A Progressive Labour Party MP yesterday honoured the legacy of a National Hero who prevailed against adversity.

Renée Ming, who represents Constituency 1 (St George’s North), spoke exactly 72 years after E.F. Gordon was re-elected to Parliament.

Dr Gordon, the founder of the Bermuda Industrial Union, won the St George’s seat despite a campaign against him — and the arrangement of the day in which only certain landowners were allowed to vote.

Ms Ming explained: “The fact that we walk to the polls and that I’m able to be a representative in this awesome constituency, with no fear of anyone saying that I can’t because of the colour of my skin — it’s overwhelming sometimes to think of those who came before us.

“[Voters today] can go and cast their ballot and it costs them nothing. That’s what democracy is truly about.”

Cyril Simmons, minister at Ebenezer Methodist Church, said: “Let us continue to draw on Dr Gordon’s legacy and the ideals that he sought to embody and draw inspiration, determination and motivation on this journey called life from it.”

The commemoration coincided with International Day of Remembrance of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

P6 students from St George’s Preparatory School brought a ballot box with a picture of Leonard Bascome, a former BIU president who helped to get Dr Gordon re-elected in 1953, to the celebration.

Quinell Francis, the Mayor of St George, said: “It’s always nice to be able to put some history with these names and know why they are so special.

“St George is a special place anyway, and as we celebrate our 25th year of having Unesco World Heritage Site status, this is another stepping stone for us to realise why St George is so unique and special and why the rest of Bermuda needs to realise just how special we are.”