60th Anniversary Of 1965 BELCO Crisis
On Sunday [Feb 2], the island will observe the 60th anniversary of the 1965 BELCO crisis.
A spokesperson said, “Sunday, February 2, 2025 will mark the 60th anniversary of the ‘65 Belco crisis, a pivotal milestone in our island’s shared history. The word ‘crisis’ reflects both danger on the one hand and opportunity on the other. That particular crisis emerged during a sustained campaign to gain the right of 90 Belco workers to collectively bargain for better wages.
“On the morning of February 2, 1965, a spate of violent confrontation between workers and police led to some of the most challenging times our island had ever experienced. However, within days our society emerged, experiencing a dawning transformation, eventually birthing a better Bermuda.
“On Friday, January 31, stakeholders – Belco management, the Bermuda Industrial Union, the Electrical Supply Trade Union, and Imagine Bermuda – are collaborating in an observance on Belco’s campus involving current employees and a limited number of the public, given safety matters.
“Additionally, on Sunday, February 2, 2025, our whole community is being invited to join in reflecting on those challenging times, as well as celebrating the transformative outcomes that emerged; this in the spirit of reconciliation.
“At 9.00am on Sunday, February 2, Bishop Dill has invited the island’s various Anglican Churches to ring their bells for 60 seconds, commemorating the resolution of that crisis.
“From 4.00pm to 6.00pm on Sunday, February 2, there will be a family-friendly gathering at the Devonshire Recreation Club celebrating the lemons producing lemonade in 1965; a free, relaxed event, which will include brief informal oral presentations and uplifting music.
- Brief reflections by some witnesses of the crisis, both union activists and former policemen Andrew Bermingham and Roger Sheratt.
- Current leaders will briefly share some views. For instance, one representative from each of the three political parties and an independent are being invited to offer a six minute response to the question ‘why is it vital that we make our entire community fully aware of our shared legacy?’
- Musical entertainment will include outstanding local artists donating their talent in the spirit of ‘65, including Gene Steede, Live Wires, Willard Burch, Juggling J, Chewstick, Joy Parnum, and more.
- Manifesting that rallying spirit, there will be some free food available, including soup.
“This free event captures the essence of the light that eventually emerged in 1965, reflecting our community’s collaborative spirit as we sustain always learning.”
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