Big Brothers Big Sisters Unveil New Mural

August 14, 2025 | 1 Comment

[Updated with video + Written by Stephen Wright]

A vibrant new mural now brightens the offices of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda thanks to local artist Carlos Santana.

The 8ft by 11ft creation, located on the third floor of the Bermudiana Arcade on Queen Street, was unveiled yesterday [August 13] to celebrate the charity’s 47 years of service to Bermuda’s youth, as well as their recent win of the 2025 Best of Bermuda award for Best Charity/Community Service Organisation.

The mural, bursting with colour and symbolism, features four fists joined together to represent unity, alongside the charity’s logo and the phrase: Friendships make a difference.

Patrina O’Connor-Paynter, the Big Brothers Big Sisters managing director, said the mural has been a long-held dream for the organisation.

“We’ve always wanted to have mural in the office, especially when we moved into our new office space about two years ago,” Ms O’Connor-Paynter told Bernews.

That dream began to take shape after conversations with Mr Santana.

“He was like, ‘Of course, I’d love to do a collaboration with you guys’.” Ms O’Connor-Paynter said.

“He’s passionate about working with youth and had some great ideas and concepts.

“After we won the Best of Bermuda award for Best Charity/Community Service Organisation, we wanted something to signify how long we’ve been operation in Bermuda and the positive impact we’ve made in so many children’s lives’.”

Mr Santana dedicated an entire weekend to bringing the design to life.

“It takes the full village to work together to make an impact on the island – other charities, schools, neighbourhoods, parents, and mental health agencies,” Ms O’Connor-Paynter added. “Everyone can make a difference.

“We can’t wait for everyone to see the artwork. Carlos also decorated one of our pillars in the same colours and wrote all of our staff names on it.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Bermuda runs a mentoring programme that helps young people realise their potential.

For more information, contact Big Brothers Big Sisters at 232-2802 or email bbbs@bbbs.bm.