Author Archive: Bernews1

Two Women Deny Cannabis Charges

Two women appeared in Magistrates Court this morning [Feb 1] and plead not guilty to charges they imported and possessed cannabis resin. Shaniqwa O’Brien, 20, and Desiree Burrows, 21, were both bailed in the amount of $10,000 each with a like surety. They will reappear on February 16th. — The Crown alleged that between a date unknown and... Read more of this article

Video: “Marijuana Should Be Classified as Food”

Yesterday afternoon [Jan 31] the Young Progressives held a press conference, and Gershwyn Smith spoke first, calling for marijuana to be made legal in an effort to reduce criminal activity. Mr Smith said that: “It is obvious the drug laws as they stand have given rise to the underworld in Bermuda, a social disorder which if not corrected will... Read more of this article

Businesses Warned About Recent Toll Fraud

Yesterday [Jan 31] the Ministry of Environment, Planning and Infrastructure Strategy met with the Telecommunications Service Providers to discuss the recent spate of fraud being perpetrated on PBX telecommunications systems on the Island. Acting Director of Telecommunications Ms Maxanne Anderson said, “We have been advised of recent Toll Fraud –... Read more of this article

2011 Primary Schools Tag Rugby Report

[Written by Ian Henderson] Research has found that participating in sports can have a healthy developmental impact on young children. These activities can promote co-operative play, teamwork and good sportsmanship. Tag Rugby, also known in the USA as flag rugby league or simply flag rugby, is a non-contact team game in which each player wears a belt... Read more of this article

Police Purchase Pre-owned Vehicles From UK

The Bermuda Police Service have purchased four pre-owned police vehicles from the United Kingdom, at a significant cost savings as compared to new models. A spokesperson said “The cars were purchased at a total cost of ₤20,000 ($31,000) and will be used as armed response vehicles. Similar cars purchased new would run in excess of $75,000 each.” One... Read more of this article

Ex-Hospitality Workers Input Sought

The Bermuda Hospitality Institute [BHI] announced its plan to implement an Industry Exodus Project. “The BHI recognizes that at one point in time the frontline of the Island’s Hospitality Industry was mainly staffed by Bermudians. Over a period of time, Bermudians exited these positions and we want to know why”, said BHI CEO Karla Lacey. If you... Read more of this article

Wine Writer: Bermuda’s A Rare Vintage

Quietly luxurious Bermuda is like the last bottle of a rare vintage when it comes to elegance, tranquility and idyllic surroundings, says the “Wall Street Journal’s” wine correspondent. Scottish journalist William Lyons – an award-winning “Journal” wine columnist – spent December vacationing in Bermuda... Read more of this article

New Fines For UK Tax Cheats

British investors who attempt to hide their money off-shore will have to pay as much as double their original tax bill if they are discovered, Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs [HMRC] announced yesterday [Jan. 31] Stiff new British penalties for off-shore tax evasion come into force on April 6 and under the new legislation, fines will be linked... Read more of this article

Brothers to Stand Trial for Murder in June

Ronniko Burchall and his half brother Leroy Nathaniel Symons, both currently on remand, appeared at this morning’s [Feb 1] monthly arraignment session in the Supreme Court. Both men, who are in the early 20s, were said to involved in the murder of Shane Minors [pictured] in 2009. Mr Minors was found dead in the entrance of his home in South Terrace,... Read more of this article

Pearman: ‘Dangerous, Relentless & Controlling’

In the process of sentencing confessed murderer Jermaine Pearman today [Jan 31], Justice Carlisle Greaves referred to him as “controlling”, a “relentless abuser” and a “dangerous man.” Justice Greaves reviewed points of law and points of contention between Mr Pearman’s defence attorneys and the Crown prosecutors. In his lengthy judgment,... Read more of this article

2011 Budget Date Set: February 18

[Updated w/UBP response to delay] The Ministry of Finance announced that this year’s National Budget will be presented on Friday, 18 February 2011 at 10am in the House of Assembly, one week from previously announced. Members of the Opposition have 14 additional hours for the debate, increasing the total to 56 hours compared to 42 hours in previous... Read more of this article

Swiss Rules Tougher Than Solvency II

Switzerland is continuing efforts to blunt the island’s competitive edge as the leading catastrophe re/insurance domicile by rolling out new regulatations even more stringent than the European Union’s Solvency II rules the Bermuda Monetary Authority is working to gain equivalence with. Bloomberg reports today [Jan. 31] the new solvency... Read more of this article