‘Country To Come Together & Work Together’
Shawn Crockwell’s family delivered a message to the public from Mr Crockwell, with his sister explaining that “my brother loved this country and he loved his people, so much so that he left a message for me to share with you, the people of this country, the people he served.”
Speaking today, his sister Juanae Crockwell said, “On behalf of the family of the Honourable Shawn Crockwell, JP MP, I would like to again extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Bermuda for their expressions of love, sympathy, and their kind gestures during our time of bereavement.
“Shawn was my big brother. He was my hero and my friend. His death has left me broken-hearted, but more so, it has inspired me to ensure that his legacy is preserved and the vision that he had for this country is realized.
“My brother loved this country and he loved his people, so much so that he left a message for me to share with you, the people of this country, the people he served.”
Saying “these are his words” Ms Crockwell delivered the message below from her brother:
This decision was because of health reasons; I have been sick. I have been struggling with Crohn’s Disease for the last 20 years.
I persevered through it to fulfill my political and professional duties and obligations, and I am proud of the things I was able to achieve, and the contribution I made to my country.
It was my greatest honour to represent Bermuda at the highest level. To have given 10 years to my country from becoming the Chairman of the United Bermuda Party, to an elected member of Parliament, the creation of the Bermuda Democratic Alliance, the One Bermuda Alliance, the Minister of Tourism & Transport, and finally to sit in your House as an Independent, ultimately becoming a voice for the voiceless.
It has been rocky at times, but to have done all of that was the greatest achievements and proudest moments of my life.
My parting words to you are that I want more than anything for the country to come together and confront our differences and to figure out a way to work together to solve them.
People need to be honest. We need honesty in this community. We all need to be honest about where we have been and how we got to where we are and what needs to be done to help us get where we need to be. Life is too short for hate.
We get caught up in people’s personalities, and we ascribe negative labels to people because of our differences. I hope that those who feel animus towards me can get over that, because I am at peace.
I wish everyone the best, good health, prosperity and love, because that is what we are missing. We are missing that ‘love thy neighbor’ in Bermuda
It was my pleasure to be your representative in Parliament and on the international stage. Thank you for allowing me to serve, I am grateful.
To end today’s statement, Ms Crockwell, said, “Shawn was indeed among the greatest contributors to this generation of politics in Bermuda.
“And I am not just saying that because I am his sister, I am saying that because he exercised integrity, accountability, dedication, unity and so much courage.
“Our family is committed to being a part of the change that he wanted to see in this country, and we invite and implore you to be a part of that change too. May he rest in peace. Thank you.”
