Prayers for Mandela as islanders gather for peace

Scores of islanders gathered at Queen Elizabeth Park this afternoon to mark the anniversary of the Theatre Boycott.

It was also an occasion for those gathered to share prayers and thoughts for Nelson Mandela as he lies critically ill in a hospital bed in South Africa.

The event was organized by Glenn Fubler, who founded the Bermuda Anti-Apartheid Movement and was attended by a wide range of residents including four former Premiers.

Also present were Izola and Gerald Harvey, who handed out leaflets in 1959 urging Bermudians to take part in the peaceful protest and boycott the theatre.

At 12:30pm today heavy rain sent the crowd scurrying for shelter under the veranda of the Bermuda Museum before Mr Fubler began his opening remarks.

But the downpour did nothing to dampen the spirits or emotion of the 100 or so men, women and children that turned out to remember the sacrifices made by Bermudians as well as Mr Mandela in the fight for racial equality.

Mr Harvey told the Bermuda Sun: “I am very happy to be here today and to take part in this event.

“Things have changed a great deal since those days, and it is hard to imagine those days when people had to wait in line simply because of the colour of their skin.

“A lot of young people helped in that struggle and we are here today to remember them.

“The past is in the past, but this is a very significant day for Bermuda.”

His wife, Mrs Harvey, added: “I am very pleased that Glenn Fubler has put this event on to acknowledge what happened all those years ago.

“It is wonderful that people have turned out today to mark the occasion, and a lot of young people today have benefitted from what happened back then.

“We have always tried to instill in our children that no matter what you accomplish you should never look down on other people.

‘You should offer help and assistance where you can and those lessons still ring true in Bermuda today.”

The Anniversary Event, which ran from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, also attracted several politicians including Deputy Premier Michael Dunkley, Jeff Baron and Glenn Smith.

Amongst the crowd were also former Premiers; Dame Jennifer Smith, Dr David Saul, Sir John Swan and Alex Scott.

Mr Scott and Sir John both addressed the gathering urging those assembled to learn from the acts of both those involved in the Theatre Boycott and Mr Mandela.

Sir John said: “Today is a combination of what we are and what we can become under any circumstances.

“We talk about Nelson Mandela as a symbol of humanity and what men and women should be towards each other, whether they are black, white, Muslim or Sikh.

“He stood for humanity and the day we can stand for humanity, regardless of race or station in life, then we will begin the journey that it is so important for us to take.

“Take Bermuda and be an example to the rest of the world that we as a people can get on together and follow the work of the Progressive Group.”

Statement by Premier Craig Cannonier

“On behalf of the people and government of Bermuda, we extend our support for this initiative to celebrate a defining moment in Bermuda’s history- the theatre boycott of 1959: a movement that saw the end of formalized social segregation.

Experience has taught us that facing barriers strengthens our resolve, builds character and shapes the legacy of an individual and a nation.

Just as former South African President Nelson Mandela broke barriers for South Africa those in Bermuda overcame barriers through the theatre boycott.

As Bermuda continues to face challenges, we as a people are creating a more racially harmonious society for all our citizens. 

We join you in embracing that same spirit of determination and commitment to overcome the barriers that we face today in pursuit of an even better Bermuda.  History has proven that together, it can be done. 

Martin Luther King Jr. once said:   “The true measure of a man is not how he behaves in moments of comfort and convenience but how he stands at times of controversy and challenges.”