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Minister unveils revised work permit policy; seeks public feedback

Alisa Bernardo
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Minister unveils revised work permit policy; seeks public feedback

The deadline for the consultative process is July 4

Bermuda’s Work Permit Policy is being refreshed and will go under the public microscope for a month.

The aim is to streamline the system, support the island’s efforts to attract new business and stimulate economic growth, and in the long run, decrease application processing times.

The policy was last updated in 2017, with the Minister of Economy and Labour, Jason Hayward stating that it was overdue for revisions.

Here he outlines some of the main new changes:

  • “Processing of Standard Work Permits (Policy 1.1) has been increased from 20 working days to 30 working days reflecting a more realistic processing timeframe. It was evident that the Work Permits team could not consistently meet 20 working days, leading to a backlog of applications and unhappy customers.
  • The policy also includes, in Policy 1.7, the expectation that employers will fill jobs with Bermudians being placed first amongst all other categories of workers.
  • All persons (not just Portuguese nationals) will be required to have a working knowledge of the English language and the burden of proof to ensure that they do will rest with employers.
  • The policy regulating business visitors has been expanded in Policy 2.2 to include utilizing someone for a non-profit organization, a registered charity or a religious institution, such as a sports coach, clergy, or a speaker.”

During the past fiscal year, more than 10,000 work permit-related applications were processed – a figure that Minister Hayward believes may be reduced going forward.

This is because his Ministry is emphasising that short-term work permits are no longer to serve as a bridge for standard work permits – with employers to determine their needs upfront.

“I believe we may have a reduction of submissions because a lot of the submissions are duplicate submissions,” explained Minister Hayward. “So persons will submit a short term and then submit a standard permit. We want to get away from persons utilising short terms as a bridge to long term standard permits, and persons just submitting the standard permit that they desire.”

Alongside the new Work Permit Policy is ongoing digitisation undertaken within the Department of Immigration that is to be rolled out in stages to ensure efficiencies for customers and staff.

Minister Hayward said, “The work will be undertaken in phases with the first phase being work permit applications. Ultimately, it is anticipated that processing times for applications will decrease, and customers will be able to track applications through the system via a dashboard.”

He continued. “I encourage all employers, work permit holders, agents, and the public to participate in the consultative process – carefully read the Work Permit Policy 2025 and submit clear and relevant feedback – by responding through forum.gov.bm between 5 June and 4 July 2025.”

Minister Hayward said all feedback will be considered before the policy document is finalised and goes into effect on September 1.

Full press statement made by Minister Hayward below.

Good afternoon, everyone,

Today, I can advise that the update of the Department of Immigration’s Work Permit Policy 2025 will be available for public feedback for approximately a month, between 5 June 2025 and 4 July 2025.

One of the Government’s goals is to ensure the proper balance between employment and immigration in Bermuda. This includes having in place realistic conditions that enable Bermudians to find work and pursue career opportunities while ensuring that suitably qualified non-Bermudians in specific job categories are permitted to work in Bermuda.

During the past fiscal year, the Department of Immigration processed more than 10,000 work permit-related applications. Its work is guided by both the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Act 1956 (Part V) and the Work Permit Policy. The Work Permit Policy, in particular, provides detailed guidance to employers, work permit holders, and agents who submit work permit applications. It also assists Bermudians with understanding what is expected of employers, i.e. for job promotions, job title changes, and advertisements. Last updated in 2017, the Policy was overdue for revisions to ensure its relevance to the current employment requirements in Bermuda. 

With this in mind, the Ministry, in conjunction with the Department of Immigration, undertook a comprehensive review of the Work Permit Policy over the past two years. Input was sought from key stakeholders, including the Board of Immigration, the Department’s Work Permits and Compliance Sections, and industry partners. The review aimed to:  

  1. clarify areas where interpretation was too wide and varied,  
  1. streamline policies where appropriate,  
  1. introduce new policies to address emerging needs,  
  1. establish realistic processing timelines,  
  1. ensure transparency and fairness, and,  
  1. support Bermuda’s efforts to attract new business and stimulate economic growth.  

The revised Policy is intended to improve the quality and completeness of initial work permit submissions, thereby reducing and ideally eliminating the need for resubmissions and processing delays. Ultimately, the Department aims to consistently process all work permit applications within the published timelines. 

Without elaboration here, the following new policies are included in the 2025 Work Permit Policy document: 

  • 1.19 Guidelines for Submitting Photos 
  • 1.20 Guidelines for Submitting Police Certificates 
  • 3.7 Family Office Permit 
  • 4.8 Guidelines for Amending the Dates of a Work Permit 
  • 5.1 Sponsored Dependents Residing and Working in Bermuda 
  • 6.4 Applications to Reside 
  • 7.15 Secondments 
  • 7.16 Layoffs 

Other significant changes comprise the following: 

  1. Processing of Standard Work Permits (Policy 1.1) has been increased from 20 working days to 30 working days reflecting a more realistic processing timeframe. It was evident that the Work Permits team could not consistently meet 20 working days, leading to a backlog of applications and unhappy customers. 
  1. The policy also includes, in Policy 1.7, the expectation that employers will fill jobs with Bermudians being placed first amongst all other categories of workers. 
  1. All persons (not just Portuguese nationals) will be required to have a working knowledge of the English language and the burden of proof to ensure that they do will rest with employers. Refer to Policy 1.8. 
  1. The policy regulating business visitors has been expanded in Policy 2.2 to include utilizing someone for a non-profit organization, a registered charity or a religious institution, such as a sports coach, clergy, or a speaker. 
  1. Short Term Work Permits will no longer serve as a bridge for Standard Work Permits. This means that employers must determine their business needs upfront, i.e. whether they need a work permit holder for a short period only (1-6 months) or for a longer term (1 year or more). If an employer is likely to require a work permit holder for more than 6 months, they must apply for a Standard Work Permit of at least 1-year validity. Note that applications may still be made for Emergency Short-Term Work Permits. Refer to Policy 3.1 as read with Policy 3.3. 
  1. A new Family Office Permit has been introduced in Policy 3.7 in alignment of with Bermuda’s new Family Office Framework. 
  1. Statutory bodies (Policy 3.12) will have 15 working days to review applications and provide a response to the Minister. The number of days has increased from 10 working days as this timeframe was also not consistently met.  
  1. Salary bands for Sponsored Dependents (Policy 5.1) have been enhanced to exclude the work permit holders and spouses from the household profile and a new salary band has been added for households of four or more dependents. It is also made clear that spouses are not deemed to be sponsored dependents. Only unmarried partners and children are classified as dependents.  

The Bermuda public will be aware of the ongoing digitalisation project in the Department of Immigration. Although it is currently in its early stages, its design and implementation will include an assessment of the Department’s business processes so that the resulting automation and digitisation are efficient and effective for customers and staff. The work will be undertaken in phases with the first phase being work permit applications. Ultimately, it is anticipated that processing times for applications will decrease, and customers will be able to track applications through the system via a dashboard.  

I encourage all employers, work permit holders, agents, and the public to participate in the consultative process – carefully read the Work Permit Policy 2025 and submit clear and relevant feedback – by responding through forum.gov.bm between 5 June and 4 July 2025.  

Following the consultation period, all feedback will be considered, and the Work Permit Policy document will be finalised, prior to its coming into effect on September 1, 2025. 

Thank you.  

You can read the Work Permit Policy in full below.

DOI Work Permit PolicyDownload

Germany to boost military by up to 60,000 troops under new NATO targets

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Germany to boost military by up to 60,000 troops under new NATO targets

NATO chief Mark Rutte only gave a rough outline of the gaps a new alliance seeks to plug

FILE PHOTO: German army servicemen participate in the Quadriga 2024 military exercise in Pabrade, Lithuania May 29, 2024. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins/File Photo

International news via Reuters:

Germany needs up to 60,000 additional troops under new NATO targets for weapons and personnel, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on Thursday, as the alliance beefs up its forces to respond to what it sees as an increased threat from Russia.

“We are stepping up to our responsibility as Europe’s largest economy,” Pistorius told reporters ahead of a meeting with his NATO counterparts in Brussels that signed off on the new targets.

The fresh demands are tailored to the alliance’s new defence plans – thousands of pages of secret documents drawn up for the first time since the end of the Cold War – that detail how allied forces would respond to a Russian attack on NATO. 

Translating these plans into the military tools needed, NATO found severe shortfalls in various areas – ranging from large formations of combat-ready ground troops to long-range weapons, sufficient ammunition stockpiles and secure communications. 

Pointing to the secret nature of the targets, NATO chief Mark Rutte only gave a rough outline of the gaps the alliance seeks to plug. 

“We have to invest in our air defence systems, we have to invest in our long-range missiles, we have to invest in our manoeuvrable land-formations, command and control systems – all of this has to happen,” Rutte told reporters, adding that all this would require huge investments.

In total, the Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed forces, will need roughly 50,000 to 60,000 additional active soldiers across all branches of the military, said Pistorius. This would put the future strength of Germany’s armed forces at between 250,000 and 260,000 troops. 

BIG CHALLENGE

Last week, Reuters reported that NATO would ask Germany to provide seven more army brigades alone, or some 40,000 troops. Sources, who all spoke on condition of anonymity, put the target for the total number of brigades that NATO allies will have to provide in future at between 120 and 130, a hike of some 50% from the current target of around 80 brigades.

Recruiting tens of thousands of extra troops will be a big challenge for Berlin, however, and will likely spark a fresh debate on whether conscription – suspended in 2011 – should be reintroduced. 

The Bundeswehr has not yet met a target of 203,000 troops set in 2018, and is currently short-staffed by some 20,000 regular troops, according to defence ministry data.

Pistorius said the government would be faced with the question of whether the voluntary military service it aims to introduce will be sufficient to fill the Bundeswehr’s ranks.

Still, he warned that the military currently could not absorb a larger number of conscripts due to a lack of barracks and trainers.

“Until we have such capacities, we’ll have a voluntary service – and maybe beyond that if we are an attractive employer and win enough young men and women for the military who agree to serve for a longer time.”

In a major shift, Germany recently loosened its debt brake to enable a surge in defence and backed Rutte’s plan to hike NATO’s spending target to 5% of GDP.

Reporting by Sabine Siebold, Benoit Van Overstreaten and Lili Bayer; Writing by Charlotte Van Campenhout; Editing by Makini Brice, Alexandra Hudson and Gareth Jones

Venezuela’s government on Thursday rejected new U.S. visa measures targeting its citizens, saying they were part of a political “campaign of stigmatization and criminalization”.

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Venezuela’s government on Thursday rejected new U.S. visa measures targeting its citizens, saying they were part of a political “campaign of stigmatization and criminalization”.

The Venezuelan government has repeatedly warned its citizens against travel to the United States

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks as he attends a “Summer Soiree” held on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 4, 2025. REUTERS/Leah Millis

International news via Reuters:

Venezuela’s government on Thursday rejected new U.S. visa measures targeting its citizens, saying they were part of a political “campaign of stigmatization and criminalization”.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation on Wednesday banning citizens of 12 countries from the United States and partially restricting entry of people from seven other places, including Venezuela.

The Venezuelan government has repeatedly warned its citizens against travel to the United States, saying in the Thursday statement there are no minimum guarantees of respect or fair treatment for its citizens there.

Reporting by Vivian SequeraWriting by Julia Symmes Cobb

Trump and Xi agree to more talks as trade disputes brew

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Trump and Xi agree to more talks as trade disputes brew

The United States has identified China as its top geopolitical and economic rival

FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump meets with China’s President Xi Jinping at the start of their bilateral meeting at the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, June 29, 2019. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo

International news via Reuters:

U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping confronted weeks of brewing trade tensions and a battle over critical minerals in a rare leader-to-leader call on Thursday that left key issues to further talks.

During the more than one-hour-long call, Xi told Trump to back down from trade measures that roiled the global economy and warned him against threatening steps on Taiwan, according to a Chinese government summary.

But Trump said on social media that the talks focused primarily on trade led to “a very positive conclusion,” announcing further lower-level U.S.-China discussions, and that “there should no longer be any questions respecting the complexity of Rare Earth products.”

He later told reporters: “We’re in very good shape with China and the trade deal.”

The leaders also invited each other to visit their respective countries.

The highly anticipated call came in the middle of a dispute between Washington and Beijing in recent weeks over “rare earths” minerals that threatened to tear up a fragile truce in the trade war between the two biggest economies. It was not clear from either countries’ statements that the issue had been resolved.

A U.S. delegation led by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will meet with their Chinese counterparts “shortly at a location to be determined,” Trump said on social media. 

The countries struck a 90-day deal on May 12 to roll back some of the triple-digit, tit-for-tat tariffs they had placed on each other since Trump’s January inauguration.

Though stocks rallied, the temporary deal did not address broader concerns that strain the bilateral relationship, from the illicit fentanyl trade to the status of democratically governed Taiwan and U.S. complaints about China’s state-dominated, export-driven economic model.

Since returning to the White House in January, Trump has repeatedly threatened an array of punitive measures on trading partners, only to revoke some of them at the last minute. The on-again, off-again approach has baffled world leaders and spooked business executives.

Major U.S. stock indexes were higher on Thursday.

China’s decision in April to suspend exports of a wide range of critical minerals and magnets continues to disrupt supplies needed by automakers, computer chip manufacturers and military contractors around the world.

Beijing sees mineral exports as a source of leverage – halting those exports could put domestic political pressure on the Republican U.S. president if economic growth sags because companies cannot make mineral-powered products.

The 90-day deal to roll back tariffs and trade restrictions is tenuous. Trump has accused China of violating the agreement and has ordered curbs on chip-design software and other shipments to China. Beijing rejected the claim and threatened counter-measures.

“The U.S. side should take a realistic view of the progress made and withdraw the negative measures imposed on China,” the Chinese government said in a statement summarizing Xi’s call with Trump published by the state-run Xinhua news agency. “Xi Jinping emphasized that the United States should handle the Taiwan issue prudently.”

TOP RIVALS

In recent years, the United States has identified China as its top geopolitical rival and the only country in the world able to challenge the U.S. economically and militarily.

Despite this and repeated tariff announcements, Trump has spoken admiringly of Xi, including of the Chinese leader’s toughness and ability to stay in power without the term limits imposed on U.S. presidents.

Trump has long pushed for a call or a meeting with Xi, but China has rejected that as not in keeping with its traditional approach of working out agreement details before the leaders talk.

The U.S. president and his aides see leader-to-leader talks as vital to sort through log-jams that have vexed lower-level officials in difficult negotiations.

Thursday’s call came at Trump’s request, China said.

It’s not clear when the two men last spoke.

Both sides said they spoke on Jan. 17, days before Trump’s inauguration and Trump has repeatedly said that he had spoken to Xi since taking office on Jan. 20. He has declined to say when any call took place or to give details of their conversation. China had said that the two leaders had not had any recent phone calls.

The talks are being closely watched by investors worried that a chaotic trade war could disrupt supply chains in the key months before the Christmas holiday shopping season. Trump’s tariffs are the subject of ongoing litigation in U.S. courts.

Trump has met Xi on several occasions, including exchange visits in 2017, but they have not met face to face since 2019 talks in Osaka, Japan.

Xi last traveled to the U.S. in November 2023, for a summit with then-President Joe Biden, resulting in agreements to resume military-to-military communications and curb fentanyl production.

Reporting by Xiuhao Chen, Yukun Zhang and Ryan Woo in Beijing; Trevor Hunnicutt, David Brunnstrom, Michael Martina and Andrea Shalal in Washington; editing by Philippa Fletcher, Chizu Nomiyama and Franklin Paul

Chairman of UK’s right-wing Reform party resigns

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Chairman of UK’s right-wing Reform party resigns

The Reform Party was founded 6 years ago as The Brexit Party Limited

Zia Yusuf, Chairman of the Reform party, looks on as he is interviewed by the media on the day of the Runcorn and Helsby by-election, in Widnes, Britain, May 1, 2025. REUTERS/Phil Noble/File Photo

Zia Yusuf, the chairman of Britain’s right-wing Reform UK party, has resigned, he said on X.

“I no longer believe working to get a Reform government elected is a good use of my time, and hereby resign the office,” Yusuf said.

Reporting by Sachin Ravikumar; editing by William James

Independent candidate: ‘I’m NOT part of new coalition’

Gary Foster Skelton
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Independent candidate: ‘I’m NOT part of new coalition’

Noelle Young corrects PIC’s member list; says she is not affiliated with any political party

Noelle Young (file photo)

Fledgling political movement, the People’s Independent Coalition, has ostensibly lost a member less than a day after its launch.

Noelle Young, who stood as an independent election candidate in C14 Devonshire North West, was among the list of twelve members the PIC provided to Bermuda Broadcasting when the coalition was announced on Wednesday.

However, Ms Young has been quick to distance herself from association with any combined political body, while remaining available for collaboration, and supportive of those working towards positive change.

In a press release, Ms Young said, “I would like to clarify that I am NOT a member of the People’s Independent Coalition (PIC), nor am I affiliated with any actual political party at this time.”

“While I respect and support everyone who is working toward a better Bermuda, it is important to correct the record following today’s press release and subsequent news broadcast which mentioned my name.”

Following the February 18th General Election, Ms Young, a sustainability activist, says she has offered advice in meetings with the PLP and independent candidates from the PIC. She says she also remains open to collaboration with the OBA and the FDM.

Ms Young says, “I urge all of Bermuda’s leaders (whether elected, independent, or community advocates) to work together.”

“The challenges we face demand it. Embrace knowledge-sharing, and build bridges, not just between political groups, but between generations and across oceans.”

Noelle Young’s full statement is below…

I would like to clarify that I am NOT a member of the People’s Independent Coalition (PIC), nor am I affiliated with any actual political party at this time. While I respect and support everyone who is working toward a better Bermuda, it is important to correct the record following today’s press release and subsequent news broadcast which mentioned my name.

As a sustainability solutionist, activist, and mother, my work is rooted in diplomacy, advocacy, and collaboration. I am happy to consult with any individual or organization focused on serving the needs of our island and her people.

Post election, I have been privileged to offer information and advice in meetings with Ministers who represent the Progressive Labour Party (PLP) and independent candidates from the Peoples Independent Coalition (PIC). I still remain open to collaboration with the One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) and Free Democratic Movement (FDM), and look forward to engagement with them in future.

I will continue my work in human and environmental rights, with distinct focus on empowering young Bermudians and those who are differently abled. In that pursuit, I truly believe Bermuda can draw inspiration from Japan.

As island nations, Japan and Bermuda have several similarities and share an urgent need for forward thinking strategies. As I stated in recent meetings with representatives of the Government of Bermuda – I believe there is a beautiful parallel that should be explored between the two countries especially in efforts around food security, clean energy, waste management, and cultural preservation.

I had the privilege of being chosen to speak with the Japanese Minister of Environment at COP29 where he invited me to share ideas about how I thought Japan could support Bermuda. I spoke to him about knowledge sharing and my hope for collaboration on the following high value opportunities:

Public Health Improvements

Japan is globally recognized for its high life expectancy, preventative healthcare practices, and incorporating environmental health into the framework of public health legislation. These models can help inform Bermuda’s efforts to create healthier, more sustainable communities, particularly through improved nutrition, wellness infrastructure, and access to clean water.

Cultural Preservation Must Co-Exist with Innovation

Japan is a global example of how tradition and progress can co-exist. As Bermuda modernizes its infrastructure, energy systems, and economy, Japan could offer valuable insights on how to do so while preserving our national identity and cultural heritage, which are especially important within our tourism and education sectors.

Food Security Solutions

Japan’s advancements in vertical farming, controlled-environment agriculture, marine food systems, and sustainable aquaculture could directly support Bermuda in building a more self-reliant and environmentally-resilient food system.

Green/Blue Growth Integration

Japan’s success in combining economic development with environmental sustainability offers Bermuda a roadmap for inclusive and innovation-led growth. Through bilateral cooperation, Bermuda could accelerate its carbon neutrality targets while creating new jobs and future-focused industries.

Renewable Energy Advancement

Japan is a global leader in renewable energy technologies, including solar, offshore wind, hydrogen, and Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC). Partnering with Japan can support Bermuda’s energy transition by providing access to proven technologies, technical training, and policy guidance tailored to small islands. This is particularly relevant as Bermuda scales its Renewable Energy Sandbox and explores viable solutions beyond intermittent sources like solar and wind.

Sustainable Trade and Electric Vehicles

Japan’s robust economy and technological strength could offer Bermuda an opportunity to build more resilient systems, reducing reliance on volatile imports and fossil fuels, while also opening up access to new investment and trade opportunities.

As Bermuda moves toward the adoption of electric vehicles and reduced emissions from transport, Japan’s leadership in Electric Vehicle manufacturing, battery systems, and smart transport infrastructure presents clear avenues for trade and technological cooperation. Engaging Japan could also present opportunities to access other goods and services.

Collaboration with Japan would serve not only as a strategic partnership, but also as a suitable values-aligned model. An ideal collaborator as Bermudian leaders continue to listen, learn and chart our islands unique path forward.

In closing, I urge all of Bermuda’s leaders (whether elected, independent, or community advocates) to work together. The challenges we face demand it. Embrace knowledge-sharing, and build bridges, not just between political groups, but between generations and across oceans.

Minister Tinee Furbert encouraging seniors to attend BELCO event

Grae Minors
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Minister Tinee Furbert encouraging seniors to attend BELCO event

Event slated for 11am Monday the 9th of June at St. Paul’s AME Church

The Government’s Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors partnering with the Bermuda Cricket Board and CG Insurance to host ‘Power Up / Power Down with BELCO’ event for seniors.

Set for 11am Monday the 9th of June at St. Paul’s AME Church, the forum will focus on topics pertaining to monitoring one’s electricity usage—providing tips that could potentially help seniors save on their monthly utility-spend.

Joined by Bermuda Cricket Board Executive Director Cal Blankendal, Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors Tinee Furbert encouraging Bermuda’s elderly population to attend for practical advice on tracking their electricity usage, plus the opportunity to speak with Caribbean cricket legend Sir Curtly Ambrose.

To RSVP for the ‘Power Up / Power Down with BELCO’ event, call + 1 441 246 7550

Opinion: Progress on housing, despite challenges

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Opinion: Progress on housing, despite challenges

BHC Chair: “Government … is stepping up to the plate to do our part. There are private sector entities that must do more as well.”

Renovations have recently taken place here at Harmony Hall. The Bermuda Housing Corporation says providing affordable housing for Bermudians is a logistical challenge.               Photo supplied

Statement by Thomas Christopher Famous, Chair of The Bermuda Housing Corporation

The unfortunate reality remains that affordable housing for Bermudians is a logistical challenge. We have a growing population with limited land to build on with construction material and labour costs at a very high rate.
Additionally, many landlords have either stopped renting altogether or have converted to vacation rentals. Nevertheless, our mandate of expanding Bermudian access to affordable housing is one our government’s top priorities.
Beyond giving more opportunities to spend less of your pay on housing, we also seek to deliver dignity, and stability to more families.

What we have achieved
Through the hard work of the staff at the Bermuda Housing Corporation (BHC) we have achieved the following:
● Refurbished 68 housing units as part of our commitment to revitalizing existing housing stock.
● HomeStart Programme: In collaboration with Clarien Bank, this initiative assists first-time Bermudian homeowners, with 34 families already benefiting from the programme.

Current Initiatives
Our efforts continue with several key initiatives:
● Initiated new renovation projects, including 12 units at Harmony Terrace East in Paget, 12 units at Battery Road in St. David’s, 5 units at Chelsea Apartments in St. George’s and 4 units in Middletown.
● Private Sector Rental Programme: Privately owned units are being renovated by BHC Contractors and then rented directly to the BHC, ensuring guaranteed rent for landlords and increasing affordable housing options for tenants. Thus far, 25 landlords have qualified for this program. We have capacity for a few more if you are interested contact the BHC directly.

Future Plans
We have implemented the following:
● Decreased the duty on construction related materials down to 10 per cent. This allows homeowners to acquire needed items such as; lumber, tile, lighting fixtures, windows, cabinets, AC Units at reduced costs.
● Investing a further $17 million in the BHC for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The reality is that the government, as shown above, is stepping up to the plate to do our part. There are private sector entities that must do more as well. This is the only way we can achieve affordable housing for Bermudians.

– As well as being Chair of The Bermuda Housing Corporation, Christopher Famous is also the PLP MP for Constituency 11, Devonshire East.


Waldron Drives to Victory and Multiple Podiums at Hoosier Park

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Waldron Drives to Victory and Multiple Podiums at Hoosier Park

Harness Racing

Bermudian driver Kiwon Waldron had a highly productive night at Harrah’s Hoosier Park in Indiana, securing a victory and multiple top-three finishes across a busy schedule of races.

Waldron showcased his consistent form and driving prowess throughout the evening’s Pace and Trot events. His night included a 6th-place finish in RACE 4, guiding Great Flick.

He then had a thrilling photo finish in RACE 7, crossing the line 2nd with Six Sticks Of Gum. This was immediately followed by another 2nd-place finish in RACE 8 with Bunkerhill Lil. The highlight of Waldron’s evening came in RACE 10, as he expertly steered Fiftydallar Tab to victory, claiming 1st place with a winning time of 1 minute, 55 and one-fifth of a second.

Waldron’s busy night continued with a 5th-place finish in RACE 11, another 2nd-place with Firing Onall Fours in RACE 13, and a 3rd-place with Youda Shark in the final race, RACE 14. His consistent top performances, including a victory, two second-place finishes, and a third-place finish, underline his strong form in the competitive harness racing scene at Hoosier Park.

Softball Slugfests Dominate at Michael Preece Diamond

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Softball Slugfests Dominate at Michael Preece Diamond

Softball

The Michael Preece Softball Diamond was alive with the sound of cracking bats last night, as the Bermuda Softball League season continued with three high-scoring encounters. A monumental 95 runs were scored across the triple-header, delighting the fans in attendance.

In the opening game, the Bad News Beers poured on the runs, defeating Team Smokey 23-5. Conor Lohan was the standout, going a perfect 4 for 4 with a home run and a remarkable 6 RBIs.

The second game produced an even higher tally of 33 runs as the Moongate Brewers secured a convincing 23-10 victory over the Kings. Gary Adams led the charge for the Brewers, hitting two home runs and driving in an impressive 7 RBIs.

The final match of the evening was the highest-scoring of the night, yielding 34 runs, as Hakuna Matata enjoyed a rout over the Beach Bums with a 27-7 victory. Brian Hall delivered an exceptional performance, going a perfect 5 for 5 with two home runs and a massive 8 RBIs.

The latest round of Bermuda Softball League action clearly underscores the offensive firepower present in the competition, promising more thrilling and high-scoring games as the season progresses.

Jamel Smith’s Inspiring Runner-Up Finish at World Pool Championships

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Jamel Smith’s Inspiring Runner-Up Finish at World Pool Championships

Pool

Bermuda’s Jamel Smith has achieved a truly remarkable second-place finish in the 8-Ball Sportsman Division at the VNEA World Pool Championships in Las Vegas. His achievement is made even more extraordinary by his personal journey.

Smith, who only took up pool in 2012, has since used the sport as a vital part of his rehabilitation after a life-altering accident in June 2016, which left him with limited use of his left arm. His dedication and perseverance have clearly propelled him to success on the world stage.

In a truly inspiring moment, Smith became only the second Bermudian ever to receive the coveted “Charlie Award,” an honour he was unaware of until it was pointed out by his fellow Bermudian players. He navigated nine rounds in the demanding race-to-three format, demonstrating exceptional skill and composure throughout the tournament.

Sharnelle Turini, President of the Bermuda International Pool League, expressed immense pride, stating, “Jamel represents the hard work and commitment our dedicated players put into the league. Jamel has put Bermuda and the BIPL on the map.” Smith himself admitted, “It hasn’t completely sunk in as yet… I’m so proud to be able to represent myself, the pool league and most importantly our country.” He also paid tribute to the vital support of his family.

Jamel Smith’s story is a powerful testament to resilience, dedication, and the transformative power of sport.

Football: Bermuda crushes Cayman 5-0

Julie Matthews-Borchardt
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Football: Bermuda crushes Cayman 5-0

FIFA World Cup Regional Qualification Match on Wednesday at the Flora Duffy Stadium

In FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, the Gombey Warriors crushed the Cayman Islands at the National Sports Centre last night, by a score of 5 goals to nil. The decisive victory catapulting Team Bermuda from the bottom of Group A to second place behind Honduras.

Zeiko Lewis opened the scoring with a 12th-minute penalty to give Bermuda the early lead. The floodgates opened in the second half, with goals from Djair Parfitt-Williams, Kole Hall, Reggie Lambe, and Julian Carpenter to seal the emphatic win. The result secures a crucial three points for Team Bermuda and keeps their World Cup qualification hopes alive.

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