Short sea routes and smaller vessels were expected to be exempt from the Trump Administration’s proposed shipping fees, which were feared would mean increases in the cost of essentials such as food and medicine imported to the island from the United States.

The news was welcomed by stakeholders and David Burt, the Premier, said that the outcome was a result of engagement with the US and work with the Caribbean Community.

Bermuda featured on the list of Donald Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs, with the island’s being set at 10 per cent.

Mr Burt told state department officials in Washington in March that the issue would affect residents, among them US citizens, as well as American supply businesses on the island.

The Bermuda Government said earlier that it was aware of America’s intentions but added that the island’s tariff was not expected to deliver a critical blow to the local economy because few goods are exported to the US.

Diallo Rabain, the Minister of the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, shared that medical leave he took earlier in the year was because of a “shocking” diagnosis of prostate cancer.

The minister said he hoped that by opening up about his experiences as a “survivor” he could encourage men, particularly Black men who are more susceptible to the disease, to take better care of themselves.

Zane DeSilva, the Minister of Housing and Municipalities, officially opened the Bermudiana Beach Residences.

Mr DeSilva, who is also the Deputy Premier, said the South Shore project, first planned in 2007 to be a hotel and affordable housing, had evolved across a “long and complex journey” — navigating local market shifts, public health challenges and evolving development goals.

The minister noted the rental value of units — starting at $3,000 per month for a studio apartment — but pledged to double down on efforts to create more affordable housing in Bermuda.

The Loren Group announced its acquisition of the Elbow Beach Hotel and the Fritholme Garden Residences, bolstering its investment in the island.

In an article on PR Newswire, Stephen King, the chief executive and founder of The Loren Group, said that the acquisition was a testament to its dedication to Bermuda.

The island celebrated its second Bermuda Walls Mural Festival as more than a dozen local and overseas artists turned slabs of blank building façades on the outskirts of the City into giant murals exploding with life and colour.

The event reached a climax with a street party on Woodlands Road where scores of revellers gathered to soak up the art and the atmosphere.

The death of Pope Francis on April 21 sparked a stream of tributes from members of Bermuda’s Roman Catholic community. The late pontiff — born Jorge Mario Bergoglio — was 88.

US cardinal Robert Prevost — who took the name Leo XIV — was elected the new leader of the Catholic Church.

SailGP announced that the island will feature on the calendar in May 2026 for the first time in two years, when Diego Botín led the Spain team to victory.

The 2024 Bermuda Sail Grand Prix was estimated to have had an economic impact of nearly $5 million, with more than 13.5 million broadcast viewers.

Danielle Riviere, a former chief executive of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, admitted in Magistrates’ Court to dishonestly receiving a money transfer for $15,725.

The 48-year-old from Pembroke committed the offence — which she initially denied — in September 2024 and was terminated as the chamber’s chief executive for “serious misconduct relating to financial matters” less than a month later.

Magistrate Auralee Cassidy subsequently sentenced Ms Riviere to six months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

Kiari Tucker was handed a life sentence for murdering Morlan Steede in 2017.

At a sentencing hearing for Mr Tucker, Puisne Judge Juan Wolffe said that the accused must serve a minimum of 25 years before becoming eligible for parole.

Mr Tucker was given a further ten-year jail term for using a firearm to commit an indictable offence. The sentences are to run consecutively.

The Supreme Court struck out a claim that the Bermuda Union of Teachers improperly suspended a member for speaking to The Royal Gazette on union matters.

The Reverend Leonard Santucci alleged that he was denied due process and, as a result of his suspension, was unfairly stripped of his chance to run for the post of vice-president in 2021, despite being nominated.

However, the BUT said that Dr Santucci had been suspended in accordance with the union’s constitution and common law principles.

In a written judgment, Chief Justice Larry Mussenden dismissed Dr Santucci’s claims, finding that he had breached the confidence of the union.