Heritage Month will help to counter gun violence, says Culture Minister

THURSDAY, JANUARY 31: Heritage Month will give Bermuda an opportunity to positively fight against the gun violence that is plaguing the island according to Culture Minister Wayne Scott.

The Colours, Sights and Sounds of Bermuda are the theme of this year’s Heritage Month which takes place during May.

Mr Scott said in a statement today: “The fight against violence in our neighborhoods starts with encouraging our youth to focus on pursuits that will have a positive impact on their communities by exploring aspects of their heritage they have lost touch with and connecting with the colours, sights, and sounds of Bermuda. We must include and not alienate this generation.”

Every year a theme is chosen in order to celebrate the things that make Bermuda an attractive destination.

There will be a number of events organized by the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs throughout the month giving painters, musicians, dancers, jewellery makers, writers and artists of all kinds alike the chance to share their work.

Minister of Community and Cultural Development Wayne Scott said in a statement: “This is a theme that speaks for itself and will no doubt resonate throughout the island – after all where in the world do you have turquoise waters, pastel coloured housing, pink buses and the symphony of the tree-frogs, the great kiskadee and the infectious Gombey rhythms — all unique to Bermuda.”

Mr Scott highlighted some of the things that make the island unique:

- the Environmental aspects – the ocean –the clear blue waters, – the open spaces, the well groomed landscaping, vibrant vegetation, the golf courses, the tree-lined streets,

- the landscape, the fauna - the sounds of the tree-frog and the Kiskadee (as mentioned earlier), the Cahow, the Longtail,

- the sounds of the bikes, the buses, the music made by our local musicians

- the architecture and the white roofs; the bright and pastel colours

- the general cleanliness

- the graciousness of our people

 - Cup Match, Bermuda Day, Good Friday

- Children’ s school uniforms

- Bermuda fashions….