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Bermuda Tonight – 19 June 2025
In tonight’s news at 7pm…
- City flags fly half mast in honour late councilor
- Charity gives public schools a supply boost
- Election collaboration talk was no more than talk
- Regiment seeking applicants for recruit camp
Election collaboration talk… was just talk
Months after polls closed, it appears there was never enough agreement between non-PLP candidates to lead to a team-up
The idea of politicians and political hopefuls working together is appealing – but is it realistic?
It has become apparent that all the talk of cross-party partnerships among non-PLP candidates going into the general election didn’t amount to more than just talk.
In the report above, Gary Foster Skelton spoke to some political leaders to get a flavour of what may have happened behind the scenes.
*Responding to our questions on this subject, an FDM spokesperson told Bermuda Broadcasting that their position on collaboration has not changed.
Bermuda represented at Overseas Territories forum
It brought together senior public service leaders from across the territories to address shared challenges and opportunities
The Government of Bermuda issued the following media release.
Last week, Cherie Whitter, Head of the Public Service, represented Bermuda at the British Overseas Territories Deputy Governors and Heads of the Public Service Summit, held in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The annual forum, hosted this year by Her Excellency Anya Williams, Deputy Governor and Head of the Public Service for Turks and Caicos, brought together senior public service leaders from across the territories to address shared challenges and opportunities.
The summit serves as a vital platform for collaboration, enabling leaders to engage in strategic dialogue and problem-solving on issues unique to public service leadership in the Overseas Territories. This year’s agenda focused on several key areas:
The modernisation of job evaluation systems and the development of new grading and salary structures;
Strategies to address recruitment challenges for hard-to-fill positions; and
The integration of Artificial Intelligence to enhance efficiency and service delivery across public sectors.
Following the event, participants took part in the Turks and Caicos Islands Leadership Forum, where the territory launched its Public Service Strategic Plan 2025–2030. A highlight of the forum was a panel discussion on managing large-scale change within the public service, with each leader contributing insights from their own reform experiences.
Reflecting on the series of meetings, Ms. Whitter said, “Both the Summit and the Leadership Forum provided tremendous learning opportunities. The collaborative relationships that have been established with the public services in Cayman, Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, and the Turks and Caicos Islands are invaluable. We are able to share lessons learned, access administrative policy proposals, provide cross-territory secondments, attachments and training opportunities, and essentially lean on our shared experiences for the benefit of our respective Services.”
In an exciting development, the next British Overseas Territories Deputy Governors and Heads of Public Service Summit is expected to be hosted by Bermuda in 2026.
$43k in supplies delivered to public schools
Community initiative aims to bridge the resource gap between public and private classrooms through direct donations
Bermuda’s public school system received a welcome boost this term – more than $43,000 worth of educational supplies and materials thanks to a community-driven initiative.
Support Public Schools, a programme launched in 2018, empowers businesses and individuals to purchase items directly for classrooms, helping improve learning environments across the island.
Since its founding, SPS has funnelled an impressive $630,000 in new school supplies into Bermuda’s public school classrooms, all through the generosity of donors.
Alisa Bernardo visited Harrington Sound Primary School yesterday as boxes of fresh supplies were unpacked by a team of volunteers and smiling students.
Bermuda welcomes Pan Am’s retro-inspired luxury jet tour
Pan American Airways, the iconic airline that once defined the golden age of air travel, has been relaunched not as a commercial carrier but as a luxury private jet tour service rooted in the nostalgic romance of the original Pan Am.
Unlike a typical private jet, the experience takes place aboard a retrofitted Boeing 757-200 redesigned with just 50 lie-flat business class seats in a spacious lounge-style layout.
As part of the revival, attendants wear replica Pan Am uniforms from the 1960s and passengers follow curated itineraries to glamorous, historically inspired destinations including today’s stylish stopover in Bermuda.
The visit was coordinated in partnership with the Bermuda Tourism Authority, adding a touch of retro elegance to the island’s positioning as a sophisticated, culturally rich destination.
BBC Radio News: Thursday Evening – 19 June 2025
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Skillcraft seeks donors for new ‘skilled trades’ programme
Allanette Hayward of Urban Construction Services partners with charity for youth internships
Allanette Hayward is the founder of Urban Construction Services. She has successfully trained more than 100 people, believing that it’s important for local business owners to give back to their communities—especially by helping young people.
Joined by colleague Jeremiah Outerbridge, the two are working with Skillcraft for an upcoming internship programme that sees youth experience working in the trades, gaining firsthand insight and support from industry experts. Upon successful completion of a 13-week job placement, graduates will be awarded with a certification in the trades.
Ms. Hayward wants young Bermudians to understand the options that are available to them. Mr. Outerbridge, who began his career after being afforded an opportunity in high school, has become a mentor to young males seeking professional guidance. Like Ms. Hayward, he believes that guidance and support is crucial to the success of young Bermudians.
Skillcraft has already raised funds to cover the first cohort, but need to raise a further 50 thousand dollars. Skillcraft co-founder Margot Shane appealing to the public and private sector for support.
For more information, including how to register your interest in the trades programme — or to donate — visit skillcraft.bm, email info@skillcraft.bm, or call +1 441 703 9100
Royal Bermuda Regiment accepting applicants for upcoming recruit camp
The recruit camp runs from Sunday the 6th of July through to Friday the 18th of July
Learning to defend our island and acquiring globally transferable skills. The Royal Bermuda Regiment is seeking applicants for their July 2025 recruit camp.
The two week experience will equip a new generation of men and women with the tools needed to serve their country. Major Dwight Robinson, Career Management Officer for the Royal Bermuda Regiment, says hopeful candidates should have a willing spirit.
Gaza violence prompts local ‘peace gathering’
Event takes place on Saturday the 21st of June on the grounds of the Cabinet Office
Press release issued by activists in Bermuda:
The circumstances for the people in Gaza – especially those conditions for children – have been drastically deteriorating, in the light of the blockading of hundreds of Aid Trucks and the ‘handcuffing’ of the United Nations Aid Agency (UNRHA).
There has been a shift in the global community, an expansion of a sense of human solidarity. However, the latest unprecedented unleashing of the dogs of war, involving Iran; has shifted the focus away from the livestreamed tragedy of Gaza.
Here in Bermuda, we are called to exercise the best of our shared legacy – like the liberation of 73 fellow Humans from the USS Enterprise 190 years ago. From that perspective we seek to promote a sane response to evident insanity.
To that end, 25 Bermuda residents are collaborating supporting a Joint Statement; expressing concern, specifically regarding Gaza which reaffirms the UN General Assembly Resolution of June 12 which was supported – by an overwhelming consensus – 149 countries (representing over 6 billion fellow members of the Human Family)
In light of the expansion of war to now include Iran and its unnerving implications, we have reached out to the Island’s Faith Community, inviting them to include special prayers for Peace over this weekend. Additionally, we are encouraging the wider community to Pause at 1 pm on Friday, June 20th to quietly reflect for 1 minute on Peace; given these unprecedented Global challenges.
On Saturday, June 21, 2025 people of conscience are inviting to gather at the Grounds of the Cabinet between 5 – 5.30 pm and join a Walk to the grounds of City Hall.
From 6 pm there will be a mixture of brief speeches/presentations and performances in song; by the likes of Gene Steede, Live Wire, Purple Ferdinand, Hana Bushara, Gavin Smith, Mathew Joseph.
Champions League Path For Trott’s Copenhagen
Football: Draw announced for Bermudian goalkeeper, Nathan Trott, and his Danish Club
Bermudian goalkeeper Nathan Trott and his FC Copenhagen teammates now know their initial hurdle in their quest for UEFA Champions League group stage football. The Danish champions have been drawn to face the winner of the tie between FC Drita of Kosovo and FC Differdange 03 from Luxembourg in the second qualifying round.
This draw sets up an intriguing start to Copenhagen’s European campaign. While neither Drita nor Differdange 03 are considered continental heavyweights, both sides will present a challenge as they battle it out in the first qualifying round for the right to face the Danish champions. The first leg of that initial tie is scheduled for July 8th or 9th, with the return on July 15th or 16th.
For Trott, this represents a significant opportunity to showcase his abilities on Europe’s biggest club stage. Having recently secured the Danish Superliga title, the focus now shifts to navigating the potentially tricky qualifying rounds.
FC Copenhagen will have the advantage of playing the first leg at their home ground, Parken, with that match scheduled for July 22nd or 23rd. The decisive return leg will see them travel away on July 29th or 30th. Fans will be eagerly anticipating the outcome of the Drita versus Differdange 03 clash as Trott and FC Copenhagen aim for a strong start on their path to the Champions League proper.
Local vendors laud Harbour Nights
Bermudian entrepreneurs talk about the “absolutely vital” opportunity that the weekly summer event provides
Did you miss our live broadcast from Harbour Nights on Wendesday? Catch it again above.
Gary Foster Skelton chatted to some of the local vendors who both showed off their wares, and lauded the opportunity that Harbour Nights presents for Bermudian entrepreneurs.
