In tonight’s news at 7pm…
Gary Foster Skelton got a taste of the atmosphere this Wednesday
Have you been to Harbour Nights yet this year?
Gary Foster Skelton got caught up in the vibe on Wednesday night, chatting with the Chamber of Commerce and vendors ahead of the Carnival holiday.
Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport explained that of the 25 individuals nominated, none fully met the threshold
A new National Hero has not been selected, according to the Minister of Tourism and Transport, Culture and Sport.
Owen Darrell told parliamentarians in the House of Assembly that the naming and recognition committee, as guided by the act that determines the criteria for selecting a National Hero every ten years, could not reach a consensus from the current nominee pool.
Bermuda’s eight National Heroes are Dame Lois Browne Evans, Sir Henry Tucker, Dr. E.F. Gordon, Pauulu Karmarakefego, Gladys Misick Morell, Mary Prince, Sir Edward Trenton Richards and Sir John Swan.
Mr. Darrell explained of the 25 individuals none fully met the threshold at this time.
Minister Darrell added that he does not believe there needs to be any changes made to the National Heroes Act to amend the selection criteria in future.
The next nominee selection process will be held in 2034.
Prospect Primary will close this summer as part of education reform
A poignant moment in education this week, as the last ever graduating class of Prospect Primary were celebrated before their schoolmates and families.
Principal Dr. Holly Richardson wrote a poem for the occasion, and guest speaker LaVar Bassett encouraged the students to embrace and nurture their gifts.
Prospect Primary will close at the end of this school year as part of education reform.
Technical issue with support equipment delays scans; repairs underway
The hospital has temporarily paused its MRI service due to technical issues involving older support equipment connected to the new MRI scanner.
Diagnostic Imaging Manager Terricca Smith explained, “Initial issues with our older support equipment started near the end of May, but we thought they had been resolved. This is very frustrating for us and especially our patients. Patients will be rescheduled as soon as we are operational again and we will put on additional hours for them. Although the MRI scanner itself is new, some of the supporting equipment is not and this is where the issue is. The parts and service, however, are covered by the new contract BHB has with its vendor. The parts we need have arrived and an engineer will be flying in this weekend to undertake repairs.”
BPS asks public not to circulate footage and says sharing heightens community tension and harms victims’ families
Police today issued the following media release.
The Bermuda Police Service (BPS) are aware of a rap video being circulated on social media referencing the double murder and attempted murders, which occurred at the Legends Bar in Sandys on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
We urge that should you receive the video, you do not share it on and instead, delete it from your device.
The investigation into that incident remains ongoing and the BPS once again appeal for anyone with information that can help with that investigation and bring those responsible to justice, to please reach out to Acting Detective Superintendent, Jason Smith, on 717-0864 or, via email at jsmith2@bps.bm
Mr. Smith lamented, “The sharing of this video is extremely disturbing. It only serves to cause further pain for the families and loved ones of the victims in that brazen attack and cause heightened tensions among the wider community. Once again, please do not share it on but rather, delete it from your phones or tablets or whatever electronic devices on which you may have received it.”
Apart from contacting Mr. Smith, you may also share the information with a police officer with whom you’re familiar or call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477. Alternatively, please use the community policing portal at https://portal.police.bm
Kaleidoscope Foundation sees confidence and emotional growth in children
An arts charity is noticing signs of burnout in young people – and offering a creative solution.
Through its engaging programming, Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation is giving children autonomy through art, helping them build confidence, emotional regulation, and resilience.
“It’s amazing what we learn from children when we just let them be who they are,” said Njeri Asha, Creative Minds Director at Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation.
The charity encourages children to create, explore, and express themselves through the creative process, play, and nature-based learning.
In an age marked by tech dependence, burnout, and economic strain, the charity says nurturing and empowering children is more critical than ever.
Danielle Frith, Operations Manager of Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation explained, “One of the big things we’re seeing is burnout. We’re seeing a lot of children, a lot of adults feel burnt out and without choice in a lot of things that they’re going through and those things can be really hard. And by being here, we allow children to develop those choices.”
She continued, “We see that there’s a lot of needs on the island, whether that’s financial, whether that’s emotional or physical needs and so we’re trying to develop the individual to make sure they are able to full embody themselves and get to grow into healthy adults.”
Kaleidoscope serves children from 18 months to 18 years old through classes, camps, workshops, and community partnerships.
Their mission is to guide little ones into becoming capable, expressive adults by providing a safe space for them to grow.
In her own classrooms, Ms Asha has observed growth in students from term one to term three.
“Many children are able to self-regulate; they are able to express themselves even more,” she said. “They are able to communicate not just with their classmates, but with other adults in the room. They are able to better have a balance or grasp on their fine motor skills.”
Despite the vibrant environment of Kaleidoscope’s current location – filled with colourful classrooms and a whimsical outdoor space – the charity cannot call it their own. They are now appealing to the public for support in securing a permanent spot.
“We do not currently own where we are staying right now, unfortunately,” said Ms Frith. “We love the space but we would love to have support in finding our forever home.”
“It would definitely have to be somewhere that will have a garden,” Ms Asha added. “Our garden has evolved over time, but it’s quite enchanting and it feels like we’re in an oasis in the middle of Devonshire and the children just love being here.”
Looking ahead, the charity hopes to sustain its positive impact for years to come.
Ms Frith added, “Since our founding, we have been able to serve 10,000 children and luckily have been able to serve 1000 every year for the last couple of years — we really want to encourage that to continue.”
The foundation welcomes both financial support and donations of supplies – especially recycled materials. Items like cereal boxes, tin cans, paper towel rolls, and newspapers can go a long way in supporting their hands-on learning approach.
For more information visit, Kaleidoscope Arts.
High cost of living drives Bermudians to emigrate, no new National Hero selected, sports report
The Atlanta based Bermudian artist, who now enjoys international acclaim, continues to make her mark with a signature blend of pop, R&B, hip-hop, and Island rhythms.
Known for hits like Not Yours and Big Pressure, she was featured on Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2021.
With her latest video … shot in Bermuda … set to be released this month, she sat down with Kendal Trott to share updates on her career, personal life, and the industry.
Believes that a more robust approach to data collection could better inform policy decisions
Not everyone that comes to Bermuda wants to stay in Bermuda long-term, vote, or purchase a property—and Government’s supposed inability to set well-defined, concrete goals around immigration fails to address ongoing employment and demographic issues.
This from Shadow Minister of Economy and Labour Vance Campbell via op-ed (linked here) earlier this week. Speaking to us in studio today, he admits that government is doing well is some areas, but is dropping the ball in others.
He released an op-ed earlier this week taking the government to task over their updated work permit policy, saying that they should have sought consultation before amending it as “it feels like members of the public are an after thought.”
Mr. Campbell also underscored the need for better data collection, claiming that access to relevant information could better inform policy decisions. He pointed to the limited amount of information on rental units. More specifically, units occupied by visitors residing in the country under the recently concluded ‘Work from Bermuda’ certificate programme.
You can listen to the full interview, in audio format, below:
Senator sets out reforms aimed at stimulating growth
Senator Lauren Bell: “With this Budget, we are creating new paths forward – for jobs, for fairness, and for the future of Bermuda.”
Statement by Senator Lauren Bell, Junior Minister of Economy & Labour:
The Ministry of Economy and Labour is entrusted with a vital mission: economic growth and job creation.
Following the passing of the 2025/26 Budget, I am proud to highlight the strategic investments and reforms the Progressive Labour Party Government is making to support Bermuda’s workers, attract investment, and ensure the prosperity of our Island for generations to come.
At the centre of this effort is our Economic Development Strategy 2023–2027, which continues to guide our work in stimulating growth.
Meaningful progress has been achieved in the training of young Bermudians, modernizing systems, and ensuring that opportunity in Bermuda is earned by talent, not just privilege.
The focus on digital transformation across key departments – Immigration, Workforce Development, and Statistics – is setting the stage for faster service delivery, greater transparency, and improved access for all.
The Department of Immigration, for instance, is progressing with a full-scale digitalisation of its application systems. This is a game-changer for businesses and residents alike. Streamlined application processing will bolster our economy and improve customer satisfaction.
The Department of Workforce Development is also embracing innovation. From apprenticeship expansion to the digitisation of forms and client tracking, we are removing red tape and replacing it with opportunities. In the last fiscal year alone, we supported more than 230 Bermudians in receiving industry training and certifications, ensuring that our people are not only job-ready, but career-strong. This year’s Budget enhances funding for hospitality training and apprenticeship programmes, two sectors that are critical to our economic fabric. Young Bermudians are being placed in real-world positions through programmes like Learn Through Experience, and we are proud to see graduates from these initiatives secure meaningful employment. PLP is equally committed to labour justice.
The Department of Labour is actively resolving wage and employment disputes while ensuring the minimum wage is enforced. Over 800 labour-related inquiries were handled last year, including terminations, wage issues, and parental leave matters.
Importantly, we have strengthened legislation to extend severance protections for long-serving employees, and we continue to review policies to ensure equity and dignity in the workplace.
Meanwhile, the Department of Statistics is leading efforts to bring data to the forefront of public decision-making. With increased funding for staffing and census preparation, we are preparing Bermuda for the 2026 Population and Housing Census – an essential exercise in understanding the social and economic health of our country. Data doesn’t just tell us where we’ve been – it lights the path ahead.
As we move forward, we are also introducing new initiatives, including the development of a National Entrepreneurship Strategy, an updated Job Board, and legislation to support co-operatives and public benefit entities. These are not just policy goals but are opportunities to build a more inclusive and sustainable economic ecosystem.
The Ministry’s vision is reflective of the PLP’s commitment to building a fairer, more stable, and affordable Bermuda.
With this Budget, we are creating new paths forward – for jobs, for fairness, and for the future of Bermuda.
– Lauren Bell is the PLP candidate for Constituency 8, Smith’s South
New York Jets quarterbacks Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor among those who will conduct training sessions
Justin Fields will be among the stars at a special training event on Sunday
The Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) has launched an exciting new flag football initiative, partnering with professional American footballers to expand its traditional focus beyond sailing, golf, tennis, and endurance events.
This weekend, a group of visiting National Football League (NFL) players, including New York Jets quarterbacks Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor, will conduct training sessions on the island. They will be joined by top U.S. quarterback coach Quincy Avery and manager David Leeks.
Members of the public are invited to an open training session this Sunday, June 15th, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the National Sports Center – North Field. The NFL players will offer introductions and brief remarks, with youth and families especially encouraged to attend.
This visit aligns with Bermuda’s National Tourism Plan to support year-round tourism and attract diverse groups through emerging sports. Bermuda’s established sports infrastructure, meeting international standards, positions the island as an ideal training and competition destination for sports like flag football.
Flag football has seen significant global growth, with the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) reporting 2.4 million U.S. children under 17 playing organised flag football. IFAF expects the sport to soon surpass tackle football in global participation and it is set to make its Olympic debut in 2028.
A larger flag football event is already in development for March 2026 in Bermuda, aiming to further integrate the sport into the island’s tourism strategy. Further details are expected soon.
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