Port of Spain, Trinidad: Adkins wins Bermuda’s first medal of the 2025 Carifta Games
Middle distance runner, Cameron Adkins, clinched Bermuda’s first medal of the 2025 Carifta Games when he finished 2nd behind Sammy Christopher of host nation Trinidad and Tobago in the Boys U17 1500m dash, in a time of 4:12:06. Luke Plummer of Jamaica took bronze.
https://vimeo.com/1076987781?share=copy#t=0
Competing in the 3000m on Sunday, Adkins narrowly missed out on the podium, finishing in fourth place behind 2 Trinbagonians – who took gold and silver – and a Grenadian who clinched bronze.
“There was a real sense of community spirit everywhere we went,” says Premier
Photographs supplied
Premier David Burt, his wife Kristin Burt, and their children took part in Good Friday festivities across the island yesterday.
A government press release stated: “From East to West, Premier Burt and his family visited a number of community events and activities which celebrated Bermuda’s traditions and heritage and the unique hallmarks of the day which included, kite flying, and sampling hot cross buns and fishcakes. And the Premier noted it was good to see residents coming together to engage in the Good Friday planned events.”
Premier Burt said, “We made our way across the island, stopping at different spots to connect with residents and soak in the festive energy. There was a real sense of community spirit everywhere we went, and we were happy to be part of the celebrations.”
Officers and first responders pictured at the scene. Credit: Bermuda Police Service
Police discovered a single-vehicle crash near the junction of Brighton Hill and South Shore Road in Devonshire after a car overturned in the early hours of Friday morning.
According to police, the incident occurred shortly after midnight. “Initial information suggests the vehicle was travelling east along the South Shore Road, when it appears the driver lost control negotiating a right-hand turn,” a police spokesperson said.
The car reportedly struck the kerb and came to rest on its side in a nearby agricultural plot.
It remains unclear whether the driver or any passengers sustained injuries in the collision. “Checks at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital confirmed no one attended the facility seeking treatment for injuries consistent with a motor vehicle collision,” the spokesperson added.
Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact 295-0011, the non-emergency number 211, or the Roads Policing Unit on 247-1788.
Shortly before 3:30 p.m. on Friday, 18 April 2025, police were dispatched to a report of a disturbance on the grounds of the Elbow Beach Hotel in Paget.
Details surrounding the incident are limited at this time. However, it has been confirmed that one male has been transported to hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the incident. Another male has been taken into police custody in connection with the matter.
An active investigation is now underway, and further information will be provided as it becomes available.
The Bermuda Police Service is asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information that could assist with inquiries to contact 211 or the main police number at 295-0011.
The Bermuda Police Service said a portion of Front Street is closed to traffic
A ‘serious’ road traffic collision occurred on Front Street in the City of Hamilton this evening near the Pickled Onion restaurant involving a motorcycle and pedal assist electric bike, according to the Bermuda Police Service.
A spokesperson said, “The scene is currently being processed with Front Street closed between Burnaby Street and Queen Street.
“Motorists are asked to avoid the area and use alternative routes to get to their destinations.”
Emergency responders attended the collision site.
It’s unclear what condition each of the riders are in currently.
Bermuda swimmers and track and field athletes head to Trinidad for the 2025 Carifta Games
Young athletes from across the region have been arriving in Trinidad and Tobago over the past few days in anticipation of tomorrow’s opening ceremony for the annual CARIFTA Games. In a change from last year, both the swimming and track and field competitions will be held on the same island. Bermuda will be represented by five swimmers, while 16 athletes have been selected to compete in track and field events. Speaking to Bermuda Broadcasting prior to heading to Trinidad, BNAA president Dr Freddie Evans said he hopes that this year’s team will serve as an inspiration.
Minister of Sport, Owen Darrell, who was on hand at the airport yesterday to bid Team Bermuda farewell said quote,
“Goal #2 of the National Sports Policy is to ‘Achieve Sporting Excellence Regionally,’ and the CARIFTA games are an opportunity for our athletes to fulfill this goal. It will also inspire future generations of athletes by exposing them to high-level competition.
“To our incredible Bermuda athletes, may your strength, dedication, and passion shine bright on the CARIFTA stage. No matter the outcome, your journey inspires us all, and we are proud of you”.
The 52nd CARIFTA Games begins on Saturday, April 19th, and ends on Monday, April 21st
Chrissie Basden, an assistant underwriter at the insurance firm came up with the idea for local vendors
The full news release from AXA XL:
Thirty local vendors gathered at O’Hara House recently for a pre-Easter Vendor Market hosted by AXA XL.
The event, which was previously held in 2023, is the brainchild of AXA XL Professional Lines Assistant Underwriter Chrissie Basden who wanted to create an opportunity for small businesses and individual entrepreneurs who do not have a physical location to display their talent and diverse products.
A variety of locally made items ranging from cookies and lemonade to hats, bags, cosmetics, and jewelry were available for sale at the market which attracted a steady stream of customers from within the AXA XL office building and the general public.
“I thought it would be a one-off event when it was held in 2023,” Ms. Basden said.
“However, I received so many calls and queries from the vendors who participated in the last event, asking if we would be hosting it again, that I thought it was worth pursuing.”
Ms. Basden received endorsement from Noel Pearman who leads AXA XL’s Bermuda Insurance Operations, so she proceeded full speed ahead with making the event happen.
Vendors were asked to contribute a nominal fee per table with the proceeds from that going to local charity Dignity House.
A number of beachgoers came out to Horseshoe Bay in Southampton on Friday
Dozens of beachgoers flocked to Horseshoe Bay Beach, the island’s most popular visitor site, in Southampton for Good Friday activities today.
Several kites, at at least one traditional Bermuda Kite, were flown in the mild winds towards the east end of the beach where volleyball nets were set up.
According to the Bermuda Weather Service, the island is experiencing “great kite flying weather” or mix of sun and cloud. Winds north-northeasterly moderate, veering northeasterly moderate into the late afternoon.
“Temperatures reach a high near 21°C/69°F,” forecasters said.
Government cites impact of “collective voices”; local shipper says “we remain cautious”
The cargo ships serving Bermuda are too small to be affected by the US port fees being implemented by the Trump Administration.
The MV Oleander, the Bermuda Islander and the Somers Isle are all far below 55,000 deadweight tons, which is the minimum capacity at which China-built vessels will be subject to fees when entering a US port.
The journey from Bermuda to the US is also shorter than the minimum 2,000 nautical mile voyage on which the new fees would apply.
Today, Premier David Burt stated in a release, “This is a welcome and important outcome for Bermuda and the region, which is the result of direct engagement with the US and collaboration with CARICOM.”
“It shows that when we raise our collective voices through coordinated diplomacy, they can be heard and acted on.”
Image: Page 33 of the USTR notice of action shows that Bermuda’s cargo vessels are exempt from the fees on Chinese-built ships (view the full document HERE)
Remaining Cautious
A local shipper says the news is welcome, but they remain cautious.
Howard Pitcher, VP of Operations at Container Ship Management which operates the Somers Isle, said “the executive order from the president could lead to future actions that may harm our trade.”
“At least the immediate threat has been negated.”
“It has been a long process to get here, but it has been encouraging to see the Bermuda Government, fellow shipping line execs, and CARICOM come together to make our voices heard.”
Mr Pitcher and John Wight, Chairman of Bermuda Container Line (BCL), had warned of the potential impact of the original proposed fees at a USTR public hearing in March.
The impact of US plans on Bermuda’s transshipment partners remains to be seen, although the fees are far lower than originally planned, and are limited to five total charges per year.
The fees are much less severe than the the USTR’s original proposals, which included fees of up-to $1.5 million on any Chinese-built vessel entering a US port.
The purpose of the USTR’s was to weaken China’s dominance of the global shipbuilding industry, while reviving the industry in the US.
However, there was widespread backlash across the global shipping industry, warning of price increases along the supply chain and job losses.
Of Bermuda’s vessels, only the Oleander was fully constructed in China, although the Somers Isle was partially built in China and completed in Europe.
Government of Bermuda Press Release:
The Government of Bermuda welcomes the decision by the United States Government confirming that proposed shipping fees will not apply to short sea routes or small vessels, including the routes and cargo vessels that supply Bermuda.
This outcome means there is not expected to be any impact on Bermuda’s shipping operations or import costs from this new US rule.
Following this announcement, the Premier, the Hon. E David Burt, JP, MP, said, “This is a welcome and important outcome for Bermuda and the region, which is the result of direct engagement with the US and collaboration with CARICOM. It shows that when we raise our collective voices through coordinated diplomacy, they can be heard and acted on.
“The Government is grateful for the work of our public officers, the Government of Bermuda’s Washington, D.C. Office, Government House, our CARICOM partners, and representatives of Bermuda’s shipping industry. We appreciate the responsiveness of the United States Government on this important issue, and we will continue to work with them on matters of shared interest.
“This decision is a positive step as the Government continues its broader work to ease the cost of living for families and the cost of doing business in Bermuda.”
Ministry says humane practices are being followed and population control efforts “prioritise minimising suffering”
The Ministry of Public Works and Environment, along with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), has acknowledged public concern following reports of dead or injured chickens in public spaces. In a statement, government reaffirmed its commitment to humane and environmentally responsible population control and stressed that while culling methods may seem harsh, they are guided by established protocols aimed at minimising suffering.
The Ministry also addressed concerns around dependent chicks, domestic birds, and proposals for managed care sites, noting the biological and logistical complexities of feral chicken management. The Ministry says it remains open to dialogue and refining their approach to achieve better outcomes for both the public and the environment.
The full response is below:
In response to the raised concerns about the management of the feral chicken population the Ministry of Public Works and Environment and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) appreciate the public’s engagement on this matter, and we recognise the sensitivities involved when managing animal populations in a humane and responsible manner.
We acknowledge and understand that reports of dead or injured birds in public spaces are distressing. The DENR’s Feral Chicken Management Plan, released earlier this year, was developed to address these challenges in a structured, humane, and environmentally responsible way.
The Plan outlines procedures for the safe and efficient removal of feral chickens, including the collection of carcasses.
While DENR officers make every effort to retrieve all birds, there are occasional situations where mortally wounded birds may move into areas that are difficult to access immediately.
Regarding the methods used for population control, the DENR employs targeted removal efforts that prioritise minimising suffering. More direct methods are sometimes necessary as well to prevent overpopulation and protect public health, environmental balance, and agricultural activities.
While these measures may seem harsh, they are implemented carefully and under established guidelines for humane treatment.
We recognise community concerns about potential unintended impacts, including situations where dependent chicks are left behind. These outcomes are not desirable, and we continue to adapt strategies to minimise such occurrences.
On the matter of domestic chickens being released into the wild, enforcement remains a significant challenge, as successful prosecution requires direct evidence of abandonment. Nevertheless, we are committed to upholding the Care and Protection of Animals Act and exploring options to strengthen compliance.
We appreciate community members’ willingness to suggest alternative solutions, including establishing a managed care site for chickens.
However, it is important to note that feral chickens reproduce rapidly — with one hen potentially producing up to 190 offspring annually — making the establishment of a large sanctuary a complex undertaking that could inadvertently contribute to the overall population pressures we are working to manage. Proposals of this nature would require careful evaluation to ensure they are environmentally sustainable and logistically feasible.
The Ministry and DENR remain committed to managing the feral chicken population in a manner that balances animal welfare, public health, environmental stewardship, and the responsible use of resources. We welcome continued dialogue with the community and are open to refining our approach to achieve the best outcomes for all.
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