Good Evening Ministers of the Cabinet, Members of the Legislature, Dame Pamela Gordon, Sir John Swan and family members of our national heroes, members of the media and ladies and gentlemen in the audience.
I am honored to welcome you to this year’s 2023 Premier’s Concert: Celebrating Our National Heroes. The Premier’s Concert was first introduced in December of 1985 by then Cultural Affairs Officer Miss Ruth E. Thomas MBE and continues to be a significant event in Bermuda’s artistic community.
Last year we began a new tradition of using this event and the creative gifts of local artists to pay tribute to the women and men who dedicated their lives and work to the betterment of our island home. Those women and men whom we proudly call our National Heroes;
Dame Lois Browne-Evans shattered barriers as Bermuda's first female lawyer, Opposition Leader, and Attorney General, an undeniable trailblazer and champion for equity.
Edgar Fitzgerald Gordon, a founding father of the labour movement and dynamic leader of the Bermuda Workers Association, paved the way for social and political change on the island.
Dr Pauulu Kamarakafego, a civil rights leader, political activist, and former Member of Parliament, dedicated his life to justice and equality.
Sir Henry James "Jack" Tucker, a former Member of Parliament, piloted the bill granting Bermudian women the right to vote and helped to shape modern Bermuda by establishing its position in international business.
Mary Prince, the first British woman to publish a slave narrative, bravely shared her firsthand account of slavery and became an internationally renowned figure in the abolition movement.
Gladys Misick Morrell, suffragette and founder of the Bermuda Woman Suffragette Society led the fight for women's voting rights, healthcare improvements, and better educational opportunities.
Sir Edward Richards, Bermuda's first black leader and Premier, challenged segregation and fought for social, racial, and political justice.
Sir John W. Swan, Bermuda's longest-serving Premier, successfully negotiated significant treaties with the United States and the United Kingdom, establishing Bermuda as a major offshore financial centre.
These heroes embody the resilient Bermudian spirit, and their profound commitment to justice, equality, and social, political and economic development, has left an indelible mark on our society. They have exemplified the highest ideals of what it means to be Bermudian and paved the way for a brighter future for all of us.
This evening’s performances will not only allow us to honour Bermuda’s National heroes but also experience the immense talent of our people. We will see outstanding local artists and creatives who are recipients of grants from the Bermuda Arts Council utilise their skills to pay tribute to these giants of Bermudian history.
I thank the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, Senator the Hon Owen Darrell, JP, Director of the Department of Culture Dr Dismont-Robinson, and her team for their hard work and dedication in organising this cultural showcase.
Thank you in advance to our host, Mrs Patrina O’Connor Paytner, and a special thank you to all of this evening’s performers who will share their creative talents for our collective enjoyment and celebration.
I trust that all will enjoy this celebration of Bermudian history, excellence and heroism.
Thank you.