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.

You can construct the perfect essay about a Shakespeare play, memorise the things people did centuries ago and speak eloquently in French, German or Spanish – yet find yourself in a cold sweat at the mere mention of the word ‘algebra’.

So, what is it that makes maths such a tough nut to crack?

Ellen-Kate Horton, Nkenge Warren-Swan, Alex Lugo and Daniel Hill, who have decades of teaching experiencing in Bermuda, are now master tutors at the Adult Education School. They shared insight into why so many young people find maths difficult – and offered tips on how to crack it.

Ms Horton said: “Many children can read and understand, but with maths, they see numbers and they freak out.

“What they need is a loving teacher, a patient teacher and one who can assure them they are capable. I believe everyone can do maths, if they give themselves a chance.

“I remember going into a middle school, and the children said to me, ‘We can’t do maths.’

“I told them, ‘We are going to do it, and we will do maths at lunch if we need to do.’ We worked at it, and eventually they realised, ‘Hey, I’m capable.’”

Much of it is down to confidence – but there are ways of improving that.

Ms Horton said: “I find that if you don’t know your tables, it’s so much harder. But if people learn their tables, right away they feel better of themselves. And then they are willing to try other things.”

Mr Lugo said: “Maths has been the subject most of my students needed help with, for many years.

“Unlike some school subjects, it requires more than just memorisation and regurgitation.

“In the spoken language, information must be organised and utilised to achieve goals of communication. In maths, information must be logically and coherently applied to step-by-step procedures to achieve a solution.”

Ms Warren-Swan said many learners fear being judged and are embarrassed if they give the wrong answer.

She tries to build self-esteem by letting learners start at their comfort level and telling them it is OK to ‘fail forward’ – they will learn from the answers that were not correct on the first attempt.

Mr Hill said many people find maths difficult in their late teens because they never grasped it properly earlier in their school lives.

He said: “Many concepts are taught in primary school, and students did not fully understand them, so life and years move on, and they still don’t understand them. There are many loopholes that were never mastered.”

Top maths tips

Ellen-Kate Horton

Find quick ways of learning your tables.

For example, the 9 times table. Everything adds up to 9, and the numbers go up on one side and down on the other.

When some people learn this, they say ‘Wow’. That’s the key – get them to understand tables, and their confidence will go up.

Alex Lugo

Relate concepts to everyday experience and situations.

Be aware of the usefulness of connecting relationships, such as if 6+4=10, then 6=10–4. And if 4×6=24, then 6=24/4.

Once they see these connections, it is less difficult to grasp more complicated equations.

Nkenge Warren-Swan

Practise the 30-second scan for your maths test.

1) Before solving, skim the whole test.

2) Start with the easiest problems to build momentum.

3) Mark harder ones and return later.

4) Protect your confidence and your time.

Daniel Hill

Start students where they can perform capably with confidence.

They will be open for new concepts after being successful with one goal at a time.

Whatever it takes, make sure that tables are correct. 

The post Stuck on maths? appeared first on RG Magazines.

Growing up on the island, Mr Durham only received negative reactions from adults who found out he was queer – so he remained in the closet until he lived in Brazil.

His mission is to help create a more welcoming community in Bermuda in which all young people can find acceptance.

Mr Durham, 26, is the 2025 recipient of the OutBermuda Scholarship, which aims to empower members of the LGBTQ+ community. He is studying for a bachelor’s degree in politics and Hispanic studies at the University of London.

It’s been a long personal journey already, including a stint in Brazil as part of the Rotary Exchange Programme, when he was 17.

“I grew up in Bermuda as a closeted queer person. If there were any adults that ended up finding out that I was queer during my adolescence in Bermuda, the reaction wasn’t positive,” Mr Durham said.

“In Brazil one day, I broke down and told one of my host parents that I’m queer, I’m LGBTQ.

“It was such a brain-altering experience for her to say, ‘Oh, that’s fine. I figured that. I don’t care. I love you. It’s not that deep.’”

Love-hate relationship with Bermuda

At the time, Brazil was having a presidential election, which was won by Jair Bolsonaro, a vocal opponent of same-sex marriage.

Bermuda had recently undergone a referendum which, although it failed to meet the threshold for validity, showed widespread opposition to same-sex marriage.

But Mr Durham noticed key differences between the two countries.

Brazil, he said, hadn’t been hit by late-stage capitalism; its social institutions made it feel more community-based than Bermuda.

“It made me question a lot of things about the context of my existence in the world,” Mr Durham said.

“The context of me being Bermudian and what that means, an overseas colony, the culture of the people, why it feels slightly more homophobic and hostile there than it did in Brazil.

“Brazil was affirmation that I wanted to do something that would help a kid like me in my position to make life a little bit easier for them.”

After struggling with his IGCSEs while suffering with undiagnosed ADHD, he moved to Cardiff, Wales, and completed them at an adult education school. Mr Durham then worked for an insurance company in Halifax, Yorkshire. He staved off higher education because it felt financially unattainable and he didn’t want to apply for scholarships from Bermuda.

During this time, he retained a love-hate relationship with the island.

But he said: “I came to learn, eventually, that no matter where I went or wherever I was, I am from Bermuda.

“I have ties to this country, and I shouldn’t really be running away from it. I should be trying to make it a better place. It’s just how I felt.”

Mr Durham stepped up his activism by joining the Youth Summit of the UK Overseas Territories Association, writing policy ideas on LGBTQ+ rights and learning disability in education, and defending immigration.

“That same summer, I also attended the United Nations Overseas Conference on behalf of Bermuda, where we authored and recommended policy on things that we could do to bring about more security for our oceans, and respecting indigenous rights,” he said.

“With that, I started to feel like I was doing more for my country and I felt comfortable to apply for scholarships,” he said.

His entry into political circles improved his personal connection to Bermuda and ultimately led to the scholarship award from OutBermuda.

He is currently on a study-year in Colombia, South America, where he has been able to witness Black radicalism.

“I love Colombia. It’s a really cool place. I’m learning a lot. Here there’s a very strong, Afro community that I’ve gotten to like, learn and experience up close and personal, and they’re very community based.”

Seek your community

How could all this knowledge, experience, education and compassion eventually benefit Bermuda?

“I’m not quite sure, but I do know that I want to be involved. I got involved with the London office and I got to experiment with different branches of politics and government.

“Do I want to work in the London office and handle admin there? Do I want to work in neurodiversity? Would I want to work in education? Do I want to work for OutBermuda in the future? Do I want to work in the environmental industry and politics?”

One thing we can be sure about is that he will be advocating.

“We just have to keep on,” he said. “You have to advocate for what you want because no one’s going to give you something, and equally, sometimes you can’t just ask for something.

“If you want change, you have to make it happen and you have to take it.”

He believes late-stage capitalism promotes a very individualistic mindset, but that there is refuge in being able to choose your own community and helping one another.

“I think that that’s what helps me a lot,” he said.

“And just thinking about myself as like a young individual and the type of person that I needed back then as well.”

He’s not regretful about his childhood, but he would love to go back and speak to his anxious and fearful 16-year-old self.

“I would tell myself just to come as you are,” he said.

“I would say, you should focus on the people who will accept you for who you are. And as for everyone else, I guess, you just have to stay strong and stay firm in who you are, and eventually you become unshakable.

“And seek community. Seek people that you share things in common with. It may be hard at first, but as long as you move to the sound of your own drum, your tribe follows after you.”

The post Let’s make Bermuda a more welcoming place appeared first on RG Magazines.

Two young Bermudians – Loryn Ming and Ruth Mello-Cann – have made it their life goal to do something about it.

Ms Ming, 23, and Ms Mello-Cann, 21, were the recipients of the 2025 Steinhoff Scholarship award from Bermuda Zoological Society, to support their plans for careers protecting Bermuda’s environment.

Ms Ming is studying for a degree in wildlife ecology and conservation at the University of South Wales; Ms Mello-Cann is studying for a degree in environmental science and sustainability at Brigham Young University in Utah.

Ms Ming would love to work on a project like the Cahow Recovery Programme, which aims to protect and restore the critically endangered cahow, Bermuda’s national bird.

The programme involves habitat protection, monitoring nesting sites, using innovative techniques to establish new safe colonies, and tracking cahows to better understand their sea life.

“Being part of this kind of work, helping to safeguard an endemic species and contribute to its recovery, would be an incredible opportunity,” Ms Ming said.

She would also welcome roles that involve hands-on-habitat restoration, species monitoring, community education, or supporting conservation research that helps ensure healthy ecosystems for future generations.

Protecting the environment is especially important in Bermuda, as it is part of who we are and where we come from.

“Growing up surrounded by the ocean and nature makes you realise how special and fragile it all is.

“If we don’t take care of it, we risk losing things that can’t be replaced. Even small actions matter, and when everyone helps, it can make a real difference. Protecting the environment means protecting our home not just for ourselves, but for future generations it’s what makes places like Bermuda so special.”

Lifelong passion

Ms Ming was interested in environmental sciences from a young age, because of her deep love for animals.

“One of the defining moments for me was watching the movie Tarzan,” she said.

“It sparked something inside me and helped me realise my calling to be a voice for creatures that cannot be understood. From that point on, I knew my purpose was to dedicate myself to protecting wildlife and preserving their habitats.”

Her degree programme allows her to explore her passion for understanding and protecting wildlife, and gain the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact.

“I hope to bring that knowledge back to Bermuda, where I can contribute to conserving both our wildlife and vegetation,” she said.

“My goal is not only to create a positive impact on the environment but also to open up opportunities for others who share the same passion for conservation.”

Ms Mello-Cann, meanwhile, has a deep love for the ocean and its critical role in sustaining life. She said the ocean provides a backdrop to her childhood and is an integral part of her identity and culture.

This extends to sailing: she graduated from the Endeavour programme and takes part in Fitted Dinghy racing with St George’s Dinghy and Sports Club, one of the oldest continually sailed class of boat in the world, with designs stretching back to the earliest decades of 17th century Bermuda.

Protecting the ocean is a fierce passion.

“We should be doing as much as we can to protect what we have so that future generations can embrace the culture of such close ties to the ocean and appreciate the goods and services we gain from it,” Ms Mello-Cann said.

“The projected health of our planet is heading on a downward slope, so any effort we put in to conserve what we have now will help to mitigate the negative effects of anthropogenic climate change.

“Specifically in Bermuda, the environment is all we have, being such a small island, and it plays an integral part of all our livelihoods.”

After graduating in 2026, she plans to get work in the local marine industry, where she can apply her knowledge and skills to help restore and protect Bermuda’s ecosystems.

“Once I return to Bermuda, I would love the opportunity to work in a hands on or in the field job such as an aquarist at Bermuda, Aquarium, Museum and Zoo,” she said.

“I enjoy interacting with the marine world and feel most connected to it by working directly with it.”

Make a difference

The Steinhoff Scholarship was established by BZS president Robert “Bob” Steinhoff in 2009 and is designed to inspire the next generation of Bermudian scientists and environmentalists.

Mr Steinhoff said: “We started the scholarship because there was a growing number of Bermudians who were passionate about our environment and wanted to make a difference and become environmental stewards.”
He said the Steinhoff Scholarship makes a lasting difference by investing directly in Bermudian students who are committed to environmental protection.

“By supporting their education, we help build local expertise that strengthens conservation efforts, scientific research and environmental leadership within Bermuda,” he said.

Ian Walker, BAMZ principal curator, who serves on the scholarship committee, said: “Bermuda’s environment is central to our culture, economy and way of life.

“Passionate young Bermudians bring fresh ideas, energy and long-term commitment to safeguarding our natural resources for future generations.”

Dr Walker pointed to a growing interest in the field among young Bermudians, particularly through increased involvement in environmental studies, volunteerism and community initiatives focused on conservation and sustainability.

“Their passion reminds us that meaningful change starts with appreciation and care of our environment that leads to action,” he said.

“They demonstrate that education, curiosity and dedication can lead to positive, lasting environmental impact.”

The Steinhoff Scholarship is given to students in the final two years of study in a bachelor’s or working towards a master’s or doctorate in their chosen field.

Students must demonstrate their passion for protecting the environment, strong academic performance, Bermudian status or eligibility, as well as related work or volunteer experience, especially if with BZS or BAMZ.

To apply, visit https://bermudascholarships.com/scholarship?scholarshipId=6ed5c803-073e-442d-abf6-b79c9e22b9cd

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Ms Carter, the founder and president of the Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association, was a desperately needed voice for Bermudians with mental or physical abilities.

She was born with muscular dystrophy in 1939 – a time when disabled children were generally kept at home and hidden from public view – and was wheelchair-bound by the time she was 11.

Young Margaret went against the grain when she was accepted at Mount St Agnes Academy.

She spent her life using her education for the benefit of others less fortunate, and left a remarkable legacy including:

• Summerhaven residence for people with physical disabilities.
• Children with disabilities being mainstreamed into the regular school system.
• Protection for people with disabilities against discrimination, through amendments to the Human Rights Act.
• Ramps on the streets and improved access in buildings.

As a child and young adult, Ms Carter was strongly supported by her parents. Her father, George Carter, built a hoist to help her get in and out of bed; her mother, also called Margaret Carter, fitted the family car with a hydraulic lift so that she could get in and out of the vehicle more easily.

She continued her education through her 20s, studying English and history which laid the groundwork for a psychology degree later in life.

As she entered her 30s, however, she grew concerned about how she would cope when her parents were no longer around.

To establish a network of social contacts, she placed an advert in a newspaper, inviting disabled people to get in touch. Together with the people who responded, she formed the BPHA – a group which campaigned for better access to jobs, public facilities, education and transport.

After four years of campaigning, in 1974, the government relented to pressure and carried out a survey to find out how many Bermuda residents had disabilities. The wheels were finally turning, and over the next few years, government policies were put in place.

One of Ms Carter’s biggest triumphs came in 1984 when, following a huge fundraising campaign, Summerhaven was opened near John Smith’s Bay in Smith’s. It meant residents with disabilities could live in semi-independence instead of being institutionalised and stigmatised in hospitals.

Bermuda hosted its first Access Awareness Conference in 1983; the Human Rights Act was amended to protect people with disabilities in 1988; hydraulic lifts were added to buses in the 1980s; and the Government hired a specialist employment officer to support disabled people in 1990.

There were also many smaller, less heralded, advances thanks to Ms Carter’s work. Elevators were installed at Bermuda National Library and City Hall, for example, after she demonstrated how difficult it was in a wheelchair. A swimming pool was introduced at St Brendan’s hospital, to provide therapy for disabled people.

By the 1990s, the BPHA had about 150 members, including disabled and non-disabled people, and Ms Carter said they had begun “to ask for more things and to point out needs”.

Ms Carter died after a stroke in 1992, when she was 53. Access Awareness Week became an annual event for several years, organised by the BPHA every June to coincide with Ms Carter’s birthday.

In 2015, the Opportunity Workshop support centre, near the National Sports Centre, changed its name to the K. Margaret Carter Centre, in recognition of Ms Carter’s life’s work championing the cause of people with disabilities.

During Disability History Month last November, the Government heralded Ms Carter as it pledged support for the Disability Advisory Council and Ageing and Disability Services and work towards improving accessibility, enhancing services, strengthening accountability across systems and ensuring that persons with disabilities are fully included in public life.

• Sources for this article include The Royal Gazette archives and Bermuda Biographies.

The post Voice for the vulnerable appeared first on RG Magazines.

That’s the message Clyde Best hopes people will get when they watch the documentary about his groundbreaking life.

The footballing icon is thrilled to share his journey in the film Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story, which launches this April.

His personal achievements have long been a source of pride for Bermudians.

Mr Best, who scored 58 goals for West Ham United in the 1960s and 1970s, is regarded as the first Black footballing superstar in the UK.

His trailblazing career also included dozens of goals in the United States, Canada and the Netherlands.

Yet Mr Best’s greatest legacy is the remarkable way he handled racism.

He recently told how he once received a letter from someone threatening to throw acid in his face the next time he ran on the pitch.

Mr Best refused to buckle, and his fellow players formed protective lines either side of him to ensure he could get safely onto the pitch and the show could go on. As far as Mr Best was concerned, he had a job to do.

“My most important message is don’t give up,” Mr Best, 75, told Bermudian History.

“You have got to be tough. You can’t give in. You need to do what you’ve got to do. You are going to get obstacles in your way, on the field or from the people in the stands, but you can’t let it stop you.”

Be inspired

The documentary, directed by award-winning filmmaker Dan Egan, reflects on Mr Best’s career which began with Somerset Trojans in the mid 1960s.

It includes interviews with legends of the game including England internationals Viv Anderson, Les Ferdinand and Ian Wright, and Mr Best’s West Ham teammate Harry Redknapp.

“It feels great to have this film made,” Mr Best said.

“It’s something that we think is going to be worthwhile, and hopefully a lot of the younger boys can look at it and see this is the way to go.

“I hope it appeals to everybody, but mainly young people, who will look at some of the stuff and feel they can be like that too.

“We have done this mainly to make people understand that you can make it if you really try.”

His own legacy, he said, was his determination to “stay in the race”.

“You are going to have things in your way, but you don’t give in. Be a pillar of strength and don’t give in. That’s what I’m most proud of.

“A lot of people might have given in. I didn’t. I was there for a purpose. I’m glad the Lord picked me.”

Mr Best noted that while racism may not be as vicious in the stands, it has not been eradicated from the sport while modern-day Black players receive abuse on social media.

“At times, racism has changed, but at times it remains the same,” he said.

“But as an individual, you have got to do what you can to get rid of it and do the things that are necessary to prevent it.

“It’s a lot easier for the players today than it was when I played. I was by myself. Today, you have got four or five guys on a team, so you have got their help.

“But you have still got to be strong. Set your goals. Make sure you keep them in your mind.”

Keep going

In recent times, many have questioned the underrepresentation of Blacks in football management.

A 2022 report from the Black Footballers Partnership found 43 per cent of Premier League footballers were Black – yet only 4 per cent of managerial positions for former players went to Blacks.

Mr Best’s stance on Blacks in management today mirrors his thoughts on his own playing career.

“We understand the numbers, but you have got to keep going. Don’t give in,” he said.

“Because they are not there yet, it doesn’t mean to say they are not going to be there some day, if you believe in it. You have got to go for it.”

He gave the example of Liam Rosenior, who was appointed manager of Chelsea in January.

“He’s taken off well and it goes to show, this is an opportunity and he’s got to stick at it,” he said.

One of the greatest changes from Mr Best’s playing days is the vast salaries earned by modern players.

“I would hope that a lot of the players doing well are going to do things in their community to help people who are less fortunate,” he said.

“Compared to what we were paid, the guys today make lots of money. I just hope they use it in the right manner and do things with it. They have got the power to make a difference.

“I like Ronaldo because he does a lot in his community with the money he makes.”

Several events are lined up to celebrate the launch of The Clyde Best Story.

• March 29 to April 7: Youth clinic with Bermuda footballer Dante Leverock and a coach from West Ham. Further details will be released soon.
• April 16 to May 2: Art exhibition at the Bermuda Society of Arts focusing on Bermuda footballers. Curated by Bermudian artist Jasmine Lee and supported by Barbara Dillas. This exhibition will later move to Dockyard.
• April 21 to 26: On-island premieres. A red-carpet experience and immersive premiere evening including premium reserved seating, meet and greet opportunities, photo opportunities and post-film discussion.

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