Daniel Phillips falls in the final round of qualifying in the ATP Tour’s M15 Kayseri
Tennis player Daniel Phillips’ impressive run on the professional circuit has come to an end, as he fell in his third and final qualifying round match at the M15 Kayseri tournament in Turkey.
Phillips took to the court against his toughest test yet in the qualifying draw: the top seed, Ali Yazdani from Iran, currently ranked World No. 755. In a tightly contested encounter, Phillips battled fiercely through two sets of “give and take,” pushing his higher-ranked opponent all the way.
Ultimately, Yazdani proved just too strong, advancing to the main draw with a hard-fought 7-6, 7-6 victory.
Despite the loss, Phillips can take significant positives from his performance in Kayseri. He secured his first two ATP Tour wins and demonstrated remarkable composure and resilience throughout the qualifying rounds, building on the momentum from his recent Davis Cup successes. This experience against a top-ranked opponent will undoubtedly prove invaluable as he continues his journey on the professional tennis circuit.
Sailor Rachael Betschart is making a notable impact at Foiling Week 2025 in Italy, the world’s premier event dedicated entirely to foiling boats. This 12th edition, running from June 23rd to 29th, promises a guaranteed spectacle for sailors and spectators alike, with a record-breaking 131 registered athletes in the WASZP class alone.
After nine races in the highly competitive WASZP Fleet, Betschart, representing the Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, finds herself in 39th place with 183 net points. This is a solid position in a fleet of 110 skilled international sailors, highlighting her ability to compete at a high level against a deep field of global talent.
Betschart has shown flashes of brilliance throughout the competition, with her best individual race finish being a strong 12th in the third race. Furthermore, she has secured four top-20 finishes, demonstrating her consistent performance amidst the challenging conditions and strong competition.
Foiling Week is more than just a regatta; it’s a hub for innovation, education, and community within the rapidly evolving world of foiling. Betschart’s participation and strong results are a testament to her continued development as a prominent Bermudian sailor on the international stage.
Motorcycle Racer Finding An Extra Gear In The British Talent Cup
Motorcycle racer Aeziah Divine continued his British Talent Cup campaign at the challenging Snetterton Race Circuit, securing another points finish despite a tough start to Race 2.
Divine, representing Bermuda, delivered a personal best and finished inside the points for the first time in Race 1, having been elevated to 11th place from an initial 14th after post-race penalties. In Race 2, starting from 16th on the grid, Divine found himself battling hard in the early stages. He noted, “I started from P16 on the grid but struggled a lot at the start of the race as I kept getting shuffled to the back due to so much battling that was happening within our group.” This early jostling unfortunately slowed his group’s pace, causing them to lose touch with the leaders.
Despite the early difficulties, Divine fought back admirably in the latter stages of the race, making up several positions to cross the finish line in 18th place. This strong recovery highlights his race craft and determination, earning him valuable championship points.
Following the race, Divine expressed his gratitude to his team and support staff: “I want to give a massive thanks to everyone at Fibre Tec Honda – MLav Racing for being so supportive, especially my one and only mechanic Aaron Lilly for keeping me going throughout the season! I also want to give a big shout out to Trick Tuning for everything he does and keeping our bikes at the top!”
Divine’s performances at Snetterton, consistently battling for championship points in a highly competitive series, mark a significant step forward in his British Talent Cup journey.
Citing ‘Dutch Disease’, economist Craig Simmons says rapid growth in IB led to a decline in other sectors
At today’s Cost of Living Summit, economist Craig Simmons presented data to explain how Bermuda got to where we are today.
He compared Bermuda’s position to the economic phenomenon of Dutch Disease, where the rapid growth of one sector, such as a natural resource like fossil fuel, leads to a decline in other sectors.
In Bermuda’s case, the big oil was international business. (WATCH above)
Butterfield & Vallis CEO says ‘we’re fighting to earn 1-3% net profit margin’
What percentage of a food item’s price is the landed cost on island?
It’s a question that emerged during the Government’s Cost of Living Summit this morning during a panel discussion on Food Security and Affordability.
In his response, Spencer Butterfield, CEO of Butterfield & Vallis revealed: “Roughly 55% of every dollar that we sell is the cost on the East Coast so it’s actually 75% – there’s an additional 20% in getting it here. So, by the time it lands in Bermuda, we’re at about 75% of what we sell.”
He added that it leaves them with 25% to pay other expenses that go toward running a business, of which labour is the largest additional cost.
“There’s a very, very small amount left for us to manage all of those costs,” he said. “At the end of the day, we’re fighting to earn 1 to 3 % net profit margin.”
Without the benefits of economies of scale to get the first cost down from overseas suppliers, Zach Moniz, Manager of the Lindo’s Group of Companies suggested that one solution to lower prices on local shelves for consumers could be to tackle the freight side of imports.
He explained: “The first cost is the price that we’re paying to the supplier abroad or locally. Or, we’d be importing it so then you’ve got the freight, then you have the tax and then you have the markup.
“My opinion would be that you would tackle the freight part of that. We have no leverage on the first cost … we’re too small – we just don’t have any leverage. We’re price takers, we’re not price makers. And if we’re going to try to tackle it anywhere, it has to be on the freight side.”
Mr Moniz added that there are four components that make up the retail price of food items – cost, freight, tax and markup.
“Built into that markup are indirect expenses that go toward running the business … and like Spencer said, we’re dealing in very small percentages of profit.”
For more on this discussion, watch the Cost of Living Summit live stream, here.
Fintech webinar on Friday will focus on the intersection of data privacy and AI
Image supplied
Government press release: The Economic Development Department (EDD) is pleased to announce the upcoming Fintech Webinar Series 2025 session, scheduled for Friday, 27 June 2025, at 12:00 pm. This instalment will feature Dr. Marisa Stones and Lovette Tannock and focus on the intersection of data privacy and artificial intelligence. The speakers will explore how the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) supports innovation in Bermuda’s digital economy. The virtual session will explore key topics, including: – PIPA and emerging technologies – Enabling the digital economy and cross-border data transfers – The implications of AI-driven decision-making under PIPA – Responsible AI use in the space. Dr. Marisa Stones says, “This event supports Bermuda’s Economic Development Strategy by promoting informed engagement with emerging technologies, supporting regulatory clarity, and driving the adoption of ethical innovation.” Lovette Tannock says: “Companies in the digital asset space must protect the personal information collected during their business. As Bermudians who are keen to see how Bermuda is going to develop in both the privacy and fintech space, we are excited to explore how digital asset businesses are grappling with managing personal information and data, both in compliance with the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and with the laws of other jurisdictions.” The webinar is open to the public, and those interested are encouraged to register early via the following link: EDD Webinar Series.
About the Economic Development Department (EDD): The EDD is dedicated to advancing Bermuda’s economy through innovation, policy development, and industry support. By fostering an environment for digital transformation, the Department plays a key role in ensuring Bermuda remains at the forefront of global economic trends. For more information, visit: www.gov.bm/department/economic-development-department
By Margaret Giloth, Founder and President, Phenomenal People
Too often, girls are underestimated and overlooked. Phenomenal People was founded in 2006 with a fierce determination to flip that narrative. We are more than just a girls’ club; we are a movement to foster strong, caring relationships and pass on the strength and values of Bermuda’s heritage to the next generation.
In Bermuda, our girls are over twice as likely to report elevated symptoms of anxiety compared to their male counterparts. (Cavanagh et al., 2025). This can happen because girls often go through puberty earlier, worry more about fitting in, and have fewer resources to handle stress. Without the proper support, these challenges can harm their confidence, health and future opportunities. There is a pressing need for gender-responsive programmes that build self-esteem, confidence, and emotional resilience – critical protective factors for positive youth development. We need programs made just for girls—programs that build self-esteem, courage, and emotional strength.
That’s where Phenomenal People’s DREAM Girls Club comes in. We create a safe space for girls ages 9 to 17 to be seen, heard, and supported. Through educational workshops, talks, and fun events, girls come together to grow and dream big. Our DREAM Girls Mentoring and Scholarship Programs help guide them toward brighter futures with the scaffolding they need. We are empowering the next generation of female Bermudian leaders. Last year, we reached over 278 girls.
Five of our DREAM Girls earned scholarships to Bermuda College and universities overseas. But our impact goes beyond numbers.
DREAM Girl Daniela Buglione, now a digital marketing expert, said: “I first came to Girls Club just to pick up a friend. I never expected it would change my life. I learned so much that still helps me today, especially as a woman. Coming back now as a mentor helps me grow even more and give back to others….I want to support the other girls the way I was supported.”
Another DREAM Girl, Mackenzie Costa, now a professional graphic designer, shared: “I want to thank the Phenomenal People / Dream Girls Club for supporting my career goals and believing in me.”
When we invest in girls, they rise-and they bring others with them.
Our vision is bold: to serve the community by fostering and nurturing the next generation of female leaders. Our goal is to help even more girls find their voice and purpose. But we cannot do this work alone. We need help from the whole community—parents, volunteers, donors, teachers, and professionals.
Here’s how you can help: volunteer your time or skills, sponsor a workshop or event, donate to support a girl’s education or just spread the word about our work.
Phenomenal girls don’t just happen – they’re nurtured by phenomenal communities. They grow when we believe in them, stand by them, and lift them up.
Let’s work together to create a brighter future, one girl at a time.
For more information about Phenomenal People, please visit: www.phenomenalpeoplebda.com
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.
FILE PHOTO: A smartphone with a displayed YouTube logo is placed on a computer motherboard in this illustration taken February 23, 2023. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
Australia’s internet watchdog and YouTube exchanged barbs on Tuesday after the regulator urged the government to reverse a planned exemption for the Alphabet-owned video-sharing platform from its world-first teen social media ban.
The quarrel adds an element of uncertainty to the December rollout of a law being watched by governments and tech leaders around the world as Australia seeks to become the first country to fine social media firms if they fail to block users aged under 16.
The centre-left Labor government of Anthony Albanese has previously said it would give YouTube a waiver, citing the platform’s use for education and health. Other social media companies such as Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok have argued such an exemption would be unfair.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said she wrote to the government last week to say there should be no exemptions when the law takes effect. She added that the regulator’s research found 37% of children aged 10 to 15 reported seeing harmful content on YouTube – the most of any social media site.
“This is not a fair fight where our kids are concerned, vis-a-vis social media sites,” Inman Grant told the National Press Club in Sydney.
She said social media companies deployed “persuasive design features” like recommendation-based algorithms and notifications to keep users online and “YouTube has mastered those, opaque algorithms driving users down rabbit holes they’re powerless to fight against”.
YouTube, in a blog post, accused Inman Grant of giving inconsistent and contradictory advice, which discounted the government’s own research which found 69% of parents considered the video platform suitable for people under 15.
“The eSafety commissioner chose to ignore this data, the decision of the Australian Government and other clear evidence from teachers and parents that YouTube is suitable for younger users,” wrote Rachel Lord, YouTube’s public policy manager for Australia and New Zealand.
Inman Grant, asked about surveys supporting a YouTube exemption, said she was more concerned “about the safety of children and that’s always going to surpass any concerns I have about politics or being liked or bringing the public onside”.
A spokesperson for Communications Minister Anika Wells said the minister was considering the online regulator’s advice and her “top priority is making sure the draft rules fulfil the objective of the Act and protect children from the harms of social media”.
Major buyers include China, the United States, Britain, the European Union and the Middle East
FILE PHOTO: Sheep run into a holding pen at a farm near Delegate, in New South Wales, Australia, November 19, 2023. REUTERS/Peter Hobson/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
Australian sheep farmers are cashing in on record-high sheep prices, as rising global demand for lamb and mutton fuels a boom in exports from the world’s top sheep meat supplier.
Prices are likely to rise further in the coming years as production in New Zealand, Australia’s biggest sheep meat export rival, stagnates, analysts said.
“We’ve seen waves of higher and higher pricing as export demand and our market share has grown,” said Matt Dalgleish, a livestock and meat analyst at consultants Episode 3.
While there will be seasonal price volatility, he said, “until the underlying pressure of limited supply and strong growth in demand changes, there should be more good times ahead for Australian producers.”
Australia last year exported 702,000 metric tons of lamb, mutton and goat meat worth $3.6 billion, almost 200,000 tons more than in 2019, previously the biggest export year.
Shipments in the first four months of this year were 10% higher than during the same period in 2024, Australian trade data show.
Processors’ need for animals pushed the price of heavy lambs to record highs of nearly A$11 ($7.14) a kilogram last week, up 50% from the same time last year, according to a national price indicator compiled by industry body Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).
China is the biggest importer of sheep meat. Other major buyers include the United States, Britain, the European Union and the Middle East.
Rising incomes and populations are fuelling demand for sheep meat, and high beef prices, especially in the United States, are encouraging people to switch to lamb and mutton, Dalgleish said.
Helping Australia take advantage of that growth is an ongoing decline in New Zealand’s sheep industry. The two countries account for more than 80% of global sheep meat exports, according to MLA.
The number of sheep in Australia grew in recent years, allowing farmers to better supply processors, but New Zealand’s flock has shrunk every year since 2012, according to the country’s statistics agency – something New Zealand farmers say is partly due to the conversion of grazing land to pine forests that earn carbon credits.
“New Zealand is the other major global exporter,” said Angus Gidley-Baird, an analyst at Rabobank. “Its production is stagnating or retracting. So any growth in global demand is Australia’s opportunity for the taking.”
Part of a plan for Britain to take on more responsibility for European security
FILE PHOTO: A Lockheed Martin F-35A fighter jet performs during an exhibition flight at the 55th International Paris Airshow at Le Bourget Airport near Paris, France, June 16, 2025. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
Britain said it would buy a dozen F-35A fighter jets capable of firing tactical nuclear weapons in what it described as the biggest expansion of its nuclear deterrent in a generation.
The purchase of the Lockheed Martin jets would allow Britain’s air force to carry nuclear weapons for the first time since the end of the Cold War, Downing Street said.
“In an era of radical uncertainty we can no longer take peace for granted,” Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement.
Britain’s nuclear deterrent is currently limited to the continuous deployment of at least one nuclear-armed submarine patrolling at sea.
Starmer’s government is increasing defence spending and upgrading its military forces, including its submarine fleet, as it faces increasing hostility from Russia and as the United States retrenches from its traditional role as a defender of Europe.
The announcement by Britain on expanding its nuclear deterrence was made at a NATO summit in The Hague where European members are set to agree an ambitious new target to spend 5% of national income on defence and security.
The U.S. will supply B61 tactical nuclear weapons for use on the planes as part of a plan for Britain to take on more responsibility for European security, said a British official who declined to be named.
Britain said the purchase of the jets would allow it to contribute so-called dual-capable aircraft to NATO to carry nuclear weapons in the event of a conflict.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said “this is yet another robust British contribution to NATO”.
NEW CAPABILITY
The cost of each F-35A jet is about 80 million pounds ($109 million), putting the total bill for the 12 planes at just under 1 billion pounds, according to another British official, who asked not to be named.
Britain’s nuclear deterrent currently rests solely on the Trident submarine-based system, which misfired during a test last year, the second successive test failure after one veered off course in 2016.
The last time Britain possessed an independent air-launched nuclear capability was in 1998 when the WE-177 free fall bomb was withdrawn from service, according to Britain’s parliament.
Tactical nuclear weapons are intended for battlefield use, as opposed to strategic weapons designed to be fired across vast distances.
By purchasing the F-35A fighter jets, Britain would be able to diversify its military options and align more closely with NATO allies such as France, and the United States, which maintains land, sea, and air-based nuclear capabilities.
The United States withdrew its last nuclear weapons from Britain in 2008, in a sign at that time that the threat of conflict following the end of the Cold War was receding.
Downing Street said buying the new jets would support about 20,000 jobs in Britain and underline its commitment to NATO.
The government has pledged to boost overall defence and security spending to 5% of economic output by 2035 to meet a NATO target and said on Tuesday it must “actively prepare” for war at home for the first time in years.
($1 = 0.7342 pounds)
Reporting by Andrew MacAskill; Editing by Hugh Lawson and Andrew Heavens
FILE PHOTO: A road users information sign is seen at the new extended boundary of London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) zone, in Ickenham, outer London, Britain, August 22, 2023. REUTERS/Toby Melville/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
Britain must cut its electricity prices to speed up the adoption of emission curbing technology, such as electric vehicles and heat pumps, to meet its climate targets, the country’s climate advisers said in a progress report on Wednesday.
Britain aims to reach net zero emissions by 2050, which will require the electrification of sectors such as heat and transport, now mostly powered by fossil fuels, while it is also grappling with high electricity costs.
“By far the most important recommendation we have for the government is to reduce the cost of electricity both for households and businesses,” Piers Forster, interim chair of the Committee on Climate Change said, in a briefing on the annual report.
“If we want the country to benefit from the transition to electrification, we have to see it reflected in the utility bills,” he said.
Britain’s energy regulator Ofgem, which sets a cap on domestic energy prices, reduced the limit by 7% from July. However it remains around 50% above levels in the summer of 2021, before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine sent gas prices soaring and sparked an energy crisis in Europe.
The Committee publishes annual reports about the government’s progress towards its climate targets.
With more action, Britain can achieve a 68% reduction in emissions between 1990 and 2030, it has pledged under the Paris climate agreement, the report said.
It made 43 priority recommendations including lowering energy costs, speeding up grid connections for new clean power projects, introducing regulations mandating only low-carbon heating systems for new homes, and publishing a net zero skills action plan.
Britain’s emissions have already fallen around 54% from 1990 thanks to increased renewable power capacity and the closure of its coal-fired power plants.
Reporting By Susanna TwidaleEditing by Tomasz Janowski
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