Video: Minister Darrell Press Conference

[Updated] Minister of Tourism &Transport, Culture & Sport Owen Darrell is holding a press conference this afternoon [Nov 20]. We will have additional coverage later on and in the meantime the live video is below.

Update: The live broadcast has concluded and the replay is below

Update 4.10pm: Minister Darrell’s remarks:

Good day, members of the media.

It is my pleasure to share an exciting step forward for our island community. The Ministry of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport has officially established the Bermuda National Events & Entertainment Committee, a new body charged with designing, coordinating, and delivering a comprehensive Bermuda National Events & Entertainment Calendar for 2026 and for every year thereafter.

As the Minister responsible for Tourism, Culture, and Sport, I am often asked: Why do events sometimes overlap? How can we better promote what’s happening across the island? And most importantly, where can residents and visitors find a clear, reliable source of information about Bermuda’s events?

While many organisations, publications, and online platforms share pieces of this information, the time has come for a central, trusted hub, one that brings everything together in a way that is accessible to residents, event planners, and visitors alike.

The National Events & Entertainment Calendar will be a consolidated schedule of Bermuda’s signature events and entertainment activities—those of national cultural, social, sport or economic significance. This initiative supports our long-term goals of strengthening tourism, boosting the local economy, and celebrating the vibrant culture and sports that makes Bermuda unique.

A central calendar will:

• Stimulate local spending by offering a clear, year-round view of events that encourage participation from residents and visitors.

• Support marketing efforts by giving organisers a platform to promote their events more effectively.

• Enhance the visitor experience by helping travellers plan their trips around our cultural and sporting highlights.

It will also play an important role in cultural preservation and community engagement by:

• Showcasing Bermuda’s traditions, creativity, and heritage.

• Providing one easy-to-navigate location for all event information.

• Helping avoid scheduling conflicts and ensuring better coordination across sectors.

Committee Mandate

The Committee has been tasked with:

• Establishing a transparent and inclusive process for event selection.

• Highlighting Bermuda’s culture, heritage, and creativity in ways that support both economic and social development.

• Ensuring balanced representation of events across our island’s geography, demographics, and sectors.

The Committee will work collaboratively with key government departments, cultural organisations, event planners, and community partners. Together, we will ensure the National Calendar reflects Bermuda’s priorities, strengthens community bonds, and supports growth in both tourism and local participation.

The Committee will provide:

• A draft National Calendar by 30 November 2025.

• A final National Calendar for 2026 by 31 December 2025.

• A written report with recommendations to ensure long-term sustainability and continuous improvement of the calendar process.

The Committee will function in an advisory and coordinating capacity, identifying and recommending events of national significance. While it does not hold independent authority over government funding, it may provide recommendations to the Minister as appropriate. Members have been appointed for a term ending 31 December, 2026 with the possibility of reappointment. This year, the Committee will meet weekly until the final calendar is delivered by 31 December 2025.

The Committee consists of members representing:

• Government
• The entertainment industry
• Community organisations
• The private sector
• Bermuda Tourism Authority
• The Bermuda Hotel Association

I am pleased to announce the Committee Members, who are:

• Melissa Looby – Chair
• Jalen Harvey – Deputy Chair
• Nikai Albuoy
• Astrid Clarke
• Maceo Dill – Ex Officio [Department of Sport & Recreation]
• David Dodwell, Jr. [BHA Representative]
• Patrice Frith Hayward
• Russell Griffith
• John Lee, Jr.
• Keidric Smith
• Carol Swainson
• Alesha Tucker – Ex Officio [Ministry of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport]
• Seldon Woolridge
• Jasmine Furbert – Ex Officio [BTA Representative]

Let me take this opportunity to thank each member for graciously accepting the invitation to join this Committee. The formation of this Committee is the first of what will be an annual initiative.

Next Steps

In the coming weeks, the Committee will begin outreach to government departments, cultural groups, event organisers, local businesses, tourism bodies, and community organisations.

This collaborative engagement will help shape the National Calendar and inform strategies, policies, and recommendations that support its long-term success. I encourage event organisers and promoters to connect with the Committee. We have a tight timeline; however, with your support, we can deliver a national calendar that reflects our shared commitment to a more connected, informed, and vibrant Bermuda.

Thank you.

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