May Day Statement Highlights ‘Human Solidarity’

In light of May Day being observed this past May 1, a group statement has highlighted the “spirit of human solidarity” with “the goal of creating a better world.”

A spokesperson said, “The human family has journeyed over the millennia through highs and lows, having the goal of creating a better world. Effecting progress in this regard requires a spirit of solidarity; a quality that Mandela relied on – formalized in Ubuntu. This South African tradition calls one to access a deep connection with fellow human beings, regardless of differences.

“Given the current unprecedented challenges being faced globally, this spirit of solidarity is a vital quality in 2025.

“There are many historic examples of the manifestation of solidarity, including on May 1, 1886, which proved to be pivotal in grassroot movements across America campaigning for a reasonable work-day length. This, in industrial society’s dawning, against an intransigence, lives were tragically lost.

“This low notwithstanding, the movement spread globally over decades, leveraging the spirit of human solidarity, especially on subsequent May Days.

“Those efforts eventually led to establishing the 8-hour workday in many parts of the globe, including Bermuda. A domino effect led to other breakthroughs: fairer wages, pensions, schools, etc, toward a better world.

“Locally, that spirit of solidarity has manifested in a variety of ways, resulting in exemplary initiatives forging a better Bermuda. These include:

• In February 1835, 73 American enslaved men, women and mostly children were liberated by court action by Bermudian formerly enslaved activists, assisted by members of the legal fraternity.
• Synergy amongst Eustace Cann, Gladys Morrell and E.F. Gordon in the mid-1940s resulted in women’s voting rights and the Bermuda Workers Association [BIU] providing the foundation, leveraging Bermuda’s transformation.
• A retired principal of a segregated school – Edwin Skinner – invited teens, blocked by segregation, into his home to teach.
• The 1959 Theatre Boycott launched the abolition of segregation and that momentum led in 1960 to a breakthrough in universal voting rights.
• May 1981 witnessed unprecedented levels of spirit involving Canon Nisbett and Rev Larry Lowe; BUT, ESTU, and Police Sgt Campbell Simons, meaning that Bermuda’s largest labour crisis was peacefully resolved.

“As we navigate the challenges of 2025, we have many exemplars involved in a variety of ways across Bermuda, currently manifesting the spirit of solidarity. These community initiatives include:

• Bermuda is Love: Young volunteers busy building practical solidarity across the community.
• Chewstick Foundation: Movement to promote community through the arts.
• Grateful Bread: Campaigners supporting families’ challenged budgets and public schools.
• Motion to Adjourn radio program: Chris Famous and Dwayne Robinson demonstrate that regardless of differences, collaboration is possible.
• XRoads Football Club: Successful neighbourhood club with an exemplary ethos for youngsters.

“We are highlighting these exemplary sustained efforts of community initiatives on this May Day to inspire and encourage all of us to join in our unique ways in manifesting the spirit of human solidarity across Bermuda and our planet.

“Statement supporters include Alex Scott; Joan Dillas Wright; Dianna Kemp [noted barrister]; Collin Simmons [former Education Officer BIU]; Ellen-Kate Horton [former President BUT]; Gary Renaud [son of late ESTU President]; Glenn Fubler [former BUT President]; Michael Nisbett [son of Canon Nisbett] Bishop Nicholas Dill; Timothy Seon [President of BTUC]; Victor Fishingden [former President of BTC’s BIU Division]; and Wendell Hollis [former Captain Bermuda Regiment].”

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