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Opinion: CURB’s vision for racial justice and unity

NAB Third Sector Spotlight: Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda

Image supplied

By Stacey-Lee Williams, Executive Director of Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda (CURB)

Racism leaves deep scars – socially, economically and emotionally. In Bermuda, those scars are still visible. But so is something else: the will to heal, transform, and build a future rooted in equity and unity.

Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda (CURB) exists to make that future possible. As a non-governmental organisation, CURB works at the intersections of advocacy, education and community healing to advance racial justice across the island.

CURB’s programs are not abstract theories. They are real, evidence-based and rooted in community. Each year, CURB reaches over 700 individuals through youth initiatives, workshops, training and community dialogue. Our work spans all levels of society – from grassroots to government – delivering racial equity education, restorative justice practices, and truth-telling forums that challenge Bermuda to confront its history and chart a better path forward.

Programmes like our Fair Play Sports Club Initiative equip coaches, parents and young athletes with tools to model equity and fairness on and off the field. Our public speaker series, position papers, and policy recommendations continue to elevate reparative justice as a national conversation. CURB is laying the foundation for change. We are proactively working to create a culture where equity is expected and dignity is a right, not a privilege.

But what makes CURB’s work truly distinctive is its commitment to truth and reconciliation. In a society shaped by centuries of racial inequity, silence is not neutral – it is complicit. CURB’s dialogue spaces allow painful truths to be spoken, heard and transformed into collective growth. These are spaces where stories become strategies and where understanding leads to action.

Our vision is as bold as it is beautiful: a Bermuda where race is no longer a barrier to opportunity, and where every resident feels seen, valued, and empowered to thrive. A Bermuda where we rise together, united by shared purpose, equity and opportunity. CURB believes that this change is possible – not through confrontation alone, but through connection, education, and shared responsibility.

As Bermuda continues to reckon with its past and shape its future, CURB’s work is not just relevant – it is essential. Racial justice isn’t achieved once – it’s built and rebuilt, together.

Let us support this vision. Let us be part of the conversation. And let us rise, together.


This op-ed is part of the Third Sector Spotlight Series, a collective media campaign coordinated by the Nonprofit Alliance of Bermuda. This campaign aims to raise awareness of the value, impact and contributions of Bermuda’s nonprofit sector.

Bermuda College champions the trades

Public invited to nominate standout alumni who helped to ‘build Bermuda’

Bermuda College is shining a spotlight on the trades through a new campaign entitled ‘Built to Last’.

The initiative aims to celebrate the contributions of alumni who have played a key role in Bermuda’s socio-economic development through careers in technical, culinary, and hospitality fields—areas that are often overlooked.

Bermuda College President Dr David Sam explained: “Very often, and I’ve been in taxi cabs a couple of times, where people have asked me – when they recognise I am the President of the College – why don’t you offer technical education? I say we’ve been offering technical education since the formation of the college in 1974. For that reason, we know that we have to elevate the profile of technical education, plumbing, electronics, electrical technology, the hospitality industry, culinary arts, carpentry, masonry. We have to elevate so that we recognise the people who built this country, and also to keep the pipeline open so that we can keep having people for the future.”

The public is invited to nominate outstanding Bermuda College alumni who studied in technical-related programs for a special recognition ceremony this fall.

“We’ve had some nominations, but we want to make sure that we have a lot of nominations because there are so many people over the years who have attended the College,” said Dr Sam. “And yes, even if you attended Bermuda Technical Institute, which was established in 1956, we would still like to honour you. So, we have some nominations, but we want more. So, you know a great plumber who attended Bermuda College, send us information about the person – automotive technology, masonry, cabinetry, all the trades, send us your nominations.

“On October 8th, all roads in Bermuda will lead to Bermuda College where we will celebrate these individuals who have contributed so much to the building of our island.”

Nomination forms are available on the Bermuda College website and must be submitted by Friday, July 11th.

BermudAir boosts airlift to Charleston with twice weekly flights

BermudAir will increase service from a once-weekly Saturday flight to twice-weekly service on Thursdays and Sundays, effective August 7

Charleston International Airport, South Carolina. Photo: BermudAir

Full press release from BermudAir:

BermudAir is updating its Charleston, South Carolina route with non-stop service to Charleston International Airport for the late summer season, expanding from a once-weekly Saturday flight to a more convenient twice-weekly service on Thursdays and Sundays, effective August 7, 2025.

The final Saturday flight will operate on August 2, 2025, with the revised schedule running through October.


This seasonal adjustment provides greater choice and flexibility for both Bermudians and visitors travelling between Bermuda and the U.S. Southeast.


The service flight times will operate as follows:

BDA to CHS: 3:15 PM – 4:45 PM

CHS to BDA: 5:45 PM – 8:55 PM

The route update coincides with the expansion of BermudAir Holidays, which now offers curated travel packages for both inbound and outbound travelers. This means Bermuda residents can now book ideal getaways to any destination, and including Charleston through BermudAir Holidays, benefitting from bundled rates on accommodations and experiences in this historic, charming, and coastal city.

“We’re always listening to our customers and evolving our offerings to suit their needs,” said Adam Scott, Founder & CEO of BermudAir. “With added frequency on this route and new vacation packages available in both directions, travelers now have even more ways to enjoy the best of Bermuda and the Carolinas.”


“The addition of a second nonstop BermudAir flight between Charleston and Bermuda marks a significant enhancement in air service for both destinations, said Elliott Summey, President and CEO of Charleston International Airport.

“This expansion not only offers increased opportunities for Charlestonians to enjoy the renowned beauty of Bermuda’s pink sand beaches but also allows more Bermudians to experience the rich history, culture, and hospitality of the Holy City.

“This expanded service is more than just added convenience—it’s an economic win that strengthens tourism, business, and the growing bond between our two vibrant destinations.”

BermudAir is also proud to be working collaboratively with tourism partners in Charleston to develop attractive packages for Bermudians seeking a southern coastal escape.

This enhanced partnership reflects a shared commitment to providing a welcoming and enjoyable experience for travelers, regardless of their final destination.

“The expansion of service to twice weekly is notable in multiple ways.

“It indicates the early success of this new flight and airline in our market, reinforces the desirability of the two destinations, demonstrates continued growth in our BermudAir partnership, and creates more opportunities for Charleston area residents and visitors alike to take advantage of this international route,” said Helen Hill, President and CEO of Explore Charleston and Chair of the Charleston Regional Aviation Authority.

To launch the expanded service, BermudAir is offering up to 25% off Thursday flights in August with promo code CHS25.

Travelers can also inquire about exclusive Stay & Play access at Kiawah Island, including preferred golf and accommodation options, available on request by contacting holidays@flybermudair.com.


For more details or to book, visit flybermudair.com or for travelers seeking a personalised experience, including flight bookings, accommodations, and activities, visit www.bermudairholidays.com.

Charity helps young people hone social media skills

Skillcraft’s six-week summer programme is well underway

The launch party for Skillcraft’s summer internship     Photo supplied

Press release:
SkillCraft’s fourth summer of its experiential careers summer youth internship is off to a flying start. 
Facilitated by Programme Director Margot Shane, SkillCraft provides young Bermudians with experiential training and work experience in a core business skill. Through this exploration, the interns become better prepared for their working lives after high school. 
The SkillCraft Youth Internship pairs students ages 16 to 18 with local businesses and charities seeking assistance with social media marketing. Guided by marketing expert Aziza Furbert, the interns acquire fundamental marketing and social media knowledge and skills. The interns then practice their skills by working on their hosts’ social media marketing throughout the six-week programme. Additionally, the interns receive one-on-one coaching sessions with coaches Matthew Johnston and Anaya Minors to help them achieve their personal and professional goals.
The 2025 SkillCraft Youth Internship runs from June 30th to August 8th. Although SkillCraft usually accepts 15 students and 15 host organisations, the demand was so high that an additional student-host pairing was added to this year’s programme. 
Ms Shane remarked, “Our interns have already learned so much in their first week, both from our marketing workshops and from being on-site with their host organisations. We are so pleased to be working with another engaged, bright group of young people and I am excited to see what they produce during their six weeks with us.”
“Of course, this programme is only possible with the support of Centennial Bermuda Foundation’s Economic Participation Committee, and we are so grateful that they have continued to fund this internship opportunity. We also thank our recruitment partners at the Berkeley Institute, Cedarbridge Academy, MSA and Somersfield, and our resources supply partners Digicel Bermuda for loaned devices and Suite Solutions for the ideal location for our workshops.”
SkillCraft welcomes interns Azariah Atwell, Emmy Bean, Aiyara Best, Iyce-Julez Burrows, Ariyah Card, S’Nya Cumbermack, Sanaa Grant, Amariah Kirkos, Amaris Munya, Anashae Pitcher, Jaya Postlethwaite, Samori Place, Syesha Sampson, Rachell Trott, Taliah Wade and Alyssa Walsh. This summer, the interns will support Association of Bermuda International Companies, Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, Cassine, North Shore Medical, Family Centre, Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation, Keep Bermuda Beautiful, Magic 102.7, Marks and Spencer, Office of the Privacy Commissioner, Royal Bermuda Regiment, Royal Hamilton Amateur Dinghy Club, Sweet Pea Nursery, Uptimum Bodied, Westmeath Residential and Nursing Home and Xpressions Bermuda.
Follow the interns’ journeys at SkillCraft on Instagram and Facebook @SkillCraftBermuda.

About SkillCraft
SkillCraft’s mission is to create programs and spaces that provide young people in Bermuda with new pathways to fulfilling working lives postsecondary by way of combining work experience and professional training.
As a registered charity (#1044), SkillCraft relies on community support to offer personalised career exploration opportunities for young people between the ages of 16 and 20, enabling them to be more confident in forging pathways to work and postsecondary education. 

Pathways appoints new clinical manager

Camily Lovell, new clinical manager at Pathways, is an experienced addiction counselor with certification as an Internationally Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor

Camily Lovell, Clinical Manager of Pathways Bermuda. Photo: Pathways Bermuda

Full press release from Pathways Bermuda:

Pathways Bermuda, Charity (318), “Rehabilitation NPO of the Year” –by the Corporate LiveWire Global Awards 2024/25, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Camily Lovell as Clinical Manager, – a strategic addition that underscores the organization’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, trauma informed, evidence-based care for individuals and families impacted by addiction and substance use disorders.

Ms. Lovell officially joined the team on April 14, 2025.

With extensive clinical experience and a strong background in program management, Ms. Lovell brings a trauma-informed lens to her leadership.

Her approach prioritizes psychological safety, compassion, and empowerment in every aspect of care delivery. Her early leadership is driving improvements in clinical processes, fostering team cohesion, and shaping quality initiatives that are strengthening client care and organizational resilience.

“As we continue to meet the increasing demand for effective and compassionate care, we are thrilled to welcome Camilly to our leadership team,” said Gita Blakeney Saltus, Executive Director of Pathways Bermuda.

“Her expertise and vision are deeply aligned with our mission, and her early impact has
already been felt across our programs.”
Ms. Lovell added, “I am honored to join Pathways Bermuda at such a critical time. My focus is on creating a trauma-informed environment where individuals and their affected family members feel safe, supported, and empowered in their healing journey.

“I believe in the power of collaborative and equitable care and am committed to supporting the team in delivering consistent, person-centered services that make a real difference in the lives of the people that we serve.”


This milestone reflects Pathways Bermuda’s larger vision of strengthening its clinical infrastructure to better serve those affected by substance use and co-occurring disorders in Bermuda.

Golfer makes solid start on Clutch Tour debut

Bermudian professional golfer Daniel Augustus has commenced his highly anticipated debut on The Clutch Tour, competing in The Rapsodo Open at the Oxford Golf Club. Augustus delivered a steady performance in his opening round, carding an even-par 70.

Augustus’s first round saw him navigate the challenging course with a mix of five birdies, eight pars, and five bogeys. This even-par score initially placed him in a tie for 48th position.

As the First Round officially concluded, Augustus’s position shifted slightly to a tie for 68th. This marks his first competitive outing on The Clutch Tour, a significant step for the Bermudian as he aims to gain valuable experience and Official World Golf Ranking (OWGR) points on Europe’s leading developmental tour. He will be looking to build on this solid start in the subsequent rounds as he seeks to make his mark in the UK.

Bank of England fines Vocalink more than $16 million for compliance failure

The fine was reduced from 20 million pounds because the company admitted the failure early and agreed to resolve the matter

International News via Reuters:

The Bank of England said on Wednesday it had fined payment systems firm Vocalink Ltd 11.9 million pounds ($16.19 million) for falling short of its obligation to have adequate risk management and governance arrangements.

Owned by U.S. payment processor Mastercard, Vocalink designs, builds and operates bank account-based payment systems in Britain, processing over 90% of salaries, more than 70% of household bills and 98% of state benefits, according to its website.

The fine, the first by the Bank of England for a financial market infrastructure firm, was reduced from 20 million pounds because the company admitted the failure early and agreed to resolve the matter, the central bank statement said.

Vocalink implemented a remediation programme after being directed by the BoE to fix a number of issues identified with their systems and controls, and had until February 28, 2022 to comply with the regulatory requirements.

But “an ineffective risk management framework, combined with weaknesses in its controls, governance arrangements and escalation processes meant that it failed to comply in full” by the deadline, the statement said.

The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Vocalink has been regulated by the BoE since April 2018 as a specified service provider – a type of financial market infrastructure firm involved in the operation of UK payments systems.

($1 = 0.7349 pounds)

Reporting by Muvija M, editing by William James

Cyclist finishes in top 20 at Ilkley Cycle Race

Cyclist Conor White, fresh off his victory in the National Road Race Championship, competed today in the Raynor Foundation Men’s Ilkley Cycle Race, a one-day criterium held in the heart of the Yorkshire town.

The challenging circuit starts outside Bettys Café Tea Rooms on The Grove, featuring a sharp 90-degree right-hand turn onto the 200m Riddings Road ramp, known for its steep climb. Riders then navigate a long stretch of false flat along Albany Walk onto Parish Gyll Drive before a fast descent back to the town centre.

White, representing Muc-Off-SRCT-Storck, put in a solid performance against a strong field. He finished in 18th place, clocking a time of 51 minutes and 32 seconds. He crossed the line 45 seconds behind the race winner, Milo Wills, who took a decisive victory in 50 minutes and 47 seconds.

White’s top-20 finish in such a competitive UK criterium event, known for its high pace and demanding profile, adds valuable experience as he continues his European racing calendar.

Czech government bans DeepSeek usage in public administration

The move follows various restrictions on DeepSeek in other countries driven by concerns about data protection

International News via Reuters:

The Czech government has banned the country’s public administration from using any of the services of Chinese AI startup DeepSeek due to data security concerns, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said on Wednesday.

The move follows various restrictions on DeepSeek in other countries including Germany, Italy and the Netherlands, driven by concerns about data protection.

“The government decided on a ban on usage of AI products, applications, solutions, web pages and web services provided by DeepSeek within the Czech public administration,” Fiala told a news conference shown live.

Fiala said that, as a Chinese company, DeepSeek was obliged to cooperate with Chinese government bodies, which could give Beijing access to data stored on DeepSeek’s servers in China.

DeepSeek and the Chinese embassy in Prague did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

DeepSeek shook the technology world in January with claims that it had developed an AI model to rival those from U.S. firms such as ChatGPT creator OpenAI at much lower cost.

However, it has come under scrutiny in the United States and Europe for its data security policies.

According to its own privacy policy, DeepSeek stores numerous pieces of personal data, such as requests to its AI programme or uploaded files, on computers in China.

Reporting by Jan Lopatka. Editing by Mark Potter

Samsung’s bet on foldable phones faces major test with slimmer new model

The South Korean company lost its global smartphone crown to Apple in 2023

International News via Reuters:

Samsung Electronics on Wednesday unveiled thinner, lighter new foldable phones as it aims to fend off Chinese competition in the higher-margin, premium segment that remains untapped by arch rival Apple.

The stakes are high. The South Korean company lost its global smartphone crown to Apple in 2023, and faces growing competition from Chinese rivals like Huawei and Honor.

Meanwhile, Samsung’s mainstay chip business has suffered a profit slump stemming in part from its delayed supply of artificial intelligence chips to Nvidia.

Samsung’s mobile president and chief operating officer, Choi Won-joon, said his most important mission was to make Samsung a leader in AI-powered smartphones.

“I believe that foldable phones, integrated with AI features, are ready to become mainstream by offering unique, differentiated experience,” he told Reuters in his first media interview since being promoted in March.

He said Samsung aims to take a leadership position in AI by enhancing cooperation with external partners like Google, unlike Apple, which has been using in-house AI technology that has faced delays in adding key features.

Samsung also in New York unveiled its first smartwatches equipped with Google’s AI voice assistant, Gemini, which can make recommendations to the owner such as good locations for a run, as an example.

PREMIUM HALO

Samsung said in April that it was pushing ahead with a premium product strategy, as U.S. tariffs threatened to dampen demand and raise component costs.

The smartphone maker increased the U.S. price of Galaxy Z Fold 7 to $1,999 by 5% from its predecessor Fold 6, while introducing a less expensive version of its Galaxy Z Flip 7 clamshell phone, Flip 7 FE, priced at $899.

Galaxy Z Fold 7 is equipped with Qualcomm’s fast processor, Snapdragon 8 Elite, while Galaxy Z Flip 7 is powered by Samsung’s in-house Exynos chips.

Analysts said Samsung’s new models tackled some of the issues with foldable phones such as bulkiness, and would create a premium halo around the brand. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 weighs 10% less than its predecessor and is 26% thinner.

But high prices and a lack of use cases mean foldable phones are likely to remain a niche segment, the analysts said, with data from research firm IDC showing they account for just 1.5% of the total smartphone market.

Research firm Canalys predicts Samsung’s foldable shipments, which peaked in 2022, will remain flat or slightly declining in 2025, in line with the broader market’s flat growth, according to data provided to Reuters.

Samsung’s foldable smartphones account for 4% of its total phone sales but 16% of those priced over $800, Canalys said.

Its data shows Samsung’s dominance of the foldable phone segment is being eroded by Honor and Huawei, which are enjoying strong sales, especially in China.

Samsung, which held its unveiling event in New York on Wednesday, will focus on the United States, Europe and South Korea for foldable phone sales, Choi said.

Choi said Samsung is “working hard” to develop tri-foldable phones, which users can fold three ways, without elaborating on the launch date.

Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin and Heekyong Yang; Additional reporting by Stephen Nellis in San Francisco; Editing by Jamie Freed

Phillips qualifies for second straight ATP main draw

Bermudian tennis player Daniel Phillips has continued his impressive ascent on the professional circuit, successfully advancing to the main draw of an ATP Tour event for the second consecutive tournament. Phillips is currently competing in the M15 Monastir event in Tunisia, maintaining the momentum from his recent quarter-final appearance in Kayseri.

Phillips secured his main draw spot by navigating the challenging qualifying rounds with remarkable consistency. In his Third and Final Qualification Round match, he took to the court against Yassine Smiej from Morocco. After a hard-fought battle lasting 1 hour and 30 minutes, Phillips emerged victorious in straight sets, clinching the win with a 6-3, 6-2 scoreline.

This achievement marks a significant step for the young Bermudian, who is demonstrating remarkable consistency and resilience against a tough international field. Having already secured his first ATP Tour main draw win last week in Turkey, Phillips will now look to build on that success as he competes in the main draw of the M15 Monastir tournament. His continued progress underscores his potential to climb the professional rankings.

Poland to report Musk’s chatbot Grok to EU for offensive comments

Issues of political biases, hate speech and accuracy of AI chatbots have been a concern since at least the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in 2022

International News via Reuters:

Poland is going to report Elon Musk’s xAI to the European Commission after its chatbot Grok made offensive comments about Polish politicians, including Prime Minister Donald Tusk.

Issues of political biases, hate speech and accuracy of AI chatbots have been a concern since at least the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in 2022.

Grok removed what it called “inappropriate” social media posts on Tuesday after complaints from X users and the Anti-Defamation League that Grok produced content with antisemitic tropes and praise for Adolf Hitler.

A Turkish court earlier blocked access to some content from Grok after authorities said the chatbot generated responses insulting President Tayyip Erdogan, modern Turkey’s founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and religious values.

Poland’s digitisation minister, Krzysztof Gawkowski, told RMF FM radio on Wednesday that the government will ask Brussels to investigate the chatbot’s offensive comments about its politicians.

“I have the impression that we are entering a higher level of hate speech, which is driven by algorithms, and that turning a blind eye or ignoring this today… is a mistake that may cost humanity in the future,” he said.

“The Ministry of Digitisation will react in accordance with current regulations, we will report the violation to the European Commission to investigate and possibly impose a fine on X. Freedom of speech belongs to humans, not to artificial intelligence.”

The chatbot’s developer xAI did not immediately reply to an emailed request for comment.

Reporting by Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk; Editing by Louise Heavens