Royal Gazette

An expert in public policy and European affairs will be the new Government of Bermuda representative in Brussels, it was announced today.Aliyyah Ahad will take over from Renee Webb, whose appointment to the post was announced in January 2019.Ms Ahad has lived and worked in Bermuda, Toronto, Paris, Rabat, Washington DC, Oxford, London, and Brussels. A Government spokeswoman said: “Ms Ahad has spent the last four years working in the heart of the European Union, building relationships

Shares of LOM Financial Ltd improved by one cent, or 0.4 per cent, to $2.80 after 8,800 traded on The Royal Gazette/BSX Index.On the New York Stock Exchange, shares of Butterfield Bank were up 33 cents, or 1.5 per cent at $22.28.The Royal Gazette/BSX Index was up 0.06 of a point at 1,738.61, while the BSX Insurance Index rose 9.69 points, or 0.73 per cent, to 1,336.18.

Lighthouse Road and the Railway Trail in Southampton are to be closed for road repairs.The road closure from the junction with Middle Road to the Shawn Acres Lane junction and from the Railway Trail at Lighthouse Road to the Belco substation will run from October 7 to October 30. Road users were advised to use detours through St Anne’s Road or South Road. Roadworkers will be on site from 8am to 4pm, Mondays to Fridays.For more information, contact Tina Beer-Searle, Civil Engin

A woman murdered outside her home early on Wednesday was identified by police this afternoon as Garrina Cann, 31.Ms Cann was with guests at a party in the house, near North Shore, when she was fatally shot shortly before 12.20am.Detective Superintendent Nicholas Pedro, the head of the crime division, appealed for calm in the community, saying police had seen “talk of retaliation” on social media.”The response to this violence can’t be more violence,” he said.Mr Pedro said poli

Bermudian figure skater Vanessa James has retired from the sport amid allegations that her pairs partner Morgan Ciprès sent lewd photographs to an underage girl on Instagram.James and Ciprès, who has also quit figure skating, were expected to challenge for a medal at the Winter Olympics in Beijing, China, in 2022.They paired started skating together during the 2009-2010 season and won five French national titles, a bronze medal at the European Championships and came fifth at the Winter Olym

The Premier today told the country that tomorrow’s General Election was a “once in a generation opportunity to reshape Bermuda’s politics” and close the divide in Bermuda.David Burt said: “Bermuda will go to the polls in what will be remembered as one of the most important elections in our lifetime. Why do I say that? It’s because the next government will shape the future of Bermudians’ economy as we look to recover from the worst global pandemic in a century.”And I say that because we also

A pilot fishing co-operative was launched today.David Burt, the Premier, said the Bermuda Triangle Fishing Cooperative would increase fishermen’s incomes and boost the market for island-caught fish.He added that fish was a Bermudian staple, but island fisherman were unable able to keep up with demand.Mr Burt said: “Although we live on an island and are surrounded by healthy, crystal clear waters, it is not always easy to purchase local fish, creating an odd circumstance where fisherm

A virtual market to help Bermudian entrepreneurs and small businesses establish a presence online, and remove the financial burden of doing so, has taken a step forward.Jahde Eve, the founder of Code 441, who has helped Bermudian youngsters improve their technology skills during the past six years, has been selected by the Business Economic Development Corporation to partner in the building of a virtual market place.Jamahl Simmons, chairman of the BEDC, said a virtual market allows business

The inflation rate was zero in June, meaning consumers paid the same as they did a year earlier for a basket of goods and services.It was the second monthly Consumer Price Index report this year to show a zero inflation rate, after April, the month of shelter-in-place restrictions.However, the Department of Statistics had difficulties in obtaining some of the price data it required, Wayne Furbert, Minister for the Cabinet Office, said.Mr Furbert said: “The public should note that som

Leaders of hospitality and global business associations in Bermuda have welcomed the news that British Airways will switch London gateways to Bermuda from Gatwick to Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 5 from March 28. The agreement, announced yesterday by BA and the Ministry of Transport, followed discussions between BA and the Bermuda Tourism Authority, Bermuda Airport Authority, Skyport Corporation, and air-service consultants Ailevon Pacific.Representatives of the island’s major industry groups

David Burt, the Premier, will host a press conference at 1pm today.It will take place at the Government’s AB Place media room.The Royal Gazette will provide a live video on this page.

The Royal Gazette, in conjunction with The Washington Post News Service and Bloomberg News will be offering The Washington Post’s livestream programming of the presidential and vice-presidential debates.President Donald Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden will meet on stage tonight at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland for the first of the three presidential debates. The broadcast will start at 9pm Bermuda time. The debate itself will start

I always remind people that health and fitness will save your life. I don’t just mean healthier internally or aesthetically, but also mentally.It takes a strong mind to keep exercising when their body is literally shaking or telling them to stop. The joy then comes in knowing that you’ve shown your body over and over again that it can keep going.As you continue on your fitness journey marvel in your strengths knowing that whilst you are improving physically you are getting mentally stronger

The Progressive Labour Party has appealed to voters to go to the polls tomorrow and promised that Covid-19 safety measures would be enforced.David Burt, the Premier, said yesterday that safety at polling stations had been a key concern for voters in his constituency.He said: “Everything is being done to ensure that voting on election day will be safe and secure. Our candidates through this campaign have been masked and canvassing in a socially distant manner.”At the polling stations

The Progressive Labour Party branded attacks over a loan to a United States music promoter a “desperate” election tactic.A party spokeswoman said Anthony Blakey, who disappeared after taking a $800,000 loan in April 2018 to set up a music studio at Dockyard, was previously involved with entertainment at the America’s Cup.The spokeswoman said: “If this company was so disreputable, with no connection to Bermuda and no experience in the country, as the One Bermuda Alliance wants Bermudians to

Pupils won praise for their artwork and helped win cash prizes for their schools.More than 70 pieces of artwork were entered into the Annual Art and Digital Competition, organised by the Mirrors Alumni & Friends Association and Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art.Pupils completed most of their work from home during the Covid-19 pandemic, with the theme “Home – exploring different notions of what constitutes a feeling of belonging”.Artwork, which included nine digital art submission

The final three semi-final places in the Dudley Eve Trophy competition will be decided tonight at the National Stadium when the final group matches are held.Devonshire Cougars, with three points from their two group B matches, are already into the last four and are likely to be joined Dandy Town Hornets from that group. Town need just a draw against PHC in tonight’s opening match to advance.Things are closer in group A where the three teams, Somerset Trojans, Robin Hood and North Village w

As discussed yesterday, a party’s platform should be a vital guide to how a party will govern if elected. It should also show that the party is ready to govern from Day 1. The One Bermuda Alliance’s platform, released over the weekend, does neither, because it is so short on detail. That may be because of the suddenness of the election call, but beyond using the OBA’s record when it was in government to argue that it will successfully encourage new investment to Bermuda as a means of rebuil

The public were asked yesterday to “be kind” to friends, colleagues and even themselves as part of a campaign designed to boost mental health.The Bermuda Hospitals Board, through the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute, will mark Mental Health Awareness Week from Sunday. Kindness will be the theme of the campaign and MWI will highlight its connection to good mental health.A BHB spokeswoman said: “While we all know that when someone is kind to us it makes us feel good, research now shows that it

A top businessman and behind the scenes strategist when the former United Bermuda Party governed the island has died. Edgar Wilkinson was 90.Mr Wilkinson was also a board member at the Bermuda Monetary Authority in the 1980s.His businesses included the wholesalers Tobacco Associates, which supplied the island with Cuban cigars, from which he retired in 1998.The Salt Kettle, Paget, resident also ran airport gift shops in the 1990s in partnership with businessman John Casling.Mr

Dear Sir,There is a good reason we made our first air-travel trip since early March to Bermuda last month. My partner Susan and I, like many people confined to home for six months, decided it was time to get out and test the waters (literally!) and take a trip.We came to Bermuda for a number of reasons – foremost was the strong approach to controlling Covid-19. The testing procedures were handled very well in typical Bermuda style.Scuba diving and snorkelling have always been a draw

Police officers are on the verge of an agreement with the Government after months of negotiations over pay cuts, it was revealed last night. But the deal between the Bermuda Police Association and the government negotiating team over the changes, forced by the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, has still to be ratified.The agreement, if approved, would mean police would take part in the government-wide package of cuts for a year.Emmerson Carrington, the chairman of the BPA, sa

There were no trades on The Royal Gazette/BSX Index, which remained unchanged at 1,738.55.The BSX Insurance Index was down 18.78 points, or 1.4 per cent, at 1,326.49.On the New York Stock Exchange, shares of Butterfield Bank were down 66 cents, or 2.92 per cent, at $21.95.

Voters who turn out for the General Election on Thursday will have “an extra layer of protection” from Covid-19, a Government spokeswoman said today.Saliva tests for the coronavirus will be offered by the Ministry of Health for officials employed by the Parliamentary Registrar, as well as election candidates, tonight and tomorrow night.Opening hours at the Perot Post office test centre on Queen Street in Hamilton will be extended from 6pm to 9pm both nights to allow tests to be carried out

Bermuda will get “guaranteed access” to Covid-19 vaccines when they become available, it was revealed this evening.Kim Wilson, the health minister, said the Bermuda Government had entered a contractual commitment that could deliver vaccines for 20 per cent of the population when an approved vaccine against the coronavirus strain arrived.She said the island would have access to approved vaccines through the British Government as well.The news came as the island’s Covid-19 count remain

The Bermuda Government will give an update on Covid-19 at a press conference today.It will take place at the Government’s AB Place media room at 5.45pm.The Royal Gazette will provide a live video on this page.

The public was today asked to “be kind” to friends, colleagues and even themselves as part of a campaign designed to boost mental health.The Bermuda Hospitals Board, through the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute, will mark Mental Health Awareness Week from Sunday.Kindness will be the theme of the campaign and MWI will highlight its connection to good mental health.A BHB spokeswoman said: “While we all know that when someone is kind to us it makes us feel good, research now shows that i

Police officers have reached an “amicable agreement” with the Government after months of negotiations. The deal between the Bermuda Police Association and the Government negotiating team over pay and other cuts forced by the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has still to be ratified.But Emmerson Carrington, the chairman of the BPA, said: “The BPA is pleased to announce that it has reached agreement in principle with the Bermuda Government.”This agreement sees the BPA accepting

British Airways will switch its Bermuda service from London Gatwick airport to London Heathrow from the end of March.The airline will fly Boeing 777s on the route, and the travel time from Heathrow to Bermuda is expected to be seven hours and 20 minutes.The first regular daily flight from Heathrow will be on March 28, and is scheduled to depart from Terminal 5.The BA service to Bermuda has already undergone a change this year. The service stopped on March 20 when regular scheduled co

Later today, the Minister of Community Affairs and Sports, the Hon. Lovitta Foggo will participate in the premiere screening of Broadcasting Black, a locally produced film which explores the often overlooked contribution of black media to the success of the 1959 Theatre Boycotts. Broadcasting Black was the brainchild and creation of Dr. Dana Selassie and it will be screened at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute (BUEI) at 6.00 p.m. today. It will also be shown on the Department of

Life reinsurer Athene Holding Ltd is donating 200 laptops to the Bermuda public school system for the 2020-2021 school year. The donation aligns with Athene’s commitment to education-based initiatives in its communities as part of its broader corporate responsibility strategy. It also supports the Ministry of Education’s strategic plan to modernise the public-school learning environment to ensure Bermuda’s youth have cutting-edge technological tools they need to participate in the global economy.

Bermudians Ashley Fubler and Izabella Arnold have joined the pupillage programme of Walkers Bermuda.The law firm announced that both young women will undertake training in the firm’s Corporate, Finance, Funds and Insurance practice group for six months and a further six months with the Insolvency and Dispute Resolution team. Ashley Fubler began her legal studies in 2014 at the University of Hull where she obtained her Bachelor of Laws with Upper Second Class Honours. She then went on to stu

The Progressive Labour Party will hold a General Election press conference today.It will take place at the party’s Alaska Hall headquarters at 2pm.The Royal Gazette will provide a live video on this page.

Bermuda have been drawn against Barbados in the first of their possible two-round Concacaf Gold Cup Preliminary Round matches.At the first ever Gold Cup draw conducted last night in Miami, United States, the preliminary round draws which included the 12 Concacaf Member Associations competing for the final three spots in the 16-team Group Stage were made. For the two-round Prelims, the participating national teams have been divided into six matches.The draw pitted Bermuda against Barbados in

The Progressive Labour Party branded attacks over a loan to a United States music promoter a “desperate” election attack.A party spokeswoman said Anthony Blakey, who disappeared after taking a $800,000 loan to start a music studio, had previously been involved with entertainment at the America’s Cup.The spokeswoman said: “If this company was so disreputable, with no connection to Bermuda and no experience in the country, as the OBA wants Bermudians to believe, then why did their America’s C

A new Progressive Labour Party administration would introduce an amended health plan after the Covid-19 pandemic impacted the island’s finances, the Government said.The PLP announced in its platform last week that the programme would be launched in collaboration with the BermudaFirst advisory group and deliver access to “affordable universal healthcare for all”.A government spokeswoman said later: “The revised Bermuda Health Plan mentioned in the governing party’s platform will be different

A new Bermudian company is planned to reinsure $5 billion of annuities issued by American Equity Investment Life Holding Company.Värde Partners, a hedge fund, will establish the new reinsurer.The plan is the product of a strategic partnership between American Equity, Värde and Agam Capital Management, LLC, an insurance solutions provider. American Equity, a New York Stock Exchange-listed company based in West Des Moines, Iowa, and Värde will jointly set up a company to manage the ass

Private investment will drive many of the projects promised in the Progressive Labour Party’s platform for the October 1 General Election, the Premier said last night.David Burt explained that the PLP had put together a collaborative document with input from union partners and other groups and that the island faced “a unique opportunity” amid the coronavirus pandemic.He said: “We do not have a large amount of grandiose promises inside of this platform that are going to cost public money bec

Party platforms are essential documents when voters are deciding who they are going to elect in a General Election. Of course, they are not the only factor in the decision. A party’s previous record and the calibre of candidates are also crucial. And, of course, platforms are also only a guide to a party’s decisions, if elected, during their term of government. Events interfere almost from Day 1 to prevent or change every promise. Indeed, no one could have predicted that the world would be hit by

All Yasmin Cann really remembers is the excruciating pain.If pressed, she can tell how doctors at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital put her in the ICU and plugged her into tubes; how she was then operated on by specialist surgeons at Lahey Hospital & Medical Centre – but that is only because she has heard her mother, Beverley Cann, tell the story repeatedly.The one-two punch of a massive aneurysm rupture and a stroke at age 34 left Yasmin unable to walk, read or do even the most basic o

The Spot restaurant can continue its role as a Hamilton institution, but it needs youthful energy and ideas to carry it forward.Owner Thomas “Ted” Powell has put the Burnaby Street business up for sale. It has been closed since mid-March due to restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic.The popular eatery was established in 1945 by Arthur Foote, and has been run by Mr Powell since 1971.”There are not many individuals who have been in the trade for so long,” Mr Powell said.”

Stevie Dickinson and crew Micah Raynor won the Kacy Simons Memorial Regatta with a race to spare on Sunday.The Comet sailors posted three straight victories competing on the windward/leeward racecourse offshore of Mid Atlantic Boat and Sports Club, the regatta hosts, to clinch the four-race series comfortably.Maxwell Curtis Jr and crew Stefan Furbert finished second with Gladwin Lambert and crew Stefan Maybury rounding off the podium in third.Dickinson passed leader Curtis on the fir

More than 90 per cent of people in a poll this year said that the Government had handled the Covid-19 crisis well.A survey by Total Research Associates and Narrative Research found that 92 per cent of the 400 people they talked to between April 22 and 29 were satisfied with the overall response to the pandemic.One third said they were completely satisfied with the response and 60 per cent reported they were “mostly satisfied”.The main reasons were said to be the Government’s strong c

Leaders of the island’s political parties pushed messages of unity and building a better future in a pre-election forum last night.Topics covered included education, the economy, healthcare reform and the environment in panel interviews set up by Community Voices for Democracy with help from Bermuda Youth Connect.The leaders of the Progressive Labour Party, the One Bermuda Alliance and the Free Democratic Movement each had more than 30 minutes to answer questions and talk about their ideas

Dennis Brown has broken his silence over his reasons for taking a “back seat” from coaching duties at Somerset Trojans.The former Somerset and Bermuda captain has revealed he was forced to hand over the reigns of the Premier Division side to his nephew, Danvers Seymour Jr, after being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and other ailments last summer.”In July I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and high blood pressure so immediately I took a back seat in order to stabilise my personal health,”

A murder investigation has been launched after a woman was shot and killed this morning.Detective Superintendent Nicholas Pedro said that the 31-year-old victim died after she was shot “multiple times”.The incident happened in the Sunset Pass area of Pembroke at about 12.20am.Mr Pedro said that officers responded to reports of gunshots in the neighbourhood.He added: “Following an incident at a residence here, it was determined that a 31-year-old female had been shot multiple t

Spectators will be allowed to attend the second annual PGA Bermuda Championship at Port Royal Golf Course, organisers have confirmed.It was announced at a press conference at Port Royal today that the PGA Tour and Bermuda Government have jointly granted permission for a limited number of general admission spectators per day for the 36-hole championship to be held at the Southampton layout from October 26 to November 1.The daily allowance, whose number will be determined under the island’s p

The Ministry of Education has announced the recipients of the 2020 Bermuda Government Scholarships and Awards.Each year, the grants go to Bermudian students pursuing higher education – with a new award, the Bermuda College Promise Programme, created last year for students graduating from public schools.To date, 70 students have registered and benefited from this initiative that provides free tuition to a senior with a 3.0 GPA to attend the Bermuda College. Diallo Rabain, the educatio

The Department of Public Transportation (DPT) would like to advise the public that there are currently detours in effect on Harrington Sound Road, between Devil’s Hole Hill (Smith’s parish) and Paynter’s Road (Hamilton parish), for route 3 buses.This is as a safety precaution, due to the road width being narrowed by roadwork along a section of Harrington Sound Road.The detours will continue until the roadwork is complete – with outbound buses travelling over Devil’s Hole Hill