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UK says NATO talks on deterring Russia in the Arctic ‘business as usual’

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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UK says NATO talks on deterring Russia in the Arctic ‘business as usual’

The Telegraph reported on Saturday that military chiefs from Britain and other European countries were drawing up plans for a possible NATO mission in Greenland

International News via Reuters:

Britain said on Sunday discussions with other NATO members on deterring Russian activity in the Arctic were “business as usual”, after media reports the UK was in talks with its European allies about deploying a military force to Greenland.

The Telegraph reported on Saturday that military chiefs from Britain and other European countries were drawing up plans for a possible NATO mission in Greenland, which U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wanted to acquire.

The newspaper said British officials had begun early-stage talks with Germany, France and others on plans that could involve deploying British troops, warships and aircraft to protect Greenland from Russia and China.

Bloomberg News, citing people familiar with the plans, reported separately on Sunday that Germany, whose foreign and finance ministers are in Washington on Monday, will propose setting up a joint NATO mission to protect the Arctic region.

British transport minister Heidi Alexander told Sky News that talks on how to deter Russian President Vladimir Putin in the Arctic were “business as usual”.

“It’s becoming an increasingly contested geopolitical region, with Russia and China … you would expect us to be talking to all our allies in NATO about what we can do to deter Russian aggression in the Arctic Circle,” Alexander said.

Britain was “committed to working with NATO allies to strengthen NATO’s Arctic deterrence and defence,” said a government spokesperson when asked about the Telegraph report.

DOUBTS ON US CLAIMS ON ARCTIC VESSELS

Trump has said the U.S. must own Greenland, an autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark, to prevent Russia or China occupying the strategically located and minerals-rich territory in the future, arguing U.S. military presence there was not enough.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who will meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday, said that a solution to U.S. concerns over Russian or Chinese vessels needed to be found within the framework of the NATO alliance.

“If it comes to questions of territorial sovereignty, we are absolutely clear: The future of Greenland has to be decided by the people of Greenland,” said Wadephul on Sunday.

Trump has not provided any evidence to back up his claims of Russian and Chinese vessels operating near Greenland, which Denmark disputes.

Vessel tracking data from MarineTraffic and LSEG show no Chinese or Russian ship presence near Greenland.

Reporting by Catarina Demony in London and Alexander Ratz in Reykjavik; Additional reporting by Rishabh Jaiswal; Writing by Miranda MurrayEditing by Tomasz Janowski and Ros Russell

Villa victory; Cup heartbreak for Bermuda’s overseas stars

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Villa victory; Cup heartbreak for Bermuda’s overseas stars

Goater’s Aston Villa Women stage a 2nd half comeback to edge out Brighton 2-1

Aston Villa Women staged a breathless second-half comeback to defeat Brighton 2-1 in the Women’s Super League, watched on by assistant coach and Bermudian legend Shaun Goater.

The Villans found themselves trailing early at Villa Park after Fuka Tsunoda capitalised on a defensive lapse in the 11th minute. However, the hosts emerged from the interval with renewed intensity, striking twice in a frantic 92-second window to flip the contest on its head.

England international Rachel Daly spearheaded the revival, rising highest to head home an equaliser in the 57th minute. Before the Brighton defence could catch its breath, top scorer Kirsty Hanson latched onto the ball on the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner. The victory marks a significant start to 2026 for Goater and the Villa coaching staff, moving the club up to sixth in the WSL table.

It was a more sombre afternoon for Bermudian forward Jasmine Spence, whose Newport Pagnell Town Women side bowed out of the League Cup following a dramatic encounter with Notts County Women Development.

Spence, who has been in clinical form this season with four goals and four assists, was a constant threat throughout a tense 120 minutes of football. Despite both sides creating clear-cut openings, the match remained deadlocked at 0-0 after extra time. The tie was ultimately decided from the penalty spot, where Newport Pagnell unfortunately fell 3-2 in the shootout.

The “Big Freeze” currently sweeping across the United Kingdom continued to disrupt the sporting calendar for several other Bermudian internationals.

A raft of fixtures in the FA Women’s National League and various regional divisions were postponed on Sunday morning due to frozen pitches. Match officials deemed surfaces unplayable at several venues, leaving the likes of Aaliyah Nolan and Kenni Thompson facing a fixture backlog as the winter weather continues to bite.

Bermuda’s surplus on trade with non-residents falls by $34 million

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bermuda’s surplus on trade with non-residents falls by $34 million

The Ministry of Economy and Labour said the island realised a $532 million surplus for Q2 2025

Full statement from the Ministry of Economy and Labour:

Today, the Ministry of Economy and Labour released the 2025 Q2 Balance of Payments & International Investment Position publication. 

The Minister explained, “Bermuda’s trade with non-residents resulted in a $532 million surplus for the second quarter of 2025, down $34 million from a year ago.

“Transactions related to trade in goods led to a contraction of the deficit on the goods account, decreasing by $16 million to $320 million. Decreased imports were associated mainly with finished equipment.

Minister Hayward added, “Services transactions realised a surplus of $190 million, narrowing by $113 million year-over-year. The decrease in the surplus balance reflected primarily a decrease in the export of services combining with an increase in imports. The surplus on Bermuda’s primary income account increased by $84 million to $723 million due mainly to compensation earned or paid to non-residents, and income from investments and payroll tax paid by non-resident companies to the Government.

The Minister continued, “Bermuda’s trade in financial assets and liabilities with the rest of the world resulted in a net international investment position of $5.1 billion at the end of the second quarter of 2025. This balance increased by $202 million over the first quarter of 2025. Two of the four institutional sectors recorded positive balances on their net international investment positions at the end of the second quarter. Specifically, financial corporations recorded a balance of $7.6 billion, and non-profit institutions recorded a balance of $98 million. In contrast, non-financial corporations recorded a deficit balance of $2.1 billion while the government sector recorded a deficit balance of $413 million.”

The 2025 Q2 Balance of Payments & International Investment Position publication is available online at https://www.gov.bm/balance-payments. The public is advised to read the definitions and notes on the last three pages of the publication before reviewing the data.

Mixed Fortunes for Overseas Contingent as Big Freeze Bites

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Mixed Fortunes for Overseas Contingent as Big Freeze Bites

Football: Bermudians in action in UK leagues

Bermuda’s overseas footballers faced a weekend of contrasting fortunes across the English football pyramid, with tactical triumphs and debut drama overshadowed by a wave of frozen pitches that brought much of the non-league schedule to a standstill.

In League One, Nahki Wells continued his influential start to 2026, providing a vital assist as Luton Town secured their first victory of the new year. After a goalless first half against Stevenage, the Hatters fell behind to a Lewis Freestone opener. However, Wells helped orchestrate a spirited fightback, feeding Gideon Kodua for the decisive 64th-minute goal to seal a 2-1 win.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Nathan Trott experienced a rollercoaster afternoon at Brisbane Road. The Cardiff City shot-stopper was caught out early on as Leyton Orient’s Dom Ballard closed him down to score from close range. Trott quickly atoned for the error, producing a world-class reflex save to deny a goalbound header from Lloyd and ensure Cardiff left East London with a 1-1 draw, a result that keeps them four points clear at the top of League One.

It was a significant day for Justin Donawa and Keziah Martin, who both made their debuts for Hereford FC in the FA Trophy. In a pulsating encounter against AFC Fylde, the Bulls fought back from two goals down to force a 2-2 draw. Despite Martin successfully converting his penalty in the ensuing shootout, Hereford were eventually knocked out 4-3, ending their cup run.

Elsewhere in the Southern League:

Willie Clemons earned Man of the Match honours for Leiston FC, scoring in a comprehensive 4-1 victory over Kettering Town.

Ajani Burchall featured for Wimborne Town as they shared the points in a 1-1 draw with Basingstoke Town at the Wyatt Homes Stadium.

The “Big Freeze” across the UK claimed several fixtures involving Bermudian talent. Harry Twite and his Loughborough Students teammates saw their clash with Coleshill Town abandoned at half-time with the score level at 1-1, as the referee deemed the icy surface too dangerous to continue. Numerous other matches across the National League North and South were postponed before kickoff, leaving a significant backlog for the island’s professional exports.

Traffic controls in place for ‘Rum to the Beach’ road race

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Traffic controls in place for ‘Rum to the Beach’ road race

The race will start at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 11th from Dundonald Street in Hamilton

Full statement from the Government:

The Ministry of Public Works and Environment advises that the “Rum to the Beach” road race, presented by Goslings and the Hamilton Princess, will be held on Sunday, 11 January 2026.

The race will occur between 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., starting from Dundonald Street in Hamilton and finishing at the Hamilton Princess Beach Club in Southampton.

Although no road closures are scheduled, traffic controls will be in place along the route. Police Officers and Race Marshals will be stationed to direct traffic and ensure public safety. Motorists are asked to proceed with caution and follow all instructions provided.

Please refer to the attached original Road Traffic Notices for further information on both the road closure and the race event.

Op-ed: Addressing Bermuda’s affordable housing crisis

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Op-ed: Addressing Bermuda’s affordable housing crisis

The Deputy Leader of the Progressive Labour Party and Minister of Housing and Municipalities defends strategy to provide safe, stable housing for residents

Full statement below:

To some the housing issue is “somebody else’s problem,” but to us, housing is about whether a senior can afford to stay in the home or neighbourhood they helped build. It’s about whether a young family can put down roots instead of bouncing from rental to rental, and it’s about whether every Bermudian feels secure enough to plan for the future. When housing becomes unaffordable, everything else; health, education, being productive at work gets harder.

The Progressive Labour Party believes that a decent, affordable home is foundational to a fairer Bermuda. We reject the idea that housing insecurity is simply the cost of doing business in a small island economy. Governments make choices and for us, the choice is to act with urgency, compassion, and responsibility so that Bermudians are not priced out of our own country.

That action is already underway. Through the Residential Building Programme, the Government is delivering new affordable homes across the island, including projects in Paget, St. George’s, and St. David’s, with numerous units coming online by mid- late 2026 and more in the pipeline. Modular housing is being used where appropriate, in order to speed up delivery without sacrificing quality. And for the first time, Bermuda has a long-term Affordable Housing Strategy that sets clear definitions, targets, and accountability.

The One Bermuda Alliance has, as they usually do, offered criticism with little solutions, all while ignoring their own record on housing. During their time in office, housing was completely ignored with no affordable housing units built. Their five years of inaction and neglect helped get us to the housing crisis our people face today. In comparison the PLP has renovated/built over 100 units since 2017.

While we will take on legitimate solutions, genuine compassion for Bermudians, and real concerns, what we will not do is be lectured to or distracted by an OBA that seems more interested in scoring political points than in the well-being of Bermudians. Our focus on increasing access to affordable housing is a key part of that vision.

Yet, as we focus on increasing affordable housing in our country for our people, we also understand community concerns. New housing must strengthen neighbourhoods, not disrupt them. That’s why we are committed to strong screening, strong management, community engagement, and firm action against anti-social behaviour. Affordable housing should mean safe, stable housing for residents and neighbours alike.

Finally, this is a moment that calls for open minds and compassion. Bermuda will need new housing ideas and new ways of thinking. We ask the public to meet this challenge with compassion, for seniors, for families, for Bermudians who are often struggling through no fault of their own.

If we keep our focus on people, stay grounded in fairness, and work together, we can build more than houses. We can build security, opportunity, and a Bermuda that works for everyone.

BAMZ to close for maintenance work

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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BAMZ to close for maintenance work

The Ministry of Public Works and Environment said the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo will be closed to the public from Monday to Thursday

Vistors gaze at wildlife at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo in Flatt’s Village. Photo: The Department of Natural Environment and Resources

Full news statement from the Ministry of Public Works and Enviroment:

The Ministry of Public Works and Environment advises the public that the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo (BAMZ) will be closed to visitors on Monday, 12 January, from 12:00 p.m. (last admission at 11:00 a.m.) until 9:00 a.m. Thursday, 15 January.

This closure will facilitate essential maintenance work on the North Rock Tank. This phase of the project involves necessary work to allow the future reseating of the tank’s large acrylic viewing windows, a complex operation that requires the use of cranes and other construction equipment operating from the facility’s front entrance.

For the safety of visitors, staff and the animals, temporary closures are necessary while this work is underway.

The Ministry notes that the remainder of the facility will be open to the public after 9:00 a.m. on the Thursday 15 January.

Due to the nature of crane operations, all work is weather-dependent. Closure times may shift to avoid working during periods of elevated wind, and the public is asked for patience should schedules need to be adjusted at short notice.

Additional short-term closures will be required in the coming months as maintenance work continues. The public will be notified in advance of any future closures.

The North Rock Tank, which is currently off-limits to visitors, is expected to reopen in April 2026 upon completion of the project.

The Ministry of Public Works and Environment apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and thanks the public for their understanding as this important work is carried out to ensure the long-term safety, integrity, and quality of this iconic facility.

For updates on closure times, the public is encouraged to check BAMZ official communication channels , including Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bermudaaquariummuseumandzoo and Instagram @bda_zoo_society.

Bermuda Tonight – 09 January 2026

Qian Dickinson
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Bermuda Tonight – 09 January 2026

Music Box to play its final tune

Gary Foster Skelton
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Music Box to play its final tune

The Reid Street music store, once the prime spot to get the latest releases from local and international performers, will close at the end of January

It’s a melody that has lasted 70 years, but this month The Music Box will play it’s final tune.

Owner Helena Escolastica cites the rise of the digital age as having pulled customers away from the once-bustling high street music store.

…and she wonders if we have therefore lost part of our human connection over music.

Gary Foster Skelton visited the Reid Street landmark today.

WATCH the report above…

Saks Global seeks to file for bankruptcy as soon as Sunday, Bloomberg News reports

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Saks Global seeks to file for bankruptcy as soon as Sunday, Bloomberg News reports

The owner of New York’s century-old Fifth Avenue flagship store is preparing to file for bankruptcy without a restructuring deal in place, though it aims to craft one in the coming weeks

International News via Reuters:

Luxury retailer Saks Global is planning to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy as soon as Sunday, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The owner of New York’s century-old Fifth Avenue flagship store is preparing to file for bankruptcy without a restructuring deal in place, though it aims to craft one in the coming weeks, according to the report.

The company is also in advanced discussions on a $1.25 billion debtor-in-possession financing package with creditors, which would allow it to keep its business running during bankruptcy and pay vendor dues, the Bloomberg report said.

Saks Global did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The insolvency caps years of mounting pressures for a retailer loved by movie stars and royals, including Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly.

Faced with rising competition from online outlets and brands’ desire to sell through directly owned stores, Saks Fifth Avenue’s parent, Hudson’s Bay Company, bet on scale by merging with rival Neiman Marcus in 2024 to create Saks Global.

The deal, aimed at creating a luxury powerhouse, saddled the new group with debt amid a global luxury sales slowdown.

Under the proposed debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing, major creditors would provide about $1 billion in new funds to support the bankruptcy process, according to the Bloomberg report.

Lenders could add $250 million by rolling up existing loans, and noteholders may inject another $500 million after the company emerges from bankruptcy, though talks continue, the report added.

Reporting by Anuja Bharat Mistry in Bengaluru; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty, Shinjini Ganguli and Maju Samuel

Dollar gains against major currencies following U.S. jobs data

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Dollar gains against major currencies following U.S. jobs data

Financial markets had been bracing for a probable Supreme Court decision that could strike down President Donald Trump’s tariffs

International News via Reuters:

The dollar gained on Friday after data showed slower than expected U.S. jobs growth, suggesting the Federal Reserve could leave interest rates unchanged later this month.

Financial markets had been bracing for a probable Supreme Court decision that could strike down President Donald Trump’s tariffs. But the court will not issue that ruling on Friday.

The U.S. economy added 50,000 jobs in December, according to Labor Department data on Friday. That was lower than an estimate of 60,000 jobs growth forecast by economists polled by Reuters.

The dollar rose marginally across peer currencies as the data before paring those gains. 

The greenback was up 0.72% to 158 against the Japanese yen and was up 0.25% to 0.801 against the Swiss franc.

The euro was down 0.22% against the dollar at $1.1633. The dollar index rose 0.27% to 99.14.

“In real life, the standard error margin for non-farm payrolls is 20,000 and so I don’t think the market is going to pay much to this,” said Steve Englander, head of global G10 FX Research at Standard Chartered. “If the Supreme Court rules on tariffs, I think that will be the most important development of the day.”

Trump invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to impose tariffs without the approval of Congress.

If the decision goes against Trump, company executives, customs brokers and trade lawyers are girding for a possible fight to secure refunds of about $150 billion from the U.S.

“It’s possible the Court could find a way to mitigate the impact of the fiscal stream in terms of refunds or what they can do in the future. But if they completely strike everything down, we actually think the bond market will react really badly,” Englander added.

Fed funds futures are pricing an implied probability of 95% that the central bank holds interest rates at its next two-day meet on January 27 and 28, up from 68% a month ago, the CME Group’s FedWatch tool shows. 

Reporting by Chibuike Oguh in New York; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Nick Zieminski

Dutch parties aiming for rare minority coalition government

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Dutch parties aiming for rare minority coalition government

Negotiations are set to continue between the centrist, pro-EU D66 party, which won the election last October, the conservative Christian Democrats and the right-wing VVD

International News via Reuters:

Government formation talks in the Netherlands will be aimed at setting up a rare minority cabinet, the leaders of the three prospective coalition parties said on Friday.

Negotiations are set to continue between the centrist, pro-EU D66 party, which won the election last October, the conservative Christian Democrats and the right-wing VVD.

This coalition would hold 66 seats in the 150-seat lower house of parliament, and would have to seek support from other parties for its policies.

“It was not an easy decision,” said D66 leader Rob Jetten, who is poised to become the youngest-ever and first openly gay prime minister of the Netherlands.

Jetten, 38, said it would be hard work to get majorities in the polarised Dutch parliament, but not impossible.

“I am convinced that if we come with good proposals, other parties will be willing to talk,” he told reporters.

“We have to invest heavily in the safety of the Netherlands. Other parties have also made promises on that front to their voters.”

The prospective coalition would also lack a majority in the upper-house Senate, which can block legislation that has been passed in the lower house.

The Netherlands is usually led by majority coalitions, but the heavily fractured political landscape has made it increasingly difficult to assemble one.

After the October election, all major mainstream parties ruled out governing with anti-Muslim populist Geert Wilders after he brought down the last government, led by his PVV.

The VVD ruled out working with a left-wing Green/Labour pairing, the only combination of parties that would have had a solid majority.

D66, for its part, objected to including the Eurosceptic, conservative JA21, which could have brought up the prospective coalition’s seat count to 75.

Reporting by Bart Meijer; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Hugh Lawson

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