“Cup Match time in Bermuda...Jam Bermuda”

— Arrow

Well, it is that time of year again that Bermuda engages in its annual civil war and family feuds. Contrary to misguided popular belief, it is not election time. No, not yet.

However, what we are facing has divided this country for more than 100 years and counting. Coworkers start partitioning office workspaces, churches hold services promoting division, and cousins and/or siblings disown each other for two to four weeks.

There are reports of married couples sleeping in separate quarters versus “sleeping with the enemy”.

Anyone attempting to explain this unique environment to our visitors tends to start off by explaining why “the other side” is not good. Often these same visitors are naively coerced into wearing colours based solely on what their hosts have indoctrinated them into. Little do they know that once they declare a side, there is no ability to switch.

Some folks put colourful flags on their cars, bikes and/or boats. Others have taken to decorating their houses. One particular family living in the east annually flirt with danger by overtly displaying western colours. Luckily for them, their neighbours are quite good sports. I could be wrong, yet somehow I don’t think folks up west would be as open-minded to that sort of violation.

Two weeks from now, many of us will be firmly watching or listening to what is happening on the field of play. Thousands of others will be walking around St George’s Cricket Club, going from camp to camp. The beauty of our Bermudian culture is that no matter which side you support, you will always be welcome at any camp. One does not even have to have a dime in their pocket, as food, snacks and liquid refreshments are offered in abundance. As a matter of fact, if you refuse any offers, it is considered, as Granny would say, “outright rude”.

Vendors will be doing great business selling liquid refreshments and authentic Bermudian cuisine. One significant miss this year will be the loving personality of St David’s icon Dolly Pitcher. Hopefully, prayerfully, she has passed on her secret seafood recipes to others. It simply won’t be Cup Match without her mussel pies.

As for the game itself, there are many pundits who are hedging their bets this year. Seemingly, St George’s may very well have an ace up their sleeve. However, it is dangerous to put the fate of an entire team on the shoulders of one individual. Meanwhile, at the other end of the island, Somerset Cricket Club have suffered their first loss with the suspension of one of their key players.

Some are gleefully saying, “One down, nine to go.”

• Christopher Famous is the government MP for Devonshire East (Constituency 11). You can reach him on WhatsApp at 599-0901 or e-mail at carib_pro@yahoo.com