The pastor who sparked a fiery social media argument about the four-day Bermuda Heroes Weekend says she stands by her comments — and that the Island should not adopt other countries’ cultures.

Dr Maria Seaman, pastor of the Shekinah Worship Centre, added that soca music, a popular aspect of last weekend’s celebrations, was “mainly about exploitation of the female body”. A Front Street soca party, which drew a crowd of 5,000, an early morning j’ouvert, a Caribbean carnival-style parade and a raft-up were among the Heroes Weekend events that took the Island by storm.

When Dr Seaman lamented a departure from typical Bermuda traditions, numerous people responded on Facebook that they had enjoyed the festivities.

Asked whether she stood by her remarks, Dr Seaman told The Royal Gazette: “People have a right to agree or disagree and the people who are against my arguments will not persuade me to change my opinions.

“If I did so, I wouldn’t be speaking the truth. I let my work speak for me and stand by what I say at all times.

“Some members of the Shekinah Worship Centre congregation did attend the carnival. Everybody has an individual choice and chooses to do what they like. Some chose to attend the carnival and are now learning more about it. Because of this many may not choose to go next year. Just like everything in life, you learn your lesson and don’t repeat it.

“I appreciate that Bermudians enjoyed themselves, the traditional carnival costumes were wonderful and I like to dance to a beat myself.

“But as a pastor you must understand that every music carries a spirit and we must understand the genesis in the music which, in this case soca, is mainly about exploitation of the female body and releasing that into the atmosphere.

“Over a weekend of celebrating heroes, I believe that the Island nation of Bermuda should be lifted up, which cannot be done by celebrating another nation’s culture.”

Dr Seaman said that instead of a carnival she would rather see Bermuda traditions such as Gombeys or majorettes, instead of “selling out our own people with another culture”.

She added: “Other countries don’t adopt our rich culture like our Gombeys for example, so why should we adopt theirs?

“We are supposed to be celebrating heroes on this weekend but it’s a shame we don’t know anything about the woman we are celebrating who has supposedly done so much for the country.

“If it is so important, it should be taught in the school system so that our children can know the history and the real meaning behind this holiday.”

Jason Sukdeo, president of Bermuda Heroes Weekend, declined to respond to Dr Seaman’s comments, but he has said he felt pride that so many people had a good time.

On Thursday, Mr Sukdeo was welcomed to the Cabinet Office to be formally commended by Premier Michael Dunkley and the Minister of Community, Culture and Sports, Patricia Gordon-Pamplin.

Other members of the Heroes Weekend team were also present to receive a letter of commendation in recognition of the series of events last weekend.

Mr Dunkley said in a statement about the commendation: “From all accounts, all of the events went off extremely well and I and my family particularly enjoyed the Friday night concert and festivities.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what Jason and his Bermuda Heroes Weekend team have in store for us next year and we look forward to working with them in the near future. The weekend’s event served as an opportunity to bring people together and I felt it was important to invite Jason and his colleagues to the Cabinet Office and thank them for their efforts.”

Ms Gordon-Pamplin said: “This event brought people of all cultural backgrounds together and it was wonderful to see every facet of our community represented. It was a successfully orchestrated event and they should be proud of the outcome.”

Meanwhile, the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s chief product and experiences development officer, Pat Philip-Fairn, said the BTA was “delighted with the outcome”.

Ms Philip-Fairn added: “The atmosphere was fantastic for all the events and the energy was great. I had an opportunity to speak with several visitors who were very pleased with the experience. The Bermuda Heroes Weekend team did a sterling job and we were pleased to be associated with the overall event.”