Mixed results on the international stage for Bermuda’s athletes
Bermudian footballer Mia Fishel signs with Seattle Reign FC in the most expensive transfer in NWSL history. Elsewhere, it was mixed results for Bermudians competing on the global stage.
Duos Ready for Beach Volleyball Tour in Mexico
2 pairs
Bermuda is set to make its mark on the international beach volleyball stage as two national pairings participate in the fourth stage of the 2025 NORCECA Beach Volleyball Tour in Tamaulipas, Mexico, this weekend (July 11th-13th).
The NORCECA Beach Tour is the premier circuit for the North American, Central American, and Caribbean zone, drawing elite talent from across the region. Bermuda will be represented by the men’s duo of Kyle Hamilton and Connor Somerville, and the women’s team of Megan Hands and Natalie Gazzard.
Men’s Head Coach Mark Hamilton expressed excitement, stating, “Kyle and Connor are prepared to take on these elite teams. Since beginning their training in March, they’ve shown strong promise.” On the women’s side, Head Coach Benjamin Barnett is equally optimistic: “I am excited for Natalie and Megan to represent Bermuda. Both players have shown exceptional growth.”
The men’s team kicks off their pool play today against Canada and Nicaragua, before facing hosts Mexico on Saturday. The women’s team will begin their campaign on Saturday against the US Virgin Islands and Canada. Both teams aim to showcase Bermuda’s growing talent on this significant international platform.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Bermuda fundraiser set for Victoria Park
Big Brothers Big Sisters Bermuda is hosting a fundraiser this weekend to support the organization’s programs, with a goal of raising $1,500.
The charity has gathered 14 of Bermuda’s popular personalities for an event themed “How Much Would You Pay to See Me?”
Big Brothers Managing Director Patrina O’Connor Paynter invites the community to come out this Sunday to Victory Park from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and join the fun.
Danielle Paynter is one of the 14 participants in the event.
She shares her excitement about taking part and encourages everyone to come out and support all the participants, adding that Big Brothers Big Sisters is an amazing charity to support.
UN, Netherlands cancel LGBTQ event in Senegal after government warning
Anti-gay laws are in place in many conservative West African countries, including Senegal
International News via Reuters:
The U.N. and the Dutch foreign ministry said on Friday they had cancelled an LGBTQ-themed event in Senegal after the West African nation warned of repercussions for organisers and voiced opposition to all “promotion of the LGBTQI phenomenon”.
Anti-gay laws are in place in many conservative West African countries, including Senegal, where anyone who commits an “act against nature” with someone of the same sex can be punished by up to five years in prison.
In a statement published on X, Senegal’s foreign ministry on Friday said it had been informed of a film screening to be hosted by the U.N. and the Dutch embassy that would have been followed by “discussions on LGBTI issues”.
The statement did not specify when the event was scheduled to occur.
“Accordingly, the government reserves the right to take any appropriate action against any organisers of such activities, and even against participants, whatever their origins, status or rank,” the foreign ministry statement said.
The activities of diplomatic missions and international organizations must comply with the country’s regulations, it said.
Later on Friday, Seif Magango, spokesperson for the U.N. human rights office, told Reuters the event “has been cancelled, and we continue to engage with the authorities”.
The Dutch foreign ministry said in a statement that, while the Netherlands “stands for human rights and equal treatment” it had decided to cancel the event “considering various factors”.
In 2022, Senegalese lawmakers rejected a bid to toughen anti-LGBTQ provisions in the penal code, saying the existing legislation was sufficiently clear.
Earlier this year, Ghana reintroduced a bill that could become one of Africa’s most restrictive pieces of anti-LGBTQ legislation after an earlier attempt to enact it fell short because of legal challenges.
The fate of that legislation, which would need to be signed into law by the president, is unclear.
Reporting by Anait Miridzhanian; Editing by Robbie Corey-Boulet and Alex Richardson
US singer Chris Brown pleads not guilty to lesser assault charge in UK court
Brown last month denied a more serious charge of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm
International News via Reuters:
U.S. singer Chris Brown on Friday pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault causing actual bodily harm by allegedly attacking a music producer with a bottle in a London nightclub two years ago.
Brown last month denied a more serious charge of attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm in what prosecutors said was an “unprovoked attack” on Abraham Diaw in a London nightclub in 2023.
The 36-year-old appeared at London’s Southwark Crown Court on Friday, where he spoke only to confirm his name and enter his pleas of not guilty to causing actual bodily harm and a further charge of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.
Brown’s co-defendant Omololu Akinlolu, 38, also pleaded not guilty to the charge of causing actual bodily harm, having previously denied attempting to inflict grievous bodily harm.
The pair’s trial is due to begin on October 26, 2026.
Around 20 supporters sat in the public gallery behind the dock during Friday’s short hearing, with two saying “we love you, Chris” as he left the court.
The R&B star, a two-time Grammy Award winner known for hits such as “Loyal”, “Run It” and “Under the Influence”, was granted bail in May after paying a 5 million-pound ($6.7 million) security fee in order to begin his “Breezy Bowl XX” tour.
Brown was arrested at a hotel in Manchester, northern England in May after returning to Britain for the first time since the incident two years ago.
Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by Sarah Young
HSBC joins US banks in quitting climate coalition
Global peers including JPMorgan, Citi, Morgan Stanley, Macquarie and Bank of Montreal have all exited the group this year
International News via Reuters:
Britain’s HSBC became the latest bank to leave the industry’s climate coalition on Friday, following in the footsteps of major U.S. lenders as some governments’ net zero ambitions cool.
HSBC said while it recognised the role played by the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) in developing guiding frameworks to help banks set emissions-reduction targets, the foundation was now in place and it had decided to withdraw from the group as it prepares to update its net-zero transition plan.
“We remain resolutely focused on supporting our customers to finance their transition objectives and on making progress towards our net zero by 2050 ambition,” an HSBC spokesperson said.
Global peers including JPMorgan, Citi, Morgan Stanley, Macquarie and Bank of Montreal have all exited the group this year. The group was formed in 2021 to help align the sector with the world’s goal of limiting global warming, including by mobilising more money for environmentally friendly activities and setting targets for members to reduce emissions linked to their business activities.
HSBC dropped a 2030 emissions-reduction target in February blaming slow progress towards net zero in the real economy.
Jeanne Martin, Co-Director of Corporate Engagement said: “We strongly condemn HSBC’s decision to leave the NZBA, which is yet another troubling signal around the bank’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis.”
The UK government has a legally binding commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
HSBC’s Chief Sustainability Officer Julian Wentzel said in February the bank would take a “more measured approach” to lending to the fossil fuel industry, sparking concerns among some activists that it would row back on its climate promises.
On its website, HSBC says that targets for cutting emissions linked to its loan book would “continue to be informed by the latest scientific evidence and credible industry-specific pathways”.
In the U.S., banks have come under pressure from some Republican politicians and been called to testify before policymakers who have accused them of colluding to unfairly penalise fossil fuel producers through their membership of groups like NZBA.
The Trump administration has consistently taken a critical position on the world’s efforts to fight climate change, pulling out of the Paris Agreement on climate for the second time, cutting development aid, encouraging a ramping up of fossil fuel output and rolling back environmental regulations.
Legal concerns prompted the NZBA to amend rules which members then voted on in April.
NZBA received strong backing in that vote to continue to help facilitate the conditions needed for banks’ clients to invest in the net-zero transition, a spokesperson said.
Reporting by Simon Jessop; Editing by Paul Simao and Elaine Hardcastle
BBC Radio News: Friday Evening – 11 July 2025
Motorcyclist injured in three-vehicle collision, Government moves to strengthen local cybersecurity, and Pink Ferry paused for 2 weeks
Prada looks at collaboration with Indian footwear artisans after sandal scandal
Viral photos from a Milan fashion show drew criticism from Indian artisans
International News via Reuters:
Prada is looking to collaborate with “artisanal footwear” makers in India in a partnership, it said on Friday, two weeks after the Italian luxury group triggered a controversyby debuting ethnic sandals resembling 12th-century Indian ones.
After viral photos from a Milan fashion show drew criticism from Indian artisans who make the sandals – named after the historic city of Kolhapur in Maharashtra state – Prada was forced late last month to acknowledge that its new open-toe footwear was inspired by ancient Indian designs.
The furore even saw sales of Indian sandals boom, with sellers and artisans seeing the controversy as a way to promote the heritage craft by tapping into nationalist pride.
Prada said in a statement to Reuters that it held talks remotely on Friday with the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce, which represents 3,000 Kolhapuri sandal artisans, and discussed potential opportunities for future collaboration.
“The next step will be for Prada’s supply chain team to meet a range of artisanal footwear manufacturers,” the company said.
The Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce said that Lorenzo Bertelli, son of Prada’s owners and head of its corporate social responsibility, joined the talks on Friday.
The chamber of commerce said that during the talks Prada said it aimed to launch a limited-edition “Made in India” Kolhapuri-inspired collection of sandals in partnership with Indian artisans.
India’s luxury market is small but growing, with the rich splurging on designer fashion, top end sports cars and pricey watches.
Prada does not have any retail stores in India, and its products are usually reserved for the super rich who shop overseas.
The sandal scandal left the social media abuzz for days with criticism and sarcastic memes, with Indian politicians, artisans and the Maharashtra Chamber of Commerce demanding due credit to Indian heritage.
Reporting by Dhwani Pandya in Mumbai, Elisa Anzolin in Milan and Abinaya Vijayaraghavan in Bengaluru; Editing by Aditya Kalra and Susan Fenton
BTOA seeks dispatching license from PSVL board
BTOA Public Relations Officer, Randy Broadbelt said its part of a broader plan to modernise the public transport service industry
BTOA Connect, a new taxi pre-booking service operated by the Bermuda Taxi Owners and Operators Association is aiming to end customer dissatisfaction with the local transport services.
The BTOA says its is in the first phase of the platform allowing clients to pre-book and pay for fares online at btoa.bm.
It is also seeking to become a full fledged dispatch service and awaits a response from the Public Service Vehicles Licensing Board to launch a new app offering real time taxi pick ups.
Public Relations Officer Randy Broadbelt said the development began one year ago after a survey pointing to unreliable availability of taxis.
The new app that is expected to launch once consultation on their application is complete will also eliminate cash only fare payment, which according to the BTOA, is an outdated feature of the current transport industry.
Opinion: Let’s look at alternatives to Southlands
Public had only two weeks to object to development plans
MP Linda Smith: “Southlands is a unique property with history, rare plants and a fragile ecosystem. It is cherished by residents who care deeply about preserving it for their enjoyment and those of their future generations.”
Statement by Linda Smith, OBA MP for Constituency 31, Southampton West Central
The July 4 deadline has passed for objections to the proposed Southlands National Park developments and renovations, but many questions and concerns remain, including whether Government has met the requirements of the National Parks Act.
On June 20, the Department of Planning placed legal notices advertising two wide-reaching applications from the Bermuda Department of Public Lands and Buildings. The planning applications filed are for the development and renovations of amenities at Southlands Park to support a zipline enterprise and a new café with parking and facilities opposite Southlands Park on South Shore Road.
Providing that people saw the advertisements and or the news coverage, the public had two weeks to object. Residents who have not filed a planning objection in a while, may have been put off by the complexity of having to now register with, and use, the Planning Department’s on-line portal system or hand deliver their objection to the Planning Department.
According to information contained in one of the two applications, a key offering of the proposal is a Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative to develop a zipline adventure experience. The second application is for a café with indoor/outdoor seating for 114 guests and parking for 51 cars, 76 cycles and nine mini-bus or taxi drop off spaces. Access to Southlands Beach is also due to be improved.
Regardless of one’s opinion of the proposed developments, there are plenty of other questions that need answers. For instance, what is the cost to taxpayers of these planned amenities? What are the concession details and terms for private business use of the park and café? Are there any arrangements, or have there been any discussions with a cruise line or lines for use of the Southlands beach and property?
While investment in Bermuda’s public lands is essential, it is also essential that Bermudians are clear about what is being planned and how our national parks and beaches will be affected. A comprehensive management plan is a requirement of the National Parks Act. Where is the management plan?
Southlands is a unique property with history, rare plants and a fragile ecosystem. It is also a space cherished and frequented by residents who care deeply about preserving it for their enjoyment and those of their future generations. There are plenty of brownfield sites that can be repurposed to accommodate the amenities Government is proposing in its current planning applications. Perhaps it would be wise to consider the alternatives.
City condemns vandalism of public toilets
Men’s restrooms at Albuoy’s Point will remain closed until repairs can be completed
The City of Hamilton is advising the public that the men’s restrooms at Albuoy’s Point were vandalized yesterday evening and will remain closed until repairs can be completed. The damaged included a smashed toilet as well as significant damage to the walls. In the interim, the nearest available public restrooms are located on Front Street, near the No 1 Car Park.
This incident comes amid a troubling rise in misuse and vandalism of public facilities across the City. Residents will recall that the Union Street bathrooms were closed in March 2025 due to extensive damage and safety concerns. The Union Street bathrooms remain closed as the City continues to review options for reopening.
Unfortunately, the Victoria Street bathrooms have also sustained significant damage this year. Issues have included broken doors, locks, vanities, fixtures, lights, and mirrors, as well as the repeated theft of paper towels and toilet paper. Last week there was physical damage caused to three of the Victoria Street bathrooms with those bathrooms also being extensively spray painted with graffiti.
“We understand the importance of public restrooms, but they require proper care and cooperation from the community,” said a City spokesperson. “Ongoing misuse presents a significant challenge. Vandalism not only results in costly repairs but also impacts the City’s ability to keep these essential facilities open for responsible users. In 2021, the Victoria Street bathrooms were upgraded with robust stainless-steel fixtures and industrial-strength fittings designed to withstand damage, yet we still find ourselves in this unfortunate position. We are asking the public to help us maintain these spaces so they remain accessible for everyone who needs them.”
Aside from physical damage, staff have also observed unsanitary behaviour, including defecation outside of toilets, creating an uninviting and unacceptable environment. In addition, soap has been stolen from City bathrooms, with anecdotal reports suggesting it is being used by individuals offering car washing services.
The City urges all residents and visitors to treat public facilities with respect and to report any acts of vandalism or antisocial behaviour to the Bermuda Police Service by calling 211 or 911.
