Turks & Caicos Acting Governor On Spirit Visit
Turks and Caicos Acting Governor Anya Williams recently welcomed the Spirit of Bermuda when it arrived during its ‘In the Wake of Mary Prince’ expedition, speaking to the crew and students “on the historical links between both territories from genealogy to architecture and engaged in lively conversation with the young mariners.”
The trip includes history lessons from Dr. Theodore Francis, who previously explained to Bernews that they are “using the story of Mary Prince, an enslaved Black Bermudian woman who was born in Bermuda, transported to Turks and Caicos, returned back to Bermuda, transported to Antigua, and then eventually travels to England.”
A Facebook post by the Governor’s Office of Turks and Caicos included the photos below and said, “Acting Governor, Her Excellency Anya Williams on Sunday July 10th, 2022 welcomed the crew and students of the Spirit of Bermuda’s Summer Youth Expedition ‘In the Wake of Mary Prince’ to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Her Excellency spoke to the crew and students on the historical links between both territories from genealogy to architecture and engaged in lively conversation with the young mariners.
“Her visit climaxed with a rendition of “Pump Shanty” by trainee crew member and music award winning Bermudian Dkembe Outerbridge-Dill, which was followed by a plaque presentation from the Spirit of Bermuda.
“Also present was Dr. Theodore Francis, educator and expert in the fields of African Diaspora in the Caribbean. Dr. Francis provided a series of lectures to the students onboard the vessel on Mary Prince and the role she played in the abolition of slavery based on her life in the Turks Islands.
“The vessel which departed Bermuda on Saturday, July 2nd, 2022 and arrived on Saturday, July 9th, 2022, is currently berthed at South Dock, Grand Turk.
“The US $6.5 million vessel sailed over 993 Nautical Miles from Bermuda to Grand Turk reenacting the voyage that made salt trade possible with a connection spanning for almost 350 years.
“Over seven thousand youth between the ages of 11 to 25 have embarked on these educational voyages. This is the third voyage to Grand Turk. According to the Bermuda Sloop foundation, ‘the vessel is a Built on worldly knowledge, seafaring wisdom, and a strong passion for the past, present, and future of Bermuda’s youth – the Bermuda Sloop Foundation [BSF] was created.
“Founded in 2006, the brainchild of three sailors was realized in the form of a purpose-built training vessel, Spirit of Bermuda, to offer transformational education experiences delivering an award-winning series of character education youth programs.’
“The Spirit of Bermuda trainee crew stated that “the entire voyage has felt like an adventure that I never imagined. Our classes with Dr. Francis were exciting and educational and his perspective on Mary Prince and slavery caused us to think in new ways about history and Bermuda’s connection with Turks and Caicos. All in all, we loved every aspect of the voyage from sailing of the boat, to meeting the Turks Islanders and we hope to get another opportunity to sail on the Spirit of Bermuda in the future.”
“Tomorrow the crew will visit Salt Cay and perform the ceremonial exchange of a Bermuda limestone for salt as was done traditionally by our Bermudian ancestors. Following this the team will return to Bermuda.
“Special thanks to the Turks and Caicos National Museum and its support team of various local businesses for being the focal point; and the Port Authority and the Ministry of Tourism for providing support. It is anticipated that the momentum will only gain as the cultural and heritage links are reestablished.”
Photos courtesy of the Turks and Caicos Islands Governor’s Office
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