The island’s six Gombey troupes are to receive government grants of $5,000 each to support their work as an “iconic” symbol of Bermudian culture and heritage.

Owen Darrell, the Government Senate Leader and Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport, made the announcement during yesterday’s sitting of the Upper House.

The funds come ahead of this month’s Gombey Festival Showcase. The event, organised by the Department of Culture, was scheduled to be held on Saturday, but has been postponed until October 21 because of expected poor weather this weekend.

Mr Darrell told fellow senators: “This festival is one of the department’s signature events, providing an opportunity to enjoy what we all love best about the Gombeys.

“The impressive footwork, the staccato of the snare, the steady pulse of the bass drum, the flashing colours of the intricately designed costumes.

“And if you’re Bermudian, hearing and seeing this spectacular performance, you know that it’s practically impossible to just sit quietly in your seat and observe.

“Gombeys are rhythm personified, and these Gombey troupes embody our connection with our African past as well as our linkages with the future, through our young boys who are practised into this tradition.

“Each of Bermuda’s Gombey troupes is deeply embedded in our community and perform an essential function in youth, sport and recreation, namely providing a haven for our youth to participate in healthy activities that help them to feel included in, rather than disconnected from, their social environment.

“The Government of Bermuda recognises the Gombey troupes for their essential role in preserving our cultural heritage and has awarded each of the troupes $5,000 from the Department of Culture 2023 heritage grant.

“These grants are a confirmation of our commitment to support this tradition and of our appreciation of the important role that the troupes play in our society.”

Mr Darrell also praised the “hard-working team” at the Department of Culture and its head, Kim Dismont Robinson.

He said: “I’d like to encourage everyone to bring their families to the Botanical Gardens on Saturday, October 21 to enjoy this amazing festival, and it will be free to the public.

“It’s a time to dance, celebrate and cheer your favourite troupes. But it’s also a time to learn more and appreciate the hard work and deep cultural ties that make our Bermuda Gombeys a collective national treasure.”