CURB On Commission, Land Losses & More
Citizens Uprooting Racism in Bermuda [CURB] said they “welcome the recent House of Assembly debate on the 2021 Report of the Commission of Inquiry into Historical Land Losses and calls for meaningful action to honour affected families, preserve their histories and address the lasting harm of dispossession.”
A spokesperson said, “CURB’s October 2020 submission to the Commission centred on the Tucker’s Town gravesite and the predominantly Black community dispossessed of its land and homes. The organisation renews its call for the cemetery to be restored, protected and recognised as a national heritage site, with descendants and affected families at the centre of decisions about its future.
“This call forms part of CURB’s ongoing reparations education and community dialogue. Through webinars, Lunch and Learn sessions and focus groups, CURB has been encouraging a deeper understanding of historical injustice, its continuing impact and the forms of repair that can support racial equity and healing in Bermuda.
“Reparations asks us to acknowledge what happened, listen to those who continue to carry its impact, and take responsibility for meaningful repair. At Tucker’s Town, this means honouring the people buried there, recognising the community that was displaced, and ensuring that descendants have a central voice in how their history is remembered.
“CURB has advocated for recognition of the cemetery since 2007. The site was designated a Historic Protection Area under the Bermuda Plan 2008. Despite this protection, its historic tombstones were demolished in October 2012. CURB subsequently appealed for an in-depth consultation on memorialisation in March 2013. The Ombudsman’s January 2014 report, A Grave Error, investigated the demolition and set out recommendations for repair.
“For CURB, the loss of homes and land must also be understood as the disruption of family networks, livelihoods, cultural connections and belonging. The cemetery connects present generations to that community and to people whose lives and contributions deserve a permanent place in Bermuda’s national story.
“The Ombudsman’s recommendations included facilitated community conversations and contributions towards reconstruction from the decision-makers who agreed to the demolition and the Government whose inaction enabled it. These recommendations provide a foundation for renewed discussion and action.
“CURB calls for a transparent review of progress on those recommendations, followed by a publicly communicated plan identifying responsibilities, resources and a timetable for restoration, protection, respectful access and ongoing care.
“Consultation should bring together descendants, the Tucker’s Town Historical Society, Marsden First United Methodist Church, Tucker’s Point representatives, CURB, relevant government departments, heritage organisations, historians and the wider community. Historical and conservation expertise should support a process that respects the wishes, knowledge and experiences of affected families.
“CURB also encourages opportunities to preserve family testimony and teach the history of Tucker’s Town, allowing young Bermudians to understand both the injustice experienced and the strength, achievements and legacy of the community that lived there.
“Healing requires us to make room for painful truths and respond with care and action, Restoring this sacred site would be a tangible expression of respect for our ancestors and their descendants. It would also demonstrate our willingness, as a community, to repair harm and build a more just future together.
“CURB invites Bermudians to add their voices to this call for remembrance and repair. The organisation stands ready to support restorative community conversations that help turn acknowledgement into action.”
Read More About
Category: All
