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Photo gallery: Visit of U.K. Minister Doughty

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Photo gallery: Visit of U.K. Minister Doughty

His Excellency the Governor Andrew Murdoch welcomed Mr Stephen Doughty MP,
Minister of State for Europe, North America and the UK overseas Territories on his
inaugural visit to Bermuda on 24-25 September 2025.

On the first day of his visit to the island, the Minister met with the Premier, the Hon.
David Burt, JP, MP, to discuss a wide range of issues including security, sanctions,
governance, safeguarding, environment and trade and economic development.

Recognising the recent increase of violent crime, the Minister reaffirmed the UK’s offer
to assist and support the Bermuda Police Service by providing specialist personnel and
equipment.

During their bilateral meeting, Minister Doughty and Premier Burt signed a letter of
intent for the UK and Bermuda to work in partnership to develop an ‘Atlantic Child
Advocacy Alliance’ pooling expertise across Bermuda and the Southern Ocean
Overseas Territories of the Falkland Islands, St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da
Cunha to strengthen Litigation Gurdian services.

Both reaffirmed the importance of robust sanctions implementation and enforcement,
signing a new Memorandum of Understanding, under which the UK will make available
up to £300,000 for new initiatives to enhance Bermudian sanctions capacity and
capability to better implement and enforce UK sanctions.

On the second day of his visit, the Minister met representatives from the Association of
Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR) to understand their pivotal role in tackling
climate-related disasters by making insurance easier to access as well as to discuss
initiatives to ‘close the insurance gap’ for fragile states.

Minister Doughty then met the Hon. Jache Adams JP, MP, Minister of Public Works and
Environment, welcoming the work being undertaken to protect the environment and
recognising the critical stewardship role of Bermuda. Minister Adams accompanied
Minister Doughty on a tour of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
facility at Coney Island.

They viewed video footage captured by the Blue Belt funded Baited Remote Underwater
Video and also heard how UK Darwin funding has supported the work of the Living Reefs
Foundation to restore coral reefs and protect the coast from hurricane and storm
impacts.

The Minister took part in a wide-ranging discussion with the Commissioner of Police,
Darrin Simons on policing in Bermuda. The Governor and the Minister of National
Security, the Hon. Michael Weeks joined the meeting, which focused on the response
to gun and gang violence in Bermuda.

The Minister was keen to understand the challenges, as well as identify options for the
UK to work with the Bermuda Police Service and Government of Bermuda to support
and assist in addressing the problem.

In discussion with the Bermuda Police Service, the Minister recognised the recent rise
in violent crime as of deep concern and was ardent in his commitment of UK support.

Highlighting the successful impact of Bermuda’s peer to peer training model across the
Overseas Territories, the Minister thanked the Commissioner for the assistance and
support that Bermuda Police Service have provided across the Territories.

In meeting with the Royal Bermuda Regiment, the Minister learnt about their vital
support role in Covid and hurricane responses. He heard about the opportunities and
challenges the Regiment faced and enquired about the upcoming Security and Defence
Review, undertaking to support requests for greater access to equipment, training and
overseas exercises.

Reflecting on his visit, Minister Doughty said, “Bermuda is the oldest British Overseas
Territory, and we have a longstanding, collaborative and mature partnership.

“I’m delighted to be here for the first time since I became the Minister for the Overseas
Territories – and to have met with the Governor, Premier Burt and his government as we
signed a new agreement to help Bermuda further develop its sanctions enforcement.
Backed by UK support, this will strengthen our joint work in deterring Russian
aggression in Ukraine.

“We share priorities on strengthening security, defending our interests and tackling
serious and organised crime, so it was useful to meet with the Bermuda Police Service
and the Royal Bermuda Regiment where we discussed what more we can do together.

“I was also inspired to witness the positive Darwin backed work being done by the Living
Reefs Foundation and supported by the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, to restore the territory’s coral reefs and protect the coast from hurricane
and storm impacts.

“I was glad to meet Bermuda’s insurance and reinsurance industry representatives to
discuss how we can tackle the risks posed by climate change and environmental
hazards, globally. I look forward to continuing these important conversations at the
annual Overseas Territories Joint Ministerial Council in November.”

City road closures this weekend

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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City road closures this weekend

Bike race to take place in Hamilton

The City of Hamilton advises motorists, businesses, and the general public that the following roads will be closed from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm on Sunday, September 28th, to accommodate a bike race hosted by the Bermuda Bicycle Association:

• Front Street – Burnaby Hill to Bermudiana Road.

• Reid Street – Queen Street to Burnaby Hill

• Burnaby Hill – Front Street to Reid Street

• Par La Ville Road – Church Street to Front Street

• Diversion signs and barriers will be in place.

Please also note that there will also be a road closure at 91 Front Street, from Parliament Street to Burnaby Hill from 5:30am on Saturday, September 27th until 7pm on Sunday, September 28th to allow for a crane removal. Due to the safety risks involved we ask the public to keep this area as clear as possible. Diversion signs and barriers will be in place.

The City of Hamilton apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

Lane closure on Mullet Bay Road

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Lane closure on Mullet Bay Road

The Ministry of Public Works and Environment reminds the motoring public that ongoing manhole replacement works are taking place along Mullet Bay Road in St. George’s.

This project, which began on Monday, 22 September, is scheduled to continue through Sunday, 28 September 2025. Island Construction Services is carrying out the work, which involves replacing multiple manholes along the roadway, necessitating a temporary lane closure in the area.

Daily work hours are 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. Traffic lights and stop-and-go signs are being used to manage traffic under the direction of Island Construction Services.

As there is no available detour route, motorists are urged to drive cautiously through the work zone, follow all traffic control instructions, and expect delays during this period.

OBA tables absentee voting bill

Gary Foster Skelton
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OBA tables absentee voting bill

Proposal would require the maintaining of a register of absentee voters

The issue of absentee voting came to the fore in the most recent general election, as the timing may have prevented those studying overseas from participating.

It’s not known how many potential voters may have been left out, but both the PLP and the OBA have promised to address this.

The Opposition has taken the first step by tabling a bill today that would both enable absentee voting, and require the Parliamentary Registrar to maintain a register of absentee voters.

Dwayne Robinson, the OBA’s Shadow Tourism & Transport Minister, tabled the bill. (WATCH above)

Bermuda Tonight – 26 September 2025

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bermuda Tonight – 26 September 2025

Bermuda Evening News at 7pm.

Efforts to tackle crime may be ‘uncomfortable’

Gary Foster Skelton
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Efforts to tackle crime may be ‘uncomfortable’

National Security Minister says police enforcement powers will be strengthened – and banning tinted visors is once more under consideration

We have to make everyone uncomfortable in order to get to those wreaking havoc in our community.

This from Michael Weeks, National Security Minister, who spoke today about ongoing efforts to strengthen police enforcement powers in the wake of recent gun murders.

It is also hoped that the ten-fold increase to the reward for information – up to $50,000 – will encourage more witnesses to come forward.

…and, as he told Gary Foster Skelton, banning tinted visors may be back on the table. (WATCH above)

Ministerial Statement:

Weeks – PolicingDownload

Factbox-Asian and European drugmakers’ branded drugs imported to the US market

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Factbox-Asian and European drugmakers’ branded drugs imported to the US market

The European Union and Japan expressed confidence on Friday that they had secured limits on U.S. tariffs on pharmaceuticals

International News via Reuters:

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday unveiled a 100% tariff on imports of branded drugs from October 1, unless their producers had already broken ground on U.S. manufacturing plants.

The European Union and Japan expressed confidence on Friday that they had secured limits on U.S. tariffs on pharmaceuticals.

Below are some of the patented medicines from Asian and European drugmakers imported into the U.S. from overseas manufacturing sites in countries including China, Switzerland, Japan, Belgium and France, according to analysts and drugmaker statements.

Lenvima

Japan’s Eisai’s cancer drug Lenvima is manufactured in Japan, J.P.Morgan wrote in a recent note. Its US sales for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025 were 229.6 billion yen ($1.53 billion).

The company’s US manufacturing site in Baltimore, Maryland, is responsible for producing a biodegradable implant used during surgeries, according to its website.

Crystvita

Kyowa Kirin’s X-linked hypophosphataemia drug Crysvita is manufactured in Japan, according to J.P.Morgan.

In North America, the drug generated more than $1.3 billion net sales in its first four years on the market.

It is building a biologics manufacturing facility in Sanford, North Carolina.

Shingrix

GSK’s vaccine Shingrix, used to prevent shingles, contributed 3.36 billion pounds ($4.50 billion) in sales in 2024.

Its ingredients are manufactured in Belgium according to product labelling information provided in the National Institutes of Health platform and the U.S. FDA platform.

Arexvy

Arexvy is a vaccine developed by GSK to protect against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in adults. It contributed 590 million pounds in sales in 2024.

Its ingredients are made in Belgium and France according to product labelling information, given in NIH and U.S. FDA websites.

Ozempic

Novo Nordisk’s diabetes drug, Ozempic, contributed 120.34 billion DKK ($18.85 billion) in sales in 2024. It is manufactured in Denmark, according to the product labelling information given in NIH.

In April, Novo Nordisk said it will invest 6.4 billion reais ($1.20 billion) in Brazil to boost production. The factory will cater to various product formats, including GLP-1 medicines such as semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy.

Wegovy

Novo Nordisk’s weightloss drug, Wegovy, contributed 58.21 billion DKK in sales in 2024. It is manufactured in Denmark, according to the product labelling information given in NIH.

Kymriah

Swiss drugmaker Novartis’ cell therapy Kymriah is manufactured at its Stein site in Switzerland and at its U.S. facility in Morris Plains, New Jersey, which produces CAR-T therapies for individual patients and clinical trials, according to the company’s website.

Its global sales for the first half of 2025 were $199 million.

Entresto

Novartis’ heart-failure medicine Entresto is produced at Novartis manufacturing sites globally, with key stages of production taking place in Switzerland.

Its global sales for the first half of 2025 were $4.62 billion.

Novartis announced a $23 billion investment in April to build and expand 10 facilities in the U.S., including six new manufacturing plants and a research hub in San Diego.

Comirnaty

Germany’s BioNTech and Pfizer co-developed COVID-19 vaccine Comirnaty. It is manufactured at BioNTech sites in Mainz and Marburg, Germany, and at Pfizer’s facility in Puurs, Belgium, according to the company.

BioNTech is the Marketing Authorization Holder for COMIRNATY and its adapted vaccines in the US, the EU, the UK and other countries.

(Sources: NIH, FDA, company websites, company press releases, analyst notes)

($1 = 149.8300 yen)

($1 = 6.3845 Danish crowns)

($1 = 0.7471 pounds)

($1 = 5.3437 reais)

Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty

Botswana launches citizenship program to boost economy beyond diamonds

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Botswana launches citizenship program to boost economy beyond diamonds

Botswana’s budget has been constrained this year due to a prolonged downturn in the global diamond market

International News via Reuters:

Botswana President Duma Boko said on Friday his country will establish a citizenship-by-investment program, as the southern African country looks to diversify its economy away from its largest export, diamonds.

Botswana’s budget has been constrained this year due to a prolonged downturn in the global diamond market. It is the world’s leading producer of diamonds by value.

“This program will enable us to continue to secure the long-term financial future of Botswana,” Boko said in a statement. 

The new program will raise funds to address priority needs including the housing market as well as the country’s tourism industry, renewable energy, mining and financial services sectors, according to the statement. The investment amount required for citizenship has yet to be established. 

Botswana’s economy contracted 3% last year, and the government forecasts another contraction in 2025 because of the diamond downturn.

Boko declared a public health emergency in August after the nation’s medical supply chain failed. In September, the southern African country set up a new sovereign wealth fund to drive economic diversification, create jobs and manage state companies.

Botswana has retained investment migration consultancy, Arton Capital, under a memorandum of understanding to establish the citizenship program.

Doyinsola Oladipo in New York; Editing by Howard Goller

Jaguar Land Rover shutdown driving suppliers to cut jobs and reduce hours – survey

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Jaguar Land Rover shutdown driving suppliers to cut jobs and reduce hours – survey

The government is considering financial support for the luxury carmaker, which is owned by India’s Tata Motors, after the cyberattack halted production at the start of this month

International News via Reuters:

Jaguar Land Rover’s production shutdown after a cyberattack is hitting businesses in Britain’s West Midlands region, a survey showed on Friday, with firms already making redundancies or cutting staff hours in response.

The government is considering financial support for the luxury carmaker, which is owned by India’s Tata Motors, after the cyberattack halted production at the start of this month. It has extended the shutdown until October.

JLR has three factories that together produce about 1,000 cars per day, and sustain many jobs in the area around Birmingham, Britain’s second biggest city. Some small suppliers have told a parliamentary committee that they had one week left at most before they ran out of cash.

A survey of 84 businesses representing nearly 30,000 employees, conducted by the Black Country, Greater Birmingham and Coventry and Warwickshire Chambers of Commerce, found over three-quarters had been negatively impacted by the cyberattack.

It found 45% had reported significant financial impacts including loss of revenue or higher costs, 35% had asked staff to work reduced hours and 14% were making redundancies.

The survey said 79% of participating firms were in JLR’s supply chain, and while 18% were not but still experienced knock-on effects.

“The Black Country’s automotive supply chain employs 13,000 people so the ripple effects of this cyber-attack are being felt right across our business community,” said Sarah Moorhouse, chief executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce.

“This isn’t just about JLR – it’s about the suppliers, manufacturers and service providers that make the West Midlands the powerhouse of UK automotive production.”

Moorhouse said that over half of the businesses wanted to see a financial support package.

Reporting by Alistair Smout and Kate Holton, editing by Paul Sandle

BBC Radio News: Friday Evening – 26 September 2025

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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BBC Radio News: Friday Evening – 26 September 2025
Bermuda BroadcastingBBC Radio News: Friday Evening – 26 September 2025
0:00
9:20
  1. BBC Radio News: Friday Evening – 26 September 20259:20
SoundCloud

Tropical Storm Bualoi sweeps through Philippines, death toll rises to 10

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Tropical Storm Bualoi sweeps through Philippines, death toll rises to 10

Government work and classes in many parts of the country, including in Metro Manila, were suspended ahead of Tropical Storm Bualoi

International News via Reuters:

The death toll from a tropical storm that swept across the central Philippines and southern Luzon has risen to 10, disaster officials said on Friday, as the country’s north continued to recover from the impact of a super typhoon.

Government work and classes in many parts of the country, including in Metro Manila, were suspended ahead of Tropical Storm Bualoi. It struck just a few days after Super Typhoon Ragasa left a trail of damage in the northern Philippines, killing 14 people before wreaking havoc in Taiwan, where at least 15 people died. 

The latest storm made landfall in Eastern Samar, in the central Philippines, before crossing into Masbate and sweeping through the Bicol region in the southern part of the country’s biggest island Luzon.

Disaster officials said three of the fatalities were in Masbate province. One was hit by a falling tree, another drowned, while the third was killed when a wall collapsed. 

Seven others died in the central Philippines following flash floods and storm surges triggered by the storm, the Office of the Civil Defence said.  

Masbate Governor Antonio Kho, in a media briefing, appealed for immediate assistance from the central government, citing the urgent need to clear debris, restore power and reopen ports to allow the delivery of aid.

In other parts of southern Luzon, local officials reported heavy rain and wind, power outages and damage to crops and infrastructure.

Ahead of Bualoi, named Opong locally, hundreds of thousands of people were preemptively evacuated, including Manila resident JC Borromeo, who was staying in an evacuation centre with his three children. 

“We live just by the corner of the river and it would be difficult when the water rises,” he said while carrying his baby.     

Bualoi, packing maximum wind speeds of 110 kph (68 mph) and gusts rising to 135 kph, is forecast to intensify into a typhoon again as it moves towards Vietnam.  

The Vietnamese government said the fast-moving storm would hit the country’s northern and central coast on Monday, triggering torrential rain from September 28 to September 30.   

“Heavy rains could cause serious flooding in low-lying areas, as well as urban and industrial areas,” the national weather agency said in a statement on Friday.

Rainfall in several parts could reach 150 millimetres (6 inches) within the next 24 hours, according to the agency. 

Reporting by Karen Lema and Adrian Portugal in Manila; Additional reporting by Khanh Vu in Vietnam; Editing by David Stanway and Alex Richardson

Mail services to Canada suspended

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Mail services to Canada suspended

The Bermuda Post Office (BPO) advises the public that mail delivery services to Canada have been suspended due to a national strike by Canada Post.

Effective immediately, the BPO will not accept or transport mail destined for Canada until further notice.

The Bermuda Post Office will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as they become available. Once Canada Post resumes operations, the BPO will promptly advise the public and reinstate regular service to Canada.

The Bermuda Post Office thanks the public for their understanding and cooperation during this temporary disruption. 

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