AGP Executive Report

Air Ambulance Investigation: Canadian and US investigators are preparing to search for the black boxes from the fatal Bermuda-to-Boston medical flight. All six aboard are presumed dead, including two Bermudians, a mother and son. Cost of Living: Government proposals to strengthen price monitoring have drawn criticism from the Chamber of Commerce, which says the consumer benefits may be small while the burden on businesses is disproportionate. Road Safety: Police confirmed Bermuda’s 14th road death of 2026 after a woman struck by a car on Cedar Avenue died in hospital; they are renewing their appeal for witnesses. Football: Bermuda went ahead against unbeaten Barbados through Djair Parfitt, but Thierry Gale scored twice late to secure a 2-1 Nations League win. Regional Business: Clarien Bank is acquiring NCB’s Cayman business as it expands its Caribbean wealth management and private banking operations. Bermuda-based insurer Meanwhile has also raised $37.5 million to grow its bitcoin life insurance business. A Long Journey Home: A memorial bench swept away from Florida’s coast by Hurricane Helene in 2024 has turned up on Bermuda’s shore, more than 1,000 miles away.

Healthcare: A Bermuda Health Council consultation found 91% of respondents supported advance review of major healthcare changes. They urged clear rules and timelines, strong clinical input and safeguards without adding hurdles to routine decisions. Air Ambulance Tragedy: Canadian and US investigators are heading to Nantucket to help search for the black boxes from the flight that crashed en route from Bermuda to Boston. Six people, including Bermudians Marilyn Bean and Sergio Lottimore, are presumed dead. Housing: Government has opened consultation on a new planning order that could allow an additional residential unit on existing buildings, aiming to streamline small developments amid a shortage of affordable homes. Travel: BermudAir is offering introductory $99 one-way fares on new routes, including Orlando Sanford–Hamilton, and flights from Fort Lauderdale to Belize and Turks and Caicos. Football: Bermuda’s men’s team has lost its first four Nations League matches, leaving it at the bottom of its group and facing relegation.

Air Ambulance Tragedy: Bermuda mourns Marilyn Lavonne Bean and her son, Sergio Wayne Lottimore, among six presumed dead after a medical flight from Bermuda to Boston vanished off Nantucket. The US Coast Guard has suspended its search, and Canada will lead the investigation. Housing: Senators approved transferring land at Morgan’s Point for 110 affordable homes at Dr Cann Park II; nearly 600 people are seeking affordable housing, while project planning and financing continue. Historic Land Losses: Senators discussed a long-delayed inquiry into past expropriations. CURB is calling for Tucker’s Town cemetery to be protected and descendants involved in decisions about its future. Health: The Senate passed changes removing the requirement for a lawyer on health complaints panels, aiming to ease a growing backlog. Education and Business: Bermuda College enrolment rose 4.1 per cent to 616 for a third straight annual increase. Hamilton Princess ranked second among Atlantic Islands resorts in Condé Nast Traveler’s readers’ awards, while Bermuda-based Valaris reported new contracts and extensions worth about $220 million in backlog.

Medevac Tragedy: Nantucket residents have shared their condolences after a medical flight from Bermuda to Boston disappeared last weekend. All six aboard, including Bermudians Marilyn Bean and her son, Sergio Lottimore, are presumed dead after the US Coast Guard suspended its search. Canada will lead the investigation. Education: A proposed Education Authority may have less independence than its name suggests: the education minister would retain powers over appointments and regulations, prompting questions from Opposition leader Ben Smith. Heritage: Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda wants Tucker’s Town cemetery protected as a natural heritage site, with descendants involved in decisions about its future. The burial ground holds the remains of residents displaced for tourism development. Community: Free breakfasts are returning to Harrington Sound Primary every Thursday through a partnership between Bermuda Is Love and Rosewood Bermuda. Culture: Bermuda-linked shipwreck artifacts collected by Jaws author Peter Benchley will go up for auction on October 29, with proceeds supporting ocean conservation.

Aviation Tragedy: Bermuda’s Premier David Burt says the government is monitoring the aftermath of the Bermuda-to-Boston medevac crash after the U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search near Nantucket; Bermuda police identified the two Bermudian passengers as Marilyn Lavonne Bean, 66, and her son Sergio Wayne Lottimore, 41, with four Canadian crew also named by Latitude Air Ambulance and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada leading the investigation. Regulation Watch: The Bermuda Monetary Authority warned the public that Custody Life Bermuda Ltd is not licensed or registered, after the firm’s website falsely claimed BMA approval, adding it to the regulator’s warning list. Digital Identity: Economy and Labour Minister Jason Hayward says Bermuda is preparing for a digital ID framework, with a Request for Supplier Qualifications issued to find experienced partners for a future public-private partnership model. Community & Care: Solstice and Vision Bermuda announced free counselling support groups for people affected by vision loss, launched for World Sight Day. Local Business/Markets: Bermuda Stock Exchange trading saw three companies move, with the Royal Gazette/BSX Index up 31.95 points to close at 3,706.15. Culture: Masterworks Museum and Black Pony Gallery announced “Atlantic Voices,” a new group exhibition featuring six artists across the Atlantic corridor, opening Oct. 9.

Air Ambulance Tragedy: Bermuda Premier David Burt said he remains hopeful after the U.S. Coast Guard suspended its search for the six aboard a Latitude Air Ambulance Gulfstream G100 that vanished after leaving Bermuda for Boston; the Coast Guard located an extensive debris field off Nantucket, and Bermuda Police later identified mother and son Marilyn Lavonne Bean and Sergio Wayne Lottimore, with four Canadian crew also named. Community Support: BELCO paused for a moment of silence and flew flags at half-mast, while the Gina Spence Programme urged families to be supported beyond the headlines. Public Safety & Security: The Royal Bermuda Regiment Coastguard is seeking two new high-speed patrol and interceptor vessels. Local Business & Growth: BEDC welcomed 13 businesses into its Enterprise Bermuda Incubator cohort. Arts & Culture: Bermudian multimedia artist Gherdai Hassell won an art and culture award at the Black Futures Awards. Sports: Bermuda’s Nations League campaign continues after Barbados beat Bermuda 2-1.

Air Ambulance Tragedy: The U.S. Coast Guard has identified all six aboard the Gulfstream G100 that vanished on the Bermuda-to-Boston route off Nantucket: Bermudians Marilyn Lavonne Bean (66) and Sergio Wayne Lottimore (41), plus Canadians Philip Gregory Childerhose, Thomas Henry Farquhar, Sarah Jane Paton and Jolene Beth Weir. The Transportation Safety Board of Canada will lead the investigation after the Coast Guard suspended the search following a debris field discovery. Local Response: Bermuda’s Premier and the PLP extended condolences to families in Bermuda and Canada. Sports: Bermuda’s “Gombey Warriors” let a lead slip again, falling 2-1 to Barbados in Nations League B, leaving them without a point after four games. Education: The Bermuda Union of Teachers urged real consultation and better support for educators ahead of World Teachers’ Day, saying appreciation must show up in systems, not just words. Public Safety: Police seized a “large quantity” of controlled drugs after a traffic stop in Flatts, and issued 131 tickets over two enforcement periods. Markets: Bermuda’s investment fund sector net assets rose to $342.37m in Q2, while Allshores shares jumped 7.4% on the BSX.

Air Ambulance Tragedy: Bermuda police identified the two Bermudians on the Heartbeat 104 medevac that vanished off Nantucket while flying from Bermuda to Boston: 66-year-old Marilyn Lavonne Bean and her 41-year-old son Sergio Wayne Lottimore. The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the search after 66 hours, and Latitude Air Ambulance says all six aboard are presumed dead, with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada leading the investigation. Public Safety: Bermuda Police issued 131 traffic tickets over two enforcement periods, including 85 for speeding, and arrested three people for outstanding traffic warrants. Government & Economy: Premier David Burt’s finance update projects a $169.6m surplus for 2025/26, citing stronger revenue and continued growth as he prepares to step down. Investor Education: The BMA and BSX rang the bell for World Investor Week, launching a free financial literacy webinar. Local Business: Bermuda Hotel Association named Greg Ramey as its new chief executive. Community & Rights: Information Commissioner Jason Outerbridge announced Alaire Brown as winner of a youth social media contest promoting PATI public access rights. Sports & Events: North Field and the walking track at the National Sports Centre close for lighting works, with access changes through November.

Aviation Tragedy (Bermuda–Boston): The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for six people after a medical transport Gulfstream G100 vanished off Nantucket while flying from Bermuda to Boston. A debris field tied to the aircraft was found, but no survivors were located after about 66 hours and roughly 4,445 square miles searched. Who was onboard: four Canadians (crew) and two Bermudians (a patient and a family escort). Operator statement: Latitude Air Ambulance says all six are presumed dead and will work with U.S. and Canadian authorities on recovery and investigation. Local Impact: Bermuda families are being notified and supported as attention turns to what happened in the final minutes, including reports of electrical issues and a steep descent before contact was lost. Business Brief: Helios Investment Partners has sold Africa Specialty Risks to Vitruvian Partners, with Bermuda-linked reinsurance operations noted as part of the platform.

Air Ambulance Search: The U.S. Coast Guard says it has confirmed a debris field off Nantucket is linked to the Gulfstream G100 that vanished on a Bermuda-to-Boston medical flight with six aboard (four Canadians, two Bermudians). Crews are still focused on finding the people, with sonar planned for the seabed and no survivors reported as of Sunday. Customs Update: New traveller declaration forms are now in use, including a requirement to declare precious metals and stones worth over $10,000 when departing Bermuda by air or sea, alongside updated duty-free allowances. Renewables Pilot: Government has launched a $50,000 balcony solar pilot, assessing compact units for tenants with landlord permission. Culture Spotlight: The Gombey Festival returned to the Botanical Gardens, drawing hundreds to celebrate Bermuda’s living tradition. Sports: Conor White won the Presidents Cup Road Race, while Dandy Town beat North Village 3-1 and Somerset drew St. George’s 1-1.

Aviation Emergency Off Nantucket: The US Coast Guard says it has found a debris field linked to a Canadian-registered Gulfstream G100 air ambulance that vanished after departing Bermuda for Boston with six people aboard. Bermuda Connections: Authorities say the passengers included two Bermudian nationals, alongside four Canadians (two pilots and two medical staff). Search Continues: The Coast Guard confirmed next of kin have been notified and crews are still searching the waters near Nantucket, with the cutter William Sparling continuing efforts. Last Moments Audio: Air traffic control recordings described the pilot saying they were “coming in blind,” with reports of electrical problems and a sharp descent shortly before contact was lost as a storm moved into the area.

Aviation Emergency: The U.S. Coast Guard is searching off Nantucket for a Gulfstream G100 medical transport jet that lost contact while flying from Bermuda to Boston early Saturday, with six people aboard. Bermuda Link: The aircraft departed L.F. Wade International Airport overnight and was expected to arrive at Boston Logan; Bermuda’s Skyport says it took off at about 12:41 a.m. Who’s onboard: Reports say four crew members and two passengers were on the flight, with the crew Canadian and the passengers including Bermuda nationals; the operator is Hamilton, Ontario-based Latitude Air Ambulance. Search Effort: The FAA issued a search-and-rescue alert around 1:20 a.m., and Coast Guard air and surface teams are focused on waters near Nantucket. Last Known Moments: Multiple reports cite a rapid descent shortly before communications were lost, and air traffic audio described “electric issues” and weak reception before contact disappeared.

Digital Identity Push: Bermuda’s Government is exploring a digital identity framework, with consultation promised and a Request for Supplier Qualifications due Monday to map benefits, privacy and governance needs. Affordable Housing: The House approved the Bermuda Affordable Housing Strategy 2025-35 after a four-hour debate, targeting 950 to 1,350 new homes by 2035 and citing early execution on nine sites. Competition Act Work: Deloitte has been hired to assess how to cut the cost of living and business through a proposed Competition Act, with an independent report expected by end of October. PLP Court Challenge: A Supreme Court dispute questions the legitimacy of a surge in PLP leadership sign-ups, with bulk payments for thousands of memberships under scrutiny. Caricom Referendum Debate: Opposition MPs pressed for clarity on whether full Caricom membership could go to a referendum, after the Government said it will seek more information before making decisions. Economy Update: Premier David Burt told the House preliminary 2025/26 projections show a $169.6m budget surplus and stronger revenue. Weather & Tropics: Tropical Storm Fay remnants near Bermuda are becoming less organized, with low redevelopment chances as dry air limits growth. Sports: Bermuda fell 4-1 to Barbados in Nations League, while Team Bermuda celebrated a North American Cricket Cup win in the Cayman Islands.

Tourism & Environment: Bermuda’s latest Environmental Statistics Compendium reports rising tourism and visitor spending, plus key catch data—highlighting tuna and pelagic as the top fishing catch group in 2023-24. Public Finance: Premier David Burt told the House Bermuda is moving from “record” deficits to an economy that’s growing, with early projections showing a $169.6m 2025-26 surplus. Education Reform: The Education Authority Bill is set to be tabled, with the minister saying the new body must be built to “survive” political change. Governance & Investment: Minister Jason Hayward outlined changes to the Economic Investment Residential Certificate Programme, including new compliance steps and a BD$10,000 fee. Digital Identity: Government begins an exploratory process toward a digital identity framework, with an RFSQ due Monday—no decision to implement yet. Sports & Community: Bermuda Cricket Board launches a high-performance search for U19 talent ahead of 2027 ICC Americas qualifiers; and the BMA’s Community Day saw staff volunteer with eight charities. Weather Watch: Tropical moisture remains active as forecasters track remnants of Tropical Storm Fay east of Bermuda, with low formation chances.

Workforce Development: Bermuda College cut the ribbon on the new Department of Workforce Development HQ in Paget, aiming to “connect the classroom to the workplace” and build clearer career pathways for Bermudian talent. Insurance & Markets: Zurich has completed its $10.8bn acquisition of Beazley, a deal that further strengthens Bermuda’s underwriting and ILS platform; on the BSX, both Butterfield and Allshores dipped. Cybersecurity & Compliance: NorthRock Cyber-Risk and Compliance launched in Bermuda to help firms assess defences and meet privacy, cyber-risk and regulatory duties. Consumer Protection: Aaron Crichlow was appointed chair of the Consumer Affairs Board, tasked with tackling misleading or exploitative trading practices. Tropical Update: The National Hurricane Center is monitoring the remnants of Tropical Storm Fay east of Bermuda, giving a 10% chance of redevelopment as conditions are expected to shut it down by Sunday. Community & Health: Seniors gathered at an inaugural Seniors Expo at Bermuda College; the Women’s Health Ministry marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a push for screening and early detection. Sports & Local Notices: Road closures are set for the PartnerRe Women’s 5K on Oct 4, and Bermuda’s weather forecast calls for sunshine with a stray shower.

Court & Public Safety: Curtis Richardson has been convicted by a unanimous Supreme Court jury of causing the death of footballer Marco Warren, after the court heard Warren was walking home in the early hours of May 14, 2023 and Richardson struck him while driving without due care. Consumer Protection: Aaron Crichlow has been appointed chair of the Consumer Affairs Board, effective Sept. 11, bringing legal and community leadership to the body tasked with tackling misleading and exploitative trading. Local Disruption: Road closures are set for Sunday, Oct. 4 for the PartnerRe Women’s 5K Run/Walk in Paget, with route stops from Berry Hill Road through Harbour Road, Lovers Lane, South Road and Tee Street. Insurance & Finance: Everest has completed the sale of its Canadian retail insurance operation, continuing its shift toward core reinsurance and specialty lines; Banyan Risk has launched Red Fox Risk to underwrite wildfire-exposed property in the western US. Policy & Governance: The UK Foreign Office says Overseas Territories, including Bermuda, are “part of the homeland,” and will consider territory interests in relevant policymaking. Health & Community: The Women’s Resource Centre marks Domestic Abuse Awareness Month, urging people to recognise abuse beyond physical violence; the Bermuda Mental Health Foundation says it needs under $10,000 more to reach its $50,000 Steps to Mental Wellness goal.