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.
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.
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.
In the latest episode Jonathan Starling and Jeremy Deacon look at the latest apparent spat between the Government and Governor over security and also examine the implications of what appears to be full employment in Bermuda.
Aminah Simmons and Jah-nai Smith have both experiencedmental health problems. Here, in the third part of our Beyond the Stigma series, looking at youth mental health, they talk candidly about their experiences.
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: 2391111. They are open 24/7. Alternatively, please call the police on 911 or go to the Emergency Room at KEMH.
Trigger Warning:
This podcast discusses mental health challenges, including topics that may be sensitive for some listeners. Please take care while listening and reach out for support if needed.
OBA leader Robert King addresses reports of splits in the party, apparent challenges to his leadership and stresses he is ready to be Bermuda’s Premier.
Jonathan Starling and Jeremy Deacon look at the Auditor General's report on ministerial expenses and some missing receipts as well asking: is there already a split in the OBA over the leadership?
Jeremy Deacon and Jonathan Starling look at the spat between Home Affairs Minister Alexa Lightbourne and the shadow minister, Michael Fahy, a proposed shake-up of the jury system and Throne Speech? Wherefore art thou Throne Speech
In the second part of our interview with the Deputy Premier and Housing Minister, Zane DeSilva, which was recorded on Friday, October 17, speaks of high hopes over helping to ease the housing crisis as well as the spiraling cost of Morgan’s Point. However, he is coy over the future of the Corporations of Hamilton and St. George.
Recorded on Friday, this is part one of a deeply revealing interview with the Deputy Premier, Zane DeSilva as he confirms his intention to run for the Progressive Labour Party leadership and by default, Premier of Bermuda, when the current leader, David Burt, steps down next October. He speaks to question marks over his integrity, being accepted as a White person in the PLP and his experiences growing up, sleeping on the floor of a shack, which has helped to form many of the views he has today.
In the second part of our series on youth mental health, as part of Mental Health Month, Jeremy Deacon and Jonathan Starling talk to three young people who are among those at the forefront of helping to destigmatise, and raise awareness of, the issue.
Trigger Warning: This podcast discusses mental health challenges, including topics that may be sensitive for some listeners. Please take care while listening and reach out for support if needed.
If you are concerned about your own 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.
Jonathan Starling and Jeremy Deacon take an in-depth look at the recent Cost of Living report, as well as the future of the Corporations of Hamilton and St George now the Privy Council has sided with the Government. If you have any thoughts on these issues or having suggestions for topics to discuss, email thenewsnavs@gmail.comTo advertise on this podcast, call 534 2205
With a staggering number of young Bermudians reporting mental health challenges, hosts Jeremy Deacon and Jonathan Starling sit down with Dr. Dan Cavanagh, Leader Researcher and Dr. Shawnee Basden, Clinical Psychologist and Project Manager for the Youth Mental Health Plan, to explore the just released 2022 National Adolescent Mental Health Survey findings and discuss what’s being done across the island to support youth wellbeing.
This is the first episode in a four-part series examining the state of youth mental health in Bermuda as part of Mental Health Month.
If you need help call the 24-hour crisis support line at the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute on 239-1111. For additional mental health support, contact the Red Cross on 236-8253.
On the eve of Mental Health month, Jeremy Deacon and Jonathan Starling look at research in Bermuda that suggests the island is an outlier in terms of the numbers of adolescents that have mental health problems. They also talk about their own experiences with mental health issues.
Also, if you know anything about murders in Bermuda - call Crimestoppers on 800 8477
At a press conference held in the wake of the murder of Janae Minors, 37, a mother of two, the Police Commissioner, Darrin Simons, was asked about the potential use of emergency powers.
He said: “[The Emergency Powers Act] has not been engaged. When we look at the total range of options that we could deploy, certainly that will be part of the discussion.
“I don’t think we are there at this point in time, when you look at other jurisdictions and the deployment of emergency powers. There are worse circumstances.”
But what does the Emergency Powers Act say? What does it allow? Do we need it? Jonathan Starling and Jeremy Deacon look at legislation that could give authorities sweeping powers.
Do you have a view on this? Let us know - email thenewsnavs@gmail.com
Mischa Fubler opens up about the workings of the Wage Commission, which he chairs, as well as his fascinating life and career. A musician, a DJ (Dizzy the DJ), an IT expert, a Senator and the second most left-wing person in the Progressive Labour Party. It is well worth listening to.
If you have any thoughts on this or other interviews, email thenewsnavs@gmail.com
Jonathan Starling and Jeremy Deacon look at the plan to review the 2010 Parental Responsibility Act, as well as the ban on cell phones in Government schools and ask: will it help? If you have any views on these issues, email thenewsnavs@gmail.com
Jonathan Starling and Jeremy Deacon look at the OBA leadership election which saw Robert King elected as the new leader and Scott Pearman as his deputy. And, what does the corporate income tax mean for your wallet?
Jeremy Deacon and Jonathan Starling discuss the on-going saga that is Southlands, the rise in the minimum wage (and the lack of a living wage) and why inquests, as painful as they may be for a family, are necessary.
Jonathan Starling and Jeremy Deacon look at the BIU docks dispute, which has far-reaching implications, and the MOU for a medical tourism facility at Morgan's Point which has posed many more questions than answers.