Firearm seizure announced by police, illegal parking in disabled bays, shoreline app update
Monday Sports Round-Up
Highlights of Bermuda’s athletes in action both locally and overseas
A new name joined the list of champions for the Bermuda Half Marathon, while the women’s race saw a remarkable three-peat. Bermuda Broadcasting has the highlights from an unforgettable race day, along with achievements from Bermudian athletes making their mark both locally and abroad.
Police seize firearm in Happy Valley search
Community cooperation helped prevent “potentially fatal” incident, says BPS’ Jason Smith
File Photo
Bermuda Police Service Press Release
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, officers from the Bermuda Police Service’s Police Support and Gang Units executed a search warrant at a residence on Happy Valley Road, Pembroke.
During the search, discovered and seized a loaded firearm and inquiries in relation to this matter are ongoing.
This is a significant seizure and underscores our ongoing commitment to safeguarding our community by targeting illegal firearms and disrupting gang-related activities. Such efforts are vital in protecting our citizens and maintaining public safety.
Acting Detective Superintendent, Jason Smith, pointed out, “This successful operation was the result of the continued support and cooperation of members of the community. This is the second time in recent days that the community working with the BPS, has prevented a potentially fatal or life threatening incident from occurring. Thank you. Let’s continue to build and strengthen this partnership, which is vital in ensuring the safety of our island home.”
As a reminder, if you have information to firearms or criminal activity, we urge you to call the main police number 295-0011 or, provide the information via the community reporting portal at, https://portal.police.bm
Alternatively, you may also call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477 or speak with a police officer you know.
SCC: Kenny Thompson Unveiled As The New Director of Methodology
Somerset Cricket Club announces Thompson’s new post in the Club via press release this morning
Full Press Release:
“Somerset Cricket Club, Inc is pleased to announce that Mr. Kenny Thompson has been appointed as Director of Methodology. This new post has been contrived, as a result of the Senior Team’s recent years of lack of success and the post 2024/25 season analysis. We believe now is the ripe time as this is the setting of yet another piece of the puzzle to re-establishing “Silver City” as a perennial football giant in Bermuda.
We are indeed pleased that Kenny has accepted the appointment, and we look forward to his indelible mark – a renowned scholar, teacher and master of the game, being etched in the annuls of SCC Football history.
Football Chairman, Mr. Dennis Lister III, in consultation with Director of Football, Mr. Danvers Seymour Jr and the Football Committee, have worked diligently and expeditiously to convince Kenny to “return home,” to which he has agreed.
Kenny has spent many years east of 6 Cricket Lane, from a football standpoint, but as we know, roots have a way of never forgetting from where they come. Kenny is no stranger to the football field at SCC, having been a regular explosive midfielder with the Trojans in the 80s and 90s. We are looking forward to the professional flair and acumen that Kenny brings and we believe that in time, we’ll see great dividends on the investment.
As the 2024/25 season has recently come to a close, we are looking forward to a robust pre-season in preparation for a profitable and successful 2025/26 season and beyond. We are glad to have the football intellectual capital in that of Mr. Kenny Thompson on the road to re-establishing “Silver City” at SCC.”
Portuguese Association to celebrate Santo Cristo festival
This Saturday and Sunday, 31 May and 1 June, will see the return of the annual Santo Cristo festival at MSA.
Full news release from the Portuguese Association of Bermuda:
All members of the public are invited to attend the annual Santo Cristo festival free of charge.
Additionally, the festival’s organizers are pleased to announce that Portuguese-Canadian musician, Jessica Amaro, will be headlining the weekend’s festivities. Amaro is a well-known performer of popular Portuguese music from the Greater Toronto Area. Her performances have run the full gambit of traditional and up-tempo Portuguese music, and she also sings popular songs in English.
Also performing are a number of local acts: In Motion School of Dance, Sierra DeSousa, Caroline Brown, the Vasco da Gama Folklore dancers and the Casa dos Açores, children Folklore Dancers. DJ Scoobay of YGS will provide further musical entertainment for the evening.
On Saturday, 31 May a Mass will be celebrated at 7:45pm in St. Theresa’s Cathedral to commence the feast and to move the statue of Senhor Santo Cristo out of the chapel. MSA will then be open to the public for live entertainment.
On Sunday, 1 June at 1:30pm celebrations will commence with a Mass in St. Theresa’s Cathedral with a procession immediately following from the Cathedral, down onto Dundonald Street, then to Woodlands Road, to Laffan Street and then back to the Cathedral.
Immediately following the procession, festivities will continue at MSA, which include a bazaar, baked goods, auction, food & beverages and live entertainment. A raffle draw will take place at 8:00 pm. Anyone wanting to purchase or sell raffle tickets, can contact the Commissão Senhor Santo Cristo via email at santocristobermuda@gmail.com.
Santo Cristo is an Azorean tradition that has been celebrated in Bermuda for almost 50 years by the Portuguese community. It is a religious veneration associated with an image of Jesus Christ, specifically a Renaissance-style representation of the Ecce Homo, and it dates back to 1700 in the Azorean city of Ponta Delgada.
The festival is jointly organized in Bermuda by the Comissão Senhor Santo Cristo, the Vasco da Gama Club and the Portuguese Cultural Association (registered charity, #385). Proceeds raised will support St Theresa’s Cathedral, the Commissão Senhor Santo Cristo and the Portuguese School of Bermuda
Opinion: We need to push ahead on absentee voting
Dwayne Robinson: “I urge the Government to use some of the remaining [Budget] debate to give some insight on this very important election pledge.”
Opposition MP Dwayne Robinson OBA photo
Statement by Dwayne Robinson, OBA MP for Constituency 30, Southampton East Central, Shadow Minister of Tourism, Culture & Transport:
After a beautiful collective celebration of our island’s unique culture on Bermuda Day, as elected leaders, we have the responsibility to continue fostering unity and collaboration amongst our people.
An issue frequently on the hearts and minds of students and Bermudians living desirous of remaining connected to Bermuda and its culture during this year’s election was absentee balloting.
Absentee balloting was highlighted by Jahdia Spencer and championed by Bermuda Youth Connect, along with many other vocal young members of our community. As the current youngest sitting member of Parliament, I feel it is my duty to use my platform to ensure their efforts were not in vain.
This is an issue that has gained wide-ranging support, especially amongst our university students who have felt disenfranchised in the political realm.
Enacting absentee balloting could bring the change needed that could make steps towards re-engaging Bermudians who are keenly invested in this electoral reform.
We would also demonstrate to the Bermudian public that their political leaders on both sides of the floor can come together to pass legislation that is in the public’s interest.
It is very concerning that despite the PLP making an election pledge to Bermudians, it doesn’t appear to be a priority.
Despite the One Bermuda Alliance pressuring the Government on this in the Reply to the Budget, the PLP has yet to give a comprehensive update or even tentative time frame on bringing Absentee Ballot legislation to parliament for consideration.
The Budget debates have not concluded yet, so I urge the Government to use some of the remaining debate to give some insight on this very important election pledge.
Bermuda Cricket Board T20 Knock-Out Cup Round-Up
Cricket
As the Bermuda Cricket Board’s T20 Knock-Out Cup exploded into action across the island yesterday, Sunday, May 25th. We saw a day filled with explosive hitting and some seriously tight bowling displays in both the Premier and First Divisions.
Starting in the Premier Division, Lord’s in St. David’s witnessed a high-scoring affair as Bailey’s Bay edged out the home side by 19 runs. Delray Rawlins was the star with the bat for Bailey’s Bay, smashing a blistering 83, while Kyle Hodsoll shone with the ball, taking four crucial wickets.
Over at the Somerset Cricket Club, St. George’s Cricket Club proved too strong for the hosts, securing a 42-run victory, built on a scintillating 71 from Zeko Burgess and supported by a fine all-round performance.
The Southampton Oval saw Devonshire Recreation Club secure a comfortable 35-run win over Cleveland County, with George O’Brien’s impressive bowling figures leading the way for Devonshire.
In the First Division, Southampton Rangers delivered a dominant performance, defeating Willow Cuts by a convincing 83 runs, thanks in part to a five-wicket haul from Darrien Gibbons.
Lord’s also hosted a First Division clash where Warwick Workmen’s Club secured a 73-run victory over Somerset Bridge, with Zeri Tomlinson and Kamau Leverock starring with the bat and Jalani Richardson taking four wickets.
Finally, at the Somerset Cricket Club, Western Stars edged out PHC by 21 runs in another closely fought First Division encounter, with Seth Campbell’s three wickets proving vital for Western Stars.
Getting fit for the summer with Beyond Fitness
Local gym owner encourages residents to explore accessible approaches to exercise
Working out is a key contributor to a long, healthy life. Health experts say that the average adult should aim for 75 to 100 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week, in addition to walking a minimum of ten-thousand steps per day.
Christine Dailey, co-owner of Beyond Fitness Bermuda in the City of Hamilton, explaining the benefits of personal training and group exercises classes for overall health.
New warning over parking abuses
City cites widespread misuse of parking bays for the disabled
Image: Age Concern
Press release:
The City of Hamilton is once again reminding motorists that designated disabled parking bays are strictly reserved for individuals with a valid Disabled Parking Permit—and that this applies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including Sundays and after regular business hours.
Despite previous outreach efforts, City Parking Enforcement Officers continue to observe widespread misuse of these parking bays by drivers without permits, as well as individuals abusing temporary or ‘borrowed’ disabled parking badges. In response, the City will be stepping up enforcement across the City, and those found in violation may be subject to a $75 penalty.
The disabled parking bays are marked with the international symbol of access (blue wheelchair). These bays exist to ensure fair and equitable access to services, especially for those who face mobility challenges.
City of Hamilton CEO Dwayne Caines stated: “Creating a city that is accessible for all means holding the line on fairness. These parking bays are not optional guidelines—they are legal designations that exist to protect the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities. We are especially concerned about reports of people misusing temporary permits or using someone else’s badge while the permit holder is not present. That is abuse, and it deprives those who genuinely need these spots. Our enforcement teams have been directed to take a stricter approach to violations going forward.”
He added, “There is no ‘quick stop’ exception. The rules apply at all times, and our message is simple: if you do not have a valid disabled parking permit and are not transporting the person it’s issued to, do not park there.
“Also, we must be reminded that disabilities can’t always be seen. We shouldn’t assume that because someone is not in a wheelchair or walking with a cane that they do not have a disability.”
The public is also reminded that the Disabled Parking Permit is issued to a specific individual, not to a vehicle. It is meant to be used only when that individual is being transported. Misuse of these permits—especially by friends, family, or caregivers running errands alone—may result in the revocation of the permit.
The City continues to work to make Hamilton as accessible as possible. Recent infrastructure enhancements include additional accessible parking bays, upgraded curb cuts, and tactile pavers to assist visually impaired pedestrians.
The City of Hamilton uses the definition of “disabled” in the United Kingdom’s Disability Discrimination Act, 1995, as follows: “A disabled person is a person who has a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.”
To apply for a Disabled Parking Permit or learn more, visit www.cityofhamilton.bm.
If a member of the public observes someone misusing a disabled parking permit or parking illegally in an accessible bay, please report it to the Bermuda Police Service or contact the City directly at 292-1234.
BBC Radio News: Tuesday Morning – 27 May 2025
Tuesday morning radio report by Julie Matthews-Borchardt and sports reporter Earl Basden
German consortium in talks to build AI data centre, Handelsblatt reports
The European Commission plans to provide $20 billion in funding to construct AI data centres
International news via Reuters:
Germany’s SAP, Deutsche Telekom, web hosting firm Ionos and unlisted retailer Schwarz are vying for European Union support to build a large data processing centre for artificial intelligence, the Handelsblatt newspaper reported on Tuesday.
The consortium is in intensive negotiations to build one of the five data centres, known as AI gigafactories, that the EU plans to support, the paper said, citing industry executives.
The companies did not immediately respond to emailed requests for comment from Reuters.
The European Commission plans to provide $20 billion in funding to construct AI data centres to catch up with the U.S. and China.
The project, intended to enable the bloc to create its own AI models, will face challenges ranging from obtaining chips to finding suitable sites and electricity.
Under the government coalition agreement between German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservatives and the Social Democrats, the partners earlier this year said they aimed to have at least one such centre built in Germany.
Handelsblatt said the deadline to provide initial expressions of interest to the EU is June 20.
Reporting by Ludwig Burger, editing by Friederike Heine and Thomas Seythal
Italy’s business lobby urges EU to expedite trade deals beyond US
Trump ratcheted up his trade war, announcing a 50% tariff on EU goods starting June 1
International news via Reuters:
Italy’s main business lobby Confindustria on Tuesday called on the European Union to speed up trade agreements with other countries while it negotiates on tariffs with US President Donald Trump.
Trump last week ratcheted up his trade war, announcing a 50% tariff on EU goods starting June 1. He later deferred the deadline to July 9 to allow for negotiations between Washington and Brussels.
“After updating the agreements with Chile and Mexico, the European Union must absolutely conclude the one with Mercosur”, Confindustria President Emanuele Orsini said at an annual assembly in Bologna, referring to the South American bloc.
“Mercosur is not enough. That is why we must aim to reach agreements with Australia, make progress in our negotiations with India and the ASEAN countries, and look at the 54 African Union countries that have joined the free trade area”, he added.
Orsini also called on the EU to allow derogations from its budget discipline rules not only for defence spending but also to back “a significant plan to support industrial investment across Europe”.
Reporting by Gianluca Semeraro, editing by Alvise Armellini
