The European Union is the United Kingdom’s largest trading partner
FILE PHOTO: Governor of the Bank of England Andrew Bailey leaves Downing Street, London, Britain, September 16, 2021. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
Britain needs to rebuild its trading relationship with the European Union, the Governor of the Bank of England Andrew Bailey told the BBC, adding that growing trade with the bloc would be beneficial to the UK.
Britain and the EU are holding a summit on May 19 that could lead to closer defence cooperation and pave the way for agreements to ease trading.
Bailey was asked by the BBC about the potential reset of UK-EU relations and their impact on the economy and inflation, after Britain on Thursday agreed a limited bilateral trade agreement with the United States.
Reversing the decline in trade with the EU which followed the country’s exit from the bloc in 2020 would be a positive step, he said, adding that as a public official he did not take a view on Brexit.
“Having a more open economy to trade with the European Union,” Bailey said. “It would be beneficial.”
The EU remains Britain’s largest trading partner.
“It is important we do everything we can to ensure that whatever decisions are taken on the Brexit front do not damage the long-term trade position. So I hope that we can use this to start to rebuild that relationship,” he said.
Reporting by Sarah Young; editing by William James
The first suspect remains in custody as police search for two others
Bermuda Police Service update via press release:
The Bermuda Police Service can confirm the arrest of a second suspect, a 23-year-old male, in connection with the fatal shooting which took place at the Legends club in Sandys, on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
The first suspect arrested, remains in custody while the search continues for two others.
We wish to thank those members of the public who have assisted by coming forward and providing information about this incident.
Information which has helped us to significantly progress our investigation.
Should you have any information regarding the events of last Thursday night, and have not yet reached out to us, we urge you to please do so. No matter how insignificant you may think thatinformation to be.
Please contact Acting Detective Superintendent, Jason Smith on, 717-0864 or, via e-mail at, jsmith2@bps.bm.
You may also provide the information anonymously, by calling the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477.
Another option would be to provide the information via the Community reporting portal at, portal.police.bm.
If you’d prefer, speak with a police officer you know.
Acting Superintendent Smith stated, “The BPS is also once again appealing for anyone who may have knowledge of the whereabouts of the suspect believed to have been injured during to get in contact with us, in order that we may get them the medical assistance they require.
The extent of those injuries is not known, but based on evidence retrieved, it appears to be serious.”
“If you know who this person is or, where they might be but prefer not to contact police, then please get them to hospital as soon as is posible.”
The scam is being called the NetherexPro Investment Program
Scam Computer Keys Showing Swindles And Frauds
Government update via press release:
The Ministry for the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation today issued a warning about a fraudulent online post that falsely uses the name and image of the Minister for the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain, JP, MP, to promote a scam investment platform targeting Bermuda residents.
The post, which is circulating on social media platforms, falsely claims that more than 10,000 Bermuda residents have profited from a so-called “NetherexPro Investment Program,” promising guaranteed weekly incomes with minimal investment. The page mimics legitimate news sources and features content designed to mislead the public.
A Ministry spokesperson said, “This is a fake scam designed to defraud unsuspecting individuals. No such investment program exists, and neither Minister Rabain nor the Government of Bermuda is associated with this or any similar platform.”
The spokesperson continued, “Unfortunately, fraudsters are increasingly using artificial intelligence and other tools to generate convincing fake articles, videos, and images that misuse the likeness of public officials to lure victims. We urge residents to exercise extreme caution online. Always verify the authenticity of any investment opportunity and never rely on information from unverified websites or social media posts.”
As a reminder:
No government official will use social media or unofficial websites to promote financial schemes.
Only trust information from verified Government of Bermuda channels.
If you see or receive such fake posts, report them directly to the platform administrators and do not engage.
The Government continues to monitor such fraudulent activity and will take all necessary actions to protect the public. Residents are encouraged to visit www.gov.bm for official updates and information.
Before his election, U.S. cardinals had largely been written off as papal contenders
People handle a Vatican newspaper L’Osservatore Romano containing a photograph of the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, at St. Peter’s Square, as seen from Rome, Italy May 9, 2025. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
International news via Reuters:
Pope Leo XIV on Friday celebrated his first Mass in the Sistine Chapel where he was elected less than 24 hours earlier and prayed that his historic papacy can help the Catholic Church be a beacon illuminating “the dark nights of this world”.
Leo, the former Cardinal Robert Prevost and the first U.S. pope, looked serene as he said the Mass in the famous, frescoed chapel with the same cardinals who chose him to be the 267th pontiff and the successor to Pope Francis.
Dressed in relatively simple white and gold vestments, Leo, who was born in Chicago but spent two decades as a missionary in Peru, said a few words in English before continuing his homily in fluent Italian. He painted the spiritual picture of the Church he would like to see under his papacy.
“God has …. entrusted this treasure to me so that, with his help, I may be its faithful administrator for the sake of the entire mystical Body of the Church,” he said.
“He has done so in order that she may be ever more fully a city set on a hill, an ark of salvation sailing through the waters of history and a beacon that illumines the dark nights of this world,” he added, according to the official translation.
The 1.4 billion-member Church, was great not because of “the magnificence of her structures or the grandeur of her buildings … but rather through the holiness of her members.”
SWIFT APPOINTMENT
Leo, aged 69, was elected at the end of a swift two-day conclave that was wrapped up on Thursday evening when white smoke billowed from the chimney on the chapel.
Before his election, U.S. cardinals had largely been written off as papal contenders because of a widespread assumption that the global Church could not be run by a superpower pope.
However, he also holds Peruvian citizenship, meaning that he has deep knowledge of both the West and less developed nations.
After the Mass, Leo will have lunch with the cardinals who elected him and they will then be free to leave the Vatican and return to their homes around the world.
The successor to Pope Francis, who died last month at the age of 88, inherits a number of major challenges, ranging from a budget shortfall to divisions over whether the Church should be more welcoming towards the LGBT community and divorcees, and should let women play a greater role in its affairs.
U.S. President Donald Trump was quick to congratulate Leo. However, the new pope has a history of criticizing Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s policies, according to posts on the X account of Robert Prevost.
The new pope worked for decades in the north of Peru, first as a missionary and later as Bishop of Chiclayo from 2015 to 2023. Catholics took to the streets of the small city in northwestern Peru, and church bells rang out to celebrate the election of a man who they embrace as one of their own.
One of the clues to what kind of a Church leader Leo will be was in his choice of name, something that pontiffs often use to send a signal about the priorities of their new papacy.
The last pope with this name was Leo XIII, who led the Church from 1878-1903. He was known for his devoted focus to social justice issues, and is often credited with laying the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching.
Prevost became a cardinal only in 2023. He has given few media interviews and is known to have a shy personality.
Francis brought him to Rome two years ago to head the Vatican office in charge of choosing which priests should serve as Catholic bishops across the globe, meaning he has had a hand in selecting many of the world’s bishops.
Writing by Keith Weir; Editing by Frances Kerry and Crispian Balmer
About 600 North Korean troops have been killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks during a meeting of the country’s ruling party, in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this photo released on December 29, 2024 by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency. KCNA via REUTERS/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a rare visit to Russia’s embassy in Pyongyang with his daughter on Friday and reaffirmed “the invincible alliance” between the two countries, while Russia’s leader greeted North Korean generals in Moscow.
Congratulating Russia on the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, Kim said North Korea would “consolidate and develop the long tradition of the DPRK-Russia relations, the noble ideological foundation and the invincible alliance”, state-run KCNA reported.
Kim has taken his young daughter to a variety of events recently, part of what South Korean intelligence views as plans for her to succeed her father.
North Korea’s unprecedented deployment of thousands of troops, as well as huge amounts of artillery ammunition and missiles, has helped Russia push back a Ukrainian incursion into its western Kursk region. It has also brought North Korea and Russia – both economically and politically isolated – closer.
More than three years after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia is marking the World War Two anniversary with a military parade attended by China’s Xi Jinping.
In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin greeted North Korean army generals with handshakes after hosting the parade.
Putin embraced Kim Yong Bok, a three-star general who is considered to be a key figure overseeing North Korea’s troop deployment to Russia. Kim is subject to sanctions by the United States, South Korea and the European Union.
“All of the best wishes to all of your warriors,” Putin said in video footage of their encounter.
Kim responded to Putin by thanking him for his “high evaluation.”
With Kim was Sin Kum Chol, another general blacklisted by the South Korean government over involvement in the war in Ukraine.
About 600 North Korean troops have been killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine out of a total deployment of 15,000, according to the South Korean intelligence.
In return, Pyongyang appears to have received technical assistance on satellites, as well as drones and anti-aircraft missiles, South Korea has said.
Pyongyang and Moscow have denied the weapons trade, although the two countries have confirmed the deployment of North Korean troops on the frontlines in Russia’s Kursk region.
Reporting by Ju-min Park; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Philippa Fletcher
Ahead of Budget reply, OBA questions reliance on revenues from international business
The Opposition One Bermuda Alliance will deliver its reply to the 2025/26 Bermuda Budget tomorrow.
Earlier this week, after the Chamber of Commerce Budget Breakfast, we asked Shadow Finance Minister Dr Douglas De Couto for some of his thoughts before he delivers the reply.
Co-head of growing insurance company wants a “pipeline” of local talent into the industry
Bermuda’s robust regulatory regime is attracting business – and that’s of greater importance to insurers than issues with the Corporate Income Tax.
That’s a takeaway from our conversation with Global Atlantic’s Darryl Herrick.
The insurer has recently expanded its operation with a new office in Hamilton, boasting nearly 60 staff – a quarter of whom are Bermudian – and the intent to have a pipeline of new Bermudian talent into the industry.
(ABOVE: Highlights from the event above; BELOW: Extended interview with Global Atlantic Re President, Darryl Herrick)
Life insurers Global Atlantic showed off their strategic expansion into Washington House this week – a 15-thousand square foot modern office space looking out over City Hall and the bustling streets of Hamilton.
Daryll Herrick, President at Global Atlantic Re, said “We’re incredibly excited to celebrate what’s really a new chapter for us… we started this business over a decade ago with three people… We’ve now grown to almost 60.”
About a quarter of the team is Bermudian, Mr Herrick says, and the company is passionate about building a sustainable talent pipeline in Bermuda.
“That’s everything from working with the high schools”, Mr Herrick says, “to working with interns and having them grow up through this organization, so that they can start and thrive here as actuaries.”
Malika Cartwright, Director at the Department of Workforce Development, said it is amazing that the company is investing in our young people.
Barclay Simmons, Director of IVY II and former Director of the Bermuda Monetary Authority, said “as the insurance market grows in size and complexity, our island benefits”.
“Companies like Global Atlantic are helpfully contributing to that growth.”
Global Atlantic specialise in life insurance and retirement planning.
In today’s field hockey action, Bermuda’s women’s national team delivered a powerful response following their narrow defeat to Puerto Rico.
The Lady Gombey Warriors bounced back in commanding fashion, thrashing Panama 9–nil to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games alive.
Facing a winless Panama side, Bermuda were dominant from the outset.
Abigail Brewer set up Georgia Harris for the opener in the 6th minute, before Megan Troake doubled the lead eight minutes later. Troake continued her impressive form, scoring from a penalty corner and then completing a rapid hat-trick. Jessica Hollis added a fifth before half-time.
The second half saw no let-up. Substitute Mackenzie Heaney scored from a penalty corner, Brewer grabbed her own goal, Grace Lightowler also scored from a penalty corner, and Troake capped off a sensational display with her fourth goal on the final whistle.
This emphatic victory significantly boosts Bermuda’s chances of progressing in the tournament.
Highlights of Bermuda’s athletes in action at home and abroad
Bermuda’s athletes shine on the road and on the beam in Canada, but it was a double blow in Mexico for Bermuda’s field hockey teams in their push to qualify for the 2026 CAC Games.
Prevost, 69 and originally from Chicago, has spent most of his career as a missionary in Peru
Newly elected Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost of the United States appears on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, at the Vatican, May 8, 2025. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
International news via Reuters:
Cardinal Robert Prevost, a little known missionary from Chicago, was elected in a surprise choice to be the new leader of the Catholic Church on Thursday, becoming the first U.S. pope and taking the name Leo XIV.
Pope Leo appeared on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica after white smoke had billowed from a chimney atop the Sistine Chapel signifying the 133 cardinal electors had chosen a new leader for the 1.4 billion-member Catholic Church.
“Peace be with you all,” he told the cheering crowd, speaking in fluent Italian. He also spoke in Spanish during his brief address but did not say anything in English.
Prevost, 69 and originally from Chicago, has spent most of his career as a missionary in Peru and has dual Peruvian nationality. He became a cardinal only in 2023. He has given few media interviews and rarely speaks in public.
President Donald Trump swiftly congratulated Prevost on becoming the first U.S. pope. “What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!”
Prevost becomes the 267th Catholic pope after the death last month of Pope Francis, who was the first Latin American pope and had led the Church for 12 years.
Francis had widely sought to open the staid institution up to the modern world, enacting a range of reforms and allowing debate on divisive issues such as women’s ordination and better inclusion of LGBT Catholics.
Leo thanked Francis in his speech and repeated his predecessor’s call for a Church that is engaged with the modern world and “is always looking for peace, charity and being close to people, especially those who are suffering”.
He had not been seen as a frontrunner and there was a brief moment of silence when his name was announced to the packed St. Peter’s Square, before people started to clap and cheer.
“I’m just thrilled. I hope this can bring to America a more loving community. I think there’s a lot of hate in America. I think there’s a lot of racism. I have experienced it,” said Lailah Brown, 28, from Seattle, Washington, an African American.
“I hope America does not embarrass the pope,” he said.
Ahead of the conclave, some cardinals called for continuity with Francis’ vision of greater openness and reform, while others said they wanted to turn back the clock and embrace old traditions.
Unlike Francis, who spurned much of the trappings of the papacy from the day he was elected in 2013, Prevost wore a traditional red papal garment over his white cassock.
A crowd of clergy and staff members at Chicago’s Catholic Theological Union erupted in a joyful cheer as Pope Leo walked out onto the Vatican balcony, some four decades after he graduated from the South Side school.
It was an “explosion of excitement and cheers that went up in the room … many of us were just simply incredulous and just couldn’t even find words to express our delight, our pride,” said Sister Barbara Reid, president of the theology school.
Pope Leo graduated from the school in 1982 with a master’s degree. Reid called Leo intellectually brilliant, saying he has an extraordinarily compassionate heart.
“It’s an unusual blend that makes him a leader who can think critically, but listens to the cries of the poorest, and always has in mind those who are most needy,” she said.
THE NAME LEO
The last pope to take the name Leo led the Church from 1878-1903. Leo XIII was known for his devoted focus to social justice issues, and is often credited with laying the foundation for modern Catholic social teaching.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was among world leaders congratulating the new pope.
“May his pontificate contribute to strengthening dialogue and the defense of human rights in a world in need of hope and unity,” Sanchez said.
Prevost has attracted interest from his peers because of his quiet style and support for Francis, especially his commitment to social justice issues.
Prevost served as a bishop in Chiclayo, in northwestern Peru, from 2015 to 2023.
Francis brought him to Rome that year to head the Vatican office in charge of choosing which priests should serve as Catholic bishops across the globe, meaning he has had a hand in selecting many of the world’s bishops.
“Most of us thought a U.S. cardinal would never become pope, but Prevost got strong support from cardinals from Latin America where he worked for 20 years,” said Rev. Thomas Reese, a Jesuit commentator who has covered the Vatican for decades.
“He is multilingual and has a reputation as a listener,” said Reese. “The Holy Spirit continues to surprise us.”
Reporting by Joshua McElwee, Crispian Balmer, Philip Pullella and Alvise ArmelliniAdditional reporting by Cristina Carlevaro and Brendan O’BrienEditing by Keith Weir and Frances Kerry
Diplomat brings more than two decades of experience
Dave Morgan was officially sworn in today as Bermuda’s new Deputy Governor.
He succeeds Tom Oppenheim, who served in the post previously.
Mr. Morgan has spent 25 years working with the UK Government across a range of departments, including policy development, international trade, and project management.
Most recently, he served as Deputy Governor of the Falkland Islands from April 2021.
At a swearing-in ceremony held at Government House in Paget, Governor Andrew Murdoch thanked Mr. Oppenheim for his service and welcomed his successor.
Mr. Morgan is joined in Bermuda by his wife, Shirley.
Despite his extensive experience, he expressed humility and enthusiasm for his new role.
The ceremony also included a moment of reflection, as dignitaries observed the 80th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, honouring all who served.
Governor Murdoch stated, “From its strategic west-mid Atlantic location, Bermuda played a key role in World War II, particularly in intelligence and as a key base in the battle of the Atlantic. 544 Bermudians volunteered for service overseas, with 35 dead. So, I would like you now to join me for a two minute silence to remember and thank those brave men and women who fought for our freedom.”
Bermuda’s role in the Second World War was also recognized during commemorative events held in London today.
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