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Expert helps local teams bone up on invertebrates

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Expert helps local teams bone up on invertebrates

A visiting research scientist from the United Kingdom, Dr Danni Sherwood, is nearing the end of a three-week programme in Bermuda that has strengthened the Island’s ability to better understand, identify and manage the wide range of insects and other invertebrates that shape everyday life in Bermuda.

Her work has helped local teams sharpen skills that support everything from protecting native species to recognising new invasive pests before they become a problem for communities.

Dr Sherwood, a Senior Conservation Officer for the Supporting Atlantic Territories Invertebrate Conservation Project, has been in Bermuda since 3 November.

Her time on the Island has included hands-on identification sessions, museum curation training, and collaborative work with conservation partners to build long-term local capacity to study and protect land-dwelling invertebrates, including insects and spiders.

Over the past two weeks, Dr Sherwood has led a range of activities, including arachnid identification and invertebrate museum curation sessions at the Natural History Museum at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, followed by a series of workshops at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) headquarters.

These sessions covered endemic species, important invertebrate areas, conservation action planning, and the drafting of a national invertebrate strategy document to guide future species management and research.

Minister of Public Works and Environment, the Hon. Jache Adams, JP, MP, said: “Government welcomes the contribution that Dr Sherwood has made during her time in Bermuda. Her work supports our wider commitment to strengthen environmental management through sound science, capacity building and practical collaboration.

“The training delivered this month enhances Bermuda’s ability to plan for the long term, and it has provided valuable opportunities for local teams to deepen their understanding of the Island’s diverse invertebrate life.”

Director of DENR, Dr Geoff Smith, an environmental scientist by training, added: “Dr Sherwood has provided structured guidance that will help Bermuda refine technical methods for identifying, assessing and conserving local invertebrate species.

“Her support in drafting a national invertebrate strategy gives us a stronger foundation to prioritise research and conservation actions. The timing of this visit has also been useful, given DENR’s announcement last week regarding the discovery of red imported fire ants in Bermuda.

“While Dr Sherwood’s workshops were not focused on fire ants, the added attention on invertebrate identification and assessment reinforces the importance of early detection and rapid response for all invasive invertebrates.”

Dr Sherwood will conclude her visit on 24 November. DENR will provide further updates on the development of the national invertebrate strategy document as the work progresses.

Attached photos:

#1 – Dr Danni Sherwood

#2 – Trisha Cross (BAMZ) and Laruen Gray (BZS) with Roxy Crockwell-Laurent (Hungry Goat Summer Camp) in the background.

#3 – Dr Sherwood with Ronald Burchall (Bermuda National Trust).

#4 – Participants from DENR, BZS, BNT, BAMZ, and Plant Lab Ltd during field training last week at Spittal Pond. 

Brazil’s Lula pushes negotiators for early climate deal at COP30 summit

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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The two-week U.N. summit in the Amazon city of Belem has brought nearly 200 countries together to try to ratchet up multilateral action to limit climate change

International News via Reuters:

Brazil’s president was set to meet key negotiators at the COP30 summit on Wednesday as part of a drive to land a deal ahead of schedule on some of the most divisive issues in the global climate talks, including fossil fuels and climate finance.

The two-week U.N. summit in the Amazon city of Belem has brought nearly 200 countries together to try to ratchet up multilateral action to limit climate change, despite the absence of the United States, the top historic greenhouse gas emitter.

Host Brazil is hoping to buck the trend that has seen recent climate summits run well past their deadline by seeking to endorse a package of agreements later on Wednesday, and the outstanding issues on Friday.

FRESH DRAFT EXPECTED ON WEDNESDAY

The COP30 presidency was expected to land a fresh draft of the initial deal early on Wednesday, but no announcements had been issued by late morning.

The first version of the deal published on Tuesday had presented a range of options that split opinion.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva arrived back at the conference on Wednesday, according to Brazilian officials, giving renewed political impetus to the talks. He was expected to meet key negotiators as well as U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.    

Brazil and around 80 other supportive nations want to agree something that helps spur action on a 2023 agreement made at COP28 to transition away from fossil fuels. 

However, the idea of creating a roadmap to help guide that transition had so far been rejected by others, Brazil’s COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago said on Tuesday. 

‘WE’VE GOT BLOCKERS,’ VANUATU SAYS

Pacific island nation Vanuatu’s climate minister Ralph Regenvanu told Reuters Saudi Arabia was one of those opposed. Saudi Arabia did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

“I think it’s going to be very difficult … because we’ve got blockers,” Regenvanu said.

Other contentious issues in the package include pinning down how rich countries will provide finance to poorer countries to switch to clean energy, and what must be done about a gap between promised emissions cuts and those needed to stop temperatures rising.

Poorer countries already bearing the impacts of global warming are rallying for a strong outcome.

“We want ambition on finance. We want ambition on adaptation. We want to see ambition on the transition,” Jiwoh Abdulai, Sierra Leone’s climate minister, told Reuters. “And we want to ensure that we live here on a path that is sustainable, not just for this generation, but for future generations.”

Plans to launch a U.N.-backed global market for trading carbon offset credits, meanwhile, have hit a snag as governments dispute over funding to get the market up and running, five sources told Reuters.

Additional reporting and Eriting by William James; Editing by Richard Valdmanis and Alison Williams

Senior Women’s squad announced for World Cup Qualifiers

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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The Bermuda Football Association (BFA) has unveiled the Senior Women’s squad set to embark on their 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup Qualifying campaign, which begins later this month with two challenging away fixtures.

Bermuda face a demanding start to their campaign, with both opening matches taking place on the road against opponents they have never met at the senior level.

Bermuda’s qualification bid begins on November 27th when they travel to the Cayman Islands. The fixture will be held at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex in Grand Cayman, marking a historic first-ever senior meeting between the two island nations.

Four days later, on December 1st, the squad will face another difficult test in Central America. Bermuda will take on Guatemala at the Cementos Progreso Stadium in Guatemala City. Like the Cayman Islands match, this fixture will be the first senior-level encounter between Bermuda and Guatemala.

The announcement of the squad signals a fresh and exciting phase for the women’s programme, with the team aiming to secure valuable early points in a campaign that features entirely new opponents for the current generation of players.

The selection blends an experienced core of players with promising younger talent, seeking to build chemistry quickly before facing the unknown challenges presented by the Cayman Islands and Guatemala.

Head Coach Naquita Robinson was very upbeat about the qualifiers and had this to say, “We are thrilled to announce our final team and to kick off this exciting campaign. We know the start of the tournament sets the tone, and securing a positive result early is crucial for building confidence and momentum. The players have been working incredibly hard to be ready for this, and we are ready to give everything from the whistle. We are prepared, motivated, and excited to represent Bermuda with pride.”

Bermuda Women’s Senior National Squad

Goalkeepers

Taya Rodrigues – IMG Academy

Sharifa Crockwell – Dandy Stars

Defenders

Sierra Fisher – Somerset Lady Trojans

Victoria Davis – Somerset Lady Trojans

Zemira Webb – Jacksonville University

Danni Watson – Barton College

Saony Trott – Dandy Stars

Marley Christian – Boston Sidekicks FC

Keunna Dill – FC United of Manchester

Koa Goodchild – Somerset Lady Trojans

Midfielders

Jya Ratteray-Smith – Chesham United

Khyla Brangman – PHC Lady Zebras

Evans Welch – Dandy Stars

Marli Butterfield – Delaware State University

K’Shaela Burch-Waldron – Sutton United

Eva Frazzoni – AFC Sudbury

Forwards

Jahni Simmons – Coventry Sphinx

Nia Christopher – Fort Lauderdale United

Kenni Thompson – AFC Bournemouth

Amiya James – Queen Ethelburga’s

Robin Valana Pearman – St. Leo’s University

Jaden Masters – University of Louisiana Monroe

Thousands of Tunisian doctors strike, say health system close to collapse

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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A spate of environmental and anti-government protests prompted by a worsening economic crisis and disruptions in public services has posed the biggest challenge to President Kais Saied

International News via Reuters:

Thousands of young doctors went on strike across Tunisia on Wednesday to demand higher pay and warn of an impending collapse of the health system, part of a broader wave of social unrest convulsing the country.

A spate of environmental and anti-government protests prompted by a worsening economic crisis and disruptions in public services has posed the biggest challenge to President Kais Saied since he seized all power in 2021.

“We are exhausted, underpaid and working in a system that is breaking down,” said Marwa, who declined to give her surname, while attending a protest rally in the capital Tunis with hundreds of other doctors.

“If nothing changes, more doctors will leave and the crisis will only deepen,” she added.

The protesters, wearing white coats, brandished placards that read “Dignity for doctors” and “Save our hospitals” as they gathered near Tunisia’s parliament.

As well as low wages, the protesters complained of outdated equipment and shortages of essential medical supplies, factors which they said were fuelling a growing exodus of young health professionals to Europe and the Gulf.

“As long as the authorities ignore our demands, we will continue to escalate, resist and lead the social movement in the country,” Wajih Dhakkar, head of the Young Doctors’ Organisation, told Reuters.

The Health Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

President Saied has accused what he describes as conspirators and infiltrators of fabricating crises in various sectors in order to undermine the state.

Tunisia has seen strikes over pay by transport workers and bank employees in recent months, while the southern city of Gabes has been a focal point of protests over a pollution crisis blamed on a state-owned chemical plant.

Reporting By Tarek AmaraEditing by Gareth Jones

Bermuda walkers head for Premier League challenge in U.K.

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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A squad of Bermudian Walking Football enthusiasts is set to embark on a memorable three-match tour to the UK, where they will face the walking football teams of three major Premier League clubs: Liverpool, Everton, and Manchester City.

The tour offers the twelve-player contingent a chance to test their skills against established sides in the fast-growing, low-impact version of the beautiful game.

The unique sport, which strictly prohibits running, allows players—primarily those over 50—to rediscover their love for football while relying on tactical intelligence and skill rather than speed.

The travelling squad includes players such as John Miranda, Gordon Stewart, and Michael Bean, and they are looking forward to the challenge.

The Bermuda team’s fixtures against the community teams of Liverpool, Everton, and Manchester City will be a significant highlight, celebrating the spirit of sportsmanship and the enduring passion for the game.

BBC Radio News: Wednesday Noon – 19 November 2025

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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BBC Radio News: Wednesday Noon – 19 November 2025
Bermuda BroadcastingBBC Radio News: Wednesday Noon – 19 November 2025
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10:43
  1. BBC Radio News: Wednesday Noon – 19 November 202510:43
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Open seeds cruise in Squash Championships as White completes great escape

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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The Bermuda Squash Association Club 2025 Championships are underway in Devonshire, with the top seeds in the Men’s and Women’s Open divisions dominating, though the lower ranks provided dramatic five-game thrillers.

In the Men’s Open, Noah Browne signalled his title intent by defeating Charles Riker in straight sets (11-9, 11-3, 11-5). He was joined by Anaya Smith, who also dispatched Alex Southern 3-0.

Eilidh Franklin and Rachel Barnes led the way in the Women’s Open. Barnes was ruthless against Mckenna Kyme, conceding only two points across three games (11-1, 11-1, 11-0). Franklin also progressed comfortably despite dropping one game to Alex Furtado.

The greatest excitement came in the lower divisions. Mason Smith was taken the distance by Rocco Adderley in the Men’s B Division, eventually prevailing in a tense five-game match (8-11, 11-4, 11-5, 8-11, 11-7).

The comeback of the day belonged to Kleyon-Paul White in the Men’s C Division. Trailing 0-2 to Kevin Gillespie, White mounted a spirited rally, winning the final three games to complete a dramatic reverse sweep and advance.

Canadian market drives air arrivals growth

Jasmine Patterson
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The Bermuda Tourism Authority released their Q3 2025 tourism statistics

Canadian travelers lead the increased number in air arrivals in the third quarter this year, according to the latest Bermuda Tourism Authority statistics.


And it appears new investment in hotel properties and room inventory are generating a buzz in the sector.


Jasmine Patterson tells us more.

UK’s Workspace posts first-half loss as budget uncertainty delays leasing

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Shares of the company, which have fallen about 18% so far this year, tumbled nearly 6% to a more than three-year low

International News via Reuters:

Workspace Group said on Wednesday that uncertainty ahead of the UK budget led to delays in leasing decisions by small- and medium-sized businesses, as the London-focused flexible office space provider reported a half-yearly loss amid falling valuations.     

Shares of the company, which have fallen about 18% so far this year, tumbled nearly 6% to a more than three-year low.

Businesses are growing cautious ahead of the November 26 UK budget, delaying decisions until they get more clarity. British commercial property landlord Landsec said last week that clients were delaying leasing decisions due to concerns over potential property tax increases.

“It’s very difficult for (our customers) to plan, course adjust, et cetera without some certainty,” Workspace CFO Dave Benson told Reuters in a call, adding that uncertainty was one of the company’s biggest challenges.

“I do think people are waiting and maybe deferring decisions until after they have clarity of the budget,” Benson said.

Under CEO Lawrence Hutchings, who joined a year ago, Workspace launched a transformation plan in June to expand its core business, retain customers and upgrade its products as it navigates falling occupancies and rental income.   

The company’s EPRA net tangible assets per share, a key industry metric that reflects asset valuations, fell 6.8% for the six months ended September 30, it said. 

Analysts at Panmure Liberum noted that the NTA looks weak, reinforcing their view that office values are coming under pressure.

Workspace reported a pretax loss of 71.1 million pounds ($93.4 million) for the six months to September 30, compared to a profit of 10.2 million pounds a year earlier. 

($1 = 0.7613 pounds)  

Reporting by Ankita Bora in Bengaluru; Editing by Sonia Cheema

Think Pink with Philip Barnett

Jasmine Patterson
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Think Pink with Philip Barnett

Exploring the evolving landscape of Bermuda’s hospitality and tourism industry

In the inaugural episode of Think Pink, host Jasmine Patterson engages with Philip Barnett – President of the Island Restaurant Group, to explore the evolving landscape of Bermuda’s hospitality and tourism industry. They discuss the anticipated renaissance in tourism, the impact of COVID-19, the importance of local ingredients, and the challenges of attracting talent in the hospitality sector. Mr. Barnett emphasizes the potential for career growth within the industry and the need for a supportive environment for local workers, while also addressing the implications of minimum wage changes and gratuity practices in restaurants.

Saudi crown prince heads to a US Congress no longer railing against him

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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President Donald Trump lavishly greeted bin Salman at the White House on Tuesday and defended the crown prince over the 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi

International News via Reuters:

U.S. lawmakers are set to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday on the second day of his visit to the United States, aimed at touting stronger-than-ever economic and security ties with Washington while brushing off scrutiny over his human rights record.

President Donald Trump lavishly greeted bin Salman at the White House on Tuesday and defended the crown prince over the 2018 killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents, which U.S. intelligence agencies concluded he approved.

Considered an outcast in the aftermath of the killing, bin Salman’s rehabilitation was rubber stamped this week. One example showcasing that was Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who as a U.S. senator in 2019 denounced the crown prince as a “gangster”, sitting a few steps away during the Oval Office meeting, where Trump repeatedly said it was “an honor” to be friends with the Saudi leader.

That marks a sharp contrast to Washington’s view of the Saudi leader during Trump’s first term, as members of Congress became angry with Riyadh’s role in the devastating civil war in Yemen and human rights record, fueled by Khashoggi’s murder at a Saudi consulate in Turkey.

“He is reckless, he’s ruthless, he has a penchant for escalation, for taking high risks, confrontational in his foreign policy approach and I think increasingly willing to test the limits of what he can get away with the United States,” Rubio at the time said. There were multiple and persistent calls from members of Congress for accountability.

In 2019, Congress passed a resolution demanding an end to military support for the Saudi-led coalition waging war in Yemen, although there were too few votes to overturn Trump’s veto.

Although memories of that time may have faded, bin Salman’s reception on Capitol Hill on Wednesday was likely to be far more subdued than the welcomes given to other world leaders. Aides said he would meet with some members of Congress on Wednesday morning, but the meeting was not announced.

Neither Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson nor Republican Senate Leader John Thune planned the type of press opportunity, with photos and brief remarks, often held when world leaders visit the Capitol.

A handful of lawmakers have even criticized bin Salman this time around.

Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, where Khashoggi lived, blasted Trump after the Oval Office meeting with bin Salman, known as MBS.

“Instead of rolling out the red carpet for MBS and leveraging the presidency for private hotel deals, Trump should be demanding accountability on behalf of Khashoggi’s Virginia-based family and pressing Saudi Arabia to advance U.S. security interests. Unfortunately, this is just the most recent example of Trump placing his personal financial interests above the interest of the American people,” he said in a statement.

Bin Salman, who agreed in the meeting to increase the kingdom’s investments in the U.S. to $1 trillion from $600 billion, is also attending an investment conference in Washington on Wednesday that will include CEOs from major U.S. companies. The two sides also announced new agreements on arms sales, civil nuclear cooperation and artificial intelligence after the meeting.

Reporting by Patricia Zengerle and Simon Lewis; Editing by Humeyra Pamuk and Lincoln Feast

Exercisers warned to wear reflective gear on roads

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Shadow Minister highlights danger of dark clothing and presses government to take improving lighting and maintenance of roadways seriously

Statement from Shadow Tourism and Transport Minister, Dwayne Robinson:

With the days now shorter and the darkness setting upon us earlier, it is incumbent of me to remind cyclists, runners and walkers to wear reflective wear when exercising on the roads.

I have received numerous concerned reports of exercisers being narrowly missed because they were wearing dark clothing yet lacked reflective gear or lights.

Prevention is better than cure and ultimately, everyone should be able to use Bermuda’s roads safely.
To motorists, I implore you to exercise caution as you navigate roads and please, slow down. It’s better to arrive late than not to arrive at all.

I implore the Government to take improving lighting and maintenance of our roads and railways seriously and ensure they are well lit and safe for use.

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