Azam Baki, chief commissioner at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, said the agency had also frozen six bank accounts belonging to a suspect and their family members as part of the probe
International News via Reuters:
Malaysia’s anti-graft agency said on Monday that it has raided several firms alleged to be involved in bribery linked to army procurement projects, days after the country’s army chief was placed on leave pending an investigation into the matter.
Azam Baki, chief commissioner at the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission, said the agency had also frozen six bank accounts belonging to a suspect and their family members as part of the probe.
He did not provide details about the suspect or the companies involved, but said investigations were being carried out under an anti-corruption law related to corporate liability for bribery.
“MACC officers have conducted searches at several companies believed to be involved to obtain relevant documents and evidence,” Azam said in a statement.
Malaysia’s army chief Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan was put on immediate leave on Saturday to allow room for authorities to fully investigate allegations involving him “without any conflict of interest”, defence minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said in a statement over the weekend, without providing specifics.
Citing sources, state news agency Bernama reported last week that MACC had recorded statements from three people as part of a probe into army procurement projects between 2023 and 2025.
A preliminary review found that several firms had repeatedly secured high-value contracts, Bernama quoted one of the sources as saying. Reuters was unable to independently verify the report.
Reporting by Rozanna Latiff; Editing by David Stanway
The Mexican Navy said the train, which derailed near the town of Nizanda, was carrying nine crew members and 241 passengers
International News via Reuters:
Mexican authorities said on Sunday that at least 13 people were killed after an Interoceanic Train carrying 250 people derailed in the southern state of Oaxaca.
The Mexican Navy said the train, which derailed near the town of Nizanda, was carrying nine crew members and 241 passengers.
Of those on board, 139 were reported to be out of danger, while 98 were injured, including 36 who were receiving medical assistance.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said on X that five of the injured were in critical condition, adding that senior officials had been dispatched to the site to assist the families of those killed.
The governor of Oaxaca, Salomon Jara Cruz, expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the accident and said state authorities were coordinating with federal agencies to assist those affected.
Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office has already opened an investigation into the incident, Attorney General Ernestina Godoy Ramos said in a social media post.
The Interoceanic Train, inaugurated in 2023 under former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, forms part of the broader Interoceanic Corridor project.
The initiative was designed to modernize the rail link across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, connecting Mexico’s Pacific port of Salina Cruz with Coatzacoalcos on the Gulf Coast.
The Mexican government has sought to develop the isthmus into a strategic trade corridor, expanding ports, railways and industrial infrastructure with the goal of creating a route that could compete with the Panama Canal.
The train service is also part of a broader push to expand passenger and freight rail in southern Mexico and stimulate economic development in the region.
Reporting by Natalia Siniawski; Editing by Tom Hogue and Michael Perry
There was too much Christmas cheer in the veins of some road users over the holiday – and it continued into Sunday…
Collision on North Shore Road/Dock Hill. Photo supplied by Bermuda Police Service
There was too much Christmas cheer in the veins of some road users over the holiday, with multiple arrests for impaired driving – from Christmas Eve onwards.
The behaviour continued into Sunday, with two drivers arrested in two separate motorcar collisions.
Around 12:38pm today, police were called to the junction of Dock Hill and North Shore Road in Pembroke.
Two motorcars had collided, and one driver – a 33-year-old male, was arrested on suspicion of driving while impaired. He was transported to hospital for treatment of a leg injury. Police report that the driver of the other motorcar did not appear to be injured.
Later after 6:17pm, police attended a collision on Ord Road near the junction with Cherry Lane in Warwick.
It appears a car travelling west on Ord Road collided with a parked car. Both vehicles sustained heavy damage, and a nearby utility pole was damaged, but there were no reported injuries.
One driver was arrested for impaired driving.
The public is advised that police roadside sobriety checkpoints are in effect in all parishes until January 5, in conjunction with speed checks and stop and search activity.
The next generation of Bermudian talent took center stage this week as nine new champions were crowned at the Hiscox Bermuda Junior National Squash Championships.
Hosted at the Bermuda Squash Racquets Association Club in Devonshire, the tournament reached a thrilling conclusion with the Under 19 Divisions providing a high-speed masterclass in technical skill and athletic composure.
In the Boys Under 19 final, second seed Eli Carpol produced a clinical performance to upset top seed Andrew Cox in straight games, while Olivia Sherratt secured the Girls Under 19 title via a superior game percentage after a competitive round-robin tiebreak.
Persistence was the defining theme of the weekend as several youngsters survived grueling five-set marathons to reach the podium. Michael Schrah claimed the Boys Under 17 title in a thirty-eight-minute epic against William Frith that swung back and forth until the final point.
Earlier in the tournament, Roman Shaw and Edward Ross both navigated high-pressure five-set semi-finals to earn their places in their respective title matches. Other standout performances included McKenna Kyme and Taylor Kyme, who both dominated their round-robin groups to secure the Under 15 and Under 13 crowns, ensuring the future of the sport on the island looks incredibly bright.
Police released a lighthearted seasonal video warning against breaking the law while partying – but Christmas Eve still saw several arrests
Photo supplied by Bermuda Police Service
Police released a lighthearted video with a serious message ahead of the holiday – warning Christmas revellers against ‘elfing around’.
The video on BPS social media showed some animated elves making poor choices such as drinking and driving, becoming violent after alcohol, and even thieving – all resulting in a Christmas vacation spent in a police cell.
Police followed up with a subsequent post that said some elfing around had begun, with at least three arrests on Christmas Eve and early Christmas morning for impaired driving, and another arrest for multiple offences, including possession of prohibited weapons, possession of controlled drugs and possession of drug equipment.
The public is advised that police roadside sobriety checkpoints are in effect in all parishes until January 5, in conjunction with speed checks and stop and search activity.
Bermuda’s professional contingent in action in UK leagues as the festive fixtures take centre stage
Photo: Ne-Jai Tucker
It was a day of high stakes and mixed fortunes for Bermuda’s professional contingent across the English football pyramid as the festive fixtures took centre stage.
The headline act featured a true Bermudian showdown at Flannery Stadium, where Willie Clemons and Leiston FC hosted Reggie Lambe’s Needham Market. In a gritty Southern League encounter, Lambe’s side finally snapped Leiston’s formidable 14-game unbeaten home record. A 76th-minute strike from Seth Chambers secured a 1-0 win for Needham, leaving Clemons and his teammates to reflect on a rare afternoon of frustration on home soil.
The performance of the day, however, belonged to Kane Crichlow. Making a sensational return to Chelmsford City, Crichlow looked as though he had never been away. In the 50th minute of their clash with Enfield Town, he composed himself to slot home a cool finish after an unselfish square ball from Jason Adigun. The goal punctuated a dominant 4-0 win for the Clarets, signalling that Crichlow’s clinical edge will be a vital asset for their National League South campaign.
Elsewhere, Ne-Jai Tucker was thrown straight into the fire for his Workington AFC debut. Despite some bright sparks from the on-loan midfielder, Workington fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat against Cleethorpes Town. It was a similarly tough outing for Ajani Burchall, whose Wimborne Town side went down 2-0 in a highly-charged Dorset Derby against Poole Town.
Finally, in the Isthmian League, the duo of Coleridge Fubler Jr and Remi Coddington helped Binfield FC earn a hard-fought point in a 1-1 draw with Bedfont Sports. With the relentless schedule continuing, these players have little time to dwell on results before the New Year’s fixtures begin.
Around 2:35 pm on Friday, December 26, 2025, Police and other first responders were dispatched to a serious two vehicle road traffic collision, involving a motorcycle and a taxi, near the entrance to the Bermuda College on South Road, Paget.
Initial reports indicated the motorcycle rider, a male, was unresponsive but later regained consciousness at the scene. He has since been transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, for further treatment of his injuries which are considered life threatening.
The taxi driver was not reported to have been injured.
The roadway has been closed to vehicular traffic while the collision scene is processed.
Traffic diversions are in place at St. Paul’s Lane, and South Cote Road, Paget.
Motorists are urged to exercise caution as they approach the diversion location and follow the instructions of officers assisting with traffic flow.
Christmas Day was marked with two new arrivals at King Edward Memorial – a baby boy and baby girl
Baby boy Ravi with his parents Alshauntae and Roderick Butler III, and sister Novi. Photo supplied
Bermuda Hospitals Board Press Release:
Bermuda Hospitals Board (BHB) is happy to welcome an addition to the BHB family as Alshauntae Harvey-Hollis, one of our CAT scan technologists, gave birth to the first Christmas baby of the year – Ravi. Ravi arrived at 1:55am weighing 8lbs and 12oz. He is the first son of Alshauntae and Roderick Butler III. The couple also have a 9-year-old daughter, Novi, who is very excited and attentive to her newborn brother.
The family said the baby was due on the 18th but having him on Christmas, while unexpected, was the best ever Christmas gift.
Exactly 7 hours later, at 8:55am, another couple were excited when their daughter arrived. She weighed 6lbs 13oz.
*BHB adheres to Bermuda’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and only discloses information on the express consent of our patients and clients.
Ian Fraser, President & Chief Agent, Mosaic Insurance Services Canada
Hamilton, Bermuda, December 23, 2025— Mosaic Insurance will increase its cyber-risk capacity to USD$25 million/CAD$40 million per risk in Canada effective January 1, 2026, allowing the specialty insurer to meet rising demand across all provinces and territories.
The increase more than doubles Mosaic’s previous limit of USD$10M/CAD$15M CAD in the region, and brings Canada en par with Mosaic’s existing levels globally.
“This step-change in cyber capacity for Canada not only addresses a critical market gap, but also builds on Mosaic’s innovative approach to specialty insurance, delivering smarter, more flexible solutions for brokers and clients alike,” said Mosaic’s Global Head of Cyber Brian Bonkoski.
The added capacity provides brokers and insureds with greater flexibility, enables more resilient program design, and enhances how larger cyber risks can be managed.
“Canada’s cyber-insurance market has lagged behind the UK and US from a capacity standpoint, with most domestic carriers capped at $10 million and only a select few reaching $15 million,” noted Ian Fraser, President & Chief Agent,Mosaic Insurance Services Canada. “By increasing Mosaic’s limit to USD$25 million (CAD$40M), we’re closing that gap and giving Canadian organizations access to larger, more efficient protection within their cyber insurance programs.”
Mosaic offers a suite of primary and excess cyber products in Canada and globally, including security and privacy liability, business interruption, voluntary shutdown, cyber extortion, and tech errors and omissions coverage to industries ranging from manufacturing and retail to construction, financial services, and technology. Recent innovative additions include cover for some GenAI risks; protection for digital asset business; and reinstatements that offer options to purchase automatic fresh limits of capacity if an incident wipes out coverage, or a capacity tower runs out.
Launched in February 2021, Mosaic underwrites across product lines selected for high technical barriers to entry and relevance to current and projected geopolitical and economic conditions. As well as cyber, the company’s seven specialty lines include transactional liability, political risk, political violence, environmental liability, financial institutions and professional liability.
Christmas message from Robert King, Leader of the Opposition
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.
This is one of my favourite times of the year, as it is for many.
Some of my most potent memories are rooted in Christmases past. As a six year old boy, I remember creeping into the kitchen when my mother made her famous pudding, so I could sneak an extra piece. And so much laughter over the years, when we gather with friends to play charades and other games.
Christmas is marked by these traditions that create deep bonds.
For many of us, it is a time when:
Decorations emerge from hiding places to brighten our spaces each winter – some passed down through the family and evoke instant memories.
Music fills our rooms with beauty, meaning and emotion.
Generations of cooks gather together in the kitchen to share and prepare sacred family recipes.
People coming together, celebrating and connecting.
Our community celebrations like the St. George’s walkabout, the Christmas parade, the tree lighting in Hamilton and the Gombeys on Boxing Day encourage us to come together, and give us the opportunity for connection beyond our family and friends.
A chance to share simple pleasures and moments that will live in our memories and provide us with joy and hope.
Spiritual leader Ruth Carter Stapleton once said, “Christmas is most truly Christmas when we celebrate it by giving the light of love to those who need it most.”
This has been so since the very first Christmas.
I want to pay special tribute to the scores of Bermudians who have created groups and organizations, charities and foundations, dedicated solely to helping others have a better life – to sharing the light of love.
That support comes not only in financial or practical ways but so often through the gift of time and attention. People bring their skills, their knowledge, their expertise, their energy and precious time to helping each other.
I thank you sincerely for the compassion you have shown throughout the year, and for strengthening our community through your faithful service.
It is a challenging world in which to be growing up and living. We all know costs are rising and opportunities can be scarce.
But together, I know we can work together to create opportunities for our young people. To support their education, their wellbeing, their safety, and ensure there are pathways into meaningful and rewarding lives.
We can work together to ensure that there are homes for all Bermudians, and communities can thrive.
For our seniors, who built our communities, I want to say thank you. And I want to say that I am focused on supporting you to have quality of life as you retire and age. We owe you that and we will work hard to ensure you have appropriate supports and the care you so deserve.
I encourage everyone to spend some time connecting not just with family and friends this season but with those you may not know well, or at all.
If you know someone who may be struggling, and you cannot assist personally, please share the names of the organisations offering meals and support.
Sometimes the smallest gesture can make the biggest difference. A simple check-in, may be exactly what someone needs at this time of year.
Christmas is not just another date on the calendar. It is a spirit that we can carry through the whole year. Not just in the celebrations, but in our actions.
That is bringing the light of love to others. And we can do it all the year through.
I want to offer a heartfelt thank you to the members of the Bermuda Police Service, the Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service, BELCO and the dedicated staff at the Bermuda Hospitals Board.
Your tireless work, often away from your own families to keep Bermuda safe and healthy – 24/7, 365 days of the year.
Your service is deeply appreciated. It makes our community strong. And we are deeply grateful.
On behalf of my One Bermuda Alliance colleagues, and my wife, Miriam, I offer my sincere good wishes for a joyful, peaceful, Christmas, and a blessed and hope-filled New Year.
May 2026 be a year of renewed opportunity, strengthened community, and brighter days for us all.
May the peace and joy that is the spirit of the season be with you and yours – all the year through.
This season invites us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the people who bring meaning and purpose to our lives.
Christmas reminds us that the greatest gifts we share are not wrapped, purchased, or placed under a tree. They are found in our homes, our families, our faith, and in the strength of a community that has always carried one another through good times and difficult ones.
Across the island, Bermudians are coming together at church services where familiar hymns fill the air, in kitchens scented with cassava pie and turkey, and in living rooms where laughter and music echo into the night. These traditions connect us to our past and remind us of who we are as a people.
But even in this joyful season, we know that not everyone is celebrating with ease. Some families are feeling the absence of a loved one gone too soon. Others are facing financial challenges that make this time of year more difficult. To every person who is grieving, and to every family carrying heavy burdens, you are not forgotten. We pray that the peace promised in this season brings comfort and strength.
For Christians, Christmas marks the birth of Jesus Christ, a moment that signalled hope for a weary world. The Gospel of Matthew reminds us, “They will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God with us.’”
This message of hope and renewal has carried through generations, and we see its reflection in how Bermudians care for one another during this season.
When I look around Bermuda, I see that spirit everywhere. In the neighbour who checks in on an elderly resident. In the volunteers preparing meals and delivering baskets. In the generosity of churches, charities, and community groups that lift up those in need. In the quiet, everyday kindness that never makes headlines but defines who we are.
This spirit is the true meaning of Christmas, and it is the true spirit of Bermuda.
There is much this year that reminds us of our collective strength. We have seen Bermudians achieve remarkable things, whether on the world stage in sports and the arts, or here at home through service, mentorship, and dedication to community.
Our young people continue to inspire us with their talents. Our educators and healthcare workers continue to give selflessly. Our cultural bearers, from musicians to Gombeys, continue to carry forward our culture with pride.
As we approach the end of this year and look toward 2026, I am filled with hope. Hope that comes from witnessing the resilience of our families. Hope that comes from seeing communities support one another. And hope that grows from the values that have carried our island through every generation.
My prayer for our island is that we carry the spirit of Christmas, its compassion and unity, beyond this season and into the year ahead. Let us continue to look out for one another, to uplift those who need support, and to build a future grounded in fairness, dignity, and shared opportunity.
This holiday season, I pray that your homes are filled with peace, that your families are surrounded by love, and that the new year brings comfort and opportunity.
From our family to yours, We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
It has been nearly a year since my arrival and swearing in as Governor.
As Christmas lights sparkle across Bermuda, I am delighted to continue the tradition of recording a Christmas message and to share a few reflections on my first year as Governor.
From the very first “Welcome to Bermuda, Governor,” this year has been full of memorable firsts, my first Cup Match – and, of course, the accompanying concoctions I was offered as I toured the Camps.
My first roof-wetting, Peppercorn Ceremony, Bermuda Day celebration, and the National Trust Christmas Walkabout.
Each event has shown me the spirit and vibrancy of this island, and I am deeply grateful for the warmth of welcome I’ve received.
This year has brought significant milestones and proud moments. As a former member of the UK Armed Forces, I was honoured to join the celebrations marking the 60th anniversary of the Royal Bermuda Regiment.
Amidst blustery weather under the lee of Commissioner’s House, the Regiment’s Trooping the Colour parade was a spectacular success. All in front of their Colonel-in-Chief, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester during her packed five-day visit to the Island.
The Regiment and Bermuda truly shone that day.
In front of packed rows of seats, and loud cheers, it was obvious to me how well regarded and respected the Regiment is. With a coastguard busier than ever, next year we will begin a national security and defence review to ensure the Regiment, and other organisations, are configured and equipped to meet Bermuda’s needs in the years to come.
While overall crime rates are falling, security remains a priority, especially as we work to address gang-related violence.
The series of Town Hall meetings, alongside the Minister of National Security and Commissioner of Police, enabled me to hear first-hand from communities.
I’m grateful to everyone who attended and contributed their views.
Together with the three Governor’s Council meetings, introduction of new laws, weapon amnesties and investments in technical resources and more police officers, everything necessary will be done to keep our streets safe.
But – despite the work of the BPS – we know we cannot police our way out of this.
We must continue to strive to help prevent young Bermudians getting drawn into gang culture.
With community support and collective will, we can make the necessary changes, and I look forward to continuing being part of that effort.
Foreign Office Minister Doughty’s visit reaffirmed the UK’s strong partnership with Bermuda, pledging specialist support for the Bermuda Police Service and signing a Letter of Intent to establish the Atlantic Child Advocacy Alliance.
The Minister also met with Bermuda’s world-leading (re)insurance industry, recognising its vital role in tackling global climate risks.
We were fortunate to escape the worst of Hurricane Melissa this year, unlike Jamaica, whose people faced unimaginable hardship.
Bermuda’s rapid and generous response to sending aid was humbling.
Plans are being made for a Regiment deployment to Jamaica in early 2026 to assist recovery efforts alongside the Jamaican Defence Force—a true testament to regional solidarity.
This year has also been a celebration of community, culture, and achievement. Bermudian athletes shone at the Island Games in Orkney, and our pride soared as the Gombey Warriors fought valiantly in World Cup qualifiers.
From dazzling ballet at City Hall by world-class Bermudian dancers to inspiring art exhibitions, Bermuda’s creativity sparkled brighter than the Christmas lights on Front Street or St George’s. Of course, I have to remain neutral on who has put on the best light show!
The extraordinary story of local artist Michael Frith, and his work on shows such as the Muppets and Fraggle Rock, is brilliantly showcased in the National Gallery. It is well worth a visit.
As we approach the New Year and look to the future, Michael’s passion, creativity and imagination is an example to us all that we should not let convention limit our ambition and dreams.
I’ve particularly enjoyed meeting local youth organisations — from Sea Cadets and Scouts to the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and Junior Leaders.
These and other groups offer meaningful alternatives to gang culture. They help shape our future leaders, neighbours and community.
I’ve also seen the incredible work of charities supporting the most vulnerable, reminding us of the importance of compassion and empathy during this season of giving.
To all the volunteers who give their time so generously to run these organisations and charities, thank you.
As we celebrate, let’s not forget our responsibility to protect Bermuda’s unique environment.
Standing next to Castle Harbour reminds me that as we celebrate we should not forget our responsibility to protect the environment.
From coral reef research at BIOS to the unique conservation measures on Nonsuch and Trunk Islands, Bermuda is leading the way in safeguarding biodiversity.
Supporting initiatives that protect and preserve our precious green spaces is one of the greatest gifts that we can give to future generations.
And it’s never too late to start.
As the saying goes: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best is today.”
So, whether you’re enjoying a cassava pie, a Christmas walkabout, or simply a quiet moment with loved ones, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a joyful festive season filled with peace, hope, and just enough sunshine to remind us why Bermuda is so special.
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