Minister Darrell Attends NMB’s Exhibition
Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport Owen Darrell attended the National Museum of Bermuda’s Alternative Voices Exhibition.
Minister Darrell said, “I am delighted to be here this evening to celebrate a commemorative exhibition as part of celebrations of the 175th anniversary of the arrival of the first Portuguese immigrants. I congratulate everyone who has made this wonderful event possible.
“I am proud to be here to experience a rich display of Bermudian and Portuguese culture at the Alternative Voices exhibition held here at the historic Commissioner’s House, National Museum of Bermuda in Dockyard.
“I want to especially thank featured Azorean artists Susana Aleixo Lopes, Filipe Franco, and Leonor Almeida Pereira, who co-curated the exhibition with Lisa Howie, for your remarkable work. Art is essential to preserving our shared history and encourages unity in our cultural connections.
“The island’s cultural fabric is deeply connected with the people of the Azores, Madeira, Portugal, and Cape Verde, and its origins can be traced back to the arrival of the ship Golden Rule in 1849. This extraordinary voyage marked the beginning of the first immigrants of Portuguese origin to reside in Bermuda, whose familial footprints have remained intact today. It is important to acknowledge the lives and cultural practices of Azorean descendants that inspired these wonderful pieces of art and sculptures.
“Our histories are inextricably linked as the first Portuguese settlers in Bermuda were responsible for introducing highly skilled labour techniques in farming and cattle raising, which significantly shaped Bermuda’s economic landscape.
“The lucrative potato, celery, and onion crops seeded a new source of income for farmers allowing them to live well, raise families, and be a major component of our import and export economy.
“Bermudians of Portuguese descent make up a significant portion of our population. Many have become naturalized citizens, purchased homes, trained as doctors, lawyers, architects, politicians, artists, filmmakers, accountants, and educators. Most importantly, positive changemakers for the island’s growth and prosperity. This connection has endured, connecting Bermudians and the wider Portuguese diaspora internationally. I am honoured to be here today to be part of this special cultural exchange and intertwined histories.
“I also want to thank the National Museum of Bermuda and highlight the value all museums offer to create community spaces of learning about our interconnected heritage. Their award-winning programmes, including the latest display, will continue to enlighten and enrich us all.
“Enjoy the exhibit! Thank you.”
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