AGP Executive Report

Education shake-up: Crystal Caesar has resigned as Bermuda’s Minister of Education and as a PLP senator, saying she’s been unable to make meaningful decisions due to a lack of support within Cabinet, “particularly” from Premier David Burt, as Burt also signalled a wider ministerial shuffle with new ministers and junior ministers set to be sworn in. Tourism investment: Grotto Bay Beach Resort marked the first phase of its redevelopment with newly renovated guest rooms, backed by a tourism investment order, with more rooms, a hydro plant and staff accommodation still due to complete by 2027. Local governance staffing: St George’s Mayor Quinell Francis appointed Richard L. James as Acting Corporation Secretary and Transition Consultant, following the departure of Candy-Lee Foggo after 11 years. Business & finance: PwC Bermuda promoted Damian Sealy, David Cartmill and Crystal Pittendrigh to partner roles, while Allianz Risk Transfer AG relocated its headquarters from Liechtenstein to Switzerland and said its Bermuda branch will remain. Health & safety: Government says antivenom has arrived for the Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake as the search continues, reminding residents not to approach the animal and to call 911 if sighted. Travel links: BermudAir says it will expand further into the Caribbean and Central America, including new routes to Turks & Caicos, Belize and Guatemala.

Education shake-up: Crystal Caesar has resigned as Bermuda’s Minister of Education and as a PLP senator, saying she couldn’t make the evidence-based decisions she believed the portfolio required, and citing a lack of support within Cabinet. Upper House tensions: Independent senator Tawana Tannock said she was “frustrated” and felt independent senators were “obstructed” during Senate debate on the Pension (Increase) Amendment Act 2026, which raises public servants’ pensions by 10% from April 1 to March 31, 2027. Cost of living: BELCO electricity bills will rise about $2.17 a month as the Fuel Adjustment Rate increases to 14.226 cents per kWh from July 1, with government fuel duty relief limiting the impact. Travel policy clarity: Government says CARICOM membership would have “no basis” to affect Bermuda’s US visa-free travel or US Customs pre-clearance, pointing to separate UK-US and US frameworks and promising a White Paper. Public health: A DNDC survey of pregnant women found binge drinking in later trimesters remains a concern, while vaping has emerged as a new behavioural issue since 2020. Safety alert: Authorities say antivenom has arrived after a verified Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake sighting, and the search continues with reminders not to approach the animal. Sports & community: HSBC will continue as Cup Match lead sponsor for a 19th year, and the BFA has advertised for a senior women’s national team coach.

Fuel & Utilities: The Regulatory Authority has raised BELCO’s Fuel Adjustment Rate to 14.226 cents per kWh from July 1, adding about $2.17 to the average monthly bill (about 1%), with fuel duty relief cushioning the impact. Parliament & Pensions: In the Senate, independent senator Tawana Tannock said she was “frustrated” and that independents were being “obstructed” during debate on the Pension (Increase) Amendment Act 2026, which boosts public servants’ pensions by 10% from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. Privacy Enforcement: Bermuda’s Privacy Commissioner signals a shift toward enforcement after PIPA’s long rollout, with an “informed strategic enforcement strategy” now a priority. Housing & Public Debt: A housing-related commentary questions the logic of using a new $64m loan (guaranteed by government) while citing CIT debt-reduction plans. Public Safety: Authorities are treating a possible rattlesnake sighting in Southampton seriously, urging residents to call 911 and not approach; meanwhile, the co-pilot of a fatal Hamilton Harbour powerboat crash is recovering. International Relations: Government pushes back on claims that CARICOM membership would affect Bermuda’s US visa-free travel or US Customs pre-clearance, saying the arrangements are separate and a White Paper is coming. Business & Industry: Nordic American Tankers says three Bermuda-incorporated vessels have cleared the Strait of Hormuz after months stuck in the Arabian Gulf; and Malibu Life has completed its TruSpire acquisition, setting up a US retail annuity origination platform. Culture & Community: Submissions are open for the Bermuda Black Film Weekend (Oct 15–18), inviting filmmakers across the African diaspora.

Senate Tension Over Pensions: Independent senator Tawana Tannock says she’s “frustrated” and believes independent senators are being “obstructed” as the Senate passed the Pension (Increase) Amendment Act 2026, boosting public servants’ pensions by 10% from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. Prison Reintegration Funding: The Attorney-General told the Senate that Astor House—renovated transitional housing for people leaving prison—will open with structured supervision and support, funded through cross-ministry contributions totalling $400,000 for the fiscal year. Justice Scholarship: The Bermuda Equal Justice Initiative launched the Dr Courtenay Griffiths KC Justice Award Scholarship, a $10,000 annual award for Bermudians pursuing criminal law with the aim of practising locally. Childcare Relief: The Government announced Child Daycare Allowance Amendment Regulations to ease steep childcare costs, with changes taking effect September 1 for income categories including households earning up to $65,000. Public Health Watch: A new Survey of Pregnant Women 2025 flags vaping as an emerging concern, with 16.7% of respondents reporting e-cigarette or electronic nicotine use. Drink-Driving Debate: Police Commissioner Darrin Simons floated lowering the legal blood-alcohol limit to reduce uncertainty about impairment. Environment Alert: Residents in Southampton are being urged to check yards carefully after a credible rattlesnake sighting; antivenom has arrived and authorities continue the search. Caricom Membership Pushback: Opposition Leader Ben Smith questions the Government’s handling of potential US travel impacts from Caricom moving Bermuda from associate to full membership, calling for a referendum. Business Appointments: Hamilton Select promoted Mike Mulray to President and Daniel Tague to Chief Underwriting Officer; Clarien Bank promoted Melissa Buckley Pridham to head of personal and private banking; Walkers promoted seven Bermudians across Bermuda and London.

Caricom Membership Debate: Opposition Leader Ben Smith says the Government hasn’t done a full legal analysis of how full Caricom membership could affect Bermudian travel to the U.S., and argues the issue should go to a referendum. Public Safety & Health: Police are appealing for witnesses after a fatal powerboat crash in Hamilton Harbour, while the search for a rattlesnake continues and the correct antivenom has arrived at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. Corrections Reform: An independent review says Bermuda’s corrections system is “a prison that is not working,” citing staffing, leadership, infrastructure, rights, rehabilitation and accountability failures. Drink-Driving Policy: Police Commissioner Darrin Simons backs lowering the legal blood-alcohol limit to reduce uncertainty and help shift attitudes. Housing & Party Politics: Economy Minister Jason Hayward is campaigning for unity ahead of the PLP leadership contest, and he says his record includes minimum wage and immigration modernization. Sports & Infrastructure: Work is underway at WER Joell Tennis Stadium to fix defects ahead of Bermuda’s Davis Cup tie with Mexico in September. Business & Connectivity: Walkers promotes seven Bermudians; PwC Bermuda names three new partners; and officials meet Air Canada’s CEO to reaffirm long-running partnership. EU Postal Update: Bermuda Post Office warns EU customs changes take effect July 1, adding a €3 charge for commercial parcels.

Cybersecurity Alert: Bermuda’s National Security Ministry is warning Fortinet users about the “FortiBleed” credential-harvesting campaign targeting FortiGate firewalls and SSL VPNs, urging urgent protective action. Road Safety & Enforcement: Police say new speed-camera deployments could multiply speeding tickets fourfold or more, with rollout likely starting this year’s autumn and full ticketing before Christmas. Affordable Housing Watch: Housing Minister Zane DeSilva told the House the first phase of a $64m affordable project is “key in hand” with no overspend expected, as construction contracts were signed for St David’s and Sandys. Employment Tribunal Reform: A new policy paper proposes stronger enforcement against employers who ignore tribunal orders, including civil penalties and a public compliance watchlist. Marine Policy Debate: Fishermen’s groups push back on the Bermuda Ocean Prosperity Programme’s proposed fishing closures, while scientists and conservation supporters argue marine protection needs stronger buy-in and action. International Finance Oversight: The UK has taken over the FATF presidency, with Bermuda’s next mutual evaluation by CFATF set to begin in October. Heritage Recognition: Bermuda National Trust awards honoured local heritage protectors, including the Christian Humann Foundation receiving the Palmetto Award. Shipping & Tourism: Bermuda hosted the Red Ensign Group maritime conference, while Air Canada’s leadership met Bermuda’s tourism officials to discuss connectivity. Business & Markets: HIVE Bermuda closed a $130m 0% exchangeable notes offering, and Gates Industrial shareholders overwhelmingly backed redomiciling to Bermuda. Public Notices: The Post Office warned EU customs changes from July 1 will add a €3 charge for commercial parcels.

Road Safety & Enforcement: Police Commissioner Darrin Simons says new high-tech speed cameras across about 28 locations could push speeding tickets from roughly 5,000 a year to 20,000-plus during rollout, with partial operation possibly as soon as September. Housing Cost Control: Housing Minister Zane DeSilva told the House affordable housing spending on phase one won’t overshoot the $64m, saying the “key in hand” contract covers everything and work starts in August. Employment Tribunal Compliance: A new policy paper flags poor employer compliance with tribunal orders and proposes civil penalties up to $15,000 per impacted employee plus a public watchlist. Ocean Policy Clash: Fishermen’s Association of Bermuda responds to scientists backing the Marine Spatial Plan, repeating opposition to 20% full protection and calling for licensing, data, enforcement and education instead of fishing closures. Marine Science Update: The Sargasso Sea Commission released its Socio-Ecosystem Diagnostic Analysis, with Bermuda backing the case for stronger conservation beyond the EEZ. Justice Reform Bill: Government tables the Justice and Community Safety Reform Act 2026 to strengthen witness protection, add offences targeting assaults/intimidation of justice officials and tighten bail consequences and review. Cybersecurity Warnings: Home Affairs and National Security warn of scams and a Fortinet “FortiBleed” credential compromise campaign targeting FortiGate and SSL VPN devices. Tragedy in Hamilton Harbour: A powerboat crash left a pilot dead and a co-pilot injured; police also asked the public not to share circulating video. Corporate & Business Moves: Gates Industrial shareholders overwhelmingly approved redomiciling the parent to Bermuda, and BermudAir will shift its Central Florida nonstop service from MCO to SFB from October 2026. Sports: Bermuda won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas qualifier, while the Bahamas men’s team returned home second after a rain-affected schedule.

Corrections Reform: Two senior prison officers, Shannon DeRoza and Milton Jones, are nearing completion of a UK-funded Next Generation Prison Leaders programme supporting Bermuda’s prison culture overhaul after a standards review flagged staffing shortages and inconsistent practice. Justice & Community Safety: The Government has tabled the Justice and Community Safety Reform Act 2026, aimed at stronger witness protection, new offences for assaults/intimidation against justice officials and legislators, and tighter bail consequences and review. Cyber & Scams: Home Affairs and the Cabinet Office/Digital Innovation issued warnings about fraudulent WhatsApp/text messages impersonating the Bermuda Post Office (and similar DHL scams), urging residents not to click links or share details. Environment & Policy: The Sargasso Sea Commission released the Socio-Ecosystem Diagnostic Analysis, with Bermuda backing the report’s push for stronger conservation beyond the island’s waters. Energy Skills: Home Affairs opened applications for a $20,000 energy scholarship (deadline July 31) to build a pipeline into energy technology and technical fields. PLP Leadership Race: Economy and Labour Minister Jason Hayward held a public event outlining support for his PLP leadership bid ahead of the October election. Transport & Safety: Police confirmed a fatal powerboat crash in Hamilton Harbour during a race series, with a co-pilot injured. Aviation Near-Miss: American Airlines flight 308 aborted takeoff at Miami after an unauthorized private jet crossed the active runway; the FAA is investigating. Business & Finance: Sun Life announced a rate reset for its Limited Recourse Capital Notes Series 2021-1, while American Overseas Group reported lower first-quarter net income.

Affordable Housing Delivery: Housing Minister Zane DeSilva says the first phase of the Affordable Housing Programme has reached financial close, with bank financing secured for a multi-site plan to deliver 229 units and an estimated $114.75m injection. Earth Stations Licensing: Home Affairs Minister Alexa Lightbourne updated MPs on work to create a modern, investment-ready framework for licensing earth stations, positioning Bermuda to compete for satellite infrastructure under the National Space Strategy. Privacy Commissioner’s First PIPA Report: Privacy Commissioner Gretchen Tucker tabled Safeguarding Bermuda, her office’s first annual report since the Personal Information Protection Act took effect on Jan 1, 2025, outlining priorities including building an enforcement strategy and resourcing. Cybersecurity Alert: National Security issued an urgent warning to Fortinet users after a global credential-harvesting campaign (“FortiBleed”) targeting FortiGate firewalls and SSL VPNs. Corrections Reform Support: Two senior prison officers are nearing completion of a UK-funded Next Generation Prison Leaders programme supporting Bermuda’s correctional system reforms. Digital Asset Legal Fight: Bittrex has sought a Privy Council appeal after Bermuda’s Court of Appeal ruled customer crypto assets must remain protected under the Digital Asset Business Act. Public Safety: Police confirmed a fatal powerboat crash in Hamilton Harbour during a race series, and asked residents to be considerate as a video circulates. Sports & Community: Bermuda’s Kaelin Cox and Geraldine Sidders won multiple golds at a Wushu Cup in Maryland; meanwhile, the Privacy Commissioner’s report and housing updates keep the focus on governance and services.

Marine Safety: Police confirmed a powerboat crash in Hamilton Harbour near the Lower Ferry site in Paget left one pilot dead and a co-pilot injured; officers, EMTs and Fire and Rescue responded after 911 calls, and police noted a video clip is circulating online. Cybersecurity: The Ministry of National Security warned Bermudians and organisations using Fortinet devices about a global “FortiBleed” credential-harvesting campaign, urging urgent action—especially where multi-factor authentication is missing—after attackers reportedly exploited weak passwords. Aviation Oversight: The FAA is investigating a Miami runway close call involving American Airlines Flight 308 to Bermuda and a NetJets business jet; the American A319 aborted takeoff after the private aircraft entered the runway, with no injuries reported. Financial Services & Tech: The Bermuda Monetary Authority says it is expanding SupTech and AI tools to digitise supervision and improve monitoring across banks, insurers, investment firms and digital asset businesses. Healthcare Policy: MPs heard the Government is considering a framework to evaluate healthcare system changes amid rising insurance premiums and concerns about monopolies. Employment Justice: The Economy and Labour Minister laid out proposals to strengthen enforcement powers of Bermuda’s Employment Tribunal, including graduated penalties and a compliance watch list. Public Health & Environment: Teams are sourcing antivenom and protective equipment as the search continues for a reported rattlesnake sighting near Gibbs Hill Road, with residents told to call 911 and keep distance. Sports & Community: Bermuda’s Spirit of Bermuda completed the Newport Bermuda Race after repairing lightning-damaged mast components, while the race’s winners were ultimately confirmed following redress and scoring corrections.

Newport Bermuda Race: After delays tied to a software routing error and subsequent redress hearings, the 2026 Newport Bermuda Race winners have finally been confirmed, with US Sailing apologising for the corrected-time calculation impact and noting the international jury reinstated the original results. Public Safety: Government teams are still hunting a reported rattlesnake near Gibbs Hill Road, Southampton, and are sourcing antivenom and protective gear; residents are told to call 911, keep distance, and not try to capture the animal. Financial Services & Tech: The Bermuda Monetary Authority says it expanded SupTech and AI tools in 2025 to digitise supervision and give a unified view of regulatory data, including work on its Nexus digital platform. Healthcare Costs: MPs discussed a possible framework to assess healthcare system changes after rising insurance premiums, with concerns about monopolies and affordability. Employment Justice: The Government is proposing stronger enforcement powers for Bermuda’s Employment Tribunal, including graduated penalties and a compliance watch list for repeat non-compliance. Sports & Community: Bermuda’s Delray Rawlins powered the island to ICC T20 World Cup Americas qualifier success with a 121; locally, the Bermuda Schools’ Art Exhibition raised $6,000 for arts programmes.

Public Service Pensions: Parliament approved a 10% public service pension increase, effective April 1 but paid from October, with about 3,700 seniors set to benefit after a long freeze. Pay Transparency: Economy and Labour Minister Jason Hayward pushed proposed pay transparency rules at a town hall, aiming to tackle wage disparities while inviting feedback on how to balance fairness with business concerns. Employment Tribunal Enforcement: Government tabled a policy paper to strengthen enforcement powers, including graduated consequences for employers that ignore Tribunal awards, from notices to $15,000 civil penalties and a compliance watch list. BMA Oversight: The Bermuda Monetary Authority’s 2025 annual report was tabled, highlighting growth in licensed digital asset businesses (49 by end-2025) and higher regulator revenue and staffing. Earth Station Rules: Home Affairs Minister Alexa Lightbourne said her ministry is reviewing public feedback on a regulatory framework for earth station licensing, spectrum management, health and safety, and cybersecurity. Parks & Permits: Public Works and Environment Minister Jaché Adams reiterated summer rules for dogs and horses on beaches and outlined permit timelines for events. Environment Alert: Officials investigated a possible rattlesnake sighting near Gibbs Hill Road in Southampton, urging residents to call 911 and avoid approaching. Community & Culture: The Bermuda Schools’ Art Exhibition raised over $6,000 for arts programmes, with People’s Choice awards across primary and middle school categories. Humanitarian Appeal: Bermuda Red Cross launched an appeal for Venezuela earthquake relief as the IFRC targets 50 million Swiss francs to support 300,000 affected people. Sport: Delray Rawlins hit a career-best 121 as Bermuda qualified for the next stage of the ICC T20 World Cup Americas Sub-Regional Qualifier, beating Brazil by 146 runs.

Earth Station Rules: The Ministry of Home Affairs says it’s reviewing public feedback on a new framework for regulating earth station licensing, spectrum management, health and safety, and cybersecurity—aimed at making Bermuda “investment ready” for a durable space ecosystem. Parks Permits & Beach Rules: Public Works and Environment Minister Jaché Adams reiterated summer restrictions: from April 1 to Oct 31 dogs and horses are banned from public beaches, and event organisers face advance permitting timelines (five days for small events; 14 days for Botanical Gardens/Arboretum; longer for ticketed or vendor-heavy events). Public Service Pensions: Parliament approved a 10% pension increase for about 3,700 seniors, ending a 2014 freeze; payments start in October with retroactive amounts. Pay Transparency Push: Economy and Labour Minister Jason Hayward is advancing pay transparency legislation after town halls heard concerns about fairness, disparities, and the need to handle implementation carefully. Employment Tribunal Enforcement: Government tabled policy to strengthen Employment Tribunal enforcement, including graduated penalties, civil fines, and a Compliance Watch List for repeat non-compliance. BMA Oversight: Premier David Burt tabled the Bermuda Monetary Authority’s 2025 annual report, highlighting growth in licensed digital asset businesses and higher BMA revenue alongside expanded staffing. Infrastructure Criticism: OBA’s Vance Campbell hit out at deteriorating roads and water/wastewater systems, arguing the Government lacks urgency and long-term solutions. Venezuela Red Cross Appeal: Bermuda Red Cross launched an international appeal after earthquakes in Venezuela, targeting help for 300,000 people in La Guaira and Greater Caracas. Environment Alert: Officials investigated a possible rattlesnake sighting near Gibbs Hill Road in Southampton, urging residents to call 911 and avoid approaching.

House of Assembly Agenda: Parliamentarians return to debate a 10% pension increase and changes to the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Amendment Bill, including new powers for the Immigration Appeal Tribunal chair and related Supreme Court appeal rights. Marine Protection Push: Bermuda’s Marine Spatial Plan backers say delays could force tougher restrictions later, urging legislation to lock in marine-protected areas under the Ocean Prosperity Programme. BMA Digital Assets Update: The Bermuda Monetary Authority reports rapid growth in licensed digital asset businesses (49 by end-2025) alongside higher revenue and staffing as oversight expands. Public Safety Alert: Environment officials are investigating a possible rattlesnake sighting near Gibbs Hill Road in Southampton; residents are told to avoid dense vegetation and call 911 if they spot it. Police Wellbeing Training: Bermuda Police Service CISM peer support staff completed Mental Health First Aid training to better support colleagues after traumatic events. Affordable Housing & Work Permits: Updates include Fairmont Southampton guest workers temporarily housed at Warwick Camp and a broader look at immigration/workforce numbers tied to the redevelopment. Sports & Youth: Berkeley Institute graduates were urged to “dream boldly,” while Bermuda’s junior golfers and national cricket team continue international competition.

Local Police Update: Eugene Gibbons, 45, reported missing near the Government health clinic on Victoria Street on June 23, has been found safe and well after three days, with police thanking the public for help. Parliament & Policy: The House of Assembly is set to debate a 10% pension increase and changes to the Bermuda Immigration and Protection Amendment Bill, including expanded powers for the Immigration Appeal Tribunal chair and related Supreme Court appeal rights, alongside updates on affordable housing, employment tribunal enforcement, Earth Station licensing, and the Bermuda Monetary Authority annual report. Marine Protection Push: Bermuda’s Marine Spatial Plan supporters say delays could force tougher restrictions later, urging legislation to bring marine-protected areas into effect and warning the Ocean Prosperity Programme needs momentum. Feral Chicken Management: Government has expanded training for farmers on humane, approved feral chicken control methods, as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources continues removals and stresses community cooperation. Immigration/Workforce Housing: Fairmont Southampton redevelopment guest workers have been using Warwick Camp barracks for temporary accommodation, with bed numbers rising to 120 before planned departures. International Aid: Bermuda Red Cross has launched an international disaster cash appeal for Venezuela after back-to-back earthquakes, targeting support for hundreds of thousands affected. Digital Finance Outlook: Citywealth says Bermuda’s fintech is moving toward integrated digital-asset, trust, AI, and digital identity approaches rather than treating cryptocurrency as a standalone market. Sports (Bermuda on the Road): Bermuda’s junior golfer Bradford Laing has earned a first overseas spot representing the island at the Caribbean Amateur Junior Golf Championships in the Dominican Republic.

Transitional Housing Opens: The Astor House facility in Hamilton has officially opened as a transitional living home for men leaving prison or under community supervision, with residents supervised by a Court Services parole officer and supported by HOME case management. Opposition on CARICOM: OBA leader Ben Smith says the Government should let Bermudians decide on full CARICOM membership, criticising what he calls missing independent legal advice and deferred due diligence. UK Overseas Territories White Paper: Bermuda joined other Overseas Territories in pushing for an updated UK White Paper, but the UK says it’s “open-minded” and will keep the idea under review. Feral Chicken Crackdown: Public Works and Environment is expanding training for farmers on humane, approved feral chicken management to protect crops and livelihoods. Parliament Schedule: The House of Assembly sits June 26 with items including BMA’s Annual Report 2025, housing updates, and employment tribunal enforcement powers. Justice Staffing Pressure: The Ministry of Justice responds to Opposition MP Robert King on recruitment and retention challenges, saying practical solutions are underway. Housing Proposal: Plans have been submitted for new housing on Cochrane Road (Sandys), with a proposed “Victoria Place II Village” development. Public Safety Appeal: Police renew a call for help finding 45-year-old Eugene Gibbons, last seen near the Victoria Street health clinic. Sports & Events: Bermuda hosts ICC T20 World Cup Americas qualifiers at North Field, and Harbour Swim Club members win medals in Florida.