A Hamilton retailer and dancehall artist hailed for her “standout presence” in the island’s culture is among those to be honoured on Bermuda Day.

Demeka “Tiny T” Tacklyn was appointed grand marshal for the parade, along with reggae musician Jules Roberts; Tawana Lee, dedicated to Bermuda’s majorette and drum corps tradition; and Sonya Smith, a distinguished track-and-field athlete.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, told the House of Assembly today that Ms Tacklyn, as a young girl, famously found her way into Richardson’s Gombeys — becoming the troupe’s only female member.

Ms Tacklyn represented Bermuda overseas as a dancer and gained national recognition after winning the island’s first Dancehall Queen competition title.

Mr Darrell said she exemplified living “for the culture” — the theme of the 2026 Heritage Month celebrations.

Mr Darrell also paid tribute to the late Gombey legend Allan Warner, whose influence continues to resonate after leading Warner Gombeys for more than five decades.

He added: “His work as a performer, mentor and cultural ambassador helped to preserve and elevate this vital tradition, leaving a legacy that continues to guide and inspire.”

He said Mr Roberts — the voice and spirit behind the group Ital Foundation — had been a cornerstone of Bermuda reggae from the late 1970s.

His music, rooted in Rastafarian spirituality, has carried messages of unity, resistance and cultural pride — and “shaped generations of musicians”.

Mr Darrell said Ms Lee, the leader of the PHC Majorettes and Drum Corps, built a performance group and a community grounded in discipline, inclusion and pride.

He added: “At a time when many majorette groups across Bermuda had faded away, Tawana continued to carry the tradition forward, ensuring that the majorette culture remained visible, vibrant and alive for a new generation.

Mr Darrell said Ms Smith demonstrated exceptional talent in athletics, setting national records in javelin and earning multiple medals at the Carifta Games.

She represented Bermuda at major international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games, inspiring “generations of Bermudian athletes to pursue excellence in sport”.

Mr Darrell told the House: “These five individuals may come from different paths and disciplines, but they are united by a shared commitment to community and cultural pride.”

He said they epitomised the 2026 theme “through the way they have preserved traditions, uplifted others and contributed meaningfully to the cultural and sporting life of Bermuda”.

More than 60 participating entries will reflect the energy and diversity of Bermuda at the parade — which will conclude in traditional fashion with the Gombeys, followed by a 30-minute intermission before celebrations continue with an after-party featuring D’General’s high-energy soca truck.

Mr Darrell added that the Department of Culture had worked this year to strengthen parade flow, pacing and overall event management.