Archive for January, 2011
Hiscox Anticipates ‘Healthy’ UK Profit
Bermuda-based specialist insurer Hiscox estimates net claims linked to Britain’s coldest winter on record will hit £16 million. Despite this, the firm’s UK household business is on track to make a “healthy profit” and claims for the Chilean earthquake and China’s windstorm Xynthia have actually been revised down. The two “expensive... Read more of this article
‘Increased Security Will Boost Business’
Veteran Bermuda security consultant Devrae Noel-Simmons says the cost of extra bouncers is a price worth paying for the island’s restaurants and bar owners. Mr. Noel-Simmons, who recently ran for the Warwick Parliamentary seat vacated by former Premier Dr Ewart Brown as a United Bermuda Party candidate, admitted new legislation requiring licensed... Read more of this article
Catlin Arctic Survey: Changes to Ocean Currents
The 2011 Catlin Arctic Survey, sponsored by Bermuda-based (re)insurer Catlin, will focus on evolving conditions in the Arctic Ocean that could cause changes in ocean currents that influence the prevailing climate of Europe and the East Coast of North America. This year’s Catlin Arctic Survey will begin in March when a team of polar explorers and... Read more of this article
Flagstone CEO Optimistic About BDA’s Future
Flagstone Re CEO David Brown says Bermuda retains its competitive edge as the world’s leading off-shore catastrophe reinsurance domicile, boasting a business-friendly infrastructure and a world-class regulatory system. In an exclusive interview with industry journal “Reactions”, Mr. Brown said he remained bullish about Bermuda’s... Read more of this article
Arnold Francis, QC, Dies At 88
Arnold Francis, QC, JP, OBE, a founding father of the Progressive Labour Party as well as one of Bermuda’s legal trailblazers died today [Jan 25]. He was 88. Mr. Francis passed away at his Pembroke home. He is survived by his wife Ann Francis, one son and four daughters. Born May 17, 1922 Mr Francis’ life as a teacher, athlete, barrister,... Read more of this article
‘Man Without A Country’ Now Canadian
A man officially without a country since 1989, former Bermuda resident Jens Hansen — who moved to his wife’s native Ontario in 2001 — became a Canadian citizen this month. Mr. Hansen worked here for more than a decade and was a mainstay of Bermuda Musical & Dramatic Society and other stage productions during his time on the island. Branded... Read more of this article
Laptop, TV, Cash, PlayStation Stolen in Burglary
On Monday [Jan 24] a burglar broke into a Warwick home and stole a 42” flat screen TV, a PlayStation and games, a laptop computer and cash. A Police spokesman said: “Around 6:40pm on Monday, Police received a report of a burglary at a Fairway Drive, Warwick residence. It appears that sometime between 7:30am and 6:30pm that day, an unknown culprit... Read more of this article
India Cites Bermuda Treaty in Tax Crackdown
India’s beleagured government defended itself today [Jan. 25] against charges it was allowing hundreds of billions of dollars to be siphoned from the economy into off-shore bank accounts — citing its recent agreement with Bermuda as an example of its intent to crack down on tax evasion and avoidance. Days after India’s Supreme Court... Read more of this article
CellularOne Launches 4G Wireless Network
CellularOne today [Jan 25] announced the launch of its new 4G wireless network, the first of its kind in Bermuda. CellularOne said: “The new HSPA+ [High Speed Packet Access evolved] network with maximum theoretical download speeds of 21 MB/s is the same network that two of the largest carriers in the United States currently employ and market as... Read more of this article
Five Men Charged: $3.4 Million of Cannabis
Today [Jan 25] in Magistrates Court five men – including the two Carefree IV sailors – appeared on drug related charges stemming from the two marine interceptions this past Friday. All five men were charged with being in the “territorial waters of Bermuda possessing cannabis intended for supply,” with the cannabis said to be... Read more of this article
Minister Hosts Roundtable Talk on Economy
Late yesterday afternoon [Jan 24] as the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Sen. Kim Wilson met with several key stakeholders in the business community to discuss the economy. The purpose of the roundtable was to hear the views of industry on ways to stimulate economic activity and sustain jobs. Concerns heard included law reform, work permit... Read more of this article
2010: Drug Seizures of $29.5 Million
The recently released 2010 Crime Statistics shows that in 2010 almost $30 million worth of drugs were seized, with cannabis making up the bulk of that amount. The 520kg [1,146lbs] of cannabis or cannabis resin accounted for 98% of drugs seized by weight and 90% of the value of drugs seized in 2010, with the report saying this indicates “that it... Read more of this article
