Peter Backeberg

Literally hundreds of thousands of people (usually) go on vacation here every year. But for those of us that are already here adventure, history, culture and nature abound and we just need to pick an activity, take a day or two off and go have some fun.

Deep Sea Fishing
Captain Mike Jones has been hunting the high seas for more than 30 years and says the deep blue sea is a great get-away: “Its the excitement of catching a big wahoo or tuna. We are 15-20 miles offshore, you can’t see the island so its just like being in another world.”
Captain Mike says a charter crew will “put you on the fish” much more quickly than if you try yourself and have the proper knowledge, training and safety equipment for being offshore.
One tip, confirm with each captain before the charter as to whether a portion of the fish will be made available at the end of the trip.

Fly Fishing for Bonefish
Whilst there are a host of charter fisherman taking people offshore, Ian Linnell of Jump Dem Bones charters says he is the only one offering fly fishing in Bermuda’s inshore waters: “Its for people who are into fishing, people who understand this is a game of stalking. We’re not just going out, dropping the anchor and chumming up, we’re looking for species, fish that count.”
The species Ian hunts are snappers, hogfish and, in particular, bonefish, which he says grow big in Bermuda. Ian releases nearly every fish he catches saying, “it’s all about the thrill of the hunt and learning you don’t kill everything you catch.”

Tour Bermuda’s Hidden Gems
Bermuda’s hidden gems are the focus of the tour company of the same name. Their mission is to provide an experience of a lifetime exploring Bermuda’s best kept secrets. Travel with them to exquisite locations offering a sense of excitement for individuals with an adventurous spirit and passion for the great outdoors.
“When locals come along they enjoy it just as much as the visitors,” says owner/operator Ashley Harris. “We’re taking you to places off the beaten path that a typical tour won’t take you to. You going to learn something about your country and have lots of fun too.”

Our Story is Awesome
If St. George’s is living history then Kristin White’s Food and History tour is your chance to walk right through it. Kristin, amongst other things, owns and operates the bookstore Long Story Short, and says about half the people who do her tours are locals.
“A lot of residents are astonished by the breadth and depth of Bermuda’s history, and I get a lot of, ‘how come I didn’t know this?’”
She says St. George’s is perfect because everything is in close proximity and, “it allows us to walk in the footsteps of all of the people that created Bermuda.”

If those activities aren’t enough for you, here’s a quick look at a few other Bermy Break opportunities:

Go electric for a day
Bermuda’s fleet of electric rental cars are a fun way to explore your homeland and feel like you are on vacation. It all started with Current Vehicles’ lovable Twizy but there are now four options in Bermuda including Local Motion, Rugged Rentals and Oleander Cycles.

Explore the Underworld
Bermuda’s reef is a true wilderness and its beauty and biodiversity are breathtaking. Local tour operators offer plenty of options for exploring it. Snorkeling is the easiest to master while SCUBA diving requires a little training but opens up a world that very few have a chance to experience.

A Day in Dockyard
Formerly known as “the Gibraltar of the West” for its significance to the British Navy, today Dockyard hosts a unique blend of activities for the whole family. Take the fast ferry over from town, visit the National Museum and Dolphin Quest, pop into the Clocktower Mall for ice-cream, play some mini-golf, bounce on trampolines or grab a bite and a beverage at one of the many restaurants. This summer plans include al fresco dining and entertainment in the Victualling Yard plus other family friendly activities and events.

The post Take a Bermy Break appeared first on RG Magazines.

Tia SMITH

I remember the first time I heard those lyrics from the iconic Fresh Prince. I mean vaguely remember, of course. I don’t think my brain goes back that far, I’m not sure I know what I did last week. Even though, judging from what I do every day now, it was the same thing I do every night. Take over the worl… sorry, wrong 90’s reference.

But I digress. SummerTime has always been one song that instantly makes you think of summer. Even having been written in the US in a big sprawling city, to me it defined then, and still does today, true summer. I mean, I can already smell baby oil and sunscreen. It brings forth images of cookouts, getting your hair did and putting on your best press. It evokes the actual feeling of the sun on your face and coming together as family and friends. Being together in the same space and enjoying each other. No mask, no 6 feet, no fear of touching… no covid. My, how things have changed.

We are entering the season where gatherings are the norm and we cannot gather. We are entering the season where you re-connect with family and you cannot hug them. And frankly, as it is Bermuda, we are nearing the busy bar season … and they are closed. The new normal, as it were, is a complete 180 from the old normal. And the likelihood is that it will never be the same as it was. Which is harsh. However, even as it won’t be the old normal, it will be a better normal. We are Bermuda and we don’t let anything keep us down. Besides, of course, the occasional hangover. And Portuguese Men of War. Oh, and cockroaches. Oh yeah, and rain. But besides that, WE are Sparta! I mean, Bermuda!

There are so many things that made traditional Bermuda and which will now make our new Bermuda. Getting out of your home/home office is a necessity and ½ a mile is our limit, so many of us are finding trails and roads around us that we never even knew were there. And what’s more traditionally Bermudian than being pokey and peering at people’s houses and into people’s yards during that walk? Many more of us are using grocery delivery services and often are finding that actually, yes we only did need a few things and are even finding that substitutions can be fun and sometimes a bit confusing (like my friend who ordered yeast and got Tesco’s version of marmite). Instead of clubbing on a Friday, we are zoom partying and watching cocktail videos from Ryan Gibbons. I have to say as a plus, the taxi ride home is much quicker. I actually find that I am connecting with friends more now than ever. The beaches are open, the trails are open and everything that makes my home, well, my home is still here.

We have a clear phased opening of Bermuda and when we come out the other side, as we will, this island will be a bit different. We as Bermudians will be a bit different. One thing that will be consistent though, it will still be summer time.

The post Summer, Summer, Summertime appeared first on RG Magazines.

Peter Backeberg

Is Bermuda ripe for solar?

In Bermuda, residential solar power should be an easy thing to get our heads around. We have been harvesting water off our rooves, to great effect, for a very long time. It’s even become an iconic part of our visual and social identity. So why not do the same with sunshine?
“Bermuda is a great place for solar,” says Stuart Kriendler, project manager at BeSolar. “We get 5.4 peak sunshine hours a day and about 300 sunny days a year, that’s nearly twice as much as they get in Germany, for instance.”

Will solar work for you?

Most people look at solar energy as an investment and that investment has a great thing going for it – stability.
“Because of Bermuda’s high cost of electricity it’s a good investment opportunity,” says Mr Kriendler. “Looking at stock market volatility, and what oil is doing, it’s just all over the shop. With solar you can take a variable cost and make it fixed, almost like an insurance policy.”
According to BeSolar installation costs can range $14,000 to $48,000 and savings on electricity will “pay” for the system over a 6-9 year period – although this is a very general estimate with various factors influencing the costs and savings (more on that below).
Further improving this investment is the ongoing government rebate for homeowners installing solar.
“The current rebate scheme is based on the Annual Rental Value (ARV) of the home and calculates a rebate on a dollar per watt basis,” explains Nick Duffy, divisional manager for Bermuda Alternative Energy (BAE). “Homes with the lower ARV’s can get up to $8,000 on a PV system, which is a very significant amount.”
The rebate is on a sliding scale that was specifically weighted to encourage owners of smaller homes to go solar. It was also intended to help industry growth.
“You have to use one of our registered installers, who have the required certification and demonstrated experience,” says Jeane Nikolai, director of energy for the Bermuda Government.
To that end, Stratton Hatfield, director of development at BeSolar, says his company has seen a “significant uptick in installations” through the rebate, particularly with intended the target market.
“The Government’s support of the renewable energy industry is key to helping create more jobs in the sector,” he says.
While the rebate was still in effect at the time of writing it will end when all of the money allocated has been used. Ms Nikolai says future rebates, or other incentive schemes, are possible and that they will reflect what is learned from the current rebate.
“We recognise that (the rebate structure) is not perfect but it definitely has had benefits’” she says. “One of the challenges was that it addressed homeowners where as many of the people who would benefit most are renters. So how do we address that?”
Of course, solar and other renewable energy sources are also valued for their positive impact on the environment.
“Many people view solar as ‘the right thing to do’ and the fact that there are also significant savings is the added bonus,” says Mr Duffy.

Why don’t more homes have solar?

Despite the environmental impact and return on investment there are still a few factors slowing the rate of adoption.
Two of these inhibitors include Bermuda’s relatively high borrowing costs, although both Butterfield and HSBC Bermuda offer lower loan rates for solar, and inconsistent policies and regulations.
“In Bermuda, cost is the primary inhibitor, coupled with the general lack of stable short to medium term financing for the installation,” says Mr Duffy, adding that changes in government policy “discourage the availability of capital for financing options.”
Another issue identified by solar installers is a planning process that Mr Kriendler described as “cumbersome”, explaining that his company has a dedicated project manager just to handle planning applications.
Ms Nikolai acknowledges that the process could be smoother and points to new guidelines in the pipeline that are designed to help ease the bureaucracy.
Finally, adding to the complexity, is the relationship between the homeowner, BELCO, the Regulatory Authority (an independent body that sets the exchange rates) and the individual energy consumption patterns of each home.
In a nutshell, most solar powered homes sell their excess energy back to BELCO via a set rate called the “Feed in Tariff”. Of course, solar energy is produced during the day so when electricity is needed to power a house at night, or on cloudy days, solar homeowners must buy it like everyone else.
But the rate of purchase can be anywhere from 30% to 100% (although that is unlikely) higher than the rate to sell. While this may seem unfair, Ms Nikolai points out that managing and maintaining the national grid, and distributing a steady flow of power, is a critical, and costly, function.
“There are a lot of solid engineering reasons as to why people can’t just feed into the grid for free,” she says. “Including safety and possibly damaging equipment with power surges.”
Further complicating the matter is that not every home will produce the same rate of savings.
A home with significant daytime electricity use creates greater savings than a home where everyone is out all day and, in larger, high consumption, homes, solar may offset enough of the bill to drop it into a lower tier with a lower rate, while a smaller home, already in the lower tier, effectively saves less.
“It goes back to how you consume electricity,” says Mr Hatfield. “Every property is different.”
Which highlights perhaps the most important point for anyone considering solar, there is an abundance of expertise in the market and they can help consumers understand how get the most out of their investment.
“The guys in the industry spend a lot of time consulting with their potential clients,” says Ms Nikolai, while also suggesting that perhaps Bermuda’s homeowners could take broader view of the value of solar power. “When’s the last time your water tank paid you a dividend? It doesn’t, but when you build a house you must have one and that’s just the way it is. Solar will pay itself off over time, and if we thought about electricity use the way we think about water use we’d be much better off.”

The post Understanding solar power in Bermuda appeared first on RG Magazines.

Peter Backeberg

GET IN THE FLOW
With a tag line of “Stay Cool, Have Fun, Get Fit”, Michelle Viera’s Fluid Fitness water aerobics classes are a great place to start our list of water-based activities.
Michelle has been teaching fitness for over 15 years and she explains that the water provides benefits beyond staying cool: “You can push yourself harder than if you were on land because your heart beats about 11-17 beats fewer per minute in the water. So people of all different abilities and goals can participate in the same class and do most of the same exercises.”
Michelle also says the pressure of the water helps the blood flow back to the heart more easily and even provides for a greater range of motion in the joints.

Fluid Fitness classes take place at the National Sport Centre swimming pool and no previous experience is necessary. You can learn more at www.fluidfitness.bm

Swimming for Grown-ups
Swim training, in the more traditional sense, is one of the best fitness regimes out there. And while there are many swim programmes for Bermuda’s young people, what about the grown-ups? Well, two-time Olympian Victor Rubery is on a life-long mission to help adults ace their strokes. As head coach of Dolphins Swim Club he has amalgamated his successful Swim Fit programme into the club. “Dolphins was traditionally more aimed at juniors and Swim Fit has traditionally been more of an adult programme, so now we’ve got everyone covered,” he says
The benefits of swimming include resistance training combined with stretching and flexibility all in perhaps the best cardio workout there is. Plus it’s a life-skill everyone in Bermuda should have. “We don’t care how fit you are, its not a fashion show, you just need a willingness to try and we can teach you how to improve,” says Victor.
To learn more email Victor at: [email protected]

Surfing the Breeze
U Sail Bermuda operates on Harrington Sound, an ideal place to get out on the water. While U Sail offers lots of options, including super-fast foiling saillboats, windsurfing, can give you a great workout. Thomas Penruddocke, Director of Activities of U Sail Bermuda, says Harrington Sound’s typically flat water, lack of commercial traffic and fantastic scenery make it a great place to windsurf, especially for beginners: “The core gets the most work as you balance on the board. The arms and legs also get a workout. You get strengthening, endurance and cardio as well. You get stress relief from being out on the water and in the fresh air, it’s an adventure with the wind and the speed, plus the satisfaction of learning a new skill.”
U Sail’s tuition sessions are taught by a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) certified instructor and prior sailing or windsurfing experience is not required.
You can learn more at usailbda.com

What’s SUP with Yoga?
Stand-up Paddleboarding, or SUP, has taken the seas by storm in recent years and it offers an excellent fitness workout. But Dr Bianca Komansky takes it to a whole new level with The SUP Yoga Experience.
She says it’s the perfect way to beat the heat in the Bermuda summer: “The only way to survive is on the water, or in the water.”
And what do Bianca’s students get from doing asanas on a SUP?
“I think it’s the challenge. A lot of the time there’s an element of fear when trying new things, especially something like yoga on a paddleboard, like the fear of falling in!”
She also says the natural environment provides additional benefits to the practice: “We’re so blessed to have so much beauty on the water here and the Savasanas you do on the board are the absolute best.”
Expectedly, Bianca is also a keen paddleboarder and includes basic instruction with her classes. She says the sport is an excellent fitness workout: “I find that it is mostly core activation. When you first begin you feel like you have to bend your knees a lot and get in with your arms but then you learn to soften your knees a bit and pull more through your core.
“I definitely recommend some instruction when you are beginning. It is fairly straightforward but there are some important aspects to understand for safety reasons.”
You can learn more at www.supyogabermuda.com

The post Stay cool and fit this Summer appeared first on RG Magazines.

Robyn BARDGETT, Photography by James DOUGHTY

With colours and prints evoking Bermuda’s natural environment, Daughters of Summer bathing suits are perfect for spending time at the beach or poolside. But what sets these versatile suits apart is the fact that the fabric is made from recycled materials, including ocean plastics like fishing nets and post-consumer materials such as plastic bottles. Everything that goes into the suits, from the design and manufacturing to the garment labels, packaging and hygienic liners, are considered for their impact on the environment. Working as a designer for large corporations in New York City, Daughters of Summer founder and creative director Kim Deuss knew she wanted to create a brand that considered environmental and social responsibility throughout every process of her business. “My business is not perfect, but that is not what is important. The most important thing is that we make our best efforts to make the most responsible business decisions in every part of the business process.” But growing up in Bermuda and spending time in the ocean diving and, more poignantly, the influence of her stepfather, Neil Burnie, all played an important role in teaching Kim an appreciation for our Island’s most precious resource – the ocean. “Daughters of Summer was created in loving memory of my stepfather, Neil Burnie, as a tribute to all he did and all he meant to me,” says Ms Deuss. While more companies are turning towards selling environmentally friendly products, there’s often little transparency in how the products actually are better for the environment. “As a consumer we have the greatest power of all,” says Ms Deuss. “Every time we make a purchasing decision, we are investing in a company and ultimately investing in how a company does business.” For that reason, Ms Deuss constantly researches new technologies and fabrics that will continue to provide even more sustainable options for her collection, including the new ready-to-wear pieces that she will launch later this year.

The post Dedicated to the Ocean appeared first on RG Magazines.

Robyn BARDGETT

Melissa Leach, Founder & CEO
Photograph by Meredith Andrews

It is increasingly important to cover up, or slather ourselves in sunscreen, when enjoying our sunny summer days. In each case there are challenges, whether it is finding something modern and wearable, or ensuring we aren’t damaging our fragile underwater
ecosystem with the ingredients found in many sunscreens. Although Melissa Leach was first inspired to create a collection of luxurious eco-friendly bodysuits when she was diagnosed with melanoma 12 years ago, it was her search to find a fashion-conscious suit that solidified her plans to create Factor Bermuda, a sustainable line of swimwear. While working on the business side of highend fashion houses such as Burberry and Jimmy Choo, she always believed that the $20 billion swimwear industry would produce stylish sun protective clothing, but instead she found items that were overly sporty or frumpy. “My first instinct was to protect myself,” says Mrs Leach. But as she began to design her business, she knew it was also important to ensure that sustainability and the environment were factored into the finished product. With a keen eye for detail, a background in fashion business and strategy and an idea of exactly what she wanted to achieve with the line, she set out “to create a refined collection of swimwear with an elegant, minimalist style focusing on sun protection and sustainability.”

The sun protective aspect of the collection is important not only in terms of skin cancer but also anti-ageing.

Factor Bermuda’s capsule collection was launched in 2019 featuring four timeless silhouettes that offer varying degrees of coverage in three classic colours – deep navy blue, dark turquoise and solid black, making the bodysuits easy to transition to other activities away from the sun. “I refer to the collection as being streamlined, meaning that all of the body suits have been designed to wear as both swimwear and ready-to-wear,” explains Mrs Leach. She added that the capsule collection offers a range of styles, from the demure neckline and long sleeve of The Bateau Silhouette to the more sultry deep neckline and cap sleeve of The Plunge Silhouette. Each suit also features a removable belt that cinches at the waist to create the ultimate flattering silhouette. Simply removing the belt and slipping into a beautiful skirt effortlessly transitions the suit to ready-to-wear for lunch or drinks. “The reason behind this was to give women more choice in terms of levels of sun coverage and styling options,” Mrs Leach says. “Our collection provides the perfect foundation for your ultimate summer wardrobe.” But aside from being fashionable and offering a minimalist take on the items we have in our closets, Factor’s line of bodysuits is also environmentally friendly. The luxurious Italian lycra is derived from discarded fishing nets, but more importantly for your skin, the fabric has a UPF of 50+ that protects against 98 percent of all UV rays providing “a constant physical barrier, which is safer and more reliable than topical sunscreens, which require numerous careful applications to ensure a constant level of protection,” explains Mrs Leach. “The sun protective aspect of the collection is important not only in terms of skin cancer but also anti-ageing. Ninety percent of skin ageing comes from sun damage and is preventable.” Bermuda’s coastline played an influential part in ensuring the design and sustainability of Factor Bermuda’s products didn’t contribute to further waste, particularly in regards to the high-quality nature of the fabric. To limit the carbon footprint, the suits are made in New York and the packaging is made from recyclable paper, while the suits are delivered in a reusable swim pouch. “Living on the coast of Bermuda, I witness the impact daily of ocean waste and its negative affects on ocean life,” Mrs Leach says. “We are committed to making the most sustainable and ethical choices possible in every aspect as we continue to build the business and create simple, elegant designs that protect the skin, protect the environment and beautifully shape the body.” Mrs Leach also says working with and supporting Bermuda and Bermudians in every way possible is “at the heart of my business.”

Her promotional photos feature Bermudian model Lily Lightbourn Herbert and were shot at Unreasonable Studios in New York, a production company headed up by Bermudian artist Jon Legere.

Factor swimsuits can be purchased at Resort
Boutique in Hamilton Princess Hotel and
Regali Boutique in Rosewood Tucker’s Point
Hotel, while online purchases can be made at factorbermuda.com

The post Sun Safe and Sustainable appeared first on RG Magazines.

Annabel COOPER

Let me tell you something… if you go to the Bermuda National Gallery (BNG) this summer you will find a captivating,
diverse and very personal range of artwork created by 21 local artists for the 2020 Bermuda Biennial exhibition, all
housed in a serene and temperature controlled venue that makes for an ideal escape from the summer heat.

The theme for this Biennial, ‘let me tell you something’, is taken from the late author and Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison’s novel ‘Beloved’.
“We came across a speech she gave about everyone being their own story and through that, the theme evolved,” explains Peter Lapsley, executive director of the BNG.
The theme “invited artists to tell a story, offer history and wisdom through the visual form,” wrote Bermuda Biennial jurors Melissa Messina and Kimberli Gant. “In asking artists to tell us – jurors, other artists, and the community at large – something, we are asking for knowledge, we are asking to learn. And learn we do.”
Ms Messina and Ms Gant are both well-known, international curators, and leaders in their field who, says Mr Lapsley, “showcase work around the world at the highest level.” They judged the artwork primarily on how it related to the theme, but also on how it was created and executed.
The result is a collection of pieces that encompass a wide spectrum of media and a diverse range of voices, views and topics.
“Some people are looking at the community, some are looking at their own understanding of the world,” says Mr Lapsley. “You’ve got everything from an installation using duct tape, video work, photography, print making, textiles, paper, found objects. It is a great, broad range of engaging artwork. For a small community we really punch above our weight in that respect.”
One of the more unique pieces, which, by chance, is particularly relevant to the events of 2020, is by Canadian artist Arié Haziza, who heads the catastrophe risk analytics function for a reinsurance company in Bermuda. His piece, ‘Wild Randomness’ is a triptych – a work of art divided into three sections – that, says the artist, looks at “situations in which a single event can have a disproportionate impact on our individual and collective lives.”
The scale of the gallery lends itself to the development of concepts and ideas and gives the visitor the space to really appreciate what they are seeing.

One of the larger pieces in the show is by Gherdai Hassell and is a vibrant mixed media collage mural installation that celebrates the black female figure. Another new artist to exhibit is Jayde Gibbons whose photographic work portrays black Bermudian men, which, she says showcases “the everyday beauty of my people, highlighting the importance of togetherness and brotherhood within our communities.”
Other pieces carry environmental messages, address social issues, reflect memories and family ties, examine personal struggles and explore understanding of ourselves and those around us.
“Each biennial is its own unique moment,” says Mr Lapsley. “This particular one engages a really broad range of interpretations of the theme and we have some voices we haven’t had in the past, and artists we’ve seen in the past making work in new and exciting ways.
“I think the exhibition is a really important part of the constellation of art events and institutions on our Island. It provides a national platform. An exhibition at this level can help propel somebody’s work into a completely different arena.”

The Bermuda Biennial 2020 is on display in the Young, Humann and Upper Mezzanine galleries of the Bermuda National Gallery, City Hall & Arts Centre, 17 Church Street, Hamilton until September 2020. Entrance is $5 and free for members, seniors and students. www.bermudanationalgallery.com.

Other options for beating the heat while enjoying art include:

Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art in the Botanical Gardens, where you can enjoy artwork celebrating Bermuda’s culture and beauty including the ‘Follow the Sun’ permanent exhibit and relax at Homer’s café afterwards with something filling and refreshing. www.bermudamasterworks.org/.

The Dragon’s Lair Gallery on Somers Wharf in the Town of St. George features art and craftwork for viewing or sale by local artists including Jill Raine, Ian Birch, Skye Kermode, Tai Quan-Ottley and Caitlyn Bernard. https://www.facebook.com/TheDragonsLairGallery.

The Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club on Pitts Bay Road is not strictly an art gallery, but the artwork on display throughout the hotel might make you think otherwise. Wander through the corridors or into one of the restaurants and you could see works by Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, René Magritte or Andy Warhol. Guided tours are offered every Saturday at 10am. www.thehamiltonprincess.com/activities/walking-art-tours/.

The post CULTURE in the COOL appeared first on RG Magazines.

Before they jet off to the Concacaf Gold Cup, the locally based players of the Bermuda National Football Team define the undefined in summer fashion.

On and off the pitch these men show exactly why this summer is OH SO HOT!

Art Direction & Styling – Karlandra Smith @karlandra11 & Kevin Smith @kces_

Photographer – Alex Masters @ambda

Makeup Artist – Raél Iman @iman.artistry

Models – Jaylon Bather @itsyaboyjay9,  Donte Brangman @dbb.7, Casey Castle @_22castle, Justin Donawa @jdonawa14, Dale Eve @rtd.95, Na’eem Griff @naeem_griff, Jahquil Hill @_j.k.hill_, Tre Ming @boxheada_r, and Lejaun Simmons @lps_yolo

Model: Lejuan, Shirt: Choices Menswear, Pants and Sandals: Gibbons Company, Sunglasses: Sunglass and Watch Shop

Model: Jahquil, Shirt and Shorts: Choices Menswear, Sunglasses: Argus Optical, Watch: Sunglass and Watch Shop

Model: Jaylon, Shirt, Belt and Bag: Lusso, Pants: English Sports Shop, Sunglasses: Argus Optical, Watch: Sunglass and Watch Shop, Slides: MenCo

Model: Justin, Shirt, Pants and Sandals: Gibbons Company, Sunglasses: Argus Optical

Model: Jahquil, Shirt and Shorts: Marks & Spencer, Slides: Lusso, Socks: Gibbons Company, Sunglasses: Argus Optical, Watch: Sunglass and Watch Shop

Model: Justin, Shirt, Pants and Sandals: Gibbons Company, Sunglasses: Argus Optical

Model: Lejuan, Shirt and Shorts:Gibbons Company, Slides: Lusso, Sunglasses: Argus Optical

Model: Tre, Shirt: Lusso, Shorts: English Sports Shop, Sunglasses: Sunglass and Watch Shop

Model: Casey, Shirt and Shorts: Gibbons Company, Sunglasses: Argus Optical, Watch: Sunglass and Watch Shop

Model: Donte, Shirt and Pants: Choices Menswear, Sunglasses: Argus Optical

Model: Na’eem, Shirt and shorts: Choices Menswear, socks: Gibbons Company, sunglasses: Argus Optical

Model: Casey, Shirt and Shorts: Gibbons Company, Sunglasses: Argus Optical, Watch: Sunglass and Watch Shop

Model: Dale, Shirt, Belt and Bag: Lusso, Pants: English Sports Shop, Sunglasses and Watch: Sunglass and Watch Shop

Model: Jaylon, Shirt, pants and slides: Lusso, sunglasses and watch: Sunglass and Watch Shop   

Model: Tre, Shirt and Pants: Choices Menswear, Trainers: Lusso, Sunglasses: Argus Optical

All denim wear Gibbons Company
All hats Accessory Box
Scarfs worn by Lejuan, Dale, and Justin Urban Cottage
Scarf worn by Jaylon Gibbons Company

This shoot was originally published in the 2019 edition of the RG Summer Magazine

The post Fashion: Defining the Undefined appeared first on RG Magazines.

Chloë Kempe

As an 11-year-old, Chloë Kempe dreamt about becoming a vet. When she got the chance to follow the late Neil Burnie as part of a careers day it proved “life-changing”, setting her on a journey that took her to the other side of the world and back. 

“I know exactly where I sat, what we spoke about and what we did,” she remembers. “We spent time at Endsmeet [Animal Hospital] as well as the aquarium. We saw dogs, cats, a lemur, tortoise and tree kangaroo. He had such a great way of working with people and animals. It didn’t feel like a job. He really spoke to me like an equal. He made me feel capable and made me realise not to underestimate your effect on young kids.”

 Two decades later, she owns her own vet locum business in Sydney called Vet Chloë and has just completed an epic nine-month, 16,777-mile journey, travelling anticlockwise around Australia in her van, Layla with an aim to “get more involved in wildlife and conversation”. She continued her vet locum work along the way to pay for her travels and began a podcast series called Vet Chloë on the Road to interview people she met, share what she was learning and document her experiences.

 As well as her desire to see, meet and learn, Ms Kempe was also sparked by anger: “I watched the documentary Chasing Coral, which was very sad. I wrote a letter to the Prime Minister and Environmental Minister of Australia. I had a frustration in me. I get depressed sometimes about the state of the climate and that’s why I jumped in my van. I do think that the planet has an innate ability to heal. It keeps coming back and that inspires me — seeing its resilience. I think about how the body can heal if you allow it. Animals and the natural world have a lot to give.”

The 32-year-old was also eager to explore more of the vast country she had made her home: “Australia is so unbelievably beautiful and varied. So many landscapes and environments — waterfalls, rainforests, coral reefs, deserts, tropics, coastlines, caves, gorges, sand dunes, forests, beaches, mountains, red earth and even snow!” In particular, she wanted to see the Great Barrier Reef.

 A big thrill was experiencing animals in the wild, which involved searching in remote parts of the country. “There’s a total difference from seeing them in a zoo,” she said. “I got to see platypus, crocodiles, dolphins, wombats and kangaroos in the wild. I heard Tasmanian Devils but didn’t see them because they are nocturnal.”

 The conversational part of her journey involved some fascinating people, particularly those who work in conservation and animal rescue. That part couldn’t be planned. She played it all by ear and learnt to approach complete strangers.

 “I turned up to a town in Western Australia and met a local indigenous man who told me about his connection to the land,” she said, recalling how she learnt in Tasmania about Devil Facial Tumour Disease, an aggressive form of cancer that ravaged the Tasmanian Devil population between 1996 and 2015.

“I had a brilliant interview with a guy who’d done over 40 years of conservation work with Tasmanian Devils even before this facial tumour problem was discovered.”

Travelling around a vast country on your own is no mean feat, but the Bermudian vet found it “really empowering”. 

“It definitely took some bravery, especially big drives through big country,” she said. It also fit well with her mantra of the moment: massive imperfect action.

“Just do it. Just make a van — it doesn’t have to be perfect. Just plan a trip — it’s going to go wrong at times.”

 Her “open-minded adventurous parents”Jay and Jackie encouraged her to head to the University of Sydney instead of England’s Liverpool University where she was also accepted as a student.

“They really thought I would gel well with Australia,” she said. Ms Kempe was awarded the Nicholl Scholarship, which partially funded her studies. By 2011 she had completed her bachelor’s degree in veterinary science.

In spite of her love for Australia, she says it “can’t compete with Bermuda being my ultimate home”. 

“I certainly love Bermuda and I loved growing up there. The aquarium interests me, there’s lots of marine life. Dr Ian Walker has mentored me and always been kind to me.

 “My fondest memory is playing on the Bermuda rocky shore. My parents are big animal lovers so it was always a happy home full of animals. We had a whole range — dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pegs, fish, a little terrapin. Don’t underestimate guinea pigs!” 

 Of all the animals she has come across, her favourite is the rabbit, followed closely by wombats, giraffes and lions. 

“Rabbits are really wild,” she said. “You have to fit into their life. Whenever I learn about a new animal I become fascinated. Most recently it’s the Tasmanian Devil. They are incredible, but endangered and coming back because of conservation efforts.”

 After completing vet school in Sydney, she returned to Bermuda to work for a couple of years but felt the need for a “new challenge”. 

It was more of a pull than a push,” she said. “My Australian citizenship meant that door was always open.”

 She comes home to Bermuda once a year and her family travel out to see her. Her brother, Oliver, helped her get Layla expedition-ready and was with her for the first four months of her travels. Their parents joined them for a Western Australian Christmas at Margaret River, south of Perth.

 “Bermudians are unique people,” she said. “I love coming home and feeling local again. What I also miss is in Australia they don’t serve mayonnaise! People find it funny but it’s an issue. I’ll ask for mayonnaise and instead they give me aioli garlic dip, which is not the same!”

 For the moment though, having completed her lap of Australia, she is staying put in Bondi Beach and enjoying her passions: “Animals and the natural world inspire me and that’s what I focus my work life around. Animals are so in the moment. I find them really inspiring.”

The post Big World: Sydney appeared first on RG Magazines.

Annabel Cooper

I’m a poet, a nurse, and I have a house, though right now, no one lives in it.  I am proud to say that I am homeless, but homelessness isn’t just about a house; it’s about a mindset, and there’s a stigma. Every morning I have to wash in a public restroom, but I am still driven. Driven by my hunger, the preservation of life, and the young people who are also in this situation, both white and black, sleeping in cars, parks, on the beach. I am naturally benevolent, which means I want to help others, especially those in similar situations.

Every morning I’m up before the sun. Begin to rise giving thanks to the father for opening my eyes. Then I wash my face and clean my teeth, not in a house, but in the public restroom sink. Break out my razor and meticulously start to shave, people come in as I’m in the mix. Some of them look at me with pity while others stare at me like I’m a piece of shit. The rumble from my belly alerts me that I need food. Have no change in my pockets so what am I supposed to do? Go look for some work, but the boss is got his crew. Now my hunger pains are becoming more intense, now im thinking how can I make $10 out of 15 cents. Oh well it looks like somebody’s gotta get got. It may be the pastor of ya church or a muthaf***** cop…

We’ve known each other for ten years now, he was one of Bermuda’s best boxers, but that was a long time ago. We’ve been blending our cultures and learning from each other for years. We would go fishing at Admiralty Park, but we found out we were using the wrong bait. Just the other day, he got up and did his own roof! He’s 83 you know! His great grandma was 102 and used to walk twelve miles every day, and I think that taught him if you want something done and you can do it yourself, do it yourself!

I have been in Bermuda for three years, but have been back and forth for eight. My mother is of Ghanaian descent, but I was born in the UK. As a religious person, I have always been involved in the church, and I met my wife there. She wanted me to move to Bermuda, but I didn’t understand why until I came to visit. I realised how amazing this place is, and we moved December 8, 2015.  I originally worked at a diverse organization in Bermuda, so I quickly became well connected to people on the island. I have enjoyed being able to blend the cultures of the UK, Ghana, and now Bermuda into my fashion business.

I’ve been in Bermuda for five years, and have fallen madly in love with it. Since moving, I’ve developed anxiety for flying. However, I can’t avoid flights with my family living in Scotland. I didn’t want to use medication for it, so I started incorporating yoga and wellness, taking care of myself, and making time to just breathe into my life. Last year I took 22 flights and never had a panic attack. It all sounds cheesy, but we all need to learn how to take a minute to see that there is so much joy in life and we are all so lucky to be here. 

My kids are my motivation. I am a mother of five-three boys and two girls-and they are my drive. I love my family, boyfriend, and all those around me. You see, Bermuda is a beautiful and privileged country, but I think Bermudians take it all for granted. “Together we stand, but divided we fall”, and we, as a nation have been divided for so long. I want people to come together, stand together, and support each other. 

One of my main concerns is the health of our Bermudian women. We don’t take care of our bodies, we don’t know our bodies, and we don’t listen to our bodies. I have been fighting cancer for many years, but I have gotten to know my body and know to get checked when I feel something is wrong. When it comes to our health, we are the first ones to know if there is a problem, but only if we take the time to listen to our bodies. I don’t like that people talk badly about the care we get at the hospital here; doctors are doctors no matter where you are, and they are all human-and sometimes humans make mistakes.

I am originally from the Philippines, but I worked in Saudi Arabia before moving here. I worked as a waiter there too, but it was very strict. I wasn’t allowed to speak directly to the women. It’s simpler here. Bermuda is quiet and peaceful, and the view of the ocean is refreshing and relaxing. I met my wife in Bermuda! She is from the Philippines as well, but we didn’t know each other before moving here. We got married in 2012, and in 2014 we started our family with a baby boy. He is five years old now. 

My children are my inspiration. Watching them begin to succeed in life, finishing school and starting to secure employment has been a wonderful experience for me. I am inspired by my family and the support system I have both at home and work, as both are equally important for your wellbeing. I like to keep the family together; we have lots of family dinners and use any celebration as an excuse to get everyone together. I love to read, travel and I like to take advantage of every moment-and I try my best not to sweat the small stuff.

A lot of people don’t know I am an early riser. Every morning, I wake up at 4.30am because at that time the sun isn’t up, it is peaceful and I want to capitalise on that. You know what they say, the early bird gets the worm! I believe the way you start your morning sets up your entire day and it has a lot to do with productivity. Every second counts and I want to spend them doing the things that I love, which is I expressing my emotions and values through my craft-video production and editing. 

When my daughter was born I felt this enormous pressure to live more honestly, more open. And the greatest part of me that I stowed away was my drawing and painting, something I’ve loved and done all my life. I’ve always been afraid of people’s criticism, and had an overwhelming fear that I just was not good enough. But face to face with this beautiful girl who loved me so completely made me brave. 

And eventually I started showing my work, and people seemed to like it and understand what I was trying to get across. I’m still scared, full of fear and self-doubt but instead of letting those feelings hold me back I use them to make me better. 

And now that I have two beautiful faces staring up at me, maybe they will feel a little bit brave and show themselves bit by bit to the world after watching their mom.

I came to town to pick up this plant for a job. I’m not familiar with this type of plant, but I’m going to get some soil and plant it today. I work at the Bermuda Botanical Gardens as a gardener and I love what I do. That’s important because it means you’ll do your best quality of work. I believe that anything you grow should be able to be used, so in my small garden at home, there are vegetables and herbs. When I was younger I used to work at the plant nurseries. I have been around gardening my entire life.

Football built my self-esteem. It’s a result of hard work, sacrifice and dedication. I try to use my sport to help give the children a good foundation; teach them the importance of not just playing for yourself. Through life we learn the importance of sharing, giving and the rewards that it brings.

The first thing I had to come to grips with when I became a youth coach is that it was my responsibility to protect them. The only way I can do that is by being honest with myself as to what I’ve been through. I didn’t leave home to reveal, it just came out. I knew it was someone in the community. It’s a possibility he could be doing that to another child and I felt guilty. Here I am, a youth coach, and me knowing what I know and my silence was eating me more.

Things are better now. I’m glad I’ve done it. I have no shame. It’s my responsibility as a coach to protect the children, to inspire them. Martin Luther King said that we have to ask for forgiveness for the silence of the good people. I don’t want to be one of the silent, good people. 

If you can’t use your life to make it easier for those coming from behind, what are you living for? I want to dedicate myself; I want to learn as much as I can. I want to communicate to children through their world, which is technology. I’m tired of people saying there’s too much iPad. It’s challenging. That’s where I have to go. Now I’m looking to further myself into animation.

I don’t keep no trophies, no record of my winnings. I just try to do good.”

Family is one of the most important aspects of my life. My role models and my happiest moments all come from within my home. They are the foundation for how you share love and develop interests. My mom’s compassion, involvement in the church and her passion for helping people raised me to be a kindhearted, passionate and religious member of the community. I remember gathering in my mother’s kitchen, as a little girl, to cook food for those who could not feed themselves. Now, I volunteer with Feeding of the Homeless Programme.

My church does a lot to help people, but what we cannot do for others we try to do in love. There’s just so much we can do to help. When I was about 22, I started doing missionary work all over the world. Some of the most heartbreaking places I have travelled are Vietnam and India. Regardless of how these places make me feel, I do it because I care about the treatment of others, specifically the welfare of children, seniors and animals.

That has been one of my biggest struggles; learning to love those who have hurt others. There have been hard moments in my life—when my brother was murdered, it gave me peace when his murderer was found dead; but I don’t feel that way anymore. Because of that pain, I am learning to love… no matter what. My work with the Treatment of Offenders Board has shown me we can’t go through life with hate in our hearts. Everyone deserves kindness and forgiveness.

This article was originally posted in the 2019 Edition of the RG Summer Magazine.

The post Humans of Bermuda appeared first on RG Magazines.