NBC Sports will be on Island later this month to film their brand new TV show Global Golf Adventure at the Port Royal Golf Course.
Director of Tourism Mr. William Griffith said, “We are delighted that NBC has chosen Bermuda and our newly renovated Port Royal Golf Course to film this new program. I am sure that we will see an increase in the number of golf vacations to Bermuda after the show airs.”
Global Golf Adventure is a ground breaking, first of its kind golf and travel show for US Network television. The show is a 30 minute fast paced golf and travel show hosted by NBC Sports’ Mark Rolfing. Each show highlights a unique destination and its adventures for active golf travellers, including an interview with a celebrity guest. The celebrity guest for the Bermuda segment is 2009 Open Championship winner Stewart Cink.
“I am happy to create a show that is long overdue for network television. I am especially excited to showcase Bermuda. This will be my first visit but I’ve heard so many great things about the island from the participants in the Grand Slam.” said Rolfing.
NBC Sports will film in Bermuda March 27th – 30th, 2010 and the show will air on NBC on May 8, 2010 at 2:30pm (AST).
Premier and Minister of Tourism and Transport Dr. the Hon. Ewart Brown, JP, MP said, “Although snow caused some flight cancellations in the US and prevented many couples from attending, the visitors that were able to get here had a great time. I have to say that this year was one of the best!”
The weekend’s activities kicked off with a Welcome Reception, hosted by the Premier and the Best of the Best Awards, sponsored by Robb Report at the Tucker’s Point Club. The Wycliffe Gordon Quartet’s rendition of “When the Saints Go Marching In” was a big hit with attendees.
The weekend wind and rain disrupted some of the planned outdoor activities however the quick-thinking Love Marshals saved the day, arranging a tour to the Crystal Caves and offering movie tickets to the romantic comedy, Valentine’s Day. Saturday night guests enjoyed a private dinner at the Port O’Call restaurant and then were whisked away on the Love Buses to the Fairmont Southampton to be serenaded by local entertainers and R&B crooner Babyface at the Kappa Valentine Night.
On Sunday afternoon, Love Festival attendees were treated to brunch at Masterworks with entertainment by Bermuda songbird, Toni Robinson. The Premier and his wife, Wanda Henton Brown honoured two couples who have attended the Love Festival each year since its inception five years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Ross Tuzo, a local couple, have been married for sixty years, said they have a great time every year. Mr. and Mrs. Mikan vanZanten flew all the way from Holland the first year of the festival and have since moved to New York City, but they make sure the Love Festival stays in their travel plans as this weekend coincides with their wedding anniversary.
Sunday night was for lovers only and guests dined in the Harbourview Ballroom at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess on an exquisite meal especially prepared by the chef for Valentine’s Day. Guests were treated to a romantic dessert collection prepared by the ‘Chef of Love’ Jernard Wells. The evening ended with entertainment by legendary baritone legend, Chuck Jackson and guests danced the night away to hits such as ‘Any Day Now’ and ‘I don’t want to Cry’.
Premier and Minister of Tourism and Transport, Dr. the Hon. Ewart Brown said, “This is great news! Hats off to the leadership of the Bermuda Track and Field Association (BTFA) for their stellar work. With the support of Tourism, they have produced a record number of visitors for the Race Weekend. This is what we have been looking for and we are delighted. The results are even more impressive when one considers the condition of the global economy.”
The Bermuda Department of Tourism (BDOT) partnered with Bart Yasso Chief Running Officer from Runners World; Jan Seeley the Publisher of Marathon & Beyond magazine; Skip Cleaver from coolrunnings.com; and Douglas Wakihuri, Dick Beardsley, Jay Glassman, Thom Gilligan and Brooks Johnson who are all well recognized in the running community for their work in race promotion. Dr. Joe Vigil and Andy Ferrara came to the Island to add their knowledge and expertise for the clinics held as an added value to visitors and residents.
Director of Tourism William Griffith said, “Race week is the perfect mix of sports and tourism in Bermuda. The athletes have the chance to test their skills in Bermuda’s temperate climate and scenic yet challenging terrain; while their friends and family have the opportunity to explore our premier shopping establishments, exceptional restaurants, award winning golf courses or one of our many spas. Mr. Griffith went on to say, “The partnerships BDOT has built over the years will ensure Bermuda International Race Week evolves into an event that is the envy of the world. We expect the event to be even bigger next year”
International Race Week could not happen without the strong support of the local community, the Race Weekend volunteers and additional sponsorship. In that respect, the Department of Tourism has offered their congratulations to BTFA President Ms. Donna Watson, Race Director Anthony Raynor, Race Operations Manager Clarence Smith as well as Mrs. Joanne Macphee from KPMG.
BDOT acknowledged Mr. Sid Howard, who has chosen to return to Bermuda and compete in the International Race Weekend for the 31st time. Mr. Howard and many others come back time and time again. Their commitment and dedication to this event and Bermuda has not gone unnoticed.
Premierf Dr. Ewart Brown, who is also Minister of Tourism & Transport, said: “This is the fifth year for the Love Festival and I am more than pleased with how the event has grown over the years. The activities planned for this year are sure to entice couples to come and Feel the Love this Valentine’s weekend.”
The Bermuda International Love Festival is an annual weekend getaway flooded with romantic touches from evening cocktails and rounds of golf to great eats and dreamy serenades. It is the ultimate luxury love experience for the well-deserving couple. From February 12-14, 2010 couples will enjoy the plush accommodations and amenities of the Fairmont Hamilton Princess while being treated as preferential guests all weekend long.
This year, some of the festival’s highlights include:
• The Premier’s opening celebration featuring Robb Report’s “Best of the Best,” at the Tucker’s Point Hotel & Spa followed by a performance by The Wycliffe Gordon Quartet, hosted by Robb Report
• Men’s and women’s golf at the newly renovated Port Royal Golf Course, home of the 2009 and 2010 PGA Grand Slam of Golf, hosted by GolfWorld Magazine
• An intimate dinner party at Port O’Call Restaurant
• Brunch at The Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art
• VIP seating for a performance by Grammy award-winner, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, sponsored by the Bermuda alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated
• Private performance by R&B legend, Chuck Jackson
To top it off, couples can let their hair down at any of Bermuda’s hottest nightclubs, or simply unwind at one of Bermuda’s renowned spas.
Travel packages to the 2010 International Love Festival cost $1,600.00 per couple and include an exclusive Gold Room at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess for three nights as well as all Love Festival activities. To revive your love connection in paradise this Valentine’s Day weekend with that special someone visit www.bermudalovefestival.com.
Government House today released further details of the November 24-26 2009 Royal Visit to Bermuda by Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh.
The Queen will make official visits to the historic town of St George as well as the Royal Naval Dockyard. A Church Service at the Anglican Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity in Hamilton will see some lucky residents who submitted their names as part of a lottery, join a host of dignitaries at the historical service. Her Majesty will also attend an official dinner given by the Premier and Government of Bermuda.
The route of the Royal motorcade as it travels around the Island has been designed so that members of the public, school children and various youth groups will be able to meet or catch a glimpse of the Royal Party.
Government House said today that Her Majesty and His Royal Highness will be accompanied by Foreign Secretary David Miliband when their flight arrives in Bermuda on the afternoon of Tuesday 24 November, 2009. Her Majesty will be met by the Governor and Lady Gozney and the Governor will then present the Premier and Mrs Henton Brown to the Queen.
The Royal motorcade will leave the airport and arrive in St George at 3.20 pm. Her Majesty will be met by the Commanding Officer of the Bermuda Regiment, Lt. Col. Gonsalves and Mrs. Gonsalves. Her Majesty and His Royal Highness will receive a Royal Salute from a Guard of Honour of the Bermuda Regiment. The Chief Justice, the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Assembly and local Members of Parliament and their spouses will head the list of dignitaries on hand to meet Her Majesty and His Royal Highness.
Her Majesty and His Royal Highness will proceed to the Town Hall where they will be introduced to the Mayor of St. George’s Mariea Caisey; St George’s Alderman, Kenneth Bascome; Vicar of St Peter’s Anglican Church, Rev David Raths; Town Crier, David Frith and Chairman of the St George’s Foundation, Kenneth Snaith.
Girl Guides and Brownie troupes, school children from east end schools and seniors together with some of those who re-enacted the Sea Venture landing in 1609, will join members of the public that are expected to gather along the sidewalks from King’s Square to Ordnance Island to see the Royal couple.
In the event of inclement weather, the Royal Party will visit the World Heritage Centre, via King’s Square, and will meet the various dignitaries inside the Centre. Opportunities to meet school children and other groups will be available as can be accommodated. The Royal motorcade will then travel to Government House, departing St George via Water Street. The Queen will hold a reception for invited guests at Government House.
On Wednesday, November 25 2009, HRH the Duke of Edinburgh will present Duke of Edinburgh Awards to Bermuda’s Gold winners and a few others at Government House. The Royal party will then travel to the Anglican Cathedral for a 10.30 am service celebrating Bermuda’s 400th Anniversary. The service will be attended by leaders of Christian denominations and other faiths. The arrival of the Royal Party and the church service will be covered by live television on ZBM and on CITV – the Government television station. In addition, monitors will be erected outside the church for the viewing convenience of the general public gathered outside the Cathedral.
Following the church service, the Royal party will head to Albouy’s Point at approximately 11.20 am where they will board a ferry to Dockyard. On their 11.40 am arrival in Dockyard, they will be met by Minister of Energy and Telecommunications, the Hon. Michael Scott, JP, MP; seniors, children from west end schools and members of the public. Here, the Royal Party will separate briefly, with HRH the Duke of Edinburgh and Foreign Secretary David Miliband paying a visit to the sloop, the Spirit of Bermuda and Her Majesty being met by the Hon. Walter Lister, JP, for a tour of the Clocktower building.
At the Spirit of Bermuda, Captain Simon Colley will be with about thirteen 16-year-old girls from Bermuda Institute who will be sailing that week as sail trainees. Mr. Walter Lister who serves as Chair of the West End Development Corporation will introduce members of his board; area MPs the Hon. Terry Lister, JP, MP, and Hon. Dennis Lister, JP, MP as well as the Deputy Chairman of St. John Ambulance.
Inside the Clocktower building, Her Majesty will watch Sandy’s Middle School children perform a short selection on Dockyard history before meeting some of the apprentices who were training when the Royal Navy facility closed in 1950/51 and who finished their training in Portsmouth. She will also see costumes depicting a traditional Bermuda wedding and a cedar carving demonstration will be conducted by Dr David Saul. Before departing the Clocktower building at 12.25 pm, Her Majesty will unveil a plaque by Mr Lister.
Her Majesty and His Royal Highness will then be driven to the Maritime Museum for lunch with Dr. Edward Harris and invited guests. An Honour Guard by the Bermuda Sea Cadets will greet their arrival. At the conclusion of the Maritime Museum visit, Her Majesty will inaugurate the mural of Bermuda’s history by local artist Mr Graham Foster. The Royal Party will proceed back to Government House via car.
Also on Wednesday November 25 2009, Foreign Secretary David Miliband will meet Dr Tony Knapp when he visits the Bermuda Institute of Oceanic Sciences.
On Wednesday evening, Her Majesty and His Royal Highness will attend a formal dinner at Tucker’s Point, hosted by the Premier and Mrs Henton Brown.
In keeping with tradition that saw Her Majesty plant trees on Government House grounds during Bermuda visits in 1953, 1975 and 1994, Her Majesty and His Royal Highness will plant two Royal Palm trees at Government House grounds before they depart Bermuda, 11.30 am Thursday November 26 2009.
The Hon. Michael Scott JP, MP, Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce announced the 2009 World Information Technology Services Alliance Conference (WITSA) The Hon. Michael Scott JP, MP, Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce announced the 2009 World Information Technology Services Alliance Conference (WITSA) Conference, begins next week and Bermuda will be host to global leaders of technology, business and policy.
In November 2007, The Business Technology Division of the Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Ministry of the Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce announced the successful bid to host the WITSA Global Public Policy Summit (GPPS) in Bermuda in 2009.
Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and E-Commerce the Hon. Michaels Scott said: “I am excited to see this conference come to fruition here in Bermuda. With delegates and speakers from organizations such as the World Trade Organization, the OECD, the World Bank and others, the importance of the conversations and exchange of information will be beneficial not only to our community but the world.”
Ronnie Viera from the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce said, “The final countdown has started and in a few days, the Business Technology division of the Chamber of Commerce will be welcome 150 people from 10 countries and as far away as Japan. We are truly excited that the time has finally arrived after 2 years of hard work.” Mr Viera went on to say, “In addition, we are pleased to be bringing so many people to the Island in a year when there have been many challenges in the tourism and retail sectors. Obviously an event such as this would not be possible without sponsors and I am very grateful to our sponsors who have been so supportive, in particular, our pinnacle sponsor, Keytech Ltd.”
WITSA is a consortium of more than 70 information and communications technology (ICT) industry associations from economies around the world. WITSA members represent over 90 percent of the world ICT market.
The Business Technology Division (BTD) decided this would be an appropriate initiative to coincide with Bermuda’s 400th anniversary and to showcase Bermuda’s success of using ICT to enhance global business.
In effort to involve young people in the conference, there will be 75-100 (15-18) year old students from Cedarbridge academy, The Berkeley Institute and private schools who will be attending the session on “does environmental policies hamper growth and can enlightened policies and Involvement Bridge the gap?” The students will be undertaking relevant research and having classroom discussions prior to attendance. After the conference the students will be expected to apply what they learned at the summit in follow-up discussions and in some cases future projects related to environmental issues and ICT.
Of particular note is a joint initiative between the Government of Bermuda, WITSA and Field Fisher Waterhouse, who will be hosting a session where the unique concept of Binding Safe Processor Rules (BPSR) will be introduced. The BPSR is a set of internal data protection rules that apply to clients’ data processed by service providers. This session hopes to discuss the concept and work with interested institutions and other international stakeholders to undertake the development of such a model. If the model meets the requirements of the EU data protection authorities, this could provide significant benefit for multi-national corporations and institutions sending data to the EU.
Unique as well, to the Bermuda event, The G-20 ICT Policy Network project team and WITSA will briefly present information on the G20 ICT strategic initiative and one of the lunch time key notes will be presented by the World Bank who will speak about “Trade Facilitation in a Post-Crisis World”.
The Bermuda WITSA GPPS 2009 Organising Committee will also be inviting conference delegates from overseas to actually plant a tree to offset their carbon footprint created by their travel to Bermuda.
The WITSA Global Policy Summit has attracted high profile speakers from some of the most influential organisations in the World relating to Information Technology policies and practices. In addition to the business sessions, there will be several networking opportunities during the various social events which will be held over the 4 day period.
Sheila Lines, CEO of KeyTech said, “The KeyTech group is proud to be the pinnacle sponsor of the WITSA conference. The WITSA conference is a real benefit to Bermuda as it underscores Bermuda’s position as a global player in IT and technology readiness. KeyTech understands the importance of IT to businesses around the globe – we are a technology company focused on providing the best of Bermudian communications technology through our sister companies LOGIC, M3, BTC and Cable Co. WE are looking forward to introducing industry leaders to our staff at this conference and encourage others to do the same.”
There are many local delegates attending the summit sessions, however, for those in the local business community who do not yet have tickets, time is running out. Please visit the summit website at www.gpps2009.bm to register as soon as possible.
Next week Premier and Minister of Tourism and Transport Dr Ewart Brown will lead a delegation from Bermuda to Tanzania for the 5th International African Diaspora Heritage Trail Conference.
Premier Brown said, “For the first time this pivotal conference will be held in Africa, going back to its roots. Half of the conference will take place in Dar Es Saalam and the other half in Zanzibar. We are calling it ‘An African Homecoming’.”
Since its inception the goal of the African Diaspora Heritage Trail has been to educate the world on the cultural heritage of the African Diaspora.
The 2009 ADHT Conference will also include, for the first time, an ADHT Youth Summit. There are two students from Bermuda chosen to participate in the Youth Summit, Tori Smith from the Berkeley Institute and Asha Caisey from Somersfield Academy. Both students are looking forward to this once in a lifetime experience.
ADHT Executive Director Michelle Burrows said, “I am truly excited to be a part of this conference as we go back to our roots in Africa and include our young people on this journey. The African Diaspora connects us all, and I look forward to strengthening that connection.”
For more information about the 2009 ADHT conference visit www.adht.net.
The Queen will visit Bermuda from the 24th-26th November 24th to 26th 2009 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the settlement of Bermuda. She will be accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh.
They will then pay a State Visit to Trinidad and Tobago at the invitation of the President, Professor George Maxwell Richards. The Queen will open the 2009 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Trinidad on the 27th November.
The Willowbank hotel, in association with Brosius Golf Occasions, announces their inaugural golf vacation package, to be centred around the PGA Grand Slam of Golf, October 20-24, 2009 on the beautiful island of Bermuda.
The ‘Grand Slam Package’ is an attractively priced vacation package that includes four night’s deluxe accommodations, breakfast and dinner daily, and tickets to the final round of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf. Also included are participation in a clinic taught by a PGA teaching professional and two rounds of golf, including play at the Port Royal Course, site of the PGA Grand Slam of Golf. ‘Spectator Packages’ for those not wanting to play golf are also available.
The PGA Grand Slam of Golf is a 36-hole championship to be held October 20, 21, 2009, at the recently renovated Port Royal Golf Course in Bermuda.
TNT will nationally televise the event that is scheduled to feature the 2009 Major Champions; Angel Cabrera, winner of The Masters, U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover, Stewart Cink, winner of The British Open, and Y.E. Yang the winner of the recently held PGA Championship.
Willowbank is a non-profit, non-denominational, Christian owned and operated hotel and conference centre situated on the scenic peninsula overlooking picturesque Ely’s Harbour in Sandys Parish, Bermuda. In existence since 1960, the 170 room hotel features panoramic views of the ocean, food prepared daily by world-class chefs, recreational activities and a recently completed 250-seat conference centre.
