‘Forever Grateful For Lt/Col Hollis Contributions’
Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport Dr. Ernest Peets extended condolences to the family of the late Lieutenant-Colonel Brendan Hollis, saying “we are forever grateful for Lt. Col. Hollis contribution to Bermuda’s legacy.”
Minister Peets said, “I extend my condolences to Lt/Col. Brendan Hollis’ family and loved ones. Members of the public will be familiar with his ‘About Bermuda’ series, which comprised of 43 documentaries highlighting our island’s rich history, culture, heritage, traditions, and environment.
“The series won acclaim from all segments of the community and was regularly featured as part of the Department of Culture’s Bermudian Heartbeats programming.
“The complete series should stand as a permanent record of historical significance and will be a valuable reference source for future generations. We are forever grateful for Lt. Col. Hollis contribution to Bermuda’s legacy.”
The Minister noted that CITV will be re-airing the ‘About Bermuda’ series in the coming days as a tribute to Lt. Col. Hollis’ memory, and the Department of Culture will be adding the films to their YouTube channel, Bermuda Culture. ‘About Bermuda’ will air daily at 7.00am, 11.30am, 7.30pm and 12:00am.
Lt/Col. Brendan Hollis’ obituary said, “A sixth generation Bermudian, Colonel Hollis had a deep love for Bermuda and its history. Regarded as one of Bermuda’s leading historians, he is perhaps best known for the television documentary series About Bermuda in which he delved into the island’s history, culture and environment. The series was acquired by the Bermuda Government and is now housed in the Bermuda National Archives and televised locally.
“Colonel Hollis served as the Commanding Officer of the Bermuda Regiment from 1977 to 1980 and was instrumental in establishing a role for women in the Regiment. In 1965, he was awarded the British Military Efficiency Decoration for Meritorious Service and in 1980 was honoured by Her Majesty the Queen with the award of one of Britain’s highest honours, the OBE [Officer of the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of The British Empire].
“Active in public and community affairs, Colonel Hollis was a Justice of the Peace and served as a member of the Public Service Commission, the Bermuda Government Archives Advisory Council and as Chairman of the Bermuda Government Broadcasting Commission.
“He served as Chairman of the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute and President of the Bermuda Historical Society and the St. George’s Rotary Club. Colonel Hollis served on numerous other government boards and committees, including the Board of Works, Agriculture and Fisheries; Lands and Buildings Advisory Committee; Marine and Ports Authority; Agriculture Advisory Committee; and the Defence Board. He chaired committees of the Bermuda National Trust, the Bermuda Maritime Museum, and the Chamber of Commerce. In addition to numerous public speaking and lecture engagements, Colonel Hollis completed over forty international tours on cruise ships as a guest speaker.”
