But while this age-old resourcefulness remains impressive even in today’s rapidly advancing world, it’s far from perfect for the modern-day homeowner. 

If it doesn’t rain for weeks, our tanks run dry – meaning we have to join a sometimes lengthy queue for the costly water trucking service. 

That’s where, for many residents, Watlington Water comes in. 

“Our customers just have to check their tank levels. If they need water, they don’t have to call the trucker, they don’t have to wait for the rain, just open a valve and top up their tank,” said Jon Burull, CEO of Bermuda Waterworks Limited, which operates Watlington Water. 

“You can top up your water tank for $34.31 per 1,000 gallons compared to $120 for a trucked load.” 

Watlington Water was founded on the back of a dream by Sir Henry Watlington, early in the 20th century. 

Sir Henry, also known as Harry, had a vision of tapping groundwater sources to supply the island with fresh water to help it cope with the burgeoning demands of the tourism industry. 

According to Harry’s Dream, a book about Watlington Water’s history written by Jonathan Bell and Roger Crombie in 2008, Sir Henry faced a long battle to set up his water supply company. 

His plan to test Bermuda’s groundwater resources was rejected by the House of Assembly in 1924, so he ended up testing the water himself. The results were so pleasing, he formed a new plant on Parsons Lane at the personal cost of £80,000 in the 1930s. 

Water was processed at the plant before being piped to a reservoir at Prospect, and was then transported via pipelines to Hamilton, the Princess Hotel and Elbow Beach Hotel on the South Shore. 

A network of pipelines was developed throughout the city and along the South Shore. 

As the company continued to expand, a reverse osmosis plant was set up in 1994 on the North Shore, Devonshire, abstracting water from seawater wells and removing the impurities to produce drinking water. 

The company originally focused on supplying hotels, who had great need for water as the tourism industry started to boom. 

Roger Todd, CEO designate at Bermuda Waterworks, said: “Over time, there has been a shift in tourism and some of the major hotels have closed. At the same time, condominium developments, Airbnbs and guest houses have increased.” 

“Expanding on the mains piping that was originally to the city and west hotels, now we are servicing a lot more residential customers.” 

Several more reverse osmosis plants have been added to the Devonshire complex over time, while a 3-million-gallon storage tank has been built in Southampton to cope with higher demand; pipes and other infrastructure have been continuously upgraded. 

The company now supplies about 3,200 customers from its base in Devonshire all the way west to Somerset Village. The Bermuda Government operates a separate pipe-water network that covers the eastern parishes of the island, using water from their production plants at Tynes Bay and in St George’s. 

Mr Todd noted that many water tanks are not big enough to meet people’s needs without a top up water service. 

“If you have a ranch-style house, or maybe a small Bermuda-style cottage, your catchment is probably sufficient,” Mr Todd said. 

“But as land has become a premium and condos have become a staple in Bermuda, now you have multi-level, multi-occupancy dwellings with a single catchment. 

“With most condo developments built today, the size of the roof catchment is not sufficient to service all the residents from rainwater alone. Some condominiums rely on Watlington Water on a weekly basis as a top-up service.” 

Many people have invested in brackish water wells on their property, to supply well water for laundry and flushing toilets. 

“But those wells, you have to pay to build them and to maintain them,” Mr Todd said. “If the well collapses or the pump fails it can be a costly repair.” 

“With Watlington Water, you don’t have to do that. You just subscribe to the service, and you open your valve at the meter when you need it.” 

Bermuda Waterworks Ltd is continuously expanding its metered water network by connecting private estates to its piped mains supply. 

While Watlington Water is a high-quality drinking water, homeowners must also ensure their roof and tank are clean, particularly after a storm. 

“Watlington is only a top-up supply and blends with the water in your tank,” Mr Todd explained. 

“Prior to a storm, some homeowners take precaution and plug their roof drains to prevent salt spray and vegetation from entering their water tank. If you don’t plug your drains before a storm, you could end up with foliage in your tank. 

“Decaying organic matter in you water could create bacterial issues. So, you have to be very careful to maintain you roof, storage tank and plumbing system according to Public Health guidelines and best practice. 

“Contrary to some old wives’ tales, a slate roof does not filter water.” 

This is one reason for the success of another division of Bermuda Waterworks Ltd: bottled Pure Water. 

Mr Todd said: “People may have potable water that is safe to drink but has an undesirable taste. You’d be happy to shower with it, do your laundry, flush the toilet, but when it comes to drinking, they prefer the taste and assurance of our premium quality bottled water.” 

This doesn’t necessarily mean lumbering those heavy water bottles across the grocery store car park. 

Bermuda Waterworks offers island-wide delivery service to homes and businesses, a drive-through service, and a self-service refill station open 24 hours a day at its Devonshire headquarters. 

To set up an account for Pure Water, visit bwl.bm or email purewater@bwl. bm. Specify the frequency and volume of bottles you want delivered and you’ll be added to the delivery route. Simply leave your empties outside and they will be replaced by new ones. 

To sign up for Watlington Water, visit bwl.bm and fill in the application forms to see if your area is included in the network. 

The post No Rain, No Problem appeared first on RG Magazines.

Dr Weldon was a young cancer researcher based in Britain when her grandmother was taken seriously ill back home, with very aggressive pancreatic cancer, in 2017. 

“I had been in Bermuda for Christmas, and she was fine,” Dr Weldon recalled. “I came to host my first international science conference in February and she was doing worse, but holding on. 

“Then a day after I got back to England, I got the call saying I’ve got to go back to Bermuda. It was really in a matter of weeks that it got bad. 

“I remember standing in the hospital room with my cousins, with my grandmother really sick, and my cousin looked at me and said, ‘Shouldn’t you know what to do? You’re a cancer researcher.’” 

Her grandmother sadly passed, but the cousin’s words had a transformative effect. 

“She didn’t mean it in a rude way, but it did resonate because I’m like, I’m Dr Weldon, I do cancer research, yet I can’t help her right now,” she explained. 

“I took that to heart. I shifted my thinking and questioned what I want to be doing with my life. 

“Doing really abstract cool science is nice, but I want to actually make an impact. That’s where it changed for me.” 

Through her groundbreaking research company CariGenetics, Dr Weldon is already on the road to making that impact. 

The company’s recent breast cancer study of 102 Bermudian women – the first of its kind to focus only on the Afro-Caribbean population – has unearthed new genetic information that can help shine a light on why this region suffers from higher rates of breast cancer. 

Ultimately, it could lead to more effective screening and treatment in a part of the world where cancer research has lagged behind Europe and North America for decades. 

A second study is underway focusing on prostate cancer in Bermuda and the Caribbean, where disproportionately high rates have been recorded. 

“We are doing the research. We are bringing together the clinicians and bringing together the scientists and getting it done,” Dr Weldon said. 

“There are a lot of things that get talked about, but we are focused on the execution. 

“I had a conversation earlier this week with a colleague at a company who said there is no other dataset that has 100 per cent African descent women for breast cancer. We knew we were doing a good thing but to hear that from another company is like, Woah! 

“We’re doing breast cancer, we’re doing prostate cancer, and we’re taking it on the road – we’re not just doing it in Bermuda, we’re expanding to five countries for prostate cancer.” 

So far, results have shown that two genes commonly linked to breast cancer – BRCA1 and BRCA2 – are much less prominent in Bermuda breast cancer than the rest of the world, including the Caribbean. 

“Each country is very different,” Dr Weldon said. “When we are talking about diagnosing and the risk of cancer, knowing ahead of time that we shouldn’t be just looking at BRCA1 and BRCA2, we should be looking at other genes, is a tangible, real outcome of what we’ve done.” 

The research also found mutations that cause breast cancer are much more likely to be genetic-based in Bermuda (nearly 20 per cent) compared with the US or Britain (5 to 10 per cent). This information can be used to make screening more effective so that treatment can start earlier. 

The prostate cancer study, which is currently in its early stages, will include Jamaica, St Lucia, Trinidad & Tobago and Antigua & Barbuda as well as Bermuda; 100 men have signed up to take part. 

This study will pave the way for scientists to develop a liquid biopsy for men in the Caribbean and Bermuda, so that cancer can be detected in blood samples, instead of an invasive biopsy. 

“Nobody has tested it in the field in the Caribbean context and we will be doing that once we get ethics approval,” Dr Weldon said. 

“That will be a game changer. If you can imagine you just need a blood sample and we can actually tell you whether you have cancer or not, as opposed to digging in, getting surgery, and all that. 

“That’s the impact.” 

Until now, funding for cancer research has been very limited in the Caribbean, compared with Europe and the US, although awareness is starting to improve. 

“It’s exciting because we’re now having these conversations with those funding organisations and they’re seeing the potential,” Dr Weldon said. 

“We are showing them what we can do, and they are saying let’s get going.” 

Bermuda’s status as an isolated island means that its gene pool differs from the Caribbean, so genetic research has great scope for game-changing findings. 

CariGenetics has recently launched CariGenetics Precision Diagnostics, a clinical lab registered with the Bermuda Health Council, which will perform clinical genetics cancer tests and report back to doctors while improving accessibility and turnaround times. 

With more studies in the pipeline, CariGenetics could end up making the difference Dr Weldon has craved since her grandmother’s battle with pancreatic cancer. 

“To me, I’m just a scientist who wants to get this done and bring everyone I can with me: Bermudians, young people, girls in science,” she said. 

“This is our time. Caribbean scientists. This is our time. We show out when it comes to athletics; Olympics we dominate. We can do science in a way that’s the same level as anywhere else and excel. That’s really my goal.” 

Dr Weldon is keen to help young people along a similar pathway and aims to create shadowing opportunities. 

“I’m really passionate about training the next generation,” she said. “When I was coming up, I didn’t have a black role model. I consciously decided I wanted to be that person for the next generation. 

“If anyone is interested should email me and we will do what we can to let you get ahead.” 

Contact Dr Weldon on [email protected] or visit www.carigenetics.com for more information. 

The post Groundbreaking Journey appeared first on RG Magazines.

Yet for all the success stories, each case of terminal cancer is a painful reminder that we still have so much further to go. 

Some aggressive cancers seemingly appear from nowhere in previously healthy people – and by the time the warning signs appear, it’s too late. 

For clinical oncologist Dr Chris Fosker, this is one of the harshest realities of cancer. 

“Globally, cancer care has improved dramatically over the last 50 years or so,” said Dr Fosker, the medical director at the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre. 

“If you go back to the 1970s, about 50 per cent of cancers diagnosed were curable. Nowadays, it’s about 70 per cent. So, seven out of ten people diagnosed with cancer today will be cured. 

“Even if it’s one of the aggressive ones, if you catch it early, you can cure it. But that does still mean that three out of ten people diagnosed with cancer will pass away because of their cancer. 

“That is obviously the tougher part of treatment. It’s the tougher part of conversations.” 

Between 450 and 500 cancers are diagnosed in Bermuda every year; about 120 to 130 people die from cancer annually, which is a lower mortality rate than Europe, Britain or the Caribbean, according to recent statistics. 

“But if you or your family are just one of those people, then that doesn’t matter, the stats don’t matter. The individual person is what really counts in that sense,” Dr Fosker said. 

Aggressive cancers include melanoma, pancreatic and glioblastoma, but Dr Fosker pointed out they don’t always behave in the same way; sometimes traditionally aggressive cancers can be slow growing, while traditionally unaggressive cancers can misbehave. 

Every year, a handful of patients in Bermuda arrive at the doctor’s office with aggressive cancers that can only be treated with palliative care. 

“By the time we have got in a position to talk about the treatment, the treatment intent is to try to help quality of life rather than cure the cancer, and often just trying to make a short period of time as valuable as possible.” 

This means the patient and their family face incredibly tough choices. 

“There is nearly always some form of treatment,” Dr Fosker said. 

“I find myself often saying this isn’t a curable cancer, but it’s a treatable cancer. It’s not very often I find myself saying there is nothing we can do. 

“It’s remarkable how some simple things can make a difference. For people who are feeling really breathless from cancer, actually just putting a fan on reduces that breathlessness.” 

Dr Fosker’s job is to educate patients and their family about their options. 

“Their choice might be do nothing. Their choice might be to go for the aggressive treatment option because it may buy you two more weeks,” he said. 

“It’s not for me to say necessarily what’s right or wrong, it’s for me to help that person understand what those choices are and the impact they have. 

“It’s about trying to figure out, in that moment, each step of the way, what’s the best next step. Doctors have a huge body of literature about what we’re taught to think is right or wrong, but what I’ve really learnt over my career as an oncologist is that I can never put myself in someone else’s shoes.” 

Glioblastoma, a type of cancer that starts in the brain, for example, can be tackled with chemotherapy and radiation that might have significant side effects. 

“I’ve absolutely no idea what I would do if that was me or one of my loved ones, because you’ve got a good chance you will make them live longer, but you’ve also got the same chance that that length will be less good quality. 

“Who is it to say that three months of good quality is better than nine months of poor quality or vice versa? 

“Someone may be diagnosed with a really nasty cancer where everyone tells them, really sorry, your time’s really short, and then here they are a year later still going. 

“And then you have the other ones, who still are not curable but we’ve got a gentle chemotherapy with a 95 per cent chance of improving quality of life – and then they pass away two days later. 

“It’s the uncertainty that just makes the decision so hard.” 

PALS Cancer Care, which supports cancer patients and their families throughout the whole process, are “brilliant listeners and brilliant thinkers” in helping people make decisions that might seem impossible, Dr Fosker said. 

Looking to the future, the oncologist noted that treatment continues to improve, with advances in fields such as immunotherapy, DNA research and radiation technology. These advancements are providing new hope and options, but he warned there will never be a magic bullet that wipes out cancer. 

So what can people do to make sure their cancer gets spotted before it’s too late? 

Sadly some cancers, such as pancreatic or glioblastoma, are nearly always found at an incurable stage because they are silent until they have spread to such an extent they cannot be cured. 

But there are still things you can do to help yourself. 

“We know men in particular are terrible at going to see the doctor, and they will ignore symptoms until the 11th hour,” Dr Fosker said. 

“So you can live better, and you can also be more responsive to signs and symptoms that happen within the body. 

“If the doctor tells you told to come back in a month but if in two weeks time you feel awful, advocate for yourself and return to the doctor immediately. Don’t wait for the month. 

“Take control of what you can. All cancers are curable, if you can catch them at stage 1 or stage 2.” 

While cancer treatment has made significant strides, Dr Fosker said early detection and patient empowerment remain crucial. 

“Leading a healthier lifestyle and undergoing regular screenings can make a significant difference in outcomes,” he said. 

The post Tough Choices appeared first on RG Magazines.

Ms DaSilva was already working as an occupational health, safety and environment (OHSE) coordinator at the power utility company when she applied for the $10,000 three-year scholarship last year. 

As a 31-year-old with a family, she knew finding the time for the education would be challenging, but, she said: “I have always had a drive for continual growth and progression. As I look to continue to progress both personally and professionally, I am working towards attaining more professional designations and taking on a leadership role within the company.” 

The award, one of Belco’s most prestigious scholarships, enabled Ms DaSilva to attend Oakland University, Michigan, to study for a dual Master of Science in Safety Management and Business Administration. 

She said: “I am a wife, mother and professional. With that, the most challenging aspect is balancing my studies with my personal and professional responsibilities. However, I am enjoying the opportunity to delve deeply into safety, business and management topics and apply new knowledge to real-world situations. Completing these degrees will be a testament to my perseverance and dedication, and it will continue to be a source of pride and motivation for me. It has also enhanced my credibility and I believe it will continue to open opportunities for professional growth and leadership within Belco and the wider industry.” 

Belco started its awards programme more than 40 years ago to help scholars improve their knowledge of STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects that can help them prosper within the company and in the wider community. Awards range from $2,500 to $25,000. 

Ms DaSilva was one of 19 Bermudians who received a total of $215,000 in Belco scholarship awards last year. She believes her experience at the company stood in her good stead throughout the application process: 

“I believe my application was successful due to my strong academic background, clear career goals and demonstrated passion for the progression and success of the company, as my career goals align with the company’s vison,” she said. “Additionally, my experience as an OHSE coordinator at Belco likely showcased my commitment to the field. 

“Finding out that I was successful was exhilarating and deeply gratifying, affirming that my hard work and dedication were recognised.” 

Being a scholar has involved maintaining high academic standards, actively participating in relevant research, and contributing to the field through internships or projects. After completing her education, Ms DaSilva looks forward to continuing in the OHSE area, but with added responsibilities: 

“I enjoy developing health, safety and environmental initiatives the most, as it allows me to innovate and improve our current programmes,” she said. “In the coming months and years, I aim to further enhance our safety, health and environment culture and take on more leadership roles within the organisation.” 

She advised scholarship applicants to clearly articulate their passion for their chosen field and demonstrate how the scholarship will help them achieve their career goals: “Making their application stand out involves showcasing a unique perspective or innovative ideas they plan to bring to their field,” she said. 

She also stressed the importance of perseverance and continuous learning: “The global market and fields are constantly evolving, and staying updated with the latest practices and regulations is crucial. A scholarship like Belco’s can provide a significant boost, but dedication and passion are key to long-term success.” 

For more information, visit belco.bm/ scholarships.

The post Path to power company leadership appeared first on RG Magazines.

Conor Doyle is grateful that he was able to embark on his legal career without major financial anxiety, after winning a Conyers Legal Education Award in 2012, when he was 22. 

Mr Doyle, now an associate at Conyers, decided to switch to law when he completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Toronto. He recalled: “I wanted to study for a law degree in London but was, initially, discouraged by the high cost of living. That prompted me to explore scholarship options for prospective Bermudian law students. I was pleased to learn that Conyers, in common with other local firms, sponsored an annual legal education scholarship and award programme. I decided to apply.” 

Since then, Mr Doyle has not looked back. He claimed a three-year scholarship after impressing the committee with his personal statements, academic transcripts and references; an intense process that culminated with an interview conducted by a team of Conyers lawyers. 

“I was thrilled to find out that I was awarded the Conyers Legal Scholarship,” Mr Doyle said. 

“I knew that the application process was very competitive and that the firm receives many strong applications each year. I felt that the work I put into my application and preparing for the interview paid off. It was a great relief. The scholarship covered my tuition and living expenses in England, allowing me to focus entirely on my studies.” 

The scholarship enabled him to study law at University College London and Columbia Law School: “The most challenging aspect was undoubtedly the end-of-term examinations,” he said. “My first-year property exam in particular springs to mind! 

“Notwithstanding that, I immensely enjoyed learning about an entirely new subject in the company of students from dozens of countries. The Conyers Legal Scholarship helped make that possible for me.” 

Mr Doyle is now enjoying a fulfilling and rewarding career. After spells working for law firms in New York and Dublin, he returned to Bermuda to join the litigation team at Conyers in 2022 and was called to the Bermuda Bar in front of family and colleagues last year. 

“I enjoy being an advocate and helping people find solutions for their legal problems,” he said. 

Working in Bermuda, where lawyers need to turn their hand to many different aspects of law, certainly means life is never boring. We do not have as much scope to specialise as lawyers in larger jurisdictions do,” Mr Doyle explained. 

“A civil lawyer in Bermuda must be up to speed in various fields of law. That is a challenge but, for me at least, part of the fun. My professional ambitions are to continue to grow my practice and to take on as many interesting and important cases as I can.” 

Conyers handed out $70,000 in Legal Education Awards to five Bermudians this year and has underlined its commitment to investing in the education of future legal professions. Mr Doyle said he will always be grateful for the firm’s generous support in funding his legal education and encouraged people to look out for similar opportunities. 

“The study of law is difficult,” he said. “It will be easier if you are not also worrying about how you will pay for all of it’. Each year, Conyers awards a generous scholarship and legal awards to aspiring Bermudian law students. Several other firms have similar programmes. 

“The island’s legal community is eager to support the next generation of Bermudian law students and does so generously each year. Put yourself in the mix for as many scholarships as you can and treat the scholarship process as seriously as your degree or conversion course applications. It can be just as important.” 

But, how can you make your application stand out from the crowd? 

Mr Doyle advised: “Research your options and apply to as many as you can. In my opinion, an attractive application will be one that conveys not only academic ability, but a genuine interest in the law as a field of study and potential career.” 

For more information, visit conyers.com. 

The post Legal Victory appeared first on RG Magazines.

The wear and tear can add up quickly as you trundle to Hamilton and back five days a week, meaning you can often end up with an expensive repair bill or, even worse, having to buy a new car long before you hoped. 

One of the island’s longest serving mechanics, GB’s Auto in King Street, offered some advice on maintaining your vehicle in Bermuda’s trying conditions. 

THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD 

Avoid roads with sharp turns where you can. 

GB’s Auto said: “When you are doing a lot of turning, you are putting more stress on your vehicle. It puts more wear and tear on the front end of the vehicle: the steering and the suspension and even the tyres. 

“We always encourage people to travel on straighter roads as opposed to roads that have a lot of turns. 

“You can’t always avoid winding roads in Bermuda, but if you have to travel to Somerset, for example, you could go on the South Shore as opposed to Middle Road. The likelihood of an accident is greater on those twising roads too.” 

POTTY OVER POTHOLES 

They’ve seemed to pop up everywhere as Bermuda’s infrastructure has borne the brunt of relentless heavy rain in recent months. The problem has been compounded by asphalt machinery being out of action. 

Even in good times, potholes and other obstacles can cause issues with steering, suspension and tyres. 

The best thing you can do is to drive carefully and safely around them and keep good habits when it comes to regular maintenance. 

“You should always get the pressure checked and timely tyre rotation will help,” GB’s Auto said. 

“If you read your service manuals, most give you guidelines on what you need to do. People can do online research – that helps as well. 

“People that keep their cars regularly properly serviced are less likely to be confronted with emergency issues, although there will always be some things beyond your control, like the electrical parts.” 

DON’T GET SALTY 

It’s most noticeable after a heavy storm when you need to wash thick layers of it from your windscreen, but salt is a perpetual difficulty for our vehicles. We are in the middle of an ocean, after all. 

GB’s Auto said: “Salt is always in the air. After a winter storm, you can wash the car with warm water to break the salt down. Or at least hose the vehicle down with fresh water. 

“If you don’t do anything about it, salt will sit on the vehicle. Over time the saline will get into places it doesn’t need to, and lead to corrosion.” 

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR! 

Expensive car maintenance is an unfortunate fact of life in Bermuda – but if you try to cut corners you can end up in an even bigger spot. 

GB’s Auto said: “When vehicles get out of warranty, people will shop around, and one of their questions is how much will it cost? They don’t ask what they are getting for the service. 

“If he’s going to charge you $100, you can bet your bottom dollar he won’t be spending much time on the vehicle. 

“If a mechanic isn’t spending much time on your vehicle, he won’t be putting it on the lift and inspecting the undercarriage and looking for any damage. There’s lots of other things they need to be checking too, like the tyre pressure, the lights, the brakes and making sure there isn’t any corrosion. You are not doing all that in under an hour. 

“You take care of the small things and the big things will take care of themselves.” 

The post It’s a rough road appeared first on RG Magazines.

Thousands of spectators lined the streets of Hamilton for the Lindo’s Grand Prix last summer – the first of its kind in six years – while many more have been regularly entertained at the Bermuda Karting Club National Championships at the Rubis Southside Raceway.

For karting legend Scott “Skitchy” Barnes, it’s brought back memories of the glory days when the four local motorsports – karting, motocross, bikes and powerboat racing – formed a backbone of family culture.

“Bermudians love racing. That’s what we grew up on. They are always popular sports for the spectators,” Mr Barnes said.

Founded in 1976, Bermuda Karting Club is two years away from its 50th anniversary. More than 50 drivers raced the last season and Mr Barnes pointed to strong junior classes indicating rising levels of interest.

“Any time you can have a club in Bermuda that can last 50 years is a big thing for a small country. It’s only gotten stronger and better as the years go by,” Mr Barnes said.

“In the heyday in the late 1990s, we had 100 drivers, but karts were a lot cheaper back then. To be almost as strong now, when everything is twice as expensive, says that it’s a sport people are passionate about and care about.

“I love the fact it’s a family sport. You have a lot of fathers and sons get into the sport, even daughters – I think that’s the coolest thing about Bermuda karting. It’s only one person driving, but you need a pit crew, you need people to help you, so it’s a sport that can bring the whole family together.”

Some of today’s racers have worked their way through the ranks after joining the Karting Club’s junior cadets aged 7 or 8.

“It’s funny watching some of our 23-year-old drivers now,” Mr Barnes said. “Just in the last 20 years it’s been cool to watch these kids grow and evolve and come up through the classes.

“There are some father and son duos: their dad used to race, their grandfathers used to race, now the kids are grown up and racing themselves.”

The Karting Club has been in a rebuilding phase since being temporarily shut down by the Covid-19 pandemic, and the spectator base has grown back to about 100 on Clearwater race days.

As president last year, Mr Barnes prioritised a Grand Prix to take the excitement to Hamilton, with a new circuit around Court Street, Dundonald Street and Princess Street.

More than 5,000 people turned out to watch the action.

“It felt great to have another Grand Prix,” Mr Barnes said.

“It was exciting to take it to a different part of Bermuda and it’s always a crowd pleaser. The street races bring out the best in the drivers and they bring out the spectators. You are literally ten feet from the cars zipping past at 80mph. There’s nothing quite like a street race in Bermuda.

“I’ve been racing for 20-plus years, I do the biggest street race in America every Labour Day weekend. That race in the US doesn’t pull the spectators like we do here in Bermuda.”

Six riders from North America came to Bermuda for the Grand Prix.

Mr Barnes said: “They all said it’s our spectators that make our event so awesome and so different. To pull that many spectators is pretty cool.”

Mr Barnes stepped down as president as he prepares to get married, but hopes another Grand Prix is in the offing.

“We were looking forward to building off last year’s success,” he said.

“I really hope next year’s committee pushes for a Grand Prix. They’re good for the club, they showcase the sport, spectators and Bermudians love them. I really hope we can make it an annual event.”

In the meantime, speed fans should head east to Clearwater.

“You’ve got action-packed racing, you can get up close and personal with the drivers in the pits for only $5,” Mr Barnes said.

“Grab lunch and come and watch a few hours of exciting racing. You’ve got the beautiful beach right across the street, so you can make a day of it with the family.

“It’s a cheap day, it’s a few hours of excitement and it’s a family sport.”

Mr Barnes, has won a record 21 titles, including two national class titles at last year’s National Championships, and has made a name for himself in the United States where he has claimed a host of victories.

For anyone thinking about joining the sport, he explained where the passion comes from.

“I started racing when I was 11 and jumped in a kart for the first time,” he said.

“I loved it then. I loved the adrenaline and I loved the competition. I love going fast, I love being bumper to bumper with other karts.

“When I jump in a kart, I forget about the stress of life. Whatever stress is going on in your life, during that 15-minute race, the only thing you’re thinking about is driving that kart.

“It’s everything. It’s my passion.”

Anyone who wants to get involved in karting can contact the Karting Club through Facebook or Instagram. Junior rental karts are available for children to try out, before parents decide whether to invest their money.

“Come down to the track on race days and meet the people,” Mr Barnes said.

“Everyone is friendly down there. People are willing to bring new people into their camps and help them out when they first get started. It’s a very welcoming club.”

The post Karting: excitement for all the family appeared first on RG Magazines.

Dealers at Auto Solutions, Bermuda Motors and Eurocar all say they would love more EV options to satisfy their environmentally conscious and economically wise customers who’ve been won over by American TV adverts for the latest green vehicles.

But while there are a handful of options, such as the Electric Mini Cooper and Kia Soul at Bermuda Motors and the Neta V at World Distributors, as well as several hybrid offerings, we’re still waiting for the revolution to really take off.

One reason, according to dealers, is that EVs available for the island’s market are a fraction too big for our roads under legislation dating back to 1951.

Another is that car manufacturers have bracketed Bermuda with the Caribbean region, where demand for electric vehicles has been slower to pick up.

“We would say that about one in four clients that walk into the showroom ask us right off the bat what electric vehicles we have to offer,” said Glen Smith, managing director at Auto Solutions.

“We feel we are behind the eight-ball when we say, unfortunately, we don’t have anything to offer.”

The Bermuda Automobile Dealers Association is continuing to lobby the Ministry of Transport to tweak the Motor Car Act and allow vehicles to be an extra two inches long and two inches wide.

The Government has repeatedly stated it is considering the move and has recently completed a public engagement as part of plans to phase out internal combustion engines under the EVolve campaign.

Mr Smith said: “The last negotiation with the Government was in January 2024. With the extra two inches, Auto Solutions could possibly have five models.”

Auto Solutions represents seven brands, none of which have electric vehicles within the current size restrictions. The company got approval from Hyundai to import the electric Kona, only for the 2024 edition to grow by 0.85 inches.

Operations manager Harry Andrews said: “Getting approval from Hyundai is part of the battle. We are optimistic that there will be some leniency in size for EVs.

“We are not naive and we understand why we have size restrictions, with the car parks and narrow roads.

“But the underlying situation is there’s a demand, hence our sensitivity to not having a particular product that the customer is asking for.

“We had 80 Kona models pre-sold last year. The demand would have increased since then. Unfortunately, Hyundai made the decision to retool and increase the width by 0.85 inches.”

Despite the challenges, the number of electric vehicles in Bermuda has doubled from 607 to 1,230 in the past two years, with 627 private electric cars currently licensed with TCD, up from 437 this time last year. There are also 67 electric buses, 258 electric rental mini-cars, 87 electric trucks, 91 electric motorcycles and 72 electric auxiliary bikes.

Mr Smith remains hopeful that better news is around the corner.

“Transport minister Wayne Furbert has been very approachable on the subject and quite communicative,” he said.

“We have got the infrastructure in place: a workshop for EVs with temperature controls and four or five chargers on the property. We have sent our services manager on a training course for the new Kona. So when we get the EVs in we have already done most of the background work.

“We feel so close to it.”

It’s a similar story at Eurocar.

General manager Stephen Davidge said: “There are people coming in saying I want electric cars, what have you got?”

The answer is currently zero, but Mr Davidge said the dealer is considering three potential options should the circumstances change.

Hybrid options are a popular second choice, and the Honda Hybrid at Auto Solutions has been pre-sold for five months.

Mr Andrews said customers who are keenest on electric vehicles are also advised of the options at Bermuda Motors.

Sebastien Cornet, general sales manager at Bermuda Motors, said the Mini Cooper and Kia Soul have proved a hit, while they are hoping to add the Mini Aceman later this year.

However, efforts to bring in more well-known brands have been thwarted because Bermuda is deemed part of the Caribbean region.

“People seem to be more comfortable to invest their money when they know it’s a premium brand,” Mr Cornet said.

“There’s definitely an interest in the Mini and we have been quite successful with the BMW when we had it.”

Mr Smith shares the frustration.

“The region we are lumped in with is Latin America and the Caribbean. If they don’t have interest in these vehicles then we don’t get them,” he said.

“I wish we were tied to Europe by the hip because then we would have them. But if larger markets like Trinidad are not interested, then they won’t release it to Bermuda.”

One company to successfully get a foot in the door is World Distributors, the bike dealers, which brought the Neta V from China last year.

“There is a high level of interest for EV in Bermuda,” said Eugene Bothello, president of World Distributors.

“With our island being the size that it is, EV are a perfect choice. The feedback has been very positive and many of our new customers have been referred to us by clients that have been driving the Neta V for some time.”
Mr Bothello said World Distributors intends to have new models available later this year.

Mr Smith agrees on the level of interest.

“There’s been so much talking worldwide about electric vehicles,” he said.

“Most of our TV is based on US and Canada. You see adverts of EV cars. These clients do their research on the internet and we find they know more about the car than we do.

“They check out what the rest of the world has and they are prepared and knowledgeable.”

The post Electric revolution ready for take off appeared first on RG Magazines.

We might e-mail long-distant friends and business associates to announce we’re about to lose power – then we would enter the old-fashioned, non-electronic world for as long as it took Belco and the communications companies to get the show back on the road.

In this modern era of instant connectivity, however, our needs are very different.

From WhatsApp chat groups with friends across the globe to business negotiations with overseas clients, the ability to connect is more vital than ever before.

Some disruption is inevitable during a major storm but, for telecoms providers like One Communications, the pressure is on to maintain service as much as possible whatever the weather.

“It is fair to say that people have higher expectations today when it comes to staying connected during a storm,” a One Communications spokeswoman said.

“There is increased reliance on digital communication in general for both personal and professional interactions with the proliferation of smartphones, social media and cloud-based services.”

The Covid-19 pandemic prompted a rise of remote working and flexibility, meaning many businesses now operate on a “work-from-anywhere” approach, which means employees require reliable internet and communication services.

“Social connectivity with social media and messaging apps have become integral to receiving timely information and maintaining personal relationships,” the spokeswoman said.

“During a storm, maintaining reliable communication services is important for our customers to stay connected to family, emergency services and even business connections.

“Our commitment to keeping customers connected during a storm reflects our dedication to their safety, security and wellbeing.

“We strive to provide reliable communication services that are essential for navigating challenging times, ensuring access to information, assistance and community support.”

Storm preparations begin as early as May, when outside plant teams review foliage along the main trunk lines and inspect critical core infrastructure.

“Power outages are the leading cause of connectivity loss,” the One Communications spokeswoman explained.

“Additionally, high winds from severe weather condition and foliage can cause droplines to be pulled down. Foliage that has not been adequately trimmed poses a significant risk.”

As a hurricane approaches, the team moves into storm mode.

The spokeswoman said: “Once we are on alert, we activate our Business Continuity plan where our teams are well trained on their roles and responsibilities.

“Essential items are all stored in locations across the island for quick access. Once it is safe, our service delivery, construction and maintenance teams are prepared to respond.”

During the storm, the firm’s Network Operations Centre monitors outages and works closely with Belco to address power-related issues.

As soon as the Emergency Measures Organisation signals it is safe for utility companies to proceed, they prioritise restoration tasks to ensure the quickest possible recovery of services.

One Communications staff follow strict safety rules as they go about getting people connected again.

“The safety of our staff is our top priority. We do not perform any restoration work during the storm to avoid putting our teams at risk,” the spokeswoman said.

“We collaborate closely with the EMO to confirm the conditions are safe before beginning any repair activities. Our field teams are among the first responders, following the all-clear from the EMO, to assess the network infrastructure.

“It is essential that roads are clear of public traffic to allow utility companies to operate safely and efficiently during these restoration efforts.”

In recent years, One Communications has improved the resiliency of its network by making major investments in its fibre infrastructure.

“Our commitment to data-driven decision-making underpins our approach to network resilience,” the spokeswoman said.

“Historical data allows us to pinpoint the areas that are most vulnerable and allows us to take proactive measures.

“Collaboration is also key to our strategy. We work closely with Belco and our Outside Plant team to improve areas that may be heavily impacted by the storm.

“By continuously reinforcing our infrastructure, we reduce the likelihood of service disruptions during storms.”

A series of inspections are carried out to maintain the integrity of the network.

“These inspections involve examinations of our infrastructure in areas that are most exposed to storm impacts,” the spokeswoman said. “This allows us to identify potential vulnerabilities early on.”

She warned that, no matter how badly you need to get connected after a storm, you should never take matters into your hands.

“We urge customers to stay safe in their homes and allow utility companies to evaluate and assess the situation,” she said.

“It is crucial not to cut or tamper with cables, as they might be supplying services to a larger area. We ask for patience as our teams work as quickly as possible to restore services.

“Despite some team members being personally affected by the storm, they remain committed to being in the field and working to reconnect our customers.”

You can decrease your chances of being impacted by ensuring you don’t have loose branches that might break in a storm and damage cables.

“Please be vigilant about foliage growing near power and cable lines,” the spokeswoman said.

“Report any issues to the utility companies promptly. Your cooperation helps us maintain a safe and reliable network.”

The post Keeping us connected appeared first on RG Magazines.

Technology has advanced so much, in fact, that now the only thing leaving us hot and sweaty is the dilemma of choosing from the vast range of AC options at the appliance stores.

How big is your room? What floor is it on? What’s your budget? Do you care what the AC looks and sounds like? Does it need to be energy efficient and easy to maintain?

As you consider all these questions and more, Brendan Stones, the General Manager of AirCare, provided advice to help navigate the ever-evolving world of air conditioners.

“When air conditioning started becoming popular in Bermuda almost all homes (and even some offices) used window units,” Mr Stones said.

“These units were loud and extremely inefficient. While window units have become much quieter and more energy efficient thanks to the development of new technologies, there is now a much wider variety of more efficient and aesthetically pleasing options to air condition homes and offices with far better results.”

Air conditioners come in different shapes and sizes, so Mr. Stones talked us through various the pros and cons:

Window air conditioners

 Sitting within the window frame, these units draw hot air out of the room and blow cold air in.

Pros:

• Highly effective cooling small to medium spaces.
• Water drains outside the house.
• Readily available and fairly affordable to purchase and run.
• Require little maintenance.

Cons:

• Potential security risk and can fall if not secured appropriately.
• Some find them visually unappealing.
• Water can drain in an inconvenient place.
• Generally noisier and lower energy efficiency rating.

Latest model: Midea 12,000 BTU window unit. Self-evaporative, auto-defrosting and auto-restarting functions, fresh air ventilation and both heating and cooling. Far more energy efficient than its predecessors.

Portable air conditioners

These standalone cooling units can be placed anywhere and easily moved or stored thanks to their compact design.

Pros:

• Provide quick, temporary cooling solution for small to medium spaces.
• Flexible, portable and can be self-installed in 15 minutes.
• Budget friendly for initial investment and general maintenance.
• Newer smart units can connect to an app for extra convenience.

Cons:

• Limited cooling capacity options and less energy efficient.
• Tend to be noisier because the components are inside your home.
• You need to empty the drain pan.
• Require an exhaust hose to be vented through a window.

Latest model: Midea portable air conditioner. Free-standing in-room unit that produces 12,000 BTU per hour. Easy and quick installation, quiet and efficient, can be easily moved from room to room.

Split system air conditioners

 These contain an indoor unit and an outdoor compressor and condenser unit, connected by copper tubes. Heat is absorbed by the indoor unit and transferred by the flow of refrigerant to the condenser unit outside, where it is released.

Pros

• Convenient with flexible options such as single or multi-zone, wall units, concealed ducted and ceiling cassettes.
• Attractive, sleek and slim, without air ducts or clunky components in the window.
• Energy efficient and can offer heating, cooling and dehumidification functions.
• Easy to use and programmable with a variety of settings.

Cons

• Initial investment is more expensive.
• Require professional installation and maintenance, which increases costs while improving efficiency and longevity.

Latest model: Daikin Atmosphera single zone heating and cooling system. Uses the R32 refrigerant gas which makes it more energy efficient than older models, with lower threat to global warming.

Factors to consider when choosing air conditioners:

Energy efficiency

Installing energy efficiency rated units can reduce your energy use by up to 50 per cent.

Look out for the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio/Rating (SEER); Combined Energy Efficiency Ratio (CEER); Heating Seasonal Performance Factor Rating (HSPF); and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER).

“The higher the energy rating, the more energy efficient the unit,” Mr. Stones explained.

“Energy ratings can be provided for each system supported by AirCare, including window and portable units, to ensure customers know the efficiency of the system they are investing in.”

Room size

 Your sales consultant will help you pick the right AC for your space.

You will need to consider what floor you’re on, because heat rises, how much direct sunlight it gets and how many people or heat producing appliances are in the room.

If you’re installing split or central systems, a consultant will visit the property to recommend the size of the unit.

Noise

Advances in technology mean that even window units and portable units are relatively quiet these days.

Ask about the decibel rating to decide which system option, unit, or brand works best for you. “Purchasers should keep in mind that the loudest component of an AC system is the compressor,” Mr. Stones said. “Portable ACs tend to be louder than most units because the compressor is part of the unit.”

Longevity

The quality of the device, installation, and maintenance can improve its longevity, but Bermuda’s humidity and salty air will shorten its life.

Mr Stones said: “Typically, window units have the shortest lifespan as they are exposed to the elements. Central air conditioning and mini-split systems have the cooling unit outside which is exposed to the elements, but with proper maintenance these can last for ten years or more.”

You should purchase from a licensed retailer and ensure a qualified HVAC technician installs your central and split systems.

Maintenance 

Regular system maintenance will improve energy efficiency; extend equipment lifespan; produce savings on your monthly bill; maintain optimal performance; and help you detect problems early.

During maintenance appointments, technicians monitor refrigerant levels, check for issues such as leaks, and clean coils and drains.

Mr. Stones said: “While some Items like filter cleaning can be done safely by the customers, the items checked during a maintenance appointment are best left to the professionally trained technician.”

“We urge customers not to wait for increased energy bills, unusual noises or smells, or for the

system to stop working before scheduling a maintenance appointment.”

The post Keep a cool head as you pick your air conditioner appeared first on RG Magazines.