June 11, 2014

Dear Sir,

Every year the Bermuda Day Parade brings people together, either as participants or spectators and this year was no exception.

I was curious to know how it first began and was surprised to learn that it was my father-in-law, Mr Lowdru Robinson, so I did some research.

On the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of December 1977, Bermuda experienced the worst case of civil disorder in the Island’s history. A state of emergency was declared to quell the rioters and restore order. The government in power at that time established a bipartisan Royal Commission to investigate the underlying causes of the disturbances.

The Chairman of the Commission was Lord Pitt of Hampstead. The Commission produced a report titled Report of the Royal Commission into the 1977 disturbances, often referred to as the Pitt Report. The report outlined a series of recommendations for government to address to “move Bermuda towards a harmonious society”.

In 1978, the Ministry of Community Affairs hired its first Director, Mr Lowdru Robinson, a Bermudian who was living in Canada. While in Canada he had gained considerable experience working on community relations programs. Mr Robinson used the Pitt Report to develop and produce new programmes for the Ministry to introduce to the Island.

Two issues that were highlighted in the report called for Bermudians to be encouraged to participate in more common activities and events. They were the need to come “together more frequently in pursuit of shared interests”, and that “Community Affairs should consider the possibility of some annual festival” that appealed to the entire community and had the same impact as the “marathon on 24th of May.”

For the first suggestion, Mr Robinson developed the Community Education and Development Programme which continues to operate successfully and has received commendation from the International Community Education Association. And, for the second, he developed the annual Heritage Celebration.

It began as a one week programme in May but was so popular that it grew into a one month event, and later led to the creation of the Department of Cultural Affairs.

Included in the Heritage Celebrations were:

— events across the community sponsored by the Ministry

— appeal to all schools to carry out heritage projects

— school choir performances on the steps of City Hall

— Citizens’ Tea hosted by the Premier at Camden

— Bermuda Day

— Bermuda Day Parade.

It is clear that the 1977 disturbances and the Pitt Report recommendations changed the social and political life in Bermuda forever.

I was surprised to learn these facts and wondered if there were others, like me, who were not aware of the origin of the Bermuda Day Parade, which is now an established annual event in our community calendar.

I also discovered the Mr Robinson was the person who introduced the idea for the Human Rights Act and many other programmes that are still operating. After 21 years of dedicated community service he retired in 1999.

I am pleased that Mr Robinson is alive and well and that Bermuda has not missed the opportunity to celebrate his innovative ideas and contributions that continue to impact Bermuda society.

I for one, as a Bermudian, would welcome any action that will formally recognise the ongoing impact that his contributions have made to the multicultural Island I call home.

NKOSI DAMANI

Hamilton