AGP Executive Report

Marine Safety: A charter fishing boat, the Hakuna Matata, was reported on fire off Hamilton Harbour on Thursday morning; pumps and multiple vessels responded, and two people were removed and checked at Hamilton Princess Marina. Road Safety: Bermuda Police issued 74 speeding tickets in six hours Saturday, with the fastest at 86 km/h, alongside other offences and arrests for impaired driving and warrants. Economy & Jobs: MPs heard legislation to strengthen the Employment and Labour Relations Tribunal with enforcement powers and civil penalties; the Government also reported 0.5% GDP growth in Q1 2026 driven by household spending and construction. Competition & Cost of Living: A Senate tie killed the Cost of Living Commission Amendment No. 2 Act 2026, while business groups and Age Concern urged competition reforms that keep consumer access practical. Business & Finance: Appleby secured a minority investment from New Mountain Capital to back expansion and technology; Verdant Rock closed a 30% quota share reinsurance treaty with an A+ rated panel; Bermuda Stock Exchange trading saw Allshores up 2.2% on the day. Weather Watch: The National Hurricane Center is tracking a central Atlantic disturbance east-southeast of Bermuda with medium odds of development later this week, but no immediate threat. Culture: A new documentary, “Black Businesses in Bermuda: Trials, Tribulations, Triumphs,” is now available online via the Department of Culture.

Caribbean Diplomacy in Bermuda: Premier André Ebanks and other Caribbean Overseas Territories leaders wrapped up a 2026 caucus in Hamilton, agreeing to push shared positions on self-determination, climate impacts, health and social care, and financial services ahead of the UK’s November talks. Cost of Living Debate: Retail leaders are warning that Bermuda’s new cost-of-living price control framework could raise shopping bills and reduce choice, while critics argue it’s needed to curb mark-ups. Energy and Renewables Tension: The Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce says the Regulatory Authority’s move to power Bermuda on LNG, alongside a big solar facilities charge increase, risks undermining renewable targets. Health Policy: MPs heard updates on the Dementia Care Services Programme, including funded support and referrals, as the Government also prepares a targeted consultation on major healthcare system changes. Dementia Support: Minister Tinée Furbert highlighted how the programme is addressing barriers like delayed diagnosis and caregiver stress. Weather & Tropics: Bermuda faces long sunny spells Monday with a chance of an overnight shower, while the National Hurricane Center tracks a central Atlantic disturbance with low near-term development odds but improving conditions later this week. Local Safety: Police report a serious crash in Southampton early Monday morning, with a woman trapped but unhurt. Sports & Community: Bermuda’s cricket and football calendars continue, plus a DNDC community info session on alcohol and drug treatment is set for Monday evening at St John’s Church Hall.

Public Safety & Recovery: The Department of National Drug Control will host a Community Information Session on Monday, Sept 14 (5:30–7:30pm) at St John’s Church Hall, with addiction treatment and recovery agencies on hand as part of Recovery Month. Local Governance: MPs passed the Police (International Cooperation) Amendment Act 2026, giving the Bermuda Police Service clearer legal power to partner with overseas agencies, form joint teams and share information. Sports—Cricket: Somerset coach Janeiro Tucker blasted the Bermuda Cricket Board after Somerset failed to show for the Premier Division Knockout Cup final, forcing the match to be called off. Sports—Cycling: Bermuda has named Nicholas Narraway and Kaden Hopkins for the 2026 UCI Road World Championships in Montreal, with Narraway and Hopkins set for the time trial and road race. Weather: Monday is expected to bring long sunny spells with a chance of an overnight shower, highs near 30°C. Sports—Golf: Virgilio Paz won the Goslings Bermuda Open at Port Royal Golf Course, finishing bogey-free in the final round. Community & Heritage: St Mary’s Church will hold a Service of Lament, Remembrance and Dedication today as part of its 400th anniversary commemorations.

Bermuda Triangle: A new scientific theory links some “Bermuda Triangle” disappearances to sudden methane eruptions from the seabed, though officials say weather, heavy traffic and human error still explain most incidents. Atlantic Weather: The National Hurricane Center is tracking a weak Central Subtropical Atlantic system with a 20% chance to develop, with any Bermuda impacts only possible later in the week. Local Politics & Governance: The Senate meets Monday (Sept 14) with reports and bills on the agenda, including the Adolescent Substance Use Treatment Programme. Labour & Community: Bermuda Industrial Union president Chris Furbert says he will retire in March 2028 after 22 years, speaking at the BIU Labour Day banquet. Business & Finance: Appleby advises Wilton Re on its Sun Life partnership to form the Windsor Life reinsurance structure, expected to deploy about US$900m. BMA Compliance: The Bermuda Monetary Authority will host an online outreach session on proliferation financing, focused on practical compliance steps. Sports: Virgilio Paz wins the Gosling’s Bermuda Open at Port Royal; and Bermuda’s wahoo fishing season heads into its final major tournament with a weigh-in at Dockyard.

Bermuda Politics: The Senate is set for Monday, Sept 14, with an Order of Business that includes the Adolescent Substance Use Treatment Programme plus annual reports from the Police Complaints Authority, Civil Aviation Authority and Tourism Authority, and several bills due for second reading. Public Safety & Planning: The Bermuda Bicycle Association’s Winners Edge Criterium Race runs Sunday, Sept 13 in St David’s (no road closures), with a 75 km/h speed variation applying to cyclists and police/marshals directing traffic. CedarTree Vets has filed a planning application to convert a Devonshire home into a veterinary clinic, citing growth and limited traffic. Health System: The Ministry of Health and Bermuda Health Council will begin a targeted consultation on Sept 14 on how major healthcare changes should be reviewed before they take effect. Labour & Community: BIU president Chris Furbert says he will retire in March 2028 after serving as president for 22 years. 9/11 Commemoration: Bermuda marked the 25th anniversary with remembrance for Bermudians lost and wider tributes to the victims and families. Sports: Nathan Petronzio leads after round two of the Gosling’s Bermuda Open; Dandy Town edged St George’s Colts 1-0; Bermuda sailors are set for the NYYC Women’s International Championship in Newport.

9/11 Commemoration in Bermuda: The U.S. Consulate held a 25th anniversary ceremony at the Botanical Gardens with Consul-General Antoinette Hurtado, Governor Andrew Murdoch and National Security Minister Ryan Robinson Perinchief, plus wreath-laying, prayers, Taps and a minute’s silence, while Bermuda also marked the loss of nationals Rhondelle Tankard, Boyd Gatton and Robert Higley. Local Roads Enforcement: A temporary speed camera has been installed on Crow Lane near Hamilton for testing only and will not issue tickets; the ministry says enforcement could start by mid-2027 as part of a staged rollout. Sports & Community: Bermuda Youth Basketball is opening a 10–13 development programme starting Oct 4 at MSA Gymnasium, and the W.E.R. Joell Stadium will close Sept 14–22 for Davis Cup preparations. Bermuda Economy/Finance: Fitch says Bermuda should keep its edge in offshore life reinsurance, citing strong growth and a robust, transparent regulatory regime. International Business: Bitcoin Suisse plans to cut up to 60 Swiss jobs and close its Copenhagen IT site as it shifts more back-office work to hubs including Bratislava and Vietnam.

Caribbean Overseas Territories: Premier André Ebanks met OT leaders in Bermuda ahead of the UK Joint Ministerial Council, as regional talks ramp up. Local Politics: A Supreme Court hearing is set for early October over who can vote in a Progressive Labour Party leadership race, after an interim injunction challenged proposed membership changes. Public Safety: Bermuda Police urged residents to respect consent and boundaries after reports of sexual assaults, and reminded people to notify partners about sexually transmitted diseases. Health & Community: The Ministry of Health marked World Suicide Prevention Day, pushing “start the conversation” and early support; Alzheimer’s awareness also got a boost with calls for earlier dementia diagnosis. Sports: Kamau Leverock returns to Bermuda’s North American Cricket Cup squad in Cayman; the Bermuda Cricket Board named its team for the Sept 19–27 tournament. Business & Finance: Mosaic expanded its North American FinPro team with new hires; Bermuda Stock Exchange trading showed Butterfield shares steady at $58.30. Arts & Culture: Bermuda Arts Council announced second-quarter grants totaling nearly $13,000 for six creatives. Crime: A Hamilton woman, Sandra Marrero-Guzman, remains in custody facing cannabis trafficking charges after a jury heard about fingerprints found on drug packages.

Crime & Courts: A Hamilton woman, Sandra Marrero-Guzman, is in custody after a Supreme Court jury heard details of a cannabis-smuggling case tied to 29 heat-sealed packages and 57 fingerprints found on the drugs at LF Wade Airport. Public Safety: Police say an e-bike rider was taken to hospital after colliding with a rental car in Paget this morning, with the driver uninjured. Health: Bermuda marks World Alzheimer’s Month with a push for earlier dementia diagnosis and less stigma, while World Suicide Prevention Day brings a call to “change the narrative” and start safer conversations. Politics: A Supreme Court hearing is set for early October over a PLP leadership vote dispute, after an interim injunction challenged proposed membership changes. Business & Finance: Butterfield’s shares were up on the day, while KBRA placed the bank’s ratings on “watch downgrade” tied to its CIBC Caribbean acquisition. Sports: Kamau Leverock returns to Bermuda’s cricket squad for the North American Cup, and the Gosling’s Bermuda Open got underway with early pace set by US pro Nathan Petronzio. Arts & Community: The Bermuda Arts Council handed out nearly $13,000 in grants to six local creatives.

Bermuda Housing Support: Government ministries have signed an MOU with HOME to back Astor House, a transitional living programme at 38 Union Street for adult men reintegrating after incarceration, offering temporary housing, case management, skills and employment support. Local Sports & Community: Knights of Columbus Council 9499, Holy Family Church is running a free Summer Soccer Challenge on Sept. 19 (ages 9–14) at Truist Sports Park, while Bermuda’s lobster fishery study highlights declining catches and how North Atlantic conditions can affect young lobsters. Business & Jobs: Fairmont Southampton has opened applications for 500+ roles ahead of its full reopening, and Mosaic launched an in-house AI Lab to move projects into day-to-day underwriting and claims use. Re/Insurance Leadership: Willis Re named Neil Eckert as its next CEO, with Conduit’s Christian Dunleavy set to succeed him. BSX Update: Sept. 9 saw no trades; the BSX index stayed at 3,758.22.

Royal Watch: King Charles kept a packed 2026 schedule despite ongoing cancer treatment, with figures showing Princess Anne and other senior royals also racking up heavy engagement days. Bermuda Police & Safety: Police reported 24 arrests over the Labour Day weekend, with drink-driving and speeding “worryingly high,” including four impaired-driving arrests. Roads & Weather: Heavy rain left flood-prone spots like Marsh Folly Road and Woodlands Road causing diversions as the island logged well above normal rainfall for the period. Sports: Bermuda Motorcycle Racing Association’s St. John’s Ambulance Trophy Raceday is set for Sept. 20, while local golfers secured spots in the Butterfield Bermuda Championship Local Qualifier at Port Royal. Business & Finance: Willis Re named Neil Eckert as its next CEO, and Mosaic launched an in-house AI Lab aimed at moving projects into real operations. Community & Health: Bermuda College added a Friendly Societies history course and an executive leadership programme; the Youth Ministry urged early dementia diagnosis as World Alzheimer’s Month continues. Legal/People Moves: Appleby welcomed Bermudian dispute resolution lawyer Kilian Elkinson as a senior associate.

Leadership Change in Re/Insurance: Willis Re names Neil Eckert as chief executive, bringing 40+ years of broking, underwriting and capital markets experience; he joins after co-founding Bermuda’s Conduit Re and serving as its CEO. Succession at Conduit Re: Conduit Holdings confirms Christian Dunleavy will take over as CEO on March 1, 2027, with Eckert stepping down. Local Business & Tech: Photoplay and Bermuda Tech Lab launch “Frameless Production,” expanding immersive, AI/AR/VR and experiential builds for agencies in Australia and New Zealand. Health Alert: Bermuda issues three semaglutide product recalls due to impurities, incorrect dose display and packaging errors. Public Services: Bermuda Hospitals Board reopens its hyperbaric unit for limited emergency procedures, while wound-care use remains paused. Community & Environment: Keep Bermuda Beautiful calls for volunteers for the Island-Wide Coastal Cleanup (Sept 25–Oct 4). Sports & Culture: Riddell’s Bay Gardens amphitheatre opens with Romeo & Juliet; Bermudian players meet England coach Thomas Tuchel at St George’s Park. Travel Disruption: British Airways cancels a Bermuda-bound flight after a UK air traffic control system glitch.

Travel Disruption: A British Airways flight to Bermuda was cancelled after a UK air traffic control system glitch (linked to NATS) grounded planes nationwide, with at least 600 flights cancelled and delays expected to linger. Health Alert: Bermuda’s Ministry of Health says three separate semaglutide injection recalls are in effect due to impurities, incorrect dose display, and packaging errors that could lead to wrong dosing. Local Policing: Four people were arrested after warrants were executed in Pembroke and St George’s, with suspected drugs seized and cases set to go before the courts. Healthcare Update: The hyperbaric chamber at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital is back for limited procedures, with wound-care use still paused and full service expected to take weeks. Community & Environment: Keep Bermuda Beautiful is calling for volunteers for the 2026 Island-Wide Coastal Cleanup, running Sept 25 to Oct 4 under the “Sea the Change, Bermuda!” theme. Government & Regional Ties: Premier David Burt is hosting Caribbean Overseas Territories leaders in Hamilton this week ahead of a UK joint ministerial council. Business/Insurance: Lockton Re warns cyber insurance critical infrastructure clauses are inconsistent across the market, creating uncertainty for insurers and policyholders.

Bermuda Community & Environment: Visiting Girl Guides on a cruise joined local groups for a Somerset Long Bay clean-up, removing a truckload of litter and planting Bermuda cedars and palmettos. Reinsurance & Finance: Willis Re says it’s using a “startup approach” to build a global reinsurance broking operation, with Willis Re Bermuda as its advance guard; Howden Re launched Novark, a digital platform aimed at giving investors near real-time visibility into insurance risk. Local Governance & Infrastructure: The Ministry of Public Works and Environment announced rolling single-lane closures on South Road near Devon Heights Road, Devonshire, from Sept 8–17 (9am–3:30pm) for road repairs. Labour Day: Bermuda’s leaders used Labour Day messages to stress workers’ role in building the island and called for unity across culture, diversity and resilience. International Spotlight: UK Overseas Territories Minister Uma Kumaran made her inaugural trip to the Turks and Caicos, then attended a Caribbean Overseas Territories caucus in Bermuda.

Labour Day in Bermuda: Rain didn’t stop the annual Labour Day march through Hamilton, with speeches at Union Square highlighting workers’ role in building the island’s economy and community. Politics & labour messages: Opposition leader Ben Smith urged Bermudians to meet differences with “open hearts and respectful discourse,” while Minister Jason Hayward and PLP contender Curtis Dickinson both stressed solidarity and the labour movement’s gains. Local roads: The Ministry of Public Works and Environment announced rolling single-lane closures on South Road, Devonshire (8–17 Sept, 9:00am–3:30pm) for repair works. Community input: The Bermuda National Trust launched a Community Listening Project, inviting residents to share what matters about the island’s natural and cultural heritage for its next strategic plan. International ties: Bermuda will host Caribbean Overseas Territories premiers for an OT Caribbean Caucus in Hamilton from Sept 8–12. Business & finance: Aspida Re appointed Brian Lewis as CFO for its Bermuda-based reinsurance platform, and Butterfield’s CIBC Caribbean deal faces a potential KBRA “watch downgrade” on ratings if it closes. Weather & outages: Belco reported storm-related power outages affecting hundreds, and Monday’s forecast calls for heavy rain and possible thunder.

Labour Day: Premier David Burt used his Labour Day message to urge workers to fight for a decent standard of living, backing price transparency and fair competition, and pointing to Bermuda’s union history. Commemorations & Community: Bermuda Run set its Sept. 11 Freedom Concert and Vendor Stroll for the 25th anniversary of 9/11, with a giant flag display and public concert at Bermuda Run Country Club. Weather & Power: Stormy Labour Day conditions brought Belco outages affecting 499 customers, while the Bermuda Weather Service warned of heavy rain, possible thunder, and strong winds into Monday. Identity & Records: A new “Registration Births and Deaths Amendment Act 2026” is set to reduce identity theft risk by tightening access and privacy around birth records. Sports: Bermuda’s football season kicks off Sunday with the Charity Cup and Women’s All-Star showcase, and open water racing saw tough conditions at Clearwater Beach as Craig Munden won the 5km. Business & Reinsurance: AM Best affirmed and withdrew NEWGT Re’s ratings as it winds down, while Aspida Life Re appointed Brian Lewis as CFO and Howden Re launched Novark to help institutional investors monitor insurance risk.

Labour Day: Premier David Burt used his Labour Day message to urge Bermudians to back workers in the fight for a decent standard of living, pushing themes of cost-of-living pressure, price transparency and fair competition, while recalling the labour movement’s milestones from the 1919 Bermuda Union of Teachers onward. Identity & privacy law: The Government tabled the Registration (Births and Deaths) Amendment Act 2026 to reduce identity theft risks from birth records, while keeping legitimate access intact. Storm impacts: Belco reported weather-related power outages affecting 499 customers across Pembroke, St George’s and Hamilton, with crews working as thunderstorm advisories remain in force. Sports & community: Southampton Rangers’ bid for a perfect season was derailed by rain and a coin toss in a Premier Division KO semi-final; swimmers also faced tough conditions at the Open Water Bermuda National Championships, where Craig Munden won the 5km. Business & finance: Gold Reserve announced a normal course share buyback of up to 7.39 million shares (5%); Aspida Life Re named Brian Lewis CFO. Heritage: Bermuda National Trust launched a community listening survey to shape its next strategic plan.