AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Borders: Economy and Labour Minister Jason Hayward says Bermuda will tighten entry rules, including multi-re-entry visa requirements for St. Lucians, while updating the Bermuda Immigration and Protection (Prohibition of Entry) Order to strengthen security vetting and protect Bermudian entry-level insurance and reinsurance jobs. Sham Marriages Crackdown: Hayward told MPs the Government is moving to address “sham marriages” after courts blocked earlier interview-based investigations; a new policy framework would let the registrar refer suspicious cases for immigration assessment, with benefits potentially refused, cancelled or revoked. Identity Theft Safeguards: An amendment has been tabled to reduce identity theft risk from birth records by limiting unrestricted availability of certified copies, while keeping public inspection of birth registers and releasing historical records after a set period. House of Assembly Updates: MPs heard about school readiness ahead of the new term, with about 60% of works complete or underway and the rest still to be tackled, plus a bill giving drivers under 70 fewer medical certificate renewals and easing some vehicle inspection requirements. Transport & Road Safety: The Government backed progress on electrifying public buses and expanding digital fare payments via Shorelink, while e-bikes remain under review amid renewed enforcement and calls for clearer rules. Housing & Public Services: Ministers updated MPs on derelict building rehabilitation and housing rehabilitation/repurposing plans, alongside scholarship and awards support for students and public service staffing needs. Politics: PLP leadership candidate Curtis Dickinson has filed for urgent interim relief in Supreme Court to stop implementation of Central Committee motions affecting delegate rules for recent members. Road News: Police confirmed a 19-year-old motorcyclist death in Southampton, Bermuda’s 13th road fatality of 2026, and reported another serious St George’s crash involving two riders.

Road Safety: Police confirm a 19-year-old motorcyclist died after a collision with a car at the junction of South Road and Harbour View Drive in Southampton; traffic was diverted for about two hours and witnesses are urged to contact BPS. Road Safety: In St George’s, two riders were injured after an overtaking bike hit a car and another motorcycle on Mullet Bay Road near Wellington Park Road; one rider’s leg injuries were described as serious. House of Assembly: Ministers update MPs on public service scholarships and awards, with tuition support up to $30,000 a year and a five-year return-to-service requirement; Education Minister Diallo Rabain also outlined the 2026 scholarships and awards budget. Immigration Integrity: Economy and Labour Minister Jason Hayward says Bermuda will move to tackle “sham marriages,” citing gaps in the current framework and outlining a policy approach that could see immigration benefits refused, cancelled or revoked. Transport: Tourism & Transport Minister Owen Darrell says DPT’s electrification push continues, with Shorelink upgrades aimed at faster boarding and e-bikes included in a broader road safety review. Labour/Pay: BGA and Phoenix staff will see a payroll system change deferred after union talks, avoiding a planned pay-shortfall period. Road Policing: BPS reports 135 traffic tickets issued in five hours, led by speeding and seatbelt offences.

Cost of Living & Prices: The Bermuda Chamber pushed back on the Cost of Living Commission Amendment (No 2) Bill, while the Ministry of Home Affairs says it’s still missing full price data from retailers and is working to fix the gaps. Health & Schools: Government is urging parents to register students in the Bermuda Student Asthma Registry after last year’s hospital admissions and asthma attacks, so schools and clinicians can support kids properly. Immigration & Marriage Law: Economy and Labour Minister Jason Hayward says Bermuda lacks a clear “sham marriage” definition and investigation powers, and wants authority to refer suspicious cases to immigration for assessment and possible action. Road Policing: Police issued 135 traffic tickets in five hours, with speeding and seatbelt offences topping the list. Government Notices: Today’s official notices include acting appointments and a notice of intended marriage. International Finance: Premier David Burt met EU and financial regulators in Brussels and Paris, focusing on international tax policy and insurance regulation. Reinsurance Market Tech: Harneys and droppRWA plan on-chain legal title for Bermuda’s $142B insurance-linked securities market by 2027. Community & Sports: Minister Jason Hayward’s Team Hayward donated 300 shoe vouchers for back-to-school. Environment: DENR warned about the little fire ant, an invasive species not currently known in Bermuda.

Healthcare Capacity Move: Bermuda’s Channel House in St David’s is set to become a transitional care facility with about 60 beds, aimed at easing pressure on the emergency department and improving patient flow—Shadow Minister Linda Smith welcomed the plan but questioned the delay and whether it fits into a wider seniors’ housing and health strategy. Cost of Living & Prices: The Government says it needs a deeper look at how prices move from docks to shelves, while the Bermuda Chamber argues the Cost of Living Commission Amendment is “compulsion”; the ministry says it’s still missing full price-comparison data from retailers. Parliamentary & Youth Governance (Nevis): Nevis Assembly President Michelle Slack-Clarke is representing Nevis at the CPA conference in Jamaica, with Nevis youth parliamentarians Shevonne Daniel and KJel Smithen set for a virtual session on youth leadership in the age of AI. Aviation & Security: US CBP has launched Enhanced Passenger Processing at LF Wade for US citizens, using facial comparison for a touchless preclearance option. Transport & Safety (Opinion): Craig Cannonier renews calls for clearer e-bike categories and stronger road-safety rules. Business & Travel: BermudAir marks its third anniversary with a 30% discount on base fares and highlights new growth, including ground-handling operations. Sports: Nicholas Narraway finished 37th at the Philadelphia Cycling Classic after a recent Bermuda accident; Emma Simmons won bronze in women’s 50+ pickleball in Vietnam.

Healthcare Capacity: Government says Channel House in St David’s will be redeveloped into a transitional, Government-operated care facility with about 60 beds for medically fit-for-discharge patients, aiming to ease pressure on the Bermuda Hospitals Board and improve patient flow. Road Safety & Enforcement: National Security confirms speed cameras are not yet operating, with further work needed and tickets unlikely before Christmas pending legislative changes. Energy Planning: The Opposition questions whether the Integrated Resource Plan will be ready after it was suspended for up to 18 months, with Belco and the Regulatory Authority challenging the decision. Public Health Support: Parents are urged to register children in the Bermuda Student Asthma Registry 2026/27 so schools and health providers can track needs and update details annually. Corporate & Market Moves: Aegon has called an Oct 8 shareholder vote on moving its legal seat from Bermuda to Delaware; ABIR reports Bermuda’s reinsurance market hit record $197.5bn in 2025 gross premiums and revenues. Local Politics: Residents react to MP Robert King quitting the OBA to sit as an independent, with mixed views on whether independents can deliver without party backing. Business & Travel: BermudAir marks its third anniversary and expands routes, including new nonstop service to South Caicos starting Dec 20. Workplace Safety: Belco announces ISO 45001 certification alongside its ISO 14001 environmental certification.

Healthcare & Housing: Government will convert Channel House in St David’s into a 60-bed transitional healthcare facility to ease Bermuda Hospitals Board space pressures, with short-term discharge and rehab support. Road Safety: Officials confirm speed cameras are still not operating yet, with further work and possible legislative steps before tickets can be issued. Schools & Health: The Bermuda Student Asthma Registry for 2026/27 is now open, urging annual registration so providers and schools can support students with up-to-date information. Cost of Living & Competition: Minister Alexa Lightbourne says proposed cost-of-living transparency measures would help track shelf-price drivers and test whether duty relief reaches consumers, alongside broader competition legislation. Opposition Politics: Residents in Smith’s North react to MP Robert King quitting the OBA, with some calling for a by-election and others worrying independents lack parliamentary leverage. Historic Development: Planning Board will hear a new 140-unit proposal around the Glover Farmhouse, with plans stating the 18th-century building will remain. Finance & Reinsurance: ABIR reports Bermuda’s reinsurance market hit record $197.5bn in 2025 gross premiums and revenues; meanwhile Chariot Re closes a roughly $700m third capital raise. Sports & Community: Swans Labour Day 5K route is changed for safety reasons, moving it outside Hamilton.

Opposition Shake-Up: Robert King has quit the One Bermuda Alliance to sit as an independent MP, with the PLP calling it a crisis for the Opposition and the OBA framing it as leadership failing to “put Bermuda first.” Cost-of-Living Fight: Government defended Cost of Living Commission Amendment (No 2) Bill 2026 as “fairness and transparency,” while the Bermuda Chamber says it supports easing costs but not the bill, warning of a trust deficit and urging a better-faith approach. Energy Policy Pressure: OBA MP Dwayne Robinson says Bermudians need a clear timeline after the IRP 2026 suspension, warning solar customers are seeing higher Belco bills. Financial Services & Tech: IGI launched Bermuda-based cyber treaty MGA Cipher Underwriting, and Luno secured a BMA Class F digital asset licence to expand institutional/B2B services. Infrastructure & Public Works: Swing Bridge detour works enter Phase III in St George’s (Sept 1–27). Health Services: King Edward VII Memorial Hospital’s hyperbaric chamber is closed after a burst pipe. Government Notices: Sept 1 notices include an air navigation restriction for the Davis Cup at W.E.R. Joell Tennis Stadium. Business Moves: AFC set up a Bermudian captive to support African infrastructure loan risk management; Marsh Re rebrands Guy Carpenter’s Bermuda presence. Community: Devonshire and Southampton parish councils awarded 2026/27 scholarships; Future Leaders Bermuda urged students to measure their worth by how they treat others.

Cyber & Reinsurance: IGI has launched Bermuda-based Cipher Underwriting, a specialty treaty reinsurance MGA for global cyber business, led by reinsurance specialist Ari Chatterjee, with operations pending BMA approvals. Cost of Living Debate: Home Affairs Minister Alexa Lightbourne defended the Cost of Living Commission Amendment (No. 2) Bill, arguing it brings “fairness and transparency” to how shelf prices are set, while the Bermuda Chamber says it supports easing costs but opposes the bill as a “bad trade for the consumer.” Opposition Politics: Robert King has quit the One Bermuda Alliance to sit as an independent MP, prompting PLP warnings of an Opposition crisis and OBA leader Ben Smith saying the party remains united. Labour Action Watch: Wholesale employees at BDC2000 are considering a strike this Friday over a payroll change that shifts pay to arrears, potentially leaving workers short for weeks. Public Services & Infrastructure: The hyperbaric chamber at KEMH is closed until inspections after a burst pipe; and Swing Bridge detour works enter Phase III in St George’s from Sept 1–27. Border & Travel: US CBP has introduced Enhanced Passenger Processing at L.F. Wade for US citizens, aiming for faster, touchless preclearance. Digital Finance: Luno International secured a Class F Digital Asset Business licence from the BMA to expand institutional and B2B crypto services. Business/Industry: Marsh Re rebrands Guy Carpenter’s Bermuda presence; and TEN Ltd announced the sale of two Suezmax tankers, releasing over $100m.

OBA Rift: Robert King has resigned from the One Bermuda Alliance to sit as an independent MP, with PLP calling it a “significant crisis” for the opposition while OBA leader Ben Smith says the party remains united. Government & Oversight: The House of Assembly is set for another sitting Friday, with opposition pushing a Road Traffic and Motor Car (Road Safety and Penalties) Amendment Act 2026 despite claims it’s a “money” bill. Border Tech Upgrade: U.S. Customs and Border Protection has launched Enhanced Passenger Processing at LF Wade for U.S. citizens, using facial comparison to speed preclearance. Cost of Living Clash: The Chamber of Commerce says “credibility, not compulsion” is needed, opposing the Cost of Living Commission Amendment (No 2) Bill as it heads back to the Senate for third reading. Insurance Spotlight: ABIR reports Bermuda’s 2025 gross premiums hit an all-time high of $197.5bn, and the Premier is heading to Brussels and Paris for insurance regulatory talks. Public Spending Detail: Tourism minister Owen Darrell’s Martha’s Vineyard trip cost $2,037.83, according to the government travel listing. Local Life & Culture: Bermuda High School highlights “exceptional” Year 11 I/GCSE results; Clyde Best’s documentary won Best International Film at BronzeLens in Atlanta.

Opposition Shake-Up: PLP says Robert King’s resignation from the OBA signals a “significant crisis” for the Opposition, after King quit to sit as an independent MP. Parliament Watch: The House of Assembly’s next sittings are set for Friday, with an opposition road-safety bill still carrying over despite claims it’s a “money” Bill. Airport Security Upgrade: US Customs and Border Protection has introduced Enhanced Passenger Processing at LF Wade for US citizens, using facial comparison to speed up pre-clearance. Financial Services Regulation: The BMA is consulting on a principles-based Guidance Note for responsible AI use in Bermuda’s financial sector, aiming to fit AI into existing regulatory expectations rather than create a new AI law. Courtroom Update: Bermuda’s Supreme Court quashed the Government’s US postal partnership decision, restraining the Minister from continuing the deal. Education & Community: PHC Foundation awarded $31,000 in scholarships to seven students, while Bermuda High School highlighted “exceptional” I/GCSE Year 11 results. Road Safety: A 41-year-old motorcyclist is in ICU after a serious Pembroke collision on Happy Valley Road.

OBA Split: Robert King has resigned from the One Bermuda Alliance and will sit as an independent MP for Smith’s North, saying his values no longer align with the party’s direction. House of Assembly: A bill to tighten road traffic penalties is set for a test in the House, with the Opposition arguing it is not a “money” bill and vowing to use parliamentary tools to fight any attempt to block it. Courts & Procurement: Bermuda’s Supreme Court has quashed the Government’s US postal shipping partnership decision, restraining the Minister from continuing the arrangement. Financial Services: A Bermuda segregated accounts company, Superior Risk Solutions, is named among investors suing Wilmington Trust and Vervent over losses tied to the collapse of US subprime lender Tricolor Holdings. Planning & Infrastructure: Ordnance Island’s damaged customs dock replacement has been approved to move ahead, after safety issues and deterioration since it stopped being used in 2024. National Security & Health: September’s National Recovery Month is being promoted by the Department for National Drug Control, highlighting treatment and mental health support. Sports Facilities: Opposition leader Ben Smith is pressing for a published five-year maintenance plan for the National Sports Centre after concerns about timing and coordination around repairs. Royal/International: Buckingham Palace says King Charles and Queen Camilla will tour the Caribbean in late October, including Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas and Guyana.

BMA Digital ID Pivot: After nearly two years of consulting on a licensing and supervision framework for digital identity providers, the Bermuda Monetary Authority has stepped back, saying there isn’t enough proof Bermuda’s small market can sustain a domestic industry—so it will instead focus on how banks and other firms can use digital ID tools under existing anti-money-laundering rules. National Sports Centre Timing Clash: Opposition Leader Ben Smith says Government should publish a five-year infrastructure and maintenance plan for the National Sports Centre, pointing to repeated facility issues and the latest knock-on effect: October Nations League matches are being moved because planned stadium lighting work won’t finish in time. NSC Maintenance Details: The NSC says international hosting will pause for a couple of months while structural repairs and grandstand roof maintenance are carried out, including removing light standards from September. Bermudiana Beach Parking Appeal: The Bermuda Housing Corporation is appealing a planning decision over Bermudiana Beach Residences, proposing to lease adjoining land to add 84 independently accessible parking spaces (plus motorcycle parking) to address earlier density and parking access concerns. Public Safety & Services: Bermuda Police reminded liquor-licensed premises and the public of strict rules on serving alcohol to minors; and the Bermuda Hospitals Board announced a Sunday (4pm–6pm) partial campus road closure at KEMH for Imaging Services upgrade works. Culture in Government Buildings: The Department of Culture says a new phase of its Art in Public Buildings programme is complete, with Bermudian artwork installed across multiple government sites. Unions Take Legal Action: Uniformed services unions have launched a Supreme Court challenge to pension changes under the Public Service Superannuation (PSSF Stabilisation) Amendment Act 2025, arguing it unlawfully reduces retirement outcomes for existing officers.

Court Challenge: Bermuda’s prison, fire and police unions have launched a Supreme Court case against the Governor and Attorney-General over the Public Service Superannuation (PSSF Stabilisation) Amendment Act 2025, arguing it unlawfully cuts pension rights by changing retirement age and how pensions are calculated. Housing & Planning: The Bermuda Housing Corporation is appealing a Development Applications Board decision after a plan to shift Bermudiana Beach Residences units back to residential was rejected; the appeal says extra parking could be created by leasing land to the east. Sports Infrastructure: The National Sports Centre says international hosting will pause for months as Flora Duffy South Field’s grandstand roof and light standards are renovated, pushing Nations League matches to Barbados. Public Safety: Police issued reminders to liquor-licensed premises and the public about offences involving serving alcohol to minors. Culture in Government: A new phase of the Art in Public Buildings programme has installed Bermudian artists’ work across key government sites. International Spotlight: A Bermuda-founded group, Adara, is appealing for Nepal flood relief after flash flooding on the Nepal-China border. Local Football Pathways: Future Pro Academy in England has added two more Bermudian players, Shammai Smith and Jason Dixon-DeSilva.

Courts & Pensions: Bermuda’s prison, fire and police unions have launched a Supreme Court challenge to the Public Service Superannuation (PSSF Stabilisation) Amendment Act 2025, arguing it unlawfully reduces retirement outcomes by changing how pensions are calculated and retirement ages are adjusted. Planning & Housing: The Bermuda Housing Corporation is appealing a Development Applications Board decision over parking at Bermudiana Beach Residences, proposing to lease land to the east to add more spaces. Infrastructure & Sport: The National Sports Centre is pausing international hosting for a few months as Flora Duffy Stadium’s grandstand roof undergoes structural repairs, affecting October Nations League matches. Public Safety: Bermuda Police issued reminders to liquor-licensed premises and the public about strict rules on serving alcohol to minors, including ID checks and offences for breaches. Health Services Traffic: KEMH will close through-road access between Point Finger and Berry Hill roads on Sunday 4pm–6pm for Imaging Services upgrade works. Culture: Government buildings have new Bermudian artwork installed under the Art in Public Buildings programme. Community Fundraising: A “Dancing with the Statesboro Stars” raffle is raising funds for Safe Haven, with proceeds going to domestic violence shelter and support services.

Public Safety & Health: Bermuda Police Service reminded liquor-licensed premises and the public of strict duties around serving alcohol to minors, including ID checks and offences for supplying or enabling under-18 drinking. Infrastructure & Transport: King Edward VII Memorial Hospital will restrict through-road access on Sunday (4pm–6pm) between Point Finger and Berry Hill roads to clear materials for Imaging Services upgrade works. Culture in Government: The Department of Culture says its Art in Public Buildings programme has completed a new phase, with Bermudian artwork installed across key government sites including the Dame Lois Browne-Evans Building, Government Administration Building, Transport Control Department and the General Post Office. Business & Local Economy: Auto Solutions broke ground on a new 12,000 sq ft, two-storey showroom for Hyundai, Suzuki and Honda, aiming to add jobs and use interactive digital screens for real-time vehicle customisation. Community & Awards: BHCS presented cricketer Dion Stovell with the 2026 Safe Hands Award for his Cup Match performances. International Spotlight: Bermuda-founded Adara launched an appeal to support Nepal flood response after flash flooding near the Nepal-China border. Governance & Legal Notices: Today’s official notices include acting judicial appointments in the Judiciary. Opinion & Policy Debate: A renewed call argues Bermuda should regulate e-bikes more clearly, citing dangerous high-speed riding incidents.

Royal Tour & Commonwealth: Buckingham Palace says King Charles and Queen Camilla will visit the Caribbean for CHOGM 2026, starting Oct. 27 in the Bahamas, then heading to Guyana for 60 years of ties, before attending the Nov. 1-4 summit in Antigua. Public Safety & Youth Protection: Police warn liquor-licensed businesses and the public about offences under Bermuda’s Liquor Licence Act, including serving or enabling alcohol for minors, after reports of under-18 drinking at a licensed premises. Flood Relief (Bermuda-linked): Adara Group, founded in Bermuda, has launched an appeal to support Nepal flood victims after flash flooding near the Nepal-China border; it says staff are safe and is preparing an emergency response in Nuwakot. Insurance/Finance Sector: The BMA is seeking comments on its AI responsible-use consultation paper for financial services, due Oct. 30. Transport & Local Economy (Regional): Philadelphia’s new permanent cruise terminal opens as Norwegian Cruise Line resumes sailings to Bermuda, with the terminal expected to support thousands of jobs and major local economic output. Road Safety Debate: A column argues Bermuda needs clearer regulation for high-speed e-bikes, after reports of a 14-year-old stopped allegedly riding at 70km/h. Reinsurance Spotlight: AM Best ranks four Bermudian-based reinsurers among the world’s largest, led by Everest Re Group. Charity & Community: Aon Insurance Bermuda donates $10,000 to DailyMale to fund screening kits and the mobile clinic’s running costs. Education & Youth Leadership: Mirrors Programme launches Cohort 21’s Positivity Project to build youth mental wellness campaigns across Bermuda schools.