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Ministry hosts roundtable on domestic abuse response

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Government, police and community partners discuss ways to strengthen support for victims and survivors

Image supplied. (L-R Front)- Juanae Crockwell (Executive Director, Women’s Resource Centre), Minister Tinee Furbert, Karla Parfit (Arius Solutions), Darius Richardson (Arius Solutions), Dr. Ernest Peets (MASC Bermuda). (L-R Back) Na-imah Astwood (Deputy Commissioner of BPS), Tammy Richardson-Augustus (One Love Foundation), Iesha Musson, Dr. Lucie Fremlova (Gender Affairs Council), Arianna Hodgson, Robin Tucker, JP, MP, Darrin Simons (Commissioner of BPS)

Government press release:

The Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors recently hosted a Domestic Abuse and Domestic Violence (DA/DV) Roundtable on 30 October at the Ministry Headquarters. The meeting brought together key stakeholders from across government, law enforcement, and community organisations to discuss ongoing challenges, strengthen collaboration, and identify practical solutions to better support victims and survivors of domestic abuse and violence.

Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, the Hon. Tinee Furbert, JP, MP, reflected on the significance of the meeting, stating, “Every person deserves to feel safe in their home, their relationship, and their community. This roundtable demonstrates our shared commitment to ensuring that victims of domestic abuse and violence receive timely, compassionate, and effective support.”

Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Senator, the Hon. Kim Wilkerson, JP, underscored this message, adding, “Addressing domestic abuse is not only a social imperative, but a matter of justice. Our legal and support systems must work seamlessly to protect victims, hold offenders accountable, and ensure that survivors can rebuild their lives with dignity. Through continued collaboration, we are committed to strengthening the legal framework and improving access to justice for those most in need.”

During the session, participants highlighted the importance of consistent police training in domestic violence sensitivity, enhanced coordination between agencies, and the urgent need for trauma-informed approaches within the Family Court system. Discussions also focused on the development of a clear, accessible client pathway for DA/DV support, inclusive of children’s services and short-term placements for victims in crisis. Addressing systemic barriers such as financial hardship, lack of legal support, and limited public access to family court proceedings were also key priorities.

The Ministry, alongside its partners, will continue to build on the discussions from the roundtable.

As the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” approaches, the Ministry reaffirms its dedication to addressing domestic abuse in all its forms. The ongoing work of the DA/DV Working Group will ensure that collaboration remains at the forefront of efforts to create a Bermuda where all individuals can live free from fear and harm.

To view the remarks given by Minister Tinee Furbert at the Domestic Abuse Awareness Month press conference, held on October 27, please visit Domestic Abuse Awareness Month | Government of Bermuda.

Feedback sought on alternative forms of construction

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Government encourages the public to share their views before the December 5 deadline

Team of architects people in group on construciton site check documents and business workflow

Government press release:

The Department of Planning has launched a public opinion survey to gather feedback on the use of alternative forms of construction in Bermuda.

While these construction methods can be both convenient and cost-effective, the Department recognizes that their increased use may have a cumulative impact on the visual character of our island. Public input is therefore essential in helping to guide future policy decisions in this area.

The survey is available on the Department of Planning’s website at www.planning.gov.bm and on the Department’s official Facebook page. The survey will remain open until 5 December 2025.

The Minister of the Cabinet Office & Digital Innovation, the Hon. Diallo Rabain, explained, “The feedback collected will play an important role in shaping the Department’s policy direction on the use of alternative construction materials and techniques going forward.”

The Department of Planning encourages all members of the public to share their views and thanks the community for its participation and continued engagement.

For further information or assistance accessing the survey link, please contact the Department at 297-7756.

Bermuda pays tribute at London remembrance service

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Wreath laid at the Cenotaph honours 3,000 Bermudians who served in both World Wars

Video supplied.

Government press release:

Earlier today (November 9), as part of the Remembrance Sunday events the Government of Bermuda’s UK representative laid a wreath at the Cenotaph at Whitehall on behalf of the island.

Kimberley Durrant joined fellow representatives from the UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies for the Cenotaph Ceremony.

The ceremony was led by His Majesty the King, along with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, senior Cabinet Ministers, High Commissioners, and military representatives.

The Cenotaph Ceremony is a central event in the United Kingdom’s National Service of Remembrance, observed on the second Sunday of November. It serves as a solemn tribute to those who served and sacrificed in the First and Second World Wars, honouring the men and women who fought for freedom and peace.

Ms. Durrant paid tribute to the 3,000 Bermudians who served in both World Wars, including the 125 Bermudians who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Veterans, serving members of the armed forces, and members of various organisations also participated in the formal procession, reflecting on the sacrifices made in wartime. 

Opinion: Bridging Bermuda’s digital divide

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NAB Third Sector Spotlight: Connectech Coding

Images supplied.

By Sloane Johnson, Executive Director, Connectech Coding 

Across the world, technology is driving change faster than any of us could have imagined. Artificial intelligence, automation and digital tools are reshaping industries, creating new opportunities – and new inequalities. 

Here in Bermuda, the question isn’t whether technology will define our future, but whether our people will be prepared to lead in it. 

At Connectech Coding, we’ve seen what happens when opportunity meets exposure. Since our founding, we’ve introduced more than 9,000 students across the public school system to coding, robotics and digital literacy. We’ve watched children who had never touched a computer learn to code their own games, design robots and solve problems creatively. Their confidence grows, their curiosity expands, and suddenly, the future feels within reach. 

But we’ve also seen the other side. Too many young people in Bermuda still lack consistent access to technology education. Too many classrooms remain under-resourced or reliant on outdated tools. Too many adults feel left behind in a digital economy that moves faster than training opportunities allow. The digital divide isn’t just about who owns a laptop – it’s about who has the skills to participate meaningfully in the modern world. 

At Connectech, we believe technology education is not an optional enrichment – it’s a core skill as essential as reading and maths. Every child deserves the opportunity to understand how the technology around them works, how to use it responsibly and how to create with it. 

The results speak for themselves. Students in Connectech’s programmes show up to 90% improvement between pre- and post-assessments. Many go on to pursue STEM studies, explore new career paths, or simply gain the confidence to navigate an increasingly digital world. One student told us, “I didn’t think I could do this but this class has made me realize that I can invent and build things and create a future for Bermuda.”  – Whitney Institute M1 Student. Those words capture what drives us every day. 

Technology education isn’t only about preparing for future jobs – it’s about empowerment. It teaches children that they don’t just have to consume technology; they can build it, shape it, and use it to solve real problems in their own communities. For adults, it’s about adaptability and lifelong learning – skills that are crucial in an economy where digital transformation touches every industry. 

We cannot afford to leave anyone behind. Bermuda’s strength lies in the readiness of its people – and our future depends on how well we equip ours. Preparing for that future requires more than classrooms and computers; it requires collaboration across government, education, and the private sector. That’s why Connectech also provides bespoke professional development and corporate training helping Bermuda’s workforce stay agile and competitive. 

Every business, every school, and every family has a role to play. Invest in access. Support teacher training. Mentor a young coder. Advocate for technology education in every school. These small actions add up to systemic change. 

At Connectech Coding, we are committed to building a Bermuda where everyone – young or old – can thrive in a digital world. Together, we can close the digital divide, unlock creativity, and prepare our people not just to adapt to change, but to lead it. 

The future isn’t coming – it’s already here. Let’s make sure Bermuda is ready for it. 

Three-month delay for new asphalt plant

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The Ministry of Public Works and Environment today advised that the shipment of the new asphalt plant has been delayed by approximately three months to allow an independent assessment to be completed regarding the potential relocation of the Government Quarry’s operations.

Earlier today, union partners and Ministry management met with Quarry staff to provide an update on this development and outline the next steps in the assessment process.

The Ministry emphasised that despite this delay, the existing asphalt plant remains operational, and Bermuda’s road paving and maintenance programme will continue as scheduled.

Since 2016, the owners of the adjoining Rosewood Hotel have expressed interest in the Government’s Quarry property as part of its plans to expand hospitality operations. The Government has reviewed and respectfully declined all previous offers for the site.

Recently, the owners approached the Government requesting time to prepare one final proposal. The Government agreed only to permit an independent assessment to fully understand the cost and implications of relocating the Quarry’s operations. No negotiations have taken place, and no agreement has been reached.

The Government has made clear that if any future proposal were determined to be in the best interest of Bermudians, the owners would be required to cover the full cost of relocating the Quarry’s operations and constructing modern, fit-for-purpose facilities. 

Many of the Quarry’s existing buildings are outdated or in poor condition, and addressing them will require significant investment.

The Government will continue to ensure that all decisions protect the public interest and deliver value for the people of Bermuda.

Gaps found in ministerial travel records

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New report identifies incomplete disclosures and recommends standardised reporting across ministries

Image of Auditor General Heather Thomas supplied.

Auditor General Heather Thomas has found inconsistencies and missing documentation in the way government ministries handle and disclose ministerial travel, meal, and hospitality expenses.

In her latest report, Auditor General Thomas reviewed whether ministries have “fit- for- purpose frameworks” in place to manage and publicly report these expenses through the government’s travel webpage.

“While the disclosure of ministerial travel expenses is not mandated by law, publishing this information demonstrates respect for public funds, fiscal responsibility, and accountability,” said Auditor General Thomas. “Transparency in the use of government resources – particularly for travel – is best practice, and the Public have the Right to Know.”

The review identified several issues, including incomplete disclosures, inconsistent posting timelines, and missing receipts, as listed below.

  • Expenses without appropriate support – Original receipts were not included for all travel expense claims.
  • Incomplete or inaccurate disclosures – Complete information not disclosed on the government travel webpage.
  • Inconsistent timelines – Different ministries posted travel expenses at varying times, ranging from a day or two to several weeks after travel expense claims were processed.
  • Lack of central records – Not all ministries in-scoped maintained a comprehensive and central record of ministers’ travel available for review.
  • Delegation costs excluded – Current disclosures on the government travel webpage do not include the costs of accompanying ministerial delegations.

To address these gaps, Auditor General Thomas recommended the establishment of a standardised reporting system with clear guidelines, strengthen internal controls and training of public officers and ministers, and ensure the total cost of ministerial delegations are included in future disclosures.

You can read the full report below.

Report on Ministerial Travel, Meal and Hospitality ExpensesDownload

Bermuda UK Footballers Round-Up

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Significant wins for Nahki Wells and Reggie Lambe over the weekend

A busy Saturday across the English leagues saw a host of Bermudian players in action, highlighted by significant wins for Nahki Wells and Reggie Lambe.

Striker Nahki Wells started for Luton Town, who secured an eye-catching 3-0 away win against league leaders Stockport County. Wells was instrumental in the victory at Edgeley Park, which sees the Hatters climb the table and maintain their impressive form.

In the Southern League Premier Central, veteran Reggie Lambe and his Needham Market FC teammates battled Redditch United, emerging with a crucial 2-1 league win.

Goalkeeper Nathan Trott and Cardiff City suffered a tough 3-1 loss away to Blackpool in Sky Bet League One. Meanwhile, Dale Eve and Joshua Joseph were unused substitutes as their teams secured draws: Stratford Town FC drew 1-1, and Cheadle Heath Nomads played out a scoreless draw.

Other results saw Coleridge Fubler’s Binfield FC secure a vital 1-0 away victory, while Ayleal Dill’s Southwell City FC won 2-1 against 10-men Sleaford. However, Deniche Hill’s Buxton United fell 2-1, Milan Butterfield’s Halesowen Town lost 2-1, and Roger Lee’s Heanor Town went down heavily, losing 5-0 in the FA Vase.

‘Muppet’ show drew more than 1,000 visitors in two weeks

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Ministry of Education lends its support to Michael K. Frith exhibition at City Hall

The Minister of Education, Sen. The Hon. Crystal Caesar, JP, toured The Art of Michael K. Frith: From Pencil to Puppet, an incredibly well-received retrospective of the life and work of Bermudian Michael K. Frith, currently on view at the Bermuda National Gallery (BNG).

The exhibition chronicles the genius of an internationally recognised Bermudian whose career highlights include working as a children’s book editor and illustrator with Dr Seuss and Sesame Street books, followed by a 20-year stint as a key player with The Jim Henson Company during which time he designed countless Muppet characters and was the co-creator of Fraggle Rock, for which he took inspiration from his childhood growing up in Bermuda.

The show was curated by BNG Director of Exhibitions, Eve Godet Thomas. Ms Godet Thomas said, “The Art of Michael K. Frith: From Pencil to Puppet celebrates the life and work of one of Bermuda’s greatest living creatives and his enormous contribution to the worlds of entertainment, education and popular culture. The exhibition traces not only Michael’s extraordinary career, but also the evolution of an idea, which often starts, quite literally, on the back of a napkin, told through over 350 artefacts including original artworks, puppets and moving footage.”

The exhibition is made possible by several sponsors, including the title sponsor, Masters Limited, and additional support from the Ministry of Education.

Minister Caesar said, “The Ministry of Education recognises the importance of supporting art experiences within the educational context. This exhibition provides an incredible opportunity for local students to learn and be inspired through the exploration of a Bermudian artist who has achieved great success on a global scale. Beyond the Muppets and the Fraggles, Frith’s nonprofit No Strings Productions, which makes life-saving educational puppet films for at-risk populations in developing countries, highlights the power of puppets to educate and heal.”

Executive Director, Jennifer Phillips noted, The first two weeks of the exhibition’s opening saw over 1,100 visitors to the Gallery, including 40 students who have participated in school tours thus far, with more bookings confirmed through the remainder of the year. BNG will also be hosting a professional development day for BPSS teachers next week.

School tours, which are offered free of charge for students of all ages, can be booked online at www.bng.bm/school-tours/

The Bermuda National Gallery is located in the City Hall and Arts Centre. Open Tuesday to Friday 10 am-4 pm, and Saturdays 10 am-2 pm. Admission is free, thanks to the generosity of The Christian Humann Foundation.

Opinion: Art is not optional, it is essential 

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NAB Third Sector Spotlight: Bermuda National Gallery

The following opinion piece, along with accompanying photography, was submitted by the Bermuda National Gallery.

Across the world, the arts sector is under pressure. Limited funding, competing priorities, and the perception that art is a luxury have left cultural institutions fighting for survival. But art is not optional. It is a cornerstone of education, health, tourism and community wellbeing. 

The Bermuda National Gallery (BNG), located in Hamilton’s City Hall & Arts Centre, faces the same challenges as our local and international peers. Like most nonprofits, we rely on community support to fund every aspect of our work: from mounting world-class exhibitions and developing education programmes, to caring for the National Collection. 

Why Art Matters 

Communities that invest in culture enjoy richer economies and healthier societies. Studies show that museums contribute to tourism, strengthen education, and even improve health – so much so that in some countries, doctors prescribe museum visits to boost wellbeing. The arts are not a luxury; they are a necessity. 

At BNG, we see this impact every day. For more than 30 years, we have presented exhibitions that inspire, challenge and connect. Our flagship exhibition, the Bermuda Biennial, has been a launchpad for local artists, giving them recognition and opportunities on the international stage. One former Biennial artist said it “catapulted my career, placed me on an international stage, and also landed me my first solo exhibition”. Another said, “Now that I have this exposure, and with it a heightened sense of courage, I now call myself an artist and know in my bones that I can back it up.” 

In 2024, we extended this platform to young people through the inaugural Junior Bermuda Biennial, giving artists aged 5-17 the same opportunity to participate in an internationally juried exhibition and share their creativity in a professional space.  

Nurturing Young Minds 

Art plays a critical role in childhood development. Research shows that young people who engage with the arts are more likely to succeed academically and less likely to engage in antisocial behaviour. They also develop skills – creativity, critical thinking, problem solving – that are increasingly valued in the modern workplace. 

At BNG, we support this by offering free school tours, free activity booklets for every exhibition, and bursaries for our Art+Tech summer camp. In 2024 alone, we welcomed students from over 20 schools, distributed 1,250 activity booklets, and provided $12,000 in bursaries – ensuring more than half of our campers could attend with financial support. The results speak for themselves: every young camper reported increased confidence, new skills in digital art, and familiarity with professional tools such as Procreate. For many, it was their first time engaging with art on this level. 

Access for All 

We believe art should be accessible to everyone. Thanks to the support of The Christian Humann Foundation, BNG is the only museum on the island offering free admission. Since launching the programme in 2023, visitor numbers have risen by nearly 80%. In 2024, seven different exhibitions were on view and more than 11,400 people walked through our doors – proof of the demand for accessible cultural spaces. 

Free access has allowed us to diversify our audience and welcome many first-time visitors, from schoolchildren to seniors to tourists. It ensures that no one is turned away because of cost and that art remains part of Bermuda’s shared cultural life. 

Building Community 

Our impact is amplified due to our collaborations. It is at the heart of our work. We partner with schools, government departments, corporate supporters, and community organisations like Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda. These partnerships expand our reach and ensure that the gallery is not just a place to view art, but a hub for community engagement. 

A Call to Value the Arts 

As Executive Director of BNG, I see firsthand how transformative the arts can be. Exhibitions spark conversation. School tours ignite curiosity. Programmes like Art+Tech give young people skills and confidence that last a lifetime. For three decades, BNG has nurtured artists, preserved Bermuda’s cultural heritage, and opened doors to new ideas. 

But this work depends on community support. To secure Bermuda’s cultural future, we must treat art not as optional, but as essential. That means valuing and supporting the institutions equipped to preserve our artistic heritage, nurture our artists, and inspire the next generation. 

To learn more, or to support BNG by becoming a member, volunteering, or making a donation, please visit bng.bm. 

Opinion: Why I’m pushing for a more inclusive democracy

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Opinion: Why I’m pushing for a more inclusive democracy

Dwayne Robinson: Bermudians deserve the Absentee Voting Act 2025, but the PLP will need to collaborate with us

On September 26, I tabled the Absentee Voting Act 2025 for the consideration of the House of Assembly and Bermuda.  This bill enshrines in law that all eligible voters living in Bermuda should be able to vote in an election, even if they can’t be present on Election Day (or any other early voting day).

For example, this means that students, people overseas on medical treatment, or on work trips will be able to vote remotely.

Once again thank you to those who volunteered their time to draft this legislation.

It is crucial to underscore that unlike the governing party, the Opposition does not have a team of legislative drafters. People gave up time in between their regular responsibilities to put this together and for that I am extremely grateful.

I want to ensure the community is clear on the Act and the One Bermuda Alliance’s intentions with this legislation, so our hard work is not in vain.

The Progressive Labour Party, in its response to the tabling, raised some concerns about consultation, which is the pot calling the kettle black. The PLP being consultative is not one of its strongest attributes.

However, I will remind the public that the desire to table this Act was inspired by the consistent advocacy by a number of outspoken youth associations, activists, and political candidates.

Names like Bermuda Youth Connect, Bermuda is Love, Taj-Donville Outerbridge, Jahdia Spencer, and others, have been very vocal and we wanted them to know that their plight was not falling on deaf ears.

The community is clear — it wants a more inclusive democracy.

My colleagues and I have been fiercely lobbied, which led to then Opposition Leader Jarion Richardson re-emphasising our platform pledge during the 2025 general election campaign, if elected Government, the OBA would pass absentee voting.

For the PLP to say there was no consultation is simply false, as this is literally a grassroots demand of all political entities, with very little recorded opposition.

Let’s not pretend this was conjured up by the OBA with no input from the community; that is a falsehood.

We tabled the bill on the date we did to give the government and the community enough time to consider the legislation. If only we were afforded such luxury from the PLP on a regular basis.

Our intention with the Absentee Voting Act 2025 is simple. We are putting the terms “absentee voting” and “absentee voter” into law, allowing the creation of a method of absentee voting led by the Parliamentary Registrar.

It uses the term “ordinarily resident” directly from section two of the Parliamentary Elections Act 1978. The bill focuses primarily on Bermudians overseas due to education, employment, medical treatment, government service, and pre-arranged travel.

The bill does not cover Bermudians who live overseas permanently. As via our consultation we found that was the red line for many and will require much more community discussion.

We did not lay out the method of absentee voting as we want that to be led by the Parliamentary Registrar to ensure the best method for Bermuda independently selected by an expert, with support from all political entities, and the voters.

The Opposition is limited by what we can propose in legislation.  We cannot put forward any bills that require money from the Consolidated Fund. The reality is that we will need collaboration from the Progressive Labour Party to get this passed.

I once again extend the invitation to the PLP to bring forth amendments to our bill if it has any concerns and a budget to get this done.

Showcasing our bi-partisan support for absentee voting that we all pledged to do in the 2025 election campaign, I am happy talks between the parties have begun, and hopefully it will lead to a fruitful outcome for Bermudians who feel left out of their own democracy.

3,000 fallen Bermudians to be honoured

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On Remembrance Day, Bermuda Government will lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in London

Source: Wikipedia

On November 9, as part of the Remembrance Sunday events, Kimberley Durrant, the Government of Bermuda’s UK representative will lay a wreath at the Cenotaph at Whitehall on behalf of the island.

Ms. Durrant will participate in Cenotaph Ceremony alongside fellow representatives from the UK Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies.

The Cenotaph Ceremony is a central event in the United Kingdom’s National Service of Remembrance, observed on the second Sunday of November. It serves as a solemn tribute to those who served and sacrificed in the First and Second World Wars, honouring the men and women who fought for freedom and peace.

Ms. Durrant will pay tribute to the 3,000 Bermudians who served in both World Wars, including the 125 Bermudians who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The ceremony is led by His Majesty the King, along with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, all senior Cabinet Ministers, High Commissioners, and military representatives.

Veterans, serving members of the armed forces, and members of various organisations also participate in a formal procession, reflecting on the sacrifices made in wartime. 

Trash collection adjusted for Tuesday’s holiday

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The Ministry of Public Works and Environment is advising that household waste will not be collected on the Remembrance Day holiday, Tuesday, November 11.  

Instead, Tuesday’s waste will be collected on Wednesday, starting a “roll-over” collection schedule, finishing with Friday’s waste being collected on Saturday.  

This is a recycling collection week, and the recycling collection days will remain unchanged, with west end collection on Thursday and east end collection on Friday.

Household waste and recycling may also be delivered to the Tynes Bay Public Drop-Off, which will be open on Tuesday, 11 November, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, reverting to the regularly scheduled opening hours of 7:00 am to 7:00 pm every day after.

For further information about waste and recycling in Bermuda visit www.gov.bm/waste or follow recyclebermuda on Instagram and Facebook.

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