‘I carried you with me always’ ― Sir John’s words to people
Former premier Sir John Swan urged Bermudians to take care of their island and each other in a touching letter that was released posthumously this afternoon.
The statesman highlighted his “unwavering belief” in the potential of the island’s people and called on younger generations to “never underestimate your power”.
He told the community: “To have served you as premier was the greatest honour of my life, but to belong to you was the greatest gift.”
Sir John passed away last week at the age of 90. He was a successful real estate and development businessman and the island’s premier from 1982 to 1995.
In his letter “to the people of Bermuda”, he wrote: “If you are reading this, it means I have taken my final leave from the island that shaped me, sustained me and gave my life its deepest purpose.
“Though I am no longer among you in body, my heart has never known a home beyond these shores, and it never will.”
He said he was formed by Bermuda’s people, including their resilience, warmth, quiet strength and belief that “even a small island can stand tall in a vast and often uncertain world”.
Sir John wrote: “There were moments in my years of leadership when the weight of responsibility felt immense — when the choices before us were not easy and the path ahead was unclear.
“Yet I never doubted the spirit of Bermuda.
“I have always believed that our greatest strength has been our unity — our ability to come together not as factions or voices in opposition but as one people determined to build a future worthy of those who will follow.
“To have been recognised as Bermuda’s National Hero is a distinction that humbles me beyond words.
“No title or honour could ever equal the privilege of earning the trust and respect of my fellow Bermudians.
“I accepted that recognition not as a celebration of one individual but as a reflection of the countless people who walked beside me, challenged me, supported and shared in the work of building a stronger nation.
“If my life is remembered in any meaningful way, I hope it is not for the honours bestowed upon me but for the love I held for Bermuda and the unwavering belief I carried in the potential of her people.”
Sir John noted that he made mistakes and added that no life in service is without them. He went on to ask residents to measure him “not only by those moments but by the sincerity of my efforts and the depth of my love for this country”.
“Every decision I made, every step I took was guided by a desire to see Bermuda thrive — not just economically but in dignity, in fairness and in opportunity for all,” he wrote.
“To the young people of Bermuda, I leave you with this: never underestimate your power.
“You inherit not only a beautiful island but a legacy of courage and perseverance. Protect it. Challenge it. Improve upon it.
“Let your ambition be matched only by your compassion.
“To those who walked beside me — colleagues, friends, and even those who stood in opposition — I thank you.
“You sharpened my thinking, strengthened my resolve and reminded me that democracy, at its best, is a shared endeavour.
“And to every Bermudian, whether we ever met or not, know this: I carried you with me always.
“In every speech, in every decision, in every quiet moment of reflection, it was your hopes, your struggles and your dreams that guided me.
“As I take my rest, I do so with faith in you. Bermuda’s story does not end with any one leader, nor does it belong to any one generation.
“It lives in each of you — in your kindness, courage and commitment to one another.
“I will always love my country and my people.
“Take care of this island. Take care of each other.”
The letter was signed: “With enduring love and gratitude, Sir John W.D. Swan.”
• To see Sir John’s letter in full, see Related Media
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