AGP Executive Report

Severe Storms for Reinsurers: Karen Clark & Co updated its U.S. severe convective storm model (Version 5.0), refining tornado and coastal wind assumptions and hail damage inputs—an issue Bermuda insurers and cat bond investors watch closely. Maritime Safety & Environment: Bermuda’s Coast Guard is seeking up to two new high-speed patrol/interceptor vessels (33–38 feet), with the boats also tasked for search-and-rescue and environmental monitoring. Air Ambulance Search: U.S. Coast Guard search efforts for a Bermuda-to-Boston medical plane missing off Nantucket shifted after debris was found; later reports say the search was suspended, with no survivors located. Energy Policy Tension: A new opinion piece argues Bermuda’s solar owners are being “punitively taxed” after changes to the unbundled retail tariff—fueling renewed debate over trust and regulation. Local Business Growth: BEDC welcomed 13 firms into the Enterprise Bermuda Incubator’s 8th cohort, offering mentorship, office space, and tailored support aimed at sustainable scaling. Art & Nature Connections: Masterworks and Black Pony Gallery open “Atlantic Voices,” featuring six artists across the Atlantic corridor, including Bermudian work rooted in nature and environment.

Sustainable Buildings: Brookfield’s Ninety One office building at 91 Front Street is now 90% leased, with only the penthouse floor still available; the project is also the first multi-tenant building in Bermuda to reach LEED platinum. Coastal & Maritime Safety: The Ministry of National Security has issued an RFP for up to two new 33–38 foot patrol/interceptor vessels for the RBRCG, aimed at law enforcement, border protection, search and rescue, and environmental monitoring. Energy Equity: The Balcony Solar Pilot Programme is moving forward with compact units for renters and apartment-style residents; site assessments are underway and landlord permission is required. Environment & Data: Bermuda’s 2024 Environmental Statistics Compendium reports 50,560 registered road vehicles at end of 2024, up 1.1% year-on-year. Regional Health Links: Cayman’s health and environment minister attended CARICOM health security and climate-focused forums in Washington and Miami, highlighting shared regional priorities. Public Service & Community: The BMA’s fifth Community Day saw 230+ staff volunteer with groups including Keep Bermuda Beautiful and the Bermuda Zoological Society. Climate Policy Pressure: A solar tariff dispute continues to draw criticism, with claims that changes to charges are undermining trust in the regulatory process. Maritime Incident Update: A Bermuda-to-Boston medical plane search off Nantucket continues after debris was found, with authorities saying survivors on the surface would likely have been located.

Coast Guard Search & Rescue: A Gulfstream G100 medical evacuation plane flying from Bermuda to Boston with six people aboard went missing off Nantucket; debris linked to the aircraft was found, but the Coast Guard says no survivors were seen on the water and the search was later suspended. Maritime Safety & Environment: The Ministry of National Security issued an RFP for new patrol and interceptor vessels for the RBRCG, with missions including search and rescue and environmental monitoring. Renewables Policy: Bermuda’s solar owners face a legal fight after the unbundled retail tariff tripled fixed facilities charges, raising concerns about trust and fairness in the energy transition. Local Energy Access: The Balcony Solar Pilot Programme is moving into site assessments for compact solar units for renters and apartment-style homes, with landlord permission required and no grid feed-in. Community & Conservation: Bermuda Monetary Authority staff volunteered with groups including Keep Bermuda Beautiful and the Bermuda Zoological Society, supporting coastal clean-ups and conservation work. Biodiversity & Heritage for Youth: The National Museum of Bermuda launched its Grundy Youth Photography Competition, inviting students to capture “Hidden in Plain Sight” themes including Nature’s Secrets.

Energy Policy: Bermuda’s solar owners face a fresh tariff fight as the unbundled retail tariff tripled fixed monthly facilities charges, raising concerns about trust in the Regulatory Authority and Belco. Renewables Access: The Government’s Balcony Solar Pilot Programme is moving ahead with compact units for renters, seniors and apartment-style homes, with site assessments underway and no feed-back to the grid. Local Environment Data: Bermuda’s 2024 Environmental Statistics Compendium reports electricity use trends and highlights popular fisheries catches, while noting Covid-era impacts on comparisons. Wildlife & Community: The Bermuda Monetary Authority’s Community Day saw 230+ staff volunteer with groups including Keep Bermuda Beautiful and the Bermuda Zoological Society, backing coastal cleanups and conservation. Aviation Safety/Marine Impact: A Bermuda-to-Boston medical jet search off Nantucket continues after debris was found; the Coast Guard says no survivors were seen on the surface and weather has helped search efforts. Tropical Watch: A tropical weather outlook flags a system east of Bermuda with medium chances of development, while conditions are expected to turn unfavorable later this week. Infrastructure: OBA’s Maurice Foley weighs in on the Swing Bridge replacement, urging adequate consultation as construction timelines move forward.

Search & Rescue: The U.S. Coast Guard says it’s still looking for six people aboard a Bermuda-to-Boston medical evacuation plane after a debris field linked to the Gulfstream G100 was found off Nantucket; officials say survivors on the ocean surface would likely have been found, and the black box has not been located. Energy Transition: Bermuda’s Balcony Solar Pilot Programme is moving ahead with site assessments for compact units aimed at renters and apartment-style homes, with installations not feeding back into the grid. Marine & Climate Science: New research using a deep-ocean observatory southeast of Bermuda shows hurricanes can push sand, nutrients and pollution from shallow reefs far down into the ocean, helping trap carbon. Environment & Community: Bermuda Monetary Authority staff volunteered with Keep Bermuda Beautiful and the Bermuda Zoological Society, among others, as part of its fifth annual Community Day focused on conservation and local environmental care. Wildlife/Heritage for Youth: The National Museum of Bermuda launches its Grundy Youth Photography Competition, inviting students to capture “Hidden in Plain Sight” themes including Nature’s Secrets.

Beazley-Zurich Deal Update: Kristof Terryn has been named CEO of Beazley and Zurich Global Specialty after Zurich completed its $10.8bn acquisition, with senior leadership changes including Helen Pickford as CFO and Adrian Cox stepping down. Local Infrastructure & Consultation: An OBA column backs the Swing Bridge replacement as essential for East End travel and emergency access, while pressing for fresh consultation on how the roughly three-year build will be carried out. Search & Safety at Sea/Air: The US Coast Guard is searching off Nantucket for a missing medical evacuation plane flying from Bermuda to Boston, carrying six people (including two Bermudians), after reports of a “debris field.” Renewables for Renters: Minister Alexa Lightbourne says the Balcony Solar Pilot Programme will assess compact solar units for homes where rooftop solar isn’t possible, with landlord permission required and no grid feed-in. Biodiversity & Climate Research: A deep-ocean observatory near Bermuda captured how major hurricanes can push sand, nutrients and pollution from shallow reefs far downward, helping trap carbon. Tropical Watch: The Atlantic Tropical Weather Outlook flags a system east-northeast of Bermuda with medium chances of development in the coming days, while conditions are expected to turn unfavorable later this week. Community & Conservation: Bermuda Monetary Authority staff volunteered with eight local charities, including Keep Bermuda Beautiful and the Bermuda Zoological Society, as part of its fifth annual Community Day.

Search & Rescue: The US Coast Guard is searching the Atlantic for a medical evacuation plane that vanished after departing Bermuda for Boston with six people on board, with aircraft and surface vessels looking off Nantucket. Tropical Watch: The National Hurricane Center flags a low chance of tropical development east-northeast of Bermuda over the next few days, while Fay’s remnants continue to move across the Atlantic. Renewables for Renters: Bermuda’s Balcony Solar Pilot Programme is underway, with site assessments for compact solar units aimed at renters, seniors and apartment-style homes (no grid feed). Local Environment Action: Bermuda Monetary Authority staff (230+ volunteers) backed eight charities including Keep Bermuda Beautiful and the Bermuda Zoological Society during Community Day. Marine Climate Research: New deep-ocean observatory data shows hurricanes can push sand, nutrients and pollution from shallow reefs down into the deep sea—helping trap carbon. Wildfire Insurance Move: Banyan Risk launches Red Fox Risk to underwrite wildfire-exposed properties in California and the western US.

Tropical Watch: The latest North Atlantic outlook flags a fast-moving low east-northeast of Bermuda with a medium chance to become a tropical depression, but conditions are expected to turn unfavorable later this week. Renewables for renters: In the House of Assembly, Minister Alexa Lightbourne outlined the Balcony Solar Pilot Programme, aiming to make rooftop-style solar access possible for renters, seniors and apartment residents via compact units (with landlord permission and no grid feed-in). Local environment data: Bermuda’s 13th Environmental Statistics Compendium reports shifts in tourism and electricity use, plus key fish-catch trends, while noting Covid-era impacts on comparisons. Coastal conservation volunteering: Bermuda Monetary Authority staff (230+ people) spent Community Day supporting groups including Keep Bermuda Beautiful and the Bermuda Zoological Society, with coastal litter removal and conservation work. Deep-ocean storm science: New research using a Bermuda-area observatory shows hurricanes can drive sand and nutrients from shallow reefs deep into the ocean, helping trap carbon. Wildfire risk underwriting: Banyan Risk launched Red Fox Risk to write wildfire-exposed property cover in California and the western US, using detailed property and catastrophe analytics. Bicycle race traffic: The Presidents Cup Road Race on Oct 4 will run 7:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m., with no scheduled road closures but traffic control along the route.

Renewables & Energy Access: Minister Alexa Lightbourne outlined Bermuda’s Balcony Solar Pilot Programme, aiming to make rooftop-style solar benefits available to renters, seniors and apartment residents, with site assessments underway and landlord permissions required. Environment Data & Fisheries: A new Government Environmental Statistics Compendium reports tourism and electricity trends, plus the top fishing catch in recent years, while noting Covid-era impacts on comparisons. Marine Conservation Spotlight: Bermuda filmmaker Andrew Stevenson’s documentary on North Atlantic humpback whales won top honours at a wildlife film festival, highlighting threats like plastic pollution and ocean noise. Biodiversity & Climate Research: New findings describe how hurricanes can push sand, nutrients and pollution from shallow reefs down into the deep ocean—helping trap carbon. Community & Conservation Volunteering: Bermuda Monetary Authority staff backed eight charities during Community Day, including coastal clean-ups with Keep Bermuda Beautiful and work with the Bermuda Zoological Society and Bermuda National Trust. Local Project Progress: Luscar Place on Pitts Bay Road hit a key milestone with final structural steel installation and topping-out. Tropical Watch: Weather coverage notes low chances for new Atlantic development near Bermuda as systems churn far offshore. Wildlife/Heritage Youth: The National Museum of Bermuda launched its Grundy Youth Photography Competition, inviting students to capture themes tied to nature, heritage and people. Road & Public Notices: Government notices covered acting appointments and a notice of intended marriage, while Public Works flagged upcoming race-related traffic impacts.

Wildlife & Climate Research: A deep-ocean observatory southeast of Bermuda has captured how major hurricanes can shove sand, nutrients and pollution from shallow reefs down to the deep sea—showing storms can “feed” the ocean far below the surface. Biodiversity & Conservation Culture: Bermuda filmmaker Andrew Stevenson’s documentary If They Were Us: The Humpback Whales of the Sargasso Sea won first place at the Wildlife Conservation Film Festival, spotlighting the Sargasso Sea and threats like plastic pollution and ocean noise. Tropical Weather Watch: The National Hurricane Center highlighted an area southeast of Bermuda for possible tropical development tied to Fay remnants, though strong winds and dry air are expected to limit re-development. Local Environment & Community: The National Museum of Bermuda is inviting students (ages 7–18) to enter its Grundy Youth Photography Competition, themed “Hidden in Plain Sight,” with nature and heritage categories. Risk & Resilience (Wildfire Insurance): Bermudian MGA Banyan Risk launched Red Fox Risk to underwrite wildfire-exposed properties in California and the western US, aiming for more consistent capacity through data-led underwriting. Public Works & Heritage: Work has started to assess Sessions House ahead of its restoration, with preparatory steps including removing furniture and checking the roof and key features.

Tropical Watch: The National Hurricane Center flagged an area southeast of Bermuda for possible tropical development, tied to the remnants of Tropical Storm Fay, but dry air and strong winds are expected to limit re-development. Wildlife & Climate Science: New deep-ocean observations near Bermuda show how major hurricanes can push sand, nutrients and pollution from shallow reefs far down into the ocean—helping trap carbon. Biodiversity Spotlight: Bermuda filmmaker Andrew Stevenson’s documentary on humpback whales and the Sargasso Sea won top honours at a global film festival, highlighting threats from plastic pollution and ocean noise. Local Environment & Community: Bermuda is seeking public feedback on updated childcare standards, with a focus on safety, health and wellbeing for young children. Conservation & Heritage: Work has started to assess Sessions House ahead of its restoration, with plans to preserve the building’s character while improving accessibility. Road & Public Works: PartnerRe Women’s 5K will bring Sunday road closures in Paget, with traffic control by police and marshals. Insurance & Risk (climate-linked): Banyan Risk launched Red Fox Risk to underwrite wildfire-exposed properties in the western US, using detailed property and catastrophe analytics.

Tax Policy Watch: Economy and Labour Minister Jason Hayward says Government is reconsidering Bermuda’s import duties, aiming to lower the cost of doing business for small service providers, while also pointing to housing supply pressures and the new city plan for more mixed-use options. Marine Conservation Spotlight: Bermuda filmmaker Andrew Stevenson’s documentary If They Were Us: The Humpback Whales of the Sargasso Sea won first place in the Marine Ecosystems category at the Wildlife Conservation Film Festival, highlighting the Sargasso Sea’s vulnerable ecosystem and threats like plastic pollution and ocean noise. Wildlife & Community: A Bermuda-based anime project, The R.O.K. [Rise of Kadeem], turns the island’s rattlesnake drama into a fictional action series set in Bermudian locations. Climate & Risk Context: The Atlantic hurricane season is set to end September without a hurricane for the first time since 1994, with storms far from land and risk shifting westward. Environment Data: Government released the 2024 Environmental Statistics Compendium, including electricity use, waste totals, rainfall figures, and fisheries landings. Public Consultation: Health Ministry launches a six-week public consultation on updated Child Care Standards starting Oct 1. Infrastructure Update: Work begins to assess Sessions House ahead of its restoration, with preparatory steps already underway.

Biodiversity & Oceans: Bermuda filmmaker Andrew Stevenson’s documentary If They Were Us: The Humpback Whales of the Sargasso Sea won first place at the 2026 Wildlife Conservation Film Festival, spotlighting humpback social lives and the Sargasso Sea’s vulnerability to plastic pollution and ocean noise. Climate & Weather: The Atlantic is set to end September without a hurricane for the first time since 1994, with systems like Fay and Hanna staying far from land as the seasonal risk shifts westward. Marine Life & Policy: Visiting yacht captains urged Bermuda’s Prime Minister to withdraw a commercial whaling resolution, arguing whales matter to marine ecosystems and the sailing community. Environment Data: Bermuda’s 2024 Environmental Statistics Compendium was released, tracking electricity use, rainfall, waste, and fisheries landings. Local Environment & Planning: The UK Space Agency has applied to install three orbit-tracking telescopes at Cooper’s Island, with claims they support space safety and sustainability. Public Consultation: The Ministry of Health opened a six-week consultation on updated Child Care Standards starting Oct 1. Water & Services: The AG says a Westgate Correctional Facility water disruption is now “under control” after repairs and interim measures.

Marine Life & Pollution: A Bermuda-linked humpback whale documentary, If They Were Us: The Humpback Whales of the Sargasso Sea, won top prize at a wildlife film festival in Mexico, spotlighting threats like plastic pollution and industrial ocean noise. Bermuda Environment Data: Bermuda’s 2024 Environmental Statistics Compendium was released, reporting shifts in electricity use, waste totals, rainfall, and fisheries landings. Recycling & Plastic: A local letter urges Bermuda to recycle more than tin, aluminium and glass, calling out plastic as a missed opportunity. Child Safety Standards: The Ministry of Health launches a six-week public consultation (from Oct 1) to update Bermuda’s childcare standards, including safety, health and learning requirements. Heritage & Built Environment: Work has started to assess Sessions House ahead of a multi-year restoration, with plans to improve accessibility while preserving character. Space & Sustainability: The UK Space Agency seeks planning approval to install three telescopes at Cooper’s Island to support space safety and sustainability tracking. Tropical Weather Watch: Forecasters say the Atlantic remains unusually quiet overall, but Tropical Storm Hanna has formed east of Bermuda while Fay weakens.

Childcare Standards Consultation: Bermuda’s Ministry of Health is launching a six-week public consultation from Oct 1 to update childcare standards, focusing on stronger protections and modern guidance for curriculum, safety, health, infrastructure, and digital learning materials. Feedback goes to forum.gov.bm. Sessions House Restoration Prep: The Ministry of Public Works and Environment has started condition assessments for Sessions House, with furniture removed and more work planned to define the repair scope. The restoration is expected to take several years, with attention turning to the roof and key features like the House Chamber and clock tower. Work Readiness Training Boost: Workforce Development has expanded free job-readiness classes running Oct–Dec, adding topics like money management, emotional intelligence, workplace resilience, and career planning. Environmental Data Release: The 2024 Environmental Statistics Compendium is out, including electricity use, waste totals, rainfall figures, and fisheries landings. Space Debris Watch Plan: A UK Space Agency application seeks permission to install three orbit-tracking telescopes at Cooper’s Island, aimed at space safety and sustainability. Tropical Outlook: Tropical Storm Hanna has formed east of Bermuda, while Tropical Depression Fay continues farther out at sea—no direct land threat reported. Recycling Push: A letter urges Bermuda to recycle more than tin, aluminium, and glass, especially plastic.

Prison Water Fix: The Attorney-General told the Senate that a Westgate Correctional Facility water supply problem—leaving staff and inmates short of tap water and flushable toilets—has been restored after urgent plumbing repairs completed Sunday, with interim sanitation and security steps in place. Public Spending Watch: The Auditor-General says ministerial travel, meal and hospitality expense claims need better training and stronger controls, citing missing receipts, claims outside timeframes, and weak central tracking across multiple ministries. Planning & Environment: A UK Space Agency application seeks permission for three telescope systems at Cooper’s Island, including domes, power and connectivity, positioned to keep separation from nearby nature reserve zoning. Island Resilience Online: Bermuda’s Minister Jache Adams joined a Virtual Island Summit highlighting climate, ocean and economic challenges and calling for stronger finance and partnerships. Tropics Update: Tropical Storm Hanna has formed east-northeast of Bermuda and is expected to stay weak and out at sea, while Tropical Depression Fay continues to weaken; forecasters also flag a separate low east of Bermuda with a chance to develop later this week. Local Nature & Health: Bermuda’s spring allergy season is tied to shifting airborne pollen—trees, then grasses and weeds—so symptoms can change as the season progresses. Traffic Notice: North Shore Road in Flatts will see an emergency lane closure (BELCO cable repairs) Sept 29–Oct 1, 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m.