X-Roads Peace Games Leaders In Bermuda

April 28, 2025 | 0 Comments

Bermuda’s X-Roads Peace Games, born from a local peace walk, blossomed into an international initiative this week.

A spokesperson said, “Founded by Emir Saleem Talbot of the Bermuda Islamic Cultural Centre, the X-Roads Peace Games have blossomed from a modest peace walk announced in 2022 to commemorate the International Day for Human Fraternity at Government House into a prominent international initiative promoting unity and reconciliation.

“In 2025, the Games welcomed a distinguished East African delegation from Ethiopia and Tanzania to the Town of St. George, aligning with the Peppercorn Ceremony, Earth Day, and St. George’s Day celebrations.

“An unexpected highlight of the occasion was the meeting between Emir Saleem Talbot, Bishop Wes Spiewac of the Catholic Diocese of Hamilton, and Sultan Mohammed Hassen of Harar City State, Ethiopia to mark the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church, who died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at his residence in Vatican City at the age of 88.

“This solemn occasion afforded an opportunity for the X-Roads Peace Games to extend heartfelt condolences to the Catholic community, in full respect of papal protocol, and in the spirit of the Document on Human Fraternity, emphasizing unity and compassion during this period of mourning.

“Together, they paid respects to Bermuda’s Catholic Diocese, symbolizing the interfaith collaboration central to the Games’ mission.”

Emir Saleem Talbot remarked, “Our gathering here reflects the heart of the X-Roads Peace Games – transcending faith and culture to foster peace. Bermuda stands as a beacon of hope, showing that unity is possible across diverse communities.”

Bishop Wes Spiewac added, “This moment strengthens our shared commitment to peace. When faith communities come together in respect and dialogue, healing and reconciliation become achievable.”

Sultan Mohammed Hassen noted, “Visiting Bermuda’s Catholic Diocese alongside leaders like Emir Saleem and Bishop Wes underscores our shared vision. Harar, a UNESCO City of 1 Peace, and Bermuda both strive to transform history into a future of solidarity.”

A spokesperson added, “The delegation, which also included Mariam Adam, Cultural Ambassador for Tanzanian President Samiah Hassan, is focused on establishing a citizen-led UNESCO Peace Center in St. George’s. The Center aims to promote futures literacy and foster transatlantic diplomacy linking the Americas, Africa, and Europe. Bermuda’s unique position at the crossroads of the Middle Passage lends special significance to this effort, offering a platform for truth, reconciliation, and interracial harmony.”

Mariam Adam said, “It is particularly inspiring to discover that the Swahili language is already being embraced in Bermuda by a variety of local leaders. Tanzania is working with me to broaden its global reach as a bridge for unity and solidarity.”

A spokesperson added, “The visit coincided with the recent passing of Pope Francis, a principal architect of the Document on Human Fraternity alongside Sheikh al-Azhar Ahmad al-Tayyeb. His vision of intercultural dialogue and solidarity continues to inspire the X-Roads Peace Games and their ongoing work.

“Bermuda’s history as a pivotal point in the transatlantic slave trade uniquely positions it to lead in peacebuilding and reconciliation. The X-Roads Peace Games exemplify how local initiatives can address historical wounds and foster global solidarity.

“The Games will be featured at the Swahili Festival in Brampton, Ontario, and the Islamic Peace Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in July 2025. These events commemorate the 40th anniversary of Live Aid and serve as precursors to the FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 2028 Olympics, further amplifying the initiative’s international reach.

“The X-Roads Peace Games are sponsored by Sahabaco Ltd.”