Ki-Juan Minors: Riding against the tide

Ki-Juan Minors, a professional equestrian from Bermuda, didn’t choose his career based on demographics. From a young age, his passion for horses was the driving force behind his decision to enter this female-dominated sport. “I always wanted to be the change,” Mr Minors stated, reflecting on his desire to stand out and pursue his love for equestrian activities, despite it being seen as unconventional for men in our community.

The journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Mr Minors faced scepticism and discouragement from peers and the broader community, who questioned the viability of his career choice. “I heard people say things like: ‘Why do you want to ride horses?’ And ‘Who sells horses. That’s not a real sport or career’. It makes me laugh looking back at it now. But of course, in the moment the negative feedback made me doubt myself, especially while starting out in my career.”

Mr Minors now understands that when you are new to something, people can perceive you as a threat. This can cause you to feel like the literal ‘odd man out’ in the group, he said. “Despite the criticisms, I knew what I wanted so I took the chance and risk to get there,” he explained. Instead of giving up, he said these challenges fuelled his resolve.

For men hesitant to follow a similar path, Mr Minors admitted that passion and perseverance are key to overcoming stereotypes and succeeding in any chosen field. “Take the risk, if you believe in it,” he advised. “Don’t allow people to block your blessing because they don’t have the mindset to get that step ahead.”

James Lee: Painting new norms

James Lee’s entry into the world of make-up artistry was not a planned conquest into a female-dominated field but a natural progression of his passion for art. Originally interested in graphic design, Mr Lee found there were limited opportunities in that field and instead turned to make-up as a means of expressing himself. Finding his niche in beauty, he transformed his self-taught skills through YouTube into professional mastery, working at local salons, the Bermuda Fashion Festival, and with prominent global brands like MAC Cosmetics.

For the most part, he’s received positive feedback on his artistry and professionalism. However, he has noticed some cultural resistance and moments of hesitation from clients surprised or unsure about a man in the role. “Some women have declined my services in favour of a female artist, and in one rare instance, a customer requested I leave the sales floor for religious reasons,” Mr Lee recalled. “Yet, these experiences never discouraged me. Instead, I handled them with professionalism and grace, understanding that perceptions take time to shift.” He admitted he takes pride in the moments when clients are pleasantly surprised by his work or obviously feel relaxed and comfortable, as if in a spa.

“Interestingly enough, many iconic beauty brands, including the one I work for (MAC), were founded by men—highlighting how deeply rooted men actually are in the history of beauty and cosmetics,” he said.

Mr Lee encouraged other men to ignore societal expectations and embrace their talents. “The face is just another canvas,” he said, urging men to see the beauty industry as a realm of artistic and professional opportunity, regardless of gender.

Keenan Van Putten: A nurse with vision

Keenan Van Putten’s journey into nursing began in a seemingly unlikely place—the sterilisation department of a hospital. Intrigued by the direct impact nurses had on patient care, particularly in surgical settings, Mr Van Putten pursued nursing with a desire to contribute significantly to patient health. “I attended Bermuda College where I got my associate’s in science, then matriculated to Hampton University’s School of Nursing in Virginia where I got my bachelor’s degree,” he said. “I came back to [King Edward VII Memorial Hospital] in Bermuda in 2012 after completing the nursing internship programme and during that time I got to see different departments within the hospital and settled on Cooper Ward, which was a medical and surgical unit.” Since then, his career has spanned various roles from community health nurse to entrepreneurship, as he opened a rest home, Caring Hands Ltd, with his fiancé, Christina Belboda, a fellow nurse, in May 2024.

Mr Van Putten acknowledged he has experienced mixed reactions in his career, with one or two older nurses questioning his place in the field. However, he focuses on the positive impact and the unique perspectives he brings, particularly in surgical and community settings. “The career path is a good one,” he said. “It is very rewarding to be able to give back to the people that we serve.”

His advice to males considering nursing is to gain as much experience as possible, particularly internationally, where a broader range of challenges and illnesses might provide deeper insights and skills. Mr Van Putten admitted he was proud of his pioneering roles in Bermuda’s nursing industry and he continues to champion nursing as a profoundly rewarding and essential service.
“I’ve been able to make history so far in my career – not only as the first Black male Bermudian in the operating room as a surgical nurse, but also as the first male district nurse in Bermuda.”

While these three men come from different backgrounds and careers, they share a common thread in their stories: a determination to pursue their passions and a commitment to excellence in their professions. They not only challenge the gender norms within their fields but also inspire others to follow their dreams, regardless of societal expectations.

The post Breaking the mold appeared first on RG Magazines.

It is not hard to find examples of successful women in business in Bermuda, including high-flyers at the very top. 

The recent merger of Argus and BF&M insurance companies saw one female CEO, Abigail Clifford, replace another, Alison Hill. 

Several firms in the international business sector have women heading their C-suite: Hiscox Re + ILS and QBE Re Bermuda, to name a couple. 

In the public sector, the Bermuda Tourism Authority and the Bermuda Gaming Commission are both run by women. 

And yet … 

A CLEAR TREND 

As far as women have come in the workplace in recent decades, they remain in a minority in Hamilton boardrooms and in senior positions overall, particularly if they are black. 

A 2019 survey by the Association of Bermuda International Companies put the IB workforce composition at 30 per cent black women, 26 per cent white women, 24 per cent white men and ten per cent black men. 

Yet only three per cent of executives were black women, with 22 per cent white women, 63 per cent white men and ten per cent black men. 

Across the wider workforce, women complain of more discrimination and harassment. 

The Human Rights Commission’s 2023 annual report revealed that females represented 53 per cent of those complaining of discrimination because of their sex in employment, compared with men at 33 per cent. Those remaining selected ‘other’ or did not state their sex. 

Female complainants represented 55 per cent of those alleging harassment within the workplace, while male complainants represented 27 per cent. Those remaining did not share their sex. 

GENDER-BASED DISCRIMINATION 

Tawana Tannock, managing director of Skuld Bermuda, former HRC chair, and private and public sector board executive, said the statistics were unsurprising. 

When she chaired the HRC board, most complaints she saw were about gender-based discrimination. 

She said: “What I saw as a common thread through complaints … was actually with regards to women’s issues: women being let go from work when they were pregnant, so their companies – usually smaller companies — did not have to pay maternity leave … or women being passed over for promotion because the promotion time comes up when they are on maternity leave. 

“I chaired two cases of women being harassed in the workplace.” 

Ms Tannock said her own experiences in the corporate world taught her “there are always things that are going to impact women. When you add the layer of motherhood, that goes further. 

“Have I seen it impact me? Yes. Have I made changes that I don’t think a man would have to make? Of course.” 

Ms Tannock recalled a job she applied for years ago at an exempt company which involved 11 interviews. A male coach told her he would have walked away after four. 

“I felt as a woman that I had to do it,” she said. “It got to the point that I realised that they kept waiting for me to make a mistake.” 

She puts her willingness to undergo those interviews down to the fact that “options and opportunities present themselves more readily for males”. 

THE NEED FOR TRANSPARENCY 

Angela Parry, president of the International Women’s Club of Bermuda, suggested women can lack the confidence exhibited by men when seeking leadership roles. 

“You have to really negotiate, and I think a lot of women don’t believe in themselves,” she said. 

“Don’t they say that women will apply for a job if they can tick every single box on the advert and a guy will apply if he ticks maybe not even half of them?” 

She added: “I think women will always have to work harder, because they have more guilt associated with their family as well.” 

Ms Parry, an accountant, pointed out that it was hard to get a clear picture of equality in business without transparency about salaries. 

“In the UK, [companies with 250 or more employees] have to disclose [their] gender pay gap,” she said. “I’m not aware of there being any requirement on employers to do that [here]. 

“We could have our suspicions, but often people don’t talk about what they earn.” 

She felt there “definitely” should be a requirement for companies to share the information. 

CREATING A FAIRER FUTURE 

Ms Tannock agreed, but said a “change of culture” more widely was needed to ensure a fairer future. 

She described discrimination as often “insidious”, noting that in Bermuda there are many male work-permit holders in senior positions in business whose female spouses don’t have the right to work here and so provide full-time support at home. 

“If your partner is not working, you get the opportunity to focus and concentrate on work in a way that somebody who doesn’t have a stay-at-home partner doesn’t,” she explained. 

“When you think about … why might it be that men in senior positions don’t [always] understand or appreciate or have more flexibility, it might be because it is literally a blind spot.” 

Ms Tannock believes women have a “social minefield” to navigate as they progress their careers, because their behaviour is often scrutinised and judged more harshly than that of their male colleagues. 

“You could be considered as a colleague on equal footing, but that does not mean that you can act or be like one of the guys because there are different rules,” she said. 

“The classic example is Rugby Week. [There is] the culture of drinking and partying and getting untidy. 

“It is a joke and it’s funny for [men] and you come to work the next day and it’s fine for them. Those are not the rules for us.” 

She added: “As women, we are judged by our worst moments.” 

Ms Tannock sees great value in female leaders helping other women find their voice, citing We Speak as an example of an organisation offering opportunities for public speaking and honing leadership skills. 

She said recently she has noticed “more opportunities for women, especially younger women, in more senior management career-track roles”. 

But she said that didn’t mean it was a level playing field yet. “My experience, when I do speak with younger women, is that they are still just as frustrated …. 

“They don’t feel that they might have the same inclusion or opportunities as their male colleagues.” 

The post The fight for equal rights appeared first on RG Magazines.

According to one physical assault survivor, the Centre Against Abuse picked him up at his lowest ebb, coaxed him through his immediate trauma and then guided him back to a better place.

The man had suffered head injuries in the attack in his own home.

“As a male victim this was a crazy ordeal,” he recalled.

“I had to control myself and practise restraint while the attack was occurring. Afterwards, I spoke to the police, then I had to get to the hospital myself to get my wounds checked, and then back to the police station to give a report.

“It was very traumatic because I had to do it all by myself. That whole process took eight hours. I didn’t leave the police station until 1 in the morning.”

The survivor said he felt it was unsafe to return home, so he stayed at a friend’s house overnight. 

“I didn’t go to work the next day,” he said. “All I kept saying was I need help. A liaison officer from the police gave me a call and put me in touch with Laurie Shiell from the Centre Against Abuse.

“After that, I have been so much better, from the first meeting in a safe location which allowed me to express my understanding of what happened.

“They’ve done everything to assist me. I’m very grateful to her and the Centre Against Abuse.”

The Centre Against Abuse helped the man obtain a Domestic Violence Protection Order against his assailant and was given regular counselling sessions to deal with the trauma.

“The hardest thing is living with it, trying to go about your day-to-day and be the best you can,” he said.

“The best thing they said is that, being a male victim, I had to remove the male out of it and say I’m a human being.

“My counsellor has been phenomenal. I don’t miss a session. It’s the best thing every weekend. We talk about an array of things. We talk about the incident. She has given me the tools, making me know it’s OK and I’m not alone. I love counselling. It allows me to function and understand it’s OK to feel.”

The man encouraged any victims to consider the Centre Against Abuse as a safe place to put your life back together. 

“I wouldn’t be able to function day-to-day if it wasn’t for them,” he said.

“I’m grateful for Laurie and her team. They have made me feel human. I’m very grateful. Very grateful. 

“Abuse is not normal and one can’t normalise it, whether it’s mental or physical. You just need to seek assistance immediately, regardless of whether you are male or female.” 

The post Survivor Story: “I feel human again” appeared first on RG Magazines.

One mother recalled that she had nowhere to live when she separated from her husband because she was non-Bermudian with no family on the island.

“My relationship did not work out as I planned as a woman. I had my child. He was 3 by then,” she said.

“So someone got me in contact with the Centre Against Abuse. They talked to me and they sheltered me. They showed me how to resolve the problem, how to cope physically and emotionally.

“They clothed and fed my child. They asked for financial aid to pay for a lawyer to proceed my divorce and helped with everything I needed at the time.”

The woman stayed at the shelter for about six months.

“There were about five ladies in the shelter,” she said. “It’s unbelievable. They said, ‘You are one of the family.’ I never felt like I was in trouble. I felt I had found a family. 

“They were really and honestly trying to help me out in any way possible.”

This included providing emotional support and boosting her confidence, as well as assistance with paperwork and transport.

“They even took me to the beach – they make sure you live the normal life,” she said.

“It was not a good time for me, but they created good memories. They are truly kind. For them, it’s not a job. They are there for you. They make themselves so vulnerable so it’s easy to communicate with them about how you feel. You feel like you are in a safe place.” 

Her son even got to celebrate his birthday with a fun castle and other entertainment.

“They really made his birthday as special as a kid can imagine.”

Eventually, the woman was integrated into the Bermuda community and now has a job.

“I’m doing good where I’m at and I’m happy,” she said. “I reside with my child here in Bermuda. This is home. This is his country. I’m not a person who keeps crying about yesterday. I’m thinking about tomorrow.”

She advised anyone in need to seek help.

“Do not be ashamed to be vulnerable and open up for help,” she said.

“Even if you don’t, you are not in a dark place. Do not fear. 

“There are people out there who are kind and willing to help. That moment when you are in the darkest place, just reach out for help. We carry a lot of emotions. It’s very important to speak out for help.

“The people that came to be a family at the Centre Against Abuse are for a lifetime. They made a remarkable change in my life.” 

The post Survivor Story: “They became my family for life” appeared first on RG Magazines.

Laurie Shiell, executive director of the organisation since 2008, recalled one survivor who recognised she was in a mess – but was in love with that mess. 

“We had a client who would come to us for help because her partner was abusive,” Ms Shiell said. 

“A church member or family member would call us and ensure that she came to us for support, but she would always leave and go back to the abuser, who was her children’s father. 

“Then one day she said she had a lightbulb moment.” 

That epiphany came when the woman recognised her three children were being impacted by the abuse – and realised she loved the youngsters more than she loved the “mess” of her relationship. 

Thanks to the Centre Against Abuse, the woman was finally able to move away from her abuser. 

“The Centre Against Abuse put seeds in her to know she has a space to go,” Ms Shiell said. 

“Every time she came back to us, she was loved in the same way as if she was brand new. We had reached a place where she trusted us.

“Sometimes survivors leave someone abusive, but then three or four weeks later they want to go back to that person. That’s when the Centre Against Abuse provides a space for you and is still there for you.” 

Since its foundation under its original name the Physical Abuse Centre in 1979, the Centre Against Abuse has offered vital support to thousands of abused women, men and children. 

Centre Against Abuse statistics show more than 130 cases of abuse are recorded in Bermuda every year. 

In the past five years, 721 cases of abused women have been recorded, and 35 cases of abused men. In 2023, 126 women were abused and 7 men. 

The Centre Against Abuse’s mission is to eradicate intimate partner abuse and sexual abuse in Bermuda. It may sound like an ambitious target, but aiming high is vital because the impact of abuse is so far-reaching. 

Ms Shiell said: “Abuse is linked to gang violence. Abuse is a cause for difficulties with children’s behaviour in school. It leads to lack of self-esteem. It leads to the continuation of abuse. When a child’s parent is abused, it affects the mental health of a child at a far higher rate than a child who is being abused directly. 

“It might show up in school, where someone might be labelled as the naughty child. But that’s because they have all this stuff that they can’t express or explain. They don’t know if it’s right or wrong, but it feels wrong. 

“It shows up as disruption. It shows up as not doing work. Nobody’s asked me or talked to my mom and dad.” 

The Centre Against Abuse advises abused parents to let teachers know when their young child might be impacted by abuse. 

“Just let them know what’s happening so they don’t penalise him or her,” she said. “We need to love on him or her instead. Love can conquer this.” 

The Centre Against Abuse has led the fight against all kinds of abuse, including emotional, financial, physical, verbal, sexual and social. 

Ms Shiell said abuse can happen to anyone. 

“It can be with intimate partners, it can be between someone who is elderly and their caretaker, it can be between someone and their child, or a child and an adult,” she said. 

“It’s about power and control and someone who is some type of relative who is using behaviours to control you, to gain and maintain that power and control.” 

While there is a long way to go, Ms Shiell believes mindsets have shifted for the better. 

Regarding sexual abuse victims, she said: “I’ve seen some survivors say my family has ostracised me, but I’m not going to let what happened to me happen to my child. 

“I have seen people’s mindsets change. I have seen people say I want to out my family members. People are becoming more aware of the importance of supporting victims and not blaming victims. 

“We are now seeing historical cases come before the courts at an unprecedented rate. We’re seeing that once a year. We are seeing positive results from that.” 

Colleagues from similar agencies in the UK and Caribbean have been impressed that Bermuda has secured convictions through the courts. 

Ms Shiell said better education from groups such as Saving Children and Revealing Secrets has encouraged survivors to come forward; the Department of Public Prosecutions office does an excellent job speaking with clients when they report cases; police officers, in particular the Vulnerable Person’s Unit, are well trained to handle these issues. There is also better collaboration between all these groups, as well as the Government Departments of Child and Family Services and Ageing and Disability Services, so that everyone is on the same page. 

Ms Shiell praised Tinée Furbert, the Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, as well as Police Commissioner Darrin Simons for offering tremendous support and making tackling abuse a top priority. 

Eradicating abuse will require all of society playing its part: talking openly to children from a young age and working with the abusers themselves. 

“Our biggest challenge is ensuring that abusers are not only held responsible but there are services readily available for them as well,” Ms Shiell said. 

“This starts from young. When you see those bad behaviours in school, those supportive services must be readily available. 

“A child might just be labelled unruly at school. But we might be also seeing some of the behaviours that are a sign that something is going on – the child may not smell nice, may smell of urine. 

“It could be that the child has something internally and it’s not that something is happening at home. But us not addressing it does not help the child.” 

To make abuse a thing of the past, people need to speak up about it. 

“If you’re not sure what to say, contact us,” Ms Shiell said. 

“If you’re not sure what’s going on, contact us. If you’re not sure what you’re feeling about what someone said to you, contact us. Help is available for you. 

“If you feel you have abusive ways and you want help, help is available for you. Before it becomes too late, come now.” 

Items on the agenda in future include pushing towards legal change to provide more support and protection for children and victims in the courts, as well as a national plan on domestic abuse. 

“The unfortunate thing is that abuse is nothing new,” Ms Shiell said. 

“But we want to make it old. We want to make it a thing of the past.” 

The post Love can conquer the evils of abuse appeared first on RG Magazines.

“In Bermuda, people got away with so much,” said Mrs Dyer, who helped form the charity back in 1979. 

“Women were going to the hospital beaten and nothing was being done. They were sending women back into the situation to be killed or half-killed before anything could be done, and that wasn’t acceptable.” 

Mrs Dyer was speaking as the Centre Against Abuse celebrates its 45th anniversary and reflects on the thousands of women, men and children who have benefited from its crisis support services. 

Today, the CAA provides a 24/7 helpline, counselling, court advocacy and safe housing assistance for victims of abuse when they have nowhere else to turn. 

Yet half a century ago, abused women would frequently find themselves in the uncomfortable situation of being interviewed by male police officers. Their case would often fail to get off the ground. 

“As a woman, it’s very difficult to talk to a man when you’ve been constantly beaten by a man,” Mrs Dyer said. 

Breaking point was reached with the horrifying rape and murder of 11-year-old Connie Furtado in Warwick, one of Bermuda’s most infamous crimes, in February 1978. 

Connie had been on her way home from Paget Primary School when she was sexually assaulted and strangled with her school tie by Chesterfield Johnson. Her body was found near the Ord Road bus stop. 

“I had a daughter that age,” Mrs Dyer said. “As a mother, I thought that we needed to be more instrumental in getting help for people and to show these girls how to get help. My daughter was involved with me. For me, that was a motivation, as a mother of a child that age.” 

Mrs Dyer, an all-rounder who took on various roles including secretary and later became a board member, was among a group that took part in a walk to raise awareness. 

“There were a few things going on at the time which indicated that people were just sick and tired of this type of thing going on along with women being abused, and that came to the forefront,” she said. 

“Women were feeling insecure and they had nowhere to go to get help. All the physical abuse came to light that women and children were basically dealing with silently.” 

The seeds of collective action had already been sown, when the Business and Professional Women’s Association of Bermuda had organised a seminar on rape at the Bermudiana Hotel in early 1976. 

This was followed up in June 1977 when two counsellors from Ontario, Canada, led a five-day workshop where volunteers were taught how to provide telephone and person-to-person counselling for abuse victims. 

There was a growing sense that it was time to step things up further. 

“A group of us decided we wanted to do something but not necessarily just about the rape crisis. We wanted it to involve all sorts of abuse,” Mrs Dyer said. 

“That’s basically how we got started. Half a dozen or so of us got together and talked about what we could do and how we could make a difference. 

“We were all volunteers, but we did a lot to raise awareness and fundraising. We needed a safe house for these women to go to, and we needed support for them. We needed to get them counselling to break the cycle. 

“So we attracted a lot of doctors and all sorts of people in the helping professions who were willing to come on board.” 

The fledgling group had no elected officers except a treasurer and corresponding secretary but were uplifted by support from the Business and Professional Women’s Association, led by Audrey Brackstone and Annabella Gaye Fraser. 

According to Mrs Dyer, the word was spread “just through talking to people”. 

“We had flyers, we held a fashion show and a dance at the Sonesta Beach that attracted a lot of people,” she said. 

“People became aware of what was needed. We had a real cross-section of the community that wanted to get together to make this happen.” 

By October 1979, the first of the goals was realised when a safe house for women opened on the corner of Victoria and King Streets, Hamilton. 

In its first six months, 11 women and 15 children took refuge at the Physical Abuse Centre, as it was originally called, but many more had to be turned away because it only had capacity for six women. 

A hotline was set up that same month, when the Salvation Army agreed to transfer calls from any physically abused people to the Physical Abuse Centre’s on-call counsellor. Twenty trained counsellors worked on the hotline and helped 52 women within the first six months. 

Society was slowly evolving and attitudes were beginning to change. 

“I think we became more aware of what is acceptable and what’s not,” said Mrs Dyer. 

Women were urged to call the helpline whenever they felt threatened. 

“A lot of women, no matter what their situation was at 4 in the morning, were encouraged to call us, and we would go out and meet them,” Mrs Dyer said. 

“I don’t know if we’d do it today because it was unsafe! But we would go out and meet them and tend to their needs. If they needed to go to the hospital, we would go with them. We did eventually have a safe house that we could take them to. 

“For the longest while, people didn’t know where the safe house was, so it was quite effective. We housed a lot of women and children and a lot was donated in the way of food and clothing and furnishings. We were encouraged by the results of our efforts to help women.” 

In 1982, the agency was relocated to a Salvation Army-owned property in Warwick, which allowed for an office as well as accommodation for seven women and two children. Dr Mary Busby became the first executive director and provided in-house counselling for those in need. 

The safe house later moved to a larger facility at Mount Faith in Smith’s, and by 1984 it had handled 160 cases. The organisation adopted a more structured format with a constitution, enabling it to apply for grants from the Ministry of Health and Social Services and created a board of directors, initially headed up by chairman Choy Aming. 

In May 2010, the group changed its name to the Centre Against Abuse to better reflect its purpose within the community, and five years later it linked up with the Sexual Assault Response Team to provide help for sexual assault survivors. 

In 2016, another milestone was reached when the charity became accredited under the Bermuda National Standards Committee. 

Now under executive director Laurie Shiell, the charity’s mission is to provide services to adult victims of intimate partner abuse and sexual assault and offer awareness to the community, as well as its hotline, other services for victims and numerous community programmes. 

The Centre Against Abuse can be contacted through its 24-hour hotline 297-8278, [email protected] or Facebook and Twitter links. 

The post Offering Hope To Those in Desparate Need appeared first on RG Magazines.

And if you go to the game, you understand why. The banter, the rivalry, the fun. And most important the camps.

Cup Match camps or plots are designated spots scattered around the cricket club, this year in Somerset, that are purchased by plot holders year after year. These camps start at eight by eight and increase to triple the size, depending on how many people the holder wishes to entertain.

Many camp holders have had their designated spot for years, some even decades and look forward to hosting their friends and family during this special two day holiday.

If this is your first year hosting a camp and you’re a bit nervous like I was in my first year, I’ve got you covered.

My advice is to start your preparations in advance. It doesn’t matter if your camp is small or large, it will need to be kitted out unless you just want to sit in an empty box.

At a minimum, you will need carpet/artificial grass for the floor to make it more comfortable, mesh screening to have privacy of sorts as there will likely be a camp on either side of you, a tarpaulin that can be used as protection for the ceiling of the camp (especially if there is a camp on top of you because drinks can spill) and as shade when the sun starts to set (depending on what side of the field you are on), zip ties, rope, a large cooler, etc.

If your camp is on the larger side, you likely will need to build out a bar and install pallets to have at least two levels for your guests to be able to see the game unobstructed. I have found over the years that Gorham’s is the best place to get all your materials for your camp and the sales associates are very helpful.

While I’ve hosted my camp for a number of years, I reached out to people who’ve had camps for even longer to get the best advice to pass on to you.

Jarreau Hayward, Chairman of Building and Grounds at St. George’s Cricket Club says: “Good people equals good times. You want to be prepared for the weather. Think it through – it may rain, it may be sweltering. Have contingencies for both like fans and tarps. Build layers in the camp so that the seating goes far. A higher tier at the back, a lower tier in the front.”

He continued: “Organize food and drinks because it’s better to have too much than too little. Bring multiple coolers and segregate the food from the ice for the drinks. Build a bar that’s practical and functional and also doubles as storage.”

Mr Hayward’s final piece of advice is this: “Pace yourself. Cup Match is a marathon. Don’t go hard with the drinks. Stay cool and take a nap or two.”

Kristin White and her husband Dueane Dill host a camp in St George’s and their advice is to make your camp special.

“Our camp is a reflection of our love for the holiday – from displaying quotes about emancipation, to our photo board that has camp visitors take and display polaroids, to our ‘Sweet Freedom’ camp sign designed by artist Shanna Hollis. So of course you want to have a space that’s welcoming, but ultimately, your camp should feel special to YOU. Also, get the most comfortable chairs you can find.”

Bethea Pearman has co-hosted a camp in Somerset for 25 years with Kina and George Cann. Her advice is to host people who get along well.

“Make sure to have people who get along well together and do not mind sharing in the expenses along with the setting up and breaking down. Cup Match is quite costly when you have a camp.  It can easily cost $250.00 and upwards per person.

“Also, rather than bringing a whole lot of food it is easier to buy food at Cup Match.  It makes for less work.  Take your chairs and coolers to your camp the evening before Cup Match so that you are not carrying so much stuff in on the day of the match.  There is security on the grounds all night so your chairs, coolers and other belongings are pretty safe.”

Asked about must-haves for a fun camp, Ms Pearman said: “People who are friendly and get along well with each other. You also must have a bar with alcoholic drinks, water, other beverages, ice and the necessary utensils for a bar.  A table for snacks, cups, plates and napkins etc. Comfortable chairs, trash bags, a couple of tables and plenty of snacks.  Music, you must have some music. Basically anything that you would take on a picnic except a bathing suit.”

Michelle Wilkinson hosts a camp at both clubs and her advice is to surround yourself with people you like.

“Find reliable people to be in your camp that are willing to pay their portion. That’s the main thing. And people who can deal with for two days. People you know how they act when they drink.

“Other than the people in the camp, setting up the camp is a lot of work with the pallets, flooring, the privacy screens around the camp, the liquor and so on. It’s wonderful but it’s a lot of work and you’ll need help breaking down on the Friday night. Having a camp is wonderful but there’s a lot to do.”

Cup Match Camp Checklist:

• Tarpaulin
• Chairs
• Zip ties
• Rope
• Cooler
• Ice
• Drinks (alcoholic and non alcoholic)
• Snacks/food
• Privacy screening
• Pallets
• Music (optional)
• Trash bags
• Napkins
• Cups
• Small table

The post Tips for Hosting An Amazing Cup Match Camp appeared first on RG Magazines.

Sport and politics would ideally never mix but as the world becomes increasingly divided on societal issues, sporting platforms have turned into lightning rods for social activism. 

Be it athletes or spectators, disobedience or disruption has been the order of the day as they attempt to transcend the boundaries of the arena and convey their views to millions of people worldwide. 

When Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the US national anthem at NFL games to protest against racial injustice in 2016, little did he know the butterfly effect his deed would have as it sparked debates and polarised a country. 

But his gesture has since been embraced by top leagues around the world, none more so than England’s Premier League — European football’s most lucrative and popular competition. 

A spillover from the Black Lives Matter movement that began more than three years ago, the league’s players continue to fight discrimination by taking a knee before some games this season. 

“We are unified in our belief that any form of discrimination has no place within football or wider society,” the 20 Premier League captains said this year. 

“[We] are committed to using our platform to help celebrate diversity and show our support in the fight against racism.” 

The continued protests are, to a large extent, to do with rampant online abuse which rears its ugly head every week, with social-media platforms seemingly unable to stem the flow of unbridled rage and racist abuse that lands in players’ inboxes. 

Outside the arena, Olympic medal-winning wrestlers in India found out the hard way what lies in store for those who leverage their popularity to go up against a member of the ruling party after months of protests on the streets fell on deaf ears. 

India’s top wrestlers were detained by police in May when they intensified their protest demanding the arrest of their federation chief, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, over allegations of sexual harassment of female athletes, which he denied. 

As images of wrestlers being manhandled by police were beamed across the world, 2016 Olympic bronze medal-winner Sakshi Malik said: “This is how our champions are being treated. The world is watching us.” 

On the other hand, sporting platforms have also been a stage for spectators to amplify causes, and 2023 was no different in dividing viewers when activists disrupted big events from tennis grand slams to golf majors and cricket matches. 

Just Stop Oil protesters interrupted Wimbledon matches when they released orange ticker-tape on to the grasscourt surface, while the group also stopped play by scattering orange powder at an Ashes Test and the World Snooker Championship. 

Their controversial and disruptive tactics have been condemned by athletes and fans alike, but they also garnered sympathy from popular and outspoken football pundit Gary Lineker. 

“I completely understand where they’re coming from — disruptive protest is the only one that gets any publicity. I get it,” said Lineker, who presents BBC’s Match of the Day football highlights programme. 

“I also understand why people get so upset with it, particularly in sport. I think what is more important is probably our existence in the future rather than slight disruption of sporting events.” 

US Open tennis champion Coco Gauff, who has spoken out on various causes, also has no qualms about such protests, even though climate activists disrupted her semi-final at Flushing Meadows and one glued his feet to the stand’s concrete floor. 

“I think that moments like this are history-defining moments,” Gauff said. “If that’s what they felt they needed to do to get their voices heard, I can’t really get upset at it.” 

The post Sport continues to be a catalyst for protest appeared first on RG Magazines.

The achievements of our Olympic champion have often been the starting point for any article written about Bermuda sport, but with Duffy ruled out of action for the entirety of 2023 with a persistent knee injury, it was time for the island’s other sporting stars to shine. 

And shine they did. 

Conor White led the way at the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, in October, when he won only Bermuda’s tenth medal at the Games and the first since Duffy picked up bronze in Toronto in 2015. 

White finished third in the cycling time-trial to round off a year full of medals for him after also picking up hardware at the Central American and Caribbean Games and the Caribbean Championships. 

His success was more than matched by wheelchair sprinter Jessica Lewis, who does what she always does at the Parapan Am Games, and that’s win the T53 100 metres in record time. 

Lewis smashed her own Games record by more than half a second to win her third gold in the event after victories in Canada in 2015 and Lima in 2019. 

Yushae DeSilva-Andrade is rocketing up the world boccia rankings, and she announced herself on the global stage with a silver medal at the same event. That performance came hot on the heels of gold at the World Boccia Cup in Brazil and she heads into the 2024 Paralympics in Paris as a genuine medal contender. 

In sport the margin between success and failure is often small and the national teams agonisingly fell at their respective final hurdles in their quest to take on the world’s elite. 

The cricket team were just one game away from qualifying for a World Cup for the first time since 2007 but suffered a heart-wrenching defeat by Canada in the final Americas region qualifier for the T20 World Cup. 

Under Niraj Odedra, a respected trophy-winning coach from India, Bermuda’s players showed professionalism, perseverance and passion to galvanise the country’s cricket fans behind them. 

A stunning 86-run victory over favourites Canada in the opening game of the tournament on home soil gave hope that after 17 years Bermuda could again be taking on the likes of India, England and Australia on the greatest of stage of all. 

Echoes of 2007 came in the shape of Bermuda’s star of the tournament, Kamau Leverock, the nephew of Dwayne Leverock who entered cricket folklore after his stunning slip catch in the World Cup. The younger Leverock hit 83 in that opening match and 98, from 59 balls against Cayman Islands, eventually ending as the tournament MVP. 

With Bermuda winning four of their first five matches, with the other a no result, and Canada making up for their defeat against the home side by thrashing every other opponent they played, the final match of the tournament was a straight shoot-out. 

With heavy overnight rain making for a tricky pitch and reducing the match to 18 overs, Canada won the toss, elected to bat and made 132 for four, a score no more than respectable. 

For a while, a winning chase looked on with opener Leverock in the twenties and No 3 Terryn Fray finding form for the first time in the tournament as he reached 30. But when Leverock fell for 23 and captain Delray Rawlins followed him within five balls, the task looked tough, with only Allan Douglas Jr (22) of Bermuda’s last eight batters making more than three runs. 

The future is now up in the air, with Odedra yet to be offered a new deal and Lloyd Smith returning as Bermuda Cricket Board president after defeating incumbent Arnold Manders 7-6 at the annual meeting just a few weeks ago. 

There were eerie similarities between cricket and football, with Bermuda’s football teams engendering a feel-good factor among the public as they entered their final matches of the year top of their leagues only to falter. 

The men were sitting proudly at the summit of Concacaf League B group C with promotion and future matches against the likes of Jamaica, Honduras and Panama in their own hands. 

Under new Canadian coach Michael Findlay, who replaced Kyle Lightbourne at the start of August, there were definite signs of improvement and a much more attractive style, but a win was needed away against French Guiana in the final round of fixtures to secure promotion. 

A 3-0 defeat was a disappointing way to end the campaign, but Findlay will be encouraged by the contributions made by some exciting young players. 

It was a similar scenario for the women’s team who topped their Women’s Concacaf Gold Cup group going into the final day of matches. 

After two wins against St Vincent & the Grenadines, one by default, a win and draw against Barbados and a home victory against Dominican Republic, Naquita Robinson’s side needed just a point against the latter to secure a spot in the Gold Cup play-off stages but lost 2-0. 

On the domestic front, Jordan DeSilva announced his retirement as Somerset cricket captain after a draw with St George’s ensured the Cup Match trophy stayed in the West End for at least another year. 

Dion Stovell was again the star, hitting 139 in his second successive Cup Match century as Somerset fell short in an ambitious attempt to inflict an inning defeat. Stovell’s side scored 404 in their first innings, bowling out St George’s for 219 and leaving them at 242 for six after following on. 

Bermuda’s tight-knit football community was in mourning in May after PHC Zebras captain Marco Warren was killed in an incident on the roads. 

Warren was the league’s standout performer and had been named Bermuda Football Association Player of the Year for the third time in just five seasons three weeks before his death 

The 29-year-old almost led his side to their first Triple Crown in 52 years last season, helping his side to glory in the Premier Division and Friendship Trophy before losing 2-1 to North Village in the FA Cup Final, with Warren unavailable through suspension. 

The post Duffy sidelined but there is no shortage of talking points appeared first on RG Magazines.

Many families have traditions dating back decades, from camping at the side of the road to barbecuing on the beach or swimming in the refreshing clear blue water.

In recent times, late-night parties and concerts have established themselves as modern-day Cup Match traditions by bringing live entertainment and more excitement to the long holiday weekend.

There’s so much to do in four days on these 21 square miles – and that’s before we even mention the cricket…

Here’s our guide to a fun Cup Match this summer.

NO FILTER – CUP MATCH EVE EDM FESTIVAL

What better way to kick off Cup Match 2023 than a major party at one of Bermuda’s biggest venues?

Walshy Fire, Grandtheft and Natty Rico are among the star performers lined up for the electronic dance music bonanza at the National Sports Centre on Wednesday, August 2.

Local promoters Rowan Ramotar and Declan Harris have teamed up with Douglas Olsen of The Terrace to create the concert which will draw a crowd of thousands.

EDM lovers will know Walshy Fire as the point man from Major Lazer; Canadian Grandtheft has headlined major shows in North America and Europe; while the talented Natty Rico mixes and plays a saxophone at the same time.

“People are going to be super-excited about this line-up,” Mr Harris said.

“This event has more talent for it than we have time for. The crowd will be shouting for more because there’s so much talent.”

Mr Harris expects a fairly young crowd but notes EDM appeals to people of all ages.

“The great thing about this concert is that people will want high velocity, high energy the night before Cup Match,” he added.

“EDM is perfect for that because you’re going to get the lights, you’re going to get the smoke, you’re going to get all these variables that people look forward to, to start off the holiday.”

CUP MATCH FEVER

Now in its 16th year, Cup Match Fever is one of the island’s modern traditions.

“Everyone knows now, you go to the cricket game, you enjoy the game for two days. And then, after the game on Friday you head down and continue the celebrations at Cup Match Fever,” Mr Ramotar said.

Noah Power and DJ Polish, a top DJ duo from New York, are among the line-up at the event at Fort St Catherine on Friday, August 4.

Other performers include Chromatic Creep and JR, who have played at major events in the Caribbean and North America, top Jamaica DJ ZJ Liquid and local stars Mista Genius and Rusty G.

“We have a full slate of entertainment to please everyone from all age groups – reggae, soca, hip-hop,” Mr Harris said.

“We realise people like to see live shows before Cup Match. But on the Friday after the game, they don’t want to see live acts, they want to dance, they want to hear music.

“When they finish the game, they just want to come out and party and have a good time with quality DJs that play good music. That’s what we’ve provided over the years and that’s why we’ve been able to survive this long.”

This year’s venue has a capacity of about 800 so people are encouraged to get tickets early.

Parking is very limited at Fort St Catherine, but minibuses will be available from Tiger Bay, East End Primary School and Tobacco Bay.

Cup Match Fever comes right in the middle of the four-day holiday break.

Mr Ramotar said: “Those two weekdays off work make Cup Match unique. You don’t have to worry about going to work until Monday morning.

“We were able to fuse that Caribbean culture with the DJs that we bring. That gives Bermudian and visitors a feel of that Caribbean vibe.”

GET BOWLED OVER AT THE CRICKET

For the original Cup Match experience, of course, head to St George’s Cricket Club for the classic encounter between St George’s versus Somerset.

There’s always plenty of talent on display as Bermuda’s finest cricketers go head-to-head throughout Thursday and Friday, often culminating in a tense finale as one team pushes for a victory on the Friday afternoon.

Even if you don’t like cricket, you can enjoy a full day at the ground without watching a ball being bowled: chat with old friends, make new friends, feast on Bermudian cuisine from the food stands, sample the rum swizzle and try your luck at Crown and Anchor – but remember that those last two activities don’t always mix well!

A spokesman for the Bermuda Tourism Authority said: “We encourage visitors on the island to come out and experience the electrifying energy in and around the Cup Match grounds.

“It truly is a spectacle unlike any other. Mouth-watering local authentic cuisine, friendly team rivalry, and unforgettable festive spirit.”

VISIT THE OLDE TOWNE

If a full day at the cricket is too much, why not spend part of the day checking out the Town of St George?

A Unesco World Heritage site, St George’s offers a glimpse of 17th century Bermudian life in a picturesque setting, with historic buildings such as the Unfinished Church, St Peter’s Church, the Fort of St Catherine or the Alexandra Battery. Indulge in fun activities at Tobacco Bay or try out the food and ocean views at the White Horse, Wahoo’s Bistro or The Wharf.

THE TRUE BERMUDIAN EXPERIENCE

Locals and visitors alike can visit the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s gotobermuda.com website for details about events taking place over the holiday.

A spokesman said: “Those who are seeking alternative options to the Cup Match game can experience outdoor activities including camping or picnicking at various national parks, enjoying the pink-sand South Shore beaches, spending the day on the water via boat or simply relaxing.

“There is also no shortage of evening activities or nightlife for those wishing for the festivities to continue.”

The post Cup Match | The Holiday with Something for Everyone appeared first on RG Magazines.