A call for absentee voting, the need for transparency around hospital spending, and sports news
Op-ed: OBA calls for a closer inspection of hospital’s operational costs
Shadow Health Minister, Robin Tucker asks “where’s the National Health Accounts Report?”
One Bermuda Alliance op-ed via press release:
“Since the implementation of the block grant in 2019, the public has not had a clear picture of Bermuda’s health finances and expenditures. How do we know healthcare funds are being efficiently managed or what the island’s actual healthcare financial position is? The Bermuda Hospitals Board has not made its audited financial statements publicly available since 2020.
“The Bermuda Health Council has not released a National Health Accounts Report, which provides a standardized framework for tracking the island’s healthcare finances and expenditures, since 2020 either. Where is the transparency?” ponders Shadow Health Minister, Robin Tucker.
“Six years ago, the PLP government implemented block grant funding for the hospital. Looking at the government’s budget books, the actual amounts spent to support the hospital for the years between 2019/2020 and 2024/2025 total approximately $795 million. For 2025/2026, $177 million has been budgeted; so, if the hospital spends at least that amount this financial year it will have spent almost $1 billion from the public purse since the funding model was changed.
“Unfortunately, owing to the timing of reporting periods it is unlikely that the public will know the full amount it paid until the 2027/2028 budget cycle.”
MP Tucker questions when will the Bermuda Health Council publish its 2020 Report—years after it was due to be published.
“The presentation of the 2020 Accounts Report has remained ‘in progress’ on the Bermuda Health Council’s website for a few years. Over a year ago, after the OBA submitted requests for updates in the Senate, we were informed that the National Health Report for 2019/2020 was complete at the end of 2021, the Report for 2020/2021 was finalised in 2023 and the delay in releasing them was because the Reports were undergoing final reviews and approvals for release ‘soon’.”
The latest update on the Health Council’s website now shows that Reports for the financial years ending 2019 to 2023 are in progress and that progress is 95% complete.
MP Tucker continues: “This raises other key questions, if the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 reports were complete, what is preventing them from being released?
“Without receiving timely reports how reliable are the financial decisions being made for important health initiatives, such as the recently announced rollout of Universal Healthcare planned for 2026?
“As the hospital’s actual spending under the block grant funding model creeps closer to a billion dollars, we should be demanding greater evidence that the block grant funding model is working and achieving its original objectives. Is it improving health system costs?
“Having current audited financial statements and National Health Accounts on a timely basis is a start to assuring transparency and accountability for how our tax dollars are being used to support healthcare since this is what we all want, don’t we?”
Op-ed: FDM member urges government to implement absentee voting
Says that ‘the time for half measures and vague commitments has passed’
Free Democratic Movement Op-ed via press release:
By Councillor Jahdia Spencer of West Thamesmead Ward in the Royal Borough of Greenwich, London, UK and The Free Democratic Movement’s Youth Democratic Leader
For years, calls for absentee voting have echoed throughout Bermuda’s political landscape. From Dwayne Robinson to Bermuda Youth Connect—and many others, myself included—we have consistently advocated for this fundamental democratic right.
At last, it seems the government is starting to listen. I commend Minister Diallo Rabain for raising this crucial issue well before another election cycle begins. His acknowledgment is a step in the right direction.
But let me be clear: the phrase “very near future” gives me pause—and a serious side-eye. I must remind our leaders that ours is the generation that coined the term gaslighting. We know how to spot vague political language, and we will not allow it to undermine our democracy. What we need are concrete timelines and actionable commitments from now until 2026—not soft promises that could conveniently disappear when the pressure dies down.
This isn’t just a Bermuda issue. Across the globe, democracies are grappling with disenfranchisement, and many have implemented innovative solutions to ensure every citizen’s voice is heard.
Absentee voting is neither revolutionary nor complicated. It is the bare minimum any government should offer to uphold democratic values. And let’s be honest—no one should expect applause for doing the basics. Or, as I like to say more casually: don’t clap for a fish that swims.
We reject political expediency. Our generation was sidelined during the last election, which was called soon after university students returned abroad following the Christmas break. That moment wasn’t just unfortunate—it was disenfranchisement in plain sight. Ensuring accessible voting isn’t an accomplishment; it’s a democratic obligation that should have been in place long ago.
The irony is stark. Our Premier visits Bermudian students in the UK and asks why we don’t return home after graduation—yet our voices remain excluded from the very process that decides our island’s future. So again I ask: how can young Bermudians feel invested in their homeland when they’re shut out of having a say in its direction?
And this isn’t just about students. Bermudians living abroad for work, serving in essential roles, or caring for loved ones overseas face the same obstacle. Many of these citizens still own homes, run businesses, and contribute meaningfully to the island’s economy. They plan to return—but are denied a voice at the ballot box.
As we look ahead to a potential implementation date of September 2026, I call for genuine, cross-party collaboration. This is not a PLP issue, an OBA issue, or an FDM issue. This is a Bermuda issue. Our democracy is strongest when more voices—not fewer—are heard.
To the current government: we, the young people, are watching. We are organized. And we will hold you accountable. September 2026 is not just a deadline—it’s a promise to an entire generation of Bermudians who refuse to accept third-class citizenship in their own democracy.
The time for half-measures and vague commitments has passed. Our democracy demands better. And so do we.
Bermuda Swimmers Making a Splash in Florida
Competing in the at the Planet Swim Summer Championships Team Bermuda has secured one gold, 2 silver and 2 bronze medals.
Brian Desmond clinched his first of 2 silver medals on day one of the meet in the boys 15 and over 100 meters backstroke.
Desmond later teamed up with Caleb Ingham, Logan Jones and Gabriel Maranzana to claim gold in 400 meters medley relay.
Day 2 saw Desmond strike silver again, this time in the boys 15 and over 100 meters freestyle, with Caleb Ingham taking bronze in the same event.
Ingham, meantime also claiming bronze in the boys 15 and over 50 meters freestyle
Nurturing innovation in the public sector
Executive Leadership Programme cited as a milestone achievement in career development
Bermuda Government update via press release:
The Executive Leadership Programme provides targeted development for those at the highest levels of the public service and recently, the Public Service celebrated 24 public officers who successfully completed the transformative programme.
The senior level training and development initiative is designed to prepare participants for roles such as Department Heads and Permanent Secretaries.
The recognition of the 24 public officers is considered a milestone achievement in their career development, and underscores the Government’s commitment to building a modern, high-performing Public Service rooted in excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
The Executive Leadership Programme is delivered in two tiers: the Management Training Programme, completed by seven participants, and the Main Leadership Development Programme, completed by 17 participants. Both levels incorporate a blend of technical knowledge and practical learning experiences through job shadowing, cross-ministry projects, and strategic reassignments.
“The completion of this programme represents more than just personal achievement, it marks a strategic investment in Bermuda’s future,” said Minister Diallo Rabain, JP MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation.
“Our public servants have demonstrated resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to service that will help in creating a more responsive and people-centred Government.”
Cherie Whitter, Head of the Public Service, also offered her congratulations saying, “This programme aligns with our Public Service reform goals and the leadership competencies we are cultivating at the executive level, particularly in innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. The officers should be immensely proud of their accomplishments. Their dedication reflects the very best of public service and the shared ambition we hold to advance a public service that meets challenges and serves people effectively. This achievement not only enhances the professional growth of individual participants but also delivers broad value to the country. By strengthening the capabilities of Bermuda’s senior public servants, the Government is laying the foundation for more innovative policy development, better service delivery, and a more agile and accountable Public Service. The Government of Bermuda congratulates all 24 public officers for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to leadership excellence.”
Two young Bermudians attend 2025 UN Ocean Conference
Representing Bermuda’s youth at a high-level international forum in Nice, France
Bermuda Government update via press release:
The Government of Bermuda London Office is pleased to advise that two young Bermudians, Mr Jasaiah Durham and Mr Matthew Nagel, were selected to attend the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France.
They represented the youth of Bermuda at this high-level international forum, which took place from June 9 – 13, 2025.
The 2025 UN Ocean Conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, convened global stakeholders to accelerate action and mobilize all actors in support of Sustainable Development Goal 14: to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources.
Work with the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA), upon which Bermuda is represented by the Government of Bermuda London Office, uncovered that the UK Overseas Territories contains 94% of the UK’s overall biodiversity. The Government’s presence on UKOTA ensures that such opportunities of benefit to Bermudians are achieved through collective action.
As a result of these efforts, the GO Programme, which is mobilising youth from the European Union Overseas Countries and Territories through its EU-funded Youth Network, has extended its support to include youth from the UK Overseas Territories. The Programme fully sponsored the participation of select UK OT youth delegates, including Mr Durham and Mr Nagel, at the Conference. Youth delegates from Montserrat and Saint Helena were also underwritten to attend.
Mr Durham and Mr Nagel’s significant achievement is the result of sustained and strategic advocacy to ensure that the voices of Bermuda’s youth are heard on the global stage. The Government of Bermuda London Office continues to advocate for opportunities for young Bermudians to engage in international diplomacy and environmental stewardship, and this selection and participation is a tangible outcome of such efforts.
Ms Kimberley Durrant, UK Representative for the Government of Bermuda, said, “I extend sincere congratulations to Mr Durham and Mr Nagel on both their selection and exemplary contribution to the UN Oceans Conference as the youth of UK Overseas Territories. Our continued diplomatic presence allows us to capitalise on these opportunities for young Bermudians to have their voice heard in global dialogues.”
Jasiah Durham said, “The experience allowed me to bring Bermuda’s voice and the voice of small island communities facing disproportionate environmental challenges into critical global discussions on ocean conservation, climate change, and sustainable development. I am deeply proud to have contributed to these conversations and to advocate for stronger international cooperation that ensures the long-term health of our oceans.”
And Matthew Nagel shared, “Bermudians have long led the way in sustainability and the protection of the high seas, and it is critical that we claim our seat at the table for these discussions to ensure that we are not neglected by those who contribute the most to the climate disasters. I am honoured to have represented my home at the third UN Ocean Conference in Nice, and I can’t thank the Green Overseas programme and the Government of Bermuda enough for this opportunity.”
Athletics Stars Shine At The National Championships
Jah-Nai Perinchief, Caitlin Bobb, Tatiana Sousa treat fans to epic performance on Day One
The Bermuda National Athletics Championship got off to flying start on Friday evening at the National Sports Centre’s Flora Duffy Stadium. Much to the delight of local track and field fans, Sprinter Caitlin Bobb were Triple-jumper Jah-Nai Perinchief among those who flew in to compete in the 2025 edition of the annual event. BNAA President Dr Freddie Evans spoke to us before the Day One of the two day-event.
Day one featured 400m national record holder Caitlin Bobb. Coming off a stellar season in the US, Bobb cruised to the title in her specialty the 400m dash, in a time of 53.46 seconds.
Meantime, Jah-Nai Perinchief jumped 15.83 to take the National Championship title while Carifta silver medallist Tatiana Sousa claimed gold in the javelin with a throw of 42.94 meters, just shy of her personal best of 42.24 meters established earlier this year at the Carifta Games in Trinidad and Tobago.
Full results from Day One:
Gombey Festival wins 2025 Best of Bermuda Award for Best Cultural Event
The 2024 festival was held at the Botanical Gardens and featured seven Gombey troupes
Bermuda Government update via press release:
The Department of Culture is proud to announce that the Gombey Festival has been named Best Cultural Event in the 2025 Best of Bermuda Awards, presented by The Bermudian Magazine. This honour recognizes the festival’s vibrant atmosphere, high-quality performances, and its role in spotlighting one of Bermuda’s most beloved traditions.
Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, the Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, MP, shared his appreciation: “The Gombey Festival is more than a performance, it is a powerful celebration of Bermudian identity, unity, and pride. This award showcases the hard work of our Gombey troupes and the Department of Culture in keeping this cherished tradition alive, dynamic, and deeply meaningful to us all.”
The 2024 festival was held at the Botanical Gardens and featured seven Gombey troupes, live performances by local artists and dance groups, a wide variety of food and craft vendors, a community art project in partnership with The Chewstick Foundation, and even a free fun castle for kids. As part of the weekend, the Department also launched the second instalment of its short film series, ‘Gombey Unity’, produced by filmmaker Qian Dickinson, further highlighting the stories behind the performers and their shared dedication to the art form.
The Gombey Festival continues to bring people together and celebrate a living tradition that resonates across generations. The Best of Bermuda award reflects the festival’s growing popularity and its meaningful place in the hearts of the community.
Outstanding youth honoured at 2025 Denton Hurdle Memorial Awards
The awards were established in 1986 in honour of a celebrated Bermudian athlete and educator
Bermuda Government update via press release:
Bermuda’s finest young student-athletes were celebrated at the 2025 Denton Hurdle Memorial Awards, held on the evening of Thursday, 19 June at Warwick Academy. The ceremony, one of the most prestigious in Bermuda’s sporting calendar, recognises the island’s top primary, middle, and senior school athletes who demonstrate exceptional ability in sports, academics, leadership, and community service.
Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, the Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, MP, praised the accomplishments of all nominees, stating, “The Denton Hurdle Awards showcase the spirit of excellence and perseverance that defines our youth. Each student recognised here tonight represents the very best of Bermuda, not just in athleticism, but in their dedication to education, leadership, and positive citizenship. I commend these young individuals for their outstanding achievements and encourage them to continue striving for greatness.”
The Denton Hurdle Awards were established in 1986 in honour of Denton Hurdle, a celebrated Bermudian athlete and educator. Each year, schools across the island nominate one male and one female student from their graduating year who embody sporting excellence and holistic personal development. Awardees must excel in school sports, demonstrate discipline, leadership, academic achievement, and act as role models within their communities.
In the Primary School Division, Keirra Broadley-Samuels of St. George’s Preparatory was named the Girls Winner, with honourable mentions awarded to Aalirah Daniels from Harrington Sound Primary and Zaya Cann Berkeley of West End Primary. The Boys Winner was Owen Fosker of Warwick Academy, while honourable mentions went to Kimmij Simmons of Northlands Primary and Khaleef Daley of Francis Patton Primary.
In the Middle School Division, Avery Taylor of Bermuda High School was named the Girls Winner, with Riana Robinson of The Whitney Institute and Riley Khan of Warwick Academy receiving honourable mentions. Chaz Edmead of Saltus Grammar School took the title of Boys Winner, with Timothy Pearman of The Whitney Institute and De’ari Trott of Warwick Academy also earning honourable mentions.
In the Senior School Division, Carina Bortoli of Somersfield Academy was named the Girls Winner title, with Isabella Sousa of Warwick Academy receiving an honourable mention. The Boys Winner was Khari Sharrieff of The Berkeley Institute, while Alexander Rymon-Lipinski of Mount Saint Agnes Academy received an honourable mention.
The Department of Sport and Recreation, the Bermuda Schools Sports Federation, and participating schools extend heartfelt congratulations to all 2025 nominees and winners for their extraordinary efforts and commitment to excellence.
Emergency Department performance better than international benchmarks for time in emergency
The Bermuda Hospitals Board sharing statistics on emergency room visits and wait times
BHB update via press release:
Friday 20 June 2025: As part of national Emergency Day on 27 May, BHB collated its EmergencyDepartment (ED) data to highlight the achievements of the ED team.
The BHB Emergency Department (ED) team includes doctors, nurses, nurse’s aides, emergency medical technicians, social workers and environmental services and security personnel, as well as all the BHB supporting departments. It is also important to acknowledge others such as our pre-hospital first responders (Bermuda fire and rescue service team and St John’s voluntary emergency medical technicians) and community surgeons in Bermuda who all respond to emergencies or support emergencycare in one form or another.
CEO & President Scott Pearman notes. “As a front-line service, Bermuda Hospitals Board would like to recognise all the dedicated professionals who provide emergency care around the clock. This year has been extremely challenging for the ED. The high number of medically-fit-for-discharge patients in KEMH has caused long wait times for patients waiting for admission to an inpatient unit, and those people waiting in the ED for a bed then fill up the Emergency Department itself. Amazingly, despite this, outside of patients waiting for an inpatient bed, the majority of people are seen and discharged from our ED faster than international benchmarks.
“I would like to thank our ED staff who have continued to care throughout this very challenging year to date and ensure every person in Bermuda got the care they needed.”
Chief of Staff, Anna Neilson-Williams says, “KEMH’s Emergency Department carries a unique responsibility as Bermuda’s only hospital ED, handling every emergency on the island. Despite this challenge, the team consistently delivers care that meets rigorous standards.
“Notably, KEMH is a designated Primary Stroke Centre through a partnership with Johns Hopkins Medicine International. This affiliation has brought global best practices for stroke diagnosis and treatment to Bermuda, ensuring patients receive expert care close to home. Work is also underway with Johns Hopkins to improve our emergency medical response to trauma and burns and improve outcomes for our most seriously injured patients.”
Chief of Emergency, Dr Chikezie Dean Okereke, explains that his department’s ability to meet international benchmarks has continued even through this year’s challenges.
“For the twelve months, April 2024 to March 2025, the ED recorded approximately 29,105 visits, involving about 18,123 individuals, 96% of whom were Bermuda residents. Among them, 1,188 patients presented with life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks, major trauma or severe respiratory distress that required immediate, high-priority care.“About 15,000 other attendances involved urgent but not immediately dangerous conditions — these still required significant resources such as tests, imaging and consultations to diagnose and manage.
“Despite the high volume, the emergency department team consistently delivered timely care. The median time from arrival to triage (initial nurse assessment) was just 14 minutes, and patients who did not require admission typically spent around three hours and eight minutes from registration to treatment and discharge. About 12% of patients were admitted to hospital for further care, while the remainder were safely treated and discharged. It should be noted that internationally, most public emergency departments aim to keep the median time between registration and discharge to within four hours.”
Dr Okereke warns, however, that people shouldn’t use this as a reason to come to hospital instead of seeing their primary care physicians (GPs).
“Just under half our patient are in the lowest two levels of acuity – meaning they have conditions or injuries that do not require Emergency care. They should see their doctor, or if it is the weekend go to the Lamb Foggo and other community urgent care centres.
“For a start, when we are busy, they are taking up our time which should be focused on those who truly need emergency care. Secondly, while our average wait times are and remain generally very good, people who come in with conditions that don’t truly need emergency care will likely wait a lot longer than those who come in with life-threatening injuries and illnesses. So, if you are not that unwell, you will wait longer than the average wait times.”
Keeping patients informed has been a key focus this year. Patients in the waiting room can now see a large display includes the wait times. It also advises how many low, medium and critical care patients there are, and how many are waiting in the department for bed. A KEMH Performance Data Snapshot report is also published every month on the BHB website’s statistics page, with a day-by-day summary of wait times, admissions, outpatient appointments and surgeries.
“We hope the community is proud of its Emergency Department,” says Dr Okereke. “This team is dedicated to your care every day and we are happy we can share our data to highlight the quality of our service.”
Front Street protesters demand: “Free Palestine”
Campaigners briefly closed off city streets as they marched on Saturday
Bermudian talent shines at career expo
More than 300 attend Athene Life Re event
The expo offered attendees opportunities to network, learn from industry leaders and receive feedback on their resumes. Photos supplied
Press release:
Athene Life Re hosted its third annual Athene Life Career Expo on June 18. Over 300 students, recent graduates and seasoned professionals attended the event to learn more about Bermuda’s life and annuity reinsurance industry.
The event offered attendees opportunities to network, learn from industry leaders and receive feedback on their resumes. They also received career guidance from professionals in actuarial science, finance, legal, compliance, IT, business development and operations on how to build a successful career in these fields.
“The Athene Life Career Expo is a testament to the strength of Bermuda’s talent pool,” said Natasha Scotland Courcy, CEO and General Counsel of Athene Life Re. “By connecting emerging talent with industry leaders, we are helping open the door to more than just jobs; we are building pathways to meaningful, long-term careers.”
The long-term value of the Athene Life Career Expo continues to show through success stories like Alyssa Smith’s. She attended in 2024 and is now a Compliance Administrator at Athene. This year, Smith returned as a volunteer at the event and helped others navigate their careers.
“Events like the Athene Life Career Expo are so important, especially for people like me who were still exploring their options,” said Smith. “It gave me a clear view of the variety of roles in the industry and allowed me to hear directly from the professionals doing the work. That kind of firsthand exposure was invaluable.”
A standout moment of the 2025 Athene Life Career Expo was the keynote address by Hazel Clark, a three-time Olympian and six-time U.S. national champion. Clark captivated the audience with a powerful message about resilience and overcoming obstacles.
The event also featured interactive career booths, professional headshots and giveaway prizes, which included a laptop donated by Red Laser and two round-trip economy tickets donated by BermudAir.
The 2025 Athene Life Career Expo was supported by Platinum Sponsor Martello Re, Gold Sponsors Appleby and Sun Life and additional sponsors. For more information about Athene Life Re, visit www.athenelifere.bm.
About Athene
Athene is the leading retirement services company with over $380 billion of total assets as of March 31, 2025, and operations in the United States, Bermuda, Canada, and Japan. Athene is focused on providing financial security to individuals by offering an attractive suite of retirement income and savings products and also serves as a solutions provider to corporations. For more information, please visit www.athene.com.
