The staff of the US Consulate paid tribute to the late George Floyd yesterday morning with a period of silence.

The US Consulate wrote on Twitter: “For 9 minutes and 29 seconds, we stand in silence to reflect on the death of George Floyd.

“One year later, we honour his life and acknowledge how far we need to go for a more just and equal United States. #blacklivesmatter.”

Twitter

The tribute came a year after Mr Floyd, an unarmed black man, was killed by police in the state of Minnesota.

The death sparked months of protests internationally against systematic racism, including in Bermuda.

Derek Chauvin, a former police officer who had his knee on Mr Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes as he lay on the ground, was convicted of second-degree murder on April 20.

The trial of three other officers in connection with the death will start on August 23.

A Consulate spokeswoman said staff “stood in silence for 9 minutes and 29 seconds to reflect on the murder of George Floyd one year ago, and the importance of a more just and equal United States”.

She added: “Recognising the work needed to be done at home, we are committed to striving for a fairer and more just society.

“The United States remains concerned about racial and ethnic inequities both domestically and abroad, and acknowledge the lasting impact of historical events and tragedies rooted in the dehumanisation of communities of colour.

“We join many countries who are doing the difficult work of confronting systemic racism.”