There has been mixed reaction on the streets of Hamilton towards plans to rename Par-la-Ville Park, Queen Elizabeth Park.

Mayor of Hamilton Charles Gosling made the announcement about the name change earlier this week, with the official renaming ceremony to be held on April 21 in celebration of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Mr Gosling said: “It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that we get to celebrate the diamond jubilee of a monarch.”

However, some residents and visitors do not agree.

Christie Seymour told

The Royal Gazette: “I do not agree with that, all these years now they want to change the name what’s wrong?”

Krystil Assan said: “To tell you the truth I don’t really care but I thought that the country was moving towards a post colonial vibe so I’m not sure why we would choose a colonial name for our park.”

Jill Smith who was enjoying her lunch hour in the park said: “Leave it as it is, I know it as Par-la-Ville Park, why are we changing it?”

Rick Evan who was also in the park yesterday said: “I think the name of the park should remain as is. It would be nice to have a nice representative plaque to honour the jubilee year but the name of the park should remain.”

Joanna Little said: “I think the park name change is just a distraction and they should stop with all this pre-electioneering, get on with their politics and stop being corrupt.”

Rebecca Davis cited the historical significance of the park and its name. “I think they should stick with Par-la-Ville Park because its historical, it used to be by the old town; I like Par-la-Ville.

Anton Velleman said: “I’m indifferent, it doesn’t matter to me either way. I realise its probably history, some people might be upset because the old name of the park might mean something to them, but they probably have their valid reasons.”

Bill Arthur said both he and his wife visit the park whenever they come to Bermuda. “We’re from Canada and we’ve always known it as Par-la-Ville Park, changing the name means things could get confusing.

“I appreciate the idea behind it but it gets hard sometimes when you change something everybody knows to a different name to teach everybody again.”

Lucilo Fermin said: “I just think it’s a nice place to be we come here everyday to see people walking. I think it’s a very good experience, to me it’s the park that matters not the name.”

And Ronnie Tacklin who was working in the park at the time said: “I work for the Corporation of Hamilton and I told my boss that my mother’s middle name is Elizabeth so I have no problem with it. I know this is a landmark when folks say this is Queen Elizabeth Park I know its still Par-la-Ville, that’s a landmark to me Par-la-Ville.”