AGP Executive Report

Commonwealth Games: Team Bermuda has arrived in Glasgow for the opening ceremony, with Tiara DeRosa carrying the flag and Caitlyn Bobb the King’s Baton; chef de mission Donna Raynor and team leader Jarita Vickers also represented the island, while swimmers missed the parade to focus on Friday events. Sports & youth: Bermuda Football Association sends an Under-15 Girls Goombay Cup team to the Bahamas, with matches starting Friday; locally, National Academy Under-17 booked a Triangle Cup semi-final spot after a 3-0 win over Somerset Trojans. Public safety: Police report a head-on collision in Hamilton Parish involving a female visitor on a rental scooter; she was taken to hospital with suspected head injuries, and witnesses are asked to call 211. Corrections reform: A British prison and probation expert has returned to support Bermuda’s corrections reform, with progress moving from planning to delivery at Westgate Correctional Facility. Business & finance: Abic marks a $20m scholarship milestone, awarding 27 scholarships worth $740,000 to Bermudian students; Bermuda’s offshore trusts sector also gets a boost as local firms earn top Chambers rankings.

Aviation & Public Safety: An American Airlines flight from Miami made an emergency landing at LF Wade after a navigational aid malfunction; the Causeway was temporarily closed and Bermuda Fire and Rescue escorted the aircraft to apron seven. Crime Watch: Police say burglaries in the eastern end and Hamilton Parish have risen, with 11 incidents reported since June 3; officers describe suspects in sweat pants, hoodies and ski masks, and urge residents to call 295-0011 or 211 with tips. Sports & Community: Bermuda swimmers including Emma Harvey and Elan and Elijah Daley are set for the Commonwealth Games opening pool session, while the Bermuda Under-17 National Academy advanced in the Bermuda Triangle Cup with a 3-0 win. Local Governance & Infrastructure: Bermuda Run East’s 3.3-mile pedestrian plan is on track, with early phases ready for bid and work expected to begin in October. Business & Finance: The BMA warns residents about a UK-linked investment seminar, saying the promoters are not regulated in Bermuda or the UK; HSBC Bermuda also flags a “troubling” rise in scam calls. Insurance & Economy: Property-cat reinsurance prices fell sharply at midyear renewals, reflecting a soft market that’s hitting Bermuda’s reinsurance sector. Tech & Connectivity: Google’s Nuvem transatlantic cable route includes Bermuda and is part of a broader push for more submarine cables through Portugal. Aviation Growth: BermudAir has placed its first-ever Airbus order—10 A220-300 aircraft—to expand routes across the Atlantic and Caribbean. Good News: Dwayne “Sluggo” Leverock was recognised after nearly 40 years with the Bermuda Police Service.

Aviation: BermudAir says it will add 10 Airbus A220-300s, with deliveries starting in Q4 2027, as it targets more Caribbean and North American routes. Courts & Safety: Senators approved gang-violence measures that allow anonymous witnesses and new protections for court officials, including criminalising pressure on them. Cost of Living: Senators delayed a final vote on cost-of-living laws that critics say could enable price controls on essentials, pushing the decision to the next sitting likely in September. Health & Consumer Watch: The BMA warned of a fraudulent email demanding a US$50,000 payment via stablecoin to a digital wallet. Public Services: Senators passed changes to the Bermuda Health Council framework and a Health Insurance Amendment Act aimed at reducing duplication and adjusting coverage to match real costs. Economy/Business: RenaissanceRe reported $654.2m net income for Q2, citing strong underwriting and investment income. Tech/Infrastructure: Google’s Nuvem submarine cable has landed in Portugal, linking to the Azores and Bermuda as it heads toward service later this year. Sports: Future Pro booked Bermuda Triangle Cup semi-final spot after beating Somerset Trojans 3-2. Community: Government awarded $175,000 in elite athlete sponsorships to 43 athletes across 15 sports.

Aviation & Tourism: BermudAir says it’s the customer behind an earlier, undisclosed order for 10 Airbus A220-300 jets, with deliveries due to start in Q4 2027; the airline plans up to 20 A220s by 2030 and says the aircraft will help it grow routes across Bermuda, the Caribbean and North America, including new services to places like Anguilla, Belize and the Turks & Caicos. Public Health: Bermuda’s Ministry of Health is checking whether recalled Mexican shredded iceberg lettuce linked to a US cyclosporiasis outbreak was imported to the island, noting importers are expected to act on recall notices. Local Governance & Procurement: The government faces scrutiny after multimillion-dollar affordable housing contracts were awarded via no-bid deals, with officials saying oversight waivers weren’t required. Finance & Regulation: The BMA has launched a consultation on stablecoin guidance for insurance and investment funds, outlining supervisory expectations and risk safeguards. Sports: Bermuda’s swimmers begin Commonwealth Games action in Glasgow, while the Bermuda Triangle Cup kicked off with seven goals on night one. Road Safety & Courts: Police report an impaired-driving arrest after a motorcycle crash in Paget.

BermudAir expansion: The island airline has ordered 10 more Airbus A220-300 jets, aiming to add up to 20 aircraft by 2030 and launch new routes to Grand Cayman, the Turks & Caicos, Belize and Guatemala in December. Electoral reform timeline: Government says major electoral reform legislation is still targeted for September, with an independent working group now guided by Rev. Emily Dill after a Cabinet reshuffle. Public safety—impaired driving: A Paget motorcyclist was arrested after a crash; police say a later test found 179.5mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood and the rider lacked a valid licence. Health—stroke care: Bermuda Hospitals Board’s Primary Stroke Centre has again earned Accreditation Canada “Stroke Distinction” for acute stroke and inpatient rehab services. Insurance regulation: The BMA is consulting on stablecoin guidance for Bermuda captives, with stakeholders invited to respond by 30 September, and it also confirmed seven new insurer registrations in June. Community & youth: Ministers met young people at a youth town hall, and the Future Leaders Summer Induction Programme has kicked off its 10th year at Bermuda College. Sports & events: Bermuda’s men’s rugby sevens team departs for the CAC Games, and the Triangle Challenge has named Dame Flora Duffy as honorary guest speaker for January 2027.

Healthcare & Standards: Bermuda Hospitals Board’s Primary Stroke Centre has again earned Accreditation Canada Stroke Distinction for Acute Stroke Services and Inpatient Rehabilitation, valid for four years. Housing & Community: A Warwick planning application would turn a vacant Camp Hill-area site into a seniors community with 27 units plus on-site care and amenities. Insurance Regulation: The BMA has launched a consultation on stablecoin use for Bermuda captives and related structures, proposing a 25% cap of total statutory capital and surplus for limited-purpose insurers; feedback is due by Sept. 30. Bermuda Business & Finance: The BMA also confirmed seven new insurer registrations in June, bringing year-to-date totals to 31. Digital Infrastructure: Google’s Nuvem transatlantic submarine cable is landing in Portugal with intermediate points in Bermuda and the Azores, aimed at boosting resilience for cloud and AI traffic. Local Governance & Public Safety: A road safety penalties bill debate was derailed after the Government sought to stop it procedurally; opposition says tougher measures were never properly discussed. Cup Match Build-Up: Journi has been named official Cup Match transport partner, adding on-site booking and a seven-day driver trial to boost licensed taxis during the busy period.

Commonwealth Games 2026: Glasgow is stepping in to host the pared-down Commonwealth Games after Victoria, Australia withdrew, leaving just 10 sports instead of 17 and using existing venues from 2014. Public Safety: Police arrested two men for impaired driving after separate weekend collisions—one involving a motorcyclist and a pedestrian in Pembroke, and another where a rider collided with a police motorcycle in St George’s. Emancipation & Community: The Anglican Parish of St George will mark Emancipation Sunday with a memorial service and wreath-laying at St Peter’s Church on July 26, with readings including Mary Prince’s story. Cup Match Tickets: CiMiNow is named the official digital ticketing provider for the 2026 Cup Match Classic, with QR-code entry for the July 30–31 Somerset Cricket Club vs St George’s Cricket Club matches. Local Governance: A shadow minister is pressing for clarity on the legality of pausing Bermuda’s Integrated Resource Plan for electricity planning, after it was reportedly approved and posted on July 3. Education & Youth: BELCO wrapped up a summer internship programme for 17 students, and Bermuda College launched its Ashay programme partnership for culturally grounded learning starting in September. Sports: Tiara DeRosa-Williams set a new Bermuda women’s discus record with 51.10m, while Bermuda Pacers won 10 medals in Maryland.

Human Rights & Social Protection: MPs approved amendments to Bermuda’s Human Rights Act, including protections against housing/service refusals tied to government assistance and “discrimination by association.” Health Data Accountability: A parliamentary committee says the health ministry couldn’t confirm whether personal Covid travel authorisation data was taken in the 2023 cyberattack, urging clearer rules on retention and destruction. Local Governance: The Government will launch a $3 million Community Beautification Programme, letting MPs fund small public-space upgrades without bumping major works. Education & Youth: Conyers named five Bermudian students as 2026 legal education award recipients, while Bermuda College will start the Ashay Programme in September. Sports & Community: Bailey’s Bay won Eastern Counties with seconds to spare, and Devonshire Rec and Storm Chasers took summer netball league titles. Business & Finance: Alea Holdings US filed for Chapter 11 in Texas with about $280m in funded debt.

Human Rights & Social Protections: MPs approved amendments to Bermuda’s Human Rights Act that bar discrimination against people refused housing or services because they receive government assistance, and also strengthen protections around “discrimination by association.” Cost of Living: The House passed the Cost of Living Commission Amendment (No. 2) Act, giving the commission more power to monitor whether duty relief is actually lowering prices and to focus on “critical services” tied to affordability. Education & Workforces: A new online Substitute Application Platform went live, ending paper applications and requiring secure digital profiles to speed onboarding and protect data. Community Support: A $3 million community beautification programme will let MPs fund smaller local improvements like clean-ups, landscaping, playground and fencing repairs. Public Safety & Crime: Police renewed their appeal in the Jahcari Francis murder case as the 9th anniversary approaches, asking for info on suspicious people or vehicles around Upland Street in Devonshire. Environment: Dog walkers are asked to bring their own waste bags while DogiPot supplies are temporarily unavailable at some parks. Weather: Monday looks sunny with a possible east-end afternoon shower, highs near 30°C.

Public Safety: Bermuda stepped up its search after an eastern diamondback rattlesnake report near Fairmont Southampton and Turtle Hill golf course, bringing in overseas snake-sniffing dogs and specialist handlers while access to a small undergrowth area was restricted as a precaution. Local Governance: The One Bermuda Alliance will host a Caricom full-membership town hall tomorrow at Vasco da Gama Club, inviting residents to share views on whether Bermuda should join. Justice: Police renewed their appeal for information on the 2017 murder of Jahcari Francis, asking anyone who saw suspicious people or vehicles around Upland Street, Devonshire, before or after the shooting. Cost of Living: New legislation passed would expand the Cost of Living Commission’s powers to monitor whether duty relief is actually lowering prices and to support price controls on essential commodities. Corrections & Education Funding: MPs approved supplementary funding including $15.2m for the Compass Point purchase and $3.3m for Bermuda College operational needs. Sports: Bailey’s Bay reclaimed the Eastern Counties trophy with seconds to spare, while Erica Hawley finished 6th at the World Triathlon Cup Edmonton. Business/Finance: AM Best upgraded Sagicor Financial subsidiaries’ ratings and kept Vantage Group’s ratings unchanged after leadership changes. Weather: Sunday looks sunny with passing showers, high near 31°C.

Public Safety: Police report 128 impaired-driving arrests in 2026 so far, with eight people charged in court on Thursday alone, as officers urge the public to hold each other accountable. Local Governance: The House passed the Justice and Community Safety Reform Act 2026 to tackle gang violence, including more witness anonymity and new offences targeting assaults or intimidation of court officials. Education: Minister Diallo Rabain says the Cambridge Checkpoint Report for Bermuda (2023–2025) has been released in full, with a plain-language guide for parents. Energy & Utilities: BELCO responds to the Minister’s Integrated Resource Plan statement, disputing the timeline and BELCO’s role while stressing affordability and reliability. Sports & Community: Cup Match is framed as “far more than a cricket match” in Emancipation celebrations, while Bermuda’s senior women’s hockey team trains with New Jersey’s Pingry School ahead of the CARIFTA/Central American and Caribbean Games. Weather: Sunday looks sunny with passing showers, highs near 31°C, and a UV index forecast of 10.

Road Safety: Police say impaired driving remains a serious problem, with 128 arrests in 2026 so far and eight more cases appearing in court on Thursday alone. Emancipation & Cup Match: Tourism Minister Owen Darrell told the House that Cup Match is “far more than a cricket match,” and outlined emancipation events including a documentary premiere. Energy & Power Planning: BELCO has responded to the Government’s Integrated Resource Plan suspension, disputing details about timing and BELCO’s role while stressing affordability and reliability. Housing: Minister Zane DeSilva says affordable housing delivery has moved into Phase Two, with additional sites now being assessed for rental and homeownership options. Education: The Ministry released Bermuda’s Cambridge Checkpoint Report for 2023–2025, with a plain-language guide for parents. Digital Safety: The Office of Youth Affairs is advancing Parent Cyber Safety and Digital Wellness courses for guardians. Community & Culture: Vineyard Vines Bermuda marked 10 years on Front Street with local partnerships and community involvement. Sports: Bermuda’s women’s hockey team is training with a New Jersey high school side ahead of the CAC Games; and Trey Mallory won Florida’s Battle of Boca to earn an ITF wild card.

Education & Youth: Minister Diallo Rabain tabled the Cambridge Checkpoint report showing a widening gap between high- and low-performing students in Bermuda’s primary and middle schools, with declines in overall results and uneven performance in maths and science. Education Reform: MPs also heard details of the Education Authority Bill, designed to replace the Department of Education in stages and create a statutory body “held at arm’s length” from day-to-day politics. Opposition Response: OBA leader Ben Smith hit back, saying families deserve results and calling for published data on literacy and numeracy progress. Energy Policy: The Integrated Resource Plan process for Bermuda’s electricity future has been formally suspended for up to 18 months, with the Minister citing affordability and alignment with government policy. Road Safety: Police reported eight DUI charges in one day, with five guilty pleas and immediate 18-month driving bans. Cybersecurity: A joint select committee report on the 2023 cyberattack says a $4.4m government payment may have covered ransom and recommends a Public Accounts Committee probe into who was paid and why. Housing: Minister Zane DeSilva outlined Phase Two site assessments for affordable housing, including Maria Hill, Tudor Hill, Ocean View, Ewing Street and Harbourview. CARICOM: OBA announced a public town hall on full CARICOM membership on July 20. Sports: Bermudian tennis player Trey Mallory won the Battle of Boca in Florida and earned a wild card for an ITF event.

Education Reform: The long-awaited Education Authority is set to start in earnest this September, with legislation to be tabled and a merit-based nine-member board (plus a non-voting Commissioner of Education) designed to keep schools insulated from day-to-day politics. Cyber Accountability: Parliament’s joint select committee report on the September 2023 government cyberattack says “indicators” point to a ransom demand and possible ransom-related payments, with about $4.4m in budget line items flagged for full explanation and a Public Accounts Committee probe recommended. Housing Update: Minister Zane DeSilva says Phase 2 of the Housing Infrastructure Projects Programme is moving ahead with site identification and assessment, listing Maria Hill, Tudor Hill, Ocean View, Ewing Street and Harbourview. Public Safety: A grief support charity is alarmed after a double shooting in Pembroke injured two boys, aged 15 and 16, with police appealing for CCTV and witness information. Local Business & Community: Gosling’s has partnered with Moongate Brewing to expand distribution island-wide, and the Bermuda Basketball Association launches the Play It Forward Bermuda Summer Camp (July 20–24). Sports: Lucas Herbert surged at The Open with a record-tying 62 at Royal Birkdale, while Bermuda’s youth athletes head to the International Youth Championships in Maryland.

BMA Warning: The Bermuda Monetary Authority has flagged an “investment opportunity seminar” at a local hotel after finding the organisers are not regulated in Bermuda or the UK, with marketing claiming unusually high returns and unclear risk information. Insurance Sector: AM Best affirmed A (Excellent) ratings for BNY Trade Insurance and The Hamilton Insurance Corp, both captives tied to BNY Mellon. Local Governance: The House of Assembly’s July 17 order paper includes updates on housing phase 2, ridesharing, cyber safety courses, human rights work, and an integrated resource plan pause. Environment & Safety: Keep Bermuda Beautiful and DENR are preparing an island-wide survey to identify abandoned and derelict vessels that could pose navigational, environmental, or safety risks. Community & Health: Bermuda Hospitals Board says two long-term blood donors, Renee Parker and Donna Foggo, won two-night staycations at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. Sports & Youth: Bermuda’s Cup Match seniors get free entry thanks to ICS Tires, while Bermuda Pacers head to youth championships in Maryland with 19 athletes. Business/Markets: Butterfield shares hit a New York record high, rising 2.05% to $62.37.

Hurricane Watch: The U.S. National Hurricane Center is monitoring two disturbances for possible tropical development in the Gulf and Atlantic, with any formation expected to be slow; the next named storm would be “Bertha.” Public Safety & Health: Bermuda’s Health Ministry warns men to stop using “natural” erectile dysfunction products after lab tests found undisclosed prescription-only drugs, urging safe disposal and doctor advice if anyone has used them. Human Rights: The Human Rights Commission backs amendments to the Human Rights Act that would remove a housing discrimination exception and expand protections to cover discrimination by association and from receiving government support. Seniors: Senators approved a 1.74% pension increase starting September 15, and a Harbour Road plan would convert a home into a 12-bed seniors living facility. Crime Prevention: Police again warn about fraudulent calls impersonating bank staff and requesting personal banking information. Sports: Bermuda Pacers head to Maryland for the International Youth Championships, while Bermuda’s junior squash team competes in Tortola. Caricom & Decolonisation: Caricom’s reparation push includes a proposal for Britain to give up territories, naming Bermuda among those still under “hegemonic” colonial systems.