The News Navigators

Heart health: what athletes, families and weekend warriors need to know 13.05.2026 37p

Dr Sawalla Guseh, a sports cardiologist at Mass General Brigham and director of fellowship training within theCardiovascular Performance Program at Massachusetts General Hospital Heart Centre, joins The News Navigators for a timely conversation about heart health, exercise, and the risks facing athletes and active people of all ages.Dr. Guseh explains that his work focuses on caring for athletes with heart disease, or those at risk of developing it, fromelite competitors to recreational runners, triathletes, and “tactical athletes” such as police, fire and military personnel. The interview explores why younger athletes can sometimes suffer sudden cardiac arrest, often linked to genetic orstructural heart conditions, while older “masters” athletes are more likely to face coronary artery disease, what he memorably describes as problems with the heart’s “plumbing”. For Bermuda, where sport and outdoor activity are central to community life, his advice is practical and relevant: know your family history, take symptoms seriously, and understand your numbers, including blood pressure, LDL cholesterol and blood sugar. He also discusses pre-participation screening, the role of EKGs, the dangers of exercising too soon after viral illness, and why athletes should not fear specialist assessment, since sports cardiology is increasingly focused on distinguishing disease from healthy athletic adaptation. The conversation also widens into everyday prevention: the importance of movement, sleep, stress management, balanced training, and caution around stimulants and supplements. Through Dr. Guseh’s expertise, the episode showcases the depth of Mass General Brigham’s cardiovascular care and itsability to combine world-class clinical knowledge with highly personalised guidance for athletes, families, and anyone trying to live a longer, healthier life.Mass General Brigham sponsored this podcast.

Stop smartphone use until the age of 14? 28.04.2026 33p

In this second podcast about social media use, we speak to Una Walsh-Taylor and Mike Walsh who founded SmartphoneFree Childhood Bermuda which wants to delay smartphone use until at least age 14 and social media use until age 16.It’s a fascinating conversation and one that parents – and Government – should listen to and take on board.Would you stop children having a smartphone or not? Tell us why.

Jason Hayward: why I would be a good Premier 20.04.2026 51p

In this episode of The Full Point, Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, sets out why he believes he is the right person to succeed David Burt as leader of the Progressive Labour Party and, in turn, Premier of Bermuda.He speaks candidly about controversial statements from his past, discusses how the PLP can broaden its appeal to bothBlack and White voters, and addresses conversations with Housing Minister Zane DeSilva about the leadership contest.In an exclusive on this podcast last year, Mr DeSilva declared that he was going to run for the leadership, but subsequently changed his mind. It is unclear if he is going to run for the Deputy Leadership role.Mr Hayward also shares his views on Iran and the potential impact of the war on Bermuda, and explains why he does notsupport holding a referendum on joining Caricom.

Myles Darrell on Southlands, Conservation and the Fight for Bermuda’s Open Spaces 15.04.2026 41p

What happens when Bermuda’s environment is treated as more than just scenery?In our latest conversation, Myles Darrell of the Bermuda National Trust talks about the real pressures facing Bermuda’snatural spaces — from Southlands and open space protection to invasive species, littering, and the growing need for stronger biosecurity.What stands out is that this is not just a policy discussion. It is also about community, family, education, and the kind of Bermuda we want to leave behind.Myles brings both credibility and calm urgency to the conversation. He highlights why places like Southlands matter,why threats like red imported fire ants should concern everyone, and how practical conservation work — including youth eco clubs, cedar planting, and community engagement — can make a difference.This is a thoughtful reminder that protecting Bermuda’s environment is not separate from protecting quality of life, tourism, and national identity. It is all connected.

Podcast special: should Bermuda impose a social media ban for under-16s? 12.03.2026 46p

Should children under the age of 16 be banned from social media, or is a delay with stronger safeguards the better answer?In this special roundtable episode of The News Navigators, the conversation explores the growing debate around a possible social media ban for young people, inspired by moves in places like Australia and wider discussions in the UK and US.The discussion looks at the real harms linked to youth social media use, including addiction, anxiety, low self-esteem, cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, online grooming, sleep disruption, and the pressure of algorithm-driven validation. A key theme is that social media platforms are designed to keep young users engaged, often exploiting developing brains that are more vulnerable to impulse, comparison, and peer approval.Rather than supporting a simple ban, the main view in this episode is that the issue is more complex. The focus shouldbe on whether children are emotionally and developmentally ready for social media, and on building a stronger system of protection around them. That includes parent education, digital literacy, resilience training for young people, school and community support,government action, and greater accountability for tech companies and platforms.The episode also explores the tension between child safety, freedom, parental responsibility, platform responsibility, and government regulation. While age restrictions may help, the panel argues that bans alone are unlikely to work because young people often findways around them. The stronger solution may be a combination of education, open communication, digital wellness, and platform reform.This is a thoughtful discussion on one of the biggest parenting and policy questions of our time: how to protect childrenonline without pushing the problem further underground.Tell us what you think: email thenewsnavs@gmail.com

An agreement to disagree over the Caricom green paper and why is homelessness not a priority? 11.03.2026 41p

In this episode Jonathan and Jeremy agree to disagree over the Caricom Green Paper published by the Bermuda Government – find out why.Does it set out the pros and cons? Does it do enough to inform people? Is it a Government fait accomplis and really a White Paper in disguise?Also, homelessness in Bermuda is on the rise again. We talk about the need to get behind the Plan to End Homelessness, which appears to have dropped off the radar, and how Government need to get a champion to ensure all ministries are working as one to ensure an end to this issue.

How you will you be affected by the Iran war. The need for competition laws and will the OBA Budget reply resonate with voters? 05.03.2026 56p

In this episode of The News Navigators, Jeremy Deacon and Jonathan Starling start with the Iran war and what it couldmean for Bermuda. Jonathan argues the conflict is an illegal “war of choice” that undermines international law and future diplomacy, whileJeremy agrees on the illegality but pushes back on whether the nature of Iran’s regime matters. They then move from geopolitics to pocketbook impact: longer fighting in the Middle East could drive up oil andnatural gas prices, disrupt key shipping routes (including the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea risks), and push up the cost of importing goods into Bermuda. The hosts warn that higher fuel costs would likely raise the Belco bill, increase grocery and commodity prices, and squeeze households—especially working people. They also discuss knock-on effects for tourism: more expensive flights and cruises, plus less disposable income insource markets like the US, Canada, the UK, and Europe, could mean fewer visitors. They speculate about elevated security and cyber-risk in a wider conflict environment, and note Bermuda’s vulnerability as a “price taker,” arguing for more energy resilience, local food production where possible, and diversified import routes. Next, they unpack the AllShores decision to restrict where certain high-cost prescriptions can be filled—directing clientsto Phoenix pharmacies for medicines such as GLP-1 treatments (e.g., Ozempic/Mounjaro/Wegovy), biologics, and oncology therapies. They outline AllShore’s justification that these drugs drive a large share of costs despite a small share of prescriptions, but highlight concerns raised by independent pharmacies anddoctors about patient choice, medication safety, administrative burden, and the risk of further market concentration. They also point to Bermuda’s lack of modern antitrust/competition legislation as a recurring issue. Finally, they tee up the OBA’s budget reply and whether it can win an election and believe that although it has some goodpoints, it is in the shadow of a sweetheart, stimulus budget delivered by the Government.

Minister Darrell on the PLP leadership and the fallout from that BTA report 02.03.2026 46p

In this wide-ranging interview, Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, is pressed on two political talking points: the PLP leadership transition and the still-simmering Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA) controversy. On PLP leadership, Mr Darrell says the party leader, David Burt, will be missed but stresses the PLP has depth andpublic confidence after recent election wins. He notes the leader is not stepping down immediately, pushing back on the idea that “he’s going tomorrow”, and acknowledges how early announcements can create a vacuum and speculation.Asked if he will run, Mr Darrell is clear: he is not putting his name forward. Instead, he frames leadership as daily service — running a large ministry, appointing multiple boards, and working his constituency regularly — while keeping his support behind the current leader for the months remaining.He also reacts to the emerging leadership picture, calling the Hayward/De Silva move “bold” and describing the jockeying and “will you, won’t you” politics that typically surrounds leadership contests. While he avoids endorsing anyone, he confirms the party’s formal process will determine the field and timing.On the BTA row, Mr Darrell defends why concerns were escalated, saying he acted because he was hearing distressdirectly from people and felt it was his duty to ensure complaints reached the board. He rejects the “threatening” label but admits he was firm, and he reiterates that the BTA board operates independently once appointed.As the Minister responsible for road safety, he is also put on the spot about what the Government is doing. See if you agree with what he said.

Jason Hayward Launches PLP Leadership bid — Is a Hayward–DeSilva Ticket Forming? 24.02.2026 28p

Jason Hayward Launches PLP Leadership Bid — is a Hayward–DeSilva Ticket Forming?In what looked like a carefully choreographed political launch, Jason Hayward — Bermuda’s Minister of Labour and the Economy — has announced his intention to run for the leadership of the Progressive Labour Party.And the optics afterwards were just as telling.In photos following the announcement, Hayward stood hand-in-hand with Housing Minister Zane DeSilva — who announced his own leadership ambitions on this podcast last year, but now appears to have stepped aside.So are we looking at a Hayward/DeSilva ticket — Leader and Deputy Leader?If so, that kind of unified front can do two things at once: project inevitability, and squeeze other contenders outbefore the race even begins.Which raises the obvious question: who else could realistically enter?Curtis Dickinson, the former Finance Minister, tried before — and lost. Does he have another run in him, or has thatwindow closed?Then there’s the bigger issue: what kind of leader would Jason Hayward actually be — and by extension, what kind ofPremier?And how will the One Bermuda Alliance respond?Will they welcome this matchup… or will they go straight for the attacks — including resurfacing that old “Union Thug”t-shirt controversy (which Hayward said was meant to be ironic) in an effort to discredit him?Because that can be a dangerous game.Politics has a way of backfiring — and in Bermuda, “be careful what you wish for” isn’t just a saying, it’s a warning.And whoever becomes Premier will inherit more than a title.They’ll be taking office on the crest of a stimulus-driven Budget — with the public expecting that momentum to translate into real outcomes, not headlines.The pressure will be immediate: keep the stimulus from evaporating, prove it’s creating growth, and show people they can actually feel the difference.So the real story here isn’t just who runs.It’s what kind of Bermuda they’re promising to deliver — and whether the next leader can turn a stimulus moment intolong-term stability.· Apologies for the audio disappearing at the end, there was a techhiccup.

Podcast Budget special: a great big stimulus package but will labour supply hinder execution? 20.02.2026 32p

With a forecast for government revenue to surpass $2 billion, it was no surprise that the Budget was a bit of a sweetheart budget – or more to the point, a great big giveaway budget.It hit all the right spots – putting money into people’s pockets, addressing cost of living issues, pleasing workers and businesses and putting in fiscal guidelines for the use of corporate income tax revenue to pay off debt over the next three years.David Burt, the minister of finance and Premier, also committed to paying off more than $600 million in debt, freeing up $25 million in interest payments.In what was a 2-hour budget speech, Mr Burt outlined a raft of investments – roads, the hospital, health care, infrastructure like Tynes Bay and housing, which, in per centage terms, got one of the largest budget increases, some 42 per cent.But is there a fly in the ointment? It was a short mention, three paragraphs in a nearly 60 page speech: labour reform and the relaxation of protected job categories. One short line acknowledged the danger of wage inflation – but there is also the issue of supply. If there is little to no labour supply (because everyone is working) it could also stymy projects.Next week the One Bermuda Alliance will deliver its Budget reply – what will they find to criticize?https://youtu.be/NQDzn4zGsvw?si=Jkgi-cVSqIKjbmUS

What will the Budget bring and why are judges talking about pay? 19.02.2026 35p

Budget day is tomorrow and the Finance Minister will have around $600m extra to play with thanks to the corporate income tax revenue.Cost-of-livingwill be at the forefront and expect to see measures to put more money in ourpockets as well as efforts to include more items in the duty-free bucket.But what else? What long-term planning will we see – there is money for it – how much of the CIT revenue be used to pay off the debt?Why are judges talking about their pay? Well, it is about judicial independence, especially as they witness more cases of citizens vs the government in the courts.They also raise the epidemic of violent crime, insisting that life skills work should start with children aged as young as 5.· Listening to the Budget tomorrow – let us know your thoughts, email thenewsnavs@gmail.com or Whatsapp 534 2205

OBA’s trust deficit, UK Lord discusses Bermuda independence and why no priority for the unhoused? 13.02.2026 51p

Can the One Bermuda Alliance rebuild public trust? Is the UK quietly questioning Bermuda’s governance? And why are more than 1,100 Bermudians still unhoused?In this episode, we break down the growing trust deficit in Bermuda politics, examine renewed scrutiny from the UK House of Lords over the Overseas Territories, and confront the harsh reality of Bermuda’s homelessness crisis amid rising cost-of-living pressures.As temperatures drop and political rhetoric heats up, we ask the uncomfortable but necessary questions about accountability, leadership, and whether real solutions are on the table.If trust is gained in teaspoons and lost in buckets — where does Bermuda stand today? Listen in to another episode of The News Navigators, Bermuda's only current affairs podcast!

Pressure now on OBA's new leader Ben Smith to perform 07.02.2026 38p

As the One Bermuda Alliance caucus backs Ben Smith as leader of the party and leader of the opposition, attention turns to him to perform in the role he coveted. Will he live up to expectations?What will Robert King do now? He is unlikely to get a good - if any - shadow cabinet role. Will he be faithful to the party or a loose cannon on the backbench?And still no proper explanation for the coup - how bad is the rebels' messaging? Very bad indeed and it will keep the story running and running .....There will be more on this, there is no doubt, as shadow cabinet appointments are made, people are frozen out, a new senate team is sworn in and, without a doubt, the Progressive Labour Party will have a field day.

Podcast special: a coup at the OBA, but how will it play out? 05.02.2026 37p

Via a 'palace coup' Robert King was today ousted as the Leader of the Opposition with Ben Smith, who lost the leadership election last year, installed in Mr King's place.But where will this end? Mr King is still the leader of the One Bermuda Alliance and has so far refused to resign his post, which carries significant power.It will come down to a caucus meeting to see if MPs, Senators, candidates, approved candidates and the party's executive agree with the coup. If not, the OBA will be in murky waters.Even if the vote goes in favour of removing Mr King, how will the membership - who voted to elect him - receive this? Will they leave? Will they try a revolt?It is an unholy mess and one that will have the Progressive Labour Party popping the bubbly corks.Are you an OBA member, what do you think? Email thenewsnavs@gmail.com

Why doesn't Bermuda take road safety seriously? 05.02.2026 33p

Jeremy Deacon and Jonathan Starling ask: why doesn't Bermuda seem to take road safety seriously despite the awful costs - financially and emotionally - of all the fatalities and survivors of accidents?It makes no sense, yet there is still a lack of action. What do you think? Tell us of your ideas for road safety or your near misses on the roads. Email thenewsnavs@gmail.com

How education Plan 2022 is in danger of becoming a ghost framework 29.01.2026 36p

Education reform, which started with Plan 2022, released in 2017, is losing its core visions as reform, interrupted by Covid, now seams on the verge of going back to square one, causing confusion and anger among parents, unions - and students.The News Navigators looks at what has happened in school reform in Bermuda over the last few weeks after a series of meetings caused chaos and forced the Education Minister into having a series of media interviews to try and quell confusion.But as we discuss, those media rounds appeared to do little to curb concerns and potentially succeeded only in undermining public trust and confidence in the government.

Would Trump really want Bermuda? 21.01.2026 32p

While all the news is focused on Greenland, it has been suggested that such is Donald Trump's unpredictability that Bermuda could even be in his sights. But what use would Bermuda serve? Why would he want it? Is it even remotely likely that Bermuda could be taken over by the USA?

What to watch for in 2026 and ... well, we could just not resist talking about Trump 07.01.2026 55p

In this New Year’s edition, Jonathan and Jeremy set aside the usual look-back and focus squarely on what lies ahead for Bermuda in 2025. From the final budget under Premier David Burt to a consequential PLP leadership race, this episode breaks down the high-stakes decisions and power shifts expected in the months ahead.Will the corporate income tax surplus translate into real relief on housing or healthcare? What legacy is Burt aiming to leave — and who might take the reins next? The hosts examine how fiscal choices may signal political preferences, and whether new contenders like Curtis Dickinson or Alexa Lightbourne are positioned to rise. Also: the shadow of income tax, the real implications of zero unemployment, and a cynic’s take on road safety and public trust.This is not just a political preview — it’s a clear-eyed guide to the civic and economic forces that will shape Bermuda’s future.And, well, after everything that has happened in Venezuela, we could not resist talking about Trump and whether he is a bigger threat to the western world than Russia or China.

Why we do not need a Caricom referendum 18.12.2025 41p

Jonathan Starling and Jeremy Deacon agree that membership of Caricom can be left to MPs to decide and, did the OBA get one up on the PLP with the absentee voting legislation? Listen in for analysis and debate on what is happening in Bermuda.

Beyond the Stigma: How does social media impact our young people 16.12.2025 1ó 4p

In the powerful finale of our Beyond the Stigma series, we confront a reality too urgent to ignore: how social media is reshaping adolescent mental health in Bermuda. From skyrocketing screen time to sleep disruption, anxiety, and self-esteem struggles, our youth are facing an unprecedented mental health storm — and we’re only beginning to grasp its scale.This episode unpacks the complex role of social media in young lives: both a vital tool for connection and a source of intense psychological pressure. With clinical insight and on-the-ground experience, our guests shed light on how developing brains are especially vulnerable to online environments engineered for addiction.But this isn’t just a conversation — it’s a call to action.We explore practical solutions: digital literacy in schools, banning phone use during class hours, making bedrooms tech-free zones, and equipping parents and educators with tools to set healthy boundaries. We also tackle the deeper challenge — teaching youth conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and critical thinking in a fast-paced digital world.Social media isn’t going away. But we must evolve how we talk about it, teach it, and regulate its use — before more young lives are shaped by its darker edges.Join the movement to build a mentally healthier Bermuda. Share this episode, start the conversation, and help shape a future where young people can thrive — online and off.Trigger warning!If this is an emergency or if you are concerned about yourown safety or that of a loved one, please call the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute Emergency hotline: 239 1111. They are open 24/7. Alternatively please call the police on 911 or go to the Emergency Room at KEMH.