A memorial in Warwick has been restored and the surrounding site cleaned up, helping to preserve the memory of generations of Black Bermudians.

Work on the Rubber Tree memorial, located opposite St Mary’s Church and included on Bermuda’s African Diaspora Heritage Trail, has been completed as part of the Ministry of Public Works and Environment’s community beautification programme.

The site was historically used as a burial ground for free and enslaved Black people.

Accounts record that Black Bermudians established the site at their own expense because they were not permitted to be interred in the churchyard used by White parishioners.

Its use continued after Emancipation.

To date, 78 people buried there have been identified by name, with research continuing into others who may have been interred at the site.

Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and Environment, said the memorial represents an important part of Warwick’s history and Bermuda’s wider story.

“This is a place connected to generations of Black Bermudians whose lives, experiences and contributions deserve to be remembered and respected,” he said.

“Restoring the memorial is not simply about improving how it looks. It is about treating a place of historical and cultural significance with the dignity it deserves.

“This government has a responsibility to ensure that the history of Black Bermudians receives the care and recognition it deserves, and that these stories remain visible to future generations.”

Over about two weeks, the ministry carried out restoration and beautification works that included masonry repairs to the memorial, vegetation and branch clearance, power washing, and the removal of rubbish and debris.

Neighbourhood residents also assisted with the clean-up, working alongside ministry teams and a local contractor.

The work was completed in advance of a memorial service held at the site last month.

Mr Adams said: “I thank our teams and the residents who contributed to this effort.

“Their involvement reflects the pride people take in their communities and what we can achieve by working together.”

He added: “Our history deserves to be preserved, and our communities deserve to see their concerns followed by action.”