Dear Sir,

Listening to a recent press conference, the Minister of Economy and Labour made the most unusual statement.

Out of nowhere, he announced that “non-Bermudians did not build this island”. Whatever possessed him to make this statement during a discussion on permanent resident’s certificates and Bermuda status, only he will know.

Between the years 1609 and 2025, the minister seems to possess incredible knowledge as it relates to the physical contractual and administrative construction of this island. One must assume that he has had access to the workforce on every project that has been constructed over the past 400 years. Congratulations, minister, you have obtained a list that no one else has.

Starting with the first settlement on Smith’s Island to the recent Brookfield construction on Front Street, there is an incredible list of projects involving a huge cross-section of nationalities that have contributed to the Bermuda that we know today. The history of Bermuda is extremely complex and well worth a study, minister. It can be suggested that you start with Wikipedia, which gives a concise description of the early days followed by Lefroy’s Memorials, if you have the patience to read and digest the complicated double edition.

The endless list of people building Bermuda over the past 400 years would take up too much space, but it starts with early settlers; army and navy engineers; Black slaves from Africa, the West Indies and North America; indentured servants from Europe and North America; convicts from England, Ireland and Scotland; colonial postings from and by the British Government; immigrants from Portugal, the West Indies, North America and Europe; shipbuilders from England and the Netherlands; work-permit holders from world destinations to name but a few.

If the minister has a finite list of who built Bermuda, I’m sure the Bermuda archives would be delighted to add it to their collection.

IAN WADDINGTON

City of Hamilton

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