AGP Executive Report

Bermuda Theatre: A lively Sister Act earned praise ahead of its official opening at Earl Cameron Theatre, with Cindy Smith leading a high-energy cast and teenager Kyla White singled out as a rising talent. Young Creators: Bermuda’s Bermy Bots will lead a free robot-building and coding workshop for children aged 9 to 14 on October 17 at Connectech Coding. Art and Wellbeing: For World Mental Health Day, the Bermuda Hospitals Board highlighted The Art of Being Human, an exhibition featuring more than 150 creative works by people with lived experience; part of the show is now on display at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. Living Heritage: Bermuda’s Gombey tradition is honoured through the story of Charles “Nature Boy” Wade, who began dancing as a young child and helped develop a fast-step still performed today. Art Meets Technology: Shanna Hollis’s St George’s mural UnSettled Freedom now uses augmented reality to animate Bermuda’s history and invite visitors to explore its stories.

Gombey Legacy: Charles “Nature Boy” Wade, a lifelong Gombey dancer and innovator, is being remembered for helping shape steps still performed today. Art Meets Technology: Bermudian artist Shanna Hollis’ St George’s mural UnSettled Freedom now uses augmented reality to bring the island’s history to life through animation and storytelling. Bermuda in the Jaws Collection: An upcoming auction of author Peter Benchley’s belongings includes shipwreck artifacts he and his wife recovered in Bermuda, alongside film memorabilia; proceeds will support ocean conservation and education. Cultural Celebration: Bermuda’s Gombey Festival returned with a strong turnout, honouring the late H&H Gombeys member Zaniko Hendrickson and celebrating the tradition’s music, dance and community.

Gombey Legacy: Charles “Nature Boy” Wade, a lifelong Gombey dancer who helped create a fast-step still performed today, has died. Art Meets Technology: Bermudian artist Shanna Hollis’s St George’s mural UnSettled Freedom now features an augmented-reality experience sharing Bermuda’s history through animation and digital storytelling. Island Art: Atlantic Voices, featuring six artists from Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Azores, opens at Masterworks on October 9 and runs through December 5. Jaws Memorabilia: Peter Benchley’s collection goes to auction on October 29, including 14 artifacts recovered from Bermuda shipwrecks; proceeds will support ocean conservation. Cultural Celebration: Bermuda’s Gombey Festival drew a strong crowd on October 3, honouring H&H Gombey Zaniko Hendrickson.

Bermuda in ‘Jaws’ History: Shipwreck artifacts recovered in Bermuda by Peter and Wendy Benchley will feature in an October 29 auction of the late Jaws author’s collection. The 14 artifacts include pottery and glass fragments; proceeds will support ocean conservation. Island Arts: Masterworks Museum opens Atlantic Voices on October 9, bringing together six artists from Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Azores to explore island life, memory and identity. The exhibition runs through December 5. Gombey Legacy: Bermuda’s 2026 Gombey Festival drew a strong crowd and honoured the late Zaniko Hendrickson of the H&H Gombeys for his contribution to the tradition. Bermudian Artist Honoured: Gherdai Hassell received the Art and Culture Award at Manchester’s Black Futures Awards, recognising her creative work and community contributions. Biennial: The Bermuda National Gallery’s Siren Songs features new work by 34 local artists, exploring identity and the stories beneath the island’s familiar image.

Jaws & Bermuda: Shipwreck artifacts recovered in Bermuda by Peter and Wendy Benchley will be among nearly 300 lots from the late Jaws author’s collection auctioning October 29. Proceeds support ocean conservation; Benchley’s Bermuda diving adventures with Teddy Tucker also helped inspire his novel The Deep. Gombey Heritage: Bermuda’s Gombey Festival drew a strong crowd, celebrating the tradition and honouring the late Zaniko Hendrickson of the H&H Gombeys. Island Art: Masterworks and Black Pony Gallery open Atlantic Voices on October 9, bringing together six artists from Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Azores to explore island identity, memory and place. Bermudian Artist: Gherdai Hassell won the Art and Culture Award at Manchester’s Black Futures Awards, recognising her work as a multimedia artist and community mentor. Bermuda Biennial: The National Gallery’s Siren Songs features new work by 34 local artists, with curators from the Met and Art Gallery of Ontario shaping this year’s exhibition.

Arts & Exhibitions: Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art and Black Pony Gallery are set to host Atlantic Voices, opening with a reception Oct. 9 and running to Dec. 5, featuring six contemporary artists across the Atlantic corridor, including Bermudians Charles Zuill, Meredith Andrews and Abi Box, plus Bahamians Jason A. Bennett and Sue Katz and Azores artist Leonor (Loope) Almeida Pereira. Local Recognition: Berkeley Institute student Alaire Brown won the Bermuda Right to Know Day Youth Social Media Campaign, earning a two-week internship with the Information Commissioner’s Office to build a PATI awareness campaign. Community & Sport: Tomorrow’s Voices marks its 19th anniversary with the Move Your Feet for Autism 5K family walk on Sunday at TN Tatem in Warwick, with in-person and virtual options. Bermuda in the Air: A Delta flight from San Juan to Boston diverted to Bermuda after a medical emergency, landing safely and continuing later. Public Life: The Royal Bermuda Regiment Coastguard is seeking bids for two new high-speed patrol/interceptor vessels.

Bermuda Arts & Culture: The Bermuda National Gallery hosted a members’ preview for the 2026 Biennial, “Siren Songs,” ahead of the Sept 23 opening, with curators from The Met and the Art Gallery of Ontario and works by 34 local artists. Local Arts Spotlight: Art Drop Bermuda announced “Harmonious Hues,” an Oct 24 autumn vernissage at Gosling’s Wine Cellar featuring fine art, live cello, canapés and curated wine tastings. Sports & Community: Premier League legends John Barnes and Andy Cole unveiled a Peace Bench at the Clyde Best Centre of Excellence, promoting peace and community cohesion. Film & Media: Berkeley Institute graduate Jarrett Carlington says his Netflix hit “Crew Girl” is a big visibility boost for Bermudians. Business & Tourism: The Bermuda Hotel Association appointed Greg Ramey as CEO, effective Oct 1. Public Life: Bermuda’s Right to Know Day youth campaign winner Alaire Brown earned an internship with the Information Commissioner’s Office. National Security/Infrastructure: The Royal Bermuda Regiment Coastguard plans to add two new high-speed patrol/interceptor vessels. Tragedy: Tributes were paid to the Heartbeat 104 flight crew after a medical jet crash off Nantucket; Bermuda identified a mother and son among the victims.

Aviation Tragedy: The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the search for six people missing after a medical transport jet vanished off Nantucket while flying from Bermuda to Boston; four Canadians and two Bermudians were aboard, and debris tied to the aircraft was found. Arts & Culture: Art Drop Bermuda is set to host “Harmonious Hues” during Bermuda’s Art Month on Oct. 24 at Gosling’s Wine Cellar, pairing a curated exhibition by 11 professional artists plus an emerging debut with live classical cello, canapés, and wine tastings. Local Leadership in Tourism: Greg Ramey has been appointed CEO of the Bermuda Hotel Association, effective Oct. 1, succeeding Stephen Todd after 12 years. Sports Spotlight: Red October returned to harness racing at Vesey Street with the fastest time in the season opener. Media & Inspiration: Berkeley Institute graduate Jarrett Carlington says his Netflix hit “Crew Girl” is proof Bermudians can break through on the global stage. Gombey Festival: The 2026 Gombey Festival returned to Botanical Gardens, celebrating troupes, musicians, and the tradition’s history of freedom.

Bermuda Arts & Culture: The 2026 Gombey Festival roared back to life in Botanical Gardens, with hundreds watching troupes from across the island and Minister Owen Darrell calling Gombeys a distinctly Bermudian art rooted in rebellion and freedom. Film & Media Spotlight: Berkeley Institute graduate Jarrett Carlington is getting global attention after landing a role in Netflix’s hit Crew Girl, saying the show’s success is proof Bermudians can make it big. Local Art Event: Art Drop Bermuda is set to host Harmonious Hues: An Exclusive Autumn Vernissage on Oct. 24 at Gosling’s Wine Cellar, pairing works by 11 established artists plus an emerging debut with live classical cello and wine tastings. Music Feature: Jazz composer Zahili Zamora shares her cross-border journey through music, from Cuba to teaching at Berklee. Arts & Entertainment Bermuda Note: A major Bermuda-to-Boston medical jet search has ended with Coast Guard suspension after debris was found off Nantucket, involving four Canadians and two Bermudians.

Bermuda in the spotlight (film): Bermuda’s growing movie-industry profile is in focus as the island prepares for more screen culture momentum. Gombey Festival: The 2026 Gombey Festival returned to Botanical Gardens, drawing hundreds to celebrate Bermuda’s iconic tradition—driven by dancers, musicians, and community keepers of the art. New film event: Bermuda is set to host its first Bermuda Black Film Weekend (Oct 15–18), themed “Connecting Voices Across the Diaspora,” bringing more than 20 films and international industry leaders to connect local storytellers with global markets. Local energy pilot: Government is moving ahead with a $50,000 balcony solar pilot to test compact units for homes without rooftop space, with site assessments and landlord permission required. Major tragedy update (aviation): The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for six people aboard a medical transfer jet traveling from Bermuda to Boston after debris linked to the aircraft was found off Nantucket; officials say the six are presumed dead.

Aviation & Safety: The U.S. Coast Guard has found a debris field tied to a missing Gulfstream G100 medical transfer jet that left Bermuda for Boston with six people aboard—four Canadian crew and two Bermudian passengers—while searching off Nantucket, Massachusetts; officials say the search continues with air and sea assets as authorities work to locate the people. Local Economy & Policy: Bermuda’s Economic Investment and Residential Certificate programme has been tightened: successful applicants must now make a “meaningful contribution” beyond initial investment, face a strengthened risk questionnaire, and pay a $10,000 fee to the Bermuda Business Development Agency, with a minimum $25,000 donation to registered charities. Sports: Barbados beat Bermuda 4-1 in CONCACAF Nations League action, with the Tridents moving to the top of Group B after a comeback. Culture & Community: Bermuda’s Gombey Festival Showcase returned to the Botanical Gardens with live performances and a long replay for fans. Arts & Entertainment: Bermuda’s October arts calendar is in focus, with Bermuda Art Month and an “artful month of experiences” lineup building momentum for the season.

Aviation & Safety: The U.S. Coast Guard has found a debris field confirmed to be from a missing Gulfstream G100 medical jet that departed Bermuda for Boston with six people aboard. Local Impact: Authorities say the aircraft carried four Canadians and two Bermudian nationals; search crews continue off Nantucket after the FAA lost contact early Saturday, with Bermuda Premier David Burt saying the government is praying for a safe outcome. Community & Sport: Bermuda’s U13 football invitational welcomed Premier League legends John Barnes and Andy Cole, alongside local clubs and mentors, as part of a “One Team, One Community” push for skills and character. Arts & Heritage: A tribute marks the loss of St Alban’s on St John’s Road, Pembroke, reflecting on its importance to Black Bermuda history and community memory. Culture Spotlight: The Gombey Festival Showcase went live at the Botanical Gardens, featuring local troupes and performances.

Aviation Search: A Gulfstream G100 medical transfer jet carrying six people (four Canadians and two Bermuda nationals) has gone missing after losing contact while flying from Bermuda to Boston; the U.S. Coast Guard has launched an air-and-surface search off Nantucket, with the aircraft identified as tail C-GRJP and registered to Hamilton-based Latitude Air Ambulance. Local Football Spotlight: Premier League legends John Barnes and Andy Cole are in Bermuda to inspire U13 players at the Don’t Cut Your Future Short Bermuda Football Association invitational, with sessions focused on skills plus confidence and resilience. Community & Heritage: St Alban’s in Pembroke has been scraped down to nothing, prompting an obituary-style reflection on the building’s deep significance to Bermuda’s Black community. Arts Calendar: Oktoberfest returns to the Victualling Yard at Royal Naval Dockyard (Oct 2–4) as part of a busy October that also includes Art Month and more theatre and Halloween events. Photography for Youth: The National Museum of Bermuda invites students (ages 7–18) to enter the Grundy Youth Photography Competition, themed “Hidden in Plain Sight.”

Digital Services & Privacy: Bermuda’s Government is exploring a digital identity framework, with consultation and a Request for Supplier Qualifications planned to weigh benefits against privacy, governance, access and public trust. Competition Law & Cost of Living: Deloitte has been appointed to assess cost-of-living pressures and business impacts ahead of a proposed Competition Act, with a report due by end of October. Construction Milestone: Luscar Place on Pitts Bay Road marks topping-out after installing the final structural steel element, highlighting local jobs and contractor involvement. Tech for Resilience: Bermuda-incorporated Liberty Latin America says Starlink helped restore Jamaica’s telecom after Hurricane Melissa, cutting recovery from days to hours. Arts Calendar: Oktoberfest returns to Dockyard (Oct 2–4) and Art Month continues with events like Sip & Paint in the Caves (Oct 4, 11, 18, 25). Film & Culture: The inaugural Bermuda Black Film Festival runs Oct 15–18, featuring 20+ films from 15+ countries/territories under “Connecting Voices Across the Diaspora.” Local Creativity: James Darrell launches “The R.O.K. [Rise of Kadeem],” an anime action series inspired by Bermuda’s rattlesnake buzz and local settings. Sports Leadership: Nicky Saunders is appointed Secretary General of the Bermuda Olympic Association.

Government & Finance: Premier David Burt told the House of Assembly that early projections for 2025-26 point to a $169.6m budget surplus, a major turnaround from record deficits, with revenue and tax collections coming in above plan. Local Sports (Youth): Premier League legends John Barnes and Andrew Cole arrived for the DCYFS × Bermuda Football Association U13 Invitational, bringing high-intensity coaching plus character and media-pitch activities for young players. Arts & Events (October): Oktoberfest returns to the Victualling Yard at Dockyard (Oct 2–4) with live music, food and beer, while Art Month kicks off Oct 1 and runs through October with gallery openings, Sip & Paint in the caves, and more. Theatre & Music: Troika Bermuda’s The Wiz goes up Nov 4–7, and Tommy Davidson headlines Nadanja Bailey’s 50th Birthday Comedy Showcase tonight at the Ruth Seaton James Centre. Culture & Community: The National Museum of Bermuda invites students (ages 7–18) to enter the Grundy Youth Photography Competition, “Hidden in Plain Sight,” with themes spanning nature, heritage and people. Weather Watch: A slow-moving system in the Atlantic is being monitored, with no direct impacts flagged for Bermuda in the latest updates.

The Wiz Tickets: Troika Bermuda has opened ticket sales for its Tony Award-winning musical The Wiz, running Nov. 4–7 at the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium, with Bermudian performer Tsilala Brock returning as Dorothy. Bermuda Black Film Festival: The inaugural Bermuda Black Film Festival lands Oct. 15–18 with the theme “Connecting Voices Across the Diaspora,” featuring 20+ films from 15+ countries and territories. Bermuda Art Month: Bermuda Art Month returns Oct. 1–31, kicking off with “Art in Motion” at City Hall and Bermuda National Gallery/BSA, plus events like the Bermuda Gombey Festival and “Sip and Paint in the Caves.” Local Screen Success: Filmmaker Andrew Stevenson’s documentary If They Were Us: The Humpback Whales of the Sargasso Sea won first place at the Wildlife Conservation Film Festival in Mexico. Music & Community: Yung Gunz Sound celebrates 25 years with “Memory Lane” at Docksiders on Oct. 3, while Age Concern’s GrandFriends pen pal programme shows promising results for seniors and students. Sports Spotlight: Clarence “Nicky” Saunders has been appointed Secretary General of the Bermuda Olympic Association, and Troika’s theatre buzz continues alongside Bermuda’s football and powerboat updates.