Rain may make some potholes hard to spot, police warn
Photo courtesy of Bermuda Police Service
Via social media, Bermuda Police Service is warning road users to use extra caution if driving in wet conditions, especially on a bike.
Via social media, police warned that “potholes have opened up in several areas and may not be visible due to the amount of water settling on the road surface.”
Play to resume on Sunday at 7am at the National Sports Centre
For the first time in recent memory, play on the main Saturday of the annual Kappa Classic youth football tournament has been cancelled. Matches, which began at 9 a.m., were brought to a halt due to severe thunderstorms that raised safety concerns for the players.
In a statement organisers said quote:
Dear Parents and Players,
Due to current conditions and to ensure everyone’s safety, we’ve made the decision to suspend today’s games. Play will resume tomorrow at 7:00 AM, continuing with today’s schedule.”
A range of venues available, including White’s Island, Port’s Island and Darrell’s Island
Flyer supplied
Government of Bermuda Press Release:
The Department of Sport and Recreation’s facility bookings officially opened on 7th April 2025. With a range of venues available, including White’s Island, Port’s Island, Darrell’s Island, Paget Island, Bernard Park, Community Fields, and the Michael Preece Softball Diamond, there’s something for everyone, from team sports to group get-togethers and outdoor fun.
Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, the Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, MP, stated, “These facilities are for everyone, families, schools, sports clubs, and community groups. We’re excited to see Bermudians making full use of these spaces to connect, stay active, and enjoy all that our public recreation areas have to offer.”
Visit sportsandrec.bm to book or contact The Department of Sport and Recreation at ysrbooking@gov.bm for more information.
Media personality Mikaela Ian Pearman will host ‘Becoming Unforgettable’
It’s a live, online event designed for “high-functioning women who are ready to stop shrinking and become impossible to ignore.” And it’s free.
Host Mikaela Ian Pearman, who has 20 years’ of experience as a journalist, PR consultant, media personality and speaker, says ‘Becoming Unforgettable’ will guide participants through the “energetic and visibility shifts required to walk into any room, own their presence, and be seen as the leaders they already are—without waiting for permission …
“You don’t need more credentials — you need more audacity. After nearly two decades in media and PR, I know how powerful women can become when they stop shrinking and finally show up like they belong in every room they enter. It’s time to put your foot on the gas and start taking up space.”
Ms Pearman says that during the session, which takes place on Tuesday, April 15, attendees will be shown how to:
● Command attention without performing
● Build unapologetic confidence that doesn’t crack under pressure
● Be seen, heard, and remembered — in any room they enter
Ms Pearman added: “This event is for the woman who knows she’s meant for more — but has been holding back. It’s not another mindset talk. It’s a shift in presence, identity, and power.”
The event is part of Ms Pearman’s new platform, Luxury Rebellion — “a lifestyle brand and movement for high-achieving women who lead with presence, power, and unapologetic self-expression”.
Following the online event, Ms Pearman will open enrollment for The Rebellion Standard — a 30-day private programme that begins on May 1.
Registration for the April 15 online event is complimentary and open now: https://mikaela-ian.simplero.com/april15
For further information, e-mail: mikaela@mikaelaian.com
If approved, plan will implement a fee on ships that don’t meet CO2 targets
Photo: A cargo ship is brought into the Port of Elizabeth marine terminal, New Jersey, U.S. (REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton)
Efforts to reduce CO2 emissions across the global shipping industry are sailing forward – but the U.S. is not on board.
Reuters reports that the International Maritime Organization, a United Nations agency, approved a scheme to charge ships a penalty if CO2 emissions are above a fixed threshold.
These measures are to help meet the IMO’s target to cut net emissions from international shipping by 20% by 2030, and eliminate them by 2050.
It’s not clear how the cargo ships serving Bermuda might be affected, but we have reached out to local agents for comment.
The U.S., however, pulled out of this week’s IMO climate talks in London, threatening to impose “reciprocal measures” against any fees charged on U.S. Ships.
The shipping industry news site gCaptain received comment from a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department:
“The U.S. will not be engaging in negotiations at the IMO’s 83rd Marine Environment Protection Committee.”
“Consistent with President Trump’s Executive Orders on International Environmental Agreements and on Energy Dominance, it is the Administration’s policy to put the interests of the United States and the American people first in the development and negotiation of any international agreements.”
Despite the U.S. withdrawing from the talks, Reuters reports that a majority of countries approved a charge of $380 per metric ton on every extra ton of CO2 equivalent they emit above the main emissions threshold.
If ships get below the main limit, there will still be a $100 penalty until they can get below the stricter, ideal limit.
The target will move, with ships required to cut emissions by 8% compared with a 2008 baseline, with a stricter standard of a 21% reduction. By 2035, the main standard will be 30%, the stricter standard will be 43%.
Ships that manage to get below the stricter standard will receive credits they can sell to non-compliant vessels.
From 2030, up to $40 billion in fees is expected to be generated, Reuters reports, some of which may be used to make expensive zero-emission fuels more affordable.
An International Chamber of Shipping response reads, “We are pleased that governments have understood the need to catalyze and support investment in zero emission fuels”.
Countries will still need to give final approval to the scheme at an IMO meeting in October.
Leona Thompson says she is very lucky to have lived all these years
There’s one very special lady who is heading into the weekend having seen more weekends than most.
Leona Thompson celebrates her 108th birthday today.
We managed to speak to her just ahead of her party at the Dorothy Crane Nursing Home in St George’s, along with her great niece Lynette Minors and area MP Renee Ming.
Ms Thompson was born in 1917, and for the history buffs out there…
Remarkable. We wish Leona Thompson a very happy birthday!
Chamber President welcomes “the opportunity to support a data-driven approach”
Photos: Alexa Lightbourne, Minister of Home Affairs (supplied); Entrance to the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce (file)
Government of Bermuda Press Release:
Earlier this week, at the request of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, the Minister of Home Affairs, the Hon. Alexa Lightbourne, JP, MP, addressed members of the organisation’s Economics Committee in a virtual meeting that focused on the Ministry’s strategy to address Bermuda’s cost of living.
This was Minister Lightbourne’s first formal meeting with the Chamber since she assumed her new role. And the engagement was both timely and productive, taking place against the backdrop of ongoing global economic volatility and geopolitical uncertainty. The session formed part of the Minister’s commitment to deepening collaboration with Bermuda’s business stakeholders and partners.
Minister Lightbourne said, “The rising cost of living is a shared concern across all sectors of our society and economy. I am committed to an inclusive and data-informed approach that brings government and industry together to find sustainable solutions. I appreciated the Chamber’s invitation and the insights offered by its Economics Committee.
“Our Ministry’s cost of living strategy is about more than short-term relief. It’s about long-term structural fairness, ensuring that Bermudians can afford essentials like food, energy, and housing, while supporting businesses to remain competitive and resilient. Whether through tax reform, energy regulation, or pricing transparency, we are working to close the gap. I look forward to continuing this work in partnership with all stakeholders.”
The Minister provided a detailed overview of the Ministry’s priorities, including plans to enhance affordability across critical areas such as energy, food, and market fairness. The Chamber, as a business-minded organisation advocating for its diverse membership, engaged in an exchange of ideas and committed to continuing meaningful dialogue and data-sharing to support evidence-based policymaking.
The Chamber of Commerce expressed appreciation for the Minister’s willingness to engage in meaningful discussions.
Following the meeting, Chamber President Marico Thomas said, “We appreciated the opportunity to engage with Minister Lightbourne and gain insight into the Ministry’s plans to address the high cost of living—an issue that impacts both businesses and families across Bermuda. A core part of the Chamber’s mission is to advocate for a healthy, sustainable environment where business can thrive, and central to that is the success and wellbeing of employees.
“We also welcome the opportunity to support a data-driven approach by highlighting the realities of the current operating landscape—an area where our Economics Committee has invested considerable effort in measuring and documenting key trends. For our members, the cost of doing business and the cost of living remain pressing concerns, consistently echoed in our ongoing stakeholder discussions. The Chamber believes meaningful progress will come through sustained dialogue, high-quality data, and collaborative problem-solving that delivers practical outcomes for all stakeholders, while being mindful of unintended consequences and the uncertainties ahead. We look forward to building on this engagement with the Ministry of Home Affairs as they pursue this important mandate.”
As a reminder, last week Minister Lightbourne launched the Government’s public survey aimed at gathering insights from residents on their experiences with the cost of living. Members of the public are encouraged to visit www.costofliving.gov.bm, to participate in this national survey. The deadline for the survey is the end of April.
Police personnel recognised for leadership, innovation and advocacy at overseas territory awards ceremony
Four members of the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) have been internationally recognised for their exceptional contributions to law enforcement during a virtual awards ceremony hosted by the British Overseas Territories (BOT) Women in Policing Network yesterday.
The event celebrated officers from Anguilla, Bermuda, the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, St. Helena, and the Sovereign Base Areas in Cyprus, “for their efforts in recognising and supporting women in policing.” Nominations were submitted by each territory’s law enforcement agency and reviewed by an independent overseas panel.
Commissioner of Police Darrin Simons expressed pride in the achievements of the local awardees.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to share that four of our own were recognised for their incredible work, dedication and talent, embodying the values and commitment we strive for in the BPS every day,” he said. “These individuals represent the high calibre we have within the BPS, and their achievements reflect positively on all of us. This thoroughly well-deserved recognition makes me incredibly proud to lead this Service.”
The BPS recipients include:
The BOT Women in Policing Network, which operates under the motto Inspire, Unite, Empower, is focused on building inclusive and sustainable support systems for women in law enforcement throughout the British Overseas Territories. Through mentorship, professional development and international collaboration, the network seeks to ensure that every woman in policing has access to a community of support.
Map of the Caribbean including Trinidad and Tobago. Photo: Pexels/ Ryan
The full news release from the Ministry of Economy and Labour:
The Ministry of Economy and Labour reminds the public that effective April 23, 2025, Trinidad and Tobago nationals will require a visa to travel to or transit through the United Kingdom, including for short visits.
The British Government announced a six-week transition period ending on April 23, 2025. During this time, visitors who have booked their travel and obtained an electronic travel authorization (ETA) before the change takes effect may still enter the UK without a visa. A similar transition period applies to those transiting through the UK to another destination.
To avoid individuals being stuck in Bermuda or other travel disruptions, Trinidad and Tobago nationals—including work permit holders and visitors—must obtain a multi re-entry visa for their transiting country (UK, US, or Canada). This visa must be valid for at least 45 days beyond either the expiration date of their work permit or their intended departure from Bermuda, whichever applies.
The Ministry advises that, according to Department of Immigration records, the majority of current/resident work permit holders already hold the necessary multi re-entry visas. As such, the overall impact is expected to be minimal.
For full details on the UK’s visa requirements, visit www.gov.uk.
Multi-colour makeover for the city is a celebration of all things Bermuda. Family Day on Sunday will crown the event
Brazilian muralist and journalists, Binho, uses acrylic spray paint to create his own unique spin on the lionfish. Photo: Bermuda Broadcasting Company
The City of Hamilton is sporting a splash of colour as the Bermuda Walls Mural Festival returns.
As we first reported earlier this week, 10 murals are being created at Parson’s Road, Belvin’s on Happy Valley Road, Par-La-Ville Parking lot, Par-La-Ville Road and Butterfield & Vallis on Woodlands Road.
Organisers are encouraging members of the community to keep an eye out for the 11 international and 7 Bermudian muralists who are hitting the streets, and to tag them in photos on social media to help document the creative process.
This year’s local artists include Robyn Hooper; James Cooke, Keile Rabain, Shanna Hollis, Alshante Foggo, Jabarri Wilson and Carlos Santana.
Nhuri Bashir, co-founder of Burnt House Productions and Bermuda Walls, said: ‘Bermuda Walls might only be a year old but already it feels like we started something that’s gonna last. This year, I’m especially excited about the new murals that are taking place in North Hamilton, the neighbourhood where I grew up. Art has the power to transform spaces and bring people together, and we can’t wait for everyone to see what’s coming.’
The festival will also feature international muralists Hiero; Bacon; BK Foxx; CP1; CHNK; Binho; Karol Stefanini; JEKS; Nico; MRB Baby and Grabster.
‘Last year made it clear – Bermuda Walls belongs here,’ said Spencer Butterfield, CEO of Butterfield & Vallis and Co-Founder of Bermuda Walls. ‘Seeing the community embrace this festival of the arts was incredible, and we’re excited to keep building on that energy. This year, we invite everyone to come out, celebrate art and support the artists while enjoying a one-of-a-kind day out with friends and family.’
The Bermuda Walls festival celebration will take place this Sunday, April 13th, from 11am until 4pm.
Co-organiser Glayson Leroy added, “I want to thank the people of Bermuda for welcoming this festival with open arms. Seeing the island come alive with colour and creativity has been inspiring. We’re so pleased to be bringing even more talent this year, and I for one can’t wait to see the magic they make.”
The airline said the new twice-weekly link strengthens ties with the U.S. Southeast
BermudAir has boosted connectivity between the island and the southeastern United States, with the addition of a new route.
The locally based airline made its inaugural flight to Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina on Friday.
“We’re thrilled to launch this direct connection between Bermuda and the Raleigh-Durham region, offering travellers a comfortable journey between our two dynamic destinations,” said Adam Scott, Founder & CEO of BermudAir. “This new route strengthens ties for leisure, business, and education, and we look forward to welcoming more visitors to experience the beauty and warmth of Bermuda.”
Flights will operate on Mondays and Fridays aboard a 70-seat Embraer E175 jet, and they will take approximately two hours and five minutes.
Michael Landguth, President and CEO of the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, added, “Thousands of travellers fly between RDU and Bermuda each year on vacation, for business opportunities, and to pursue an education at our colleges and universities. We expect that number to grow now that residents of both Triangle regions have a quick, convenient way to travel on BermudAir.”
The airline noted, “With Bermuda located roughly 650 miles off the North Carolina coast, this new connection makes the island even more accessible to U.S. travellers while providing Bermudians with a gateway to the southeastern United States.”
More than 30 middle schoolers take part in ‘She Leads: A Real-World Readiness Programme’
The Bermuda High School issued the below media release.
The third annual She Leads Middle School Conference took place at BHS from March 31st to April 2nd. A record 33 middle school students participated in this year’s conference.
Students from BHS, Dellwood, Sandys, Warwick Academy and Whitney Institute spent three days connecting at the leadership and development programme, organised by BHS with sponsorship from HSBC.
Created as an extension of the popular She Leads: A Real-World Readiness Programme, which runs in the summer for female high school students, this three-day event introduced themes that empower girls from a younger age.
“She Leads provides girls with a great opportunity to be exposed to what real female leadership and empowerment looks like. The conference introduces them to women in leadership as well as to real information and experiences to help them build their own leadership journeys. It was a pleasure to be part of curating this experience for this
middle school cohort, watching them be open to new people and experiences, stretching themselves and growing with each day of the conference. The goal is for this to have been an investment in not only their individual futures, but in the future of woman in leadership!” said She Leads Coordinator, Christyn Simons.
The conference included a robust schedule with a mixture of hands-on experience, guest speakers, and workshops.
During the first day, invited speakers spoke with the girls about breaking down barriers (Stacey-Lee Williams, CURB), healthy relationships (Stephany Outerbridge, Coalition for the Protection of Children), and the importance of healthy eating and cooking (Sarah-Jane Mattinson and Rosana Strickland, Island Nutrition). In addition to the guest speakers, students participated in a workshop on self-determination.
On day two, She Leads participants began the day with a yoga session led by Tiffany Paynter of Treehouse, followed by a workshop on goal setting and resilience. Sponsors HSBC joined the event in the afternoon, leading an HSBC career panel featuring Megan Sousa, HR Business Partner, and Michelle Walkes, Head of Customer,
International and Marketing. Shantel Smith and Selita Daniels of HSBC continued the afternoon by walking the students through a Financial Literacy Course.
The conference culminated in a volunteering session led by Omar Dill at HOME Bermuda. During the final afternoon, the students welcomed invited guests to view their self-expression projects, which they created over the course of the conference to showcase all they had learned.
“The She Leads Programme is an amazing experience for young women. We learned how to become our best selves and were exposed to new and creative opportunities.” – Osheah Douglas, Dellwood.
“I signed up for She Leads to meet new people. The programme has introduced me to girls I would never have met otherwise. Everyone was really nice and welcoming throughout the three days.” – Caylin Harshaw, BHS.
“I would highly recommend the She Leads Middle School Conference. My experience has been very good, and everything was well organised and put together.” – Tjaia Butler, Sandys.
Lesley Cox, BHS Board Chair, commented, “It is exciting to continue our partnership with HSBC to host the third annual She Leads Middle School Conference, which aims to empower young women and develop their potential to stand out with confidence and purpose as they navigate the world around them. Through an intentional set of activities designed to encourage self-expression, self-reflection, and personal growth, the She Leads Programme directly supports the development of confidence, resilience, and purpose among participants while also providing them with a critical opportunity to expand their social network and skills. These young women are our leaders of
tomorrow, and BHS is delighted to support them on their journey as they develop their individual skills and potential.”
Carol A. Swainson, Head of School, added, “We are so grateful to HSBC for funding this important real-world programme for middle school students. This is an ideal age to have an impact on their growth and development, empowering them to invest in themselves and gain the tools to achieve their goals. From yoga to friendship, they
learned concrete strategies to use when faced with decisions, rejection, and life’s hurdles that must be overcome.”
HSBC Executive Sponsor, Judy Doidge, added, “At HSBC, we believe in providing opportunities to support girls in shaping our society through their valuable contributions. That’s why we’re honored to once again partner with the She Leads Middle School Programme, which provides the framework to empower its young participants’ growth as they progress both academically and personally. Thank you to BHS Charitable Trust for their commitment to delivering this impactful programme to the community. Together, we’re fostering a future where every girl can thrive and lead in confidence.”
Applications are now being accepted for the Summer She Leads Programme.
The programme will run June 31st—July 4th at BHS and is open to young women from all schools on the island who will enter their final year of High School in September 2025.
For more information go to https://www.bhs.bm/school-life/she-leads
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