AGP Executive Report

HIV Awareness: Minister Kim Wilson says Bermuda saw a “concerning shift” with 4 new HIV diagnoses in 4 weeks, urging residents to get tested as June marks HIV Awareness Month. Carnival & Community Culture: Photos from the “Classic Old School Fete” (Rum and Rhythm) add to the National Heroes Day/Carnival buzz, while the “Evolve” event at Fort Hamilton keeps the festivities rolling. Local Arts Spotlight: Dan Dempster’s “Wet Sand” has been selected for the Bermuda National Gallery’s 2026 Bermuda Biennial, opening Sept. 26 with free admission. Sports & Talent: Bermuda under-10 footballers gained international exposure at the Tarraco Cup in Spain, and Pagosa artist Dan Dempster’s Biennial nod highlights homegrown creativity. Honours & Service: Lawyer Elizabeth Christopher received an MBE in the King’s 2026 Birthday Honours, alongside other Bermudians recognised for community work.

Honours & Community: Lawyer Elizabeth “Liz” Christopher was appointed an MBE in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours, recognised for services to law and justice, alongside Lionel Cann (BEM), educator John Paul “JP” Skinner (King’s Certificate) and sports administrator Troy Farnsworth (King’s Certificate). Public Safety: Bermuda’s Consumer Affairs warned of a rise in online rental scams, urging residents to report suspicious listings to protect themselves from stolen photos and deposit traps. Transport & Culture: Regulated ridesharing launched June 10, with Transport Control reporting about 79 permit applications and 19 approved so far, with the “taxi first, rideshare when needed” approach and an initial cap of 150 permits. Digital Connectivity: A minister updated MPs on Google’s subsea cable landings, saying Bermuda’s two-cable setup boosts rerouting resilience for schools, hospitals and businesses. Health & Awareness: Health Minister Kim Wilson urged the public to get tested after a “concerning shift” in new HIV cases, as June marks HIV Awareness Month. Arts & Heritage: The Theatre Boycott anniversary will be marked June 16 at Speciality Cinema with a free programme featuring school skits and clips from “When Voices Rise.” Sports & Local Events: Bermuda hosts the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas qualifier June 21–27, with tickets via PTIX.bm.

Bermuda Biennial: Pagosa Springs river artist Dan Dempster has been selected for the Bermuda National Gallery’s 2026 Bermuda Biennial, with the biennial running Sept 26, 2026 to March 2027. Digital & finance: STS Digital, a Bermuda-regulated trading firm, won Best Derivatives Trading Solution at the TradingTech Insight Awards USA 2026. Electoral reform: A cross-party 11-member working group has been set up to review Bermuda’s electoral reform plans, with absentee voting, campaign finance and a future electoral commission among the focus areas (mail voting ruled out). Music & culture: Cirque Bermuda launches at Snorkel Park Beach Club with free Monday/Thursday shows through July, featuring Bermudian aerialist Kallie Marcus and local music. Performing arts: Menuhin Foundation’s 2026 scholarship winners will be showcased at the Menuhin Annual Concert on June 14. Community & heritage: Harbour Nights’ Carnival in Bermuda Family Fete brought music, vendors and Gombeys to Front Street. Sports spotlight: Miles Outerbridge won bronze in the 100m at the Brooks PR Invitational in Seattle. Elder care: Ageing and Disability Services held a free seniors bingo event to raise awareness of elder abuse.

Local Arts & Culture: Roxbury Film Festival in Boston will screen Bermuda football pioneer Clyde Best’s documentary, “Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story,” with a June 18 premiere at the Museum of Fine Arts, plus follow-up New England dates. Carnival & Music: Carnival in Bermuda kicked off with a Harbour Nights Family Fete, where Fire Wayne won the Singer Songwriter contest; organisers also shared refreshment stops for Monday’s Revel de Road and noted package pick-ups. Performing Arts: A free Theatre Boycott anniversary celebration is set for June 16 at Specialty Cinema, featuring skits, student presentations, and clips from “When Voices Rise.” Music Talent Spotlight: The Menuhin Foundation’s 2026 Scholarship Competition crowned Bella Correia first place; she’ll be featured at the Menuhin Annual Concert on June 14. Community Sports: The Pickleball Junior Showcase returns Saturday at WER Joell after weather delays, capping a school season for 200+ students. Environment & Education: The Bermuda Zoological Society launched its Aquarium 100 Campaign, starting redevelopment work at BAMZ to support conservation learning for the next century. Sports (World Stage): Bermuda opens ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Americas qualifier action June 21 vs Brazil, with the full week of matches running through June 27.

Circus & Live Music: Cirque Bermuda, created by Bermudian aerialist Kallie Marcus, is bringing free Monday and Thursday shows to Snorkel Park Beach Club in Dockyard through July, mixing aerial acts, ground performances, violin, and local band Hindsight plus DJs. Music & Carnival Spotlight: Carnival in Bermuda kicked off with a Family Fête at Harbour Nights, where Fire Wayne won the Singer Songwriter Competition (plus Best Production), with Aalai second and Mr Good Energy third; package pickups for Jam J’Ouvert and Revel de Road run June 11, 12, and 14 at Dellwood Middle School. Arts Education: The Menuhin Foundation’s 2026 Scholarship Competition crowned Bella Correia first place, and the Menuhin Annual Concert celebrates the foundation’s 50th anniversary on June 14 at CedarBridge Academy. Community & Conservation: The Aquarium 100 Campaign broke ground at BAMZ, launching a public-private push for the next century of environmental education and conservation. Safety Reminder: Government warns of a rise in online rental scams, urging residents to verify listings and avoid deposits or banking details before viewing. Film & Heritage: Specialty Cinema and Imagine Bermuda mark the 67th anniversary of the 1959 Theatre Boycott with a free documentary excerpt screening and student skits. Local Screenings Abroad: “The Clyde Best Story” heads to Boston for a Roxbury International Film Festival screening June 18.

Carnival Culture: Carnival in Bermuda shares package pickup dates for Jam J’Ouvert and Revel de Road at Dellwood Middle School (June 11, 12 and 14), with ID and ticket receipts needed. Screening & History: Specialty Cinema and Imagine Bermuda mark the 67th anniversary of the 1959 Theatre Boycott with a free documentary excerpt event, plus school skits and presentations, at the historic theatre site. Local Arts & Music: The Menuhin Foundation’s 2026 Scholarship Competition names Bella Correia first place, with winners set to perform at the Menuhin Foundation Annual Concert on June 14. Sports Spotlight: Bermuda’s Gymnastics National Championships in St David’s saw standout all-around wins across Xcel and Junior Development levels. Community & Youth: Bermuda Is Love opens paid summer internships (July 13–24) for young advocates, and the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award ceremony celebrates a record 27 Gold achievers at Government House. Public Safety: Government warns residents about online property rental scams, urging people to verify listings and never send money or ID details to unverified sources. Media in Bermuda: BBC’s Policing Paradise returns for a second series, filmed last summer during peak tourist season. Transport & Travel: Rugged Rentals launches its first airport minicars pickup location at L.F. Wade International Airport.

BBC Spotlight: Bermuda Police Service’s behind-the-scenes docuseries Policing Paradise is back for a second season on BBC, with 15 episodes covering work on land and at sea during peak tourist season. Global Ambition: Organisers of the World Sky Games have challenged Bermuda to form an airship team for a nine-month around-the-world race starting in September 2028. Local Transport Update: Bermuda’s fast ferries Serenity and Resolute are back in service after receiving new radar navigation screens, with maintenance continuing while older vessels are sold. Youth & Community: Bermuda Is Love is offering two paid summer internships (July 13–24) focused on advocacy across housing, healthcare, education and environmental/economic justice. Music & Carnival: Carnival package pickups for Jam J’Ouvert and Revel de Road run June 11, 12 and 14 at Dellwood Middle School, and BRSC is urging safe, planned transport during Carnival. Arts & Film: The Clyde Best Story heads to Atlanta for a July 13–14 screening event. Music in Bermuda: Soca star Machel Montano headlines WAVES at Admiralty House Park on June 13 (18+). Design for Bermuda: Wallpaper Wednesday spotlights a baby longtail swizzle-themed download for phones and social media.

Education & Community Giving: Support Public Schools says backers have bought over $17,300 in new supplies for Bermuda’s public schools, with more thousands in donated second-hand office items heading to teachers and students June 9–10. Youth Achievement: A record 27 young Bermudians earned the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award at Government House, with trips including Nova Scotia, Barbados, Tobago and the Turks & Caicos. Screening Bermuda on BBC: The BBC’s Policing Paradise returns for a second series, following Bermuda Police Service work on land and sea across 15 episodes. Carnival Safety: The Bermuda Road Safety Council urges smart transport planning for Carnival 2026 (June 10–16), repeating “if you drink, do not drive” and “do not ride.” Music & Culture: WAVES comes back to Admiralty House Park June 13 with Machel Montano headlining. Local Spotlight: Bermudian filmmaker Nhuri Bashir teams with Lonely Planet for a video tour featuring stops like Masterworks Museum and Hamilton murals. Sports on the Horizon: Bermuda could face a tougher ICC path if a Global Qualifier is reinstated, while regional basketball qualifying in Guyana includes Bermuda in Group A.

World Ocean Day Art: Government House unveiled “Whaleen,” a 20-foot humpback whale sculpture made from 1,000+ pieces of Bermuda marine debris, built through shoreline clean-ups and led by Bermudian artist Hannah Horsfield. Bermuda Culture & Tourism: Lonely Planet shared a video featuring local filmmaker Nhuri Bashir’s “perfect day” around Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, Masterworks Museum, Hamilton murals, and more. Performing Arts: United Dance Productions opens registration for a July 6–17 Bermuda Summer Intensive led by Ryan K. Johnson (Sole Defined), ending with a public performance. Music & Community: A Father’s Day Gospel Concert and Revival hits the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium on June 21 with local artists and DJ Coverboy. Local Sports Spotlight: BMRA race day at Bermuda Motorsports Park saw clean sweeps from riders including Carter Burgess and Cheng-Hsien Ning. Sailing Ambition: Sebastian Kempe is training in Bermuda with elite Olympic sailors, aiming to turn the island into a world-class Olympic sailing hub. Fashion & Youth: The All Grads Rhythm & Fashion Show at City Hall put graduating students on the runway with designs inspired by 2008 headlines.

World Ocean Day Art: Government House unveiled “Whaleen,” a 20-foot humpback whale sculpture made from 1,000+ pieces of marine debris collected around Bermuda, led by Bermudian artist Hannah Horsfield and supported by local students and youth groups. Youth Football: David Bascome returns to North Village to oversee expanded junior programmes through the BFLA Academy partnership, aiming to boost coaching, facilities access, and long-term pathways for Bermudian players. Dance & Performance: United Dance Productions is bringing acclaimed artists to Bermuda for a July 6–17 summer intensive, culminating in a public performance with student-created work. Bermudian Theatre on Screen: Tsilala Brock’s musical “Suffs” (PBS film version) is now available online, with Brock reflecting on seeing her performance on the big screen. Fashion & Community: All Grads Rhythm & Fashion Show at City Hall had graduating students model outfits inspired by 2008’s defining headlines, with runway projections tying the year’s events to their looks. Sports Spotlight: Bailey’s Bay’s Jaiden Manders powered a nine-wicket win over PHC, while Tyler Smith finished ninth in Tunisia’s Africa Triathlon Cup.

Bermuda Arts & Culture: The Dancing Under The Stars Bermuda Ballet Gala 2026 returns July 19–25 with an international lineup (Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, Alvin Ailey, and more) plus local talent, workshops, and storytelling-led performances. Local Theatre & Film: Bermudian actress Tsilala Brock’s Broadway musical Suffs has been filmed for PBS, and the cinematic version is now available online. Fashion & Community: Graduating students from across Bermuda hit the runway in the All Grads Rhythm & Fashion Show at City Hall, themed around the defining headlines of 2008. Dance & Youth Development: United Dance Productions opens registration for a July 6–17 Bermuda Summer Intensive led by Ryan K. Johnson of Sole Defined, ending with a public performance. Ocean & Art for Kids: LOM Financial and Masterworks Museum announced winners of its World Oceans Day Student Art Competition, with winning pieces displayed in Hamilton. Heritage & Public Events: The Portuguese Navy tall ship NRP Sagres arrives Wednesday for Portugal Day celebrations, with public visiting hours. Sports Spotlight: Nicholas Christopher’s Tony Awards nomination for The Rocky Horror Show follows a viral Chess performance.

World Cup Underdog Story: Curacao’s “Blue Wave” is turning heads ahead of its June 14 debut against Germany, with the tiny island (156,000 people) writing history under coach Dick Advocaat. Bermuda Cricket: Jaiden Manders blasted 51 off 27 as Bailey’s Bay beat PHC by nine wickets at PHC Field. Triathlon Spotlight: Tyler Smith finished ninth in Tunisia’s Africa Triathlon Cup, grabbing valuable world ranking points after his Half-Marathon Derby win. Bermuda Remembrance: Tributes and a posthumous letter highlight Sir John Swan’s call for Bermudians to look after each other and the island. Culture & Arts: “Reflections of Bermuda” returns as a virtual gallery of island scenery mirrored in water and landscapes. Community Wellbeing: Health Ministry launches #ChatSafe Bermuda to help families and schools talk safely about mental health online. Inclusive Learning: Endeavour’s No Limits Sailing Programme welcomed its biggest cohort yet for autistic pupils, blending STEAM with life on the water. Local Heritage: A video spotlights Kelzine Thompson’s decades of Gombey regalia craft and teaching. Fashion & Carnival Build-Up: Denim jorts get a summer styling guide, while Carnival Weekend coverage spotlights local soca momentum and events like U Lot.

World Cup Underdog Story: Curaçao’s “Blue Wave” is making history as the smallest nation to reach the tournament, with fans already planning island-wide watch parties ahead of their opener vs Germany. Bermuda Sports & Community: Tyler Smith finished ninth at the African Triathlon Cup in Tunisia, while Bermuda’s Half-Marathon Derby champion is back racing and chasing points toward LA 2028. Local Culture in Motion: The Department of Culture shared a video spotlight on Kelzine Thompson, a 40-year Gombey regalia tradition-bearer. Carnival Build-Up: Bermuda’s Carnival soundtrack is getting more homegrown, with local soca artists pushing into the spotlight, plus a new family-friendly Front Street event, “U Lot,” featuring Fire Wayne & Friends with a live band. Charity & Safety: CURB’s “Fabric of Our Voices” fashion-and-storytelling fundraiser is set for June 29, and the Health Ministry launched #ChatSafe Bermuda to help families and schools talk about mental health and suicide safely online. Arts & Tourism: Bernews released “Reflections of Bermuda,” a virtual gallery video celebrating the island’s landscapes and mirrored waters.

Carnival Culture & Fashion: CURB’s “Fabric of Our Voices” fundraiser lands June 29 with fashion, storytelling and performances spotlighting Black men in Bermuda, plus runway segments and community raffles. Local Music Spotlight: A new Carnival weekend event, “U Lot,” brings Bermudian soca artists Fire Wayne, Aalai, Mr. Fotogenik and Working Title to Front Street with a live band backing from Barbados (June 12). Arts & Heritage: The Department of Culture released a video celebrating Kelzine Thompson’s 40+ years making Gombey regalia and leading classes through the Cultural Apprenticeship Programme. Community & Wellbeing: The Ministry of Health launched #ChatSafe Bermuda with guidelines for safer digital conversations around mental health and self-harm, partnering with Bermuda College and Orygen. Sports & Youth: Bermuda’s first-ever Primary Badminton Festival drew 75 students across seven schools, with Junior National Team coaches and players leading skills sessions. Public Life: Talks continue over the defunct 9 Beaches resort at Daniel’s Head, with Norwegian Cruise Lines’ MOU running through year-end and discussion of temporary public access.

Carnival & Culture: Bermuda’s local soca scene is getting a bigger spotlight, with artists building momentum for Carnival Weekend, plus a new family-friendly live-band event, U Lot, bringing Bermudian talent to Front Street on June 12. Music & Arts: “Catch A Fire” marked reggae heritage with a high-energy 50-year sound system celebration, moving indoors when weather hit. Performing Arts: Bermudian actor Nicholas Christopher’s Tony-nominated run in Chess drew support from Tourism Minister Owen Darrell in New York. Community & Youth: The Ministry of Health launched #ChatSafe Bermuda to help families and schools talk safely about mental health online, while Endeavour’s No Limits Sailing Programme welcomed its biggest autism-spectrum cohort. Sports: Bermuda’s Primary Badminton Festival drew 75 students, and Tyler Smith heads to Tunisia after winning the Bermuda Day Half-Marathon Derby. Local Heritage: Bermuda Archives marks International Archives Day on June 9 with an open house, talks, and music. Public Life: Residents are urged to finish hurricane prep early as the season begins.

Bermuda Smash Invitational: Pembroke Panthers stormed into the final after Fabien Allen’s standout all-round show, taking 3-31 and helping them chase down Smith’s Sixers’ 129 with 13 balls to spare. Mental Health & Youth Safety: The Health Ministry launched #ChatSafe Bermuda with Bermuda College and Orygen (Australia), giving families and schools practical guidance for safer online conversations about suicide, self-harm and mental health. Inclusive Learning on the Water: Endeavour’s No Limits Sailing Programme welcomed its biggest cohort yet—64 autistic pupils and 42 teachers across six public schools—using a STEAM curriculum through sailing and maritime experiences. Ocean Science in Bermuda Waters: BIOS says a new underwater vehicle, DeepVenture, will be tested this month alongside Alvin, with the RV Atlantis expected to dock at St George’s on June 11. Carnival Culture & Style: Local soca is taking centre stage with artists like Fire Wayne building momentum, while a guide to Carnival Weekend fashion focuses on event-ready, polished looks (including the all-white crowd). Performing Arts Spotlight: Bermudian Broadway star Nicholas Christopher’s Chess buzz hit new heights, with his performance video racking up millions of views as he chases major awards. Equestrian Community Mourns: The island’s showjumping world is grieving the sudden loss of Claire Howard, a former Bermuda competitor and longtime supporter of local horse shows.