While widespread structural damage was minimal, the storm appeared to bring down a wall at the old Hamiltonian site
Bermuda was getting back on its feet today after being pummeled through the night by Hurricane Imelda.
The receding winds were still strong on North Shore today, where Gary Foster Skelton provided an overview of some of the impacts.
There does not appear to be widespread structural damage, although one elevated property in Pembroke – on the site of the old Hamiltonian Hotel took a heavy hit. (WATCH above)
The fiscal consolidation should allow Giorgia Meloni’s government to exit an EU infringement procedure for countries running excessive deficits by mid-2026
International News via Reuters:
Italy will cut its budget deficit to 3% of national output this year, the government said on Thursday, below a previous target of 3.3% and inside the European Union’s 3% ceiling for the first time since 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The fiscal consolidation should allow Giorgia Meloni’s government to exit an EU infringement procedure for countries running excessive deficits by mid-2026, provided Brussels is convinced that Rome’s improved finances can be sustained in coming years.
The procedure restricts offending countries’ flexibility with regard to taxation and spending policies, as they must cut their fiscal deficit by a prescribed amount each year.
Rome’s 2026 budget framework approved at an evening cabinet meeting said the deficit would fall to 2.8% of gross domestic product (GDP) next year, confirming a previous target set in April.
“We are confirming the line of firm and prudent responsibility that takes into account the need to maintain public finance stability,” in compliance with European rules, Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti said in a statement.
The EMO provides the latest from their 2pm meeting, although news on schools reopening is still pending
File photo
Statement from Michael Weeks, Minister of National Security:
The Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) met again at 2 pm today as we continue to coordinate recovery efforts following the passage of Hurricane Imelda.
The public is advised of the following updates:
Winds continue to slowly decrease but everyone should exercise caution when outdoors.
The Causeway has been assessed and is open to traffic, though drivers should remain off the road while recovery efforts continue, unless there is an emergency.
LF Wade International Airport is open.Delta and British Airways are en route. American Airlines, United Airlines and Jet Blue have cancelled their flights today. Travelers should confirm flight details with their airlines.
Department of Public Transportation (DPT) – Bus service will resume at 6pm today. .Ferry service will resume normal service tomorrow morning.
Royal Bermuda Regiment (RBR) and work crews have cleared all of the major thoroughfares
While we urge residents to stay off the roads, if you must traverse the island, please do so with extreme care, as there are some side roads that are impassable.
All Government Offices will reopen and be fully operational as normal tomorrow.
All schools remain closed while assessments continue. The Ministry of Education is reviewing structural integrity and power availability at affected schools. A notice about whether public schools will reopen tomorrow will be issued at 6 pm today.
There were 54 individuals at the shelterat CedarBridge Academy. They have all left and the shelter has closed.
The Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre is now closed.
The Tynes Bay public drop off is open until 7 pm today.
The Marsh Folly horticultural drop off will close today at 4 pm.
The National Sports Centre pool will open at 6 am tomorrow.
All street lights in the City of Hamilton are operating.
All emergency services are operating as normal.
I am grateful for all of the help and support given by everyone who worked tirelessly around the clock to get Bermuda back to normal. They have done a great job of restoring our Country in the aftermath of Imelda.
Please continue to support one another as we strive to get Bermuda back to normal.
Starmer returned early from a European summit in Copenhagen after the attack in Manchester, which spread fear through a community already reeling from a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents
International News via Reuters:
Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised to do everything in his power to defeat antisemitism and protect Britain’s Jews after the killing of two people at a synagogue in northern England.
Starmer returned early from a European summit in Copenhagen after the attack in Manchester, which spread fear through a community already reeling from a sharp rise in antisemitic incidents.
He described the attacker as a “vile individual” who was motivated by the desire to attack Jews “because they are Jews”.
“To every Jewish person in this country, I want to say this, I know how much fear you will be holding inside of you. I really do,” he said.
“And so on behalf of our country, I express my solidarity, but also my sadness that you still have to live with these fears. Nobody should have to do that. Nobody.”
Starmer’s wife is Jewish and he has previously spoken about his connection to the faith.
When he became leader of the centre-left Labour Party in 2020, he was forced to tackle antisemitism in its ranks after the party was accused of discrimination and harassment of Jews by the UK’s equalities watchdog.
But his government has infuriated the Israeli government by recognising a Palestinian state. Gideon Saar, Israel’s foreign minister, said British authorities had failed to curb antisemitism and “effectively allowed it to persist”.
Jewish leaders in Britain have complained about the regular staging of pro-Palestinian marches in London since Israel began devastating the Gaza Strip, killing tens of thousands of Palestinians, in response to an attack on Israel in October 2023 led by Hamas militants. Some 1,200 people were killed in that attack and 251 taken as hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.
Starmer said there would be more police outside British synagogues and that he would work hard to reassure the Jewish community.
“I promise you that I will do everything in my power to guarantee you the security that you deserve,” he said.
Reporting by Kate Holton, additional reporting by William James
Investors have been largely sanguine about the shutdown’s impact on the markets and economy
International News via Reuters:
Global stocks gained and gold traded near record highs on Thursday as investors took in their stride the potential ramifications of a U.S. government shutdown, while a weak private U.S. labor market report bolstered bets for Federal Reserve rate cuts.
Investors have been largely sanguine about the shutdown’s impact on the markets and economy, helped by data of past shutdowns that showed limited fallouts. Morgan Stanley, for example, said U.S. share prices have risen an average 4.4% while real U.S. economic growth has expanded 2.2% during shutdowns in the past.
Instead, investors are focused on how much the Federal Reserve might lower interest rates this year, and whether the roaring U.S. stock market is due for a short-term pullback in the near future.
Nicholas Colas and Jessica Rabe, co-founders of DataTrek Research, said sector sub-indices for the S&P 500 index are showing a marked correlation with downside risks.
“Every other time they have done so since 2023, the S&P has declined by 5-18% in the following weeks,” Colas and Rabe said. “This is not an outright ‘sell’ signal, but history says to be selective here.”
The S&P 500, which has risen 14% so far this year, was flat after briefly touching a record high of 6,731.94 points. The Nasdaq Composite gained 0.3% after also hitting an all-time high of 22,900.60 points, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average was also little changed.
A protracted U.S. government shutdown could mean that the release of key official data on employment and inflation is delayed or disrupted, clouding the picture on the health of the world’s biggest economy and the path for interest rates.
A monthly payrolls report seems unlikely now to be released on Friday, putting an ADP employment report that showed the economy unexpectedly shed jobs in September into sharper focus. Traders are now pricing in two quarter-point Fed rate cuts by the end of the year as almost a done deal.
“I hope they sort this out rapidly,” said Kevin Thozet, investment committee member at asset manager Carmignac, referring to the government shutdown, adding that inflation data was also due ahead of the Fed’s next meeting. “It’s like a blind man walking with a blind dog,” he said.
SHUTDOWN ANGST HURTS DOLLAR, BOOSTS GOLD
The MSCI’s broadest index of global stocks was up about 0.1% on Thursday, after European stocks hit another record high, up about 0.5%.
Tech shares in Asia had earlier rallied, helping drive up the region’s stock indexes, partly lifted by news that South Korean chip heavyweights Samsung and SK Hynix inked partnerships to supply OpenAI data centres.
Gold , which have been buoyed by a combination of Fed easing bets and some shutdown angst, took a breather and slipped 0.5% after reaching another all-time high of $3,895.09 overnight.
The two-year Treasury yield sank to a two-week low of 3.531% overnight, and was last at 3.5449%.
“As is often the case, fresh highs are likely to beget yet more fresh highs here, with momentum still firmly with the bulls, and the fundamental case for further upside in PMs (precious metals) a solid one too,” said Michael Brown, senior research strategist at Pepperstone.
The U.S. dollar index, which tracks the currency against six major peers, languished near a one-week low of 97.459 reached overnight. It last stood at 97.864, up 0.1% from Wednesday’s closing level.
The dollar was little changed against the yen at 147.165 yen, after Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida signalled confidence that conditions for another interest rate hike were falling into place in remarks at an industry event.
The euro dipped 0.1% to $1.1717, while sterling fell 0.3% at $1.3441.
Oil prices edged lower on Thursday, extending a run of declines into a fourth day due to concerns about oversupply in the market. [O/R]
Brent crude futures fell 1.8% to $64.18 a barrel, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude also dipped 1.9% to $60.6 a barrel.
Reporting by Iain Withers in London and Kevin Buckland in TokyoEditing by Deepa Babington and Nick Zieminski
The European Court of Justice ruled that the trade deal was invalid in October 2024, on the grounds that it included products from disputed Western Sahara
International News via Reuters:
Morocco and the European Union have agreed to introduce origin labeling as an amendment to their agricultural deal, ensuring that products from Western Sahara receive the same preferential tariffs as those originating from Morocco, Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita said on Thursday.
The European Court of Justice ruled that the trade deal was invalid in October 2024, on the grounds that it included products from disputed Western Sahara.
Western Sahara has been at the heart of a territorial dispute between Morocco, which rules the territory, and the Algerian-backed Polisario Front, which seeks an independent state there.
The new deal will be signed shortly in Brussels, Bourita told state news agency MAP.
The deal introduces technical adjustments concerning consumer information about the origin of products, he said.
Products from Western Sahara will carry the labels “Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra” and “Dakhla-Oued Eddahab,” he said. These refer to the subregions Morocco uses in its administrative division in the area.
Reporting by Ahmed Eljechtimi in Rabat; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Matthew Lewis
ByMercedes Pringle-DeSilva, Executive Director, Age Concern Bermuda
By 2026, one in four Bermudians will be over the age of 65 (Bermuda National Seniors Strategy 2024–2030). That’s a quarter of our population navigating retirement, rising healthcare costs, and the realities of ageing – often without the support they need. The critical question at this juncture is whether the island is prepared for this silver tsunami.
Ageing should not be a crisis – it should be a chapter of life filled with meaning, connection, and respect. That’s why Age Concern provides practical help and advocacy to protect and empower Bermuda’s 50+ community.
At Age Concern Bermuda, we work every day to help older adults live with dignity, independence and security. We hear from seniors struggling to afford groceries and medication, caring for partners with complex needs or feeling isolated in their communities. For many, later life is marked by stress, not rest, in their golden years.
Age Concern is working to fill these gaps. As the leading nonprofit serving Bermuda’s 50+ population, our mission is to promote the quality of life and advance the rights and opportunities of older adults. We do this through a range of programmes and services that offer guidance on healthcare and benefits, emergency hardship support, long-term care advocacy, education on available services and ageing-related issues, and discount membership benefits to stretch limited budgets. We collaborate with social service providers, health professionals, and community organisations to create real, measurable impact.
Last year alone, we helped seniors navigate critical services, provided emergency financial assistance to 211 older adults, and supported long-term care training that benefited 258 residents in care facilities. Our workshops empowered more than 700 participants with practical knowledge on finances and caregiving. 6,000 Members have access to discounts that could save them $600 per year through our affiliate benefits programme. And perhaps most importantly, over 40% of clients have noted that they have increased their knowledge on age-related issues and say they feel more independent because of our services.
Ageing is not a crisis—it’s a natural part of life, and it should be something we prepare for and embrace, not fear. Our vision is a Bermuda where ageing is met with opportunity, respect, and support. A place where older adults are empowered to live with dignity, stay connected, and remain financially and socially secure. But this vision won’t happen on its own. It requires investment, collaboration, and political will. We need policymakers to prioritise issues around ageing and wellbeing, community partners to align their efforts, and the public to recognise that ageing well benefits us all. Let’s commit – together – to building a Bermuda where successful ageing is not the exception, but the norm.
Age Concern Bermuda is a registered charity advocating for the rights and wellbeing of older adults across the island. Learn more at ageconcern.bm or give us a call at (441) 238-7525.
This op-ed is part of the Third Sector Spotlight Series, a collective media campaign coordinated by the Nonprofit Alliance of Bermuda. This campaign aims to raise awareness of the value, impact and contributions of Bermuda’s nonprofit sector
The technology will enable faster search-and-rescue response and enhance coastal surveillance
Images supplied
RBR press release:
The Royal Bermuda Regiment Coast Guard Unmanned Systems Unit (USU) recently completed a three-day unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operational training course, instructed by US-based experts from Drone Nerds.
The course brought together 15 personnel from the Royal Bermuda Regiment, including members of the Coast Guard and the wider battalion, along with two officers from the Bermuda Police Service and two officers from the Cayman Islands Coast Guard.
Training last week combined classroom sessions, practical flight instruction and live deployment exercises to strengthen the integration of UAVs in search-and-rescue operations, maritime security, law enforcement and environmental monitoring.
The instructors were able to demonstrate the UAV capability to UK Minister of State for Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty MP during his visit, as well as His Excellency the Governor, Andrew Murdoch.
The RBR Coast Guard USU operates five Parrot Anafi USA drones, all funded through the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), underlining the UK’s commitment to Bermuda’s maritime resilience and innovation.
His Excellency the Governor said: “It’s important that the RBR and BPS continue to innovate and use technology to the greatest possible extent to carry out their missions more efficiently and effectively.
“These UAVs, funded by the UK, deliver incredible capability and will make a difference in delivering a safer and more secure Bermuda.”
Major Jeffrey Patterson, Officer Commanding the RBR Coast Guard, said that the training was undertaken to ensure the unit’s UAV operators are not only technically proficient but also tactically confident in real-world missions.
“By training with BPS and CICG, we have strengthened both our interoperability and our ability to safeguard Bermuda’s waters and marine environment,” he added.
The training covered manual flight fundamentals, tactical operations, automated mission planning and integration of thermal and zoom sensors.
Participants advanced to full-scale deployment exercises, including shoreline searches, vessel-based launches and co-ordinated UAV operations.
Students were left prepared to sit the FAA Part 107 Small UAS [unmanned aircraft system] Certification Test providing internationally recognised credentials for UAV operation.
For the Coast Guard’s USU, the training represents a significant step forward in operational readiness.
The use of UAVs will enable faster search-and-rescue response, including for the location of distressed vessels or missing persons at sea.
It will enhance coastal surveillance and law enforcement, supporting BPS and regional partners, and allow for expanded environmental monitoring capacity.
“This training gives Bermuda a modern, flexible capability,” said Maj Patterson. “Drones allow us to cover more ground, respond faster and protect both lives and our marine environment more effectively.”
The RBR Coast Guard extended its thanks to Drone Nerds for the expert instruction.
Giovanni Ruiz, technical director at Drone Nerds, said: “We were honoured to partner with the Royal Bermuda Regiment to deliver a specialised Parrot Anafi USA training programme led by our advanced UAS trainer, Stuart de la Rosa.
“Over three days, the course combined classroom instruction, hands-on flight practice and scenario-based missions to prepare participants for the unique challenges of maritime search-and-rescue and public safety.
“At Drone Nerds, we believe training goes beyond technical skills, building the confidence and decision-making ability needed to succeed in complex missions while ensuring teams are mission-ready from day one and able to adapt to evolving demands.
“The Regiment’s students were highly engaged and it was inspiring to see their capabilities grow with each session. We are proud to support their operational readiness and to have partnered with such a professional and dedicated team.”
Lance Corporal Micah Simons, a boatswain’s mate and full-time member of RBR Coast Guard staff, said he learned a great deal from the training.
The 27-year-old, who has been in the Regiment since 2021, highlighted how the UAVs could assist with maritime law enforcement operations such as investigations into reports of unauthorised fishing.
He added: “It was my first time flying a drone, so definitely a new experience. It will be a very good asset to have in the Coast Guard and in the Royal Bermuda Regiment as a whole.”
· For information on joining the Royal Bermuda Regiment, visit rbr.bm, call 238-1045 or contact the Recruiting Team at rbr.recruiting@gov.bm.
Tennis player Trey Mallory’s run in his second consecutive M15 Kayseri International Tennis tournament has ended abruptly after a swift straight-sets defeat in the Main Draw in Turkey.
Mallory, who is competing on the professional circuit following his collegiate career, faced Russia’s Semen Pankin in the First Round. Unfortunately for the Bermudian, the match proved to be a challenging test of competitive intensity.
Pankin displayed clinical form, overwhelming Mallory to secure the victory in commanding fashion with a 6-0, 6-1 scoreline. The match highlights the steep learning curve Mallory faces as he competes against experienced professional players in the Main Draw.
The Bermuda Senior Men’s National team is intensifying its preparations for the crucial upcoming fixtures in the CONCACAF Qualifiers, Road to 2026, but the squad will see a change to its backroom staff.
The Bermuda Football Association (BFA) confirmed today that Assistant Coach Kenny Thompson has requested to step away from the staff to attend to personal matters.
Taking his place immediately is Jake Littlejohn, who will officially join the coaching staff to support the team’s World Cup journey. Littlejohn arrives with high-level international coaching credentials. He previously spent two and a half years at the Norwich City Football Club Academy in the UK.
Littlejohn transitioned into his current role as a FIFA Talent Coach in May 2024, working as part of FIFA’s Talent Development Scheme. He has been closely involved with the FIFA Talent Academy Bermuda for the past year, making his elevation to the senior national team staff a natural progression.
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