French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday slammed a decision by the United States to impose visa bans on former European Union commissioner Thierry Breton and other anti-disinformation campaigners
International News via Reuters:
French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday slammed a decision by the United States to impose visa bans on former European Union commissioner Thierry Breton and other anti-disinformation campaigners.
“France condemns the visa restriction measures taken by the United States against Thierry Breton and four other European figures. These measures amount to intimidation and coercion aimed at undermining European digital sovereignty,” Macron said on social media platform X.
“Together with the European Commission and our European partners, we will continue to defend our digital sovereignty and our regulatory autonomy,” he added.
Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta, Editing Charotte Van Campenhout
From China and the U.S. to Europe and the Middle East, companies are moving from pilots and safety-driver trials toward limited commercial rollouts, often in partnership with local authorities and fleet operators
International News via Reuters:
Ride-hailing firms and technology companies around the world are racing to deploy driverless taxis, betting that robotaxis will reshape urban transport and unlock new growth as regulation gradually opens up.
From China and the U.S. to Europe and the Middle East, companies are moving from pilots and safety-driver trials toward limited commercial rollouts, often in partnership with local authorities and fleet operators.
The eventual goal is to make urban transport safer and more affordable by cutting human error, reducing labour costs and enabling round-the-clock operations.
Here are some of the major robotaxi tests, trials and operations globally:
UBER, LYFT AND BAIDU
Uber and Lyft partnered with Chinese tech company Baidu in December to test its Apollo Go RT6 vehicles for self-driving taxi trials in the UK next year.
WAYVE
Wayve, a British self-driving tech firm backed by SoftBank and Nvidia, partnered with Uber in August 2024 to bring AI to start advanced trials in the UK with plans to begin driverless tests in 2026.
WERIDE
WeRide and Uber launched Level 4 fully driverless robotaxi operations in Abu Dhabi in November, and a month later started robotaxi passenger rides on Uber’s platform in Dubai. A fully driverless commercial rollout in Dubai is expected in early 2026.
The company said it has started testing its robotaxis in Singapore, while its AV ride service, Ai.R is in trials ahead of an early-2026 public rollout.
The Chinese firm also secured a driverless robotaxi permit in Switzerland in November, and started services on Uber’s platform in Riyadh in October. Earlier this year, it expanded robotaxi services in parts of Guangzhou and Beijing.
ZOOX
Amazon’s self-driving arm Zoox began offering free rides to select early users in parts of San Francisco, the company said in November.
It also launched its autonomous ride-hailing service on and around the Las Vegas Strip in September, offering rides to the public for free while waiting for state approval to collect fares.
BAIDU
Baidu’s Apollo Go partnered UAE-based autonomous mobility company Autogo in November to test self-driving vehicles in Abu Dhabi with the city’s Integrated Transport Centre, with plans to expand and start commercial operations by 2026.
In China, Baidu had secured the first permits to commercially offer fully driverless robotaxi services in August 2022, allowing Apollo Go to operate without safety drivers in Chongqing and Wuhan. Since then, it has expanded to Shenzhen and Beijing.
The company also secured a permit to test its Apollo Go robotaxi in Hong Kong in November 2024.
It also partnered with Swiss Post’s PostBus in October to launch the AmiGo robotaxi service in eastern Switzerland, with full operations targeted for early 2027.
WAYMO
Alphabet’s self-driving unit, Waymo, said in October it will launch an autonomous ride-hailing service in London in 2026.
The company rolled out services in Phoenix in October 2020, San Francisco in June 2024, and Los Angeles in November 2024.
In Tokyo, it partnered with Japanese taxi and limousine operator Nihon Kotsu in April to test autonomous vehicles in Tokyo, with drivers manually operating the cars during the initial phase in seven Tokyo wards.
PONY.AI
Chinese autonomous driving firm Pony.ai launched paid robotaxi services in Guangzhou in February, in Shanghai in August, and received Shenzhen’s first city-wide permit in October.
It also began testing its seventh-generation robotaxis in Beijing in July.
In January, the company said it planned to provide robotaxi operations in Hong Kong, initially serving airport staff within Hong Kong International Airport.
TESLA
Tesla began a limited paid robotaxi rollout in Austin, Texas, in June, using Model Y SUVs within a restricted city area, requiring a safety monitor onboard. The Elon Musk-led company is testing its vehicles without safety monitors.
The company also operates a ride-hailing service in the San Francisco Bay Area, and received a permit in November to operate in Arizona.
MOMENTA
Momenta partnered with Singapore-based Grab in December, in a deal that also included an undisclosed investment from Grab.
The company also teamed up with Mercedes-Benz and UAE taxi operator Lumo to launch a luxury robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi in December. Operations are slated to begin in 2026, with plans to expand to other global markets.
Reporting by Arnav Mishra and Anhata Rooprai and Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona and Leroy Leo
The talks come two days after a special meeting in Kuala Lumpur of Southeast Asian foreign ministers convened to try to salvage a truce first brokered by ASEAN chair Malaysia and U.S. President Donald Trump
International News via Reuters:
Military officials from Thailand and Cambodia began talks on Wednesday, both countries said, days after the neighbours agreed to discuss resumption of a ceasefire after 16 days of fierce border clashes that have killed at least 86 people.
The talks come two days after a special meeting in Kuala Lumpur of Southeast Asian foreign ministers convened to try to salvage a truce first brokered by ASEAN chair Malaysia and U.S. President Donald Trump after a previous round of clashes in July
Thai Defence Ministry spokesman Rear Admiral Surasant Kongsiri said Wednesday’s meeting of the General Border Committee would last three days and could pave the way for an agreement.
The talks were held at a border checkpoint towards the southern end of their 817-km (508 mile) frontier.
“If the secretariat meeting goes smoothly and leads to an agreement, then there will be a meeting between the defense ministers of the two countries on December 27,” Surasant told reporters.
Cambodian defence ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata said the talks began at 4.30 pm local time (0930 GMT), led by generals from both sides.
The meeting is the most significant step since fighting re-erupted and follows separate, unsuccessful efforts by Malaysia, China and the United States to bring the two countries to the table.
CONTINUED FIGHTING
Cambodia and Thailand have each accused the other of aggression and violations of an enhanced ceasefire reached in October in Malaysia in Trump’s presence, during which they committed to demining and withdrawing troops and heavy weapons from areas over which sovereignty has been contested bitterly for decades.
In the run-up to Wednesday’s talks, Thailand and Cambodia have continued clashing, with both sides fighting at multiple points since early December, stretching from forested regions near Laos to the coastal provinces of the Gulf of Thailand.
At least 21 civilians have been in killed in Cambodia since the fighting, and more than half a million people displaced, according to national authorities. In Thailand, at least 65 people have lost their lives, with over 150,000 evacuated from their homes.
Cambodia’s defence ministry on Wednesday accused Thailand of using fighter jets to drop bombs in its border province of Banteay Meanchey, describing the actions as “brutal” and indiscriminate.
Thailand, on the other hand, said its neighbour continued to fire heavy weapons into civilian areas in Sa Kaeo province on Wednesday, prompting Thai troops to retaliate.
Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um; Editing by Martin Petty
The Dassault Falcon 50 jet, which took off from Ankara Esenboga Airport at 1717 GMT on Tuesday for Tripoli, informed air traffic control at 1733 GMT of an emergency caused by an electrical malfunction
International News via Reuters:
A private jet that crashed overnight, killing Libya’s army chief of staff and seven others on board, had reported an electrical fault and requested an emergency landing shortly before contact was lost, a Turkish official said on Wednesday.
The Dassault Falcon 50 jet, which took off from Ankara Esenboga Airport at 1717 GMT on Tuesday for Tripoli, informed air traffic control at 1733 GMT of an emergency caused by an electrical malfunction, said communications directorate head Burhanettin Duran.
Search teams found the black box of the plane early on Wednesday, Turkey’s interior minister said.
‘A GREAT LOSS FOR THE NATION,’ PRIME MINISTER SAYS
Libya’s internationally recognised government said the dead included army chief of staff, Mohammed Ali Ahmed Al-Haddad, and four members of his entourage. Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah called it a “great loss for the nation.”
Three crew members were also killed, Turkish officials said.
In Libya, divided between administrations in the west and east, authorities on both sides announced a three-day period of mourning and lowered flags to half mast.
Mohammed Al-Menfi, head of the Tripoli-based Presidential Council, said the deputy chief of staff would assume Haddad’s duties until a new chief is appointed.
“We want to emphasize the continuity of operations as a military institution,” Menfi told Istanbul-based TV channel Libya Alahrar.
Haddad, from the coastal city of Misrata some 200 km (124 miles) east of Tripoli, was appointed chief of staff in 2020.
JET VANISHED FROM RADAR WHILE DESCENDING FOR LANDING
Air traffic control had redirected the aircraft back toward Esenboga Airport and emergency measures were initiated, but the jet disappeared from radar at 1736 GMT while descending for landing and contact was lost, Duran said.
“The aircraft’s voice recorder was found at 0245 and the flight data recorder at 0320. Examination and analysis of these devices have begun,” Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya told reporters at the crash site near Ankara’s Haymana district.
Yerlikaya earlier said the aircraft had requested an emergency landing while flying over Haymana, adding that its wreckage was found near Kesikkavak village.
Duran said investigations into the cause of the crash were continuing by all relevant authorities.
Libyan officials have said the jet was leased and registered in Malta, and that its ownership and technical history would be examined as part of the investigation.
Reporting by Ece Toksabay in Ankara and Ahmed Elumami in Tripoli; Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus and Bernadette Baum
The EU had requested clarifications from the U.S. authorities
International News via Reuters:
The European Commission strongly condemns the U.S. decision to impose a visa ban on five European individuals, including former EU commissioner Thierry Breton, a Commission spokesperson said on Wednesday, adding that the EU had requested clarifications from the U.S. authorities.
“If needed, we will respond swiftly and decisively to defend our regulatory autonomy against unjustified measures,” he also said.
Reporting by Charlotte Van Campenhout;Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta
Tuesday’s solid U.S. GDP reading failed to move the dial on the rate outlook, leaving investors pricing in roughly two more Fed cuts in 2026
International News via Reuters:
The U.S. dollar was on the back foot on Wednesday and set for its biggest yearly fall since 2017, possibly with more to come, as investors wagered the Federal Reserve would have room to cut rates further next year even as most of its peers look finished with easing.
Tuesday’s solid U.S. GDP reading failed to move the dial on the rate outlook, leaving investors pricing in roughly two more Fed cuts in 2026.
“We expect the FOMC to compromise on two more 25 bp cuts to 3-3.25% but see the risks as tilted lower,” said Goldman Sachs Chief U.S. Economist David Mericle, citing slowing inflation as a reason for the forecast.
The euro and pound each nudged up to fresh three-month highs on Wednesday, though were last broadly steady on the day at $1.180 and $1.3522, respectively.
Against a basket of currencies, the dollar index fell to a 2-1/2-month low of 97.767. It was on track to lose 9.8% for the year, which would mark its steepest annual drop since 2017. Any further weakness in the last week of the year would take its fall to its greatest since 2003.
The dollar has had a tumultuous year, whipsawed by President Donald Trump’s chaotic tariffs that sparked a crisis of confidence in U.S. assets earlier this year, while his growing influence over the Fed has also raised concerns about its independence.
In contrast, the euro is up just over 14% for the year thus far, putting it on track for its best performance since 2003.
The European Central Bank stood pat on rates last week and revised upwards some of its growth and inflation projections, in a move that likely closes the door to further easing in the near term.
Traders have since responded by pricing in a slim chance of tighter policy next year, mirroring expectations for Australia and New Zealand, where the next moves are seen as being hikes.
That has in turn lifted the two Antipodean currencies, with the Australian dollar, up 8.4% to date, scaling a three-month peak of $0.6710 on Wednesday, and the New Zealand dollar similarly touched a 2-1/2-month high of $0.58475.
Sterling has gained more than 8% for the year. Investors are betting the Bank of England will deliver at least one rate cut in the first half of 2026, and place a roughly 50% chance on a second before the year-end.
However, most currencies have lost significant ground versus precious metals such as gold, which touched a fresh record high on Wednesday. [GOL/]
Currencies of smaller European countries, often with low debt, have been among the best performers this year.
The dollar has shed 12% on the Norwegian crown, 13% on the Swiss franc — to last trade at 0.7865 francs – and 17% on the Swedish crown, hitting its lowest since early 2022 on Wednesday at 9.167 crowns.
TRADERS ON YEN INTERVENTION ALERT
For now, the main focus for the foreign exchange market remains on the Japanese yen, with traders alert to the possibility of an intervention from Japanese authorities to stem the currency’s slide.
Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said on Tuesday that Japan has a free hand in dealing with excessive yen moves, issuing the strongest warning to date on Tokyo’s readiness to intervene.
Her remarks arrested the yen’s decline, with the dollar last down 0.3% on the Japanese currency at 155.83 yen on Wednesday, having fallen 0.5% in the previous session.
While the Bank of Japan delivered a long-anticipated rate hike last Friday, the move had been well-telegraphed and comments from Governor Kazuo Ueda disappointed some in the market who had been betting on a more hawkish tone, leaving the yen sliding in the aftermath.
That has left investors vigilant to official yen-buying from Tokyo, particularly as trading volumes thin towards the year-end, which analysts say would make an opportune time for authorities to strike.
Reporting by Rae Wee in Singapore and Alun John in London; Editing by Jamie Freed and Gareth Jones
BP will retain a 35% stake in a new joint venture with Stonepeak, which it can sell after a two-year lock-in period
International News via Reuters:
BP has agreed to sell a 65% stake in its Castrol lubricants business to U.S. investment firm Stonepeak for about $6 billion, a significant step in the oil major’s $20 billion divestment plan aimed at cutting debt and boosting returns.
The deal, announced on Wednesday, values Castrol at $10.1 billion, and marks the British company’s most ambitious asset sale so far in its efforts to streamline operations and scale back its renewable energy investments after years of lagging rivals in share performance.
BP will retain a 35% stake in a new joint venture with Stonepeak, which it can sell after a two-year lock-in period.
Shares in BP gained more than 1% on Wednesday following the announcement but were down 0.1% by 0934 GMT.
While the deal values Castrol at about $10 billion, the enterprise value falls to roughly $8 billion after adjusting for minority interests and debt-like obligations, RBC analysts said in a note on Wednesday.
“We continue to question the rationale (beyond the headline multiple) of selling this highly cash generative, low volatility and low capital intensity asset, as ultimately this is detrimental to the long term dividend sustainability and earnings quality of the business,” RBC analysts said in the note.
“Accelerated dividends now will help reduce debt, but clearly at the expense of medium term cash flows.”
The sale, which includes $800 million for accelerated dividend payments, comes after BP put the century-old lubricants unit under review earlier this year as part of a broader strategy to focus on its core oil and gas business.
BP will use the sale proceeds to reduce debt, it said.
It has vowed to sell $20 billion worth of assets to help slash its net debt from $26 billion to between $14 billion and $18 billion by the end of 2027.
After the Castrol deal, BP’s completed and announced divestment proceeds total around $11 billion.
In a separate statement, Stonepeak said the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board will invest up to $1.05 billion as part of the deal and gain an indirect stake in Castrol.
Reuters reported in November that BP was in talks with Stonepeak about selling Castrol. The Wall Street Journal and the Financial Times first reported details of the deal late on Tuesday.
Castrol’s sale process began earlier this year. In September, Stonepeak and private equity firm One Rock submitted bids for the unit, Reuters previously reported, citing sources.
BP last week appointed Woodside Energy’s Meg O’Neill as its next CEO, taking over from Murray Auchincloss.
In October, new BP Chair Albert Manifold told employees that the group’s portfolio was “overly complex” and it needed to shift focus back to oil and gas faster.
In August, BP had said it would launch a review of how best to develop and monetise its oil and gas production assets and consider more cost cuts to boost shareholder returns.
Reporting by Rishabh Jaiswal, Yamini Kalia and Shashwat Awasthi in Bengaluru, and Stephanie Kelly in Chicago; editing by Rashmi Aich, Tomasz Janowski, Jason Neely
The New South Wales state parliament passed the Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill early morning after the upper house approved the bill by 18 votes to eight during an emergency sitting
International News via Reuters:
Australia’s most populous state on Wednesday passed sweeping new gun and anti-terror rules following the mass shooting on Bondi Beach, tightening firearm ownership, banning public display of terror symbols and strengthening police power to curb protests.
The New South Wales state parliament passed the Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Bill early morning after the upper house approved the bill by 18 votes to eight during an emergency sitting.
Premier Chris Minns said not all residents of New South Wales would support the tough reforms but his government was doing everything possible to keep people safe, in the wake of the December 14 shooting at a Jewish Hannukah celebration, where 15 people were killed and dozens wounded.
“Sydney and New South Wales has changed forever as a result of that terrorist activity,” Minns told reporters.
The bill passed the lower house on Tuesday with support from the governing centre-left Labor and the opposition Liberal party. The rural-focused National Party, the Liberal’s junior coalition partner, opposed the gun reforms arguing the ownership caps would unfairly disadvantage farmers.
The Bondi Beach gun attack, Australia’s deadliest in almost three decades, prompted calls for stricter gun laws and tougher action against antisemitism.
Under the new gun laws, which Minns described as the toughest in Australia, individual licences will be capped at four, while farmers will be permitted to own up to 10 guns.
Gun club membership will be mandatory for all firearms licence holders.
Police will be granted more powers to impose restrictions on protests for up to three months after a declared terror attack.
Public display of flags and symbols of prohibited militant organisations such as Islamic State, Hamas or Hezbollah has been outlawed and offenders will be jailed for up to two years or fined A$22,000 ($14,742).
Minns said concerns had been raised over chants like “globalise the intifada”, usually heard during pro-Palestine protests, adding that hateful statements used to vilify and intimidate people must be banned.
Police believe the two alleged gunmen were inspired by the militant Sunni Muslim group Islamic State. Sajid Akram, 50, was shot dead by police, while his 24-year-old son Naveed has been charged with 59 offences, including murder and terrorism.
LEGAL CHALLENGE
Activist groups have condemned the law and signalled plans for a constitutional challenge.
In a statement, the Palestine Action Group, Jews Against the Occupation and the First Nations-led Blak Caucus said it would file a legal challenge against what they described as “draconian anti-protest laws” rushed through the state parliament.
“It is clear that the (state) government is exploiting the horrific Bondi attack to advance a political agenda that suppresses political dissent and criticism of Israel, and curtails democratic freedoms,” the groups said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has also vowed a crackdown on hate speech, with his centre-left federal government planning to introduce legislation to make it easier to prosecute those promoting hatred and violence, and to cancel or deny visas to people involved in hate speech. Albanese has proposed a gun buyback plan as well.
Facing criticism that his government has not done enough to curb antisemitism, Albanese said he spoke with Israeli President Isaac Herzog on Tuesday and invited him to make an official visit to Australia as soon as possible.
($1 = 1.4923 Australian dollars)
Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by David Gregorio and Sonali Paul
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.
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.
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.
2025 is now the second highest year on record for firearms deaths; BPS’ Jason Smith says criminals may be more bold, but also suggests public is more engaged with police
At a Town Hall meeting in September, addressing gun and gang violence, Police Commissioner Darrin Simons said “the people who are doing these things are getting better…”
It’s a grim thought that the statistics appear to support.
There have been six shooting murders in 2025 – the second highest year on record for firearms deaths…
There were 7 firearms deaths recorded in 2010, out of a total of 35 firearms injuries and fatalities.
In 2025, there have been 14 firearms incidents – almost half of them resulting in a fatality. Commissioner Simons previously said, “when they are actually shooting, they are more likely hitting their target, causing injury, or causing death.”
Speaking on the most recent murder of Jahmel Mallory, Detective Chief Inspector Jason Smith believes criminals are emboldened by the belief that anyone who sees or knows something, won’t actually say something.
“I wouldn’t say that the people are getting necessarily better”, said DCI Smith, “but they’re maybe becoming more bolder.”
“One of the reasons they may be becoming more bold is because they do not fear that people are going to actually report on them.”
“This is one of the reasons we continue to encourage the community to come forward and to assist us, because where we have people before the courts, it’s because of public support.”
There have been a number of firearms incidents since the shooting murders around Court Street in the summer:
October 25 – Firearm discharged at a residence in the Hillview Lane area in Warwick, no reported injuries November 27 – Two men injured in firearms incident at a residence on Club Road, Devil’s Hole December 2nd – Firearm discharged into a residence on Angle Street in Pembroke, no reported injuries
Bermuda Broadcasting asked if there were two groups involved in these incidents, and if they are related.
DCI Smith said, “when we approach these investigations, we have to keep an open mind. So, we do know from our lines of inquiry, from our intelligence reports, that there are certain groups within the community that are feuding.”
“These 14 firearm incidents that we’ve had so far this year, it is alarming, but it is also encouraging that we also get the public support to assist us in identifying the groups, those who are involved, and then secondly, recovering firearms.”
“So we’re getting firearms off the streets… and then we’re looking to bring to justice those who are responsible for committing these offenses.”
Asked if the community is more cooperative now than they have been in the past, DCI Smith said “yes, we are getting more encouragement from the community.”
“I think that’s because of the positiveness that we’re seeing… amongst the organization. Just in terms of stepping up patrols, engaging the community more… being more visible. That’s what we believe is a key part.”
“And I also believe that there are members of our community that want to see change, that want to put an end and a stop to these ruthless, senseless killings that are taking away young men from their families, from our societies and causing disruption in our communities.”
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.
