Health Minister donates blood in less than seven minutes
Recently, the Minister of Health, The Hon. Kim Wilson rolled up her sleeve to give blood.
“This simple and brief act took 6 minutes, 53 seconds and has the potential to make a life-changing difference for someone in need. Every drop counts. Giving blood is one of the quickest, easiest, and most powerful ways we can help others,” the Minister said. “I encourage everyone who is eligible to take a few minutes out of their day to donate. You could be the reason someone gets a second chance.”
Blood donations are urgently needed year-round to ensure hospitals have the supplies necessary for patients undergoing surgery, cancer treatment, trauma care, and more.
The Supreme Court this month overturned much of a lower court ruling on car loan sales practices
International News via Reuters:
A ruling from the United Kingdom’s top court that will likely save car finance companies billions in compensation payouts could clear the way for a wave of consolidation in the sector.
The Supreme Court this month overturned much of a lower court ruling on car loan sales practices, leading some industry experts to say the compensation bill could be less than half of initial estimates of about 30 billion pounds ($41 billion).
The lower cost – coupled with the fact that many private equity firms have owned car finance companies beyond their typical investment horizons – could help trigger a spate of dealmaking in a sector that has been in limbo for about 18 months.
“I think it’s the real activity that will start now,” said Hyder Jumabhoy, a partner at law firm White & Case. The owners of car finance lenders have enough clarity to begin preparing them for sale as they await full details of the redress scheme, he added.
Jumabhoy’s view was echoed by three other corporate advisers contacted by Reuters, although another three cautioned that uncertainty could hold back dealmaking until at least next year.
London-based private equity firm Cabot Square Capital has hired BNP Paribas to handle a sale of Blue Motor Finance, two people familiar with the matter said. Blue Motor made a loss of 8.5 million pounds in 2023 on revenue of 53 million pounds, according to its latest full-year accounts.
Startline, owned by U.S. hedge fund The Baupost Group, could also come to market in the coming months, advisers said. Startline reported 100.3 million pounds of interest receivable and other income in 2023 and a loss of around 4.25 million pounds, according to its latest accounts.
“There’s a series of highly attractive assets which have sat in private equity portfolios for longer than most would have expected, more for regulatory or macro reasons as opposed to anything else,” said Elliot Reader, a director at investment bank Houlihan Lokey.
“Now is a period of time where there is some more certainty and these assets can start to come to market.”
Cabot Square Capital, Blue Motor and Startline did not respond to requests for comment. The Baupost Group declined to comment.
To be sure, there are still uncertainties for the industry. Some advisers said the lack of clarity around the final redress bill could dampen deals until later next year.
“Does it (the Supreme Court ruling) pave the way for future M&A activity in the motor finance space given recent inactivity? Yes, but I’d expect any meaningful movement to emerge throughout 2026,” said Antony Walsh, partner and international head of corporate at Eversheds Sutherland.
GROWING MARKET
Following the court ruling, Britain’s financial watchdog is working on a compensation scheme for car loans that included so-called discretionary commission arrangements – those where the broker could adjust the interest rate offered to a customer – if they were not properly disclosed.
The regulator said this month that it was hard to predict the cost of the scheme, but that estimates in the middle of a 9 billion to 18 billion pounds range were “more plausible”.
Despite the spectre of hefty payouts, advisers said there was likely to be interest from potential buyers in a growing market that underpins much of Britain’s automotive industry.
Around 80% of all new cars sold to consumers in Britain in the 12 months to April were bought using a form of motor finance, according to the Finance & Leasing Association.
New business rose 6% in value in the first six months of 2025, bringing the total size of the point-of-sale consumer car finance market at the end of June to about 86 billion pounds in terms of the value of outstanding contracts, it added.
Potential bidders could include bigger banks or private equity and private credit funds, Reader and Jumabhoy said.
Britain’s banking sector has already seen a flurry of deals, including Santander UK’s recent swoop on TSB.
Analysts at credit rating agency Moody’s said in a June note that the focus could now turn to specialist lenders, with larger motor finance-exposed firms like Aldermore and Close Brothers among potential targets.
Aldermore’s owner, South Africa’s FirstRand, and Close Brothers led the legal challenge that culminated in the Supreme Court ruling on Aug. 1.
Close Brothers, whose shares are up around 25% since the ruling, declined to comment.
“I’ve spoken to CFOs of other banks who tell me that they think that Close Brothers is a good business, but they would not touch it with a barge pole until motor finance is well and truly dusted,” said RBC Capital Markets analyst Benjamin Toms, referring to certainty over the eventual compensation costs.
A FirstRand spokesperson said it was not considering a sale of Aldermore and the ruling would have no impact on its strategy for the unit.
($1 = 0.7385 pounds)
Reporting by Charlie Conchie. Editing by Anousha Sakoui and Mark Potter
Though not a direct hit, the hurricane is expected to bring hazardous seas and strong winds
Credit: Zoom.Earth
“Bermuda will remain open for business” – that assurance from Acting National Security Minister Jache Adams, despite a brush by from Hurricane Erin later this week.
Minister Adams said although the storm is not forecast to make a direct hit, the public must not become complacent.
The system has weakened from a Category 5 to a 4. Still, tropical storm-force winds and life-threatening surf are expected over the coming days.
Phil Rogers, Director of the Bermuda Weather Service, outlined the latest forecast at a Government media briefing this afternoon.
With seas becoming increasingly hazardous, Minister Adams issued a warning to beachgoers and boaters.
He also advised residents to complete their hurricane prep.
Minister Adams confirmed there are no flight disruptions at this time, though some cruise ships have altered itineraries or cancelled visits.
Bus and ferry services will continue as normal, except for the Orange Route from St. George’s, which will be suspended beginning tomorrow.
Minister Adams also said there are currently no business impacts, but preparations are in place should Erin’s track change.
Government added that the shelter at Clearbridge will be mobilised if there is a need.
The Department of Sport & Recreation has announced that registration for the next term of the ACTIVE Kids Sports Academy will open today (August 18) and close on September 8.
Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, the Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, MP, said: “ACTIVE Kids Sports Academy is more than just a sports programme, it’s an investment in our children’s future health, confidence, and sporting opportunities. It supports our National Sports Policy by ensuring that Bermuda’s youth are exposed to a variety of sports and movement skills from an early age.”
The ACTIVE Kids programme is designed to give children a fun and engaging introduction to multiple sports, building physical literacy, the essential movement skills and confidence needed to enjoy a lifetime of sport and physical activity. Each 12-week term offers expert-led sessions across a variety of sports, including pickleball, athletics, gymnastics, rugby, tennis, hockey, and more.
Aligned with the Bermuda National Sports Policy (2022–2027), ACTIVE Kids recognises multi-sport exposure as a key pathway to long-term athlete development and increased youth participation in sport. By rotating sports every three weeks, the programme allows children to explore their interests, learn transferable skills, and develop well-rounded athletic ability.
The first edition of the programme saw strong enrolment and overwhelmingly positive feedback from parents, coaches, and participants. Parents praised its variety, quality coaching, and its ability to boost children’s confidence both on and off the field. Coaches noted improvements in balance, agility, coordination, teamwork, and communication, skills that are foundational to future success in sport.
The programme caters to two age groups: Tiny Titans (4–6 years) and Junior Jaguars (7–9 years). Over the 12 weeks, participants take part in two sessions per week, following a structure of age-appropriate, play-based learning with a mix of skill development, team-building, and fun challenges. Coaching is delivered by vetted, experienced instructors from Bermuda’s National Sport Governing Bodies and trusted sport partners.
Spaces are limited to ensure a positive coach-to-participant ratio, and families are encouraged to register early. The registration form is available on the Department of Sport & Recreation’s website at https://www.sportsandrec.bm/aksa.
All personal information is handled in compliance with the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).
Solstice is proud to announce the launch of The Studio, a new afterschool programme designed to support the social, emotional and developmental needs of students aged 5 to 12. Running weekdays during term time from 3:15 to 5:30 PM, The Studio offers a dynamic blend of creativity, movement and structured play — all grounded in evidence-based approaches to child development.
Developed by Solstice’s team of psychologists and child development specialists, The Studio goes beyond traditional afterschool care by offering a curated mix of therapeutic and play-based activities. These include: -Arts & Crafts -LEGO Challenges -STEM Exploration -Movement & Games -Board Games & Group Play
Each component is carefully designed to build core developmental skills – such as communication, self-regulation, problem-solving and emotional resilience – while ensuring children feel safe, seen and supported.
“We know that what happens after the school bell rings matters,” said Kelly Madeiros, Managing Director of Solstice. “Children need more than just supervision — they need safe, enriching spaces to grow, connect and thrive. The Studio does exactly that.”
Solstice brings its well-established reputation for building resilience, emotion regulation, mental health care and child-centred programming into this new initiative, ensuring all students benefit from afterschool care that is developmentally appropriate and in a warm, welcoming environment.
“We designed The Studio to be a space where children can feel relaxed, supported, and engaged,” said Dr. Eloise Pitts Crick, Executive Director and Consultant Psychologist at Solstice. “The programme blends fun with developmental value – helping children build confidence, social skills and emotional awareness through everyday activities.”
With a high adult-to-child ratio and close attention to individual needs, The Studio provides both structure and flexibility – giving children the freedom to explore at their own pace.
The Studio will run out of the BCCL Student Center at 41 Cedar Avenue in Hamilton, Monday through Friday during the school term. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.
Children from all schools including home schools are welcome to register.
To register or learn more: studio@solstice.bm www.solstice.bm Contact: 292 3456
Five local candy stripers received scholarships totalling $30,000 when the Hospitals Auxiliary of Bermuda (HAB) held its annual awards ceremony on Sunday 27 July.
“This year, we are proud to present 5 awards totalling $30,000” said HAB President Glen Gibbons. “Eligibility for the awards is based on each student’s hours of service to the HAB, interaction with other volunteers and BHB [Bermuda Hospitals Board] and HAB staff members, community service and academic performance.
“Our decision was difficult this year as there are so many deserving applicants, however, rather than dilute the amount to be awarded by presenting too many we wanted our educational awards to make a meaningful contribution.”
New recipients
Surayya Trott-Cann – Dalhousie University – Bachelor of Science
$12,000.00
Surayya was awarded the top amount for 2025. She has been a candy striper since 2021 and to date has completed 345 hours of service. Surayya’s ultimate plan is to become an obstetrician gynaecologist She was deputy head girl at Berkeley Institute with principal honours Q1 in her senior year and high honours in Q2. She holds the Nurse Rachel Andrade Spirit Award as well as Berkeley’s gold and bronze Community Service pins.
Surayya comments: “Candy Striping has been a great experience. It really taught me the ins and outs of the hospital. I can’t even begin to explain the amount of knowledge I’ve gained throughout my time there. I would say that over the years of volunteering, the big takeaway for me is that it taught me to be kind to everyone no matter who they are and what they look like because you never know what experiences they have been through in their lifetime.”
Starr Bowen – Keele University, UK – Nursing
$8,000.00
Starr has been a candy striper since 2021 and has completed 318.5 hours of service to date. She also volunteers at the SPCA, Windreach and Bermuda Cancer and Health. Music has played a significant part of her life, since she was 3 years old. At Warwick Academy, Starr was a member of the junior and senior strings section and in 2023 received the Soloist Award and the Leadership Award.
Starr says: “During my time volunteering at the Hospitals Auxiliary as a candy striper I have been able to see the impact that small acts of kindness have on individuals including patients and staff at the hospital. Working here has allowed me to gain lots of valuable skills including better communication and responsibility as a volunteer.
“The hospital has given me valuable insight to what working in a healthcare setting would be like and has strengthened my desire to work in this field. I would like to thank the Bermuda Hospital Board as well as the Hospital Auxiliary of Bermuda for giving me the opportunity to help others and grow as an individual all while giving back the community and I am very grateful.”
Kaitelyn Smith – Bermuda College – Associate of Science in Actuarial Science
$5,000.00
Kaitelyn has been a candy striper since 2021 and to date has completed 317 hours of service. She will attend Bermuda College to pursue an Associate of Science degree before going overseas to take on her actuarial science studies with the ultimate goal of becoming an actuary. Kaitelyn received Principal’s Honours and High Honours, and this summer took courses at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland where she was enrolled in the University’s Summer of Actuarial and Mathematical Sciences programme.
Kaitelyn comments: “What’s done in the dark will come to light. Being a volunteer candy striper taught me to do things from the heart without seeking recognition or reward. This is something that I can apply to other areas of my life.”
Continuing recipients
Sacha Burchall $2,500 – Sheridan College, Canada – Bachelor of Health Sciences, Kinesiology and Health Promotion
Sascha has been awarded a second time as she is an honours student at her university.
Mishale Corday $2,500 – Howard University, USA – Bachelor of Science Nursing
Scholarship history
The HAB has awarded scholarships to its candy stripers for more than 25 years. Bermuda Hospitals Board consultant anaesthesiologist, Dr Merate-Kristos Place; and clinical education manager of its Nursing Staff Development Department, registered nurse, Heloisa Ambrosio; are examples of HAB scholarship alumni who returned to the hospital to provide service.
Eligibility
The HAB awards scholarships on an annual basis. Scholarships can be awarded to any candy striper current in the programme who has completed a minimum of two years. Previous awardees are now eligible to make an application for a second award. The awards may be used for continued studies in Bermuda or at an institution of higher learning abroad. Scholarships must be applied to the cost of education only, e.g., tuition, books and school fees.
Interested in becoming a candy striper?
There are currently 109 candy stripers enrolled in the HAB program. The HAB intakes approximately 40 students annually. Interested young men and women must apply in writing before their 14th birthday. Email applications can be obtained from jane.wright@bhb.bm.
Bermuda’s athletes delivered a series of strong performances on Day Seven of the 5th North American, Central American and Caribbean Athletics Championship.
In the field events, Tiara Derosa finished a commendable fifth in the Women’s Discus Throw with a top toss of 48.36 metres, while Sakari Famous secured a superb fourth place in the Women’s High Jump with a top leap of 1.80 metres.
On the track, sprinter Caitlyn Bobb delivered a superb performance in the Women’s 400m preliminaries. Competing in Heat One, she finished with a time of 52.03 seconds, the sixth fastest overall, which earned her a spot in the final. However, a late change to the schedule meant the final conflicted with her commitments at the Junior Pan Am Games, forcing her to withdraw.
Meanwhile, Dage Minors finished sixth in the Men’s 1500m Run with a time of 3:47.70, while Ryan Outerbridge crossed the line in 10th place, stopping the clock in 3:53.38.
China subsequently started investigations into imports of EU brandy, pork and dairy products – widely seen as retaliation for Europe’s EV move
International News via Reuters:
China extended on Monday its anti-subsidy investigation into European Union dairy imports by six months, one front in a wider trade war with Brussels and Washington.
Trade tensions between China and the EU erupted in 2023 when the European Commission – which oversees the bloc’s trade policy – launched an anti-subsidy investigation into Chinese-made electric vehicles.
China subsequently started investigations into imports of EU brandy, pork and dairy products – widely seen as retaliation for Europe’s EV move.
For dairy products, China’s Ministry of Commerce said it had prolonged the period of its anti-subsidy investigation to February 21, 2026, citing the complexity of the case, which covers some EU cheese, milk and cream products.
Beijing had rolled over in June an anti-dumping investigation into European pork, of which it is also a major buyer, while in July it announced duties on EU brandy producers – though major cognac makers were spared provided they sell at or above a minimum price.
The extension of the year-old dairy probe had been expected given that more technical visits by Chinese officials were already scheduled for early September, said Alexander Anton, secretary general of the European Dairy Association, which represents the industry at EU level.
The EU dairy sector is not anticipating the type of settlement reached for brandy, given the latter’s different structure as an industry led by a small number of big firms, Anton added.
In France, producers are hoping for a political resolution of the EV issue to avoid duties that could hit French dairy exports to China worth around 650 million euros ($759 million) a year, Francois-Xavier Huard, CEO of industry association FNIL, said.
In April, a European Commission spokesperson said the EU and China had agreed to look into setting minimum prices of Chinese-made EVs, instead of tariffs imposed by the EU last year.
The two sides have yet to reach a deal.
“Beijing is still hoping to come to terms with the EU on a long list of trade conflicts,” said Even Rogers Pay, an analyst at Beijing-based Trivium China who specialises in agriculture.
“This investigation – along with the investigation into EU pork – are significant bargaining chips in the ongoing negotiations around the EU’s tariffs on Chinese new energy vehicles,” she said.
($1 = 0.8566 euros)
Reporting by Ella Cao, Xiuhao Chen and Joe Cash; additional reporting by Gus Trompiz in Paris; Editing by Christian Schmollinger, Susan Fenton and Mark Potter
Novo said the new offer was part of its ongoing efforts to explore new collaborations and approaches towards improving access to authentic semaglutide medicines
International News via Reuters:
Novo Nordisk said on Monday it was offering its diabetes drug Ozempic for $499 per month to eligible cash-paying type 2 diabetes patients in the United States.
Earlier this month, it said it expects continued competition from copycat versions of its blockbuster obesity drug Wegovy this year and rising pressure from main U.S. rival, Eli Lilly.
Novo said the new offer was part of its ongoing efforts to explore new collaborations and approaches towards improving access to authentic semaglutide medicines.
The offer will roll out across multiple platforms. Ozempic will be available through its NovoCare pharmacy program – launched earlier this year to sell Wegovy outside of insurance – for the first time, Novo said.
It also said it was partnering with telehealth service GoodRx to offer both Wegovy and Ozempic for $499 per month.
Novo said in April it was working with telehealth firms Ro and LifeMD to sell Wegovy to expand access to cash-paying patients.
The Bermuda Under-19 cricket team finished in third place inthe ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Americas Qualifiers, driven by several standout individual performances.
The star of the tournament for Bermuda was Luke Horan, who was named the Tournament’s Best Bowler. Horan’s consistent efforts with the ball saw him claim a series-leading 12 wickets throughout the six matches. He was well-supported by Sa-Qui Robinson, who took eight wickets, and Keegan Jones and Isaiah O’Brien, who both claimed five.
On the batting front, Luke Fulton led the team with a high of 139 runs, while Sa-Qui Robinson continued his impressive all-around performance, scoring 113. Horan rounded out his excellent tournament as the team’s third-highest run-scorer with 98 runs.
In the field, Isaiah O’Brien led the team with four catches, with Zeri Tomlinson, Callum Macfarlane, Luke Fulton, and Keegan Jones all contributing with two catches each.
The Butterfield Bermuda Championship is proud to announce the return of its Birdies for Charity program, offering an exciting opportunity for the community to rally behind local charities while celebrating world-class golf.
At a reception last week held at Butterfield’s head office, charities were given an opportunity to meet with the organizers and to learn more about how they can benefit from the program.
The Butterfield Bermuda Championship Birdies for Charity program is an easy and effective matching fund program where the tournament sponsors match fundraising efforts made by participating charities. Organizations receive every penny they raise, plus up to a 10% match on every donation.
“The Birdies for Charity program is one of the most rewarding aspects of the Butterfield Bermuda Championship,” said Danielle Carrera, Tournament Director. “It is truly a risk-free opportunity to maximize fundraising efforts. We encourage every charity on island to join us and make an impact.”
The program has become a vital fundraising tool for local charities, supporting a variety of initiatives in education, youth development, health, the environment, and social services.
Since its inception, Birdies for Charity has generated more than $4.4 million for Bermuda-based organizations.
How It Works:
Local nonprofits register to participate in the Birdies for Charity program
Fans, businesses, and supporters may donate via the tournament website
Charities may raise dollars on their own through tag days, events, and other fundraisers and submit them to the program
100% of funds raised go directly to the charity
Funds raised are matched up to 10% and donated back to the charity at the conclusion of the program in the spring of 2026
Registration for local nonprofits is now open and those interested can register via the link here: Birdies for Charity – Charity Registration. Charities are encouraged to sign up early to maximize their fundraising potential and take advantage of tournament marketing opportunities.
The Butterfield Bermuda Championship will take place November 13-16 featuring top PGA TOUR professionals competing for the title against the stunning backdrop of Bermuda’s south shore.
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
