Actin’ Up! Theater Camp co-founders talk passion, purpose, and the magic Behind Alice in Wonderland
As the curtain rises on their fourth annual summer production, Alice in Wonderland, co‑founders of Actin’ Up! Theater Camp — Myah Bridgewater and Sanzia Pearman — sit down with Kendal Trott to share the heart and vision behind Bermuda’s beloved youth theater program.
What began as a mission to create a space for young Bermudians to explore the performing arts has blossomed into a summer camp dedicated to nurturing homegrown talent and building confidence on and off the stage.
In this interview, Myah and Sanzia talk to Kendal Trott about what inspired them to launch the camp, their hopes for the next generation, and what audiences can expect from this weekend’s whimsical show at the Earl Cameron Theatre.
France is pulling back at a time of global calls for nuclear expansion
International News via Reuters:
France’s EDF is cutting its headcount overseas and scrapping bids on some nuclear projects abroad as it focuses on a major construction programme at home under new CEO Bernard Fontana, said two sources familiar with the matter.
France, once a global leader in nuclear energy and Europe’s largest nuclear power producer, is pulling back at a time of global calls for nuclear expansion, opening the door to new players as high costs and design issues hurt its ability to compete internationally.
Fontana was appointed in April to take over the state-run utility after the government became increasingly frustrated with EDF’s slow progress in revamping the French nuclear fleet.
The new chief executive told a parliamentary hearing on his nomination that he would focus on developing the company’s domestic nuclear projects rather than its international business, which employs hundreds of people and has previously built reactors in China, Finland and Britain.
He has outlined changes to the overseas business in recent weeks, said the sources, including pulling back from some bids to build reactors outside Europe.
The company will focus on tenders for nuclear projects in the Netherlands, Sweden and Finland, where it has a higher chance of winning the bids, said an industry source familiar with the plans.
It will also de-prioritise projects in Poland, India, Canada and elsewhere outside Europe, the person said.
Reducing its international footprint will allow it to cut costs and redirect people to higher-priority projects, said another industry source familiar with the situation.
EDF’s recent international projects have faced long delays and cost overruns. Last year it lost out to South Korea’s KHNP in a bid for two new reactors in the Czech Republic.
Fontana will also reduce headcount on the international sales team, said the sources, with one saying there are plans to cut about 60 jobs, including 10 managers.
EDF declined to comment.
“The new French nuclear programme is the group’s priority,” said an official in Prime Minister Francois Bayrou’s office.
President Emmanuel Macron announced plans in early 2022 for six new French reactors to replace ageing plants and secure future energy supplies, with costs estimated at 67 billion euros ($78.7 billion), according to a media report last year.
The company is heavily indebted, however, after expensive repairs to its nuclear fleet in recent years.
EDF is also looking to sell some of its renewable energy assets in North America and Brazil.
The company’s subsidiaries Framatome and Arabelle, which produce reactor parts, will continue to bid to supply international projects, such as the AP 1000 in Canada, one of the sources added.
($1 = 0.8516 euros)
Reporting by Forrest Crellin and Elizabeth Pineau; Editing by Dominique Patton and David Holmes
Minister Jason Hayward also affirmed that the long-term plan is to table a living wage report
Bermuda’s minimum wage is set to go up by 73 cents per hour to $17.13 in September.
Jason Hayward, Minister of Economy & Labour, tabled the amendment on Friday, reflecting the recommendations of the Wage Commission’s Report.
Minister Hayward told the House, “Taking the annual average rate of inflation for 2023 and 2024 of 3.3% and 1.9% respectively, the Wage Commission proposes a statutory minimum hourly wage rate of $17.13, an increase of $0.73 per hour from the current rate.”
“It is anticipated that more than 2,500 workers will benefit from this adjustment, primarily those in the service and sales sectors. These workers include individuals employed in hotels and restaurants, retail workers, personal care workers, cleaners, beauticians, and domestic workers.”
Some of the roles highlighted by Minister Hayward, according to the 2023 Employment Survey, appear to be heavily dominated by guest workers – including general waiters and waitresses – whereas more cleaners and housepersons are Bermudian.
Responding to our questions about who will benefit the most from the minimum wage increase, Minister Hayward also pointed to protected categories such as bartenders – filled almost entirely by Bermudians.
He also affirmed that the long-term plan is to table a living wage report…
Brookfield will remain invested in the business as a long-term shareholder
International News via Reuters:
Zara founder Amancio Ortega’s investment vehicle Pontegadea Inversiones has agreed to acquire a 49% stake in PD Ports from Brookfield Asset Management, the British ports and logistics company said on Tuesday.
Brookfield will remain invested in the business as a long-term shareholder, PD Ports said without disclosing the terms of the deal.
PD Ports operates across 11 locations in the UK, including Teesport and Hartlepool.
PD Ports and Brookfield did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for further details on the sale.
Reporting by Shanima A in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona
UniCredit CEO Andrea Orcel has repeatedly said he would not pursue the deal without complete clarity on the government conditions
International News via Reuters:
Italy’s market watchdog has suspended UniCredit’s bid for smaller rival Banco BPM for another 30 days, saying it was too difficult for BPM investors to make a decision amid disputes over the government’s conditions for a deal.
UniCredit’s swoop on BPM, and a similar hostile bid by Spain’s BBVA for Sabadell, which also faces government opposition in Madrid, have sparked a debate over the role of governments in European banking deals.
While European authorities have urged the bloc’s players to gain scale to counter expanding U.S. rivals, some governments are reluctant to sanction deals that may lead to job losses or excessively distance lenders from local communities.
Three people familiar with the matter told Reuters that UniCredit had been ready to ditch the 14.6 billion-euro ($17 billion) all-share bid had the Consob watchdog decided that extra time was not necessary.
UniCredit CEO Andrea Orcel has repeatedly said he would not pursue the deal without complete clarity on the government conditions.
With Banco BPM valued by the market at 15.4 billion euros, Orcel was loath to add the cash top-up needed for the bid to succeed, and would rather let the offer lapse to possibly submit it again later, the people said.
UniCredit had no immediate comment.
The bank’s board started preliminary discussions over Orcel’s acquisition strategy on Monday, a day ahead of approving quarterly results that UniCredit will present on Wednesday.
UNCERTAINTY
Italy’s second-biggest bank has challenged in court the conditions imposed by Italy on the deal on grounds of national security, saying they would damage the enlarged company.
A court ruling this month axed some of the conditions, but left intact a demand that UniCredit cease operations in Russia, apart from payments handled for Western companies.
The European Commission has also criticised Rome’s interference in the deal, saying this month that it could order the government to forgo the conditions altogether.
Consob said in a document on its website that the uncertainty caused by the court ruling and the Commission’s scrutiny made it too hard for BPM shareholders to take a view on the offer.
The offer had been due to expire on Wednesday, with take-up currently standing at just 0.5%. With the suspension running from July 23 to August 21, the tender is now set to resume on August 22.
With only one day of the tender period left when the offer restarts at the height of Italy’s summer break, UniCredit is expected to seek an extension of up to 15 days, which would be allowed under local regulation.
Consob had already granted UniCredit a 30-day suspension after the government in April set its terms for the bid, which launched soon after.
UniCredit unveiled its offer in November, with Orcel saying the bank could not be sidelined as the sector embarked on long-awaited consolidation.
UniCredit has also expressed an interest in tying up with Germany’s Commerzbank, acquiring a 20% equity stake and a further 9% in derivatives, a move staunchly opposed in Berlin.
($1 = 0.8554 euro)
Reporting by Valentina Za and Andrea Mandala in Milan; Additional reporting by Stefano Bernabei; Editing by Keith Weir, Mark Potter and Matthew Lewis
The Florenz Webbe Maxwell Youth Library will support the next generation of young readers
A name forever associated with dismantling racial segregation, will also now be associated with growing knowledge in a new generation.
The National Youth Library has been renamed the Florenz Webbe Maxwell Youth Library, after one of the last living members of the secret group that spearheaded the 1959 Theatre Boycott.
At the ceremony, Diallo Rabain, Minister for the Cabinet Office & Digital Innovation, said the renaming is about passing a legacy on to the next generation.
Minister Rabain said of Ms Webbe Maxwell, “from a very young age, she was part of a group of 18 young people called the progressive Group, the then-secret organizers of the 1959 theater boycott that helped end racial segregation in Bermuda… she did it because she believed in justice and believed young people deserved better.”
“After fighting for change, she turned her energy to nurturing young minds for nearly 30 years, she led this youth library with heart, creativity and a deep understanding that books could open doors.”
Upon retiring, Ms Webbe Maxwell put pen to paper and published a book of Bermudian folktales.
Her 2017 book, Girlcott, told the semi-fictional story of the theatre boycott from the perspective of a teenage girl, bringing the pivotal moment in Bermuda’s history alive for a new generation.
Retired teacher Shirley Pearman paid tribute to Ms Maxwell and her tenure at the library in the 1970s and 80s.
She also said it all the more important that the social media-besieged youth of today get the literary support they need.
“Today, 21st century readers are bombarded with extraneous influences”, Ms Pearman said, “so it is imperative that they have the support that they deserve.”
“Doing so in this environment, with the knowledge that Mrs. Florenz Webbe Maxwell paved the way for literacy, creativity and cultural acumen will strengthen their experience as well as their resolve.”
Fintech experts will host webinar on Friday that aims to equip Bermudians with tech tools
Press release: The Economic Development Department (EDD) is pleased to announce the next instalment in its Fintech Webinar Series 2025, taking place on Friday, 25 July 2025 at 12:00 PM. This event will spotlight the Agentic World in a live session featuring Kyla Bolden, the Bermudian Founder and CEO of Wiz Learning Founder & CEO and a leader in innovation within tech education. This virtual session is part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to promote education, engagement, and international collaboration in support of Bermuda’s Fintech ecosystem. The Webinar will explore the Agentic Future and how AI agents are reshaping Fintech and the workforce. Kyla Bolden’s presentation will offer participants an overview of AI Agents, including:
– What are AI Agents – AI Agents in Fintech – What This Means for Fintech Workers – Zooming Out: The Future of Work – The Importance of AI Education – Responsible use
“AI agents are already reshaping how financial services operate.” Said Kyla Bolden “They’re improving everything from fraud detection to customer support. “But the real shift is in how we prepare people to work with these tools. Education plays a critical role in making sure no one is left behind in this next wave of innovation.” Maryem Biadillah, Acting Director of the EDD commented: “We are thrilled to feature Bermudian innovator Kyla Bolden in this month’s webinar, exploring The Agentic World and its impact on Fintech. “This session underscores the EDD’s dedication to fostering AI education and preparing our workforce for the future, aligning perfectly with Bermuda’s commitment to being a leading jurisdiction for innovative and responsible Fintech solutions.” This event aligns with Bermuda’s broader Economic Development Strategy, which seeks to leverage emerging technologies to generate new economic opportunities, develop skillsets, and attract strategic partnerships to the jurisdiction.
The webinar is open to the public, and those interested are encouraged to register early via the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/h2YcA3mC3e
About the Economic Development Department (EDD): The EDD is dedicated to advancing Bermuda’s economy through innovation, policy development, and industry support. By fostering an environment for digital transformation, the EDD plays a key role in ensuring Bermuda remains at the forefront of global economic trends. For more information, visit: www.gov.bm/department/economic-development-department.
About Wiz learning: Wiz Learning is an AI-powered education platform that equips students, jobseekers, and organizations with the skills needed to thrive. From K-12 STEM programs to workforce upskilling in areas like cybersecurity and AI fluency, Wiz Learning delivers engaging, practical learning experiences that build real-world confidence. The platform has supported over 9,000 learners across 30+ countries.
The European Commission set out its concerns on Tuesday as it opened an in-depth investigation into the deal
International News via Reuters:
Universal Music Group unit Virgin Music Group’s $775 million acquisition of Downtown Music may hinder competition and remove an important competitor, EU antitrust regulators warned on Tuesday.
Virgin announced the deal in December last year which subsequently generated pushback from a wide swathe of European independent labels.
The European Commission set out its concerns on Tuesday as it opened an in-depth investigation into the deal, confirming a Reuters story last week.
“After the acquisition, UMG would likely have the ability and incentive to use commercially sensitive data of third-party record labels for its own business activities notably related to recorded music,” the EU executive said in a statement.
It said UMG’s access to such data may harm rival record labels and may ultimately further strengthen UMG, already a leader in the market for the wholesale distribution of recorded music in Europe.
The Commission set a Nov. 26 deadline for its decision.
Universal is the world’s biggest music company, while Downtown owns a major music publisher and a number of other businesses that help musicians collect royalties.
Reporting by Foo Yun Chee;Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta
Government is seeking meaningful input from residents on how the National Park should be preserved, improved, and managed moving forward
Government press release:
The Ministry of Public Works and Environment has today launched a public consultation on the Southlands Park Draft Management Plan, inviting residents to share their views and provide feedback to help guide the future of one of Bermuda’s most cherished green spaces.
Southlands Park in Warwick, comprising 37 acres of woodland, gardens, coastline and historic buildings, is a well-used and valued site for recreation and relaxation.
The Government is seeking meaningful input from residents on how Southlands should be preserved, improved, and managed moving forward.
The draft management plan outlines a phased approach to restoring and maintaining the park. Proposed measures include ecological conservation, improved public access, educational programming, careful enhancement of amenities, and the restoration or adaptive reuse of existing buildings.
The document also identifies zones within the park that could support community gardens, nature trails, a visitor’s centre, or spaces for low-impact public events. However, no final decisions will be made until public input is received.
Residents are encouraged to review the draft plan and submit their views online at forum.gov.bm. Feedback must be submitted no later than Tuesday, 12 August 2025.
For those without internet access, a space has been set up at the Department of Parks to review the plan and provide written submissions in person. Members of the public may visit the Department of Parks, located at Global House, Ground Floor, 43 Church Street, Hamilton, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Minister of Public Works and Environment, the Hon. Jache Adams, said: “I understand that the idea of enhancements at Southlands Park is a matter of concern to some residents.
“This is a space many Bermudians care deeply about, and rightfully so. My aim is to listen carefully to residents’ views and ensure we chart a path forward together.
“While enhancing this one park remains a complex issue, it is important to consider the broader context. This Government continues to take active steps to preserve open space across Bermuda, including protecting other sites through conservation zoning and environmental stewardship.
“I believe we can achieve a balance—preserving the natural beauty and historical significance of Southlands while finding thoughtful ways to enhance public access and education.”
The Ministry remains committed to ensuring Southlands remains a tranquil and ecologically sensitive space for all to enjoy. Residents’ voices are a critical part of that process.
For more information and to read the full draft management plan, visit forum.gov.bm.
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