The $100 million development project on the site of a former hotel in Pitts Bay Road comprises nearly 90,000 square feet of office space and seven penthouse apartments, with both boasting unsurpassed panoramic views across Hamilton Harbour. The five-storey building will also offer underground parking and 8 new boat moorings in the harbour directly in front of Waterloo House.

Due to the building’s prime location in the centre of Hamilton, careful attention has been given to incorporating both modern and traditional Bermudian features in an eco-friendly, sustainable design. Environmentally friendly aspects of the building include special glazing to reduce solar heat gain and maximise thermal efficiencies, a first of its kind in Bermuda under-floor air conditioning distribution to reduce energy consumption, a daylight harvesting lighting system and solar power water heating for the residential component. A modern Bermuda pitched roof and ‘green walls’ of vines will tie the building in with its natural waterfront setting and surrounding buildings. The entry court will feature a nautical themed art installation, designed by local artist Will Collieson.

The residential apartments, with an average size of 2,863 square feet, have been finished to a high specification including state of the art audio visual facilities and automatic blind and curtain controls, and exceptional island-wide views. The top floor houses a large residents lounge and roof terrace, which will incorporate fitness, kitchen and barbecue facilities.

Peter Green wets the roof with rum watched by his son Alexander Green and the Premier of Bermuda.

As Group Project Manager, George will be responsible for coordinating the efforts of BAS’s subsidiaries in the provision of multi-disciplined solutions for commercial clients. In addition to this, George will maintain management oversight over the company’s HVAC subsidiary, Eff-Tech.

Mr. Skinner is a mechanical contractor with over 40 years of varied experience with a particular emphasis on Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC). Widely respected in the industry, George is well known for being instrumental in the development and management of some of Bermuda’s top air conditioning, plumbing and fire protection companies.

BAS CEO, Ken Joaquin, said: “As BAS evolves with its umbrella of subsidiaries into a full-service commercial solution company, having someone with the industry knowledge and experience that George brings to the table is quintessential. George brings a level of depth to our team that will be difficult to find anywhere else. We could not be more pleased with the fact that George has joined us as the newest member of the BAS executive team.”

Alison Hill, Chief Executive Officer, the Argus Group; the Hon. Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, JP, MP, Minister of Health; Wanda Richardson, Vice President of Organisational Development, the Argus Group; and Kerry Judd, Project Manager, Management Solutions Ltd (License holder for Investors in People in Bermuda).

“This is a wonderful announcement to make given the long-standing efforts Argus has placed in developing its team and thereby strengthening the overall organisation,” says Don Mackenzie, Partner of Management Solutions, which holds the license for Investors in People Bermuda. “Additionally,” adds Mr. Mackenzie, “Not only does the Argus Group, as a Gold Accredited organisation, now sit within the top 1 per cent of U.K. organisations recognised by Investors in People, they successfully met 184 evidence points out of a possible 192, which is the highest score their assigned Assessor has ever awarded any organisation internationally.”

Argus first achieved Investors in People Accreditation in 2003 after successfully meeting the Investors in People Standard.  Since 2003 and especially over the past five years, Argus has increased its focus and investment in the development of its team.

Mr. Mackenzie adds: “Led by Wanda Richardson, Vice President of Organisational Development, the decision by Argus to measure itself against the Wider Framework of Investors in People over that time is reflected in the Company moving from Standard Accreditation to Gold Accreditation.”

Investors in People is a National Quality Standard that defines good practice for improving an organisation’s performance through its people. It is the only internationally recognised standard that uses a ‘people-oriented’ approach to business improvement. To achieve Gold Accreditation, organisations must successfully meet at least 165 evidence points in their business strategy, learning and development, leadership and management, reward and recognition and performance management.

“The past four years have seen tremendous change within the Argus Group and we have much to be proud of.” states Alison Hill, Chief Executive Officer, The Argus Group.  “We have worked hard to achieve a close, family environment at Argus, with a strong culture of teamwork, mutual support, engagement and empowerment. Our company has long been one that places a priority on our people and as a result our employees were found to have a genuine commitment to contribute to the delivery of service excellence and our customer-centric approach.

“I am particularly pleased that Investors in People recognised our efforts to ensure first-rate internal communications so that every employee is aware of the company’s overarching strategic plan and how their role contributes to meeting its business objectives. Our senior management team puts in place priorities and key performance indicators so everyone is aware of how they are helping Argus to achieve its vision at any given time. We encourage our employees to innovate, share ideas and challenge the status quo if they believe there is a better way of doing things. I am delighted that Argus employees were found to be very happy, confident, loyal, motivated and well-trained. I would like to take this opportunity to thank every single member of the Argus family for their positive energy, drive and passion towards helping Argus meet its goals.” Vice President of Organisational Development at the Argus Group, Wanda Richardson adds: “Given the intense focus we have placed on strengthening the organisation and supporting our people in their continuous professional development, and after reviewing the Wider Framework of Investors in People, we elected to be measured against the Gold level of Accreditation. This assessment, for us, was about measuring the success of the last three years of managing changes such as internal restructures, expansion of our marketing and customer service team and new processes and systems.  Achieving Gold level Accreditation is a testament to the exemplary leadership of our senior management team and their enthusiasm for making each member of our staff feel valued and trusted, along with the authentic commitment and hard work of every individual within the Argus team.”

In addition, Argus has been selected by Investors in People as a global case study for managing change through effective development and management of their people for inclusion on the international Investors in People website.

Since the Green family purchased the hotel in 2012, a thorough review of the property, including its infrastructure, has been conducted. An anticipated investment of $70 million will maintain the historic character of The Fairmont Hamilton Princess, while adding luxury, contemporary features for the needs of today’s traveller. An environmental impact statement was also prepared to support the planning application.

Alexander Green, on behalf of the Green family, says: “Since our family has taken ownership of The Fairmont Hamilton Princess, we have been focused on how to breathe new life into the historic property. We have been inspired to such an extent by the potential that the hotel has to become a leading asset in Bermuda’s tourism arsenal that we have increased our budget for renovations from $50 million to $70 million. Our larger financial commitment is testimony to the faith that we have in Bermuda as an attractive place to invest.”

The first phase of the project, designed by Botelho Wood Architects, will transform the west side pool into a contemporary resort infinity pool with luxury, private cabanas, stylish floating sun loungers on islands within the pool, a splash area for children, family pool and a lap pool. The pool area, which will be almost three times the size of the current pool, will have luxury loungers, shaded seating and hammocks, all with uninterrupted views of Hinson’s Island and Hamilton Harbour. Pergolas will be incorporated into new landscaping. There will also be a new hot tub and enhancements to the poolside food and beverage offering.

A renovation of 69 guestrooms and suites in the Poinciana wing of the hotel is also part of phase I.  The floor to ceiling renovation will include new furniture, fixtures and equipment inside the rooms, as well as an extension of the dramatic balconies and terraces overlooking Hamilton Harbour. The wireless internet and audio visual features will be upgraded and contemporary new tile and stone will be used in the luxury bathrooms. Modern artwork by Bermudian artists, which has been hand-picked by the family, will also be added. In addition, two ultra-luxury two bedroom suites will be created with extended balconies that will have 180 degree views over Hamilton Harbour. The two-bedroom suites will have a private dining and living room area, as well as two separate bedrooms and bathrooms and a powder room.

One of the most significant elements of the renovation includes the development of a new state-of-the-art marina at the property. When complete, the marina will offer 66 berths and additional docking space for up to 30 vessels, ranging in size to accommodate pleasure craft, tournament fishing boats as well as mega yachts.

Next to the marina, a 50 feet x 50 feet new Gazebo-style bar and grill will be created for spectacular dining right at the water’s edge with uninterrupted views of Two Rock Passage. A new kitchen will be built within the bar and grill and will service both hotel guests and locals.

Andrew Green, on behalf of the Green family, comments: “Our vision for The Fairmont Hamilton Princess will reposition the property as the premier hotel in Bermuda. We are excited about the renovation plans and look forward to unveiling the upgrades next year. As our plans take shape, we will ensure a smooth evolution of the hotel to prepare it for the next chapter in its historical development.”

Premier of Bermuda, the Hon. Craig Cannonier, JP, MP, says: “Today marks another milestone for Bermuda’s tourism industry and the community. An investment of this size in the oldest hotel on the island sends a resounding message that Bermuda is indeed open for business as we expand, grow and upgrade our very special properties. We thank the Green family for their confidence in Bermuda and wish them every success as their renovation plans move forward.”

The Hon. Shawn Crockwell, JP, MP, Minister of Tourism & Transport, says: “The Green family’s investment will further strengthen the hotel’s position as one of the island’s foremost assets for attracting international business and leisure visitors. The introduction of a first-rate marina will provide a new product offering for the international luxury yacht charter industry and the significant upgrades to the hotel is sure to provide a boost to tourism.”

The project also includes upgrades and renovations to the hotel’s mechanical and electrical infrastructure, as well as renovation of back of the house areas such as the staff cafeteria.

“We appreciate the collaborative approach taken by the Green Family in planning the renovation of the hotel,” said Len Czarnecki, General Manager of The Fairmont Hamilton Princess. “I feel very confident that the future of The Fairmont Hamilton Princess looks bright under their ownership. From enhancing the guest experience to providing improvements to colleague areas of the hotel, this is an exciting time at The Fairmont Hamilton Princess.”

Additional development plans, scheduled to commence in Winter 2014, include a new landscape design to capitalise on the property’s superb waterfront location, relocating the Koi Pond to the front of the hotel to create a dramatic entrance, additional guestroom upgrades in the Gazebo wing and the redesign of guest facilities such as the retail area.  Longer term development plans include a new spa, gym and signature restaurant in the Gazebo Lounge.

The multi-year renovation programme will be thoughtfully phased to ensure that the hotel operation is not interrupted.  The Fairmont Hamilton Princess will remain open throughout the renovation. The planning application for Phase I is currently under review by the Development Applications Board. Financing for the renovations has been provided by Butterfield Bank.

The “We Matter” Denim Day was designed to provide a fun and fashionable way for Bermuda’s residents to come together for the future of our hospital and the health care of everyone in our community. BHCT invited international companies, local businesses, schools, community groups, families and individuals to be a part of “We Matter” Denim Day by encouraging everyone to wear jeans for a suggested donation of $10 to the Why it Matters campaign.

Approximately 60 companies, four schools and 150 hospital employees participated accounting for just over 1,900 individuals in total.  Wendy Augustus, Executive Director of BHCT, states: “BHCT is truly grateful to all “We Matter” Denim Day participants. This overwhelming response showcases how our community is mobilizing to support what matters most—bringing the care we need, close to home.”

Laura Lyons, Community Development Officer of BHCT, adds: “We were thrilled with the level of participation from so many different sectors of the community island-wide and all the way to London. Companies and organisations of various size as well as individual donors contributed to the KEMH Redevelopment Project. This denim day was one way for them to show their support because the hospital matters to them.”

There is still time for others to get involved by hosting a “We Matter” Denim Day event with friends, family and colleagues at any office, organisation or school. Simply choose a date that is convenient, encourage involvement, wear denim, collect donations and contact us by calling the BHCT offices at 295-2428. All participants receive will receive a thank you package.

BHCT is leading this capital campaign with a philanthropic goal of $40 million as a payment towards the cost of the $247 million redevelopment project. The project’s overarching aim is to deliver an enhanced level of hospital care for the benefit of the whole community.

BF&M President & CEO John Wight stated: “As the leading provider of health insurance in Bermuda, BF&M is pleased to donate $250,000 to the Trust in respect of a new facility that we can all be proud of. BF&M has been fully supportive of the Bermuda Hospitals Charitable Trust campaign to raise funds for this very worthwhile cause which will positively impact the general well-being of patients, families and staff.”

Philip Butterfield, Chairman of BHCT, said: “We thank BF&M for supporting the Why it Matters capital campaign with this generous donation. It’s so inspiring to see businesses in the community like BF&M recognise the significance of this campaign and the KEMH Redevelopment Project. As the completion date gets closer, we look forward to the positive impact the enhanced hospital facility will have on Bermuda.”

Upon completion of the redevelopment project, patients and visitors will benefit from a state-of-the-art medical facility, matched by an exceptional standard of clinical practice and patient-centred care.

“We are pleased to be able to make this donation and are particularly inspired by the Scout Association because we have three employees who have been instrumental in revitalizing the organisation,” said David Ezekiel, Bermuda chairman of Marsh & McLennan Companies and chairman of Marsh’s Bermuda Charity Committee.

Tim Smith, finance manager at Marsh IAS Management Company (Bermuda) Ltd. and leader of 19^th Bermuda Cub Scouts, has been working with the BSA for more than 19 years. In 2011 when the organisation had all but disappeared inBermuda, he took it upon himself to revive it.

By recruiting fellow Marsh employees Roy Bray and Nicolas Plianthos to serve as president and treasurer, as well as two volunteers from his cub scout leaders to serve as chief commissioner and secretary, he was able to reform the BSA. Since then, the association has been developing its infrastructure, bylaws, and constitution. In addition, the BSA has seen the start of three new cub packs and two new scout troops in the past year.

“We have gone from 36 cubs to 80 and 11 scouts to 30,” Mr. Smith said. “And with generous contributions like the one from Marsh and Guy Carpenter, as well as volunteers who give their time, we can ensure the trend continues.”

The aim of the scout progamme is to assist in the development of boys between the ages 8 and 25 in their physical, intellectual, and social potential, and to instill values resulting in young boys becoming responsible citizens in the community.

“The need in Bermuda for leadership and direction for our young men has never been greater than it is now, and I believe that the scout movement can play an important role in providing that,” said Mr. Smith.

“It has been a busy year for us,” said Dr. Geoffrey Rothwell, chief commissioner of the BSA. “We’ve got boys who want to participate but the real challenge has been trying to find adult volunteers who are willing to give their time to keep scouting a going concern. Of course, we also rely heavily on corporate donations and fundraising activities to purchase and maintain the necessary equipment. Additionally, given the economic downturn, we have found ourselves having to sponsor a growing number of scouts.”

For more information or to donate to the Bermuda Scout Association, (reg charity 035) contact Bermuda Scout Association at bermudascout@hotmail.com.

Marsh, the global leader in insurance broking and risk management, and Guy Carpenter, a leading global risk and reinsurance specialist, are operating companies of Marsh & McLennan Companies.

Mr. Madeiros joined speakers from Latin America, the Caribbean, the United States and Europe. The focus of his presentation was on Bermuda’s successes to date in renewable energy and lessons learned for future development and growth of the industry. As part of his presentation, Mr. Madeiros noted the steps that have been taken by the Bermuda Government over the past few years, including the appointment of the Island’s first Energy Minister in December 2007, the release of the Bermuda Energy Green Paper in September 2009, followed by the Bermuda Energy White Paper in July 2011.

The three-day conference was held in Miami, Florida and attracted more than 200 senior level financiers, bankers, developers, government officials, investors, policy drivers and renewable energy industry professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean. The conference focused on the rapidly changing state of renewable energy finance, and offered insights about the path ahead for the Central, Latin American and Caribbean markets. Data on the progress made to date by the renewable energy industry in the region was reviewed and discussed. This enabled Mr. Madeiros to assess Bermuda’s progress on renewable energy strategies and installed capacity compared to the progress of other countries in the region, many of which have Island grids like Bermuda’s, but none of which pay as much as Bermuda does for electricity – 44 cents per kilowatt hour.

Mr. Madeiros said: “Despite the incremental progress made by the renewable energy industry in Bermuda since 2008 it is clear that without formal policies and/or legislated residential and commercial interconnection standards and feed-in tariff rates, future growth of the industry in Bermuda is likely to be negligible.

“Attending and speaking at REFF has been a very interesting experience,” said Mr. Madeiros. “In addition to having the opportunity to represent my company, AES, at the conference I was able to share details on the progress that AES and Bermuda have made over the past five years, discuss the challenges that lie ahead and the issues that still need to be addressed for the future of renewable energy in Bermuda. While there I also met with a number of senior industry representatives and discussed what other countries in the region are doing to continue to grow their renewable energy industries.

Bermuda pays 44 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity

Investors and developers in attendance at the REFF Latin American & Caribbean conference were aware that Bermuda still does not have a legislated regulatory framework for renewable energy. It was noted, however, that all stakeholders, including governments, utilities and renewable energy professionals, must work together to accomplish this kind of future growth in renewable energy

Mr. Madeiros noted: “The facts and figures presented at the conference by the Worldwatch Institute and Bloomberg New Energy Finance ranked Bermuda far behind many of our neighbours in the region, such as Haiti, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, in terms of installed renewable energy capacity. Aruba has set an aggressive target of 100 per cent renewable energy by the year 2020. Industry experts found this fact to be counterintuitive given that Bermuda has such a high GDP, a firm credit rating, easy access to capital and by far the highest energy prices throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.”

Mr. Madeiros added: “Bloomberg New Energy Finance stated that in 2012 there was a 120 per cent increase in renewable energy investment in Latin America, adding up to $10 billion. This has not been reflected in Bermuda’s growth, so there is huge potential for development in renewable energy in Bermuda now and in the future. I look forward to working with all the players to make it happen.”

As the workforce becomes more mobile and distributed, leaders recognise the benefits and growing impact of video as a key part of business collaboration. Video is becoming more pervasive. Case in point: Today’s desktop and mobile devices have a camera, if not two.  The Cisco TelePresence portfolio creates an immersive, in-person experience over the network – empowering you to collaborate with others like never before.   Cisco supports video to and from the desktop, mobile devices, and the boardroom with easier, more transparent interactions and consistent experiences. Affordable solutions provide superior scale through hardware, software, and cloud architecture strategies, and help enable any-to-any video through standards-based technology.

Ian Cook, General Manager at CCS, says: “CCS has always invested in technologies that help our customers reduce costs and communicate effectively. Most businesses in Bermuda have customers, partners or branch offices that are overseas. In the past, having face to face communications with overseas contacts required travel which can be costly and time consuming.  With Cisco TelePresence face to face communication is only a click away.”

Cisco TelePresence is not new to Bermuda; several businesses are using it today.  Kory Logan, CCS Product Development Manager, says: “CCS is the first local systems integrator to complete the training and certifications for the solution.  For the first time since Cisco launched TelePresence, Bermuda businesses have access to local support and expertise.  With local support and some of the new enchantments to the Cisco TelePresence solution we’re confident that it will become much more pervasive in Bermuda over the next few years.”

CCS will be hosting a seminar at the Bermuda Underwater Exportation Institute (BUEI) on Wednesday, May 8. CCS, along with representatives of Cisco, will explain the advantages that Cisco TelePresence can deliver and demonstrate how the solution can be used to improve day-to-day office communications.  The seminar will start at 8:30am and run until 11:30am. Those interested in attending can RSVP to Sylvia Jones at Corporate Concierge on (441) 296 8663 or email tpeventrsvp@ccs.bm.

Emily Deane, Associate, MJM Limited

Before moving to Bermuda, Ms Deane had been practicing in the UK for several years. She regularly advises on property and private client matters including residential and commercial property transactions, small to substantial estates as well as drafting wills, powers of attorneys and trusts.

Denis de Frias, director at MJM, said: “We welcome Emily as an Associate at MJM. She has a strong background in trusts and estate planning and our clients will greatly benefit from her experience, knowledge and professionalism.”

Ms Deane completed her BA (Hons) Degree at Keele University in the UK in 2002. She earned her Diploma in Law from Westminster University in the UK in 2004 and the following year finished the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in the UK. That same year she began her pupillage and she qualified as a property and private client attorney in 2007.

Ms Deane is a member of the Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners (STEP).  She is currently in the process of obtaining the Trust & Estate Practitioner (TEP) qualification. STEP is the leading worldwide professional body for practitioners in the fields of trusts, estates and related issues.