Bermuda

Bermuda Delegation Concludes Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 Participation

Bermuda's delegation, led by Minister of Tourism & Transport Owen K. Darrell, attended Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 in Miami from April 13-15. The delegation held meetings with executives from Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Group, Carnival Corporation, Disney Cruise Line, Explora Journeys, the Port of Baltimore, NYC/EDC, and the Taiwan Tourism Administration to advance Bermuda's cruise tourism strategy. Bermuda reported 191 cruise calls for the 2026 season and 210 scheduled calls for 2027.

U.S. Partnership Expands Prevention Services for Bermuda Youth

The Department for National Drug Control (DNDC) in Bermuda has continued its partnership with Prevention Training Services, a U.S.-based charitable training organization. A group of 29 prevention professionals visited Bermuda and met with DNDC staff to exchange ideas on youth engagement, family-based prevention, and early intervention strategies. Acting Minister of National Security Jaché Adams met with the group and received a proclamation recognizing the shared commitment to collaborative prevention work.

Public Service Career Fair Set for June 18 at Pier 6

The Government of Bermuda announced the Public Service Career Fair & Expo, to be held June 18 at Pier 6, Hamilton. The event targets college and high school students, job seekers, and career changers, offering career-specific booths, training and apprenticeship programme information, and panel discussions. No regulatory obligations or compliance requirements are created by this announcement.

King's Birthday Reception 2026 – Registration Required

The Governor of Bermuda announced the King's Birthday Reception 2026 to be held at Government House on 4 June 2026 between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm. Attendance requires registration via an online ballot form, with applications open from noon on 18 April to noon on 30 April 2026. This marks the first reception at Government House in over two years.

Ministerial Direction on Retail Fuel Pricing Update

The Hon. Alexa N. H. Lightbourne, Minister of Home Affairs, issued an update on April 18, 2026, regarding a ministerial direction issued on April 15, 2026, to keep retail fuel prices at their current level due to instability in the Persian Gulf. The Regulatory Authority communicated with licensed importers effectively allowing price increases, prompting an emergency meeting on April 17. The Minister has invited the RA Board to urgently reconsider the communication that led to the increase and to make its decision public.

Ministry Highlights Week of the Young Child Celebration

The Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors in Bermuda announced the celebration of Week of the Young Child from 11 to 17 April, recognising the importance of early childhood development. The Ministry outlined its support programmes including the Child Day Care Allowance Programme and services provided by Child and Family Services. The announcement encourages families, educators, and the community to participate in activities promoting learning through play.

Minister Supports Bermuda College Plastic Pollution Screening; Single-Use Plastics Act 2026 Tabled

Bermuda's Minister of Public Works and Environment attended a documentary screening on plastic pollution at Bermuda College, supporting community awareness efforts. The Minister confirmed that the Single-Use Plastics Act 2026 was tabled in the House of Assembly last month, establishing a framework for Bermuda's transition away from harmful single-use plastics through consultation, science, and phased implementation. Public consultation with residents, businesses, and stakeholders is planned if the Legislature approves the Act.

Public Nominations Open for The King's Honours

The Bermuda Government has opened public nominations for the King's Honours programme, covering both the Overseas and International Honours List (KBE, DBE, CBE, OBE, MBE, BEM) and the local King's Certificate and Badge of Honour for outstanding contributions to Bermuda public life. Nominations close Friday 1 May 2026 and require a completed form plus two letters of support submitted to governmenthouse@gov.bm.

Department of Parks Workers Prepare Botanical Gardens for 85th Annual Agricultural Exhibition

The Bermuda Government's Department of Parks announced that workers are preparing the Botanical Gardens for the 85th Annual Agricultural Exhibition, scheduled for Thursday 23 April to Saturday 25 April 2026. The three-day event will showcase Bermuda's agriculture, horticulture, baking, craftsmanship, student work, and community talent. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and children under 16, with free entry for children aged 5 and under.

Retail Fuels Consumer Protection Standstill Ministerial Direction 2026

The Bermuda Minister of Home Affairs issued the Retail Fuels (Consumer Protection Standstill) Ministerial Direction 2026 on April 16, 2026, freezing retail fuel prices at current levels for up to six months. Without this intervention, gasoline would have increased by 11.1 cents per litre, diesel by 15.3 cents per litre, and kerosene by 18.8 cents per litre. The Ministry of Finance will provide customs-duty relief to licensed fuel importers to offset verified revenue shortfalls.

60 Bermuda Teachers Attend STEM Workshop on Paper Circuits and Sneaker Design

Nearly 60 Bermuda educators from primary and middle school levels attended a STEM professional development workshop at Elliot Primary School led by Dr. Natalie S. King of Georgia State University and the I AM STEM Foundation. The workshop covered inquiry-based learning activities including paper circuits and a sneaker prototype design challenge.

Premier Burt Leads Delegation to IMF Meetings

Premier David Burt leads a Bermudian delegation to the 2026 IMF Spring Meetings and World Bank Group sessions in Washington, DC. This marks Bermuda's first participation in these international economic forums. The Premier attended the Caribbean Ministerial Meeting on April 15, focused on fiscal institutions and public debt reduction, and continues outreach to US Congressional members.

Government Responds to Feral Chickens Food Security Proposal

The Bermuda Government issued a statement responding to claims that feral chickens could be redirected into food or egg production as a food security measure. The Government stated that while food security is important and constructive public discussion is welcome, the feral chicken proposal was assessed but found not viable due to disease risks, contamination concerns, biosecurity exposure, and inability to meet food production standards. The Government characterized feral chickens as primarily an animal control and population management issue rather than a food security solution.

New Gov.bm Portal Launches as Digital Front Door for Government Services

The Bermuda Government has launched a new Gov.bm portal at www2.gov.bm, developed locally by the Department of Information and Digital Technologies. The portal features smart search, mobile optimization, and accessibility standards for visually impaired users. Privacy is prioritized with no third-party trackers; government data remains under government control. Both the current site and new portal will run in parallel during transition.

Free Tickets for Digital Finance Forum, 14th May

Free Tickets for Digital Finance Forum, 14th May

Minister Adams Attends Plastic Detox Screening at Bermuda College

Minister of Public Works and Environment Jaché Adams attended a screening of The Plastic Detox Documentary at Bermuda College on 10 April 2026. The event, hosted by the Bermuda College Eco Club with support from Beyond Plastic, featured a documentary and panel discussion on plastic pollution's environmental and health effects. The Minister noted that the Single-Use Plastics Act 2026 was tabled last month and will proceed to public consultation if approved by the Legislature.

DENR Traps and Euthanises Escaped Raccoon After Container Arrival

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) responded on 13 April 2026 to an escaped raccoon in the Addendum Lane area of Pembroke. The raccoon had arrived in Bermuda inside a shipping container from Hamilton Commercial Docks and was located under a dumpster before being successfully trapped. Given Bermuda's lack of native raccoon populations and the biosecurity risks posed by diseases such as rabies and raccoon roundworm, the animal will be humanely euthanised.

Premier, Education Minister highlight culinary talent at Bermuda College Prospect Room Dining Experience

The Premier of Bermuda and Minister of Education attended the Bermuda College Prospect Room Dining Experience on April 10, 2026, where culinary students prepared and presented a four-course meal as part of their practical training. Bermuda College's culinary programmes are accredited by the American Culinary Federation. Starting Fall 2026, the college will introduce a Certificate in Culinary Arts and expand its Hospitality and Tourism offerings.

Premier David Burt Welcomes North Village Community Club Following FA Cup Victory

Premier David Burt of Bermuda welcomed the North Village Community Club to the Cabinet Office to recognize their FA Cup victory. The club defeated Devonshire Colts in Sunday's final on penalties to secure its second consecutive FA Cup and a record-setting twelfth title in the competition's history. Acting Minister of Sport Tinee Furbert and Bermuda Football Association representatives also attended the ceremonial recognition.

King's First Bermuda Visit, 30th April - 2nd May

His Majesty The King will undertake a Royal Visit to Bermuda from 30th April to 2nd May 2026, marking His Majesty's first visit as Sovereign to a British Overseas Territory. The programme will reflect links between Bermuda and the UK across culture, economic growth, and youth opportunity. The King will receive a formal welcome with a Guard of Honour and 21-gun salute, engage in biodiversity conservation activities, meet youth organisations and Commonwealth Games athletes, and formally open the new Great Bay Coast Guard Station.

Department of Workforce Development Temporarily Closes for Relocation to Bermuda College

The Bermuda Ministry of Economy and Labour has announced that the Department of Workforce Development will temporarily close from Monday, April 13 through Wednesday, April 15, 2026, to facilitate its relocation to the Bermuda College campus. The Department is scheduled to reopen on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from its new location. The closure is for physical relocation of equipment, office setup, and installation of IT and telephone systems. Bermuda Job Connect inquiries will continue to be monitored during this period.

Ministry of Education Addresses Teacher and Student Support Needs

The Bermuda Ministry of Education issued a statement responding to educator concerns about increasing complexity of student needs in public schools. The Ministry announced increased 2026/27 Budget funding for support staff, essential services, and school infrastructure modernization. The statement emphasizes timely deployment of resources and ongoing engagement with educators including the Bermuda Union of Teachers.

Pay Transparency and Fair Pay Initiative

The Bermuda Government has announced a policy proposal to introduce pay transparency legislation requiring all employers to develop written pay equity policies, disclose salary ranges in job advertisements, prohibit salary history inquiries during recruitment, and provide employees access to pay information. The proposal, aligned with International Labour Organisation principles, aims to shift from reactive discrimination complaints to proactive prevention of pay inequities based on race, gender, and nationality.

Mandatory Welding NOC Certification Assessments Required

The Bermuda Department of Workforce Development announces mandatory National Occupational Certification (NOC) assessments for all welders working in Bermuda. Bermudian welders must obtain NOC certification and CWB 47.1 certification, while work permit holders must complete CWB B31.3 certification. Assessments are scheduled for the week of 20 April 2026 with a $310 fee payable to TTech.

Government Responds to Boaz Island Residents on Modular Housing Concerns

The Bermuda Government has responded to concerns raised by Boaz Island residents regarding a proposed modular housing development. The government acknowledges community concerns about density, infrastructure, traffic, and environmental impacts while confirming the planning application remains under review. The Bermuda Housing Corporation will appeal the Development Applications Board's refusal of the application, and the government states no asbestos has been found on site to date.

Minimum Hourly Wage Rate for Students

Bermuda Ministry of Economy and Labour reminds employers of student minimum wage requirements effective for the vacation period. Students must be paid at least 70% of the statutory minimum hourly wage rate of $17.13, equating to a minimum of $11.99 per hour. Employers must calculate pro-rata compensation for time worked less than a full hour.

Government Warns of Rising AI-Generated Deep Fake Videos Targeting Public

The Bermuda Government Cabinet Office issued a public warning on April 8, 2026, about an increase in AI-generated deep fake videos and fake social media accounts impersonating government officials, including Premier David Burt. The government advises residents to report suspicious content directly to social media platforms or the Bermuda Police Service and reminds the public that no government official will solicit investments through social media.

Minister DeSilva on Government Housing Action Plan

The Bermuda Government announced progress on its housing action plan, including advancement of projects at Southside, Harmony Terrace, Battery Road, and Chelsea Apartments, as well as restoration of Bermuda Housing Corporation properties. The government is also pursuing modular construction as an innovative solution to address urgent housing demand.

Ministry of Education Clarifies Leadership Appointments Within Department

The Bermuda Ministry of Education issued a public clarification correcting inaccurate TNN media reports about leadership appointments within the Department of Education. The Ministry announced Mrs. Terry Cox as the new Director of Educational Standards and Accountability, effective 1 April 2026, along with three newly appointed Assistant Directors following a transparent recruitment process.

Environmental Health Investigates Restaurant Kitchen After Social Media Videos

The Bermuda Ministry of Health's Department of Health announced an investigation into a restaurant kitchen following the circulation of videos on social media showing concerning sanitary conditions. Environmental Health Officers conducted an immediate inspection and found no evidence of current rodent or cockroach activity. The establishment will remain under monitoring with follow-up inspections.

2026/27 Budget Overview and Economic Priorities

Premier David Burt presented Bermuda's 2026/27 Budget to the Sandys Rotary Club on April 8, 2026, covering key fiscal measures effective April 1, 2026. The budget includes payroll tax relief for workers and employers, elimination of the remaining 20 percent fuel duty, a 10 percent reduction in vehicle licensing fees, and duty reductions on essential goods. The Government will fully repay a $605 million bond maturing in January 2027, reducing gross debt by 18 percent, alongside a $182 million capital programme for infrastructure and a 23 percent increase in healthcare funding.

Bermuda CARICOM Membership Consultation Town Hall

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Bermuda hosted a public town hall as part of an ongoing consultation on the Green Paper proposing Bermuda's full membership in CARICOM. Over 80 members of the public attended the panel discussion, which addressed sovereignty assurances, potential benefits including food security and disaster preparedness, and the work permit system remaining protected. The consultation invites Bermudians to weigh whether full CARICOM membership could better position the island to address shared regional challenges.

Bermuda Job Connect Launches New Online Platform

The Department of Workforce Development launched Bermuda Job Connect, a new online employment platform replacing the former Bermuda Job Board. The platform offers enhanced tools for job seekers and employers including dynamic profiles, improved candidate matching, learning resources, and streamlined recruitment processes with robust reporting tools. Weekly training sessions for job seekers will continue throughout April at Bermuda College.

Department of Immigration Clarifies Approved English Language Tests and Minimum Scores

The Bermuda Department of Immigration has clarified the approved English language proficiency tests and minimum scores required for work permit holders under Section 1.8 of the 2025 Work Permit Policy. Five tests are accepted: IELTS (score 4), TOEFL iBT (42), Duolingo (75), TOEIC (550), and PTE Academic (43). Employers are reminded that testing is mandatory and applications without valid results meeting thresholds will face processing delays or refusal.

Minister Tinee Furbert Autism Awareness Remarks

The Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors in Bermuda delivered remarks for Autism Awareness Month 2026 on April 2, 2026. The Ministry announced expanded inclusive camp and recreational programming along with enhanced autism-specific staff training to support children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The proclamation emphasizes commitment to inclusion and collaboration with families, educators, and community organizations.

Minister Furbert Remarks - Autism Awareness Month Proclamation

Bermuda's Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors proclaimed April 2026 as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month on April 2, 2026. Minister Tinee Furbert delivered remarks highlighting expanded inclusive camp programming and autism-specific staff training. The proclamation celebrates neurodiversity and commits the government to continued collaboration with families, educators, and community organizations.

Crystal Caesar celebrates differences, autism acceptance, Bermuda, 1st Apr

Crystal Caesar celebrates differences, autism acceptance, Bermuda, 1st Apr

Justice Ministry Thanks Equal Justice Initiative for Corrections Donation

The Bermuda Ministry of Justice issued a public acknowledgment thanking the Bermuda Equal Justice Initiative for donating approximately 1,000 books and 15 tablet devices to the Department of Corrections for use at the Westgate Correctional Facility. The donation was presented to the Attorney-General and Commissioner of Corrections as a contribution to inmate rehabilitation and educational programs.

Easter Lilies to London - Royal Tradition

The Bermuda Government announced the annual delivery of Easter lilies to the British royal family. The lilies, grown at Windybank Farm, were shipped via British Airways ahead of Good Friday. As part of the 60th anniversary of the Royal Bermuda Regiment, lilies were also sent to Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester, the Regiment's Colonel in Chief.

Students Compete in Egg Drop Challenge, Apply Physics

The Ministry of Education in Bermuda announced the annual Egg Drop Competition at Dalton E. Tucker Primary School, where students applied physics principles to build safety devices protecting eggs from a 30-foot fall. The event featured collaboration with the Port Royal Fire Station using an aerial ladder platform.

Government House Office Relocation Advisory

Government House Bermuda has relocated its operations from Paget to temporary offices at Cedar House, 41 Cedar Avenue, 4th Floor North, Hamilton HM 12, effective 31 March 2026. This is an administrative office move only; no regulatory functions or service capabilities are affected. Updated contact information includes the main phone line 292.3600 and email governmenthouse@gov.bm.

Summer Day Camp Lottery Registration System

The Bermuda Department of Sport and Recreation announced a new Camp Connect lottery registration system for Summer Day Camps, replacing the previous first-come-first-served approach. The new system opens a two-week registration window where all applications receive equal treatment, with placements assigned via transparent lottery. The change aims to address fairness concerns while demand for approximately 4,000 camp placements continues to exceed supply.

Biometric Collection Session for Canadian Visas in Bermuda

The Bermuda Ministry of Economy and Labour announced a biometric collection session for Canadian visa applicants on April 16-17, 2026, in partnership with the Consulate General of Canada. The service will be held at the Department of Immigration in Hamilton and is available to Bermuda residents applying for Canadian visitor visas, work or study permits, or permanent residency. Appointments are required and can be booked by emailing CNGNYConsular@international.gc.ca.

CARICOM Membership Public Consultation Town Hall

The Bermuda Ministry of Home Affairs announced a public town hall meeting on April 7, 2026, as part of the ongoing public consultation on Bermuda's proposed full membership in CARICOM (Caribbean Community). The meeting will be held at St. Paul's Centennial Church Hall at 6:00 p.m. The consultation follows the tabling of a Green Paper in the House of Assembly by Minister of Home Affairs Alexa Lightbourne.

Free Community Personal Safety Seminars Open to Bermuda Residents

The Bermuda Ministry of National Security is promoting its free Community Personal Safety Seminar series, which runs through May 2026 at various island locations. Minister Michael Weeks attended a session at Victor Scott Primary School to observe the practical safety guidance being provided to adult participants. The seminars, led by Sensei Bob Smith, teach participants to recognise potential risks, respond appropriately in difficult situations, and apply strategies for everyday safety.

King Charles III Bermuda Visit, First in 16 Years

The Bermuda Government announced the upcoming visit of His Majesty King Charles III to Bermuda, scheduled for end of April 2026. This will be the first Sovereign visit to Bermuda in sixteen years and the King's first visit to a British Overseas Territory since his Coronation.

Good Friday Holiday Garbage & Recycling Collection Advisory

The Bermuda Ministry of Public Works and Environment issued a notice advising residents that household waste collection scheduled for Friday, April 3, 2026 (Good Friday) will be moved to Saturday, April 4, 2026. East end TAG Recycling (tin, aluminum, and glass) will also be collected on Saturday instead of the normal Friday schedule. All other waste collection services remain unchanged.

Bermuda Launches National Cybersecurity Risk Assessment

The Government of Bermuda has launched its inaugural National Cybersecurity Risk Assessment (NCRA), a digital survey to gather intelligence on cybersecurity risks across public and private sectors. The results will inform the updated National Cybersecurity Strategy, targeted for release in Q4 2026.

Public Health Impact of Road Traffic Collisions

The Bermuda Ministry of Health has released data indicating that road traffic collisions resulted in over 3,760 hospital visits to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital between January 2023 and December 2025. The notice highlights the significant burden on the health system and disproportionate impact on young male residents.

Enhanced Benefits for Government Employee Health Insurance Scheme

The Bermuda Government announced enhancements to the Government Employee Health Insurance Scheme (GEHI), increasing coverage for annual physical examinations, mental health services, and introducing coverage for substance abuse treatment. These changes aim to improve access to care and overall wellbeing for public officers, retirees, and their families.