Inter-Island Communication News Brief – September 5, 2019

The official death toll of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas is 20 and, according to the UN, 70 thousand people are in need of aid. This from a CBS News report from the affected island.

Bermuda’s just gotten an extremely valuable tourism plug from one of the most well known and widely read publications in the fashion and lifestyle space. Specifically, Vogue magazine, where writer Jancee Dunn filed a report titled “Need to fill a Hampton’s sized hole in your heart? It’s always sunny in Bermuda?”, suggesting that our island is a more than sufficient option for high net worth vacationers to consider if they’re tired of visiting the wealthy Long Island enclave. The article says quote “If you missed the windswept beaches—and gridlock traffic—of the Hamptons this summer, consider making up for it with a jaunt to Bermuda. From an East Coast hub, you can take the first plane out—American Airlines just added a new route from D.C.—and be on the island’s famous pink-sand beaches by lunchtime. To make travel even more hassle-free, U.S. visitors clear customs automatically when they fly home. Just land, and you can head straight for an Uber as if you had returned on a domestic flight. While Britain’s oldest colony is steeped in history and tradition, it has a newfound vibrancy—and, according to the Bermuda Tourist Authority, a dramatic upsurge in millennial visitors, drawn by the incredible diving and snorkeling, a buzzing restaurant scene, and the island’s quirky appeal. “

Congratulations to the nine successful student participants in the second annual BEDC Summer Student Entrepreneur Programme who just received a certificate as part of the completion process. A spokesperson shared quote, “The Minister to Cabinet Wayne Furbert was on hand at the celebration to congratulate the students at the award presentation which took place at BEDC in the Training Room.

Participating students included:

Mya Thompson, Simply Sweet a Natural Beauty Company;
Tyler Cook- Aitken owner of Tiki-Shack, a snack vending Business that operated at Church Bay;
Kenai Stowe, who started BTG Designs [Be the Greatest], Customization & Printing of stickers, clothing and more;
Xela Swan, BDA Appareldise, custom-designed Bermuda merchandise;
Jaaziah Richardson-Webb, owner of Island Events – event planning services;
Giovanni Hollis, Home-in-One- Property Management and landscaping services;
Dymare Simons- owner of Aloe Aloe- Organic Aloe Based Drinks;
Jaden Taylor, Snack Spot- Beach Snack Concessions and
Andreaz Glasgow, Bermuda Local Guides,– Twizzy guided tours.

In addition to displaying their products, each student had an opportunity to present an overview of their business and shared how the SSEP helped them to prepare themselves as entrepreneurs.” Congratulations again to the successful students.

BELCO has stepped up to support our cousins to the south, confirming that they’re ready and available to send qualified experts to help restore power to the parts of the Bahamas affected by the Category 5 Hurricane Dorian. According to BELCO President Dennis Pimentel quote: “Our first thoughts are for the safety of all the residents of the Bahamas. It’s clear that this powerful category 5 hurricane, the second most powerful ever recorded in the Atlantic, has caused several deaths and extensive damage to property and infrastructure on the Abacos and Grand Bahama islands. Our team is on standby as assessments need to be carried out and a plan of action put into place by the Bahamian disaster management team. We are in regular communication with our CARILEC counterparts and are ready to assist once our crews have the necessary accommodations and other considerations to effectively help with restoration efforts.” Mr. Pimentel went on to share that as a member and beneficiary of CARILEC, BELCO will also receive assistance from Algonquin Power and Utilities Corp due to an already established mutual aid agreement.