A crowd came together to remember those who have lost loved ones on Bermuda’s roads as part of the second annual Grief and Loss Awareness Day.

Gina Spence, the founder of the Gina Spence Programme, which organised the event, told attendees at City Hall that grief and happiness could coexist.

She said: “Grief reminds us of the memory of our love and happiness reminds us that even after loss, life still holds hope.

“Today, we gather as a community to remember, to honour and to support one another.”

She said that this year’s event was focused on the impact road fatalities had on the community.

Ms Spence said: “Behind every loss is a name, behind every name is a story and behind every story there is love.

“At the Gina Spence Programme we witness every day that while grief is real, so is resilience.

“We see children finding their voice again, we find families finding their strength again and communities choosing compassion over silence.”

She said that no one should have to “walk the journey of grief alone”.

Darrin Simons, the Commissioner of Police, said that loss could strike suddenly and without warning, leaving the lives of those who remain for ever changed.

He told attendees: “Behind every statistic is a name, a loved one, an unfinished story. For the family and friends, the pain does not end when the headlines fade.

“As the Commissioner of Police, I see first hand the devastating impact that road tragedies have on our communities.

“Our officers are some of the first ones to arrive, not only to make the scene safe but to stand with families during the most difficult moment of their lives.”

Mr Simons added that everyone in the community had a role to play in preventing further loss.

“Responsible driving, patience, sobriety and care for others on the road are not simply legal obligations, but also moral ones,” he said.

“Every good, safe decision behind the wheel is an act of kindness and protection for our own families and, indeed, for someone else.”

Dana Lovell, the Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer, also noted the burden carried by the island’s first responders in times of tragedy.

He said: “I have seen first-hand how grief and loss touch every part of our community.

“Behind every emergency call, there are human stories of families facing uncertainty, individuals experiencing profound loss and communities searching for strength in difficult moments.

“While our role is to respond in times of crisis, we are also witnesses to the emotional journey that follows.

“Grief is often quiet. It’s not always visible and it does not follow a schedule.”

Owen Darrell, the Minister of Tourism, Transport, Culture and Sport, made a formal declaration for Grief and Loss Awareness Day, stating that the observance created an opportunity to raise awareness of the profound impact of grief on the community.

He said that grief and loss could lead to significant social and mental health challenges, making it essential to provide support to affected individuals and families.

Mr Darrell encouraged all Bermudians to show compassion to those going through grief.

He added: “Together, we can build a more empathetic and supportive community.”

Robin Tucker, the Shadow Minister of Youth, Social Development and Seniors, said the event was not only intended to recognise loss, but also celebrate resilience.

“Grief is something that every one of us encounters in different ways, whether through sudden tragedies like road fatalities or through the repeated loss that many families, including my own, have experienced over the years.

“Yet even in these difficult seasons, we discover something very powerful. We are not alone.”

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