Par-la-Ville Park renamed Queen Elizabeth Park in formal ceremony

TUESDAY, APRIL 24:  In a formal ceremony over the weekend, Par-la-Ville Park was renamed Queen Elizabeth Park. Participating in the ceremony was Governor of Bermuda, Sir Richard Gozney, Minister of Public Work, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP. Hosting the event was Mayor of Hamilton, Charles Gosling.

Mayor Charles Gosling stated, “The ceremony held in Queen Elizabeth Park was an opportunity for Bermuda, and specifically the City of Hamilton, to honor the work of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, who is the second longest British reigning monarch. The last time Bermuda similarly honored a ruling monarch was in 1889 when Queen Victoria celebrated her Golden Jubilee and the marshy area known as Deane’s Bottom become Victoria Park, Hamilton’s first park with an accompanying bandstand.”

Mayor Gosling added, “The renamed park stands as a testament and a recognition to her majesty’s tirelessness in her duty; her commitment to the obligations of state and church; she is a ceremonial ruler, yet one to whom leaders of Government report and receive informed counseling in return; one who created an atmosphere of governance that allowed the voices of change to take heart, or as one of her first ministers, Harold MacMillan once identified, the wind of change, a persistent wind encircling a post war world fuelling national consciousness and self-determination. We have seen some of those changes in Bermuda, and many times it has been her external voice that brought about change to our island.”

Minister for Public Works, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP who spoke as Acting Premier during the ceremony stated, “Despite the rapidly changing world, the Queen has proven to be a constant. During her reign, her Majesty has ensured stability – she inspires confidence – is the very picture of poise and grace – and an example to all of dignity in action. We can all be proud today of being a part of this institution and it is entirely fitting that this park be re-named in her honor.

There will also be many other events this year to mark the Diamond Jubilee both at home and across the commonwealth.

Minister Weeks concluded, “It is my hope that this celebration unites us – for we can all agree – no matter what one’s political philosophy – that Her Majesty has sought to progress the fortunes of her subjects.”

Mayor Gosling added, “I thank His Excellency the Governor, Sir Richard Gozney and Minister of Public Works, the Hon. Michael Weeks, JP, MP, for joining me and unveiling the plaque which now stands proudly at the entrance of Queen Elizabeth Park. I also must acknowledge the hard work of the Parks Superintendent Mr. Steven DeSilva and his team of Carlos Carreiro and Carlos Brum who created the plaque’s stand and park staff Ronny Tacklin and Manuel Do Canto who daily ensure that the park remains a crown jewel and worthy of a Queen.”