Favourite thing about life in Bermuda

The sense of community. Even though it’s a small island, there’s a strong connection between people, and you often feel supported and seen.

Favourite Bermuda dish

Fishcakes and hot cross buns. I find myself eating fishcakes all year round – they’re just that good! It’s one of those foods that never gets old, and it always reminds me of home, culture, and comfort.

Favourite place in Bermuda

The beach – especially in the early morning or late evening. It’s peaceful, grounding, and gives me time to reflect. It’s also a reminder of how beautiful our island is and why it’s important to protect and appreciate it.

What would you like to change?

I would like to see more opportunities and support systems for young people, especially those who may feel disconnected or misunderstood. I would love to see a teen hub and community social spaces where young people can come together in a positive environment. A youth organisation that is not based on school attendance issues or anti-social behaviour but is open to all teens – focused on connection, growth, leadership and giving young people a true sense of belonging. This is something I am actively working to implement through AMBIT Youth Bermuda.

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Favourite thing about life in Bermuda

Honestly, it’s the sense of community. Everyone kind of knows everyone, and there’s always that feeling of support and connection. It just makes life feel more personal and grounded.

Favourite Bermuda dish

Gotta be codfish and potatoes. It’s just a classic, especially on a Sunday morning. It brings that comfort feeling and reminds me of home and family.Favourite place in Bermuda

The beach for sure. The water, the views, the whole vibe, it’s peaceful enough that you can relax but also a place you can link up with friends and just enjoy the moment.

What would you like to change?

I’d like to see the cost of living become more manageable. It can be tough for people, especially young adults, to really get on their feet and feel financially secure. I’d want Bermuda to keep evolving while still holding onto its culture. Finding that balance between growth and preserving what makes the island unique is really important.

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We don’t exactly manufacture much here, and we grow even less. Food security is always a concern, and shopping for pretty much anything can sometimes feel like a futile exercise. Clothes, furniture, electronics, even basic sundries – your choices are pretty much limited to what a small handful of buyers think will sell quickly to as many people as possible. Unique? Sure, there’s a chance you can find a gem. Distinctive? Yeah, no.

Like most people, I express myself through what I wear, what I own, and what I’m into. But try finding, say, Lego on this island? Slim pickings would be too generous of a phrase. And when you do find that one outfit that you like, just know there’s a high probability someone else also bought it and will unfortunately be wearing it to same event. Your “signature look” quickly becomes a group effort. An accidental flash mob minus the dancing.

To this end, one of our national pastimes is leaving the island … to go shopping. I know, I know, it sounds so very glamorous, but really, it’s just us searching for a chance to express ourselves even slightly differently to how every other Bermudian is expressing themselves. It’s not that we are overly materialistic. It’s just that there’s a whole wide world of options out there and we don’t get many of them here.

Then there’s the food scene. There are only so many restaurants and even fewer types of cuisine. If you have adventurous taste buds, it’s doubtful that they often get a chance to stretch themselves. Don’t get me wrong, we have some amazingly talented chefs, and what they do, they do exceptionally well. *Chef’s kiss* Want a perfectly cooked steak, we got you. Fresh sushi, yup, that’s a given. But something a little bit further afield, like say, Turkish food, well that would be another check in the when I go on vacation checklist.

We’re not called an island for nothing. But things like amusement parks? Not a single one. Try entertaining your kids on a random Saturday without eventually resorting to snacks, negotiations and the occasional threat.

Nightlife can be a bit sparse too. If you like shaking your tail feather to anything beyond reggae and soca, your options are few and far between. Now that I think about it, do we even have nightclubs anymore? Bars, oh yes. Great ones. Live local music? Absolutely, and we punch well above our weight here. But rocking out to Bon Jovi all night? Nope. And that is a damn shame for my hair band heart. (And yes, that means I prefer 90s rock, who doesn’t?)

Island life is a many-splendoured thing and I genuinely love that I grew up in such a beautiful place. I appreciate all the advantages and the countless things that make living here amazing. But just like I can love the hugs that my kids give me while fully accepting that they are also small emotional volcanoes waiting to erupt at any moment, I can equally love beach weather nine months of the year and still find myself browsing the internet flights for a weekend in New York.

Mind you, after a couple of days off island you realize the lure of home is stronger. You miss the random ‘Good mornings’, the familiar nods, the way people back home know your name, your family, your business (sometimes a little too well, but still).

Bermuda may be another world … but it’s the world that I can truly call mine.

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Beaches are full, boats are out, Cup Match events pack the calendar, and social media is filled with sunsets, happy hours and smiling faces.

But behind the curated images, mental health professionals say summer can also be a time for pressure, loneliness, burnout and anxiety.

Dr Shawnee Basden, consultant psychologist at Solstice, says one of the biggest reasons is expectation. “Bermuda summers are beautiful, but they’re not always easy,” she said.

“There’s a quiet pressure this time of year. The weather is perfect, the calendar fills quickly, and there’s an unspoken expectation that we should all be out enjoying it.”

While some people may feel excitement, others feel exhausted.

“One of the most common challenges is comparison,” Dr Basden said. “People see selected images of everyone else’s best moments and start to feel lonely, left out or like they’re somehow doing summer wrong.”

Summer can also strain finances and disrupt your routine, as you attend more events, stay up later and lose boundaries between work and personal life.

While some people struggle quietly, others are unsure if their concerns are serious enough to seek help.

Dr Brittnie Fowler, a consultant infant, child and youth psychiatrist, said: “If you find yourself wondering whether you need help, that curiosity is often your intuition telling you a second opinion could help.”

Dr Fowler believes mental health support should be preventative.

“We shouldn’t wait for a house fire to check the smoke detectors.”

Early warning signs include suddenly feeling exhausted from daily tasks, changes in sleep or appetite, withdrawing from loved ones, or reacting strongly to small frustrations.

For many people, the next challenge is knowing where to begin. Social worker Kelly Madeiros, the managing director of Solstice, said Bermuda has more support available than many realise.

“There are private therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, charities, family services and crisis supports,” she said.

“The issue is often not a lack of help, but uncertainty about where to start.”

She recommended taking small first steps.

“Sometimes simply browsing a website, reading about services, or sending one enquiry e-mail feels more manageable than committing to appointments straightaway.”

She also stressed that support is not only for emergencies. “Many people seek help for stress, burnout, relationship strain, life transitions or simply wanting to feel better. You do not need to be in crisis.”

For those not ready for professional support, there are still ways to ease difficult moments.

Dr Lizzy McManus, a senior psychologist, said action matters.

“Often the last thing we want to do when we feel low or overwhelmed is anything at all,” she said. “But getting moving, even in a very small way, is one of the most reliable ways to get unstuck.”

That could mean stepping outside, taking a walk, sending a text or changing your environment.

“If your system is activated, thinking your way out of it usually won’t work,” she said. “Slow breathing or grounding exercises can help bring things down.”

Perhaps the hardest part of struggling in summer is believing you are the only one.

Consultant psychologist Dr Laura Thomas said: “When we are vulnerable, we are much more likely to judge ourselves and compare ourselves negatively with others.”

Social media often makes this worse.

“People tend to publicise the positives and hide the struggles. That creates a false picture of perfection.” The reality is often very different.

“Many people who look fine are carrying private stress, grief, anxiety or exhaustion. Often, once someone speaks honestly, they realise others have felt the same.”

As Bermuda heads into another busy summer season, Solstice’s message is simple: sunshine doesn’t cancel struggle. It’s OK to say no to events and take time to rest – and if you need support, it’s also OK to ask for it.

For more mental health resources and support, visit www.solstice.bm or call 292-3456.

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Liz Blankendal

Walking down the street like a breath of fresh air and oozing lightweight summer chic is entrepreneur and business owner, Liz Blankendal.

“I’ll be meeting the Bellas for lunch,” she smiled.

Ms Blankendal is wearing a headband designed by Danielle Paynter and a linen, palm-inspired dress, from Cassine. She chose this dress for its ‘fresh print’, colours, and the fact that she can wear it for both working and relaxing. And, at the end of the day, it can be thrown in the washing machine. Her fun rattan, pom pom handbag is also from Cassine.

In spite of the humid day, her skin and make-up look healthy and fresh, for which she also credits Cassine.

“I try to keep a natural skincare regime and then, just have very little make-up on,” she said. All she’s wearing is blush and mascara by RMS Beauty.

Lorraine Shailer

We catch the busy, and very co-ordinated, Lorraine Shailer between work and early evening drinks.

“I don’t normally wear phenomenally high heeled shoes,” she laughed. “I’m on my way for cocktails.”

Her silver and gold shoes are by Terry De Havilland who, she explained “popped back into vogue” because Sarah Jessica Parker wore them in ‘And Just Like That’.

Ms Shailer is director of retail for the Hamilton Princess hotel and her entire outfit, with the exception of her bangles, is from The Shops.

Her Lollys Laundry dress was chosen, she said, because “I love the print,” and it is “really lightweight.” She added the Summum Woman blazer because it can get cold in the office, and bringing the outfit together is jewellery by Rebecca Little, Alex Monroe and Talis Chains, along with a belt by Mulberry, and a retro look handbag by Anya Hindmarch.

Danielle Paynter

This self-described “passionate Bermudian shopper” has been wearing the same outfit and make-up all day, but looks first-thing-in-the-morning fresh. Her secret? A red lipstick from Salt and Cedar.

“I love this one because it’s all natural and it has long staying power. I hate reapplying,” she said.

Danielle Paynter has just finished work and is wearing a mixture of old, new and thrifted Bermuda finds in her trademark “bold maximalist style”. Underneath an Alice + Olivia blazer, which is an “investment piece” bought from Lusso a few years ago, is a rhinestoned silk camisole from The Shops at the Hamilton Princess. She chose this for its “razzle dazzle.”

Completing the outfit are a pair of black Bermuda shorts from Boutique CC pulled together with a Maje belt. Her statement red Gucci handbag, and David Yurman ring and earrings were thrifted from Orange Bay.

Mia Chambray

As a mom and co-owner of Cassine, Mia Chambray admitted that sometimes, she’s just trying to “get out of the house alive”, but when choosing her outfits, she loves to mix and match.

If she struggled to leave the house today, it doesn’t show because when we spot her outside her Reid Street boutique, she is looking both summery and professional in a green, oriental-inspired patterned shirt by One Hundred Stars with white trousers by Bali Elf, both of which are brands known for their sustainability.

“Lots of brands have forever chemicals in their fabrics, and I don’t want forever chemicals on my skin,” she said.

Elevating her look is a show-stopping, handmade, necklace from Italian brand Bijoux Espresso, her favourite lipstick, Beloved Lip2Cheek by RMS Beauty, and stylish Soek sunglasses, which are perfect for enjoying sunset drinks after a long day on the shop floor.

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RG sat down with Paul Simons, CEO of Convex Re Limited, to find out.

Mentorship is vital

I’ve been fortunate to have several mentors who helped shape not only my understanding of the industry, but also how to navigate challenges and lead through difficult situations.

They helped me with guidance on how to develop both the expertise and the softer skills that are critical to succeeding as a leader.

Early in your career, success is all about demonstrating competence. As you move into management and leadership roles, the demands and expectations are just as pronounced, but how to drive results, particularly as it relates to people, becomes far more nuanced.

It helps to have people who believe in you, invest in your success, and advocate for your growth. Those relationships can make a real difference in helping you reach your full potential.

That’s where mentorship becomes especially valuable. Today I still have individuals that I tap into for advice because they have seen and done it.

Qualities of people you work with

Integrity is extremely important. You have to be able to trust the people you surround yourself

with professionally and feel confident they genuinely want to see you succeed.

The best professional relationships are ones where people support each other and collectively help raise the standard.

It’s important to surround yourself with talented people. Early in my career, a CEO I worked for used to say, ‘Surround yourself with people who are better than you.’ That always stuck with me.

To do that well, you have to be secure in your own abilities. Strong leaders aren’t afraid to work

with highly capable people — in fact they embrace it.

Like in sports, over time there’s always someone who will come along who’s faster and better, and I believe in embracing these individuals. As a good leader you can’t be insecure about this.

Time management

There are constant demands on your time, and one of the most important decisions I make each day is what you choose to focus on. I have a lot of requests for my time, and it’s not easy saying no to

people, but I’ve learned that saying no to something or someone means I can say yes to another, as there are only so many hours in the day.

One belief you’ve changed your mind about

The importance of simplicity. Our industry is incredibly complex and early on I approached challenges with trepidation as the complexities can often overwhelm, and you can lose site of the forest for the trees. But one of my mentors was instrumental in showing me that not overcomplicating things is within itself a strategic benefit that I now try to live by.

Over time, I’ve learned the value of slowing down, really understanding the underlying issues,

and breaking complex problems down into their core components before trying to solve them.

I’ve also learned how important listening is. Earlier in my career, I think I was more focused on

reacting quickly and driving toward action. With experience, I’ve come to realise that taking the

time to truly listen and fully understand what people are telling you is often just as important as

the action itself.

What legacy do you hope to leave?

Professionally, I want the organisation to continue to be a place where people can thrive and grow, and where that success is sustained over time.

Personally, I’d like to know that I’ve made a tangible difference in helping others progress, particularly people who may see aspects of themselves reflected in my journey. In Bermuda

especially, there are still not enough people in senior roles who reflect the diversity of the

community.

Interview by Stuart Roberts

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But sometimes, the real work happens quietly. One hour a week. One student. One conversation at a time.
For Riley Jackson, an academic support volunteer with the Family Centre’s Youth Leadership Academy, giving back started with a simple decision.

“I had just moved back to the island after graduating from De Montfort University in the UK, and I wanted to find a way to reconnect with the community,” she said. “After looking online, I came across the YLA, and it just felt like the right fit.”

The YLA is a long-term, trauma-informed programme that supports young people from middle school through high school. It focuses on mentorship, academic support and helping students navigate challenges both inside and outside the classroom.

For Ms Jackson, the connection was personal from the start.

“In school, I had to make a real effort when it came to studying,” she explained. “I didn’t always find things easy. I had a tutor, and I leaned on my teachers for extra support.”

Now, she finds herself on the other side of that experience.

“I’ve learned so many different ways to study and figure out what works,” she said. “So, the idea of helping someone else who might be going through the same thing just made sense.”

Even the subject she now tutors, biology, wasn’t always her strongest. “It was actually a hard class for me in school,” she admitted. “So, I understand the struggle.”

Volunteering might sound straightforward, but Ms Jackson is quick to point out that it requires commitment.

“Before each lesson, I review that week’s topic in the syllabus and find teaching material to match,” she said. “We’ve found that worksheets work well, so we usually end with a few of those.”
Each session is one-on-one, once a week. But it’s not just about jumping straight into academics.

“We always start by catching up,” she explained. “Just taking a moment to decompress from the day helps us both get into the right space to learn.”

Balancing volunteering with work and personal life isn’t always easy for Ms Jackson, who works in underwriting at CG Insurance’s Personal Lines Department.

“There are weeks when we can’t meet because of other commitments,” she said. “And for me, I can’t just show up and teach. I have to relearn the topic and find the right resources. That process takes time.”

Still, she makes it work.

Ask Ms Jackson what keeps her going, and her answer is simple.

“The most rewarding thing is when my student gets it,” she said. “When she can apply what we’ve gone through or explain it back to me: that’s the best part.”

Sometimes, the learning goes both ways. “There are times when my student will even correct me if I slip up,” she added.

But it’s not just about grades. “Seeing her confidence grow is a big thing,” she said. “That’s what really stands out.”

There are also moments when the focus shifts entirely. “I remember one day she had a really tough time at school and didn’t want to study,” Ms Jackson recalled. “So, we decided it wasn’t a learning day. We just talked.” That flexibility is important, she said. “You have to balance mental health with academics. Sometimes, just being there to listen is enough.”

Through her work with YLA, Ms Jackson has gained a new perspective on the education system.

“It’s been eye-opening,” said the Warwick Academy alumna. “Coming from a private school background, my experience was different.”

What she sees now is a gap, and a need.

“There are so many students who want to learn and improve, but they don’t always have the support,” she explained. “Programmes like the YLA are doing an amazing job of helping to bridge that gap.”

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Lisa Osborne spent nearly 30 years at Bermuda College before deciding to take on a new role as an entrepreneur.

Through her business, Dr Lisa Osborne – Global Pathways, she offers classes in English as a second language, academic coaching, life and career transition support, as well as guidance for women interested in solo travel.

“Basically, I’m doing what I’ve always wanted to do, but on my own time, and being able to fully dive into what I believe is part of the reason why I’m here, my mission here on the earth,” she said.

For anyone thinking about starting a business, Dr Osborne warned that entrepreneurship can be very demanding.

“You’ve got to work on your mindset,” she said. “It’s a shift. And I didn’t realise just how much of a shift it was going to be.”

One of the biggest adjustments is learning how to manage your own time and remain disciplined without the structure of a traditional workplace.

“When you have a job, everything’s spelled out. They want you to do this. They want you to arrive at this time. You can leave at certain times, they tell you when you can take your break,” she said.

“When you’re an entrepreneur, you decide, you choose. But having that power to make those decisions – you’ve got to have your time management sorted.”

To stay organised, Dr Osborne plans her schedule carefully and uses digital productivity tools to keep herself on track.

“Every Monday, I sit down and I map out what I am doing for the week,” she said. “If you expect your business to survive, you’ve got to be disciplined.”

She encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to seek guidance rather than assuming they should already know how to handle every aspect of running a business.

“I submitted my registration for payroll taxes — I had to get advice on that. I went straight to the Tax Commissioner’s office, I had a meeting with a representative at the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation and that helped me tremendously,” she said.

“You have to put the pride aside and you have to reach out and ask questions.”

She believes mindset and confidence are just as important as business planning, particularly during the early stages when uncertainty and self-doubt can easily take hold.

“You’re going to encounter naysayers,” she said. “Even within yourself you’re going to experience times when you’re feeling a little doubtful. ‘Do I really have what it takes? Is this really going to work?’”

Her advice is to protect new ideas while they are still developing and focus on building skills and confidence quietly behind the scenes.

“At the very initial stage, when it’s a seed, don’t tell everybody what you’re doing,” she said. “Keep it to yourself and grow it. Grow yourself.”

Part of that growth, she said, involves continuing to learn and invest in yourself. Alongside her doctorate in education, Dr Osborne completed additional certifications in teaching English as a second language and life coaching to expand the services she could offer through her business.

“Go out and get the training that you need,” she said.

Despite the challenges that come with entrepreneurship, Dr Osborne said the experience has also been deeply rewarding because it allows her to fully focus on work that aligns with her purpose.

“These are things that I was doing for somebody else,” she said. “Now I get to do it for myself. I get to take the ownership.”

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But where to lounge? How do you protect yourself from the blazing sun? Where do you convene for dinner?

And how can you serve dinner and drinks while eliminating the prospect of broken glass on the pool deck?

All those questions – and many more – can be answered at Island Trading, the home of stylish, luxury and design-driven home merchandise for the complete island lifestyle.

Operating from a 10,000-sq ft showroom on Reid Street, Hamilton, the store’s friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you to create the ultimate backyard for summer living.

Managing director Laura Farge-Lowe took over the reins at Island Trading 11 years ago from her mother, Gillian, who founded the business in 1983.

She said: “We’ve always strived to provide in-stock items and a big selection for people because we all want things right away. That’s been one of the successes of Island Trading: having a large selection of top-quality items.”

A nine-foot umbrella, for example, is offered in ten colours.

“All of our umbrellas are made of Sunbrella fabric, which means the colour will last in Bermuda’s hot sun, whether you choose a stripe, a bright blue, or even Cup Match colours.

“The colour doesn’t fade, and Sunbrella fabric actually blocks UV rays to protect you from the sun. I love offering people choices. They are often surprised at how much we have to offer.”

Ms Farge-Lowe added: “Setting up our showroom to show people different options of how their space can look is really important to us.

“When we are buying, we’ll choose lounge seating, or deep seating, that is complementary to the dining sets, be it the same material made out of something resilient like teak, or the same finish of aluminium, or the composite material, polymer, which is hugely popular.”

Among the newer offerings is Island Trading’s Bermuda Collection, a curated selection of the most acclaimed furniture designs of the past 40 years paired with Bermuda’s most iconic landmarks to create a collection that celebrates both timeless design and island heritage.

The collection is refreshed annually, with different lines and distinct names.

Examples this year include the Tom Moore sofa, chairs and coffee table, Jobson’s Cove chairs, Point Shares Adirondack chairs and foot stools, Church Bay dining table and chairs, and many more.

Ms Farge-Lowe said: “The Bermuda Collection is made for us in Indonesia. We worked with two designers to offer a nice, sweet spot between mid-market and high-end markets, both of which we offer in outdoor furniture, that has a very appealing quality but is also appealing from a pricing perspective and has clean, contemporary lines.”

Island Trading’s popular e-commerce website helped customers to ensure that the Tom Moore collection sold out before it hit the sales floor. Items are on re-order and expected to arrive this summer.

Ms Farge-Lowe is focussed on continuing to satisfy customers’ evolving tastes.

“Before, everyone wanted a teak table and teak chairs of the same brand of lounge furniture. Now, you might have aluminium chairs with teak arms, and then your table has a teak base, but your top is ceramic. There’s a departure away from ‘matchy-matchy’ towards more interesting.”

Customers also want to patronise businesses that support sustainability.

Island Trading offers recycled Adirondack chairs made from Canadian milk bottles, beautiful recycled outdoor rugs, and sells only grade A sustainable teak from Indonesia.

“Indonesia is the only country that polices the growing of teak in the way that we believe in. I’m very proud that all of our teak comes from Indonesia.”

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Long before the term became popular on social media and travel websites, outdoor gatherings in Bermuda often included carefully planned setups, good food, lighting, music and the comforts of home brought outdoors.

Today, businesses like Glamping By The Sea are building on that familiar concept by turning it into a curated offering for both residents and visitors.

Glamping By The Sea told us that glamping in Bermuda is less about camping in the traditional sense and more about creating outdoor settings where people can disconnect from routine and enjoy the island in a different way.

As the weather becomes warmer, glamping also offers another option for date nights, gatherings with friends, and weekend escapes.

“Everything is already prepared, so guests can simply arrive and enjoy the atmosphere,” a spokeswoman said.

The term “glamping” became popular in the UK about 20 years ago, as increasing numbers of holidaymakers wanted to add some glamour to their camping trips, sparking demand for photogenic and natural – yet comfortable – experiences.

Glamping By The Sea goes a step further by offering overnight accommodations, weekend packages, tours, excursions and island adventures for groups of up to 15 people.

Setups are arranged in coastal locations and private garden spaces, creating environments that feel peaceful, private, and personalised.

Guests are not expected to bring or assemble their own equipment. Weatherproof tents, decorative bedding, lighting, bonfire rentals, lawn games, and customised décor all contribute to an upscale outdoor setting designed around ease and atmosphere.

Many packages are all-inclusive and may include transportation, welcome drinks, and guided activities around the island. According to Glamping By The Sea, glamping appeals to people seeking alternatives to a standard hotel stay or a staycation.

“The modern visitor is looking for eco-friendly accommodations that are an escape away from the norm,” the spokeswoman said.

Environmental sustainability also plays a role in the business. Sustainable materials are used where possible, and care is taken to minimise disruption to Bermuda’s coastal and garden spaces during setups and excursions.

Beyond the accommodations themselves, glamping often introduces guests to another side of Bermuda, from hidden coastal areas to seasonal fruits such as loquats, bay grapes and Surinam cherries.

As interest in experience-based tourism continues to grow, glamping is becoming another way for people to enjoy Bermuda while still maintaining the social atmosphere many Bermudians naturally gravitate toward.

In many ways, the island’s version of glamping feels less like a new trend and more like a modern name for something Bermuda has quietly been doing for years.

For those interested in finding out more, visit:
https://www.rentbyowner.com/property/glamping-by-the-sea-sacred-waters-retreat-bermuda/BC-6734214

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