Former U.S. Base Personnel Attend Reception
Yesterday evening [Sept 9] Governor George Fergusson and Minister of Tourism Development & Transport Shawn Crockwell attended a reception that was hosted by the U.S. Consul General Robert Settje for approximately 32 overseas guests which included veterans of the Bermuda United States bases and their families.
These veterans have been planning this reunion for a few years and have a Facebook page [USN, USMC & CFS Bermuda Vets, September 2014] that chronicles their plans, highlights their on-island events, and includes pictures of their visit thus far.
Left to Right: Governor Fergusson, Minister Crockwell, Ms. Renee Nunn [US Veteran], US Consul General Mr. Robert Settje.
Minister Crockwell used the opportunity to welcome the US Veterans back to Bermuda saying, “It’s hard to believe that it has been almost 20 years since the Naval Bases closed, time sure does fly.
“Although there have been many changes to the former base since its closure, quite a bit of the area is recognizable. I do hope that you get the chance to visit the area before you leave.”
He continued, “The bases may be gone, but our relationship with the United States is as strong as ever, and that includes our former US military friends who were once stationed here – those of you who are with us this evening and those who are here in spirit but could not make the journey this time.”
Minister Crockwell said, “On behalf of the Government of Bermuda, I extend a big Bermudaful welcome to you all; it is great having you back. Please, enjoy this reunion to the fullest and do not make this your last visit.”
The reception took place at the US Consul Generals residence and Minister Crockwell was joined by the His Excellency the Governor & Mrs. Fergusson, Deputy Governor Ginny Ferson & Mr. Ferson, Police Commissioner Michael DeSilva, former Premier Dame Jennifer Smith and many other local dignitaries.
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Love to know what they think about the lack of development at the bases
I KNOW,I could tell you,but I’m sure you can figure it out for yourself!
There was development – the Ghetto’s that house the single Men and Women and displaced Family’s – some say the PLP done it to increase the East End Vote. — but just ask any real St.Davids Islander what this development has done.
Sam Donaldson has alot to answer for,the Navy Base here in Bermuda should never have been closed.
The Cold War is still with us,Putin and the Russians are still just as devious as they were.
The writing was on the wall long before Sam Donaldson showed up. He just sped up the process a little.
Truth be told the US Naval Base propped up Bermudas economy for the entire time it was here . However according to the UBP it was entirely their astute business acumen that made Bermuda successful .. If the base had pulled out prior to the ’89-’93 recession Bermuda would’ve had to borrow money to stay afloat .
I’ve been saying that for years. The USN Base played a big part in the growth of our economy.
I know that several hundred Bermudians worked there including myself.
I allway said that the Bermuda Govt at the time was the UBP should have had them stay longer.
I’m sure they all said “my it looks like the day we left!
There are NO signs that make it clear this was the former site of
NAS Bermuda or NASA Bermuda.
This is typical of people in Bermuda attempting to rewrite history to suit themselves.
As one of these US Navy vets in attendance, I can tell you we hate that the base is no longer there. Very sad to see buildings in disrepair.
As a veteran of the US Navy stationed in bermuda and here for the reunion, I toured the base and was very saddened when exiting the former front gate entrance. It came to mind that it would be nice to have a statue honoring all whom served on the former base because Bermuda means so much to us. To some, this is where we fell in love and married and gave birth to children. I would love to see some type of memorial built for all of us veterans who so proudly served here in Bermuda!
You should build one, while you’re at it, would you mind cleaning up the jet fuel and raw sewage you pumped into the ground water as well?
STFU you ungrateful lil b@%#$@rd!…without these people here you would NOT be alive,nor would any of your family or anyone else in Bermuda.
Read your history,read about what the Nazis would have done to you and a few years laters read about the Russians,then swallow the books you read and choke on them!
STFU you ignorant F***. You’ll bend over for anyone. Did the Canadian forces who were here, pollute the crap out of the island? No, they respected it, they were also fighting in WW2 long before the US ever decided to step in.
Learn some history, and not the US revisionist history you seem to have gobbled up.
Choke on that, you stupid f***.
Well…. The $$$ people – US investors+ others have shown-little-interest!! That in-it-self is a “statement”!!