AGP Executive Report

Aviation Emergency Off Nantucket: A Canadian-registered Gulfstream G100 air ambulance carrying six people vanished after departing Bermuda’s L.F. Wade International Airport for Boston, with the pilot reporting electrical problems and declaring an emergency as air traffic audio suggested the aircraft was “coming in blind” amid storm conditions. Search and Rescue Update: The U.S. Coast Guard launched a major air-and-sea search near Nantucket after the FAA lost contact, and later confirmed a debris field linked to the aircraft was found; next of kin were notified and the search continued for the six aboard. On-Board Details: Authorities said four Canadians (two pilots and two medical staff) and two Bermudian nationals (a patient and a relative) were on board, with Bermuda’s Premier David Burt saying the government was in contact with families and overseas authorities.

Aviation Emergency: The US Coast Guard is searching off Nantucket for a Gulfstream G100 medical transport jet that lost contact while flying from Bermuda to Boston early Saturday, with six people onboard; the FAA issued a search-and-rescue alert and authorities say the aircraft was registered to Ontario’s Latitude Air Ambulance, operated out of LF Wade International Airport with four crew and two passengers (including Bermudian nationals), and reports suggest a rapid descent before communications were lost. Sports (Cricket): Former Bermuda captain David Hemp has been appointed head coach of Bangladesh’s women’s national cricket team on a two-year deal through September 2028, joining the squad in Brisbane ahead of an ODI series vs Australia. Community & Culture: A local remembrance piece marks the loss of St Alban’s in Pembroke, describing its long significance for Bermuda’s Black community and calling attention to the wider risk of erasing local history. Local Events: The PartnerRe Women’s 5K Run and Walk is set for tomorrow with 500+ registered, while the Don’t Cut Your Future Short U13 football invitational brings Premier League legends John Barnes and Andy Cole to inspire young players.

Affordable Housing: The House of Assembly approved Bermuda’s Affordable Housing Strategy 2025–35 after a four-hour debate, targeting 950 to 1,350 new homes by 2035 and citing nine sites already moving from planning to execution. Digital Government: Economy and Labour Minister Jason Hayward said Government is exploring a digital identity framework, with a Request for Supplier Qualifications due Monday, while stressing it’s not a decision to implement. Competition Law: Home Affairs Minister Alexa Lightbourne told MPs Deloitte has been hired to assess cutting cost of living and business impacts ahead of a proposed Competition Act, with an independent report expected by end of October. Public Finance: Premier David Burt reported preliminary 2025/26 projections of a $169.6m budget surplus and higher revenue, including corporate income tax and payroll tax. Education Governance: The Education Authority Bill was tabled, with the minister arguing the authority must “survive” political change to provide durable public school leadership. CARICOM Referendum: Opposition pressed for clarity on whether full CARICOM membership could go to a referendum, after the minister’s answers were seen as less absolute. Energy Access: The Balcony Solar Pilot Programme will test compact units for renters and apartment-style residents, with landlord permission required and no feed-back to the grid. Legal/Politics: A Supreme Court case questioned PLP leadership campaign sign-ups, with defence submissions alleging bulk payments for unverified membership sign-ups. Sports (Local): Bermuda’s Concacaf Nations League campaign took another hit as Barbados beat Bermuda 4–1; Lejaun Simmons returned from suspension for the next match.

Government finances: Premier David Burt told the House Bermuda has shifted from “record” deficits to an improving fiscal position, with early projections pointing to a $169.6m surplus for 2025-26 and higher-than-expected revenue. Parliament & policy: MPs will table the Education Authority Bill, with Minister Diallo Rabain pitching an arm’s-length, durable governance model “insulated” from political churn, alongside other House items including education and housing measures. Digital identity: Jason Hayward said Government is only exploring a digital identity framework and will issue an RFSQ for suppliers—no decision to implement yet. EIRC changes: Hayward also outlined updates to the Economic Investment Residential Certificate Programme, including revised charity donation rules, stronger checks, and a new BD$10,000 BDA fee. Workforce & education links: A ribbon-cutting opened the Department of Workforce Development’s new Bermuda College HQ, aiming to connect training directly to employment. Insurance & business: Talcott completed a $6.3bn reinsurance deal with Lincoln Financial, while Everest finished selling its Canadian retail operations to Wawanesa. Environment stats: A new Environmental Statistics Compendium reports tourism and catch highlights, with Covid-19 impacts noted for the latest figures. Sports & community: Bermuda Cricket Board launched a high-performance search for U19 talent ahead of 2027 qualifiers; and the Concacaf Nations League match vs Barbados is tonight with Lejaun Simmons back from suspension.

Workforce & Education: The Department of Workforce Development opened new HQ at Bermuda College in Paget, with leaders saying it will “connect the classroom to the workplace” and strengthen Bermudian career pathways. Seniors & Community: Bermuda marked the International Day of Older Persons with an inaugural Seniors Expo at Bermuda College, bringing together service providers and social groups. Consumer Protection: Aaron Crichlow was appointed Chair of the Consumer Affairs Board, tasked with tackling misleading or exploitative trading practices. Government Policy Signals: Economy and Labour Minister Jason Hayward said the Government is reconsidering the role of import duties, alongside moves to reduce payroll tax and address housing pressures for business. Regulatory & Finance: The BMA says it has expanded expertise and staffing, including 50 actuaries, as it modernises supervision. Insurance Sector: Zurich completed its $10.8bn Beazley takeover, while Everest finished selling its Canadian retail operation as it shifts focus. Overseas Territories: The UK Foreign Office reaffirmed Overseas Territories are “part of the homeland,” including Bermuda, in a new engagement charter. Courts: A Supreme Court jury convicted former senator Curtis Richardson of causing the death of Marco Warren. Public Notices: Government and legal notices included a Bermuda Monetary Authority cancellation of registration for Redcliffe Insurance Ltd.

Court & Justice: Curtis Richardson has been convicted by a Supreme Court jury of causing the death of footballer Marco Warren after a driving incident in Hamilton Parish in May 2023. Consumer Protection: Aaron Crichlow, founder of Bermuda Is Love and a lawyer called to the Bar in 2022, has been appointed chair of the Consumer Affairs Board. UK–Overseas Territories Relations: The UK Foreign Office says Overseas Territories are “part of the homeland,” publishing a new engagement charter that includes considering territory interests in UK policymaking. Insurance & Finance: Everest has completed the sale of its Canadian retail insurance operation, continuing its shift toward reinsurance and wholesale/specialty lines; Banyan Risk has launched a wildfire underwriting venture via Red Fox Risk; Mosaic has expanded political violence coverage through its Cologne, Germany base. Public Service & Community: Premier Burt welcomed Anglican Church leaders ahead of St Mary’s 400th anniversary; Bermuda Mental Health Foundation is close to its $50,000 Steps to Mental Wellness 5K goal; Police Week events are set to begin this weekend. Business & Talent: KPMG announced four senior promotions in Bermuda; Alpha Growth has opened a Tokyo representative office. Road & Events: Road closures are planned for the PartnerRe Women’s 5K on Oct 4.

Child Welfare Oversight: Shadow Minister Robin Tucker says the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors failed to act on a major US Senate report on abuse and systemic failures at overseas residential treatment facilities where Bermudian children were sent, raising questions about overseas site visits and ongoing safety checks. PLP Internal Fight: Curtis Dickinson’s legal warning over disputed Progressive Labour Party membership changes was allegedly ignored, with the PLP now saying he won’t engage in dialogue and is seeking a political result through the courts. Insurance Regulation: Hong Kong’s Insurance Authority ordered FWD Life Insurance Company (Bermuda) to pay a HK$19.5m penalty over anti-money laundering control shortcomings, including third-party payment checks and politically exposed person screening. Energy & Grid Debate: Bermuda’s virtual power plant “Mesh” proposal faces calls for clearer public information and scrutiny as the electricity-rate unbundling continues to spark debate. Local Services & Community: EAP Bermuda retained full accreditation until 2030, while a Hamilton clinic is offering free eye tests for World Sight Day. Business & Finance: American Overseas Group reported lower Q2 net income ($1.6m) as it continues debt reduction; Allshores posted a 15.7% operating profit rise to $31.9m. Culture & Sports: Troika Bermuda announced tickets for “The Wiz” (Nov 4–7), and Jumaane Davis was elected to the BFA executive committee.

PLP Leadership Fight: Curtis Dickinson says legal advice on disputed Progressive Labour Party membership changes was ignored, while the PLP counters that Dickinson won’t engage and is seeking a court-driven political result. Child Welfare & Health Policy: The Ministry of Health launches a six-week consultation on updated Child Care Standards (starting Oct 1), and separately the BTUC urges Government to fully cover health insurance premiums to tackle the cost of living. Government Operations: Work to assess and restore Sessions House has begun, with furniture removed and a project team now preparing the scope of repairs. Energy & Utilities Debate: A virtual power plant proposal (“Mesh”) continues to spark public scrutiny, as Bermuda debates how to manage electricity rate unbundling and grid innovation. Insurance & Business Moves: Sun Life creates Sun Life Bermuda Limited to offer participating life insurance, while Allshores reports $31.9m operating profit for the first half and declares a 40c interim dividend. Sports & Community: Jumaane Davis joins the BFA executive after defeating Vance Campbell; Athene sponsors the DCYFS × BFA U13 Invitational. Public Safety: Police investigate an incident in Hamilton involving two high school-aged males, with one injured and one arrested.

Childcare Standards Consultation: Bermuda’s Health Ministry is launching a six-week public consultation from Oct 1 on updated childcare standards, asking parents and providers to review draft rules on curriculum, safety, health, facilities and how digital learning should be handled. Cost of Living & Health Insurance: The Bermuda Trade Union Congress is urging Government to fully cover health insurance premiums, proposing CIT revenue funding for HIP/FutureCare from April 1, 2027, plus a rebate pilot for other insurers. PLP Internal Dispute: The Progressive Labour Party says Curtis Dickinson is refusing “meaningful dialogue” in a membership-change fight, and says it will attend court this week while insisting its “door remains open.” Sessions House Restoration: Work has started to assess Sessions House ahead of a multi-year restoration, with furniture removed and plans focusing on preserving key features like the chamber and clock tower. Public Accounts Committee Cyberattack Probe: The PAC will pursue details of payments linked to the Sept 2023 cyberattack, including who authorised and who received the roughly $4.4m recorded against the incident. Insurance & Business Moves: Sun Life launched Sun Life Bermuda Limited to expand into participating life products; Ascot reshuffled leadership with new underwriting and specialty roles; and Allshores reported 15.7% higher operating earnings for the first half of 2026. Crime Update: Police are investigating a Hamilton incident involving two high school-aged males, leaving one injured and resulting in an arrest.

Child Welfare & Youth Services: Opposition MP Robin Tucker says Government must explain why it was “unaware” of a US Senate Finance inquiry into troubled youth residential facilities after Bermudian children were sent abroad, and she renews calls for a suitable local therapeutic option. Public Accounts & Cybersecurity: The Public Accounts Committee will pursue details of the 2023 cyberattack payments, including the reported $4.4m expenditure and who authorised it. Homelessness Policy: A “Plan to End Homelessness” is praised for its “housing first” direction and consultation work, but critics highlight the lack of a clear delivery plan. Government Accountability: The Auditor-General flags nearly $500m in uncollected government receivables and says ministerial travel/meal/hospitality expense controls need stronger training and record-keeping. Corrections Update: The AG says a Westgate water and sanitation disruption is now “under control,” after plumbing repairs and interim measures. Business & Finance: Sun Life launches Sun Life Bermuda Ltd for high net worth participating products, while NAIC chief Scott White says US regulators are considering tougher capital rules for some offshore life reinsurance. Planning & Tech: A UK Space Agency application seeks permission to install three orbit-tracking telescopes at Cooper’s Island.

Correctional System Update: Attorney-General Kim Wilkerson told the Senate that 27 of 75 Detention Standards Review Panel recommendations are now in place, with 29 more in planning, as Bermuda continues prison reform work. Prison Conditions: She also said a Westgate water disruption that left staff and inmates short of tap water and flushable toilets is now “under control” after urgent plumbing repairs. Government Accountability: The Auditor-General says ministerial travel, meal and hospitality expense claims need better training and stronger external controls, citing missing receipts, timing issues, and weak central tracking. Public Finance & Oversight: A report on ministerial expense disclosures found process and record-keeping gaps that should be fixed. Sports & International Hosting: Bermuda has been drawn to host Syria in the Davis Cup World Group II play-off (Feb 5–7, 2027). Youth Sports: Team Bermuda’s Youth Olympics delegation for Dakar (Oct 31–Nov 13) is set, including athletes in athletics, swimming and triathlon. Cricket Development: Bermuda will host the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Americas Division 1 Qualifier in late August 2027, with Ryan Steede appointed U19 head coach. Local Planning: Plans submitted for a three-storey Marginal Wharf warehouse/retail/office development. Community & Education: Age Concern Bermuda launches Tag Days (Oct 1–3) to support older adults, while Athene scholarships were awarded to five Bermuda College students.

Housing & Labour Policy: The House passed the Employment Amendment (No. 2) Act 2026, strengthening protections for workers during rest periods and extending tribunal decision timelines, while the One Bermuda Alliance raised concerns over the definition of “off duty.” Homelessness Plan: MPs heard the Plan to End Homelessness needs coordinated systems, prevention, reliable data and accountability, covering people who are roofless, insecurely housed, or leaving institutions. Housing Procurement Scrutiny: The OBA pressed the Government on affordable housing procurement after no-bid contracts were awarded, arguing the answers raise more questions about fairness and value for money. Public Access & Accountability: Bermuda marked Right to Know Day with a focus on using PATI rights to cut through digital speculation and misinformation. Environment & Spending: A rattlesnake report triggered nearly $67,000 in public spending, but officials say no snake evidence was found. Cricket & Youth Sport: Bermuda will host the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Americas Division 1 Qualifier in late August 2027, with Ryan Steede appointed U19 head coach. Community & Youth Development: Seven young Bermudians returned from Guyana after a Violence Reduction Team-funded project improving classrooms and teamwork. Sports & Culture: Clyde Best’s documentary encore tour runs Oct 6–10, with screenings and education outreach. Infrastructure: Emergency lane closures are set for North Shore Road (Sept 29–Oct 1) for BELCO cable repairs.

Employment justice law: The House passed the Employment Amendment (No. 2) Act 2026, strengthening protections for workers during leave/off duty and adjusting tribunal penalty timelines after objections over the definition of “off duty.” Housing push for seniors: Southampton’s Dr Cann Park II is moving ahead with 110 new rental units, potentially mixing seniors and younger tenants, backed by a Bermuda Land Management Corporation Amendment Act. Homelessness plan gets Parliament backing: Ministers outlined the Plan to End Homelessness, stressing prevention, reliable data, accountability, and support for people who are roofless, insecurely housed, or leaving institutions. Public finances scrutiny: An Auditor General audit says government accounts receivable rose from $405m (2023) to $482m (2025), raising financial risk from ageing unpaid debts. Pensions protected: The Premier said public service pensions and lump sums are protected for two years, alongside phased changes to stabilise the Public Service Superannuation Fund. Local governance notices: Emergency BELCO cable repairs trigger a North Shore Road lane closure Sept 29–Oct 1, 9:30am–6pm. International compliance: FWD Life Insurance (Bermuda) was fined $2.5m by Hong Kong’s Insurance Authority for AML/CTF control gaps. Weather & travel disruption: A nor’easter is delaying cruise operations, including a 10-hour delay for Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas. Community & culture: The Forty Thieves Club history project seeks memories and memorabilia from 1962–1988. Mental health infrastructure: A “fit-for-purpose” CAMHS building opened in Jersey, improving privacy, accessibility, and reducing anxiety for young patients.

Employment Justice: The House passed the Employment Amendment (No. 2) Act 2026, boosting protections for workers during leave/off-duty periods and tightening how civil penalties and tribunal decision timelines work. Seniors Housing: Southampton’s Dr Cann Park is set to expand with Dr Cann Park II, adding 110 rental units and allowing seniors’ housing to potentially blend with younger tenants, backed by changes to enable land to vest with the Bermuda Land Management Corporation. Homelessness Plan: MPs heard that Bermuda’s Plan to End Homelessness needs a coordinated system, stronger prevention, reliable data and clear accountability, covering everyone from people sleeping rough to those at risk of eviction. Public Finance Watch: The Auditor General says government accounts receivable rose from $405m (2023) to $482m (2025), warning that growing, ageing debts can limit funds for public services. Pensions Security: Premier David Burt told the House public service pensions and lump-sum payments are protected for the next two years, alongside phased changes to the Public Service Superannuation Fund. Parliament Calendar: The Senate is set to sit Monday (Sept 28) with Auditor General reports and the Bermuda Affordable Housing Strategy 2025–2035 on the order paper. Community & Culture: A local researcher is asking Bermudians for memories and memorabilia of the Forty Thieves Club (1962–1988), aiming to publish the definitive story.

Affordable Housing & Seniors: Government moved ahead on the Dr. Cann Park II Affordable Housing Development, introducing the Bermuda Land Management Corporation Amendment Act 2026 to vest land in Southampton and unlock 110 new age-friendly rental units focused on seniors, with leases routed through the Bermuda Housing Corporation. Historical Land Losses: In the House of Assembly, Premier David Burt said measures will be introduced to help families affected by historic land losses, including a simple public interface to guide claims and consultation-led memorials for Tucker’s Town and St David’s, while compensation proposals remain undecided. Public Service Pensions: The Premier told MPs pensions and lump-sum payments for eligible public service workers will be protected for the next two years, alongside changes to stabilise the Public Service Superannuation Fund. Electricity Policy: Home Affairs Minister Alexa Lightbourne tabled the National Electricity Sector Policy 2026 and related direction and cost-driver report, setting the sector’s direction to 2045. Youth & Community Support: Youth funding opportunities for 2026-27 were announced, plus a Seniors Expo 2026 next week to support healthy ageing and services for older Bermudians. Sports & Local Pride: Bermuda sailors impressed at the NYYC Women’s International Championship in Newport, while Bermuda’s Lauren Cardwell helped Toronto to a 1-0 field hockey win. Culture & Language: The OED added East African and Caribbean terms, including Ethiopian “azmari” and “berbere” and Caribbean words like “hornerman.” Travel Disruption: A nor’easter delayed Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas return to Cape Liberty by about 10 hours, with cruise and flight disruptions continuing.

Affordable Housing Push: Government is moving ahead with the Dr. Cann Park II Affordable Housing Development, adding 110 new senior-focused rental units in Southampton, backed by a Bermuda Land Management Corporation Amendment Act to vest adjacent land and keep the project on track. Land Loss Remedies: Premier David Burt told the House the Government will advance recommendations from the Historical Land Loss Commission, including a simple public interface to guide claimants and plans to preserve community stories and history at Tucker’s Town and St David’s, with memorials to be shaped through consultation. Public Pensions Stability: Burt also announced protections for public service workers’ pensions and lump sums for the next two years, alongside phased changes to the Public Service Superannuation Fund after a 2023 valuation raised serious solvency concerns. Housing Strategy in Parliament: The Affordable Housing Strategy 2025–2035 was tabled, outlining three pillars: new government-led delivery, rehabilitation of derelict properties, and reactivating underused housing stock with stronger public-private partnership emphasis. Electricity Policy Tabled: Home Affairs Minister Alexa Lightbourne laid down the National Electricity Sector Policy 2026 and related direction documents, setting the course for the sector through 2045. Youth Employment & Grants: Workforce Development reported 102 college/university students placed in the 2026 Summer Employment Programme, while the Office of Youth Affairs opened 2026-27 youth grants, investments and event sponsorships. Justice System Update: The House heard progress on the Litigation Guardian Service, including training and the service’s role in keeping children’s best interests central in family court matters. Nor’easter Disruptions: A major storm is already causing flight cancellations and travel waivers, with gale-force winds and flooding risks expected to worsen through the weekend.