A Bermuda Day message from the Queen was issued this afternoon by Rena Lalgie, the Governor, as the island readies for its national day of celebration.

“As you celebrate the important occasion of your Bermuda Day, I would like to congratulate your Premier, and send my good wishes to the people of Bermuda.

“As we overcome global health challenges together, with determination and fortitude, may we look to better times in the future.”

This year marks a return to traditional festivities for the first time since 2019 after the Covid-19 pandemic cast a pall over the holiday.

The royal goodwill message came as the Department of Culture announced six Bermudians as grand marshals for tomorrow’s Bermuda Day Parade festivities.

A spokeswoman said Glenn Fubler, Darren Woods, Patrina O’Connor-Paynter, St Clair Brinkworth Tucker, Linda Bogle-Mienzer and Crenstant Williams had been selected to serve as grand marshals.

“Collectively, these individuals are deserving of this year’s recognition as they have worked in various sectors of the community to bring our people together,” the spokeswoman said.

“Today as we prepare for Bermuda Day, we shine a spotlight on their community contributions.”

Mr Fubler, a community activist with Imagine Bermuda, and Ms O’Connor-Paynter, managing director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda, will not take part in the parade itself.

Mr Fubler is instead acting as a presenter to share Bermuda history, while Ms O’Connor-Paynter will host the event from Front Street.

Mr Woods, a youth and outreach manager for the Ministry of National Security’s Gang Violence Reduction Taskforce, has worked since 2012 to help the island’s young people.

In his role, he helped with the implementation of programmes including Beyond Rugby, Youth Leadership Academy, Building My Future and Youth Police Initiative.

Mr Tucker is a veteran police officer who helped to form the St David’s Island Reconnection Indian Committee.

Earlier this year he was awarded the Daniel Literary Award from Atlantic Publishing House for his 2009 book St David’s Island, Bermuda – Its People, History and Culture.

Ms Bogle-Mienzer is a police officer, labour organiser and a longstanding human rights activist and champion for marriage equality.

She also runs a well-known social media platform, Morning Beautiful People, which aims to be an honest and safe space for those who feel unheard.

Mr Williams is a well-known educator, credited with launching the Math Mastery programme in Bermuda, and an athlete.

He also serves as the head of referees for the Bermuda Football Association and recently launched an online platform for aspiring referees.