers and members of the wider community this month with the welcome return of a Royal Bermuda Regiment Breakfast Run and Walk.

The races – at distances of 5 miles and 5 kilometres – come as the RBR continues its calendar of events to mark the battalion’s 60th anniversary.

A breakfast run was introduced decades ago by the late Captain Larry Burchall, generating opportunities for troops to strengthen community ties.

It has not been held for about ten years but will be back on February 22, starting and ending at Warwick Camp, where the morning meal will be served.

RBR Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Simons said: “Many will remember the recruit camp 5-miler or the Regiment’s breakfast run as it was held in the past.

“Our 60th anniversary is an opportunity to bring back these traditions and to engage with our community.

“As CO, I believe that encouraging a culture of fitness is central to being a military service and delivering on our missions and tasks.”

Options include 5-mile and 5k runs, a 5k competitive walk and a 5k non-competitive walk/run. With the aim of promoting physical fitness and health – aligning with the Regiment’s ethos of encouraging wellbeing in the community – the races are open to all and sanctioned by the Bermuda National Athletics Association.

Sign-up can be found at racedayworld.com, where registrants also have the option to donate to the RBR’s chosen charity, the Bermuda Mental Health Foundation.

An RBR spokeswoman added: “The Regiment regularly takes part in community engagement activities as well as youth programmes within a broader mission to support the island beyond our defence and operational roles.

“The Breakfast Run and Walk is a great opportunity for us to spend time with community members, and we look forward to welcoming participants as we celebrate our continued service.”

For information on joining the Royal Bermuda Regiment, visit rbr.bm, call 238-1045 or contact the Recruiting Team at rbr.recruiting@gov.bm

Minister signs pact to accelerate energy efficiency

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Minister signs pact to accelerate energy efficiency

Minister of Home Affairs Alexa Lightbourne took part in Global Energy Efficiency Alliance ministerial roundtable in the UAE

The Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, JP, MP, joined the Premier, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, and the Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, as part of a Bermuda delegation attending the Annual World Government Summit (WGS) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from February 3 – 5, 2026.

A central feature of Minister Lightbourne’s engagement was her participation in the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance (GEEA) Ministerial Roundtable, hosted by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.

Minister Lightbourne signed a Declaration of Participation in the Alliance on behalf of Bermuda, reflecting the Government’s commitment to accelerating energy efficiency as a cornerstone of sustainable development and climate action. She shared the panel with ministers from Costa Rica, Serbia, Seychelles, South Africa, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Mauritania, with additional participation from Azerbaijan, Egypt, Morocco, Madagascar, Germany, France, Fiji, and the Maldives.

During her presentation, Minister Lightbourne highlighted Bermuda’s unique energy context as a small island jurisdiction with no external grid interconnection, high electricity costs, and significant climate exposure. She underscored that energy efficiency represents the most immediate and cost-effective pathway to strengthening affordability, resilience, and energy security, and emphasised that alliances such as GEEA can help close the gap between policy ambition and implementation.

Minister Lightbourne and Minister Hayward also participated in a closed-door roundtable on “Google and PwC: AI Works for Government,” examining how artificial intelligence can support public-sector efficiency and service delivery. Minister Lightbourne attended the XDGs 2045 Ministerial Roundtable on inclusive development models and post-2030 cooperation priorities.

On the margins of the Summit, Minister Lightbourne held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Ambassador Noemi Espinosa Madrid, Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS). She also joined the Premier for a bilateral meeting with the Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica. Minister Lightbourne further participated in the ACS International Cooperation Conference, focused on strengthening regional collaboration among Caribbean and Latin American nations.

Commenting on her participation, Minister Lightbourne said, “It was an honour to represent Bermuda at the World Government Summit. For small island jurisdictions like Bermuda, energy efficiency is foundational to affordability, resilience, and energy security. It was a very productive Summit, and I look forward to engaging with partners who share our commitment to ensuring that the energy transition delivers real benefits for Bermudians.”

As a reminder, all airfare and accommodation costs for the Premier, Ministers, and the Bermuda delegation were covered by the Government of the United Arab Emirates.

‘Tourism industry contributed 4.5% to GDP’

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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‘Tourism industry contributed 4.5% to GDP’

The Ministry of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, released the 2024 Tourism Satellite Account report from the Department of Statistics.

The Minister explained, “The Tourism Satellite Account Report highlights the direct, indirect and induced effects of the tourism industry on output, employment and wages in Bermuda.  In 2024, the tourism industry contributed 4.5 per cent of Bermuda’s Gross Domestic Product in current prices.  Gross value added produced from activities of tourism-related establishments such as hotels, restaurants, travel agencies and passenger transport businesses, totalled $987 million.  Of this total, gross value added derived from direct tourist spending accounted for 41.6 per cent or $410 million.”

The Minister further explained, “The tourism industry generated 2,782 jobs in 2024, a 7.7 per cent increase when compared to 2023. These jobs accounted for approximately 8.3 per cent of the total jobs in Bermuda’s economy. Employment of Bermudians directly associated with tourism totalled 1,740 workers, representing 62.5 per cent of tourism jobs and reflecting a 4.2 per cent increase compared with 2023.”

The Minister concluded, “After factoring in the multiplier effects of visitor spending on output, employment and wages to households, tourism indirectly contributed an additional $131 million in value added to the economy and 407 additional jobs. The combined direct and indirect effects on wages were measured at $367 million in 2024.  The spending of these wages in the Bermuda economy, in turn, has a multiplier effect by further creating additional jobs and wages, which is referred to as the induced effect of tourism spending.  These induced effects were measured at 745 jobs and $105 million in wages.  Tourism’s contribution to government revenue in 2024 was $189 million or 15.1 per cent of the total revenue.”

The 2024 Tourism Satellite Account report is available online at https://www.gov.bm/tourism-statistics. The public is advised to read the concepts and definitions on the last page of the report before reviewing the data.

Vendors sought for city events

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Vendors sought for city events

Hamilton – February 11th, 2026

The City of Hamilton is inviting local food and beverage vendors to apply for opportunities to showcase and sell their offerings at its signature 2026 events, from open-air festivals to family-friendly movie nights that bring the community together and support local commerce.

Interested vendors must submit their applications by March 14, 2026, via the following link: Vendor Application Form 2026.

A vendor permit fee of $50 per event will apply to those selected.

The City’s 2026 calendar of events is designed to foster community connection, celebrate Bermuda’s culture, and drive economic activity within the City. Selected vendors will have the opportunity to offer food and beverage services that enhance the overall experience for attendees without competing with existing City-based businesses.

Vendors are encouraged to apply for one or more of the following events:

· Fresh Air Films: Drive-In Edition (April 4 – City Hall Car Park) A double-feature movie night where attendees can relax and enjoy films from the comfort of their vehicles.

· Fresh Air Films: Summer Edition (June 20 – Point Pleasant Park) A laid-back, open-air movie experience under the stars, perfect for families and film lovers.

· Summer Sunday: City Funday (July 12 – Victoria Park) A high-energy festival featuring live entertainment, carnival games, food vendors, fun contests and more.

· Taste of Bermuda: Tasting Village (October 11 – City Hall Car Park & Lawn) A celebration of flavour showcasing diverse food and drink offerings, live entertainment, and a dedicated Kids Zone, creating the perfect outing for families and foodie friends alike.

· Rockin’ Around the City Tree (November 27 – City Hall) A cherished holiday tradition where Hamilton lights up with festive cheer, featuring a visit from Santa, live entertainment, and seasonal treats.

· Christmas Boat Parade (December 12 – Hamilton Harbour) A festive flotilla of Christmas-lit boats transforms Hamilton Harbour into a dazzling holiday spectacle, best enjoyed from the lively Viewing Village and Kids Zone along the waterfront.

“The City’s goal is to create events that not only entertain and engage the community but also support and complement the businesses that call Hamilton home,” said Senior Events Coordinator Lorna Hayward. “Thoughtfully curated food and beverage offerings are a key part of the experience, adding flavour, variety, and energy to each event. We are looking for vendors with unique and innovative offerings, whose menus elevate the overall atmosphere and give attendees even more reason to linger and enjoy. We encourage interested vendors to apply early to secure their place in these vibrant celebrations.”

Vendors can submit their interest by clicking the link above, selecting the event(s) they wish to participate in, and providing their business details.

For any questions about the events or application process, please contact Senior Events Coordinator Lorna Hayward at lhayward@cityhall.bm.

For updates on City of Hamilton events, subscribe to the City’s e-newsletter, The CityZen, at www.cityofhamilton.bm and follow the City on social media:

· Instagram & X (Twitter): @citylifebda

· Facebook: CityofHamiltonBda

Trott Wins All-Bermuda Showdown; Cardiff Charge Continues

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Trott Wins All-Bermuda Showdown; Cardiff Charge Continues

1

The mid-February weather finally abated across the UK and Wales this weekend, clearing the deck for a significant day of “Bermuda Clashes” in the English football pyramid.

The headline act took place at the Cardiff City Stadium, where goalkeeper Nathan Trott and his Cardiff City teammates extended their remarkable unbeaten league run to 11 matches with a commanding 3–1 victory over Nahki Wells and Luton Town.

Cardiff started with blistering intent, taking the lead after just 11 minutes. Joel Colwill wove through a crowded Luton box before finding Turnbull, whose instinctive first-time effort flew into the far corner. The Hatters found a lifeline ten minutes later when skipper Jordan Clark converted from the penalty spot, but the Bluebirds’ response was clinical.

Two goals in five minutes effectively killed the contest. Colwill turned scorer before Perry Ng unleashed a spectacular long-range strike into the top corner. Trott remained sharp throughout, notably tipping away a dangerous Shayden Morris cross to preserve the two-goal cushion and keep Cardiff’s promotion push firmly on track.

The afternoon’s second major Bermudian head-to-head occurred in the Southern League Premier Central, where Reggie Lambe and Needham Market secured a convincing 3–0 win over Milan Butterfield’s Halesowen Town.

Elsewhere, Coleridge Fubler celebrated a 3–1 away win with Binfield FC, while Zhani Burgess enjoyed a successful afternoon as Quorn AFC edged Bishop’s Stortford 2–1. It was a more difficult day for Keziah Martin and Justin Donawa, whose Hereford FC side suffered a heavy 5–1 defeat at Southport.

The results leave Nathan Trott’s Cardiff as the big winners of the day, with the Bluebirds firmly established as the form team in the Championship as the promotion race intensifies.

Female pillion passenger dies after motorcycle crashes into water in St. George’s

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Female pillion passenger dies after motorcycle crashes into water in St. George’s

Bermuda’s third road traffic fatality of 2026

Around 7:44 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, Police and Emergency Medical Services personnel, responded to a reported single vehicle collision involving a motorcycle, just before Stone Crusher Corner on Kindley Field Road St. George’s.

It was reported the male motorcycle rider had lost control of the vehicle which came off the roadway and landed in the water nearby and that a pillion passenger may have also been in the water.

Upon arrival, officers immediately began a search of the shoreline and found the female pillion passenger, unresponsive in the water. The bike rider was conscious and alert, lying on the roadside.

Upon recovering the pillion passenger from the water, officers at once commenced life saving measures, which continued as she was transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, where sadly, she was pronounced dead a short time later.

This tragedy marks Bermuda’s third road traffic fatality of 2026.

An investigation into this matter is now underway. Anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have information that could assist with the investigation is asked to contact Acting Sergeant Ralshon Douglas  on 717-0964 or, via e-mail at rdouglas@bps.bm<mailto:rdouglas@bps.bm>

Woman found unresponsive in Southampton home

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Woman found unresponsive in Southampton home

Police say foul play has not been ruled out

Shortly after 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, Police were alerted to the discovery of an unresponsive female inside a Southampton residence.

Officers responded and secured the scene. An on-call doctor later attended and subsequently pronounced the female, dead.

At this stage, foul play has not been ruled out. A full investigation is now underway.

No further information will be provided until all next of kin have been notified.

Budget Breakfast to include new Economic Forum

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Budget Breakfast to include new Economic Forum

Premier Burt will be among those taking questions

Hamilton, Bermuda -13 February 2026 – The Bermuda Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its 2026 Budget Breakfast & Economic Forum, sponsored by PwC Bermuda, taking place on Monday, 23 February 2026, at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.

Building on the long-standing success of the Chamber’s annual Budget Breakfast, the 2026 event has been expanded to include an Economic Forum, designed to deliver greater value to Chamber members and the wider business community. The forum will focus on the economic outlook for Bermuda, key policy considerations, and the practical implications of Government decisions on business and investment.

This flagship event follows the delivery of the Bermuda Government’s Budget Statement, scheduled for Friday, 20 February 2026, and provides attendees with a timely, informed analysis of fiscal priorities, policy direction, and the broader economic impact for the year ahead.

“We have deliberately evolved this year’s Budget Breakfast into a broader Economic Forum to ensure our members are not only informed, but actively engaged in the economic conversation,” said Jennifer Woods, CEO of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce. “This expanded format creates meaningful value for the business community by providing direct access to Ministers whose portfolios have significant economic impact, along with the opportunity to ask live questions and gain deeper insight into the decisions shaping Bermuda’s economic future.”

The event will feature addresses from Premier and Minister of Finance, the Hon. E. David Burt, JP, MP, alongside other Ministers whose portfolios are viewed as having a material influence on Bermuda’s economic performance. A live, moderated Q&A session will allow attendees to raise questions and engage directly with speakers.

A PwC Bermuda spokesperson said: “PwC is pleased to support the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce with its annual Budget Breakfast, providing the business community the opportunity to hear directly from the Premier and Finance Minister on the new Bermuda national budget.”

Event Details

Date: Monday, 23 February 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. (doors open at 8:00 a.m.)
Location: The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club
Tickets: $95 Chamber members | $125 non-members | Tables of 10 available
Registration & information: 2026 Budget Breakfast, Sponsored by PwC Bermuda – Feb 23, 2026 – Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, BERMUDA

Seating is limited. Early registration is encouraged.

Three men hospitalised with stab wounds after Southampton altercation

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Three men hospitalised with stab wounds after Southampton altercation

Police investigating incident near Southampton Rangers Club

Around 11:50 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026, police received reports of three males having been transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, for treatment of stab wounds.

Subsequent inquiries indicated the men may have sustained their injuries during an altercation in the area of the Southampton Rangers Club, Southampton.

An investigation into this matter has now commenced and anyone with information is asked to call the main police number, 295-0011 or, the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number 800-8477.

You may also use the community reporting portal at portal.police.bm. Alternatively, we urge you to share the information with a police officer you’re familiar with.

Roses are red, red flags matter

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Roses are red, red flags matter

Centre Against Abuse issues warning and guidance for those entering relationships

Valentine’s Day is often wrapped in images of roses, candlelight, and romance. It is a day that celebrates love in all its forms — between partners, families, and friends. At its best, love is rooted in respect, trust, kindness, and safety. It nurtures. It does not harm.

But Valentine’s Day also offers an important opportunity to talk about what love is not.

Love is not jealousy disguised as protection. Love is not control disguised as concern. Love is not pressure, coercion, intimidation, or fear.

Domestic abuse and sexual assault remain serious issues in Bermuda, and they often begin in subtle ways that can be mistaken for affection or intensity. As we celebrate love this month — which is also Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, the Centre Against Abuse (CAA) encourages our community to reflect on the foundations of healthy relationships and to recognise the early warning signs of abuse.

“Domestic abuse and sexual assault are not just criminal justice issues, they are public health issues that affect the emotional, physical, and psychological wellbeing of individuals and families, as well as s fundamental human rights violation of rights to life, safety, and dignity,” says Laurie Shiell, Executive Director of the Centre Against Abuse. “Healthy relationships promote safety and growth. Abusive relationships create fear, isolation, and harm.”

Abuse does not always begin with physical violence. It often starts with behaviours that may appear minor but escalate over time. Some early warning signs include:

· Extreme jealousy or possessiveness

· Monitoring your phone, social media, or whereabouts

· Isolating you from friends and family

· Pressuring you for sexual activity

· Belittling comments disguised as jokes

· Explosive anger followed by apologies and promises to change

“No one enters a relationship expecting it to become abusive,” says Ms. Shiell. “But patterns of control, manipulation, and coercion are not signs of passion, they are warning signs.”

Sexual assault within relationships is also widely misunderstood. Consent must be clear, informed, and freely given every time. It cannot be assumed, pressured, or coerced, even within dating or long-term relationships.

Valentine’s season often brings new connections, online dating, and renewed interest in companionship. CAA encourages individuals, particularly those beginning new relationships, to prioritise safety while getting to know someone.

Practical safety measures include:

· Meeting in public places for the first several dates

· Informing a trusted friend or family member about your plans

· Arranging your own transportation

· Avoiding sharing personal information too quickly (e.g. address, past details of self, etc)

· Trusting your instincts, discomfort is a signal worth listening to

· Inquire with others about that person’s past behaviours in relationships prior to agreeing to meet up

“Love should never require you to abandon your boundaries,” Ms. Shiell notes. “Taking your time and maintaining your independence are not signs of mistrust, they are signs of self-respect, boundaries, and standards.”

February is also Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, making this an especially important time for parents, caregivers, and educators to talk openly with young people about healthy relationships.

Teen dating abuse can include emotional manipulation, digital harassment, controlling behaviour, sexual pressure, and physical violence. In a digital age, abuse may also appear through constant texting demands, password sharing expectations, location tracking, or public shaming online.

“Our young people are forming beliefs about love very early,” says Ms. Shiell. “We must teach them that healthy love includes respect, communication, consent, and equality. Jealousy is not proof of love. Control is not commitment.”

As Bermuda seeks to strengthen its response to domestic abuse through coordinated community efforts and national strategies, community awareness remains essential.

Valentine’s Day should be a celebration of connection and care and not silence around harm.

“Love should feel safe,” Ms. Shiell says. “If someone feels afraid of the person they are dating or living with, that is not love. And they are not alone. Help is available.”

This Valentine’s Day, let us celebrate love, the kind that uplifts, protects, and honours dignity. And let us commit to speaking openly about the behaviours that threaten it.

The Centre Against Abuse provides confidential support, advocacy, and professional services for individuals affected by domestic abuse and sexual assault. Contact us on 292-4366, info@centreagainstabuse.bm, www.centreagainstabuse.bm, or via messenger on our Facebook or Instagram page.

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