Dear Sir,

Cup Match is over while Labour Day beckons, yet each are similar in emphasising the unyielding labour and effort of our predecessors in moving this country from one of limited, confined and restricted movement and opportunity for blacks to one possessing an array of possibility for the same.

For this writer, never before have I felt the reverberation of emancipation drummed so loud and pre-eminent than I did this year through my own travels.

The voices of freedom among young and old Bermudians were very much apparent, the pride of being black and having transgressed the culture of the indentured to that of legitimate ownership and control of one’s destiny.

Stationed on the top floor of Somerset Cricket Club among many of the elder members of the Somerset community, of which I, too, am a proud, lifelong member, I could both see and feel the satisfaction of accomplishment through great sacrifice oozing forth. These were the people that made it possible for myself, my sister and so many others of recent generations to further themselves in education, business, sport and general life to whereby there is no need to coddle to “the master” or operate in fearful manner.

Now, let it be known that I am not unaware of long-term, innate prejudices and the existing imbalance of wealth and opportunity, for I am not speaking to equality — that appears still a distance away — but I see the progress past and present and am henceforth encouraged.

We live not in a perfect island or world; perfection is not a realistic goal and for each person objectives in life differ.

Mine is to have all people able to access the opportunity to achieve that which their heart and mind desire without unnecessary, rhetorical stumbling blocks created by selfish ego and baseless prejudice. Yes, at Cup Match, I saw people getting along and enjoying each others’ company — no matter the team, no matter the race, no matter the age — and it was truly wonderful to behold.

To anyone reading this, I am thankful and blessed to have you as a comrade on this island paradise and hope that you and yours may find freedom in thought and deed as we meander through this journey called life.

PATRICK M. BEAN SR