AGP Executive Report

Fifa/Concacaf Fallout: The Bermuda Football Association is joining an “emergency” Concacaf meeting after Fifa moves to sell 30% of World Cup commercial rights to private investors, with European federations voting to boycott Fifa events. Energy Policy: Government has finalised the National Electricity Sector Policy 2026, replacing the 2015 plan and setting direction to 2045, with affordability and costed pathways at the centre. Work Permits: The Actuary Work Permit Policy has been extended to July 31, 2027, keeping fast processing for qualified actuaries in Bermuda’s insurance and reinsurance sector. Cup Match Disruption: Cup Match start has been delayed three hours due to storm damage at Somerset Cricket Club; play shifts to 1pm, with Friday starting at 9am. Public Safety Update: Authorities say no evidence of a rattlesnake was found after searches around Gibbs Hill Lighthouse. Government Notices: Assent was given for several laws including health insurance and human rights amendments, alongside legal notices including dividend-related filings. Local Leasing: The former Flatts Railway Station is being offered for lease, with viewing dates in August and proposals due Sept. 4. Overseas Territories: Britain’s overseas territories minister role has been reshuffled, with Uma Kumaran taking the portfolio.

Cup Match Safety Push: Health officials are urging residents and visitors to celebrate the holiday safely with sunscreen, hydration, food hygiene, and sober transport planning, while also watching for heat illness signs. Public Works Update: After searches at Gibbs Hill Lighthouse in Southampton using specialists and detection dogs, Government says there’s no evidence a rattlesnake is present. National Security Debate: New Minister of National Security Ryan Robinson Perinchief says he’s not convinced by the Opposition’s road safety bill, arguing enforcement alone won’t fix behaviour and raising constitutional/civil liberties concerns. Cup Match Security & Logistics: Police, the Royal Bermuda Regiment, and road safety leaders outlined coordinated security, road safety, and emergency response plans for the weekend. Government Notices: Today’s official notices include assents for multiple Acts and a notice on intended dividends. Ministerial Travel Cost: Tourism/Transport minister Owen Darrell’s Azores trip is listed at $4,222.77. Local Culture: The National Museum opened “Your Pictures, Your Objects, Your Stories, Our History,” highlighting community contributions to Bermuda’s shared past. International Context: A drone-linked attack is reported on two LNG tankers at Egypt’s Damietta port, including a Bermuda-flagged vessel, with fires extinguished and no casualties reported.

Cup Match Safety & Security: Police, the Royal Bermuda Regiment, and the Bermuda Road Safety Council laid out coordinated plans for the holiday weekend, including high-visibility patrols, sobriety checks, and beach coverage. Road Safety Law Debate: National Security Minister Ryan Robinson Perinchief said he’s “not convinced” by the Opposition’s road safety bill, arguing behaviour change and prevention matter as much as penalties, after the tenth road death of 2026. Cup Match Logistics: Parks reminded residents and visitors of camping and beach rules across Government parks during Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day. Cup Match Coverage: Voice of Summer confirmed expanded TV and pay-per-view livestream options for fans. Government & Culture: Minister Alexa Lightbourne attended the National Museum’s new exhibition, “Your Pictures, Your Objects, Your Stories, Our History.” Youth & Education: Fortitude Re donated $50,000 to the Bermuda Education Network to fund summer reading support. Energy & Cost Pressure: BEST and Greenrock backed a solar charge protest after the Regulatory Authority approved higher facilities charges. Sports: Bermuda’s women’s hockey team beat Jamaica 1-0 at the CAC Games; St George’s coach Clay Smith said next year will be his last.

Road Safety Clash: National Security Minister Ryan Robinson Perinchief said he’s “not convinced” by the Opposition’s Road Traffic and Motor Car (Road Safety and Penalties) Amendment Act 2026, arguing tougher penalties alone won’t fix behaviour and raising constitutional/civil liberties concerns after the tenth road fatality of 2026, Michael DeSilva. Cup Match Security & Logistics: Police, Royal Bermuda Regiment, and the Bermuda Road Safety Council outlined high-visibility patrols, sobriety checks, and emergency plans for the Cup Match weekend, while the Department of Parks issued camping and beach rules for the holiday period. Cup Match on TV: Voice of Summer confirmed expanded coverage including Channel 82 and a $19.99 pay-per-view livestream. Solar Charges Protest: BEST and Greenrock marched to the Regulatory Authority after approval of higher solar facilities charges, calling them unfair and inequitable. Energy Scholarship: Home Affairs reminded eligible Bermudian students to apply for a $20,000 energy bursary by July 31. Sports & Community: Premier Burt hosted Cup Match receptions and a seniors tea; BFSA expanded its Cup Match sportsmanship award to include Colts players. Business/Finance: RiverStone signed a second loss portfolio transfer with Lyft’s captive Pacific Valley; Bermuda-based insurers also posted results and earnings dates.

Solar Tariff Protest: BEST and Greenrock are staging a peaceful demonstration today against Regulatory Authority-approved electricity tariff changes, saying new BELCO facilities charges triple monthly costs for residential solar customers and threaten Bermuda’s renewable push. Cup Match Coverage & Transport: Cup Match will be televised via Voice of Summer on Channel 82 and a $19.99 pay-per-view HD livestream; One Communications TV viewers get it at no extra cost. Separately, Skyport is urging taxi and rideshare drivers to extend airport services during peak arrival windows, and Government has issued Cup Match traffic flow changes around Somerset Cricket Club. Road Safety Tragedy: Police confirmed the death of 45-year-old Michael DeSilva after a fatal Sandys crash, the island’s tenth road fatality of 2026, with advocates again urging responsible driving over the holiday. Public Safety Presence: Police say there will be “strong and reassuring” visibility across Somerset, including patrols and sobriety checks, to keep the weekend safe. International & Governance: The Governor is in Glasgow supporting Bermuda at the Commonwealth Games, while a UK Overseas Territories White Paper dispute continues in the House of Lords.

Cup Match Security & Transport: Police say there will be a “strong and reassuring” presence around Somerset Cricket Club, with mobile patrols, roadside checks and quick response plans for the holiday weekend. Road Safety Push: The Bermuda Road Safety Council and Minister Owen Darrell urged responsible driving, with a separate fatal crash in Sandys prompting renewed calls to slow down. Solar Protest: BEST and Greenrock are staging a peaceful demonstration at City Hall and then the Regulatory Authority to protest increased monthly facilities charges that they say triple costs for residential solar customers. Local Governance: The Corporation of Hamilton released its 2025 Annual Report, highlighting infrastructure, public spaces, community engagement and modernization efforts. Constitution Watch: Government consultation proposes a Bermuda-led constitutional conference via a Constitutional Reform Commission, including a broad cross-section of society. Finance Careers: The Ministry of Finance is advertising for a Bermudian designate Financial Secretary as part of a three-year succession plan. Tech & Connectivity: Google says its Nuvem transatlantic cable link to Portugal is now connected, routing via Bermuda and the Azores. Crypto Industry: HashKey launched a unified crypto trading app across compliant markets including Bermuda, while Binance described monthly internal phishing “red team” tests.

Education & Youth Policy: The Opposition says it needs more detail before Parliament approves legislation for a new government-funded “statutory body corporate” education authority, pressing for the governance model, implementation plan, and how success will be measured. Public Safety & Crime: Police confirmed a firearms incident in Smith’s Parish after gunshots were reported; residents with CCTV are asked to check recordings around 10:45pm and contact 211 or Crime Stoppers. Finance & Government Staffing: The Ministry of Finance has advertised for a Bermudian designate financial secretary as part of a three-year succession plan. Constitutional Reform: Government consultation proposes a “Bermuda-led constitutional conference” via a Constitutional Reform Commission, aiming for recommendations from a cross-section of society rather than political leaders alone. Telecom & Resilience: Digicel is offering free fibre upgrades to customers still on copper voice services after a four-day outage disrupted businesses and emergency lines earlier this month. International Links: Google says its Nuvem transatlantic cable is now connected in Portugal, routing via Bermuda and the Azores. Sports & Community: Team Bermuda’s Commonwealth Games campaign continues in Glasgow with Emma Harvey qualifying for her third semi-final; separately, Cup Match ribbons raised by Premier David Burt for the Family Centre support youth mental health.

Public Safety: Police confirmed a fatal Sandys collision on Middle Road near Field View Lane late Sunday, with traffic diverted via the Railway Trail while investigators examine the scene. Crime Investigation: Officers are also probing a confirmed firearms incident in Smith’s Parish after reports of multiple gunshots; no one was taken to hospital for gunshot injuries, and residents with CCTV footage are being asked to come forward. UK–Bermuda Relations: Bermuda’s London Office has re-established the All Party Parliamentary Group on Bermuda in the UK Parliament, chaired by Alicia Kearns MP, aiming to keep a standing forum on trade, financial services, and constitutional matters for the Overseas Territories. Workforce & Youth: Minister Jason Hayward met Bermuda College summer employees for “Future Forward,” with students pressing on jobs, education, housing, cost of living, and the skills needed for the future. Community & Cup Match: Premier David Burt presented Cup Match ribbons for the Family Centre, with proceeds supporting youth mental health and family programmes. Sports: Bermuda cyclists Kaden Hopkins and Nicholas Narraway both finished inside the top six at the CAC Games time trial, while Bermuda’s rugby and hockey teams continue their CAC campaigns.

Commonwealth Games Update: Emma Harvey bounced back to qualify for the women’s 100m butterfly semi-final in Glasgow after withdrawing from the 100m backstroke with sickness, while Elan Daley won his 100m freestyle heat but missed semi-final qualification. Local Health & Traffic: The Bermuda Hospitals Board will shut part of the road network around King Edward VII Memorial Hospital on Tuesday July 28 (no through traffic between Point Finger Road and Berry Hill Road) to clear storm drains, with access maintained via designated entrances. Courts & Governance: Puisne Judge Nicole Stoneham has launched a civil action against Chief Justice Larry Mussenden, seeking damages and judicial review in a dispute involving sick leave and pay deductions. Energy Policy: A BeSolar chief executive has started a petition urging an independent review and a delay of BELCO/Regulatory Authority electricity tariff changes that he says will raise fixed monthly charges for solar customers. Tourism & Business: Tourism Minister Owen Darrell and BTA CEO Jan Hutton toured Fairmont Southampton’s redevelopment with Gencom, highlighting progress and the role of the hotel’s reopening for Bermuda’s visitor economy. Regional Sports: Concacaf Nations League Group Stage draw confirmed Bermuda in League B Group B alongside Barbados, Saint Lucia and Guadeloupe. Community Support: The Committee of 25 donated a trampoline and basketball hoop to Tomorrow’s Voices’ summer programme for autistic children.

Courts & Governance: Puisne judge Nicole Stoneham has launched a civil action against Chief Justice Larry Mussenden, seeking damages and judicial review over disputes including sick leave and pay deductions, with arguments that the measures were unconstitutional. Energy Costs: BeSolar CEO Robbie Godfrey has started a petition urging an independent review and a delay of proposed BELCO electricity tariff changes, warning they could raise fixed monthly charges for households with solar. Health Services: Lamb Foggo Urgent Care Centre in St David’s will close for one day Sunday due to operational pressures, with services redirected to the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital ED fast track. Tourism & Transport: Minister Owen Darrell and BTA CEO Jan Hutton toured Fairmont Southampton’s redevelopment with Gencom, highlighting progress and the importance of the hotel’s reopening for visitor numbers and airlift. Community & Youth: The Committee of 25 donated a trampoline and basketball hoop to Tomorrow’s Voices’ summer programme for autistic children. Sports (Local & Regional): Bermuda’s Cup Match walkabout in Somerset drew Speaker Dennis Lister and National Security Minister Ryan Robinson Perinchief; and Bermuda’s Nations League group draw includes matches in Bermuda for the 2026-27 cycle.

Courts & Governance: Puisne judge Nicole Stoneham has launched a civil action against Chief Justice Larry Mussenden, seeking damages and judicial review over disputes including sick leave and pay deductions. Energy Policy: A BeSolar chief has started a petition urging the Regulatory Authority to independently review proposed electricity tariff changes, arguing they would raise fixed charges for households with solar. Tourism & Business: Minister Owen Darrell, with BTA CEO Jan Hutton, toured Fairmont Southampton’s redevelopment with Gencom, highlighting the hotel’s role in boosting Bermuda’s visitor economy. Human Rights Law: The Bermuda Human Rights Commission says the Human Rights Amendment Act 2026 has passed, strengthening protections against discrimination, including for people receiving certain government funding. Corrections Reform: Government says UK prison expert Russ Crooks has returned to support implementation of corrections reform, including workforce planning and action steps at Westgate. Sports & Community: Bermuda’s Commonwealth Games campaign continues as Emma Harvey withdraws from one event while Elijah Daley advances in heats; locally, the Committee of 25 donates play equipment to Tomorrow’s Voices. Local Events: Bermuda Open returns to Port Royal Sept 10–12, with a new Junior Bermuda Open on Sept 12.

Corrections Reform: The Ministry of Justice says Bermuda’s corrections reform is moving from planning to delivery, with UK prison expert Russ Crooks returning to provide hands-on support for staff profiling, workforce planning and implementation at Westgate. Human Rights Law: Senators passed the Human Rights Amendment Act 2026, expanding protections for people receiving government funding and closing a “landlord exception,” despite concerns from landlords. Cost-of-Living Politics: The Senate delayed debate on cost-of-living legislation until at least September, using its revising-chamber powers to push more scrutiny before the next parliamentary sessions. Cyberattack Follow-Up: The Bermuda Police Service says it has no active lines of inquiry into the 2023 government cyberattack, while the Public Accounts Commission continues looking at the financial aspects, including a $4.4m payment. Local Governance: Minister Owen Darrell met new Hamilton Mayor Dr Michael Branco to discuss cruise calls, city developments and community partnerships. Workforce & Training: Bermuda College earned ACCA Silver Learning Partner status, and nine Bermudians were recognised after completing a Solar Photovoltaic Certification Programme. Community & Sports: Bermuda’s Human Rights Commission welcomed the Act; and tennis players gear up for the Central American and Caribbean Games in the Dominican Republic.

Education & Skills: Bermuda College has been awarded ACCA “Silver Learning Partner” status, letting students study and sit ACCA exams locally while the college works toward Gold approval. Human Rights Law: The Human Rights Amendment Act 2026 passed through both Houses, expanding protections for people receiving government funding and closing gaps flagged by the Human Rights Commission, including concerns raised by landlords. Corrections Reform: The Government says corrections reform is moving into delivery, with UK prison expert Russ Crooks returning to support implementation at Westgate and across the Department of Corrections. Parliament Watch: The Senate delayed final action on cost-of-living legislation until at least September, underscoring its revising role and the Government’s need to win support in the Upper House. Housing Procurement Controversy: Opposition MP Michael Fahy alleges no-bid affordable housing contracts were awarded to foreign firms without oversight from the Office for Project Management and Procurement, sparking renewed scrutiny of procurement rules. Public Safety & Tech: Police say there are “no active lines of inquiry” into the 2023 government cyberattack, though financial aspects remain under follow-up via the Public Accounts Commission. Community & Sport: BELCO announced $202,500 in scholarships for 20 Bermudian students, while Bermuda’s athletes continue gearing up for major international competition including the Commonwealth Games.

Commonwealth Games: Team Bermuda has arrived in Glasgow for the 2026 opening ceremony, with Tiara DeRosa carrying the flag and Caitlyn Bobb carrying the King’s Baton; swimmers miss the parade due to transport limits and high jumper Sakari Famous was absent after a cancelled flight. Corrections Reform: A British prison and probation expert returned to Bermuda to support the Government’s corrections reform push, focusing on turning review-panel findings into measurable operational change at Westgate Correctional Facility. Public Safety (Ministerial Priorities): Senator Ryan Robinson Perinchief outlined early priorities for the Ministry of National Security, stressing coordination across Bermuda’s public-safety system. Cost of Living (Senate): Senators delayed a final vote on cost-of-living laws that critics say could enable price controls on essential goods and services, with a likely return to the agenda in September. Digital Currency (Bermuda dollar): Premier David Burt says the proposed digital Bermuda dollar would be privately issued, not run by a central bank. Offshore & Legal Sector: Carey Olsen and Conyers feature prominently in Chambers High Net Worth 2026 rankings for offshore trusts, with multiple Band 1 and individual honours. Business & Infrastructure: Bermuda’s construction sector faces a concrete block shortage tied to supply limits and storage constraints, hitting major projects including Luscar Place and the Google Nuvem cable landing work. Aviation/Travel: BermudAir’s first Airbus order—10 A220-300 aircraft—was announced at Farnborough, aimed at expanding Atlantic and Caribbean routes. Local Notices: Government and legal notices include acting appointments, a road sobriety checkpoint, and planning application registrations. Road Safety: Police report a head-on collision in Hamilton Parish involving a rental scooter rider, who was taken to hospital with suspected head injuries.

Reinsurance & Insurance Governance: Lloyd’s says former CEO John Neal breached compliance rules by not disclosing a close relationship and mishandling whistleblowing concerns, as the wider market also shows pressure on pricing with Guy Carpenter reporting the steepest property-cat reinsurance rate-on-line decline in 25 years. Public Safety Priorities: New National Security Minister Ryan Robinson Perinchief told the Senate his early focus is making Bermuda’s public-safety system work together, with speed cameras, cannabis reform, and adolescent substance-use treatment flagged for initial implementation by year-end. Cost of Living Law Delayed: Senators pushed back a final vote on the Cost of Living Amendment (No 2) Act 2026, after business criticism over potential price-control powers for essential goods and services. Energy Policy Confusion: The IRP is said to be paused after suspension, but the Government and Belco are trading clarifications on what still “stands,” adding to uncertainty for the electricity system. Health & Pharmacy Oversight: A new Bermuda Health Council amendments act expands pharmacy oversight, drawing criticism over rushed consultation and the impact on smaller providers. Digital Bermuda Dollar: Premier David Burt says the proposed digital Bermuda dollar would be privately issued, not run by a central bank. Transport & Infrastructure: An American Airlines flight from Miami made a safe emergency landing in Bermuda after a navigational aid malfunction, while Bermuda Run’s East Pedestrian Plan is on track with work expected to start in October. Air Connectivity: BermudAir placed its first-ever Airbus order—10 A220-300 aircraft—aimed at expanding routes across Bermuda, the Caribbean and North America.

Cost of Living Legislation: Senators have delayed a final vote on the Cost of Living Amendment (No 2) Act 2026, after opposition and independent senators argued it could enable price controls on essential commodities and critical services; the bill passed the House of Assembly but now faces a likely third-reading vote at the Senate’s next sitting in September. Gang Prosecution & Courts: The Senate approved the Justice and Community Safety Reform Act 2026, including anonymity for witnesses in gang cases, new protections for court officials, and changes aimed at tightening bail breaches and pressure on the justice system. Health & Tax Measures: Senators backed changes to streamline Bermuda Health Council oversight and passed the Health Insurance Amendment Act 2026 without objection, including flexibility to adjust prescribed kidney transplant coverage amounts. Cyberattack Oversight: The Public Accounts Committee is set to consider a financial review tied to the 2023 government IT cyberattack, following a joint select committee report that flagged a possible $4.4m payment. Energy Policy Update: Minister Lightbourne reiterated that the Integrated Resource Plan process was formally suspended under the Electricity Amendment Act 2026, framing it as necessary to align the next plan with electricity policy nearing completion. Stablecoins & Finance: The Bermuda Monetary Authority published a stablecoin consultation paper for industry feedback on proposed guidance for recognised stablecoins in insurance and investment funds. Transport & Business: BermudAir ordered 10 Airbus A220-300 aircraft to expand routes across the Caribbean and North America, while RenaissanceRe reported $654.2m net income for Q2, citing strong underwriting and investment income.