AGP Executive Report

HIV Awareness Push: Health Minister Kim Wilson told the House Bermuda saw a “concerning shift” with four new HIV diagnoses in four weeks, urging residents to get tested as June marks HIV Awareness Month. Housing Pressure on Banks: Deputy Premier Zane DeSilva said banks are being asked to “do their part” as Government moves ahead with an Affordable Housing Programme, including talks tied to $114.75m in initial phase financing. Fuel Cost Controls: Home Affairs Minister Alexa Lightbourne outlined a six-month retail fuel price standstill ceiling through mid-October, with Government covering verified importer revenue shortfalls. Ridesharing Rollout: Transport Minister Owen Darrell said ridesharing officially launched June 10, with about 79 permit applications received and roughly 19 approved so far, while keeping “taxi first, rideshare when needed.” Parenting Support: Youth and Social Development Minister Tinée Furbert updated MPs on prevention-focused parenting workshops and a Parent Coaching Certification Programme starting August 2026. Digital Connectivity: Government welcomed the landing of Google’s Nuvem and Sol subsea cable systems, framing it as resilience and future jobs for Bermuda’s digital economy. Road Disruptions: Public Works warned of intermittent slowdowns Sunday for a junior cycling time trial, plus lane/road closures in Southampton and St David’s through July 10 for infrastructure works. Online Rental Scams: Lightbourne warned of a rise in fraudulent online rental listings and urged residents to report suspected scams to Consumer Affairs. King’s Birthday Parade: Bermuda’s King’s Birthday Parade took place on Front Street with marching units from the RBR, police and cadet groups.

Digital Infrastructure: Government welcomed Google’s Nuvem and Sol subsea cable landings, calling them a major boost to resilience and Bermuda’s role as a global connectivity hub. Public Safety & Health: The Health Minister said there are no confirmed Ebola cases in Bermuda, but urged vigilance as the WHO emergency continues; separately, the Minister urged residents to get tested after a “concerning shift” in HIV cases. Housing & Consumer Protection: Home Affairs warned of a rise in online rental scams, urging reports to Consumer Affairs. Transport Policy: Ridesharing officially launched June 10 with a cap of 150 permits; MPs heard early uptake and that the plan is “taxi first, rideshare when needed.” Governance & Reform: An 11-member cross-party electoral reform working group was set up to scrutinise options including overseas absentee voting, campaign finance rules, and a possible future electoral commission. Economy & Labour: Proposed cooperative legislation would create a dedicated Registrar and a modern legal framework for cooperatives. National Security: National Security Minister Michael Weeks warned against complacency despite a below-normal hurricane forecast, stressing early preparation. Community Recognition: Four Bermudians received King’s Birthday Honours, including lawyer Elizabeth Christopher (MBE). Business/ILS: Willis Re named senior executives to expand its Bermuda and non-marine reinsurance leadership; and Convergence 2026 will feature former NOAA Hurricane Hunters leader Vice Admiral Nancy Hann.

Electoral Reform Watch: The Government has set up an 11-member cross-party electoral reform working group, with absentee voting for overseas students, campaign finance rules, and options for stronger electoral governance (including a future electoral commission) all on the agenda; the group is due to report before MPs in about three months. Parliament Today: MPs return for a packed House session including debate on the Compass Point Building purchase, the Electricity Amendment Act 2026, pensions increases for public officers, and other legislation on customs duty relief and tourism. Government & Economy: The Ministry of Economy and Labour launched a National Economic Co-operation Committee to oversee Bermuda’s international economic agreements and track progress on investment, workforce development, and innovation. Digital Infrastructure: Google’s Nuvem and Sol subsea cable systems have officially landed in Bermuda, with officials saying the upgrade strengthens resilience and supports growth in finance, insurance, fintech, and AI infrastructure. Insurance & Finance Appointments: Prudential named Donna Cotter to lead a new Wealth and Bermuda division, while Willis Re appointed Jonathan Ogilvie (London) and Chris Dart (Bermuda) to expand its non-marine and treaty reinsurance leadership. Business & Community: A Bermuda Capital Event opens in Hamilton with pre-set investor meetings for growth-stage firms, and Ageing and Disability Services held a seniors bingo event to raise awareness of elder abuse. Public Notices: Bermuda Hospitals Board is urging blood donations ahead of World Blood Donor Day on June 14.

Electoral Reform Watch: Government has set up an 11-member electoral reform working group for an independent review before legislation is drafted, with focus on absentee voting for overseas students, campaign finance rules, and options for stronger electoral governance. Space Policy Deadline: The public consultation on Bermuda’s National Space Strategy Earth Stations licensing framework remains open until June 19, outlining a two-tier licensing approach and requirements around spectrum, cybersecurity, and data protection. Economic Coordination: The Ministry of Economy and Labour launched a National Economic Co-operation Committee to oversee and monitor international economic agreements and turn memoranda of understanding into practical benefits for Bermudians. Public Service Hiring Pressure: An international Overseas Territories summit highlighted recruitment challenges for civil service roles, with Bermuda pointing to retirements and a planned career expo at Pier Six. Local Governance & Community: The House of Assembly’s June 12 order paper includes updates on Google subsea cable landings, ridesharing implementation, consumer protection around online rental scams, and the electoral reform working group. Health & Community Support: Bermuda Hospitals Board is urging blood donations ahead of World Blood Donor Day, while the Swan family issued thanks for condolences and support following Sir John Swan’s death. Youth & Skills: Family Centre’s Youth Leadership Intensive saw young people and leaders co-draft solutions, with Minister Tinée Furbert recognising student advocacy. Sports & Culture: Pickleball’s rescheduled Junior Showcase is set for June 13, and Rox Film’s programme highlights Bermuda’s Clyde Best documentary.

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 future jobs. Public Safety & Consumer Affairs: Home Affairs warned residents about a rise in online rental scams, urging people to verify listings, avoid sharing ID/banking details, and insist on in-person viewings. Housing & Planning: The Development Applications Board refused a change of use for Bermudiana Beach Residences due to parking and density concerns, with an appeal option to the planning minister. Economy & Labour: Minister Jason Hayward said Bermuda’s economy expanded for a second straight quarter in Q4 2025, while exempt company numbers fell below 10,000 as corporate tax took effect. Non-Profit Pay Rules: The Non-Profit Alliance released guidance on non-profit salary “pay guardrails,” citing staffing strain and pay gaps versus the public sector. Education & Environment: Google-backed upgrades at the Bermuda Zoological Society add tablets, drones and underwater cameras, alongside the Aquarium 100 Campaign breaking ground for BAMZ redevelopment. Community & Culture: Bermuda Police Constable MacNab became the first female police dog instructor after UK training; and the RBR is inviting all ranks to a July 11 60th anniversary barbecue.

Google Subsea Cables Landing: Government welcomed Google’s Nuvem and Sol subsea cable systems landing at Annie’s Bay, with Premier David Burt calling it a major boost for Bermuda’s digital infrastructure, resilience and competitiveness. Local Governance & Housing: A town hall is set for June 11 on proposed affordable housing at Tommy Fox Road and Channel House, with residents invited to ask questions and shape next steps. CARICOM Membership Debate: OBA MP Dwayne Robinson renewed calls for a referendum before any move to full CARICOM membership, arguing the PLP has been unclear on costs, benefits and constitutional realities; an online petition has also topped 1,500 signatures. Consumer Protection: The public was warned about online property rental scams, including fake listings using stolen photos and pressure for deposits or personal banking details. Transport Updates: Ridesharing officially launched across Bermuda, while the ministry said fast ferries Resolute and Serenity are getting replacement radar navigation screens. Economy & Third Sector Pay: Economy Minister Jason Hayward reported a second straight quarter of expansion in Q4 2025, and the Non-Profit Alliance flagged pay gaps and staffing strain in Bermuda’s third sector. Workforce Training: Bermuda College and Google launched free online career and digital skills scholarships for 500 residents through 2027. Business Appointments: The Fidelis Partnership named Alex Rossiter to lead portfolio analytics and risk allocation, and expanded Greg Bowman’s ceded reinsurance analytics role.

Economy Update: Minister Jason Hayward is holding a press conference today to brief the public on Bermuda’s economic outlook. Housing Debate: In St David’s, residents are being urged to look beyond “more housing” and focus on whether proposed developments at Tommy Fox Road and Channel House deliver the right long-term community outcomes. Caricom Membership Pushback: A PLP MP, Alexa Lightbourne, says the CARICOM consultation has closed and promises answers in a White Paper, while another letter warns Bermuda should carefully weigh full membership given its distinct economic position and concerns about costs and “open borders.” Workforce Skills: Bermuda College and Google have launched free online training with 500 scholarships through 2027, covering cybersecurity, data analytics, IT support, digital marketing, AI essentials and more. Transport Update: The fast ferries Resolute and Serenity are back in service after receiving replacement radar navigation screens, with sales of older vessels continuing. Community & Youth: Bermuda Is Love is offering two paid summer internships (July 13–24) focused on advocacy on housing, food stability and justice issues. Royal Events: Bermuda will mark King Charles III’s official birthday with a Front Street parade on Saturday, with traffic restrictions in place. Sports & Representation: Swimmers Elijah and Elan Daley qualify for the Commonwealth Games, joining Emma and Jack Harvey.

Caricom Referendum Push: An online petition has topped 1,500 signatures urging Bermuda to hold a referendum before committing to full Caricom membership, with organisers saying it’s a major national decision and calling for more details on potential impacts. King’s Birthday Parade: Bermuda will mark King Charles III’s official birthday with a Front Street parade on Saturday, featuring the Royal Bermuda Regiment, police units, sea cadets and junior leaders; traffic restrictions will be in place. Housing Decision: The Minister of the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation has overturned a Development Applications Board rejection and granted temporary planning permission for modular housing at Boaz Island for four years, with strict conditions and an expiry/possible renewal. Public Safety Update: Police lifted a school lockdown in Pembroke after checks found no evidence to substantiate reports of gunshots near Victor Scott School. Youth & Community: Government House hosted a record 27 Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award recipients, while Support Public Schools says supporters bought $17,300 in school supplies for public schools. Finance & Business: Marex says its planned Bermuda redomiciliation helped it complete an oversubscribed $500m hybrid notes offering; Walkers also published a white paper noting Bermuda’s stablecoin licensing approach. Sports & Culture: Danté Leverock joined Bermuda’s national football coaching staff; and Waves returns June 13 at Admiralty House Park with Machel Montano headlining.

Cricket & Governance: The ICC has endorsed a plan to bring back a Global Qualifier for Associate nations, which could mean Bermuda faces a tougher, longer route to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup; the Bermuda Cricket Board declined comment. Housing & Planning: Minister Diallo Rabain has overturned a Development Applications Board rejection and granted four-year, time-limited planning permission for “strictly limited” modular capsule units at Boaz Island, framed as a housing emergency pilot with conditions and an expiry/renewal pathway. Finance & Ratings: S&P has revised Butterfield’s outlook to negative, warning capital could weaken after its planned US$1.794bn acquisition of CIBC Caribbean, with integration risk cited. Public Safety: Police say a Pembroke school lockdown was lifted after checks found no evidence supporting reports of gunshots. Community & Culture: WAVES returns June 13 at Admiralty House Park with soca star Machel Montano headlining. Civic Debate: A petition is calling for a referendum on whether Bermuda should apply for full CARICOM membership. Sports & Travel: BermudAir says it sees “good demand” for more non-stop Caribbean routes, including plans to add aircraft by year-end and pursue service to Britain within three years.

Caricom Referendum Push: An online petition is urging Bermuda’s Government to hold a public referendum before committing to full membership in Caricom, arguing the public should have a say on long-term impacts. Public Safety Update: Police lifted a Victor Scott School lockdown after checks found no evidence to substantiate reports of suspected gunshots in Pembroke. Healthcare Policy: The Bermuda Hospitals Board says it will phase out outside requests for lab tests that can’t be done locally, limiting overseas processing to orders from BHB physicians or government clinics. Mental Health Online Safety: The Ministry of Health launched #ChatSafe Bermuda, localised suicide and self-harm guidance for youth on social media, with school workshops planned from November. Finance & Regulation: The Bermuda Monetary Authority outlined its proposed regulatory framework for asset tokenisation, aiming for “substance over form” and a technology-neutral approach, with comments due by 30 June. Regional Appointments: Samuel Brangman Jr was reappointed secretary-general of the Caribbean Postal Union and received a leadership award. Leadership Loss: Former Premier Sir John Swan has died at 90, with tributes highlighting his long political career and business influence.

World Ocean Day at Government House: A 20-foot humpback whale sculpture, “Whaleen,” made from 1,000+ pieces of Bermuda marine debris, is on display at Government House to mark 8 June, after shoreline clean-ups led by BUEI educator Hannah Horsfield. PLP Outreach in Paget: The Progressive Labour Party holds its “Central Committee On The Road” meeting at Paget Primary School at 6:30pm, with Attorney-General Kim Wilkerson and Youth/Seniors Minister Tinée Furbert attending alongside a Bermuda Road Safety Council presentation. BHB Lab Testing Policy: The Bermuda Hospitals Board updates its laboratory testing rules from 3 August 2026, limiting overseas processing to tests ordered by BHB physicians or Government clinics. Housing & Rentals Debate: In a housing column, Charles Leon O’Brien argues the crisis is also driven by landlord hesitation and floats a Guaranteed Rental Partnership-style approach. Tech & Regulation: A report says Starlink internet is already being used in Bermuda via workarounds despite not yet being formally approved by the Regulatory Authority. Ocean Governance Training: Applications are open for a 10-week Ocean Finance Education Lab for early-career Bermudians on climate finance and ocean governance. Government Contract Renewed: Bermuda has renewed a contract for special representative for the Middle East and Africa Alexia Hefti, with details on cost and hours not provided. Maritime Visit: Portugal’s tall ship NRP Sagres is set to arrive in Bermuda on 10–14 June for Portugal Day celebrations.

PLP Party Politics: The Progressive Labour Party is taking its “Central Committee On The Road” meeting to Paget Primary School on Monday (6:30pm), with a Road Safety Council presentation and appearances by Attorney-General Kim Wilkerson and Youth/Seniors Minister Tinee Furbert. Public Housing: The Ministry of Housing and Municipalities will hold June town halls (6:30–8:00pm) to discuss proposed affordable housing projects and gather resident feedback. Justice & Governance: Bermuda’s former Premier Sir John Swan’s final message has been released, urging people to “take care of this island” and “take care of each other,” as tributes continue to pour in. Environment: Public Works and Environment Minister Jaché Adams marks Earth Day and World Oceans Day, urging clean-ups, reduced single-use plastics, and support for marine habitat protection. Health & Youth: The Health Ministry launches #ChatSafe Bermuda with Simply Bloom, localising Orygen’s suicide/self-harm online safety guidance for families, schools and educators. Sports & Community: Bermuda faces World Cup debutants Cape Verde in a friendly in Connecticut, while local football coverage also notes Cape Verde’s 3-0 win over Bermuda in an earlier match. Maritime/Science: BIOS says advanced underwater vehicle tests (DeepVenture) will run in Bermudian waters this month alongside RV Atlantis and RV Atlantic Explorer. Crime & Safety: A “threatening telephone call” to Westgate Correctional Facility was reported to police, with precautionary measures taken and no further details released.

World Cup & Local Sport: Bermuda’s men’s team fell 3-0 to Cape Verde in a friendly in Connecticut, with interim coach John Barry Nusum calling it a major test ahead of the World Cup. Housing & Community Input: The Ministry of Housing and Municipalities is holding June town hall meetings on proposed affordable housing projects, with residents invited to ask questions and shape next steps. Youth Mental Health Online Safety: The Health Ministry launched #ChatSafe Bermuda, localising an Orygen-developed suicide/self-harm online guidance model for families, schools and educators. Environment Watch: Public Works and Environment Minister Jaché Adams urged residents to mark Earth Day and World Oceans Day, pointing to conservation wins like the recovery of the greater Bermuda land snail. Public Safety & Justice: A “threatening telephone call” was reported at Westgate Correctional Facility, with police investigating and precautionary measures put in place. Finance & Talent Pipeline: KPMG in Bermuda awarded three scholarships (accounting, captive/insurance, and Artex) to support local students into the financial services sector. Bermuda Politics in Mourning: Tributes continued for Sir John Swan, with coverage revisiting his legacy as premier and his role in Bermuda’s independence referendum era.

Bermuda Football: Cape Verde beat Bermuda 3-0 in a friendly in Connecticut, with Willy Semedo (33’), Garry Rodrigues (49’) and Nuno da Costa (90’+1) on target as Lewis captained the Gombey Warriors. Local Governance: The Ministry of Housing and Municipalities will hold June town halls (6:30–8pm) on proposed affordable housing projects, with residents invited to ask questions and give feedback. Public Safety: Westgate Correctional Facility received a “threatening telephone call” about staff safety on June 4; police were notified and precautionary measures put in place. Health & Youth: The Ministry of Health launched #ChatSafe Bermuda with Simply Bloom and Orygen to help young people, families and educators communicate safely online about suicide, self-harm and mental health. Environment: Public Works and Environment Minister Jaché Adams urged residents to mark Earth Day (June 5) and World Oceans Day (June 8), pointing to conservation wins like the return of the Bermuda land snail. Business & Talent: KPMG Bermuda awarded three scholarships (accounting, captive insurance and financial services) and tied them to mentoring and internships through its Lift Off Programme. Sports (Women’s): Bermuda’s women’s team routed Belize 4-0 in an international friendly, with Keunna Dill scoring twice. Aviation/Travel: BermudAir says it’s expanding beyond Bermuda with new winter routes from St. Pete–Clearwater to Turks & Caicos, Belize and Anguilla.

Affordable Housing: The Ministry of Housing and Municipalities will hold two June town hall meetings (6:30–8:00pm) to discuss proposed affordable housing projects and take resident feedback. Justice & Corrections: A “threatening telephone call” was reported to Westgate Correctional Facility on June 4, prompting precautionary measures and a police investigation. Health & Youth Online Safety: The Health Ministry launched #ChatSafe Bermuda with Bermuda College and Orygen to help young people, families and educators communicate safely online about suicide, self-harm and mental health. Environment: Public Works and Environment Minister Jaché Adams urged residents to mark Earth Day and World Oceans Day, pointing to conservation wins and the Marine Spatial Plan. Maritime/Science: BIOS says a new deep-sea underwater vehicle, DeepVenture, will be tested in Bermuda waters this month, with RV Atlantis expected to dock June 11. Finance & Talent: KPMG in Bermuda awarded three scholarships for accounting, captive/insurance and financial services careers, supporting recipients through mentoring and internships. Politics in Mourning: Tributes continue for Sir John Swan, with commentary revisiting his political legacy and the independence gamble.

Aviation & Tourism Expansion: BermudAir’s founder Adam Scott says the airline is “moving capacity” to tackle Bermuda’s seasonality, unveiling a winter push that adds Turks and Caicos, Belize and Guatemala City while expanding Anguilla—routes that often bypass Bermuda and target underserved leisure city pairs. Affordable Housing Engagement: The Ministry of Housing and Municipalities will hold two June town halls (6:30–8:00pm) to brief residents on proposed affordable housing projects and take questions. Youth Mental Health Online Safety: Health Minister Kim Wilson launched #ChatSafe Bermuda with guidance for safer conversations online about suicide, self-harm and mental health, with school workshops planned from November 2026. Environment & Oceans: Public Works and Environment Minister Jaché Adams urged Earth Day and World Oceans Day participation, pointing to conservation wins like the recovery of the Bermuda land snail and renewed focus on marine protection. Public Safety Threat: The Ministry of Justice confirmed a “threatening telephone call” to Westgate Correctional Facility on June 4, with police investigating and precautionary measures put in place. Bermuda Remembers Sir John Swan: Tributes continue after the death of Sir John Swan, Bermuda’s longest-serving premier, with flags set to fly at half mast. International Science: BIOS says the DeepVenture submersible will be tested in Bermuda waters this month alongside Alvin and RV Atlantis. Sports: Bermuda women beat Belize 4-0 in an international friendly.