Tanya Bule, head of International Wealth and Premier Banking at HSBC, responded to basic questions you should ask before you make your move.

They say prevention is better than cure. What’s the best way to prepare to finance your home renovation?

First and foremost, the client should gain an understanding of the scope of work required by engaging with a reputable contractor to obtain a professional quote.

Once that has been completed and the client has a sense of the scope of work and costs involved, they should consult with their bank to gain an understanding of what is feasible from a financing and affordability perspective.

How can you find out your borrowing capacity? Does Bermuda consider your credit score and home equity when applying for a loan? 

Engagement with a financial advisor at your bank is paramount in determining your borrowing power.

Verification of income and expenses are vital in determining what a client can borrow. Bermuda actually does not have a central credit bureau and as such credit score isn’t utilised here locally. Local banks will, however, check your credit history with other financial institutions.

Are loans for renovations more flexible when it comes to financing and rates than when obtaining a loan to purchase a home?

This depends on the scope of work – if the works are purely interior/cosmetic and do not involve the addition of square footage to the property, depending on the dollar amount required a simple unsecured loan could be the most appropriate route for the client.

If the works needed are more extensive, such as adding square footage, then a construction loan is required, and this is more complex.

A construction loan typically requires multiple contractors quotes as well as a quantity surveyor’s report.

What percentage would you recommend as a contingency fee in your loan amount for unexpected expenses?

Contingency is typically required between 10 to 20 per cent of the total quote of the job, based on the scope of the works.

Are there any alternatives to borrowing for home renovations? Compare and contrast getting a loan to using your savings or a credit card.

Not to be too repetitive, but this is also dependent on the scope of work and level of financing required. HSBC offers unsecured lending up to $80,000 over a five-year term.

What steps are there to obtain a loan for home renovations?

As mentioned above, this is dependent on the scope of the work. It is always recommended that a client engages with a contractor initially to understand the scope and cost of proposed works.

The next step would be to engage directly with their financial advisor at their bank to ascertain what is required in terms of securing financing.

Some key touchpoints throughout this process could be obtaining architectural design plans, formal planning approval, potentially a quantity surveyor’s report and a property appraisal to determine the fair market value as is, and upon completion.

The post Paying for home appeared first on RG Magazines.

Moving from dependence to independence; taking responsibility for your own choices; stepping into adulthood and exploring your identity, values and goals – these all serve as a rite of passage from one stage of life to another.

So, how do you build your tribe while maintaining your individual standards? How do you hold yourself accountable while expanding your horizons?

Fitzgerald Williams, founder and psychotherapist at Masc, which offers counselling for men by men, shared advice on the top things to look out for and how to establish your own space.

“College might be your first taste of real freedom, no rules, no one watching,” Mr Williams said.

“It can be exciting, but also scary. Real independence isn’t about saying yes to everything, it’s about figuring out who you are and having the confidence and sometimes courage to choose what’s right for you.”

He warned that navigating this new freedom and friends can be challenging.

“It comes with pressure for acceptance and fitting into the group or maybe even saying yes to things you’re not ordinarily comfortable with,” he said.

Here are Mr Williams’s practical tips to help you navigate and protect yourself:

• Know your boundaries. Before you get caught up in the social life on and off campus, ask yourself: What am I comfortable with? What are my “hard no’s”? What situations make me feel uneasy?

Your boundaries come from your values and comfort level and not based on what everyone else is doing. Knowing your limits allows you to stick to them.

• Alternative ways to say no. Saying no can be hard but doesn’t have to be complicated. Short and simple usually gets the job done.

Here are a few casual options:

* “No, I’m good.”

* “That’s not really my thing or I’m not really feeling that.”

* “I’m calling it a night.”

* “I’ll pass, but let’s catch up later.”

• Handling social situations. Managing new social circles can be fun but also overwhelming at times. Try these tips:

* Check in with yourself. Do I feel safe? Do I feel respected?

* Give yourself an exit time. Deciding ahead of time when you’re leaving the event makes it easier to make an exit. You can always stay longer if you choose.

* Go with someone you trust. A friend who shares your vibe makes all the difference.

* Take a break if needed. Get some air if it becomes too much.

* You’re allowed to leave any situation that doesn’t feel right.

• Social media comparison. When in school, it can appear you are falling behind everyone in life. Remember, they are posting highlights, not the full story.

If you find yourself comparing:

* Take a break from scrolling.

* Mute accounts that make you feel “less than.”

* Remember you’re still building your life, that takes time. 

* Focus on what’s happening in your real life, not someone else’s posts.

* Ask yourself: is this inspiring me, or making me feel behind?

The post Protecting yourself from peer pressure appeared first on RG Magazines.

Two women who have been there and done that spoke to us about why it is important for our young people to learn from their elders. 

Josette Smith, 58, has been a customs officer, counter clerk at the Post Office, taxi driver, hairdresser, and is now a bus driver. She’s seen many a social situation, is firm in her opinions on how to live life well and hopes to pass on her knowledge as she goes about her life.

Ruth Adams, 86, has been blessed with life, is a former nursery teacher who volunteers serving food and providing groceries to the community.

As a grandmother, she’s had the opportunity to pass on both hard and soft skills to family members and the community.

Aaliyah Roach, 24, is reaping the benefits as Ms Smith’s daughter and Ms Adams’ granddaughter.

She shares that she has learnt patience and how to think things through before actioning them from Ms Adams; and she picked up tenacity, nurturing skills, forgiveness, the ability to be humble, and diligence from Ms Smith.

We asked the matriarchs about some of their key life lessons.

What are the most important life lessons you’ve learned?

Ms Smith: To have patience and practice gratitude.

Ms Adams: Do good and you will be blessed by God. Wrong decisions and regrets will haunt you for the rest of your life.

What are the biggest changes you have seen in your lifetime?

Ms Smith: Lack of community-based neighborhoods, and our ability to be connected to the outside world.

Ms Adams: There is a lot of temptation in the world due to the increased usage of cellphones amongst adults and children.

How have you coped with significant challenges or changes?

Ms Smith: Learning to adapt, taking courses, asking questions, and seeking assistance.

Ms Adams: Lots of prayer! Asking the Lord for protection, direction, and guidance for everyone involved.

What do you think is the key to a happy or successful life?

Ms Smith: Peaceful settings. Having hobbies. Loving family. Creating memorable moments.

Ms Adams: Putting God in full control each and every day.

What’s a family tradition that you hope continues?

Ms Smith: Passing on recipes and experimenting together with a new set of eyes on old recipes.

Ms Adams: To be there for each other during good, bad, and especially difficult times. I’d like to continue our yearly New Year’s game day where we have fun together without distraction.

What’s something you wish more people knew about your life or experiences?

Ms Smith: My experiences have taught me to keep pushing forward and react in a calm manner.

Ms Adams: That I am not perfect and never will be.

What’s the best part about getting older?

Ms Smith: Watching my children and grandchildren grow up into the best version of themselves. The little things mean a lot.

Ms Adams: Just knowing that God is supplying me with health and strength each day.

What skills do you have that have helped you in some way throughout your life?

Ms Smith: My ability to ignore noise has kept me out of trouble. Upholstery and sewing have helped me create a comfortable and peaceful environment at home. Cooking and baking bring a yummy calmness into my space.

Ms Adams: Cooking, knitting, crocheting, sewing, and teaching others the same.

Do you think it’s important for younger people to learn some dying skills like weaving, map-reading or mental mathematics?

Ms Smith: Yes, it’s instrumental to their survival, success, and wellbeing.

Ms Adams: Definitely, yes! They need to use the gifts that God has given them.

What skills do you think are important for young people to learn in Bermuda now?

Ms Smith: Learning how to maintain themselves by learning how to do laundry, following a recipe step by step, stress management skills, self-awareness, coping with stress and decision making. These basic skills can make a break an individual.

Ms Adams: I believe they need many as technology has taken away from basic life skills. I think young people need to learn how to own up to their own mistakes. Strong skills to learn would be how to save and manage their money better as times get harder – not spending it on things that are wants but essentials to living day to day.

What are your hopes for future generations?

Ms Smith: That they succeed at their best potential. That they have joy. Continuously be God-fearing, noble individuals. Being kind to each other. Enjoying life to the fullest.

Ms Adams: To achieve their own positive goals in life and acceptance of Christ.

The post Passing the baton appeared first on RG Magazines.

Long story short, I had to purchase a multi-meter to determine how to hook it up. I tested, I guessed, it worked, and I was very proud. Be assured, though, I do NOT recommend.

When homeowners are looking to fix up their space, the wannabe DIYer inside often comes out. Here are some stores and advice that share a light-hearted look at some of the thangs that might – and, for some people, inevitably will – go wrong as you attempt to maintain your home.

Philando Hill Jr, master electrician and virtuoso tradesman of Quarry Home Services, advised that whenever you are doing work that requires being up to code, call a professional.

He urged that mistakes happen because you might not fully understand the complete process or needs to your project.

“While there are some things that are simple to fix and fairly practical, like something you’ve seen on YouTube and you decide you can do it yourself and save some money, you have to remember that it might show you how to install something,” Mr Hill said.

“But it might not show you the rough-in part or what needs to be done prior to that point. It would be better to at least get a professional inspection first.”

For example, he was once called to address a mould issue in a home and discovered that the roof had multiple cracks in it.

An enterprising person, instead of repairing the cracks, had placed the roofing equivalent of a band-aid on all of them and painted it over. Close, but no cigar.

Another unfortunate incident was when he was called to replace a drain in a bathtub and discovered that there was no P-trap and not even a vent in the bathroom.

As that part is a critical component for health, safety and odour control in modern plumbing systems, making the replacement took more time, parts and money to be done right. Times and building codes have changed!

A common error that it related to painting your house.

“Painting a house is like painting your car,” he explained. “You have to clean it first! Clean, repair and seal the walls before you decide to put to paint or put anything on it that must bond to it.

“Inspecting and priming are crucial steps as well. People are just wasting money when they just paint a wall without doing the proper steps.”

When it comes to electricals, Mr Hill strongly discouraged people from doing anything on their own as the consequences of an error could be fatal. Always contact a highly recommended professional.

You’ll see the difference between what a professional like Mr Hill can do, compared to yourself. Maintain your space, but be safe out there, folks!

The post To DIY or not to DIY – that is the question appeared first on RG Magazines.

However, that’s not the case in many parts of the world. Germany has a breakfast of bread, cold cuts, various cheeses and possibly fish. The French go for a variety of pastries. In the United States, gingerbread pancakes or cinnamon rolls might be called for. In Finland, you’d see a bowl of rice and milk porridge topped with cinnamon, milk, or butter, and a hidden almond placed inside someone’s bowl “wins”.

So, why don’t we have a Christmas breakfast tradition in Bermuda?

Some might argue that the codfish breakfast already serves that role as, after all, the egg, tomatoes and avocados encompass the traditional festive colours. You could even have cassava pie reflecting the plethora of cultures that make us unique. However, not a single person I’ve talked to could say that we have a traditional Bermudian Christmas breakfast.

Thus, here’s an opportunity! You can make your own Bermudian breakfast Christmas tradition that involves the whole family to get them excited about the morning in another fashion. Picking a local ingredient and pairing it with a cultural element of your choosing is one idea. Here are three suggestions to get you rolling:

Popovers

• 2 large eggs
• 1½ cups whole milk
• 1½ cups flour
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1½ tbsp butter, melted
• 2 tbsp butter, soft

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 450F. Generously coat the inside of a popover tin with butter using a paper towel with a dab of butter on it to grease the tin – a great task for little hands!
2. Combine eggs and milk in a medium bowl and beat well.
3. Add flour and salt to the wet mixture and whisk together until smooth. Stir in melted butter.
4. Ladle batter into tin, filling each cup about three-quarters full.
5. Bake for 20 minutes at 450F, then reduce heat (without opening oven) to 375F and bake for another 15 minutes until golden-brown.
6. Enjoy warm with Bermuda flair such as loquat jam, citrus jam, or even prickly pear spread.

If you’re not that handy in the kitchen, here’s an easy recipe to try while still making it festive!

Christmas tree pancake stack

• 3 cups Krusteaz Buttermilk Pancake Mix
• 2 cups cold water
• Green food dye

Instructions:

1. Heat pancake griddle to 375F (medium heat). Lightly grease griddle.
2. Measure pancake mix by lightly spooning into measuring cup and levelling it off.
3. In medium bowl, combine pancake mix and water until just combined. Add in green food dye until it reaches desired colour. Do not over-mix.
4. Pour 1 cup batter onto griddle and cook for 2 minutes per side, turning only once.
5. Pour ⅔ cup batter onto griddle and cook for 1½ minutes as above.
6. Pour ½ cup batter onto griddle and cook for 1½ minutes as above.
7. Pour heaping ¼ cup batter onto griddle and cook 1-1½ minutes as above.
8. Pour ¼ cup batter onto griddle and cook 1-1½ minutes as above.
9. Stack the pancakes largest to smallest on plate and serve. You can even put a whole strawberry on top like a Santa hat and sprinkle with powdered sugar to make it festive. Enjoy!

To really make it local, make a totally Bermudian festive tea to start your day off right.

Doreen Williams-James, of Wild Herbs and Plants of Bermuda, shares a simple recipe: In a pot, throw together some allspice, lemongrass, cherry leaves, and apple slices to make a truly Bermudian festive treat. Sweeten as desired. You can start your day off with this tea to prepare for the larger meal later in the day!

Sources for this article included www.peteandgerrys.com and www.krusteaz.com.

The post Christmas breakfast appeared first on RG Magazines.

One of the main reasons for this, according to health experts, is that mental health stigma is so powerful on our island that people put on a brave face and act like nothing is wrong.

This means it’s vital that we know what signs to look out for, to ensure our family members and friends are not suffering in silence.

St John Ambulance highlights the following most common symptoms that suggest someone could be experiencing poor mental health:

• Lacking energy, being withdrawn or losing interest in day-to-day life.
• Seeming sad or having negative thoughts.
• Anxious, or suffering low self-esteem.

Other less typical signs include aggression, being unusually full of energy, forgetfulness, sleeping too much or too little, and eating too much or too little.

Just because someone is showing some of these signs, of course, it doesn’t mean they’re suffering mental health difficulties. But it might be an indication that you should start the conversation.

Here is St John Ambulance’s advice on how to approach the situation:

• Treat the person respectfully. If they may not want to talk immediately, consider backing of and trying again later. If you feel it is not safe to leave the individual, get emergency help.
• Remember you are not a mental health professional. Your job is not to provide a diagnosis or counselling, but you can direct the person to appropriate support, if they wish.
• Actively listen. You don’t have to try to find a solution to their problems, but you can help simply by being empathetic.
• Avoid phrases like “I know what you’re going through” or “it could be worse”. You don’t necessarily know what they’re going through, and you don’t know whether it could be worse.

Signs of caregiver stress

As a caregiver for someone who has mental health challenges, your priority can often feel like taking care of that person, even at the expense of yourself.

This can leave you feeling alone, helpless or depressed, or struggling to make decisions with a clear head.

The Mayo Clinic provides this advice of potential symptoms of burnout:

• Feeling burdened or worrying all the time.
• Feeling tired and not sleeping much – or sleeping too much.
• Gaining or losing weight.
• Becoming easily agitated or angry, or feeling sad.
• No longer enjoying your favourite activities.
• Having frequent headaches or other health problems.
• Abusing alcohol or drugs, including prescription medicines.
• Missing your own medical appointments.

Caring for yourself

It’s vital, then, that you don’t overlook taking care of your own wellbeing.

The mental health organisation Mind offers the following suggestions regarding self-care:

• Share how you feel. Talk to someone you trust, such as a family member, friend or neighbour.
• Be realistic. You don’t have to be Superman or Wonder Woman. Get a clear sense of your own capabilities and focus on them.
• Stay organised. This will give you a sense of control. Keep a schedule or planner of your daily routine and retain all important information and medication in one place.
• Don’t be too hard on yourself. It’s normal for things to get muddled or lost sometimes.
• Support their independence. Your support is great, but people also need to have some control over their care, where practical and appropriate.
• Find positives in your relationship. Don’t let it be defined by the mental health challenge.

Take a break

It might seem easier said than done but, at some point, you might also need to prioritise looking after your physical health – which can mean temporarily stepping away from caregiving.

Consider the pros and cons of in-home respite, care centres, programmes or nursing homes. Ask friends, family or your local church, or ask Government about any services that can help.

Alternatively, if you really want to continue caregiving, and can afford to take time off work, then discuss your options with your employer.

Help tackle the stigma

Whether you’re able to help your loved one with their symptoms or not, there’s plenty you can do to help reduce the stigma that accompanies their condition.

Here are some suggestions from the National Alliance on Mental Illness:

• Talk openly about mental health, such as sharing your own journey on social media.
• Educate yourself and others. When you hear misperceptions or negative comments, respond by sharing facts and experiences.
• Be conscious of language. Remember that words matter. Eliminate words like “crazy”, “nuts” and “psycho” from your everyday vocabulary.
• Think about mental illness in the same way you think about physical illness. Remind your loved one that nobody is ashamed of their treatment for cancer or diabetes.
• Show compassion for people with mental illnesses.
• Be honest about treatment. Talk about treatment in the same way would for any other illness. This will help normalise it.
• Call out the media when they are using stigmatising language or presenting stories of mental illness in a stigmatising way.

The post Mental health caregiver appeared first on RG Magazines.

From the dolphin show that used to be held at Blue Hole to the discovery of cave-dwelling misophrioids, this Hamilton Parish attraction has been a place of imagination, enchantment and mystery.

Discovered somewhere between 1905 and 1907, the Crystal Caves was the inspiration of the classic Fraggle Rock TV show (remember the Doozers?) and the backdrop of silent movie Neptune’s Daughter (and that scandalous one-pieced swimsuit). Crystal Caves continues to awe and inspire us today.

Boasting 1½ miles of chambers and a max depth of 70ft – with a total of more than 200 caves – it’s an extensive and complex cave system, with underwater passages, air-filled rooms and chambers.

Most of us were taught that the Crystal Caves were discovered when a game of cricket between two young boys, Carl Gibbon and Edgar Hollis, went awry due to a lost ball.

David Roberts, in an article entitled ‘Bermuda’s Secrets’ published in September 1984, provided more meat to the bones.

“A more reliable contemporary account indicates that a 14-year-old native named Carl Gibbon had discovered a cool breeze emanating from some rocks,” Mr Roberts wrote.

“He had pulled the rocks aside and, without hesitation, explored downward until he came to the huge main chamber filled with a lake, which he duly swam across.

“Gibbon’s father owned the land on which the entrance lay. A greedy neighbour walled shut the Gibbon entrance where it crossed his boundary, blasted a tunnel open on his own land, and began showing the cave to tourists.”

That “blasted tunnel” is the entrance we still use today.

Scientists have pointed to the rare nature of the caves – noting that the total volume of all the limestone caverns in the world may be no more than 10 cubic miles.

They have called for their beauty to be preserved due to its significant geological and historical importance.

Robert Power, a certified cave-diving instructor when a survey of the caves was carried out in the 1980s, noted it had “one of the highest densities of caves in the world”.

Mr Power chronicled caves through maps and photography for decades, resulting in stills that seem otherworldly in beauty.

He argued we should be proud of our ability to both preserve the caves and show them off to our visiting friends.

The Crystal Caves are a fine example of why we should take pride and care over our natural resources. Let’s revel in their glitz and glamour – but let’s also celebrate their science and history, so that their dark secrets can be enjoyed for generations to come.

The post Glitz, glamour, science and history appeared first on RG Magazines.

When do you Do It Yourself? And when you should call in a pro?

A short answer is to hire a professional when you need a break, when you have more money than time, when you don’t want to do the job yourself or you don’t know how, or when the outcome will be reviewed by an inspector.

When it comes to household projects, if you are knowledgeable and safe, you can DIY. Here are

some projects and tips on when you want to do it yourself:

Painting

Yes, but be careful with elevation, said Patrick Caton, founder and president of Caliper Engineering Services.

Working with ladders, staging, and especially when you are on a roof, keep safety in mind. Also be sure to get the right type of paints and be careful with solvents.

“They have warning labels for a reason,” Mr Caton said. Be sure you have the right equipment, including protective gear.

Changing a light fixture

“Well,” said Tim Augustus, founder and principal consultant at Novum Solutions, “it depends on the fixture!”

Understand that if it is not the exact same fixture, you will most likely have to change some of the components. For example, Mr Caton said you cannot install a dimmer switch on LEDs or any fluorescents as it is a fire hazard.

Hire a pro if you’re even a little bit uncertain of what to do.

Hacking furniture

This is a resounding yes. Not only can you learn new skills while you’re doing a project for your own home, this can evolve into a nice side hustle for those who are so inclined. As long as you are not altering the structure or loading of the piece, you are fine, Mr Caton said.

Fixing countertop appliances

If you have a systematic, inquisitive mind, sure! Mr Caton shared that he was the type of child that took lots of things apart (got some licks while he was at it!) but got to the point that he could put things back together and they worked. Trial and error once more comes into play (scars and burns, anyone?), so he encourages safe exploration during this process. If you’re hesitant for whatever reason, take it to a professional. Safety always comes first.

Updating electrical

“Oh my goodness, no!” they both exclaimed. This is an “always hire a pro” situation unless you are a qualified electrician yourself.

There have been sufficient “spaghetti-mess” situations to have them both solid in this answer. With our stone and cinderblock walls, this can be a particular challenge.

“Our building codes exist for a reason,” Mr Caton laughed. “They stop you from bursting into flames or falling apart.”

For the sake of public knowledge, look up the building safety codes if you want to do a DIY project. Look up the International Building Code online for any structural projects, the National Electric Code is available for any wiring jobs, the BOCA Code is there to look up any plumbing work, and more.

Safety first

So when should you always hire an expert? Basically, anything that comes to life safety. This includes foundations, roofing and, in case you’ve forgotten, electrical.

Also remember that when you have a permit to conduct your work, the inspectors are your friends: they are not picking on you.

“They want you to live,” Mr Caton said. Take advantage of their expertise so you can get the job done right. For example, have someone look over your drainage network as sewer gases are a major hazard.

Nothing is off limits, depending on your ability, but you should temper your enthusiasm on the more dangerous things. Consider the safety of others as well as yourself.

“This is the difference between installing a landscaping or hardscaping project and putting up a structure,” Mr Augustus explained.

“One has a lot more safety issues to consider than the other.”

Both men have seen people build an entire house from the ground up with no papers, so it is crucial to recognise your skill level no matter what the project.

Ask for help

Local charities and organisations can offer advice, but Mr Augustus and Mr Caton recommend “YouTube University”.

“This Old House on PBS has some of the better, more methodical techniques for one to follow,” Mr Caton said.

“Fine Homebuilding and a lot of the building trade magazines have good structural stuff on their websites as well.”

Don’t forget Pinterest!

If you are going to DIY, share as much information as you can with the person you are purchasing from. Mr Caton named Karolina at Rowe Spurling Paint and Kenny at Masters Ltd as great advisers, but insisted most stores are happy to help.

To sum it all up, know yourself. Be safe. Call a pro when needed and DIY when you can. Enjoy!

The post To DIY or not to DIY appeared first on RG Magazines.

That seems to be ever true if you’re looking for a career in the construction industry.

According to industry veterans Tim Augustus and Patrick Caton, however, there’s more than one way to get your foot in the door.

Mr Augustus, founder and principal consultant at Novum Solutions, and Mr Caton, founder and president of Caliper Engineering Services, shared how they got to where they are today, while providing advice on how you can start your construction field journey.

Firstly, they said, you should think about the types of roles or work that interest you. Secondly, find out what qualifications you need for that role. Then complete relevant training to help you get started or find an apprenticeship or on-the-job training to see if it is really for you.

Of course, you have to be both willing and capable of doing a job.

Make an approach

Both Mr Augustus and Mr Caton got their first opportunity through a family member or friend in the industry.

Their next steps included going through government-run or private organisations to become more well-versed in the needs of the Bermuda construction industry.

But never fear if you don’t know someone in the industry: make an approach anyway.

Mr Caton said: “Most of the established firms here would love to have young, interested persons with potential that they could train and level up to get certified in different trades.

“You could even go the professional route and become engineers, architects or project managers as it takes all types to get the job done.”

Get trained

There is a lot of demand for construction workers, but not the matching interest, even though a career in construction can mean jobs in a wide variety of fields, including electrical, plumbing, welding, drywall, solar, millwright and crew leadership. There is something for everyone.

The issue is not unique to Bermuda: the United States are three million jobs short while Canada is down roughly half a million despite robust training programmes.

The National Center for Construction Education and Research programme is offered in some Bermuda schools, providing industry-recognised credentials which can help accelerate your trajectory locally or in the US, Caribbean and Central America. After completing courses through this organisation, you are automatically employable.

The industry believes there are many people in Bermuda who could get the credentials to become knowledgeable, skilled and trained professionals.

Fundamentals

If you’re not sure how to get started, Mr Augustus recommends the Department of Workforce Development as a good resource. The Adult Education School also offers an NCCER course and career advice.

Mr Augustus said: “Getting the work ethic in first is a great way to get into the field. Getting into a good company and just absorbing knowledge is an excellent start.”

According to Mr Caton, there are only three things you need to do to thrive in this field:

1) Show up on time.

2) Do what you’re supposed to do, not what you’re told.

3) Communicate.

Well, I think I’m eligible to start my new career with that knowledge. How about you?

The post Get trained – get a job appeared first on RG Magazines.

Too much rain here and too little sun there can make your growing dreams difficult to come true.

Then when you factor in our stiflingly hot summers and our ageing bodies … well it’s lucky we have technology to help us in the garden.

Smart technology, devices, apps and new techniques can help us make our vegetable patches more vivacious and flower beds more fanciful. From lighting and irrigation to mower and weeders, technology in the garden can save you time, enhance your garden, help save your back and make your outdoor space productive.

Those who are tech savvy and up with the trends can get a lot of work done just by pressing a button, thanks to tools and equipment that utilises apps.

In our Bermuda summer, when temperatures hit the 90s, with humidity to match, nobody wants to be outside cutting the grass – so let the robot mower do the work for you!

The AnthBot robotic lawnmower can mow up to ¾ of an acre and offers precision boundary and zone options without having to set up perimeter wires.

It can avoid obstacles, manage up to 24-degree inclines, and can adjust to mowing schedules, seasonal changes, location and weather conditions. From your grass garden paths to your backyard, it does the work for you scientifically.

The FarmBot Genesis, meanwhile, is a farming machine that helps you grow food for yourself, your family, your school or your community.

It can perform weeding, drilling, soil surface milling, watering, plant seeds, allowing you to cool off in your airconditioned living room without having to get your hands dirty.

They don’t come cheap, but you may consider it a worthy investment depending on how much food you intend producing.

Our scorching summers might be beautiful for our beach-loving tourists, but they can be the greatest enemy for our gardeners.

Feeding your garden with the rainwater from your water tank might ensure your vegetable patch stays healthy – but that’s not much consolation when you’ve got nothing left for a shower at the end of your sweaty day.

The Rachil 3 Smart Sprinkler system is here to help. This app ensures your plants get the amount of water they need while conserving water by tracking the weather – so that you’re not needlessly using your supply after the heavens finally open.

To really get to grips with Bermuda’s unpredictable conditions, consider the Ecowitt Weather Station, a solar-powered device that monitors and collects accurate weather data.

You can tack temperature, humidity, air pressure, rainfall, wind speed and direction and UV index, and more.

No more guessing about how you got that bumper crop of tomatoes – you’ll know exactly how it happened.

Another highly recommended device is the Sonic Bloom system from Dan Carlson, which uses sound and organic foliar feeding to bring plants and their growing space to life.

This invention increases nutrition, produces greater yields using less water, helps make plants more resistant to disease, with extended growing seasons.

It comes with a home gardener’s starter kit – or, if you’re feeling lucky, the solar-powered Commercial Sonic Bloom Box serves up to 200 acres. I’m taking donations.

Simple gadgets that help in the garden include the Maxbit, which attaches to your existing drill and creates small holes for easy transplanting of your seedlings. Save your back by leaving the digging to the devices. From nasturtiums to cedar seedlings, you could truly make Bermuda bloom!

The Mars Hydro Grow Tent Kit, available at Animal and Garden House, provides growing space, lighting, water and more in one convenient kit, and you can customise it by contacting them online or by phone.

Animal and Garden House also has an Indoor Garden LED grow system aimed at making growing easy for budding enthusiasts.

Information on what to grow – and when to grow it – in our mid-Atlantic environment is more accessible than ever before thanks to the never-ending supply of online sources.

Did you know, for example, that by growing plants that help the bees and are also endemic to Bermuda, you are helping the local bee and human population?

Consider flowers and herbs like the Bermudiana and fennel, shrubs like hibiscus and Japanese honey suckle, and trees like golden shower and citrus to give our fuzzy friends some precious resources.

Online planting guides are available through the Bermuda Government and electronic magazines, to supplement what you can glean from experts at places like Bermuda Green Thumb, Aberfeldy Nurseries and Wild Island Apiaries.

For those of us who don’t naturally have green thumbs, smart gardening is here to save us. We don’t even need to rely on the gardener’s instinct. Get growing with tech!

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