Island Essentials

Democracy, Bermuda-Style

Bermuda remains a British colony but is self-governing in almost Parliamentary system modeled after that of the UK. Although we are nominally under the responsibility of a Governor who is appointed by the Queen, the House of Assembly is where the big decisions are made.

The house has 36 elected members representing all areas of the island. At the moment the majority belong to the Progressive Labour Party (PLP), who won a snap election in October 2020. The PLP has 30 seats with the opposition One Bermuda Alliance (OBA) now represented with 6.

The October 2020 election was also contested by the Free Democratic Movement, led by

The Governor, Her Excellency Rena Lalgie The Premier, DavidBurt, JP, MP

former PLP leader Marc Bean. Its 5% of the popular vote was not enough to secure any parliamentary seats.

The Premier is chosen by the majority party from its elected members to lead the Government and therefore the country.

As ‘guest work’, one is not entitled to vote or stand for election.

Bermuda has its own very colourful currency

MONEY

MATTERS

The island has its own currency, the Bermuda dollar, which is ‘pegged’ to the US dollar — one Bermuda dollar equals one US dollar. American money is accepted everywhere. Nearly all ATM’s dispense Bermuda dollars but there are a few that provide US dollars – including several in the departure lounge at the airport. Major credit and debit cards are accepted island-wide. Unlike some of the islands to our south, we don’t have hundreds of banks registered here. There are only a few, with names probably unfamiliar to you (with the notable exception of HSBC). All of them might expect, such as loans, investment services and online banking. With money laundering of major concern worldwide, don’t be surprised if you’re asked for a great deal of personal information when opening an account.

Capital Gains

Of all the world’s capital cities, Hamilton must rank among the smallest and the most prosperous. It’s also an unusually pleasant city with a tasteful blend of traditional and contemporary architecture and hardly a window that doesn’t overlook blue sea or luxuriant greenery. attractively unassuming facades that line the main streets beats the heart of big-time international business. Hamilton is one of the world’s leading insurance centers, ranking behind only London and New York, and is the undisputed number one in captive insurance.

One of the things you’ll like about our capital is that everything is within than 10 minutes walk from your own, and within a 5-minute walk there’s every chance of more than 10 restaurants or take-outs from which to choose for lunch.

You and the Law

from most other sophisticated countries. It is based on English common law.

Firearms and ammunitions and indeed all weaponry are completely unwelcome and carry heavy penalties. Importing even a small amount of any illegal drug for your

And be warned, working outside the bounds of your work-permit could lead to big trouble, both for you and your employer.

The Police wouldn’t want to meet you on business

Our wild side Despite the island’s tiny and lots of (non-threatening) wildlife inhabiting it. The island is sprinkled with small, but interesting national parks and nature reserves.

There are also miles of South Shore beachfront that are mercifully clear of development. They are public and therefore free to roam and swim. The railway trail is another treat. It stretches from St. George’s to Somerset, cutting through parts of the island you would otherwise never see. Great for walking, jogging or cycling. Bermuda is an ecological and wrecks make a paradise treasure island for divers.

GETTING OFF THE ROCK

Bermuda is a small place with limited diversions, which is why Bermudians are so well travelled. They’re always taking short careful planning of your budget, you can too, because despite our relative isolation, we’re remarkably well connected by air to the US, Canada, and the UK. We’re enjoy regular (mostly daily) down the East Coast, to Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, Philadelphia, Washington, New Jersey, New York, Boston and Toronto. British Airways has a dedicated service between Bermuda and Heathrow, London. For an up and from Bermuda visit www.

ENGLISH WITH A TWIST…

Of course we do speak English, but with an that may be a little confusing

One particular feature is the transposing of the letters w and v – as in “Velcome to our island” and “gold is a waluable commodity” – which can be traced back to old English.

Ask any Bermudian you meet to explain the intricacies of islandspeak and you’re in for a hilarious conversation.

Our weather is mostly marvelous Over the Volcano

Particularly Pleasant Weather

Although it is close to the US northeast, Bermuda’s climate is semitropical, kept warm and humid by the Gulf Stream. It is hottest in the months of July, August and September when temperatures are usually in the 80s with equally high humidity counts. swimming for Bermudians – and end in November. But temperatures from November to May can vary enormously, from the pleasant mid-70s to the all-time low of 41, recorded in 1955. January, February and March can be rainy and cool, although once again in this temperate climate, it is unusual to experience more than a few days of unpleasant weather at a time. It is generally referred to as “the island”, but Bermuda is in fact a chain of about 150 islands, many of which are really just rocky outcrops.

The land area, all 22 square miles of it, represents the summit of an undersea mountain. Although the highest point in Bermuda is a mere 259 feet above sea level, the ocean plunges to 15,000 feet within a few miles of land.

Do not be alarmed that the mountain we mentioned was volcanic – it is extinct. And you will also be happy to learn that although we do get the occasional hurricane, Bermuda is spared other natural disasters of any magnitude.

US Preclearance

When you landed at L.F. Wade International Airport, you experienced our new passenger terminal, opened in December 2020.

It was built north of the old terminal, which had been constructed in the 1950’s, with several subsequent additions and renovations.

The new terminal cost around $250 million and has been designed in such a way that it can easily accommodate the addition of extra aircraft gates at either end of the terminal.

A partnership between the governments of Bermuda and Canada underpins the project.

enjoy is having US Customs and Immigration preclearance. Only about a dozen locations around the world have this US preclearance programme, which enables you to ‘preclear’ here if you’re travelling to the US, so wherever you land, onward travel is seamless. No further US customs, immigration or security checks required, unlike passengers arriving in the US from almost all other countries.

Super-speedy Internet

Bermuda is one of the most wired countries in the world, so you can put aside any worries about staying in touch through Facebook, FaceTime, WhatsApp, Instagram, Skype or any of your other favourite apps. and cell/mobile rates higher than elsewhere, and the price of smart phones higher than in North America and Europe. Also, the latest releases tend to reach us later than those larger markets. cell phone plan will cost you more than $100 per month. A basic cable TV package is $30 and if you’re looking for ‘the works’, including HBO, expect to pay close to $150

per month. Internet access is also from $80 per month upwards with the fastest speeds costing more than $300. A basic phone landline is around $30 a month. 4G LTE cellular service is available throughout the island. No decision has yet been made on the deployment of 5G technology on the island.

Dress Code

Scasual, just isn’t the done thing here. wrong with a blue blazer, white or blue cotton shirt and khakis. They’ll do for everything from work to weddings. But if you prefer to conform with the locals, wear Bermuda shorts, paired with knee socks and loafers.

Women: err on the conservative and smart side until you get a feel for the prevailing attitude in your or make-up just isn’t the done thing; neither are nose rings, tongue studs and other prominent body piercings.