Ombudsman launches Facebook page with special Cup Match message

Arlene Brock, Ombudsman for Bermuda, announced today that her office is launching a Facebook page in order to reach out directly to the public and to enhance their understanding of our functions.

Ms. Brock said: “the younger members of staff have spearheaded this effort and I am delighted that they have pulled us into the twenty-first century by creating a Facebook page”.

The Facebook page will be updated twice a week. Posts will include summaries of cases from Bermuda or Ombudsman offices elsewhere as well as photos, “Did You Know”, and other items of interest.

At the beginning of each month, the Ombudsman will make special comments, reflections or announcements. Her first reflection “As We Celebrate Cup Match...” is below.

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As We Celebrate Cup Match…

Individuals who are orphaned, even if adopted by loving families, sometimes trod a difficult journey in order to feel secure and planted on this earth. Imagine a whole race – millions of people torn from their heritage, transplanted to or born in another continent – with only fleeting remnants of their language, customs and religions to sustain them.

On top of that communal loss over ten generations, add the degradation of slavery, prejudice, and constant messages of inferiority. Imagine not only surviving but also dismantling centuries of ingrained structures – laws, institutions, economic and education systems – that actively operate to perpetuate inequality.

It is perhaps hackneyed but very true: if we don’t know where we have come from, we probably do not have deep insight into where we are now and therefore cannot move confidently into the future. Almost every thinking person understands the value of history.

To my knowledge, Bermuda is the only place in the world with an annual two-day cricket match that commemorates the 1^st August 1834 Emancipation of slaves. Yet, when I was growing up only a few persons talked about the origins of this holiday and it was certainly not taught in the schools.

The Cup Match holiday is an opportunity to enjoy families and friends, go beaching, boating, do nothing at all or imbibe the fashions, fish orders, snowballs in the bustle of crowds, cricket and Crown n’ Anchor. Cup Match is also much more than that. It is an opportunity to understand where we came from.

Just ponder the quiet determination it took for former slaves and their descendants – powerless as they were – to assert their freedom and forge a national holiday. This grew from annual prayer services honouring Emancipation Day and progressed to family picnics, friendly games between lodges and ultimately encompassing the whole island. 179 years later, Bermudians champion the colours of Somerset or St. Georges and revel in the glorious victory or “just wait ‘till next year” defeat of our team. The endurance of history and identity is indeed powerful.

Therefore it was shocking to learn that in October 2012 the ancient grave stones of a unique black community in Tucker’s Town were demolished. My report about how this happened will be tabled in Parliament late September. Stay tuned.

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