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Pathways Bermuda named ‘Rehabilitation NPO of the Year’

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Pathways Bermuda named ‘Rehabilitation NPO of the Year’

The local rehabilitation program was commended for its ‘inclusive and comprehensive’ approach to recovery

Pathways Bermuda has been honored with the prestigious “Rehabilitation NPO of the Year – Bermuda” award by the Corporate LiveWire Global Awards 2024/25.

The accolade celebrates Pathways Bermuda’s unwavering commitment to providing accessible, compassionate, and holistic addiction recovery services.

The Corporate LiveWire Global Awards received over 32,000 nominations from 36 countries this cycle, recognizing organizations that excel in innovation, ethical practice, service excellence, and industry leadership. Winners were selected by a judging panel for their impact and contribution to global betterment across sectors.

Awards Director, Andrew White, commented: “This year’s winners have demonstrated remarkable progress and collectively contributed to global unity. We applaud their achievements and look forward to seeing their future advancements.”

Pathways Bermuda earned commendation for its inclusive and comprehensive approach to recovery.

The nonprofit serving the Bermuda community for 17 years offers a wide range of outpatient services, including proactive interventions, comprehensive assessments, individual and group counselling, and personalized treatment planning.

Emphasizing long-term healing, Pathways integrates holistic therapies and a family-centric approach that addresses enabling behaviors, generational trauma, and co-dependency.

The judges commended Pathways Bermuda not only for its high-quality care, but also for its commitment to equity—offering subsidized treatment to ensure that financial circumstances never hinder access to recovery services.

The organization’s educational outreach through recovery-related workshops was also praised, helping individuals, families, and professionals build knowledge and resilience.

“We are truly humbled by this recognition,” said Gita Blakeney Saltus, Executive Director for Pathways Bermuda. “This acknowledgment affirms the heart of our work, and our mission to empower lasting recovery for individuals and families affected by addictions.

“We are deeply grateful to our donors, partners, and community members who walk alongside us.”

This year’s Global Awards edition also highlighted broader industry trends, including the increasing importance of social impact initiatives and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) practices, aligning strongly with Pathways Bermuda’s holistic and socially responsible model.

Landlord/Tenant Act amendments coming this year

Gary Foster Skelton
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Landlord/Tenant Act amendments coming this year

Housing Minister believes private sector refurbishment scheme will prompt more property owners to enter rental market

Photos: Zane DeSilva, Deputy Premier and Minister of Housing & Municipalities / Bermuda houses

Zane DeSilva, Deputy Premier and Minister of Housing & Municipalities, has a 7.5 million-dollar Ministry budget this year – plus nearly 23 million towards transformational housing and infrastructure.

Minister DeSilva said 16 housing units will be fully refurbished this year, followed by another 33 units upgraded in 2026.

The Minister also said that 24 private property owners have expressed interest in the Private Sector Refurbishing programme – where Government contributes up to 125-thousand to renovate a private property, in exhange for an up-to 7 year lease with the Bermuda Housing Corporation.

Responding to questions from our Gary Foster Skelton, Minister De Silva said amending the Landlord Tenant Act is going to be a joint task between himself, the Minister of Public Works and the Minister of Justice:

GFS: “We’ve had [hints] at amendments to the Landlord Tenant Act since the 2022 Throne speech. So, where is it?”

DeSilva: “It’s coming this this year. It will come.”

GFS: “You don’t seem to have a shortage of people looking for affordable housing, but you do seem to have a shortage of landlords willing to rent to that market. Isn’t one of your biggest tasks making renting more attractive to landlords?”

DeSilva: “The plans that we have with regard to the refurbishment program… I think once those start coming into play with regard to rental units in the country, I think landlords will start to recognize, ‘I have to start freeing up my places for people in the country’… because, as we know, it’s about supply and demand.”

Minister DeSilva also said amendments to the Acquisition of Land and Bermuda Housing acts will be introduced this year, aimed at streamlining the reclamation and redevelopment of vacant and derelict properties.

There will be public consultation on these plans, the Minister said:

GFS: “Is there a real risk that some people, if they’ve allowed properties to go derelict, could end up losing those properties?”

DeSilva: “I know that there was a meeting held this morning with several of the stakeholders within government… I certainly don’t want to preempt what the final decisions will look like… But you and I both know, the people of the country know, there are many homes around the island – whether it’s through family disputes or whether it’s in probate for years, and sometimes that happens, or homes that have just been left behind [by] someone, that has passed, and they’ve left it to no one… those three examples are some of the things that we have to really delve into… and there will be consultation, public consultation as well. Because I think the public feedback is going to be important as we go forward.”

When asked if the Acquisition of Land amendments would actually happen this year, Minister DeSilva said he can’t answer that, but meetings have been and are being held to discuss the issue of derelict housing.

He added that ir can’t happen fast enough, because “every home that we can put on the market for our people is another person housed.”

Road repairs slowed until new asphalt plant is active

Gary Foster Skelton
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Road repairs slowed until new asphalt plant is active

Public Works budget includes 8 full-time lifeguards, public water supply improvements, & more


Repairing our roads is a priority – but there’s only so much can be done until the new asphalt plant comes online in 2026.

This from newly-minted Minister of Public Works and Environment, Jache Adams, as he laid out this year’s budget priorities for his ministry

The Minister said the budget commits $5 million towards repairing and resurfacing roads across the island, and adds that the funding “also includes the purchase of new drainage equipment… thereby reducing flood risks during heavy rainfall.”

The first shipment of new road paving equipment is set to arrive in two weeks, which “will allow our teams to resurface roads faster and to a much higher standard.”

The Opposition has responded that the $5 million towards roads is not enough.

Former Minister Lt. Colonel David Burch previously said it would cost $100 million to bring all of our poorest roads up to standard.

Minister Adams, however, told media that money isn’t the problem.

“More money doesn’t make things operate any quicker”, he said, “because we’re still operating with an old asphalt plant.”

“When that new asphalt plant arives, I think the residents of the country will see vast improvement, not only in the quality… but the output, and how quickly we’ll be able to repave the roads.”

“We anticipate to have the asphalt plant fully operational in the first quarter of next year.”

Meanwhile, $800 thousand have been committed to hiring eight full time lifeguards, and extending beach monitoring through the off-season.

Government has partnered with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution to modernise training, pay and job structure.

Asked whether overseas lifeguards may be brought in to augment the local team, Minster Adams said, “the first intent is to have local investment and lifeguards on island.”

“However, absent of that, recognising the importance of having quality lifeguards on island, we’re prepared to reach out overseas if necessary.”

$3.8 million will be spent this year on the design and planning for replacing Swing Bridge in St George’s – with future construction costs estimated at around $50-to-$60 million.

More than a million will be used to refurbish Government-owned water tanks that store public supply.

$600 thousand will enhance National Parks, and another $400 thousand will be used to strengthen seawalls and reinforce coastal buffers in the face of climate change.

Minister Adams said, “each of these initiatives, whether it’s fixing a road, replacing a bridge, hiring lifeguards, or restoring a water tank, is part of a larger mission – to serve the people of Bermuda and secure our island’s future.”

EU sets out possible 95-billion-euro response to US tariffs

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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EU sets out possible 95-billion-euro response to US tariffs

The EU faces 25% U.S. import tariffs on its steel, aluminium and cars

FILE PHOTO: EU flags flutter in front of European Central Bank (ECB) headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany July 18, 2024. REUTERS/Jana Rodenbusch/File Photo

International news via Reuters:

The European Commission on Thursday proposed countermeasures on up to 95 billion euros ($107.2 billion) of U.S. imports if negotiations with Washington fail to remove the series of tariffs applied by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The new measures, representing the EU’s response to U.S. import taxes on cars and Trump’s broader “reciprocal” tariffs, would target U.S. wine, bourbon and other spirits, fish, aircraft, car and car parts, chemicals, electrical equipment, health products and machinery.

The European Commission, which coordinates trade policy for the 27-nation EU, said it was launching a public consultation to June 10 for EU members and businesses to react to the proposals. It will then take a final decision on its counter-tariffs, likely to hit a smaller volume of U.S. imports.

“The EU remains fully committed to finding negotiated outcomes with the U.S.,” Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement. “At the same time, we continue preparing for all possibilities.”

The announcement of a new list of products the EU might target came on the day Trump announced a trade deal between the United States and Britain, the first to soften the impact of Trump’s global tariff blitz on an important trade partner. 

The EU faces 25% U.S. import tariffs on its steel, aluminium and cars and so-called “reciprocal” tariffs of 10% for almost all other goods, a levy that could rise to 20% after Trump’s 90-day pause expires on July 8.

The Commission has repeatedly said it would prefer a negotiated solution to tit-for-tat tariffs, but wants to have a retaliatory response ready for July in case no solution is found.

In April, the EU approved duties mostly of 25% on U.S. imports amounting to 21 billion euros, including maize, wheat, motorcycles and clothing. These, a response to U.S. metals tariffs, were suspended before entering into force, after Trump announced his 90-day pause.

The Commission has said that U.S. tariffs now cover 380 billion euros or 70% of EU goods trade to the U.S. and that could rise to 97% after further U.S. investigations into pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, critical minerals and trucks.

The EU has not included pharmaceutical products or semiconductors on its list.

The Commission has been encouraging affected businesses to submit their views. At a consultation in March into the EU’s countermeasures against U.S. metals tariffs, the Commission received 660 responses.

CARMAKERS

BMW, the biggest auto exporter in the United States by value, declined to comment on the EU proposals, saying these were the basis for discussion over the coming weeks and reiterating that both sides should seek common ground based on free trade.

German manufacturers, including Mercedes-Benz, produced more than 844,000 vehicles in the United States last year, around half of which were exported, according to lobby group VDA.

EU spirits association spiritsEUROPE said tariff-free transatlantic spirits trade dated back to 1997 and urged EU and U.S. negotiators to intensify their efforts to reach an agreement by no later than early July.

The potential EU countermeasures do not match the volume of products covered by U.S. tariffs because EU imports are far less than its goods exports to the United States – at 335 billion euros in 2024 versus 532 billion euros of exports.

EU officials said the bloc wanted to deliver a proportionate response that did not escalate the conflict.

The United States does have a trade surplus with the EU in services.

The Commission said it was also looking into placing export restrictions on 4.4 billion euros of steel scrap and chemical products to the United States. Scrap, a feedstock for the steel industry, is not covered by the U.S. metal tariffs and there are concerns it could be sold outside the bloc.

The Commission further said it would launch a complaint at the World Trade Organization over U.S. tariffs, a procedure that begins with consultations between the parties.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said on Wednesday discussions between the United States and Europe were ongoing and that Washington was pressing the EU to lower its own tariffs and regulatory barriers to improve the trading relationship.

($1 = 0.8859 euros)

Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop; Additional reporting by Christoph Steitz and Emma Rumney; Editing by Philippa Fletcher

IMF says Nigeria repays $3.4 billion COVID-19 funding

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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IMF says Nigeria repays $3.4 billion COVID-19 funding

Nigeria last year spent $4.66 billion to service its foreign debt, $1.63 billion was to the IMF

A man walks past the International Monetary Fund (IMF) logo at its headquarters in Washington, U.S., May 10, 2018. REUTERS/Yuri Gripas/File Photo

International news via Reuters:

Nigeria has repaid $3.4 billion in emergency funding it received from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to help the country cope with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic five years ago, the global lender said on Thursday.

In April 2020, the IMF provided the financing to help Africa’s largest oil exporter cope with a collapse in crude prices, which hit its finances and tipped the economy into recession.

IMF resident representative to Nigeria Christian Ebeke said in a statement that, as of April 30, the country had “fully repaid the financial support” it received under the Fund’s Rapid Financing Instrument, a facility that provides urgent balance of payments funding to member nations.

“Nigeria is expected to honour some additional payments in the form of Special Drawing Rights charges of about US$30 million annually,” Ebeke added.

The most recent data from the Debt Management Office shows that Nigeria last year spent $4.66 billion to service its foreign debt, of which $1.63 billion was to the IMF. 

Reporting by MacDonald Dzirutwe; Editing by Alex Richardson

Maersk warns global container volumes could drop due to trade war

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Maersk warns global container volumes could drop due to trade war

Says the threat of a further escalation in the trade war will cast a shadow over the U.S. economy

FILE PHOTO: Maersk’s logo is seen in stored containers at Zona Franca in Barcelona, Spain, November 3, 2022. REUTERS/Albert Gea/FIle Photo

International news via Reuters:

Shipping group Maersk said on Thursday container volumes plunged 30-40% between the U.S. in China in April as a trade war erupted between the world’s top economies, and warned a protracted dispute could shrink global volumes this year.

However, the Danish group stuck to its full-year profit guidance, helped by continued disruption on the Red Sea trade route that has pushed up freight rates. 

Trade tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump have prompted companies worldwide to cut sales targets and major economies to revise down growth prospects, impacting demand for shipping goods at sea.

Maersk, viewed as a barometer of world trade, said it now expects global container volumes within a range of down 1% to up 4% this year, compared with the 4% growth estimated at the beginning of the year.

“Volumes between China and the U.S. dropped sharply during April, between 30% and 40% as tariffs went up. We were able to reallocate them to some other areas where there’s still strong demand,” CEO Vincent Clerc told journalists in Copenhagen. 

Many companies rushed to ship goods to the U.S. at the beginning of the year in anticipation of potential tariffs. But most economists are calling the Trump tariff gambit a demand shock to the world economy which will sap global activity.

Maersk expects market growth in the second quarter, if customers take advantage of a 90-day pause in the bulk of planned U.S. tariffs to build inventories, but said there was a risk of demand contracting in the second half of the year if tariffs were not rolled back.

Maersk, whose customers include Walmart, Target, and Nike, said the threat of a further escalation in the trade war cast a shadow over the U.S. economy.

“The dream of being able to produce locally, with all you’ll need for your supply chain, is not possible,” Clerc said. 

“Unemployment is at a historic low in the United States, and they are deporting hundreds of thousands of people. Where is the labour going to come from?” he added.

“If we have to pay U.S. labour, then no T-shirt will be sold for less than $150,” Clerc said.

Maersk said last week it had downsized some vessels sailing between China and the United States. German rival Hapag-Lloyd said last month its customers had cancelled 30% of shipments to the U.S. from China.

Maersk shares were 0.6% higher at 1004 GMT.

RED SEA DISRUPTION

Maersk still expects earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) this year of between $6 billion and $9 billion.

JP Morgan analysts said in a research note they were surprised the shipper had maintained its outlook.

Maersk also said it expects Red Sea disruption to continue throughout the year, despite comments by Trump on Tuesday that the U.S. would stop bombing the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen, which helped it maintain its profit guidance.

Maersk and rivals have benefited from longer sailing times and soaring freight rates as ships are rerouted around Africa as Houthi militants have kept up attacks on Red Sea vessels in what they say is in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

Trump said the Houthis had agreed to stop attacking U.S. ships, but the group later said the deal did not include sparing Israel, suggesting its shipping attacks would not come to a complete halt.

There have been no reports of Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea area since January.

Its EBITDA rose 70% year-on-year to $2.71 billion in the first three months of the year, compared with the $2.41 billion expected by analysts in a company poll.

Reporting by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen. Editing by Terje Solsvik and Mark Potter

Bermudian Gymnasts Shine at Burlington Spring Cup

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Bermudian Gymnasts Shine at Burlington Spring Cup

Gymnastics

Bermuda’s young gymnasts have made a significant mark at the Burlington Spring Cup in Ontario, Canada, with eleven athletes from the Bermuda Gymnastics Association showcasing their talent under coach Becky Wentling. The Bronze level saw remarkable success, with nine-year-old Emma Wright securing a brilliant first place all-around, highlighted by gold medals on the Beam and Floor. Seven-year-old Satya Tuzo-Smith also shone, taking second place all-around with a gold on Vault and silver on Beam, while Jodie Denton finished a creditable ninth. 

The Gold level also witnessed impressive performances, most notably from eight-year-old Maddie Pritchard, who achieved a clean sweep of first places across all apparatus in a dominant display. Samantha Tolosa finished fifth all-around, earning a bronze on Bars, while Fallon Wooley placed sixth. Ellise Leamey, Nicole Burrows, Sadie Hocking, and McKenna Redcliffe also competed with determination. In Level 6, Eva Wright finished tenth all-around, with a strong fifth-place finish on the Floor exercise. 

The collective achievements of these young Bermudian gymnasts at the Burlington Spring Cup underscore their dedication and the quality of coaching within the Bermuda Gymnastics Association. Their success in Canada is a testament to their hard work and brings considerable pride to the island’s sporting community, highlighting the bright future of gymnastics in Bermuda.

Augustus Dominates to Claim BPGA Match Play Title

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Augustus Dominates to Claim BPGA Match Play Title

Golf

Daniel Augustus has emphatically claimed the Bermuda Professional Golf Association’s 2025 Match Play Championship, securing a commanding victory at the scenic Five Forts Golf Course in St. George’s. 

Under overcast skies that provided ideal conditions for golf, Augustus faced Adam Perry in the much-anticipated 36-hole Championship match. From the outset, Augustus showcased his skill and unwavering consistency, ultimately proving too strong for his opponent, clinching the title with a decisive 7 & 6 victory. 

Augustus’s journey to lift the trophy was marked by impressive performances throughout the knockout stages. He navigated a challenging path, first overcoming talented youngster Arriek Douglas before defeating seasoned veteran Dwayne Pearman Sr., setting up the final showdown against Perry. In the final, Augustus’s game reached its peak, leaving Perry with no answer to his opponent’s consistent brilliance. This dominant victory firmly establishes Augustus as the BPGA’s 2025 Match Play Champion.

Double Disappointment for Bermuda Hockey in CAC Qualifiers

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Double Disappointment for Bermuda Hockey in CAC Qualifiers

Both the men’s and women’s team defeated in Mexico

It proved to be a challenging day in Mexico for Bermuda’s national field hockey teams as both the men’s and women’s sides suffered defeats in their respective Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games Qualifying Tournament matches. 

The Women’s National Field Hockey team took to the field for a crucial encounter against Puerto Rico, hoping to build on their earlier efforts in the tournament. Despite a determined and spirited performance, the match ended in heartbreak for the Bermudian side. After battling hard, they succumbed to a narrow 2-1 defeat, with Puerto Rico snatching the victory with a late penalty stroke. The loss will be a significant blow to Bermuda’s hopes of advancing in the competition. 

Shortly after, the Men’s National Field Hockey team were back in action for their fourth match, facing Jamaica. Following their previous defeat to Venezuela, the men were eager to secure a positive result and get their qualifying campaign back on track. However, they too faced disappointment on the pitch, falling to a 2-0 defeat against a resolute Jamaican side. The loss compounds the challenges for the men’s team as they navigate the crucial qualifying tournament. 

These double defeats represent a setback for Bermuda’s aspirations in the CAC Games Qualifying Tournament. Both teams will need to regroup quickly and analyse their performances as they look to their remaining fixtures and the opportunity to bounce back and fight for qualification.

Liana De Medeiros Continues Strong Showing with Top Five in Toronto 5K

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Liana De Medeiros Continues Strong Showing with Top Five in Toronto 5K

Liana De Medeiros hitting her stride at Toronto Marathon

Liana De Medeiros has once again underlined her burgeoning talent on the road racing circuit with an impressive performance in the 5K event at the prestigious Toronto Marathon. 

Facing a large field of 2438 participants, De Medeiros clocked a strong finishing time of 17 minutes and 56 seconds. This excellent effort saw her secure a notable 5th place overall in the race, a testament to her speed and endurance. 

Adding to her achievement, De Medeiros also finished as the second fastest female competitor in the event, highlighting her competitive edge within the women’s category. Furthermore, she claimed second place in the highly competitive Female 18-24 Age Group, further solidifying her potential as a rising star in road running. Her consistent strong performances in significant events like the Toronto Marathon suggest a bright future for the young Bermudian athlete.

Wednesday Sports Round-Up

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Wednesday Sports Round-Up

The latest on Bermudian athletes in action both locally and overseas

The men’s field hockey team faced a tough test against Venezuela in C.A.C. qualifying, several record-breaking performances at the Middle School Inter-school Sports and Bill McNiven surged to the top of the leader-board in the I.O.D.. Regatta. The highlights from the latest sporting action.

Carigenetics to give away 100 Wellness DNA tests at Relay for Life event

Bermuda Broadcasting Newsdesk
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Carigenetics to give away 100 Wellness DNA tests at Relay for Life event

They have partnered with CG Insurance and Prostate Awareness Bermuda to raised awareness on men’s health

CariGenetics, Prostate Awareness Bermuda and CG Insurance have partnered to give 100 complimentary Wellness DNA Tests to individuals participating in this year’s Relay for Life event, with an emphasis on men’s wellness.

The initiative celebrates the resilience of those affected by cancer and aims to empower them with personalised health insights for a holistic approach to their health and wellness.


The Relay for Life of Bermuda, scheduled for 9–10 May 2025, is a cherished community event
raising funds and awareness for cancer treatment and support services.

CariGenetics will have a booth with Prostate Awareness Bermuda (PAB), located at tent 57, where the free Wellness DNA Tests will be given away.

These tests analyse an individual’s genetic blueprint to provide customised guidance on various aspects of wellness like nutrition, fitness, skincare and even personality, helping participants understand the foods and activities that best suit their genetic makeup.

The aim is to provide long-term support for survivors, carers and the community in their journey toward
optimal health.

While health and wellness are important for everyone, men—particularly those of Caribbean ancestry—remain underrepresented in preventive health and genetic research.

By offering these tests during Relay for Life, CariGenetics and its partners hope to encourage more men to take proactive steps in understanding their unique health needs. Early insights can make a significant difference in disease prevention and long-term wellness.


John Payne, Founding Member of Prostate Awareness Bermuda said, “Too often, men put their health on the back burner, especially when it comes to prevention and personalised care.

“This partnership with CariGenetics and CG Insurance is a vital opportunity to empower men—particularly those affected by cancer—to take charge of their wellbeing through advanced and accessible genetic tools.”


Dr. Carika Weldon, Founder and CEO of CariGenetics, stated, “Relay for Life is a celebration of strength, resilience, and community. We are honoured to give back to those who have given so much of themselves. As many may know, my grandmother,
“Marie Gibbons, was lost to cancer in 2017. This for me is personal and I want to ensure those who have survived, are carers and family members can cater for their overall health and wellness as we push forward.

Through personalised insights from our wellness testing, we hope to support the cancer community in living their healthiest, fullest lives.”

Participants who wish to receive a complimentary Wellness Test can pre-register by completing a simple form at carigenetics.com and then visit the PAB booth during the event to take the test.

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