The bill approved by lawmakers in December was set to cut the former right-wing president’s prison term to just over two years
International News via Reuters:
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva vetoed on Thursday a bill passed by Congress cutting former President Jair Bolsonaro’s 27-year prison sentence for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election.
The bill approved by lawmakers in December was set to cut the former right-wing president’s prison term to just over two years. Congress can still override Lula’s veto.
The bill also reduced sentences for those convicted over their roles in a January 2023 riot, when Bolsonaro supporters invaded and ransacked the presidential palace, Supreme Court and Congress.
About 2,000 people were arrested over the attack, which drew comparisons to the January 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol in Washington. Many of those in Brazil have been convicted by the Supreme Court of attempting a coup, among other crimes.
“All of the (coup plotters) were tried transparently and impartially, and at the end of the trial they were convicted on the basis of strong evidence,” Lula said at an event in Brasilia.
The leftist leader had already vowed to veto the bill in December. Bolsonaro began serving his sentence in November.
Bermuda’s swimming record books have undergone a relentless overhaul in recent seasons, but a resilient handful of historic times refuse to budge, serving as a powerful reminder of the island’s aquatic legacy.
Despite the surge of new talent, the 2025 Long Course benchmarks reveal that some standards have now entered their fourth decade.
The longest-standing female record belongs to Olympian Jennifer Smatt, whose dominance in the breaststroke has spanned generations. Her 11-12 Girls 100m Breaststroke time of 1:18.00—set in Puerto Rico in July 1987—has remained the gold standard for over 38 years.
Smatt’s name is etched throughout the archives, with her 1992 Barcelona Olympic marks and 1990 Individual Medley times still standing firm against the modern era.
On the men’s side, Stephen Fahy holds the ultimate staying power. His Open 200m Individual Medley time of 2:07.25, established at the 1999 Pan American Games in Winnipeg, has stood unchallenged for 26 years. It remains a formidable barrier for the island’s current elite crop.
Roy-Allan Burch: The sprint king’s 50m Freestyle dash (22.47s) from London 2012 remains the Open standard.
Anastasia Lau: Her 17-18 Girls 50m Breaststroke mark has been the time to beat since 2004.
Kiera Aitken: Multiple Open Freestyle and Backstroke records from the prolific 2009 season remain untouched.
While the “Class of 2025” continues to chase history, these legendary marks ensure that Bermuda’s past greats remain very much a part of the sport’s future.
The Western Balkan countries have seen disruption from snow and other winter weather since Sunday, with the closure of roads and railway lines, power cuts and drinking water affected
International News via Reuters:
A man was found drowned on Thursday in the Albanian city of Durres and emergency teams worked around the clock to evacuate dozens of people from flooded houses hit by heavy rainfall.
The Western Balkan countries have seen disruption from snow and other winter weather since Sunday, with the closure of roads and railway lines, power cuts and drinking water affected.
Emergency teams were using boats to evacuate villagers trapped in flooded houses in the area around other southwestern Albanian towns of Fier and Vlora, after the Viosa River rose to over 9 metres, the defence ministry said.
A 55-year-old municipal worker who went missing on Tuesday was found dead in a drainage canal in Durres, probably swept away by the current, according to the interior ministry.
The emergency services said they were working to remove water from around 800 homes and buildings, after sheltering around 300 people in the army and police facilities.
In neighbouring Kosovo, where vast areas of land have been flooded in the past days, the rain was replaced by snow on Thursday. Bosnia has also been hit by snow.
“It is very difficult to function like this, the streets are not cleared, especially for pedestrians,” said Armin Hasanovic, a resident of the Bosnian capital of Sarajevo.
The temperature of -14 degrees Celsius (7 degrees Fahrenheit) was recorded on Thursday morning in the Croatian capital of Zagreb, with meteorologists forecasting a new cold spell on Sunday with even lower temperatures.
Reporting by Florion Goga in Albania, Fatos Bytyci in Kosovo, Antonio Bronic in Zagreb, Amel Emric in Sarajevo, Writing by Daria Sito-Sucic; Editing by Alison Williams
Pubs, part of the fabric of communities across Britain for hundreds of years, had demanded specific relief after finance minister Rachel Reeves announced changes to business rates
International News via Reuters:
Britain is set to outline a package of measures to soften the impact of a planned hike in business rates on pubs after hospitality groups warned the tax measures announced last year would result in pub closures.
Pubs, part of the fabric of communities across Britain for hundreds of years, had demanded specific relief after finance minister Rachel Reeves announced changes to business rates, a type of property tax on all commercial premises, in her November budget.
Industry group the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said 15,000 jobs could be at risk from the changes as around 5,000 smaller pubs would be hit with a business rates bill for the first time. The BBPA has been engaging with the government over addressing the elevated “rateable value” of many pubs that results in higher bills.
The BBC said the government would water down the planned business rate rises on pubs, as part of a package of support for the sector.
Asked about the report, a Treasury spokesperson said a support package for pubs, including measures addressing business rates, licensing and deregulation, would be outlined in coming days, without giving further details.
Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made climb downs on a number of policies. In December, the government scaled back its plan to raise more tax from farmers, months after it backed down on cuts to welfare spending and scaled back a proposal to reduce subsidies on energy bills for the elderly.
Reporting by Catarina Demony, Alistair Smout and Sarah Young, editing by James Davey and Paul Sandle
Police are managing a single lane system on Somerset Road, just west of Somerset Bridge
Image: Bermuda Police Service
The Bermuda Police Service issued the following advisory.
A large tractor trailer has broken down on Somerset Road, just west of Somerset Bridge, near the entrance to the railway trail. The vehicle was being escorted by police when it experienced mechanical issues.
Police are currently managing traffic with a single lane system while mechanics work on site to resolve the problem.
Motorists can expect minor delays and are advised to proceed with caution when traveling through the area.
Mosaic’s new excess casualty unit will support large corporate and multinational clients facing rising liability costs
Mosaic’s new Head of Bermuda, Excess Casualty, April Andruczyk, with (from left) consultant Mike Warwicker and specialist underwriting team members Andrew Watson and Chris Abraham, with junior underwriter Skyler Powell
Hamilton, Bermuda, January 8, 2026—Mosaic Insurance has launched an excess casualty unit, its eighth global product line, and hired specialist April Andruczyk to lead the business from Bermuda. The facility, which begins underwriting immediately, will provide support to large corporate and multinational clients facing rising liability costs, particularly in the volatile North American market.
Mosaic’s new team includes two additional Bermuda-based specialist underwriters, Andrew Watson and Chris Abraham, along with UK consultant Mike Warwicker, all experts in the class of business, and Bermudian junior underwriter Skyler Powell. The strategic buildout broadens Mosaic’s portfolio beyond its seven foundational specialty lines to meet growing client demand in the casualty space and deliver long-term value.
Target industry sectors will include transportation, consumer goods, industrial manufacturing, utilities, construction, energy, hospitality, real estate and life science, with capacity up to USD$10 million per risk, available through Mosaic’s Bermuda platform—part of its worldwide agency network that leverages Mosaic Syndicate 1609, supported by syndicated partners.
“We are excited April will drive our new venture forward,” said Mark Wheeler, Co-CEO at Mosaic. “This strategic expansion comes at a time when the excess casualty market faces ongoing challenges, and the need for reliable capacity remains elevated. Our approach has been carefully considered and, like all our lines, leverages the most outstanding talent—this time, in complex excess casualty. We have strong aspirations for the product to become a significant line of business for us.”
Andruczyk, appointed Head of Bermuda, Excess Casualty, has close to 30 years of underwriting and leadership, with deep expertise in excess liability and general casualty. Most recently, she served as vice president of general casualty at Allied World Assurance Company in Bermuda, responsible for underwriting, portfolio management, and strategic brokerrelationships. She spent 18 years prior with ACE Bermuda (now Chubb), managing its excess liability division after starting her career at the legacy Chubb Corporation in New York, where she held senior underwriting roles.
“April is a highly respected market leader with extensive technical knowledge and enduring broker and client relationships,” said Toby Smith, Mosaic’s CEO, Americas. “We are also pleased to welcome Andrew and Chris, with support from Mike, who, collectively, bring many years of experience and market insights to support our team as we build out this new line. There are exciting opportunities ahead, and we look forward to delivering solutions that meet the evolving needs of this dynamic market.”
“I’m thrilled to be joining Mosaic at such a pivotal time in the industry,” said Andruczyk. “I’m especially energized by the opportunity to collaborate with outstanding professionals and contribute to a company that is exceptionally well-positioned to respond to the current needs of the complex casualty landscape.”
Bermudian Watson brings 20 years of insurance experience, underwriting Fortune 1000 accounts and handling broad books of business. Most recently, he was a senior vice president of excess casualty at AIG and previously worked at ACE/Chubb. He started his career in London as a reinsurance broker for JLT Re’s non-marine treaty team.
Abraham, also Bermudian, has worked in the Bermuda market for more than a dozen years, beginning his career at Integro Insurance Brokers before joining Chubb in 2020. He has worked with a variety of Fortune 1,000 clients, focusingon transport, rail, and the oil and gas sector, including energy utilities.
Warwicker has over four decades in the US, London, and Bermuda markets, specializing in excess casualty. He was most recently senior vice president, head of excess liability, at Chubb Bermuda, where he helped expand the firm’s portfolio of high-excess casualty business.
Powell, a Bermudian former intern at Mosaic, began her underwriting career with the firm’s financial institutions unit in London, and now returns to Bermuda to join the new team.
Excess casualty insurance terms and conditions have remained tight amid continued pressure from nuclear verdict trends, litigation finance, and social inflation, driving insureds to look towards Bermuda for additional capacity. The excess casualty sphere continues to demand evolving strategies, including recalibrating capacity and rising rate and severity trends, prompting carriers to reassess exposures and become more selective in their risk appetites.
“Bermuda remains a durable, strategically important platform for excess casualty,” Warwicker noted. “This market is supported by a long-term track record, capital efficiency, and growing global relevance.”
Excess casualty becomes the eighth product class at Mosaic, joining cyber, environmental liability, transactional liability, political risk, political violence, financial institutions, and professional liability.
Opposition says neighbours need to know exactly how residential development around Southampton Princess will impact them
One Bermuda Alliance Southampton MPs Dwayne Robinson and Linda Smith are calling on Government and Gencom to provide specific details as to how the new Special Development Order (SDO) for the Fairmont Southampton Hotel, and its associated new residential developments, will affect existing residents’ properties and neighbourhoods.
MP Smith, the Shadow Minister for Public Works & Environment notes, “As far back as 2009, there have been many iterations of Special Development Orders (SDO’s) for the Fairmont Southampton Hotel. There have also been changes back and forth on the requirement for debate and approval by Parliament. Given the significance of this project to Bermuda, we believe that Government and Gencom should acknowledge an obligation to the community to be transparent and answer questions about the overall development.”
She continues: “We believe those questions should include financial justification for the scope of the residential component and the impact the current development plans will have on the quality of life for everyday residents to continue to enjoy Bermuda’s public South Shore Road, vistas and amenities.
“‘We recognise the need for additional development to enable acceptable rate of return on a hotel investment. However, what is not clear is how Government and the developer arrived at the conclusion that the current plan is reasonable and balances beneficial fairness to the community and the developer.”
Shadow Minister for Tourism & Transport, Dwayne Robinson, looks forward to seeing the hotel reopen. “I want to be abundantly clear that the OBA supports the redevelopment of the Fairmont Southampton Hotel. We look forward to the day when this iconic property is back up and running.
“That said, it is difficult to feel the same about some of the residential plans. Not enough detailed meaningful information has been shared with the public, particularly the residents of Southampton who will be most affected by the construction, increased traffic, noise and loss of open spaces.”
MP Robinson adds, even the developer has admitted that some of what has been shared with the public has been based on assumptions, and incomplete drawings and renderings: “We believe that the lack of details shared with the public effectively fails to provide the community with a clear understanding as to what has been agreed and at what cost to Bermuda and the local Southampton community. I am also uncertain whether or not Bermudians will be able to afford the residential units.”
Both MPs are calling on Government and the developers to engage residents of Southampton in an open forum.
“Our constituents in Southampton East Central and Southampton West Central will be most affected by the residential developments covered under the Fairmont Southampton SDO. It is certainly reasonable for them to want to clearly understand what is being planned and how it will change the view from their backyards and the living conditions in their immediate neighbourhoods,” Ms Smith concludes.
Maxanne Javita Caines sworn in as new Residents’ Councillor
The City of Hamilton welcomed Ms. Maxanne Javita Caines as its newest Residents Councillor following her swearing-in at this month’s Board meeting. Surrounded by family and fellow Council members, Councillor Caines took the oath of office and was formally welcomed by Mayor Charles Gosling, JP.
“We are pleased to welcome Ms. Caines to the Council,” said Mayor Gosling. “She brings demonstrated leadership in marketing, events, and public engagement, as well as a strong record of community involvement. The Council looks forward to drawing on her talents as we continue to serve the residents and businesses of Hamilton.”
Ms. Caines is a marketing and events professional with experience in strategic communications, brand development, and large-scale event management across both the public and private sectors. She is the Lead Consultant at The Pristine Group, a Bermuda-based marketing and events company specializing in weddings, corporate events, destination experiences, and full-service marketing solutions.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from Oakwood University and earned her graduate degree from the Brussels School of International Studies. While in Brussels, Ms. Caines worked at the Government of Bermuda’s Brussels Office, gaining experience in international engagement, policy, and diplomacy.
Ms. Caines has played an active role in a range of philanthropic and community initiatives, championing grassroots, youth, and women-focused programmes that deliver meaningful support to those in need. She also serves as Chair of the Water Safety Council, providing strategic leadership on initiatives focused on water safety education, advocacy, and public awareness in Bermuda.
Councillor Caines said of her appointment: “It is truly an honor to serve the City of Hamilton. I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and I look forward to engaging directly with residents, listening to their concerns, and understanding their lived experiences. I am committed to being a strong voice and a dedicated advocate for the people I represent, and to working collaboratively to help build a city that is safe, vibrant, inclusive, and reflective of the pride we all share in our community.”
Her appointment as Residents Councillor was declared uncontested. The election followed the resignation of Councillor RoseAnne Edwards in October 2025.
As a Residents Councillor, Ms. Caines joins Mayor Gosling and fellow Councillors Nicholas Swan, John Harvey, Dennis Tucker, Jenefer Brimmer, George Scott, Shawn Brown, and Michael Branco in overseeing the administration of the City.
Non-profit stakeholder concerned over silence following critical UNESCO mission report; Government says it will provide updates in due course
Image: Meredith Andrews Photography
A non-profit stakeholder is raising concerns over apparent delays in government action tied to the future of St. George’s, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
More than a year after policymakers received a critical report identifying key gaps in the site’s management and governance, there has still been no public update on what, if anything, has been done.
Dr. Charlotte Andrews, Head of Cultural Heritage at the Bermuda National Trust, says the lack of communication is troubling, especially after the historic site marked a major milestone.
WATCH the full report below.
UPDATE: A Government spokesperson issued the following response.
“The Government has previously acknowledged receipt of the 2024 joint UNESCO/ICOMOS mission report and recognizes the importance of its recommendations for the continued protection and effective management of Bermuda’s World Heritage Site.
“Since receipt of the report, the Ministry of Housing and Municipalities has been in preliminary discussions with the Department of Planning regarding the World Heritage Site Management Plan and agrees that ongoing engagement with all relevant stakeholders will be essential as this work progresses.
“With respect to the establishment of any future management or governance body, it is important to note that the overall framework for municipal governance has, until recently, been subject to legal uncertainty pending the decision of the Privy Council. That decision has now been received, and the Government will carefully consider next steps in due course, including matters related to the governance and management of the World Heritage Site.
“As this work involves multiple agencies and important stakeholder consultation, Government will provide further updates once the appropriate internal reviews and coordination processes are completed.“
Students who need help funding their studies are encouraged to apply now for financial aid ahead of the Spring term
Bermuda College is encouraging new and returning students who need help funding their studies to apply now for financial aid ahead of the upcoming application deadlines for the Spring term.
Financial assistance is available to students pursuing academic (credit) programmes, as well as those enrolled in professional and career advancement courses offered through the Athora Division of Professional and Career Education (APACE).
Last year, more than $577,000 in financial support was available to students. Over the past five years, total support has exceeded $3.1 million, averaging $621,000 annually.
Deanae Miller, the College’s Financial Aid Officer, said: “Every day, I meet students who are capable, motivated, and ready to succeed, but uncertain about whether they can afford to take the next step.
“My role is to make sure finances are not the reason someone puts their goals on hold. Financial aid exists to open doors, not close them, and we are here to help students understand their options and move forward with confidence.”
Key Financial Aid Deadlines:
Academic (credit) programmes: Tuition payment deadline – January 16 APACE programmes: Final financial aid application deadline – February 27
Bermuda College’s Financial Support Services administers awards, grants, and scholarships to ensure that finances are not a barrier to further education, including professional certifications.
To be considered for financial aid, students must meet the following general requirements:
• Must be Bermudian • Must be registered in Bermuda College courses on or before the published application deadline • Demonstrate satisfactory academic progress (SAP), defined as a minimum GPA of 2.00 • Submit a complete application, including any requested documentation, before the published deadline
Students may contact the Financial Support Services team for more information or to book an in-person or virtual appointment:
Bermuda College encourages all eligible students to act now and submit their financial aid applications before the deadlines to secure support for the upcoming semester.
December’s solid food sales offered some relief for major retailers, but lingering caution and stubborn inflation cloud the outlook for 2026
International News via Reuters:
Britons prioritised festive food but thought twice about spending on clothing and gifts over Christmas, trading updates from Tesco, Marks & Spencer and Primark showed on Thursday.
December’s solid food sales offered some relief for major retailers, but lingering caution and stubborn inflation cloud the outlook for 2026.
Tesco, Britain’s biggest food retailer, reported a 3.2% rise in underlying UK sales for the six-week festive period, calling it a “strong” Christmas. That was below summer growth of 4.6% and slightly under analyst forecasts. Its shares fell 5%.
‘COUNTING EVERY PENNY’
Marks & Spencer’s underlying food sales jumped 5.6% in the Christmas quarter, but clothing, home and beauty dropped 2.9%, hit by weak demand and the fallout from a cyber hack last year.
That dovetailed with Primark owner Associated British Foods, which said Britain’s clothing market was “difficult” over Christmas. Its shares slumped 11% after it also warned of falling sales in continental Europe.
Greggs, Britain’s biggest fast-food chain, flagged subdued consumer confidence and guided to flat profit this year.
Tesco CEO Ken Murphy said consumer confidence was mixed, with some shoppers “counting every penny”.
“I think we’ve seen over Christmas that, despite comments to the contrary, people enjoyed Christmas … they traded up,” he told reporters.
“I can’t legislate for what 2026 holds for anybody.”
Consumer confidence remains fragile as unemployment rises. Official data last month showed Britain’s jobless rate at its highest since early 2021.
On Tuesday, fashion retailer Next reported better-than-expected Christmas sales but warned growth would slow in 2026. CEO Simon Wolfson said he feared employment pressures would weigh on spending as the year progresses.
Reporting by James Davey, Paul Sandle and Yadarisa Shabong. Writing by Sarah Young and Mark Potter
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
