Thirteen Receive Queen’s New Year Honours
Her Majesty the Queen’s New Years Honours List 2011 was released tonight [Dec.30], and thirteen persons from Bermuda have been honoured.
Dr. Eva Hodgson was appointed an Officer of the British Empire, and Alan Burland and Thomas B. Butterfield were appointed Members of the British Empire.
The following persons have been awarded Queen’s Certificates and Badges of Honour: Miss Beverly Jones, Ms Donna Bradshaw, Miss Carol Anne Clarke, Mr. Alfred Scott, Mr. Donald Kramer, Dr. Gary Burgess, Mr. Andrew Bermingham, Mr. Leo Custodio, Ms. Estlyn Harvey, Mrs. Anne Mello
Dr. Eva N. Hodgson, Ph.D, OBE
Dr. Eva N. Hodgson, Ph.D, OBE, is a noted educator, author, historian and founder of The National Association of Reconciliation (NAR). She was raised with strong religious convictions and a deep concern for social justice.
Although she spent a number of years off the Island receiving her education, Dr. Hodgson has always remained well aware of racist and social injustices that were so deeply entrenched and widespread in Bermuda at the time. Her concern about the indignities and insults bestowed on Black Bermudians led her to write “Second Class Citizens, First Class Men”.
Along with earning three Masters Degrees, Dr. Hodgson also has a Ph.D. in African and Black American History. Her academic successes allowed her to be the recipient of a national research fellowship for field research in Liberia.
In 1983, she was seconded to the Department of Education in an effort by the Bermuda Government to preserve oral history and to introduce human rights into the social science and civics curriculum.
Still passionate about addressing racism faced by Blacks in Bermuda, Dr. Hodgson founded the non-profit organization, The National Association for Reconciliation, which remains operational to this day.
Mr. Alan Burland, MBE
To help support the community, Mr. Alan Burland, MBE has served on various boards on the Island, including but not limited to: Construction Association of Bermuda; Employers Council; Chamber of Commerce; Labour Advisory Council; Bermuda Association of Professional Engineers; Bank of Bermuda Foundation; numerous Technical Education Advisory Committees; Bermuda College; Bermuda Environmental Alliance; Bermuda First; Vestry of St. Anne’s Church and the Bermuda Sloop Foundation of which he is a Founding Member and Chairman. Mr. Burland led the Bermuda Sloop technical committee during the design and building phases of Spirit of Bermuda, and he served as Watch Leader on the Spirit’s first transatlantic crossing.
Mr. Burland sees good education as the foundation for a sustainable society and he is committed to helping to improve public education in Bermuda. He is a strong proponent of the Expeditionary Learning Schools model for education and he has proposed the concept of ‘blended education’ in the Bermuda Secondary Schools, whereby academic and technical learning are delivered together.
Mr. Burland is a keen sportsman. He has represented Bermuda internationally in Sailing including in the 1984 Olympics where he finished 5th. In 1983/84, he was named as Bermuda’s Athlete of the Year.
Mr. Thomas Butterfield, MBE
Mr. ‘Tom’ Butterfield is a well-known figure in the arts scene and he is being honoured for his passion, drive and commitment to the community through Masterworks. For 26 years, Mr. Butterfield has been the driving force behind Masterworks and their goal of repatriating Bermuda artwork from all over the world and nurturing the Bermudian arts for both young and old. The state-of-the-art Masterworks Museum in the Botanical Gardens has become a prime venue for the art community to come together to enjoy and create artwork and a place where Bermudians can learn about their heritage. The Masterworks Museum is currently home to over 1,200 works of art inspired by Bermuda.
Mr. Butterfield’s staunch support for art in the community has produced popular Masterworks’ programmes including Artist in the Garden, Artist in Residence, Art for All, Adult workshops Super Saturdays, as well as summer, mid-term and after-school art programmes for students.
Mr. Butterfield has earned the support of Bermuda’s top philanthropists and corporate magnates with his tireless efforts to promote his cause. He has dauntlessly championed the funding and continued success of the Masterworks Museum and has personally raised over $2.5m in sponsorship for Masterworks by cycling and running: in 1992, he ran the London Marathon; in 1994, he ran the New York Marathon; in 1996 and every other year thereafter, he has cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats; London to Belgium and in 2009, St. Remy France to Lyme Regis, UK.
Miss Beverly Jones
Miss Beverly Jones is being honoured for forming a Christian-based Ministry in 2008 that has reached out to women in the community who have encountered difficulties in their lives. The Ministry has become a safe harbour for women to relate personal stories of their difficult struggles and how they have overcome these challenges.
Ms. Jones provides mentoring, encouragement, and empowers the women through caring and sharing. One-on-one counseling, as well as group counseling is also available to women in distress.
Ms Donna Laureen Bradshaw
Tennis professional, Ms Donna Laureen Bradshaw is well-known in the local sporting community for her excellence on the court. Initially inspired by the success of her brother Jerome who burst on the scene as an accomplished and talented tennis player, Ms. Bradshaw picked up a tennis racquet at the age of 22 and decided that she too wanted to become a great tennis player. Subsequently, tennis became the love of her life. After stressful days in an office performing secretarial duties, she would head to the Government Tennis Stadium for relentless practices on the backboard. Not long afterwards, she won several consolation titles and joined the All Bermuda Tennis Club (ABTC), participating in the Women’s League. Between 1982 and 1983, Ms. Bradshaw won several Mixed Doubles Round-Robin tournaments, often partnering with her brother as a formidable brother/sister duo) Ms. Bradshaw has also won numerous closed ABTC tournaments in the Ladies’ Singles, Ladies’ Doubles and Mixed Doubles.
Miss Carol Anne Elizabeth Clarke
Miss Carol Anne Clark of Clarke’s Tuxedo Shop, is credited for giving selfless service to the community and to seniors in particular, over many years. She has earned much respect and admiration for the numerous seniors’ fund-raising events that she has organized and participated in. Miss Clarke is passionate about making life better for the Island’s seniors and for those less fortunate.
Mr. Alfred Ambrose Scott
Mr. Alfred Scott recently retired as custodian/care-taker of Camden in the Botanical Gardens – the official residence of the Premier of Bermuda. Mr. Scott served as custodian/care-taker of Camden for 11 years. Mr. Scott began his career as a Steward on the MV Queen of Bermuda before joining the Department of Public Transportation and serving 40 years as an operator, a dispatcher and supervisor.
In the community, Mr. Scott is a board executive of the Ex-Artillery Association; a board executive of the Blue Waters Anglers Club, a member of the Allen Temple Church Choir; a member of the Nu-En Chorale and the St. Paul Senior Choir.
Mr. Donald Kramer
Mr. Donald Kramer, the CEO of Ariel Re has contributed much to the Bermuda International Insurance Industry sector and the dance community in Bermuda.
He is regarded as a respected leader and voice in the international business scene. His depth of experience has served Bermuda well and contributed to stemming the campaign to paint Bermuda reinsurance as US tax avoidance. As an advocate for the Bermuda economy, Mr. Kramer provided the official response to the US Senate Finance Committee inquiry into the alleged inequities of foreign owned insurers.
Mr. Kramer believes in giving back to his community. While Bermuda and Connecticut are home for him and his wife, Dance Bermuda, and the sponsoring of the Bermuda Art are ways in which Mr. Kramer gives back publicly to Bermuda. Dance Bermuda allows Bermuda’s talented male and female dancers, teachers and choreographers to experience artistic greatness and expression with world-class training by internationally acclaimed teachers.
Dr. Gary Burgess
Tenor, stage director and pedagogue, Dr. Gary Burgess has spent many years outside of Bermuda throughout his career and has been a major influence in placing Bermuda in high regard globally within the operatic arena.
Dr. Burgess made his American debut in 1973 as a tenor with the San Francisco Opera Company. In the same year he made his European debut with the Greek National Opera. Over the course of his career, Dr. Burgess has performed with many major orchestras across the US and Canada and worked with some of the world’s most distinguished conductors. He has over 45 operatic roles, including most of the major tenor roles in the standard repertoire and over 30 major oratorios and orchestral works under his belt. In addition, he has directed or conducted over 35 operas, along with a number of operettas and Broadway musical productions.
Dr. Burgess has been a master teacher in Bratislava, Prague, Sao Paulo, Ottawa and most of the major universities across the US.
In 1998 he joined the Ministry of Culture as Programme Director and was Musical Director of the Bermuda Philharmonic Society. Dr. Burgess wrote and premiered two symphonies for the Bermuda Philharmonic Orchestra – Dawn of a New Day, and The Bermuda Symphony that were based on the discovery of Bermuda. He also founded and directed the Boys Choir at the Bermuda Cathedral for six years.
Dr. Burgess also assisted local artists by offering free voice lessons to aspiring singers. Now retired, Dr. Burgess still enjoys travelling, performing, directing and giving master classes and recitals.
Mr. Andrew Bermingham
Well-known historian, author and former police officer, Mr. Andrew Bermingham is dedicated to preserving and promoting Bermuda’s history and culture. Since his retirement in 1994, Mr. Bermingham has maintained his interest in the Island’s history and culture by serving on various committees and making donations to the Archives, the Bermuda Historical Society and the Bermuda Maritime Museum. He is also responsible for the 2007 total revamp of the Bermuda Historical Society Museum at Par la Ville.
Mr. Bermingham’s has a keen interest in the story of the 1901/02 Boer prisoners held in Bermuda. During Heritage Week 1981, a Boer Prisoner-of-War carving exhibit earned Mr. Bermingham a Cultural Affairs Commendation. For many years Mr. Bermingham was responsible for the care and upkeep of all military cemeteries in Bermuda. In 1993 he was appointed Honorary Custodian of the 138 Commonwealth War Graves in Bermuda and in 1996 he was responsible for the renovation and upgrading of the Boer Cemetery on Long Island.
Mr. Bermingham serves as a volunteer history lecturer for the Department of Tourism in their Rendezvous Season, and he is a founding member of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs’ Historical Heartbeats Committee. He is currently President of the Bermuda Historical Society. In 1999 Mr. Bermingham did the original research and headed up the team that successfully applied for World Heritage Status for St. George. Mr. Bermingham has also assisted Miss Carol Everson in gaining better benefits and pensions for Bermuda’s ‘forgotten’ WWII Soldiers.
Mr. Bermingham is the author of Bermuda Military Rarities
- a book of stories of unusual events in Bermuda’s long military history. He also co-authored The Renaissance Man – a biography on the life of Dr. John Stubbs.
In 1993 Mr. Bermingham and MP, Mr. Dale Butler co-chaired the Police Tumin Committee Report which became the benchmark for the reorganization and modernization of the Bermuda Police Service.
Mr. Leo Manuel Custodio
Professional golf instructor Mr. Leo Manuel Custodio has been a mentor and inspiration to several generations of Bermuda’s golfers. Honoured for his outstanding service to the golfing community, Mr. Custodio has given his life to teaching junior and adult golf for over 50 years. Now in his 80’s, he is still teaching and very much involved in the Bermuda Junior Golf Association. He is credited for teaching the fundamentals of how to play golf, including characteristics such as honesty, integrity and respect which enabled junior golfers to develop into productive adults. In 2003 his contributions earned him the Community Centre’s Recognition and Service to Youth Award from the Ministry of Community Affairs and Sport, for outstanding commitment and dedication.
All of Mr. Custodio’s students attest to their endearing respect for him – in particular, his patient, understanding, caring nature and effective teaching style.
Ms. Estlyn Harvey
At her graduation ceremony from Ryerson University in Canada in 1964, Ms. Estlyn Harvey was proclaimed the first qualified female health inspector in the Western Hemisphere. When she joined the Bermuda Government Department of Health shortly afterwards, she became Bermuda’s first female health inspector. Her Civil Service career spanned 43 years. She also served as Senior Environmental Health Officer for 6 years and in 1992, she was appointed Chief Environmental Health Officer – a post she held for 15 years before her retirement in 2007. Ms. Harvey led a team of 36 employees in monitoring the Island’s Safety and Health, Vector Control and Environmental Health. During her tenure in the Department of Health, Mrs. Harvey was responsible for the enforcement of several pieces of Legislation that promote a healthy and safe environment. These include the Public Health Act, Radiation Act, Pharmacies and Poisons Regulations, Plumbing and Drainage, Day Care Centres, Residential Senior Homes, Hairdressers, Barbers and Tattoo Parlours.
Ms. Harvey continues to be a passionate advocate for the quality of life for everyone – especially children and seniors. She currently sits on the Board of Education; she is Deputy Chairperson of the Consumer Affairs Board and Deputy Chairperson of the Age Concern Board. She is also a life and active member of the Bermuda Public Services Union and she has been involved with the Adult Education School, Keep Bermuda Beautiful.
Mrs. Anne Mello
Best known for her work as Chairman of The Bermuda End to End charity, Mrs. Mello is credited with helping to make Bermuda a better place for many people. She has been a volunteer with numerous charitable events including those promoting health, fitness and the environment.
After qualifying as a cardiac rehabilitation fitness instructor, Mrs. Mello soon realized that Bermuda needed many more qualified fitness instructors – not only for cardiac patients, but for every gym and sporting club – so she set about training them.
Mrs. Mello also helped to establish the SART (Sexual Response Team). She sought high level training for local doctors and nurses and ensured that Bermuda had a well-trained team available 24-hours a day. She worked with the Bermuda Hospital’s Board to set up a room for rape victims to ensure that their dignity is respected while medical tests and police questioning takes place.
Mrs. Mello has been involved with the Bermuda End to End charity for 23 years and works tirelessly throughout the year to ensure the success of the event. She takes a real interest and is actively involved in many of the charities that have benefitted from donations of $4 million. The Bermuda End to End has over 500 volunteers who willingly help each year – led by her energy and enthusiasm. In the past two years, Mrs. Mello has been a member of The Argo Glee Project that uses performing arts to bring teenagers from different schools together to help break through social and radial barriers.
Ironic, how some of the greatest champions of racism can award an honor to someone who speaks so strongly against racism.
Even more ironic that an “anti-colonist” would accept an “award” from the colonist!
People are so confused!!!
For real.
Maybe her children told her to take it. Like the other hypocrites who changed their mind. Ludicrous. For those who did not condemn it no problem but all she does is complain when the rest of us work hard to make a purse out of a pig’s ear. Shameful is all I can say. But then again what can you expect. The word hypocrite comes to mind and is kinder then what I really want to say. Maybe Alec scott and Walton Brown will accept next.
It just goes to show you that material things like an OBE are more important than all of the hatred this women has said about the BRITISH EMPIRE… but I guess she will come out with something like what Dame Lois said ” my children said I should except this award… lord have mercy on these fools….
You are so right. It is absolutely appalling, hypocritical and shameful that on the one hand Dr. Hodgson condemns the legacy of the empire then turns around and takes an award deeply rooted in EMPire: The Order of the British Empire. an empire that she said did so much damage she accepts an award from an empire that no longer exist. Shameful. shameful.
The Brits are having fun with this award…Eva you are being made a fool of.
Sometimes the choices for these awards really do make them meaningless.
Who would you be speaking about – Messrs. Bermingham, Burland, Butterfield, Custodio, Kramer or Ms. Mello?
Mrs. Furbert – why chose those names in particular to the exclusion of Hodgson, Jones, Bradshaw, Clarke, Scott, Burgess or Harvey? Do you have something against their “genetic predisposition”?
32, why don’t you ask triangle drifter why he made the comment. And, no, I have nothing against their “genetic predispotion”. Do you?
Don’t play games with me, I know your type!
Your type?? Maybe she thinks you’re gay 32n64w.
Triangle drifter didn’t mention the recipients’ race. However, you made the effort of segregating the list by race which really only serves to confirm your overt personal prejudices and biases.
I congratulated ALL the honorees below already so if “my type” of inclusiveness offends your archaic way of thinking too bad, the rest of Bermuda has moved on without you.
I am so tired of u Laverne. God forgive me for what I am about to say but so many young and kind people are dying but nasty a&& like yourself and Eva Hodson r still walking around. Your hate is killing our young people and u don’t even see it. Your head is so stuck up ur …. That u don’t see anything but your stupid ugly nasty thoughts. Get a life. We all know ur type!!
Holla!!!
LaVerne, you really show your racist colors once in a while. Why not make a new years resolution to give it a break.
Amen to that !!! give us a break Lavern.
Oh gee, Laverne, which in the group is the hypocrite? Which one mas made it a lifes mission to denegrate anything British.
Like it or not, we are British you know. We could have been Spanish but they were not interested. We almost became American but they did not take advantage of the offer.
Whatever…Eva Hodgson is not the first hypocrite to accept an award from the Crown. She won’t be the last. Some folks can’t resist a bit of bling attatched to their name, earned or not.
Dame Lavern next. I tell you what a big joke.
Congratulations to all that won, particularly Andy Birmingham! I’ve been to a few of your presentations and have learned alot.
Well, bless my heart and soul! I look forward to seeing how Eva Hodgson manages to turn this event into a racist insult intended to keep blacks in their place…or…will she, like Jennifer Smith, decide that it’s OK to accept high honors from Great Britain, while working to undermine everything they stand for. Hypocrites!!!!
100% agree, hilarious hypocrisy, its like when the Queen visits or Paula Cox attends the Royal Wedding, the PLP fall into line, but for Eva Hodgson to do it…words fail me. What would Jesse Jackson or Ralph Nader have to say on that Eva? I can think of 2 words. Will you have get on your knees Eva? You ok with that Eva? Free trip to the Palace eh?
They accept them because it makes them feel important—-small minded people
Congratulations to all.
Its always a case of ‘do as I say, not as I do.’
Its always more telling to watch their actions than to listen to their words.
I agree with you ……look at the milkman’s comments last week ..about this gov’t taking us back 400 years…oh Michael the real you came out
For all of you who commented, you can never just be happy for the amazing award and honour these people have received. Always have to turn a wonderful thing like this into either race or politics. This is the reason why Bermuda is in the Gutter!! get a life, and be happy, because when that honour is yours one day, you wouldnt want people saying those type of things about you now would you….
I’ll second that “No Respect”. All the recipients are deserved of their commitment to Bermuda. I know many of them personally.
As for Dr. Hodgson which I happen to single out only because she has been on he receiving end of much for the past 45 years she is a voice of reason, and why. Long overdue. She has pointed out things that have been tried to be buried and/or hidden.
The truth is a bitch and thank you Eva for documenting it from history.
99% of us will never receive an OBE/CBE/MBE KC et al.
Best too all.
Well deserved by all.
Best fo 2012.
Many deserve it because they don’t hate the British and what “it did to them” but Dr. Hodgson? Lord help us. Old-timers. No that is being too kind. She knows exactly what she did. First she condemns the British for the legacy and for slavery and what it did to blacks. Then she takes an award. Shameful. Sad.
The award is far from a neutral universally respected thing to be celebrated. No disrespect to any of the recipients. All ghe best to them. But imagine a Jewish person being congratulated for an annual Hitler Memorial award. While (believe it or not) some love Hitler, some don’t. I was once asked if I would accept a Rhodes scholarship knowing what Mr. Rhodes was all about…when people compromise their core values for the titles and benefits handed out by people who for several hundred years have behaved like their enemies…
@ the future ….do you know anything of the past…..it was the British that stop slavery in Bermuda be it 100 years after the USA….it was also the UK..that well attempted to stop segregation in Bermuda…however that just went underground…
Just like my mother has done many great thing for me..that does not mean I want to stay home all my life…..
No one is stating the Britain is some evil empire…to be pro independent does not make one anti or hatred of British.
You have much to learn…
For the record.My position has always been that it is the Bermuda Government which has inflicted racism on me. Not the far away Enlish. Moreover Dr. Gordon went to Britain to ask foer relief from some of the worst aspects of racism. The British were also responsible for preventig some of the worst atrociries by Bermudian Whites e.g castration of slaves. Certainly Britain has not always done what she might have. But I never believed in refusinf these Honours even when Dame Lois was Preventing the PLP from accepting them. From my perspective while I totally agree that they are by no means neutral, they do have internationa value beyond tiny Bermuda —including the rebel colony known as the USA.
Absolutely Eva. I have been subject too it. One has only to look at the past 40 years (after our experiences) to see the tide change towards the old times. Influx of certains that still are in control after supporting the old regime. Another book.
You are a big hypocrite. Next it will be Sir arthur and if Alex and Sir Walton. All a bunch of hypocrites. But then again when you go there will be No advocates on race because we will just get on with our lives and your name will be buried with your metal. Shameful. Hypocrtitical. Guess you’ll wear your dashaki to Buckingham to get it. Disgraceful.
Congratulations on your well-deserved OBE, Dr. Hodgson.
Have you been at the sherry Eva, or did the white slave masters mess up your spellcheck?
What is meant by waiting for moderation?
Morning Dr Hodgson, thanks for your post. Waiting for moderation is just a note everyone sees as we have to manually moderate the comments to stop people from posting profanity and things like that.
Thanks for posting Eva. Congratulations on your OBE. Well deserved.
Have a blessed day.
Welcome aboard Dr Hodgson. I look forward to sparring with you online. And congratulations on your OBE, you most certainly deserve it.
Yep, i agree star man, she’s a treasure, not a racist bone in her body, and a very kind individual.
Two quotes from Dr Hodgson in the Royal Gazette 1) “All Whites are supremacists”, 2) “All White people have a fundamental problem with the way they think”…just thought I’d throw these into this boiling pot of debate.
Dr. Hodgson, maybe you would like to elaborate on those quotes?
I do believe that all of the honorees are deserving of some kind of recognition for their outstanding service to our community. However it is my opinion that accepting awards borne out of repressive, dehumanizing establishments like colonialism, only serve to legitimize their horrific legacies and all done their name.
While it may be true that the British prevented Bermudian slaves from being castrated, it was colonialism that that gave rise to the kind of mindset that nurtured and sustained this kind of inhumane ideology in the first place.
It may be a meaningless gesture, but perhaps they should consider a name change for the awards. Maybe a good starting point would be to replace the word “Empire” with “Commonwealth”.
There have been few as dedicated to the cause of social justice as Dr. Hodgson, without question. In the face of severe criticism from many sides, she has, is and continues to tell it like she sees it, no matter who is uncomfortable with what she sees. For this she deserves respect and praise. But I would be remiss if at the same time didn’t point out that Blacks in Bermuda would not have experienced “atrocities at the hands on white Bermudians” if it were not for wholesale kidnapping, murder, plundering officially sponsored by and ordained by the “British Empire”. The human capacity to justify the unjustifiable is amazing. That in 2011 any British person can still utter the word Empire (as in Officer of the British Empire) with pride rather than shame, is very telling (for those who insist these atrocities are long past).
Never forget.
2012, is the ‘future’. The past is such. Move on as Dr. Hodgson has but reminds us of such travesties.
Peace.
I’m every bit embarrassed and disappointed that Dr. Hodgson accepted the UK’s queen’s honors award. The queen doesn’t know her from ‘Eve’. I always thought that Dr. Hodgson was a woman of conviction – unmoveable. However, her action in this regard has taught me otherwise. My faith in her has been permanently dashed.
Sorry to say, like the dames before her, she’s just another shallow Berkeley-ite with a gift for gab.
Hundreds of people receive awards every year, people from all over the world receive OBE’s, Individuals are chosen by committees in their respective countries, NOT THE QUEEN, not sure of the process here in Bermuda, Cabinet maybe, I am sure it goes through Government House though.
Why would you care about the “international” value beyond Bermuda? What does that even mean? You speak in circles without actually saying anything. Put your money where your mouth is and turn down the “honor.” The island is tired of you perpetuating racism and hatred. Take your award if you must and retire your forked tongue.
I’m sorry, Dr. Hodgson, I have the greatest respect for you as a person but I was disgusted to see that you had accepted this award. Contrary to what you state, Great Britain is a very racism nation and during the 18th and 19th century advanced the slave trade. I suggest that you read some of the numerous articles on racism in the British empire available on the web. Like someone stated earlier, the Queen doesn’t know you from Eve, nor would you ever want to know you. Yes, she may politely shake your hand and give you a little tight lipped smile, but beyond that she has ZERO interest in you or the great fight we as blacks have fought….and are still fighting. Let Prince Harry bring a little black girl home and say he wants to marry her….would she allow it….HECK NO!!! This award does nothing for you, you know who you are and what you have accomplished. If you keep this award, I know that I speak for many black Bermudians in stating that I will never look at you quite the same. By the way, I am a staunch PLP supporter and I strongly believe that ANY member of the PLP should turn this merit down on a matter of principle….maybe we should look into creating our own honor list, although it won’t do anything ‘internationally’…not quite sure what it does internationally anyway! All the best in 2012 Dr. Hodgson!
Yeah, create a honours list like the National Heroes Day – didn’t we run out of those with Dame Lois? Should be a very short list. Hilarious, and the comment about Prince Harry…why does she have to be little? – I’m not sure you are furthering your racist agenda (or is it empowerment?) with that comment. And the last staunch PLP supporter left on the island…. keep taking the medicine VJ.
You talk about Britain “during the 18th and 19th century advanced slave trade”.
Britain outlawed slavery in 1807. In Scotland it was actually banned in 1778.
At last a young bright mind has spoken. It is very disgraceful what she has done and then to turn around and justify it. She has condemned the British for slavery. Now she says it is her own Govt who has done so much for her. If perhaps her track record was good for getting things done we could blame the govt but she does not complete things and then blames the govt when we know the real deal. She does not complete things no matter what she says. A poor track record led to her Govt and others seeing through the decade which is now in front of all of us to see . She fell for a medal. Shameful. Shameful and VJ has it right. She has to stop this nonsense of complaining of the legacy of slavery and racism and then accept an award. Her conscience should bother her. Shameful. shameful. The rest deserve it because they believe in empire, British traditions and are nice people who don’t preach all that nonsense about legacy and how it has messed us up.
VJ,
If you really had the courage of your convictions, rather than post anonymously on this blog, you would pick up the telephone and talk to her personally. Her number is listed.
With all of the negative comments about Dr. Hodgson accepting this award, I’m wondering where you all are on the issue of independence. The only person that publicly calls for independence on a regular basis, but when he writes about it, you all criticise him.
Sir John Swan, who put the independence referendum on the table, accepted a knighthood from Her Majesty the Queen, but I’ve never heard anyone criticise him for that.
You are right VJ, the Queen does not know Dr. Hodgson, neither does she know any of us, her loyal subjects. And, Prince Harry would be chastised even if he took a little white girl home4. In fact, some not so royal families in Bermuda would chastise their sons if they took a little black girl home.
By the way, what’s the PLP got to do with this. I don’t think that there is anyone, other than members of the Opposition who has criticised the PLP more than Dr. Hodgson. Looks like Dr. Hodgson is not the only person who should do some more reading.
I am sure there are equally as many Black families out there that would chastise their sons if they took a LITTLE WHITE GIRL home with them, or even a LITTLE INDIAN GIRL home with them. My mother took home a LITTLE BLACK BOY some 60 years ago, he is now my father.
…Or if they took a LITTLE PHILLIPINO GIRL home with them, judging from the racist comments we’ve seen in bus shelters this year.
Ms. Furbert, first of all as a civil servant I have to watch what I say, hence the reason I post anonymously. If it were not for that fact, I would have no problem giving my name. In fact you know me very well and we have had many discussions and if you were to look at the history of my blogs, I have supported your comments and those of many people that think as I do. You asked what the PLP had to do with it, I mentioned the PLP because Dr. Hodgson made mention that they were (are?) against accepting these awards. If not for that fact, the PLP would not have been mentioned. And you made an excellent point, and I will most certainly reach out to Dr. Hodgson personally as I have done with others in the past. Since you begin your post with VJ at the top, I assume all of your comments are directed at me. I’m confused as to why you would say when “he” writes about independence, “you” all criticise him. Please do not put me in the “you all” catergory as I have NEVER criticised “him”….
By the way, Rick Rock, I wrote that Britain advanced the slave trade during those times. The year Great Britain outlawed slavery was not the point. There are some interesting articles on the Motherland exploiting labor in foreign countries such as the West Indies, India and Africa for the profit of British Investors during that time period. Baltic Fury, why is that because blacks want to empowerment ourselves it makes US racist? Its funny how you people all think that way, if it were up to you we would still be in the fields picking cotton. The truth is that blacks have reached out to the white community time and time again, only to be rebuffed. How many of you participate in our events or mingle with us? Very few! I’ve seen tons of black Bermudians headed off to events such as the Mount St Agnes fair but can count on one hand the whites that go to black fairs. 24th May you all are out on your boats or at the beach, you aren’t gonna go out and watch the parade or be anywhere where a lot of blacks congregate. The stores in the North East Hamilton Economic Empowerment Zone have some of the best bargains one could find, but how many of you actually shop there? The list could go on and on, but the truth is WE reach out to YOU all of the time, so how are we racist? Please explain it to me because I’m really curious.
It’s with the reaction you just displayed. Simple really………….
LOL
Do not people, white people reach out to you all the time VJ? Just walk about town or look in the workplace, Black and white Bermudians reach out to each other all the time, in the home, party’s, in the clubs, restaurants, etc,etc. Social Events, well! That’s a whole different ball game, much more to do with social preferences, large crowds and behavioral differences plays a large part as to why many events seem segregated, both black and white events. I was invited to an Indian party over Christmas, it was very enjoyable meeting people and conversing, but after an hour or so the music and the atmosphere was driving me crazy, similar to me standing in a pub in town with a beer in my hands listening to loud music and loud people. most black events that are held are pretty much the same, just a different theme, my social preferences during events like cup match or the parades, is to stay at home with a nice glass of wine, a good meal, and my friends. Care to join VJ? I promise no loud rock music or thumping reggae.
You sound very ignorant and like a kill joy. VJ made valid points and you can’t even deny it instead you make up some random vague nonsense.
Just he made valid points and not me? ignorant, vague, random, wrong on all accounts.
Corr. wrong on all counts.
Laverne was the BIG and loyal defender of her RELATIVE Ewart Brown in all of his ignorance and now he is gone, she is doing the same for Dr. Eva Hodgson who is also a RELATIVE of hers. Blood is thicker than water. That family has no conscience. It’s all about self – I, me, my. I am in total agreement with VJ. The Dr. will never ever receive my support again. My how they thrive on titles.
I thought the Dr. was a real sistah in de struggle, but now I see clearly that she never was.
@ Cleancut…you are stereotyping….and you just made my point!!! Because I am black, I automatically like reggae? FYI I like country music and detest reggae!!! As a white person, you are totally clueless as to what the black community is all about and your comments show it!!!
So you presume I am white? And your missing my point concerning the atmosphere at certain events. I too enjoy all culture of music.
@ Cleancut….YES I presumed you are white since my issue was with white people not reaching out to the black community. If you are not white, why would you bother to respond since my comments clearly WOULD NOT apply to you?!! By the way, my position was not to bash dear Dr. Hodgson, I was just expressing my disappointment in her accepting this award as I too felt she was a “sistah in the struggle.” I fail to see how it makes these awardees any more special to have a few letters behind their name from some white lady who only by virtue of her birth makes her so important. The Queen has lived her whole life in a gilded cage so far removed from reality….why the big hoopla about getting an award from “her”?…which by the way it really isn’t because she is clueless about these people and acts on the advice of her advisors! Since someone wanted to bring Dr. Brown into it, people don’t mind spending thousands of dollars on securing the country for her visit, yet don’t want to spend a dime on the salary for the Premier to have a bodyguard!!! Why is that? I would personally rather spend money to secure my leader who works hard for me than to spend it on the billionaire Queen who has done nothing for me and could care less about what is happening over here!!!
You seem to be stuck in your own little world VJ, I tried to explain to you in baby terms why certain people in this community tent to choose their own social activities, there are also tons of black people that head for the beach and go on the water in their boats and yachts over the holidays, you are the one stereotyping. Just because white people do not attent certain events it dosn’t mean what you think it means. MSA has tons of black students also. Dr. Hodgson should be proud to receive this award because she was chosen by the people of Bermuda and accepted by the committee in London.
Cleancut the only example you could give about stepping out of your own little white…yes white because that’s what you are…world is the fact that you recently attended a function with Indians…would you like an award for that?!! Is that the best you could come up with? Sorry, totally unconivincing Cleancut!!! When you come up with something a little better, I would be more than happy to hear it. Until then, rest your fingers for a little bit because VJ is tuning you out!!!
Yes sure! you seem very aroused VJ, remember VJ you played the race card first, maybe you need to meet some white people and make friends, you may have to change your music library though, a lot of white people love reggae. OH! by the way, my father is black and my mother is white. yes don’t reply.
Let the election fever begin.
Hope th winner is the children.
Smoking Gun. Stop it.
All of the above comments seem to ignore the obvious. While many of you are congratulating and some are attacking some of the recipients, don’t you have to look at the poltical chicanery in operation here? I heard a sound clip where in essence, Dr. Hodgson states that 1) The Premier – has not had not many conversations with her, 2)that she (Dr. Hodgson) didn’t believe she was awarded for being a loyal supporter but that she felt that it was she because she had publically rendered that she was disappointed with the PLP actions over the years. So the question is why was Dr. Hodgson awarded the OBE, was it an attempt to shut her up as we are approaching the General Election? Surely, the voting public does not need a super educated, knowledgeable person outlining the flaws of this of the governing party? So I say, stop attacking the recipients and rather than casting judgement on their reasons for accepting the award. Accept their decision and move on because there is nothing you can do about it. But I digress, understand the political nonsense that is out there designed to keep us divided and in-fighting.
+1
LOL
I would like to nominate Morgan Freeman for an OBE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeixtYS-P3s
Yes Morgan, yes yes yes yes!