Annual Grief & Loss Awareness Day On March 6
Bermuda will observe its 2nd Annual Grief & Loss Awareness Day on March 6 at 12:00 p.m. on the Front Steps of City Hall, hosted by The Gina Spence Program to honour loss and support healing.
A spokesperson said, “Bermuda will pause together as The Gina Spence Program [Registered Charity #856] hosts Bermuda’s 2nd Annual Grief & Loss Awareness Day [BGLAD] from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM on the Front Steps of City Hall, Hamilton.
“Now in its second year, BGLAD is a national observance dedicated to honoring loss, acknowledging grief in all its forms, and reminding our community that healing is supported and possible. The day brings together individuals, families, professionals, leaders, and community partners in a shared moment of compassion, reflection, and care.
Mrs. Mykiee Jones – Executive Director – The Gina Spence Program, The Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, MP – Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, Gina Spence-Virgil – Founder and Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist – The Gina Spence Program, Chief Fire Officer Dana Lovell – The Bermuda Fire & Rescue Service, Chief EMT Officer Walter Brangman – The Bermuda Hospitals Board and Chief Inspector Derricka Burns – The Bermuda Police Service
“The 2026 observance places a focused lens on road fatalities, recognizing the profound impact of sudden loss in a close-knit island community, while still holding space for the more than 40 types of grief and loss people experience across a lifetime.
“Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport The Hon. Owen Darrell, JP MP, emphasized the importance of the observance and the community’s role in supporting those experiencing grief.”
Minister Darrell said, “This Friday, March 6 is not just another day. It is a time for us to stop and acknowledge the deep emotional pain that many people in Bermuda are feeling, particularly those who have lost loved ones suddenly through road accidents. No one should have to face grief alone.”
The spokesperson said, “Community partners and first responders who witness the impact of road tragedies firsthand are also supporting the initiative. Chief EMT Officer Walter Brangman of the Bermuda Hospitals Board noted that emergency responders see the human impact of road accidents every day.”
Walter Brangman said, “Our EMTs respond to road traffic accidents daily, and increasingly the injuries are serious and sometimes fatal. Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of these victims every time it happens.”
Similarly, Chief Inspector Derricka Burns of the Bermuda Police Service shared that road fatalities leave lasting impacts on families and communities.
Derricka Burns said, “Behind every statistic is a name, a face, and a family. Every road fatality represents a life cut short. We encourage the community to honor those we have lost not only with remembrance, but with action — by making responsible choices on our roads.”
The spokesperson said, “The public is warmly invited to attend and participate by:
- Wearing orange in visible support of grief awareness
- Bringing a chair for comfort during the community gathering
- Making a donation in memory or honor of a loved one, contributing to accessible grief and loss services across Bermuda
“The observance will include community reflection, live testimonials, local performances, a national moment of silence observed across major radio platforms, and a facilitated therapeutic solidarity activity led by trained professionals.
“Corporate companies, local businesses, community groups, and individuals who wish to make a donation or learn more about supporting Bermuda’s Grief & Loss Awareness Day are encouraged to contact 296-0016 or email info@gspcharity.com.
“All funds raised support The Gina Spence Program’s grief and loss services, including subsidized counselling, education, and outreach for individuals and families impacted by sudden and traumatic loss.
“Bermuda’s Grief & Loss Awareness Day is more than an event it is a collective pause. A moment to remember, to stand together, and to affirm that grief deserves care, understanding, and community support.
“This Friday, Bermuda wears orange. Bermuda remembers. Bermuda stands together.”
