AGP Executive Report

Road Safety: Bermuda Police say impaired driving is still a choice people keep making, with 128 arrests for DUI in 2026 so far and eight people charged at Hamilton Magistrates’ Court in one day. Education Reform: Minister Diallo Rabain tabled the Cambridge Checkpoint Report (2023–2025), pointing to a widening gap between high- and low-performing students, especially in maths and science, and outlined the Education Authority Bill starting this September. Emancipation & Cup Match Culture: Tourism Minister Owen Darrell stressed that Cup Match is “far more than a cricket match,” with Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day themes, plus government support for events including Mini Cup Match and safety funding for scaffolding. Transport Update: Regulated ridesharing is gaining traction, recording 1,466 rides between June 10 and July 15, with no public complaints reported. Sports & Community: Bermuda’s senior women’s hockey team is training with New Jersey’s Pingry School ahead of the CAC Games, while the BBA launches the Play It Forward Bermuda Summer Camp at Bermuda College. Digital Wellness for Parents: The Office of Youth Affairs is rolling out Parent Cyber Safety and Digital Wellness courses for guardians. Local Legacy: A memoir chapter from George Dixon Jr. revisits 1930s-era Bermuda as a “holiday island,” through family history.

Education Reform: Minister Diallo Rabain says Bermuda’s primary and middle school results show a widening gap between high and low performers, especially in maths and science, and MPs heard the Cambridge Checkpoint Report for 2023–2025. Education Governance: The Education Authority Bill is set to move in stages this September, creating a statutory body with a merit-based board and professional leadership “held at arm’s length” from day-to-day politics. Road Safety & Drinking: Bermuda Police report eight DUI cases in one day at Hamilton Magistrates’ Court, with five guilty pleas and 18-month driving bans, as officials push for impaired driving to be socially unacceptable. Road Safety Debate: Opposition and road-safety voices are weighing a bill to double fines and points and remove advance notice for sobriety checks, with critics warning tougher penalties alone won’t fix deaths. Cybersecurity & Accountability: A joint select committee report on the September 2023 cyberattack is expected to focus on “follow the money,” including questions around payments linked to the incident. Emancipation & Cup Match: Minister Owen Darrell outlines Emancipation commemoration plans and Cup Match support, including safety funding for Somerset Cricket Club and free senior entry via ICS Tires. Transport Update: Regulated ridesharing has logged 1,466 rides between June 10 and July 15, with no public complaints reported. Community & Culture: Bermuda Basketball Association launches “Play It Forward” camp at Bermuda College (July 20–24), blending coaching with leadership and life skills.

Education & Governance: The long-awaited Education Authority is set to move from planning to legislation, with the minister saying the bill will be tabled this September and the new statutory body will be insulated from day-to-day politics. Public Safety: A grief support programme says gun crime victims are “becoming younger and younger” after a double shooting in Pembroke involving two teens. Road Safety: Shadow national security minister Jarion Richardson’s bill would double driving fines and points and remove advance notice for sobriety checks, while road safety advocates push for coordinated action. Community & Youth: Bermuda Basketball Association launches the “Play It Forward” Summer Camp (July 20–24) at Bermuda College, pairing elite coaching with leadership and life skills. Sports & Culture: HSBC Cup Match Motorcade is scheduled for July 29 through Hamilton, with branch activities and giveaways. Business & Local Life: Vineyard Vines Bermuda marks 10 years on Front Street, celebrating a decade of community ties. Health & Lifestyle: Bermuda Diabetes Association welcomes dietitian Keelin Hankin to expand nutrition support for people living with diabetes. International Ties: Premier Burt reports “remarkable synergies” after an official visit to the Azores, highlighting shared future plans.

Waterfront & Family Fun: Water World’s new Summit Canyon soft-opened this week, replacing the beloved “Bermuda Triangle” with four fresh slides plus a full area for young families and chill-time. Education & Community Leadership: Bermuda College’s Adult Education School graduation heard Puisne Judge Juan Wolffe urge the 16 graduates to lead by example, uplift others, and challenge unfairness. Sports & Local Culture: Seniors get free entry to Cup Match this year thanks to ICS Tires/Island Construction Services Limited, with the sponsor promising “culture, food and fellowship” at no charge. Human Rights & Protections: The Human Rights Commission backs upcoming amendments to the Human Rights Act 1981, including stronger housing-related protections and safeguards around discrimination tied to income and associations. Aging & Safety: Age Concern Bermuda warns senior abuse reports have doubled, calling for better prevention, reporting pathways, and caregiver support as Bermuda’s population ages. Governance Watch: The House of Assembly’s July 17 order paper includes updates on housing, ridesharing, education legislation, and the Cambridge Checkpoint report. International Ties: Premier David Burt and Minister Owen Darrell wrapped up a three-day Azores visit, highlighting shared culture and potential collaboration. Theatre & Youth Arts: Noire Youth Theatre Company announced auditions for “The Woman at the Well,” bringing a Bermuda-set, music-and-dance adaptation to the Ruth Seaton James Centre in October.

Human Rights & Housing Protections: Bermuda’s Human Rights Commission backs upcoming amendments to the Human Rights Act 1981, aimed at removing a housing-related exception and expanding protections for discrimination by association and source of income. Senior Safety: Age Concern Bermuda says reports of abuse against seniors have doubled in three years, urging stronger prevention, caregiver support, safe reporting pathways and better insurance coverage for respite care. Public Guardian Office: The Attorney-General says work continues on an Office of the Public Guardian, with legislation for a two-year pilot to protect seniors and vulnerable residents. AI for Privacy Compliance: Lighthouse Medical Supplies launched Adherio, an AI-powered training platform with a free course to help Bermuda businesses prepare for PIPA privacy officer requirements. Caribbean Decolonisation Push: CARICOM is promoting a reparation proposal urging Britain to give up territories including Bermuda, sparking local concern about conflicting interests. Theatre & Community: Noire Youth Theatre Company announces auditions for “The Woman at the Well,” bringing a Bermuda-set, music-and-dance adaptation to the Ruth Seaton James Centre in October. Culture on the Move: Clave Dance Bermuda marks 10 years with a four-day salsa and bachata celebration starting tomorrow. Lifestyle & Style: Heatwave-ready linen buys and a men’s shorts trend shift toward longer “Bermuda” styles are in the spotlight. Music: “Weird Al” Yankovic brings his Bigger & Weirder tour to TD Garden on Saturday.

Public Guardian Office update: Attorney-General Kim Wilkerson says legislation is being drafted for a two-year pilot to protect seniors and vulnerable residents, after families and care staff described painful gaps when power of attorney and receivership options fail. Premier’s Azores ties: David Burt visited the Azores, signing the Book of Honour and touring Terra Nostra Park and geothermal sites, highlighting generations of Bermudian-Azorean connection. Bermuda Pride support: Carey Olsen pledges three-year backing for Bermuda Pride. Legal and tech developments: Tanisha Butler launches Roseum Legal & Consulting Services for “everyday Bermudians,” while Bermuda digital-asset attorney Bourn Collier unveiled the “Bermuda Declaration on Sovereign Agents” at Maryland Blockchain Week. Culture on the move: Clave Dance Bermuda marks 10 years with a four-day salsa and bachata celebration, and the Spirit of Bermuda continues to draw international attention during Sail Boston. Education and community wins: Bermuda College’s Foundation completes a modernised classroom with a $150,000 Essent donation, and the Stephen Lee Helping Hands Foundation reports 1,700 healthy meals delivered.

Caribbean Reparations Push: Caricom leaders have urged Britain to relinquish overseas territories including Bermuda, calling it part of slavery reparations and “decolonisation,” with a manifesto handed to MPs in London. Local Governance Update: Attorney-General Kim Wilkerson told the Senate the Government is progressing on an Office of the Public Guardian to protect seniors and vulnerable adults, including those with mental illness and disabilities. Tech & Privacy Training: Bermuda privacy officers get a new start with Adherio’s launch of “Bermuda PIPA Training for Privacy Officers,” offering free course access and paid certificates. Education & Youth: Bermuda College’s Foundation unveiled a modernised classroom funded by a $150,000 Essent Reinsurance donation, while Mosaic Insurance welcomed eight interns to its 2026 summer programme. Culture & Community: Clave Dance Bermuda marks ten years with a four-day Latin dance celebration, and the Spirit of Bermuda drew media attention during Sail Boston. Sports: Bermuda’s U20 women’s beach volleyball team returned after winning gold at ECVA in St. Kitts and Nevis. Business & Legal: Tanisha Butler launched Roseum Legal & Consulting Services, a boutique practice aimed at “everyday Bermudians.” Opinion & Policy Debate: OBA voices renewed criticism of education decision-making and calls for clearer pathways for Bermudian civil service leadership.

Bermuda in the spotlight: Caricom’s reparations push is urging Britain to hand back overseas territories, naming Bermuda among Turks and Caicos, Anguilla, Montserrat, the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands, as part of a “decolonisation” demand. Local sports win: Bermuda’s U20 women’s beach volleyball team returned home after taking gold at the ECVA Under-20 Championships in St Kitts and Nevis, with the U20 men finishing ninth. Education & community support: Essent Reinsurance donated $150,000 to modernise a Bermuda College classroom, while the Stephen Lee Helping Hands Foundation says it has delivered 1,700 healthy meals and is expanding its programmes. Culture & connections: Carey Olsen pledged three years of support for Bermuda Pride via OutBermuda, and Premier David Burt’s delegation is visiting the Azores to strengthen tourism, cultural and environmental ties. Youth & opportunity: Beyond The Fairways Foundation’s golf pathway is expanding after nine St George’s Prep students graduated with scholarships. Energy policy question: OBA shadow minister Dwayne Robinson asked when Bermuda’s national energy policy will be finalised as costs rise.

Politics & Youth: Tinée Furbert says she’ll run for PLP deputy leadership, arguing “leadership should stay close to people.” Local Justice & Access: Tanisha Butler has launched Roseum Legal and Consulting Services, aiming to serve “everyday Bermudians” with help across litigation, family, employment and estates. Environment & Global Impact: The UK has ratified the High Seas Treaty, with Bermudian climate justice campaigner Noelle Young calling it a big win for ocean protection. Community & Pride: Carey Olsen pledges three years of support as a top sponsor for OutBermuda’s Bermuda Pride, backing year-round counselling, grants and school training. Culture & Education: Honor Minors’s documentary “To Dance, and To Speak” reaches London’s Raindance Film Festival, exploring racial identity and building spaces for Black dancers. Lifestyle & Safety: Two separate opinion pieces push for clearer e-bike rules, citing rapidly rising UK collision compensation costs. Sports & Opportunity: Beyond The Fairways Foundation expands a school-to-course golf pathway after St George’s Prep graduates earned scholarships to continue at Five Forts. Travel & Money Smarts: Cruise “bestie” Carol Nicole warns travellers about hidden fees and how to avoid surprise charges.

LGBTQ+ Community Support: Carey Olsen has pledged as a “rainbow sponsor” to OutBermuda for three years, backing Bermuda Pride’s year-round counselling, empowerment grants, school training and advocacy. Education & Skills: Bermuda College’s modernisation is getting a boost from a $150,000 Essent Reinsurance donation, funding a tech-ready classroom upgrade with electrical works, LED lighting, new HVAC controls and refreshed learning space. International Partnerships: Bermuda College has signed an MOU with Arizona State University to expand faculty development, student exchanges and joint academic activities. Local Governance & Youth: The Office of Youth Affairs will host an “Ask the Leader” town hall at Bermuda College on July 13, inviting young people to question leaders on education, housing and jobs. Culture & Dance: Bermudian choreographer Dominique Willis presents the world premiere of “In the Space of Us” at the Earl Cameron Theatre July 17–18, with open rehearsals, workshops and paid local dancers. Public Safety & Justice: Mothers of Razi Garland and Amon Robinson are urging the public to help keep their sons’ case from being forgotten after the 2024 double shooting. Sports Development: Warwick Football Academy appoints Dante Leverock as Director of Player Development & High Performance and lead coach. Regional Ties: Premier David Burt leads a Bermuda delegation to the Azores July 12–14 to strengthen tourism, cultural and environmental links.

Bermuda–Azores Ties: Premier David Burt leads a July 12–14 delegation to the Azores to strengthen tourism, cultural and environmental links, backed by Bermuda’s Azorean community and planned talks in the region. Education & Skills: Bermuda College signs an MOU with Arizona State University to expand faculty development, student exchanges and joint academic work. Local Learning Abroad: Five Bermudian students win L’Alliance Française des Bermudes’ French Scholarship for a three-week France trip. Community & Culture: Dominique Willis brings “In the Space of Us” to the Earl Cameron Theatre July 17–18, with open rehearsals, free workshops and local dancers paid for their work. Public Life & Policy: MPs debate Budget supplementary estimates, including scrutiny of a $14m “centrally managed fund,” while a survey finds Bermuda split on Caricom full membership but strongly backing a referendum. Safety & Social Support: Mothers of double-murder victims Razi Garland and Amon Robinson plead for community help as police renew their appeal. Charity in Action: Big Brothers Big Sisters’ “How much would you pay to see me…?” fundraiser returns to Victoria Park with playful dares to support mentoring. Sports Development: Warwick Football Academy appoints Dante Leverock as Director of Player Development & High Performance.

International ties: Premier David Burt leads a Bermuda delegation to the Azores (12–14 July) to strengthen links with the island community of Azorean descent. Road safety & mobility: OBA’s Maurice Foley renews the call for smarter e-bike rules after UK compensation payouts tied to e-bikes and e-scooters topped £110 million, warning Bermuda can’t afford delay. Culture on stage: Bermudian choreographer Dominique Willis brings the world premiere of “In the Space of Us” to the Earl Cameron Theatre (17–18 July), exploring community, intimacy, grief and resilience through seven new dance works. Community & family support: Minister Tinee Furbert updates MPs on the Family Preservation Tier II Programme, aiming for high-frequency intervention for families at elevated risk of abuse or neglect. Human rights spotlight: Bermuda’s Human Rights Commission reports 215 intakes in 2025, with employment discrimination and workplace harassment among the most common concerns. Sports development: Warwick Football Academy appoints Dante Leverock as Director of Player Development & High Performance and lead coach. Public services: ShoreLink gets an offline fare-validation update so eligible mobile tickets can be checked even without internet. Local learning: BEN launches its Summer Literacy Programme at Somersfield Academy, pairing small-group tutoring with arts and jujitsu. Lifestyle & travel: Hilton Boston Park Plaza partners with the Spirit of Bermuda and Goslings Rum during Sail Boston, while a Bermudian sprinter, Sanaa Rae Morris, shifts from track to film after USC acceptance.

Sail Boston (Bermuda ties): Tall ships are still docked across Boston Harbor through Wednesday, with crews and cadets welcoming visitors for the Parade of Sail’s next days of public viewing. Fashion & identity: Colombian menswear designer Nicolas Martin Garcia made his Milan Fashion Week debut, blending heritage craft with a Caribbean-leaning palette and Bermuda-short silhouettes. Football development: Warwick Football Academy has appointed former Bermuda captain Danté Leverock as Director of Player Development & High Performance and lead high-performance coach, bringing UEFA and performance credentials. Arts spotlight: Dominique Willis presents the world premiere of “In the Space of Us” at the Earl Cameron Theatre July 17–18, exploring community, intimacy, grief, resilience and survival through seven original works. Community & culture: “Christmas in July” returns as a growth platform for local creatives and small manufacturers, aiming beyond sales to build lasting relationships and new markets. Human rights watch: Bermuda’s Human Rights Commission reports 215 intakes in 2025, with employment discrimination and workplace harassment among the most common concerns. Transport update: ShoreLink now supports offline fare validation, so eligible mobile tickets can be checked even without Wi‑Fi or mobile data. Local learning: BEN’s Fortitude Re Summer Learning Programme is underway, pairing literacy tutoring with arts and jujitsu for P3–P4 students.

Sail Boston build-up: Bermuda’s Spirit is in the air as Sail Boston’s week ahead kicks off with Tall Ships energy, international crews, and plenty of free, feel-good waterfront moments. Football & youth development: Warwick Football Academy has appointed Dante Leverock as Director of Player Development & High Performance and Lead Coach, bringing UEFA coaching credentials and a holistic, student-athlete focus. Family support update: In the House of Assembly, Minister Tinee Furbert outlined progress on the Family Preservation Tier II Programme, stepping up high-frequency community intervention for families where children face elevated risk. Pensions: MPs approved a September pension increase of 1.74% tied to inflation, with workers and employers contributing an extra 4.25% to the CPF. Health travel rules: Minister Kim Wilson warned that “stop list” convictions can block urgent overseas medical travel, and that waivers can’t be relied on for emergencies. Human rights spotlight: Bermuda’s Human Rights Commission reports 215 intakes in 2025, with employment discrimination, access to services, and workplace harassment topping concerns. Community & culture: BEN launched its Summer Literacy Programme, while Ocean Rebellion docked in St George’s to push a Fossil Fuel Treaty Now message during its climate justice voyage. Transport upgrade: ShoreLink now supports offline fare validation, letting eligible mobile tickets be checked on board without internet.

Medical Travel & Criminal Convictions: MPs heard that “stop list” convictions can block urgent overseas care, with travel waivers often too slow for emergencies and even affecting family members’ ability to accompany patients. Public Transport Upgrade: ShoreLink now supports offline fare validation, letting eligible mobile tickets be checked on board even without Wi‑Fi or mobile data. Human Rights Focus: Bermuda’s Human Rights Commission reported 215 intakes in 2025, with employment discrimination the top concern and gender the most common protected ground. Youth & Work: The Minister updated the House on youth employment efforts, including Summer Employment Programmes and ongoing enhancements to Bermuda Job Connect. Education & Literacy: BEN launched its Fortitude Re Summer Learning Programme, pairing small-group literacy support with arts and jujitsu at Somersfield Academy. Community & Culture: Lumina Festival honoured 30 graduates of its Playbook financial literacy programme for Black men aged 18–45, with CPA Bermuda-accredited certificates. Scholarships for Health Careers: Bermuda Hospitals Board awarded $152,000 in scholarships to 12 students across medicine, nursing and allied health. Mentoring Fundraiser: Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Victoria Park event returns with “How much would you pay to see me…?” dares to raise support for youth mentoring. Climate Activism at Dock: Ocean Rebellion visited St George’s Harbour to push for a fossil fuel treaty and amplify island voices in climate action. LGBTQ+ Cruise Barriers: A new look at ports refusing LGBTQ+ charter cruises traces decades of denials, including recent reroutes affecting the region. Fashion & Lifestyle: This week’s style buzz includes the rise of “jorts” and a playful return of jelly shoes for summer.

Human Rights: Bermuda’s Human Rights Commission says intakes rose to 215 in 2025, up from 179 in 2024, with employment discrimination the top issue (31%), followed by goods, facilities and services (17%) and workplace harassment (13%); gender was the most common protected ground (19%). Youth & Work: In the House of Assembly, Minister Jason Hayward highlighted Youth Employment Strategy work via Summer Employment Programmes and the ongoing rollout of Bermuda Job Connect. Education & Literacy: Bermuda Education Network (BEN) kicked off its Fortitude Re Summer Learning Programme at Somersfield Academy, supporting P3 and P4 students with small-group literacy instruction, tutoring, and arts plus jujitsu. Community & Culture: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda hosts its “How much would you pay to see me…?” fundraiser in Victoria Park on Sunday, with 11 local contestants taking on dares to raise $1,500 each for mentoring. Transport Update: ShoreLink now supports offline mobile fare validation, letting eligible tickets be checked on board even without Wi‑Fi or mobile data. Health Scholarships: Bermuda Hospitals Board awarded $152,000 in scholarships to 12 students across medicine, nursing and allied health. Justice Appeal: Mothers of double murder victims Razi Garland and Amon Robinson renewed calls for community help as police continue the investigation. Youth Voice: Bermuda Youth Parliament debated lowering the voting age to 16, arguing it would better reflect young people’s priorities. Climate Activism: Ocean Rebellion docked in St George’s for three days, urging a fossil fuel treaty and stronger climate action for island communities. Sports & Travel: Hilton Boston Park Plaza will feature Bermudian-themed experiences during Sail Boston 2026, partnering with the Spirit of Bermuda and Goslings Rum. Local Planning Notices: Government and legal notices for July 10 include planning applications and acting appointments.