The Ministry of Public Works and Environment advises the public that the Bermuda Red Cross Jingle Bell 5K will take place on Sunday, 14 December 2025.
The race is scheduled to occur between 8.30 a.m. and 10.00 a.m., and members of the public should expect traffic restrictions in the Pembroke area.
Motorists are urged to follow the directions of Police Officers and Race Marshals stationed along the route and to exercise caution in the area during the event.
Please refer to the attached Road Traffic Notice for full details on the race route, traffic controls, and road closures that will be in place for this event.
Healthy eating event features celebrity chef Willie Wallace
Today, we stepped into the heart of the Bermuda Diabetes Association’s Two Weeks of Magic culinary experience — where sizzling pans, fresh ingredients and inspired conversation filled the room.
Guests learned how diabetes-friendly cooking can be both nourishing and delicious.
In the midst of the action, we spoke to celebrity chef Willie Wallace and Bermudian chef Richard Zuill.
With live demonstrations of simple techniques that elevate everyday meals, today’s session captured the purpose of this series: Empowering islanders with hands-on guidance and the confidence to make healthier choices at home.
The report, by anti-tobacco organisations STOP and Contre-Feu, identified at least eight meetings between tobacco industry representatives and EU officials that were not disclosed in 2023 and 2024
International News via Reuters:
European Union officials have held multiple, undisclosed meetings with the tobacco industry, which uses political connections to try to influence policy in the bloc and beyond, a report by campaign groups published on Wednesday found.
The report, by anti-tobacco organisations STOP and Contre-Feu, identified at least eight meetings between tobacco industry representatives and EU officials that were not disclosed in 2023 and 2024, citing documents obtained by Contre-Feu.
Further documents revealed a “close working relationship, including exchanges of information and advice, multiple emails, ongoing multi-year monitoring of issues and telephone calls”, the report said, adding the findings demonstrate flaws in the EU’s transparency framework.
The report does not say the tobacco industry broke any rules, but it accuses the European Commission of failing to implement a global treaty which, among other things, pledges to protect public health policies from tobacco-industry influence.
The Commission did not respond to requests for comment.
The exchanges included representatives from companies such as Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco requesting the Commission push back on policies in other countries, including Singapore, Saudi Arabia and Mexico.
“The European Union must commit to safeguarding its diplomatic influence … from being exploited by the industry to challenge or undermine tobacco control measures implemented by other countries,” said Cassandre Bigaignon, International and European Advocacy Officer at Contre-Feu.
PMI and BAT did not immediately provide comments.
In the documents, PMI and BAT asked the Commission to raise concerns about or push for the removal of policies affecting their products, arguing these violated trade agreements or discriminated against them while benefitting local rivals.
PMI asked the Commission to intervene on bans of heated tobacco products or plans to tax them at the same rate as cigarettes.
BAT, meanwhile, asked the EU to challenge a Saudi Arabian plan to raise tariffs on e-cigarettes to 100%. A Commission official ultimately refused because BAT’s e-cigarettes are not made in the EU, though they noted the company had signalled it planned some EU production, emails show.
The report also flagged 257 meetings between tobacco industry lobbyists and members of the European Parliament between 2023 and 2025. It said 49 organisations linked to the industry were actively lobbying EU rule makers, with collective spending of 14 million euros ($16 million) per year.
The European Ombudsman in 2023 criticised the Commission for its handling of interactions with the tobacco industry.
On November 14, the United States and Switzerland sealed a preliminary agreement under which Washington would cut the tariffs on Swiss goods
International News via Reuters:
The lowering of U.S. tariffs on Switzerland to 15% from 39% will be effective retroactively from November 14, the Swiss government said on Wednesday, delivering relief to businesses that had been saddled with the highest U.S. duties in Europe.
On November 14, the United States and Switzerland sealed a preliminary agreement under which Washington would cut the tariffs on Swiss goods, while Swiss companies pledged to invest $200 billion in the U.S. by the end of 2028.
The trade-weighted U.S. tariff burden on Swiss goods will now be some 10 percentage points lower than under the 39% rate at an estimated 7% to 9%, the Swiss government said.
Last month, the two sides agreed any additional U.S. tariffs on pharmaceutical products, which account for much of Swiss exports, would not exceed 15% under so-called section 232 investigations that probe possible threats to national security.
Still, Swiss Economy Minister Guy Parmelin, who led the tariff negotiations with the United States, noted the Trump administration had previously floated the possibility of higher tariffs for prescription drugs, making the future uncertain.
“You never know what could happen,” Parmelin told a press conference on the tariffs, shortly after parliament voted to confirm he would serve as president next year under Switzerland’s rotating one-year system.
U.S. President Donald Trump imposed the 39% duties on Switzerland in August, saying they were justified by the U.S. trade deficit with the Alpine country.
The tariffs, the highest the Trump administration put on any European country, stunned the Swiss business community.
Swiss companies have welcomed the tariff reduction, which puts them on a level playing field with EU competitors.
The two countries must still finalize their agreement in negotiations they hope to conclude by the first quarter of 2026. Parmelin said the United States understood the process of formalizing the agreement in Switzerland could take time.
Many businesses have held back on sending goods while waiting for lower tariffs to come into force.
Swiss army knife manufacturer Victorinox said it was relieved about tariff reductions for its biggest export market.
“This step creates a significantly more manageable framework for our exports to the United States,” said CEO Carl Elsener.
The lower tariffs would boost Swiss economic growth by 0.3 to 0.5 percentage points next year, said Hans Gersbach, an economist at the KOF Institute at ETH in Zurich.
Reporting by John Revill and Dave Graham; editing by Thomas Seythal and Bill Berkrot
In a statement, the government said was adding 764, Maniac Murder Cult and Terrorgram Collective, calling them “transnational ideologically motivated violent extremist networks”
International News via Reuters:
Canada has added four transnational extremist and insurgent groups to its list of foreign terrorist entities, Canada’s Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said in a statement on Wednesday.
In a statement, the government said was adding 764, Maniac Murder Cult and Terrorgram Collective, calling them “transnational ideologically motivated violent extremist networks” that target young people in particular. It also added Islamic State-Mozambique, an affiliate of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.
Reporting by Ryan Patrick Jones in Toronto; editing by Susan Heavey
The prosecutor said the death toll was preliminary and that an investigation has been opened
International News via Reuters:
At least 22 people were killed and 16 others injured overnight when two adjacent buildings collapsed in Fez, one of Morocco’s oldest cities, the prosecutor said on Wednesday.One building was unoccupied, while the second was hosting an Aqiqah, a traditional Muslim celebration marking the birth of a child, the Fez prosecutor said in a statement.
The prosecutor said the death toll was preliminary and that an investigation has been opened.
Eight families lived in the building where the celebration was taking place, they said.
BUILDINGS HAD SHOWN CRACKS
A survivor, who lost his wife and three children, told local Medi1 TV early that rescuers had been able to retrieve one body, but he was still waiting for the others.
State-owned broadcaster SNRT News footage showed rescue workers and residents digging through the rubble.
“My son who lives upstairs told me the building is coming down. When we went out, we saw the building collapsing,” an old woman wrapped in a blanket told SNRT News, without giving her name.
SNRT News reported witnesses at the scene as saying the buildings in the Al-Mustaqbal neighborhood, a densely populated area in the west of the city, had shown signs of cracking for some time.
Besides the judicial probe, a technical and administrative investigation has also been launched to determine what caused the four-storey buildings to collapse, local authorities said in a statement.
The buildings were erected in 2006 as part of a government scheme under which residents of shantytowns in the city build their own homes on allocated plots.
WORST BUILDING COLLAPSE IN 15 YEARS
Fez, a former capital dating back to the eighth century and the country’s third-most-populous city, was among cities caught up in a wave of anti-government protests two months ago over deteriorating living conditions and poor public services.
Adib Ben Ibrahim, housing secretary of state, said in January that approximately 38,800 buildings across the country had been classified as being at risk of collapse.
Wednesday’s collapse is one of the worst in Morocco since the fall of a minaret in the historic northern city of Meknes, which killed 41 people in 2010.
YOUTHS ANGRY AT LACK OF SERVICES, POVERTY
Most of Morocco’s population, financial and industrial hubs and vital infrastructure are concentrated in the northwest, with the rest of the country reliant on farming, fisheries and tourism.
In October, youth-led unrest revealed deep-seated anger over poverty and public services as the government pushes on with ambitious infrastructure projects and the opening of modern stadiums ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Fez, one of the cities to host the World Cup and this month’s African Cup of Nations soccer tournament, has some of the country’s poorest neighbourhoods.
Reporting by Ahmed Elimam and Nayera Abdallah in Dubai, and Ahmed El Jechtimi in Rabat, Writing by Michael Georgy and Nayera Abdallah; Editing by Sharon Singleton and Alison Williams
Investigations into immigration and work permit violations that could carry a financial penalty have risen exponentially over three years – but only one fine has been issued so far…
Investigations into immigration and work permit violations that could carry a financial penalty have risen exponentially over three years – but only one fine has been issued so far…
Over the last three years, there has been an increasing number of investigations into complaints of immigration and work permit violations serious enough to warrant a financial penalty.
However, only one individual has actually received a $5,000 civil penalty, and no businesses have been fined.
Furthermore, since 2023 nine visitors were found to be engaged in unauthorised employment and directed to leave Bermuda, while 35 people have been added to the stop-list.
Government recently warned employers and employees to comply with work permit rules, and listed potential consequences such as civil penalties, or being directed to leave Bermuda.
Bermuda Broadcasting requested more background on what prompted such a warning. A Department of Immigration Spokesman advised, “Work Permit violations are classified within the Department’s system as general investigations, which may include a range of infractions under the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act.”
“Where evidence supports it, these matters may progress to civil penalty investigations.”
In 2023, 34 complaints led to 32 general investigation, two being civil penalty investigations.
There were 79 complaints in 2024, leading to 64 general investigations and 15 civil penalty investigations.
To date in 2025, 46 complaints have been recorded, with 22 general investigations and 24 civil penalty investigations currently underway.
The spokesperson said, “over the past three years, no civil penalties have been issued to companies and one civil penalty was issued to an individual for $5,000.”
We also asked for more information on individuals being directed to leave Bermuda, or even being added to the stop list.
The spokesperson responded, “persons directed to settle their affairs and depart Bermuda are given 90 days unless otherwise directed by the Minister.”
“While statistics are not specifically maintained for individuals who were required to leave due to work permit violations, the Compliance team confirms the departure of all individuals who receive such directives.”
“Stop-list additions may occur for various immigration-related reasons. In 2023, 13 individuals were added to the stop list; in 2024, 19 individuals; and to date in 2025, 3 individuals have been added.”
“Regarding visitors, nine individuals over the past three years were found to be engaged in unauthorised employment and were directed to leave Bermuda.”
… that was among the gifts for centenarian Maria Aguiar. Also, she was visited at her home recently by Premier David Burt
Mrs. Aguiar and Premier Burt
Premier David Burt visited Mrs. Maria Encarnacao Aguiar on December 8, 2025 to honour her remarkable 100 years of life. Although her birthday was celebrated in March, the Premier met with Mrs. Aguiar at her home to personally extend his congratulations. He presented her with a gift basket and a card on behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda.
Mrs. Aguiar was born on March 25, 1925 in Fajã de Cima, Ponta Delgada in the Azores. Earlier this year, her milestone birthday was marked with a joyful celebration attended by 100 guests, including Bishop Wes, Father Vivien Neura and Bishop M Neville Smith. Traditional Azorean music filled the room, with the sounds of accordion and guitar bringing her visible joy.
A notable highlight of her celebration was a framed birthday blessing from the Vatican, signed on behalf of Pope Francis before his passing. The gesture was especially meaningful to Mrs. Aguiar, whose faith has been a guiding force throughout her life.
Mrs. Aguiar at age 95 making malassadas
She married Joseph Aguiar on March 30, 1950. Together they raised their family in Bermuda, where she has lived since 1950. Mrs. Aguiar helped care for her husband’s three children from his previous marriage and later welcomed two children of her own, Maria Cecilia DaCosta (Michael) and Ronnie Joseph Aguiar (Sheila).
A committed and hardworking member of the community, Mrs. Aguiar worked as a domestic employee for the Watlington and Lang family until age 88. She stepped back from work only after breaking her hip while on holiday in Florida. Her determination through recovery impressed her medical team and she continued strength-building activities at home.
In 2021, Mrs. Aguiar moved in with her son Ronnie and his wife Sheila, who support her daily care and ensure she remains active in the home. She is known for her sharp humour and spirited personality. Even at 99, she showed her strong will, once giving her grandson William a black eye while resisting her medication. Although she can no longer attend church services in person, she remains devoted to her faith and receives communion at home from her son-in-law Michael.
Showing Premier Burt Mrs. Aguiar’s birthday quilt
Mrs. Aguiar is the proud matriarch of a close and loving family that includes her two children, Maria Cecilia DaCosta and Ronnie Joseph Aguiar, along with two grandsons, two great granddaughters, and an extended family of step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren who continue to cherish her guidance and presence.
Premier Burt said he enjoyed visiting Mrs. Aguiar and her family to recognise this milestone. “Reaching 100 years is a significant accomplishment. Mrs. Aguiar has dedicated her life to her loved ones and to this community. It is clear she is cherished and supported by a family who adores her. We celebrate her strength, her faith and the contributions she has made over many decades in Bermuda.”
The Government of Bermuda extends warm wishes to Mrs. Aguiar and her family as they continue to honour a life defined by resilience, devotion and love.
As the holiday season gathers pace, retailers across the island are encouraging residents to “shop Bermuda first” and keep their Christmas spending close to home.
Local businesses are rolling out festive window displays, special offers, and extended hours in the lead-up to Christmas. Shopping locally, they say, not only delivers unique, Bermuda-themed gifts you will not find online, but also helps sustain jobs, support community charities, and keep more dollars circulating in our economy.
To give residents more time to browse, the City of Hamilton has announced a series of late-night shopping evenings this month. Many shops in the City will remain open into the evening on the following dates:
Thursday, December 11
Friday, December 12
Sunday, December 14
Thursday, December 18
Friday, December 19
Sunday, December 21
On these nights, shoppers can expect a festive atmosphere in the city, with decorated storefronts, seasonal music, and plenty of dining options to round out an evening in town.
Retailers are reminding customers that when they choose to buy local – whether it is a gift certificate for a restaurant, a piece of Bermuda art, or a toy from a neighbourhood shop – they are directly supporting Bermudian workers year-round.
Residents are encouraged to plan their gift lists, head into Hamilton on the late night shopping dates, and make this a Christmas that gives back to Bermuda.
HAMILTON, Bermuda, December 9, 2025 – Family-owned Bacardi Limited, the world’s largest privately held international spirits company, reaffirmed its commitment to giving back by hosting its 4th annual ‘250 Holiday Meals’ initiative last week in partnership with The Salvation Army. Held at the North Street Citadel in Hamilton, Bacardi volunteers served 250 hot holiday meals to individuals and families experiencing hardship this season.
With holiday classics prepared by local favorite Soul Food Grill and Café, and desserts donated by Bacardi employees, the festive event offered warmth, nourishment, and human connection during what can be a difficult time for many.
This year’s initiative comes as the Salvation Army faces a surge in demand for its services. The organization now supports upwards of 800 individuals weekly, an increase that reflects broader economic pressures on vulnerable Bermudians. Captain Dennis Maybury of the Salvation Army recently issued a call for public support to help meet rising needs through their annual Christmas fundraising campaign.
“Bacardi’s continued partnership is a vital source of hope for those we serve,” said Captain Maybury. “As food insecurity and housing instability rise across Bermuda, it is heartening to witness corporate citizens like Bacardi step forward. These meals do more than feed — they uplift.”
Douglas Mello, Managing Director of Bacardi International Limited, added: “This initiative reflects the heart of our family-owned business. Our commitment to the Bermuda community is unwavering, and it’s an honor to support the Salvation Army’s tireless efforts, especially at a time when demand for their services has never been higher.”
Bacardi encourages the public to answer the Salvation Army’s appeal. Donations of canned goods, shelf-stable pantry items like milk, oatmeal, and tea, or financial contributions can make a direct difference. Items can be dropped off at the North Street Citadel Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM.
About Bacardi Limited
Bacardi Limited, the world’s largest privately held international spirits company, produces, markets, and distributes spirits and wines. The Bacardi Limited portfolio comprises more than 200 brands and labels, including BACARDÍ® rum, PATRÓN® tequila, GREY GOOSE® vodka, DEWAR’S® Blended Scotch whisky, BOMBAY SAPPHIRE® gin, MARTINI® vermouth and sparkling wines, CAZADORES® 100% blue agave tequila, and other leading and emerging brands including WILLIAM LAWSON’S® Scotch whisky, D’USSÉ® Cognac, ANGEL’S ENVY® American straight whiskey, and ST-GERMAIN® elderflower liqueur. Founded more than
163 years ago in Santiago de Cuba, family-owned Bacardi Limited currently employs approximately 8,000, operates production facilities in 10 countries and territories, and sells its brands in more than 160 markets. Bacardi Limited refers to the Bacardi group of companies, including Bacardi International Limited. Visit http://www.bacardilimited.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.
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