Another 59 Italians remain on the island and are expected to return on additional flights in the coming days, as authorities work with Yemen and Saudi Arabia
International News via Reuters:
Italy has begun repatriating dozens of its citizens stranded on the Yemeni island of Socotra, with a first flight carrying 46 tourists due to land in Jeddah on Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
Another 59 Italians remain on the island and are expected to return on additional flights in the coming days, as authorities work with Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities will grant the Italians a four-day transit visa to help facilitate their return home.
The United Arab Emirates last week withdrew its troops from Yemen under a deadline from Saudi Arabia, also leaving behind the remote Yemeni island of Socotra and roughly 600 tourists who had flown in but could no longer fly out.
Air traffic at the island’s main airport came to a halt as a deepening crisis between the UAE and Saudi Arabia translated into fresh conflict on Yemen’s mainland, where the two Gulf powers back opposing groups in the country’s civil war.
Socotra – which lies more than 300 km (185 miles) south of Yemen’s coast, and until recently was mainly accessible by air via the UAE – has been a haven of tranquillity through the years of conflict on the mainland.
Reporting by Cristina Carlevaro;Writing by Keith Weir; Editing by Janet Lawrence
Butterfield has opened applications for its 2026 future talent programmes
Hamilton, Bermuda —07 January 2026: Butterfield has opened applications for all of its 2026 future talent programmes, including the Bermuda Undergraduate Scholarship, the Summer Internship Programme and the Graduate Talent Programme.
Jody Feldman, Managing Director of Butterfield in Bermuda, said: “These programmes are part of our ongoing commitment to develop the next generation and invest in our community. We recognise that there are many routes to success and so our selection is based on more than just academics. We encourage all those who are interested and meet the criteria to find out more and submit an application.”
The Bermuda Undergraduate Scholarship, offered every year since 1978 in honour of Butterfield’s late Chairman, Sir Harry D. Butterfield, awards US$30,000 to an outstanding student who is pursuing a first college or university finance-related degree on a full-time basis overseas. The scholarship is tenable for up to four years with an opportunity to work at Butterfield during the holidays and after graduation if a suitable role exists. Eligible candidates are invited to apply via the Bermuda Scholarships website by 1 March, 2026.
The paid Summer Internship Programme, scheduled to run between June and August, will see interns gain hands-on experience in the financial services industry and work alongside seasoned professionals in their fields. During their time, they will undergo formal training, contribute to meaningful projects and enjoy a close mentoring relationship. Eligible students can apply online at www.butterfieldgroup.com/careers/summer-internships before 1 March, 2026.
The next Graduate Talent Programme is also open for applications. This is a structured two-year programme, which begins in September 2026, and will see the successful applicants spend time in key business areas including Banking, Compliance and Risk, Asset Management and Trust, to gain practical experience and develop technical knowledge. They will also have an opportunity to embark upon an industry accredited qualification and work closely with experienced professionals and a dedicated team. Those wishing to apply can do so online at www.butterfieldgroup.com/careers/graduate-programme before 1 March, 2026.
Just for Laughs starts a new series of shows tonight
They’ve brought joy to our shores for the past 18 years … and the Just for Laughs crew is back, with the first show in a series taking place tonight.
Comedians Alonzo Bodden and Ivan Decker stopped by our studio today, to share a few laughs and talk about being back in Bermuda once again.
The two reflected on their time on the island, the energy of the local audience, and what attendees can look forward to during performances in the days ahead.
Shows will take place nightly tonight through Saturday, in the Harbour Ballroom at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club.
The Swedish streaming company said on Wednesday it has made investments that have contributed more than $10 billion in the podcast industry over the past five years
International News via Reuters:
Spotify is expanding its monetization program for creators and introducing new tools for video podcasters, as it aims to better compete with YouTube and Netflix in the booming market.
The Swedish streaming company said on Wednesday it has made investments that have contributed more than $10 billion in the podcast industry over the past five years to drive creator earnings, scale engagement and build infrastructure.
It is now lowering the thresholds to join its monetization program, a year after the initiative was launched.
“Since launching the program, monthly video podcast consumption on Spotify has nearly doubled,” Spotify’s global head of podcast, Roman Wasenmuller said in a media briefing.
“The average Spotify podcast user streams twice as many video shows per month as they did before the launch.”
The move comes at a time when platforms are jostling for video podcast creators in a bid to tap rising demand for such content as well as the higher engagement it offers.
Spotify creators can now qualify for the program with 1,000 engaged audience members, 2,000 hours consumed over the past 30 days and three published episodes, compared with the prior requirement of 2,000 listeners, 10,000 hours consumed and 12 published episodes.
The company said creators in the program can earn from ads on free tiers and other platforms, but video creators get an additional revenue stream, as they are paid directly by Spotify when premium subscribers watch their videos ad-free.
Spotify will also roll out new sponsorship management tools in April and let creators easily publish and monetize video podcasts directly from third-party hosting platforms including Acast, Audioboom and Libsyn.
It also unveiled Spotify Sycamore Studios in Los Angeles, which will be the new home for The Ringer podcasts and available to select creators. Alongside its facilities in London and New York, the move will help creators avoid costs of renting facilities, Spotify’s head of content partnerships, Jordan Newman, told Reuters.
Reporting by Jaspreet Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath
As Cayman tightens immigration rules, we should look back on protests here a decade ago to see why we must keep safeguards while balancing labour and housing needs
Statement by Christopher Famous, PLP MP for Constituency 11, Devonshire East:
During the years of 2013 – 2016, Bermuda was gripped by a significant social and political movement as citizens took to the streets to march and protest against proposed legislations by the then-One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) government aimed at liberalising the island’s immigration rules. They were rightfully concerned that the changes would negatively impact the job & housing market for Bermudians and fundamentally alter the cultural and demographic landscape of the island. During this time, the Cayman Islands were frequently cited by both government and various business entities as the ideal, or even “Utopian,” model of immigration. This viewpoint held up the Cayman model as a standard of liberal immigration control that Bermuda should emulate. In March of 2016 thousands of Bermudians locked arms and blocked Parliament for 1 week until the then Government withdrew the “Pathways to Status” legislation. Caymanian Reality Fast forward to 2025, due to growing concern of Generational Caymanians of lack of jobs, housing and national identity, the Cayman Islands Government has passed significant legislation that introduces several restrictive measures. The key provisions of the new Cayman Islands legislation include:
● Mandatory Re-entry Ban for Early Job Leavers: Work permit holders who choose to leave their employment within the first two years of their contract are now required to depart the Cayman Islands at least one year before they are eligible to apply for another job or a new work permit on the island.
● Increased Residency Requirement for Status: The minimum residency period required for non-Caymanians to qualify for Caymanian Status has been significantly increased to twenty (20) years. A slightly reduced, though still substantial, period of fifteen (15) years is set for spouses of Caymanians. This change signals a strong governmental commitment to ensuring that only those with long-term connection can achieve the ultimate status of citizenship.
● Elevated Income Threshold for Dependents: The minimum monthly income that non-Caymanian workers must earn to be allowed to bring their dependents to the island has been substantially raised from $3,500 to $5,000 per month. Furthermore, the required additional income for each dependent has been doubled from $500 to $1,000 per month.
● Expansion of WORC’s Authority: The legislation broadens the investigative and data-sharing powers of the Workforce Opportunities & Residency Cayman (WORC) department. Crucially, it also strengthens WORC’s overall authority concerning decisions related to the granting of Caymanian Status and Permanent Residency (PR).
● Amendments and Revocation Powers: a further seventeen amendments were tabled immediately prior to the legislative debate. Including provisions that grant the Director of WORC the power to revoke grants of Caymanian status under certain specified circumstances.
Land Ownership In at least three other OTs, including the Cayman Islands, non-citizens can purchase any value property, leading to shortage of affordable property for locals. In Bermuda, land ownership below a certain property value is reserved for Bermudians only. Had the Bermudian people not stood up against the previous proposals to allow the sale of land to foreigners, there would be an even more acute shortage of Bermudian owned housing than currently exists. Regional Reality
The reality is that all 6 islands of the Atlantic and Caribbean British Overseas Territories are facing a demographic challenge with declining birthrates and increasing seniors. Added, most of our young people do not wish to go into hospitality, service or trade industries. So, we will need to import labour in order for our economies to grow. However, as seen in both the Bermuda Islands and the Cayman Islands, the key is balance between industry needs and protecting the birthright of and opportunities for generational islanders.
The U.S. seized the tanker on Wednesday, after pursuing it for more than two weeks across the Atlantic as part of Washington’s efforts to block Venezuelan oil exports
International News via Reuters:
Britain provided support to the United States in its operation to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic, the Ministry of Defence said on Wednesday.
The U.S. seized the tanker – which was being shadowed by a Russian submarine – on Wednesday, after pursuing it for more than two weeks across the Atlantic as part of Washington’s efforts to block Venezuelan oil exports.
Britain said its armed forces gave “pre-planned operational support, including basing” following a U.S. request for assistance.
It said a military vessel provided support for the U.S. forces pursuing the tanker, and the Royal Air Force provided surveillance support from the air.
Defence Secretary John Healey said the operation targeted a vessel “with a nefarious history” linked to Russian and Iranian sanctions evasion networks.
“This action formed part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting,” he said in a statement.
He added that the U.S. was Britain’s closest defence and security partner: “The depth of our defence relationship with the U.S. is an essential part of our security, and today’s seamlessly executed operation shows just how well this works in practice.”
The Bella-1 tanker, now renamed Marinera, is sanctioned by the U.S. under its counter-Iran sanctions, the British government said.
The MoD statement said the support was provided “in full compliance with international law”.
Reporting by William James, writing by Sam Tabahriti, editing by Paul Sandle and Kate Holton
Bermuda’s Oliver Betschart has concluded a landmark week in Florida by securing a hard-fought tie for 11th place at the 62nd Junior Orange Bowl International Championships.
The 17-year-old followed up his brilliant third-round 68 with a steady final-day 70, finishing the prestigious four-day event at two-under-par overall. Competing against an elite global field at the historic Biltmore Golf Course, Betschart demonstrated the kind of resilience that has become his trademark, navigating a “rollercoaster” final round to remain in the upper echelons of the leaderboard.
His final 18 holes were a testament to his “never say die” attitude. While his round was punctuated by four bogeys, he countered them with five clinical birdies and nine crucial pars. It was a day where timely putting proved to be the difference-maker, allowing him to recover from early setbacks and finish strongly in the Florida heat.
Across the 72-hole marathon, Betschart’s statistical consistency was impressive:
Birdies: 15
Pars: 47
Total Score: 282 (-2)
The Junior Orange Bowl is renowned for its unforgiving layout, and while Betschart had to overcome a triple bogey and a double bogey earlier in the week, his ability to bounce back helped him outperform dozens of the world’s top-ranked juniors.
By finishing T11th, Betschart adds his name to the list of Bermudians who have excelled at the Coral Gables venue, following in the footsteps of his mentor Kim Swan. With the international season now in full swing, this top-half finish provides a significant confidence boost for the young islander as he prepares for upcoming regional assignments in the Caribbean and South America.
Marubeni unit Marubeni Consumer Platform US (MCPU) said it acquired Britain’s Jacobson Group
International News via Reuters:
Marubeni has purchased British sportswear brand Gola, the Japanese conglomerate said on Wednesday, as it seeks to tap into growing global demand for retro training shoes and sneakers.
Marubeni unit Marubeni Consumer Platform US (MCPU) said it acquired Britain’s Jacobson Group, a portfolio of footwear brands that, in addition to Gola, includes Lotus, Ravel and Frank Wright, along with licensed brands Dunlop and Lonsdale.
Under the agreement, Jacobson Group will be integrated into MCPU’s lifestyle platform. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
“The acquisition of Jacobson Group advances the platform architecture we’ve been building and comes at a particularly exciting time, fueled by Gola’s rapidly expanding market resonance,” MCPU President Shana Randhava said.
A BRAND WITH LONG HISTORY AND CELEBRITY FANS
The Gola brand was established in 1905. Its trainers and soccer shoes became popular in the 1960s and 1970s and were worn by stars of Liverpool Football Club and England’s 1966 World Cup-winning manager Alf Ramsey.
But more recently, it has struggled to compete with the likes of Nike and Adidas.
It was bought in 1996 by Jacobson Group, which revived the brand, attracting celebrity fans, including singers Paul Weller, Liam Gallagher and Robbie Williams as well as actor Jude Law.
Jacobson Group recorded turnover of 36.4 million pounds ($49 million) in 2024, driven by Gola sales in Europe and the United States, according to a corporate filing. It forecast 40% revenue growth in 2025.
Jacobson Group’s sale to Marubeni will see Harvey Jacobson, the group’s founder and executive chairman, retire.
Portugal’s housing crisis, which particularly affects young people, stems from a chronic shortage of affordable homes, exacerbated in recent years by an influx of wealthy foreigners buying property
International News via Reuters:
Portugal’s tax exemption scheme to help young people buy their first homes is proving effective amid the country’s housing crisis, with more than 70,000 applicants benefiting in just over a year, the finance minister said on Wednesday.
Joaquim Miranda Sarmento also told a parliamentary committee that more than half of the initial 1.2 billion euro ($1.40 billion) package of public guarantees for banks providing mortgages to young buyers had already been used, and the government had subsequently increased it by 350 million euros.
Some 23,000 buyers have used such guarantees.
“I believe these measures are now considered successful, having enabled many young people to buy homes,” he said.
The scheme, effective from late 2024, exempts most young buyers aged up to 35 from property transfer tax (IMT) on first homes valued at just over 300,000 euros, with a partial exemption on homes costing a little more than 600,000 euros.
In Portugal, IMT rates are progressive, ranging from 2% to 8% of the value of the property.
Portugal’s housing crisis, which particularly affects young people, stems from a chronic shortage of affordable homes, exacerbated in recent years by an influx of wealthy foreigners buying property.
The problem is worst in major cities such as Lisbon, where house prices have tripled and rents more than doubled in the past decade.
“We have an imbalance between supply and demand, that’s what has been driving prices up and we need to increase the supply of new homes, but that takes time,” the minister said.
($1 = 0.8559 euros)
Reporting by Sergio Goncalves; editing by Andrei Khalip
Bermuda’s Kamau Leverock is set to rub shoulders with some of cricket’s greatest icons once again after being drafted for the upcoming season of Legends League Cricket (LLC), which gets underway this Sunday.
The versatile all-rounder has been selected for the Pune Panthers, where he will join a star-studded roster led by West Indian powerhouse Kieron Pollard. The Panthers’ lineup boasts a formidable “Calypso” core, featuring the legendary Dwayne Bravo alongside the elegant Sri Lankan top-order batsman Upul Tharanga.
This season marks the LLC’s most ambitious expansion to date, featuring a seven-city tour across India designed to bring world-class cricket to regions with deep-rooted passion but fewer opportunities to host major international events. Originally scheduled for late 2025, the tournament will now run from January 11th to February 5th, 2026.
The circuit will travel through a diverse range of cricketing hubs, including Gwalior, Udaipur, Patna, Coimbatore, the Amritsar–Jalandhar region, and Kochi. The league will also include a high-profile international leg in Sharjah and Doha, aimed at connecting with the vast South Asian diaspora in the Middle East.
For Leverock, the move to the Panthers follows a successful stint with the Gujarat Greats. His ability to provide explosive power at the top of the order and valuable medium-fast overs has made him a sought-after asset in the “legends” circuit, despite being significantly younger than many of his peers.
Panthers captain Kieron Pollard highlighted the importance of Leverock’s inclusion during the draft. “We have the experience of guys who have won World Cups, but you need that youthful energy and versatility that someone like Kamau brings. He proved last year he can compete at this level, and we’re excited to have him in Pune colours.”
Leverock’s inclusion is another boost for Bermudian cricket, coming just as he recently announced his return to the national team setup for the upcoming World Cup qualifying cycle. The experience of competing alongside the likes of Pollard and Bravo in front of massive Indian crowds is expected to be vital as he prepares for international duty later this spring.
Bermuda’s youth international Riley Khan has received a major vote of confidence after being named in the national squad for the upcoming Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers later this month.
The fleet-footed attacker, who has been honing her craft in the United States since March last year, was formally congratulated by her Florida-based school following the announcement. Khan is currently a standout at the Benfica Residential Academy, a high-performance program situated on the sprawling campus of Saint Leo University in Tampa.
“Our very own Riley Khan has been called into the Bermuda national team to play the 2026 Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers,” the academy confirmed in a social media statement. The move to Florida has clearly paid dividends for the former Warwick Academy student, who was scouted while competing alongside boys in Bermuda’s domestic leagues.
The upcoming tournament represents more than just a regional challenge; it is the vital first step on the pathway toward the next FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup. Bermuda will benefit from significant home support as they host the matches for Group B at the Flora Duffy South Field Stadium from January 24th to February 2nd.
The young Bermuda team face a demanding round-robin schedule against four regional rivals:
Panama
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Suriname
Bonaire
Khan’s inclusion adds significant firepower to the frontline. Before her move to the US, she was recognized as the Bermuda Football Association’s Under-13 Girls Player of the Year, earning a reputation as a clinical finisher. Her experience in the professionalized environment of the Benfica Academy—which offers a blend of Portuguese tactical heritage and American athletic excellence—is expected to be a cornerstone of Bermuda’s approach.
The Benfica Residential Academy operates as a coeducational hub for elite talent, utilizing Saint Leo University’s state-of-the-art facilities to develop players for the highest levels of global competition. For Khan, the transition from local club football to a residential academy in Florida has been a catalyst for growth.
“I am excited to see how much I improve throughout my time at the academy because it is such a professional experience,” Khan noted upon her arrival in Tampa.
Now, the teenager returns to home soil with the weight of expectation. If Bermuda can navigate Group B and secure top spot, they will move one step closer to making history on the world stage. Local fans are encouraged to turn out in force at the National Sports Centre to support Khan and her teammates as they begin their quest for World Cup qualification.
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