OPPOSITION Leader Kim Swan has urged Bermudians to see this week's official opening of the Sally Bassett monument as not simply a reminder of a "horrific act", but as a symbol of "forgiveness".

"Forgiveness is key," Mr. Swan said.

"This week we remember on the grounds of the Cabinet Office a horrific act that took place centuries ago to a slave by a slave-owning society. Today in Bermuda there is universal condemnation of the act for its sheer brutality and as a symbol of racist oppression.

"Whilst we still have a way to go to make Bermuda a model social environment free off all vestiges of racism, we must ask ourselves to what extent this monument will help bring us closer together as one people."

Mr. Swan believes the symbolism of the monument to Ms Bassett, a slave executed in 1730 for attempting to poison a slave-owner, should resonate with Bermudian Christians.

"I pray that as people look at this statue they are reminded that Christ also was tortured, and that he died on a cross at Calvary," he said. "My fellow Bermudians, please be mindful that when Christ was crucified he still had love in his heart to ask his Father in Heaven to forgive those persecuting him and to offer forgiveness to the criminal next to him who recognized him as Lord.

"Such is the example of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So I say to the people of Bermuda, when you look at this monument be reminded of Jesus Christ who overcame a similar fate for our sins! We pray that Sally Bassett knew Christ; for if she did, she would have triumphed over her cruel persecutors."

Mr. Swan joins the Premier and Governor in commemorating the official opening of the monument, which is the work of Bermudian sculptor Carlos Dowling.

"A debt of gratitude is owed to Carlos Dowling," Premier Dr. Ewart Brown said following the unveiling event. "He has done his country proud. I worry that someday the sound of Sally's story will no longer echo between my limestone house and yours. Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, this monument is forever. The story of Sally Bassett will live for at least as long as this monument stands."

Added Governor Sir Richard Gozney: "She is a figure who is still respected, and who serves as an icon for many people on the island."

Island Notebook – see Page 18