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Tariff cut welcomed, wider benefit in question

Construction boss says customs duty can be a small proportion of overall cost

Cutting import duties on construction supplies is widely appreciated – but it may not have a meaningful impact on whether or not a construction project goes ahead.

This from construction boss Alex DeCouto, who says the multiple levels of cost involved – from shipping to labour to supply chains – can make the customs duty a very small proportion of the overall cost.

All the same, local construction retailers like himself will see a reduction in up-front costs.

Gary Foster Skelton and Ra’ees Tankard met him at his warehouse for the interview above.

Premier says native links ‘should not be forgotten’

This year’s Powwow gathering marked the largest international showing in the event’s history

The Government of Bermuda today issued the following media release.

Over the weekend, the Premier of Bermuda, the Hon. E. David Burt, JP, MP, attended the biannual Powwow hosted by the St. David’s Islanders and Native Community, held in St. David’s.

He was joined by the Minister for Youth, Social Development and Seniors, the Hon. Tinee Furbert, Deputy Speaker, MP Lovita Foggo and the Junior Minister of Culture, Mischa Fubler.

The two-day event, Celebrating Community, Culture, and Connection brought together more than 75 invited guests from Indigenous tribes along the US East Coast. This year’s gathering marked the largest international showing in the event’s history.

The Premier stated: “Keeping the connection alive to our Native East Coast relatives is important because it recognises a part of our history that has often been left out. These links should not be forgotten.”

Premier Burt thanked Terlena Murphy, Chairman of the St. David’s Islanders and Native Community, for her continued leadership, and recognised the contributions of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, representatives of The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the Wicozani Wampanoag Singers and Dancers, and the Warwick Gombeys.

The Powwow continues to bring people together to reflect, share, and honour a history that connects the Atlantic.

Bermuda’s third sector in the spotlight

New campaign aims to amplify the voices and impact of the island’s nonprofits

From ‘scarcity to strength’ – the Nonprofit Alliance of Bermuda is aiming to shift perceptions about the island’s charities.

In December 2023, a Bermuda Omnibus Survey found that only 59% of Bermuda residents have trust and confidence in our nonprofits.

Dr. Nicola Paugh, Executive Director of Nonprofit Alliance of Bermuda explained: “For some organisations, we only use media and public outreach when we’re in crisis. And yet we know the majority of our members are amazing organisations that are well-run, that are having great impact and doing really good work. But our concern was that the public is hearing more of the crisis stories and so the perception in the community is that we’re not always well run and we’re mismanaged and then that has an impact on people’s willingness to donate and to fund organisations.”

To address this mindset and counter negativities, the Nonprofit Alliance is putting the focus on one of their member non-profits per week through a ‘Third Sector Spotlight Series’ to better tell their stories and magnify the powerful work they are doing.

Dr Paugh added: “They’re providing a really wide range of community services, all of which are really important to Bermuda and helping our community to thrive, from the environment space to the mental health space to the education space. So, we hope to raise the awareness of that work that’s being done. And the bigger hope is that that awareness turns into greater willingness to get involved, whether it’s through donating to a favourite charity or getting involved/volunteering.”

Throughout the year, the campaign will see nonprofits featured across various media platforms.

Some charities don’t have the marketing capacity to tell their mission story, so the Nonprofit Alliance says this campaign hopes to bridge that gap.

Stacey Lee Williams, Executive Director of Citizens Uprooting Racism Bermuda (CURB), expressed this challenge.

She said: “In anti-racism work, it’s always about increased awareness … So, it would certainly help us at CURB because we are pretty much a one-person office and so any assistance that we can have for social media or for getting the good news out there about what we’re doing is welcome.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Gina Spence-Virgil, founder of The Gina Spence Program, hopes the campaign will bring a renewed focus on the strength and collaboration of the third sector.

“When you bring it to the media level, it exposes you in a way that is just phenomenal,” said Dr. Spence. “I do believe it’ll help us to develop who we are, you know, and learn more about each other and most importantly the community knowing that, okay, you guys are connected with this group and you know we talk about the resources that we all have and how important it is. It shines a light on all of us collectively, but it also enhances who we are individually.”

The Bermuda Omnibus Survey also found that 74% of residents reported supporting nonprofits through donations and 38% reported supporting through volunteering.

As the campaign continues to gain momentum, the Nonprofit Alliance is optimistic that it will have a lasting impact on the community’s engagement with the third sector – bolstering those figures.

“We’re hoping to see three things – more trust in the sector, higher rates of donating and higher rates of volunteerism,” said Dr. Paugh.

As part of the Third Sector Spotlight Series, Bermuda Broadcasting will be showcasing participating charities, featuring them weekly on bbc.bm

Dennie O’Connor welcomes guests as Snorkel Park’s summer kicks off

The 2025 summer season at Snorkel Park has officially begun, featuring nighttime entertainment including live DJs, performances, and beachside bonfires.


Owner Dennie O’Connor is inviting the public to come out and enjoy the festivities throughout the summer.

He shared with Bermuda Broadcasting some new additions to the park this season. 


Kendal Trott was on site to capture last night’s bonfire experience.

Tuesday Sports Round-Up

Turning to sports,we salute a broad range of Bermudian sporting achievements.
Earl Basden starts with the prestigious recognition of a former coach and administrator inducted into a school Hall of Fame.

BBC Radio News: Monday evening – 10 June 2025

Current events and sports updates with reporters Gary Foster Skelton and Earl Basden

Top stories: Police seek witnesses to an altercation in Hamilton; Taxi Association launches its own booking app; Construction boss happy about tariff cuts, but unsure of the wider impact

Podium spot in U.K. for middle-distance runner

Bermudian Nirobi Smith-Mills claims third in BMC Grand Prix Birmingham

Smith-Mills represents Notts and Nottingham Trent University

Bermudian middle-distance runner Nirobi Smith-Mills was once again in action on the British athletics circuit, competing at the BMC (British Milers’ Club) Grand Prix – a World Athletics Challenger event – held in Birmingham.
Smith-Mills, representing Notts and Nottingham Trent University, took to the track at Birmingham University for the Men’s 800m C Final. In a competitive race, he delivered a strong performance to secure a third-place finish.
He clocked a time of 1 minute, 49.47 seconds. The C Final was won by Robert Shipley, who finished just ahead of Smith-Mills with a time of 1 minute, 48.66 seconds, highlighting the tight margins in top-level middle-distance running.
Competing in a BMC Grand Prix event, which carries World Athletics Challenger status, provides Smith-Mills with valuable opportunities to test himself against a high calibre of athletes and continue his development on the international stage. His podium finish in Birmingham will serve as a positive step in his ongoing track and field season. 

Chelsea star connects with Bermuda fans

Footballer Mia Fishel, whose father lives in Bermuda, signs autographs and chats with fans

Mia Fishel connected with Chelsea fans at The Swizzle Inn

Chelsea Women’s striker Mia Fishel has been spending time off the pitch during her visit to Bermuda, connecting with local supporters at the iconic Swizzle Inn.
Fishel, a United States Women’s National Team forward, is currently on the island visiting her father. Reports also suggest she is in the process of finalizing an investment in the new Sea Venture Electric Watercraft Rentals business, adding a unique dimension to her trip.
Despite a busy schedule, Fishel dedicated time to meet with members of the Chelsea Fan Club of Bermuda. She was seen warmly engaging with her Bermudian fanbase, signing autographs, and chatting about her career and her experiences with the highly successful Chelsea club.
Fishel’s interaction highlights the growing global reach of women’s football and the passionate dedication of supporters, even thousands of miles from Stamford Bridge. Her presence on the island for both family and business reasons, combined with her accessibility to fans, has undoubtedly been a treat for Bermudian football enthusiasts. 

Top ten finish for Bermudian showjumper

Ki-Juan Minors was competing at the ESP June II Grand Prix in Florida

Ki-Juan Morris and his horse, Kylie VJ

Bermudian showjumper Ki-Juan Minors has concluded his participation at the 2025 ESP June II event in Wellington, Florida, securing yet another top ten finish in a demanding Grand Prix class.
Minors, riding his consistent partner Kylie VJ, entered the ring at the Equestrian Village Derby Field to compete in the $24,999 ArthramidVet 1.40m Grand Prix with a Jump Off Class.
The pair navigated the challenging course, recording a Round One time of 76.14 seconds. However, an unfortunate 4 penalty fault points saw them finish in ninth place overall. This ninth-place finish in a competitive Grand Prix demonstrates Minors’ continued presence and consistent performance at the higher levels of international showjumping. His participation in such events provides valuable experience and keeps him sharp on the circuit 

Police seek witnesses to park affray

Officers intervened in the incident which involved three men

File photo

Bermuda Police Service Press Release

At approximately 3:30 p.m. on Monday, June 9, 2025, police responded to a report of a disturbance at Queen Elizabeth Park in the City of Hamilton.

On arrival, officers found three males engaged in a physical altercation. Weapons, including a motorcycle helmet, were reportedly used during the confrontation.

Officers intervened and safely brought the situation under control.

All three individuals were subsequently arrested for affray.

The Bermuda Police Service continues to investigate this matter and urges anyone who witnessed the incident or, has relevant information, to contact Police Constable 2629 Tarrick Riley at 247-1704 or via email at triley@bps.bm.

The Bermuda Police Service reminds the public that anti-social behaviour in public spaces is taken seriously, and offenders will be held accountable.

Busy Signal takes the stage in Bermuda at Catch A Fire

Jamaican dancehall star Busy Signal delighted fans at a recent concert at the National Sports Centre.

He is known for hits like ‘One More Night’ and ‘Come Over’ and the title of his Bermuda show was ‘Catch A Fire: Denim & White Affair featuring Busy Signal.’ 

The show was organized by One Love Promotions.

Kendal Trott, who was there, provides this brief recap.