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Gov’t to strengthen talent pipeline ahead of Fairmont reopening

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Gov’t to strengthen talent pipeline ahead of Fairmont reopening

Ministry responds to Chamber’s labour concerns, outlining training and workforce plans

Government press release:

The Ministry of Economy and Labour thanks the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce for highlighting such an important issue. We welcome their continued partnership as Bermuda prepares for the significant opportunities ahead. While we are encouraged by the progress of the Fairmont Southampton project and look forward to its reopening in 2026, we are mindful of the implications of the labour force demands.

Minister Jason Hayward said, “I thank the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce for raising this important national issue. The Ministry has long recognised the pressures on Bermuda’s labour supply, which is why we have been actively developing policies and training pathways to prepare Bermudians for emerging opportunities. The progress at Fairmont Southampton is encouraging, and the 700 jobs expected will provide meaningful prospects for our people. From the start, we have worked closely with the Fairmont team to ensure Bermudians can access opportunities during construction and when the hotel reopens. Through the National Workforce Advisory Board and its Hospitality Sub-Committee, we are taking a coordinated approach to strengthen our talent pipeline. This is a national workforce matter, and we remain committed to ensuring Bermudians are equipped and positioned to thrive.”

In anticipation of the hotel’s reopening, the Ministry of Economy and Labour, through the National Workforce Advisory Board, established a Hospitality Sub-Committee in August 2025 to ensure that Bermudians are well-prepared for the broad range of roles that will emerge. This Sub-Committee comprises representatives from the Department of Workforce Development. Bermuda College, Bermuda Hotel Association, Chamber of Commerce (represented by Ms. Jennifer Woods), the Department of Education, and a cross-section of hospitality professionals.

The Sub-Committee is actively focused on both immediate and long-term workforce strategies to strengthen the talent pipeline.

Current work includes:

  • Designing and expanding training programmes offered through the Department of Workforce Development to meet industry demand;
  • Identifying opportunities to enhance and better support the hospitality programme at the Bermuda College;
  • Mapping skills gaps and developing targeted upskilling pathways for Bermudians across all levels of the hospitality sector.

In addition to the work being done through the Department of Workforce Development, the Ministry of Economy and Labour has been publicly engaged in this conversation for some time. Through several recent position papers and strategic documents, including the Consultation on Retaining the Local Workforce (2024) and Addressing the Challenge of an Ageing Population in Bermuda (2022), as well as ongoing Labour Force Survey reports, the Ministry has highlighted the urgent demographic and labour supply pressures facing Bermuda. These papers outline the increasing reliance on non-Bermudian labour, the ageing workforce, and the need for expanded talent pipelines across all sectors. They also set out a series of policy directions focused on increasing workforce participation, strengthening skills development, modernising training pathways, and ensuring Bermuda has the human-capital capacity required to sustain economic growth. The Ministry’s strategic work in this area reinforces the importance of collaboration and long-term planning as we prepare Bermudians for the opportunities ahead.

We echo the Chamber’s view that this is more than a hospitality matter; this is a national workforce matter.

The Ministry of Economy and Labour remains committed to collaborative planning, continued dialogue, and strategic action to ensure that Bermudians are equipped, supported, and positioned to take full advantage of the emerging opportunities across the economy.

OBA: Electoral reform ‘cannot be a partisan exercise’

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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OBA: Electoral reform ‘cannot be a partisan exercise’

Opposition questions timing of Government town hall and urges collaboration on absentee voting bill

The following statement is issued from Dwayne Robinson, Shadow Minister of Tourism, Culture and Transport and MP for Constituency 30 Southampton East Central.

The One Bermuda Alliance always welcomes consultation and open dialogue with the people of Bermuda.

However, the Government town hall on electoral reform is oddly convenient given that a Bill has already been tabled, and our consultation on the doorstep already shows very broad support for absentee voting for residents.

This town hall and efforts on voter reform might have been pre-planned but now that legislation has been tabled, why not work on the bill in front of Parliament before launching your own plan?

This shows us and Bermuda that the Progressive Labour Party intends to push forward with its plan despite clear good faith attempts to work on this collaboratively for the best interest of Bermudians.

Electoral reform will require the buy-in from all political entities and the voter, for the Parliamentary Registrar to execute a system that is trusted.  This cannot be a partisan exercise, and it was the PLP who was late to the party on this, hence our concerns about the Government’s drive to see this through.

Let me be clear about our skepticism of the PLP’s willingness to carry out this reform. In the last budget debate, there were no funds allocated to electoral reform.

This led us to question how this election pledge was going to be carried out with no budget attached to it. The deadline of September 2026 that was given for the passage of electoral reform was released through Opposition questioning, not during a Ministerial statement, or press conference.

If this was a well thought out strategy, why wasn’t the timeline willingly given? The budget debates were held in May, giving the Government almost three months to come forward with details of their plans for electoral reform after the February 18 general election. 

As a three-term government, it should not take long to settle back into Government and begin laying out their agenda.  We cannot forget its leadership contest is set for October 2026. Though bound by a platform, will the new Premier have the same policy priorities, will voter reform fall behind the new leader’s primary objectives? Will the Cabinet be the same? We felt it was better to get the ball rolling on Absentee Voting sooner rather than later in the midst of all this uncertainty.

The One Bermuda Alliance had not been contacted to collaborate prior to tabling our bill, nor was it given updates on the Government’s progress on electoral voter reform. Hence, we acted to ensure this election pledge is completed. This recent activity around electoral reform appears to be the Progressive Labour Party’s attempt to soften the blow of voting down this legislation with the public. We have now issued a deadline of December 12th for the PLP to provide amendments to our legislation and share with us the concerns found by the Attorney General’s chambers. If not, we will debate the bill as is, and the PLP will have to show the people of Bermuda where they really fall on this issue. 

We would never discourage any town hall or venue where Bermudians can express their thoughts to their elected officials.  We encourage Bermudians to participate in the conversation around electoral reform as much as possible. However, for the Progressive Labour Party Government, it is not enough to engage in dialogue; you must match it with actions. The PLP could show true collaboration and work with us to pass the Absentee Voting Act 2025, will they?

Community invited to come together for prayer and praise

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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One Body in Christ and Evangelist Nikita Robinson host prayer, music and dance at Elliott Primary School Field this Sunday

Press release:

One Body in Christ Movement for God’s Purpose Creative Arts ministry along with Evangelist Nikita Robinson of The Worship Room on Magic102.7FM are inviting all of Bermuda to come together for a time of prayer and praise this Sunday November 30th from 3pm-5pm at Elliott Primary School Field, Devonshire Parish. This will be the last fellowship for 2025.

Clergy from First Baptist Church, Grace Methodist, Miracle Temple, Grace Communion International, SDA Devonshire, Heard Chapel and RRCF will come together to pray for our island from 3pm-4pm. From 4pm-5pm the fellowship will continue with Praise and Worship including ASDMS Conference Youth Dancers, Saxophonist Shawn Herman, Psalmist Toni Marie Robinson, Filipino Christian Fellowship Dancers and One Body in Christ Movement for God’s Purpose Dancers and Flaggers ending with God’s Not Through Blessing You Bermuda Line Dance for all and the Aaronic blessing.

The Public is invited to come out to give God all honour, glory, and Praise for what he’s done and going to do for our island of Bermuda. We are encouraging the public to bring their tents, chairs, shofars, flags, wings, streamers etc.

Our scripture focus is 2 Chronicles 5:11-14. The priests then withdrew from the Holy Place. All the priests who were there had consecrated themselves, regardless of their divisions. 12 All the Levites who were musicians—Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun and their sons and relatives—stood on the east side of the altar, dressed in fine linen and playing cymbals, harps and lyres. They were accompanied by 120 priests sounding trumpets. 13 The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang: “He is good; his love endures forever.”

Then the temple of the LORD was filled with the cloud, 14 and the priests could not perform their service because of the cloud, for the glory of the LORD filled the temple of God.

Government to grocers: Come to us directly on price cuts

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Government to grocers: Come to us directly on price cuts

Minister provides update on Affordable Basket initiative

Today, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, JP, MP, extended the Ministry’s sincere gratitude to The MarketPlace, Lindo’s, and The Garden Market for their participation in the Affordable Bermuda Basket Initiative. Their commitment underscores the vital role of the private sector in supporting the Government’s whole-of-Bermuda approach to assisting residents.

Since the launch of the initiative, there has been overwhelming feedback from both local grocers and members of the public, who recognise that affordability is critical to the well-being of families across the island.

Additional businesses interested in joining the Affordable Bermuda Basket Initiative are asked to contact the Ministry of Home Affairs directly via email at mhahq@gov.bm, rather than seeking to broker savings outside of the Ministry’s awareness. Transparency is central to the Ministry’s efforts, and we look forward to onboarding interested businesses in the coming weeks.

Minister Lightbourne said, “The Affordable Bermuda Basket Initiative was introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs to provide immediate relief to households during times of economic pressure, in partnership with industry retailers and wholesalers. We are encouraged by the increasing interest in supporting the public, and we invite businesses to engage directly with the Ministry so that our collective efforts remain coordinated, transparent, and aligned with maintaining the integrity of the programme.”

For more information about the Affordable Bermuda Basket Initiative, or to review the list of affordable goods, visit www.costofliving.gov.bm.

Gender Affairs Council launches first public forum

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Conversations highlight concerns from violence and workplace inequality to data gaps and social barriers

Government press release:

On Monday (November 24), the Gender Affairs Council (GAC) hosted its first public forum, which served as an invaluable occasion to introduce the Council’s purpose to the community.

The GAC’s mandate and focus is to address gender issues affecting women and girls, men and boys, and LGBTQ+ and gender-diverse people; and to begin an open community conversation about the social, legal and cultural realities shaping gender equity in Bermuda.

Today the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, the Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, said, “The Gender Affairs Council was established to ensure that we address legislation and policy, research and evaluation, and community engagement and education. The forum showed how important these conversations are and the value of collaborative discussions. Real progress can only be achieved when Government and the people work together.”

During Monday’s session, which took place at the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation’s training room, the Council outlined key concepts such as gender as a social construct, the distinction between sex and gender, and the importance of intersectionality.

Survey findings were shared, highlighting public concerns including gender-based violence, stereotypical gender roles, reproductive rights, sexual harassment and workplace inequality. Attendees raised the need for better engagement with different genders to discuss broader social issues such as homelessness among men, racial and income disparities and the influence of generational beliefs.

It was also highlighted that Bermuda currently faces limitations in gender-specific statistical data, underscoring the need for more comprehensive and consistent data collection in the future to better measure gender gaps. The Council emphasised that gender encompasses a broader scope and highlighted the importance of the universality of human rights, equality, dignity, privacy, as well as education and respectful dialogue across differing viewpoints.

The Council confirmed plans to hold conversations beginning in 2026 and emphasised the need for improved national data and continued partnership with community groups as they continue to build upon their work. The GAC thanks all attendees for taking the first step in this conversation.

Artist wins trip to Miami

Kendal Trott
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The Bermuda Tourism Authority recently concluded its “Bermuda Welcomes You” Art Competition, offering local artists the opportunity to vie for a chance to travel to Miami and showcase their work at the prestigious House of Robb.

Kendal Trott was on hand as the BTA announced the competition’s winner, who will represent Bermuda in Miami between December 3 and 5.
The announcement was made at the Bermuda Society of Arts, where Zina Edwards of the BTA shared more about the competition and its significance and what the winning artist can expect.

A visual look back at the ‘Crossroads’ art show

Kendal Trott
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The Bermuda Society of Arts’ fall exhibition ‘Crossroads’ invited artists and audiences alike to reflect on the pivotal moments that shape who we are. 

The exhibition is now closed but its impact continues to resonate. 

Centered on themes of choice, change, and possibility, ‘Crossroads’ brought together works that explored personal turning points, cultural intersections, and the blending of styles, mediums, and traditions.
Kendal Trott spoke with a couple of the talented artists whose pieces captured the essence of transition and transformation. 
Their insights reveal not only the stories behind the artwork, but also the deeper journeys that guided their work.

Bermuda Tonight – 25 November 2025

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bermuda Tonight – 25 November 2025

Bermuda Evening News at 7pm.

Kidnapped Nigerian schoolgirls have been released, official says

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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The girls were seized on November 17 when armed men stormed their school in Kebbi state shortly after a military detachment left the premises

International News via Reuters:

Twenty-four girls who were abducted from a government boarding school in northwestern Nigeria last week have been released, the state governor’s media aide said on Tuesday.

The girls were seized on November 17 when armed men stormed their school in Kebbi state shortly after a military detachment left the premises. The attack triggered a wave of copycat kidnappings in Kwara and Niger states, authorities said.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday welcomed the girls’ release and called on security forces to intensify efforts to free others still held captive.

“I am relieved that all the 24 girls have been accounted for. Now we must put, as a matter of urgency, more boots on the ground in the vulnerable areas to avert further incidents of kidnapping. My government will offer all the assistance needed to achieve this,” Tinubu said.

Mass kidnappings for ransom have become common in northern Nigeria, where armed gangs target schools and rural communities, often overwhelming local security forces.

Reporting by Ahmed Kingimi; Writing by Chijioke OhuochaEditing by Gareth Jones and Cynthia Osterman

Brazil’s Bolsonaro to start serving 27-year prison sentence for coup plot

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered Bolsonaro to start serving his sentence in the headquarters of Brazil’s Federal Police in Brasilia, where he has been detained since Saturday

International News via Reuters:

Brazil’s Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered former President Jair Bolsonaro to start serving his prison sentence of more than 27 years for a coup-plot conviction, according to a court document.

Justice Alexandre de Moraes ordered Bolsonaro to start serving his sentence in the headquarters of Brazil’s Federal Police in Brasilia, where he has been detained since Saturday.

Earlier on Tuesday, the country’s top court formally concluded Bolsonaro’s coup-plotting case, making his conviction definitive. It had already rejected his appeal this month.

Bolsonaro was sentenced in September to 27 years and three months in prison for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 presidential election to leftist Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

He had been kept under house arrest for more than 100 days in Brasilia for violating precautionary measures in a separate case over allegedly courting the United States’ interference on his behalf.

In a custody hearing on Sunday, Bolsonaro denied any intent to escape or try to remove the ankle monitor, attributing his behavior to a mix of anticonvulsant drugs prescribed by different doctors for his chronic hiccups, which led him to imagine there was listening equipment inside the tracking device.

Reporting by Luciana Magalhaes and Ricardo Brito in Brasilia; Writing by Andre Romani; Editing by Brendan O’Boyle and Alistair Bell

UK government approves 4.1% rise in minimum wage for 2026

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Britain’s minimum wage is the second-highest in Europe relative to average pay and has risen by more than 60% since 2019

International News via Reuters:

Britain’s main minimum wage rate will rise by 4.1% to 12.71 pounds ($16.67) an hour next April to keep up with average pay, the government said on Tuesday, despite complaints from some employers that this will push up prices.

Britain’s minimum wage is the second-highest in Europe relative to average pay and has risen by more than 60% since 2019 as successive governments sought to lift it to two thirds of median hourly earnings.

Finance minister Rachel Reeves said the new increase, which follows a 6.7% rise earlier this year, was needed “so that those on low incomes are properly rewarded for their hard work”.

The increase will benefit 2.4 million workers aged 21 and over, while a further 300,000 apprentices and workers aged under 21 will get a rise of 6.0%-8.5% as the government continues to phase out lower minimum wages for these groups.

It lets the government announce good news for low-paid workers the day before Reeves delivers her annual budget, expected to include tens of billions of pounds in tax rises.

“The cost of living is still the number one issue for working people and that the economy isn’t working well enough for those on the lowest incomes,” Reeves said in a video message.

HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY SAYS WAGE RISE WILL PUSH UP PRICES

But the increase drew criticism from Britain’s hospitality industry, which said it would lead to higher prices.

“Hospitality businesses have reached their limit of absorbing seemingly endless additional costs. They will simply all be passed through to the consumer, ultimately fuelling inflation,” said Kate Nicholls, the chair of trade body UKHospitality.

Bigger pay rises for less experienced workers would make it harder for young people to find work, she added.

Britain had the highest inflation rate of any major advanced economy at 3.6% in October, driven in part by faster wage growth since the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the Bank of England expects inflation to return to its 2% target by mid-2027, many of its policymakers think wage growth faster than about 3% will make hitting that goal harder, due to persistently weak productivity growth.

Employers have also said that higher labour costs have contributed to reduced hiring this year. The unemployment rate has risen to its highest since 2021 at 5.0%.

However, the Low Pay Commission – the government agency which recommended the 4.1% increase – said its judgement was that previous increases in the minimum wage rate paid to over-21s “have not had a significant negative impact on jobs”.

The commission’s chair, Conservative lawmaker Philippa Stroud, said the body had weighed the challenges to low-paid workers from an increased cost of living against the pressure on employers from tax rises in April.

“In our discussions this year with workers and employers alike, it has been clear that no one is having an easy time,” she said.

The increase was in line with a provisional recommendation made in August by the commission, which includes representatives from business, trade unions and academia.

($1 = 0.7627 pounds)

Reporting by David MillikenEditing by Peter Graff

Renoir painting of son sold for $1.68 million at auction

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Painted around 1895, the piece, titled “Child with Toys – Gabrielle and the Artist’s Son, Jean” was given by the painter to Jeanne Baudot

International News via Reuters:

A rarely seen painting by French impressionist Pierre-Auguste Renoir, depicting his son and his nursemaid, was sold for 1.45 million euros ($1.68 million) at an auction held by Drouot on Tuesday in Paris.

Painted around 1895, the piece, titled “Child with Toys – Gabrielle and the Artist’s Son, Jean” was given by the painter to Jeanne Baudot, his only student and close friend. It has remained in her family ever since.

Renoir was a leading figure of the impressionist movement that overhauled art in the late 19th century.

The sale price was modest compared to the record for impressionism set by one of Claude Monet’s celebrated “Haystacks” series that fetched $110.7 million in 2023.

The work depicts the artist’s son, Jean Renoir, and his nursemaid, Gabrielle Renard. She was one of the painter’s favourite models, posing in nearly 200 paintings, said auctioneer Christophe Joron-Derem.

“It is a masterpiece of intimacy. We see this very tender relationship between Jean Renoir and Gabrielle, who knows how to control the child so that Renoir can paint him,” Joron-Derem said.

Born in 1894, Jean grew up to become an acclaimed film director. He died in 1979.

Pascal Perrin, an art consultant and Renoir specialist, described the artwork as being in “exceptional condition” and retaining all its colours “perfectly”.

($1 = 0.8645 euros)

Reporting by Lauren Bacquie and Antony Paone; Writing by Inti Landauro; Editing by Alison Williams

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