Bernews

The Gombey Festival Showcase is being held this afternoon [Oct 3] at the Botanical Gardens, showcasing the island’s various Gombey troupes and you can tune in and watch live below. You can view all of Bernews’ coverage of the Gombey Festival here, all our Gombey coverage here, and over 200 videos of Gombeys here on Bernews.TV. Related Stories Video: Gombey Festival …

[Updating] The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for Gulfstream aircraft with 6 people onboard that was traveling from Bermuda to Boston when it lost contact with the Federal Aviation Administration early this morning [Oct 3]. They tweeted, “USCG is searching for a Gulfstream aircraft with 6 persons on board. FAANews reported losing contact w/the aircraft …

The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for Gulfstream aircraft that was traveling from Bermuda to Boston when it lost contact with the Federal Aviation Administration early this morning [Oct 3]. They tweeted, “USCG is searching for a Gulfstream aircraft with 6 persons on board. FAANews reported losing contact w/the aircraft early Saturday morning. USCG air …

The Government is conducting a consultation on a proposed competition framework, Minister of Home Affairs Alexa Lightbourne said, explaining that some of the measures under consideration include prohibiting anti-competitive agreements and abuse of a dominant market position, and requiring certain mergers and acquisitions in essential sectors to get approval. Speaking in the House of Assembly on …

Parishioners, community members and guests gathered at Cambridge Beaches last night to celebrate the 400th anniversary of St. Mary’s Anglican Church. The banquet marked the church’s contributions to Bermuda’s spiritual, cultural and social life since its founding in 1626, while recognising its continued service to the community. The anniversary celebrations include a visit to Bermuda …

The Luscar Place project on Pitts Bay Road achieved a “key construction milestone with the successful installation of the final structural steel element and celebrated its official topping-out of the building.” Andrew Green said, “The completion of the final structural steel element marks an important achievement for the team. This progress reflects our shared commitment to …

The Information Commissioner’s Office [ICO] has recognised five public authorities for their achievements in promoting transparency, public access to information and digital stewardship at the Information Commissioner’s Awards 2026, marking the conclusion of Bermuda Right to Know Day observations. A spokesperson said, “Today, the Information Commissioner, Jason Outerbridge formally announces the recipients of the Information …

“The preliminary analysis projects a budget surplus of $169.6 million for 2025/26,” Premier and Minister of Finance David Burt said. Speaking in the House of Assembly today [Oct 2] the Premier said, “I rise today to provide this Honourable House and the people of Bermuda with an update on the Government’s preliminary financial performance for …

Minister of Education Diallo Rabain tabled the Education Authority Act 2026 [PDF here] in the House of Assembly today [Oct 2]. The Minister said, “This tabling is a milestone that has been almost two decades in the making. It marks the delivery of a commitment made to the people of Bermuda, a commitment shaped by …

The Government’s Balcony Solar Pilot Programme will test compact units that supply electricity for use within the participating home, Minister of Home Affairs Alexa Lightbourne said, adding that the concept is to make “renewable energy accessible to more Bermudians, including renters, seniors and residents in apartment-style housing.” Speaking in the House of Assembly today [Oct …

The Customs Department advised the public that the new Customs Traveller Declaration [Customs Form 98 [3/26] is now in effect, as of October 1st, 2026. A Government spokesperson said, “The revised Form 98 updates Bermuda’s customs declaration process for persons arriving in and departing from Bermuda and introduces enhanced requirements for the declaration of certain …

“Do not allow this leadership contest to turn the PLP against ourselves,” Minister Jason Hayward said, adding that “our shared purpose is bigger than this election.” Minister Hayward said, “Good day PLP members, I’ve seen the media headlines describing Curtis and me as ‘rivals.’ I want to say make it abundantly clear that we are …

“Once again, I implore the Minister to consider having a referendum,” OBA MP Dwayne Robinson in reference to the possibility of Bermuda joining CARICOM as a full member. Mr Robinson, who is the Shadow Minister of Home Affairs, said, “I invite the Government to clarify its current position on a referendum for full membership of …

“I rise today to update this Honourable House on the Government’s Economic Investment Residential Certificate Programme, commonly referred to as the EIRC Programme, and the implementation of the Economic Investment Residential Certificate Policy 2026,” Minister of Economy and Labour Jason Hayward said. Speaking in the House of Assembly today [Oct 2] the Minister said, “The …

Government is starting an “exploratory process into the potential development of a digital identity framework for Bermuda,” Minister of Economy and Labour Jason Hayward said. Speaking in the House of Assembly today [Oct 2] the Minister said,  ”I wish to make it clear that the Government has not made any decision to implement a digital identity …

Archbishop Philip Wright has travelled to Bermuda to celebrate the 400th anniversary of St Mary’s Church. The Most Rev Wright, who is the Bishop of Belize, was elected Archbishop and primate of the Church of the Province of the West Indies last year. He arrived on the island with his wife, Mrs Carla Suite Wright, …

Butterfield is inviting the community to come together in support of The Eliza DoLittle Society [TEDS] for its “Fill the Pantry” campaign, a community-wide food drive aimed at helping individuals and families experiencing food insecurity across Bermuda. A spokesperson said, “From now until 15 October, the public is encouraged to donate non-perishable food and pantry …

A ribbon cutting was held to mark the official opening of the Department of Workforce Development’s new location at Bermuda College, with the Minister saying it represents more than the opening of a Government office, as it is an “opportunity to strengthen the connection between education, training, professional development and employment.” Speaking at the official …

The House of Assembly will be in session today [Oct 2], and the statements listed on the Order Paper include the Government Fiscal Performance Update, Update on the Hardship Fund, Exploring Digital Identity for Bermuda, Updates to Bermuda’s Economic Investment Residential Certificate Programme, Consultation on the Draft Development and Planning [General Development] Order 2026, tabling …

This October, Bermuda Is Love is launching its “Don’t Go Hungry” campaign, calling for “universal school breakfast programs across Bermuda so that every child has access to a free, nutritious breakfast every school day.” A spokesperson said, “We believe food is a human right. Every child should be able to start the school day with …

Premier David Burt welcomed Anglican Church leaders to the Cabinet Office during a courtesy visit ahead of the 400th Anniversary Celebration and Rededication of St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Warwick. A Government spokesperson said, “The delegation included His Grace, the Most Reverend Philip S. Wright, Archbishop of the Province of the West Indies and Bishop of …

The Women’s Resource Centre [WRC] is joining organisations and communities around the world in recognising October as Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, using the month to increase understanding of the many forms domestic abuse can take, encourage greater support for survivors, and highlight resources available to women in Bermuda. A spokesperson said, “While physical violence remains …

The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced the appointment of Aaron Crichlow as Chair of the Consumer Affairs Board. A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Home Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Aaron Crichlow as Chair of the Consumer Affairs Board, effective September 11, 2026, in accordance with the provisions of …

HSBC announced the “next phase of its digital banking transformation with the launch of HSBCnio, a digital solution that simplifies the banking experience for its corporate and institutional clients. ” A spokesperson said, “HSBCnio brings HSBC’s services, data and intelligence into the channels, platforms and workflows where clients run their businesses. This includes engagement through …

Olympian and Commonwealth Games record holder Clarence “Nicky” Saunders has been appointed Secretary General of the Bermuda Olympic Association, succeeding Branwen Smith-King following her retirement after six years in the role. A spokesperson said, “Saunders, who represented Bermuda in high jump at the 1984, 1988 and 1992 Olympics and holds the Commonwealth Games high jump …

Students at Bermuda College can now complete the first year of an electrical engineering pathway at home before transferring directly into year two of a degree at Dalhousie University in Canada. A spokesperson said, “The new articulation agreement provides a four-year route to the degree, starting with full-time science study at the College and followed …

The inaugural Bermuda Black Film Festival will be held from October 15–18, 2026, with a theme of ’Connecting Voices Across the Diaspora.’ A spokesperson said, “Bermuda will take its place at the centre of an important global cultural conversation when the inaugural Bermuda Black Film Festival which launches the 15th to the 18th of October 2026. …

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Ministry of Health is encouraging women across Bermuda to prioritise their breast health, stay informed, and support one another in early detection and care. A Government spokesperson said, “Breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in Bermuda, affecting families, workplaces and communities across the …

Sean Trott has put a twist on the traditional road race for the second Word of Life Bermuda 5K Run and Walk, with competitors challenged to predict their finishing time without the use of a watch or other timing device. The event will take place at Astwood Park on Saturday, October 10, with proceeds going …

Stephen Astwood, Darius Cox, Seion Darrell, Jason Ingham, Shamar Jabbar, Manoj Paynter, Zekiro White, and Keenan Williams completed a port-worker training programme delivered in partnership with the Port Management Association of the Caribbean and the Caribbean Maritime University [CMU]. A spokesperson said, “Eight employees of Stevedoring Services Limited [SSL] have successfully completed a comprehensive port-worker …

Bermuda Art Month returns from October 1–31, bringing the island’s arts community together through a month-long celebration of artistic expression, people and traditions. A spokesperson said, “For one month, Bermuda becomes a canvas for artistic expression, revealing the island in ways both familiar and unexpected. Art Month returns October 1–31, celebrating the people and traditions …

The Ministry of Public Works and Environment advises motorists and residents that “the final phase of roadworks for the Swing Bridge detour route is underway, marking another important step towards construction of the new Swing Bridge.” A Government spokesperson said, “Due to delays affecting paving works, the change is now expected to take effect in …

On September 26, Sail Away Soca boarded theUberVida for its annual fundraiser supporting The Stephen Lee Helping Hands Foundation, bringing together soca, community, positivity, and purpose. Having recently received official charity status, Helping Hands is entering a new stage of growth, with an increased focus on developing corporate and community partnerships. However, as the organisation …

Tickets are now on sale for Troika Bermuda’s production of ‘The Wiz,’ with four performances scheduled at the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium from November 4–7, 2026. A spokesperson said, “Tickets are now on sale for Troika Bermuda’s highly anticipated Work in Progress #9 production of the Tony Award-winning musical The Wiz, taking the stage at …

The PLP has responded to the statement issued earlier today by Curtis Dickinson, saying that the PLP “agreed to every order Mr Dickinson and the plaintiffs asked for in their claim” and “the plaintiffs are now asking the Court for something new.” A spokesperson said, “Despite the Party’s multiple attempts to reach a resolution outside of …

Police are investigating a disturbance involving two “high school aged males” in Hamilton, which left one injured and resulted in the arrest of the other. A police spokesperson said, “Shortly before 5:00p, on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, police officers responded to a report of a disturbance in the vicinity of Washington Mall and Queen Street in …

The Ministry of Public Works and Environment is moving forward with the restoration of Sessions House, and early work is underway to assess the building and prepare for its full restoration. A Government spokesperson said, “Furniture and equipment have been removed, and further early work will allow the project team to examine the building more …

The Ministry of Health has announced its 2026 Flu Express schedule, offering residents convenient access to seasonal influenza vaccinations at three locations across Bermuda in October. A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Health is reminding residents that seasonal influenza vaccination is an important way to protect against flu and reduce the risk of serious …

“The appropriate forum to secure clarity and finality is now the Supreme Court,” MP Curtis Dickinson said in relation to the legal case he has brought in regards to the PLP election process. This follows after the PLP issued a statement saying they filed a notice with the Supreme Court that “consented to every order the …

Somersfield Academy is “developing an Artificial Intelligence [AI] policy as part of its broader work to establish a clear and considered approach to AI in education.” A spokesperson said, “Somersfield hosted Rita Bateson, from Eblana Learning and a former Somersfield teacher, during its summer professional development programme. The school is now working closely with Eblana …

The Public Accounts Committee said they “will pursue further details regarding payments made by Government in connection with the September 2023 cyberattack” and “examine the circumstances surrounding the approximately $4.4 million in expenditure recorded against the cyber incident.” Background The Parliamentary Joint Select Committee report on the September 2023 cyber attack was released this earlier this …

The Department of Workforce Development announced an expanded schedule of free work readiness classes designed to support job seekers, employees, and employers across Bermuda, running from October through December 2026. A Government spokesperson said, “In addition to established sessions on résumé writing, cover letters, interview preparation and job search strategies, the Department has introduced several …

The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation [BEDC] is now accepting public nominations for the 10th Annual BEDC Business Awards, with nominations open until October 31, 2026, ahead of the awards ceremony on January 30, 2027. A spokesperson said, “The BEDC Business Awards celebrate the achievements, growth, and thriving nature of Bermuda’s entrepreneurs. Every business honoured on …

[Column written by Laurie Shiell] October is Domestic Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in Bermuda, a time when we are reminded that domestic abuse is not simply a private family matter. It affects our workplaces, our communities and our economy. Bermuda’s own domestic abuse research has demonstrated the scale of the issue in our community, …

Bermudian artist Paul DeShield’s gospel rap album De Shield of Faith, released under his stage name Eminence, has been included in Holy Culture’s Weight or Wait voting show. The release is among ten entries listed on the Christian hip-hop platform’s voting page, which allows one vote per user. Mr DeShield told Bernews, “I am grateful …

[Opinion column written by Michael Fahy] More than 50 people are sleeping outside in Bermuda tonight. Hundreds more are one crisis away from joining them. Against that backdrop, the Government’s “Plan to End Homelessness” debated in Friday’s House of Assembly, deserved the serious attention it received, not as a press release to be applauded or …

Bermudian football legend Clyde Best will return to the island from October 6 to October 10 for an encore tour of the documentary Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story. A spokesperson said, “Football pioneer Clyde Best returns to Bermuda from October 6–10, 2026, with the Encore Tour of the award-winning documentary Transforming the …

Opposition Leader Ben Smith said the Premier’s recent response during the Question and Answer period regarding healthcare consolidation “raises an important question about Government accountability.” “The Premier said the Government did not have the legislative power necessary to prevent the market-concentration issues that have developed around Allshores. But the parliamentary record shows that the Government …

The PLP filed a notice with the Supreme Court that “consented to every order the plaintiffs asked the Court to make” and “all that remains is for the Court to make the final order to bring the proceedings to a close, and we have asked for that to happen as soon as possible.” A spokesperson said, …

The PLP filed a notice with the Supreme Court that “consented to every order the plaintiffs asked the Court to make” and “all that remains is for the Court to make the final order to bring the proceedings to a close, and we have asked for that to happen as soon as possible.” A spokesperson said, …