Silent Walk For Peace & Community On Feb 2
Residents are invited to join a Silent Walk for Peace and Community, starting at noon on Monday [Feb 2], from the BELCO parking lot along Serpentine Road.
Glenn Fubler said, “During a chilly early morning – February 2, 1965 – along Serpentine Road, at the main gate of BELCO, several dozen picketers paraded slowly on the third week of a strike by 90 BELCO workers, calling for the right for union recognition.
“Around 8.30 am, the weight of multiple tensions – the resistance of an Old Order, the concerned awareness of a New Order – gave way, erupting into violence that took its toll.
“That crisis cast an unprecedented dark cloud over the Island. However, even with tear gas wafting as far as Front Street, police sirens blaring, hospital wards over-crowding and prison cell doors clanking; enough ‘Bermudians of Conscience’ exercised their agency.
“On Monday, February 2, 2026 at noon, ‘Bermudians of Conscience’ are invited to come together at the BELCO parking lot – along Serpentine Road – and begin a Silent Walk for Peace & Community. Partially inspired by the Buddhist Monks Walk for Peace; the walk will proceed to Devonshire Recreation Club [Frog Lane].
“To be clear, this walk if both an opportunity to draw lessons from our shared legacy, but will also leverage any positives – the reconciliation and healing potential – as we address current challenges – notably those caught in the cycle of violence.
“It is estimated that the 1.75 mile walk along Palmetto Road will take around 45 minutes, to reach the grounds of the Devonshire Recreation Club. Following the walk; those gathering will engage in Fostering Community: Meet Someone New – Plus, Join in Dialogue around the lessons offered by this Shared Legacy.
“This invitation is opened to all residents of Bermuda. Already joining are elders of conscience, former Police, current trade unionists, social activists, children from 3 different schools.
“That referenced Legacy includes; how in February 1965 ‘Bermudians of Conscience’ ‘Responded’ rather than ‘Reacted’ in the face of painful circumstances. This included: [Details can be found in ‘A History of the BIU’ by Ira Phillip – noted journalist]
Part II:
“While response understandably involved the BIU executive members; there was breakthrough involvement by ‘outsiders’. Green shoots of the best of Community was manifested by ‘Bermudians of Conscience’. This included Hugh ‘Ryo’ Richardson – president of the Devonshire Recreation Club & Chairman of the PLP. When BIU Assist. General Secretary could find no adequate space as a sanctuary for the 200 strikers and supporters, Ryo made the Devonshire Club available.
“More importantly, in the face of palpable rumours suggesting that Police would ‘raid’ the Club grounds, ‘Ryo’ – the Statesman that he was – phoned Governor Martonmere regarding the grave circumstances. The Club president and Blakeney both updated the Governor of the gravity of the circumstances and Martonmere, taking concerns on-board, assured the two local leaders that he would intervene to scotch that rumour.
“Already, Monday’s Noontime ‘Walk for Peace & Community’ has committed reps of stakeholders; including: former and current trade unionists, former Police & current Police, social activists, faith leaders, reps of families of victims of the cycle of violence, and school students. This growing momentum to foster a spirit of reconciliation bodes well for a better Bermuda.”
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