Photos: Bermudians Mark “Spots” For Holiday
With five days to go until this year’s Bermuda Day holiday, Bermudians are already staking out their spots, with markings clearly visible on both Cedar Avenue and Marsh Folly Road today, using a combination of spray paint, tape and string.
Bermudians traditionally mark their spots for Bermuda Day — which will take place on Monday, May 26th this year — seeking to claim prime viewing points for both the Half Marathon Derby and the Bermuda Day parade.
I get the enthusiasm for ‘marking spots’, but isn’t this practice against the law?
I don’t understand how people get away with spray painting the sidewalks every year. I understand the need to mark your spot, but defacing the streets is plain wrong…and criminal.
Animals go around “marking their spot”. The PLP told people to stop this sh!*, and now should the OBA.
I agree. We should all act just as animal like and go around and urinate on “their” claims today and let them enjoy the stench in the hot sun tomorrow. I know, I know its wrong but if nothing else will stop these pieces of garbage then we must do something.
CLOROX
Hey that sounds like de Berlin Conference(Scramble for Africa) when de European Nations collaborated and sliced up Africa for their greedy appetite in 1844-45 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There is no need to mark a spot an all of this needs to be stopped. If U want a spot, get out of your bed early on the day and it’s yours.
I love this day, but seldom in Bermuda for it. I think this tradition of marking spots is what makes the Holiday unique. It is a special things that families and friends take very serious and is all apart of the great day. I do think that Paint and others things are easily removal-able in the end. Lets not get like a Police State and cry over every little thing, especially if it is not harmful to Bermuda. Take it easy folks, not all that serious.
I love to visit folks I have not seen or talked to in soo long. I love it !!
Enjoy the DAY EVERYONE< I will be here this year looking for some of that wonderful SWIZZLE, made by the great Burt and others. I look forward to seeing this traditional historical day were Bermuda comes together as one.
LOVE AND PEACE !! ENJOY THIS DAY !!
Lol… Betty Trump, the only person so far who thinks that this is ok to do.. Your real last name is Rogers or Darrell or Martin? Perhaps you are part of the Dandy Town Crew?
Asking for public property (or potentially, private property) not to be defaced doesn’t come close to approaching a Police State.
It’s still defacing public property…whether it’s Bermuda Day or any other day. Shouldn’t be done…
And…have you ever seen the mess left behind by the folks who come out to watch the race and parade? It’s disgusting.
Most people DO NOT leave these spots disgusting. And what mess is there is usually cleaned up within hours.
Cleared by whom?
If the amount of litter on the end to end is anything to go by one can just imagine the mess.
Such a shame that people are willing to spoil such a beautiful part of the world we are so fortunate to reside in.
Cleared by person who are hired to clean the streets. There are function in the streets of Hamilton all the time (Harbour Nights) and certainly the persons who clean the streets expect there to be more trash than normal. I don’t condone making and leaving a mess, but stop acting like as a result of this parade and the events of the day make the City dirty forever.
Are you Wayne or Dwayne Caines?
You will never know. It’s the message you need to be concerned about, not the messenger. SMH
Although I agree that most people are somewhat responsible for their mess, I cringe at the fact that every year there are strips of duct tape stuck to the sidewalk and other leftovers in the “camps”. Still think that if you want the space year to year it’s the groups responsibility to have someone on site and paint / duct tape are unacceptable unless they can be removed without a trace.
Hamilton last year Was disgusting after the parade…trash littering the pavemants not 3 feet away from trash cans, spilling out onto the streets etc…
Besides, why should ANYONE feel entitled to be cleaned up after simply because people are paid to clean streets? I will put a candy wrapper in my pocket and throw it out at home if I can’t find a trash can…
Will you ppl take a damn break!!!!! It’s Bermuda Day! A parade with thousands of Bermudians and others lining the streets to enjoy our day. Yes I agree that spray painting is a bit much. Taping is ok as long as it’s removed but how do u NOT expect trash. Most ppl have trash bags in their camps but you can’t control every single person for goodness sakes. Have you never seen parades in other countries? Are the streets spotless when it’s all over? You all complain about stupid *ish. Just enjoy the day and sthu already gosh!!!!!
Wow! is all I can say. How screwed up is your thought process that you @ BETTY TRUMP think that this is acceptable and a “tradition”!?
Warning to anyone that might have the “privilege” of drink Burts Swizzle…this may be one of the side effects.
“I do think that Paint and others things are easily removal-able in the end”
Since when was paint easily removable? I’d like to see you easily remove that spray paint.
Only if folks are caught in the act or it can be proven that they did it. any reasonable doubt, they get off.
I don’t have any problem with the tradition BUT, if you have marked a spot, then please be responsible and clean up the mess, trash from your area and take it home at the end of the day. Show those with you and around you the responsibility of cleaning up your own mess.
I have zero problem with tape on the side walk, I can even get past spraying on the grass, but the low life’s that feel that they have the right to destroy public property and claim a piece of public property theirs for the day should be fined.
Disgusting!!!! I hate to see how they treat their own homes.
If some people only knew the amount of work that goes into removing all the paint after the fact, then maybe they would appreciate the wrong that is being done. I say set a record and have them fined $2,500.00 for defacing public property.
You can’t go to someones personal property and spray all over their car or home,without a harsh penalty by law, so why are we still tolerating this mess,put down the duck tape like most people and put your name on it. I sit at the same spot every year and folk have come and taken up the tape and even put their names over mine, but it don’t matter cause I either get there before them and tell them they will have to share the space or move on to another location.
Last Year the government took my spot and I nicely reminded them they get paid off of our tax payers dollars, they told me the spot was reserved for our visitors and I nicely told them I am visiting them in this spot, for just this day and they should be thankful that I would even sit beside them to add a little color and flavor, all in all Bermuda it is our day and lets consider our workers who have to come behind to get things back in order.
Don’t forget to take your Trash bags and PLEASE pick up and discard your own damn trash.
Spray paint… Serious? A******.
Police should be visiting these spots on the day of the parade and issuing the occupants with penalties for littering and defacing property.
That’s actually a great idea. I think you should make that recommendation to the Commissioner of Police.
If that is spray paint then it is illegal not to mention stupid! The paint will be there long after the event and there is no justification for defacing the sidewalk. Tape is okay as it can easily be removed but paint? Really?
Tape can be removed – but will it?
If they don’t pick up their trash, I’ll bet $$$ they won’t pick up that tape either.
I’m all about enjoying the day…but don’t despoil your surroundings while at it.
Only in Bermuda – truly another world!!
Plain Stupid!! Come on Bermudians lets keep our island Beautiful.
Destruction of property. Police should find the culprits and ticket them. I can appreciate they r holding their spot but what happened to the old fashioned rope or tape
Wow some people are weird. It’s the same every year but it is a special day and event.
I know we all want prime seats for the Bermuda day parade but it’s not these people’s right to be marking off spots in the first place. They don’t own that piece of land (or side walk in most cases).
I agree with Micro! Charge these people for defacing these areas…
I would pay $50 for a spot like they do for Cup Match, you go into Corporation pay the money and you get a ticket with your no and call it a day. It is a troubling scene with spray paint and those people should be hauled into court for doing that. Every year the same nonsense and there have been whispers about people doing shifts at the spots of their choice – name and shame.
Corporation removes the tape it is every year is it the evening before or 12 am the day of the holiday when you can do your spot. Dang onions look out cup match
Charging for a spot to watch the runners and the Bda Day Parade? Ya really serious? SMH. Fullish!!!!
Defacing property which is not yours for a spot in the parade is not right. Tape rope or string works. Five days early is clearly wrong.
Only in Bermuda. It doesn’t matter where people sit as long as they enjoy the holiday. People don’t have to have the exact same spot every year. This is complete nonsense.
Every year it gets more and more stupid…… Wait for the comments about how this (painting names on sidewalks) is a Bermudian tradition…. Well done Dandy Town Crew, Rogers and D Darrell camps……
@ Legal Beagle. I’m not sure what you are referring to regarding Dandy Town, but I will say that I was so proud to see the youth squads of Dandy Town picking up garbage in their area. I’m not sure if it was a fundraiser, or part of their giving back to the community but it made me sooooooo proud that they cared enough or were being taught that littering was not a good thing.
Now we have these selfish fools sending out a message that it is okay to destroy, litter and deface ! I’m not talking about those using string or tape, just the selfish pieces of trash that spray paint on side walks and trees.
@ Mile High, along with the names that you see in the photos above, the words DANDY TOWN CREW are also spray painted on the road…..in the same spray paint. That’s probably what is being referred to…..
And there you have it – Betty Trump at 2:19, somehow trying to claim that spray paint is ‘easily removed’.
If somebody spray painted the side of her house, I wonder if she would feel the same way.
How about getting someone to catch the dirty muckers that painted the trees on Kindley Field Road?? They’ll do it again at Cup Match, I’m sure. Issue a few fines, who knows. Budget might be balanced after a little law enforcement!!!
that is defacing the public highway and is in fact ILLEGAL!
the culprits should be charged.
Anyone who uses spray paint or duct tape to mark spots should automatically forfeit their space. This is no better than vandalism of public property. I don’t care how much “tradition” is involved. If they want a space 5 days in advance, they should post a family member their and take turns for those days.
They should also be fined for the vandalism and double if they don’t remove it properly.
SMH as usual
How would you even THINK that spray painting a side walk is ok. Like who does that? That paint will remain there long after May 24th!!
IDIOTS!!! I hope they get fined!
If you see a spot with ducktape just pull it up or cut the strings. If it’s not illegal to put it down surely its not illegal to get rid of it. 3AM on Saturday morning after a night in town is probably the best time to do it.
Lol I did that one year and ended with a big grey size football LMAO
I am wondering when the powers that be are going to do something about this it seems to get worse every year. This behaviour is primative. You see them sitting in their spots the night before with coolers and all smiling and waving at people as they drive by and as proud as a peacock! Unbelievable.
That’s fine. Many people stand in line for thanksgiving or Boxing Day sales,if you’re willing to put the time in fine,me but marking off “spots” is a cheat at best and an eyesore for sure.
As a frequent visitor to Bermuda, I can’t fathom why you’d want your island to look like south central LA every year. Tape, yes, string, yes, washable spray paint(if cleaned up afterwards) Yes, but actual spray paint? You make me not want to visit.
#ratchet
wouldn’t it be funny if the Police bussed in a load of Tourists and gave them those spots to view the parade…I would be lmao!!!
It’s funny too, because lots of tourists would have no idea what the spray paint would even mean. So they might even end up taking one of those spots not knowing.. and then what’s going to happen? A local is going to ask the tourist to “leave” in the middle of a parade? How unwelcoming. If it happened to me I wouldn’t leave at all. Local law permits anyone to gather anywhere.
Any spot ‘marked’ should now be permanently blocked off. Nobody can use it.
The police and prosecutors may not be able to prove who did it but the organizers should let it be known that these animals that deface property have ruined it for everyone. No-one uses a ‘marked’ spot.
Great idea.
The BPS Community Action Team should get involved and assist in sorting this out before it gets messier…. Clearly popular opinion is against the few fools who think that this is acceptable behavior.
Way to go Dandy Town. Good message for the youth. Bring that up at your next AGM!!
We drove down Front Street after parade last year (approx. 6 pm) what a holy mess, folks clean up your trash!
You think these people care? Hell no. Fine these particular people and make them clean it up their mess. And since theose spots are prime wanted spots, RENT THEM OUT TO THE HIGHEST BIDDER.
Are the spots only for “real bermudians” or can anyone claim a spot?
I think you know the answer to that.
lmao!! Dandy Town seting positive goals n scoring!!……3 trophies!!!! wat u got to sho???
thanks bernews for the shout out…well u all kno were we will b if u wanna come say hi…get ya party on..have a drink even get a plate if u want…we love all out haters….
Lol! Make sure you post your own picture, since that was a well-liked suggestion. I love driving along the route the night before and seeing people having fun. I love seeing people cleaning up together too. Some people actually think that nobody cleans up. Have a great day! I am glad we still celebrate!
There should be a patrol (COH? BPS?) who make note of the spray-painted spots and issue tickets on the holiday to the group occupying those spaces. “Happy Bermuda Day!!”
Don’t take it out on Dandy Town. I bet it was just a fan. What if someone wrote Miami Heat? The whole Dandy Town club is taking the heat for some stupid fan who probably is not even a financial member!
yall act like this is new !! ITS BEEN GOING ON FOR YEARS !!!!
Typical stupid Bermudians who like to complain about everything !! Marking your spot is apart of the holiday and if you don’t like it well that’s your problem. You can mark what you like its been done over 20 years!! Just because some of yall are to lazy to do it and cant find a place to be on the day that’s ya problem !!
Spray paint will fade and its on the ground under ya feet !! Whats the difference between dirt and paint ???? Paint will FADEEEEE !!
Its apart of the holiday and by Tuesday the streets will look like nothing ever happened. GET OVER IT !!!
Stop trying to create problems on small things this why Bermuda is the way it is. STOP COMPLAINING and Take the stick out ya tale !!
Thanks Dear REAL BERMUDIAN, I also believe we tend to complain and fuzz over everything in Bermuda. Even a holiday that is traditional and supposed to be enjoyed by all. Thanks for your comment, it very passionate. Bettty was also correct in her comment. Well said Bettty !! Bettty is correct it is not all that serious !!
Wow! You are soooo ghetto!
It’s not a matter of people that like to complain, what your doing is wrong. Every year the police tell people not to do it. yet you continue to disobey. What would you do if your children deliberately repeatedly disobeyed you, you would want to beat the you know what out of them.The parade is 5 days away, what’s the big rush, it ain’t that serious.Just because something has been going on for years does not make it right.You do not own that sidewalk or spot you have picked out. You need to GET OVER IT
Paint is the same as dirt?? Think you need to stop smelling the paint mate………
I find it amusing that you refer to people being too lazy to mark out their spot in advance when in actual fact the point is that people are too lazy to get up early on the day to get the spot they want and resort to defacing public property 6 days in advance. Clearly that would enforce the fact it doesn’t “fadeeeeeeee” quite so easily….
I f you look on cedar avenue, close to the junction by laffan street meets it, you can see a spot marking for “Fray” from 2 years ago. Would you like someone to spray paint you house for a demonstration?
REAL typical sense of BERMUDIAN entitlement.
On May 26th during the parade, anyone who passes this area should take a picture of the people sitting there and post on social media for everyone to see the vandals.
Some post their own.
Territorial mentality of some Bermudians…..sickening….think everything belongs to them…
Ever drive through Point Shares ?
Private property and painting a public sidewalk are very different things,
Regularly. I don’t see any chalk or tape there….what is your point?
Why doesn’t the corporation use the money it will inevitably have to spend to clean this all up to clean up and remove these marking the night prior to the event then when the culprits arrive and don’t have their “spot” the message might hit home?
Absolutely ridiculous! A waste of time for police to hunt down the offenders but I agree how difficult is it to find the culprits? Whomever’s sitting in the marked spot would be guilty no?
Soooo……. if i spray my name on the side of a nice house do i get to keep it now ?????? That would be lovely :} Lock em up only animals mark there spots. only in Bermuda is it ok once a year.
I wonder if the parade passed in front of property would they still accept people doing it hmmmm.
I wonder, if the parade passed in front of their property would they still accept people doing it………Hmmmm?
This is getting more and more ridiculous as the years go on. Who in their right mind thinks that spray-painting a sidewalk is okay?? The Police need to be out there enforcing fines on the day for defacing public property.
If you can’t get out of bed early enough to get the spot you want then that is too bad. No one has the right to mark out a spot a week in advance on public property anyway and the police need to put a stop to it. Two years ago I witnessed a local screaming at a tourist from his deck chair to “Move the f*ck out of the way” as they were walking by him just looking at the parade! Clearly they thought that behavior was fine because they had marked out their spot.
Maybe next year I’ll mark off the whole of Cedar Avenue 2 weeks in advance…………..
Wow. While running around I thought it was a gang that had gone on a graffiti rampage. A real eyesore. I assume that the named persons who will be present will be required to remove the markings at their expense.
Can the public help the police in photographing the perps so they know who to bill?
As a resident of the city who has to pay city taxes to clean up this mess every year I think the time has come for the corporation to lay out the spots themselves and charge people for it on a first come first served basis. The funds raised could go directly towards the overtime the city has to pay for the clean up. I also think that City residents should have first choice of spots , and should be exempt from the fee since we already pay for the clean up.
Sidewalk chalk, tape, rope, string, silly string, ribbons, washable paint… SO MANY OTHER OPTIONS.
Spray Paint on our sidewalks is truly disappointing. It will not “fade” or “wash away” as easily as you think.
I would love to see the Rogers, Martin, and Dandy Town Crews all out on the 27th scrubbing the sidewalks.
I see the Rogers spot has been marked off….I wish we could be there to claim our spot!!! Rogers family, enjoy!!!!
maybe the spray paint was not such a good idea to use to mark your spot
Police should walk around to these spots and “politely” hand the people sitting at spray painted spots a rag, a brillo and some oven cleaner.
These ppl that have spray painted there names on our public roads should have to pay a hefty fine. The police should visit there camp when they are sitting there enjoying parade a serve them with a nice ticket. Are they going to remove there names when they ready to leave that spot.
Bermuda Day is for everyone. Why should a few deface public property and get away with it? This has nothing to do with being a Bermudian, just being ghetto. Wait until Monday then give a ticket to everyone, children included, who are in those spots. Pay a fine or scrub until the space the clean.
On the day what happens if another group get up early & set themselves up on these spots? Those who have taped, sprayed or roped off these areas have no legal title to them. It is not like they have obtained a camping permit to occupy a specific piece of land.
Who cleans up the mess left behind by these self entitled slobs? Who pays for it.
We need to get like British Colunbia. Signs are posted on the highways. Littering, which would include desecration of public property, fine of $2000. That is right Two THOUSAND dollars. It is a very clean province.