 BERMUDA TAPESTRYA place we all desire to read and hear about. It's no great surprise to realize that in so doing we find we love it more. Some say it is an island paradise blessed with natural beauty like no other place in the world.
 Tapestry is all colours of threads, lives, woven together over many years of pursuing education, gainful employment, living, raising families, meeting and retaining friends and respecting relatives. Our lives have crossed in many ways, and I realized many years ago that I was privileged to have many people in my life who could help to shape and mould me into a productive, forward-thinking woman. This is the story which tells of the pursuits and triumphs of some of the people who have built up the image of Bermuda into what we see as we look at the physical beauty. There is also inner beauty, strength, character, integrity that they have lit within the youth, and these golden thread are being passed on to the next generation through their teachings and their hope for the future that their island home will remain for centuries the best place God created. BERMUDA: Every day planes filled to capacity carry passengers eager to experience the grandeur of the island, and the gracious hospitality of the people. Each week the finest cruise ships enter Hamilton Harbour and St. George's Harbour to bask in the atmosphere of this exquisitely beautiful island. A modern and sophisticated island whose merchants carry the finest perfumes, jewels, wools, linens, art, and china. Each store elegant in decor with neatly aligned gold rimmed glass showcases; richly coloured walls with matching carpeting, and upholstered chairs for the comfort of shoppers. Twenty-two square miles perfectly manicured landscapes and roadways all lined with hedges of Oleander, and Hibiscus with brighly coloured flowers of pink, orange, yellow, and white in full bloom. One can not help but be captivated by the stately structure of many of the pastel coloured homes which seem to blend as one with nature. It is no great suprise to any who visit to learn of the extremely rich and famous who have chosen this fair isle as their Summer home. Children in Bermuda attend schools which provide the highest standard of education in the world today. Each being privileged to be enthusiastic participants in the fine, and performing arts. Bermuda proudly opened its doors to its first college nearly 35 years ago, and has continued growing in giant leaps in medical advancements, and oceanographic research. In keeping with technology Bermuda provides Cable TV with access to stations from the U.S.A., Canada, England, and Europe, and has several Internet Service Providers who host both business and personal web sites. International investments, and tourism is on an increase. It was not always this way, and we have come a long way. The threads that intertwined to bring us to this point have hearts and faces. How did it get this way? Change, progress, reform, variety, improvement? Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said "Life belongs to the living, and he who lives must be prepared for changes." Sacrifices have been made along the way by people who received no financial reward. Brave men and women who dared to reach for seemingly impossible goals, and believed that one should not be limited by status quo, family lineage, or the figures in your bank book. They paved the way for those who could not speak as eloquently to express their longing to reach beyond the well established pattern and breaking down the invisible barriers that split the Bermudian people into two widely separated groups. The rich and privileged, and those who laboured without opportunity for advancement from their simple circumstances. The transformation to a New Bermuda was accomplished by the few who represented the majority. I want to share with you some of these very people who gave of themselves unselfishly, who took responsibility for their surroundings to bring about these improvements. I am so very proud to know each personally, and feel privileged to be able to share with you their titles which highlights their individual achievements.
Each in their own way has touched my life and will touch yours as you travel up and down lanes, sail the sparkling blue waters, soak up sun on the crystal clean beaches and eat the cuisine of Bermuda. They have recipes for living. Edward H. DeJean: Former Principal of Howard Academy
This following list contains but a few of the people who affected my life while I was employed by the Bermuda College. I invite you to meet them for each has woven their lives into the fabric of Bermudian society. Mrs. Theo Animashaun: Sociology Lecturer
When I returned to Bermuda in the early '80's from abroad I was fortunate to meet and know others who are now making new history in the Bermudian tapestry. They have worked relentlessly to get where they are. They deserve to be where they are, it took many years, but they come from the same strong backgrounds, the strong roots and the strong belief that they could make a difference. They are can-do people.
Jennifer Smith: Premier of the New Bermuda
I would also like to mention a few special people, who hold a special place in my heart. Each has played a significant role in my personal development over the years: St. Claire and Lyn Tucker: Former Police Inspector and Administrative Assistant, Department of Education, respectively.
It is with great pride and pleasure that I introduce you to the following sites. Each dedicated to sharing the richness of our past and the strength of our forefathers.
Bermuda Genealogy and History
  |