That ambition has become a reality thanks to the 2025 Brian Hall Memorial Scholarship which is helping to support her in her studies international management with Spanish at the University of Bath.

Born and raised in Bermuda, Ms Roe completed her GCSEs and International Baccalaureate Diploma at Warwick Academy. Alongside her academic studies, she served as Student Council president, developing independence, leadership skills and a strong desire to understand how education connects to real careers.

As university applications approached, Ms Roe found herself facing a challenge familiar to many students. She enjoyed biology and chemistry, but she was equally drawn to business studies and felt unsettled by not knowing where either path would lead in practice.

“What unsettled me most wasn’t the difficulty of the subjects,” she said. “It was not knowing what either path actually led to in real life.”

That uncertainty stayed with her and shaped the choices she made next.

With the encouragement and support of her parents, Ms Roe chose to gain real world experience, believing clarity would come through action rather than assumptions made from the classroom alone.

Make your own luck

While still in high school, Ms Roe applied for internships across Bermuda, despite many opportunities being aimed at university students. She sent out her CV with little expectation, simply hoping someone might be willing to give her a chance.

That chance came from Arch Insurance, which invited her to an open house, followed by an interview and ultimately an internship offer. Ms Roe was just 16, turning 17, when she joined the Mortgage team.

Being the youngest intern was intimidating, and moments of self doubt quickly appeared. However, she said the experience proved transformative. 

“By the end of the summer, I could clearly see myself in a business career,” she said, reflecting on how confidence grew through experience.

Over the following years, Ms Roe’s internship at Arch became a defining part of her development. She moved through Mortgage and Finance roles, later proposing a rotation plan to gain exposure across underwriting, actuarial work and catastrophe modelling.

Seeing how these different functions connected gave her a deeper understanding of the insurance industry. It also reinforced the value of curiosity, showing how much growth is possible when students are encouraged to explore beyond fixed expectations.

Ms Roe ultimately spent the most time in underwriting, where she progressed from observer to contributor. Each responsibility pushed her beyond her comfort zone, helping her build confidence, technical understanding and a stronger professional identity.

During her most recent summer, Ms Roe was appointed lead intern. She mentored other interns, led a capstone project presented to the entire company, and delivered presentations in underwriting meetings attended by senior leadership and C suite executives.

These experiences confirmed her interest in the industry and her belief that growth comes from stepping forward, even when situations feel challenging. Each opportunity built on the last, steadily shaping her sense of direction.

The Colombian route

When selecting her university degree, Ms Roe wanted her studies to reflect the global nature of the insurance industry. She chose international management with Spanish to combine business strategy with cultural awareness and language skills.

Her connection to Spanish is also personal. Ms Roe’s mother is Colombian, and growing up with Spanish around her inspired a desire to take the language seriously, not only academically, but as a professional tool.

As part of her degree, Ms Roe was required to complete a year abroad in a Spanish speaking country. She immediately knew she wanted to go to Colombia, her mother’s homeland, to immerse herself fully in the language and culture.

Determined to remain within the insurance industry, Ms Roe pursued an unconventional route for her placement year. Through networking, persistence and resilience, she secured a role with Chubb Colombia.

She now works in a fully Spanish speaking professional environment, an experience she describes as both exciting and demanding. Adapting to a new country, culture and language challenged her confidence in ways she had not experienced before.

“There were moments of doubt, but also moments of pride,” she reflected, particularly when she stopped to consider how far she had come. The experience has been transformative, both professionally and personally.

From uncertainty about what to study, to working in her chosen industry in another language, Ms Roe’s journey highlights how exploration can lead to clarity and confidence when supported by opportunity.

Ms Roe was first introduced to the Bermuda Foundation for Insurance Studies through industry networking events. These experiences helped her understand the breadth of opportunity within Bermuda’s insurance and reinsurance sector.

It was through BFIS that her path took her to the Brian Hall Memorial Scholarship. Ms Roe applied more than once before being successful, a process that tested her resilience and required honest reflection on her goals and growth.

“Rejection is not a reflection of potential,” she said. Each application cycle pushed her to refine her thinking, strengthen her motivation and return with greater confidence and clarity.

Receiving the Brian Hall Memorial Scholarship ultimately meant far more than financial support. Named in honour of Brian Hall, a longtime leader in the captive insurance sector and founder of BFIS, the award represents belief in future industry leaders and recognition of effort, curiosity and persistence.

For Ms Roe, the scholarship reinforced confidence as much as it provided practical support. It confirmed that her commitment was being recognised and motivated her to continue pushing herself academically, professionally and personally.

Today, Ms Roe sees her scholarship as both an honour and a responsibility. It has inspired her to think about how she can give back in future, by supporting and mentoring others in the way she was supported.

Her journey, from a Bermudian student seeking clarity to an undergraduate gaining global experience in Colombia, shows the lasting impact of belief, opportunity and persistence working together.

The post Follow your dream… appeared first on RG Magazines.

While at North Carolina A&T State University, her professor emailed the class about a case competition organised by Duke University.

“I had never entered one before. At the time, I was struggling with public speaking, so I saw it as a chance to challenge myself, build confidence, and practise presenting,” said Ms Dean, 21.

The competition was the 2025 Duke University New Ideas Case Competition, and students were asked to propose how business can be a force for good by reducing societal polarisation and creating positive community impact.

Her submission, NextGen Resource Centre, focused on education inequality affecting low-income students in high-poverty schools in the United States.

“I explained how chronic underfunding often shows up as overcrowded classrooms, outdated materials, teacher shortages, limited extracurricular opportunities, restricted access to technology and minimal counselling support.

“I also highlighted how these gaps disproportionately impact many students of colour, including Black and Hispanic or Latino students, while outside pressures such as work obligations, housing and food insecurity, transportation barriers, and limited internet access make it even harder to succeed.”

Her solution was NextGen Resource Centres — community-based hubs supported by an online platform. The physical centres would offer computers, printers, internet access, school supplies and structured support from volunteers and professionals.

Services would include tutoring, college and career readiness preparation, as well as practical supports such as washers and dryers, a small kitchen and a donated professional attire closet — “because students should not miss out on opportunities due to basic resource barriers.”

Why it matters

She proposed launching the website first to reach students nationwide, then opening a physical centre in a high-poverty community once funding and partnerships were secured, with plans to expand over time.

“The goal was to improve academic support, test readiness, job readiness and college application outcomes, while helping reduce the gap between high-poverty and low-poverty communities.”

Ms Dean did not place in the top 10, but she was selected as an alternate, meaning that if a finalist could not attend the in-person presentations, she would present their findings in their place.

In the end, Ms Dean did not present — but the idea never left her.

“The experience stayed with me. It pushed me to reflect on why the idea mattered so much, and who else it could serve,” she said.

“That reflection brought me back to Bermuda, and to my own senior year of high school. I remember how overwhelming it felt to apply to colleges and scholarships without a clear, centralised guide.

“My parents did not attend college, so they could not answer most of the questions I had. School counsellors tried to help, but support was limited, and I had to complete many steps independently.”

Ms Dean ended up navigating the process herself but was often unsure where to find key documents, what a strong résumé should look like, and how best to prepare for interviews.

Wanting to make a difference, she decided to bring her idea to life for her community.

“Drawing on my own struggles and a desire to help future students, I set out to create a resource that would guide others through the college application process so no one would have to figure it out alone.

“I also incorporated my experiences living in the United States over the past four years, as well as insights from other Bermudian students studying in Canada and the UK, to provide a realistic picture of life in those countries.”

The result is the website Bermudiana Sources. Its mission statement reads: “Bermudiana Sources isn’t just a resource. It’s a bridge — a bridge between ambition and access, built to ensure that every student, no matter their background, has the tools and support to succeed. Our mission is to empower every student to navigate higher education with confidence.”

It offers students a clear and streamlined starting point for the college application process in the United States, Canada, Bermuda and Britain.

The website provides step-by-step guidance, outlines key requirements and centralises essential resources in one hub. It also offers advice on transitioning to a new country and shares student testimonies, allowing users to learn from real experiences.

The platform includes resources aligned with what admissions committees seek, including sections on community service and extracurricular involvement, with connections to local organisations to help students develop leadership skills and gain experience.

There are also guides for scholarship preparation, internships, interview tips, and crafting effective résumés and cover letters.

Keep going

Bermudiana Sources supports families as well, recognising that many parents want to help but may be unfamiliar with today’s international application procedures, timelines and expectations.

The website will be updated annually to reflect the most current information for each application cycle.

“Bermudiana Sources means a lot to me because it came from a real place. I remember how overwhelming this process felt, and I know other students feel the same pressure.

“Building this was not easy, but I kept going because I believe students deserve clearer guidance and a fair chance. If Bermudiana Sources helps even one student feel less discouraged and more confident, then every late night and every obstacle was worth it.”

A student at the Berkeley Institute for four years, Ms Dean excelled, maintaining a GPA above 3.5. In 2020, she was accepted into the Bermuda College dual enrolment programme part-time, allowing her to complete college courses alongside her high school studies during her final two years at Berkeley.

She will graduate from North Carolina A&T State University in 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in business administration management.

“The unique experience of being part of a historically Black institution has allowed me to witness firsthand the power of a supportive and uplifting community.”

Throughout her university years, Ms Dean has been awarded more than $165,000 in scholarships, which helped cover tuition and fees, transportation costs, books and supplies, housing and airfare.

“Their support has allowed me to attend university comfortably and focus fully on my academics without the added stress of financial barriers,” she said.

“I am deeply grateful to be recognised by these scholarship organisations. Their investment in my future inspires me to give back.”

The post Maya’s mission appeared first on RG Magazines.

So, why not invite a few close friends, open some bottles, and create a spread that feels both sophisticated and deeply comforting. The secret? Choosing pairings that bring out the best in both the cheese and the wine.

The most important rule is to match intensity. For instance, a light, tangy goat cheese will be overpowered by a heavy Cabernet Sauvignon, but it will shine alongside a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. Likewise, a bold aged cheddar calls for a wine with enough structure to stand up to it, such as a Cabernet.

From there, decide whether you want to complement or contrast. Complementary pairings highlight shared flavours: for example, nutty cheddar with an oaked Chardonnay. Contrasting pairings create balance, such as the way a sweet Port cuts through the saltiness of a blue cheese.

Acidity and tannins also play a role. High-acid wines like Sauvignon Blanc refresh the palate when matched with creamy cheeses, while tannins, the drying compounds in red wine, work best with hard, fatty cheeses that can soften their bite.

Don’t forget about texture. Creamy cheeses such as Brie benefit from wines with either a silky richness (like Chardonnay) or effervescence (like Champagne), both of which cut through the indulgence.

And if you’re unsure, follow the time-tested wisdom of “what grows together, goes together”: cheeses and wines from the same region often make natural partners.

Here are some examples by cheese type, suggested by Lindo’s Family Foods:

• Fresh, tangy cheeses (goat cheese, mozzarella): Crisp, high-acid wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling wines are ideal. They brighten the palate and enhance the freshness.
• Soft, creamy cheeses (brie, camembert): These pair beautifully with richer whites like Chardonnay or with delicate reds like Pinot Noir.
• Hard, aged cheeses (cheddar, parmesan): Big reds with tannic structure, Cabernet Sauvignon being the classic, balance the intensity and richness.
• Blue cheeses (roquefort, stilton): Sweet wines are the classic match here, with port being the definitive partner that softens their salty, pungent edge.

And here are some classic pairings, tried-and-true matches, recommended by Lindo’s:

• Brie with Chardonnay or Champagne. Recommended bottles include Veuve Clicquot, Moet Brut, La Crema Russian River Chardonnay, and Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay.
• Blue cheese with Port. A Dow Late Bottle Vintage 2017 or Dow Tawny 30-Year brings perfect balance.
• Gruyère with Pinot Noir. French options such as Louis Latour Bourgogne Pinot Noir or La Crema Sonoma Pinot are excellent choices.
• Gorgonzola with Moscato d’Asti. Try Ceretto Moscato or Cadgal Moscato for a sweet, aromatic pairing.
• Goat cheese with Sauvignon Blanc, ideally French. Sancerre, Pouilly Fumé, or Fournier Père et Fils Les Belles Vignes Sancerre are superb.
• Aged cheddar with Cabernet Sauvignon. Napa Valley and California produce standouts, including Duckhorn, Decoy and Stags Leap Artemis.
• Havarti with Provence Rosé. Aix Rosé, Saint Max, and Minuty Prestige offer a refreshing complement.
• Gouda with Malbec. Rich Argentine options like Felino Malbec or Finca Sophenia Synthesis Malbec provide depth and warmth.

A cheese and wine night is about more than eating and drinking – it’s about slowing down, savouring flavours, and enjoying good company. With these pairings, you’ll strike just the right note of sophistication and comfort.

Enjoy!

The post Cheese and wine night – sophistication! appeared first on RG Magazines.

For decades, Pals Bermuda has been there to meet those needs, offering expert care and comfort at a time when it is needed most.

But behind its team of specialists lies another vital force: the volunteers.

From driving patients to appointments, to sitting with them during treatment or simply offering companionship, volunteers are the backbone of Pals. Without them, the charity could not function on the scale it does.

Colleen English DeGrilla, the charity’s executive director, is clear about their importance.

“Pals is known for the professional care it provides, but what often gets overlooked is the army of volunteers who make it all possible,” she said.

“They are our unsung heroes.”

About 100 volunteers give their time freely. Some help in the office, some in the thrift shop, some in fundraising, while many work directly with patients.

One of the most pressing needs is transport: getting people safely to and from chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hospital visits.

“Imagine being too unwell to drive yourself, and not having family who can step in,” Ms English DeGrilla said.

“That’s where our volunteers step forward. They make sure nobody misses the care they need.”

For Paulette Smith, volunteering is personal. A cancer sufferer herself, she knows exactly how much the service means.

“When I was going through treatment, Pals was always there for me,” she said. “They gave me hope and made me feel less alone. So, when I got stronger, I decided I wanted to give back.”

Today, she spends time driving patients and offering emotional support.

“Sometimes, people just need someone to talk to.

“Cancer can be very isolating. I know because I’ve been there. To sit with someone and let them know you understand – it makes a difference.”

Her story is not unusual. Many volunteers have either been helped by Pals themselves or had loved ones who benefited. That lived experience adds depth to the care they provide.

A few hours can change a life

The support goes far beyond the practical. Volunteers often become companions, sharing cups of tea, running errands, or simply being a listening ear and that social contact can be just as valuable as medical treatment.

Ms English DeGrilla pointed out: “You can’t underestimate the power of human connection. It reduces stress, lifts spirits and helps people find the strength to keep going.”

With cancer rates rising and demand increasing, Pals is calling for more people to step forward.

“You don’t need medical training,” Ms English DeGrilla stressed. “You just need a willingness to help. Even a few hours a week can change someone’s life.”

The charity provides training and support. Roles are flexible, ranging from hands-on patient support to behind-the-scenes assistance.

For Ms Smith, the rewards are immense. “Volunteering gives me purpose,” she said. “I feel I’m making a difference, just as someone once made a difference for me.”

Pals has been part of Bermuda’s healthcare landscape since 1980, and its success has always relied on community involvement. Financial donations are critical, but so too is the gift of time.

“Cancer touches almost every family on the island,” Ms English DeGrilla said. “When you volunteer with Pals, you’re not just helping an individual, you’re strengthening our whole community.”

For those considering it, Ms Smith has simple advice: “Don’t wait. If you can help, do it. You’ll be giving the gift of comfort and hope. And you’ll find that in giving, you receive so much back.”

To contact Pals, call 236-PALS (7257) or email [email protected].

The post The unsung heroes behind Pals’ essential work appeared first on RG Magazines.

Now, with the creation of two $48,000 scholarships aimed at getting Bermudians into podiatry, he’s making good on that goal.

The Atlantic Podiatry Industry Scholarship is one of Bermuda’s newest financial aid offerings, and one of the most targeted. It’s about more than education, it is about creating long-term local capacity in a healthcare field that’s often overlooked, despite its outsized impact.

“Podiatry isn’t the first thing people think of when they consider healthcare,” Mr Francis admitted.

“But it should be. Your feet are your foundation. A lot of long-term issues, from amputations to mobility loss, start with foot problems that could’ve been caught early.”

The scholarship covers full tuition for a podiatry degree in the UK, with a guaranteed job waiting back home. The goal is to build a sustainable pipeline of local podiatrists, something Bermuda is currently lacking.

“When we offered the first scholarship last year, we didn’t get any applicants,” Mr Francis said.

“That surprised me. So, I started reaching out to schools and networks, even overseas, trying to find Bermudians who might be interested. It turns out we’re not just short on podiatrists, we’re short on awareness.”

That led to a second scholarship this year, doubling down on the original offer.

“We’ve invested nearly $100,000 as a two-year-old clinic,” he said. “That’s a lot for a small business. But I think it’s the best way to create real change.”

Podiatrists make a difference

The urgency is clear. Bermuda has one of the highest rates of amputation per capita in the world with many stemming from complications of diabetes that podiatrists are trained to detect and treat early.

According to Mr Francis, regular foot checks could prevent many of these cases, reducing long-term healthcare costs and saving lives.

The challenge is structural as well as medical.

“We don’t have a podiatrist working at the hospital. That means wounds, infections and high-risk feet are managed without that specific expertise. It’s inefficient and expensive,” he said.

“If someone comes in with an infection, a podiatrist might be able to treat it early. Without that intervention, we end up with partial amputations that snowball into major surgeries.”

His own experience reflects the broader trend. His team now includes a second podiatrist, brought in from the UK.

But he’s mindful of the risk: “Guest workers are amazing, but they don’t always stay.

“If they leave, they take all that knowledge with them. I want Bermudians in those roles, people who are invested in the island.”

That’s why the scholarship isn’t just for high school students. It’s open to any Bermudian, regardless of age or background.

“If you studied finance ten years ago but want a career change — reach out,” he said.

“Podiatry is hands-on, it’s rewarding, and it’s not overly physically demanding. We’re building a team, and there’s room for different skills.”

And for those worried about qualifications?

“I’ll help with that too,” Mr Francis said. “If someone’s interested but unsure if they meet the academic requirements, I’ll work directly with the UK universities to create a path.”

Ultimately, it’s about more than filling job slots. It’s about shifting the mindset around healthcare — from reactive to preventative, from imported to homegrown.

“This is one of those careers where you make a real difference, every day. We just need more people to see that. And once they do, we’ll be ready.”

Anyone interested in the scholarship can visit  the Atlantic Podiatry website for further information: www.atlantic-podiatry.com.

Or go on the Bermuda scholarship website and search for “Atlantic Podiatry”: www.bermudascholarships.com

The post Get your feet under the table! appeared first on RG Magazines.

Perhaps, though, it can be better managed to help avoid the aches and pains that seem to worsen and linger as we grow older.

A GP at Island Health Services, Dr Hayley Morton, said there are a range of things that should be done while people are in their 50s.

First, it is vital that people get their annual physicals, where any issues can be spotted and dealt with quickly.

Making sure there is continuity of care with a regular GP is also important, so they understand a person’s health.

Exercise every day

“Heart health is particularly important for men as their heart disease risk is higher than women at this age. Everyone should know their cholesterol,” Dr Morton said.

“Equally, pre-diabetes may surface now. This can be picked up at an annual GP check. Better to know early to make small changes while it is reversible.”

Keeping your weight within a normal BMI range gets harder, especially as women go through the perimenopause and fat distribution changes, Dr Morton said.

Exercise is crucial.

“Try to avoid being sedentary. As well as 150 minutes of cardio a week, avoid sitting for long periods. Try to have a brief walk of just five minutes every hour or so, especially if you work from home.”

It is also important to add some form of balance training like stretching or yoga, which helps build strength and good proprioception, preventing future falls.

Watch out for stress

Many people in their 50s are now part of the so-called sandwich generation – caring for children as well as ageing parents – and constantly juggling those needs with their own and work.

Dr Morton said: “Try to balance stress. It is called ‘the sandwich generation’ for good reason. It can be a challenging time for many people. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your GP or a therapist. Some workplaces also offer access to employee assistance programmes.”

Taking care of yourself in your 50s means your 60s should be better – but that cannot be taken for granted. It is important not to stop exercising, physically or mentally.

Maintain friendships

One key area, suggested Dr Morton, is to stay socially connected.

“There is good evidence for social stimulation as another protective factor for dementia,” she said.

“Early use of hearing aids may have a role in reducing dementia risk. Seek out a hearing assessment proactively if you are concerned.”

Sleep is also important. Although it can be elusive as hormones change with age, where possible, ring-fence good sleep, Dr Morton said.

“Women may start to watch bone density more closely. Having a bone density scan will help monitor this.

“Again, be aware of the importance of strength training at this age. Make sure there is adequate calcium in your diet and keep doing weight-bearing exercise to maintain good bones.”

See your doctor regularly

In addition, stay active and stay connected with your GP, who will ensure you are up to date on immunisations as well as tests like an abdominal ultrasound for an aortic aneurysm.

She added: “Remember, not everyone is given the chance to age, so be thankful for the years enjoyed while trying to stay well for the years ahead.”

According to Dr Sanja Malbasa-Thompson, a consultant geriatrician at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, the fastest-growing demographic group in Bermuda is the over-65s.

As a result, one of the biggest emerging problems in Bermuda is the increasing number of people now living with dementia.

What can be done to help?

“If we reduce alcohol abuse from a younger age, we massively reduce the risk of dementia in older age. Obviously, drugs as well – but alcohol is the most widely used. It’s important. Stopping smoking is also important,” Dr Malbasa-Thompson said.

It’s also important to keep the brain stimulated: older people might watch TV for prolonged periods, but they also need social interaction. Playing games, reading, keeping a diary – or journaling – also help, said Dr Malbasa-Thompson who added that learning a new skill can also be extremely beneficial.

“Hearing loss, particularly in older age, causes social isolation. If you can’t communicate, we can sometimes wrongly think that patients are depressed, disinterested or even cognitively impaired.

“It’s really important to check for hearing loss from the age of 55.”

Healthy diet

Cholesterol, Dr Malbasa-Thompson said, increases the risk of dementia by seven per cent. Vision loss also increases the risk.

“Check your vision for possible cataracts or macular degeneration.”

Exercise is also very important and, according to Dr Malbasa-Thompson, there was a study that looked at the effect of six months of aerobic exercise in older people.

“It reduced depression, increased verbal memory and cognition, and improved muscle mass, strength, and anaerobic capacity.”

A good diet should be implemented. “We know that people who eat, let’s say, a Mediterranean diet, with no processed food, have a healthier life.”

Dr Malbasa-Thompson added: “I think one of the main messages I would like to get across is that it is never too late to start physical or intellectual activities.

“Research has shown that if you start exercising in your eighties, you will have better survival compared to individuals who remain sedentary.

“If you combine all these behaviours – physical and mental activities – you will have the best results.”

The post Defying the ageing process appeared first on RG Magazines.

He began while he was still at high school and has carried on his interest as a member of Menspeak, a scheme aimed at young men at Bermuda College, which has seen significant success.

“It all started in my last year of high school where I found that I had something to say to help people out,” said Seth, who is studying Pre-Health Science and hopes to go to university.

“I felt like a lot of people, due to social media, lacked authenticity,” he said, when asked what prompted him to start. “Particularly in young men because I felt that they didn’t want to be themselves. They would much rather be like everyone else.

“Instead of conforming to the norm, joining social media and conforming to everyone else and what everyone else was doing, I sought to be myself and just stay calm.”

Does he think there’s more pressure on men, young men, in particular at the moment?

“I would say ‘yes’ because we tend not to ask for help, because we don’t think we need it. But oftentimes whenever we think that we don’t need help, that is when we actually do need it.”

His involvement with Menspeak came following a meeting with Lyndon Jackson, the acting Director of the Counselling and Career Centre at Bermuda College, who founded the scheme.

A student organisation, Menspeak was established by Mr Jackson in 2004 to help young men, addressing issues they face and helping to overcome them.

“When I first came on the Bermuda College campus, I noticed that there weren’t any males in leadership positions. We know that with males, in particular, one of the challenges they face is around leadership roles.

“If you say to them, ‘Are you interested in developing your leadership skills?’ they say, ‘I’m not a leader, or I don’t want to be in that space because it’s a nerdy kind of space’.

“But once they get involved, they understand that leadership could mean a lot of different things and they become a lot more comfortable with the notion of being front and centre and the benefits they can get from that,” added Mr Jackson.

He said that many of the young men that entered the College may not have had any mentoring or a significant man in their lives.

“So that’s where things like Menspeak helps to get guys together in one room, having a conversation about what it’s like to be a male in Bermuda today and how you navigate that space.

“From that, they talk about how they can be more active and involved and connect with each other and then connect with the issues that not only exist on campus but beyond, in the community.

“Menspeak creates a space for those sorts of things to occur, and I think young males need that.”

What kind of success is he seeing and can he measure it? “Yeah. That’s the challenge right there,” he admits.

However, he points to a football league he established which attracted about 50 male College students.

“I looked at their grade point averages at the beginning and at the end, and there were students who, for the first time, had a passing GPA.

“It told me that there’s something about connections and about connecting with people, particularly men, which promotes success, which then encourages and supports more success.

“It reinforced what I already knew, that when students have relationships or are connected to something in the College, they’re going to do better. It’s about confidence.”

He added: “In my last group, there were three or four who were really high flyers and a couple that were struggling a bit. But they moved up a notch when they were around those guys.”

If Menspeak was about leadership, how did he define leadership? “I would define it as commitment to personal growth and to showing up in whatever space you’re in, showing up fully,” said Mr Jackson.

Social media can be a difficult place to navigate, crowded with voices – some of them harmful, such as Andrew Tate, a controversial British-American personality known for his divisive views.

“Social media comes up in conversation as a space to navigate generally but the guys, they talk about it, they know what route they want to go down and what route they don’t want to go down.

“I don’t hear that kind of influence coming out in our particular groups.”

He believes that if men have connections and relationships with other men that “it feeds that motivation to succeed because now there’s a level of respect and accountability that you have with someone”.

“So, the expectations become shared expectations.”

The post How one scheme is turning young men into leaders appeared first on RG Magazines.

With that in mind, the BWS has made some subtle changes to try to present storm information more clearly.

It is hoped this will give people a better understanding about each storm’s potential impact on Bermuda and encourage them to stay alert as forecasts are amended.

Michelle Pitcher, the BWS director, said that the service issued a tropical update bulletin on the website whenever there was a tropical storm or hurricane forecast to be near, or directly affecting, Bermuda.

“These images have a map in the middle showing where the forecasted track is and the extent of the winds associated with the storm in reference to Bermuda,” Ms Pitcher said.

“Then we have information on the top and bottom of that map with more information about the actual tropical storm or hurricane.

“Part of the information underneath the map is a statement that states the ‘Closest point of

approach to Bermuda within 72 hours (3 days) is forecast to be ‘X’ nautical miles to the ‘direction’ at ‘date and time’. However, this system may move closer to Bermuda after this time period, depending upon its track.”

Getting the key message right

Feedback received on the graphic in recent years showed that people were confused by the final sentence, as well as the phrase “closest point of approach within 72 hours”.

After sending examples of different wording and requesting suggestions from stakeholders, Ms Pitcher said the BWS had rejigged it in a way that was “hopefully less confusing”.

She said: “Now it’s going to state, ‘Within the next 72 hours (3 days) the nearest forecasted point to Bermuda is expected to be ‘X’ nautical miles to the ‘direction’ at ‘date and time’. Please note that the forecast is subject to change and this point may move closer to or further away from Bermuda. See future advisory updates’.”

Ms Pitcher added: “The reason we use 72 hours is because that’s a key time period for emergency management. And while the arrival of the centre of a storm is important, we don’t want people solely focused on it as conditions can start to deteriorate well in advance of the storm’s arrival.”

Less uncertainty equals greater knowledge

Every year, the National Hurricane Centre improves its forecasting track of a tropical cyclone, which means the cone of uncertainty – where the centre of the storm may go – becomes narrower.

“On a hurricane tracking map, you can see there’s a shaded area on either side of the centre line. That’s the cone of uncertainty,” Ms Pitcher said.

“The centre line is where the forecast of the storm’s centre is, and the shaded area on either side of that line represents the uncertainty, meaning the centre of a storm could go anywhere within that shaded area.

“This year, the shaded area has shrunk by 5 per cent. It doesn’t sound like much, but considering what they are forecasting, every little bit is very important.”

Wind warnings – explained

Ms Pitcher said that the BWS maps also show different coloured circles for wind speed, and that it was important for people to understand what they meant

A red circle shows the extent of hurricane-force winds from the centre of the storm, yellow shows the extent of the 50-knot winds from the centre and blue shows the extent of tropical storm-force winds from the centre.

Ms Pitcher said: “Communicating the winds is not always straightforward, as there are times when we have tropical storm warnings noting something to the effect of ‘the western edge of the tropical storm-force winds are crossing over Bermuda’.

“We then can receive feedback from people saying, ‘well it’s not tropical storm-force winds where I am’, or ‘the airport sensors are showing sustained at 30 knots, not 34 knots’.

“The reason for that is that the winds are not constant around any tropical storm and some places will be sheltered from the full force of the winds.

“Winds can be patchy, especially toward the outer edges of the storm. So, while we might be under a tropical storm-force warning, if we’re just being caught by the edge of a tropical storm, we might not experience those strongest winds because they’re not consistent.

“The same can be said for the 50-knot winds and the hurricane-force winds. Our responsibility is not only for the island but the marine area which extends 25 nautical miles out from our shores.

“We do add extra information when able especially in situations when the strongest winds are forecast to impact only part of the marine area or maybe just reach one end of the island.

“We work directly with the specialists National Hurricane Centre to be able to give out the best possible information available so that the best decisions can be made to protect lives, livelihoods and properties.”

For your storm updates, visit www.weather.bm

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