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Bermuda Risk Summit to return next Spring

The March 2026 event will integrate climate programming

Press release:

The Bermuda Business Development Agency (BDA) announced that the fifth annual Bermuda Risk Summit will take place from 9–11 March 2026 at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, with a significant strategic shift: the BDA will integrate its standalone Climate Summit into the Risk Summit platform, uniting two of its most high-impact event brands under one expanded global forum.

This evolution reflects the realities of today’s risk landscape, where environmental exposures, capital deployment, geopolitical pressure, and regulatory shifts are deeply interconnected. By embedding climate-related themes into the broader risk agenda, the BDA aims to sharpen focus, increase relevance, and deliver even greater value to the international (re)insurance, risk, life, and investment community.

“This is about being responsive to the market and deliberate in our positioning,” said Kendaree Burgess, Managing Director of the BDA. “We’re seeing clear signals that capital markets and corporate leaders want integrated solutions — not siloed conversations. This move reflects Bermuda’s strengths: we are expert, agile, and attuned to the geopolitical and economic forces shaping risk worldwide.”

Since its launch in 2022, the Bermuda Risk Summit has become a cornerstone of the global risk calendar, drawing senior leaders from across (re)insurance, ILS, life, capital markets, regulation, and advisory. As geopolitical risks and economic decoupling fuel uncertainty for global insurers, Bermuda continues to offer rare stability — underpinned by a robust regulatory framework and trusted jurisdictional standards.

Insurers and asset managers increasingly view Bermuda as a critical hub for capital innovation — including private credit, insurance-linked securities, and alternative structures such as sidecars — especially as inflationary pressure and rate volatility persist. The 2026 event will build on this momentum, offering a deeper lens on capital optimisation, resilience, and integrated risk strategy.

Secure your spot now — early bird rate of $495 ends 5 September 2025.

Police confirm body found on Fentons Drive

Investigation into sudden death underway

Image: Bermuda Police Service

A man’s body was discovered on Fentons Drive in Pembroke today.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Karema Flood told media that the Bermuda Police Service received a report from a member of the public who found the man unresponsive outside a residence at around 1:50 pm.

An on-call doctor attended the scene and confirmed the man’s death.

Acting DCI Flood said an investigation has been launched, and an autopsy will be conducted in due course.


Update, 8:10 pm: Police issued the following witness appeal/advisory

Shortly before 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 10, 2025, police received a report of a male found unresponsive outside a residence on Fenton’s Drive, Pembroke.

Officers responded and secured the scene. An on-call doctor later attended and subsequently pronounced the male, dead.

At this stage, foul play has not been ruled out. A full investigation is now underway.

Anyone with information is urged  to contact Acting Detective Inspector, Anneka Donawa, on 717-2250 or via email at, adonawa@bps.bm, call 295-0011. Alternatively, please submit any information via the community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm<https://portal.police.bm/>.

You may also speak with any police officer you know or call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-8477.

The Bermuda Police Service is aware of a video circulating on social media in which certain allegations are made about this matter.

While we understand emotions are running high, we urge the public not to be influenced by unverified claims and to allow police to conduct their investigation without interference.

We are also aware of an image of the deceased being circulated in a similar manner. Please, be considerate of the family of the deceased. Should you receive that image, do not forward it on and instead delete it from your devices.

Bermuda to host first-ever Financial Literacy Summit

Lumina Festival aims to bring experts, entrepreneurs and students together to tackle wealth gaps and empower financial futures

Press Release – Bermuda’s first Financial Literacy Summit

The Lumina Festival, a social enterprise bridging the worlds of finance and culture, will host Bermuda’s first, one-day Financial Literacy Summit on Friday, Sept. 26 at The Shed in Dockyard.

The ticketed event is aimed at tackling growing wealth disparities across the island and providing those at various stages in their financial journey with a plan and a renewed purpose—whether a student, a budding entrepreneur or a professional trying to figure out where their money is going.

It will feature panels, workshops, and interviews with financial experts, local millionaires, and successful entrepreneurs including headline speaker 19Keys.

“I created the Lumina Festival to give everyday people a platform to get answers about financial literacy education that a lot of us were never given in Bermuda,” co-founder Zach Wilson said.

“Lumina is about shining a light on people and places typically unseen. We’ll be having real conversations and getting to the root of things to cultivate real change. While being informed, I also wanted to create a space where people are still entertained and feel seen.”

Wilson and Cameron Capers founded The Lumina Festival in 2024. This will be the organization’s inaugural event.

Other event speakers will include:

  • ●  Neville Grant, CEO of Bermuda Bankers Association, former CEO of Bermuda Commercial Bank
  • ●  Shantel DeShield, Founder/Owner of Pocket Change BDA
  • ●  Mandela Fubler, full time investor, CEO of Signature FX
  • And more.

The Lumina Festival is also seeking sponsors to support the attendance of 300 high school and Bermuda College students. “We want to inspire and empower a younger generation through people who look like them and identify with their stories,” Wilson said.

Press Release – Bermuda’s first Financial Literacy Summit

Tickets are available at luminafest.com and ptix.bm starting at $150 for general access and $225 for VIP access. Prices will increase on July 31.

Following the summit, guests can mingle with like-minded individuals and event speakers at a VIP Happy Hour from 5 – 7 p.m. A special invite-only event featuring live local and international artists will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27.

Follow @theluminafestival on Instagram for updates. For more information and general inquiries, email support@luminafest.com.

‘See something, say something’: Shadow Minister on Rangers shooting

Robert King urges community cooperation with police following Friday night gun violence at Southampton Rangers Sports Club

The following statement was issued by Shadow National Security Minister Robert King.

I am deeply saddened to hear of Friday night’s shooting at the Southampton Rangers Club. My thoughts are with those affected.

Our  community has already endured far too much violence and death this year. We have grown numb to the all too frequent reports of shootings and violent crime. 

The police can’t solve all these crimes and bring perpetrators to justice alone. 

Public safety depends on all of us. If you see something that doesn’t look right or know something about a crime, say something. Your information—no matter how small it may seem—can help prevent further harm.

Please provide information to the Police Service on 295 0011 or Crimestoppers on 800 8477.

I also urge families affected to reach out to local counselling services for support.

The Gina Spence Program: 296 0016

The Family Centre: 232 1116

Milestones: 295 7766

Solstice Bermuda: 292 3456

BEDC empowers next wave of entrepreneurs

Ten local startups embark on six-month program to accelerate growth and development

Image supplied

Press release:

The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) officially launched the 7th cohort of the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator (EBI) program with an orientation evening on Thursday, July 24th, 2025, at the North East Hamilton Incubator Hub. This year’s cohort includes 10 new businesses beginning a six-month journey focused on growth and business development.

The Enterprise Bermuda Incubator supports local entrepreneurs in the early stages of their businesses, typically operating for two years or less. Participants will benefit from comprehensive resources, including BEDC’s educational courses, complimentary office space, international learning opportunities, assigned Business Development Officers, mentorship, and access to professional services such as marketing, accounting, legal, and web development.

Erica Smith, Executive Director of BEDC, welcomed the new cohort, stating, “We are excited to welcome our 7th cohort to the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator program. Over the next six months, each entrepreneur will have access to the tools and resources needed to effectively grow their business. BEDC remains committed to providing the necessary support and guidance to help each participant achieve success, and we look forward to seeing their progress and accomplishments.”

Kelsea Williams, Communication & Development Officer and EBI Lead, also greeted the entrepreneurs, saying, “This program is designed specifically to help entrepreneurs effectively develop their businesses. BEDC will guide and support you throughout your journey, and we are eager to see how your businesses grow during this time.”

6th cohort graduate Janée Pitt, Owner of Tassel Bermuda, shared her experience of the program: “The Enterprise Bermuda Incubator was a game changer for Tassel Bermuda. I got to learn from incredible international mentors who helped me lay the foundation for my business, connect with other local entrepreneurs to swap ideas, share wins, and navigate setbacks together.”

She continued, “I was even able to network with retailers I might never have met otherwise. It gave me the confidence, tools, and community I needed to grow, not just as a business owner, but as an entrepreneur. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity.”

The orientation event gave the new businesses an opportunity to meet the BEDC team, network with fellow entrepreneurs, and gain insights into the valuable resources and mentorship available.

The 2025 Cohort Includes:

  • Bradley De Silva – Energy Savers
  • Vanessa Bartley – ScarCare Studio
  • Azia Parris – The Sipping Lab
  • Ashlyn Young – Tradie Central
  • David Kharlos & Terai Wilson – The Pink Sand Confectionery
  • Vurnell Ball – Bermuda Sensory Company
  • Vanessa James – The Bottle Studio
  • Quayunte Watson – Gombey Isle
  • Lashuna Smith – Cognoscent and Co
  • Zativah Johnston – Piñata Paradise

As these entrepreneurs progress through the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator, BEDC continues its dedication to strengthening Bermuda’s small and medium-sized business sectors and fostering a robust future for local enterprises.

Australia, Canada, UK urge Belarus to end ‘campaign of repression’

Lukashenko denies there are any political prisoners in the country

International News via Reuters:

The governments of Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom condemned what they called ongoing repression and human rights violations in Belarus and accused Belarusian authorities of waging a campaign to shut down civil society, independent media and any form of political opposition.

KEY QUOTES

“We — Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom — stand united in condemning the ongoing repression and human rights violations,” the three countries said in a joint statement on Saturday.

“Thousands have been unjustly detained, subjected to torture, or forced into exile. These actions represent a flagrant breach of Belarus’ international law obligations and are a serious violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms,” they added, urging Belarusian authorities “to end their campaign of repression.”

WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin, has led Belarus through more than three decades of authoritarian rule and was re-elected in January for a seventh five-year term.

Lukashenko crushed huge street protests in 2020 after an election the opposition and Western governments accused him of stealing, and all his leading opponents were jailed or forced to flee the country.

CONTEXT

Several hundred people convicted of extremism and other politically related offences have been released since mid-2024 in what analysts see as a bid by Lukashenko to ease his isolation from the West. However, human rights groups say nearly 1,200 are still behind bars.

Lukashenko denies there are any political prisoners in the country.

Australia, Canada and the UK said they welcomed the recent releases of several political prisoners in Belarus but added that they remain concerned by what they termed as continued arrests and persecution of individuals for exercising their human rights.

Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Mark Porter

Major French wildfire is unlikely to be under control until late on Sunday

All of the local departmental roads have been reopened, but the entrance into the wildfire zone is prohibited due to the risk of rekindling

International News via Reuters:

A wildfire in the southern French prefecture of Aude is not expected to be under control until late on Sunday, the regional chief firefighter said on French television.

The fire, which began Tuesday, is one of the largest recorded in France since 1949. Spread over 16,000 hectares (around 40,000 acres), it has led to one fatality, the injury of 19 firefighters and six civilians, and several dozen homes have been destroyed.

“The fire is contained but not controlled. We still have hot spots (…) until Sunday evening the fire will not be brought under control,” Colonel Christophe Magny told a news conference broadcast on BFM TV.

All of the local departmental roads have been reopened, but the entrance into the wildfire zone is prohibited due to the risk of rekindling, the local French prefecture said in a statement on Saturday.

French authorities have attributed the fire to the impact of climate change. An orange heatwave warning – the second highest warning level that encourages people to remain vigilant – is in effect for the department until midnight on Sunday, the prefecture said.

Before the fire began, the region’s wine growers had dug up an extensive area of their vineyards, which traditionally serve as a natural, moisture-retentive firebreak, as declining wine consumption and subsidies have reduced profits.

Reporting by Forrest Crellin and Claude Chendjou; editing by Barbara Lewis

Police seek witnesses to Rangers shooting

19-year-old man shot in leg minutes after officers left Southampton Rangers Sports Club

Press release:

At around 9:18 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025, police received a report of gunshots in the area of the Southampton Rangers Sports Club.

Officers attended and recovered forensic evidence confirming that a firearm had been discharged.

Shortly afterward, a 19-year-old man attended King Edward VII Memorial Hospital with a gunshot wound to his leg. His injury was not life-threatening, and he has since been treated and discharged.

An investigation is now underway. Anyone with information is asked to contact Acting Detective Inspector (ADI) Anneka Donawa on 717-2250 or by email at adonawa@bps.bm.

Acting Detective Superintendent Jason Smith, of the Serious Crime Unit noted, “Of particular concern is that this incident occurred approximately five minutes after police left the club, having conducted liquor license checks. We estimate there were between 15 and 20 patrons present at the time.”

“We are particularly keen to speak with anyone who may have seen a man running from the club premises, immediately after the incident and who then got onto a waiting motorcycle ridden by another individual before leaving in an easterly direction. We urge anyone who may have witnessed this or any suspicious activity before or after the shooting, to get in contact with ADI Donawa as soon as possible.”

Information may also be shared through the anonymous community reporting portal at https://portal.police.bm, or by calling the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-8477. Alternatively, you may share details with any police officer you know.

Motorcyclist injured in crash with taxi

The following statement was issued by the Bermuda Police Service via its social media.

Shortly after 7:00pm on Saturday, August 9, 2025, police and EMTs were dispatched to a serious collision on Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke involving a motorcycle and a taxi.

Initial reports indicate that the vehicles were traveling in opposite directions when the taxi attempted to turn onto Woodbourne Avenue, resulting in a collision. The male motorcycle rider is believed to have sustained serious injuries. The taxi driver was not reported to be injured.

Police are currently processing the scene. Traffic is being diverted away from the area, and motorists are advised to use alternative routes where possible.

Opinion: Racial divisiveness is a barrier to our long-term success

People are suffering and we all need to get involved to help make Bermuda a better place for all Bermudians

Michael Fahy: ‘I take great offence to suggestions that the OBA is a party to protect the interest of the “white oligarchy”’.

Statement by Michael Fahy, Shadow Housing & Municipalities and Home Affair Minister:

As the summer gets to its hottest point many will be thinking more about the beach, swimming and enjoying what Bermuda has to offer rather than bills.
However, we cannot forget that there are many Bermudians suffering with electric bills they can barely pay, housing that is inadequate and overpriced and food costs that remain stubbornly high. There are Bermudians right now making choices on whether to turn on a window unit air conditioning system, which is inefficient and costly and will bring a much larger electricity bill and buying fresh fruit and vegetables and decent food to try and live a healthy lifestyle.
When the mercury hits 90 degrees and the humidity in an overcrowded studio apartment is hitting 90% the choice will be desperate.
So, what can be done? I am not going to tell you that the path to solving all the systemic issues Bermuda has will be easy. What I will say is that boldness is required.
The Shadow Minister of Finance Doug De Couto has identified how regressive payroll tax is and how it disproportionately affects the lowest earners, despite Government tinkering with rates. The Shadow Minister of Health, Robin Tucker has called for the sugar tax to be repealed (or at least subsidize healthy fruits and vegetable prices with the sugar tax).
The Shadow Minister of Education Ben Smith has demonstrated how the education system is falling desperately short in preparing out Bermudian children for the future.
The Shadow Minister of National Security Robert King has called for increase in police funding and redeployment of police officers to help end the cycle of gun violence. The list goes on. All is not well. 
Meanwhile, the Government’s response is to hold a few summits, send out questionnaires and brag about a record of systematic failure and complain when the OBA as the Official Opposition dares call out the failures.
Since returning to Parliament in February with increased numbers, the OBA has demonstrated admirably its commitment to making Bermuda fairer and prepare for the future, from better tiered pricing on BELCO bills to building our workforce to bring more economic growth to benefit all Bermudians. 
We have called for more transparency on CARICOM, relaxing house and apartment building regulations to encourage more affordable housing and sought to ensure the vote is given to Bermudians overseas.
We have brought to the attention of the public the clear and present danger to Bermudians of a shrinking population and discussed ways to better the declining situation.
In other words, we are becoming an effective and powerful Opposition that is preparing to be Government. 
Our MPs, Senators and our candidates are committed to making Bermuda benefit all Bermudians, not a select few. Frankly I take great offence to suggestions that the OBA is a party to protect the interest of the “white oligarchy” and I take even more offence to spurious allegations that the OBA does not care about the ongoing economic disparities between black and white Bermudians. The word for that is “bull****”.  
The OBA has given support to certain Government initiatives that make sense but we will be relentless in our opposition to legislation that fails to do what the Government says it should and be vocal about the solutions, even if they are seen as unpopular.
It is easy to cast stones from the sidelines. Instead get involved and help make Bermuda a better place for all Bermudians. Look at the team we have and what we believe in.  The road to change is rocky and difficult to navigate but it is possible despite the naysayers. 
Being in the public eye is not easy in Bermuda. For anyone. What we need is sensible and honest dialogue and debate.
We need to better our collective game across the “divide” and really think about what is right for Bermuda and our long term survival in an ever changing world.
Racial divisiveness and utilizing such for political gain is not going to ensure success long term for Bermuda and her people.
Let us make Bermuda the place that punches way above its weight. Let’s be bold. Let us not be defined by the mistakes of others, but instead be open and honest and make the tough decisions. Let’s stop accepting mediocrity and strive to be the absolute best.  
I believe the OBA can do this and hope you will lend support to help us move Bermuda forward.  

Intrepid has a cool new take on ice

The ice in your glass … most people don’t give it a second thought.

However, as the experts at Intrepid at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club will tell you, if the ice is presented in its purest form, it will look and taste better than the ice from your freezer at home.
It’s a cool story – as General Manager Philip Howard explains.

Intrepid at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club is also toasting some global recognition … In June, the restaurant received the Wine Spectator Award, making it one of only two restaurants on the island to be bestowed the honour. 

Lloyd Ferrão, Assistant Maître d’ at Intrepid, shares more about what the award means for the team and their guests.

‘Serious’ single-vehicle crash in Paget

Police say details remain limited

A “serious” single-vehicle collision occurred last evening in Paget.

It happened on Middle Road near the junction with Bostock Hill West.

The Bermuda Police Service stated that police and other first responders were dispatched to the scene shortly after 6 pm on Friday, August 8.

At the time, traffic diversions were in effect at Paget Lights and Ord Road.

However, a BPS spokesperson added: “Details are limited at this time.”