A concert to honour the island’s eight national heroes will be held later this month, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport announced today.

Owen Darrell told the Senate that the honourees were “exemplary individuals whose courage and outstanding achievements have profoundly shaped Bermuda”.

He said: “The desired outcomes of celebrating our national heroes include fostering a community that takes pride in the contributions made by individuals or groups, increasing awareness about Bermuda’s history, heritage, and culture, and enhancing our sense of national unity and social cohesion.

“These outcomes are essential for building a stronger, more inclusive Bermuda.”

Mr Darrell said the Department of Culture would host the annual Premier’s Concert on June 30 to honour national heroes.

He added: “This event, open and free to the public, showcases the best Bermudian talent.

“Originally designed as a youth-focused event in 1985, the Premier’s Concert has evolved into a tribute to Bermuda’s national heroes, highlighting artists who have benefited from governmental support.

“This year's concert will feature performances by Rikka Scott of Rhythmflow, Donquili African drummers, Fire Wayne and more.”

The culture department’s website said that the show would run from 6 to 7.30pm in the Ruth Seaton James Auditorium at CedarBridge Academy.

Highlighting each hero, Mr Darrell told senators that Dame Lois Browne-Evans was a tireless advocate for equality and justice, whose “powerful voice resonated in Parliament for 40 years as she fought to create a more equitable society”.

He noted Edgar Fitzgerald Gordon, a founding father of the labour movement and a pivotal leader in 20th-century Bermuda; and Pauulu Kamarakafego, a civil-rights leader and political activist “who played a crucial role in the fight to abolish the property vote”.

Sir Henry Tucker was described by the minister as “a founding father of international business on the island”.

Mr Darrell said: “Mary Prince is a Bermuda National Hero whose legacy is celebrated internationally.

“Born into slavery in Devonshire, she wrote a groundbreaking autobiography, The History of Mary Prince, published in London in 1831.

“Her story is recognised as a powerful testament to the abolition movement and the fight for freedom and human dignity.

“Gladys Morrell, the founder of the Bermuda Woman Suffragette Society, led a 25-year battle for women's voting rights in Bermuda.

“Her unwavering determination ensured that women's voices would be heard and valued in our democracy.”

The minister noted Sir Edward Trenton Richards, a lawyer and Member of Parliament who fought against social, racial, and political injustices; and Sir John Swan, Bermuda’s longest-serving Premier whose “negotiations between the United States and the United Kingdom established Bermuda as a major offshore financial centre”.

Mr Darrell said National Heroes Day on Monday coincided with the Edward Cross Long Distance Comet Race, which will mark the 80th anniversary of this iconic race.

He also referenced Carnival in Bermuda events, which include a Raft-Up and the Revel De Road parade.

• For more information about the Premier’s Concert, visitwww.culture.bm