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Education Reform: Future school closure timeline rescinded

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Education Reform: Future school closure timeline rescinded

Some aspects of education reform are being deferred to “stabilize” the provision of education

Government Press Release:

Today, the Ministry of Education welcomed back students, parents, and educators across the island for the start of the new academic year. The Minister of Education, the Hon. Crystal Caesar, JP, MP, and the Commissioner of Education, Kalmar Richards, greeted families at schools to mark the occasion and share important updates on the ongoing transformation of the Bermuda Public School System (BPSS).

Minister Caesar emphasized the Ministry’s focus on balancing long-term transformation with immediate stability in schools.

The Minister said, “Education transformation is a generational undertaking. While we continue the work of our master plan, including a realistic infrastructure strategy, we must also provide stability and maintain focus on improving the teaching and learning taking place in our schools today. Following a review of the transformation programme, the Ministry determined the best way forward would be to defer certain aspects of transformation to stabilize, strengthen, and deliver education that truly serves every child.”

The following work will continue to be accelerated to complete the transformation projects comprehensively:

  • The development work and transition planning for the Signature Learning Programmes is ongoing by the Berkeley Institute, CedarBridge Academy and Sandys Secondary School in preparation for September 2026, and will progress as planned.
  • Francis Patton, Purvis, Harrington Sound and Elliot Parish Primary Schools will continue with the phasing in of their Parish School Features and strengthening their learning communities.
  • The Signature School for Exceptionalities remains a high system priority. This term, a design team will begin the developmental work that will shape the vision for this specific signature school.

The following project activity will be deferred to strengthen planning, programming and cross-ministry coordination.

  • The timeline provided to stakeholders, which depicted the sequence of schools opening and closing beyond September 2025, is rescinded.

Minister Caesar explained, “Infrastructure development will now be completed ahead of the announcement of any school opening or closing dates. Additionally, the coordination of infrastructure development and design work for teaching and learning will be intentionally paced and coordinated for seamless merging. The infrastructure plan will provide a roadmap and sequencing of when a school is scheduled to be opened or closed.”

The Minister said, “Parents, students, educators, and our partners have shared their concerns, celebrations, and hopes for the future of education. These insights remind us to plan sensitively, strategically, and always with the child at the center. Our students, parents, and educators deserve clarity and confidence in the path ahead. This stabilization program ensures that while we plan carefully for the future, we also remain steadfast in our commitment to equity, excellence, and improved student outcomes today.”

Minister Caesar concluded, “The Ministry remains committed to creating policies that support the whole child, foster world-class teaching and learning, and expand opportunities for parents and the wider community to be active partners in our schools. Together, we will build an education system that serves every child, every family, and every community in Bermuda.”

Opinion: ‘Investing in Bermudians for a strong future’

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Opinion: ‘Investing in Bermudians for a strong future’

By: Kim Swan, JP, MP, MP, Constituency #2, St. George’s West | Jr Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport

A strong future for Bermuda is built on the strength of our people. That’s the foundation of the PLP Government’s approach to economic development, ensuring that the benefits of growth reach not just the top, but every hardworking Bermudian trying to build a stable and meaningful life.

Whether it’s providing support for entrepreneurs, expanding job opportunities for young people, or improving fairness for workers, our Government initiatives reflect a simple belief: when Bermudians thrive, Bermuda thrives.

Let’s begin with entrepreneurship. This year, the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation, through its Micro Loan and Guarantee Programme, has provided $687,000 in funding to local enterprises, helping numerous Bermudian entrepreneurs get the support they need to grow.

When we support local businesses, we keep money circulating within our economy, create local jobs, and open doors for innovation. From salons and restaurants to tech services and creative ventures, these small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities and the BEDC is ensuring they don’t just survive, but thrive.

Equally important is the Government’s investment in young people through the National Youth Employment Strategy, which continues to connect Bermudians aged 18–26 with real employment and training opportunities. One standout initiative, the Learning Through Experience hospitality programme, resulted in most participants receiving full-time job offers.

In addition, Phase 1 of the Government’s Apprenticeship Programme placed 12 young Bermudians in trades such as carpentry, masonry, and plumbing, offering both income and a pathway to skilled, long-term careers.

It is no coincidence that Youth Unemployment fell to only 2.4% last year.

The PLP has also continued to prioritise economic fairness by implementing Bermuda’s minimum wage, which increased on September 1st. Before the PLP took office, exploitative employers could pay ridiculously low wages, and while more needs to be done, this was a huge step forward.

Whether it’s young people entering the workforce, parents launching small businesses, or workers fighting for a fair wage, our vision is people-centred, not profit-driven. It is focused on ensuring that growth doesn’t leave Bermudians behind.

Yes, challenges remain from global inflation to supply chain disruptions, but the path forward is clear: build a modern Bermudian economy on the talents, dreams, and resilience of our people.

Every dollar invested in a local business, every young person given a career opportunity, every wage lifted it all adds up. It all strengthens our country from the ground up.

We don’t just want a growing economy. We want an economy that grows with us, one that lifts Bermudians, values Bermudian talent, and puts Bermudians first.

Boeing steps up jet deliveries, surpassing 2024 total by August

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Boeing steps up jet deliveries, surpassing 2024 total by August

By August 31, the company had delivered 385 jets in 2025, already surpassing its full-year 2024 total of 348 planes

International News via Reuters:

Boeing said on Tuesday that it delivered 57 jets in August, up from 48 in July. It was the highest number of deliveries in August since 2018, when the U.S. planemaker handed over 64 airliners.

By August 31, the company had delivered 385 jets in 2025, already surpassing its full-year 2024 total of 348 planes.

Deliveries last year were hampered in part by a seven-week strike by union workers in the Seattle area, though that stoppage did not begin until September.

European rival Airbus delivered 61 jets in August, raising its annual tally to 434 jets.

Boeing delivered 42 737 MAX jets last month, including seven for low-cost carrier Ryanair and six to United Airlines.

The company delivered 14 widebody airliners, including nine 787 Dreamliners, four 777s and one 767.

Chinese carriers received nine jets in August, including six 737 MAXs and two 787-9s.

Boeing booked 26 gross orders, led by a 14-jet purchase of 777-9 aircraft by Hong Kong’s Cathay Pacific. 

The planemaker also secured orders for five 737 MAXs and seven 787 Dreamliners. 

It recorded two 737 MAX order cancellations. 

For 2025 through August, Boeing recorded 725 gross orders, offset by 46 cancellations and conversions. 

After accounting adjustments, the company’s official backlog reached 5,994 aircraft. 

Reporting by Dan Catchpole in Seattle; Editing by Jamie Freed

Regiment marks six decades of service

Alisa Bernardo
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Regiment marks six decades of service

Since its formation, the RBR has shaped the lives of some 13,000 Bermudians

The Regiment was formed by the amalgamation of two racially divided but illustrious units – the Bermuda Militia Artillery and the Bermuda Volunteer Rifle Corps. 

Bermudians from both units had served with distinction in two world wars. 

Racial tensions in the 1960s, fuelled by inequality, led to a pragmatic decision to bring the two units together. 

Amid great pomp and ceremony, the Bermuda Regiment was formed on September the 1st, 1965. Princess Margaret was present for the occasion. 

The story came full circle when, on September the 1st, 2015 – 50 years since formation – an endorsement from the Queen gave birth to the title ‘Royal Bermuda Regiment’.  

This year, the Regiment is celebrating six decades of service.

Alisa Bernardo reflects on its storied past, its evolution … and enduring significance in the above report.

How ‘Gen Z’ protests over corruption and jobs ousted Nepal PM Oli

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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How ‘Gen Z’ protests over corruption and jobs ousted Nepal PM Oli

Stung into action, they turned to still-accessible apps such as Viber and TikTok to rally thousands, sparking protests that left at least 19 protesters dead

International News via Reuters:

When Nepal banned major social media platforms including Facebook last week citing a tide of fake news, activists like Sandip saw it as an attempt to silence their growing online anti-corruption movement.

Stung into action, they turned to still-accessible apps such as Viber and TikTok to rally thousands, sparking protests that left at least 19 protesters dead and ultimately forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli from office on Tuesday.

Their success came 13 months after similar youth-led protests in nearby Bangladesh forced out Sheikh Hasina, who had been prime minister since 2009.

Sandip, a social media influencer who uses one name, said he had made several online appeals, some using virtual private networks to evade the ban, but had not expected so many to pour into the streets in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu and elsewhere.

“Every single citizen of Nepal was done with the corrupt government of Nepal,” said the 31-year-old, based in the Lalitpur district near the capital.

“The anger against this government had been brewing for many months, but the call for this protest was very spontaneous.”

Transparency International ranks Nepal 107th out of 180 countries in its Corruption Perceptions Index, highlighting persistent governance challenges. Young activists said frustration with inequality and a lack of job opportunities also played a part.

ONE IN FIVE NEPALIS LIVE IN POVERTY

Over 20% of Nepal’s 30 million people live in poverty, according to the World Bank, while unemployment among those aged 15–24 stood at more than 22% in 2022-23. The richest 10% earn more than three times the income of the poorest 40%, underscoring stark economic divides.

Gaurav Nepune, a 34-year-old from Kathmandu who led some of the protests, said young people had been running an online campaign for three months to contrast the lives lived by ministers and their families with those of ordinary people.

“The youth are against corruption but the government resorted to violence, trying to silence the movement,” said Nepune.

“We have been continuously urging our people not to indulge in any violence or arson. We now want a government that thinks independently, is corruption-free and does not play into the hands of any neighbours,” he said. India and China are widely seen as jostling for influence in Nepal.

Last year’s protests in Bangladesh ushered in an interim government, with some students in de facto ministerial positions under Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.

In Nepal, one of the protesters’ popular choices to replace Oli is 35-year-old Balendra Shah, a former rapper and composer who became mayor of Kathmandu since 2022 after a campaign to clean up the city’s streets and waterways.

“Dear @ShahBalen, we’re eagerly waiting your leadership in Nepalese politics,” wrote Bimal Pokhrel in response to a post on X by Shah. “You are the last hope for our nation. Please … step forward to take the leadership as prime minister to guide Nepal toward a brighter future.”

After the protest deaths on Monday, Shah called Oli a “terrorist” who did not understand the “pain of losing a son or daughter”.

On Tuesday, after Oli’s resignation, he urged his nearly 784,000 followers on Instagram to remain calm.

“Dear Gen Z, the resignation of your harassers in politics has already come! Now please be patient,” he wrote. “You and we now need to be restrained! Now your generation will have to lead the country! Be prepared!”

Writing by Shivam Patel; Editing by Krishna N. Das and Kevin Liffey

Opinion: ‘Back to school, but not ready’

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Opinion: ‘Back to school, but not ready’

Statement by Victoria Cunningham, Opposition Senate Spokesperson for Education

This morning, Bermuda’s public primary school students returned to class. But behind the smiling photo ops and carefully staged opening-day snapshots we will likely see from the Government, the reality for too many families was far less polished.

Driving past Harrington Sound Primary (our new Parish Primary School), I saw cars parked on what looked more like a jungle than a playing field, grass left unmown and buildings looking unkempt despite an entire summer to prepare. At other schools, parents reported puddles inside classrooms, broken air conditioning, blank walls where welcoming displays should be, and lockers still bearing the names of last year’s students. Broken playground equipment remains untouched, even after PTA teams have fundraised tirelessly to cover what the system should already provide. PTAs should be mobilized to enrich our children’s education, not to patch holes in a mismanaged system.

Communication has also been a major failure. Parents were left guessing about the first day of school because emails are still bouncing from Government accounts to Gmail and Outlook users, a problem that has persisted since last year. Families who reached out directly to schools were told information would be coming, but for many, it never did. Uniform confusion added to the frustration, highlighting wider issues with how the system is managed at the departmental level.

This is not good enough. Our children are not second-class citizens. They deserve classrooms that nurture learning, safe play spaces, and teachers who are supported and present from day one. Instead, parents and grandparents dropped their children off today to schools that simply weren’t ready.

The reality does not match the staged photos and smiling faces the public will see online. Government cannot hide behind social media pleasantries while failing to meet the most basic needs of our students. Our children are our future, and they deserve better, every single day.

Return on investment key to energy choices

Qian Dickinson
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Return on investment key to energy choices

Wayne Caines foresees a mix of renewable energy sources, with BELCO likely not remaining the only bulk generation provider

Major changes at the BELCO plant have seen the demolition of five smoke stacks and the removal of aging equipment.

But what will go in its place?

In the third and final instalment of Qian Dickinson’s interview with BELCO President Wayne Caines, he explains that return on investment will be a key component of the next Integrated Resource Plan, which will plot the way forward.

Given the rapid pace of innovation and change, and the various options for renewable energy being explored in Bermuda, we asked Mr. Caines to describe what the island’s power supply might look like a decade from now.

He talked about the importance of battery storage and a mix of wind, wave and solar energy sources.

Mr. Caines also said Belco would likely not remain the sole bulk generation provider.

Brilliant Lady welcomed on her first visit to Bermuda

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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The Hon. Jache Adams JP, MP, Acting Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, officially welcomed Virgin Voyages’ newest ship, ‘Brilliant Lady’, during her inaugural call at Heritage Wharf.

Virgin Voyages ‘Brilliant Lady’ General Manager– Alberto Noversa, Minister Jache Adams, Virgin Voyages ‘Brilliant Lady’ Captain- Krzysztof Marek Majdzinski, Harbour Master- David Simmons, Deputy Pilot Warden- Wendell Burchall Jr.

Arriving from New York on September 7, the vessel carried 2501 passengers under the command of Captain Krzysztof Marek Majdzinski. Built in Italy and delivered in late 2023, the €700 million ship offers innovative entertainment, diverse dining, and Virgin’s signature adult-only experience.

Principal Customs Officer- Kent Dill,Virgin Voyages ‘Brilliant Lady’ General Manager– Alberto Noversa, Chairman of the Host Port- Mr. Neville Tyrrell, Virgin Voyages ‘Brilliant Lady’ Captain- Krzysztof Marek Majdzinski, Minister Jache Adams, BLMC Facilities & Port Security Manager- Tabia Butterfield, Harbour Master- David Simmons, CEO of Meyer Agencies- Cheryl Hayward-Chew, Deputy Pilot Warden- Wendell Burchall Jr., Port Agent- Joe Simas.

Following her Bermuda visit, the ship will continue to Miami before embarking on seasonal itineraries in the Northeast U.S., Caribbean, and Alaska.

Minister Adams remarked: “It was an honour to welcome Virgin Voyages’ ‘Brilliant Lady’. Her presence highlights Bermuda’s position as a leading cruise destination, and we look forward to building on this partnership. The Government of Bermuda remains committed to welcoming cruise visitors and strengthening relationships with industry partners to further enhance the island’s position as a premier cruise destination.”

With the vessel scheduled to return to Bermuda on Friday, September 12th, Minister Adams’ attendance aboard the ‘Brilliant Lady’ highlights the importance of strengthening Bermuda’s economy. It also emphasises the continued effort to position Bermuda as a leading cruise destination as we head into the fall and winter seasons.

Several factors at play causing traffic gridlock

Jasmine Patterson
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Several factors at play causing traffic gridlock

Inspector Robert Cardwell of the Roads Policing Unit outlined his teams response efforts to last week’s traffic delays caused by collision

So how did the country’s roadways in the west turn into gridlock following a collision on Harbour Road last week?


A driver crashed into a utility police last Thurday forcing a partial closure of Harbour Road in Paget as BELCO crews worked around the clock to make repairs.

However, police said there were several factors at play that lead to the near 3 hour wait times for some drivers making their way in and out of the City of Hamilton at rush hour.


Inspector Robert Cardwell of the Roads Policing Unit unpacks what transpired.

Specialist officers could be drafted in to combat gun violence

Jasmine Patterson
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Specialist officers could be drafted in to combat gun violence

A raft of measures proposed by Governor’s Council to stem gun violence

Governor of Bermuda, His Excellency Andrew Murdoch. Photo: Government House

Specialist officers could be seconded to the island to help tackle gun violence.
And new equipment will be sought to help prevent the importation of firearms.
These were among the solutions explored by the Governor’s Council, to tackle gun violence.
The Council, requested by Premier David Burt, was led by Governor Andrew Murdoch and included government Ministers, the Commissioner of Police, the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Collector of Customs.
Members discussed legislative changes needed, increasing the scale and pace of recruiting police officers and enhanced community engagement.

Governor Murdoch stated in a news release, “The Council shared the view that the status quo was insufficient and change was needed.

“The measures being explored included: increasing the scale and pace of recruitment of BPS officers to provide for greater police presence, more capacity and capability to respond to complex crime, and to further enhance community engagement; measures to enhance investigative capacity and capability through temporary secondment of specialist officers; procurement of new equipment to enhance investigative and response capability; procurement of new equipment to enhance border security; identification of training to enhance law enforcement response; and, strengthening collaboration between customs and police, including through greater exchange of information and personnel.”


The Council is due to next convene mid-month.

Police warn public of motorcycle officer training

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Police warn public of motorcycle officer training

Authorities urge motorists to give way and exercise caution to training vehicles

Press release:

The public is advised the Bermuda Police Service will be conducting a motorcycle officer training course between Monday, September 8 and Friday, September 26, 2025.

Please note, the course involves officers riding at high speeds.

In order to teach proper situational response, emergency equipment will be in use depending on the training objective.

Members of the public can recognize the training vehicles by the yellow reflective vest that each motorcyclist will be wearing.

Please be reminded to give way and exercise caution should you encounter a training vehicle, just as you would any emergency vehicle.

We wish to thank the public for their cooperation while this training exercise is in progress and apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Divine makes strides despite unlucky end to Donington Park weekend 

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Divine makes strides despite unlucky end to Donington Park weekend 

Bermudian rider Aeziah Divine took a significant step forward in his career over the weekend at the Donington Park GP Circuit in the UK, despite an unfortunate mechanical issue that ended his campaign prematurely.

Competing in his second season in the R&G British Talent Cup, part of Dorna Sport’s “Road to MotoGP” program, Divine showed remarkable progress. He consistently improved his lap times, setting a new personal best of 1:41.213 in Sunday’s race. His performance translated to solid results, with the young rider battling through the pack to claim a 16th place finish in Race 1 and a superb 12th place in Race 2, earning him valuable championship points.

Divine was on track for another points finish in Race 3 when a technical problem struck. “Unfortunately, with just over two laps to go, my front sprocket came loose and fell off, causing my chain to come off as well and ending my race,” Divine explained.

Despite the disappointing end, the teenager remained positive. “It was a disappointing end to the race… but overall, I couldn’t be happier with the weekend. There’s so many positives to take away from this weekend so we keep pushing and building from here.” Divine and his team will now carry this momentum into their next race at the Assen TT.

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