A bill to ensure all war veterans get pensions and benefits, regardless of race, received its second reading in the House of Assembly.

The Pensions and Gratuities (War Service) Amendment Act 2007 removes the clauses which precluded some black veterans from receiving benefits after serving their country.

In amending the original Pensions and Gratuities Act of 1947 it extends medical, dental and pension benefits, and doubles pensions from $400 to $800 per month.

Veterans of the Second World War who served as part of the First Battalion, Caribbean Regiment and Bermuda contingent are among those who have never been adequately compensated.

Local veterans who defended Bermuda during the World Wars were denied pensions and benefits as the law only provided for those veterans who served overseas.

Many of these former soldiers were members of the black branch of the Island’s armed forces, known locally as Bermuda Militia Artillery.

Making the second reading of the Act yesterday, Finance Minister Paula Cox said how saddened she was to read the initial reports surrounding the Bill.

“I thought of Paradise Lost, and I think what we’re seeking to do today is Paradise gained,” said Ms Cox.

She told the story of Drummer Joe Lemon — so named due to the colour of his skin — who served in both World Wars but who could not find employment on his return. He eventually contracted bronchial pneumonia and died after a fire broke out in the place where he was sleeping rough.

The soldier was burned to death, unaware that he had been eligible for medical treatment.

Ms Cox said: “His body was not recovered for several days because nobody knew he was sleeping there. He died without knowing he and his family had this opportunity.”

Mr. Lemon had said: “When we came back it was like nobody appreciated what we had done. I was knocking on all the doors looking for work but nobody was interested. They just turned us away.

“I drove heavy trucks during the war in Italy and asked for a job as a bus driver, but nothing happened. No one was interested. Me and the guys ended up breaking rocks in the quarry instead — just like convicts, and we started drinking, things got so bad.”

Ms Cox said that soldiers in the Bermuda Militia Artillery served as support staff in Italy and Egypt, once guarding 26,000 German POWs being transported to Alexandria.

She said that not only did veterans play an important role in Europe but they were also crucial in the Home Guard. US President Franklin D. Roosevelt once said that “if Bermuda were to fall to the enemy, we could expect the arrival of Nazi aircraft over US shores within three hours”.

Referring to the passing of Dame Lois Browne Evans, Ms Cox said: “I feel very proud and privileged to bring this Bill, especially this week because if we’re talking about campaigning for justice, this is something our fallen member, a hero and a shero, (SIC) would be proud of.”

Ms Cox said the Bill meant medical costs could now be extended to both men and women, legitimate and illegitimate children.

“It asks to signal how we as a Government propose to chart the way forward in doing away with the last vestiges of racism and inequality in the treatment of our war veterans,” she said.

“In the sixty-two years since the end of the Second World War, veterans in Bermuda have enjoyed mixed fortunes, largely based on their race and years of service.”

Praising the sacrifice to their country during the two World Wars, Ms Cox said: “They did it because it was the right thing to do — not because they were seeking hand-outs but out of duty, honour and sacrifice to their country. They made their sacrifice and their needs were not seen to have been properly met on their return. Now by action pledged by this Government, we are seeking to redress this.”

A string of MPs gave their backing to the legislation before it was passed with support from both sides of the House.

Progressive Labour Party MP Nelson Bascome said people would be speaking in German if it was not for the heroics of war veterans, while the Opposition’s Louise Jackson said the law would help end a “sad period in our history”.

Premier Ewart Brown said that there had been an injustice in that some veterans had benefited while others had not.

United Bermuda Party MP Neville Darrell said the law would help tackle the “atrocities” of what had happened to war veterans.

Social Rehabilitation Minister Dale Butler said veterans had returned home from the war only to find they had to fight another battle for justice in Bermuda.

The PLP’s Ottiwell Simmons, who was instrumental in bringing the law about, said he could remember when “the boys came home” at the end of the Second World War.

He spoke of the bravery and courage of people who volunteered to serve for their country. “They can tell some scary stories,” said Mr. Simmons.

UBP MP Trevor Moniz agreed that black veterans had suffered injustice, but said that so had other veterans who should not be forgotten.

Cultural Affairs Minister Wayne Perinchief said pride had prevented veterans from begging for what should have rightly been theirs. Mr. Perinchief praised his party colleague Mr. Simmons, for working “quietly and diligently” on the legislation.

Former Opposition Leader Wayne Furbert asked what the world would have been if people had not served for their countries.