Premier Michael Dunkley called for the “unity” created during the Cup Match celebrations to be carried over beyond the holiday in order to achieve what “is best for Bermuda.”

In a televised address, the Premier’s “Cup Match Message” touched on the historical significance of the holiday which marks “two critical chapters in our Island story”, while also briefly mentioning the economy and recent road fatalities.

“Somers Day remembers our accidental settlement by British sailors bound for the American colonies, while Emancipation Day recalls the end of slavery in the British Empire. This is a true Bermuda story as it speaks to our ability to celebrate our diverse backgrounds and history, respect our individual traditions and emerge united, determined to celebrate our common bonds and not exploit our differences,” said Mr Dunkley, adding it is “critical” to remember the events “in the midst of all that Cup Match has become”.

Admitting “[economic] recovery is slow and relief sometimes seems far off”, Mr Dunkley added that in the face of hardship “solutions lie in unity”.

“As we celebrate this Cup Match, my hope is that we can carry the spirit in which we celebrate this holiday and the Cup Match Classic beyond this long weekend,” he said. “We can and should inject it into how we deal with each other. I believe that we all want what is best for Bermuda. Our disagreements mean that we have different views on how to achieve that.”

Finally, the Premier encouraged members of the public to be safe over the holidays, warning: “If you drink, do not drive.”