AGP Executive Report

Aviation Emergency: The U.S. Coast Guard is still searching for six people after debris linked to a Gulfstream G100 air ambulance was found off Nantucket. The jet was flying from Bermuda to Boston with four Canadians (crew) and two Bermudians (a patient and family member) when contact was lost early Saturday; officials say the search remains focused on locating the people and that there’s no sign the black box has been found yet. Customs Update: New customs traveller declaration forms are now in use, including a requirement to declare precious metals and stones worth over $10,000 when departing Bermuda by air or sea, while the $300 duty-free allowance for residents remains. Culture Spotlight: The Gombey Festival returned to the Botanical Gardens, drawing hundreds to celebrate Bermuda’s iconic dance tradition and its history of rebellion and freedom. Renewables Pilot: Government has launched a $50,000 balcony solar pilot programme for eligible homes that can’t fit rooftop panels, with site assessments under way. Sports: Lewis MacFarlane and Darina Betschart won the Bermuda Mixed Foursome Championship at Turtle Hill, while Bermuda football saw Dandy Town beat North Village 3-1 and Somerset Trojans draw St. George’s Colts 1-1.

Aviation Emergency Off Nantucket: The U.S. Coast Guard says search crews located a debris field confirmed to be from a Gulfstream G100 air ambulance that vanished while flying from Bermuda to Boston with six people aboard. Who Was Onboard: Four Canadians and two Bermudians were on the Latitude Air Ambulance jet; next of kin have been notified and search efforts continue. Last Moments Reported: Air traffic audio and flight tracking suggest the pilot reported electrical problems and may have been “coming in blind” as a storm moved in, followed by a sharp descent before contact was lost. Bermuda Connections: Bermuda’s government says it is in contact with families and overseas officials. Business Note: AM Best affirmed Bermuda-based Enact Re Ltd.’s A- (Excellent) financial strength rating with a stable outlook. Culture Spotlight: Bermuda’s Gombey Festival Showcase drew attention at the Botanical Gardens with live coverage and a full replay.

Aviation Emergency: The U.S. Coast Guard is searching off Nantucket, Massachusetts for a Canadian-registered Gulfstream G100 medical jet that vanished while flying from Bermuda to Boston with six people onboard. What happened: Authorities say the FAA lost contact around 1:20 a.m. after the aircraft reportedly made a rapid descent and the pilot declared an emergency; audio also captured ATC saying, “You’re coming in blind,” and referencing “electric issues.” Who was onboard: Latitude Air Ambulance (Hamilton, Ontario) says there were two pilots, two medical staff, a patient and a family member, with four Canadians and two Bermuda nationals. Search response: Coast Guard air and surface crews, including helicopters, planes and boats, are actively deployed; Bermuda officials say they’re in contact with families and overseas authorities. Local Culture: Bermuda’s Gombey Festival Showcase is also drawing attention, with live coverage from the Botanical Gardens.

Courtroom Update: An accident reconstruction expert told Magistrates’ Court it was impossible for a bus driver to see a woman in a “blind spot” before she was struck at the Front Street and Bermudiana Road junction in Hamilton in 2024, as the driver denies grievous bodily harm. Housing & Policy: The House of Assembly approved Bermuda’s Affordable Housing Strategy 2025-35 after a four-hour debate, targeting 950 to 1,350 new homes by 2035 and citing early execution at nine sites. Digital Government: The Government is exploring a digital identity framework, with a Request for Supplier Qualifications due Monday and a focus on privacy, trust, and consultation. Development Watch: Luscar Place hit a major milestone with installation of the final structural steel element and topping-out, with the project already over 50% leased. Sports & Community: PartnerRe’s Women’s 5K Run and Walk is set for Botanical Gardens with 516 registered; Warwick & Saltus won BSSF 50-metre swimming titles; and Bermuda’s Nations League campaign took another hit with a 4-1 loss to Barbados. Weather: Tropical Storm Fay remnants are unlikely to redevelop near Bermuda, with low formation chances as dry air and strong winds persist.

PLP Court Challenge: A Supreme Court case questions the legitimacy of a surge in PLP leadership sign-ups, with defence arguing bulk payments for 1,822 new members can’t be verified. Caricom Referendum Push: The OBA is pressing for clarity on whether Bermuda’s move to full Caricom membership could go to a public referendum, after the Minister’s comments were seen as softening. Education Authority Bill: The Education Authority Act 2026 has been tabled, with the Minister saying the new authority is meant to “survive” political change and provide stable leadership for public schools. Weather & Tropics: Remnants of Tropical Storm Fay are weakening near Bermuda with low redevelopment chances; forecasters also flag an unsettled, humid pattern with rain at times. Renewables & Customs: The Balcony Solar Pilot Programme is underway to expand access to solar for renters and apartment residents, while a new Customs Traveller Declaration form takes effect Oct 1 with added rules for high-value precious stones and metals. Business & Sports: Talcott completes a $6.3bn Lincoln Financial reinsurance deal; NSC North Field and the 600m track will close temporarily for upgrades.

Workforce Development: Bermuda College opened the new headquarters for the Department of Workforce Development in Paget, aiming to “connect the classroom to the workplace” and strengthen career pathways and Bermudian talent. Seniors & Community: The inaugural Seniors Expo 2026 at Bermuda College brought older residents together for information, networking and support under the theme “The Age of Longevity.” Insurance & Finance: Zurich completed its $10.8bn Beazley takeover, while Bermuda’s BSX saw 3,177 shares trade on Oct 1 with Butterfield and Allshores both down. Cyber & Compliance: NorthRock Cyber-Risk and Compliance launched in Bermuda to help firms assess cyber and regulatory obligations. Consumer Protection: Aaron Crichlow was appointed chairman of the Consumer Affairs Board, tasked with tackling misleading and exploitative trading practices. Tropical Watch: The NHC is monitoring remnants of Tropical Storm Fay southeast of Bermuda; redevelopment chances are low and expected to end by Sunday. Food Security: Bermuda Is Love launched its “Don’t Go Hungry” push for universal school breakfast across Bermuda. Sports & Culture: Taste of Bermuda returns Oct 8–11, and Bermuda’s Davis Cup and football coverage continues across the week.

Bermuda Business & Finance: American Overseas Group reported Q2 net income of $1.6m, down from $2.5m last year, with net earned premiums falling to $11.5m and the insurer continuing debt reduction. Bermuda Stock Exchange: The BSX saw no trades on Sept. 30, closing at 3,746.83. Insurance & Regulation: Hong Kong’s regulator fined FWD Life Insurance (Bermuda) HK$19.5m over AML control shortcomings, including payor identification and suspicious transaction screening. Local Economy & Jobs: Stevedoring Services says eight dock workers completed a port-worker training programme in Bermuda with CMU, qualifying them to work across the Caribbean. Community & Culture: Bermuda Art Month runs Oct. 1–31, kicking off with Art in Motion in Hamilton and featuring events across the island. Sports: St Lucia beat Bermuda 5-2 in Concacaf Nations League, with Keegan Caull scoring a hat-trick. Weather: Tropical Storm Hanna remains far east of Bermuda, with no coastal warnings and expected gradual weakening tonight.

Hurricane Outlook: AccuWeather says “the possibility of zero hurricanes” is rising as strengthening Super El Niño suppresses Atlantic tropical development, with Hanna now far east of Bermuda and expected to become post-tropical by tonight. World Sight Day: Insight Comprehensive Eye Care in Hamilton is offering free eye screenings next Thursday at Milner Place, urging adults over 40 and people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or glaucoma risk to book. Bermuda in the News: A memorial bench swept away during Hurricane Helene has been found on a Bermuda beach, and the family is deciding whether to bring it back to Florida. Insurance & Finance: ABIR’s report argues Bermuda’s Solvency II equivalence should be treated as an ongoing relationship, not a one-off win. Port & Training: Stevedoring Services dock workers complete a two-week Caribbean port-worker training programme in Bermuda. Arts: Bermuda Art Month returns Oct 1–31 with events across the island, starting with Art in Motion in Hamilton. Sports: Bermuda’s coach John Barry Nusum says the team must “bring the fight” after a 5-2 Nations League loss to St Lucia; Kegan Caull hit a hat-trick.

Tropical Weather: Tropical Storm Hanna is the only named system in the Atlantic as of early Wednesday, Sept. 30, sitting about 1,210 miles east of Bermuda and moving southeast; forecasters say it should weaken and may become post-tropical later this week, with no coastal watches or warnings in effect. Bermuda Football: Nahki Wells was named Bermuda captain, but the island side were thrashed 5-2 by St Lucia in Concacaf Nations League action, with Keegan Caull scoring a first-half hat-trick. Childcare Standards: The Ministry of Health is launching a six-week public consultation starting Oct. 1 to update Bermuda’s Child Care Standards, with feedback invited online. Public Works: Work has started to assess Sessions House ahead of its restoration, including removing furniture and equipment and planning further preparatory work. Health Services: Flu Express clinics are set for Oct. 3 (Hamilton Health Centre), Oct. 7 (St George’s Cricket Club) and Oct. 8 (Boaz Island), for ages 12+ ($20; seniors 65+ free). Business & Finance: Bermuda Stock Exchange trading on Sept. 29 saw no shares change hands; the BSX closed at 3,746.83.

Childcare Standards: Bermuda’s Ministry of Health is launching a six-week public consultation from Oct 1 on updated childcare standards, aiming to strengthen protections and modernise guidance on curriculum, safety, health and digital learning materials. Public Works & Heritage: Work has started to assess Sessions House ahead of restoration, with furniture removed and further checks to define the repair scope; accessibility and future parliamentary use are key goals. Cost of Living & Health Insurance: The Bermuda Trade Union Congress is urging Government to fully cover health insurance premiums from April 1, 2027, and proposes a two-year rebate pilot for other insurers. Cyberattack Payments: The Public Accounts Committee will pursue details of the roughly $4.4m linked to Bermuda’s Sept 2023 cyberattack, including who authorised and who received payments. Homelessness Plan: A homelessness plan is debated in the House of Assembly, with critics pointing to a bold vision but gaps in delivery. Tropical Weather: Tropical Storm Hanna is far from Bermuda with no coastal warnings, moving southeast then expected to turn east-northeast and gradually weaken. Business & Markets: Allshores reports first-half operating earnings up 15.7% and declares an interim dividend; the BSX index closed unchanged with Butterfield shares down 0.63%. Sports: Saint Lucia beat Bermuda 5-2 in Concacaf Nations League, while Bermuda’s chess team returned from the FIDE Olympiad with new international title achievements.

Tax Havens Watch: A New York Times investigation says US firms including Crocs are using offshore jurisdictions like Bermuda to cut taxes, now that new SEC rules force companies to name where the savings come from. Public Safety & Justice: Attorney-General Kim Wilkerson told the Senate that more than a third of correctional-system recommendations are in place, while a Westgate water disruption is “under control.” Government Accountability: The Auditor-General says ministerial travel and hospitality claims need better training and stronger controls after finding missing receipts and timing issues. Sports (Bermuda): Bermuda’s Davis Cup tie vs Syria is set for Feb 5–7, 2027, with the island hosting; meanwhile Bermuda were heavily beaten 5-2 by St Lucia in Nations League action. Weather: Tropical Storm Hanna formed far east of Bermuda and isn’t threatening land, with no coastal watches or warnings. Business: BAS plans a tender offer to buy back up to $2m in shares; Bermuda Stock Exchange saw no trades on Sept 28. Arts & Youth: Bermuda named its 2026 Youth Olympics team for Dakar, plus BMDS Charitable Trust bursaries went to six young Bermudians.

Tropical Weather: Tropical Storm Hanna has formed in the Atlantic about 870 miles east-northeast of Bermuda, moving east at 17 mph with 45 mph winds. Forecasters say it’s not threatening land and should stay a tropical storm for a few days before weakening. Corrections Update: Attorney-General Kim Wilkerson told the Senate that 27 of 75 Detention Standards Review Panel recommendations are now in place, with 29 more in planning, after an independent review flagged issues at Westgate. Westgate Water: Wilkerson also said a Westgate plumbing problem that left staff and inmates short of water and flushable toilets is now “under control,” with repairs completed Sunday. Government Spending Scrutiny: The Auditor-General says ministerial travel, meal and hospitality expense claims need better training and stronger external controls, including missing receipts and weak central records. Sports & Youth: Bermuda named a four-athlete team for the 2026 Youth Olympics in Dakar, and the Bermuda Cricket Board confirmed Bermuda will host the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Americas qualifier in late August 2027. Business & Economy: Retail sales volume fell 3.2% in April, while Butterfield Bank shares slipped 0.25% on the BSX.

Tropical Watch: Tropical Depression Fay is weakening over the central Atlantic, and the National Hurricane Center is also tracking Invest 91-L east-northeast of Bermuda, with a chance it could develop into a depression later this week. Bermuda Sports: Bermuda beat Cayman by 42 runs to win the North American Cup after rain reduced the match, while the football team looks to bounce back against St Lucia in the Concacaf Nations League. Local Housing & Procurement: The One Bermuda Alliance says Bermuda’s housing procurement raises “more questions than answers” after no-bid contracts were awarded for affordable housing projects. Community & Youth: BMDS Charitable Trust bursaries of $5,000 each went to six students for performing arts and theatre studies. Public Access & Trust: Right to Know Day focused on using Bermuda’s Pati Act to access reliable public information in the digital age. Workforce Pressure: An opinion piece argues Bermuda’s workforce strategy isn’t delivering enough jobs for Bermudians. Weather: Expect warm, humid conditions to build through the week with rain chances increasing late week.

Tropical Watch: Tropical Depression Fay is expected to become a remnant low by Tuesday, while the National Hurricane Center is also tracking Invest 91L east of Bermuda with a chance of developing into a depression later this week—both systems are forecast to stay out at sea. Weather & Planning: Bermuda’s week starts mostly dry with humidity building; by Thursday and Friday, scattered showers and thunderstorms become more likely, with rain chances continuing into next weekend. Employment Law: The House passed the Employment Amendment (No. 2) Act 2026, strengthening protections for workers during rest periods/off duty and adjusting civil penalty and tribunal decision timelines. Housing & Homelessness: MPs heard plans for Dr Cann Park II, adding 110 senior rental units and possible mixed-tenancy options, and debated the Plan to End Homelessness, calling for prevention, reliable data, and clear accountability. Local Community: The Salvation Army marked its 130th anniversary with a Hamilton march from the Cabinet Building to the North Street Citadel. Finance/Insurance: FWD Life Insurance Company (Bermuda) was fined $2.5m by Hong Kong’s Insurance Authority over anti-money laundering and customer due diligence control gaps. Sports: Kaden Hopkins represented Bermuda in the UCI World Championships road race, and Bermuda’s Nuff Said won the Great Lakes Grand Prix while Team Bermuda secured the Super Stock national title.

Tropical Weather: Tropical Depression Fay continues weakening over the Atlantic, with winds near 35 mph and no threat to Bermuda, while a separate low-pressure trough southeast of the island has a low chance to develop (10% in 48 hours, 20% in 7 days). Local Forecast: Bermuda’s Sunday starts cloudy and damp, then turns drier and brighter, with a high near 29°C/85°F and a small-craft warning in effect until Sunday morning. Nor’easter Disruptions: A powerful nor’easter is throwing travel plans off across the US East Coast, including a 10-hour delay for Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas and widespread flight cancellations/waivers. Housing & Land Loss: Government moves ahead with Dr. Cann Park II, adding 110 senior-focused rental units, and also plans help for historic land-loss families plus memorials for lost communities. Community & Culture: The Oxford English Dictionary adds Caribbean and Bermudian words, including “bimpert” and “hornerman,” helping preserve local speech. Sport: Bermuda booked its place in the North America Cup final after beating Bahamas in the third-place playoff.

Housing & Land Loss: Government moved to advance the Dr. Cann Park II Affordable Housing Development, paving the way for 110 new senior rental units in Southampton, while Premier David Burt told the House that help for historic land-loss families will include a simple public interface to guide claims and memorials for lost communities. Public Finance: Public service pensions and lump-sum payments are protected for two years, with changes to stabilise the Public Service Superannuation Fund and expected October payments. Sports: Bermuda fell 2-1 to Guadeloupe in the Concacaf Nations League opener after a penalty by Enrique Russell, and North Village Rams beat St. George’s Colts 5-1 in Dudley Eve Trophy action. Weather & Travel: Lower humidity continues into early next week, but moisture later in the week brings higher rain chances; meanwhile a nor’easter is already disrupting East Coast travel with flight cancellations and cruise reroutes. Culture & Language: Caribbean and Bermudian words like “hornerman” and “hamma” have been added to the Oxford English Dictionary. Community: The SPCA’s TheraTails animal-assisted therapy programme added clinical psychologists to its team.