A Pembroke street has been renamed Hendrickson’s Way in tribute to a family deeply entrenched in Gombeys and Bermuda culture.

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, joined the Hendrickson family outside their home on The Glebe Road this afternoon for a naming ceremony, surrounded by members of the community.

Mr Darrell said: “The Hendrickson family have been part of the fabric of this community for generations.

“Their drums have been part of the soundtrack of this neighbourhood, their dance is part of its rhythm and its home has been a gathering place for family, culture and community.”

Mr Darrell said the family had helped to preserve and pass on Gombey culture, passing on some of the island’s most cherished traditions.

He said that he joined the Hendrickson family on Boxing Day, when bad weather prevented the Gombeys from taking to the streets, and was able to learn more about the family’s rich history.

However, Mr Darrell said tragedy struck days later with the death of 35-year-old Zaniko Hendrickson, a leader of the H & H Gombeys and founding member of the Bermuda Gombey Council.

He said: “His contributions extended beyond the beat of the drum and onto Bermuda’s waters. As commodore of the Mid Atlantic Boat Club, Zaniko was part of our island’s strong maritime tradition.

“His service represented two important parts of Bermuda life: our cultural heritage on land, as well as our longstanding connection to the sea.”

Mr Darrell said his death fuelled the push for a lasting tribute to the family reflecting their impact on the island.

He added: “May everyone who passes this stretch of road, Hendrickson’s Way, remember the family behind the name, the drums that have echoed through this neighbourhood and their connection to our waters and the generations of Hendricksons who have helped to shape this community.”

The Hendrickson family unveiled the new road sign at their family homestead by lifting a Gombey cape adorned with pictures of Zaniko Hendrickson.

A spokesman for the family said that it was a “dream come true”, thanking those in the community that had come together supported them.