Event Held To Honour Dr. E.F. Gordon
An event commemorated Dr. E.F. Gordon’s 130th Birthday w
A spokesperson said, “On March 20th, we marked E.F. Gordon’s 130th Birthday with an Appreciation Celebration for this National Hero and the many people who collaborated in sustaining the mid-20th Century Movement of ‘ordinary’ people, which provided the foundation for Bermuda’s transformation into a democratic society.
“Today – Tuesday, March 25 – marks the Anniversary of an event that exemplifies ‘ordinary people’ outwitting the local ‘powers that were’, notwithstanding the odds. This speaks to the quality of character possessed by those involved in those grassroots efforts – most of whose formal schooling was limited by design, but who understood the mantra of Always Learning.
“This system was ‘stacked’, in that only land-owners – at a certain value – could vote; circumstances that excluded 93% of local adults. Added to this, it was designed for ‘multiple voting’ in various parishes – with some properties ‘owned’ by syndicates as large as 12 wealthy voters.
“In spite of this handicap, Dr Gordon – President of the Bermuda Workers Association/BIU – won a Seat representing St George in Parliament in 1946; but lost it in a subsequent General Election in 1948, with his pre-occupation with the challenges faced by dockworkers. However, for the General Election of 1953, ‘Front St.’ made extra efforts to block Gordon out, given the Movement’s on-going success.
“This proved to be a classic Story of Good over… Dr. Gordon dummied the ‘powers that be’ by feigning his desire to run in Devonshire. With the ‘quiet’ efforts by a grassroots network, coordinated by East-ender – Leonard Bascome, Dr Gordon was re-elected to Parliament, to represent St George again, on March 25, 1953.
“Today we highlight that ‘David & Goliath’ story that in March of 1953, inspired crowds of ‘ordinary people’ to joyfully celebrate their collective agency, in St. George’s ‘Town Square’. We gather here on the grounds of Richard Allen AME – Leonard Bascome’s Church – today in thanksgiving, to honour all of those on whose shoulders we stand in 2025.”
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