A celebration of the life of ship Pilot "Jemmy" Darrell, one of the first non-white Bermudians to own a home on the Island, will take place in St. George's later today.

Pilot Darrell was a slave until he helped navigate the British 74-gun Resolution ship through the new cut into Murray's Anchorage in 1795. His skill in doing so impressed Admiral Moray who made a request for Mr. Darrell to be given his freedom. That request was granted by the Governor of the day, James Crawford.

To honour Mr. Darrell, celebrations will begin in Kings Square around 4.45 p.m. followed by a walk to Private Darrell Square and then to the slaves' graves within St. Peter's Church graveyard.

There a re-installed grave headstone for Mr. Darrell will be unveiled and hymns read.

E. Michael Jones, former mayor of St. George's said: ""We want the public to come and celebrate this young, Christian man who was highly prized for the help he gave."

The direct descendants of Mr. Darrell still live in the same cottage, which he bought, just off Queen Street. The Corporation of St. George's, a number of years ago made, the area in front of the cottage Private Darrell Square.

The celebrations will also include Premier Ewart Brown making a presentation and a naming ceremony at Ordnance Island for a small boat to be called Private Darrell>

Then Private DarrelI>and the Warbaby Fferry will take as many people as possible to Murray's Anchorage for a wreath lying in memory of Mr. Darrell.