Staying with sport…. Fight Night Champion: Bermuda vs. Jamaica takes place tomorrow at the Victualling Yard in Dockyard.
Pro boxers and kickboxers from the Bermuda Sanshou Association will take part.
Here’s part two of Kendal Trott’s interviews with some of the fighters.
Assessment Day takes place on Saturday, June 28—camp runs from the 6th to the 18th of July
Royal Bermuda Regiment update via press release:
Residents looking for challenge and personal growth are encouraged to join the Royal Bermuda Regiment as the battalion prepares for its second recruit camp of the year. An assessment event will be held from 10am on Saturday, June 28 – the last day for candidates to sign up ahead of the next foundational training course, which will run from July 6 to 18.
Attendees will be invited to undergo a brief physical check and to take part in a personal fitness test – they are encouraged to bring a towel and water. They will also be asked a few questions in a short interview.
Enlistment is open to anyone aged from 18 to 52 who can legally reside in Bermuda. An RBR spokeswoman said:
“In the Royal Bermuda Regiment, we need to fill a varied array of roles, so there is a place for almost anyone. From clerks and cooks to mechanics and medics, our troops develop not only in battlefield settings but also in other environments, where their honed skills can easily be transferred to aspects of civilian life.”
“The RBR offers a training and working environment that is challenging and rewarding. It can provide support for continuing education in both personal and service-focused disciplines, while it also fosters the development of skills related to leadership, teamwork and resource management, among others.”
“We are pleased to be an organisation that evolves and remains relevant to the community we serve, including through our Coast Guard unit and in hurricane clean-up operations, while we proudly uphold tradition largely thanks to our ceremonial duties.”
“On top of all that, our troops often say that the best thing about the regiment is its people. We are incredibly lucky to have a talented, diverse body of robust, disciplined men and women who remain committed to ensuring they are capable and ready to meet Bermuda’s needs in routine matters or times of emergency.”
“As a reminder, the RBR’s policies on hairstyles and beards have been updated in the past couple of years, as the battalion continues to cultivate a more appealing and inclusive atmosphere for existing and prospective members.”
“Males are permitted to wear full beards kept short and neatly trimmed, without dyes. They may also wear twists, locks or cornrows, providing that the length does not reach the collar or onto the ears, unless the style is worn for religious reasons. Females are no longer limited to wearing longer hair in a bun when in uniform, although hair must be well-groomed and secured or styled back from the face. “
The spokeswoman added:
“Speak to a soldier, give us a call or come along on Saturday to find out more. As our troops will tell you, there is much to be gained from joining the regiment, what have you got to lose?”
Some documentation is required for enlistment and anyone interested can find out more by calling 238-1045 or sending a WhatsApp message to 707-0353. To start the enlistment process, visit RBR.bm and complete the form by clicking on the “Join Us” tab, where more information is provided.
FDM Youth Democratic Leader and OBA Shadow Minister of Tourism, Culture and Transport
The Free Democratic Movement’s Youth Democratic Leader, Jahdia Spencer, is no stranger to politics. The London-based Bermudian currently serves as UK Councillor of West Thamesmead Ward in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, elected in a December 2024 by-election in favour of Britain’s Labour Party.
In the lead up to Bermuda’s February 2025 General Election, she was one of many young voices lamenting the inability for Bermudians to cast their ballot from abroad. This month she revisited the issue, releasing an op-ed calling for government to be more detailed and transparent with their plans to implement a mechanism to enable absentee voting.
Dwayne Robinson, the opposition One Bermuda Alliance’s Shadow Minister of Tourism, Culture and Transport is also a vocal advocate for absentee voting—joining Miss Spencer, Bermuda Youth Connect, and Future Leaders in Bermuda in their stance on the matter. Diallo Rabain, Minister of the Cabinet & Digital Innovation said that the country can expect related draft legislation to be unveiled by September 2026.
Speaking exclusively to Bermuda Broadcasting, Miss Spencer and Mr. Robinson reiterated their position, calling on the Progressive Labor Party-led government to be more detailed with roadmap towards Bermudians being able to vote from overseas.
In response, a Ministry for the Cabinet Office & Digital Innovation spokesman advised:
“As announced during the recent Budget Debate, the Ministry for the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation remains committed to introducing absentee voting for eligible students registered in the course of study, ensuing their voices are heard in Bermuda’s democratic process, and preliminary work is currently underway.”
“The objective is to have a legislative framework in place by September 2026. As work processes, additional updates, including the formation of relevant committees and timelines for stakeholder engagement, will be shared.”
“The Government recognises the importance of enabling broader participation in the democratic process and will continue working to ensure that appropriate mechanisms are introduced transparently and inclusively.”
Feedback to shape final report that will be tabled in the House of Assembly
The Cost of living Summit was a “significant milestone in the Government’s ongoing efforts to address the cost of living in Bermuda,” said Alexa Lightbourne, Minister of Home Affairs.
The event, held at the Hamilton Princess earlier this week, brought together more than 250 residents and stakeholders to discuss issues impacting affordability, such as food security, housing, utilities, and healthcare.
Feedback from the summit, combined with survey data, will shape a final report that will be tabled in the House and published for public access.
Meantime, Minister Lightbourne said short-term solutions are already being worked on.
“Mr. Speaker, is important to note that the Ministry has already begun advancing relief and has conducted, legislative and policy review of key import-related laws, revision of landlord and tenant legislation, with consultation expected to begin in July of this year. We’ve also conducted successful industry stakeholder engagement to confirm short and near term solutions.
“The Ministry is particularly grateful that industry partners in the retail, wholesale, and utilities sectors
have already committed to doing things to improve affordability. These commitments will be published
on costofliving.gov.bm website in the coming weeks.”
Minister Lightbourne also encouraged residents to complete feedback surveys on public policy proposals before July 4 on the Summit website.
She added: “Mr. Speaker, the true success of the Summit lies not only in the policies it inspired, but in the collective spirit it reignited. Through the Summit, we were reminded that personal responsibility is a seed, but it
must be watered by collaboration and shared resolve. Further, we were reminded that the road to a more
affordable Bermuda is not paved by Government alone but rather walked together, by every household,
business and representative.”
You can read Minister Lightbourne’s remarks in full, below.
Gov’t aims to close loopholes that allow vaping and nicotine sweets to become a youth trend
Government is committed to closing any loopholes that allow vaping to become a trend among young people, instead an aid for those who want to quit smoking.
This was affirmed today by Kim Wilson, Minister of Health.
The Minister said nicotine-containing products are being aimed at youth, and the law must therefore be clarified and strengthened to prevent unlawful sales.
The Minister said, “nicotine, while long associated with traditional tobacco use, is increasingly being repackaged and marketed in modern formats – including vapes, oral pouches, lozenges, and gum – often with flavours and packaging that are unmistakably appealing to youth.”
“These products, some of which were originally developed to support smoking cessation, are now being sold in convenience stores, gas stations, and duty-free outlets in a manner that trivializes their medical intent and bypasses appropriate health oversight.”
“…the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Chief Medical Officer and the Bermuda Health Council, will enforce the current restrictions requiring that nicotine products be sold only by registered pharmacists in registered pharmacies and, additionally, begin urgent legislative reforms to strengthen public protections.”
Those protections include an awareness campaign to provide guidance to retailers to avoid unlawful sales; ensuring new nicotine products such as pouches and lozenges fall under the same restrictions as vape liquids; prohibit the sale of all nicotine-containing products to anyone under the age of& nicotine18; and restrictions or a ban on non-therapeutic flavours designed to appeal to youth, other than those explicitly approved for smoking cessation in clinical settings.
Full Ministerial Statement:
Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members,
Today I rise to address a public health issue that affects our youth, our families, and the integrity of our regulatory system – the unchecked proliferation and marketing of nicotine-containing products.
Mr. Speaker, this matter directly relates to a commitment that the Government made in the 2025 Throne Speech and that I reiterated in this Honourable House on the 28th of March. On that occasion, I highlighted the role that smoking and vaping play in contributing to respiratory diseases, cancers and cardiovascular issues. In response, the Government pledged to advance new restrictions on flavoured vaping products as a concrete step towards reducing harm.
Mr. Speaker, the urgency of that commitment is underscored by the evolving landscape of nicotine use. Nicotine, while long associated with traditional tobacco use, is increasingly being repackaged and marketed in modern formats – including vapes, oral pouches, lozenges, and gum – often with flavours and packaging that are unmistakably appealing to youth. These products, some of which were originally developed to support smoking cessation, are now being sold in convenience stores, gas stations, and duty-free outlets in a manner that trivializes their medical intent and bypasses appropriate health oversight.
Global evidence is clear. According to the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nicotine is a highly addictive substance that can harm adolescent brain development, impact memory and concentration, and increase the risk of future substance abuse. Flavoured nicotine products, in particular, have been found to increase initiation rates among youth. Bermuda is not immune to this trend, Mr. Speaker.
We are now witnessing the sale of fruit-flavoured vapes and nicotine pouches, lozenges and gum being sold outside of pharmacies, often without age verification. They are often packaged like candy and displayed next to chocolate bars at the checkout.
Let me be clear, Mr. Speaker: these are medicinal products that should only be sold in registered pharmacies, as outlined in the Pharmacy and Poisons Act 1979.
Mr. Speaker, in response to this growing concern, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Chief Medical Officer and the Bermuda Health Council, will enforce the current restrictions requiring that nicotine products be sold only by registered pharmacists in registered pharmacies and, additionally, begin urgent legislative reforms to strengthen public protections.
These actions include:
1. Public Education and Retailer Engagement:
We will launch an awareness campaign and provide clear guidance to retailers to avoid unlawful sales and protect public health. We will reaffirm and enforce the requirement that nicotine products must be sold only by registered pharmacists in registered pharmacies, with appropriate labelling, dosing limits, and oversight as set forth in law.
2. Clarifying Legal Restrictions:
We will amend legislation to further define nicotine-containing products, ensuring that newer forms like pouches and lozenges fall explicitly under the same regulatory scrutiny as liquid-nicotine used in vapes.
3. Age Restrictions:
We will introduce clear statutory restrictions prohibiting the sale of all nicotine-containing products to individuals under the age of 18, aligned with protections already in place for tobacco under the Tobacco Control Act 2015.
4. Flavour Bans:
We will restrict or ban non-therapeutic flavours that are designed to appeal to youth, such as candy, dessert, and fruity variants, except for those explicitly approved for smoking cessation in clinical settings.
Mr. Speaker, we are committed to closing the loopholes that have allowed these harmful products to be sold unchecked and without proper control. While we respect the role of legitimate smoking cessation aids, these must be distributed responsibly and only for their intended use, not disguised as lifestyle accessories for our young people.
I urge all parents, educators, retailers, and healthcare professionals to join us in this effort to safeguard Bermuda’s young people. The future of our country depends on the health and well-being of the next generation.
Motorcycle Racing: Aeziah Divine 21st in British Talent Cup Standings
Motorcycle racer Aeziah Divine’s strong performances at the Snetterton Race Circuit have now been officially recognized in the British Talent Cup Championship standings. After securing his first championship points with impressive finishes of 11th and 18th in the two races, Divine has entered the overall points table for the 2025 season.
Following the latest round of the highly competitive British Talent Cup campaign, the championship points have been released, confirming Divine’s position in 21st place with a total of 5 points.
Divine’s breakthrough at Snetterton was highlighted by his best career finish in Race 1. He was initially classified 14th across the line but was subsequently elevated to 11th place after post-race penalties were applied to other riders. He then battled hard in Race 2, starting from 16th on the grid and overcoming early difficulties to finish 18th, adding to his points tally.
This marks a significant milestone in Divine’s journey in the British Talent Cup, a crucial development platform for aspiring MotoGP riders. His ability to consistently battle for points against a strong international field underscores his growing skill and determination. Divine will now look to build on this momentum as the season progresses.
Student voices were spotlighted in campaigns addressing the root causes and realities of violence
Minister of National Security Michael Weeks has lauded the efforts of students who recently created and presented anti-violence campaigns.
The event, ‘Truth Be Told: Youth Rise Against the Violence’, which was held at Pier 6 on Front Street, is part of Government’s broader National Violence Reduction Strategy which aims to tackle the root causes of violence.
Five schools took part in the project and their presentations explored themes such as the harmful silence that allows gang violence to persist, mental health, the consequences of carrying weapons, gang recruitment and the ripple effect of violence.
In the House of Assembly this morning, Minister Weeks said the goal was to provide a “meaningful platform for the youth to express their voices authentically on the harsh realities they encounter.”
He added: “Each of these presentations, Mr. Speaker, merits celebration and recognition. Each student who took part demonstrated immense courage and leadership by being a part of this project. They turned their pain into power, their experiences into messages, and their voices into catalysts for lasting change.”
You can read Minister Weeks remarks in full, below.
Football
Bermudian international Justin Donawa has committed his future to Brackley Town, with the club confirming he has signed a new contract to remain at St James Park for the upcoming National League season.
Donawa was a crucial figure in the Saints’ historic 2024/25 campaign, which saw them secure promotion from the National League North to the fifth tier of English football. His energy, blistering pace, and attacking quality were key components of their title-winning squad.
The re-signing of Donawa marks another important step for Brackley as they build towards their first-ever season at National League level. Manager Gavin Cowan expressed his satisfaction with the deal.
“Justin gave us exactly what we needed when he came to us last season,” Cowan stated. “A player with lots of National League experience who is very versatile with attributes that suit our style of play. We’re really pleased Justin is with us and a good pre-season will stand him in good stead!”
Donawa, who has also represented Bermuda at senior international level, brings significant flair and adaptability to the side. With preparations now ramping up for the 2025/26 campaign, the Saints’ squad is beginning to take shape nicely with Donawa’s continued presence.
Bermuda Faces Major Dilemma with Overlapping 2026 Multi-Sport Games
Bermuda’s sporting community is grappling with a significant challenge for 2026, as two major multi-sport events, the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games and the Commonwealth Games, are set to overlap on different continents. This scheduling clash presents a unique logistical and strategic dilemma for Bermuda’s athletes and sports federations.
The CAC Games, celebrating their 100th anniversary, are scheduled for Santo Domingo from July 24th to August 8th, 2026. This centennial event is expected to draw over 6,000 athletes from 37 delegations across more than 30 sports.
Concurrently, Glasgow will host a scaled-back Commonwealth Games from July 23rd to August 2nd, 2026, welcoming 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories to compete in 10 sports.
The direct overlap means that Bermudian athletes excelling in sports common to both events, such as athletics or swimming, may be forced to choose between these high-profile competitions. While discussions between Centro Caribe Sports and Commonwealth Sport are reportedly ongoing to find a resolution, no solution has yet been announced. This situation underscores the complex decisions facing Bermuda’s sports administrators and the athletes themselves as they plan for a critical year in international sport.
Bermuda credit rating reaffirmed, Government moves to curb youth vaping and sports news
Anyone sharing an image of underage individuals risks jail
Press release:
The Bermuda Police Service is aware of an image being circulated on social media that depicts underage individuals engaged in an intimate act.
We advise that should you receive this image, you immediately delete it from your device and do not share it on.
Please be reminded that it is an offense to share such images.
Under the Criminal Code Act 1907, Any person who possesses child abusive material or child pornography for the purpose of making it available to, showing it to, or for viewing by, other persons, is guilty of an offence and is liable:
– on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for five years;
– on summary conviction to imprisonment for three years.
Any person who knowingly accesses child abusive material or child pornography is guilty of an offence and is liable:
– on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for five years;
– on summary conviction to imprisonment for three years.
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