At the Sundance Film Festival, one of the films that won a major award wasLady — a striking neo-noir set in modern Lagos that explores dreams, gender, and survival through the lens of a taxi driver navigating a hidden world.
Kendal Trott spoke to Nigerian-British writer and director Olive Nwosu and executive producer David Kimbangi about the film, what producers look for when backing projects, and how places like Bermuda can continue to grow as creative and entertainment hubs.
Lady was winner of the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Acting Ensemble.
The European Commission is considering launching a second edition of its SAFE loans scheme as Europe seeks to bolster its defences due to growing fears of Russia and doubts about U.S. security commitments to Europe
International News via Reuters:
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his government will consider applying to join a second possible multi-billion-euro European Union fund for defence projects as his ministers prepare for talks with EU counterparts this week.
The European Commission is considering launching a second edition of its SAFE loans scheme as Europe seeks to bolster its defences due to growing fears of Russia and doubts about U.S. security commitments to Europe under President Donald Trump.
A British plan to join the original 150 billion-euro ($177 billion) SAFE fund broke down in November after Starmer’s government refused to pay a financial contribution to join, representing a setback for a post-Brexit reset of relations.
Asked if Britain would seek to join a new version of SAFE, Starmer said Europe needed to do more to rearm.
“That should require us to look at schemes like SAFE and others to see whether there is a way in which we can work more closely together,” he told reporters on his way to China last week. The comments were scheduled for release on Sunday.
“Whether it’s SAFE or other initiatives, it makes good sense for Europe in the widest sense of the word – which is the EU plus other European countries – to work more closely together.”
European Union Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and other EU officials are due in London for talks this week.
Starmer has tried to work more closely with the EU and remove some post-Brexit trade barriers in contrast to the rancorous relations between previous Conservative governments and the EU as they negotiated Britain’s departure from the bloc, which was completed in 2020.
He has also taken a leading role in co-ordinating European support for Ukraine.
Under the SAFE scheme, the EU jointly borrowed money on financial markets to lend to countries in the bloc for defence projects.
Asked about recent criticism from Nigel Farage, whose Reform UK party is leading in the polls, who said the governing Labour government was moving too close to the EU, Starmer said the Brexit campaigner had repeatedly misled the public.
“I wouldn’t listen too much to what Nigel Farage has to say about this,” Starmer said.
($1 = 0.8440 euros)
Reporting by Andrew MacAskillEditing by William Schomberg, Alexandra Hudson
Storm Kristin swept across central mainland Portugal early on Wednesday, with wind gusts topping 200 km/h (124 mph) and heavy rain that killed at least six people
International News via Reuters:
Portugal’s government approved a 2.5 billion euro ($3.0 billion) package of loans and incentives on Sunday to help people and businesses rebuild after the devastation caused by Storm Kristin, Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said.
Storm Kristin swept across central mainland Portugal early on Wednesday, with wind gusts topping 200 km/h (124 mph) and heavy rain that killed at least six people, damaged homes, factories and infrastructure, and cut power to hundreds of thousands, authorities said.
Montenegro said the public bank Banco de Fomento will launch a 1 billion euro loan programme to rebuild uninsured storm-damaged factories and a 500 million euro financing scheme to help them with their immediate cash-flow needs.
The remaining 1 billion euros in aid includes a financing line to help people rebuild uninsured primary homes, covering up to 10,000 euros per house, as well as social security subsidies for individuals facing hardship or income loss, worth up to 537 euros monthly per person or 1,075 euros per family.
He said that, given the “current exceptional circumstances”, all reconstruction work will be exempt from licensing and prior urban planning, environmental and administrative approvals.
“We are mobilising all our resources to manage the emergency responsibly, but also with hope…once again, we will rebuild Portugal,” he said at a press conference.
Montenegro said the government also extended the “state of calamity” declared in about 60 hard-hit municipalities until February 8, amid forecasts of more heavy rain and flooding, even though winds are expected to ease compared with last week.
A state of calamity – Portugal’s highest civil protection alert used for major disasters – allows authorities to mobilise emergency and armed forces, fast-track procurement and limit access to affected areas without curbing constitutional rights.
Nearly 180,000 households were still without electricity on Sunday, as grid operator REN and distributor E-Redes scrambled to restore power, the companies said.
($1 = 0.8440 euros)
Reporting by Sergio Goncalves; Editing by Hugh Lawson
The Bermuda Weather Service warns unsettled conditions will persist
More than 2,000 homes remain in the dark this evening as powerful winds and blustery showers continue to batter the island.
The Bermuda Weather Service says a “complex triple centered low” to our west and north continues to drive unsettled conditions, with near-westerly gale-force winds occasionally gusting to storm force and repeated rounds of blustery showers.
Forecasters say winds will begin to ease slightly by Monday, but will remain strong and gusty, with blustery showers continuing into mid-week as weaker weather systems pass to the north.
Tonight is expected to be cloudy with clusters of blustery showers and strong to gale-force winds, while Monday may bring a few sunny breaks between showers, with highs near 62°F.
Meanwhile, despite the blustery conditions, a rainbow was spotted in the west end of the island, offering a brief bright moment amid the howling winds.
As of 5:30 pm, the BELCO outage map showed 2,010 customers without power across the island, with the largest pockets in Sandys, Devonshire and Pembroke.
The utility urged residents to ensure any debris that could become airborne is safely secured at their homes and properties.
Last night, BELCO crews removed a trampoline “that became airborne and entangled in a section of our overhead wires near Dolly’s Bay in St David’s.” Crews also responded this afternoon to a burnt pole in Sandys.
BELCO said teams will continue operating as long as conditions remain safe.
Travel has also been disrupted, with Skyport listing multiple flight cancellations today, including services operated by BermudAir, Air Canada and American Airlines.
However, British Airways departed London Heathrow and is en route to the island, with a delayed arrival time of 7:14 pm.
Ferry services were also suspended today, while Government urged residents to “please take extra care on our roads, and stay safe.”
New files related to Epstein published by the U.S. Justice Department on Friday included emails that showed King Charles’s brother maintaining regular contact with Epstein for more than two years after he was found guilty of child sex crimes
International News via Reuters:
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Saturday that the former Prince Andrew should testify before a U.S. congressional committee, following new revelations about Andrew’s links to the late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
New files related to Epstein published by the U.S. Justice Department on Friday included emails that showed King Charles’s brother maintaining regular contact with Epstein for more than two years after he was found guilty of child sex crimes.
The files also include pictures appearing to show Andrew crouching over and touching the waist of an unidentified woman lying on the floor. Her face was blacked out in the redacted images.
Separately, the BBC on Sunday quoted a U.S. lawyer as saying a woman had alleged she was sent, while in her 20s, by Epstein to Britain for a sexual encounter with Andrew which took place in 2010 in a royal property on the estate of Windsor Castle.
Representatives for Andrew, who has always denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein, did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment on the BBC report. Reuters has also sought comment from the U.S. lawyer, Brad Edwards from the U.S. firm Edwards Henderson, who made the claims on behalf of the unidentified woman, who the BBC said was not British.
The allegation represented the second claim of a woman being flown from the U.S. to Britain to meet Andrew after Virginia Giuffre, a prominent accuser of Epstein, said she was forced to have sex with him in London.
In 2022, Andrew made an undisclosed payment to settle a lawsuit brought in the U.S. by Giuffre who died by suicide in April. Andrew, 65, has always denied Giuffre’s account.
The king stripped his brother of his title of prince and evicted him from his mansion in the grounds of Windsor Castle in November, in the wake of previous revelations about his links with Epstein.
ANDREW HAD DENIED MAINTAINING RELATIONSHIP AFTER EPSTEIN’S CONVICTION
The former prince, 65, now uses the family name Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. He has denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein and had previously denied maintaining ties with the financier after Epstein’s 2008 conviction, apart from a 2010 visit to New York to end their relationship.
He did not reply to a Reuters request for comment on the latest revelations in the U.S. justice department files. Buckingham Palace declined to comment.
Starmer, speaking to reporters on the plane to Japan after a four-day visit to China, said the former prince should appear before U.S. lawmakers to explain everything he knows about Epstein to help his victims.
“Anybody who has got information should be prepared to share that information in whatever form they are asked to do that,” Starmer said. “You can’t be victim centred if you’re not prepared to do that.”
In November, members of a U.S. congressional committee investigating the Epstein case intensified their calls for Andrew to answer questions.
Epstein died by suicide in 2019 in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. He was jailed in 2008 for soliciting paid sex from a minor.
The files show Andrew maintained regular contact with Epstein after his conviction, including discussing potential business deals and social meetings.
In several emails, Epstein and Andrew discuss women that the financier proposes to put in touch with the prince. In one email, Epstein offered to bring three women to Buckingham Palace.
Reporting by Andrew MacAskillEditing by Peter Graff and Gareth Jones
The countries had agreed the pause in output hikes for the first quarter in November
International News via Reuters:
Eight OPEC+ countries have agreed in principle to maintain a planned pause in their oil output hikes for March, according to three OPEC+ sources and a draft statement seen by Reuters ahead of their Sunday meeting.
The countries had agreed the pause in output hikes for the first quarter in November. The formal meeting is now scheduled for 1400 GMT, two of the sources said.
Reporting by Olesya Astakhova, Ahmad Ghaddar and Alex Lawler; Editing by Alexander Smith
Everton Women finally ignited their season at Goodison Park on Sunday as a dramatic late header from Martina Fernández secured a vital 2-1 victory over Aston Villa. The result provides a much-needed boost for the Toffees but heaps further pressure on Villa’s interim manager and Bermudian legend Shaun Goater, whose side has managed just a single win in their opening ten league outings.
The visitors had initially silenced the home crowd after just 13 minutes when Ebony Salmon pounced on a defensive lapse to slot past Courtney Brosnan. However, Everton responded before the break when Fernández ghosted in to meet a Ruby Mace corner. While Villa controlled much of the second period, they could not find a way past a resolute Brosnan, and Fernández made them pay in the 89th minute by nodding home the winner.
Across the leagues, it was a testing afternoon for Bermuda’s coaching contingent. Dashun Cooper watched his Queens Park Rangers side fall 3-2 in a frantic encounter at Norwich City, while Chelsea Harvey saw Cambridge United succumb to a 3-0 defeat against a clinical Chatham Town.
The fortunes of Bermuda’s overseas players were equally varied. Eva Frazzoni helped AFC Sudbury secure a resilient 3-3 draw at Luton Town, providing a crucial point in their battle for fourth-tier stability. Elsewhere, Jasmine Spence enjoyed a stellar afternoon as Newport Pagnell Town cruised to a 4-0 win over Thrapston FC.
However, there was heartbreak for Keunna Dill and Trinae Edwards as FC United of Manchester surrendered a first-half lead to lose 2-1 against Crewe Alexandra. Meanwhile, Aaliyah Nolan and Bradford City faced a difficult trip north, suffering a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Thornaby FC.
Public input sought on long-term plan for the preservation, enhancement, and sustainable use of Admiralty House Park
The Ministry of Public Works and Environment is inviting members of the public to review and provide feedback on the Draft Admiralty House Park Management Plan, which sets out a long-term vision for the preservation, enhancement, and sustainable use of one of Bermuda’s most cherished coastal parks.
The draft plan marks an important step in setting a clear direction for the future of Admiralty House by identifying practical, achievable improvements while ensuring the park’s natural, historic, and recreational value is protected.
The public consultation is open until Friday, 13 February 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to review the plan and submit comments online at forum.gov.bm. Written feedback may also be submitted via the drop box at the Department of Parks’ office on the ground floor of Global House, 43 Church Street, Hamilton.
Admiralty House Park is a 16.36-acre government reserve and protected area under the Bermuda National Parks Act 1986. Known for its dramatic coastline, historic structures, tunnels, and recreational facilities, it is enjoyed year-round by residents and visitors alike.
The Management Plan provides a structured framework to guide future care and improvement of the park. It balances conservation and heritage preservation with measured upgrades that enhance safety, accessibility, and the overall visitor experience over time.
Minister of Public Works and Environment, the Hon. Jaché Adams, JP, MP, said: “Admiralty House is a place that many people feel connected to, and this plan is about ensuring it continues to serve the public well into the future.
“By setting out clear priorities and a long-term approach, the plan allows improvements to be considered carefully, transparently, and in line with the character of the park. Public input will help ensure that future enhancements reflect how people actually use and value this space.”
The draft plan highlights priorities such as restoring native vegetation, managing invasive species, improving pathways and signage, enhancing safety features, strengthening heritage interpretation, and increasing resilience to coastal erosion and extreme weather.
Feedback received during the consultation will help shape the final plan and inform future planning and investment decisions for Admiralty House Park.
As of midday, just under 1,000 customers remain without power, with the largest outage currently in the west end
Image: Shared on social media from the Beacon Hill area in Sandys.
BELCO Power Restoration Update #2
Bermuda Electric Light Company (BELCO) Managing Director Shelly Leman today provided an update on power restoration efforts following the low-pressure system currently affecting the island.
Ms. Leman said: “As of noon on Sunday February 1st, BELCO had just under 1000 customers without power with the largest area currently in Sandys as a result of a burnt-up pole. BELCO crews remain active and responding to pockets of outages across the island. Crews will continue to operate as long as conditions remain safe to do so with further periods of higher winds expected later this afternoon.”
Residents are asked to please ensure that any debris that could become airborne is secured safely at their homes or properties.
Ms. Leman said: “Last night BELCO crews removed a trampoline that became airborne and entangled in a section of our overhead wires near Dolly’s Bay in St. David’s.”
BELCO’s 955 number for reporting outages is now working and customers can call to report outages. Ms. Leman advised that residents should call BELCO and emergency services should they encounter a pole fire or sparking lines.
Ms. Leman added: “I would like to thank our crews who were out working late last night until 2:00 AM under extremely challenging conditions. Our crews will continue working today until all customers have had their power restored. I urge everyone to stay safe and thank you for your patience as we work to restore power.”
BELCO encourages all customers to follow the Company’s social media channels or visit belco.bm for the latest updates on restoration progress.
Hamilton, Bermuda January 28, 2026 — Bermuda will once again spotlight wellness, value and extraordinary visitor experiences with the return of Bermuda Spa Month, taking place 1–28 February 2026. The month-long initiative invites travellers to experience the island through relaxation, restoration and connection, while supporting winter travel demand and highlighting Bermuda’s diverse spa and wellness sector.
Responding to the continued global growth in wellness travel, Bermuda Spa Month features up to 50% off spa treatments at fifteen participating properties island-wide, alongside the introduction of Signature Spa Month Experiences created exclusively for the programme. Together, these offerings position Bermuda as a compelling and accessible wellness destination during the winter season, particularly for travellers from nearby North-eastern markets.
“Bermuda Spa Month is part of our broader mission to ensure the visitor experience is truly extraordinary,” said Jasmine Furbert, Director of Visitor Experience. “By working closely with our spa and wellness partners, we are adding meaningful value to the experiences offered across the island while encouraging visitors to explore, connect and create lasting memories.”
February in Bermuda offers a quieter pace and an ideal setting for rest and rejuvenation. Spa Month builds on this atmosphere, focusing on thoughtful experiences, personalised service and opportunities to slow down and reconnect — without the need for long-haul travel.
Signature Spa Month Experiences
New for 2026, Signature Spa Month Experiences elevate the programme beyond traditional spa treatments, offering immersive wellness journeys designed exclusively for Spa Month. These curated experiences cater to solo travellers, couples and groups of friends, blending movement, mindfulness, spa therapies and social connection. A flagship offering is a limited-edition full-day retreat hosted by The Retreat House, Bermuda’s only dedicated retreat experience. The thoughtfully curated day runs from 10:00am to 6:30pm and includes grounding yoga, a guided welcome circle, ocean-view dining, access to spa amenities, a restorative massage, optional indulgences such as pedicures, and a closing sound bath designed to leave participants feeling deeply restored and connected.
Additional Signature Experiences throughout February include couples’ retreats, Galentine’s-themed self-care events, wellness workshops and half-day spa journeys hosted by leading resort and boutique spa partners across the island.
Spa Month Passport: An Added Value for Visitors
As part of Bermuda Spa Month’s commitment to delivering extraordinary visitor experiences, the programme introduces the Spa Month Passport — a value-added enhancement designed to elevate wellness holidays in Bermuda.
The passport encourages visitors to explore a range of participating spas across the island while enjoying official Spa Month treatments. After completing three spa visits, guests may redeem their passport for a complimentary Bermuda-branded gift bag, courtesy of the Bermuda Tourism Authority.
By offering this added incentive to visitors, Bermuda Spa Month supports deeper exploration of the island’s wellness offerings while adding meaningful value to the experiences provided by Bermuda’s spa sector. Spa Month treatment offers remain available island-wide throughout February, supporting both residents and visitors alike.
Passports are limited, available on a first-come, first-served basis, and valid 1–28 February 2026. Passports may be collected at Bermuda Visitor Service Centres.
Participating spas include luxury resort spas, boutique wellness studios and medical spas, offering treatments ranging from massages and facials to detox therapies, thermal experiences and holistic rituals. For additional information on Spa Month and experience booking go to: https://www.gotobermuda.com/event/bermuda-spa-month
Participating Spa & Wellness Partners
· Cambridge Beaches Resort & Spa
· Coral Beach and Tennis Club
· Grotto Bay Beach Resort & Spa
· Hamilton Princess – Exhale Spa
· Lacquered Lounge
· Newstead Spa by Three Graces
· Oasis Spa Ltd.
· Rosewood Bermuda
· Siam Spa
· Sisley Spa at The Loren at Pink Beach
· Spa Del Sol Bermuda
· SpaMedica at Northshore Medical & Aesthetics Centre
· The Reefs Resort & Club
· The Retreat House
· The St. Regis Bermuda Spa (Additional partners may be announced)
Abbreviated Overview of Spa Month Offers
· Full-body and therapeutic massages
· Signature and express facials
· Detox and body treatments · Sauna, steam and thermal experiences
· Couples and social wellness experiences
· Medical aesthetics and advanced skincare treatments
Bermuda Spa Month is a winter wellness initiative designed to elevate the visitor experience, support Bermuda’s spa sector and inspire travel through value-driven, thoughtfully curated experiences that celebrate rest, renewal and connection. For more information, visit www.gotobermuda.com.
Nonprofit Alliance of Bermuda Third Sector Spotlight
When Bermuda College opened in 1974, it became more than an institution—it became a promise of affordable, high-quality education and career development opportunities for all Bermudians. That promise has shaped thousands of lives, strengthened our workforce, developed leaders in every industry, and fueled Bermuda’s progress. Today, that mission is more critical than ever.
Education is the cornerstone of economic growth, innovation, and social mobility. It equips individuals with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world and empowers communities to adapt and prosper.
While government funding remains vital, modern education demands – advanced technology, upgraded facilities, and innovative programmes – required additional resources. Without supplemental support and sustainable funding, Bermuda College risks falling behind global standards and failing to meet the evolving needs of today’s learners and tomorrow’s workforce.
We are proud of our impact to date. Established in 2019, the Foundation exists to secure successful philanthropic partnerships that strengthen Bermuda College and ensure its long-term success. Our mission is simple but powerful: to mobilise community investment so that Bermuda’s only post-secondary institution can thrive—not just today, but for generations to come.
Since inception, the Foundation has raised over $11 million, funding critical initiatives that have transformed Bermuda College’s campus and enhanced student experiences, including:
Student Financial Assistance:750+ awards provided valued at nearly $1 million, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to education.
Campus Modernisation: The Athene Career Development Centre (including new classroom, computer lab, and Aspen Innovation Centre and Lecture Theatre), campus-wide IT infrastructure upgrades, fully renovated classrooms and computer labs, and new learning and meeting spaces like the Butterfield & Vallis Conference Centre.
Programme Enhancements: Investments in all areas of technical education, nursing simulators, and innovative programmes such as aquaponics.
Sustainability Projects: Solar energy systems and campus-wide LED retrofits that reduce costs and environmental impact.
In 2024–2025 90 students graduated with associate degrees and 296 professionals advanced careers through specialised training. Fall 2025 saw enrolment increase 5%, reflecting lives changed and futures built.
Student Government Rep, Callahj Simons, recently shared the difference of learning in the updated classrooms, “In the older classroom, I receive the traditional lectures, relying on the lecturer’s elaboration and presentation slides that are available subsequent to the close of a chapter. In the other room, the lecturer has the resources to elaborate and present slides simultaneously. What is illustrated here is the significance of the advancements that have been made with the help of every donor present this afternoon as your continued assistance ensures that every learner can be accommodated here at the Bermuda College.”
Consider the young Bermudian, supported by student financial assistance, completing her nursing certification and going on to work in Bermuda’s healthcare sector. Or the Bermudian student who earned an associate degree in information technology and secured a job in cybersecurity—a field critical to Bermuda’s digital future. These success stories are the heartbeat of Bermuda College Foundation’s work.
Our vision is in action! We are committed to ensuring Bermuda has a fully funded, state-of-the-art Bermuda College that prepares students for global opportunities while driving Bermuda’s economic and social progress. Imagine a Bermuda where every student has the tools to succeed, where innovation thrives, and where education fuels a vibrant economy. That is the future we are building.
The success of Bermuda College—and by extension, Bermuda’s future—depends on the entire community. Every donation, partnership, and act of support brings us closer to a thriving Bermuda where education is the engine of opportunity.
Here’s how you can help:
Donate: Every contribution, large or small, makes a difference.
Partner: Businesses can invest in workforce development by supporting programmes and offering internships that align with industry needs.
Advocate: Share our mission. Encourage others to see education as the foundation of Bermuda’s success.
Education is not an expense—it is an investment. An investment in people, in progress, and in possibility. Bermuda College Foundation is proud to lead this effort, but the real power lies in our community coming together to make it happen. Join us for a campus tour – experience our vision in action and discover the resources the College offers our entire community.
Join us. Invest in Bermuda’s future. Learn more at www.bermudacollegefoundation.org.
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