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‘Deeply concerned’ parents call for meeting on school reform

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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‘Deeply concerned’ parents call for meeting on school reform

Spokesperson: ‘We are extremely upset and frustrated by the constant changes being made to the education system’

Parents of Year 6 and Year 7 students across Bermuda’s four parish schools are expressing deep concern and dissatisfaction following recent emergency meetings in which they were informed that the Government has recommended the discontinuation of Years 7–9 at parish schools, with all affected students to be redirected to one of the Island’s three middle schools.

Parents state clearly that they do not agree with this recommendation and do not support this proposed course of action.

The abrupt nature of the announcement, combined with the continued restructuring of Bermuda’s education system, has caused significant distress among families. Parents are concerned about the lack of stability, the long-term impact on students’ academic and emotional wellbeing, and the absence of meaningful consultation prior to such a major recommendation being presented.

“We are extremely upset and frustrated by the constant changes being made to the education system,” said a spokesperson for the parents of the parish schools. “Our children deserve consistency, thoughtful planning, and decisions that are made with parental input—not repeated system-wide shifts that create uncertainty and anxiety for students and families alike.”

Parents are therefore formally requesting a joint meeting with:

• The Minister of Education

• The Commissioner of Education

• The Premier of Bermuda

The purpose of this meeting is to provide parents with a direct and transparent opportunity to voice their concerns, ask critical questions, and engage in constructive dialogue before any further steps are taken toward implementation.

“This is not simply about school placement,” the spokesperson added. “It is about trust, collaboration, and ensuring that decisions affecting our children’s futures are made with care, evidence, and genuine community involvement.”

‘Confusion, shifting plans, lack of transparency’

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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‘Confusion, shifting plans, lack of transparency’

OBA gives government a failing grade on education reform

Statement by Ben Smith, Shadow Minister of Education

The Bermuda Public School System Deserves Better

“Parents, teachers, and students deserve clarity, stability, and honesty about the future of our schools. Instead, they have been met with years of confusion, shifting plans, and decisions made without proper consultation or transparency. Bermudians feel this instability every day and our children are the ones paying the price.”

This coming from Shadow Education Minister, Ben Smith, after learning parents at Francis Patton Primary that the Bermuda Public School System will be returning to a three-tier system—under a different name.

“The Minister cannot repackage a middle school as ‘Year 7–8’ and pretend it is reform. Families can see clearly what is happening. The Government is trying to present these changes as minor adjustments, but the reality is very different. That is a three-tier system, despite the Government spending years and millions of dollars telling the country it was delivering a two-tier structure. We are now seeing the consequences of rolling out reform without a complete, fully costed, fully resourced implementation plan.”

He laments: “What happened at Francis Patton Primary is extremely concerning. If the principal was told the school will not receive the building investment previously promised and therefore cannot accommodate Y7–Y8, then the school has been backed into a corner. That is not a partnership. That is not consultation. That is not strategic planning. This is precisely why I have been calling for the Government to publish the full reform audit, the full school closure impact report, the full assessment and support capacity report, and a quarterly public scorecard so parents and teachers can understand what is actually happening. Instead, schools are scrambling because the Government is changing direction without giving the data, the resources, or the support needed to make any version of the plan work.”

We have to remember that the children now in the middle of this restructuring are the same children who lived through the learning loss of Covid, the social and emotional disruptions of isolation, inconsistent support services, and the continuing instability of a reform process that keeps changing course.

Mr Smith adds there has been constant uncertainty for students which has had a negative effect in and outside of classrooms: “Pupils have had to ponder,  ‘What school they will I be attending? What school am I going to? Will my teacher still be there? Is my building still open?’  What toll is this taking on our students’ development?

“Teachers are seeing higher anxiety, behavioural challenges, and gaps in foundational skills. Parents are worried. And our student support systems are already stretched. While the chaos of underdeveloped plans continues we still have day to day pressing issues. Assessment delays remain significant, specialist support remains insufficient and follow-up after assessment is inconsistent, delayed or non-existent.”

He says it’s important to hear from public school teachers.

“We need to hear the voices of the teachers that are dealing with this day-to-day impact but of course their hands are tied and voices muted. Without transparency, we cannot say confidently that children are being supported and that is a failure of leadership. This reform did not belong to one Minister and it did not belong to one department. It belonged to the Cabinet and the entire PLP Government, who gave it political backing for eight years.

“They spent millions on architects and consultantssaw the Minister travel to Asia, closed schools without full plans in place, reversed decisions under political pressure in the East and West, and pushed ahead despite warning signs from teachers, principals, and parents. After all of that, they are now reversing one of the core promises of the reform. Bermuda deserves to know how did this happen? What went wrong in planning and execution? Who is responsible for the waste, the confusion, and the instability? Right now, the Government appears more focused on messaging than accountability but the public can see the reality in their schools and they deserve answers. This is exactly why I have said repeatedly that we need the Independent Education Authority up and running. We cannot continue with political promises that shift every election cycle. We cannot continue with children and teachers being asked to adapt to confusion created at the top. We cannot continue treating public school students as the testing ground for unstable policy. Right now, the Government has created chaos at the very moment Bermuda needs stability, support, and clear direction for our young people.”

Mr Smith concludes: “My focus is and will remain on the students. They get one chance at their education. They cannot continue to be caught in the middle of political indecision and policy reversal. The Government must immediately provide the support teachers and students need. They must openly communicate the progress made to date. And if changes are required, they must outline those changes clearly and transparently. An independent audit of the reform must be completed. An independent body must chart the path forward and any future plan must prioritise stability and student wellbeing not more disruption.

“The whole purpose of changing the tier system was to reduce transitions for students because transitions disrupt learning and development. Yet this Government has created even more transitions, more uncertainty, and more instability. Our children deserve better and Bermuda deserves the truth.”

Traffic diversions after crash in Paget

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Traffic diversions after crash in Paget

There has been a single vehicle road traffic collision involving a motorcycle, near the entrance to Four Ways Inn, Middle Road, Paget.

To assist with traffic flow, diversions are in place at the junctions of Manse Road and Middle Road, as well as Cobbs Hill and Middle Road.

Motorists are advised to use alternative routes to get to their destinations as delays are to be anticipated.

Update: The scene of this afternoon’s collision outside Four Way Inn has been cleared and regular traffic flow restored.

Education Minister pledges to push ahead with two-tier system

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Education Minister pledges to push ahead with two-tier system

Overseas file image

The Minister of Education, Senator,  the Hon. Crystal Caesar, JP, has reiterated the Government’s commitment to education transformation and to maintaining open communication with school communities. Minister Caesar stated, “There is no announcement planned for Friday. None was ever scheduled. Engagement with internal stakeholders will continue as we progress toward a two-tier school system.”

“Education transformation is not a single event; it is a journey that requires honesty, flexibility, and a clear focus on what matters most: student success, family stability, and confidence in our educators. In September 2025, in my Ministerial Statement at the start of the 2025/26 school year, I reaffirmed the Government’s firm commitment to stabilising and transforming Bermuda’s public education system. At that time, I was clear that education transformation is not merely aspirational; it is an active commitment, with tangible actions already underway to move away from a three-tier to a two-tier school system.

“Over the past several years, the Government of Bermuda has undertaken one of the most ambitious efforts in our history to re-imagine public education. This work has affected all levels of the system, including middle school transformation, the Department of Education, and the Ministry Headquarters. While complex, it has progressed through careful planning, coordination, and close collaboration with key partner Ministries, including Public Works, Finance, Health, Youth, Social Development, and Seniors. Public education is a shared responsibility, and meaningful change requires collective effort.

“Throughout this process, we have listened to parents, teachers, principals, unions, and students; examined data; tested models; and learned important lessons about what is working, what requires adjustment, and what must be strengthened.

“As of January 2026:

·         The Ministry and Department are continuing to move towards a two-tier system.

·         Signature Learning Programme is continuing.

·         Four Parish Primary schools are operational.

·         The Code of Conduct has been revised and is operational.

·         Third Story completed their contract in December 2025. The government now has the data, models, and lessons needed to move forward independently. This is Bermudian ownership of the next phase.

·         Work has commenced with the Dame Marjorie Bean Hope Academy Transformation team.

“Our key priorities are: improving literacy and numeracy; strengthening teaching and learning; supporting student wellbeing; and ensuring stable, safe, and inclusive school environments. As we move forward, we remain focused on system stability and classroom-based improvements that directly benefit students.

“Decisions will continue to be informed by evidence, infrastructure needs, and ongoing feedback from parents, teachers, staff, administrators, and unions. While decisions will be made internally in collaboration with stakeholders, the public will be kept informed through formal updates. There is no announcement planned for Friday. None was ever scheduled. Engagement with internal stakeholders will continue as we progress toward a two-tier school system.

“Change on this scale is complex, but our commitment is simple: to build a public education system that prepares every child in Bermuda for opportunity, purpose, and success.”

London midcaps climb to 3-year high on Trump pivot, Ukraine deal hopes

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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London midcaps climb to 3-year high on Trump pivot, Ukraine deal hopes

The domestically-focussed midcap FTSE 250 was up 1.3%, snapping back to a three-year high after escalating geopolitical concerns pressured the index earlier this week

International News via Reuters:

UK shares closed higher on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump softened his stance on Greenland, while optimism surrounding a potential Ukraine peace deal further lifted sentiment.

The domestically-focussed midcap FTSE 250 was up 1.3%, snapping back to a three-year high after escalating geopolitical concerns pressured the index earlier this week. UK’s blue-chip FTSE 100 closed up 0.1%.

Media stocks rose 1.9%, helped by a 5.8% rise in Future after the publishing firm announced that it would acquire Sheerluxe. 

Shares of Ukraine-exposed companies jumped with airline Wizz Air climbing 9% and miner Ferrexpo up 13.3% after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Ukrainian and Russian teams will have their first trilateral meeting with U.S. officials.

The earnings season continued to gather momentum. Computacenter shares were up 10% after the technology firm provided an upbeat profit forecast.

Senior climbed 8.7% after the engineering firm raised its annual profit forecast for the second time in two months, while AJ Bell rose 3.7% after the investment platform reported a 27.7% rise in first-quarter gross inflows for its platform business.

Heavyweight energy shares were down as crude oil prices fell. 

Shares of precious metal miners also offered support to the UK indexes as gold prices climbed on safe-haven demand.

Diplomats said EU leaders will rethink ties with the U.S. at an emergency summit on Thursday after Donald Trump’s threat of tariffs and even military action to acquire Greenland badly shook confidence in the transatlantic relationship and rattled global markets this week.

Trump on Wednesday stepped back from imposing tariffs on U.S.-bound exports from eight European countries and ruled out using force to take Greenland, a semi-autonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark, causing global markets to rally.

Meanwhile domestic data showed Britain’s government borrowed less than expected in December, something that may give Finance Minister Rachel Reeves reasons for optimism in 2026.

Reporting by Tharuniyaa Lakshmi in Bengaluru; Editing by Shilpi Majumdar and Andrew Heavens

EU’s Virkkunen says rule of law makes it reliable investment partner

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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EU’s Virkkunen says rule of law makes it reliable investment partner

Virkkunen is tasked with addressing the security threats facing the European Union, while also strengthening the 27-member bloc’s external borders and its internal security

International News via Reuters:

Europe’s rule of law and reliability are critical to the case for investing in the continent given uncertainties in other parts of the world, the EU official responsible for tech sovereignty, security and democracy said on Thursday.

“Europe wants to really attract innovators and investment, and we are in the process, really to make Europe faster, easier and simpler for the businesses,” European Commission Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen told Reuters.

Europe offered long-term certainty for innovation and investment as well as being “a reliable partner”, Virkkunen said in an interview, adding: “It’s also important for the investors to know that rule of law is respected here”.

Virkkunen is tasked with addressing the security threats facing the European Union, while also strengthening the 27-member bloc’s external borders and its internal security.

One of the areas of technology the EU is wrestling with is the rapidly developing use of artificial intelligence (AI).

Earlier this month, the European Commission ordered Elon Musk’s X to retain all documents relating to its AI chatbot, Grok, for longer while the bloc ensures compliance with its rules after condemning it for producing sexualised images.

“We are now also analysing the changes they have made to Grok and to look (at) if it’s complying … if it’s in line,” Virkkunen said, adding it was “totally unacceptable” for AI tools to be used “to create that kind of non-consensual intimate images of people”, particularly of children.

Reporting by Jeffrey Dastin; Writing by Alexander Smith; Editing by Philippa Fletcher

Finnish president aims to ready Arctic security plan by NATO July summit

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Finnish president aims to ready Arctic security plan by NATO July summit

Earlier, President Donald Trump said he had secured total and permanent U.S. access to Greenland in an accord with NATO

International News via Reuters:

Finnish President Alexander Stubb said on Thursday he wants a plan to bolster Arctic security to be ready by a NATO summit in July after the United States announced a framework deal to de-escalate a row over Greenland’s future.

Earlier, President Donald Trump said he had secured total and permanent U.S. access to Greenland in an accord with NATO, whose head said allies would have to step up their commitment to Arctic security to ward off threats from Russia and China.

The deal came as Trump dropped threats to impose tariffs on eight European allies for their stance on Greenland and ruled out taking the vast, mineral-rich island by force.

Stubb said he wanted a package of measures to be put together to boost Arctic security that would be “not dissimilar” to a deal agreed in The Hague last June, when NATO leaders backed a big rise in defence spending, as demanded by Trump.

SCANDINAVIAN MEMBERS KEY TO PLAN

“In an ideal world, we would have something ready by the NATO summit in Ankara,” Stubb told Reuters on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

Stubb said that a more robust Arctic security architecture should draw on closer cooperation between NATO’s five Scandinavian members – Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark and Iceland – plus the United States and Canada.

The armed forces of Finland itself were trained to operate in the region, he added.

“We have one million women and men who’ve done their military service in Arctic conditions,” said Stubb, who many diplomats and political analysts regard as one of the European leaders most adept at building bridges with Trump.

Trump’s threat last weekend to impose tariffs on European countries that opposed his ambition to acquire Greenland has rattled European capitals, and EU leaders are meeting in Brussels later on Thursday for talks on the issue.

Stubb said he was confident that the EU leaders would maintain a united front on Greenland, and he underlined that it was especially important for the views of Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to be heard.

Greenland is an autonomous region of the kingdom of Denmark.

Trump has argued only the U.S. can ensure Greenland’s security in the face of what he says are Chinese and Russian ambitions in the Arctic. But his approach has threatened to blow apart the NATO alliance and reignite a trade war with Europe.

Stubb, who extolled the role of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in finding common ground with Trump over Greenland, said he was optimistic about the future of the alliance.

“I think it’s completely justified for President Trump to ask Europeans to do more about their defence, and also to pay more for the alliance and have more capability,” he said. “So the stronger NATO is, the better off we are.”

Reporting by Dave Graham;Editing by Alison Williams, Gareth Jones and Andrew Heavens

EU must show unity on Greenland, Ukraine, Board of Peace, preserve U.S. ties

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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EU must show unity on Greenland, Ukraine, Board of Peace, preserve U.S. ties

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Europe should be careful to preserve its ties with the U.S. but that Washington should also understand it should not try to dominate Europe

International News via Reuters:

The European Union must show unity in dealing with Greenland, the Board of Peace and return to discussions on helping Ukraine, which is the main security problem for Europe, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters before an emergency summit on EU relations with the United States, Tusk said Europe should be careful to preserve its ties with the U.S. but that Washington should also understand it should not try to dominate Europe.

“It is important for …our partners in Washington to understand the difference between domination and leadership. Leadership is OK,” Tusk said. “Coercion is not a good method in relation with our transatlantic partners,” he said.

“I would like us to clearly confirm today that we can act as a political community on various issues, be it Greenland or the Board of Peace and primarily Ukraine, because …it cannot be that …the topic of Ukraine has been sidelined — it is a key issue for the security of Europe,” Tusk said

He added that Poland had expected progress on Ukraine peace talks this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos and the fact that Greenland became the key issue was bad news.

Reporting by Jan Strupczewski

Lewis targets technical gains in Dubai as 2026 campaign begins

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Lewis targets technical gains in Dubai as 2026 campaign begins

Bermuda’s premier wheelchair racer Jessica Lewis is set to launch her 2026 season next week, heading to Dubai for an intensive training camp and her first competitive outing of the year.

The four-time Paralympian—who finished fifth in the T53 100m at both the Paris 2024 Games and the 2025 World Championships in New Delhi—is using the trip to transition from a grueling “base season” of training into full race form. Under the guidance of coach Geoff Harris, Lewis is prioritizing technical refinement during these early months to build toward peak speed for the major championships later in the cycle.

A critical focus of the upcoming training block in the United Arab Emirates will be the integration of equipment modifications. Working out of her training base in Victoria, British Columbia, Lewis has been implementing changes to her custom-made racing chair—a specialized six-foot-long three-wheeled “rig” designed for the T53 classification.

These adjustments often involve fine-tuning the seating position to maximize power transfer and “punching” technique on the rims, where even a millimeter of difference can translate to significant gains in the 100m sprint. “I am excited to kick off this season,” Lewis shared, noting that the “base season” has provided the perfect window to overhaul her equipment before the pressure of the global circuit intensifies.

The start of the 2026 season also marks a continuation of Lewis’s partnership with Arch Capital Group Ltd., a Bermudian insurance firm that joined her support team in May 2025. The sponsorship provides the financial stability required to manage the high costs of international travel and elite equipment maintenance.

“Grateful to be a part of Team Arch,” Lewis posted, emphasizing that their belief in her mission allows her to focus entirely on the track. The collaboration aligns with the athlete’s long-term “four-year cycle” strategy, which aims for a podium breakthrough at the LA 28 Paralympic Games.

As the fastest T53 racer in the Americas—having broken a 27-year-old record in 2024—Lewis remains Bermuda’s most decorated para-athlete. Her journey in Dubai next week represents the first step in a year that will test those new equipment changes against the world’s elite.

Bus stop near Horseshoe Bay to close tomorrow

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bus stop near Horseshoe Bay to close tomorrow

The Department of Public Transportation (DPT) advises that due to trenching by Bermuda Waterworks, the westbound bus stop near the entrance of the Horseshoe Bay Beach will be closed from Friday, 23 January 23rd (weather permitting) until further notice.

A temporary bus stop will be erected in the turnaround area east of the closed stop and opposite the Southampton Rangers field.

DPT thanks the public for their understanding and cooperation during this closure.  

Northlands Primary claim historic third straight netball crown

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Northlands Primary claim historic third straight netball crown

Northlands Primary have further cemented their dominance in youth sport after securing their third consecutive Primary School Netball Tournament title following a pulsating 4-3 victory over West Pembroke Primary at Bernard Park.

In a final defined by defensive grit and high-pressure shooting, it was Jher’z Burgess who emerged as the hero for the champions, leading from the front with a vital haul of goals to push her side over the line. The match remained on a knife-edge until the closing stages when Mila Bryan found the net to score the decisive fourth goal for Northlands.

West Pembroke pushed the champions to the very limit as Ariah Tucker netted twice and A’Nylah Tucker added another, but they ultimately fell just one goal short of forcing the match into extra time.

Northlands reached the showpiece event after a convincing 6-3 victory over Somersfield Academy in the semi-finals. Burgess was once again the standout performer, netting five times to lead all scorers.

The other semi-final was a much more grueling affair as West Pembroke needed extra time to eventually see off Harrington Sound Primary 10-8. Ariah Tucker was in sensational form during that encounter, scoring eight goals to single-handedly drag her team into the final.

Knockout Stage Highlights

  • Quarter-Finals: Harrington Sound delivered a statement 9-4 win over Purvis Primary.
  • Tight Encounters: West Pembroke edged out BHS 6-4, while Somersfield Academy secured a hard-fought 7-5 win over Saltus Grammar.
  • The Champions’ Intent: Northlands wrapped up the quarter-final round with a ruthless 7-0 shutout win over Warwick Academy.

The victory ensures Northlands’ dynasty remains intact as the team looks ahead to defending their title once again in 2027.

BBC Radio News: Thursday Noon – 22 January 2026

Jasmine Patterson
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Bermuda BroadcastingBBC Radio News: Thursday Noon - 22 January 2026
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8:41
  1. BBC Radio News: Thursday Noon - 22 January 20268:41
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