Residents support a return to naming a new National Hero every year

By Jahsh Durrant

Bermudians appear to be upset that Government will not be naming a new national hero ahead for this month’s National Heroes Day, according a street survey conducted by The Royal Gazette.

Antoine Tuzo, 43, of Pembroke said: “There should be some documentation and representation so that we can know who these people are.

“We could look through history and see that there’s somebody missing who should be on the list.”

He pointed to the Progressive Labour Party leader Frederick Wade as well as Dr Edgar Fitzgerald Gordon and Dame Lois Browne Evans, both of whom have already been recognised as National Heroes.

Eighteen-year-old Lashuna Smith from Smith’s said: “Everyone that is named a hero should be recognised for the good things they did for the Island.”

She named heavyweight boxer Clarence Hill who is the only sportsman or sportswoman to have won an Olympic medal (at the Montreal Games in 1976).

Michael Cabot, 19, of St George’s, said: “I’m not really upset about it. I feel a lot of people in Bermuda already know who the national heroes are, so I don’t think they should be necessarily named.

“I couldn’t make the decision for everyone.”

A 50-year-old Southampton woman, who preferred not to be named, said: “Why would they call it National Heroes Day when we don’t have one? “You have historical heroes and you have your current heroes, so it should be done yearly so we can honour each other.”

Paul Sawden, 30, of Smith’s was disappointed that Government hadn’t made a choice.

“They should be able to come up with somebody,” adding that footballer Nahki Wells would be a good selection.

Peter Rosen, 19, of Hamilton said: “I was hoping to learn more about Bermuda’s history and the people who helped make Bermuda the way it is now.”

He, too, recommended Dame Lois Browne Evans.

Christian Fassnacht, 21, Warwick was upset that Johnny Barnes had not been considered. “I see a positive impact every day with what he does.”

Warwick resident Calvin Simons, 58, took issue with the selection process. “It isn’t something we should just leave to the politicians.

“Let’s identify a person that we feel has made a major contribution to Bermuda and why this person should be a hero.

“When you see someone’s name come up consistently then the committee can identify this person as someone who should be a national hero.”

He recommended footballer Clyde Best.

Douglas Stevens, 58, of St George’s agreed with Mr Simons. “What is the criteria, what kind of national hero are we looking for before we select national heroes.”

Michal Gibbons, 71, of Hamilton said he had no strong opinion but said his brother was his hero.

“I thought he was a good guy even though he did a lot of bad things. We didn’t get talk that much before he died.”

National Heroes Day will be celebrated on June 16.