Vexed Bermoothes

The risk of selecting a party insider as the honoree of Bermuda’s first National Heroes Day is that the event could become politicised, divisive rather than unifying.  And, cue Dr. Brown:

“Many of the dreams of Dame Lois were fulfilled in her lifetime,” said Dr. Brown. “But the dream of self-determination for Bermuda was not achieved in her lifetime. At the risk of generating headline number 5,237 on this subject, this is the party of Independence for Bermuda and to say otherwise is to betray the ultimate dream of Dame Lois.”  As the audience clapped approval, he went on: “It’s what she stood for and it’s what we continue to stand for. When the time is right, we must fulfill the last part of her dream.”

The popularity of independence is weak – and declining – amongst Bermudian voters.  It was wrong to use this celebration of Dame Lois’ life to boost the sagging independence agenda.  National heroes spring from the community.  They are certainly not chosen for their politics.

That being said, Lois Browne-Evans kept Bermuda’s PLP Opposition inspired for years, and pushed much-needed social changes in Bermuda.  One hopes that her determination will spur equal community engagement and activism from the current Opposition.