A Muslim who made history by becoming the first female Black Rod admits she is encouraged to see race, gender and religious gaps bridged in the community.

Chief Inspector Na'imah Williams, of the Bermuda Police Service, battled the odds to become the highest ranking female officer in the service.

At this year's Throne Speech she broke a new record and became the first woman to serve as usher for politicians at the opening of parliament on November 5.

Chf Insp Williams admitted the honour left her "speechless" and said: "I hope I can be not only a role model but a friend to persons who are looking for any type of advancement, achievement and success."

She admitted she was proud as a mother to show her eight-year-old daughter, Madinah, that women could gain access to leadership positions and accomplish whatever they put their minds to.

But said she was also proud as a Muslim to be able to share the special moment with Cromwell Shakir, the first Muslim Senator.

She said Muslims were often viewed in a negative light because of the actions of some radicals and added: "It is important for me as a Muslim that people see the positive side of Islam.

"On a wider scale it is important that I am able to show the diversity that the service brings to the community at large and the Bermuda Police Service is promoting that," she added.

Yesterday Chf Insp Williams joined others in the Muslim community to celebrate religious festival Eid-al-Adha.

Basim Muwwakkil, Imam at the Island's main mosque Masjid Muhammad, said the celebration included feasting and prayer to recognise one's faith and commitment to God.

Det Chf Insp Williams told The Royal Gazette: "I was there (yesterday) and that was very emotional for me to see a Christian priest there because that tells me we as a community in this time of violence are putting aside our differences to come together and try to heal.

"It is almost brought tears to my eyes. It was very provoking because for a long time we were separate but we have an opportunity to use our differences to move forward and to bridge gaps."

Sen Shakir also spoke of this unity and said: "To be living in a day where our humanity trumps anything else I feel that the best is yet to come in terms of people sharing, participating and contributing what we have and our qualities.

"We have qualities that we all can benefit from and the best solution is for us to come together and understand what we can bring to the table to forge the unity Na'imah is talking about."

He praised Premier Paula Cox for allowing him to represent Muslim life and other facets of the community within the Senate Chambers.

According to Chf Insp Williams along with the election of Mrs Cox also came an appreciation for the "diversity that women bring to the table. Most importantly to me, people are actually valuing women."

She started off her career as a cadet with the BPS at age 17 — and while she didn't have to work harder because she was a minority, she did have to be consistent and focused.

"I have grown and I would not be where I am without support from my family, friends, members of the BPS and the community who encouraged me through life to stay focused and take it one day at a time.

"And most importantly my parents always said to put God first and the rest will follow."