In tonight’s news at 7pm…
PLP says ‘we have never had to rebrand’; OBA calls for PIC to release their constitution
PLP Press Release
The Progressive Labour Party welcomes all who engage in Bermuda’s democratic process, including those who are part of Bermuda’s newest political party, the People’s Independent Coalition.
Before and since the election, we have been working towards a fairer Bermuda for all, while others simply disappeared. We know that true change doesn’t come from just words but from consistent, engaged work in our community. We know that true change doesn’t come from press releases and highly funded media campaigns.We also know that true change comes when we are true to who we are and what we believe.
That’s why the PLP has never had to rebrand, rename or relaunch, while others continue to contort themselves into new entities and run from who they are.
With a shared platform, joint press events, and coordinated messaging, Bermudians saw through the “independents,” knew what they really were and on election day across 36 constituencies refused to buy it.
Bermudians should be gratified that PIC has taken a closer step towards being honest about what it has always been behind the scenes: a political party.
Now that they have finally declared what everyone in Bermuda already knew they were, the PLP hopes for support in areas of agreement and constructive debate on issues where our parties may disagree.
Whatever new political alignments may happen in the future, Bermudians can be comforted that the PLP will continue reducing the burden of taxation on workers, providing more affordable housing, and building a fairer Bermuda where everyone can benefit from our island’s prosperity.
OBA Press Release from Opposition Leader Jarion Richardson
The One Bermuda Alliance welcomes all Bermudians who seek to serve the country and contribute meaningfully to our democracy. As a party grounded in inclusion, responsibility, and integrity, we respect those who step forward to offer their perspectives and talents to public life.
That said, we also recognize a fundamental truth of governance: it requires more than sincere intentions—it demands organisation, tested leadership, and the infrastructure to govern effectively. Bermuda does not have the luxury of experimentation in this era of deep economic, social, and fiscal challenges.
We hope the new group will quickly release their constitution (including values and principles), leadership and governing policies.
Shipwreck exhibit enhanced with new artefacts and interactive features
Image courtesy of teddytucker.com
The Teddy Tucker Shipwreck Gallery, a treasured exhibit at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI), is being elevated.
This year would have marked the 100th birthday of the famed ocean explorer – and refreshing the exhibit, which is built around the artefacts he discovered while diving shipwrecks in Bermuda’s waters, is one way BUEI is paying tribute to his centennial year.
WATCH the full report below featuring comments from Wendy, the daughter of the late Mr Tucker, and CEO of BUEI, Traci Burgess.
Gencom has confirmed that Bermudian Thomas Jones died following the April 13 incident
A Bermudian man died following an electrical incident at the Fairmont Southampton in April.
Gencom, the managing partner of hotel owner Westend Properties, confirmed that 55-year-old Bermudian Thomas Jones died following the incident.
“We are all deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Thomas Jones,” said Karim Alibhai, Founder and Principal of Gencom.
“This is a devastating loss. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to Thomas’s family, friends, and everyone who knew and worked with him.”
Police were called to the scene on Sunday 13 April, where Mr Thomas was one of two contractors found to be injured, and both were transported to hospital.
Bermuda Broadcasting understands Mr Jones was subsequently flown overseas for treatment of burn injuries.
A spokesperson for Fairmont Southampton confirmed the incident at the time. BELCO crews isolated the hotel’s network and provided support to the police.
The spokesperson said an investigation to determine the cause of the incident was underway.
A homegoing service for Thomas Lauwaske Jones was held in Bermuda on May 22nd.
Netball Summer League
Bernard’s Park was alive with netball action last night as the Bermuda Netball Association’s Summer League season resumed, with five captivating games across the Women’s and Co-ed Divisions.
In the Women’s Division, the Phoenix Flames delivered a commanding performance, defeating K-net Assets 44-12, with MVP Eshe’ Grant netting an impressive 37 goals. Devonshire Recreation Club also dominated, outscoring Law & Disorder 48-6. The final Women’s match saw the Lady Stars edge out PHC 25-17 in a closer affair.
The Co-ed Division opener saw the Bean Counting Netballerz defeat RenRe 18-9, led by Jahkenya Trott’s 12 goals. In the night’s final game, BHB delivered a strong performance, securing a 24-12 victory over the Front Street Mafia.
Another action-packed night at Bernard’s Park highlighted the competitive and dynamic nature of the Bermuda Netball Association’s Summer League season.
Cricket
The Bermuda Smash Invitational 2025 ignited on Day Two with a double-header at the National Sports Centre, featuring dominant performances from the Sandys Spartans and the Pembroke Panthers.
The Sandys Spartans came out firing on all cylinders in their opening match of the day, securing a convincing 64-run victory over the Hamilton Parish Hurricanes. Their powerful hitting and disciplined bowling proved too much for the Hurricanes, setting an early statement in the tournament.
In the second game of the day, the Pembroke Panthers continued the trend of decisive victories. They delivered a strong performance to defeat the Smith Sixers by 71 runs. The Panthers showcased their all-round strength, outplaying the Sixers in both batting and bowling departments.
The results from Day Two indicate that the Bermuda Smash Invitational is shaping up to be a highly competitive tournament, with teams eager to establish early dominance. Fans will be anticipating more thrilling encounters as the competition progresses.
Bowling
The Central American and Caribbean Bowling Confederation Championships continued in the Dominican Republic today, and Bermuda’s squad made some positive strides in the doubles competitions on Day Two.
Leading the charge for the Bermudian pairings were David Maycock and Damien Matthews. They put in a strong performance, finishing in a respectable 21st place overall and combining for an impressive total of 2539 pins.
Close behind, the duo of Blake Raynor and Jamel Bean also put in a solid effort, securing 28th place with a combined total of 2289 pins. Not far off, Michael Honore and Dayvon Tucker finished in 31st position, with a score of 2091 pins.
These results highlight a strong collective effort from the Bermudian bowlers in the doubles segment of the championships, demonstrating their ability to compete effectively at this regional level. They will be looking to carry this momentum into the remaining events of the tournament as the competition progresses.
Football
In Bermudian football news, a familiar and successful figure is returning to a club where he made his name. Pembroke Hamilton Club, the PHC Zebras, have announced the appointment of Cecoy Robinson as the new Head Coach for their Senior Men’s Team.
Robinson makes the move from his previous role as head coach of Robin Hood to take the helm at the Zebras, a club with which he enjoyed considerable success during his playing career.
A popular figure among PHC supporters, Robinson lifted multiple trophies with the Zebras as a player, establishing himself as a key figure in the club’s rich history. His return, this time in a coaching capacity, is expected to be met with widespread enthusiasm by the club’s faithful fanbase.
Robinson’s immediate task will be to guide the PHC Zebras in the upcoming season, bringing his extensive experience and knowledge of the local game to the dugout. His appointment signals a new chapter for the club as they look to build on their legacy under the guidance of one of their former champions.
“Bermuda is ready for a new way forward”, coalition claims
(UPDATED with correction – Noelle Young subsequently said she is not a member of the PIC)
Some of the independent candidates who stood in the recent election – in particular, eleven who followed the movement started by Sir John Swan – have formed a coalition.
The group has gone public today as ‘The People’s Independent Coalition’, with the motto “Independent Voices. United Vision.”
The PIC pledges to “work collectively for a Bermuda that puts people before politics.” (scroll down for full press release
A press statement reads, “Though the 2025 General Election did not result in independent representation in Parliament, the record-breaking number of candidates and the overwhelming support from voters have proven one thing: Bermuda is ready for a new way forward”.
“Despite being independents, we will align on key issues affecting Bermudians – cost of living, healthcare, education, and economic fairness – to amplify our impact.”
The 2025 General Election saw an unprecedented surge of independent candidates. On Nomination Day, 27 unaffiliated candidates signed up to stand across 24 seats.
However, not all of the independent candidates who ran in the February 2025 General Election will fall under the PIC banner.
Responding to Bermuda Broadcasting, a PIC spokesperson confirmed the following independent candidates who are so far part of the coalition:
Most of the independent candidates who ran in the election have not been announced as part of the coalition at this time, although Bermuda Broadcasting understands the coalition is open to new members.
Independents who are not part of PIC at this time include Harry Matthie, Iman Gibbons, Wayne Maurice Williams, Marilyn Steede, Willie Ferguson, Tyrone Butterfield, former FDM chair Rayki Bascome-Emery, Lauren Renee Francis, former OBA chair Justin Mathias, former OBA deputy chair Karen Hodgkins, Christina Storey and Steven Faries. Independent candidate Eugene Brangman passed away in May.
Notably, Sir John Swan is not listed as a member of the group. The former Premier is widely seen to have spearheaded the movement that led to more independent candidates stepping forward, after he became a surprise candidate in the May 2024 Smith’s North By-Election, losing to the OBA’s Robert King. Mr King also retained in the General Election.
People’s Independent Coalition Press Release
Bermuda’s Independent Candidates Stand Together for the People
Hamilton, Bermuda – The independent candidates of Bermuda have heard the people’s call for
change, unity, and accountable leadership. Today, we stand together as a cohesive movement.
Under the banner “The People’s Independent Coalition (PIC) – Independent Voices. United
Vision.”, we pledge to work collectively for a Bermuda that puts people before politics.
Though the 2025 General Election did not result in independent representation in Parliament,
the record-breaking number of candidates and the overwhelming support from voters have
proven one thing: Bermuda is ready for a new way forward.
A Unified Commitment to Bermuda
We recognize that the strength of independent leadership lies in collaboration, not division.
Moving forward, we pledge to:
Work Collectively: Despite being independents, we will align on key issues affecting
Bermudians—cost of living, healthcare, education, and economic fairness—to amplify our
impact.
Hold Government Accountable: Even without seats, we will monitor policy decisions, demand
transparency, and ensure the people’s voices are heard.
Prepare for the Future: We will refine our strategies, engage deeper with communities, and build
a stronger foundation for the next election.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
The two-party system has left many Bermudians feeling unheard. The rise of independent
candidates was not a protest—it was a demand for representation without partisan barriers.
We remain steadfast in our belief that Bermuda deserves leaders who:
- Listen first, act second
- Put country over party
- Fight for fairness, not favoritism
PIC Your Future: The Path Ahead
PIC is more than a slogan—it’s a promise. We will continue engaging with voters, hosting town
halls, and advocating for policies that reflect Bermuda’s true needs.
To every Bermudian who supported change: Thank you. This movement belongs to you—and
together, we will keep pushing for a government that works for all of Bermuda.
The Independent Candidates of BermudaAbout PIC:
The People’s Independent Coalition (PIC) is a united alliance of former and future independent
candidates dedicated to ethical, non-partisan governance.
The Gulf state has signed bilateral trade deals with several countries since 2022
International news via Reuters:
The United States and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to start negotiations for a potential bilateral trade agreement that could ease tariffs on the Gulf state’s steel and aluminium industry, according to four people familiar with the matter.
Emirati officials discussed the possibility of a trade agreement with U.S. counterparts during President Donald Trump’s two-day visit to Abu Dhabi last month, the sources said.
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative did not respond to a request for comment. Neither did Emirati officials.
Like other nations, the UAE has been hit by Trump’s 10% baseline tariff on its exports to the United States. But its steel and aluminium products have also been hit by a 25% tariff that the Trump administration is now doubling to 50%.
While the UAE is a major oil producer, its steel and aluminium products are significant non-oil exports. In 2024, the UAE was the second-largest steel and aluminium exporter to the U.S., accounting for 8% of total U.S. consumption, data shows.
In Abu Dhabi, Emirati officials highlighted to U.S. counterparts comprehensive trade deals that it had signed with other countries over the past three years, the sources said.
The UAE was capable of moving quickly on trade talks, Emirati officials told their U.S. counterparts, they said.
The Gulf state has signed bilateral trade deals, known as Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements, with several countries since 2022, including India, Turkey and Australia.
The pact with India was negotiated in just 88 days.
The sources said that U.S. officials had responded positively, although it was unclear when talks would start. Two of the sources said Washington was likely to negotiate a limited deal that would fall short of a comprehensive free trade pact.
However, they said any agreement, if reached, would likely still be called a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), the same branding as the UAE’s other trade deals.
The UAE is Washington’s biggest trade partner in the Middle East, according to the Gulf state’s foreign ministry. Bilateral trade in 2024 was valued at $34.4 billion, according to U.S. trade data, with the U.S. enjoying a $19.4 billion surplus.
The Gulf state, which is reliant on the U.S. security umbrella, has pledged to invest $1.4 trillion in the U.S. over the next decade. Its sovereign wealth funds, including Abu Dhabi’s $330-billion Mubadala, are already big U.S. investors, and Trump and his family have business interests in the UAE.
The UAE is influential in the region and hosts American soldiers on its bases. It is also negotiating a free trade agreement with the European Union. Gulf states Oman and Bahrain have bilateral free trade agreements with the U.S.
Reporting by Alexander Cornwell; additional reporting by Andrea Shalal in Washington; Editing by Toby Chopra
Montenegro had called the election for May 18 after losing a confidence vote
International news via Reuters:
Portugal’s president on Wednesday accepted acting Prime Minister Luis Montenegro’s proposal to keep most of the same key ministers in his new cabinet after his centre-right alliance won a snap election last month to continue in government.
Montenegro had called the election for May 18 after losing a confidence vote. While his Democratic Alliance (AD) coalition won, it once again fell short of a working majority in a fragmented parliament in which the far-right party Chega emerged as the main opposition force.
Montenegro, who first came to power in March 2024, proposed reappointing Joaquim Miranda Sarmento as finance minister, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa’s office said in a statement. Environment and Energy Minister Maria da Graca Carvalho and Foreign Affairs Minister Paulo Rangel will also keep their posts, according to the statement.
Montenegro created a new ministry, combining the economy and territorial cohesion portfolios, to be led by Manuel Castro Almeida. Acting Economy Minister Pedro Reis won’t continue in his role.
The new government will take office on Thursday, Rebelo de Sousa’s office said.
Reporting by Sergio Goncalves; editing by Charlie Devereux
European money managers have been reconsidering policies on investing in defence
International news via Reuters:
Global investors and advisers gathered at their annual conference in Berlin are looking at channelling funds into Europe’s defence industry, seeking to profit from governments’ ramped-up military spending and revive a sluggish private equity market.
Private equity and venture capital-backed investment in Europe’s aerospace and defence sector is dwarfed by that funnelled into the U.S. and Canada, which have absorbed 83% of all such investment since 2020, according to S&P.
Once a controversial topic for investors in Europe concerned with environmental, social, and governance investment policies, the continent’s defence sector is now drawing private equity funds, said seven advisers and fund executives – some of whom are attending the SuperReturn conference this week.
European money managers have been reconsidering policies on investing in defence, under pressure from clients and some politicians to loosen restrictions and help fund the continent’s race to re-arm and reduce dependence on the U.S.
“Defence used to be a topic that received automatic exclusion, now even some ESG-focused investors are looking to deploy capital to support European defence,” said Sophia Alison, EMEA Direct Lending Portfolio Manager at Macquarie Asset Management, who was attending the conference.
“That’s a very tangible shift from 12 or 18 months ago.”
While none of them gave estimates of how much funding might shift from Europe from the U.S. and Canada, private investors are looking in particular at opportunities in space technology, both for military and civilian use.
Several panels on investing in Germany were held on Tuesday, ahead of the first main conference day on Wednesday when tennis star Serena Williams was set to address an estimated 5,500 attendees.
Germany’s recent infrastructure and defence investment programmes, including its 500-billion euro ($570 billion) initiative approved in March, have bolstered the country’s attractiveness to private equity firms.
“We feel the momentum and change in sentiment that Germany and Europe are more in focus than before,” said Simon Pex, managing director at Carlyle Europe Partners.
“The more positive political sentiment in the country might accelerate economic growth in a positive way. Germany could be a good place of opportunity in the next decade.”
DEALMAKING STYMIED
Despite the optimism around Europe’s defence spending, broader private equity dealmaking remains constrained by the threat of recession.
The value of private equity assets sales through the initial public offering market in Europe has dropped to an average of $3.7 billion in the last four years, a fraction of the more than $17 billion on average in the previous four years, according to Dealogic data.
Investors are heading into their fourth straight year of muted realisations from their portfolios, said Joana Rocha Scaff, head of Europe Private Equity at Neuberger Berman.
“Despite many investors’ initial optimism about a benign macro backdrop for 2025, the turbulence and noise since January has weighed on investment activity, delayed exits via M&A or IPOs and in doing so tightened liquidity conditions,” she said.
At the current pace, 2025 will become the fourth consecutive year with private equity asset sales below $144 billion, the average since 2014, Dealogic data shows.
($1 = 0.8771 euros)
Reporting by Emma-Victoria Farr and Andres Gonzalez in Berlin, editing by Anousha Sakoui and Emelia Sithole-Matarise
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