‘Come out and cheer on our team!’
Sports Minister praises ‘thrilling’ performances by Women’s Under 17s team
“Bermuda’s talented Under-17 Women’s National Team delivered a thrilling, high-energy performance in their first two matches of the Concacaf Under-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers at the Flora Duffy Stadium on Saturday and Monday night,” said the Hon. Owen Darrell, Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport.
“The team has shown outstanding technical ability, composure on the ball, and real attacking flair even in the very cool conditions. Their teamwork and relentless pressure produced dominant victories over Suriname and Bonaire.”
Minister Darrell added, “I am extremely proud of these young women and the football they displayed. I wish them every success in their remaining match on Wednesday at 7:00 PM against Panama. This critical top-of-the-group clash will be held at the Dame Flora Duffy Stadium. I encourage all Bermudians to come out, fill the stands, and cheer our team on as they continue their push for victory.”
Tickets are available at the online www.gpass.bm
‘Empowering Bermuda’s emerging leaders’
Two-day training programme for young people sought to enhance dialogue, accountability, and restorative practices in their schools
Mirrors Bermuda, in collaboration with the Youth Mental Health Advisory Board and CURB, hosted Bermuda’s first youth-focused Restorative Circles Training on January 10 and 17, 2026, at Bermuda College. The two-day programme brought together 21 Emerging Leaders from The Berkeley Institute, CedarBridge Academy, and Mount Saint Agnes, equipping them with practical skills to foster dialogue, accountability, and restorative practices in their schools.
Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, The Hon. Tinee Furbert, praised the initiative: “This training empowers Bermuda’s emerging leaders to respond to conflict and peer challenges with empathy and problem-solving, rather than punishment or avoidance. The training represents a significant investment in youth-led mental health support and school climate improvement.”
Day 1 introduced students to the foundations of restorative practice and the Restorative Practices Continuum, while Day 2 focused on leadership skills, including planning and facilitating circles. By the end, participants were prepared to lead restorative conversations within their schools and peer groups.
Stacey-Lee Williams, Executive Director at CURB, highlighted the importance of bridging youth and adult perspectives: “These young people already possess a restorative lens, and their insights into community and schooling show why it is vital to bring both generations together.”
Letitia Washington, Prevention Services Coordinator at Mirrors, noted: “It was inspiring to see this group grasp restorative concepts. I am excited to see them support their peers with these new tools.”
Students also shared their enthusiasm. Jahmari Smith-DeShields of Berkeley Institute said, “Circles teach us more about each other and allow us to share opinions without judgment.” Naomi Harvey of CedarBridge Academy added, “The training opened my eyes to a new way of resolving conflict at school and at home.”
This initiative reflects Mirrors’ broader commitment to prevention, youth leadership, and emotional well-being, positioning young people as active leaders in building healthier, more connected school communities.
Tucker shines for St. Thomas University in Florida
Bermudian sprinter Denver Tucker made an emphatic statement on the collegiate circuit this weekend while representing St. Thomas University at the Alachua County Sports and Event Center Invitational. Competing in a packed field at the prestigious multi-event meet in Florida, the young athlete demonstrated the explosive form that has made him one of the region’s rising stars in the short sprints.
Taking his place in the fifth heat of the Men’s 60-meter dash, Tucker produced a clinical performance out of the blocks to dominate his immediate rivals. He crossed the line in a sharp time of 6.93 seconds to secure a comfortable heat victory and establish himself as one of the fastest men at the meet. His time stood as a testament to his off-season preparation as he navigated the high-pressure environment of a competition featuring nearly 70 elite athletes.
Despite the victory in his individual race, the fine margins of elite sprinting proved to be a cruel adjudicator for the Bermudian. Tucker finished ninth overall out of the sixty-seven competitors who took to the track, missing out on a coveted spot in the finals by a solitary hundredth of a second. It was a result that highlighted the exceptional depth of talent on display, with the final qualifying position snatched away by the narrowest of margins.
While the lack of a lane in the final was a disappointment, the performance remains a significant marker for the St. Thomas University sophomore. To finish inside the top ten of such a large and competitive field provides a strong foundation for the remainder of the indoor season. Tucker will now turn his attention to upcoming meets as he looks to shave those vital fractions of a second off his time and cement his place among the premier sprinters in the collegiate rankings.
Minister tours BAMZ during ongoing transformation works
The facility remains open to the public, with some temporary adjustments in place as upgrades continue
The Minister of Public Works and Environment, the Hon. Jaché Adams, JP, MP, recently toured the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo (BAMZ) to view repair and transformation works currently underway across the facility, including essential upgrades to the North Rock tank.
During the visit, the Minister met with management and staff, observed works in progress, and received briefings on how repairs are being carefully sequenced while the facility remains operational and animal welfare remains paramount.
“What I saw firsthand was not simply maintenance, but deliberate and thoughtful investment in the future of BAMZ,” said Minister Adams. “This work demonstrates how careful planning and professional expertise are ensuring the facility remains resilient, relevant, and accessible for generations to come.”
Dr Ian Walker, Principal Curator at BAMZ, said the works underway reflect a broader effort to modernise aging infrastructure while maintaining high standards of animal care.
“These repairs are being carried out within a live facility, which requires careful coordination and specialist expertise,” Dr. Walker said. “They form part of a wider plan to ensure BAMZ continues to function as a leading centre for conservation, education, and public enjoyment.”
BAMZ remains open to the public, with some temporary adjustments in place as works continue. Further updates will be provided as repairs and wider transformation efforts reach key milestones.
Property owners asked to file online for 2026 valuation list
The process ensures rental values are kept accurate and up to date for land tax purposes
The Department of Land Valuation has begun preparations for Bermuda’s new 2026 Valuation List, requiring all property owners across the island to submit updated property details by 28 February 2026. Under the Land Valuation and Tax Act 1967, this process ensures rental values are kept accurate and up to date for land tax purposes.
For the first time, revaluation return forms must be submitted electronically through the Government’s official website at www.gov.bm/2026-revaluation. Property owners can complete the forms online and access clear guidance to assist them. For most property owners, the online form offers a faster, simpler, and more convenient way to provide information. The form can be completed on any device, though a PC or tablet is recommended for ease of use. For assistance, property owners may contact the Land Valuation Department at 297-7964, option 0.
Hard copy forms will only be mailed to specialist commercial and tourist properties, including car parks, cycle liveries, gas stations, hotel shops, and tourist units.
Premier and Minister of Finance, The Hon. E. David Burt, JP, MP, said: “We are modernising the way Bermudians interact with Government by adopting a secure, fully digital system for the revaluation process. Online submission improves accuracy, reduces administrative costs, and delivers more accessible service for taxpayers. This digital transformation strengthens the foundation of our land valuation system, supporting fair assessments and efficient public administration.”
Providing accurate information is essential to ensure fair and transparent valuations. The online system is secure and encrypted, and all information provided will be kept confidential and used only for the revaluation process. Contact details may be used by the Department for future correspondence. For added security, the system records IP addresses as part of the digital signature upon submission.
This revaluation is particularly important following the postponement of the 2020 cycle due to the pandemic. Legislative changes have since enabled the platform to be upgraded to a fully digital process, allowing for electronic notices and online returns. These reforms ensure the process is efficient, inclusive, and fit for purpose, reducing red tape and making it easier for property owners to comply.
The draft 2026 Valuation List will be deposited on 31 December 2026, based on rental values as of 1 July 2025, and the new Valuation List will take effect for land tax purposes on 1 January 2027.
Three French tourists killed when boat capsizes off Oman coast
The boat, carrying 25 people including a group of French tourists, a tour guide and the captain, was 2.5 nautical miles from Sultan Qaboos Port in the Gulf of Oman when it tipped over
International News via Reuters:
Three French tourists were killed when a boat capsized off the coast of Oman, the Omani police said on Tuesday in a post on X.
The boat, carrying 25 people including a group of French tourists, a tour guide and the captain, was 2.5 nautical miles from Sultan Qaboos Port in the Gulf of Oman when it tipped over. In addition to those killed, two tourists sustained minor injuries.
France’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Reporting by John Irish in Paris and Nayera Abdallah in dubaiEditing by Michael Georgy and Peter Graff
CURB announces Equity Empowerment Grant recipients
The grant supports young Black Bermudians who face financial barriers to pursuing higher education
CURB is pleased to announce the recipients of the Equity Empowerment Grant: Taj DonVille, Halle Teart, Ari Kamara, and Kaelyn Fleming.
The Equity Empowerment Grant is a restorative initiative managed by CURB, established at the request of donors Dr. Alexa Virdi and Dr. Rosemary Hall, who have reflected deeply on systemic inequities within our community. Both individuals have acknowledged the position of privilege they have occupied in Bermuda, particularly in receiving scholarships for further education. In response, they made a personal donation to be administered by CURB through this grant selection process, with the hope that their actions of repair will encourage others to engage in similar acts of accountability and restitution.
Motivated by a desire to address systemic racial disparities and to contribute meaningfully to equitable access to education, the donors launched this grant to support young Black Bermudians who face financial barriers to pursuing higher education.
CURB was honoured to manage the grant process and received fourteen applications, from which eight candidates were selected for interviews. While all applicants demonstrated clear financial need, the selection process also placed strong emphasis on each candidate’s service to the community, their understanding of racial equity, and their commitment to contributing to a more equitable Bermuda, both during their studies and following completion of their education.
The selection process was not an easy one, as the quality and commitment of the candidates were exceptional. Although the financial awards are modest in size, CURB is confident that they will provide meaningful support toward the recipients’ educational expenses and academic pursuits during this academic year.
CURB would like to express sincere gratitude to Alexa and Rosemary for their anti-racism efforts, for the intentional creation of this reparative grant, and for modelling a tangible way individuals can take responsibility for and help mitigate the impacts of systemic inequity.
CURB congratulates all applicants and extends its warmest congratulations to the Equity Empowerment Grant recipients.
OBA MP calls for urgent environmental strategy
Robin Tucker, Shadow Minister of Youth, Social Development & Seniors and MP for Constituency 7, Hamilton South issued the following statement.
For years, Bermudians have watched our feral chicken population grow from a nuisance into a full-blown environmental and agricultural problem. The public has been asked to report large feral chicken populations to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the government has begun selling $100 cages so we can trap chickens ourselves.
Unfortunately, this most recent ask seems to say more about the government’s misplaced priorities than its commitment to solving the problem.
It appears the government’s strategy is passing the feral chicken problem onto the public, one expensive cage at a time. Asking residents to pay $100 for the tools to solve a national issue, while government coffers benefit is not leadership, it’s abdication of responsibility.
The Government received suggestions from the public for addressing the feral chicken problem, but it appears it has opted not to pursue them. Bermudians are resourceful and willing to be part of the solution, but we expect leadership that listens and acts.
The growth of the feral chicken population mirrors another troubling trend – the concerning rat problem across the island. Both these issues point to a systemic neglect in pest and wildlife management. The longer the government delays proactive action, the higher the cost will be to farmers, residents and our environment.
The public deserves more than token gestures and overpriced cages. Bermuda urgently needs a strategy that treats environmental management effectively, that embraces the challenge and seriously considers the opportunity it presents.
Until the government has a strategy that treats environmental management as both a challenge and an opportunity that can support local enterprise, strengthen food sustainability and protect our quality of life, the chickens, and rats will continue to multiply, and so will the frustration of the people who are left to deal with them.”
Honduras’ Asfura to take office after razor-thin election
Asfura, 67, will serve a four-year term until January 2030
International News via Reuters:
Conservative politician and businessman Nasry Asfura will be sworn in as president of Honduras on Tuesday after a closely fought election marred by allegations of fraud and political tension fueled by U.S. interference.
Asfura, 67, will serve a four-year term until January 2030. He has pledged to fight poverty, corruption and crime, and to revive the economy in one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere.
He also pledged to restore diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which were severed by outgoing President Xiomara Castro in 2023. Such a move would be a major diplomatic setback for China in Central America.
A former mayor of Tegucigalpa from 2014 to 2022, Asfura will be inaugurated after months of electoral chaos in Honduras, fueled by a last-minute endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump, a deeply troubled vote-counting process and a razor-thin victory of 26,000 votes over centrist candidate Salvador Nasralla.
Washington said in recent days it aimed to begin negotiations “as soon as possible” on a bilateral trade agreement with Honduras.
Still, Asfura enters office facing a delicate balancing act. While his party holds a simple majority, he will need the support of rival parties – including those that alleged voter fraud – in order to ratify international treaties or amend the constitution.
Asfura campaigned on a message of “work and more work,” promising to attract investment, create jobs and impose austerity in government spending. He is expected to emphasize that agenda in his inaugural address on Tuesday.
“In Honduras, everything is urgent,” said political analyst Luis Leon in Tegucigalpa. “But two issues will determine whether people feel the government is responding: public health and investment to generate jobs.”
Last year, government health workers went on strike for nearly a month to protest overdue pay as well as shortages of medicines and supplies.
A recent report by the World Bank, the Pan American Health Organization and journal the Lancet said Honduras’ public health system has deep structural weaknesses that leave it highly vulnerable to health crises.
Outgoing leftist Castro leaves office after expanding public investment and social spending. Her administration oversaw moderate economic growth and declines in poverty and inequality, though both remain high.
The homicide rate fell to its lowest level in recent history, but human-rights groups criticized Castro for maintaining a prolonged state of emergency in parts of the country to combat gang violence and for expanding the role of the military.
Reporting by Laura Garcia in Tegucigalpa and Diego Ore in Mexico City; Writing by Kylie Madry; Editing by Emily Green and Matthew Lewis
Oil holds steady as US storm disruption offset by Kazakhstan restart
Brent crude futures were down 6 cents, or 0.1%, at $65.53 a barrel at 1146 GMT
International News via Reuters:
Oil prices were little changed on Tuesday as a massive winter storm hit crude production and affected refineries on the U.S. Gulf Coast, with price rises offset by a resumption in supply from Kazakhstan.
Brent crude futures were down 6 cents, or 0.1%, at $65.53 a barrel at 1146 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude declined 1 cent, or 0%, to $60.62 a barrel.
The U.S. faced a loss of production as a severe winter storm swept across the country, straining energy infrastructure and power grids.
U.S. oil producers lost up to 2 million barrels per day or roughly 15% of national production over the weekend, analysts and traders estimated.
At the same time, several refineries along the U.S. Gulf Coast reported issues related to the freezing weather, which Daniel Hynes, an analyst at ANZ, said raised concerns about fuel supply disruption.
COLD WEATHER TO SPUR DRAWDOWN IN STOCKS, ANALYST SAYS
“The cold weather in the U.S. will likely cause quite significant drawdowns in oil stocks over the next few weeks, particularly if this weather persists,” said Tamas Varga, an oil analyst at brokerage PVM. This could boost prices in the coming days, he said.
The oil price rise was tempered by Kazakhstan, which is poised to resume production from its biggest oilfield, according to its energy ministry. Industry sources said volume was still low.
The CPC, which operates Kazakhstan’s main exporting pipeline, also said it returned to full loading capacity at its terminal on the Russian Black Sea coast after maintenance was completed at one of its three mooring points.
Some traders are also likely to be taking profit on heating oil, which has risen sharply in recent days due to the cold weather in the U.S., PVM’s Varga said.
SUPPLY RISKS PERSIST AMID MIDEAST TENSIONS
On the geopolitical front, a U.S. aircraft carrier and supporting warships have arrived in the Middle East, two U.S. officials told Reuters on Monday, expanding President Donald Trump’s capabilities to defend U.S. forces, or potentially take military action against Iran.
“Supply risks haven’t totally evaporated… Tension in the Middle East persists after President Trump dispatched naval assets to the region,” Hynes said.
Further on the supply front, the OPEC+ grouping is set to keep its pause on oil output increases for March at a meeting on February 1, three OPEC+ delegates told Reuters.
Reporting by Anna Hirtenstein in London. Additional reporting by Jeslyn Lerh in Singapore; Additional reporting by Anushree Mukherjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Bernadette Baum
Spain’s high job creation brings unemployment rate to lowest level since 2008
The country’s jobless rate, at 9.93% last quarter, is the lowest since the 2008 financial crisis that hit Spain particularly hard, but remains among the highest in the European Union
International News via Reuters:
Spain’s unemployment rate fell to its lowest in 18 years in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to data released on Tuesday, as growth in services jobs and permanent contracts showed early signs of stabilising one of Europe’s weakest labour markets.
The country’s jobless rate, at 9.93% last quarter, is the lowest since the 2008 financial crisis that hit Spain particularly hard, but remains among the highest in the European Union.
Youth unemployment, though also at its lowest since the crisis, remains stubbornly high at 23%, data showed.
Still, Spain’s strong economic growth and a 2021 labour reform limiting the extent to which companies could hire workers on temporary contracts were beginning to chart a pathway towards consistently higher employment, economists said.
Its openness to immigration was also a factor in plugging holes in key sectors for job creation, they added.
“Immigration sets us apart from other countries,” said Raymond Torres of think tank FUNCAS. “It has dynamised growth in sectors like hospitality and care which otherwise would have encountered labour shortages.”
MORE MIGRANTS, MORE FULL-TIME WORKERS
Spain’s Socialist government has advocated for integrating migrants into the labour market to bolster the welfare state and growth, setting it apart from other European countries tightening their borders.
The government struck a deal on Monday with hard-left party Podemos, set to be passed by the cabinet in coming weeks, to expedite legal status for roughly 500,000 irregular migrant workers who have lived in Spain for five months and have no criminal record.
The country created the largest number of jobs across the euro zone at 605,400 in 2025, 92% of which were in the private sector, according to government figures. It added 574,700 full-time jobs and 30,700 part-time positions.
Sustaining the trend will require creating better job prospects for young people, boosting construction to tackle the housing crisis and attracting further private investment, Torres said.
Reporting by Victoria Waldersee, Mireia Merino, Editing by David Latona, Charlie Devereux and Sharon Singleton
