As recently as 40 years ago, locally available art was largely dominated by stylised depictions of island landscapes and architecture – and you can still never go wrong with traditional images featuring those pink and turquoise hues that our island is famous for.

Today, however, what constitutes ‘Bermuda art’ is much more diverse, and in some cases a lot more experimental.

Many local collectors favour emerging artists who utilise abstract expressionism to convey political and social messages or push the boundaries of aesthetic conversations by introducing found or industrial materials into their work.

Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art

For more than 30 years, the mission of the Masterworks Foundation has been to discover new creative interpretations of Bermuda and to preserve and display that art for generations to come.

Nestled in the tranquil Botanical Gardens, the museum houses a wide spectrum of creativity, from vintage paintings by visiting artists such as Winslow Homer, Georgia O’Keeffe, Marsden Hartley and Ogden Pleissner, to contemporary pieces produced by gifted locals such as Charles Zuill, Graham Foster and Bill Ming.

“Masterworks was built around a core collection of Bermuda subject matter, including works by renowned international artists that carried no racial, social, economic, political or religious agenda,” said retired Masterworks founder and creative director Tom Butterfield.

“Its role was pure and simple: pleasure, enjoyment, education and awareness.”

Jasmine Lee, curator of contemporary art at Masterworks, said: “Today, we have evolved to the point that we are a cultural hub and are always looking for new ways to interpret our collection.

“We inspire conversation by exploring themes that are relevant to our collection and encourage the expression of creativity in all its forms.”

Building a personal collection

A thoughtfully chosen work of art can transform a living space, adding colour, character and a distinctly Bermudian sense of place – but it can also speak volumes about the person who chose to display the piece.

“We all look at artwork in different ways with different interpretations and enjoy different subject matters but no matter what in my view it must be emotive,” Mr Butterfield said.

Ms Lee said: “Beyond its decorative function, art can have many purposes. It can inspire emotions such as joy or serve as a conversation starter. In that respect, each piece says a lot about the person who has chosen to bring it into their home.”

Attempting to balance personal taste, space, colour and budget while searching for a piece that not only complements your décor but also speaks to you on a deeper level can be a daunting task – unless you view it as a journey of discovery.

“If you are not an established collector, the easiest way to start acquiring Bermuda art is to simply start attending local shows,” Ms Lee said.

“Regardless of whether the show is at Masterworks, or one of the other island galleries, all you need to do is bring your sense of curiosity and see what sort of pieces you are drawn to.

“Once you identify a piece that catches your eye, challenge yourself to consider exactly what you are drawn to. Is it how the colours make you feel, or small details such as the type of medium being used, or the way that the brush strokes are composed?”

Finding a theme in what you love

“Art shows are a great opportunity to talk to artists and learn what interests and inspires their work, allowing you to select what resonates with you personally,” Ms Lee said.

“You might discover that you prefer art that challenges the viewer with a political message, or expansive multimedia pieces that leverage the bold use of abstract colour.”

Sometimes it is simply the thrill of being able to meet each artist personally that binds the pieces in a collection together.

The key is to appreciate that there is no wrong way to collect art for your home, but the more thought and energy you put into your collection, the more you will get out of it over time.

Ms Lee said: “You might even say that choosing art to adorn your living space is a subtle means by which we can each express our own creativity.

“Why did we choose to frame or not frame a particular piece? Why did we choose to group these particular pieces together – and yet leave another piece all on its own?”

Beyond paint and canvas

Collecting Bermuda art is about far more than filling an empty space on the wall or finding a landscape that compliments the tones in a beige sofa. Each piece is an opportunity to carry forward the story of our island, and the artist who created it.

While traditional Bermuda art was frequently created with oil, watercolour or gouache on paper or canvas, today the range of materials and media has expanded considerably and might include any combination of charcoal, acrylic, photography, digital imagery, collage, textiles, pottery, sculpture, wood, wire, welding, concrete, plant material, or found objects.

The range of what you can collect and ‘the why’ – your raison d’être for purchasing each piece and bringing it home – can also be as vast as your imagination.

When you purchase a piece of locally produced art, you don’t just enhance your own life – you support and inspire artists in their personal journeys towards excellence and the island art movement. You also add another chapter to your own evolving journey of creative exploration.

For more information on The Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art and upcoming shows visit, www.masterworksbermuda.org

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Cedar carvings, Hogge money coins, antique bottles, stamps, vintage Bermuda books, banana leaf dolls, maritime relics and Gombey memorabilia are all part of what collectors affectionately call Bermudiana.

But today, Bermudiana is no longer confined to antiques. Contemporary artists and craftspeople are increasingly embracing the tradition, creating works that capture the island’s essence by incorporating locally sourced materials and translating them into pieces infused with botanical, cultural and marine references.

Reimagining Bermudiana

Collecting pottery and sculpture might not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think of ‘objets d’art’ that embody the island’s heritage – but perhaps it should be.

Along the island’s coastlines, shards of historic pottery remain visible, representing some of Bermuda’s oldest surviving artifacts.

While Bermuda’s comprehensive environmental protection laws prohibit the removal of these items from their resting places, contemporary artisans offer an accessible way to bring that same sense of history, texture and place into the home through thoughtfully crafted pieces that reflect both Bermuda’s past and its present.

Potter Jon Faulkner and sculptors Stratton and Claire Hatfield create distinctive works that translate Bermuda’s colours, textures and natural forms into both functional and decorative pieces, offering effortless ways to introduce Bermudian elements into any living space.

Here, they share where they find inspiration and how they infuse the island’s raw elements into their designs.

Jon Faulkner Pottery: Bermuda in a bowl

“All of my pieces are thrown by hand on a wheel and fired in a kiln that I built myself,” Mr Faulkner said.

“I start each of my firings by burning casuarina wood, which covers all the work in the kiln with fly ash and starts the glazing process. I also like to experiment with mixing Bermuda cedar and casuarina wood ash into the glaze itself.”

This hands-on approach allows each piece to carry a direct imprint of Bermuda’s natural environment and underpins a journey of endless experimentation.

“I get a lot of unconventional inspiration from an old landfill located next to the sea-glass beach near the Dockyard,” he said.

“I’m fascinated by the flow, colour and texture of the rust on the objects I find there and have developed my own technique for infusing some of my work with a similar effect.”

His locally inspired products include Bermuda rockpool bowls with turquoise and deep blue glaze and a rough gritty exterior inspired by the coastline and coral reef system.

“Through trial and error, I have managed to develop a glaze that closely resembled the ocean. These pieces are literally Bermuda in a bowl.

“I also create historical reproductions of a Bellarmine jug composed of salt glazed stoneware that was excavated from the Sea Venture.”

Yart: preserving nature in all its forms

“I’ve always been interested in botanical plants,” said sculptor Stratton Hatfield.

His wife, Claire Peverelli, explained: “Our work is a blending of my interest in art psychotherapy and how we connect with nature and Stratton’s interest in 3D interpretive sculpture.”

Together they are developing a unique method of imprinting, or fossilising, local floral into handmade sculptural pieces for interior and exterior spaces. Their decorative and functional pieces are crafted using free form moulds that they fashion from soil and beach sand and then fill with white Portland concrete in stages.

They also consider the interrelationship between endemic, naturalised and invasive species in Bermuda, leading them to include anything from palmetto to banana, bay grape, elephant ear, Chinese fan palm or loquat leaves in the same piece.

“Initially many of the pieces were small wall sconces, bowls or table centrepieces,” Ms Peverelli said.

“We now do public installations that we refer to as collages in that they are composed of several individually cast pieces that are displayed in a harmonious combination.”

Mr Hatfield said: “Our work continues to evolve and involves a lot of trial and error.

“The challenge has been to figure out how to make increasingly large and complex pieces that are durable enough to be displayed outdoors and yet light weight enough to be mounted on a wall.”

An ever-evolving process

“Bermudian art is moving away from the pink cottage look that was popular in the 1980s,” Mr Hatfield said.

“Young artists are generally creating work that is more socially challenging but, on the whole, we belong to a different generation from those who have the funds to collect.

“What is considered ‘collectible’ in Bermuda is in the midst of transition.”

Mr Faulkner said art is a never-ending journey.

“The shapes of my pieces are quite consistent, but the end products can vary a lot depending on the techniques that I employ during the glazing process,” he said.

“Everything from the ingredients that I mix into the glaze, such as iron or cobalt and chrome oxide, to the position where an object is placed within the kiln when it is fired, can alter the resulting colour and texture of the finished object.

“I’m always surprised how things will turn out, and I find that very inspiring.”

As Bermudiana continues to evolve, today’s artisans and craftspeople are not only preserving the island’s heritage, they are also shaping what future generations will one day recognise as culturally significant and collectible.

For collectors, this shift offers an opportunity to acquire beautiful objects, and to participate in an ongoing collaboration – curating and shaping our heritage one piece at a time.

For more information on Jon Faulkner Pottery visit www.jonfaulknerpottery.com. For

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The Bermuda Construction Safety Council, which was formed in 2018 in connection with the construction project at Morgan’s Point, offers training and awards in 50 trade categories.

It’s run entirely by volunteers and there is no membership fee – meaning cost is not a barrier to improving safety standards and networking opportunities within Bermuda’s construction industry.

Brendon Harris, the Council’s safety coordinator, said: “Our primary objective is to prevent all job-related injuries by providing and maintaining the safest possible working conditions for all our employees and subcontractors.

“We recognise that our most important asset is our people and that production, quality and cost efficiencies can be achieved through the daily application of standardised safety management systems and processes.”

Bermuda’s construction industry operates under workplace health and safety standards laid out in the Bermuda Occupational Safety and Health Act 1982 and the Bermuda Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 2009.

The Act specifies that it is the duty of every employer “to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees”.

It is the duty of employees to take reasonable care to protect safety and health of anyone affected by their actions or omissions at work.

Employees are required to cooperate with employers to follow the regulations. Workers also have the right to refuse work if they have reasonable cause to believe that conditions present an imminent and serious danger.

Benefits of investing in safety

Education in the construction industry is time and money well spent. The BCSC recommends viewing safety training as a long-term investment rather than a cost

Ongoing training remains one of the most effective pathways to safer jobsites and a stronger, more resilient construction sector for Bermuda.

According to the US National Safety Council, the economic cost of work-related deaths and injuries reached $167 billion in 2021 – underscoring the human and financial consequences of inadequate safety practices.

Mr Harris said: “The Bermuda legislation is relatively new, and we are working towards having standardised procedures on all jobsites.

“When you have standardised procedures such as morning briefings, daily stretches and continuing education, productivity increases and there also fewer work-related safety incidents.

“This benefits employers because fewer incidents means less time lost due to errors and work stoppages, which increases the likelihood that projects can complete on time and on budget.”
He noted that large projects involving international construction companies require all employees to have completed safety training before they are eligible to start work.

“When construction began on the new airport, for example, workers who had previously completed safety training were able to start working right away, but everyone else had to wait until they were able to complete the required courses before they were allowed on the jobsite,” he explained.

Strengthen safety through cross-training

Employees who work with heavy machinery depend on one another to remain safe. Because tasks are interconnected, everyone involved must share the same critical information and maintain constant communication.

Mr Harris said: “Moving large, heavy loads is a common occurrence on today’s jobsite. There are significant safety issues to be considered, both for crane operators and for any workers in proximity to them, because a crane operator never moves a pallet of concrete block alone.

“Each lift depends on continuous radio communication with people on the ground, whose clear, precise instructions are essential to manoeuvring the load safely and accurately, often into locations that are not visible from the crane cab.”

The people on the ground, known as bank workers, who have completed crane operator training become more effective communicators, and gain practical, hands-on insight into the operator’s responsibilities and decision-making.

This shared perspective enhances site-wide safety, reduces the potential for error, and can create a natural progression for bank workers to advance into crane operator roles.

Diversity and inclusion

Modern construction projects are increasingly diverse and inclusive, bringing together specialised workers from a wide range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

On many large job sites in Bermuda, the presence of non-native English speakers highlights the importance of clear, consistent communication practices and the use of standardised safety procedures.

The industry also employs far more women than is often assumed. Women now fill approximately 50 per cent of all office support roles, as well as a significant proportion of positions in architecture, surveying and engineering.

A safety culture that recognises and accommodates this diversity – through inclusive training, clear communication protocols and consistent expectations – strengthens shared accountability, reduces the likelihood of error, and helps ensure that safety is embedded in decision-making at every level of a project.

Mr Harris said: “Ultimately, keeping workers safe is not achieved through legislation alone, but through a shared commitment to learning, communication, and continuous improvement.

“I would encourage everyone involved in the industry to take full advantage of safety training whenever it is available – not just to meet employment requirements, but to build skills and confidence needed to recognize hazards, make better decisions on the job, and ensure that everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.”

The post Keeping Workers Safe appeared first on RG Magazines.

Inaccurate measurements, poor preparation, or choosing the wrong flooring for the space can quickly lead to extra expense, and disappointing results.

So how can you get the job done yourself without it becoming a fiasco?

The range of products available has expanded considerably in the past two decades is probably research.

Sacha Bearden, CEO of Baptiste Limited, said: “These days you can choose between vinyl flooring, laminated wood, porcelain or ceramic tile and carpeting and there are pros and cons to each.

“Laminate or vinyl flooring both make a good DIY weekend projects because they are fairly easy to install.

“But tile is a multistep process with a much more permanent result, so you need to be prepared to do your homework and take your time in order to achieve a good result.”

Measure twice, buy once

Once you have settled on your type of flooring, the next step is to take accurate measurements. Whatever you do, resist the urge to eyeball it. A difference of only a few inches can impact how much supplies you need for each step of the project.

“Many people underestimate how much material they actually need,” Ms Bearden said.

“Particularly if you are installing tile, you need to allow for off-cuts and pattern repetition, and the amount of wastage can vary significantly depending on the installation design or pattern you choose.

“It’s also a good idea to buy a couple of extra boxes and store them for future repairs, as finding an exact match later can be surprisingly difficult.”

Laying the groundwork for success

“The amount of prep work, and the additional materials required, will depend entirely on what your existing floor is made of,” Ms Bearden said.

“Understanding that upfront can help avoid surprises, delays, and unexpected costs once the project is underway.

“In some cases, you are going to have to expend a fair amount of time and energy demoing the existing floor, and even once you have removed it, there may well be residual glue or grout to deal with as well as cracks to fill.”

It’s essential that the floor is perfectly level, particularly when installing large-format porcelain tiles which are currently popular.

That often means applying a layer of self-levelling mastic before the adhesive or cement which secures the tiles to the floor.

Ms Bearden said: “Another thing that a lot of people fail to consider is how they will transition through a doorway from one room to the next, particularly if you are connecting two different types of flooring.

“Manufacturers typically make tiles in families that feature a range of shapes and sizes in coordinating colours, so you can create a more seamless and intentional transition between spaces, rather than an abrupt visual break.”

Complementary tiles, border pieces, or transition strips can help improve the visual flow from room to room, giving the finished project a far more polished, professional look.

The difference between a successful flooring project and a costly or frustrating one often comes down to planning and asking the right questions in advance. Get that right, and you’ll have the confidence and supplies to achieve a result to keep you happy for years to come.

The post Flooring without frustration appeared first on RG Magazines.

But in a climate like Bermuda’s it is more than just cosmetics – it’s your body’s first line of defence against bacteria, viruses, pollution and UV exposure and essential to maintaining healthy, resilient skin.

RG Best Health spoke with Gladys Nanud, the owner of Fresh Aura Bermuda, specialising in Korean skincare products, for advice on keeping skin calm, hydrated and protected.

What is healthy skin?

“Good skin care is not about beauty – it is about confidence and how people show up in their daily lives,” Ms Nanud said.

“So, for me, healthy skin is skin that is balanced, hydrated, calm and protected.

“There is a lot of hype on social media surrounding products that claim to make your skin glow, but truly healthy skin is not about how much it glows. It’s skin that has a strong skin barrier – skin that can handle Bermuda’s harsh environment without constantly reacting.”

Choosing products

Your skin type changes as you age so it’s essential that you understand what your skin needs now, to select the right products.

Teenagers typically need products designed for oil and acne control, adults often have to address hydration and pigmentation issues, while mature skin often requires ingredients that repair barrier damage and support declining levels of collagen.

“There are so many products on the market that claim to improve your skin that people get overwhelmed and often inadvertently use the wrong products in ways that they were never intended,” Ms Nanud said.

“Acne, for example, can be caused by a variety of fungal, hormonal and lifestyle factors. If you are prone to breakouts, you need to improve your skin barrier by calming the skin and soothing redness before you can successfully work on clearing up the acne itself.”

Healthy skin maintenance tips

• You can have sensitive skin at any age – particularly if you are pregnant or undergoing certain medical treatments. The harsh ingredients in many products can worsen dryness, redness and irritation.
• There is no excuse for not using sunscreen – not only does it protect against harmful pollution and UV rays, but it also helps slow the aging process.
• A good quality sunscreen product is one that absorbs easily and contains antioxidant, hydration and barrier repair ingredients.
• Always start with clean skin. Use the right amount of a product at the right point in your skin care regime in the manner it was intended. Retinol, for example, works best when used sparingly at night; using too much just increases the chances of dryness and irritation.
• Ask for advice. The key to long-term skin protection in Bermuda’s climate is to use the correct products for your situation.
• Consistency is key. Any skin care regime will work better if you apply products in the correct order on a consistent basis.
• Be patient Skin barrier repair takes time. It may take several weeks or longer to achieve results depending on the state of your skin.

An investment in long-term health

In a place where sun and salt are part of daily life, informed, consistent skincare is one of the smartest gifts you can give yourself.

With the right guidance, a simple routine and a measure of patience, it is possible to cut through the noise and make choices that don’t just protect you from the elements – they also boost your confidence and sense of wellbeing. 

For more information, call 799-2176 or visit www.freshaurabda.com

The post Skin care made simple appeared first on RG Magazines.

Fulfilling this goal requires more than just athletic talent – it requires dedication, discipline and perseverance.

A genuine willingness to give back to the community, especially here in Bermuda, can also make a difference.

With its Legends scholarship programme, the Bermuda Football Association makes it possible for young athletes with good grades and a passion for football to pursue higher education as well as a career in professional sports.

The scholarship programme reflects the BFA’s belief that athletic excellence must be matched by academic achievement, and that education is essential to the long-term development of both players and the sport.

By linking scholarships to the names of revered football figures, the BFA ensures that the qualities of integrity, leadership and service are highlighted through the achievements of young athletes.

We interviewed two BFA scholarship recipients who are now in their early 20s: Taznae Fubler and Mical Hardtman.

Hard work

Taznae Fubler was the recipient of the Frank Brewster Scholarship in 2017. Mr Brewster was a star footballer for the Bermuda national team, Hotels International and BAA.

Ms Fubler said that winning the scholarship boosted her confidence and inspired her to hold herself to a higher standard on and off the field. 

“I started playing at PHC when I was 7 and have played with the national squad since the age of 12 but I never could have imagined where this journey would lead,” she said.

“I was always a good student but, when it came time to apply for scholarships to go to university, I was initially very nervous.

“I honestly didn’t think my chances were very good, but I wanted to do everything possible to ease the financial burden of my education for my mother, so I applied for as many scholarships as I possibly could.

“Winning an award showed me that, not only had my years of dedication in the classroom and on the field paid off, but someone else believed in me more than I believed in myself.”

Ms Fubler has now completed a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in pre-law and is working towards completing her education to become a lawyer.

She serves as executive assistant to the Chief Justice, Larry Mussenden, who has been an important mentor throughout her professional development.

The experience has helped Ms Fubler grow as a student, athlete and leader, giving her the confidence to give back. She is now inspiring the next generation as a full-time coach for the PHC under-13 girls team and the Bermuda under-15 girls national team.

“Winning a scholarship is a blessing not to be taken for granted, and I love coaching the young girls,” she explained.

Role model

Mical Hardtman won the 2018 BFA Legend’s Carlyle Crockwell Sr Scholarship in 2018. Mr Crockwell was one of Bermuda’s top referees.

Mr Hardtman – now a role model for many young athletes – revealed his path had not always been easy.

“I first started playing sports when I was young because my best friend and my cousin were involved, but I had some anger issues and wasn’t really on the best path at that time,” he said.

“Thanks to help from my family and tutors I started to focus in a more positive direction and by the time I was in high school I was getting solid grades.

“From a young age we were taught about the importance of budgeting and making wise financial decisions. My parents are both business professionals and always assumed that I would go to university, so they were prepared to fund my education, but I wanted to do as much as I could to reduce the cost.”

He described applying for scholarships as “a very tedious process” but said it was well worth it.

“I learned a lot about myself and how to present myself during the process,” he said.

“Winning a scholarship reminded me that hard work does pay off when I am doing what I need to do, and this also really helped me get through some tough times when I was away at school. 

“It also inspired me to complete my masters in sports coaching at Hartpury University.”

He now works a PE and health teacher at Sandys Secondary Middle School and as a Bermuda National Academy coach.

Application criteria

The BFA Legends Scholarship Awards are open to males and females, with at least one scholarship awarded to a female each year. Applicants must be Bermudian, at least 14 years, and demonstrate strong academic performance. They must have been registered players with a BFA affiliate club, or the Bermuda Referees Association, for the previous three consecutive years and be actively participating in competitive football while studying. Continued funding is conditional on satisfactory academic progress, good conduct, and ongoing football participation.

Application tips

Just as excellence in sport is built through repetition and preparation, success in applying for higher-education scholarships follows the same principle: practice, practice, practice.

Ms Fubler and Mr Hardtman emphasised the importance of taking the time to research what scholarships are available and applying for every scholarship you are eligible for. 

Keep in mind that many general scholarships that do not have a specific area of study requirement attached to them frequently consider more than academic results alone in their selection process. They often favour candidates who are genuinely well-rounded, give back to the community, show leadership abilities, and balance their studies with wider interests such as sports.

They also stressed that opportunities extend well beyond those listed on the bermudascholarships.com website – and you can also apply for scholarships or financial aid at the overseas institution where you have been accepted.

Winning a sports scholarship is about far more than physical ability, recognition or financial support. It is about character: persevering when challenges arise, remaining humble when you are successful, and continuing to believe in yourself when the going gets tough.

It is about perpetuating the legacy of inspiring those who will follow in your footsteps with integrity, resilience and purpose.

The post Walking in the footsteps of greatness appeared first on RG Magazines.

For that to become a reality requires far more than academic ambition alone – you also need deep pockets for education fees, housing, food, transportation, health insurance and daily living expenses.

Studies have put the price of an overseas four-year degree anywhere between $20,000 and $100,000, so planning for them realistically is a critical part of making your dream come true.

Family planning

“One of the best gifts you can give your child is a keen understanding of money and budgeting,” said retired international financial planner and author, Martha Myron.

Not a finance geek? Not to worry, you can easily teach young adults about making wise financial decisions just by helping them to differentiate between wants and needs. 

As one former CedarBridge Academy students told us: “My parents always gave me money to spend when we went on a trip, but it was supposed to cover my meals as well as any shopping that I wanted to do.

“On the first day, a trip to New York, I rushed out and purchased a pair of designer sneakers but spent so much that I didn’t have any money left for lunch on the last day of the trip.

“Having to sit in the restaurant and watch my family eat was a budgeting lesson I have never forgotten.”

When to start saving

If you start a college fund when a child is born and contribute to it consistently, you will accumulate a significant nest egg by the time that child is applying to universities.

You might be surprised to know that thanks to the miracles of compounding, a regular contribution as small as $50 per month invested at 4 per cent could grow to $15,779 by the time a child is 18.

“You can start a college fund any time that you have a little extra and add to it over time,” Ms Myron said.

“I recommend that you lock it into a certificate of deposit or a US bond. These are both very safe investments that earn interest and, because you have to go through a process to cash them in, you will be less tempted to spend the money until you really need it.”

Your bank can explain these and other options in greater detail.

Realistic planning

Regardless of whether you can contribute financially to a student’s education, there are many things that any parent or guardian can do to help.

In many cases, the difference between a future-building educational experience and years of financial strain comes down to how thoroughly and strategically you pursue scholarship opportunities.

For many students, scholarships are not simply a welcome bonus: they are an essential part of a financial strategy that makes overseas education possible. Apply early, cast a wide net and approach the process with care and organisation to improve your chances of success.

Many great scholarships are available in Bermuda, and sometimes money goes unallocated simply because no one who met the criteria applied. 

Parents can research what scholarships are available and then hold students accountable for completing all the necessary steps throughout the application process in a timely manner.

While a university degree is often associated with higher earning potential, in some instances the cost of obtaining a degree has risen far faster than potential wages in that field after college. It’s wise to consider whether a student’s chosen course of study aligns with their intended career path and is likely to lead to sustainable employment.

Crunching the numbers

It is essential to fully understand the total cost of obtaining a degree at each university your child is considering, so you can focus on applying to places within your family’s budget.

As well as tuition, all students need to be prepared to cover the cost of books, technology and mandatory campus fees like student union fees, orientation fees and health insurance.

Particularly if you are applying to overseas institutions, understand that there can be a significant difference between the cost of tuition listed on the university website, and the total cost of attendance – particularly for foreign students who do not live on campus.

Students who do not live on campus, or reside with an overseas relative, need to budget for: air travel, public transportation, housing – including rent, utilities, damage deposit and furniture – groceries, prescriptions and entertainment.

The most economical option for some Bermudian students could be to enroll at the Bermuda College, where a two-year associate degree tuition total would likely fall in the $8,700 to $11,200 range. The college also offers scholarships, financial aid, online programmes offered by overseas universities that they have partnered with, as well as assistance in transferring credits obtained locally to a variety of overseas institutions.  

Closing the funding gap

Early planning, clear-eyed decision-making, and active engagement are required from students and families. 

By understanding the true cost of higher education, starting to save as early as possible, applying strategically for scholarships, and choosing institutions and courses of study that align with both career goals and financial realities, Bermudian families can significantly reduce the financial stress often associated with overseas education. 

While the numbers may feel daunting, a well-informed and disciplined approach can turn what initially appears to be an insurmountable challenge into a manageable plan that allows students to pursue their educational ambitions without carrying an unnecessary financial burden into adulthood.

The post Start saving early so make your dream a reality appeared first on RG Magazines.

Employment attorney Juliana Snelling, director at Canterbury Law Limited, provided some advice on this difficult subject.

Sexism versus sex discrimination

“Sexism refers to beliefs, attitudes or biases which are objectionable but not illegal,” Ms Snelling said.

“For example, the belief that all women are best suited to staying home and looking after babies or that men should not show emotions.

“In contrast, sex or gender discrimination is the illegal action or outcome that results from sexist beliefs.”

Examples of breaking the Human Rights Act include paying women less than men to do the same job with the same qualifications; or refusing to hire or promote a person because she is female.

Ms Snelling added: “Gender (sex) is a protected characteristic under the Act and therefore it is illegal to discriminate or harass someone in the workplace based on gender.

“The Act provides that no employee may be harassed in the workplace by their employer or by another employee, based on their gender.”

The Act also provides that harassment takes place when a person persistently engages in comment or conduct towards another person which is vexatious and which he knows, or should know, is unwelcome.

Ms Snelling said some women worry that reporting sexism could harm their career progression.

“This is a real concern for some women,” Ms Snelling said.

“Their conundrum is whether they report sexism for fear that this may lead to retaliation because they are dubbed a troublemaker.”

Bullying and sexual harassment

Since 2021, all employers in Bermuda must give their employees a written statement of employment with details about the existence of the employer’s written policy against bullying and sexual harassment and how to access the policy.

“In addition, they must have a clear written policy against bullying and sexual harassment, the policy must be presented to each employee on the commencement of their employment; and employees must be trained on understanding the policy,” Ms Snelling said.

The Ministry of Labour can provide a template policy statement on comprehensive bullying and sexual harassment.

Legal advice

“If an employee resigns because the workplace feels intolerable, that is called a constructive dismissal,” Ms Snelling said.

“It is extremely important to seek legal advice before resigning on this ground because the employer will often immediately cut the employee off of any further pay and benefits, as well as assert that the employee has breached their contractual duty to give notice of termination and thus threaten to sue the employee for breach of contract.”

But what if you think your experience “isn’t bad enough” to justify reporting?

Ms Snelling advised: “Keep a detailed diary of all the negative experiences, including who said or did what, on what date, where, and in whose presence and, if the offensive comment was in writing, print the document and take it home.

“Be sure to build a good solid case before you take the drastic step of declaring constructive dismissal or filing a complaint against the employer which could negatively affect your career.”

She said you should have the courage to tell the person that you are not OK with their comments or actions.

Make your message firm and respectful such as: “That went too far. I am asking that you never say or do that again to me.”

Record that you asked the person to stop and record their response.

“You can then take your diary to a lawyer to see if you have a case for constructive dismissal if the situation does not improve,” Ms Snelling said.

The post Breaking the silence appeared first on RG Magazines.

Whether you decide to add another storey, or extend the ground floor, you need to factor in implications for cost, structural integrity, planning approval, resilience to storms and day-to-day living.

To help demystify the process, we asked architectural designer Susan Rebello of Bermuda Home Renovation about common misconceptions homeowners face and the regulatory and structural realities that shape what is possible.

Understand your options

“Any conversation about expanding an existing home needs to start with a clear understanding of what you are trying to achieve in terms of living space and how that will improve your quality of life,” Ms Rebello said.

“From there, the next step is to investigate the site to determine how to maximise the potential for the project and meet what is allowed under the Development and Planning Act 1974.”

This involves reviewing the property’s zoning regulations to determine the required setbacks and the maximum permitted site coverage.

Once the allowable site coverage has been calculated, you then subtract the square footage of the existing structure to determine how many square feet of additional space can legally be added.

Ms Rebello explained the maths: “For example, if the maximum permitted coverage is 2,000 square feet and the existing home occupies 1,000 square feet, then an addition of up to 1,000 square feet would be allowed. However, if 500 square feet of the existing structure is to be demolished as part of the project, then the maximum permitted addition increases to 1,500 square feet.”

Form versus function

Adding a simple, box-shaped extension to the end of your house might seem like a straightforward affair, but Ms Rebello said careful thought must be given to how the new space will integrate with the existing home.

Internal flow, functionality and natural movement between rooms all play a critical role in ensuring that an addition genuinely improves your everyday livability as well as the long-term value of the property.

The presence of vacant land beside an existing dwelling does not automatically mean that it can be built upon. Constraints such as woodland reserve zoning, environmental protections and even the geological composition of the ground – whether hard rock, compacted sand or fill – can significantly influence what is feasible.

Building up versus building out

It is usually less expensive and architecturally less complicated to build a single-storey addition outward from your existing dwelling. But if you need to construct a larger addition than planning regulations would permit on one level on your lot of land, then constructing a two-storey addition might be your only option.

Structural considerations

A commonly held misconception is that you can get away with a hand-drawn sketch for smaller renovation projects. 

While this might sound like a good way to avoid expensive architectural drawings, this often slows the project down and generates cost overruns in the long run. 

“Constructing a second storey on an existing dwelling generally requires input from both an architect and a structural engineer,” Ms Rebello said.

“If you don’t invest in drawings that are to code at the outset, you run the risk that your project will not get built correctly which can result in expensive repairs down the line.

“You need to check whether the existing structure is strong enough to support the weight of a second storey without reinforcement, and you also need to consider the grade of the existing site.

“If your property is on a slope, for example, your contemplated addition might actually be extending downward and outward, or alternatively you might be building upward and across.”

Hurricane resilience

Because Bermuda is in a hurricane zone, there are many regulations when it comes to roofing.

“There are tables that must be followed governing everything from the screws and bolts that go into the wall plate, to how the addition is tied into the existing structure,” Ms Rebello said.

“You really need an expert to ensure that your roof is structurally sound and collects water the way that you need it to.”

Tank capacity

Another important consideration is how an addition will affect your existing water tank, particularly when building outward rather than upward, because an increased roof area directly impacts rainwater capture.

Under Bermuda’s building code, the required capacity of a water tank is calculated by multiplying the total roof area by eight.

Enlarging an existing water tank can be a costly and complex undertaking, so homeowners whose existing tanks cannot accommodate the additional roof catchment caused by an addition need to apply for a tank waiver from the Department of Health. This will be issued on the condition that a suitable soakaway area is designated to deal with any overflow of excess water when it rains.

“All of these things can influence planning permission, structural requirements, project timelines and overall cost,” she said.

“When you consider that construction costs in Bermuda are currently in the range of $700 to $1,000 per square foot – and that many projects involve architects, the Planning Department, traditional trades, specialist vendors and multiple inspections – it makes sense to engage someone who can guide you through the entire process and is familiar with every stage of the journey.”

Whether a homeowner chooses to build upward or outward, the decision is rarely about square footage alone. It is about meeting planning requirements, structural capability, budget, resilience and lifestyle needs. Careful thought, research and expert guidance are essential at every step. 

For more information, visit: www.bermudahomerenovation.com or call 737-2495.

The post Upward or outward? appeared first on RG Magazines.

For many Bermuda homeowners, that means thinking about how to upgrade, refresh or completely rethink their living space.

Sacha Bearden, CEO at Baptiste Limited, shared practical advice for making meaningful improvements – even on a tight budget – that embrace top 2026 renovation trends including wellness, sustainability, natural light and smarter use of space. 

Top renovation trends for 2026

Energy efficiency, multi-functional spaces, nature-inspired earthy tones and textured materials are all in fashion right now, as homeowners move away from minimalism in favour of cozy, lived-in environments.

In Bermuda, that’s led to kitchen renovations – the heart of the home.

Ms Bearden said: “Now that the economy has recovered, a lot of homeowners are renewing their kitchens.

“Your kitchen is the core of your home, so a kitchen renovation always adds value to your property. Many homeowners are taking down the dividing wall between the kitchen and the rest of the house to create a main floor great room.”

Appliance trends

Even with a limited budget, you can bring aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency into your kitchen by upgrading your appliances.

 “There are a lot more options available now than there were in the past,” Ms Bearden said. “Features such as coffee bars, warming drawers, freezer drawers and instant hot water units are becoming more and more common.

“If you are doing a complete remodel, there is really no limit to what you and your designer can come up with.

 “A lot of appliances are now being hidden behind concealed door panels – it’s even possible to install an induction cooktop unit beneath a porcelain countertop, for an invisible and stunning aesthetic effect.

Windows and doors

Replacing existing wooden or single pane windows has always been a relatively straightforward way to dramatically enhance the exterior of your house.

“The technology has significantly improved since PVC windows were introduced over 20 years ago,” Ms Bearden said.

“The new double-glazed units feature minimal casings and Low-E glass which simultaneously brings more natural light into any room and insulates against noise, heat and cold, as well as protecting floors and furniture from fading.

“Adding a glass front door can also help disburse light throughout your cottage.”

Simple lighting upgrades

In the 1980s, pot lighting was a must-have feature in modern homes. It was cutting-edge at the time, but many of those older installations now feel dated, with bulky canisters, limited light output, and bulbs that can be awkward – and sometimes frustrating – to replace.

“The LED fixtures available today are a completely different story,” Ms Bearden said.

“They’re slimmer, brighter, and far more energy efficient, and many are designed for quick, straightforward installation.” 

Modern LED lighting not only improves visibility and reduces energy costs, it can also dramatically update the look and feel of a space, making it one of the simplest and most cost-effective upgrades homeowners can make.

Security solutions

Modern home security now takes a layered approach, but achieving peace of mind doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.

“Monitoring cameras have come down significantly in cost and are often so user-friendly that homeowners can install them themselves and link them directly to their mobile phones,” Ms Bearden said. “Even a few small upgrades can make a surprisingly big difference.

“Replacing exterior door locks and hardware, or adding motion-sensor lighting, are simple improvements that enhance both security and curb appeal making them a practical, affordable way to protect your property while also giving the exterior of your home a fresh, updated look.”

Smarter use of space

If there is one thing that all Bermuda homes could use more of, it’s storage space. 

With square footage at a premium, the focus in 2026 is on making homes work more efficiently. Smart, budget-friendly solutions such as stackable storage systems allow homeowners to maximise vertical space in closets without permanent alterations, while vacuum storage bags mean you can store bulky seasonal items under the bed. 

Chrome shelving units with adjustable shelves also offer a versatile and option for kitchens, pantries, laundry and storage rooms, allowing shelf configurations to be altered when needed.

Bold colours

“People have become much braver when it comes to colour,” Ms Bearden said.

“A fresh coat of paint can change the feel of your space and if it doesn’t turn out exactly as you were expecting, it’s just paint. You can redo it!

“But if you prefer a safer choice, you really can’t go wrong with ‘gentle lamb’ by Valspar – it’s a very versatile shade of creamy beige that blends with just about any décor.”

Surviving a home renovation project

If you are going to work with a contractor, always ask for references and view samples of their work before you hire them. It is worth investing the time it takes to find someone who is experienced and properly qualified. 

If you are going to tackle the job yourself?

“Whatever you do, don’t go picking out home renovation supplies without your significant other!” Ms Bearden said.

“It’s also a really good idea to read the directions before trying to assemble anything. If you won’t read the directions – you know who you are! – please be sure to consult the University of YouTube.”

The message is clear: successful renovations don’t have to be dramatic or expensive to be impactful. 

Whether you are refreshing a kitchen, upgrading your storage, or simply trying to improve the curb appeal of your home, it’s possible to create a space that feels more personal, practical and enjoyable to live in – even on a limited budget.

The post Upgrade your home – whatever your budget appeared first on RG Magazines.