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Opinion: Giving every voice a chance

Nonprofit Alliance of Bermuda Third Sector Spotlight: Tomorrow’s Voices

By Dr. Jahnae Harvey 

Imagine your child is unable to communicate their basic needs or emotions. For many families in Bermuda, this is a daily reality.  

Autism – also known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – is a developmental condition that affects how people communicate, learn, and interact with the world around them. It exists within the broader concept of neurodiversity, which recognises that everyone’s brain functions in unique ways. Neurodiversity includes people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other developmental differences – each bringing their own strengths, perspectives, and ways of learning. 

At Tomorrow’s Voices, we celebrate this diversity but also acknowledge the steep and lifelong  challenges these individuals, and their families will face.  We believe that every individual, regardless of diagnosis or ability, deserves the chance to be understood, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. 

With autism rates rising worldwide – now affecting approximately 1 in 31 children in the United States – the need for accessible, evidence-based support is greater than ever.  We are often the lifeline that makes connection possible –  providing life-changing therapy and education for children, teens, and adults with autism and developmental disabilities, helping them find their voices and thrive. 

Tomorrow’s Voices – Bermuda Autism Early Intervention Centre was founded in 2007 by two parents, Mrs. Tricia Kristoff (Crow) and Ms. Thea Furbert, who saw firsthand the lack of local services for children on the autism spectrum. They envisioned a place where families could access world-class, research-based therapy close to home. 

Eighteen years on, and 136 422 clinical hours of therapy later –  that vision has grown into a national resource for Bermuda’s families. What began as an early intervention programme has evolved into a comprehensive clinical centre offering: 

  • 1:1 Early Intervention 
  • Saturday Social Skills Programme 
  • Summer Programme 
  • Thriving Beyond 21 Adult Programme 
  • University Internship Programme 
  • Bi-Monthly Training Institute Workshops 

Tomorrow’s Voices is the only charitable clinical centre of its kind in Bermuda, where clients receive medically recognized therapy delivered by highly trained professionals at a subsidized rate. 

Our Early Intervention Programme uses Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) – a globally recognized, evidence-based approach that helps children build communication, social, and life skills. 

One family recently shared their child’s remarkable journey. When therapy began, their child could only make single-word requests. Through consistent, personalised support, they began to form full sentences – “I want the…,” “Can I have the…,” and “May I have the…”—and eventually gained the confidence to perform as the lead singer in a school Christmas play. Their parents’ tears of joy captured what we see every day: Progress that changes childhoods. These changes shift life trajectory. 

Often referred to as a “school,” Tomorrow’s Voices is much more. Our model of reverse inclusion prepares clients through 1:1 therapy to transition successfully into home, school, and community settings. We help clients build independence, confidence, and social skills – laying the foundation for full inclusion in everyday life. 

The need for evidence-based autism support continues to grow, and Tomorrow’s Voices is growing with it. Our future plans include expanding our team of clinical professionals and introducing speech, language and occupational therapy services to ensure that no family in Bermuda goes without the support they need. 

We are also committed to expanding access to high-quality ABA therapy for families facing financial barriers, and to increasing community understanding of neurodiversity through ongoing education and outreach. 

A Call to Support Bermuda’s Neurodiverse Community 

At Tomorrow’s Voices, we believe every child deserves the chance to be understood, supported, and included. With the right intervention, communication blossoms, independence grows, and families find hope. 

Our work depends on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners who share our belief that every voice matters. Together, we can ensure that Bermuda continues to build an inclusive society where neurodiverse individuals of all ages can thrive. 

To learn more or to support our work, visit www.tomorrowsvoices.bm. 

Southampton roadway ‘completely impassable’, Police say

Traffic at a standstill near Evans Bay following a two-vehicle collision this evening

Image: Bermuda Police Service

The Bermuda Police Service issued the following media release:

Around 10:20 p.m. on Friday, 12 December, police and other first responders were dispatched to a report of a two vehicle collision involving a car and a motorcycle on Middle Road in the area of Evans Bay, Southampton.

Details surrounding the collision are limited at this time. However, the roadway is currently completely impassable due to significant wreckage and debris from a nearby natural stone wall.

The driver of the car was transported to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment of unknown injuries. The motorcycle rider was not injured in the incident.

Traffic is at a complete standstill in the area and will remain so until the scene can be safely cleared.

Police investigate ‘serious’ collision on Dock Hill

Two transported to hospital following motorcycle collision

Image credit: Bermuda Police Service

The Bermuda Police Service issued the following media release:

There has been a serious single vehicle road traffic collision involving a motorcycle on Dock Hill, Devonshire.

Reports are the motorcycle rider and their pillion passenger collided with a wall and were ejected from the vehicle.

The extent of their injuries is unknown but it is understood they were both initially unresponsive, but have since regained consciousness.

They were attended to at the scene by Emergency Medical Services personnel and were subsequently transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for further treatment.

Dockhill is now closed to vehicular traffic while the collision scene is processed.

Motorists are advised to use alternative routes to get to their destinations.

Anyone who may have witnessed or, who may have information on this collision is asked to call the main police number 295-0011.

Two motorcyclists hospitalised after collision on North Shore

Image credit: Bermuda Police Service

The Bermuda Police Service issued the following media release.

Around 6:40 p.m. on Friday, 12 December 2025, police and other first responders were dispatched to a report of a serious two vehicle collision involving motorcycles on North Shore Road in Devonshire, near the Mid-Atlantic Boat Club.

Details surrounding the incident are limited at this time. However, initial information indicates that one motorcyclist was unconscious at the scene, while the other sustained a serious leg injury. Both individuals Have been conveyed to King Edward Memorial Hospital for treatment of their injuries.

Police are currently processing the scene. As a result, traffic is being diverted at Dock Hill and Barker’s Hill, and motorists are advised to use alternative routes where possible.

Anyone who may have witnessed this collision or who has any information that could assist with the investigation is asked to contact police on 211.

What’s on this weekend

If you’re planning your weekend, there are plenty of events and activities coming up.

Starting this evening, Christmas in the City returns with late-night shopping in Hamilton, giving shoppers extra time to browse selected stores after hours. Late-night shopping will also continue on Sunday evening. A full list of participating retailers is available in the Editor’s Picks section of our website at bbc.bm.

Tomorrow, the Bermuda Grief Recovery Conference continues at the Willow Bank Resort and Conference Center, beginning at 8:30am. The event is designed to support community healing and features keynote speaker and author Angria Bassett, along with local counselors and therapists. The conference includes plenary sessions, breakout discussions, healing activities, and meals.

This evening, the Nutcracker Holiday Spectacular returns to the stage, presented by In Motion School of Dance. The production brings festive magic, music, and dance for the whole family and takes place at the Ruth Seaton James Theatre tonight and tomorrow at 6:30pm.

Google faces $129 million French asset freeze after Russian ruling, documents show

The move represents a rare attempt by Russian authorities to use legal channels to target assets of western companies overseas, amid rising tensions over the potential use of seized Russian assets in Europe

International News via Reuters:

The administrator of Google’s defunct Russian business has obtained a temporary freeze on some 110 million euros ($129 million) of the Alphabet-owned company’s assets in France, official orders seen by Reuters show.

The move represents a rare attempt by Russian authorities to use legal channels to target assets of western companies overseas, amid rising tensions over the potential use of seized Russian assets in Europe.

Russia’s central bank is separately suing Brussels-based financial institution Euroclear, which holds many of the frozen Russian assets, in a Moscow court.

The measure against Google France involves shares belonging to Google International and was sought by Google Russia, acting through its court-appointed judicial administrator.

The French bailiff declined to comment. Google, Google Russia’s administrator and the French government did not respond to repeated Reuters requests for comment.

The French bailiff’s orders show its action is based on three rulings issued between 2024 and 2025 by Moscow arbitration courts, which are regulated by international commercial law.

William Julie, the lawyer representing the liquidator at French law firm WJ Avocats, said that a Russian tribunal had found Google guilty of an illegal dividend payment in 2021 worth around 10 billion roubles ($126 million).

Julie said the Russian liquidator was also pursuing enforcement in Spain, Turkey and South Africa.

Google, whose parent Alphabet has a stock market value of some $3.8 trillion, has faced multiple fines from Moscow, while Google Russia filed for bankruptcy in 2022 when authorities seized its bank account, months after Russia invaded Ukraine.

GOOGLE CAN CHALLENGE TEMPORARY FREEZE

The French bailiff’s order creates a temporary freeze and French law requires lawyers to launch formal recognition proceedings within one month or the freeze expires.

Julie said those documents would be filed with the court in the coming days and Google France also notified.

The Paris Judicial Court will then examine whether to grant a formal recognition and enforcement authorisation of the foreign arbitration decisions, Julie said, a process that could take up to a year-and-a-half.

Google can challenge the temporary freeze with the enforcement judge. If a recognition and enforcement authorisation is granted, the frozen funds could be seized to satisfy the arbitration court judgements, Julie added.

(1 euro = 93.0263 roubles)

($1 = 79.2455 roubles)

($1 = 0.8524 euros)

Reporting by Leo Marchandon in Gdansk, Inti Landauro in Paris and Gleb Bryanski in Moscow; Editing by Adam Jourdan and Alexander Smith

Nobel Peace Prize committee condemns “brutal” arrest of Iranian laureate Narges Mohammadi

Mohammadi has previously served multiple sentences on charges including spreading propaganda against the Islamic Republic

International News via Reuters:

Iranian human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi was arrested in a “brutal” manner in Iran and must be released immediately, the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which awards the prize, said on Friday.

Mohammadi has previously served multiple sentences on charges including spreading propaganda against the Islamic Republic. Late last year, she was released from Tehran’s Evin prison after the suspension of her jail term to undergo medical treatment. 

Mohammadi was awarded the award in 2023, following her three-decade campaign for women’s rights and the abolition of the death penalty in Iran.

“The Norwegian Nobel Committee calls on the Iranian authorities to immediately clarify Mohammadi’s whereabouts, ensure her safety and integrity, and to release her without conditions,” the award body said in a statement.

The arrest comes a day after the arrival in Norway of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Venezuela’s Maria Corina Machado, to collect her award.

“Given the close collaboration between the regimes in Iran and Venezuela, the Norwegian Nobel Committee notes that Ms Mohammadi is arrested just as the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to the Venezuelan opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado,” said the committee.

Reporting by Gwladys Fouché, editing by Anna Ringstrom and Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen

More tax revenues, bigger budget surplus

Premier & Finance Minister David Burt delivers fiscal update, highlighting better-than-projected tax revenues

A bigger budget surplus confirmed for the last fiscal year, a bigger surplus projected for the current year, driven by improved Payroll Tax and Corporate Income Tax revenues…

That’s the headline from the fiscal update delivered this morning by Premier and Finance Minister David Burt.

He told the House of Assembly that final figures for the last budget year, 2024-2025, show a $29.8 million-dollar surplus. This is 10.1 million higher than revised figures tabled in May, and 29.5 million above the small 230-thousand-dollar surplus first projected in 2024.

As to what’s behind the improved results, the Premier cited continued economic growth, including $32.1 million more in payroll tax receipts than originally forecast.

The Premier took a moment to laud the achievement, saying that “once again this PLP Government has confounded the critics and delivered the first budget surplus since 2003.”

“This is because the PLP Government has a firm grip on the country’s finances and continues to deliver better-than-expected financial results.”

Turning to the current fiscal year, the Premier said total revenue for 2025/26 is now projected to be $1.47 billion, an increase of $38.3 million above the original budgeted figure of $1.43 billion.

“This improvement is driven by stronger non–Corporate Income Tax revenues”, he said, “which are now forecast to increase by $26 million to $1.27 billion, compared to the original estimate of $1.24 billion.”

“The revised budget surplus for 2025/26 is now forecast to be $59.8 million, an improvement of over $16 million on the original budgeted figure of $43.3 million.”

Expanding on the contributing factors, the Premier said that Payroll Tax collections for the current 2025-2026 fiscal year are projected to increase by $15.3 million dollars from the original estimate to $637 million.

Furthermore, Corporate Income Tax receipts are now projected at $200 million, an increase of $12.5 million above the original estimate.

Speaking to our Gary Foster Skelton today, Premier David Burt sought to highlight the PLP’s amendments to payroll tax as a driving force of increased Government revenues, and subsequent benefits to the community. (WATCH above)

FULL STATEMENT BELOW:

Trump says Thailand and Cambodia agree to end fighting

Trump’s remarks differed significantly from those of Thai premier Anutin hours earlier, who made no mention of an agreement to end the fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours

International News via Reuters:

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday he had spoken by telephone with the leaders of Thailand and Cambodia, who both agreed to end border hostilities and return to a ceasefire he brokered earlier this year.

“I had a very good conversation this morning with the Prime Minister of Thailand, Anutin Charnvirakul, and the Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet, concerning the very unfortunate reawakening of their long-running War. They have agreed to CEASE all shooting effective this evening, and go back to the original Peace Accord,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

“Both Countries are ready for PEACE and continued Trade with the United States of America.”

CONTRASTING REMARKS

Trump’s remarks differed significantly from those of Thai premier Anutin hours earlier, who made no mention of an agreement to end the fighting between the Southeast Asian neighbours, which raged for a fifth day on Friday.

Anutin said he had asked Trump to urge Cambodia to cease hostilities and remove landmines. 

“I explained to President Trump that we are not the aggressor against Cambodia but we are retaliating,” Anutin told reporters. 

“He wants a ceasefire. I told him to tell our friends –  don’t just say a ceasefire but they must tell the world that Cambodia will cease fire, withdraw its troops, remove all landmines it has planted. They must show us first.”

Cambodia and Thailand have been firing rockets and artillery at several points along their disputed 817-km (508-mile) border, in some of the heaviest fighting since a five-day clash in July that Trump halted with calls to both leaders to end their worst conflict in recent history. 

This week’s outbreak of fighting has killed at least 20 people, with more than 260 wounded, according to tallies by both countries, which have blamed each other for reigniting the conflict.

THAI FURY OVER LANDMINES

Trump was keen to intervene again to salvage the truce he brokered, which was expanded in October when he met the Thai and Cambodian prime ministers in Malaysia, who agreed on a process to withdraw troops and heavy weapons and release 18 Cambodian prisoners of war. 

But Thailand last month suspended that agreement, venting its fury after a Thai soldier was maimed in the latest in a series of incidents involving landmines that Bangkok says were newly laid by Cambodia. Cambodia rejects the allegations.

Trump, who has repeatedly said he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize, lauded himself on Thursday as a global peacemaker who had  “solved eight wars” and had expressed confidence he would get the truce “back on track”.

Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt in Washington and Panarat Thepgumpanat and Orathai Sriring in Bangkok; Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by David Stanway, William Mallard and Alex Richardson

Premier & Speaker at odds over House tensions

Speaker of the House Dennis Lister and Premier David Burt appear to disagree over the handling of previous comments by OBA MP

Tensions arising in the House of Assembly last week may still be rumbling under the surface.

Ahead of this morning’s session, Speaker of the House Dennis Lister brought up the matter from last Friday, which concerned comments from the OBA’s Dr Douglas De Couto about Gencom and immigration regulations.

Labour and Economy Minister Jason Hayward found some of the comments offensive and demanded an apology.

The Speaker did not request an immediate public apology, but advised the pair to meet privately. The Royal Gazette reported today that Mr De Couto requested such a meeting, but it has not happened.

Addressing the matter today, Mr Lister said the public expects better from members than what was on display last week.

He said, “I took it as being a pivotal moment that all of us could step back… and say, ‘we will not conduct business that way ever again in this chamber’.”

Saying that he received phone calls following the newpaper article today, Mr Lister added, “that’s not what they send us up here for… They send us up here to deal with the business of this country.”

“Mr Premier, Mr Opposition Leader, I expect to you stand with me on this one… and I’d expect you to hold you members accountable.”

“We don’t need to do these personal attacks on anyone.”

However, when Premier David Burt asked to respond to the Speaker, he was not given permission to do so on the floor, and he subsequently implied that the Speaker could have acted last Friday to stop the matter from escalating.

“I too am dismayed at the article today”, the Premier said, “but, Mr. Speaker, in my view, that article was there because the comments were not forced to be withdrawn and therefore they’re now in the public domain. And that’s the challenge.”

Speaker of the House, Mr Lister, responded that the Premier’s comments had “taken us back down the road of what I just said we’re not going to deal with.”

“I expect you to be bigger than that, Premier, because I know you’re a respectable man.”

“The members involved have already had a conversation with me. We’ve talked through it. Let’s move forward.”

The Premier then said he would have the conversation with the Speaker in private, not on the floor.

When Bermuda Broadcasting subsequently asked the Premier about the matter, he said he would not comment until after he has had an opportunity to speak to Mr Lister.

LISTEN to an edited extract from the exchange above, or listen in full HERE at parliament.bm (starting at 10:05:30AM)

Bermuda Juniors Battle at ‘Little Mo’ Internationals in Florida

Bermudian juniors Lee Terceira and Chloe McBrearty faced tough international competition at the 19th Annual “Little Mo” Internationals in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, which featured over 700 players from 65 countries. Both players showcased resilience and determination throughout the competitive tournament.

Lee Terceira opened her Girls’ 12 & Under Singles campaign with a two-hour battle against Canada’s Isabelle Prusinkiewicz, ultimately falling in a third-set tie-breaker, 6-4, 2-6, 10-6.

Terceira then showed significant resolve by entering the back draw. She secured two dominant victories before mounting a thrilling comeback in the semi-final against the USA’s Azah Gbugu, rallying from a 5-3 first-set deficit to win 7-6, 6-4. Her run concluded in the back draw final, where she was defeated by Dominique Mateus in straight sets.

In the same division, Chloe McBrearty started strong, defeating Canada’s Sowmya Varadharajan in straight sets, 6-1, 6-0. However, McBrearty’s run ended in the second round, where she went down in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1, to Isabel Correa from Venezuela.

Both players demonstrated strong competitiveness against a highly international field.