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BERMUDA | RSS PODCAST

Group show they are ‘Proud to be Bermudian’

Proud: Erica Rance-Cariah and Janice Battersbee speak to a gathering at Fairmont Princess during the launch of the ‘Proud to be Bermudian’ DVD/CD.

An organisation which once called for the resignation of former Premier Ewart Brown has returned to release a music video, aimed at bringing the Island together.The Bermudians premiered the music video for ‘Proud to be Bermudian,’ at Fairmont Hamilton Princess to loud applause.The song, written by Bermudian songwriter John Woolridge and performed by a number of local artists, celebrates the Island and its people with a message of unity.Along with carrying a message meant to bring the community together, sales of the DVD/CD will go to benefit schools, providing teachers with vouchers they can use to help struggling students.The group The Bermudians was founded in June 2009, organising protests and calling for the resignation of Dr Brown after he brought four ex-Guantanamo inmates to the Island, leaving many in his own Cabinet in the dark.Co-founder Janice Battersbee said that the group wanted to inspire more of a social coup than a political one, and turned to the idea of creating something to bring the Island together.“When we were starting The Bermudians nearly two years ago, there was one thing we kept on hearing, ‘I’m proud to be Bermudian’,” Ms Battersbee said.“This is a work filled with love for our Country and our fellow Bermudians. We hope that this message goes around the world, touching Bermudians and anyone who has love in their hearts for our Island home and our people.”Addressing the crowd before the premiere, Mr Woolridge said that as an artist, he was excited to have a project he could believe in and get behind whole-heartedly.Mr Woolridge also shot the music video himself, which features the numerous musicians who contributed to the project, including Gene Steede, Latosha Codrington, Malcom Hollis, Cindy Smith and Mia Chambray.Minister of Education Dame Jennifer Smith also spoke out in praise of the project, saying: “This could not have come at a more opportune moment.”The CD/DVD pack is available for $10 at Caesar’s Pharmacy, Lindo’s, T&L Warehouse, All Wrapped Up and other locations.Useful website: www.bermudasong.comLyrics:There’s no denyingThese are not our best daysSo many things gone wrongIt seems we’ve lost our wayBut for us this is not how the story endsWe’ve braved rough seas beforeAnd we’ll do it againChorusTruth is there is more to usA strength that’s at the core of usA kindness that still shinesThrough the tough timesTogether we can overcomeAnd find a way to rise above anythingIt really doesn’t matterThere’s no place betterProud to be BermudianOh, Ooh, OhProud to be BermudianIt’s not picture perfectBut it’s still paradiseFilled with children’s hopesAnd seasoned ivory smilesSo let’s help and healAnd speak with one voice‘Til each one understandsThat our wealth is so much moreThan blue skies and pink sandRepeat chorusCome along with meLet’s stand togetherAnd let’s shine loves lightAnd dispel fear’s dark nightA brighter destinyWill dawn for usAs we blend our hopes and dreamsAnd we live in peace as oneFrom the white roof topsPink and blue bus stopsIn my Bermy shortsWith my knee high socksAnd I’m in the Bermy flowAs people smile and say helloHot cross buns, shootin’ marbles havin’ funSpinnin’ tops, or maybe goin’ fishin’ off the rocksHangin’ in the loquat tree, my ace boys and meJust chillin’Cod fish cookin’ early on a Sunday mornin’Hear the choir in the distance singing praisesUndeniablyI’m so proud to be….Bermudian!Repeat chorusPeople livin’ in a system of mayhem and confusionBuilt on a foundation of mistrust and illusionConclusion is this…Let us wake up and ariseLive our lives in way that’s not built on compromiseWith our youth as the futureWe must pass them the mantleNurturing their ambitionsLeading them by exampleTake time to express right or wrong we can giveIt’s up to you to decideYou’ve got one life to liveCome along with meLet’s stand togetherAnd let’s shine loves lightAnd dispel fear’s dark nightA brighter destinyWill dawn for usAs we blend our hopes and dreamsAnd we live in peace as oneRepeat chorusOriginal composition by John C. Woolridge&Copy; 2010 Proud to be Bermudian, all rights reserved