AGP Executive Report

CIT Consultation: CITA has opened a public feedback drive on proposed changes to Bermuda’s Corporate Income Tax (Administrative) Regulations 2025 and new tax credit regulations, with submissions due by June 3, 2026. Festival Calendar: The Bermuda Piano Festival is set for June 16–20 at Masterworks Museum, with three free concerts and masterclass lessons. Food & Nightlife: The City of Hamilton is calling for proposals for Taste of Bermuda 2026 immersive dining experiences (Oct 8–11), while Harbour Nights returns to Front Street this Wednesday, May 20, after last week’s weather cancellation. Sports Buzz: Argentina’s World Cup camp in Kansas City is already beating England’s setup, and Cape Verde has named Logan Costa in its squad despite fitness concerns. Local Culture: Loyal Hill kicked off Bermuda Day celebrations early with a community parade featuring majorettes and Gombeys.

Bermuda Day buzz: Grand Marshals for the 2026 Bermuda Day Parade have been unveiled, with Demeka “Tiny T” Tacklyn, Jules Roberts, Tawana Lee and Sonya Smith set to lead the festivities under the “For the Culture” Heritage Month theme. Community spotlight: Loyal Hill residents turned out for an annual neighbourhood celebration that traces its roots back to lockdown, with music, food and tributes to local figures. Arts & culture tonight: “Heart of the Sea” and the Our Ocean film series hit Hamilton’s Speciality Cinema for a Bermuda debut, pairing reef-and-ocean storytelling with conservation themes. Local creativity: Resin Art Patricia has opened in St George’s, bringing handmade resin jewellery, coasters and artwork to York Street. Politics & public life: Economy and Labour Minister Jason Hayward denied domestic abuse rumours in the House, saying he’ll resign if any substantiated information is produced. Weather watch: Widespread storms are forecast to return Wednesday.

NCAA Spotlight: Top-seeded Virginia’s Wahoos are set to start their NCAA run at the Bermuda Run Regional, with first-round tee times Monday at Bermuda Run Country Club. Rideshare Update: Bermuda’s first rideshare programme is moving forward—applications are now accepted past the original deadline, with permits offered first-come, first-served until 150 are granted. Festival Fever: The 2026 Santo Cristo Festival is underway, with Portuguese community traditions bringing photos and video moments from the weekend’s celebrations. Community & Culture: Bermuda’s “Good News” spotlight continues to highlight local wins, while Bermuda Day planning energy is building—grand marshals and parade preparations are already in motion. Sports Calendar: The Kim Burns Memorial pickleball tournament is also underway at WER Joell Tennis Stadium, honouring a beloved player with a big field of categories.

Weather Watch: Summer-like heat is moving into the Carolinas, with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s through Tuesday and only limited rain at first—then a cold front brings steadier rain chances back from Wednesday into Memorial Day weekend. Royal Spotlight: The Princess of Wales made a solo trip to Italy, focusing on early childhood education and signaling her long-term public role. Bermuda Sports: The Kim Burns Memorial Pickleball Tournament is underway at WER Joell Tennis Stadium, with 27 categories and players competing through Thursday. Culture & Community: This weekend’s Senhor Santo Cristo festival at Mount Saint Agnes Academy brings free public performances, religious events, and a headline set by Portuguese-American musician Aristides Romeiro. Local Governance: Bermuda’s Single-Use Plastics Act 2026 is set for debate in the House of Assembly as the island pushes toward a long-awaited plastics crackdown.

Water-Saving Rules Hit Home (Utah): Utah water leaders say the drought is worsening—100% of the state is in drought, with 59% in extreme—so irrigation starts are delayed and residents are told to cut lawn watering (10% in Salt Lake County, 20% farther north), raising headaches for homeowners under HOA rules. Bermuda Community & Culture: BEDC’s Love Local Market brings vendors and shoppers together, while Bermuda Day parade leadership is taking shape with grand marshals unveiled “for the culture,” including dancehall artist Demeka “Tiny T” Tacklyn. Sports Spotlight: Bermuda’s men’s rugby side takes a tough 52-12 loss to Cayman after early errors, and the Kim Burns Memorial pickleball tournament kicks off at WER Joell Tennis Stadium with 27 categories. Local Arts & Events: The Bermuda Dive Festival launches for ocean lovers, and the Senhor Santo Cristo festival runs this weekend at Mount Saint Agnes Academy with Portuguese-American headliner Aristides Romeiro.

Bermuda Triangle, Hormuz edition: A fresh “Bermuda Triangle” comparison is making the rounds, but this time it’s about the Strait of Hormuz—where Iran’s threats to shipping are framed as a direct hit to global trade, not a mystery myth. Pickleball on the court: The Kim Burns Memorial Pickleball Tournament kicks off today at WER Joell Tennis Stadium, running through Thursday with 27 categories and 16-player draws. Faith in focus: Ascension Day gets a spotlight in Bermuda’s Christian calendar, with the message that the “why” behind the holiday matters as much as the story itself. Hosting reality check: A local lifestyle piece tackles the cost and stress of visiting family—especially when “fun” plans collide with your grocery bill. Sports tonight: Bermuda’s rugby clash with Cayman is already in the spotlight after a tough, error-heavy loss described in recent coverage.

Bermuda Day Spotlight: Grand marshals for the 2026 parade were unveiled, with dancehall artist Demeka “Tiny T” Tacklyn leading the line-up “for the culture,” alongside reggae musician Jules Roberts, majorette and drum corps stalwart Tawana Lee, and athlete Sonya Smith. Digital Payments Buzz: Bermudians got hands-on with new digital wallets after an airdrop, then headed to Pier 6 for a digital payments market—part of this week’s Bermuda Digital Finance Forum push to help local vendors accept payments. Medical Cannabis Pathway: The House of Assembly heard plans for a “safe and lawful” regulated medical cannabis route, balancing patient access with safeguards against misuse, diversion and abuse. Constitution Reform Moves: Government says constitutional modernisation is underway, with a “reasonable and overdue” overhaul process now progressing through consultation. Arts & Community Calendar: TROIKA Bermuda opened auditions for The Wiz (June 19–20), while the Senhor Santo Cristo festival returns this weekend at Mount Saint Agnes Academy with free performances and religious events.

Bermuda Day countdown: Hamilton is already buzzing with the meaning of Bermuda Day—crowds, culture, and family traditions—while behind the scenes groups like Rated E! are months deep in rehearsals, and the parade’s soundscape (drums, cowbells, DJ bass) is being built into a full-on community ritual. Sports spotlight: Bermuda’s rugby team heads into tonight’s international with Cayman with real belief after last year’s narrow loss, and triathlete Erica Hawley races WTCS Yokohama tonight as Olympic qualification points begin. Ocean & arts: The inaugural Bermuda Dive Festival runs today through Sunday, bringing divers, conservationists and ocean lovers together. Legislators move: Single-use plastics restrictions are set for debate in the House of Assembly today. Community events: Harbour Nights was postponed over weather, but the summer season is set to kick off next week on Front Street.

Digital Assets Push: The BMA is working with an international consortium to move “embedded supervision” for digital assets toward real-world use, aiming to enforce regulatory requirements directly in infrastructure in real time. Rideshare Rollout: Transport Control has cleared 33 of 41 rideshare permit applications, with hopes to reach about 71 by the time the June 10 launch date nears. Health & Community Sports: Registration is open for the free Move More Bermuda Games (June 19 at Flora Duffy Stadium) for ages 50+, plus the Deloitte Open Tennis & Pickleball Tournament runs May 30–June 6 with entries due May 26. Theatre & Culture: TROIKA Bermuda opens auditions for The Wiz on June 19–20. Arts & Lifestyle: “Windblown” brings the Newport Bermuda Race back to Bermuda audiences with a May 28 screening and panel, and Long Bay Rosé officially launches. Local Notices: Today’s government/legal updates include a Liquor Licensing Authority special session on May 28.

Rideshare rollout: Bermuda’s Transport Control Department has cleared 33 of 41 rideshare permit applications, with another 30 expected to be processed soon—aiming to get about 71 vehicles on the road by June 10 to ease peak-season pressure. Community wellbeing: The Ministry of National Security launched “Healing Starts Here,” a new Stop the Violence campaign linking unhealed trauma and mental health to violence, especially among men and young people. Music therapy: Seniors and students joined in song at the Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning, using music therapy to bridge social gaps and boost confidence. Sports & entertainment: Bermudian striker Kole Hall scored in Deportrio’s 2-2 draw in the Baller League, while Team Australia’s America’s Cup challenge was unveiled with Slingsby, Simmer and Ashby leading. Local events: Harbour Nights opening night was cancelled over weather, but the summer season is set to kick off next week on Front Street.

Rideshare Rollout: The Transport Control Department has vetted 33 of 41 rideshare permit applications, but Transport Minister Owen Darrell says the total could jump to about 71 once the remaining checks are done—aiming to get more vehicles on the road by June 10 to ease peak-season pressure. Community Events: Harbour Nights opening night was cancelled due to weather, with the season now set to kick off next Wednesday on Front Street (and the series still runs weekly). Family Fun & Fitness: Mama Bermuda’s free “Touch A Truck” lands May 31 at Bernard’s Park, while the Move More Bermuda Games for ages 50+ run June 19 at Flora Duffy Stadium, and Swan’s Running Club hosts “Youth Movement in Color” on May 16. Sports & Culture: Deondre Morris returned home proud after a world-title Muay Thai bout in Canada, and Bermuda’s youth mental health push continues with Youth Mental Health Week events through May 16. Business Notes: AXIS Capital declared a quarterly dividend, and Pelagos Insurance Capital begins NYSE trading under the new ticker “PLGO.”

Youth Mental Health Week: Bermuda’s Ministry of Health is running Youth Mental Health Week (May 10–16) to cut stigma and boost youth-led conversations, with events including a Parent Panel on May 13 at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute and wellness activities at Victoria Park on May 14. Community & Culture: Harbour Nights kicks off tomorrow (May 13) on Front Street, 7–10pm, with local vendors, entertainers, and opening-night fireworks. Arts & Design: Wallpaper Wednesday spotlights Bermuda bed pillows, while Bermuda’s design scene gets a boost with interior student Naomi Every’s arc-and-hive concept winning a Staples Design Competition finalist spot. Sports Spotlight: Bermudian striker Kole Hall scored in England’s Baller League for Deportrio, coached by Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge. Local Notices: Government and legal notices include acting judicial appointments and a Clean Air Act notice of intention to construct a controlled plant.

Rideshare Deadline: Bermuda’s first regulated rideshare rollout is moving fast—150 permits (including 10 wheelchair-accessible) will be issued, with applications due by 5pm Thursday and rides starting June 10. Financial Literacy Push: Lumina Festival is gearing up for its second Financial Literacy Summit on Sept 25 at the National Museum of Bermuda, themed “Art of The Possible,” with local experts and entrepreneurs. Arts & Culture: The National Museum of Bermuda hosts a free (but registration-required) virtual lecture May 14 on “Heritage Tourism & the Politics of Public Memory,” while Harbour Nights returns May 13 to Front Street with local vendors and opening-night fireworks. Sports Spotlight: Bermuda’s own SailGP buzz continues as Ryan Reynolds gets hands-on with the BONDS Flying Roos in Bermuda, and UVa assistant coach Dustin Groves earns top assistant honours—plus Kole Hall keeps scoring in the Baller League. Local Notices: Today’s Government & Legal notices include acting judicial appointments and an Environment “controlled plant” notice.

Bermuda Sports Spotlight: National striker Kole Hall netted his first goal in England’s Baller League, teaming up with former Premier League stars Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge as Deportrio push for the top of the six-a-side table. Local Culture & Community: The Department of Culture released a video guide to the Bermuda Day Parade route ahead of the May 22 Hamilton celebration—expect dance groups, majorettes, floats and Gombeys. Cricket Debate: The Bermuda Cricket Board is defending its controversial switch to cheaper Omtex training balls in domestic T20s, saying it’s a cost-saving move—while some players argue it changes match quality. Arts & Learning: The National Museum’s free virtual lecture series continues with “Heritage Tourism and the Politics of Public Memory” on May 14. Youth Wellbeing: Youth Mental Health Week runs May 10–16 with debate, town halls and parent sessions focused on social media and digital wellness. Design Win: Interior design student Naomi Every is celebrating a top finish in a major Toronto workplace design competition.

World Cup Makeover: Arrowhead Stadium is being rebranded and rebuilt as “Kansas City Stadium” for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a soccer pitch installed, thousands of seats removed for FIFA media, and branding swapped over for tournament play. Bermuda SailGP Buzz: Ryan Reynolds got hands-on at the Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix, suiting up to steer the foiling F50 with the BONDS Flying Roos—while SailGP racing keeps delivering big moments on the Great Sound. Credit Boost: Moody’s upgraded Bermuda’s debt rating to A1, citing stronger fiscal strength tied to corporate income tax revenues. Sports Spotlight: The Carolina Hurricanes opened the NHL playoffs with a rare double sweep, powered by dominant defence. Arts & Community: Bermuda College’s 2026 student art exhibition is on the calendar, and Relay For Life returns this weekend to support cancer care. Local Culture: Sion Symonds brings “Babylon Cya Stop We Music” to the island next week.

Supreme Court Setback: Bermuda-linked legal drama hit a wall as the SC dismissed Greentree Holdings’ appeals against a Sindh High Court order in the TRG shareholding dispute, leaving costs with the appellants and setting up fresh defamation talk tied to a social media campaign. World Cup Build-Out: FIFA World Cup venues in Canada are in “final touches” mode, with B.C. Place upgrades nearing completion ahead of the tournament’s June start. Driving Rights Push: Bermuda is working on a reciprocal driving licence deal with Britain and “key partner countries,” aiming to drop the UK retest requirement after 12 months and reduce insurance costs—while trying to protect local road control. SailGP Bermuda Buzz: Australia extended its SailGP lead after winning in Bermuda, while the island’s event keeps drawing global attention, including a King Charles meeting with Emirates GBR. Arts & Community: A new Babylon Cya Stop We Music stage work lands next week, and a Trades Fair Symposium is set for Bermuda College May 29–30.