AGP Executive Report

Air Connectivity & Tech: Google has officially landed its Nuvem trans-Atlantic submarine cable at Sines, Portugal, linking Myrtle Beach to Portugal via Bermuda and the Azores, with 16 fibre pairs and capacity of about 384 Tbps—another boost for Bermuda’s role as a digital gateway. Aviation & Tourism Access: BermudAir says it has ordered 10 Airbus A220-300 jets (deliveries expected Q4 2027) to support growth across Bermuda, the Caribbean and North America, with plans to add up to 20 A220s by 2030. Cup Match Transport: The Bermuda Taxi Owners & Operators Association names Journi the official transport provider for the 2026 Annual Cup Match Classic, with a booking desk, coordinated pick-ups, and no surge/holiday fare increases. Sports Spotlight: Bermuda’s Royal Bermuda Regiment deployed to the UK for a two-week training exercise, while local beach volleyball crowned national champions and Bermuda’s boys placed third at the Caribbean junior squash championships. Community & Culture: CURB is promoting an Emancipation Cup Match Flag to connect Emancipation Day, Mary Prince Day and Cup Match history, and Friends of Sandys hosts a Somerset Emancipation “Cup Match” walkabout on July 25. Local Business: Dentist DeVon Binns opened Signature Dental Aesthetics in Hamilton, aiming to expand implant care locally.

Airlift Upgrade: BermudAir says it’s ordering 10 Airbus A220-300 jets to support its next growth phase, with deliveries expected to start in Q4 2027 and a plan to add up to 20 A220s by 2030—aimed at expanding routes across Bermuda, the Caribbean and North America. Cup Match Travel: Journi has been named official transport partner for the 2026 Cup Match Classic, adding on-site booking support, dedicated pick-up/drop-off areas, and a seven-day driver trial to handle peak demand. Local Events for Visitors: PadsPass will host PupMatch Yappy Hour at The Botanist (July 23), a Cup Match-themed dog event that also highlights its Digital Pet Passport for smoother pet travel. Road Safety & Enforcement: Police report multiple impaired-driving arrests after weekend collisions, including a motorcyclist arrested in Paget with a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit. Community & Culture: Dancing Under the Stars returns at the Earl Cameron Theatre, with principal dancer Jonathan Batista stressing the power of Black representation in ballet. Sports: Bermuda’s junior squash boys team placed third at the Caribbean Area Junior Championships in Tortola.

Cup Match & Community Events: Friends of Sandys is hosting a free Emancipation “Cup Match” walkabout in Somerset on July 25, starting at 8am from Springfield (Bermuda National Trust), with a rain date of July 26 and a route covering Cup Match’s early celebrations, the Friendly Society, and Somerset Cricket Club history. Local Transport for Visitors: Journi has been named official transport partner for Cup Match, adding on-site booking and a dedicated coordination desk for rides to and from Somerset Cricket Club, plus a seven-day driver trial to boost licensed taxi availability. Digital Tickets: CiMiNow is the official digital ticketing provider for the 2026 Cup Match Classic (July 30–31), using QR-code entry for faster, secure access. Road Safety & Police Updates: A Paget motorcycle rider was arrested after a crash on South Road; a later test found 179.5mg alcohol per 100ml blood, and the rider lacked a valid licence. Housing: Government has released details of emergency modular homes procured for urgent housing needs, with installation planned for Boaz Island. Tech & Travel Connectivity: Google’s Nuvem transatlantic submarine cable lands in Portugal, routing via Bermuda and the Azores to strengthen US-Europe cloud and AI connectivity. Sports Spotlight: Dame Flora Duffy says retirement has been more emotional than expected, and she’s set to be an honorary guest speaker for the Chubb Bermuda Triangle Challenge in January 2027.

Digital Infrastructure: Google says its new transatlantic subsea cable system “Nuvem” links Myrtle Beach to Sines, Portugal via Bermuda and the Azores—boosting data capacity for cloud and AI demand. Affordable Housing: Government officials toured modular homes procured as emergency housing, with installation approvals still underway for Boaz Island as the island pushes longer-term solutions. Cup Match Travel & Events: Journi is named official transport partner for Cup Match, adding on-site booking and a seven-day driver trial to handle peak demand; CiMiNow becomes official digital ticketing provider for the Cup Match Classic with QR entry; and a Cup Match Warm-Up Party is stepping in after the St George Extravaganza was cancelled again. Pet-Friendly Tourism: PadsPass will host PupMatch Yappy Hour at The Botanist on July 23, featuring its Digital Pet Passport for travel document planning. Public Safety & Visitor Experience: A road safety Bill survived an attempt to derail its debate, while police report arrests for impaired driving after weekend collisions involving a pedestrian and a police motorcycle. Sports Spotlight: Dame Flora Duffy opens up about how emotional retirement was; and Bermudian triathlete Erica Hawley rebounds with a sixth-place finish in Edmonton. Travel Tech & Data Privacy: A parliamentary committee says it can’t confirm whether personal data from Covid travel authorisation forms was taken in the 2023 cyberattack, urging clearer rules on retention and destruction.

Road Safety Crackdown: Police arrested two riders after separate weekend collisions—one motorcyclist hit a pedestrian in Pembroke and another crashed into a marked police motorcycle in St George’s—both facing impaired driving suspicions and court appearances expected. Cup Match Ticketing: CiMiNow is named the official digital ticketing provider for the 2026 Cup Match Classic (July 30–31), with QR-code entry aimed at faster, smoother access for locals and visitors. Tourism & Travel Tech: Bermuda’s Covid travel authorisation data from the 2023 cyberattack is under scrutiny, with a parliamentary committee saying the Health Ministry couldn’t confirm whether personal data was taken and recommending clearer rules on retention and destruction. Accommodation Update: The Lowline Hotel, JdV by Hyatt’s first in South Carolina, has opened in Charleston—an easy walk to dining, boutiques and landmarks—offering a fresh option for travellers planning US stopovers. Sailing & Adventure: The 2027 McIntyre Ocean Globe Race is recruiting crews for a retro, fully crewed round-the-world challenge, with multiple yachts already confirmed and applications open for individual legs or full circumnavigation. Community Improvements: A new $3 million Community Beautification Programme is set to fund small public-space upgrades, with MPs getting a dedicated mechanism to identify local projects. Weather Watch: Tropical Depression Two and Invest 91L are being monitored in the Atlantic/Gulf region, with forecasts pointing to possible storm development later in the week.

Cybersecurity & Travel Data: Bermuda’s Public Accounts Committee says the Health Ministry couldn’t confirm whether personal data from Covid-19 travel authorisation forms was taken in the September 2023 cyberattack, urging clear rules on how travel and health data from resPartner is retained, used, and destroyed. Tourism Transport: MPs passed the Cost of Living Amendment (No 2) Act to strengthen the Cost of Living Commission’s ability to monitor whether duty relief is actually lowering prices. Ridesharing for Visitors & Residents: Bermuda’s regulated ridesharing launched June 10 has logged 1,466 rides by July 15, with no public complaints and growing applications—aimed at easing transport gaps during busy periods. Commonwealth Games Culture: Bermuda’s Commonwealth Games opening ceremony look will honor the Talbot Brothers, with uniforms designed by Tabs Bermuda instead of the usual Bermuda shorts. Sports & Travel Inspiration: Bermudian tennis star Lee Terceira won in Florida, while triathlete Erica Hawley bounced back with a sixth-place finish in Edmonton. Weather Watch: Tropical Depression Two and Invest 91L are being tracked in the wider region, with potential impacts mainly beyond Bermuda.

Bermuda Sports Abroad: Rising tennis star Lee Terceira kept her momentum going in Florida, winning the girls 12-and-under title at a USTA Level 6 event after straight-sets success in the final. Triathlon Spotlight: Erica Hawley rebounded in Edmonton, finishing sixth at the World Triathlon Cup and posting a result she said she was aiming for after earlier setbacks. Commonwealth Games Culture: Bermuda’s Commonwealth Games opening-ceremony uniform will be inspired by the Talbot Brothers, designed by Tabs Bermuda, with athletes set to parade in a carnival-style look. Tourism & Transport Policy: MPs approved extra funding including $15.2m for the Compass Point purchase and $3.3m for Bermuda College operations, while new Cost of Living Commission powers aim to track whether duty relief is actually lowering prices. Getting Around: Bermuda’s regulated ridesharing update shows 1,466 rides logged between June 10 and July 15, with no public complaints reported. Local Travel Economy: Center Parcs Longford reported record performance, with average weekly revenues topping €2m and an expansion underway—an angle for tourism-watchers. Youth Sports Camp: The Bermuda Basketball Association and Leave It Better launch Play It Forward Bermuda Summer Camp (July 20–24) at Bermuda College. Weather Watch: A tropical depression could form in the Gulf as Invest 91L moves northward, with monitoring continuing.

Government & Tourism Infrastructure: Parliament approved supplementary funding including $15.2 million for the Compass Point purchase (former HSBC office block) plus roof and IT works, and an extra $3.3 million operational grant for Bermuda College. Cost of Living Oversight: A new law strengthens the Cost of Living Commission’s powers to check whether duty relief is actually lowering prices, with monitoring, price sharing, and potential controls on essential commodities. Cup Match Culture: Tourism Minister Owen Darrell says Cup Match is “far more than a cricket match,” highlighting Emancipation and Mary Prince Day themes, with events planned around the holiday. Local Transport for Visitors: Bermuda’s regulated ridesharing is gaining traction, recording 1,466 rides between June 10 and July 15, with no public complaints reported. Staycation & Family Travel: Hamilton Princess & Beach Club is spotlighted for family staycations, while a guide rounds up family-friendly dining options across the island. Community & Sports: Bermuda athletes will wear a Talbot Brothers-inspired uniform at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony, and Erica Hawley has paid tribute to Dame Flora Duffy ahead of competition in Edmonton. Safety & Enforcement: A veteran customs officer has been jailed for 14 years for a cannabis smuggling plot. Weather Watch: A tropical depression may form in the Gulf as Invest 91L moves northward, with Bermuda’s region monitoring ongoing.

Weather Watch: A tropical depression could form in the Gulf as Invest 91L moves northward, with Bermuda’s “Bermuda high” steering the system away for now—still, expect the region to monitor for possible changes. Caribbean Travel Buzz: Travel + Leisure ranked Dominica No. 1 in the Caribbean for its 2026 World’s Best Awards, highlighting hiking and “friendliest” vibes—good inspiration for Bermudian travellers planning island getaways. Emancipation & Cup Match: Tourism Minister Owen Darrell says Cup Match is “far more than a cricket match,” tying the holiday to Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day, with events including a documentary premiere. Local Transport Update: Bermuda’s regulated ridesharing launched June 10; by July 15 it logged 1,466 rides and saw no public complaints, with about 30 approved applications. Tourism & Culture Links: Premier Burt’s Azores visit focused on strengthening ties, including tourism and community connections. Retail & Lifestyle: Vineyard Vines Bermuda marks 10 years on Front Street, celebrating a decade of local partnerships. Family Travel: Hamilton Princess & Beach Club is spotlighted for staycation appeal, plus family-friendly dining picks like Village Pantry. Safety & Community: Bermuda Hospitals Board’s blood donor drive rewarded two donors with two-night stays at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club. Sports Camps: Bermuda Basketball Association launches Play It Forward Bermuda Summer Camp (July 20–24) with leadership and life-skills alongside training.

Emancipation & Cup Match Culture: Tourism Minister Owen Darrell told the House that Cup Match is “far more than a cricket match,” linking the holiday to Emancipation Day and Mary Prince Day, with events including a documentary premiere, Black Enterprise in Bermuda: Trials, Tribulations, Triumphs. Local Sports Spotlight: Erica Hawley, competing today in Edmonton, paid tribute to Dame Flora Duffy ahead of Duffy’s triathlon retirement, calling her a “once in a generation” athlete. Ridesharing Update: Bermuda’s regulated ridesharing logged 1,466 trips between June 10 and July 15, with no public complaints reported and about 100 applications submitted (around 30 approved). Family Travel & Hospitality: Hamilton Princess & Beach Club continues to position staycations as the easy summer getaway for families, while Village Pantry highlights kid-friendly dining across the island. Community & Tourism Events: HSBC will run its Cup Match Motorcade through Hamilton on July 29, with branch activities and giveaways along the route. Local Heritage Travel: A new memoir installment recalls how Bermuda’s “holiday island” tourism boom drew visitors from the US and Canada in the 1930s.

Customs & Justice: A disgraced former customs officer, Scott Brown, has been sentenced to 14 years for a cannabis smuggling plot tied to an unusual private jet arrival in Bermuda in April 2023. Transport & Tourism: Bermuda’s regulated ridesharing is gaining traction, with 1,466 rides recorded between June 10 and July 15 and no public complaints reported, as the programme aims to fill gaps without displacing taxis. Family Travel & Dining: Bermuda’s staycation buzz continues with family-friendly picks like Village Pantry and a Hamilton Princess & Beach Club “getaway” guide for local families. Beaches & Outdoors: Elbow Beach gets a spotlight as a pink-sand, less-crowded south-shore option for swimming and easy relaxation. Events & Culture: Cup Match is ramping up—HSBC will run a Hamilton motorcade on July 29, plus government notes on Emancipation commemoration and Cup Match safety support. Local Business: Gosling’s is expanding Moongate Brewing Co beer distribution across Bermuda. Travel Safety & Planning: A House of Assembly update includes a report expected on a 2023 cyberattack and proposed gang-violence witness protections. Sports & Youth: The Bermuda Basketball Association launches Play It Forward Bermuda Summer Camp (July 20–24) with leadership and life-skills alongside training.

Airlift & Tourism Growth: Turks and Caicos is ramping up an aggressive airlift expansion to diversify visitor markets and boost sustainable tourism, reporting about a 5% rise in arrivals in the first quarter. Cup Match Buzz: HSBC Bermuda says its Cup Match motorcade will roll through Hamilton on Wednesday, July 29, with music, flags and snowballs at nearby branches. Local Beer Deal: Gosling’s has partnered with Moongate Brewing Co to expand distribution of locally brewed beer island-wide. Family Travel Picks: Hamilton Princess & Beach Club is highlighted as a top Bermuda staycation for families, with on-site experiences that cut down on travel hassle. Dining for Kids: A guide spotlights family-friendly Bermuda restaurants that make it easier to eat out with children. Policy & Safety: MPs are set to debate stronger anti-gang measures, while road-safety legislation is drawing pushback over whether tougher penalties will reduce deaths. Cyber & Justice: A report into the 2023 cyberattack on government services is expected to be tabled in the House of Assembly, alongside related justice reforms. Community & Health: Blood donors can win staycations at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, with the latest winners recognized by the Bermuda Hospitals Board.

Blood Donation & Tourism: Bermuda Hospitals Board says long-term donors Renee Parker and Donna Foggo won two-night staycations at Hamilton Princess & Beach Club after 1,333 donors entered the annual draw, with the hotel backing the drive for a sixth year. Local Roads Debate: Opposition’s proposed Road Traffic and Motor Car (Road Safety and Penalties) Amendment Act 2026—aimed at doubling fines and points and changing sobriety check announcements—drew mixed views at a Vasco da Gama Club town hall. Military Training: Royal Bermuda Regiment recruits are pushing through Recruit Camp 26 Bravo, including live firing at Warwick Camp and an overnight field exercise. Bermuda–Azores Links: Premier David Burt’s Azores visit highlighted “remarkable synergies,” including plans to bring dairy expertise to Bermuda and deepen cultural ties. Travel & Leisure Calendar: A listener cruise to Bermuda is set for July 22–29, 2027 on Norwegian Pearl from Philadelphia, with two full days in Bermuda plus days at sea. Sports Spotlight: Dame Flora Duffy announced her retirement, closing a career that included Bermuda’s only Olympic gold (Tokyo 2021).

Seniors & Housing: A Harbour Road property at 128 Harbour Road could be converted into a Serenity Gardens residential care home for up to 12 residents, with planning documents citing urgent demand for beds. Sports & Community: Dame Flora Duffy has announced her retirement, closing a remarkable career that included Bermuda’s only Olympic gold (Tokyo 2021). Culture & Arts: Michele Smith’s “Bermuda Through My Palette” at the Rick Faries Gallery is drawing attention for its bold, colour-forward plein air-inspired takes on the island. Travel & Access: A new EU-UK treaty will remove the physical land border between Spain and Gibraltar, easing daily crossings for thousands—good news for the wider region’s travel flow. Tourism & Events: Clave Dance Bermuda marks 10 years with a four-day anniversary featuring socials, workshops, performances and beach parties. Cruise Buzz: A listener cruise to Bermuda is set for July 22–29, 2027 aboard Norwegian Pearl, with two full days in Bermuda plus a stop in Virginia Beach.

Sports & Community: Dame Flora Duffy has announced her retirement, closing a glittering career that includes Bermuda’s only Olympic gold (Tokyo 2021) and multiple Commonwealth and world titles. Bermuda on the Move: Bermuda’s U20 beach volleyball teams returned after the ECVA Under-20 Championships in St Kitts & Nevis—women’s team won gold; men’s team finished ninth. Culture & Tourism Vibe: Clave Dance Bermuda marks 10 years with a four-day anniversary celebration featuring socials, workshops, performances, and beach events. Travel & Access: Gibraltar’s land border checks with Spain are set to end from Wednesday under a new post-Brexit arrangement, promising “free movement” in practice for travellers. Air Connectivity: Anguilla is expanding winter access with new BermudAir AnguillAir routes from Canada and more flights from key U.S. cities. Cruise Plans: A listener cruise to Bermuda is being promoted for July 22–29, 2027 aboard Norwegian Pearl from Philadelphia. Local Events: The Bermuda Volleyball Association hosts a co-ed beach tournament at Horseshoe Bay on July 25 (registration closes July 22).

Bermuda Tourism & Transport: Bermuda’s Under-20 beach volleyball stars Olivia Gazzard and Isabella Sousa returned home after winning gold at the ECVA U20 Championships in St Kitts & Nevis, with the men’s team also back on island after finishing ninth. Cruise & Seafaring: Hilton Boston Park Plaza is bringing Bermuda to Sail Boston 2026 with Bermudian menu items (including conch fritters and a Goslings Rum cake) and a partnership supporting the Bermuda Sloop Foundation and Courageous Sailing. Local Culture: Clave Dance Bermuda marks 10 years with a four-day anniversary of socials, workshops, performances and beach events starting tomorrow. Community & Sports: Bermuda’s U20 volleyball teams keep momentum after ECVA competition, with officials welcoming the returning squads at LF Wade. Travel Planning (Bermuda-bound): A listener cruise to Bermuda is set for July 22–29, 2027 aboard the Norwegian Pearl from Philadelphia, with two full days in Bermuda plus stops at sea and Virginia Beach. Energy Policy: The OBA’s national energy policy timeline is questioned again as solar customers face higher bills and the draft National Electricity Sector Policy is still not final. International Travel Context: The UK-EU Gibraltar border deal removes the physical land border, a move that could reshape cross-border travel patterns for people commuting daily between Spain and Gibraltar.