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1200 BELCO customers without power in St. George’s

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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1200 BELCO customers without power in St. George’s

Bermuda has been hit by gale force winds at the weekend as a severe weather watch by the Bermuda Weather Service remains in effect

Photo: BELCO Outage Map, Saturday afternoon

UPDATED 3PM: Only three customers remain without power island wide, according to BELCO.

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More than 1200 BELCO customers were without power at 12.30pm on Saturday as high winds continue to batter the island this weekend.

The utility’s online outage map (above) shows a majority of customers in St. George’s parish, 1247, were left without power while minimal outages were reported in Paget, Warwick, Southampton and Devonshire.

The wet and windy conditions resulted in pockets of power outages island-wide on Friday, affecting, at times, hundreds of BELCO customers.
The utility said it has activated its Incident Command Structure, and crews are responding to and restoring power as long as it remains safe to do so.

BELCO added that its telephone line 955 should be used to report any emergencies, such as pole fires, sparking or downed lines.

The Bermuda Weather Service has issued both a severe weather watch and a storm warning for Saturday evening through Sunday morning.

According to forecasters, “A deepening low to the north sends blustery showers over us with strengthening gale-force winds and higher gusts developing this evening, which may intensify to storm force at times overnight.

“Therefore, a storm warning and severe weather watch remain in effect for late this evening.”

Conditions are expected to improve into Monday.

Michael Weeks, Minister of National Security, had urged residents to keep an eye on the forecast and to prepare for unsettled conditions lasting through Sunday.


He stated, “As we saw last weekend, severe weather can cause disruptions, so residents and businesses should make sensible plans, secure their property where necessary, and avoid unnecessary risks.

“In particular, I urge motorists to travel with care if they must be on the roads.”

Travellers are encouraged to check with their respective airlines on flight statuses as distruptions are expected all weekend due to the inclement weather.

For the latest updates on power outages and restoration, go to belco.bm.

Premier explains business growth in the UAE despite human rights concerns

Jasmine Patterson
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Premier explains business growth in the UAE despite human rights concerns

The UAE has been diversifying its economy in recent years to lessen its reliance on oil revenues, prompting Bermuda to expand into the UAE

Premier and Finance Minister David Burt pictured with Jason Hayward, Minister of Economy and Labour and HE Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism during the World Government Summit

Premier David Burt has explained why Bermuda is expanding its business ties with the United Arab Emirates – despite human rights concerns.


The UAE has been diversifying its economy in recent years to lessen its reliance on oil revenues.


But international rights groups continue to raise the alarm over the treatment of migrant workers, political dissendents and women.


Premier Burt told us that while he understands the concerns, it’s imperative that Bermuda has many business partners across the world.

The Premier says credit is due to the Bermuda Monetary Authority for its leadership in digital finance regulation and developments around artificial intelligence.


As a result, Premier Burt adds, other countries are listening closely to what Bermuda has to say.

Police name second traffic fatality victim of 2026

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Police name second traffic fatality victim of 2026

The Bermuda Police Service said a Family Liaison Officer is assisting the victim’s loved ones, while inquiries continue

A full statement from the Bermuda Police Service:

The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) can now confirm Bermuda’s second road fatality of 2026, 19-year-old Jahzavier Wilson.

An investigation into the two vehicle collision that claimed his life remains ongoing.

The incident occurred around 12:40 p.m. on February 2, 2026, at the junction of Verdmont Road and St. Marks Road, Smith’s Parish.

The BPS extends sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Wilson. A BPS Family Liaison Officer is assisting his loved ones, while inquiries continue.

Any witnesses who have not already come forward, or persons with relevant information, are once again encouraged to contact Police Constable, Ralshon Douglas, on 717-0964 or, via email at rdouglas@bps.bm, as soon as possible.

Community gardening sees growth in popularity

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Community gardening sees growth in popularity

Next workshop begins on February 19

The public now has more options to join the growing popularity of community gardening, thanks to the Ministry of Home Affairs, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health’s Grow Eat Save initiative launching in mid‑February.

As noted during the last sitting of the House of Assembly, the next Grow. Eat. Save. cohort, will begin on February 19.

This latest cohort will be dedicated to Devonshire residents.

The initiative, offered in partnership with the Ministry of Health’s Grow. Eat. Save. programme, directly advances the Affordable Bermuda Agenda by addressing food affordability through community empowerment and local production capacity. It’s not a competition like other gardening programmes, instead it’s a community-focused learning opportunity.

The Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, JP, MP, notes that Bermuda’s heavy reliance on food imports leaves families vulnerable to international price volatility and supply chain disruptions beyond our control. And this initiative provides residents with practical alternatives by teaching them to produce fresh vegetables and herbs at home, creating measurable household savings while building community resilience.

Programme participants will gain practical skills to grow their own produce, strengthen community connections through shared learning experiences, discover real ways to reduce grocery bills, and develop greater ownership over their household food security.

The Ministry has prepared a dedicated community garden plot in Devonshire where participants can apply their new skills in a shared gardening space, creating opportunities for continued learning and mutual support beyond the formal workshop sessions.

The nine-session Community Gardening Workshop runs from February 19 – April 22, with weekly classes meeting from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Gardening instruction will be provided by Chaplain Dr. Kevin Santucci, who brings extensive experience in sustainable agriculture and community education.

Registration is free and covers all nine sessions, though full attendance is required to ensure participants build comprehensive skills from soil preparation through harvest. Garden practical sessions may require a minimal fee for materials. Spaces are limited, and interested individuals are encouraged to register by February 16, 2026.

Minister Lightbourne encourages residents to embrace this opportunity to build practical skills that deliver real household savings while contributing to a more sustainable and affordable Bermuda.

The Minister said, said, “When families spend less on groceries through home production, they gain breathing room in their budgets for other essential needs. This is empowerment at its most tangible: soil under your hands, fresh food on your table, and resilience built plot by plot.

“This pilot represents our commitment to building a modern affordability ecosystem that goes beyond duty reductions to create structural change. We’re giving families practical tools to take control of at least one element of their household expenses while strengthening the community connections that make Bermuda resilient.”

Devonshire residents who wish to participate in this pilot programme can register at http://www.costofliving.gov.bm/.

‘This internship has been transformational’

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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‘This internship has been transformational’

Strong testimonial for insurance firm’s summer internship programme; 2026 hopefuls can apply now

Coralisle Group Ltd. is now accepting applications for its 2026 Summer Internship Programme, offering college students and recent graduates an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the insurance industry. Since its launch in 2019, the programme has supported interns in developing into confident professionals, with many going on to join CG in full-time roles across Cayman, Bermuda, Barbados, Trinidad &
Tobago, Jamacia and The Bahamas.

The in-person summer programme at the CG Insurance Reid Street offices provides exposure to multiple departments including Property & Casualty, Medical, Compliance, Finance, Marketing, and Legal. Interns will participate in a group-wide project, alongside local initiatives, giving them real-world experience while developing both technical and professional skills.

Ty’Esha Smith, a 2025 intern, reflected on her experience: “This internship has been transformational. I’ve gained hands-on experience, built confidence, and learned I can always turn to my team for support. It’s helped me see my potential and start building the foundation for my future.”

Coralisle Group’s CEO, Naz Farrow, emphasised the programme’s impact: “Our Summer Internship Programme is designed to provide students with meaningful, practical experience. Seeing former interns join our teams full-time highlights the programme’s success and our commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent.”

Applications for 2026 are now open. Eligible candidates must be citizens of the country in which they are applying, currently enrolled in a fully accredited degree programme, or have graduated no earlier than October 2025. To apply, visit https://fs-320.my.salesforcesites.com/recruit/fRecruit__ApplyJobList by April, 30, 2026.

For more information about the CG Insurance Summer Internship Programme, visit https://bm.cgcoralisle.com/summer-internship-programme/

Bermuda U17 Men Dominate but Fall 0-1 to Guyana

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bermuda U17 Men Dominate but Fall 0-1 to Guyana

U17 Men’s World Cup Qualifiers

Team Bermuda kicked off their World Cup qualifying campaign with a frustrating 0-1 loss to Guyana in Honduras.

The Gombey Warriors controlled much of the match, posting 63% possession and 9 shots on target, but they were unable to break through Guyana’s defense. Despite dominating play, the scoreboard stayed level at halftime, with Guyana yet to register a single shot on goal.

That all changed in the 66th minute. Guyana’s lone shot on target found the net, handing the South Americans the lead. Bermuda continued to push, generating several opportunities, but ultimately fell short.

With Suriname having withdrawn from Group H, Team Bermuda’s margin for error is now razor-thin. A win against Honduras on February 11th is crucial if they hope to stay alive in the qualifiers.

Bermuda Tonight – 06 February 2026

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bermuda Tonight – 06 February 2026

Smith on King: ‘Trust was broken’

Gary Foster Skelton
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Smith on King: ‘Trust was broken’

Ben Smith, the new OBA Leader as of Friday, suggests a decision had to be made about his predecessor after “the trust of the MPs had been broken”

Robert King is going to have to heal broken trust among his OBA colleagues.

This is what his successor and new OBA Leader Ben Smith says must take place, after 48 hours of drama in the Opposition camp.

“Some of the information that has been presented to the press by certain people – it’s not true”, Mr Smith said tonight following his ascension to leadership.

When we asked if he was talking about Robert King, Mr Smith said, “I am going to have him be the one that tries to heal that, because he has to walk back into our room knowing that, after the last 48 hours, he did those things.”

“My caucus members did not appreciate that behavior.”

Nine OBA MPs delivered a no confidence vote against then-leader Robert King yesterday, prompting Governor Andrew Murdoch to remove him as the constitutional Leader of the Opposition.

Tonight, the OBA Caucus endorsed the action by MPs. Out of 34 votes, 24 agreed with the no confidence motion, 9 were against, and 1 spoiled their ballot.

Speaking to Robert King today ahead of the Caucus meeting, he said it’s a mystery to him why his parliamentary colleagues have sought to dethrone him.

He cited some tension over an interview he gave to Bermuda Broadcasting during his leadership campaign, along with decisions he made and subsequently changed in his first 30 days as OBA Leader.

However, from that time until Wednesday of this week, he says he cannot identify what would meet the test for a vote of no confidence.

He added that the party had brought in a professional to help move them forward following his election.

Consultations were apparently held with MPs between the end of last year and January. However, Mr King said there had not been any subsequent feedback session, and he doesn’t know what the findings were.

When we asked new leader Ben Smith about those consultation sessions, and if they had made their move against Robert King before the findings of those sessions were shared, Mr Smith simply said that “the trust of the MPs had been broken”.

“Because that trust had been broken, a decision had to be made. Once that happened, that information was then presented to our Caucus, and our Caucus made the decision they made tonight.”

WATCH the highlights above. The full press conference announcing Ben Smith as OBA Leader is HERE.

LIVE: Ben Smith becomes OBA Leader

Gary Foster Skelton
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LIVE: Ben Smith becomes OBA Leader

Ben Smith has become the One Bermuda Alliance Leader following a whirlwind 48 hours in which Robert King was ousted by a no confidence vote

Profile: New opposition leader Ben Smith

Jasmine Patterson
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Profile: New opposition leader Ben Smith

Ben Smith was sworn in this Thursday by Governor Andrew Murdoch at Los Zorros as new opposition leader

Who is the newly-minted leader of the Opposition?


Ben Smith has officially been sworn-in, after serving as the OBA’s deputy leader for several years.


Here’s a snapshot of his political career to date.

No confidence vote is a mystery, says King

Gary Foster Skelton
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No confidence vote is a mystery, says King

Robert King doesn’t know why his fellow MPs are seeking his removal as OBA Leader; he says the party sought professional guidance to move forward following his election

Robert King says it’s a mystery to him why his parliamentary colleagues have sought to dethrone him.

Speaking today, he says the vote of no confidence in his leadership came as a surprise.

He cited some tension over an interview he gave to Bermuda Broadcasting during his leadership campaign, along with decisions he made and subsequently changed in his first 30 days as OBA Leader.

However, from that time until Wednesday of this week, he says he cannot identify what would meet the test for a vote of no confidence.

The OBA Caucus is meeting this evening to determine if Mr. King is also out as the party leader.

Nine OBA MPs against Mr. King’s leadership yesterday, with one abstention – prompting Governor Andrew Murdoch to remove Robert King as the constitutional Leader of the Opposition.

The OBA MPs chose the man he previously beat for the leadership – Ben Smith – to take the Opposition Leader’s role.

Robert King remains the party leader until the Caucus, or if it comes to it, the membership, decide otherwise. That may well be determined today, with Ben Smith having the support of his parliamentary colleagues to assume the role of party leader.

Asked about any possible breakdown of relationship between himself and the other OBA MPs, Mr. King said that the party had brought in a professional to help move them forward following his election.

Consultations were apparently held with MPs between the end of last year and January. However, he says there has not been any subsequent feedback session, and he doesn’t know what the findings were.

We also asked Mr. King about the leadership election last September, and whether he had brought in a lot of new members who may have favoured him for leader…

WATCH the interview above…

Big Tech’s $600 billion spending plans exacerbate investors’ AI headache

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Big Tech’s $600 billion spending plans exacerbate investors’ AI headache

Shares of Amazon, which had announced a $200 billion capital expenditure outlay, slid 7% on Friday, while Alphabet lost 3% after the company said on Wednesday that capital spending could double this year

International News via Reuters:

A planned $600 billion artificial intelligence spending splurge by big tech firms in 2026 is adding to investor unease as they assess the implications for profitability as well as a potential existential threat to software firms.

Shares of Amazon, which had announced a $200 billion capital expenditure outlay, slid 7% on Friday, while Alphabet lost 3% after the company said on Wednesday that capital spending could double this year. Meta Platforms was down 1.3%.

Other heavyweight technology companies, however, were trading higher: Nvidia rose 7%, Microsoft gained 1% and Tesla was up 4%. The benchmark S&P 500 added 1.6% while the Nasdaq rose 2% although both indexes are set to finish the week lower.

“The market’s viewpoint is that the AI build-out trade, and the way they’ve pulled forward all these earnings for many, many years, we think that’s just got too pricey,” said Andrew Wells, chief investment officer at SanJac Alpha in Houston. “It’s not that the trade is over, but it got too pricey in pulling forward all these potential future revenues and not really pricing in the risk into all that. So it’s a de-risking trade.”

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang attributed the uptick in spending to “sky-high” demand. Speaking on CNBC’s “Halftime Report”, he called the rise appropriate and sustainable.

Meanwhile, the equities of data analytics firms continued to come under selling pressure on concerns that they face an existential threat from powerful new AI models.

Canada-based Thomson Reuters, which suffered a record one-day plunge earlier this week, was down 0.7%. London-listed RELX’s shares lost 4.6% and notched a 17% tumble in their worst week since 2020.

The S&P 500 software and services index has fallen almost 8% this week and has seen around $1 trillion in market value evaporate since January 28.

“Headlines that would have pushed shares to fresh highs during the peak of AI optimism are now being interpreted far more cautiously by investors,” said Carlota Estragues Lopez, equity strategist at St. James’s Place in London. 

“It’s not just return-on-investment that worries investors, but also the risk of narrow market leadership that struggles to broaden beyond a handful of mega-cap names.”

JOLT TO DATA ANALYTICS FIRMS

A selloff in software and data and analytics firms was triggered by a new plug-in from Anthropic’s Claude. 

Shares in London Stock Exchange Group clawed back some ground on Friday, but their price was still down almost 8% for the week in a second straight week of sharp losses.

This week’s drawdown in AI-exposed shares has weighed on broader equity markets. Global shares are on track to ease 0.33% for the week.

The rout has been particularly acute in India, where shares of software exporters plunged another 2% on Friday as they ended a week that has seen $22.5 billion in market value losses. 

Investor nerves over potential AI‑driven disruption are coinciding with a growing tendency to punish big tech firms for signaling even heavier spending on the technology.

Google parent Alphabet also upped its spending plans on Thursday, sending its shares as much as 8% lower at one point, although they ended the day flat.

“Both Alphabet and Amazon delivered strong underlying business performance, driven by better-than-expected growth in cloud. But that hasn’t been enough to distract markets from their ballooning capital investment plans,” said Aarin Chiekrie, equity analyst, Hargreaves Lansdown. 

Reporting by Chibuike Oguh in New York, Lucy Raitano and Dhara Ranasinghe in London, Additional reporting by Aishwarya Jain in Bengaluru; Editing by Amanda Cooper, Alexander Smith, Nick Zieminski and Pooja Desai

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