Robert King defeated Ben Smith in a vote at this evening’s party conference
Ben Smith, left, and the victorious Robert King
Robert King has tonight been elected as the new leader of the One Bermuda Alliance. He triumphed over fellow-contender Ben Smith, in a vote at the OBA’s 2025 Party Conference at the Vasco Da Gama Club.
The election came after incumbent Jarion Richardson’s announcement, earlier this summer, that he planned to step down.
Mr. King entered politics after Michael Dunkley’s retirement, winning the Smith’s North by-election in May 2024 and the same seat in February’s General Election.
In a recent statement he pledged to “deliver the determined leadership Bermuda deserves”.
Mr. King has previously stated that “trust in politics has been broken,” and pledged to serve full-time as Opposition Leader.
“Bermudians don’t need more empty pledges,” he has said, “they need leadership that works full-time, rebuilds trust and delivers results”.
The OBA has described him as a seasoned criminal justice professional with more than 30 years’ experience working with at-risk youth and vulnerable populations in Bermuda and Canada.
Mr. King recently rolled out a 100-day action plan.
He said his first steps as leader would be “putting people first” through a series of town halls and a monthly open house from the Opposition Leader’s office.
He also promised a refreshed communications strategy, mentoring for new MPs, professional development for candidates, and building the fundraising and volunteer machinery to win government. His plan includes creating a Youth Wing and a Women’s Commission within the party.
We will have more on this story in subsequent reports.
Bermudian tennis coach leads University of New England women’s tennis team to a winning start to the season
The University of New England women’s tennis team, led by Head Coach Jovan Jordan-Whitter, has made a dream start to its new varsity season, surrendering only eight games en route to a dominant 7-0 victory over Vermont State University-Johnson.
The win marks a historic moment for the program as it enters its inaugural season as UNE’s 20th varsity sport. The team’s dominance was clear from the start, as they were awarded a point from a forfeit at #6 singles and quickly added to the lead by sweeping the doubles matches with 6-0 wins from both pairs.
The singles matches were no different. Madeline Frank made it 3-0 with a win at #1 singles (6-1, 6-0), and Olivia Crooker clinched the deciding point at #5 (6-0, 6-2). Alyssa Fritschka delivered a perfect performance at #4 singles, winning both sets at love (6-0, 6-0), while Nora Hill and team captain Sydney Pelletier also secured convincing wins to seal the 7-0 shutout.
The result is a perfect start for Jordan-Whitter’s team as they prepare for a 17-match fall schedule, including ten crucial Conference of New England (CNE) battles.
(Hamilton, Bermuda – September 5, 2025) Bermuda has long been a “happy place” for Kathryn Law — but this year, the connection runs even deeper.
The 18-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina, has made the Island her home after enrolling at Bermuda College to study marine science.
Drawn by deep family roots and a passion for the ocean, Kathryn is now pursuing an Associate Degree in Marine Science, with hopes of a career in conservation and research.
Her Bermudian ties date back generations. Her great-great-grandfather, Albert E. Nicholl, came to Bermuda at the turn of the 20th century, and her grandmother, Sandra Nicholl, was raised on the Island.
Though her grandmother now lives in Florida, Kathryn has been visiting Bermuda since she was 11 and says she feels “more at home here than where I grew up.”
Initially considering a nursing career in the US, Kathryn shifted her focus after falling in love with Bermuda’s marine environment.
“I just really wanted to give back to Bermuda. Every time I’ve visited, I felt more connected to the Island and its natural beauty,” she said. “Marine science gives me a way to help protect it.”
She is aiming for an internship at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) and ultimately hopes to work as a marine biologist or research assistant.
Kathryn said her experience at Bermuda College has been overwhelmingly positive. “I love my professors — they’re outgoing, funny, and supportive,” she said.
She also praised the affordability of her two-year programme and the ease of securing accommodation, as she is staying at her great-grandfather’s former home with family friends.
Encouraging other overseas students to consider Bermuda College, Kathryn added: “If you’re passionate about the ocean, this is the place to be. The reefs, the research opportunities, the people — it’s all amazing.”
Hamilton, Bermuda—03 September 2025: Butterfield has awarded its annual scholarships to three promising students, including Bermudian Jeriel Fernandes, who will receive $30,000 for the upcoming academic year. These scholarships can be maintained for up to four academic years.
Jeriel has been awarded the Sir Harry D. Butterfield Undergraduate Scholarship. Offered since 1978, this scholarship honours Butterfield’s late Chairman, Sir Harry D. Butterfield and grants this year’s recipient $30,000 per year towards their studies of Mathematics and Economics, majoring in Business, at the University of Liverpool. Jeriel is keen to pursue a career in the insurance of finance industries. Outside of stellar academics, Jeriel is a keen netball player and also an active participant in community initiatives including being part of the Candy-Striping program, and at school, has taken the leadership positions of Big Sister Mentor and Service Representative for the Round Square Council.
Jody Feldman, Butterfield’s Managing Director in Bermuda, said: “Announcing our scholarship recipients and supporting the next generation is always a highlight and so it is a pleasure to award this scholarship to Jeriel Fernandes. Jeriel has worked hard to achieve academically in addition to making a positive difference to others. For the last 40 years, Butterfield has invested in the education of our young people and we look forward to following the successes of this year’s scholars.”
Butterfield has awarded two further scholarships in its other core banking jurisdictions, with Zoe Echenique Bowen from the Cayman Islands receiving the Butterfield Undergraduate Scholarship to study Business Management, also at the University of Bristol and Olivia Morgan receiving the Butterfield Channel Islands Undergraduate Scholarship to study Business and Management with Innovation at the University of Bristol.
For more information on scholarships, internships and other educational and career opportunities, please visit www.butterfieldgroup.com.
Demonstrators urge Government to protect green space for future generations
Residents lined the streets outside Southlands National Park today, voicing their love for the woodlands and their concerns over proposed development plans.
The campaign to protect the greenspace is being led by 25-year-old Bermudian Nekorrah Raynor, who on Thursday presented Government with a petition carrying more than 5,500 signatures.
Campaigners are demanding an immediate halt to plans that include building a café and car park on the southern coastal side of the park and installing a zipline through the northern woodlands. They are also calling for Southlands to be upgraded to a Nature Reserve, a move they describe as both an environmental and moral obligation to future generations.
More than 75 residents gathered outside the park today, carrying placards and banners in support of the cause.
“I feel so appreciative that so many people have come out to support the initiative, the woodlands – to show the Government, to show the administration, and to show the island that this is what we stand for, this is what we love, and that the environment is the most important thing to us all,” Nekorrah said.
Bermuda Broadcasting observed a steady stream of supporters throughout the morning, including local environmentalists and members of the Opposition One Bermuda Alliance.
Placards included messages such as: “Save Our Southlands,” “Keep Bermuda Green,” and “Save Nature for Our Children.”
Collection point will also will temporarily change, from Monday
Press release: Starting on Monday 8 September 2025 the vehicular drop-off and collection point for those attending Emergency Department at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital will be the Acute Care Wing main entrance. Ambulances will be using the usual drop-off area immediately in front of the Emergency Department. This temporary change is to facilitate necessary physical upgrades to the Emergency Department. Clear signage and traffic cones will be in place to guide vehicles and delineate parking zones. Security personnel will be stationed on-site to assist with traffic flow and ensure minimal disruption. Please adhere to their directions. This change will be in place for one week. By Monday 15 September the drop-off points will revert to normal.
Press release: The Ministry of Public Works and Environment advises the motoring public of additional paving works scheduled for Saturday, 6 September 2025, along Middle Road in Smith’s Parish, specifically in the area fronting the Whitney Institute.
This update follows the previously announced paving works in Smith’s Parish under Road Traffic Notice 80.
The planned resurfacing was delayed due to inclement weather issues. With improved conditions now forecast, Ministry crews are mobilised to carry out this section of the project.
Motorists travelling through the area are urged to use caution and follow all signage and directions from traffic control personnel.
Please refer to the attached original Road Traffic Notice for further information.
The Gombey Warriors dominated possession but lost the match
A dominant performance by Jamaica saw them secure a 4-0 victory over Bermuda in their opening CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier at a packed Flora Duffy South Field Stadium. The visitors controlled the match from the start, scoring twice in each half to claim all three points.
Jamaica wasted no time asserting their dominance, with defender Damion Lowe finding the back of the net in the sixth minute to give the “Reggae Boyz” an early advantage. They continued to press, and their efforts were rewarded in the 26th minute when Renaldo Cephas doubled their lead, sending them into the halftime break with a comfortable 2-0 cushion.
The second half was much the same story, as Jamaica maintained possession and continued to threaten. Their third goal came in the 58th minute from a strike from Kasey Palmer. The victory was sealed when substitute Shamar Nicholson added a fourth goal in the closing stages of the match.
The result is a difficult one for Bermuda, who were unable to find a way to break through a solid Jamaican defense. The “Gombey Warriors” will now have to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next qualifying match on the road.
At a packed Flora Duffy South Field Stadium, Jamaica has taken a commanding 2-0 lead over Bermuda at halftime in their opening CONCACAF World Cup Qualifier.
The visitors wasted no time asserting their dominance, with defender Damion Lowe finding the back of the net in the sixth minute to give the “Reggae Boyz” an early advantage. Jamaica continued to press, and their efforts were rewarded in the 26th minute when Renaldo Cephas doubled their lead.
Bermuda has battled hard against their higher-ranked opponents but has been unable to find a way to break through a solid Jamaican defense. The “Gombey Warriors” will need to regroup at the break and find a way to put a goal away early in the second half to put pressure on Jamaica and turn the match around in front of their home crowd.
To a prolonged standing ovation by a crowd at the annual party conference, Farage for the first time offered a vision of how Britain would be under a Reform government
International News via Reuters:
British populist leader Nigel Farage vowed on Friday to start preparing for government, saying the nation’s two main parties were in meltdown and only his Reform UK could ease the anger and despair plaguing the country to “make Britain great again”.
To a prolonged standing ovation by a crowd at the annual party conference, Farage for the first time offered a vision of how Britain would be under a Reform government: He pledged to end the arrival of illegal migrants in boats in two weeks, bring back “stop-and-search” policing and scrap net zero policies.
Despite having only four lawmakers in the 650-strong British parliament, Farage is becoming increasingly confident that his party – which was on the fringes for three years until last year – can beat both Labour and the Conservatives, taking the initiative on every issue from immigration to free speech.
Everything from the large crowds queuing to enter the two-day, sold-out conference in the English city of Birmingham, to the standing ovations and Farage chants, underscored a newfound confidence in the party which, according to current opinion polls, is on course to take power at an election due in 2029.
Farage said British people frequently told him he was “the last chance we’ve got to get this country back on track”, describing the nation as being abandoned by Labour and as being run by unqualified people “not fit for government”.
Predicting that the resignation earlier in the day of Angela Rayner as deputy prime minister would split Labour, he said the next national election might come in 2027 rather than 2029, and that the party must be ready for government at any time.
“All I can do is promise that I will give this everything, I will give this absolutely everything that I’ve got,” he said. “No one cares more about the state of this country than I do. I am determined to do something about it.”
When he spoke later on the stage to encourage supporters to attend an evening party, one young woman shouted “Tax the rich!”, prompting six security guards to carry her out of the conference hall.
Unveiling a new defection to Reform from the Conservatives – former culture minister Nadine Dorries – Farage said he was setting up a department for the preparation of government and appointing ex-Reform chairman Zia Yusuf as head of policy.
‘NEXT STEPS’
He said the move was part of “the next steps” – the banner of the conference – towards government, building on Reform victories at local elections earlier this year and the increasing professionalism of a party once better known for candidates making reported racist or offensive remarks.
Loved or loathed after being instrumental in winning the 2016 Brexit referendum to get Britain out of the European Union, Farage says that by bolstering his team, the party will be a fighting force well before 2029, when the next election is expected.
Farage has led the running against Britain’s traditional two mainstream parties on immigration, unveiling – when Prime Minister Keir Starmer was on holiday – a plan to repeal human rights laws to allow for mass deportations of asylum seekers.
Despite analysts questioning the legality of those plans, they seemingly prodded the government into beefing up its own plans to tackle the high numbers of arrivals.
Farage has also orchestrated a debate about freedom of speech in Britain, criticising arrests of people for making comments on social media deemed to incite violence.
A friend of Donald Trump, Farage went to Washington this week to urge U.S. politicians to persuade Britain to put an end to what he called a North Korea-style clampdown on free speech, before visiting the U.S. leader in his Oval Office.
Starmer criticised Farage for going to Washington to criticise Britain, calling it “unpatriotic”.
Reform UK has yet to command as many political donations as the two main parties, and it was not clear how many business representatives were at the conference, although Farage promised to end what he called an “exodus” of the wealthy from Britain.
Before leaving the stage to blaring music and pyrotechnics, he said the party’s ambitious programme was what Britain needs.
“It needs hope, it needs belief, it needs to smile again, it needs to believe in who we are.” ($1 = 0.7402 pounds)
Reporting by Elizabeth Piper and Andrew MacAskill; editing by Mark Heinrich and Philippa Fletcher
A preliminary report on the accident will take six weeks to complete, according to Portuguese authorities
International News via Reuters:
Three Britons were among the 16 killed in a funicular railway crash in Lisbon, Portuguese police said on Friday, as the mangled wreckage was removed for further analysis to establish the cause of the accident.
Portugal is reeling from a tragedy that Prime Minister Luis Montenegro described as one of the greatest in its recent history and that threatens to dent confidence in the tourism industry, which in Lisbon depends on vintage attractions such as the 140-year-old Gloria railway.
Police updated the list of fatalities that includes five Portuguese citizens, three Britons, two South Koreans, two Canadians, and one from each of France, Switzerland, Ukraine and the United States.
They released no names or other details. More than 20 people were injured.
The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation named the two dead Canadians as recently retired conservationist Andre Bergeron and his wife, Blandine Daux, a dual citizen of Canada and France.
The couple were on their last day of vacation when the disaster occurred, said Bergeron’s brother Eric, who is in Lisbon with the couple’s two daughters.
“I’m devastated … imagine, you lose your two parents in one shot,” he told the CBC.
Police said a German citizen who had been presumed dead was in fact alive in a hospital. Local media had said that a German father had died and a mother was seriously hurt while their three-year-old child suffered minor injuries.
The German foreign ministry said at least three German nationals were in hospital.
A preliminary report on the accident will take six weeks to complete, according to Portuguese authorities. While they do not rule out any possible cause, police sources told the Publico daily there were no signs of foul play.
The crashed car’s twin at the bottom of the steep 265-metre slope was also removed and will be studied by experts.
The two cars, each capable of carrying around 40 people, alternately climb the slope and descend, one helping to pull the other up, as electric motors drive the cable linking them.
That traction cable snapped, apparently at or near the connection to the bottom of the upper car, according to two experts consulted by Reuters who pored over the video footage.
Seemingly unable to check its descent, the carriage entered a sharp bend in the street too fast, ploughing into the cobblestone pavement and crashing into a building.
The municipal transport company Carris has said “all maintenance protocols have been carried out,” including monthly and weekly maintenance and daily inspections, the latest just hours before the incident with no faults detected.
“We cannot assume that the problem was with the cable,” Carris CEO Pedro Bogas said on Thursday.
The line connects Lisbon’s downtown area near the Restauradores Square with the Bairro Alto and transports around 3 million people a year.
Reporting by Andrei Khalip; additional reporting by Andreas Rilke and David Ljunggren; editing by Charlie Devereux, Alexandra Hudson and Barbara Lewis
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