Column: Eron Hill On Bermudian Excellence
[Opinion column written by Eron Hill]
Life lately has been a powerful reminder of just how much strength there is in community. There are so many brilliant, genuine Bermudians with so much to offer. 2025 kicked off with the announcement of a general election, a period often referred to as ‘silly season,’ and boy oh boy, this election sure has lived up to the true meaning of silly.
During silly season, it’s easy to get distracted by political debates filled with reminders of all that is wrong with our island. It’s hard but necessary for us not to allow the messy stuff to divide us. Despite the political rhetoric, we all have more in common than we may think—we just have to be willing to engage, communicate, and build together.
Although the main focus of the start of 2025 has been politics, I believe we have something far more unifying and uplifting to focus on—Bermudian excellence. Our young Bermudians are making their mark across a range of fields, from entrepreneurship, politics, education, and community activism. They are proving that they are not just the leaders of tomorrow—they are the leaders of today.
A youth advocacy group once had the slogan, The youth of today and leaders of tomorrow. Generation Next. But the reality is that Generation Next has become Generation Now.
From academia to entrepreneurship, from politics to community service, young Bermudians are excelling at home and abroad, setting a high standard for leadership and progress. Here are just a few shining examples of this excellence
Youth Advocacy and Civic Engagement
The Bermuda Youth Connect team has been instrumental in fostering youth advocacy, civic engagement, and diplomacy. They have effectively used media to amplify youth voices and ensure that young people are involved in shaping Bermuda’s future. The work of BYC’s Tierrai Tull, Haile Teart, Ajai Peets and Veronica Swan DeGraff has been nothing short of exceptionally inspiring. Their ability to keep young Bermudians engaged and informed will serve as the benchmark for decades to come.
Bermuda Is Love: A Movement of Compassion and Action
Aaron Crichlow and his team at Bermuda Is Love [BIL] are doing exceptional work as they, through their various initiatives, foster a culture of compassion and community activism. BIL’ weekly breakfast program for primary school students ensures children start their day with a nutritious meal, while their free clothing drives, health screenings, and educational workshops reinforce their mission of equal access to basic needs. BIL are fostering a community of love whilst promoting engagement on the human rights of all Bermudians. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to ensure that no Bermudian is left behind.
Future Leaders Bermuda
Future Leaders Bermuda, founded by Ryan Robinson-Perinchief, is shaping the next generation of socially responsible leaders through education, mentorship, and hands-on community engagement. Their flagship Summer Program, internship opportunities, and advocacy workshops equip young Bermudians with critical thinking skills, social awareness, and leadership training to empower them to become changemakers. One of the most remarkable aspects of the program is how its alumni return to pay it forward—a prime example being McKenzie-Kohl Tuckett and Seon Tatem, both of whom completed the program and are now Assistant Directors.
Health & Wellness: Mental Health and Well-Being in Bermuda
In the health and wellness space, Dayla Burgess, founder of TeleConnect Bermuda, is leading a mental health revolution by providing accessible, online counseling services with a focus on trauma-informed therapy. Recognizing the need for affordable, flexible, and confidential mental health support, TeleConnect ensures that Bermudians—regardless of their background—have access to qualified therapists who provide care rooted in understanding, empowerment, and healing.
Then there’s Jasmine Furbert, founder of Very Rare Yoga, who is promoting health and wellness through yoga while A certified holistic health coach whose business boasts services like Bonfire yoga and sound-healing sessions. She is also the brainchild and inspiration behind events that highlight Bermuda’s vibrant culture such as Bermuda’s very own Vegan Fest.
Building Community Through Movement
One of the most beautiful and inspiring community-driven initiatives in Bermuda today is the Grateful Miles Running Club [GMRC], started by Ezekial Stoneham and Daniel Woods. GMRC has brought hundreds of people together to exercise in a fun, inclusive, and community-centered way. GMRC is a reflection of the Bermuda we know and love—people of all backgrounds and walks of life, moving together in unity.
Innovative Media/ Journalism
Bermudians are not only excelling in established fields but are also creating new opportunities through innovation and entrepreneurship. Maya Palacio, founder of Media Maya, has solidified herself as one of Bermuda’s leading journalist who we all rely upon to provide us with reliable news in an innovative and engaging way.
Politics and Public Service
In the political space, Cire Bean and Christopher Bean are breaking new ground as young independent political candidates, proving that the next generation is willing to challenge the status quo and actively shape Bermuda’s political landscape.
Asha Symonds and Taj Donville-Outerbridge have both used their platforms to write brilliant, thought-provoking op-ed pieces that challenge complacency in politics and inspire young people to stay engaged in civic discourse.
The Future of Bermuda is Bright
All these young Bermudian trailblazers exemplify excellence, resilience, and vision. There are so many young Bermudians doing great things both locally and abroad that they couldn’t all be mentioned in this article. However, this year, I am dedicating one article per month to highlighting the brilliant achievements of our young Bermudians. They deserve to be honored, celebrated, and encouraged as they forge their way forward and inspire the next generation.
As the great community organizer Angela Davis once said: ‘We have to talk about liberating minds as well as liberating society.’
Generation Next is Generation Now. And the future of Bermuda has never looked brighter.
- Eron Hill
I wish Mr. Hill was running as an independent candidate. Such a bright young man!
Youth groups are excellent. If you are in a youth group understand what you are being fed. Information just because someone says it is not necessarily true.. It will have bias if someone is trying to make you believe in their agenda.
Politics is the worst side of humanity. Politics is an engine of waste. Millions of dollars are spent on what…. securing power for a party, why…Bermuda has not prospered in the last 7 years? Why aren’t those money put into the community instead and Parties disbanded. Think about everything, research and do not allow any bias to influence you.
Such an excellent article. Welcome back Mr. Hill