PLP postpones leadership vote
Once the ongoing court case over membership rules is resolved, a revised date for the Annual General Conference will be decided upon
Update from PLP Central Committee:
“Good day Branch Chairs, Secretaries, Members and Candidates,
“This notice serves as formal confirmation of the decision of Central Committee regarding the 2026 Annual General Conference.
“The Annual General Conference scheduled for 28-30 October 2026 has been postponed.
“Accordingly, the current Conference timetable is paused. All delegate selection meetings scheduled under that timetable are postponed and should not take place until a revised timetable is issued.
“All other normal Branch business may continue.
“The 31 August 2026 membership eligibility cutoff remains unchanged.
“Once the current Court matter is resolved, proposed new Conference dates and a revised timetable will be submitted to Central Committee for approval. Branches, members and candidates will then be notified promptly of the new arrangements.
“Please govern yourselves accordingly.”
Bogus videos stir PLP leadership campaign
Phony and anonymous statements and videos have been circulating in the run-up to the PLP leadership election… all but one push the narrative that Curtis Dickinson is trying to bring OBA members into the party
There’s been some foul play on the field during this PLP Leadership election campaign.
Gary Foster Skelton highlights some of the sneaky tactics being used on social media.
WATCH the report above…
PLP MP and leadership contender Curtis Dickinson responded below:
“I am aware of the anonymous messages, altered images and videos currently circulating concerning me and my campaign.
Let me be clear: neither I nor my campaign have authorised, produced or distributed this material.
What concerns me is that individuals appear prepared to use this leadership process to create confusion, manufacture division and destabilise our Party. Anonymous misinformation and fabricated communications serve no legitimate purpose and undermine the integrity of the process.
This leadership process should reflect maturity, respect and unity. Those choosing to operate anonymously to manipulate the conversation or provoke conflict do a disservice to the process and to all who care about the future of our Party.
I will not speculate about who is responsible without evidence. Where false information is attributed to me or my campaign, however, we will correct the record.
My focus remains on presenting a serious vision for Bermuda and the leadership required to move our Party and country forward.”
Congo police break up protests against proposed constitutional changes
The demonstrations were called by the opposition C64 coalition, linked to former presidential candidates Martin Fayulu, Moise Katumbi and Delly Sesanga
International News via Reuters:
Police in Democratic Republic of Congo dispersed opposition protests in several cities on Tuesday against proposed constitutional changes that critics say could allow President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term, with Reuters witnesses reporting tear gas and warning shots in Kinshasa.
• The demonstrations were called by the opposition C64 coalition, linked to former presidential candidates Martin Fayulu, Moise Katumbi and Delly Sesanga. A previous protest organised by C64 in the capital Kinshasa in June was violently dispersed by security forces.
• Several hundred people took part in the protest in Kinshasa, according to two Reuters witnesses. In the cities of Lubumbashi and Uvira, protests were officially prohibited by local authorities but went ahead anyway and were quickly dispersed, two other witnesses said.
• The protest in Kinshasa was authorised and began peacefully, but clashes broke out between protesters and pro-government supporters. Both sides threw stones and brandished machetes, prompting the police intervention, two Reuters witnesses said.
• The protests come three weeks after Tshisekedi announced plans for a national dialogue bringing together opposition parties, civil society groups and religious leaders, but excluding rebels who control parts of eastern Congo.
• He has presented the dialogue as a way to address the country’s political challenges. Opposition parties and the powerful Catholic Church have condemned proposed constitutional changes that could allow Tshisekedi to seek a third term.
• Congo’s constitution limits presidents to two five-year terms. Parliament adopted a bill in June allowing constitutional changes to be put to a referendum, and members of Tshisekedi’s coalition have backed changes that would allow him to remain in office.
Reporting by Benoit Nyemba and Arsene Mpiana; Writing by Clement Bonnerot; Editing by Robbie Corey-Boulet and Ros Russell
US Senate fails to advance sweeping cryptocurrency bill in blow for industry
The vote effectively put the bill, dubbed the Clarity Act, on ice, as Congress is set to depart Washington this month ahead of the November midterm elections
International News via Reuters:
The U.S. Senate failed to advance comprehensive cryptocurrency legislation on Tuesday in a major blow for digital asset companies and Republicans who had championed the bill for months.
The vote effectively put the bill, dubbed the Clarity Act, on ice, as Congress is set to depart Washington this month ahead of the November midterm elections in which President Donald Trump’s fellow Republicans are fighting to retain control of the House of Representatives and Senate.
The Clarity Act aimed to create a regulatory framework for digital assets, which crypto companies say would put them on a more solid legal footing. The deep-pocketed industry spent hundreds of millions of dollars campaigning to advance the bill.
Reporting by Hannah Lang in New York; Additional reporting by Gertrude Chavez-Dreyfuss in New York; Editing by Matthew Lewis, Will Dunham and Hugh Lawson
‘We’re on the same team’
PLP leadership contender Jason Hayward acknowledges that there have been concerns raised during this campaign, and calls for unity in the party
There has been a lot of talk about an influx of people wanting to join the Progressive Labour Party ahead of this leadership election, which will see both a new leader and deputy leader crowned.
Leadership contender Jason Hayward spoke told us more about the campaign process, adding that some new members may simply be former party supporters whose memberships had lapsed.
He also acknowledged that there have been some concerns raised during this campaign, and called for unity in the party…
Trump administration plans $2.8 billion munitions sale to Israel, sources say
The planned sale, which has been informally communicated to relevant congressional committees who weigh in on large arms sales, includes 20,000 MK 84s and 20,000 BLU-117s
International News via Reuters:
President Donald Trump’s administration is planning to sell to Israel a munitions package worth $2.8 billion, which will include tens of thousands of highly destructive 2,000-pound bombs, according to a U.S. official familiar with the sale.
The planned sale, which has been informally communicated to relevant congressional committees who weigh in on large arms sales, includes 20,000 MK 84s and 20,000 BLU-117s, the official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said.
News of the package was first reported by the Washington Post.
The State Department and the Israeli embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
U.S. public support for Israel has fallen since the Gaza war began in 2023, particularly among Democrats. A June Quinnipiac University poll found 48% of voters and 66% of Democrats believe the United States is too supportive of Israel, up from 16% and 20% when the question was first asked in 2017.
The 2,000-pound bombs have been regularly used by Israel in Gaza as well as in Lebanon, drawing scrutiny from rights experts. More than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military campaign, according to Gaza health authorities. A U.N. inquiry determined that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, a charge Isarel rejects.
Israel calls its actions self-defense, after Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostages in an October 2023 attack.
The U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. Iran responded with its own strikes on Israel and Gulf states that host U.S. bases. U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran and Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed thousands and displaced millions.
Reporting by Humeyra Pamuk; editing by David Gaffen
Under pressure at home, Merz cancels UN appearance, source says
Merz faces growing internal criticism following his Christian Democrats’ (CDU) poor performance this month in Saxony-Anhalt, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) came close to securing an outright majority in a state election
International News via Reuters:
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will not go on a planned trip to New York next week, a government source said on Tuesday, as pressure mounts on him following electoral setbacks for his conservative party.
Merz faces growing internal criticism following his Christian Democrats’ (CDU) poor performance this month in Saxony-Anhalt, where the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) came close to securing an outright majority in a state election.
Merz had been scheduled to attend the UN General Assembly in New York with other world leaders.
“Contrary to original plans, the chancellor will not travel to New York next week, as his presence is required in Berlin,” the source said.
PRESSURE ON MERZ INTENSIFIES
At the national level, the CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the CSU, are polling at between 18% and 20%, far below their result in last year’s federal election and significantly behind the AfD.
Confidence in the chancellor has also weakened within his own party. A weekend INSA poll found that a majority of CDU supporters no longer believe Merz is the right person for the job, while 78% of the wider public said the same.
Merz’s conservatives have called a special meeting for Sunday, a party source said earlier on Tuesday.
The source said the aim of the meeting was to coordinate the party’s response to votes this coming Sunday in the states of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin, chart a course with support at a record low and demonstrate unity behind Merz’s leadership.
After the setback in Saxony-Anhalt, some CDU critics have said another poor performance this weekend could intensify pressure on Merz.
Asked at an event with business leaders whether poor outcomes in the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin state polls could unseat him, Merz said he was determined to serve out his full four-year term.
Instead, he said the coalition with the centre-left SPD would pursue more reforms to solve Germany’s problems.
MERZ PROMISES TO EASE FUEL COSTS
“I was elected for four years, and I would like us to use these four years to steer the country out of this difficult period,” said Merz, adding that he did not want to resort to a vote of confidence to push through his agenda.
He said he wanted, among other things, the European Union to strike more trade alliances, such as those with the MERCOSUR bloc, Mexico and Australia, as a counterweight to U.S. and Chinese economic dominance.
Merz also promised fuel cost relief measures for motorists burdened by a surge in oil prices, but did not elaborate.
At a separate event, CSU leader Markus Soeder said he was backing Merz and expected CDU leaders to do the same.
The CDU is polling at 7% in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. In Berlin, it is tied for the lead with the Left party at 20%.
Merz has rejected attemptsto tie his political future to individual state election results, arguing that Germany needs stability to push through an ambitious reform agenda and navigate European challenges including acts of hybrid warfare and support for Ukraine.
He has said there are no obvious alternative leaders or policies.
Reporting by Andreas Rinke and Miranda Murray, Writing by Friederike Heine and Ludwig Burger; Editing by Ros Russell and Timothy Heritage
Senate rejection of price control bill ‘unfortunate’, says MP
Senators defeated the Cost-of-Living Commission Amendment (No.2) Bill 2026 on Monday halting government’s plans to scrutinise pricing of goods at local grocers
Home Affairs Minister Alexa Lightbourne spoke with Bermuda Broadcasting following the Senate’s decision on Monday
Policy makers leading reform to lower the cost of living are heading back to the drawing board….
Home Affairs Minister Alexa Lightbourne spoke with us following the Senate’s defeat of a bill that sought to reveal data on how grocers arrive at their prices on store shelves.
Minister Lightbourne called the rejection of the bill ‘unfortunate’ and said no specific decision had been made about next steps.
Biker hurt in Harbour Road crash
At About 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, police received multiple calls regarding a two vehicle road traffic collision involving a motorcycle and a car, on Harbour Road, near its junction with Manse Road, Paget.
It was reported that a male motorcycle rider was travelling west along Harbour Road, when he attempted to overtake a motorcar which was also traveling west.
As he did so, the bike rider collided with a motorcar traveling in the opposite direction.
He was ejected from the cycle and landed on the roadway. He sustained facial as well as suspected head injuries.
Upon arrival, officers found the motorcyclist breathing but unresponsive. He was attended to by EMTs from Bermuda Fire and Rescue Services, before being transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for further treatment of his injuries.
The motorcar driver, also a male, was uninjured.
The roadway was closed to all traffic for approximately two hours while forensics personnel along with a Traffic Collision Investigator processed the scene.
We wish to thank the public for their patience and cooperation while the road closure and traffic diversions.
With an investigation into this collision now underway, police are asking that anyone with information make contact with police constable Llewelyn Simmons, by calling the main police number, 295-0011 or via e-mail, lsimmons@bps.bm
New regulations for e-bikes
Riders will need to be licensed, insured … and helmeted, by October 31
Statement by Owen Darrell, Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport:
I want to start with something simple: the law you will hear about today is not new. The Auxiliary Bicycles Act has governed two- and three-wheeled motorized vehicles on Bermuda’s roads since 1954 and, as written, has always applied to electrically propelled machines.
What is changing, starting today, is that Government is drawing a clear, public line under that law . . . telling every e-bike owner in Bermuda exactly what is required, giving them a fair and well-supported window to meet those requirements, and making sure that window has a firm end date.
Why now? Because the number of e-bikes on our roads has grown far faster than most of us expected, and the consequences of that growth are no longer hypothetical.
This year, we have seen reports of a young rider travelling at more than twice the posted speed limit. We have also seen a 71-year-old Bermudian hospitalized after being struck by an e-bike ridden by a 15year-old.
These are not abstract statistics. They are our neighbours, our elders, and our children, sharing narrow roads with machines that can now move as fast as a car.
Every requirement I am about to describe exists for one reason: to make sure that the people riding these machines, and the people sharing the road with them, come home safely.
So, what does the law require?
Four things, in plain terms.
First, every e-bike intended to be ridden on Bermuda’s roads must be registered and licensed with the Transport Control Department . . . the machine itself, not just the rider.
Second, every rider must hold the appropriate licence for their vehicle.
Third, every e-bike must carry valid third-party insurance, at a minimum, just like any other motorized vehicle on our roads.
And fourth, every rider must wear a proper, certified helmet, every time.
I know that for many families and many riders, this will mean a trip to TCD that you were not expecting to make. So let me tell you what we are doing to make that process as easy as possible.
Persons who own E-bikes who want to legally operate their machines on public roads have until October 31st, 2026, to take the necessary steps to make them roadworthy. We are opening a compliance window during which TCD will offer inspections and registration on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., starting on Saturday, September 26th.
We are also working directly with local insurers to expand the products available for e-bikes, so that a valid insurance certificate is something every legitimate rider can obtain.
My ask of every e-bike owner in Bermuda is straightforward: use this window.
Come in. Get your machine inspected. Get it insured. Get it registered.
Get properly licensed.
This time period does not make illegal operation lawful. It does not apply to underage riders, nor does it permit the operation of an unlicensed or uninsured vehicle.
Our goal over these seven weeks is compliance, not confrontation. We would much rather spend September and October helping people get right with the law than spend November responding to the alternative.
I want to thank the Road Safety Council for its partnership on public education; our colleagues at TCD for the work already underway to open capacity for this surge in registrations; and the insurers working with us in good faith to close the coverage gap.
For more information on how your E-bike can become compliant, please go to tcd.bm.
I will now hand things over to the Bermuda Police Service, who will speak to how these requirements will be enforced from the end of October.
Thank you.
Arts Council grant awardees announced
The Bermuda Arts Council (BAC), the Department of Culture’s main external funding body, is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026 student grant, highlighting the organisation’s continued dedication to supporting Bermudian students advancing their artistic studies. This year, the BAC awarded three $8,000 grants to three extraordinary Bermudians devoted to the expansion of their craft as they contribute to Bermuda’s cultural landscape.
Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, the Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, MP, said, “Investing in our young artists is an investment in Bermuda’s cultural future. These grants provide talented Bermudians with the opportunity to pursue their studies, strengthen their creative voices and bring new ideas and perspectives to the world. I congratulate Nicole, Zen, and Krystal on this achievement and look forward to seeing how their continued development enriches Bermuda’s creative community.”
The following students have been selected for the 2026 student grant:
Nicole Smith
Nottingham Trent University | Bachelor of Arts in Creative Direction and Curation for Fashion
Through her studies, Nicole has explored a range of creative career paths and gained experience through fashion vendor opportunities focused on secondhand clothing, connecting her with Nottingham’s growing fashion community. She shared that the past year has broadened her interests beyond fashion and opened her to different career possibilities.
As an aspiring creative director, Nicole hopes to use her work to amplify underrepresented voices and communicate meaningful messages. She continues to draw inspiration from her own experiences and hopes to contribute to greater recognition and opportunities for artists like her.
Zen Mello
Arts University Bournemouth | Bachelor of Arts in Animation Production
Zen uses video and animation to address issues he has encountered in Bermuda, including the school ID system, summer school, and the public bus system. His work has received first-place awards, and he was selected to represent Bermuda in the NFTE Global Entrepreneurship Challenge.
Inspired by his own experiences on the Island, Zen hopes to build a career in animation while also giving back to the community by creating opportunities for other artists to develop their craft. He is particularly interested in animation’s potential to communicate meaningful ideas beyond its role as entertainment.
Krystal Lowe
Cardiff Metropolitan University | Master of Arts in English Literature and Creative Writing
Krystal has had a longstanding interest in writing and shared that she has wanted to be a writer since childhood, influenced in part by her mother’s work as a freelance writer for the Bermuda Sun. In 2019, she completed her first written dance-theatre work, Whimsy, which she later self-published in 2022.
She has also written and directed short films including Rewild, Daughters of the Sea, Seven, and Remarkable Rhythm. Following completion of her MA, Krystal plans to pursue a PhD, with the aim of teaching intersectional feminist literature at university level while continuing her work as a published author.
To learn more, about the BAC student grant, please visit www.artscouncil.bm.
