Records fall as Bermuda’s Youth Take Centrestage at the 2025 Interschool Sports Meet at the NSC
The Flora Duffy South Field Stadium at the National Sports Center was ablaze with youthful talent as the 2025 Middle School Track and Field Championships got off to a scintillating start. After a day of fierce competition and record-breaking performances, Whitney Institute sit atop the leaderboard with 139.5 points, closely pursued by Saltus Grammar School with 138 points. Sandys Secondary Middle School is also firmly in contention, just five points further back with 133 points, indicating a thrilling battle for the overall title is on the cards.
The opening day witnessed two impressive records tumble. Warwick Academy’s prodigious runner Naomi Macguinness shattered the under-12 girls’ 800-metre record, clocking a remarkable time of 2:30.73. Her performance eclipsed the previous record held by Whitney’s Deanne Lightbourne. Not to be outdone, Nadia Henderson from Bermuda High School broke the under-13 girls’ turbo javelin record with a stunning throw of 24.90 meters. This impressive distance surpassed the six-year-old record held by Dellwood’s Dominique Brown by over two metres. Henderson also added to her medal tally with a third-place finish in the shot put.
Warwick Long Bay has been crowned by beer brand, Corona, as one of the world’s most iconic beaches that best represents its “This is Living” expression.
It’s part of a broader global campaign, commemorating the 100-year anniversary of the brand that has been synonymous with beach culture since its origins in Mexico in 1925.
The centennial celebrations saw the curation of a definitive list of the top 100 beaches in the world to visit.
Corona assembled a panel of beach experts, including oceanographers, surfers, free divers, and other nature enthusiasts to build the guide.
According to a media release, “Each beach in the Corona Beach 100 is “Sun Awarded” – rated between one to three suns – and recognizes the locations that embody the true spirit of “This is Living” based on three essential elements: Beachside Culture, Connection to Nature, and Scenic Aesthetics.”
Warwick Long Bay received a rating of two out of three suns, celebrated for its “surreal natural beauty”, “dreamy palm-lined sands”, and “cultural pulse and rhythm.”
Part of the description on Corona’s website reads, “Bermuda has plenty of ‘perfect’ beaches, but Warwick Long Bay feels more like a secret. Long, wild, and a little off-the-grid, it draws sunrise chasers, slow movers, and anyone looking to unplug. You don’t come here to check your phone — you come to check in with yourself.”
The profile on the South Shore beach also includes tips for beachgoers, information on the best time of year to visit, as well as its wonders and wildlife.
The overall Beach 100 guide also includes famed hotspots within South Africa, Mexico, and Brazil, as well as some lesser-travelled shorelines, such as Chile’s Punta de Lobos, Iceland’s Stokksnes Beach, and Canada’s Cox Bay Beach.
Clarissa Pantoja, Global VP of Corona said, “For 100 years, Corona has fully embodied the ‘This is Living’ spirit of the beach lifestyle, inspiring people to disconnect from their everyday routine and reconnect with nature and each other.”
“Enjoyed by millions around the world today and still growing, Corona will always remain unwavering in its commitment to the beach. This anniversary is not just a celebration of our legacy, but also a call for everyone to embrace their best side – the beach side – both now and for the next 100 years to follow.”
With 10 points, Bermudian tops the leaderboard after 5 races
The Bermuda International Invitational Race Week Regatta has shifted its focus to the elegant International One-Design (IOD) Series A fleet, continuing to deliver captivating competition on the island’s renowned waters.
After five races in the tightly contested series, it is Bermuda’s own Bill McNiven who has emerged as the early leader. With sailors now able to discard their worst performance, McNiven’s consistent showing has propelled him to the top of the leaderboard. Despite an initial fifth-place finish in the opening race, McNiven has since found his rhythm, securing impressive finishes of third, second, third, and another second in today’s races. This consistent form leaves him with a net score of just 10 points.
However, the competition remains fierce. Canada’s Ted Murphy, who sailed an excellent race to victory today, sits just one point behind McNiven in second place with 11 net points. Murphy’s win will undoubtedly give him confidence as the series progresses.
Bermuda’s Men’s Field Hockey team faced a determined Venezuela side in their third match of the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games Qualifying Tournament, hoping to bounce back from their previous defeat. However, despite a battling performance, they succumbed to a 3-0 loss.
This result leaves Bermuda with a record of one win and two defeats in the qualifying tournament. While the team showed glimpses of their potential, they will need to regroup quickly and address the areas for improvement as they continue their quest for a place in the CAC Games.
Heavy rain, thunderstorms, and possible localised flooding may impact motorists
File photo
Residents are being warned over unsettled weather conditions that are forecast to begin this afternoon.
The Ministry of National Security advised the public to stay alert as the bouts of bad weather move in over the island.
A government spokesperson stated, “Periods of heavy rainfall and isolated thunderstorms are expected, with conditions possibly continuing into early Thursday morning. The chance of thunderstorms is particularly significant and may lead to brief but intense downpours.”
“The BWS advises that the latest model data suggests 0.5 to 1 inches of rainfall accumulation during this period. However, there could be up to an inch more in localised heavy showers or thunderstorms.
“While impacts are not expected to exceed those typical of heavy rain events, localised flooding is likely in known flood-prone areas.
“This could affect residential and commercial properties and cause temporary travel disruptions, especially during the Thursday morning commute.”
Residents were also reminded that heavy rainfall can increase risk on the roads by worsening potholes or creating new ones.
“Motorists and pedestrians should exercise caution during and after the weather event, as deteriorating road conditions can pose a hazard,” added the government spokesperson.
Minister Jache Adams consults the fishing community on ocean management
The Government of Bermuda issued the following media release.
The Ministry of Public Works and Environment reaffirmed its commitment to collaborative ocean management following a high-level meeting recently between the Minister of Public Works and Environment, the Hon. Jache Adams, JP, MP, and representatives of the Fishermen’s Association of Bermuda (FAB).
The meeting, held at the Ministry’s headquarters, included Allan Bean, FAB President, and Jamie Walsh, FAB Secretary.
Minister Adams was joined by Permanent Secretary Kirk Outerbridge and Dr. Tammy Warren, Senior Marine Resources Officer from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The Minister described the meeting as a “meaningful step forward” in honouring the Government’s public promise to enhance consultation with the fishing community.
That pledge followed the Government’s decision earlier this year to pause the implementation of the proposed Marine Spatial Plan (MSP), a key part of the broader Blue Prosperity Plan (BPP).
“We are serious about striking the right balance between environmental protection and economic sustainability,” said Minister Adams. “Our fishermen are not just stakeholders. They are stewards of the sea, and their experience is essential in shaping fair, workable marine policy.”
During the meeting, both sides acknowledged their shared interest in a healthy ocean environment. The FAB agreed with many of the Blue Prosperity Plan’s long-term goals while raising concerns about specific elements, particularly the proposed designation of 20 per cent of Bermuda’s waters as fully protected marine areas, prohibiting all fishing activity.
Discussions focused on alternative fisheries management tools, as well as the need to improve marine enforcement and strengthen the collection of catch data — a recurring concern for both FAB and DENR.
Minister Adams noted, “We understand that no conservation strategy will succeed without strong enforcement and quality data. Our aim is to reach a solution with the fishermen on these issues, before designating any additional protected areas”
The Danish company’s market value has fallen by around 80% from its 2021 peak
FILE PHOTO: Electric power transmission pylon miniatures and Orsted logo are seen in this illustration taken, December 9, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
Orsted will no longer build a major offshore wind farm in Britain, it said on Wednesday, citing a deteriorating global business environment for renewables and dealing a blow to UK ambitions to decarbonise its energy supplies.
The Danish company’s market value has fallen by around 80% from its 2021 peak as costs have risen, supply chains have been disrupted and U.S. President Donald Trump’s opposition to offshore wind has sapped investor confidence.
Orsted said cancelling Hornsea 4, one of the world’s largest offshore wind farms, would cost it up to 5.5 billion Danish crowns ($837.85 million) in the form of breakaway fees and write-downs, but that the value it would create had fallen.
“The combination of increased supply chain costs, higher interest rates, and increased execution risk has deteriorated the expected value creation of the project,” CEO Rasmus Errboe said in a statement.
Errboe, who was appointed CEO in January, faces the challenge of reviving investor confidence and slimming down the company to meet the new realities of the offshore wind industry.
“We believe the decision was needed to ensure we only bring forward assets which we are confident will deliver the value that we would like to see,” Errboe told reporters.
A final investment decision had not been made for the Hornsea 4 project.
Britain’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said it hoped it would be able to revive the plans.
“We recognise the effect that globally high inflation and supply chain constraints are having on industry across Europe, and we will work with Orsted to get Hornsea 4 back on track,” a spokesperson said.
TRUMP SHARE IMPACT
Shares in Orsted rose 0.7% by 1045 GMT but are down by roughly a third since Trump’s election to a second term in November of last year.
“The cancellation of Hornsea 4 comes as a surprise but highlights stronger discipline under the new CEO,” Bernstein said in a research note. Barclays analysts called the cancellation an eye-opener.
While Trump has backed the continued use of fossil fuels, Britain, the biggest offshore wind market outside China and usually a stable growth region for Orsted, is striving to decarbonise its electricity to help curb global warming.
Orsted in September last year secured a 2.4 gigawatt contract for the Hornsea 4 project, located off the Yorkshire coast of northern England, in a British renewables power auction aimed at making the project more secure.
“We believe that the UK government is doing everything right in terms of the framework,” Errboe said.
The industry has struggled in recent years with rising costs, supply chain bottlenecks, higher interest rates, and more recently trade tensions.
Orsted said on Wednesday U.S. tariffs imposed on steel, aluminium and related products had increased costs for its two offshore projects in the U.S., resulting in an impairment of 1.2 billion crowns, but that construction would still go ahead.
It also posted first-quarter profit before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation, and excluding new partnerships and cancellation fees, of 8.6 billion Danish crowns for the January to March.
Analysts had on average expected an EBITDA of 7.88 billion crowns, a poll compiled by the company showed.
Orsted kept its 2025 outlook, excluding new partnerships and cancellation fees, unchanged, but the outlook did not include the cost of the Hornsea 4 cancellation.
($1 = 6.5644 Danish crowns)
Reporting by Stine Jacobsen and Louise Breusch Rasmussen, editing by Terje Solsvik and Barbara Lewis
There will be one ballot on Wednesday, then the cardinals can vote as many as four times a day
Cardinals attend the Holy Mass, celebrated for the election of the new pope, presided over by the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, in St. Peter’s Basilica, at the Vatican, May 7, 2025. REUTERS/Murad Sezer
International news via Reuters:
Roman Catholic cardinals will begin the task on Wednesday of electing a new pope, locking themselves away from the world until they choose the man they hope can unite a diverse but divided global Church.
In a ritual dating back to medieval times, the cardinals will file into the Vatican’s frescoed Sistine Chapel after a public Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica and start their secret conclave for a successor to Pope Francis, who died last month.
No pope has been elected on the first day of a conclave for centuries, so voting could continue for several days before one of the red-hatted princes of the Church receives the necessary two-thirds majority to become the 267th pontiff.
There will be only one ballot on Wednesday. Thereafter, the cardinals can vote as many as four times a day.
Members of the clergy gather on the day the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re presides over the Holy Mass, celebrated for the election of the new pope, in St. Peter’s Basilica, at the Vatican, May 7, 2025. REUTERS/Murad Sezer
They will burn their ballots, with black smoke from a chimney on the roof of the chapel marking an inconclusive vote, while white smoke and the peeling of bells signalling that the 1.4 billion member Church has a new leader.
The pope’s influence reaches well beyond the Catholic Church, providing a moral voice and a call to conscience that no other global leader can match.
At a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday morning before entering the conclave, the cardinals prayed that God would help them find a pope who would exercise “watchful care” over the world.
In a sermon, Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re told his peers they must set aside “every personal consideration” in choosing the new pontiff and keep in mind “only … the good of the Church and of humanity”.
Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, is 91 and will not enter the conclave, which is reserved for cardinals under the age of 80.
People gather as the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re presides over the Holy Mass, celebrated for the election of the new pope, in St. Peter’s Basilica, at the Vatican, May 7, 2025. REUTERS/Murad Sezer
Cardinals in recent days have offered different assessments of what they are looking for in the next pontiff.
While some have called for continuity with Francis’ vision of greater openness and reform, others have said they want to turn the clock back and embrace old traditions. Many have indicated they want a more predictable, measured pontificate.
Salvadoran Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chavez said he did not think the cardinals would retreat from Francis’ vision for the Church.
“There will not be a step backwards,” Rosa Chavez, aged 82, told the Corriere della Sera newspaper. “It is not possible.”
“Whoever is chosen, I think it will be a pope who continues the work begun by Francis,” he said.
A record 133 cardinals from 70 countries will enter the Sistine Chapel, up from 115 from 48 nations in the last conclave in 2013 — growth that reflects Francis’ efforts to extend the reach of the Church to far-flung regions with few Catholics.
No clear favourite has emerged, although Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin and Filipino Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle are considered the front-runners.
NO EAVESDROPPING
However, if it quickly becomes obvious that neither can win, votes are likely to shift to other contenders, with the electors possibly coalescing around geography, doctrinal affinity or common languages.
Among other potential candidates are France’s Jean-Marc Aveline, Hungary’s Peter Erdo, American Robert Prevost and Italy’s Pierbattista Pizzaballa.
Re suggested the cardinals should look for a pope who respected the diversity within the Church. “Unity does not mean uniformity, but a firm and profound communion in diversity,” he said in his sermon.
As in medieval times, the cardinals will be banned from communicating with outsiders during the conclave, and the Vatican has taken high-tech measures to ensure secrecy, including jamming devices to prevent any eavesdropping.
A view shows St. Peter’s Basilica, ahead of the conclave to elect the next pope, as seen from Rome, Italy, May 6, 2025. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
The average length of the last 10 conclaves was just over three days and none went on for more than five days. A 2013 conclave lasted just two days.
The cardinals will be looking to wrap things up quickly again this time to avoid giving the impression that they are divided or that the Church is adrift.
Some 80% of the cardinals who enter the Sistine Chapel on Wednesday were appointed by Francis, increasing the possibility that his successor will in some way continue his progressive policies despite strong pushback from traditionalists.
Among their considerations will be whether they should seek a pope from the global south where congregations are growing, as they did in 2013 with the Argentinian Francis, hand back the reins to Europe or even pick a first U.S. pope.
Reporting by Crispian Balmer; Editing by Cynthia Osterman, Alexandra Hudson
In March, Swiss drugmaker Roche abandoned global diverse workforce targets
FILE PHOTO: A view shows the logo of Novo Nordisk at the company’s office in Bagsvaerd, on the outskirts of Copenhagen, Denmark, March 8, 2024. REUTERS/Tom Little/File photo
International news via Reuters:
Obesity drugmaker Novo Nordisk said on Wednesday it would drop gender representation requirements for its U.S. business following executive orders by President Donald Trump to stop diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
“While Novo Nordisk maintains our global aspiration of a minimum 45% representation for each gender by the end of 2025, Novo Nordisk’s operations in the U.S. will no longer participate in this global initiative due to evolving legal requirements,” the company said in its first-quarter earnings statement.
Following Trump taking office in January and up to Wednesday, the Danish company had, when asked, affirmed it would not change its stance on the importance of a diverse workforce.
With the changed stance for its U.S. business, Novo joins peer European drugmakers who have acted to avoid potential penalties from recent U.S. executive orders.
In March, Swiss drugmaker Roche abandoned global diverse workforce targets and compatriot Novartis ended its use of diverse panels for U.S. hiring. In February, GSK announced it will no longer set diversity targets.
Reporting by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Maggie Fick, Editing by Louise Heavens
From the hockey pitch to the high seas and the show jumping arena to the open road Bermuda’s athletes continue to make their mark on both the local and international stage. All the highlights from today’s action in this report.
Total revenue rose 14% to $11.53 billion in the first quarter, slightly below analysts’ expectations
FILE PHOTO: The logo of Uber is seen at a temporary showroom at the Promenade road during the World Economic Forum (WEF) 2023, in the Alpine resort of Davos, Switzerland, January 20, 2023. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File photo
International news via Reuters:
Uber Technologies forecast second-quarter adjusted core profit and gross bookings largely above Wall Street expectations on Wednesday, indicating resilient demand for its ride-hailing and food delivery services.
The company expects gross bookings to be between $45.75 billion and $47.25 billion for the current quarter. This compared with Wall Street expectations of $45.83 billion.
Ride-hailing demand has remained resilient as a rebound in business travel and stricter enforcement of return to office policies boost intra-city commuting, airport trips and travel within key destinations.
In February, Uber launched its Price Lock Pass, a $2.99 monthly subscription offering consistent fares on designated routes, to attract budget-conscious commuters, competing with a similar feature offered by Lyft.
Total revenue rose 14% to $11.53 billion in the first quarter, slightly below analysts’ expectations of $11.62 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.
Delivery business revenue jumped about 18%, in line with Street expectations, while it rose 15% in the ride-hailing unit. Sales in its freight division slipped about 2%.
Uber anticipates a 1.5% currency-related drag on second-quarter gross bookings growth, with its Mobility segment facing a steeper 3% impact, as a stronger U.S. dollar reduces the value of earnings from international markets.
The company forecast second-quarter adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization – a profitability metric keenly watched by investors – between $2.02 billion and $2.12 billion. Analysts were expecting $2.04 billion.
Uber is intensifying its push into autonomous driving, deepening its partnership with Alphabet’s Waymo and forging new collaborations with robotaxi startups like WeRide, Pony AI and Avride.
Uber’s stock has soared roughly 42% this year, making it among the top 10 gainers in the benchmark S&P 500 index, while smaller rival Lyft is flat during the same period.
Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Sriraj Kalluvila
Indonesia set to become the fourth-largest economy in the world, and a key regional player
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reacts as he speaks at a Labor party election night event, after local media projected the Labor Party’s victory, on the day of the Australian federal election, in Sydney, Australia, May 3, 2025. REUTERS/Hollie Adams/File Photo
International news via Reuters:
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Wednesday he will travel to Indonesia next week as a “signal” of the importance Canberra places in the region in his first overseas visit since Saturday’s election victory.
“We have no more important relationship than Indonesia just to our north,” Albanese said in a television interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Albanese said he will travel to Indonesia on Wednesday, the day after his government is sworn into office. Albanese was re-elected and his centre-left Labor party increased its majority in parliament in the poll.
Indonesia will grow to become the fourth-largest economy in the world, and Australia has an important defence and security relationship with Jakarta, he said.
The visit will be “a signal to our region of the importance we place on this region,” he added.
During the election campaign Indonesia dismissed reports that Russia had requested to base military aircraft in Papua, about 1,200 km (750 miles) north of the Australian city of Darwin, where a U.S. Marine Corps rotational force is based for six months of the year.
Reporting by Kirsty Needham in Sydney; Editing by Sharon Singleton
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