A sculpture commemorating slaves who came to Bermuda in 1835 will be unveiled in Barr's Bay Park today — whatever the weather.

The Corporation of Hamilton said in a statement last night that the ceremony — cancelled last week due to storms — would take place at 5.30 p.m.

Corporation chief operating officer Ed Benevides said: "We are keeping a close watch on the weather and despite the predicted rain showers and wind gusts we will still host the event.

'We may tailor the programme depending on the severity of the weather."

Chesley Trott's sculpture 'We Arrive' commemorates the slaves who came here from Virginia when the ship they were travelling on to South Carolina — the Enterprize — was forced by bad weather to dock at Barr's Bay Park. Mr. Benevides said: "January 18, 1835, is a significant date in Bermuda's history.

"This is the day 175 years ago when the Bermuda courts ruled that the 72 people who arrived on Enterprize were free people.

"They were subsequently given a home in Bermuda. On Thursday evening, we will be celebrating an important part of our history and we are inviting residents to join us."