HAMILTON, BERMUDA—The Bermuda Monetary Authority (Authority or BMA) has released its Business Plan for 2026. This plan highlights the BMA’s commitments to enhancing Bermuda’s regulatory framework in the coming year and emphasises the importance of harnessing the benefits of technology while promoting a culture of transparency, accountability and ethical governance.
Several notable highlights in the 2026 BMA blueprint include the following:
Fostering solutions that address global challenges, such as protection gaps
Advancing the BMA’s sustainability strategy guided by its long-term vision and commitments
Leveraging the BMA’s digital infrastructure to streamline processes and take advantage of new opportunities
Supporting customer protection initiatives that foster a greater understanding of financial services and products
Maintaining prudent oversight of the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the financial sector
Continuing to collaborate with major jurisdictions, peer regulators and standard-setting bodies to contribute to the development of global regulatory standards
The plan outlines how the Authority will encourage responsible financial innovation while maintaining prudent oversight in a rapidly evolving financial services landscape. Additional initiatives include strengthening Bermuda’s readiness for the Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) by working in collaboration with other Bermuda competent authorities in an effort to foster dialogue across the industry and engaging with stakeholders to ensure a shared understanding of best practices.
In the document’s foreword, BMA’s Chief Executive Officer, Craig Swan, stated, “In alignment with our overarching mission, the BMA will continue to embrace forward-looking supervision and responsible innovation, enabling us to keep pace with today’s rapidly changing landscape.”
UK team will deliver a Post-Election Seminar for Bermuda’s legislature, covering MP’s responsibilities, cross-party collaboration, debate and communication skills
Government of Bermuda press release:
The UK Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA UK)* has been invited by the Parliament of Bermuda to deliver a Post-Election Seminar for the benefit of Members of the House of Assembly and the Senate.
The Seminar will be conducted from Monday, 26th January to Wednesday, 28th January 2026 at Rosewood Bermuda, and has been designed in collaboration with Bermuda. It presents an opportunity for Bermuda’s legislators to actively engage with fellow parliamentarians and parliamentary officials from Anguilla, Isle of Man, Jersey, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, Trinidad and Tobago and the UK. Session topics of interest for Bermuda’s members will include the responsibilities of Members and Clerks, the separation of powers, cross-party collaboration, exploring the use of AI and technology in parliaments, parliamentary questions and debate, effective committee inquiries and communication skills for engagement with the public.
The seminar is a continuation of CPA UK’s work with Bermuda as part of the UK Overseas Territories Project (UKOTP). The project has previously organised post-election seminars for Anguilla, the Turks and Caicos Islands and the Cayman Islands. UKOTP supports good governance and oversight of public finances in the UK Overseas Territories.
* The website of CPA UK states that “CPA UK supports and strengthens parliamentary democracy throughout the Commonwealth. It focuses on key priority themes including women in parliament, modern slavery, financial oversight, security and trade. Peer-to-peer learning is central to the way CPA UK works. CPA UK brings together UK and Commonwealth parliamentarians and officials to share knowledge and learn from each other. It aims to improve parliamentary oversight, scrutiny and representation and is located in and funded by the UK Parliament.
An ‘on chain economy’ and a new database for public information; Shadow Finance Minister not impressed by the Premier’s recent announcements
Statement by Shadow Finance Minister Douglas De Couto
Right now Bermudians are hungry for real solutions to the problems they face. Housing costs. Healthcare costs and access. Education for their children. The right to vote for students. Safety. And many others. That’s why the Premier’s trip to hobnob with the global elite at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland is out of touch with reality. The press releases about an “on chain” economy and providing public data with “Filecoin” may be good for the Premier’s social media profile but are meaningless for Bermudians.
Local businesses need a vibrant growing economy, not the one we have today that’s at best stuck in neutral under the PLP Government. Businesses need more customers spending more money. And real solutions to their cashflow challenges, like paying customs duty when goods are sold versus imported, and less tax and red tape in general. An “on chain” economy won’t solve those problems, no matter how many LinkedIn likes it gets.
And as far as “Filecoin” goes, I am not sure what problem that solves. I can tell you where to find Government data – the Department of Statistics website! They don’t need help publishing data, they just need the tools and resources to produce their reports faster. And the Minister needs to send the reports out in a timely manner.
But when it comes to sharing data and information with the public, Government’s actions show they would rather not, particularly in Parliament. Here are three examples.
On November 26th, I asked for a list of MPs and Senators getting public money for work outside their job as an MP or Senator, such as on boards, quangoes, or consulting with Government. On December 5th, the Minister said they needed more time. The following week, on December 12th, the Minister again said they needed more time. How hard can it be to ask each MP or Senator what they’re getting paid for, and checking it against Government payroll? Are they trying to hide something?
In 2019 Government passed a law about personal staff for the Premier, Ministers, and Leader of the Opposition. This law required the Premier to report to Parliament every year who the personal staff are, what they are doing, and how much they are getting paid. This report hasn’t been produced since 2019. In December we wrote to the Premier requesting the missing reports. I hope we’ll see them on February 20th when Parliament returns, if not sooner. The funny thing about the Government breaking this law is that they are the ones who put it in place!
Finally, going back to making data publicly available, and looking ahead to next month’s Budget debate, how about just providing the budget data in electronic form like a PDF? Like everyone else in the private sector has been doing for years, actually decades! Legislators are given a huge printed book to lug around, but the PDF e-copy isn’t released until long after the debate. We’ve asked before and the Government has refused. Given the recent “Filecoin” announcement, maybe this year they’ll change their mind?
If the Government is serious about transparency, innovation, and public access to information, then this is where it should begin — not with buzzwords announced overseas, but with practical reforms delivered at home.
Bermudians don’t need hype. They need a Government focused on competence, accountability, and solutions that improve daily life. That is the standard against which any new idea, technological or otherwise, should be judged.
Minister explores cashless payment options that could be cheaper than traditional credit cards
Minister Lightbourne, Ian Truran, Clarien Chief Executive Officer, Permanent Secretary Valerie Robinson-James and Simon Van de Weg, Chief Banking Officer at Clarien Head Office, Point House, Front Street.
As part of her ongoing efforts to address all pillars of Bermuda’s cost of living challenges, including financial access and affordability, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, JP, MP, met with Clarien Bank executives to explore banking solutions that could benefit Bermudian families.
Minister Lightbourne, accompanied by Permanent Secretary Valerie Robinson-James, met with Ian Truran, Chief Executive Officer, and Simon Van de Weg, Chief Banking Officer to discuss savings options and initiatives aimed at making banking more accessible for Bermudians.
Building on the Affordable Bermuda Agenda and the recent announcement of a Digital Finance Pilot in the House of Assembly, Minister Lightbourne discussed cashless payment options that offer a lower-cost alternative to traditional credit cards, reducing transaction costs for everyday purchases. The conversation also covered low-interest financing to help qualifying households adopt residential solar solutions, combining affordable loans with streamlined approvals to reduce energy bills while supporting a cleaner energy future.
Minister Lightbourne said, “Consideration of the financial future of families and the ability to ensure greater access safeguards wealth. I am encouraged by the dialogue with our local banks, who remain willing to explore ways they can help lower costs. The public benefits when we translate discussions, like those at the Cost of Living Summit, into tangible dollars back in their pockets.”
The Minister acknowledged that while Home Affairs does not directly oversee local banks, she remains committed to exploring available solutions across critical pillars. “Through low-interest green financing for home solar, we can assist households with monthly expenses and build resilience. This links financial inclusion with a cleaner, more affordable energy future.”
“Innovation and integrity are at the center of what we do at Clarien Bank,” said Mr. Truran, CEO. “As we strive to deliver superior solutions with superior service to our community, we recognize our unique position to help build a more financially accessible, affordable, and ultimately stronger Bermuda. We look forward to leveraging our collective expertise in banking and wealth management solutions, working alongside the Bermuda Government, to uplift Bermudian families and create a positive and lasting change on island.”
The Ministry of Home Affairs remains committed to practical, collaborative action that lowers everyday costs, protects consumers, and expands access so that every household can thrive.
It was a frantic day of action across the English football leagues for Bermuda’s international contingent, headlined by a resilient home draw for Nathan Trott’s Cardiff City and a frustrating afternoon in Devon for Nahki Wells and Luton Town.
At the Cardiff City Stadium, goalkeeper Nathan Trott was at the heart of a physical encounter against Stockport County. The visitors took an early lead when Trott produced a sharp initial save to deny Josh Dacres-Cogley, only for Kyle Wootton to react quickest and fire home the rebound. Cardiff’s persistence was rewarded deep into first-half stoppage time when Ollie Tanner’s dangerous cross found Joel Colwill, who curled an exquisite equalizer into the far corner to ensure the spoils were shared in South Wales.
Nahki Wells suffered a different fate as Luton Town’s promotion push took another blow with a 1-0 defeat at Plymouth Argyle. It marked a third successive away loss for the Hatters, though Wells was agonizingly close to salvaging a point late on. With twenty minutes remaining, the veteran striker unleashed a goal-bound effort that beat the keeper but was heroically cleared off the line by a backtracking defender.
Further down the pyramid, Kane Crichlow and Chelmsford City produced the comeback of the day at the Fusion Aviation Stadium. Facing a 2-1 deficit against Horsham FC in the National League South, the Clarets mounted a spirited second-half charge to turn the game on its head and secure a vital 3-2 victory.
Milan Butterfield was also in clinical form for Halesowen Town as they dominated St Ives Town at the Westwood Road Grounds. Leading by a single goal just after the interval, Butterfield ghosted into the box in the 47th minute to meet a deep cross at the back post, heading home with precision to double the advantage. Halesowen never looked back, cruising to a comprehensive 4-0 win.
In the Isthmian League South Central Division, Coleridge Fubler Jr. and Binfield FC extended their remarkable unbeaten run to six matches with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Hayes & Yeading United. The victory marks three wins on the bounce for the Moles as they continue their climb up the table.
There were scenes of late jubilation for Rahzir Smith-Jones and Welwyn Garden City at Herns Way. Facing a 1-0 deficit against Biggleswade Town, Smith-Jones’ teammate Lewis Taffe struck with the final kick of the game to rescue a 1-1 draw. Meanwhile, Reggie Lambe and Needham Market endured a difficult afternoon at the Zeeco Stadium, falling to a narrow 1-0 defeat against a resilient Stamford side.
Willie Clemons found the scoresheet for Leiston FC during their trip to Harborough Town, though it ultimately ended in a 3-2 defeat. Clemons had momentarily drawn his side level in the first half when his deflected effort looped over the Harborough keeper, but the hosts eventually rallied to take all three points.
Elsewhere, Harry Twite and Loughborough Students fell 2-1 at home to Coventry Sphinx, a scoreline matched by Southwell City as Alyeal Dill saw his side concede in the dying moments to fall 2-1 against Stapleford. At Garden Walk, Zhani Burgess remained an unused substitute for Quorn FC during their Southern League clash with Royston Town.
Bermuda deliver a dominant all-around performance, led by a four-goal night from Milan Gibbons-Thomas
Bermuda went on to seal a commanding 7–0 victory in their opening match of the First Round U17 Women’s Qualifiers. The Lady Gombey Warriors picked up right where they left off after the break, dominating possession and applying relentless pressure throughout the second half.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 63rd minute when Milan Gibbons-Thomas completed her hat-trick to make it 5–0. Just five minutes later, Nadia Madeiros struck from close range in the 68th minute to extend the lead to six. Gibbons-Thomas wasn’t finished yet, adding her fourth and final goal of the night in the 74th minute to cap off an outstanding individual performance.
The final whistle confirmed a comprehensive 7–0 win for Bermuda.
The Lady Gombey Warriors will next face Bonaire on Monday. The visitors will be looking to bounce back after suffering an 8–0 defeat to Panama earlier today at the National Sports Centre.
Concacaf Women’s U17 Qualifiers: a pair of braces gives ruthless Bermuda a commanding lead over Suriname
A first-class performance from the opening whistle by the Lady Gombey Warriors. Battling against the wind, Bermuda struck early when Evans Welch opened the scoring in the 4th minute. Milan Gibbons-Thomas doubled the lead in the 16th, before the No. 10 unleashed a rocket into the back left corner in the 28th minute. Just four minutes later, Welch netted her second of the half, capping off a dominant opening period for Team Bermuda.
Bermuda Road Safety Council responds to 1st road fatality of 2026
Bermuda Road Safety Council press statement:
The Bermuda Road Safety Council extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of the rider who tragically lost his life. One death on our roads is one too many—and this loss is a stark reminder that road safety is not an abstract issue, but a matter of life and death for our community. We honour his life by renewing our urgent call for safer roads, greater awareness, and shared responsibility from every road user. We also encourage anyone who witnessed the incident or has information to contact Sergeant Milton Hill of the Bermuda Police Service, as every detail matters.
Hamilton, Bermuda — Bermuda Rugby has officially launched the 2025–2026 domestic rugby season with the announcement of Moongate Brewing Co. as the new title sponsor of the domestic league, now known as the Bermuda Rugby Moongate League.
The partnership sees Moongate Brewing Co. supporting both the men’s and women’s domestic competitions, with branded post pads and enhanced matchday visibility marking the start of the collaboration across local fixtures.
A representative from Moongate Brewing Co. said the sponsorship reflects the company’s commitment to community, connection and shared experiences:
“Moongate Brewing Co. is proud to support Bermuda Rugby’s domestic season for both the men’s and women’s game through its sponsorship of the Bermuda Rugby Moongate League. We are passionate about our local community and celebrating how sport and shared experiences bring people together.”
Secretary of the Bermuda Rugby Football Union, Artie Darrell, welcomed the partnership, noting the strong alignment between the two organisations:
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Moongate Brewing Co. as the title sponsor of our domestic league. Moongate has entered Bermuda’s entertainment and hospitality landscape with real energy and authenticity, and their commitment to supporting local sport speaks volumes about the values they bring as a business. This partnership is about more than branding; it’s about backing community, shared experiences and the people who make our domestic game thrive week in, week out. Seeing Moongate’s support reflected around our pitches is a fantastic signal of confidence in Bermuda Rugby and the direction we are heading.”
The Bermuda Rugby Moongate League forms the backbone of the island’s rugby calendar, providing consistent competition and development opportunities for players, coaches and officials across the men’s and women’s game. The domestic season will run through to early March, building momentum ahead of an active international period for Bermuda Rugby.
Following the conclusion of the domestic league, attention will turn to the international window, with the men’s senior XVs set to face Cayman, Guyana and Mexico. March will also see the return of the Bermuda International 7s, welcoming U23 and high school teams from the United States and Canada. Youth programmes remain a key focus, with U14 girls travelling to Tropical 7s in Tampa, U16 boys competing at Trinity, and a potential U14 boys’ tour to the United States under consideration. Two further international select fixtures are also being explored with USA South and the Atlantic Privateers, before the men’s senior squad travels to Asunción, Paraguay, as part of a 90-strong Bermuda contingent competing at the Centro American Caribe Games (CACs).
With the launch of the Bermuda Rugby Moongate League, Bermuda Rugby looks forward to an exciting domestic season underpinned by strong community support and a shared commitment to growing the game at every level.
The work of Gwen Johnson ‘enhanced the island’s reputation internationally as a credible, well-governed jurisdiction’
The Ministry of Justice is deeply saddened by the passing of Gwen Nawa Johnson on 10 January 2026 and extends its sincere condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues.
Ms Johnson was a distinguished Zambian-born legal practitioner whose career spanned more than four decades across multiple Commonwealth jurisdictions, marked by exceptional service in legislative drafting, financial services regulation, and international law.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Zambia in 1980 and was admitted to practise as an advocate in Zambia in 1982.
Her early career included service as an advocate within Zambia’s Legal Aid Department and Ombudsman’s Office, followed by private practice and later senior roles as a legislative drafter.
She went on to serve in Botswana as Principal and later Chief Legal Draftsperson, and subsequently as Assistant Attorney General, where she worked extensively on financial services legislation and the negotiation of international agreements.
Ms Johnson’s commitment to professional excellence was reflected in her extensive academic achievements, including postgraduate qualifications in securities and capital market development, legislative drafting and international negotiations, an MBA, and a Master of Laws in International Business Law and Finance.
She joined the Ministry of Justice in Bermuda in 2010 within the Attorney-General’s Chambers, initially serving as Deputy Chief Parliamentary Counsel, before continuing her service as Parliamentary Counsel and later as Consultant Parliamentary Counsel.
During her tenure in Bermuda, Ms Johnson made an extraordinary and lasting contribution to the Island’s legislative framework, particularly in strengthening Bermuda’s position as a leading, well-regulated international financial services jurisdiction.
She handled a substantial portfolio of complex legislation for the Ministry of Finance and the Bermuda Monetary Authority, including Bills relating to insurance, banks, investment funds, trusts, corporate service providers, money service businesses, beneficial ownership, public accountability, taxation and corporate regulation — work that helped pave the way for major reforms, including the introduction of corporate income tax.
Her expertise was also applied across a wide range of domestic policy areas, including tourism, landlord and tenant reform, cost of living measures, and the introduction of a minimum hourly wage.
Owing to her technical mastery, she was entrusted with highly complex legislation in areas such as intellectual property, cybercrime, and computer misuse.
Her work played a critical role in strengthening Bermuda’s regulatory and legal landscape, including reforms that supported financial services oversight, public health protections, and measures that proved vital during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ms Johnson was instrumental in modernising Bermuda’s public health and quarantine laws and drafted numerous emergency regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing the legal framework that enabled the Government to respond decisively to protect public health in an evolving and unprecedented crisis.
She also prepared a legislative drafting manual that continues to serve as a key training resource, underscoring her enduring commitment to capacity-building and institutional strength within the Chambers.
Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Sen. the Hon. Kim Wilkerson, JP, reflected: “Gwen was a deeply principled lawyer and a loyal public servant who gave her best to this Ministry every day. Her work strengthened Bermuda’s legal and regulatory framework and enhanced the Island’s reputation internationally as a credible, well-governed jurisdiction.”
“Her breadth of knowledge, calm authority, and quiet leadership earned the respect of colleagues across Government, and her contributions will continue to shape our laws for generations to come.”
Minister Wilkerson added: “Beyond her professional excellence, Gwen was a mentor, a source of guidance, and a steady presence within the Chambers. She served Bermuda with integrity and grace, and her loss is felt profoundly by all who had the privilege of working alongside her.”
Ms Johnson was laid to rest in her native Zambia, where she was honoured with a special valedictory sitting of the Supreme Court of Zambia on Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
The sitting, attended by members of the legal profession, family and friends, was followed by a church service and burial, recognising her distinguished service to the law and her lasting contribution to the legal profession in the diaspora.
A memorial service, in Bermuda, is being planned to honour her contribution to the jurisdiction.
The Corporate Income Tax means more than paying down the debt … it means investing in our youth, moving towards universal healthcare, building more housing for our people
Statement by Jamahl Simmons, MP for Constituency #33, Sandys South
For years, the OBA have preached their version of “shared sacrifice” to Bermudians. They told us to accept cuts to services and scholarships, freezes, and furloughs all under their version of “fiscal responsibility.”
Now they are telling Bermudians once again to put their needs aside and be denied the direct benefit of the new Corporate Income Tax.
With the vast amounts of tax revenue coming in, it would be foolish not to make big moves to bring down the debt. Yet, it would also be heartless not to put some of that money towards the clear and immediate needs of our people.
The OBA disagrees with our approach but our people have seen what their approach looks like.
When the OBA spent $100 million of public money toward The America’s Cup, there was no talk of restraint. No warnings about their government living beyond its means.
In fact, despite the fact that the economic review stated that 64% of the businesses that benefited from America’s Cup had owners that identified as White, they continue to boast about it.
When the OBA signed the airport and Morgan’s Point deals that have cost our country millions there was no talk about fiscal responsibility.
The reality is that the OBA wants us to think this is a debate on whether the PLP is fiscally responsible or not, but it isn’t; it’s about how we can put our people first.
The Corporate Income Tax means more than paying down the debt. It means investing in our youth, moving towards universal healthcare, building more housing for our people and more.
Bermudians across the island did not elect us to tell our people that their challenges aren’t a priority and they absolutely do not want a government that takes an OBA-like approach.
Why do I say that?
They believe as so many of us do, that when the OBA speaks of a “bloated civil service” what they are really saying is that Bermudan jobs are expendable, that community investment is wasteful, and that those struggling should just “get over it.”
To us fiscal responsibility and social responsibility are not diametrically opposed, they are inseparable.
That’s why we made one of the most progressive changes to our tax system by shifting the burden away from those of us who can least afford to pay.
That’s why we pushed through Bermuda’s first minimum wage over the objections of some in the private sector. Not because their opinions didn’t matter, but because their opinions for too long have mattered more than everyone else’s needs.
So I ask you:
Do we accept an approach where those who need housing, our youth who need opportunities and safer streets and those who can’t make ends meet are ignored?
Or do we believe that we can take a balanced approach that addresses our people’s needs and pays off our debt?
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