For the latest news and sports, presenter Grae Minors brings you today’s evening radio newscast
Skillcraft seeks donors for new ‘skilled trades’ programme
Allanette Hayward of Urban Construction Services partners with charity for youth internships
Allanette Hayward is the founder of Urban Construction Services. She has successfully trained more than 100 people, believing that it’s important for local business owners to give back to their communities—especially by helping young people.
Joined by colleague Jeremiah Outerbridge, the two are working with Skillcraft for an upcoming internship programme that sees youth experience working in the trades, gaining firsthand insight and support from industry experts. Upon successful completion of a 13-week job placement, graduates will be awarded with a certification in the trades.
Ms. Hayward wants young Bermudians to understand the options that are available to them. Mr. Outerbridge, who began his career after being afforded an opportunity in high school, has become a mentor to young males seeking professional guidance. Like Ms. Hayward, he believes that guidance and support is crucial to the success of young Bermudians.
Skillcraft has already raised funds to cover the first cohort, but need to raise a further 50 thousand dollars. Skillcraft co-founder Margot Shane appealing to the public and private sector for support.
For more information, including how to register your interest in the trades programme — or to donate — visit skillcraft.bm, email info@skillcraft.bm, or call +1 441 703 9100
Royal Bermuda Regiment accepting applicants for upcoming recruit camp
The recruit camp runs from Sunday the 6th of July through to Friday the 18th of July
Learning to defend our island and acquiring globally transferable skills. The Royal Bermuda Regiment is seeking applicants for their July 2025 recruit camp.
The two week experience will equip a new generation of men and women with the tools needed to serve their country. Major Dwight Robinson, Career Management Officer for the Royal Bermuda Regiment, says hopeful candidates should have a willing spirit.
Gaza violence prompts local ‘peace gathering’
Event takes place on Saturday the 21st of June on the grounds of the Cabinet Office
Press release issued by activists in Bermuda:
The circumstances for the people in Gaza – especially those conditions for children – have been drastically deteriorating, in the light of the blockading of hundreds of Aid Trucks and the ‘handcuffing’ of the United Nations Aid Agency (UNRHA).
There has been a shift in the global community, an expansion of a sense of human solidarity. However, the latest unprecedented unleashing of the dogs of war, involving Iran; has shifted the focus away from the livestreamed tragedy of Gaza.
Here in Bermuda, we are called to exercise the best of our shared legacy – like the liberation of 73 fellow Humans from the USS Enterprise 190 years ago. From that perspective we seek to promote a sane response to evident insanity.
To that end, 25 Bermuda residents are collaborating supporting a Joint Statement; expressing concern, specifically regarding Gaza which reaffirms the UN General Assembly Resolution of June 12 which was supported – by an overwhelming consensus – 149 countries (representing over 6 billion fellow members of the Human Family)
In light of the expansion of war to now include Iran and its unnerving implications, we have reached out to the Island’s Faith Community, inviting them to include special prayers for Peace over this weekend. Additionally, we are encouraging the wider community to Pause at 1 pm on Friday, June 20th to quietly reflect for 1 minute on Peace; given these unprecedented Global challenges.
On Saturday, June 21, 2025 people of conscience are inviting to gather at the Grounds of the Cabinet between 5 – 5.30 pm and join a Walk to the grounds of City Hall.
From 6 pm there will be a mixture of brief speeches/presentations and performances in song; by the likes of Gene Steede, Live Wire, Purple Ferdinand, Hana Bushara, Gavin Smith, Mathew Joseph.
Champions League Path For Trott’s Copenhagen
Football: Draw announced for Bermudian goalkeeper, Nathan Trott, and his Danish Club
Bermudian goalkeeper Nathan Trott and his FC Copenhagen teammates now know their initial hurdle in their quest for UEFA Champions League group stage football. The Danish champions have been drawn to face the winner of the tie between FC Drita of Kosovo and FC Differdange 03 from Luxembourg in the second qualifying round.
This draw sets up an intriguing start to Copenhagen’s European campaign. While neither Drita nor Differdange 03 are considered continental heavyweights, both sides will present a challenge as they battle it out in the first qualifying round for the right to face the Danish champions. The first leg of that initial tie is scheduled for July 8th or 9th, with the return on July 15th or 16th.
For Trott, this represents a significant opportunity to showcase his abilities on Europe’s biggest club stage. Having recently secured the Danish Superliga title, the focus now shifts to navigating the potentially tricky qualifying rounds.
FC Copenhagen will have the advantage of playing the first leg at their home ground, Parken, with that match scheduled for July 22nd or 23rd. The decisive return leg will see them travel away on July 29th or 30th. Fans will be eagerly anticipating the outcome of the Drita versus Differdange 03 clash as Trott and FC Copenhagen aim for a strong start on their path to the Champions League proper.
Local vendors laud Harbour Nights
Bermudian entrepreneurs talk about the “absolutely vital” opportunity that the weekly summer event provides
Did you miss our live broadcast from Harbour Nights on Wendesday? Catch it again above.
Gary Foster Skelton chatted to some of the local vendors who both showed off their wares, and lauded the opportunity that Harbour Nights presents for Bermudian entrepreneurs.
‘Pure’ all-white party electrifies Albouy’s Point
Pure, the signature all-white dance party of Bermuda’s Heroes Weekend, returned in style on Sunday at Albouy’s Point. Organized by Wild Apache Promotions, the long-time Carnival favorite brought energy, music, and a sea of white to the waterfront venue. Kendal Trott was on hand to capture the vibrant sights and sounds of an unforgettable night.
Bermuda Swimmers Ready for Florida Challenge
12-strong squad set to make waves at the Planet Swim & Tennis Club in Ponte Vedra, Florida
A strong contingent of Bermudian swimmers is poised to make a splash at the 2025 Planet Swim Summer Championships, taking place from June 20th to 22nd at the Planet Swim & Tennis Club in Ponte Vedra, Florida.
With the 2025 CCCAN Championships postponed, this competition serves as a crucial alternative, providing vital international racing exposure. The squad, coached by Head National Swimming Coach Ben Smith, features a blend of national team veterans and promising development-level swimmers who have achieved two AA standards, ensuring invaluable international experience for the next generation.
The 12-member team will compete across 63 individual events, spanning sprint, middle-distance, and endurance disciplines, alongside relays. Coach Smith expressed confidence, stating the competition “promises to be a challenging and rewarding experience with strong Florida region talent to race against and opportunities to qualify for finals.”
The meet, held in a 50-meter Olympic-standard pool, offers a high-performance environment with prelims in the mornings and finals in the late afternoons. All eyes will be on Team Bermuda as they dive into action, looking to showcase the island’s burgeoning aquatic talent.
Bermudian Sprinter Named to All-Area Team
Outerbridge Named to All-Area Team After Sensational Season
Bermudian sprint star Miles Outerbridge has capped a truly outstanding track and field season by being named to the prestigious Orlando Sentinel All-Area Team for boys’ track and field. The Montverde Academy athlete’s inclusion is a fitting reward for a campaign laden with victories, personal bests, and consistently high-level performances.
Outerbridge proved a formidable force in both the 100 and 200-meter events. His dominant form shone through at the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) district championship on April 24th, where he secured a superb double victory in both sprint disciplines.
He continued this strong showing with impressive runner-up finishes in both the 100m and 200m at the regional championship on May 2nd, and again at the state championship on May 9th, consistently performing at the highest level of high school competition.
Earlier in the season, Outerbridge demonstrated his speed with a string of first-place finishes in the 100 meters, including triumphs at the Florida State Relays on March 28th. A significant highlight was his personal best of 10.40 seconds at the highly competitive Pepsi Florida Relays on April 5th, showcasing his immense potential.
The 200 meters also saw Outerbridge dominate, with his personal best of 20.83 seconds coming during his win at the Florida State Relays.
Next up for the talented Bermudian, Miles Outerbridge will now set his sights on the national stage, as he prepares to compete at the highly anticipated New Balance Outdoor Nationals, which begins today, June 19th. All eyes will be on the young sprinter as he looks to continue his outstanding form against the best in the country.
BBC Radio News: Thursday Noon – 19 June 2025
For the latest news and sports, presenters Gary Foster Skelton and Earl Basden bring you today’s noon radio cast.
Opinion: We’re driving ahead with road repairs
A dedicated pothole repair crew is now working on weekends to handle emergency patch jobs
Senator Lindsay Simmons: “After several frustrating years real, visible progress can be seen on our roads.”
Statement by PLP Senator Lindsay Simmons:
If you’ve driven across the island, you’ve probably noticed fewer potholes, smoother roads, and the crews are out and about. After several frustrating years real, visible progress can be seen on our roads.
From potholes to paving, from equipment upgrades to budget increases, we are not only listening, we’re delivering.
In the 2025/26 Budget, we committed over $5 million specifically for road and sidewalk resurfacing, pothole repair, and drainage upgrades. That’s part of an overall increase for the Ministry of Public Works, bringing its total funding to $84.1 million and represents a clear demonstration of our commitment to rebuilding infrastructure and restoring our roads.
Your PLP Government has:
– Signed multimillion-dollar agreement with Astec Industries and will deliver new asphalt plant components, a milling machine, paver, and shuttle buggy.
– Imported paving machinery, with the asphalt plant equipment scheduled to begin arriving this summer with the plant installation site expected to be fully operational in early 2026
This will allow us to pave faster, more efficiently, and more durably than ever before.Government crews and contractors have completed or are actively working on:
– Middle Road in Warwick and Sandys
– Scaur Hill and Somerset Bridge
– George’s Bay Road to Evans Bay
– Loyal Hill
– Flora Duffy Hill (pending completion of utility work in the area)
– Smith’s Drive, Devonshire
– Harrington Sound Road
Where utility works have been completed, paving has followed. Where resurfacing is still needed, dates are scheduled. It’s not all done yet, but we are making progress.
To support these efforts:
– 14 new street sweepers have been added, increasing the manpower to 21.
– A dedicated pothole repair crew is now working on weekends to handle emergency patch jobs faster.
– Government has partnered with private contractors like East End Asphalt Ltd., ensuring more work gets done across the island.
We’re also addressing long-overdue safety concerns. That includes:
– Installing new guardrails at high-risk locations.
– Repairing and replacing wooden fences along South Road and other busy corridors.
– Installing flashing beacons at crosswalks to improve pedestrian safety.
– Upgrading drainage infrastructure to reduce flooding during heavy rainfall.
New traffic signal control panels for Marsh Folly and Crow Lane have been ordered and are expected this summer.
Progress will continue throughout the summer and fall with:
– Expanded resurfacing across all parishes.
– Continued guardrail, lighting, and crosswalk upgrades.
– Improved communication on upcoming roadworks and traffic diversions.
Are all our roads perfect?
Not yet, but the difference today is clear, and our roads and infrastructure will only get better.
– Senator Lindsay Simmons is the PLP’s candidate in Constituency 10, Smith’s North
Registration set to open for 2026 Newport Bermuda Race
Entry opens tomorrow for the iconic offshore sailing race
Organizers have announced in a press release that registration for the 120th edition of the iconic offshore sailing race commences tomorrow, June 20. Photos supplied
Full statement:
The Bermuda Race Organizing Committee is proud to announce that entry opens Friday June 20, 2025 at 1300 EDT, for the 2026 Newport Bermuda Race, one year prior to the start on Friday June 19, 2026 at the same time. This upcoming edition will mark a historic milestone as the Race celebrates 120 years since its founding in 1906, and 100 years of partnership between the Cruising Club of America and the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club as co-organizers of the oldest regularly scheduled ocean race and one of the few international distance races held almost entirely out of sight of land.
“The Newport Bermuda Race is not only a test of seamanship and preparation—it’s a celebration of what makes offshore sailing so meaningful,” said Andrew Kallfelz, returning race chair. “2026 will be an opportunity to honor the race’s extraordinary history while continuing to innovate in how we engage sailors and spectators, from Bermuda, New England, and beyond.”
Once again, the race will start off Fort Adams State Park, a move first introduced in 2024 that transformed the launch of this legendary offshore race into a vibrant, public-facing celebration. Building on that success, the 2026 event will become the “Newport Bermuda Race Starting Line Festival”—turning up the volume to match Fort Adams’ legacy as the backdrop of Rhode Island’s most iconic summer festivals.
In 2024, the public enjoyed a front-row view of 162 boats—ranging from 30 to 100 feet—as they set out on the 636-nautical-mile ocean passage to Bermuda. Food trucks, bars, live music, exhibits, family activities, and expert commentary created a unique festival atmosphere that welcomed over 4,000 on-site visitors and over 25,000 online viewers. The Starting Line Festival is poised to become a beloved summer tradition in the sailing capital of the U.S.
Excitement is already building across the Atlantic, with international teams locking the Newport Bermuda Race into their 2026 racing calendars. Among them is the Swan 56 Azaha, based in Mallorca.
“Our team includes veterans who have sailed around the world and some younger guys who are high-level sailors,” said Hervé Grünig, speaking from Europe. “We’ll be coming up after the RORC 600 and are excited to take on this historic race.”
Closer to home, Hound, a top contender in 2024, is also back in the hunt. After narrowly missing the St. David’s Lighthouse Trophy due to a 30-minute penalty for being over early at the start, owner Dan Litchfield expressed his determination to return during the Race Prep Seminar Series this past spring. The team is currently taking part in the Transatlantic Race and plans to take on the Fastnet—all part of building momentum for the 2026 Bermuda Race.
With both international and domestic teams already planning their campaigns, the 2026 race is shaping up to be a truly world-class event.
Sailors and teams are encouraged to visit bermudarace.com to access the Notice of Race, review eligibility and safety requirements, and begin the entry process. A webinar was hosted earlier this week outlining the process and explaining some of the frequently asked questions.
This edition is expected to once again draw a wide spectrum of participants—from seasoned ocean racers to first-time offshore crews—competing across multiple divisions, including the St. David’s Lighthouse, Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, Finisterre (cruising), and Open classes.
