Latest news with #Bermudian
The South African
17-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
Gary Lubner: Humanitarian Charities and the Labour Party
Philanthropist Gary Lubner recently gave an interview with The Times where he discussed his support for the UK Labour Party and support for humanitarian causes. Lubner was previously CEO of multinational glass repair company Belron, but since retiring in 2023, he has dedicated his time to transforming lives through philanthropic initiatives and political giving. Although Gary Lubner has been a philanthropist for many years, he has recently become a major financial backer of the Labour Party. His involvement began in 2021 when he met the then-shadow chancellor Rachel Reeves at a business dinner and went on to visit her a few weeks later. Struck by the party's lack of infrastructure – and Reeves needing to book her own train tickets – Lubner donated £42,000 for her to hire a personal assistant. This initial donation soon grew into an ongoing commitment to the party. He has since donated over £5 million to help level the playing field between Labour and the better-funded Conservative and Reform Parties. Lubner doesn't ask for anything in return. He has told The Times that he simply aims to 'change the lives of millions of people,' made possible by working with the government. Moving forward, he plans to support Labour through future elections and help the party win these. Insiders consider him an anomaly in the political sphere – uninterested in recognition, policy influence, or peerage. 'The thing about Gary,' one of Keir Starmer's allies told The Times , 'is that he's the closest thing there is to a straightforwardly good person in politics.' Gary Lubner's commitment to supporting social and political organisations roots back to his upbringing in apartheid-era South Africa. As a child living in a white, wealthy, Jewish family, he was disconnected from the country's institutionalised racism. Lubner recalls seeing a photograph of a 1970s West Ham team in the magazine Shoot! This photo featured Bermudian striker Clyde Best, one of only two Black players on the squad. It was in this revelatory moment that Lubner decided to support West Ham. At the time, he had limited access to football and could only follow it through the BBC World Service and old copies of this magazine. 'It was all about this guy,' he told The Times . '[My brother and I] never knew that different races could play together.' When Lubner finished school, he worked for the police in Johannesburg and witnessed apartheid from the inside. Disturbed by what he saw, he resisted by warning individuals of incoming raids and falsifying paperwork to avoid imposing punishments on Black South Africans. Lubner told The Times : 'I made a very clear choice early on in the police force that I was going to do everything that I could to effectively go against the apartheid system.' Years later, working at Belron in the UK, Lubner reluctantly turned down a deal to sponsor West Ham in favour of sponsoring Chelsea. Nonetheless, he still has a 1970s West Ham poster in his office. During Gary Lubner's childhood, his family, who had once donated to the ruling National Party, became close with Nelson Mandela and supported the abolition of apartheid. Like other family members, Lubner also went on to work with Mandela, serving on the board of the Nelson Mandela Legacy Trust in the 1990s. He is still a trustee today. 'I spent quite a lot of time with [Mandela],' Lubner told The Times . 'He used to come over. I used to take my kids to meet him … He had been without kids for 27 years, so he just loved being with kids.' Critics have tried to reposition Lubner's family history to undermine him. One left-wing website became liable for libel damages, which Lubner donated to the Community Security Trust for British Jews and the World Central Kitchen. Gary Lubner's philanthropic efforts have been long-standing. Even during his education and corporate career, he sought ways to support others, founding Jews for Social Justice while studying accountancy at the University of Cape Town. Years later, he also persuaded senior executives at Belron to join him in forgoing some of their shares. This meant that every employee could receive a €10,000 gift when he stepped down as CEO. Today, he funds initiatives fostering social cohesion in small towns across the UK and early childhood and youth unemployment charities in South Africa. According to Jewish News, approximately 70% of the funds from his charitable foundation support the latter. Beyond the This Day Foundation, Lubner's other philanthropic organisations include The Belron Ronnie Lubner Charitable Foundation and Football Academy Noah. Meanwhile, his educational initiatives include The Gary Lubner Scholarship, Afrika Tikkun, and One to One Children's Fund. Lubner is now also Labour's biggest donor. He continues to finance the party with a wider view to support society. In Lubner's own words, giving back isn't about recognition or legacy. It's about allocating resources where they can make a real difference and addressing inequities that leave others behind.
Daily Mirror
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
BBC issues update on second series of 'real life' Death in Paradise
The new series, which has been dubbed the "real life" Death in Paradise, will follow the work of the Bermuda Police force during peak tourist season. Following its success with both critics and audiences, the BBC has given the green light for a second series of Policing Paradise, with production set to begin in Bermuda within weeks. The upcoming series, which has earned comparisons to a "real life" Death in Paradise, will chronicle the daily operations of Bermuda's police force throughout the busy tourist period. Viewers will witness the authentic working experiences of officers stationed across Bermuda's seven connected islands, featuring everything from canine units and watercraft patrols to neighbourhood beat officers. Returning fans will recognise beloved characters from the debut series whilst being introduced to fresh faces representing various departments within the extensive police organisation. The Bermuda Police Service operates as a multicultural force, encompassing approximately 500 full-time personnel, part-time staff, and special constables, reports Wales Online. This diverse team comprises local Bermudians, Caribbean officers, and British recruits who have relocated to pursue careers in this island paradise. Viewers can anticipate the stunning island backdrop taking centre stage, showcasing spectacular scenery whilst examining Bermudian culture through the perspective of community-serving officers. The new series will particularly highlight the summer months in their prime, documenting police operations during the massive arrival of thousands of holidaymakers aboard enormous cruise vessels. Coverage will include Cup Match Weekend, Harbour Nights, musical events, and processions, all requiring substantial police coordination. Alex McLeod, Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime, expressed his excitement: "I am so excited we are back in Bermuda for series two of Policing Paradise." He added: "This is a truly unique place and we feel privileged to be able to have such wonderful access so our viewers can experience what it is like to police a paradise island in peak tourist season." Sarah Trigg, Executive Producer for Spun Gold TV, also shared her enthusiasm: "We're so pleased to be making a new series and invited back by the Bermuda Police Service after the warm welcome we received from the dedicated officers." She continued: "The success of the show was a true reflection of their spirit, teamwork, and the incredible support from many other key organisations across the island. It's a real privilege to return this summer." Season one of Policing Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer and season two is expect to return in 2026
Wales Online
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC make major announcement about 'real life' Death in Paradise series
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info After proving a hit with critics and viewers alike, BBC has confirmed that Policing Paradise is returning for a second season, with filming in Bermuda due to start later this month. The new series, which has been dubbed the "real life" Death in Paradise, will follow the work of the Bermuda Police force during peak tourist season. They will be exploring the real working lives of officers across Bermuda's seven interconnected islands, from dog handlers and jet ski patrols to daily beat patrol teams. Fans of the show will see familiar faces from series one and will also meet new officers in a variety of different roles across the vast police force. (Image: BBC) The Bermuda Police Service is a diverse force, consisting of up to 500 full-time officers, part-time officers, and special constables. The team includes native Bermudians, officers from across the Caribbean, and a number of UK recruits who have chosen to live and work in this tropical paradise. Audiences can expect the island itself to show its character, capturing breath-taking landscapes while exploring the Bermudian way of life through the eyes of the officers who serve the community. This series will also shine the spotlight on the summer season which will be in full swing, following the police response to the sudden influx of thousands of tourists arriving on mega cruise ships. As well as capturing the Cup Match Weekend, Harbour Nights, music festivals, and parades, all of which demand a significant police presence. (Image: BBC) Alex McLeod, Commissioning Editor for BBC Daytime said: 'I am so excited we are back in Bermuda for series two of Policing Paradise. "This is a truly unique place and we feel privileged to be able to have such wonderful access so our viewers can experience what it is like to police a paradise island in peak tourist season.' Meanwhile Sarah Trigg, Executive Producer for Spun Gold TV added: 'We're so pleased to be making a new series and invited back by the Bermuda Police Service after the warm welcome we received from the dedicated officers. 'The success of the show was a true reflection of their spirit, teamwork, and the incredible support from many other key organisations across the island. It's a real privilege to return this summer.' Season one of Policing Paradise is available to stream on BBC iPlayer and season two is expect to return in 2026
United News of India
15-06-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
Canada gears up for Regional Final on road to ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026
Toronto, June 15 (UNI) The final step in the regional race for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 begins on Sunday with Canada, Bahamas, Bermuda and Cayman Islands set to do battle here at the Americas Qualifier. Twelve matches in a double round-robin format will be held across the eight-day competition, kicking off with an opening double-header of Canada v Bermuda and Cayman Islands v Bahamas at Maple Leaf Cricket Club on Sunday. Teams will play each other twice before the event concludes on 22 June with only the table-topping side advancing to the next stage. Reflecting on the prospect of qualifying for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Canadian captain Nicholas Kirton, stated: 'I would feel like half of the job is done, we went to our first T20 World Cup last year and played some good cricket and got a win against Ireland. The goal for this team is to improve on that.' Bermuda will be eager to have a new opportunity after missing out on NRR last time. Captain Terryne Fray shared his thoughts: 'If Bermuda were to qualify for the World Cup, it would be the greatest achievement in sporting history for us. It's something that, for a long time, has been unfathomable, but we understand that the pathway is there, and we can obtain it! The feeling would be indescribable, but what I do know is that if we did qualify, it would be the greatest feeling for every Bermudian.' Cayman Islands and Bahamas recently promoted from the Subregional Qualifier had their say too. Conroy Wright skipper of the Cayman Islands summarised his thoughts 'I would be delighted. I wouldn't have the words to explain the feelings'; whilst Bahamas skipper Marc Taylor said he would be 'Elated. Excited and on top of the world!'. All matches in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 Americas Qualifier will be available to watch live on while fans in the Asian subcontinent can follow the action on FanCode. UNI BM
National Geographic
02-06-2025
- National Geographic
Photo story: uncovering the charm of Bermuda
Photographs by Michael George Bermuda is often mistaken for a Caribbean island, but in reality, it is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. A British Overseas Territory, this subtropical paradise is situated on approximately the same latitude as North Carolina and is just a two-hour flight from the East Coast of the United States. Millions of years ago, it formed as part of a volcanic seamount near a section of the Atlantic known as the Sargasso Sea. While stories of mysterious disappearances in the "Bermuda Triangle" may be fictional, its shipwrecks are very real. Bermuda is home to over 300 shipwrecks, earning it the nickname "shipwreck capital of the world." Here, tour boats visit the HMS Vixen, an intentionally sunk wreck that dates back to World War II. The HMS Vixen is located a short boat ride from shore. Companies such as Bermuda Watersports offer tours and provide snorkel gear rentals. Locals affectionately refer to Bermuda as "de Rock" due to its abundance of aeolian limestone cliffs. Admiralty House Park in Hamilton has long been a favorite spot for cliff jumpers, but for Bermudian Grant Farquhar, it holds a different allure: rock climbing. The author of Climb de Rock: A Climber's Guide to Bermuda, Grant has mapped rock climbing routes throughout the island. Bermuda's distinctive "boiler" reefs, seen here near the South Shore Beaches, create a churning effect in the water that resembles boiling. Bermuda sees an influx of part-time residents in the spring and summer: Longtails. These black-and-white tropicbirds, named for their long feathered tails, spend the winter at sea and return to Bermuda from March through August to nest in its cliffs and crevices. Bermuda's cliffs and shore reefs make for scenic coastal kayaking. Here, a couple paddles in clear-bottom kayaks in the parish of Somerset past a structure with a uniquely Bermudian stepped limestone roof designed to catch rainwater. One of Bermuda's most iconic structures is the Unfinished Church in the Town of St. George. As its name suggests, this Gothic-style church from the 1800s was never completed. St. George's is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest English settlement in the New World still in existence. The town dates back to 1609 when British passengers aboard the Virginia-bound Sea Venture were shipwrecked on the uninhabited island. A staff member at the Hamilton Princess Hotel in downtown Hamilton, Bermuda, wears a traditional outfit: Bermuda shorts worn just above the knee, high socks, a button-down shirt, and a blazer. The evolution of Bermuda shorts as we know them today is often attributed to Nathaniel Coxon, a Bermudian tea merchant in the 1920s who adapted British military uniforms to make them more comfortable in the island heat. Pictured in the background is a Bermuda moongate. Influenced by Chinese architectural design, Bermuda moongates symbolize love. It is a tradition for newlyweds to stand beneath them. Gombey dancers, wearing vibrant costumes, prepare to perform in the streets of Bermuda. This tradition dates back to the early 1800s and blends African, British, Native American, and Caribbean influences, reflecting the island's diverse heritage. Historically, enslaved individuals were permitted to dance only once a year, using masks to protest injustices without fear of retribution. Today, Gombey performances are a symbol of Bermudian identity, featured during holidays like Boxing Day, New Year's Day, and Bermuda Day, as well as at festivals and public celebrations. The traditional Gombey costume features a peacock feather headdress, painted mask, bells, and tassels, but each dancer adds their own twist to the ensemble. The word "Gombey" is thought to come from an African term meaning "rhythm," highlighting the role of drumming and percussive beats in their performances. Two locals offering a taste of Bermudian culture are Doreen Williams-James (left) and Julie Barnes (right). Williams-James, founder of Wild Herbs N Plants of Bermuda, leads foraging tours across the island, teaching guests how to identify wild herbs and plants like nasturtium and sea purslane for culinary and medicinal use. Barnes, recently voted the best bartender in Bermuda, has spent the past 28 years at the Swizzle Inn, where she serves up Bermuda's national drink: the Rum Swizzle. While every bar puts its own spin on the cocktail, a Rum Swizzle typically includes rum, fruit juices (such as orange, pineapple, and lemon), falernum or grenadine, and Angostura bitters. For a bird's-eye view of Bermuda's reefs, landmarks, and distinctive fishhook shape, visitors can take to the skies with Heather Nicholds, owner of Blue Sky Flights. Nicholds offers 25-minute discovery flights and 45-minute full sightseeing tours around the island in her small plane. The view underground is equally stunning. In Bermuda's East End, the Crystal and Fantasy Caves invite visitors to explore the island's subterranean wonders. For those who like to venture off the beaten path, Bermuda is full of hidden gems—including Blue Hole Park. This striking blue swimming hole is tucked within the lush jungle of Walsingham Nature Reserve, a place that, in the words of the late Bermudian singer Hubert Smith, makes Bermuda feel like 'another world.'
