AGP Executive Report

Carnival & Music: Bermudian soca star Fire Wayne, with RTwoG2, has released the official audio for “Influence of Carnival,” the winner of the 2026 Bermuda Singer-Songwriter Competition. Local Politics: PLP leadership hopeful Curtis Dickinson will hold a public “Fireside Chat” on “Bermuda’s tomorrow” at Ruth Seaton James Auditorium on June 23. Energy Law: The House passed the Electricity Amendment Act 2026, giving the Home Affairs Minister power to suspend the integrated resource planning process in the public interest. Health: Bermuda marked Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Awareness Month with a warning of a sudden rise in new diagnoses and renewed push for testing and prevention. Housing & Finance: Minister Zane DeSilva told residents banks must do more to support homeownership as the Affordable Housing Programme moves forward. Sports: Southampton Rangers and St David’s set for the T20 Knockout Cup final on Sunday, while Bermuda’s young athletes shone at the Clarien Bank Iron Kids Triathlon and local powerboat teams continue IHRA action. Travel & Community: BermudAir announced new winter routes from Boston, and blood donation efforts continue after Conduit Re won BHB’s corporate blood drive.

National Heroes & Community: A funeral service to celebrate the life of late former Premier Sir John Swan will be held June 24 at the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Hamilton, with limited seating and live-stream options across several venues. Civic Life: Bermuda marked the King’s Birthday with a parade on Front Street featuring the Royal Bermuda Regiment, police units and Sea Cadets, followed by harbour salutes. Health: The Bermuda Hospitals Board says HIV diagnoses have risen in recent weeks and is using June’s HIV Awareness Month to push testing, prevention and stigma reduction; meanwhile BHB is urging the public to donate blood after Conduit Re won the annual corporate blood drive. Housing & Policy: In the House of Assembly, ministers advanced co-operative legislation plans and passed electricity reform giving the Home Affairs Minister power to pause the integrated resource planning process in the public interest. Transport & Infrastructure: Bermuda welcomed Google’s Nuvem and Sol subsea cable landing, while roadworks are set to bring lane and road closures in Southampton and St David’s. Business & Travel: BermudAir announced new seasonal winter flights from Boston to Anguilla, Belize, Turks and Caicos and Guatemala City. Sports: Southampton Rangers and St David’s meet in the T20 Knockout Cup final Sunday, and Peter Bromby is set for the IOD World Championship in Massachusetts.

Digital Infrastructure: Bermuda welcomed the landing of Google’s Nuvem and Sol subsea cable systems, with the Government calling it a major boost for resilience and future jobs. Transport & Safety: Ridesharing launched June 10 with a cap of 150 permits; officials say taxi-first remains the rule as applications are processed. Consumer Warning: The Ministry of Home Affairs says online rental scams are rising, urging residents to report suspicious listings to Consumer Affairs. Local Works: Road and lane closures are planned in Southampton and St David’s through July 10 for BELCO and Swing Bridge detour works. Health Update: Health Minister Kim Wilson says there are no confirmed Ebola cases in Bermuda, but preparedness measures continue. Public Health Push: Bermuda is also urging residents to get tested after a recent uptick in HIV cases. Business & Markets: The Bermuda Stock Exchange reported 1,150 Butterfield shares traded on June 12; the RG/BSX index closed higher. Sports: North Village Rams beat Dandy Town Hornets 4-1, and T20 Knockout Finals are set for Sunday at White Hill Field.

World Cup Turf Spotlight: Rutgers turfgrass is behind pitches at most 2026 World Cup venues across North America, with researchers touting tough drought, heat and disease resistance. Honours & Community: Lawyer Elizabeth “Liz” Christopher was appointed an MBE in the King’s 2026 Birthday Honours, alongside three other Bermudians recognised for law and justice, disaster relief and homelessness, marine education and community service. Local Transport Disruption: Road closures and traffic changes are set for Admiralty House Park’s Wave Concert, a Hamilton Parish cycling time trial, and Pembroke’s Revel de Road procession. Ridesharing Update: Bermuda’s ridesharing scheme has started with early permit applications and approvals, with officials stressing “taxi first, rideshare when needed.” Public Health Push: The public is urged to get tested after a “concerning shift” in new HIV cases, with June marked as HIV Awareness Month. Bermuda Business & Regulation: The BMA expands conduct rules for insurers selling retail business to individuals internationally, and registers three new insurers in May. Sports Calendar: T20 Knockout Finals are set for Sunday at White Hill Field, with finals in both divisions.

Electoral Reform Review: A new cross-party, 11-member working group has been set up to scrutinise the Government’s electoral reform plans before MPs see the legislation in about three months, with focus on overseas students’ absentee voting, campaign finance rules and options for strengthening electoral governance, including a future electoral commission. House of Assembly Business: MPs meet today for debates including a motion to buy Compass Point Building in Hamilton from HSBC Bermuda, plus bills on electricity planning powers, retail customs duty relief for capital investments, and a one-time 10% pensions increase for eligible public officers. Digital Infrastructure: Google’s Nuvem and Sol subsea cable systems have landed in Bermuda, boosting resilience and supporting growth in finance, insurance, reinsurance, fintech and AI infrastructure. Local Community & Safety: Ageing and Disability Services held a seniors bingo to raise awareness of elder abuse, while the House of Assembly order paper also flags statements on hurricane preparedness and online rental scams. Business & Markets: Bermuda Stock Exchange trading was light, with LOM Financial up and Allshores down, and the BSX index slipping slightly.

Local Governance & Democracy: An 11-member cross-party electoral reform working group has been set up to independently review the Government’s plans before legislation is drafted, with focus on overseas student absentee voting, campaign finance rules, and options for strengthening electoral governance. Public Safety: The Bermuda Police Service says it’s ready for the National Heroes weekend and Carnival, with a high-visibility policing plan and reminders to travel in groups and plan parking. Space & Telecom Policy: The Ministry of Home Affairs has opened public consultation on a consolidated licensing framework for Earth Stations, with feedback due by June 19. Economy & International Links: Government has launched a National Economic Cooperation Committee to coordinate and track Bermuda’s international economic agreements and partnerships. Business & Insurance: Banyan Risk launched a healthcare professional liability line in Bermuda, backed by Mereo, and appointed Kim Morgan as lead underwriter. Reinsurance Leadership: Willis Re named Bermuda market veteran John Fletcher CEO for its Bermuda platform, following a legal battle involving Guy Carpenter. Sports: Bermuda will host the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas qualifier (June 21–27), starting with Bermuda vs Brazil on June 21. Community & Culture: Cirque Bermuda returns to Snorkel Park Beach Club with free shows on Mondays and Thursdays through July.

Planning & Housing: Bermudiana Beach’s planned change back to residential units was refused by the Development Applications Board, citing parking shortfalls and density above what’s allowed; the Bermuda Housing Corporation can appeal to the planning minister. Digital Infrastructure: Government welcomed Google’s Nuvem and Sol subsea cable landing at Annie’s Bay, calling it a major boost for Bermuda’s digital infrastructure, resilience and competitiveness. Transport: Ridesharing officially launched across Bermuda, with taxis still the first option and the service available when demand needs it. Consumer Protection: Home Affairs warned residents about online property rental scams, urging people to verify listings and avoid sharing deposits or banking details with unconfirmed parties. Economy & Community: The Non-Profit Alliance says many charities are operating with lean staffing and pay gaps versus the public sector, raising risks for recruitment and continuity. Business & Finance: Bermuda’s insurance sector added three new insurers in May, bringing the year’s total registered insurers to 27. Sports: Pembroke Panthers dominated the Bermuda Smash Invitational, with Fabian Allen taking the most wickets and Dominic Sabir the most runs; a co-ed beach volleyball tournament is set for Horseshoe Bay on June 27.

Economy Update: Minister Jason Hayward says Bermuda’s economy expanded for a second straight quarter in Q4 2025, with constant-price GDP up 0.1% and nominal growth of 3.2%—though business registrations fell by 371. Housing & Community: A town hall on affordable housing is set for June 11 (Tommy Fox Road and Channel House), while St David’s Island Historical Society moves ahead with plans for a public park at Annie’s Bay. Public Safety & Justice: Police say 11-year-old Liam Murphy has been found safe and well; Jahmico Trott has been granted permission to appeal to the Privy Council on one ground only. Transport & Daily Life: Ridesharing officially launched in Bermuda today, and fast ferries Resolute and Serenity are getting new radar navigation screens. Sports & Youth: Bermuda’s Daley siblings qualify for the Commonwealth Games; an English FA-led football camp runs June 13-15 for top youth prospects. Insurance & Finance: Fidelis appoints Alex Rossiter and expands Greg Bowman’s role; Relm launched ALPHA, a consolidated insurance policy for emerging investment strategies. Weather & Preparedness: NOAA forecasts a below-average hurricane season, but warns one storm can still be devastating.

Workforce Training: Bermuda College and Google have launched a free, 100% online skills programme with 500 scholarships for residents, covering areas like cybersecurity, data analytics, IT support, digital marketing, e-commerce, project management and AI Essentials, with courses self-paced through 2027. Youth & Community: Bermuda Is Love is offering two paid summer internship spots at its Hamilton law office (38 Union Street), focused on advocacy around housing, food stability, healthcare, education and environmental/economic justice; applications close June 30. Missing Child: Police are asking the public to help locate 11-year-old Liam Murphy, last seen boarding a bus near Purvis Primary School in Warwick around 3:30pm. Civic Debate: A petition has topped 1,500 signatures calling for a referendum before Bermuda commits to full Caricom membership. Business & Markets: Butterfield shares rose 2.7% on the Bermuda Stock Exchange, and the BSX index closed up 2.42% on June 9. Sports & Culture: The BBC’s Policing Paradise returns for a second series, while Bermuda’s King’s Birthday parade is set for Saturday on Front Street.

Caricom Referendum Push: An online petition calling for a referendum before Bermuda commits to full Caricom membership has topped 1,500 signatures, with organisers urging clearer details on costs and impacts on the island’s economy and links to Britain. Bermuda Business & Markets: Marex says its planned Bermuda redomiciliation is already boosting investor confidence after completing an oversubscribed US$500m hybrid notes deal, while Butterfield shares rose 2.7% on the BSX. Scholarship Spotlight: Hudson Ferris is the inaugural recipient of Deloitte Bermuda’s John Johnston “Leadership with Integrity” Scholarship, receiving up to $30,000 over three years. Public Safety & Media: The BBC’s Policing Paradise returns for a second season, following Bermuda Police Service work on land and at sea. Community & Youth: A record 27 young people received Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards at Government House. Royal Events: Bermuda will mark King Charles III’s official birthday with a Front Street parade on Saturday. Sports & Culture: Bermuda’s Azores study-abroad selections were announced, and Waves at Admiralty House Park is set for June 13 with soca star Machel Montano.

Banking & Ratings: S&P Global cut Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son’s outlook to negative, warning capital could weaken after its planned US$1.794bn acquisition of CIBC Caribbean, with integration risk in focus. Local Politics: A new online petition is calling for a referendum on whether Bermuda should apply for full CARICOM membership, arguing the decision could affect the economy, constitutional position and immigration. Health & Policy: Bermuda Hospitals Board is changing its medical testing policy from August 3 to reduce overseas tests, limiting requests to those ordered by BHB physicians or government clinics. Youth & Community: Southampton Parish Council opened applications for further education scholarships for 2026-27, with forms due by July 22. Sports: Bermuda Cricket Board named its squad for the home ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas qualifier (June 21-27), while the Bermuda National Athletics Association will run kids events at its championships weekend. Public Safety: Police lifted a Pembroke school lockdown after checks found no evidence supporting reports of gunshots. Business & Appointments: Miller Bermuda appointed Peter Stubbings as chairman, and IGI secured approval to open an insurance office in India’s GIFT City. World Cup Buzz: Michigan State University turf experts helped develop the grass used across all 16 FIFA World Cup stadiums.

Work Permits Update: Bermuda’s revised work permit policy spells out appeal timelines and tougher penalties for unauthorised work, including civil fines up to $10,000 and possible placement on the Stop List. Caricom Referendum Push: An online petition is calling for a public referendum before Bermuda commits to full Caricom membership, arguing the public hasn’t been fully consulted. Public Safety: Police lifted a lockdown at Victor Scott School after checking reports of suspected gunshots in Pembroke and finding nothing to substantiate the claims. Health System Changes: The Bermuda Hospitals Board will phase out outside requests for overseas lab tests that can’t be done locally, except when ordered by BHB physicians or government clinics. Marine Pollution Awareness: Government House unveiled “Whaleen,” a 20-foot humpback whale sculpture made from more than 1,000 pieces of marine debris for World Ocean Day. Business & Finance: The Bermuda Monetary Authority outlined a proposed regulatory framework for asset tokenisation, with comments due by June 30. Sports: Bermuda named its squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas qualifier in Bermuda (June 21–27), with tickets now on sale.

Bermuda Football: Kenni Thompson hinted she may not be done after Bermuda edged Belize 1-0 at Flora Duffy Stadium, with Keunna Dill scoring the winner as Thompson played 83 minutes. Local Sports: Bailey’s Bay’s Jaiden Manders powered a nine-wicket win over PHC, while Southampton Rangers crushed Somerset by 84 runs to reach the T20 Knockout Cup final. Cricket & Community Sport: Pembroke Panthers won the Bermuda Smash Invitational, with Gerhard Erasmus making 104 and Dominic Sabir 79 not out. Sailing: The Annapolis to Bermuda Ocean Race is underway, and “Time Machine” is leading the fleet as yachts press toward Bermuda. Environment & Local Support: HSBC Bermuda is backing Keep Bermuda Beautiful’s monthly cleanups, helping fund supplies for volunteers across the island. Public Safety: In Avondale, a suspect accused of firing at a vehicle died after a high-speed chase ended in a crash. World Stage (Bermuda-linked): Bermuda’s Nicholas Christopher attended the Tony Awards after a major nomination for “Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical.”

Weather Watch: Hazy, hot and humid conditions are building mid-week, with a mostly sunny Sunday forecast and a chance of late-night showers. Public Safety: A suspect accused of firing at a vehicle in Avondale died after a police chase ended in a violent rollover crash; police say the shooting and pursuit are under investigation. Sports—Football: Bermuda’s interim coach John Barry Nusum said his side’s 3-0 loss to Cape Verde showed strong structure and effort against a much higher-ranked World Cup team. Sports—Cricket: Pembroke Panthers won the Bermuda Smash Invitational, with Gerhard Erasmus’ 104 and Dominic Sabir’s 79* powering a 217/2 total and a 58-run victory. Sports—Triathlon: Tyler Smith finished ninth in Tunisia’s Africa Triathlon Cup, pleased with another top-ten and improved execution in hot conditions. Community & Environment: HSBC Bermuda is backing Keep Bermuda Beautiful’s monthly cleanups, helping fund supplies for volunteers. Politics: The PLP is holding its “Central Committee On The Road” meeting at Paget Primary School on June 8, featuring a Road Safety Council presentation. World Cup Build-Up: FIFA’s 2026 pitch plan leans on engineered hybrid natural grass to keep 16 stadium fields consistent across North America. Remembering Sir John Swan: A posthumous final message urged Bermudians to “take care of this island” and each other.

Ocean Science in Bermuda: BIOS says multiple research vessels, including ASU’s R/V Atlantic Explorer and R/V Atlantis, are operating in Bermudian waters this month as World Ocean Day approaches, with new deep-sea tech tests planned. Local Sports: Bermuda’s men’s team faces World Cup debutants Cape Verde in Connecticut, with Cape Verde winning 3-0 in a friendly; Bermuda’s women also played Belize, winning 4-0. Tennis Update: The 2026 Deloitte Open finals at Pomander Gate saw tight matches decided by third-set tie-breaks. Community & Culture: A virtual gallery, “Reflections of Bermuda,” highlights island scenery across its waters and landscapes, while a video spotlights Gombey regalia maker Kelzine Thompson and her apprentices. Public Safety: Police in Avondale, Arizona report an aggravated assault shooting that led to a high-speed pursuit and violent crash, leaving the suspect critically injured. Business/Finance: 26North Reinsurance announced it will acquire Independent Insurance Group, entering the U.S. insurance market via its structured settlement annuities platform.

Road Safety: A motorcycle crash in Devonshire has closed Barkers Hill, with drivers told to use Middle Road or North Shore Road. Sports — Local: Tyler Smith placed ninth at the African Triathlon Cup in Tunisia, continuing a run of top-ten finishes. Weather: Sunday is forecast mostly sunny, with a chance of a late-night shower and a high near 26°C. Racing — Off-Island: A Philracom ruling has cut the field for the Philippine Triple Crown’s second leg, leaving only three confirmed horses and putting the June 14 race format in doubt. Culture & Community: KPMG in Bermuda awarded three scholarships to Bermudian students in accounting, insurance and financial services. Charity: CURB’s “Fabric of Our Voices” fundraiser is set for June 29, featuring fashion, storytelling and performances. Public Interest: Police say a missing 15-year-old in Sandys has returned safe and well. World Cup Build-Up: Turf scientists and pitch crews are working to deliver consistent hybrid grass across World Cup stadiums.