A special chapter in the Olde Towne’s history was created today when a section of road was renamed in honour of a Bermuda icon.

Part of Government Hill Road was renamed Gina Swainson Way at a special dedication ceremony recognising the former Miss World.

Quinell Francis, the Mayor of St George, said: “From this day forward, this road will carry the name of one of St George’s most celebrated daughters and one of Bermuda’s greatest icons.”

She added: “As a Unesco World Heritage Site, the Town of St George takes pride not only in its physical heritage but also in the sincere respect we show for the contributions of its people.

“The town’s namesake, Sir George Somers, is a representation of this, and today we extend the recognition to a national icon, Ms Gina Swainson.

“She was elevated to global status based on her willingness to step forward and be recognised on highly competitive international stages for her beauty and her poise.”

Ms Francis said because of Ms Swainson’s aspirations, the Corporation of St George proudly supported naming the road in her honour, adding that it blends the town’s cultural legacy with its heritage.

1979 was a big year for Bermuda when Ms Swainson was crowned Miss World in London, five months after she was named runner-up in the Miss Universe contest.

Zane DeSilva, the Deputy Premier and Minister of Housing and Municipalities, said today that Ms Swainson created history on the world stage, adding that her achievements “brought pride and recognition to our island”.

He said: “Today’s dedication is more than the naming of a road.

“It is a tribute to a woman whose grace, determination and accomplishments have left a lasting mark on Bermuda and inspired generations of Bermudians.”

Mr DeSilva said that beyond the titles and accolades, Ms Swainson was the embodiment of the spirit of Bermuda.

By dedicating the road in her honour, the community ensured that her legacy would become part of the landscape of the historic town, he added.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, said the event today honoured “an exceptional Bermudian”.

He added: “Her accomplishment remains a significant moment in Bermuda’s history and continues to inspire many.

“Bermudian women have long been known not only for their beauty but for their confidence, their intelligence, grace and strength of character.

“Culturally, many of us proudly say that Bermudian women are among the most beautiful women in the world.”

Mr Darrell said: “Gina Swainson stands proudly among those Bermudians whose achievements have been elevated and continue to elevate our island and inspire our people.”

The Department of Culture recognised Ms Swainson‘s efforts last year in the Gold Bermudians series, which celebrated residents whose achievements made a lasting impact on the island.

Renée Ming, a government MP, recalled the moment when the beauty queen was crowned Miss World.

She said: “In that moment, Bermuda was no longer just a small island in the Atlantic.

“We were seen, celebrated, we were placed on the world stage.”

Ms Ming said Ms Swainson, who grew up across from the road named in her honour, “walked these streets”.

She added: “She was shaped by this community, by her St George’s village, and in return she gave something extraordinary back.

“She gave Bermuda hope, she gave us pride, and here in St George’s she gave us belief.”

Miss Swainson attended East End Primary School and later, The Berkeley Institute, which Ms Ming said was a familiar journey for many in the community.

The MP recalled her music teacher who requested that the students write a song to celebrate Ms Swainson’s achievement in 1979.

“That is how proud we were, that is how deep her achievement touched us,” she added.

In a statement read out by the mayor, Ms Swainson, 67, who lives overseas, thanked the Corporation of St George’s and residents for the recognition.

She said: “This road particularly is very special to me as this is where I grew up and I have fond memories of walking this road from childhood to this day.”