Archive for May 27th, 2011

‘Busy’ Hurricane Season Begins On June 1

Meteorologists are predicting the 2011 hurricane season will be a busy one, forecasting as many as 16 named storms in the Atlantic. Nine of those storms are expected to turn into hurricanes — five of them major. The 2010 Atlantic hurricane season was described as “hyperactive” by scientists, the most active since 2005.... Read more of this article

Platinum Financial Strength Rating Affirmed

A.M. Best Co. today [May 27] affirmed the financial strength rating of A [Excellent] and issuer credit ratings [ICR] of “a” of Platinum Underwriters Bermuda, Ltd. and its strategic affiliate Platinum Underwriters Reinsurance, Inc. The international ratings agency also has affirmed the ICR of “bbb” of Platinum Underwriters Holdings, Ltd. and... Read more of this article

Police Shoot And Kill Dog On Angle Street

[Updated] A short while ago today [May 27] there was an incident in the Angle Street area that resulted in a dog being shot. Police and dog wardens attended an address on Angle Street at 12:38pm in connection with an animal cruelty investigation. We have limited information at this time, but will update as able. [Update 3: 14 pm] Bernews understands... Read more of this article

Yachts Expected To Cross Finish Line Today

As the seventh day of racing dawned this morning [May 27] in the 777-mile Charleston Bermuda contest, one boat is well out front, five contestants have retired — and self-proclaimed “world’s greatest sailor” Stephen Colbert is likely to be denied victory not by Armageddon but light winds. Because of almost windless conditions... Read more of this article

Refurbished ‘Norwegian Dawn’ Bermuda Bound

Norwegian Cruise Line’s eight-year-old “Norwegian Dawn” re-enters service to Bermuda today [May 27] after undergoing extensive renovations at a Bahamian dry dock this month . The cruise line says the 2,224-passenger vessel is adding more than 50 new cabins as well as a new Brazilian steakhouse. Also changing will be the location... Read more of this article

Assured Guaranty’s Tucker Takes On New Role

Assured Guaranty Ltd., the Bermuda holding company for direct bond insurers Assured Guaranty Corp. and Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp., announced today [May 27] that effective June 10, 2011, Robert S. Tucker, currently managing director, Fixed Income Investor Relations, will be appointed to the position of managing director, Investor Relations, responsible... Read more of this article

Seadrill Reports First Quarter 2011 Results

Bermuda-based oil and gas exploration company Seadrill today [May 27] reports consolidated revenues for the first quarter 2011 of $1,110 million compared to $1,169 million for the fourth quarter 2010. Operating profit for the first quarter was $430 million, down from $479 million in the fourth quarter 2010, which included $26 million in gain on sale... Read more of this article

Miss Bermuda Contestants Greet Commuters

Some of the contestants in the Miss Bermuda Pageant helped to bring smiles to the faces of morning commuters today [May 27]. Joining Hamilton’s unofficial greeter Johnny Barnes at the Crow Lane roundabout, the young ladies waved and smiled at drivers during rush hour. Pictured below left to right are Davika Hill, Jasmine Simmons, Jana Lynn... Read more of this article

Making Invasive Lionfish Into ‘Mane’ Course

Efforts to snatch victory from the jaws of the lionfish by enlisting chefs to help out continue to gain momentum in the US thanks to the “Eat Them To Beat Them” initiative launched on the island by the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo’s Chris Flook. Mr. Flook — who heads Bermuda’s Lionfish Project aimed at reducing... Read more of this article

Meet 2011 Miss Sandys: Cratonia Smith

In the seventh of a series of profiles of contestants, Bernews today spotlights 23-year-old Cratonia Smith who is representing Sandys Parish in the upcoming Miss Bermuda Pageant. The youngest practicing attorney in Bermuda, Ms Smith was admitted to the Bermuda Bar in September, 2010 at the age of 23. It is believed she is the youngest woman licensed... Read more of this article

New Fairmont Gold Manager: Peter Kyle

Bermudian Peter Kyle has been promoted to the post of Fairmont Gold Manager. In this new role, Mr. Kyle will oversee the daily operation of the team at the Fairmont Southampton’s luxurious Gold Floor, focusing on service excellence and providing personalized attention to each guest residing on that floor of the hotel. Regional Director of Human... Read more of this article

Coast Guard Suspend Search For Missing Sailor

The Coast Guard suspended its search for a 30-year-old man at approximately yesterday afternoon [May 26]. The 30-year-old chief engineer was reported missing 184 miles southwest of Bermuda from the Greek flagged merchant vessel, MSC Tuscany on Wednesday afternoon. Coast Guard watchstanders had received notification from Rescue Coordination Center Bermuda,... Read more of this article