AGP Executive Report

Sunday Weather: Bermuda is forecast to have a dry, sunny day, with a high near 24°C and moderate northeasterly winds. Police: Officers are investigating a suspected firearm incident outside Zen Lounge in Sandys after a report at about 3:15am on Saturday. No injuries were reported. Fraud Alert: Police warn that scammers posing as bank investigators are asking residents to install AnyDesk or other remote-access apps to steal money. Banks will not ask customers to do this or move funds to a “safe account.” Youth Football: Bermuda’s under-15 team beat Jordan 2-0 to claim the FIFA U-15 World Cup Tier D title, following a 4-0 win over Bahrain. Transport: TCD has inspected 195 bicycles; officials say legislation needs updating for vehicles that fall between the current classifications. Powerboat Racing: Bermuda teams Team Bermuda and Nuff Said are among the contenders heading to the Key West World Championship, which runs November 1–8.

Public Safety: Police are investigating a suspected firearm incident outside Zen Lounge in Sandys early Saturday; no injuries were reported. The Bermuda Police Service also warned residents not to install AnyDesk at the request of callers posing as bank agents, who may use remote access to steal money. Education: A new account of the proposed Education Authority says published selection criteria and vetting would limit ministerial control over board appointments. Transport: After examining 195 e-bikes, officials say legislation needs updating to cover vehicles that fit neither the auxiliary-cycle nor motorcycle category. Sport: Bermuda will compete in the 2026 SSL Gold Cup in Rio, with Pan-American qualifiers starting November 12. Team Bermuda and Nuff Said are also heading to the Key West powerboat championships, where about 100 teams are expected. Community: Rosewood Bermuda’s annual golf tournament and auction raised more than $91,000 for Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre.

E-bike Safety: Transport officials say legislation needs updating after inspections of 195 bikes found many fit neither the auxiliary-cycle nor motorcycle category. Registration and insurance rules are due to take effect today. Tourism: The Bermuda Tourism Authority is developing a 2030 roadmap, drawing on research and more than 8,900 perspectives to set priorities for the industry. Cybersecurity: Bermuda’s security chief says the island is tracking 500 vulnerabilities that could affect it and warns attacks are accelerating. Public Warning: The BMA says a caller posing as a regulator is seeking bank details; it never requests personal banking information by phone. Weather: October rainfall has reached 12.65 inches—about twice the monthly average—with showers expected to ease. Cricket: Four Bermudian players will represent the island in an Under-23 Commonwealth T10 exhibition match in Antigua on Sunday. Business: Enstar has promoted David Ni to president and named Mike Jones chief operating officer and Ann Chai chief risk officer as it expands into specialist underwriting.

Tourism: Bermuda’s 2027 cruise schedule lists 209 ship visits, while United is adding a new route to the island. Education: Education Minister Diallo Rabain says the proposed Education Authority will operate independently but remain accountable to Government and Parliament, as debate continues over its powers. Workforce: MP Christopher Famous says too few young Bermudians are entering skilled trades, leaving employers reliant on work-permit holders. Insurance: Hamilton Insurance’s third-quarter underwriting profit fell after it added reserves for Ukraine-related claims, though premium growth and investment returns supported earnings. Community: Bermudian students in Britain are urged to register with the London Office for updates and support. King Charles is also due to visit Bermuda during his Caribbean tour. Sport: Two young Bermudians gained PGA Tour experience caddying at the weather-shortened Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

Royal Visit: King Charles is heading to Guyana after a Bahamas visit described by Buckingham Palace as a diplomatic success. Bermuda is next on his Caribbean tour, where he is expected to open a Commonwealth leaders summit. Healthcare Costs: Moongate Group says overseas air-ambulance costs have jumped more than 60 per cent, prompting a 19 per cent increase in its HealthGap supplement premium, to $125 a month, in the new year. Stroke Care: Bermuda’s stroke diagnoses rose to 229 last year, from 219 the year before. Hospital officials say treatment is improving and urge residents to know the signs and seek help quickly. Education: Government has reopened its search for a Commissioner of Education, more than two months after Kalmar Richards retired. The role will lead public-school reform. Insurance: Bermuda-based Everest Group added $600 million to casualty reinsurance reserves in the third quarter, citing higher expected claims, while remaining profitable overall.

Digital Payments: Bermuda has chosen WalletConnect to bring crypto payments to PTIX event tickets, with the island’s first onchain merchant expected to launch on the Stellar network in the second quarter of 2027. Community: The Association of Filipinos in Bermuda will hold a prayer vigil on November 1 after two community members died in separate incidents this month. Youth & Sport: Four young Bermudians completed a human-rights advocacy visit to Geneva, while the Under-15 football team bounced back with a 6-1 win over Macau at the FIFA festival in Azerbaijan. Transport: Shadow transport minister Craig Cannonier is pressing Government to explain why weekend and holiday bus services to Dockyard were deemed unnecessary. Housing: New opinion columns from Minister Jason Hayward and MP Dwayne Robinson put affordability and rental supply back in focus. Reinsurance: More than 250 attendees are expected at today’s inaugural ReWiRe conference in Hamilton; Lockton Re has also named industry veteran Jeremy England Lee as Bermuda chairman. Weather: The Bermuda Weather Service forecasts rain and showers, with a Small Craft Warning in effect through Friday.

Weather: Rain and showers are expected Thursday, with a Small Craft Warning in effect through Friday. Dockyard Transport: An OBA MP is pressing the Government to explain why weekend and holiday bus services have not been expanded, citing workers who cannot reach shifts or get home. Public Safety: Police identified 17-year-old Chaz Godwin as the victim of a fatal Pembroke shooting and renewed their appeal for information. Offshore Industry: Five people remain missing after a rig operated by Hamilton-domiciled Borr Drilling sank off Gabon. Insurance Business: Enstar agreed to a $2.4 billion deal with Markel to cover part of its legacy reinsurance liabilities; AXIS Capital also reported strong third-quarter results. Education: The OBA is seeking changes to the proposed Education Authority Bill, arguing the minister’s powers could undermine its independence. Sport: Austin Smotherman won the weather-shortened Butterfield Bermuda Championship in a Monday playoff. Bermuda striker Nahki Wells is awaiting assessment after leaving Luton’s latest match with a hamstring concern. Travel: BermudAir has begun nonstop Fort Lauderdale–Belize City service, adding to its regional network.

Community Safety: Police identified 17-year-old Chaz Godwin as the victim of a fatal Pembroke shooting; the investigation continues, and officers are urging anyone with information to come forward. Politics & Education: The OBA has proposed changes to the Education Authority Bill, including merit-based appointments and whistleblower protections. Joseph Marable has left the party and plans to run as an independent. Business & Industry: Five workers remain missing after the Prospector 5 rig, owned by Bermuda-domiciled Borr Drilling, sank off Gabon; search and rescue efforts are ongoing. Butterfield reported third-quarter net income of $61 million, nearly unchanged from a year earlier. Travel: BermudAir has launched seasonal nonstop flights from Fort Lauderdale to Belize and is expanding service to the Turks and Caicos. Bad weather has also forced cruise ships bound for Bermuda to divert to Canada. Local Services: A volunteer has called for more Sunday and holiday buses to Dockyard, saying current schedules leave some essential workers without a way to reach shifts. Golf: Austin Smotherman beat Séamus Power in a Monday playoff to win the weather-shortened Butterfield Bermuda Championship.

Banking: Butterfield reported third-quarter net income of $61 million, up from $46.9 million in the previous quarter, and said its CIBC Caribbean acquisition is expected to close in the first half of 2027. Travel: Tropical Storm Josephine forced Royal Caribbean’s Bermuda-bound Independence of the Seas to divert to Saint John, Canada, in another late-season cruise disruption. United plans to launch weekly summer flights between Chicago and Bermuda in April 2027. Community Safety: Police identified 17-year-old Chaz Godwin as the victim of a fatal Pembroke shooting and urged anyone with information to come forward. Economy and Housing: Economists warn Bermuda’s growth is slowing and the gap between “two Bermudas” is widening. In St George’s, Chelsea House has reopened as five affordable apartments. Golf: Austin Smotherman won the weather-shortened Butterfield Bermuda Championship in a Monday playoff against Séamus Power.

Golf: Austin Smotherman beat Séamus Power on the third playoff hole to win the weather-shortened Butterfield Bermuda Championship at Port Royal, securing his second straight PGA Tour title and a place in next year’s U.S. Open. Education: Bermuda College graduates in art and design will have a guaranteed pathway to third-year study at Paris College of Art, subject to academic requirements. Housing: Five refurbished Chelsea House apartments—three two-bedroom and two three-bedroom homes—are ready after a decade-long vacancy. Insurance: TIAA has invested $750 million in Mariner Re, a new Bermuda reinsurer supporting Symetra’s annuity business. Public Safety: Police renewed their appeal for information about the 2016 killing of Isaiah Furbert, while warning residents and businesses about banking scams. Travel: BermudAir has launched Fort Lauderdale service to Belize and Turks and Caicos, adding regional connections ahead of winter. Offshore Industry: One worker was killed and four remain missing after a drilling rig operated by Bermuda-based Borr Drilling sank off Gabon.

Butterfield Bermuda Championship: Austin Smotherman beat Séamus Power on the third playoff hole at Port Royal to claim his second straight PGA Tour win. High winds cancelled the final round, leaving the golfers tied at 16 under after 54 holes. Affordable Housing: Five refurbished apartments at Chelsea House in St George’s are expected to be occupied by mid-November, adding three two-bedroom and two three-bedroom homes. Education: Bermuda College art and design graduates who meet academic requirements can now transfer into a fine arts degree programme at Paris College of Art. Business: TIAA has invested $750 million in Mariner Re, a new Bermuda-based reinsurer supporting Symetra’s annuity business. Travel: BermudAir has launched service to Turks and Caicos, while United plans weekly summer flights between Chicago and Bermuda from April 2027. Public Safety: Police are renewing their appeal for information about the 2016 killing of Isaiah Furbert, 19, in Devonshire, and warn residents to watch for bank impersonation scams. Utilities: Weekend winds and rain caused scattered outages, including one affecting more than 300 customers in Paget.

Butterfield Bermuda Championship: High winds forced the PGA Tour to scrap the final round at Port Royal and shorten the event to 54 holes. Seamus Power and Austin Smotherman, tied at 16-under, were set to decide the title in a sudden-death playoff Monday, with the winner due $1.08 million. Youth Sports: Bermuda’s under-15 footballers opened their World Cup campaign in Azerbaijan with two wins from three matches, including a 5-1 victory powered by Legend Robinson’s hat-trick. At home, Bermuda retained the CARIFTA triathlon team title at Clearwater Beach with 329 points. Prison Conditions: Convicted killer Taaj Muhammad is seeking $500,000 from the Government, alleging poor conditions and prolonged cell confinement at Westgate prison. Energy Costs: A solar industry opinion column warns that higher electricity charges and reduced payments for exported power are making home solar unaffordable for many Bermudians. Island History: Tony Brannon is gathering memories and photographs for a book about the 40 Thieves, the Front Street club that hosted major performers including Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin.

Bermuda Championship: High winds forced the PGA Tour to cut the event to 54 holes after gusts topped 40 mph and wiped out Sunday’s final round. Séamus Power and Austin Smotherman, tied at 16-under, are scheduled for a sudden-death playoff at 9am Monday at Port Royal, weather permitting. Weather & Travel: Monday’s forecast calls for rain and strong, shifting winds; a Small Craft Warning remains in effect through Tuesday. Several BermudAir flights were delayed, including a Toronto departure moved to Monday morning. Youth Sports: Bermuda’s under-15 footballers have two wins from three matches at the World Cup in Azerbaijan, including a 5-1 victory over São Tomé and Príncipe, with Legend Robinson scoring a hat-trick. Bermuda also retained the Carifta triathlon team title at home, and archers Jaydon Roberts and Braeden Fraser won regional gold medals. UK Relations: A Conservative policy paper calls for a reset in relations with the Overseas Territories, including dedicated House of Lords representation for each territory.

Bermuda Championship: High winds delayed Sunday’s final round at Port Royal, with the course closed while officials monitored conditions. Austin Smotherman and Seamus Power shared the lead at 16 under after Saturday’s play, two shots ahead of the chasing group. Triathlon: Bermuda retained its CARIFTA team title at Clearwater Beach, finishing with 329 points after adding 15 podium finishes on Saturday. Sea Cadets: The corps marked its 60th anniversary and launched a $2 million campaign to upgrade its St George’s unit building. Aviation: United Airlines plans to launch weekly nonstop Saturday flights between Bermuda and Chicago next year, widening access to the island’s key US market. Offshore Incident: Five people remain missing after a rig operated by Bermuda-headquartered Borr Drilling sank off Gabon; 110 of the 115 people on board have been accounted for.

Bermuda Championship: Seamus Power and Austin Smotherman share the lead at 16-under heading into Sunday’s final round at Port Royal. Organisers moved tee times earlier as gale-force winds and rain threaten play. Weather: The Bermuda Weather Service has issued a gale warning for Sunday, with strong gusts and increasing showers; small-craft warnings are also in effect. Tourism: United Airlines will launch weekly Saturday flights between Chicago and Bermuda from April 3, 2027, opening a new direct route to the island. Island Sport: Bermuda’s under-15 footballers opened their first FIFA World Cup campaign with a 5-0 win over the British Virgin Islands. At the CARIFTA aquathlon, Bermudians won multiple medals, including a sweep of the girls’ 13–14 podium. Road Safety: A US visitor received a suspended prison term after admitting careless driving that caused the death of Laquan Thomas, the island’s eighth road fatality this year.

Butterfield Bermuda Championship: Chandler Blanchet and Japan’s Kensei Hirata share the lead at 13-under heading into the weekend at Port Royal. Ireland’s Séamus Power is one shot back, with stronger winds expected to test the field. Carifta Triathlon: Bermuda opened its title defence with 11 medals and 127 points in Friday’s aquathlon events at Clearwater Beach. Dame Flora Duffy praised the young athletes; East End road closures are in effect for the weekend races. Road Safety: A US visitor received a suspended prison term after admitting careless driving caused Laquan Thomas’s death in a May crash. Thomas, 30, was Bermuda’s eighth road fatality this year. Community: The Filipino community is mourning Ryan Cortez, 42, who died after being struck by an air-rifle pellet while riding his motorcycle during a chicken cull. Digital ID: Government’s questions period for companies interested in Bermuda’s proposed voluntary digital identity system closes today. A November 27 deadline remains for submissions, and immigration work permits are being considered as a possible first use. Football: League leaders North Village and Dandy Town meet tonight at Bernard Park, with both teams unbeaten after three matches.