Brace for Daley Outerbridge in the first half; part of a dominant display by Team Bermuda against Bonaire in the Concacaf women’s U17 qualifiers
A confident, clinical Team Bermuda is once again off to a flyer, much to the delight of home fans under the lights at the National Sports Centre this evening.
Daley Outerbridge opened the score for the Lady Gombey Warriors in the 7th minute and from then on it was all Bermuda.
Goals from Milan Gibbons-Thomas in the 19th, a second goal from Outerbridge in 29th gave Bermuda a commanding 3 nil lead before 30 minutes of play.
Relentless pressure from the Lady Gombey Warriors was rewarded when Nila Samuels found the back of the net in the 31st and again 6 minutes later off a shot by Evans Welch in the 37th, put Team Bermuda a 5 nil lead going into the break.
The country has been hit with heavy rains that caused rivers and dams to overflow, submerging towns and affecting more than half a million people
International News via Reuters:
Mozambique authorities on Thursday reported 13 deaths from severe floods over the past two weeks, though the figure is expected to rise sharply, with aid workers saying they expect more bodies to be found as waters recede.
The country has been hit with heavy rains that caused rivers and dams to overflow, submerging towns and affecting more than half a million people. Parts of neighbouring South Africa were also flooded.
Rain had subsided in some areas by Thursday. Some buildings in the capital Maputo were submerged to their rooftops, and the city was cut off from the rest of the country due to flooding on a major national highway, making areas inaccessible.
“I won’t give up,” shopkeeper Justino Zita said, wading through the brown water that had flooded his shop and destroyed his livelihood in Maputo. “We won’t give up but we will have difficulty.”
Mary Louise Eagleton, representative of the United Nations children’s agency (UNICEF) in Mozambique, said she expected the toll of dead and wounded to rise.
“We expect that a large proportion of those who have been swept away or killed by the floods are children,” she told Reuters.
Officials describe the flooding as the worst since at least 2000, when around 700 people were killed in Mozambique.
Early-warning systems and mandatory evacuations could mean fewer people may have been killed this time, said Paulo Tomas, spokesperson for the National Institute for Disaster Risk Management.
“Many people complied by voluntarily leaving the most affected areas,” he said. But he said the lower death toll counted so far may also be partly a result of “limited access to some areas and the fact that several zones remain submerged”.
Reporting by Manuel Mucari and Custodio Cossa; Additional reporting and writing by Nellie Peyton; Editing by Alexander Winning
The announcement comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party, struggling in opinion polls, searches for ways to generate growth from Britain’s relatively sluggish economy
International News via Reuters:
Britain’s five leading banks – NatWest, HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds and Santander – on Monday committed to lending a combined 11 billion pounds ($15 billion) to help firms invest and expand into new international markets, the government said.
The announcement comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party, struggling in opinion polls, searches for ways to generate growth from Britain’s relatively sluggish economy, and weeks after the Bank of England urged commercial banks to lend more.
“Strengthening Britain’s export potential relies on British businesses having the means, motive, and opportunity to succeed in new overseas markets,” business and trade minister Peter Kyle said in a statement.
The government said lending capacity would be available immediately and be drawn entirely from the banks’ own balance sheets. UK Export Finance, the government’s export credit agency, will guarantee up to 80% of eligible loans issued by each bank.
However, there is no guarantee the banks will lend the full amount and firms are likely to still try and ensure any such money loaned is on a commercial basis and will be repaid.
($1 = 0.7308 pounds)
Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; editing by William James and Alex Richardson
Rutte told advocates of a European force separate from the U.S.-led NATO alliance to “keep dreaming”, and said Russian President Vladimir Putin would “love” the idea
International News via Reuters:
NATO boss Mark Rutte on Monday dismissed calls by some leading European politicians for a separate European army, prompted by doubts over Donald Trump’s commitment to the continent’s security that were heightened by tensions over Greenland.
Rutte told advocates of a European force separate from the U.S.-led NATO alliance to “keep dreaming”, and said Russian President Vladimir Putin would “love” the idea as it would stretch Europe’s armies and make them weaker.
Speaking to the European Parliament in Brussels, Rutte said European nations should continue to step up to take more responsibility for their own security, as Trump has demanded – but within the transatlantic alliance.
Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares and European Defence Commissioner Andrius Kubilius have both raised the prospect of a European force in recent weeks.
Without referring explicitly to either proposal, Rutte gave the general idea short shrift, insisting Trump and the U.S. remained strongly committed to NATO, despite the uncertainty caused by Trump’s demands that NATO member Denmark cede control of Greenland.
“I think there will be a lot of duplication and I wish you luck if you want to do it, because you have to find the men and women in uniform – they’ll be on top of what is happening already,” he said.
“It will make things more complicated. I think Putin will love it. So think again.”
Rutte told the lawmakers that if Europe really wanted to go it alone, it would cost far more than the 5% of GDP that NATO nations have agreed to spend on defence and security-related investments.
“You have to build up your own nuclear capability – that costs billions and billions of euros. You will lose then, in that scenario … the ultimate guarantor of our freedom, which is the U.S. nuclear umbrella. So hey, good luck.”
Spain, Austria, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan also lost their status, and the WHO urged countries to boost vaccination rates, particularly among under-protected populations
International News via Reuters:
Britain and several other European countries have lost their measles elimination status, the World Health Organization said on Monday, after a jump in infections across the continent.
Spain, Austria, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan also lost their status, and the WHO urged countries to boost vaccination rates, particularly among under-protected populations, to prevent the viral disease infecting more children.
Measles is entirely preventable by vaccination, but is very contagious, and so is among the first illnesses to rebound when vaccination rates decline. It commonly causes symptoms including high fever and a rash, but can also lead to serious long-term complications and even death.
SIGN OF DECLINING VACCINATION
Health experts have warned that rising outbreaks worldwide point to a resurgence of other preventable illnesses in populations increasingly mistrustful or skeptical of vaccines since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The UK’s change of status reflects a broader challenge we’re facing across the WHO European Region,” the U.N. health agency said on its website. Several other European countries already have regular measles transmission, according to the WHO, including France and Romania.
Canada lost its elimination status last year, and the U.S. is working to retain its status as infections mount.
WHO committees in each region decide whether a country is measles-free using case rates. To be considered measles-free by the WHO, a country must have no locally transmitted cases of the same strain for 12 months or longer.
The decision to strip certain European countries of their status was made last September based on data from 2024. But the WHO only released the information on Monday after getting sign-off from every country involved.
To keep measles at bay, vaccination rates must exceed 95%, the WHO estimates. Yet in the UK, only 84.4% of children had the two doses needed for full protection in 2024. Government data showed 2,911 confirmed cases in England that year, the most since 2012.
On Monday, the UK Health Security Agency said all children should be vaccinated to protect themselves from measles. The UK was first given elimination status in 2016, before losing it in 2018 then regaining it in 2021.
Reporting by Jennifer Rigby and Muvija M; Editing by Kevin Liffey
On January 16, the Government of Bermuda was delighted to recognize 389 public officers for their years of dedicated service at the Long Service Awards Ceremony held at the Hamilton Princess.
Honourees represented milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, and 50 years of commitment to Bermuda’s public service.
The ceremony was held in partnership with the Bermuda Public Services Union (BPSU) and the Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU), and hosted by the Premier the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, and Head of the Public Service Cherie Whitter.
Premier Burt expressed his deep gratitude to the recipients saying, “Public service is not easy. It is often thankless and subject to constant scrutiny. Yet, despite this, you continue to serve the people of Bermuda every day with professionalism. The long hours and weekends that you have sacrificed to keep critical services going through unprecedented challenges such as the pandemic, a cyberattack, numerous hurricanes and more, will never be forgotten by me.
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Bermuda, I thank you for your many years of devoted service. I am grateful for all that you have given, and I look forward to continuing to work with you as we build a fairer Bermuda for all Bermudians.”
Cherie Whitter, Head of the Public Service, encouraged long serving public officers to share their stories of longevity and dedication.
She said, “Speak about your career path, the education and skills development requirements, the decision to join and remain in the Service. Let the next generation hear about your journeys. By doing so you will inspire others to consider careers in public service, fostering a new wave of commitment and excellence for Bermuda’s future.”
Mr. Armell Thomas, President of the Bermuda Public Services Union, highlighted the human strength behind Bermuda’s institutions. He said, “This Long Service Awards Ceremony is a powerful reminder that the strength of our public service does not rest in buildings or policies alone, it rests in people. Each of you being honoured today has answered that call year after year, often behind the scenes, without fanfare, but always with purpose.”
And Mr. Chris Furbert, President of the Bermuda Industrial Union, commended the honourees for their perseverance, saying, “Through changing administrations and evolving policies, you have demonstrated reliability and perseverance in carrying out your duties. You have helped maintain stability, continuity, and institutional knowledge within the public sector, and the Bermuda Industrial Union has been proud to advocate on your behalf along the way.”
This year’s Long Service Awards Ceremony stands as a testament to the resilience, professionalism, and unwavering dedication of Bermuda’s public officers.
From five years to half a century of service, each honouree has played a vital role in strengthening Bermuda’s institutions, supporting the island’s communities, and ensuring that Bermuda continues to thrive.
Their contributions, along with the support of their families, embody the very spirit of public service and set an inspiring example for future generations.
Maclean Smith and Leslie Jackson have furthered Bermuda’s burgeoning reputation in international pickleball by claiming the gold medal at the 2026 Marco Island Police Foundation Pickleball Slammer.
Competing in the Women’s Doubles Skill 3.000 to 3.999 division, the duo produced a masterclass in consistency to navigate an undefeated path to the podium. The victory marks another successful overseas foray for the veteran pairing following Jackson’s gold at the Cayman Islands Open late last year.
Smith and Jackson set an authoritative tone at the Marco Island YMCA, recording clinical 11-3 victories in their opening two rounds before easing past Lynlee and Laiklyn Dunigan 11-4 in the third. Their momentum remained unchecked in the semi-finals, where they brushed aside Jacqueline and Julianne Rudemiller 11-3 to book their place in the showpiece match.
The final saw a spirited rematch against Sandra Marshall and Jennifer Dayton. While it proved to be the most competitive contest of the tournament, the Bermudian pair maintained their composure during the critical exchanges, eventually closing out the match 11-7 to secure the title.
The EU’s “de minimis” customs duty exemption for parcels valued at less than 150 euros ($174) has helped fuel rapid growth at online shopping platforms such as Temu and Shein
International News via Reuters:
The number of low-value ecommerce parcels entering the European Union increased to 5.8 billion in 2025, a 26% rise from the previous year, the European Commission said on Monday as the bloc plans to impose fees on the cheap products currently imported duty-free.
The EU’s “de minimis” customs duty exemption for parcels valued at less than 150 euros ($174) has helped fuel rapid growth at online shopping platforms such as Temu and Shein, which send packages from China direct to consumers.
EU lawmaker Dirk Gotink, chief negotiator on the new customs legislation, said imports of low-value packages were growing “at an unsustainable rate”.
“It underlines the urgent need to frontload the European handling fee to July this year and to finalise the customs reform within the next months,” Gotink said in a statement.
The EU plans to impose a 3 euro fee on low-value parcels starting on July 1, as a temporary measure before a final agreement is reached to scrap the duty exemption.
The issue gained new urgency last year when the U.S. scrapped its de minimis policy, raising fears that cheap Chinese products would be redirected en masse to Europe.
The Commission has previously said it estimates some 65% of small parcels entering the EU were undervalued to avoid customs duties, and it also sees risks of harm to consumers from non-compliant products and of damage to EU industries, notably retailers, from the import surge. The majority of the parcels come from China.
Reporting by Helen Reid; Editing by Alex Richardson
BP and Shell had been granted licenses by the U.S. and Venezuela to develop offshore natural gas projects at the maritime border, where vast reserves have been found
International News via Reuters:
BP’s head of Trinidad and Tobago said on Monday the oil and gas major is still interested in cross-border opportunities with Venezuela, despite the government in Caracas suspending all bilateral energy agreements with its neighbor last year.
BP and Shell had been granted licenses by the U.S. and Venezuela to develop offshore natural gas projects at the maritime border, where vast reserves have been found.
“There is an industrial logic that says there are resources across the border where people are perhaps more cautious to invest, right next to our underutilized assets like Atlantic LNG and Point Lisas,” BP’s David Campbell said.
“It is an obvious project to have,” Campbell added in reference to Cocuina-Manakin, the gas project BP and Venezuela’s state-run PDVSA had been planning.
Cocuina-Manakin has gas deposits that extend into the waters of both countries, so a joint development is needed to begin output, after the exploration phase was completed years ago.
BP expects continued decline of its aging fields in Trinidad’s shallow waters, but the company sees major opportunities in deepwater, Campbell said.
BP’s 3.5-trillion-cubic-foot Calypso discovery, which is operated by Woodside, is seen as an important opportunity for Trinidad to get more gas for the twin-island country as are the deepwater blocks the firm is jointly exploring with Shell, the executive said at an energy conference in the country’s capital Port of Spain.
About 10% of all of BP’s upstream capital spending worldwide this year will go to energy projects in Trinidad, Campbell said.
Reporting by Curtis Williams, Editing by Alexander Smith and Andrea Ricci
The Commission said on January 15 it was considering designating WhatsApp’s “channels” feature as a very large platform
International News via Reuters:
The European Commission on Monday said it had formally designated Meta’s WhatsApp as a “very large platform” under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), making it more responsible for tackling illegal and harmful content.
The Commission said on January 15 it was considering designating WhatsApp’s “channels” feature as a very large platform. The messaging service is not affected.
The channels had 51.7 million average monthly active users in the EU in the first six months of 2025, more than the 45-million-user threshold set out in the DSA.
The DSA requires such large platforms to do more to tackle illegal and harmful content, which can become costly for the platforms given the volume of data to be scanned, and raises questions of privacy.
Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, Google’s YouTube, TikTok, Temu and Microsoft’s LinkedIn are some of the companies labelled as very large online platforms under the DSA subject to this requirement.
“Following the designation, Meta, the provider of WhatsApp, has four months, i.e. by mid-May 2026, to ensure WhatsApp complies with the additional DSA obligations,” the Commission said in a statement.
A spokesperson for WhatsApp said that, as its channels keep growing in the EU and elsewhere, “we remain committed to evolving our safety and integrity measures in the region, ensuring they align with relevant regulatory expectations and our ongoing responsibility to users”.
Reporting by Yun Chee Foo, writing by Louise Rasmussen; editing by Inti Landauro and Kevin Liffey
The announcement comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party, struggling in opinion polls, searches for ways to generate growth from Britain’s relatively sluggish economy
International News via Reuters:
Britain’s five leading banks – NatWest, HSBC, Barclays, Lloyds and Santander – on Monday committed to lending a combined 11 billion pounds ($15 billion) to help firms invest and expand into new international markets, the government said.
The announcement comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour Party, struggling in opinion polls, searches for ways to generate growth from Britain’s relatively sluggish economy, and weeks after the Bank of England urged commercial banks to lend more.
“Strengthening Britain’s export potential relies on British businesses having the means, motive, and opportunity to succeed in new overseas markets,” business and trade minister Peter Kyle said in a statement.
The government said lending capacity would be available immediately and be drawn entirely from the banks’ own balance sheets. UK Export Finance, the government’s export credit agency, will guarantee up to 80% of eligible loans issued by each bank.
However, there is no guarantee the banks will lend the full amount and firms are likely to still try and ensure any such money loaned is on a commercial basis and will be repaid.
($1 = 0.7308 pounds)
Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; editing by William James and Alex Richardson
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