You just need to know where to go…

Family fun

Sunday brunch

Wear your fancy outfit, but nothing that fits too tightly around the waist. Sunday brunch is a treat: a rare chance to indulge in some of the finest foods Bermuda has to offer, and a time to shine for our super-talented chefs.

Unlimited trips to the buffet table mean you don’t have to choose between salad, soup, sushi, roasted meats, pasta, or good old Bermudian classics. You can have it all … and then go back for dessert.

Where to find it: Pick your favourite hotel or restaurant, or one you’ve never tried before.

RG top tip: Don’t make plans for Sunday dinner – you won’t need to eat again until Monday evening.

Kicking back with friends

Beach day

If it’s good enough for the thousands of visitors that flock to Bermuda every summer, it’s good enough for us, right?

Appreciate the beauty on your doorstep by making Saturday beach day with your amigos. No matter what kind of beach you’re looking for, you can find the perfect one for everyone.

Where to find it: Horseshoe Bay for crowds and camaraderie; Astwood Park for tranquil scenery; Tobacco Bay for water activities; Hog Bay Beach for waves; John Smith’s Bay for BBQ; Snorkel Park Beach Club for parties; Glass Beach for something you won’t find anywhere else.

RG top tip: Nominate the most reliable member of the group to bring the cooler and ice – the staple of your afternoon. Flakier folks can contribute chips and drinks.

Hot dates

Glass-bottom boat trip

We’re rightly proud of our many delicious dining spots and their sumptuous settings – but for a truly spectacular romantic experience, get out on our wondrous waters.

A glass-bottom boat trip gives you and your partner a front-row seat to beauty that people travel thousands of miles to witness, from our coral reefs and turtles to the shipwrecks and their mesmerising tales.

Where to find it: Hamilton options include Bermuda Reef Explorer; Dockyard’s offerings include the Glass Bottom Boat Cruise.

RG top tip: Stories from your ship’s captain will give you something to chat about as you look back on your adventure while sipping cocktails at a waterfront bar.

Mingle when you’re single

Explore something new

There are so many stories to hear about our amazing island – and so many new friends to make while you do it.

Walking tours, cycling tours and adventure trips on the water or land add up to a great day out, whether you’re part of a group or on your own. And they’re a great way to find like-minded people who share your inquisitive nature.

Where to find it: Long Story Short in St George’s; Bermuda Watersports in Sandys; Crystal Caves; take your pick from the reams of activities on offer at Island Tour Centre in Dockyard.

RG top tip: Don’t be that person who hides at the back of the group. Make the most of your tour guide: ask questions to find out what makes this place so special.

2026 Weekend Events

July 30 to August 2: Cup Match weekend

August 30: Sandcastle Competition at Horseshoe Bay

October 8-11: Taste of Bermuda food festival, Hamilton

October 11: Round the Sound charity swim, Harrington Sound

November 15: Cambridge Beaches Triathlon

December 4: Bermuda National Trust Christmas Walkabout, St George’s

December 12: Christmas Boat Parade, Hamilton Harbour

• Dates correct at time of going to press. Check The Royal Gazette for updates and new events.

The post Weekends in Bermuda appeared first on RG Magazines.

We avoid going to the doctor if we can get away with it, we miss or ignore the warning signs of disease, and we’re more likely than women to drink alcohol, smoke and eat unhealthy food.

Is it because we want to look macho? Do we honestly think we’re invincible? Are we more interested in the short-term fun factor than the long-term consequences of our behaviour?

There’s some truth in all the above but, according to Dr Chris Fosker, the reality is more nuanced than a world full of alpha males trying to look like the tough guy.

“Men aren’t choosing to get this wrong. They’re just getting it wrong,” said Dr Fosker, the CEO and medical director at Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre.

The difference in attitudes to health between men and women is stark.

According to the World Health Organization, about 45 per cent of cancers in men are tied to controllable risk factors, compared to 30 per cent in women. Studies have shown women across the globe are far more likely than men to undergo screenings that could detect cancer early.

Yet men and women are not innately wired very differently.

“When it comes to health behaviour, only about 10 per cent is actually down to the biological difference of men or women,” Dr Fosker said.

“That is fascinating, because it means 90 per cent of it is driven by societal behaviour, psychosocial norms, healthcare structure and workplace structure.”

Social factor

From a young age, boys are taught to act “like a man”.

“That really drives what we see 30, 40, 50, 60 years later in terms of male attitude to healthcare,” Dr Fosker said.

“It’s down to all of us. I’m not going to blame anyone. Parents, teachers, football coaches shout things like, ‘Toughen up and be brave and be strong,’ when we’re talking to boys.

“That translates into adult life. It also translates into the workplace and workplace structure.”

Partly due to societal norms, men are more likely to have physical manual jobs.

“These jobs are also less likely to have an employment structure that allows ad-hoc time off, that promotes taking breaks to go and see a doctor,” Dr Fosker said.

“Being a man is all about being tough, being resilient, being the best you can be, being the breadwinner. Men feel a huge amount of pressure to financially support their families and they fear any kind of time off, even if it means looking after their health, could put that at risk.”

Gender views

Many women become familiar with the healthcare system through pregnancy and reproductive healthcare.

“That experience for those women normalises their understanding of a healthcare system,” Dr Fosker said. They naturally have a lot of interaction through those moments.

“Following on from that, there’s good screening programmes, globally and in Bermuda, for cervical cancer and breast cancer, that start at an earlier age than it does for men.

“They are quite invasive – there’s no way to hide it. It’s a very personal and difficult experience.

“But women get used to that and accept it, whereas men have no exposure to that, and then start to fear it.”

Men also experience higher rates of premature mortality from conditions such as cardiovascular disease, which has been linked to a fatalistic attitude toward health.

Changing the dial

Evidence in Bermuda suggests men can get it right when intentional efforts are made.

“Men have got much better at getting screened for prostate cancer in Bermuda,” Dr Fosker said.

From 2010 to 2019, the pick-up rate of stage one prostate cancer increased from 75 per cent to 90 per cent. During that time, the risk of prostate cancer death dropped by 63 per cent.

“Making access easy makes a difference,” he said. “And it’s just got even easier for men as the dreaded finger test is no longer routinely used for prostate cancer screening. It now starts with just a blood test.

“It’s been shown that if the healthcare system is structured and accessible to men, they’re just as good as women.”

Prostate cancer is a sound example. If detected in the early stages, men have a 99 per cent chance of being alive a decade later; if detected at stage 4, the survival rate drops to 20 per cent.

“If you’ve sat on those symptoms like bladder problems, and you shift yourself from stage 3 to stage 4, that has changed your life.

“That is where we can make a difference with men: encouraging them not to ignore symptoms, not to be fatalistic, not to be macho – get that relationship with your GP so that you’re not just dismissing things.

“Men are not as well-versed as women in kind of just asking for answers and expecting to get answers, and not just dismissing it.”

How bosses can help

In many male-dominated industries, people feel obliged to work through the pain barrier to avoid letting down their teammates; they find it difficult to take time off for a medical check-up.

“If you look at working teams on a construction site, they’re really tight teams, but they’ve got to work together to get the job done,” Dr Fosker said.

“If you’ve got a team of five and you’re not able to pull your weight, then you’re letting down the other four.”

Many of these attitudes are gender-set in childhood, but Dr Fosker said: “It doesn’t mean you can’t work against it.

“So much of that is achievable through HR policies. You’re not going to change men’s behaviour overnight, but you can change the structure in which men access care.

“It’s simple things like having a policy that if you need a health check, you can do it in your working hours. Any organisation can tell their workers they’ve got to go and have their annual physical with their GP, just as part of good behaviour.

“You’re not talking about massive expense, but that’s the cultural shift that can make a difference. And if it keeps your workforce well, that expense is quickly repaid.”

Let’s talk!

Telling men to change has not worked.

“We need to be more innovative, more dynamic,” Dr Fosker said: “We need to empower men to change the conversation, making it normal.”

People are more likely to listen to someone talking about their own experiences than a message from a health expert.

“Men who’ve been through health challenges and come out positively can have a huge impact on their peers by talking about it,” Dr Fosker said.

“We see with men’s cancer groups, particularly prostate cancer, there is an increasing amount of trust because they’re talking to each other, and they’re talking to other people.

“If you’ve been through a cancer experience, talk about it. It would make other people feel much more comfortable talking about their fears and working their way through. That key change will have a positive impact on men’s health, and it is attainable.”

Talking seems to come naturally to women – but, Dr Fosker points out, it is a social agenda that has trained them to talk.

“Men are trained not to talk,” he said.

“We need to retrain men to talk, particularly after they’ve had a healthcare experience, because then it encourages other men to think about their health.”

The post We’re not all trying to be macho appeared first on RG Magazines.

But while we hunker down in our houses and wait for the storm to pass, some of the natural life around our island isn’t so lucky.

Our ecosystem – the animals and plants that call Bermuda home, and the environment surrounding them – gets a battering every time a hurricane strikes the island.

Sand disappears from beaches, cliffs collapse, and trees, habitats and marshes get destroyed, with devastating consequences for the creatures that live there.

Often, the environment heals, but experts fear that as fierce storms become more frequent, the risk of long-term damage increases.

Myles Darrell, the head of natural heritage at the Bermuda National Trust, said: “As storms become more intense, and as sea level continues to rise, Bermuda risks losing more than individual trees or beaches. We risk the gradual weakening of whole natural systems.

“Over the next few decades, we may see narrower beaches, increased coastal erosion, more frequent flooding of low-lying areas, greater stress on mangroves and marshes, and more damage to reefs and seagrass beds.

“Over the longer term, some habitats may be prevented from migrating inland, away from the coast, blocked by roads, walls and buildings.

“The greatest concern is cumulative impact. One storm may damage a habitat, but the unremitting action of repeated storms can prevent recovery. Over time, this can lead to permanent ecological loss.”

Damage we can see

Our coastline and open spaces are severely exposed to hurricanes.

Mr Darrell said: “Storm surge and intense wave action can accelerate coastal erosion and redistribute large volumes of sand through longshore drift, particularly along exposed South Shore beaches.

“While some of this sand may eventually return naturally, repeated storms can leave beaches narrower, lower and increasingly vulnerable to future erosion.”

Coastal cliffs and rocky shorelines can also be damaged.

“Wave action, heavy rainfall and undercutting can contribute to cliff falls, slumping and erosion, particularly where natural vegetation has been removed or where development has weakened the coastal edge,” he said.

Wetlands, mangroves and marshes are also under pressure from longer-term effects of storms, sea level rise and erosion. Mangroves at Hungry Bay and Blue Hole Hill Park, for example, have been left with uprooted and damaged trees, altered water flow and loss of sediment.

Other visible impacts include salt spray damage to coastal woodland, loss of soil in exposed fields, damage to dunes and coastal vegetation, fallen mature trees and the spread of invasive species into disturbed areas.

Damage we can’t see

“Some of the most serious, impactful damage occurs below the sea surface,” Mr Darrell warned.

“Hurricanes can break or overturn corals, shift sand over reef habitats, stir up sediment and reduce water quality. This can stress corals, seagrasses and the many fish and invertebrates that depend on them.”

Bermuda’s reefs help protect our community by acting as natural breakwaters, reducing wave energy before it reaches the shore.

Mr Darrell said: “If reefs are weakened by repeated storms, warming seas, pollution or physical damage, the island becomes more exposed and vulnerable.”

Storms can also affect submerged cultural heritage, such as shipwrecks.

“Strong waves and currents can shift wreck material, expose or bury archaeological features, and damage fragile structures that have become part of the marine ecosystem,” he said.

Animals under threat

Mr Darrell said that, aside from birds, the species most at risk are those tied to specific habitats, including:

• marine turtles that need healthy seagrass beds;
• fish and marine invertebrates that depend on coral reefs and mangroves;
• terrestrial invertebrates, such as land snails, insects, spiders and land crabs, that require stable woodland, coastal and wetland habitats.

Species living in ponds, marshes and caves are particularly vulnerable when storms cause significant changes in salinity, flooding or sedimentation.

He noted that many invertebrates are vulnerable, including numerous endemic and native species that occur nowhere else on Earth, such as the endemic Bermuda land snail, a variety of cave-dwelling invertebrate, native pollinators, and several endemic insects and spiders.

“Many of these species occupy small areas or depend on very specific habitats, making them especially vulnerable to hurricanes,” he said.

“The loss of woodland canopy, flooding of cave systems, erosion of coastal habitats, saltwater intrusion into wetlands, or changes in pond and marsh conditions can have significant impacts on invertebrate populations.

Invertebrates, he noted, form the foundation of many ecological processes, including pollination, decomposition, soil formation and nutrient cycling.

Mr Darrell is particularly concerned about endemic and rare species.

“Repeated storms may even prevent populations from fully recovering,” he said.

“While larger and more visible species may attract attention following hurricanes, some of Bermuda’s greatest conservation concerns involve the smaller, less conspicuous species that play such critical roles in keeping our ecosystems healthy and functioning.”

Why it matters

When we lose nature, we lose many of the benefits that make our island a safe, healthy and enjoyable place to live.

Mr Darrell said: “Bermuda’s natural environment protects all of us. Reefs, beaches, dunes, wetlands, mangroves and coastal vegetation help reduce flooding, absorb wave energy and protect

homes, roads and communities from storm damage.

“They support the fisheries we rely on, the beaches we enjoy, and the tourism industry that provides jobs for many Bermudians.

“Wildlife helps pollinate plants, control pests and keep ecosystems functioning.”

When these systems are damaged, he said, we lose natural protection and become more dependent on costly engineered solutions.

He added: “We also risk losing the beauty, biodiversity and cultural landscapes that make Bermuda distinctive.

“This is not only an environmental concern. It is also a public safety, economic and community wellbeing issue.”

What can we do?

Mr Darrell said: “As a community, we should value natural infrastructure as seriously as built infrastructure. Healthy reefs, wetlands and woodlands are part of Bermuda’s storm protection system.”

He said we can all help by:

• protecting coastal vegetation;
• avoiding damage to dunes and mangroves;
• reducing pollution entering our waterways and the ocean;
• supporting native and endemic planting;
• removing invasive species where appropriate;
• taking part in community restoration days.

Property owners should:

• avoid clearing vegetation close to the coast;
• maintain natural buffers;
• manage stormwater responsibly and seek advice before undertaking shoreline works.

The post Our precious ecosystem is under threat appeared first on RG Magazines.

It’s been a snail-paced journey since the green revolution slowly clicked into gear two decades ago, but the arrival of the Hyundai Inster is a potential gamechanger for many.

The Inster is a D class compact city car designed for the parents whose children have left home; the young folks who don’t have a big family; and the seniors who just want to get from A to B with the minimum of fuss.

It comes after dealers experienced years of frustration trying to persuade manufacturers to bring smaller vehicles to Bermuda.

“We feel very confident that this is a niche market that will do well,” said managing director Glen Smith.

“When you get to my age, and your kids are gone, you don’t need a big car anymore so you’re looking for something smaller.

“We are seeing it with our seniors – they don’t want to pay high taxes to TCD. There’s a younger generation that also wants to go EV but they don’t want a large car, they want a D class similar to a Suzuki, so we feel confident that this will work.”

The Inster is not currently available in the Caribbean, but Bermuda has been chosen as the test market. Auto Solutions ordered 19 for April and more than half were presold before they arrived.

Auto Solutions already had electric and hybrid options for its larger Hyundai models, the Creta and the Kona, as well as hybrid Suzuki and Honda models, and the custom RBW Roadster Electric.

At Eurocar, the new Jeep Avenger – available in electric or hybrid – has received positive feedback.

The Avenger has a 400km driving range, which means it needs to be charged weekly, rather than daily, but general manager Stephen Davidge said many prefer still prefer hybrids.

“If you’re renting a place, the idea of installing a charger and then having to take it with you if you move can be off-putting,” he said.

Bermuda Motors offers the electric Mini Cooper and Mini Aceman, and the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer plug-in hybrid, as well as the Toyota Yaris Cross Hybrid and new Kia Niro EV – with two more electric Kia models on the way.

Senior sales representative Joy Burgess said: “We’re seeing customers appreciate not just the environmental benefits, but also the smooth driving experience and lower running costs.”

In 2024, the Bermuda Government passed legislation allowing dealers to import larger electric vehicles including the Kona.

Since then, the number of electric vehicles on our roads has continued to rise, from 1,230 in 2024 to 1,605 now. That includes 823 private cars, up from 627; 197 motorcycles, up from 91; and 341 rental minicars, up from 258.

Four years ago, the Government announced a plan to ban the importation and sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035, in line with European regulations.

Mr Davidge said: “It’s hard to say that’s realistic, as in many other places they have pulled back on it. We will probably see more hybrid vehicles coming in rather than electric. There needs to be a significant increase in the electric vehicles available to us.”

Harry Andrews, operations manager at Auto Solutions, said: “The challenge that we’re going to have with Hyundai is that 75 per cent of their production will still be combustion.

“From our model line-up, we would be very, very constrained in what we could offer to the public. Hopefully, we can talk with the Government and find some middle ground.”

However, as long as charging infrastructure can be developed, and awareness and education about the practicality of electric vehicles is increased, there is optimism.

Ms Burgess said: “The island is very well suited to EV adoption, with shorter driving distances, minimal range anxiety, and clear cost advantages, including duty benefits.

“As charging access becomes more widespread and people become more familiar with how seamlessly EVs fit into daily life here, we expect to see even stronger uptake.”

Road conditions

Potholes are continuing to damage vehicles despite ongoing efforts to repave the island’s roads.

The Government’s repair work fell behind schedule after its asphalt plant went out of action in 2023 and its replacement was delayed.
Mr Davidge said: “We are seeing improvements in some areas but the damage on vehicles is still a concern. We had one customer whose tyre exploded after they hit a pothole so hard.”

Mr Smith said: “The Government are certainly committed to working on the roads, but we still see cars coming that tyres are completely worn; we’ve also seen the shocks in some cars have gone.”

Other problems include wear and year on ball joints, tyre wear and wheel alignment.

Buyers beware

Mr Smith warned car buyers of the potentially costly risks when purchasing a car.

He said some vehicles currently on the market may seem attractive – but don’t come with the after-sale support you get with an established dealership.

“You have to have a certain amount of capital in the business and huge liability insurance so if something goes wrong you can cover it,” Mr Smith said.

“You need inventory. You need the technology to plug the car in so the manufacturer can do the tweaking.”

Mr Andrews said: “Sometimes when you’ve bought a product, and there’s no after sales support and something happens, it becomes a massive topic.

“If you haven’t invested in the parts, in the training, in the after sales, you’re stuck in the mud.”

Damien Donfield, certified pre-owned sales specialist at Auto Solutions, said: “Sometimes people go on to Facebook market or eMoo – they pick a car based on colour, or the fact it has a boom box. That’s not a reason to buy.”

He advised asking questions such as:

• What’s the service history on the car?
• Has the car ever been crashed or damaged?
• Is there any finance outstanding?

“Be a little more informed. If you do your due diligence, and you plan and make provisions, you can pretty much tell the future within reason,” he said.

“At our Pre-Owned Vehicle department, we have already asked all those questions, so you can be sure you’re getting the real deal.”

The post Electric buzz appeared first on RG Magazines.

We’re too busy to do the DIY tasks on our honey do list, meet our friends for dinner, take up a new hobby, sort out the garden or even cook a particularly healthy meal.

So how on earth can we find enough time for exercise?

One answer is to stop thinking of getting fit as yet another a chore to squeeze into your busy life. Consider it something fun that you can build your personal or family life around.

Scenic exercise, promoted by health professionals everywhere, is an approach that uses visually stimulating landscapes to boost your motivation and get you immersed in physical activity. It’s so effective that in some countries they use virtual simulations on treadmills and exercise bikes.

There’s no need for virtual simulations in Bermuda, of course, because we’re never more than a few minutes away from the real thing.

Check out our top scenic exercise spots – and get moving!

Bermuda Railway Trail

Absolutely no excuses on this one. Wherever you live in Bermuda, you’re not far from the Railway Trail, which is split into nine sections stretching 18 miles from East to West.

It’s long enough to cycle, but beautiful enough to walk, with a varied levels of difficulty ranging from flat pathways to rocky terrain. Views of the ocean, ancient ruins, pretty cottages and serene beaches will lift your spirit as you breathe in the fresh air.

Top tip: Don’t undo your good work by stopping for an ice cream along the way.

Warwick Long Bay

The clue is in the name. It’s a bay, it’s in Warwick – and it’s long. Half a mile’s worth of running, jogging, walking or trudging.

There’s a playground to keep the kids entertained while you explore the shoreline, with its jagged rocks and iconic waters. And your stroll will almost always be peaceful because this beach is rarely packed with visitors.

Top tip: Branch out to nearby Jobson’s Cove or Horseshoe Bay to keep things interesting.

Spittal Pond Nature Reserve

We don’t have many big wildlife areas in Bermuda – but Spittal Pond will always leave you feeling one with nature.

Lizards, skinks, toads, crabs and rare butterflies and dragonflies are among the inhabitants of the Smith’s sanctuary, known for its vast variety of wildlife, and officially a Wetland of International Importance. There’s lots of room for hiking, or just a joyous stroll around your favourite spots.

Top tip: If you’re lucky, you might see humpback whales make a graceful appearance off the South Shore. But you’ve got to clamber on top of Portuguese Rock to do it. All good exercise.

Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve

An amazingly quiet and scenic spot, boasting secluded beaches, trails through mixed woodland and a restored pond area with herons, kingfishers and giant crabs.

Revel in the history of the East End’s former American base and explore the abandoned bunkers or climb the Wildlife Observation Tower for spectacular views of the island.

Top tip: It’s a fair trek out to St David’s. Give yourself plenty of time to get there. Maybe even allow for an extra half-hour to stop for a fish sandwich on the way back. This time, you’ve earned it.

The post No excuses! appeared first on RG Magazines.

There’s no anger or bitterness in the wonderful documentary about the Bermudian icon’s trailblazing life – just a quiet sense of satisfaction that he helped create a better world for the people that came next.

That isn’t to say Best pulls any punches in Dan Egan’s Transforming the Beautiful Game ― The Clyde Best Story.

But when he recounts the horrendous incidents that punctuated his dazzling footballing career, he does so with matter-of-fact calmness; rather than waste energy condemning the villains, he reflects on his love for the people that supported him.

These were not trivial incidents.

There was the time he received a letter from someone threatening to throw acid in his face at an upcoming match, which prompted his teammates to form a human shield around him as he entered the pitch.

“They were in my corner,” Best recalls in the film. “I loved them guys like brothers because they made sure I was comfortable and was able to do my job.”

Or the moment he got tired of the monkey noises from Everton supporters and decided to show them what he could do by scoring a spectacular goal.

“After that, all the monkey chants stopped. They started to applaud.”

He gently chuckles at the memory.

Mental strength

Best has shared his stories many times before, and his messaging is always consistent. Don’t give up. Believe in your talent. Seek the positives.

The Clyde Best Story highlights how this attitude underpinned Best’s career, from playing as a boy against men for Somerset Trojans, to his audacious trip to London for a trial at West Ham United as a 17-year-old in 1968, which resulted in him becoming a pioneering Black player in English football, and later in the Dutch top flight and North American Super League.

The way he handled rampant racism inspired some of the greatest names in British football, including his colleagues at West Ham and a whole generation of Black footballers.

Geoff Hurst, a teammate at West Ham who won the World Cup for England, says: “I can’t recall him saying much about it, or really getting disillusioned by it. I’m sure he must’ve been inside, but he never showed that.”

Best’s sister Marie suggests Hurst was right.

“He used to call constantly my mom and my dad,” she says. “He wanted to come home because he was being treated badly.

“If it was left to my mom, he would have come home. But because of my dad … he encouraged him to stay.”

The story of Best’s father is one of the most poignant segments of the documentary. Marie tells how Best Sr, originally from Barbados, was one of the few survivors after a merchant marine ship was torpedoed off Bermuda.

“Coming from that kind of environment, he knew how to stick to whatever he set out to do.”

Best evidently inherited the doggedness. Most of all, he wanted to abide by his father’s instruction to pave the way for future Black players. He knew that if he ‘mouthed off’ about his mistreatment he would not last long, and others would be less likely to get their chance.

His insistence on showing the other cheek wasn’t just for the benefit of Clyde Best. It was for the sake of all Black footballers. Legends of the English game including Ian Wright, John Barnes, Viv Anderson and Les Ferdinand share their gratitude in the documentary.

Wright, who wore the Number 8 shirt in his Arsenal days as a tribute to Best, declares: “My career probably doesn’t happen if Clyde Best doesn’t happen.”

The road ahead

The film also charts the evolution of racism in Britain. There’s a haunting clip of 1970s TV character Alf Garnett hurling vile abuse at Best at West Ham’s Upton Park, which serves as a reminder of how deeply racism was ingrained within British popular culture at that time. Over the next couple of decades, Black players had bananas thrown at them on the pitch, and bullets and razor blades sent to them in the post.

Racism has still not gone away today: British supporters might not make monkey chants anymore, but booing can often be heard when Black players take the knee to make a public stand against racism.

Ferdinand points to statistics showing that nearly half of today’s Premier League footballers are Black – but the number of them who proceed with management careers is comparatively tiny. Barnes makes a compelling case about the need for greater discussion about the roots of racism in society.

Yet when Best was recently interviewed about the lack of coaching opportunities for Blacks, his response was typically upbeat: Black coaches should never give up; those that get a chance must show what they can do; things will get better.

Best’s footballing excellence, incredible mental strength and compulsion to go where nobody else had gone before enabled him to build a magnificent legacy that put Bermuda on the map and transformed Britain’s national sport.

“My plan was to do big things, and I done it,” he concludes at the end of the film.

“I would hope that a lot of the kids of colour that saw me playing were able to say, ‘Hey, I’m going to do what I see that guy doing,’”

Wright, Barnes, Ferdinand, Anderson, Shaun Goater, Nahki Wells and thousands more can vouch for that.

The footballing world will forever be grateful.

SEPARATE PANEL – please use high up the page if possible

‘I did it for Bermuda’

Transforming the Beautiful Game ― The Clyde Best Story has won widespread international acclaim since its release in April.

But speaking with Local Legacies at the Bermuda premiere at City Hall, Best explained it’s not just about him.

“Everything I have ever done in my career, it wasn’t for me – it was for Bermuda,” he told us.

“The most important thing about this film is our young people. I want them to understand it doesn’t matter what size your country is. What matters is whether you are willing to do your best to be a success.

“Coming from a place the size of Bermuda, as a 17-year-old, and finding my way in the English game – that’s the best legacy to have.

“I’m glad I had the peace of mind to do it.”

The post REVIEW: Legacy of a legend appeared first on RG Magazines.

Construction work is finally set to get underway to replace the ageing bridge that connects St George’s Island with St David’s Island over Ferry Reach, nearly a decade after the plan was first announced.

The project, led by award-winning British designers Ramboll, is one of the biggest upgrades for Bermuda’s infrastructure in living memory.

Architect drawings have offered a preview to a sleek and futuristic design. Eadon Consulting, which is supporting Ramboll, say the bridge has been designed with a distinctive curved deck structure which will create a “striking first impression” for visitors arriving at LF Wade International Airport.

But to stand the test of time in Bermuda, it will also need to withstand hurricanes, humidity and salty air.

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Public Works and Environment said: “In terms of aesthetics, the Ministry acknowledges that design is subjective, but notes that the design team has won numerous awards for bridge projects, and the new structure is expected to represent a significant improvement on the existing bridge.

“Reliability and durability have been central to the design process, with the bridge engineered for a working life of 75 years.

“While some components will require replacement over time, with appropriate maintenance, the bridge is expected to meet and potentially exceed its design lifespan, providing resilient infrastructure for decades to come.”

Ageing structure

The existing bridge’s substructures date back to 1864, when the main forms of transport were horse and carriage and foot traffic.

A new bridge, called Swing Bridge was put in place in 1964, as part of efforts to improve access to St George’s.

Since then, Bermuda’s salt water and warm weather have taken their toll on its steel structure.

Rehabilitation work took place in 2002 and 2007, when the bridge was strengthened with additional girders, and cross beams were strengthened with steel plating.

But it has since been declared beyond economic repair, with then public works minister, Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, stating in 2017 that it had outlived its expected life span of 50 years.

Plans for a new bridge were unveiled in 2018, with Ramboll as the lead designer, supported by Knight Architects and Eadon, but were delayed due to factors including the Covid-19 pandemic and encroachment on National Trust Property nearby.

The Development Applications Board granted approval in 2025.

While Ramboll, Knight and Eadon have developed the bridge design, the Ministry said a contracting firm will be selected through an open tender process to carry out construction.

“The Ministry expects strong interest from overseas builders and anticipates opportunities for local contractors to participate in the project,” she said.

The next visible phase of work is expected to be site preparation.

It’s estimated the bridge will take three years to build, but there’s good news for East End residents regarding the impact on traffic.

The spokeswoman confirmed the new bridge will be constructed alongside the existing Swing Bridge, just to the east, allowing the current bridge to remain in operation during construction.

“While the Ministry does not anticipate major disruption, some traffic adjustments will be required,” she said.

“These arrangements will be fully communicated in advance, supported by diagrams and public information.”

She added: “As the project progresses, the timeline will be refined, and the Ministry intends to provide regular updates to the public.”

New technology

Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, said last year that the bill to replace the Swing Bridge would run between $50 million and $60 million and that $3.8 million would be spent on “preparatory work” before construction started.

The Swing Bridge was originally designed to lift, to allow ships to pass through. In recent times, it is so corroded it has become stuck in a fixed position, which limits shipping access to the harbour.

The new bridge will have a hydraulically operated lift, creating a 72ft wide space for vessels to pass through. When closed, it will allow for a clearance of 13½ft for boats at high tide – an increase of 3½ft on the original bridge.

The roundabout on the southern side of the Swing Bridge will be realigned as part of the project.

Planning documents show construction work will take place from a barge, using prefabricated sections.

New technologies and materials such as ultra-high performance concrete and high-performance steel – mean modern-day bridges are guaranteed better durability, strength, resilience and a longer life, even in Bermuda’s climate.

Bridges can also be embedded with sensors that provide continuous feedback on structural conditions, allowing engineers to identify and address problems earlier.

The British design team also won the contract to nearby replace Longbird Bridge, which has also undergone emergency repairs after deteriorating in recent years.

Longbird Bridge, built in the 1950s, is the twin carriageway steel bridge at the east end of the Causeway, which connects the island with the airport. It is expected that Longbird Bridge will be replaced at about the same time as Swing Bridge, but detailed plans had not been shared at press time.

The post Bridging the gap appeared first on RG Magazines.

It’s the third leading cause of death for females, but only number five on the list for males.

This is partly because strokes tend to be more lethal when they strike later in life, and women generally live longer than men; nearly half of the strokes in women happen after the age of 80.

But there are other factors, including:

• Postmenopausal changes such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes all increase the risk of vascular diseases.
• Preeclampsia, a blood pressure disorder associated with pregnancy, can lead to haemorrhage or ischemic damage even years later.
• Problems with blood vessels in the brain, such as aneurysms, are more likely to affect women.
• Migraines with aura – recurring headaches often accompanied by visual flashes, blind spots or tingling, often brought on by hormonal fluctuations.
• High blood pressure can be brought on by hormonal changes due to pregnancy, birth control pills or falling oestrogen levels after menopause. Black women are at particular risk.
• Atrial fibrillation – rapid or irregular heartbeat – is more common in women because of hormonal reasons and their longevity.

A stroke happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked, or a vessel bursts, which starves the brain cells of oxygen.

It becomes fatal if the brain becomes completely deprived of oxygen and can no longer regulate bodily functions such as breathing or heart rate. It can also lead to facial drooping, arm weakness and speech difficulties; recovery can take weeks, months or years. Some patients face permanent disabilities.

Stroke is usually the first cardiovascular disease to appear in women – as opposed to men, for whom coronary heart disease is more common.

Symptoms can appear suddenly and are often mistaken for something else, so health experts use the acronym FAST:

• Face weakness: one side of your face falls and it is difficult to smile.
• Arm weakness: it’s difficult to lift both arms and keep them in place.
• Speech problems: you’re slurring your words
• Time to call 911.

Other symptoms include feeling weak or numb down one side of your body, blurred vision, loss of sight in an eye, confusion and memory loss, feeling dizzy, sick or nauseous.

Stroke care in Bermuda has improved since the Bermuda Hospitals Board’s Primary Stroke Care Centre established a partnership with Johns Hopkins International seven years ago.

Local doctors have focused on prevention and early treatment. More than 400 patients were treated for stroke in the past two years, many of whom received a new and effective clot-busting medication, while their medical history, blood count and imagery is also considered.

Women can reduce their chances of stroke by:

• Monitoring blood pressure. There are often no symptoms for hypertension, so get it checked out frequently.
• Adopt the Mediterranean diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Reduce salt.
• Exercise regularly. Doctors recommend at least 2½ hours of moderate activity such as brisk walking per week.
• Quit smoking and drink alcohol in moderation.
• Monitor diabetes and high cholesterol.
• Reduce stress.
• Discuss any specific risk factors with your doctor, such as pregnancy, menopause or migraines with aura.

Sources for this article include Stroke Association UK, NHS, Harvard Health, Office on Women’s Health in the United States.

The post When it comes to strokes, act FAST appeared first on RG Magazines.

Dr Jessica Gordon said AI has ramped up expectations over what girls think they should look like via pervasive platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube.

“Probably our biggest concern today is social media usage, and I think it impacts girls differently to boys,” said Dr Gordon, a senior counselling psychologist at Solstice.

“Boys are on social media too, but I think girls are more influenced because of the way society looks at girls and treats girls.

“There are major concerns around body image. When I was a teenager, you were seeing a lot of airbrushed images in magazines. Now there’s a lot of AI-enhanced imaging on social media.

“An adult can look at an image and think, that’s airbrushed, that’s not real, but girls don’t have that understanding yet. When girls and teenagers look at these AI-enhanced images, they can’t always tell what’s real and what’s not.”

Dr Gordon said girls are flooded with social media videos about how to be “this perfect way” and they often “tear themselves apart” over minute details.

She said: “They compare themselves to what they see on social media, and they don’t realise that it’s often unattainable.

“Girls follow makeup tutorials or eyebrow tutorials on YouTube. Suddenly, it’s not just their weight that’s a concern – it’s their eyebrows and their fingernails and their eyelashes. I would never have picked on those as a teenager.

“Teenagers are going through all sorts of emotional, hormonal and physical changes, and so they’re more susceptible to this.

“It all breeds a feeling of, ‘I’m not good enough, I’m ugly, no one likes me, no one’s going to like me if I don’t do these things.’”

No local figures are available on the issues, but Dr Gordon said her anecdotal observations were shared by colleagues at Solstice.

She said the adjacent issue of screen addiction is another threat to our young people’s mental health.

“I do think that Covid’s had a lasting impact on mental health issues that we continue to see,” she said.

“Screen addiction is real and can cause all sorts of mental health issues like anxiety and depression. It doesn’t cause ADHD – but ADHD-like symptoms can occur from overuse of screens. Of course, it can contribute to physical health issues like childhood obesity too.

“Screentime often means less interactions with others, less interest in going outside to play with friends or engage in activities, which then leads to a more sedentary lifestyle.

“So, they’re isolating more, which leads to loneliness, depression, anxiety, weight gain.

“Kids are usually happier when they’re active in some way, even if you have to push them into that activity.”

Eliminating screentime altogether is probably unrealistic.

“There are a lot of benefits that screens bring to our life,” Dr Gordon said. “It’s not about cutting them out altogether, it’s about moderating them and teaching kids how to use them safely.

“It’s also watching how kids react. When you take the electronics away, that can be an indication of how they’re tolerating the screen. If you take it away and there’s whining, or anger, or anxiety, that’s a sign that you probably need to put more limits in at home.”

To have any chance of reducing your children’s screentime, you need to practise what you preach.

“It’s very easy for us to all be on our phones, whether it’s work or zoning out,” Dr Gordon said.

“But that’s kind of setting the stage for them. Often, a young person will think it’s not a big deal if they’re on their phone, because their parents are on their phone all the time.”

The post You don’t have to be perfect appeared first on RG Magazines.

You know where to find all your favourite spots, from The Terrace on a Friday night, to John Smith’s Bay and the Railway Trail on a Saturday, to your Nana’s house and Yo Cherry on a Sunday.

But while the jump from our 21 square miles to a big university city is incredibly exciting – so many places to explore, people to meet and adventures to be enjoyed – it can also feel a little intimidating for the islander accustomed to their home comforts.

Here’s our guide to getting out of your campus and embracing your wider surroundings.

Walk with your eyes open and ears peeled

The best way to get a feel for a city – the culture, the history, the vibe and those quirky hidden gems – is on foot.

This is how you’ll find your first café with its friendly staff and homecooked scones and hazelnut latte, or the bar that serves flatbread pizza for under $5 before 6pm.

Just as importantly, you’ll get a sense of the place you’ll be living for the next three or four years.

You’ve got to ditch the earbuds, though. Listen instead to the sounds of the city: the traffic, the birds, the winds, the people with their local dialects. Look out for the small details: the architecture, the nature, the alleyways, the stores that sell artwork, toys, books or weird things like Ouija boards.

Silent walking, as it’s known, is also proven to reduce stress, gives your brain a chance to wander, and opens the door to interactions with strangers – and who knows where that might lead.

Take a bus tour

Many universities or colleges host free bus tours or orientations around their cities during Freshers’ Week.

These are perfect for gaining a quick grasp of the main places you need to know: theatres, restaurants, historic sites, parks and libraries.

They’re also an excellent way to meet people who, like you, are getting to grips with life in a strange city.

Use technology

Once you’ve familiarised yourself with the basics, it’s time to get more specific.

With your cell phone in your hand, you can research where you want to go and get there without fuss.

Websites like TripAdvisor will suggest spots to visit; Google Maps will help you get there – far easier than the student from yesteryear scrambling about with a tourist guidebook and fold-out map blowing in the wind.

If the technology fails, don’t be afraid to stop a passerby. Cities are full of friendly people just waiting to be asked for directions.

Organise a group trip

You know the drill when somebody finds out you’re from Bermuda: yes, I do go to the beach, and yes, sometimes I wear Bermuda shorts, and no, I’ve never got lost in the Bermuda Triangle.

Break that tedium with your roommates by dragging them along for an exploration trip.

It will give you something to talk about other than that what it’s like living on a tropical island. Plus, trying out some of the coffee bars and pubs together will help seal the deal on those early friendships.

Say yes (most of the time)

If one of your fellow freshers wants a buddy to explore the mall, say yes, even if you hate shopping.

If the person down the corridor is organising an outing to the pottery class on the other side of town, say yes, even if you prefer to buy your mugs, not make them. 

If the hiking club president hands you a flyer about a walk over the hills at 6am next Saturday morning, say yes, even if you don’t own a proper pair of boots.

If your roommate invites you to The Red Lion to take advantage of the Red Bull double vodka special offer every evening from Monday to Sunday … just say yes on the Friday – even if you’ve got a hiking trip at 6am on Saturday that you don’t want to go to either.

Sometimes, life is about opening your mind and going to places you don’t fancy. Allow yourself to be surprised. You might just like it.

You don’t have to forget about home

Homesickness is all part of the deal when you go to college or university.

Of course, it’s not just your favourite Bermuda places that you’ll miss: it’s the people, no matter how irritating they were when you actually lived with them.

Remember it’s OK to feel homesick. Make video calls a part of your routine. It’s nice to catch up on what’s happening in Bermuda, but even better to share what’s going on in your new world.

And embrace your environment. Even a trip to the local supermarket can take your mind off your anxiety and focus on something practical instead, like what shapes of pasta you’re going to cook tonight.

Take your time

You don’t have to become an expert in the first week.

The post Look around you appeared first on RG Magazines.