Dear Sir,

In the book Selected Speeches of His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, the Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah counsels us on this piece of wisdom:

“Those who seek Independence must be prepared to struggle for it rather than accept it; and, having won it, to stand on their own feet without dependence and without favours.

“Independence cannot be a simple word devoid of meaning; it must remain a principle admitting of no compromise or suspicion, a principle demanding respect for self and at the same time equal respect for the rights of others ... We are full of hope and confidence that the remaining dependent territories, who find themselves under colonial rule, will soon find themselves amidst us as members of a community of free nations.”

This writer, noting with deep concern the legacy of colonialism as it is maintained in these Bermuda isles, and bearing in mind also the important contribution of the United Nations in the field of decolonisation, believes that it is incumbent upon all of us, with one accord, to effect as best we can, and with all resources at our disposal, those priorities as set out by the special committee on the situation with regard to the implementation of the Declaration on the Granting of Independence to Colonial Countries and Peoples.

Rightfully, the UN has condemned colonialism and the policies of racism that accompany it as evils that must be eradicated.

For my part, having had the privilege of serving formerly as an administrator with the Department of Corrections and the Attorney-General’s Chambers here in Bermuda, I will be pressing a legal action with the High Court in London, seeking that urgent redress be given to the grossly disproportionate rates of incarceration of black males in these islands by the Bermuda Government and its agents, to the end that those persons affected — largely poor people of colour — may receive vindication and reparation for centuries of discrimination, disenfranchisement and victimisation as perpetuated by this, Britain’s oldest colonial administration. Appropriately, this application will be organised within the frameworks of the United Nations Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism (2011-2020) and is wholly consistent with that organisation’s remit for the adoption of an action plan aimed at ushering in a world free from colonialism.

Correspondingly, and of no lesser importance, this initiative will broadly seek to establish a closer “working relationship with the Organisation of African Unity by holding periodic consultations and by systematically exchanging relevant information with that organisation”.

Of course, binding all such efforts together is the abiding knowledge, too, that our struggle here in Bermuda is not isolated and nor is it unprecedented. As Emperor Selassie reflects “the blood that was shed and the sufferings that were endured are today Africa’s advocates for freedom and unity”.

Finally, please allow me to thank all of those persons who have held me up in their prayers recently. You should be encouraged to know that through any and all adversity, I maintain my confidence in the Holy Scriptures, which affirm “But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. (Job 23:10).

Glory to Jah.

RAS EDMUND