News

Royal Gazette: PWC Bermuda to sponsor Eve’s Pond for five years

PwC Bermuda will sponsor a nature reserve in Hamilton Parish for the next five years.

The $73,000 sponsorship will benefit Eve’s Pond on North Shore Road.

The 3.4-acre reserve, which opened to the public in April 2022, belongs to the Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda National Trust, as part of the Buy Back Bermuda initiative.

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BNT 2023 Raffle Winners

2023 Raffle Winners

We are pleased to announce the winners of our 2023 Raffle.

Congratulations to our 2023 winners. Many thanks to everyone who supported and helped make this year’s raffle a great success!

• Mini Cooper SE Electric – Ticket Number: 0608 – Winner: Lisa Simpson
• NIU MQi GT EVO Electric Motor – Ticket Number: 0962 – Winner: Sam DeSilva
• MarketPlace Grocery Voucher – Ticket Number: 0142– Winner: Henrik Schroder
• Belco Voucher – Ticket Number: 0217 – Winner: Vesta Gray

Thank you to Bermuda Motors, Scooter Mart, The MarketPlace and Belco for their support of this year’s raffle.

If you see your name and have not been contacted please reach out to Jordan Smith at jsmith@bnt.bm or call 236-6483 x 215.

Royal Gazette: Land Ownership raised over Swing Bridge plan

Plans to replace an ageing East End bridge may have hit a snag after the Bermuda National Trust said they own land earmarked for the structure.

According to a planning objection filed this month, the charity said that plans showed the proposed replacement for the Swing Bridge partially using BNT property on Stokes Point.

“Based on the drawings submitted, the proposed location where the bridge meets the land on the north side is partially the property of the Bermuda National Trust, and we have not been contacted for consent for this development on our land,” the charity said.

“We find it astonishing that the project should have progressed as far as a planning application without ownership of the land being determined first.

“We suggest that the application should be withdrawn until an agreement has been reached between Government and the Bermuda National Trust.”

Plans to replace the Swing Bridge, which links St David’s Island and St George’s Island, were recently submitted to the Department of Planning alongside plans to replace the similarly ageing Longbird Bridge, which connects St David’s to The Main, Bermuda’s largest island, via the Causeway.

The Swing Bridge, built in 1964, is considered beyond economic repair despite major rehabilitation work in 2002 and 2017.

The documents proposed that the Swing Bridge replacement be erected to the immediate east of the existing bridge so that traffic to and from St George’s is not disrupted.

An environmental-impact statement filed with the application said that land ownership was a “significant consideration” in determining where the replacement bridge should be built, claiming the Government owned the land immediately east of the existing structure.

“The Government owns the roadway on either end of the existing Swing Bridge and the Severn Bridge,” the EIS said. “It also owns the land immediately to the east of the existing Swing Bridge at both ends, but does not own any land on the northern side of the Severn Bridge.

“Erecting a new bridge at the Severn Bridge location would therefore necessitate land purchase, driving up costs.

“The location of the Severn Bridge is a more exposed location, so this would have to be factored into the design and safety elements.

“For these reasons, this proposed site was selected as being the best option for the Swing Bridge Replacement.”

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Bernews: BNT Hosting Annual Pop-Up Shop

The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] is hosting its annual Holiday Pop-Up Shop at Waterville, the BNT headquarters and historic home located at 2 Pomander Road, Paget.

A spokesperson said, “This is the seventh year BNT has held its Holiday Pop-Up Shop, which features items made and designed by local vendors. Each item is unique and created by locals, offering Bermuda-centric gifts, some of which are one-of-a-kind exclusive. The shop offers a great variety of items for children and adults. It is the perfect one-stop-shop where one can find something special for all.

“Gifts and vendors include:

• Banana leaf angels by Ronnie Chameau
• Sun hats from Sarah Bray Bermuda
• Jewellery made by Rebecca Little
• Hand painted pottery by Helle Pukk
• Locally hand painted slate art by Diana Fearis
• Bermuda angel decorations by Sylvern Furbert
• Hand painted scarfs and tea towels by Diane Maughan
• Locally made artisan soaps by Dayrosia
• Coasters by Anne Kermode
• Whimsical wooden crafts by Shelly & Anne
• Bermuda Cedar crafts made by Edward Cattell
• Journals and 2024 planners by Niamah Cann
• Tiny the Treefrog books by Elizabeth Mulderig
• Ikat velvet cushions and purses by Alex Allardyce
• Joan Aspinall’s hand painted glass ware, ornaments and books
• Bermuda designed trays, coasters and bag tags by Meredith Andrews
• Handmade glass and silver jewellery by Maria McLeod Smith
• Bermuda Rum Cakes
• Handmade sea glass and antique glass jewellery by Drew Pettit of Triangle Designs
• Bermuda National Trust branded items including the 2023 tea towel depicting Verdmont, books, apparel, and more

“The pop-up shop is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm until December 23rd.”

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Royal Gazette: Bermuda wares on sale at BNT pop-up shop from Monday

A holiday market featuring the work of local vendors is back for its seventh year.

The Bermuda National Trust’s annual pop-up shop returns at its headquarters in Paget, the historic home Waterville, at 2 Pomander Road.

The popular market specialises in unique, Bermudian-made items, some of which are one-of-a-kind exclusives.

The range of wares caters to children and adults.

Gifts and vendors include:

• Banana leaf angels by Ronnie Chameau
• Sun hats from Sarah Bray Bermuda
• Jewellery made by Rebecca Little
• Hand-painted pottery by Helle Pukk
• Locally hand-painted slate art by Diana Fearis
• Bermuda angel decorations by Sylvern Furbert
• Hand-painted scarfs and tea towels by Diane Maughan
• Locally made artisan soaps by Dayrosia
• Coasters by Anne Kermode
• Whimsical wooden crafts by Shelly & Anne
• Bermuda Cedar crafts made by Edward Cattell
• Journals and 2024 planners by Niamah Cann
• Tiny the Treefrog books by Elizabeth Mulderig
• Ikat velvet cushions and purses by Alex Allardyce
• Joan Aspinall’s hand-painted glassware, ornaments and books
• Bermudian-designed trays, coasters and bag tags by Meredith Andrews
• Handmade glass and silver jewellery by Maria McLeod Smith
• Bermuda Rum Cakes
• Handmade sea glass and antique glass jewellery by Drew Pettit of Triangle Designs
• Bermuda National Trust branded items including the 2023 tea towel depicting Verdmont, books, apparel, and more

The pop-up shop is open from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, until December 23.

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Royal Gazette: Walkabout Kicks off the Holiday Season in St George

The Olde Towne was bustling with activity last night as the annual National Trust Walkabout drew thousands to the East End.

Businesses and historical homes throughout the Town of St George welcomed visitors while a variety of entertainers took to the stage in King’s Square.

Rena Lalgie, the Governor, told the crowds that the event was uniquely Bermudian.

“Only in Bermuda could you have something where people are genuinely opening up their houses to absolute strangers to wander through late in the evening,” she said.

“It’s a really great opportunity also for us to pause and reflect on just the amount of history that not just exists in Bermuda, but has also been preserved.”

Nicky Gurret, who welcomed guests to the BNT’s Tucker House Museum, noted that while Christmas lights lined the town’s streets for the event, the museum was lit by candlelight as it was hundreds of years ago.

“We have had a super, fantastic turnout,” she said. “Even more than last year, but there is always so many people. Tonight is fantastic.

“This is one of the biggest events of the year for us. We showcase all the trust buildings in St George’s, and even the homes that we rent out are open to people.”

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Royal Gazette: Bermuda National Trust Walkabout Images

Bernews: BNT Christmas Walkabout

The Bermuda National Trust hosted its annual Christmas Walkabout last night [Dec 1] in St. George’s, with the always popular event helping to kick off the festive season in Bermuda.

A spokesperson previously said, “BNT historic homes including Tucker House, The Old Rectory, Bridge House, Buckingham, Reeve Court, and Stewart Hall will all be beautifully decorated and open free for the public to enjoy. Join us at the Globe Museum for some Christmas cheer, where you can also browse our Trustworthy Gift Shop.

“Many other buildings and cultural sites in the Old Town will also be open to the public and provide entertainment on the night, including St Peter’s Church, the St George’s Historical Society’s Mitchell House, Bermudian Heritage Museum, Stella Maris Church, Hannibal Lodge, Ebenezer Methodist Church, Pilot Gig Club, Salvation Army, African Diaspora Heritage Trail sites, State House and more.

“Musicians and dancers of all ages will entertain the crowds from the stage at King’s Square.”

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Royal Gazette: Young talent on show in national trust art competition

More than 200 pieces of art were submitted by pupils for the Bermuda National Trust’s 2023 Student Art Competition

This year’s contest, sponsored by insurance company Sompo International, had the heritage theme of Bermuda People and Parishes.

Work by pupils from primary, middle and senior schools was first judged by artists Jahbarri Wilson, Jill Amos Raine and Elizabeth Allred, with Vincent Chaves representing the Bermuda National Trust.

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Bernews: BNT People & Parishes Student Art Winners

The Bermuda National Trust announced the winners of its 2023 Student Art Competition, themed ‘Bermuda People & Parishes,’ sponsored by SOMPO International.

A spokesperson said, “Over 200 pieces of artwork were submitted from primary, middle and senior school students across the island. Initial judging was by artists Jahbarri Wilson, Jill Amos Raine, and Elizabeth Allred, with Vincent Chaves representing the Bermuda National Trust. Final judging took place at SOMPO International, where 20 members of staff decided the winners.”

“The Bermuda National Trust is extremely grateful to SOMPO International for sponsoring this fantastic opportunity for Bermuda’s young artists to explore this year’s heritage theme,” said BNT Heritage Education Coordinator Anna Stevenson. “The entries showed extraordinary imagination and as in previous years, the artistic talent on display was very impressive indeed. The judges had a difficult task.”

The spokesperson said, “In the 9–12-year age group, first place and a prize of $300 was awarded to Savana Walters, for ‘Bermudaful Colours’, a pastel drawing of dancing Gombeys with an audience. In second place with a prize of $175 was Siena Walters for ‘Island Life’. In third place with a prize of $75 was Julia Stoppa for ‘Canvas from the Past, Threads for the Future’. Honorable mentions were given to Ruth Correia, Samiya Senthamaraikannan and Izabela Dobre.

“In the 13–18-year age group, first place and a prize of $500 went to Fergus O’Connell for ‘Champions of Our Parishes’, a pencil drawing showing Clarence Maxwell, Flora Duffy and Clyde Best. In second place, with a prize of $300 was Seri Fisher for her artwork entitled ‘the Heart of Bermuda’. In third place was Quinton Russell, who won $175 for his piece entitled ‘Man over St George’s’. Honorable mentions were awarded to Isaac Todd, Johnny Thomason and Laurisa Souza.

“All entries to the competition can be viewed on the Bermuda National Trust’s Youtube channel. An exhibition of the winner’s work will be on display in the reception area of SOMPO International at Waterloo House until Friday 10th December.”

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Royal Gazette: Bermuda Is Love ‘thrilled’ with charitable tree planting

The gift of giving has been celebrated with the planting of a Bermuda cedar at the Royal Naval Dockyard Cemetery honouring the community group Bermuda Is Love.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals of Bermuda teamed up with the Bermuda National Trust last Wednesday in celebration of National Philanthropy Day.

AFP Bermuda co-presidents Ann Spencer-Arscott and Katie Bennett praised Bermuda is Love as “a group of young Bermudians doing amazing work including food and clothing drives, trash clean-ups and initiatives to combat homelessness”.

They added: “Their work to encourage collaboration, education, activism, advocacy and love for our community and the environment is incredibly inspiring.”

Myles Darrell, of the BNT, said: “Planting a tree is a great way to commemorate achievements, memorialise moments and celebrate life.

“The National Trust is always happy to collaborate and provide opportunities through living heritage to support our community.”

Aaron Crichlow, of Bermuda is Love, said the group’s vision was “to create a Bermuda where everyone’s basic human needs are met and guaranteed by law”.

He added: “We organise campaigns and events advocating for the human right to housing, clothing, food, education, healthcare, a healthy environment and access to justice.

“We are thrilled to accept the National Philanthropy Day award from AFP Bermuda.”

He said the show of support “truly means the world to us”.

Mr Crichlow added: “It tells us that we are making a difference and that we are having an effect on our community, and it encourages us to keep going, to continue advocating, to continue trying to make a difference, and we couldn’t be more grateful to everyone.”

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2023 Art Competition ‘ Bermuda: People and Parishes’

Thank you to everyone who took part in this years Art Competition, sponsored by SOMPO International.

We are pleased to announce the winners of this years Student Art Competition. This year’s theme was ‘Bermuda: People & Parishes’

In the 9 – 12 year group:

• First Place: Savana Walters ‘Bermudaful Colours’
• Second Place: Siena Walers ‘Island Life’
• Third Place: Julia Stoppa ‘Canvas from the Past, Threads for the Future’
• Honourable Mention: Ruth Correia ‘Nine Places in Nine Parishes’
• Honourable Mention: Samiya Senthamaraikannan ‘The Gombey Trio’
• Honourable Mention: Izabela Dobre ‘Moongate’

In the 13 – 18 year group:

• First Place: Fergus O’Connell ‘Bermuda Heroes’
• Second Place: Seri Fisher ‘The Heart of Bermuda’
• Third Place: Quinton Russell ‘Man Over St. George’s’
• Honourable Mention: Isaac Todd ‘St. David’s Lighthouse’
• Honourable Mention: Johnny Thomason ‘Johnny Barnes’
• Honourable Mention: Laurisa Souza ‘St. George’s’

All entries to the competition can be viewed online

Royal Gazette: Chubb Backs BNT work to care for historic cemeteries

Fallen headstones and walls at cemeteries are being repaired and maintained with financial support from an insurance company.

Chubb backed the Bermuda National Trust’s work to look after the sites, which the charity said came after several years of decline.

Karen Border, the BNT executive director, explained: “The Bermuda National Trust was delighted and relieved to receive a grant from Chubb in 2022 and 2023 to help us care for these special places.

“For decades, the trust has leased the island’s historic cemeteries from the Bermuda Government and managed their care, relieving Public Works of the responsibility.

“We used to receive an annual grant from Government to maintain the hardscaping, such as perimeter walls and headstones, while the Department of Parks continued to carry out horticultural maintenance.

“However, in 2013 the government grant ceased and since 2019 the short-handed parks department had virtually ceased landscaping at the east end cemeteries.

“The trust was not in a financial position to pick up the slack, and some cemeteries became overgrown and began to fall into disrepair.

“Local families and community groups, such as St George’s Rotary Club, came to the rescue and put in many volunteer hours to remove invasive species that were taking over, but it was clear that regular maintenance contracts were needed to keep the cemeteries in a good state.”

She added: “BNT looked to the corporate community for support in 2022, and we were delighted that Chubb’s philanthropic board saw the value in maintaining these open spaces for the whole community.

“We were able to bring the invasive menace under control at the east end cemeteries.

“Fortunately the parks department has been able to resume regular landscaping there again and we are now directing Chubb funds to repair of the perimeter walls and fallen headstones.”

The BNT said that the grant for 2023 was $25,000.

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Royal Gazette: Christmas to kick off in Old Towne with BNT walkabout

The festive season will kick off in the East End on December 1 when the Bermuda National Trust holds its Christmas Walkabout in the Town of St George.

Historic homes at the World Heritage site will be open to the public, while musicians and dancers will provide entertainment in King’s Square.

Shops, bars and restaurants will also open their doors for the evening.

The BNT is partnering with Butterfield Bank’s “Toys for Tots” charity for the event and there will be two locations where donations can be dropped off.

A BNT spokeswoman acknowledged the support of sponsors Butterfield Bank, Belco, HSBC, Goslings, Butterfield & Vallis and the Government’s Department of Culture.

She said: “We also appreciate the co-operation of our tenants and the Corporation of St George.

“Last and not least, we are hugely grateful to the many community groups and individuals who so kindly volunteer their time to make the evening a success.”

Historic homes open for the evening include Tucker House, the Old Rectory, Bridge House, Buckingham, Reeve Court and Stewart Hall.

Many other buildings and cultural sites will also be open to the public and provide entertainment on the night, including St Peter’s Church, the St George’s Historical Society’s Mitchell House, Bermudian Heritage Museum, Stella Maris Church, Hannibal Lodge, Ebenezer Methodist Church, Pilot Gig Club, Salvation Army, and the African Diaspora Heritage Trail sites.

There will be no parking in the town on the evening, and the public are advised to park at Kindley Field, where there will be three free shuttle buses running on a loop to and from St George between 5pm and 10pm.

Prepaid parking will be available at Tiger Bay/Penno’s Wharf for $25 a car, and free parking is also available at St George’s Prep for a donation to the PTA.

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Bernews: BNT Annual Christmas Walkabout on Dec 1st

The Bermuda National Trust is hosting its annual Christmas Walkabout on 1st December 1st in St. George’s, featuring entertainment, shopping, food and drinks, a ‘Toys for Tots’ donation program, and more.

A spokesperson said, “St. George’s is the place to be on the evening of Friday 1 December to enjoy the magic of the Bermuda National Trust Christmas Walkabout in the World Heritage Site. For over 40 years, this highly anticipated event has signaled the start of the festive season in Bermuda.

“BNT historic homes including Tucker House, The Old Rectory, Bridge House, Buckingham, Reeve Court, and Stewart Hall will all be beautifully decorated and open free for the public to enjoy. Join us at the Globe Museum for some Christmas cheer, where you can also browse our Trustworthy Gift Shop.

“Many other buildings and cultural sites in the Old Town will also be open to the public and provide entertainment on the night, including St Peter’s Church, the St George’s Historical Society’s Mitchell House, Bermudian Heritage Museum, Stella Maris Church, Hannibal Lodge, Ebenezer Methodist Church, Pilot Gig Club, Salvation Army, African Diaspora Heritage Trail sites, State House and more.

“Musicians and dancers of all ages will entertain the crowds from the stage at King’s Square.

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Bernews: Chubb Helps Care for Historic Cemeteries

“After several years of decline, Bermuda’s historic cemeteries are once again being properly cared for thanks to financial support from Chubb,” the BNT said today.

“The Bermuda National Trust was delighted and relieved to receive a grant from Chubb in 2022 and 2023 to help us care for these special places,” said Karen Border, Executive Director of BNT.

“For decades, the Trust has leased the island’s historic cemeteries from the Bermuda Government and managed their care, relieving Public Works of the responsibility.

“We used to receive an annual grant from Government to maintain the hardscaping such as perimeter walls and headstones, while the Department of Parks continued to carry out horticultural maintenance. However, in 2013 the Government grant ceased and since 2019 the short-handed Parks Department had virtually ceased landscaping at the East End cemeteries.”

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Royal Gazette: Bermuda Christmas Tree Rental Cancelled

The Bermuda National Trust has said it would not be able to offer its sustainable Christmas tree programme this year owing to a lack of appropriately sized saplings.

For the past two years, the programme offered patrons live Bermuda cedar trees for rental, with the trees planted at BNT nature reserves at the end of the holiday season.

However, the charity said: “Unfortunately, the charity cannot offer the programme this year as there were not enough cedar tree saplings of the right size available.

“Happily, the reason is positive. Interest in planting endemic and native trees is very high, and specimens have been snapped up from nurseries for planting in microforests and private gardens, as well as on BNT nature reserves.”

Karen Border, executive president of BNT, said the charity had already received a number of inquiries from the public about the programme.

“It takes about three years for cedars to reach sufficient height for a mini Christmas tree and though we are growing our own and have some on order from nurseries, they are not yet big enough,” she said.

“We hope to be able to run the programme again in 2024 but this year we are urging people to make a donation to our tree planting instead, should they choose to buy an imported tree.

“Alternatively, if you buy a cedar, olivewood or other native tree from a nursery to decorate for Christmas, BNT would be delighted to accept the tree after the holiday season if you don’t have room for it in your garden.

“We will plant the tree in a nature reserve and let you know where it is, so that you can visit and watch it grow. Bermuda Green Thumb on Brighton Hill have cedars for sale in ten-gallon pots, which would make excellent Christmas trees and we would love to give them a forever home after the holiday season.”

The BNT added that such a donation would both benefit Bermuda’s environment and offset the carbon footprint from importing Christmas trees.

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Bernews: BNT Encourages donations for tree planting

The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] said they are ”encouraging those who may feel a little guilty about buying an imported Christmas tree to donate towards the charity’s tree planting programme. ”

A spokesperson said, “The donation would benefit Bermuda’s own environment and biodiversity in a very positive way and offset the carbon footprint of an imported cut tree.

“For the past two years, BNT has run a Sustainable Christmas Tree programme, offering live Bermuda cedar trees for rent over the Christmas period and then planting the returned trees in its nature reserves in the new year. Unfortunately, the charity cannot offer the programme this year as there were not enough cedar tree saplings of the right size available. Happily, the reason is positive: interest in planting endemic and native trees is very high and specimens have been snapped up from nurseries for planting in microforests and private gardens, as well as on BNT nature reserves.”

“We’ve had many inquiries from members and the public about the rented cedar trees, but sadly cannot provide them this year,” said BNT Executive Director Karen Border.

“It takes about three years for cedars to reach sufficient height for a mini Christmas tree and though we are growing our own and have some on order from nurseries they are not yet big enough. We hope to be able to run the programme again in 2024, but this year we are urging people to make a donation to our tree planting instead, should they choose to buy an imported tree.

“Alternatively, if you buy a cedar, olivewood or other native tree from a nursery to decorate for Christmas, BNT would be delighted to accept the tree after the holiday season if you don’t have room for it in your garden.

“We will plant the tree in a nature reserve and let you know where it is, so that you can visit and watch it grow. Bermuda Green Thumb on Brighton Hill have cedars for sale in 10-gallon pots which would make excellent Christmas trees and we would love to give them a forever home after the holiday season.”

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Royal Gazette: Charity auction raises $310,000 for 14 charities

A charity auction has raised more than $310,000 for 14 non-profit organisations.

The Gala for Giving, co-ordinated by Conduit Reinsurance, gathered representatives from across Bermuda’s business community at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club last Thursday.

More than 30 business representatives took part in the auction, while about 340 guests enjoyed a dinner with cocktails and wines donated by Bacardi and Gosling’s.

The Conduit Foundation, the charitable wing of Conduit Re, also received donations from the new airline BermudAir and the Butterfield Bermuda Championship, as well as other companies and individuals during the silent and live auctions.

The event was hosted by US comedian Alonzo Bodden, who acted as auctioneer and master of ceremonies.

The crowd was also wowed by the comedy opera act The Three Waiters, who flew in courtesy of BermudAir, and the Bermudian band TRS.

A Conduit spokesman said that, while the final amount was still being tallied, the night raised more than $310,000.

He added that the cash would be split equally between 14 charities, who were past recipients of financial support from the Conduit Foundation and supported a wide range of causes.

The charities are: Bermuda College Foundation; Bermuda National Trust; Bermuda Red Cross; Bermuda Sloop Foundation; Big Brothers Big Sisters Bermuda; Friends of Christ Church Warwick; Home — Ending Homelessness; Living Reefs Foundation; Meals on Wheels; Pals Cancer Care in Bermuda; Scars; Tomorrow’s Voices; Vision Bermuda; and Waterstart Bermuda.

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Royal Gazette: SDO critics lament sad day for Bermuda

The One Bermuda Alliance has been quick to condemn home affairs minister Walter Roban’s decision to approve a special development order for the Fairmont Southampton hotel, calling the project “staggeringly flawed”.

One environmental group expressed dismay at the ruling, describing it as “a sad day for Bermuda”.

Interim OBA leader Jarion Richardson and Craig Cannonier, the Shadow Minister of Tourism, both issued statements accusing the Government of putting its own interests — and the interests of “big business” — before the welfare of residents.

Claiming that the Government could not be trusted, Mr Richardson said: “Its own interests supersede that of Bermuda and Bermudians.

“This government’s weak negotiations and negotiators have enabled a poorly funded investment to consume the island’s flagship property, impoverish the hotel employees and overdevelop our environment.

“They keep giving away more and more. Now we will have a concrete Southampton skyline, an infrastructure disaster waiting to happen and $75 million in tax concessions.

“To date, Bermuda has entirely surrendered — because this government’s economic policies made us weak and desperate.

“Never mind the fox getting into the chicken coop — now we’re letting the fox design it as well.“

Mr Richardson pointed out that the Government passed laws two years ago that would enable it to approve an SDO without going it being debated in Parliament.

At the time, Mr Roban defended the legislation, claiming: “This is not in the context of any anticipated development.”

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Royal Gazette: Garden Club Supports Environmental Education

A gardening club has donated $40,000 to charities to support youth education programmes focusing on the environment.

The Garden Club of Bermuda offered $10,000 each to the Bermuda Zoological Society, the Bermuda National Trust, the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute and Waterstart Bermuda.

Betty Dale, the president of GCB, said the programmes matched the club’s objectives of educating with the hopes of benefiting “the community at large and future generations”.

Ian Walker, the principal curator at BZS, thanked the Garden Club for its generous donation.

He said: “This support is absolutely amazing because what it does is provide scholarships for children to attend our Aqua Camps during our summer period.

“Students who otherwise may not have the opportunity to enjoy all of our natural environment get out to North Rock and explore Trunk Island, which is a huge investment in nature in Bermuda.”

Karen Border, the executive director of the BNT, said that their donations would go to towards renting minibuses to transport children to sites such as Spittal Pond and Paget Marsh.

Karla Lacey, the chief executive officer of BUEI, also thanked the Garden Club, adding that it was “really progressive” for them to support environmental education programmes.

Ms Lacey said: “The Eco Schools Programme — the work that is being done by the education team — linking that together and making additional support available for young people to participate is a great tie-in with the goals and objectives of the Garden Club of Bermuda, and we appreciate they recognise that.”

JP Skinner, the director of Waterstart, said that the students would be the direct recipients of the donation, as the cash would allow them to “get outdoors to explore this beautiful natural environment that we have in Bermuda”.

The GCB aims to gather interest in horticulture, floral design and the conservation of natural resources. It also offers an annual scholarship for higher education.

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The Bermudian: Discover the Bermuda National Trust Cemeteries of the west

Learn about Bermuda’s history from the headstones at these four Bermuda National Trust cemeteries.

Royal Naval Cemetery –  Malabar Road, Ireland Island, Sandys
This large cemetery of 2.73 acres is known as ‘The Glade’ and contains around 866 graves belonging to persons that held different ranks of the British Forces. Ireland Island was bought by the Admiralty in 1809 and the cemetery consecrated in 1812. Originally open to all, as it began to expand, the kinds of people who could be buried there became specific. By 1853 only residents of Ireland Island and Royal Naval personnel and could be interred at the Royal Naval Cemetery. Once there, you’ll spy the ‘Oration Stand’ which is where the speech at a funeral was given from. See if you can find the oldest gravestone that is still legible: Sergeant John Kitchener, late Royal Marines, who died in 1816. This cemetery is located between Malabar Road and Craddock Road, by Parson’s Bay across the widest point of Ireland Island. Take Malabar Road, the main road to Dockyard, which passes the north-west end and from where the cemetery is visible.

Convict Cemetery – Cochrane Road, Ireland Island, Sandys
This little cemetery had a short span of use with the thirteen visible graves dating from 1843 to 1846. We know that by 1898 the cemetery was no longer used because cartographer Lieutenant AJ Savage marked it ‘disused’ on his survey map of that year. The cemetery gets its name from two of the men buried there: In the 19th century, it was common for convicts to be sent to colonies like Bermuda to serve their sentence labouring on British forts. The dates on the graves tie in with the arrival of the first convicts, which were brought to Bermuda from England in 1824 on HMS Antelope. Of the 9,000 convicts sent here, 2,000 died. You’ll find this spot hidden at the west end of Cochrane Road, off Malabar Road.

Somerset Military Cemetery – Mangrove Bay Road, Somerset
Looking out onto Mangrove Bay, this is a peaceful final resting place for those who gave their lives in service, particularly during the First World War. It was consecrated in 1903 with the earliest remaining memorial dating 1904 and the most recent 1918. Though there are only 21 visible graves, records indicate that many more people are interred at this site. You’ll find 13 headstones which are Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstones commemorating West Indians and Canadian soldiers and three Bermudians of the Bermuda Militia Artillery who served in the First World War. Nearby there is a monument to the memory of soldiers from the 4th Battalion British West Indies Regiment, who died in Bermuda of pneumonia in 1916. Somerset Military Cemetary is located off of Mangrove Bay Road (when traveling from Somerset Village to Dockyard) immediately west of Watford Bridge behind the bus stop.

Watford Cemetery – Malabar Road, Watford Island, Sandys
In the early 1800s, Watford Island was used as a burial ground for labourers who helped build Dockyard between 1824 and 1863. The mortality rate from dysentery and yellow fever was high due to living in dirty crowded conditions on hulks of ships moored just offshore. In 1855 it was reported that Watford Island had received 458 bodies and was almost full. For the following years, those who died were buried on Long Island. Tablets commemorating individual convicts are rare which is perhaps because their graves were usually marked with wooden crosses. This cemetery was created in 1887 as a graveyard for soldiers and their families and contains the memorials dating from 1853-1899. Following 1899 the cemetery continued to take shape. In 1925 the remaining few memorials were taken from other parts of the island and placed together along the north-eastern wall of the military cemetery. A memorial for the Queen’s Regiment soldiers who died of yellow fever in 1864 was relocated from Boaz Island in 1980.  After Hurricane Fabian exposed the remains of five men, they were reburied in a single grave within the walled cemetery on November 5th, 2004. You can visit the cemetery on the right going to Royal Naval Dockyard immediately after crossing Watford Bridge, hidden at end of a footpath from the car park.

These properties are free to visit and are open dawn to dusk. Call the Bermuda National Trust on 236-6483 for more information.

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Royal Gazette: Digital dream could become nightmare if data misused, privacy conference told

The right balance must be struck as measures are introduced to protect public privacy, according to the opening speakers of the 45th Global Privacy Assembly Annual Meeting last night.

The conference, organised by the Global Privacy Assembly, has brought together hundreds of international regulators and policymakers at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club to discuss global technology and data issues.

Charlotte Andrews, the head of cultural heritage for the Bermuda National Trust, compared the challenges of data privacy to the challenges of protecting heritage, in her keynote speech to attendees.

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Royal Gazette: Do the right thing and refuse hotel SDO Roban advised

The Minister of Home Affairs is being urged to follow the planning board’s recommendation and turn down a special development order for the Fairmont Southampton.

While Westend Properties sought an SDO to pave the way for up to 250 units at the hotel, the Development Applications Board agreed with the Department of Planning that the proposal was in direct conflict with the goals of the Bermuda Plan 2018.

Karen Border, the executive director of the Bermuda National Trust, said that the charity was “delighted” by the decision of the DAB as it echoed the concerns it had previously raised.

“Their conclusion that the SDO is not in the national interest is exactly what BNT, other environmental organisations, hundreds of individual objectors and the thousands who signed the petition have been saying for months,” Ms Border said.

“This is an opportunity for Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, to show that he has listened not only to public protest but more particularly to Government’s own technical officers and the independent board that is in place to provide him with expert advice and guidance.

“We call on him to do the right thing and refuse this SDO for the sustainability of our island and in the long-term interest of all Bermudians.”

Westend Properties, an affiliate of the Miami-based investment firm Gencom, had originally sought approval for up to 261 units in buildings of two to six storeys at the Fairmont Southampton, where the 593-room hotel has been shuttered since 2020.

However, that proposal was criticised by residents and campaign groups amid fears about the impact on the landscape and environment.

In July, a revised request proposed a reduction by 11 in the overall number of units and none to be higher than four storeys.

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Royal Gazette: Bermuda National Trust hosting free open house at Verdmont Museum

A scavenger hunt and traditional games will be among the activities on offer for children at a Bermuda National Trust event on Saturday.

The charity will host a free open house at Verdmont Museum, which was built in about 1700 and is one of the earliest surviving houses on the island.

A spokesman said: “It represents generations of Bermudian families and honours the memory of those enslaved there.

“The open house will feature heritage experiences for all ages, with an array of family friendly displays and activities.

“Children’s activities will include a scavenger hunt, old-style games, quill writing and miniature goats to pet.”

The two-acre property and four-floor house will have family friendly stations focused on archaeology, descendant stories, collections care and insights.

Other topics will include medicinal and culinary traditional knowledge, Bermudian built heritage and historic conservation skills, as well as other threads from the Verdmont story.

Among the community groups involved at the event is the Bermuda Rose Society, which will show old Bermuda roses and discuss their pruning and propagation.

The Plein Air group will be painting in the grounds and selling their artwork.

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Bernews: BNT to Host Open House at Verdmont

The Bermuda National Trust invites the public to come to Verdmont Museum for a free open house on Saturday [Oct 14].

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Trust is inviting everyone to Verdmont Museum for a free open house on Saturday 14 October. Built about 1700, Verdmont is one of the earliest surviving houses in Bermuda. It represents generations of Bermudian families and honours the memory of those enslaved there. The open house will feature heritage experiences for all ages, with an array of family-friendly displays and activities.

“Children’s activities will include a scavenger hunt, old-style games, quill writing and miniature goats to pet. Family-friendly stations throughout the two-acre property and four-floor house will focus on archaeology, descendant stories, collections care and insights, medicinal and culinary traditional knowledge, Bermudian built heritage and historic conservation skills, and other threads from the Verdmont story.

“A number of community groups are lending their talents to the day. The Bermuda Rose Society will show old Bermuda roses and discuss their pruning and propagation and the Plein Air group will be painting in the grounds and selling their artwork. There will be musical performances by students from Justified Melodies Music Hope Camp [JMMHC] . There will be free teas to sample, and volunteer-baked treats for a donation.

“We want everyone to feel welcome to this 300-year-old African Diaspora Heritage Trail Site,” said Dr. Charlotte Andrews, BNT’s Head of Cultural Heritage. “Collector’s Hill and Smith’s Parish residents are particularly welcome, since many today live on what was once the original 90-acre Verdmont property stretching from the North to South Shore. The Trust also hopes to give a special welcome to taxi drivers, tour operators and other cultural tourism ambassadors. As a site of shared heritage, Verdmont is relevant to all Bermudians, and anyone living in or visiting our island.”

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Bernews: Photos & Video: Verdmont Open House

Royal Gazette: Athene Staff dig deep to help spruce up nature reserve

Thirty staff from a reinsurance firm helped to spruce up a nature reserve, planting new trees, clearing the trails, cleaning signage, removing trash, and pruning and removing invasive species.

The Athene employees held their annual volunteer day last week and used the time to work on the Bermuda National Trust’s Sherwin Nature Reserve, which includes Warwick Pond and land north and south of the Railway Trail in Warwick.

“We are always delighted to have corporate groups help us to maintain and enhance the nature reserves that we hold in trust for the Bermuda community,” Myles Darrell, the BNT’s head of natural heritage, said.

“With over 270 acres of open space in the trust’s care, this support is very important to us.”

He added: “It’s extra special when a large group of people get together in our nature reserves with the intention to protect and preserve it for everyone, for ever.

“That’s exactly what happened when this group of very enthusiastic volunteers from Athene joined our team at the nature reserve.

“During the day, we planted more than 120 exotic bulbs at the roadside to beautify everyone’s drive, we planted more than 35 native and endemic plants in the heart of the reserve, and we raked through the trails to ensure good access.”

Brad Molitor, the president of Athene Life Re, added: “Athene is proud of the positive impact our employees are making in the communities in which we work and live.

“Our volunteer day gives us the opportunity to give our time, skills and commitment to wonderful organisations, such as the Bermuda National Trust, who do so much for the community and improving our quality of life.

“The Bermuda National Trust is like Athene in that they value working to make things better for the people and places around us. We look forward to partnering with them again in the future.”

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Royal Gazette: World Heritage Site researchers hope to return to St George

Researchers from Britain are considering a return trip to the Town of St George as part of a five-year study of world heritage sites with links to British colonialism.

Professor Emma Waterton, of the University of York, and Professor Jason Dittmer, of University College London, visited Bermuda for the first time in August when they spoke to householders and surveyed tourists.

An advertisement that invited Olde Towne residents to take part in focus groups said then that the talks would cover “how British colonial heritage is navigated, mobilised and resisted within the context of Unesco World Heritage sites”.

Mr Dittmer explained last week: “It’s part of a much larger study of Unesco World Heritage sites around the world that commemorate, in one way or another, British colonialism but in places that aren’t in Britain.”

Ms Waterton said interest in the subject was “galvanised” with the reignition of the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020.

She said: “It became exceedingly obvious that colonial heritage matters, but it matters in very different ways to different people.”

Mr Dittmer pointed out that as Unesco World Heritage sites, the study locations were deemed to be of universal importance.

He added: “At the same time, the sites are actually sites that are in specific places that have their own histories and might feel very differently about that commemoration.

“We thought of it as a kind of study that allows you to bring together the global, the national and the local in really interesting ways.”

Mr Dittmer said the study of each site comprised interviews with people involved in the governance or upkeep of the site, surveys of tourists who visited and focus groups with “local stakeholders” — those who live or run businesses there.

He added: “The idea was to take those three groups, talk to each, find out what each is hoping to get from the site and what they’re actually getting from the site.”

Other study locations that could feature over the five-year research period include the Australian Convict Sites and Tr’ondëk-Klondike in Yukon, Canada. A PhD student involved in the project is studying the Mountain Railways of India.

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Royal Gazette: Minister under further pressure to say no to Fairmont SDO

A second environmental group has urged the Government to reject a request for a special development order by Fairmont Southampton hotel developers.

The Bermuda National Trust issued the plea after the controversial SDO application by Westend Properties Limited went before the Development Applications Board last week.

The DAB has the authority to recommend to the Government whether or not an SDO should be approved, but the final decision rests with the Minister of Home Affairs, Walter Roban.

The DAB website is down because of the cyberattack, so minutes are not available and there has been no comment from board members reached by The Royal Gazette on their decision, nor have questions to the ministry been answered.

The resort, which was shut in 2021, is to undergo a major revamp under the proposal and is seen by the Government as key to revitalising the island’s tourism industry.

The Government has granted Westend millions of dollars in tax breaks to push the development forward, and also backed the company’s proposals to build hundreds of residential units on the environmentally sensitive property.

But the plans, which include building residential units in blocks of up to four storeys — have been hit with criticisms since they were first unveiled in April.

In a statement yesterday, the Bermuda National Trust noted that the Government’s own planning officers had submitted a 61-page review of the application to the DAB, advising that it should not go ahead.

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Royal Gazette: Fairmont Southampton SDO gets its day before the board

A controversial special development order for the Fairmont Southampton property is set to go before the Development Applications Board today.

The SDO, which would open the door for a 250-unit tourism and residential development, is one of two items included on the agenda for today’s meeting of the DAB.

A recent letter from the agency acting on behalf of the hotel’s owner said timelines for the project were “becoming critical” and requested the SDO go before the DAP “at the earliest opportunity”.

An SDO granted in 2009 gave planning permission in principle for 71 fractional tourism units, 37 residential villas and 22 town homes at the property. However, Westend Properties has sought a new SDO to raise capital.

An earlier SDO application was submitted in April — seeking approval for a maximum of 261 units — and an amended version followed in July, calling for 159 tourism and 91 residential units.

Peter Adwick, of Adwick Planning, wrote that the revised plan would translate to a 40 per cent increase in hotel bedrooms at the property, which would be a significant boost to hotel bed count on the island.

In a letter, he noted that the applicant accepted many details of its plan were yet to be “worked out” but pointed out that conditions could be attached to any SDO approval.

The original proposal prompted a backlash from environmental groups, which said they were “shocked” by the scale of the development.

Within two weeks, protesters presented a petition with more than 4,000 signatures, calling for the SDO to be rejected.

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Royal Gazette: Connie Dey: actor with a love of history

A devoted actor and mainstay of the Bermuda National Trust brought her love of St George’s history to life in her walking tours of the Old Town.

Connie Dey joined the Bermuda Musical and Dramatic Society in 1959 and introduced cultural tourism to the trust not long after its inception in 1970.

Ms Dey’s awards included recognition in the 2013 VIP Excellence Awards for her service to the island’s hospitality industry and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Bermuda Arts Council in 2010.

However, theatre was her first love and she was familiar to Bermudians of all ages for her roles in stage productions and radio ads.

Ms Dey was a lifetime member of the BMDS and a regular in plays and Christmas pantomimes.

Carol Birch, a playwright and director with the BMDS, said she was “always an amazing person and someone I looked up to”.

“Many years ago, it was fashion shows that many of us remember fondly. Her heart also lay in the theatre and she graced those boards, many, many times for BMDS.”

Ms Birch added that she “loved working with Connie — she was always such a joy to be around”.

“Every year for panto, I was thrilled when she came to auditions, as I knew whatever part I gave her, she would make it her own.

“In later years, she asked me only to give her cameo parts, but no matter how small the role, and especially as the tourist guide in The Firebird, she had everyone rolling in the aisles at her comic antics.”

Ms Dey called herself a “compulsive joiner and volunteer” in an interview with The Royal Gazette in a 2010. “The bottom line is, if the audience leaves the theatre happy, then I’m happy.”

Born in Melrose, Massachusetts, just outside Boston, Ms Dey landed a job as a commercial copy writer at a Boston radio station, WORL.

She met her late husband, Joseph Dey, another theatre lover, while holidaying on the classic liner Queen of Bermuda, which took the couple to Bermuda.

Her husband served as housing officer at Kindley Air Force Base and the couple had two sons, Russell and David.

Ms Dey moved to the island in 1956 and joined the cast of the Kindley Air Theatre, which broadcast live theatre.

She was approached by the Department of Tourism for preparations to commemorate the 350th anniversary of Bermuda’s colonisation.

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Royal Gazette: Plan to enhance nature reserve named after murder victim

The Bermuda National Trust hopes to create a “stronghold” for endemic plants at a Paget nature reserve on the Railway Trail.

According to a conservation management plan submitted to the Department of Planning, only about a third of the plants at the Rebecca Middleton Nature Reserve are native or endemic, but the BNT hopes to bring that figure to 90 per cent.

“Once a native and endemic stronghold has been created and nurtured to maturity, invasive species are less able to take over,” the CMP writer said.

“Indigenous woodland is more biodiverse and better able to withstand hurricanes and cope with climate change.

“This CMP furthers the Bermuda National Trust’s mission to protect and promote Bermuda’s unique natural and cultural heritage for everyone, for ever.”

The plan said the reserve, named after a young woman murdered on the island in 1996, was on a popular and well used section of the Railway Trail off Tribe Road No 3 in Paget.

“The conservation of this space is not only important because of the ecosystem services it provides but also out of respect for her [Rebecca’s] family and friends,” the CMP said.

“Ultimately a space like this promotes community healing and wellbeing, as well as the obvious benefits open space has for human health.”

The documents noted that the reserve recently received some attention thanks to a grant given to the BNT from the Bermuda End-to-End intended to benefit reserves that border the Railway Trail.

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Royal Gazette: SkillCraft Social-Media Internship program concludes

Over a six-week period, 15 interns were paired with 15 Bermudian organisations and assisted with social-media content planning and creation.

The internships started with an introduction to marketing, promotion and social media.

Interns were also taught to create compelling content and a social-media strategy specific to their host organisation.

The interns and the organisations with which they were paired were: A’mel Spence at AboutFaceAesthetics, Amber Gibbons at Harmony Birth Services, Caelen Robinson at Bermuda Society of Arts, Daytona Simons at Blue Water Divers Bermuda, Dante Sousa at Arches Podiatry, Denaisia Bean at Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, Gabriele Young at The Mirrors Programme, Razi Garland at Ad Astra, Kaylani Simmons at Citizens Uprooting Racism Bermuda, Kaetlyn Thompson at Bermuda National Trust, Margarida Simas at Nadz Beauty, Kemauri Darrell at Bermuda Gymnastics Association, Rhylee Edwards at Healthcare Solutions, Zaria Hill at Inspired, and Zemira Simons at Dayrosia.

At the end of the programme, the interns presented their work to mentors from host organisations.

Guest representatives from Centennial Bermuda Foundation, CedarBridge Academy, The Berkeley Institute, Ignite Bermuda, Digicel and The Clarity Institute attended the presentations.

Centennial Bermuda Foundation’s Economic Participation Committee supported the SkillCraft Youth Internship Programme with a $107,000 grant.

Programme director Margot Shane congratulated the interns on the significant growth in their knowledge about social media and their confidence in creating relevant, engaging content for their hosts.

Intern Daetona Simmons was grateful for the experience and believed it taught them fun ways to be involved in business.

Feven Binega Northcott, of Harmony Birth Services, commented that the SkillCraft programme is helpful for small businesses to engage with young people and raisesthe power of social media marketing.

Recruitment for next year’s internship programme will begin in January 2024.

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Royal Gazette: Timeline angers groups opposed to Fairmont Southampton plan

Environmental groups opposed to the redevelopment of the Fairmont Southampton hotel have cried foul over a government timeline to file objections.

The Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce and the Bermuda National Trust have questioned why they have been given only two weeks to review an 800-page dossier of fresh plans and architectural drawings, submitted by developer Westend Properties immediately before the Cup Match holiday.

Plans were originally submitted at the beginning of April, prompting a wave of protests from campaigners who claimed that the development would destroy the island’s natural habitat.

And in a surprise turnaround last month, Westend — owned by Gencom — agreed to scale back the project, reducing the six-storey suites to buildings of either two or three storeys.

The revised plans — which do little to limit the footprint of the rebuild — were submitted to the Department of Planning on July 27.

Both BEST and the BNT have asked for additional time to review the documents, claiming that they have been given little time to check over the new plans.

In a statement last night, Kim Smith, the president of BEST, said that while the number of pages filed by the developers has increased dramatically, the company had been granted only a few extra days to review the additions.

Ms Smith said that the revised SDO, which is now more than 800 pages of documentation, had resulted in only a slight increase in the time for that review, until August 18.

“The revised SDO was gazetted on July 27, and only the minimum two-week review period was being applied, meaning that the objection period was initially due to end on August 10. We asked for the review period to be extended to six weeks, giving a deadline date of September 7.

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Bernews: BNT Invites Public To Silk Art Exhibition & Sale

The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] is inviting the public to an exhibition and sale of silk art by Janet Wingate, titled ‘Salt Water in the Veins: Conjuring home from a landlocked country.’

A spokesperson said, “The exhibition opens on Thursday 10 August from 5:30 to 7:30pm, when the artist will talk briefly about her medium and inspirations. The exhibition will remain open until Friday 18 August weekdays from 9:00am to 5:00pm. All are welcome. Fifty percent of sales will go to the Bermuda National Trust.

“Janet Wingate was born in Bermuda, eldest daughter of renowned local conservationist David Wingate. Her Bermuda childhood instilled in her a deep love of the island’s scenery and wildlife, which constantly returns to inspire her work, though she has lived in the Czech Republic since 1992.

“Janet has been painting on silk for nearly 40 years. In 2013, she received an award in the annual Charman exhibition at Masterworks. The medium lends itself to many possibilities, and her latest aim has been to make it work like water colour to create paintings. Her hand-painted silk scarves will also be on sale at the exhibition.”

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Royal Gazette: Fairmont SDO changes just ‘tokenism’ – National Trust

“Tokenism” is at play in the revised special development order for the Fairmont Southampton resort, the Bermuda National Trust has charged.

Karen Border, the executive director of the environmental charity, said that the scaling down of the SDO fell short of the concerns of protesters against the development of the island’s biggest hotel.

The Government has backed the project as essential for restoring the island’s tourism product after the Fairmont Southampton closed its doors in 2020.

The hotel’s owner, Westend Properties Ltd, initially sought 147 residential units and 114 tourism units on the property, in addition to refurbishing the hotel building.

New plans that went online last week proposed dropping the total units from 261 to 250.

Tourism units were increased from 114 to 159, and the residential units proposed have dropped to 91, meaning the number of tourism bedrooms will increase from 311 to 441.

Ms Border said the redrawn proposal for the property “appears to be tokenism”.

“Taken as a whole, the changes are minimal and the plans still show massive overdevelopment.”

She added: “It may have been the game plan all along to propose something so outrageous that any scaling back would be considered a win.

“However, this new proposal does not go anywhere near enough to satisfy the concerns of the Bermuda National Trust, nor do we think the thousands of Bermudians who protested the original plans will be satisfied that their voices have truly been heard.”

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Royal Gazette: Planners approve Harrington Sound hotel cottage scheme

Plans to build a hotel cottage on the site of a former pumphouse on the coastline of Harrington Sound have been given the green light.

The plan, submitted by RWTP Hotels, was recommended for approval by technical officers despite concerns voiced by environmental groups.

In June, the Development Applications Board deferred its decision after members questioned the sightlines for those attempting to enter or leave the property.

Royal Gazette: BNT’s Calendar of island architecture now for sale

A calendar showcasing some of the best photographs of Bermuda’s architecture is now available.

The Bermuda National Trust’s 2024 architectural calendar will feature photographs submitted through its Built Heritage Calendar Photo Contest from earlier this year, instead of its typical practice of highlighting a single artist.

Dörte Horsfield, the BNT’s head of development and engagement, said: “This gorgeous calendar is a good example of a collective project involving many in the community, with a wonderful result.”

Dr Horsfield added: “BNT is grateful to all the photographers, to Brimstone Media for the design, and to the many local businesses who sponsored the calendar pages.

“The calendar will brighten up any home and makes a wonderful gift.”

The Built Heritage contest received more than 200 amateur and professional photographs, 49 of which were selected to appear on the calendar based on qualities such as creativity and overall impact.

Laurie Zuill’s photograph of Duke of Clarence Street, St George’s, which won the People’s Choice Award, will be featured on the front of the calendar.

Each calendar costs $14 and can be purchased at the BNT’s office on Pomander Road, Pembroke, as well as at bookstores and shops around the island.

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Bernews: BNT Calendar Features Island’s Architecture

The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] announced that their annual calendar for 2024 is now available, with the calendar showcasing photography submitted through a Built Heritage Calendar Photo Contest, featuring Bermuda’s unique architecture

A spokesperson said,  “The People’s Choice winner was Laurie Zuill, whose stunning photo of Duke of Clarence Street in St. George’s is featured on the front.

“The Trust’s annual calendar has often showcased the work of one photographer or artist. For the 2024 calendar BNT invited all members of the community to contribute. More than 200 photos were submitted by professional and amateur photographers of all ages. Of these, 49 images were selected through a judging process based on creativity, originality, portrayal of the theme and overall impact.”

BNT’s Head of Development and Engagement Dr. Dörte Horsfield said: “This gorgeous calendar is a good example of a collective project involving many in the community, with a wonderful result. BNT is grateful to all the photographers, to Brimstone Media for the design and to the many local businesses who sponsored the calendar pages. The calendar will brighten up any home and makes a wonderful gift.”

The calendars cost $14 each and are now available from BNT’s office at Waterville, 2 Pomander Road and at various bookstores and shops around the island.

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Royal Gazette: Government accused of short-sighted approach to historical buildings

The Government has neglected some historical buildings to such a degree that they are beyond repair and have to be knocked down, it has been claimed.

The Bermuda National Trust made the allegation after it was revealed that plans to refurbish the former official residence of the Deputy Governor had been put on the back burner by Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works.

Last week, Colonel Burch said that the project was not a priority and that his ministry’s limited resources had to be spent on essential items such as infrastructure repairs.

But a spokeswoman for the BNT described that view yesterday as short-sighted.

The spokeswoman added that the property – Montpelier in Devonshire – had been empty for six years and was at risk of being bulldozed if renovations were not carried out soon.

The spokeswoman said: “Montpelier is a listed building that can still be restored, but if neglected for much longer it may deteriorate to the point it cannot be saved.

“This not only means a loss of Bermuda’s cultural heritage, it does not make economic sense in the long run.

“It would surely be a better management of public resources to renovate the property and recoup the cost by renting it, if Government has no immediate use for it, or to sell the property to someone who will restore it while it is still salvageable.

“The BNT is concerned that a number of historical buildings owned by Government have been left empty and neglected – sometimes to the point that they become beyond repair and are demolished, like Watlington House, or under of threat of demolition, like Wantley.

“Other historical buildings in a derelict state include the old Supreme Court building and St George’s police station.”

Watlington House, which has ties to National Hero Mary Prince, was demolished earlier this year.

The bulldozers were set to move in as early as 2021, but the building was initially saved after the BNT highlighted the historical significance of the structure.

The property was eventually knocked down in March – but only after it had been deemed unsafe in the wake of years of neglect, according to the BNT.

Colonel Burch did not respond to the allegations by press time.

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Royal Gazette: Third annual Student Art Competition being held

The Bermuda National Trust has partnered with Sompo International to hold the third annual event.

Anna Stevenson, heritage education co-ordinator for the BNT, said: “We are very pleased to invite Bermuda’s young people to use their artistic talents to explore this year’s theme, Bermuda: People and Parishes.

“Whether students focus on the unique aspects of a parish’s natural or cultural heritage, or their own local connections, we welcome all interpretations.

“Over the last two years we have been amazed by the students’ creativity and the quality of artwork submitted, and we can’t wait to see what this year’s theme inspires.

“The timing of the competition is perfect as students can start to explore media and themes during the long summer break.”

Entries can be in the form of a drawing, painting, sculpture, multimedia, collage, photography and digital art. Video is excluded.

The competition is divided into two age groups — 9 to 12 years old and 13 to 18 years old — with cash prizes for the top three entries in each category chosen by a panel of independent judges.

Entries must be delivered to the Bermuda National Trust office, Waterville, 2 Pomander Road by 5pm on November 2.

Entry forms and information on prizes and competition rules can be found at bnt.bm/event/student-art-competition-2023.

The winners will be contacted on November 10 and invited to an awards ceremony at the BNT’s office, Waterville, on November 16.

The artwork will be exhibited in the reception of insurance and reinsurance firm Sompo International’s offices and will also be featured on the BNT’s website.

For more information, e-mail education@bnt.bm or call 236-6483 extension 217.

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Bernews: “Bermuda: People & Parishes” Art Competition

The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] and Sompo International have launched the 3rd annual Student Art Competition, with a theme of “Bermuda: People and Parishes”.

“We are very pleased to invite Bermuda’s young people to use their artistic talents to explore this year’s theme, “Bermuda: People and Parishes”. Whether students focus on the unique aspects of a parishes natural or cultural heritage, or their own local connections,” said Anna Stevenson, Heritage Education Coordinator.

“We welcome all interpretations. The last two years we have been amazed by the students’ creativity, the quality of artwork submitted, and we can’t wait to see what this year’s theme inspires. The timing of the competition is perfect as students can start to explore media and themes during the long summer break.”

A spokesperson said, “Entries can be in the form of drawing, painting, sculpture, multimedia, collage, photography, and digital art . The competition is divided into two age groups: 9 to 12 years old, and 13 to 18 years old, with cash prizes for the top three entries in each category chosen by a panel of independent judges. Entries must be delivered to the Bermuda National Trust office, Waterville, 2 Pomander Road by 5pm on Friday 2nd November 2023. Entry forms and information on prizes and competition rules can be found here.

“The winners will be contacted on Friday 10 November and invited to an awards ceremony at BNT’s office, Waterville, on Thursday 16 November 2023. The artwork will be exhibited in the reception of SOMPO International’s offices shortly afterwards and will also be featured on the Bermuda National Trust’s website.

“For more information please contact education@bnt.bm or call 236 6483 ext. 217.”

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Royal Gazette: SkillCraft Youth Internship offers chance to work and learn

More than a dozen students in Bermuda are learning the tools of the social-media trade as part of the SkillCraft Youth Internship programme this summer.

This year marks the second year of the programme, led by Margot Shane, the coach and programme director.

Ms Shane said: “To be afforded the opportunity to run SkillCraft for a second year is an incredible privilege in that we get to build on the successes of last year to create a programme that exceeds the expectations of both our youth interns and host businesses.

“This year, we will be offering our 15 young people more curriculum time and coaching support to ensure they are empowered to become knowledgeable ‘mini social media marketers’ in just six weeks.

“Interns will also be required to deliver at least three months worth of social-media posts ensuring that businesses are equipped with a potential source of plug-and-play content.”

Aziza Furbert and Veronica DeGraff have joined the SkillCraft team for the summer, with Ms Furbert to teach the interns marketing and social media management and running strategy workshops with the host organisations.

Ms DeGraff will support Ms Shane and the SkillCraft team with coaching and facilitating the programme.

A SkillCraft spokeswoman said: “Interns will acquire knowledge and skills in the fundamentals of marketing and social media at the Bermuda Clarity Institute Learning Lab every week.

“The 15 youth interns have been paired with one organisation each, where they will practise what they learn and help with social media throughout the six weeks.”

The organisations hosting the interns include: AboutFace Aesthetics, Ad Astra, Arches Podiatry, the Bermuda Gymnastics Association, the Bermuda National Trust, the Bermuda Society of Arts, the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, Blue Water Divers Bermuda, Citizens Uprooting Racism Bermuda, Dayrosia, Harmony Birth Services, Healthcare Solutions, Inspired, Nadz Beauty and The Mirrors Programme.

“Last Monday, interns took part in their first marketing session on marketing fundamentals with programme marketing expert Ms Furbert,” the spokeswoman said.

“The interns were filled with enthusiasm in cultivating their knowledge and skills as they began working with their respective host organisations.”

The Skillcraft internships are open to students aged 16 to 18. In the six-week programme, the participants are full-time interns at the sponsoring organisations. They are paid $15 an hour.

The programme runs from July 3 to August 11.

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Royal Gazette: Climate Summit Economic impact estimated at $1.1 million

The short-term economic impact of the Bermuda Climate Summit has been estimated at $1.1 million, and supported 311 local jobs, the Bermuda Business Development Agency has reported.

The BDA, co-presenters of the conference with Kroll Bond Rating Agency, said that impact included lodging, transportation, food and beverage, retail and recreation.

The event, held June 26-27 at Hamilton Princess, attracted 335 delegates, including 101 from overseas.

Royal Gazette: Spittal Pond protection plan submitted by Bermuda National Trust

A conservation management plan has been drafted to protect Spittal Pond from waste from an adjacent dairy farm.

The plan, submitted by the Bermuda National Trust, is intended to address any impact the farm has on the pond while bolstering native and endemic plants in the park.

“The primary objective is to protect Spittal Pond from pollutants,” the plan stated.

“Ultimately, the proposed project is focused on ‘improving the condition and protection of the natural environment’, specifically the pond and its surroundings.

“It is designed to reduce point source pollution from the neighbouring dairy farm and at the same time boost carbon-sequestering capacity, the process by which carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and stored in vegetation.”

According to the plans, heavy rains can cause nitrate-rich water to flow from the farm to Spittal Pond, potentially harming life in the pond.

The plan involves the building of a berm and digging of a ditch and the planting with native and endemic plants.

The first phase of the proposed plan would be the removal of invasive species from the area, with the berm and ditch created as a barrier between the farm and the pond as a part of the second phase.

The ditch would be partially filled with local, lime-based clean fill, which with the plants will help to manage nitrate-filled run-off from the farm.

“The depth of the ditch will be approximately 24in and the height of the berm will not exceed 2ft above the existing ground level,” the plans note.

The work would continue with the replacement of the existing storm-damaged cattle fence to prevent cows from reaching the pond.

New plantings will be watered regularly, with maintenance carried out on a bimonthly basis to prevent the return of invasive species.

An officer for the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources supported the proposal, stating that research has shown the pond is suffering from eutrophication, which can trigger harmful algae blooms, and run-off from the farm needed to be prevented.

“The creation of a ditch and berm below the dairy farm fields is a simple yet effective method of accomplishing this,” the officer said.

“Lower nutrient input will lead to better water quality which will ultimately increase the biological and recreational value of this nature reserve.

“Rebuilding the original fence will prevent cattle from accessing the northwest corner of the pond, which is necessary in order to give the black mangrove seedlings and saplings a chance to grow and become established along the margins of the pond.”

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Bernews: Somerset Re Volunteers at Tucker House

A team from Somerset Re decided to support St. George’s by taking on Tucker House for their semi-annual Corporate Social Responsibility day.

A spokesperson said, “The team of twenty gave back to Bermuda and our World Heritage Site by lending helping hands to the museum and African Diaspora Heritage Trail site in the heart of St. George’s.”

BNT’s Dr. Charlotte Andrews and Nicky Gurret oversaw the day and were amazed by everything the Somerset Re team achieved over just a few hours.

Head of Cultural Heritage Dr. Andrews said, “It’s always a magic moment to witness the power of volunteer teamwork. Somerset Re helped us achieve more in one afternoon that we can accomplish in many months with our small Trust team. Tucker House is now really shining and ready to share its many stories for the busy summer season in our World Heritage Site thanks to Somerset Re. We also thank Somerset Re for their generous donation to support our corporate volunteering management and daily heritage work.”

Somerset Re’s Hannah Snelling who was part of the Tucker House team said, “We truly enjoyed our giving back to the community with the Bermuda National Trust. We encountered such rich cultural heritage throughout the museum during our different tasks. Helping out behind the scenes with the museum was something special. I was proud to share the heritage of St. George’s, where our island all started, with colleagues from Bermuda and overseas. The Trust teambrought Tucker House and wider World Heritage Site to life for all of us with their knowledge and enthusiasm.”

The spokesperson said, “Plan a visit to Tucker House Museum and the wider Bermuda World Heritage Site this summer by checking www.bnt.bm for our online museums hours. And if you are a corporate group interested in volunteering in BNT’s museums and cultural heritage sites, please contact Dr. Charlotte Andrews on charlotte.andrews@bnt.bm or 236-6483 x225.”

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Royal Gazette: Bermuda National Trust Elects Four New Directors

The Bermuda National Trust has welcomed four new directors to its council.

The new directors are Andy DeGregorio, Peter Hebberd, Zeudi Hinds and Duncan Simons.

Mr DeGregorio, a partner at Deloitte, takes over the role of treasurer and Peter Hebberd, who formerly worked in advertising and marketing, will chair the Development Committee.

Zeudi Hinds, business development manager at Conyers, also joins the Development Committee, while Duncan Simons, an officer with the Royal Bermuda Regiment and a registered architect, chairs the Heritage Committee.

Reelected to the council are Alana Anderson as president, Mark Orchard as vice-president, Stratton Hatfield, Robin Mayor, Linda O’Shea and William White.

Meredith Ebbin, Michael Leverock and Mariette Savoie are government appointees.

Karen Border, BNT executive director, said: “We are grateful to all the council members for their willingness to serve.

“Charities like the BNT could not function without those who are willing to volunteer their time and expertise to ensure the organisation is well governed and effective in delivering on its mission for the benefit of Bermuda.”

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Royal Gazette: Book on Bermuda Architectural Heritage Recognized by BNT

The team behind a series of books detailing Bermuda’s architectural heritage parish-by-parish have been recognised by the Bermuda National Trust for their decades of work.

At the BNT’s annual heritage awards held at the Verdmont Museum last Thursday, the Architectural Heritage book team were presented with the trust’s highest honour, the Palmetto Award.

A trust spokeswoman said over the past 30 years the team had spent thousands of hours researching to create the ten-book series, which covers all nine parishes and the City of Hamilton.

“The Silver Palmetto award was received by Margaret Lloyd, supported by many of those who have worked on the series over the years,” the spokeswoman said.

The award was one of several handed out at the event, sponsored by Butterfield & Vallis, intended to recognise individuals and groups for their work to protect and promote Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage.

The Michael Darling Shield Award for Heritage Education was presented to the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute for its Youth Climate Summit, while Heritage Education certificates were handed to the Whitney Institute, the Sandys Guides and Brownies and Warwick Academy.

The Bermudiana trophy, the top natural heritage award, went to Robert Steinhoff for his support of several nature reserves, including the Gilbert Nature Reserve, Morgan’s Island and Palm Island.

“His hard work and commitment is helping to transform these nature reserves into native and endemic strongholds,” the spokeswoman said.

The St George’s Foundation was recognised for its work restoring several East End forts with the Cultural Heritage Impact Award, while Cultural Heritage certificates were presented to Dale Butler, Cheryl Hayward-Chew, the Friends of St Peter’s Church, the National Museum of Bermuda and Otto Trott.

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Bernews: New Members Elected to National Trust Council

Andy DeGregorio, Peter Hebberd, Zeudi Hinds and Duncan Simons have joined the Bermuda National Trust [BNT] board.

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Trust is pleased to announce that four new directors were elected to its Council [Board] at the Annual General Meeting on 15 June.

“The new directors are Andy DeGregorio, Peter Hebberd, Zeudi Hinds and Duncan Simons. Andy, a partner at Deloitte, takes over the role of Treasurer. Peter Hebberd, who formerly worked in advertising and marketing, will chair the Development Committee. Zeudi Hinds, business development manager at Conyers, also joins the Development Committee. Duncan Simons, an officer with the Royal Bermuda Regiment and a registered architect, chairs the Heritage Committee.

“Re-elected to the Council are Alana Anderson [President], Mark Orchard [Vice President], Stratton Hatfield, Robin Mayor, Linda O’Shea and William White. There are also three Government appointees on the Council: Meredith Ebbin, Michael Leverock and Mariette Savoie.”

“We are grateful to all the Council members for their willingness to serve,” said the Trust’s Executive Director Karen Border. “Charities like the Bermuda National Trust could not function without those who are willing to volunteer their time and expertise to ensure the organisation is well governed and effective in delivering on its mission for the benefit of Bermuda.”

Bermuda National Trust Council: Duncan Simons, Mark Orchard, Meredith Ebbin, Robin Mayor, Alana Anderson, Michael Leverock, Andy DeGregorio, Linda O’Shea, Peter Hebberd, Mariette Savoie, Zeudi Hinds. Not shown: Stratton Hatfield, William White.

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Bernews: 2023 BNT Heritage Awards Winners

The Bermuda National Trust heritage awards were recently presented, honouring a number of groups and individuals for their work to “promote Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage.”

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Trust’s annual heritage awards were presented on 15 June. The awards, sponsored by Butterfield & Vallis, recognise individuals, organisations, groups and schools that have worked to protect and promote Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage, or whose work has enhanced Bermuda heritage awareness or understanding. The ceremony took place at BNT’s Verdmont Museum and the trophies and certificates were presented by Trust President Alana Anderson and Junior Minister for Culture Kim Swan.

“The Trust’s highest honour, the Palmetto Award, was presented to the Architectural Heritage book team for thousands of hours of work over 30 years to research the 10-book series covering the architectural heritage of all nine parishes and the City of Hamilton. The Silver Palmetto award was received by Margaret Lloyd, supported by many of those who have worked on the series over the years.

“In top award for Heritage Education, the Michael Darling Shield, went to the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute [BUEI] for organising the Youth Climate Summit and associated Climate Action Projects.

“Heritage Education certificates were awarded to Whitney Institute Middle School for creating a ‘wellness garden’, the Sandys Guides and Brownies for environmental volunteering at Somerset Long Bay, and Warwick Academy for their seahorse research project.

“The top natural heritage award, the Bermudiana trophy, went to Robert Steinhoff for his generous support for BNT’s Gilbert Nature Reserve, Morgan’s Island and Palm Island both financially and with hands-on labour. His hard work and commitment is helping to transform these nature reserves into native and endemic strongholds.

“The Cultural Heritage Impact Award, the top honour in the cultural heritage section, went to the St George’s Foundation [SGF] for their conservation of World Heritage Site fortifications. SGF chair Peter Barrett and vice chair Stuart Smith enlisted community volunteers to remove invasive plants and huge amounts of debris to clean up and prevent further deterioration of the Ferry Reach forts, Fort Cunningham, Fort Victoria and Fort Albert.

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Built Heritage: Teucer House

BUILT HERITAGE | JUNE 2023

By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that will highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings.

Teucer House is located on the northwest portion of the eight-acre Dellwood property. Owned by Captain William Smith and his sister Mary this estate was not included in the lands purchased for the new town of Hamilton that was incorporated in 1793. It remains today outside the City of Hamilton boundary. The old house Dellwood is now part of the school campus.

Teucer House was built around 1903 by Cecil Hamilton Tucker whose parents and sisters lived at Dellwood. In the early 20^th century Cedar Avenue was one of the prettiest streets in Bermuda and therefore a prestigious address. With its grand proportions, spacious verandahs, five bedrooms, two bathrooms, two large reception rooms and a library, Teucer House was an impressive residence.

Read full built heritage on Teucer House

Royal Gazette: Project aimed at curbing broken glass at beach completed

An environmental charity has completed work on a project hoped to help curb complaints of broken glass at Somerset Long Bay.

The Bermuda National Trust, which co-owns the Somerset Long Bay East Nature Reserve with the Bermuda Audubon Society through the joint Buy Back Bermuda initiative, said historical dumping of waste in the area had caused ongoing issues for beachgoers.

However, through work on the coastline, carried out with the support of the Centennial Bermuda Foundation, is hoped to prevent erosion which led to broken glass on the beach.

The project involved regrading the coastline, installing organic burlap matting to hold the embankment together and heavily planting with coastal species whose roots will in time help to prevent erosion.

Myles Darrell, head of natural heritage at the BNT, said: “The regrading and planting of this embankment should be a long-term solution to the glass problem at the beach.

“It will take some time for the glass already on the beach to smooth down so that it does not pose a risk, but the aim is to prevent more glass from being washed out.

“We keep our fingers crossed that the new planting will have time to settle in and create strong root systems before the next major storm.

“As the plants establish, users of the space are asked to avoid walk through the foreshore dune system and embankment as this may damage the new embankment and plantings.”

Broken glass has long been a source of complaints at the Sandys beach, particularly on the eastern side of the beach.

The BNT said a wetland area to the eastern side of the beach, known as Pitman’s Point, had been an historical dumping site before the start of restoration work in the 1990s.

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Royal Gazette: Southlands parking lot plans scrapped

Plans to build a parking lot on a portion of Southlands National Park have been scrapped, although developers are still hoping to create an events lawn in the area.

The proposed parking lot and events lawn, to be built adjacent to the Bermudiana Beach Resort, was said to be “integral” to the hotel project.

However, the plans drew the ire of environmental groups and were rejected by the Department of Planning, sparking an appeal by the hotel developer.

Delivering an update in the House, Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, said the developers have elected to not proceed with the car park component of the application.

“While that appeal has been going on, we have amended the application to withdraw the aspect of a parking lot, which was a significant irritation to those who like trees,” Colonel Burch said.

He told the House that there had been “some confusion” regarding a second parking lot, which had been proposed for a brownfield site on the southwest portion of the park as part of the broader plans for Southlands.

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Royal Gazette: Experts advice against parking lot at Southlands

Planning officials have urged the Minister of Home Affairs to reject a proposal to build parking and an events lawn on a portion of the Southlands National Park.

While the plans were rejected by the Development Applications Board last month, the Bermuda Housing Corporation has appealed the decision on the basis that the project was essential for the success of the neighbouring Bermudiana Beach Resort.

In response to the appeal, the department recommended that the DAB’s decision be upheld.

The director of the department said in a letter dated May 11 that the appellant had not provided any reason why the proposed development would be appropriate within a “high quality” woodland reserve.

She added: “The appellant is requesting that the minister give overarching weight to the claim that the proposed events lawn is pivotal to the success of the adjacent hotel which is currently under construction. However, no evidence to substantiate this claim has been provided.

“It must be noted that the approved hotel development includes a number of amenities including a restaurant, pool with deck area, event deck space and an elevator and stairs providing direct access to Southlands Beach, therefore the claim that an events lawn is also necessary for the success of the hotel is highly questionable.

“In any event, the department strongly disagrees that such a benefit for the hotel should be granted at the expense of a high-quality woodland.”

The director noted that while revised drawings had been submitted to clear up some issues with the application, the appellant had not responded to concerns about “significant inaccuracies” about the state of the existing woodland and that no assessment had been provided.

“Such an assessment should have been carried out prior to the submission of a planning application and informed the proposed design,” she said.

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Royal Gazette: Smith’s Island archaeology project receives $130,000 grant

An archaeological study of Smith’s Island has been awarded a two-year $130,000 grant to help fund its work.

Michael Jarvis, who leads the Smith’s Island Archaeology Project, said the project had been granted a US National Endowment for the Humanities Archaeology and Ethnography Fieldwork grant.

In a recent blog post, Dr Jarvis said the grant would allow further excavations, as well as support collaboration with Historic Jamestowne and Carika Weldon, a Bermudian geneticist.

“On very short notice I have been able to gather a good crew of talented young archaeologists and archaeology students from some of the top graduate programmes in the US to continue excavations at Smallpox Bay in May and June and to also set up and operate our archaeology lab using the new BNT-ARC facility being set up in the Globe Museum cellar in St. George’s,” said Dr Jarvis, who is the author of In the Eye of All Trade and Isle of Saints, Isle of Devils, books that trace the history of Bermuda from 1609 to 1983.

“With this grant we can take Bermuda archaeology to the next level as we build a 21st-century lab facility, conduct additional ground-penetrating radar surveys and embark on new zooarchaeological and ancient DNA analysis of SIAP site material.”

He wrote that in addition to the $130,000 initial grant, if the project can raise another $20,000 from external sources, the NEH would match that sum.

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Royal Gazette: Successful call for extra time for say on hotel SDO

Environmental groups, who threatened legal action if the Government did not extend the period for objections to the Fairmont Southampton special development order, last night welcomed the granting of extra time.

In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Home Affairs said the initial deadline today had been extended by three weeks to May 26.

The ministry later clarified that, because the Bermuda Day public holiday falls on that date, submissions would be accepted no later than the end of Monday, May 29.

The Royal Gazette understands that the home affairs minister, Walter Roban, was notified by conservation groups that proceedings for a judicial review would commence if the extension was not granted.

Westend Properties, the owner of the Fairmont Southampton site, supported the extra time.

“We are aware that the Government has extended the review period for the Fairmont Southampton SDO application and understand the reasoning behind the extension,” Westend said.

“We agree that people should have the time necessary to review the document, form their opinions and voice their concerns.”

The move came after the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Task Force, the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Audubon Society wrote to Mr Roban, requesting a six-week extension.

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Royal Gazette: Government considers delisting two buildings

The Government is considering the possibility of delisting two Grade 3 listed buildings, according to recent notices.

The move comes as the Bermuda National Trust voiced concern over the failure to preserve buildings listed for protection for their architectural and historical value.

According to the notices, published in the Official Gazette, Walter Roban, the Minister of Home Affairs, is considering delisting 70 Somerset Road and 10 Spice Hill Road – a property also known as Cane Villa Cottage.

The notices said that under the Development and Planning Act 1974 he was required to give notice to owners, occupiers and the public of the consideration so that he can receive any representations or objections before a final decision is made.

Such representations must be made in writing to the Permanent Secretary of Home Affairs by May 22, 2023.

Cane Villa Cottage was added to the list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest in 2008, while 70 Somerset Road was added to the list in 2002.

Charlotte Andrews, head of cultural heritage at the Bermuda National Trust, said the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Department of Planning in particular, maintained the island’s Listed Buildings Register, making them “the first point of contact for concerns about listed buildings or historic monuments”.

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Royal Gazette: Protesters present 4,000-name petition against hotel SDO

Campaigners protesting against the scale of plans for the Fairmont Southampton resort presented the Government with a petition bearing more than 4,000 signatures yesterday morning.

About 90 demonstrators gathered on the Cabinet grounds to voice their concerns about the reach of a special development order request submitted by Westend Properties, the hotel’s owner and an affiliate of Miami-based investment firm Gencom.

Some carried signs with messages such as “environment over profit” and “don’t give away our heritage”.

An application to the Department of Planning requested in-principle approval for up to 114 tourism and 147 residential units in buildings of two to six storeys at the site.

It also sought permission for associated access roads, parking areas and modifications to the resort’s golf course.

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2024 Built Heritage Calendar Photo Contest: People’s Choice Winner!

Help us choose the People’s Choice Winner!

We received over 200 spectacular images and narrowed it down to 50 images, which will be featured on the 12 calendar pages. All finalists have been contacted at this point.

We are pleased to share the 12 images chosen by BNT staff members and volunteers for your help voting for the ‘People’s Choice Winner’.

Visit the link below to view the top 12 finalists and vote for your two favourite images! Voting will run until Wednesday, 3 May, at 3:00 pm. Shortly after that we will announce the winner, who will receive a $500 cash prize.

Voting Rules:

1. Please only vote for two images.
2. If you vote for more than two, your third option will be excluded from your vote.
3. If you have submitted an image, please do not vote for your image.
4. Voting will run until Wednesday, 3 May 3:00 pm

For questions, please get in touch with Jordan Smith at jsmith@bnt.bm

Click here to vote!

Royal Gazette: Jeffers: Gencom has Bermuda over a barrel

Hotel developer Gencom is holding the island “over a barrel” in its demands for the Fairmont Southampton development, it has been claimed.

Charles Jeffers II, the former chief executive of the Bermuda Tourism Authority, added that the Government had “zero leverage” in any negotiations.

Mr Jeffers spoke out after resort investors threatened to pull the plug on the project if a special development order was not granted.

At a public meeting on Tuesday night, Chris Maybury, of the investment group, said: “We have shown a certain amount of commitment. We can’t and won’t keep doing that. We can’t. The world has changed. We either have to get this done or the world is begging for our investment.”

In addition to renovating the hotel, Gencom wants to build 147 residential units, some in blocks six storeys high, but needs special authorisation from the Government before construction can begin.

The proposals, unveiled this month in a special development order application, sparked outrage among environmental groups.

Commenting on social media after Tuesday’s meeting, Mr Jeffers said: “With the hotel having already been closed for three years, Bermuda is over a proverbial barrel and has zero leverage.

“The threat of the developers/financiers walking away is real, as there is nothing that prevents them from just letting the hotel continue to sit empty while we suffer.”

Karen Border, the executive director for the Bermuda National Trust, said foreign investors had the most to gain out of the residential portion of the development.

She said: “It is clear that the majority of those in favour of the development support it for one reason — not because they love Westend’s vision for the resort, but because they are worried about Bermuda’s economic situation and are afraid for the future.

“The developer is playing on this fear and pushing the line that Bermudians MUST accept everything in the SDO or they will walk away, the hotel will be left derelict and Bermuda will lose.

“We should not be fooled and we should not be intimidated into giving away our island for real-estate development that will primarily benefit foreign investors.

“The economic benefit to Bermudians of the residential portion of the project is wholly unproven. What we will lose from this overdevelopment far outweighs what might be gained.

“Gencom/Westend are playing chicken with Bermuda. It is extremely unlikely that they will walk away from their investment at this stage.

“If they really want to be ‘good neighbours’ and good corporate citizens, as Mr Maybury claims, and if they want to move forward with the development quickly so that they can begin to make money on the project, they should scale back their ambitions now to a level of development that is more acceptable to the many thousands of Bermudians who find the current proposal offensive.”

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Royal Gazette: Environmental groups lay down Earth Day challenge

Parishes across the island have been urged to compete with each other to see who can have the most positive environmental impact on Earth Day.

The global event on April 22 was launched to encourage people to get involved in grass-roots green issues.

Eugene Dean, head of the renewable energy advocate group Greenrock, called on Bermudians to show their commitment to the environment by planting trees, going meat-free, not driving or clearing up their neighbourhood among 14 different activity suggestions.

The organisation has joined forces with the Bermuda National Trust, Keep Bermuda Beautiful, the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce to promote green awareness.

Mr Dean said there would be a live, real time map of what environmental activities were taking place across the island on Earth Day with the parish that proves to be the most active winning help for future green projects.

He said: “There are 14 different activities that people can choose from, so we encourage people to do at least one.

“The Earth Day Challenge is an opportunity for everyone, regardless of age, to engage in some form of environmental action.

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Royal Gazette: More than 2,500 sign petition against hotel plans

An online petition calling for the redevelopment of the Fairmont Southampton hotel to be scaled back has attracted more than 2,500 signatories.

The petition, launched on the change.org website on Friday, states: “We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned about the proposed new special development order for the Southampton Princess Hotel that would allow for more and taller buildings.”

It goes on to argue that the development “threatens to change the character of the hotel and the surrounding area in ways that would be harmful to both the environment and our community”.

Details of the plan were released last Wednesday in a special development order application submitted to the Department of Planning by Westend Properties, a subsidiary of hotel owner Gencom.

But in addition to hotel refurbishments, Westend is seeking permission to build 261 apartments — the majority for residential rather than tourism use.

Artist impressions included in Westend’s SDO application revealed that 25 per cent of the resort’s golf course will be swallowed up by six-storey-high apartment blocks that will dominate the skyline, although final design work has not been completed.

A letter accompanying the SDO application states: “To accommodate changing trends in the real estate market, Westend Properties Ltd is seeking flexibility with respect to detailed planning of the units, therefore detailed design has not been attempted at this time, and thus the proposal is restricted to high-level conceptual design.”

The images provoked outrage among environmental campaigners who described the project as “unbelievable and unforgivable”, and called on the public to take action.

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Royal Gazette: Environmental pushback begins against Fairmont Southampton plans

Environmental groups have been “bombarded” with calls from members of the public who are “outraged” at the redevelopment plans for the Fairmont Southampton hotel.

Residents are being urged to apply “public pressure” to the Government with a view to getting the project scaled back.

But the company behind the development has defended its plans, claiming that in order to contain the footprint of new buildings — including 261 new residential and tourism units — it had opted to “build up instead of building out“.

Some of the new builds are six storeys high.

Westend Properties Ltd also claimed that the artist impressions it contained in its special development order were not “an accurate reflection” of how the resort will look when completed.

The SDO application for the controversial expansion was made public on Wednesday, raising alarm among environmental groups.

Documents in the application contained artist impressions of six-storey residential blocks dominating the skyline, while an environmental impact report noted that 261 new units will have a “major” visual impact on the property.

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Royal Gazette: New images scale of Fairmont Southampton Plans

Six-storey residential units will dominate the skyline at the Fairmont Southampton hotel, according to artist’s impressions of the proposed development released for the first time yesterday.

Images contained in a special development order application show the iconic building being surrounded by a swath of units, which take up much of the resort’s open space.

The resort’s golf course will also be affected by the development, with ten of its 40 acres being concreted over, according to plans.

Developers have admitted that the addition of 261 units to the resort will have a “major” visual impact on the property and surrounding environment, but insisted that this would be “offset” by economic benefits.

Westend Properties, an affiliate of the Miami-based investment firm Gencom, plans to build the units — in addition to upgrading the hotel building — over the next 20 years.

But the document also revealed that a completion date for phase one of the development had been put back to the end of next year. David Burt, the Premier, has said that he expected the resort to be open for next year’s tourism season.

Read full RG article online

Royal Gazette: Government notes objections to Fairmont Southampton SDO

An “early objection” by a conservation charity to proposed residential units at the Fairmont Southampton resort has been noted, a home affairs ministry spokesman said.

He added that no formal application had been received from the developer, but residents will be asked for feedback after a request is made.

The spokesman responded to The Royal Gazette after the Bermuda National Trust, in a Letter to the Editor, raised concerns about “the addition of the 147 proposed residential units” at the site.

Westend Properties, an affiliate of Miami-based investment firm Gencom, which is leading development of the resort, said in a February update that a new application for a special development order was “in the process of being submitted”.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Home Affairs said: “While we note the early objection by the BNT, the Department of Planning has yet to receive a formal application for the Fairmont Southampton site.

“The minister and ministry cannot comment until the application and environmental impact assessment are published.

“Once published, the public will be invited to review and comment.”

He added: “With that in mind, we thank the BNT for their response submitted in advance of all required information, which will form part of any formal application and EIA, and as part of the process, we will review it along with any other submissions received.”

An SDO granted in 2009 gave planning permission in principle at the Fairmont Southampton resort for 71 fractional tourism properties, 37 residential villas and 22 town homes.

Karen Border, the trust’s executive director, wrote last week: “BNT strongly supports the Bermuda tourism industry, which is such an important part of our economy and of our cultural heritage.

“For this reason, we understand that building additional fractional tourism units on the Fairmont Southampton site may be necessary to make the hotel renovation more financially viable and to increase visitor beds and local job opportunities.

“However, we are extremely concerned with the proposed new Special Development Order, which would double the number and height of the buildings proposed in 2009 from 130 to 261 units, some of them six storeys high, saturating all the remaining open space on the site — apart from the golf course — in concrete.

“Our primary concern is with the addition of the 147 proposed residential units, most of which will be sold to foreign buyers as second homes and would bring very limited benefit to Bermuda and Bermudians.”

Read full article online.

Royal Gazette: DAB rejects controversial Southlands plan

The Development Applications Board has rejected a proposal to build an events lawn and parking area at Southlands.

While the Bermuda Housing Corporation has said the project was essential to the success of the neighbouring Bermudiana Beach Resort, the proposal had been recommended for refusal owing to “deficiencies” in the plan.

According to recently published draft minutes of the Wednesday meeting, the DAB formally refused the proposal planning approval on several grounds, including that “insufficient and erroneous information” had been submitted, which did not allow the board to make a fully informed assessment of the proposal.

The DAB also stated that it did not have discretion to approve development within a Woodland Reserve Conservation Area and that the proposal was in conflict with the Bermuda Plan 2018, as the events lawn and associated development were not “essential” to the maintenance, conservation, enhancement or enjoyment of the park.

The board also cited the impact of the proposal on the natural and visual quality of the conservation area, and the failure of the proposed vehicle access to meet minimum policy requirements.

Despite the rejection of the plan, a decision letter noted the developer can file an appeal to the Minister of Home Affairs within 21 days.

The application, submitted last year by the Bermuda Housing Corporation, proposed the creation of an events lawn on the southeastern portion of the park, which abuts the Bermudiana Beach Resort.

Planning documents described the lawn as “an integral component of hotel use”, while the parking area would be accessible for the public to improve access to the park and beach.

The proposal was nearly identical to a similar application for the site, which was rejected by the DAB in 2019. At that time, the National Parks Commission raised concerns about the application’s “excessive” size.

Both applications were fiercely opposed by environmental groups who argued that the proposal would compromise valuable parkland.

The Bermuda National Trust welcomed the decision to refuse the application, stating that the project would seriously impact a valuable conservation area.

Myles Darrell, the trust’s Head of Natural Heritage, said: “We are pleased by this decision because there is absolutely no need to bulldoze an area of mature endemic and native woodland along this stretch of South Road when there is a brownfield site only a short way farther west where the events lawn and parking could be sited.

“If this were allowed, we would be giving up an ecologically important part of a National Park to primarily benefit a private resort, and for no good reason as there is a viable alternative location for the development.”

Read full article

Royal Gazette: Trust urges public to oppose Southampton Princess SDO

A conservation charity urged residents today to speak out against a proposal for almost 150 residential units at the Fairmont Southampton resort.

The Bermuda National Trust, in a letter signed by its executive director, Karen Border, said that the properties will have a “severe” negative impact on the site’s tourism offering and the environment in general.

It came after Westend Properties, an affiliate of the Miami-based investment firm Gencom, unveiled plans to area residents to add a total of 261 units to the resort in a phased construction project expected to last up to 20 years.

Ms Border said that the BNT was pleased that the redevelopment of the iconic hotel — closed in October 2020 — looked as if it will begin soon, bringing “much needed economic benefit” to the island and hundreds of jobs.

She added: “BNT strongly supports the Bermuda tourism industry, which is such an important part of our economy and of our cultural heritage.

“For this reason, we understand that building additional fractional tourism units on the Fairmont Southampton site may be necessary to make the hotel renovation more financially viable and to increase visitor beds and local job opportunities.”

Ms Border wrote: “However, we are extremely concerned with the proposed new special development order, which would double the number and height of the buildings proposed in 2009 from 130 to 261 units, some of them six storeys high, saturating all the remaining open space on the site — apart from the golf course — in concrete.

“Our primary concern is with the addition of the 147 proposed residential units, most of which will be sold to foreign buyers as second homes and would bring very limited benefit to Bermuda and Bermudians.

“Gencom will gain from the sale of these units, but everyone else would lose, as they would have a severe negative impact on the tourism amenity at Fairmont Southampton and our environment overall.

“The golfing experience and the views from and of the hotel will be impacted, and the infrastructure and facilities of the whole site will be overburdened.

“In exchange, Bermuda gets a short-term bump in construction business, and some low-paid cleaning jobs.”

An SDO granted in 2009 gave planning permission in principle for 71 fractional tourism properties, 37 residential villas and 22 town homes.

Plans seen recently by area residents indicated that the developers hoped to add 114 tourism units, each with two to four bedrooms, at the site, as well as the 147 residential units.

Westend Properties said in a February update that a new SDO application was “in the process of being submitted”.

Read full article online

Royal Gazette: No to residential units at Fairmont Southampton

Letter to the Editor:

Dear Sir,

The Bermuda National Trust is pleased that the renovation of the Fairmont Southampton hotel will apparently begin in the near future, which will bring much needed economic benefit to the island and restore hundreds of jobs.

BNT strongly supports the Bermuda tourism industry, which is such an important part of our economy and of our cultural heritage. For this reason, we understand that building additional fractional tourism units on the Fairmont Southampton site may be necessary to make the hotel renovation more financially viable and to increase visitor beds and local job opportunities.

However, we are extremely concerned with the proposed new Special Development Order, which would double the number and height of the buildings proposed in 2009 from 130 to 261 units, some of them six storeys high, saturating all the remaining open space on the site — apart from the golf course — in concrete.

Our primary concern is with the addition of the 147 proposed residential units, most of which will be sold to foreign buyers as second homes and would bring very limited benefit to Bermuda and Bermudians. Gencom will gain from the sale of these units, but everyone else would lose, as they would have a severe negative impact on the tourism amenity at Fairmont Southampton and our environment overall. The golfing experience and the views from and of the hotel will be impacted, and the infrastructure and facilities of the whole site will be overburdened. In exchange, Bermuda gets a short-term bump in construction business, and some low-paid cleaning jobs.

It is important to note that the land on which these residential units are proposed is zoned “recreational”, which does not allow for residential development. That is why Gencom needs a Special Development Order. It argues that the residential element of the development is essential for its economic viability. But it is simply not sustainable for Bermuda, as it may damage the visitor appeal of the hotel and fractional tourism units, which generate much greater income for the island and provide attractive careers for Bermudians. What is more, having massive construction projects in the immediate vicinity of the hotel over a 20-year time frame would also do enormous damage to the hotel’s visitor experience.

Gencom is only doing what companies do: trying to maximise profits. That is to be expected. It is up to the Government of Bermuda, guided by the voices of Bermudians, to determine the appropriate parameters in which it is allowed to do that, weighing up the delicate balance between the economic benefits of development and protection of the natural beauty on which our tourism offering and the quality of life of all Bermuda residents depend.

BNT strongly believes that to allow the Special Development Order as proposed would not respect that balance. We urge the people of Bermuda to make their voices heard loudly against the residential portion of this proposed development.

KAREN BORDER

Executive director

Bermuda National Trust

View article online.

Bernews: BNT Hosts Palm Sunday Walk

The Bermuda National Trust’s annual Palm Sunday Walk took place yesterday [April 2], with crowds of people taking part.

A spokesperson previously said, “It is expected to draw hundreds of residents and visitors to explore parts of the parish not usually open to the public.

“The walk will start from Port Royal School at 1:00pm [latest start 2:00 pm], with parking on the school field. The route is about 6 miles and should take around two-and-a-half hours to complete, but there will be a clearly marked short-cut back to the starting point for those who wish to walk a shorter distance.”

View full article and images online.

Royal Gazette: Palm Sunday Walk draws 1,000 participants

The Bermuda National Trust Palm Sunday Walk attracted more than 1,000 participants, organisers said.

The two-hour ramble took in Seymour’s Pond, and Vesey nature reserves.

Walkers also took a look at a planned new nature reserve at High Point that was bought recently by Buy Back Bermuda.

Karen Border, the executive director of the BNT, told The Royal Gazette: “It was a great community event where people come together to experience and share parts of the island they may not be familiar with.

“The event attracts a wide range of people, young and old, Black and White, and it’s an interesting day.”

This year’s route was put together by Myles Darrell, the head of natural heritage at the BNT.

About 1,100 people registered to take part in the annual event.

View full article online

Bernews: Nominations Invited for National Trust Awards

The Bermuda National Trust is inviting the public to submit nominations for its annual awards, which recognise individuals, organisations, groups or schools that have worked to protect and promote appreciation for Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage, or whose work has enhanced Bermuda heritage awareness or understanding.

A spokesperson said, “Heritage Education Awards are given to educational institutions [pre-school through college]. Teachers, students and parents are encouraged to nominate their school for an award if they have a successful curricular or extra-curricular programme that demonstrates conservation or other care of Bermuda’s natural or cultural heritage.

“Cultural Heritage Awards are given for positive impacts to Bermuda’s cultural heritage through conservation, advocacy or education. Nominations are invited in this category for protecting or advocating for cultural heritage; restorations or renovations of, or sensitive additions to, historic buildings; conservation of heritage sites or artefacts; projects or programmes promoting appreciation or awareness of cultural heritage; research that adds to our understanding of Bermuda’s heritage.

“Natural Heritage Awards are given for positive impacts to Bermuda’s natural heritage through conservation, advocacy or education. Nominations are invited in this category for protecting, restoring or advocating for the natural environment; for inspiring appreciation and awareness of Bermuda’s natural heritage; research that adds to our understanding of Bermuda’s natural heritage.

“The Outstanding Young Environmentalist award is presented to a young person [must be less than 26 years as of 31 December 2022] who has made an exceptional contribution to the preservation of Bermuda’s natural environment for a considerable length of time and has been consistent in this regard.

“Nominations must be submitted by 28 April and will be accepted in all categories for the period June 2022 to May 2023. Nomination forms can be downloaded from bnt.bm, or can be picked up at BNT’s office “Waterville” at 2 Pomander Road.

“All nominations will be carefully researched and considered by BNT committees. The award presentation ceremony will take place on 1 June, 2023.”

View full article online

Royal Gazette: Registration open for BNT’s Palm Sunday Walk

Registration is open for the Bermuda National Trust’s Palm Sunday Walk, which will be held in Southampton.

It is expected to draw hundreds of residents and visitors to explore parts of the parish not usually open to the public.

A BNT spokesman said: “The walk will start from Port Royal School at 1pm, latest start 2pm, with parking on the school field.

“The route is about six miles and should take around two-and-a-half hours to complete, but there will be a clearly marked shortcut back to the starting point for those who wish to walk a shorter distance.”

The walk will cross the planned new nature reserve at High Point, where ten acres was recently acquired by Buy Back Bermuda, a joint initiative of the BNT and the Bermuda Audubon Society.

As well as High Point, the walk will take in the Audubon Society’s Seymour’s Pond nature reserve, Wadson’s Farm and parts of the Railway Trail.

“The Palm Sunday Walk is always a fun community event and we encourage everyone to come and participate and see parts of our island that they might never have seen or can’t usually access,” said Myles Darrell, the trust’s head of natural heritage, who has planned the route.

“As always, we are grateful to the private property owners who have kindly allowed the walk to cross their land.”

Walkers are asked to register and donate at runsignup.com to help the trust to cover the cost of organising the event and to support its year-round work protecting Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage.

The registration fee for the walk on April 2 is $20 for BNT members, $25 for non-members and $10 for children aged 6 to 12.

Registered participants can pick up their bibs at Waterville, 2 Pomander Road, during business hours on Friday, March 31, or on Saturday, April 1, from 10am to noon. All participants will be eligible to win an iPad, and the draw will take place at Waterville at 10am on April 3.

View full article

Bernews: BNT Palm Sunday Walk Scheduled on April 2nd

Registration is now open for the Bermuda National Trust’s popular Palm Sunday Walk, which will be held in Southampton Parish on April 2nd.

A spokesperson said, “It is expected to draw hundreds of residents and visitors to explore parts of the parish not usually open to the public.

“The walk will start from Port Royal School at 1:00pm [latest start 2:00 pm], with parking on the school field. The route is about 6 miles and should take around two-and-a-half hours to complete, but there will be a clearly marked short-cut back to the starting point for those who wish to walk a shorter distance.

“The walk will cross the planned new nature reserve at High Point, where 10 acres was recently acquired by Buy Back Bermuda, a joint initiative of BNT and the Bermuda Audubon Society.

“A map will highlight points of cultural and natural interest along the way. As well as High Point, where there are fabulous views of the south shore and Great Sound, it will take in the Audubon Society’s Seymour’s Pond nature reserve, Wadson’s Farm and parts of the Railway Trail.”

“The Palm Sunday Walk is always a fun community event and we encourage everyone to come and participate and see parts of our island that they might never have seen or can’t usually access,” said Myles Darrell, the Trust’s Head of Natural Heritage, who has planned the route. “As always, we are grateful to the private property owners who have kindly allowed the walk to cross their land.”

The spokesperson said, “Walkers are asked to register and donate at runsignup.com to help the Trust cover the cost of organising the event and to support BNT’s year-round work protecting Bermuda’s natural and cultural heritage. The registration fee is $20 for BNT members, $25 for non-members, $10 for children 6 to 12. Registered participants can pick up their bibs at Waterville, 2 Pomander Road during business hours on Friday 31 March, or on Saturday, 1 April from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. All participants will be eligible to win an iPad with the draw taking place at Waterville at 10:00 am on Monday, 3 April, 2022.

“Participants are advised to wear sensible shoes and bring their own water bottles. Water will generously be donated by John Barritt & Son Ltd to refill the bottles, but no single-use plastic water bottles or cups will be available. Hot Cross buns and orange quarters will be available for a donation along the route. The route is not suitable for strollers and dogs are not permitted.”

View full article

Bernews: CURB & BNT On Watlington House Demolition

A BNT spokesperson said, “The news that Watlington House in Devonshire has been demolished has come as a shock. In 2021, the Bermuda National Trust, along with a number of other groups, objected to the proposed demolition of the house, due to the site’s historical link with National Hero Mary Prince. In August 2021 it was announced that the Ocean View Golf Club had revised its plan and would site the new warehouse elsewhere, saving the house. It seems there was a change of heart about saving the house and this significant site has been torn down.

“The Trust is saddened by the loss of this important piece of Bermuda’s cultural heritage, which came about due to the neglect of yet another historic building to the point that it was allowed to become unsafe. We would like to see steps taken to recognise the significance of the site in Mary Prince’s legacy in some appropriate way. In addition, the Trust has advocated for Historic Monument listing of the nearby Watlington tomb and we wait to hear if that will be done.”

We asked the Ministry of Public Works for comment and if they respond we will update.

Update March 10, 11.35am: Minister of Public Works Lt/Col David Burch said, “The building in question was not a listed building and had deteriorated to a state where we had no choice but to demolish it.

“I am a Black man and a descendant of enslaved people in this country. And so it touches me greatly when I hear the story of a 12-year-old girl, Mary Prince, who was housed there while she was being prepared to be sold.

“I, therefore, struggle to understand why this building would be historically significant to Black people.

“I think the building was more of a tribute to the slave master than the slaves who were imprisoned there, in my opinion.”

View full article

Royal Gazette: Pupils join archaeological experts and volunteers to learn more about island’s past

An archaeological dig aims to shed light on the history of enslaved Bermudians who lived and worked in St George’s.

The Bermuda National Trust has joined forces with the University of Rochester, based in western New York state, for a combined research project at the Globe museum to better understand the island’s history and World Heritage Site.

A team of staff, students and volunteers led by Michael Jarvis is doing targeted archaeological testing in cellar rooms.

The dig underneath parts of flagstone floors could provide answers to several historical and architectural questions about the building and BNT museum on King’s Square.

Diana Chudleigh, a BNT author, and fellow researchers are working on a book called History of a House about the Globe museum which the excavations will inform.

The dig will also help to shape future excavations of the museum – a pivotal part of the historic town and a known site of enslavement.

Anna Stevenson, BNT’s heritage education coordinator, has partnered with the Ministry of Education to present an overview of archaeology at school assemblies this week.

Primary schools in the east and all middle schools will later visit the dig.

Field trips to the Globe museum and surrounding World Heritage Site will feature live tours, dig demonstrations and practical lessons.

Charlotte Andrews, the BNT’s head of cultural heritage, said: “This week’s dig at Globe brings trained teams together with local volunteers and schools to unearth new discoveries about the outstanding universal value of our World Heritage Site and Bermuda’s past.

View full article

Royal Gazette: BNT publishes historic Bermuda slave registers online

The Bermuda National Trust has published historic Bermuda slave registers online in a searchable spreadsheet format.

The spreadsheets, available through the Bermuda National Trust website, were transcribed from original, handwritten Bermuda Slave Registers for 1821, 1827, 1830, 1833 and 1834 with the permission of the Bermuda Archives.

They include the number, names, sex and occupation of enslaved people alongside the names and sex of enslavers.

The ages and birth places of enslaved people may be searched in microfilm of the originals at the Bermuda Archives.

Karla Ingemann, acting archivist at the Bermuda Archives, said: “These transcriptions are the product of diligent labour undertaken by former Bermuda Archives staff Kristy Warren and Catherine Lamiere, which built upon the work of Virginia Bernhard who generously donated two of the original spreadsheets.

“It is the intention of the Bermuda Archives to have a website in the upcoming year which will highlight more of the original records we have diligently collected and conserved.

“In the meantime, we are grateful these vital records will now be accessible to the world.”

A BNT spokesman said British Colonial Dependencies, including Bermuda, were required to create slave registers under the Slave Trade Act 1807 to distinguish people who were “lawfully enslaved” from those who were illegally trafficked from Africa to the colonies.

“The registers were usually revised every three years up until the Slavery Abolition Act 1833 led to the emancipation of all enslaved people in the British Empire – including Bermuda – from August 1, 1834,” the spokesman added.

View full article

Royal Gazette: Peace tree planted in Somerset as Theatre Boycott is recalled

A Peace Tree Campaign launched close to a year ago to promote peace locally and globally was marked with a presentation attended by one of the founding members of the Progressive Group.

Izola Harvey, 97, gave a speech at a tree planting in Springfield, Somerset about how in 1959 she did not let the fact that she was pregnant at the time limit her contribution to the Theatre Boycott, which led to the end of legalised segregation in Bermuda.

The Peace Tree Campaign began at Government House last year and involved the presentation of young native olivewood trees.

Members of the community gathered for an “insightful” tour of Springfield as well as Gilbert Nature Reserve and the Clyde Best Way mural wall bordering the property on February 18 to coincide with the formation of the Progressive Group.

The area at Springfield will now form an official part of a Bermuda National Trust tour.

Glenn Fubler, co-ordinator of the Peace Tree Campaign, said: “This latest presentation was done in collaboration with the Bermuda National Trust, the stewards of this centuries-old venue.

“They welcomed the Peace Tree Campaign to be a part of their scheduled tour of the area, which was wonderfully guided by BNT’s head of natural heritage, Myles Darrell.

“The Bermuda Economic Development Corporation’s Somerset office also played an invaluable role in the effort.”

Dennis Lister, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, also attended the ceremony and spoke of the importance of Bermuda’s shared legacy and joining together in promoting a positive sense of community. Mr Lister, who is the area MP, said that the issue remains at the top of his agenda.

Mr Fubler said: “In keeping with the strategy of promoting the rich legacy of civic engagement in Bermuda, the timing of this peace tree presentation spoke to the beginning of the Progressive Group.

“That small group of youngish Bermudians first gathered in February 1959 on a weekend to secretly map out a strategy to transform our society to the benefit of all.

“Three of those pioneers were Somerset residents Gerald and Izola Harvey, as well as the late Dr Stanley Ratteray, founder and chairman of the group.”

View full article online

Royal Gazette: National Trust’s Annual Auction and Jumble Sale Returns

The Bermuda National Trust’s annual Auction and Jumble Sale will be held at the Jack King Building and Commercial Slat House in the Botanical Gardens in Paget.

Known as Bermuda’s largest recycling event, the sale draws a wide range of customers, including antique collectors.

All items are donated, with the money raised going to the trust’s mission to protect and promote Bermuda’s unique natural and cultural heritage.

Sales will be held today and on Friday, with the auction of quality antiques and Bermudiana set for Saturday.

Items sought by the trust include housewares, porcelain, decorative items, ceramics, Bermuda boxes and trays, antique silver items, hurricane shades, maritime items, fine linens, good small furniture and upholstered pieces and oriental rugs.

The Jumble Sale and Auction Preview is tomorrow from 8.30am to 6.30pm and on Friday from 8.30am to 2pm.

The auction on Saturday starts at 10am and ends when the final items are sold.

Details can be found on the trust website, by e-mailing palmetto@bnt.bm, or by calling 236-6483.

View full article online

Royal Gazette: Photographers urged to enter architecture calendar contest.

Photographers with an eye for architecture are being asked to take pictures for the Bermuda National Trust’s 2024 calendar.

Entries for the Built Heritage Calendar Photo Contest featuring Bermuda’s unique architecture will be judged based on creativity, originality, portrayal of the theme and overall impact. The People’s Choice winner will also receive $500.

Karen Border, the trust’s executive director, said: “The trust’s annual calendar has often showcased the work of one photographer or artist. For the 2024 calendar we aim to invite all members of the community to contribute.

“We would love submissions from amateur photographers of all ages, and professional photographers are also welcome to submit. We invite anyone to use their artistic skills to capture the unique appeal of Bermuda’s architecture in whatever way they are inspired.”

Submissions should be sent here along with contact information by Tuesday, February 28. To be featured in the calendar, photographs must be submitted in jpeg, jpg or gif format, at least 640 pixels on the short side and no more than 2,000 pixels on the longer side. Images should be no bigger than 10 MB.

For more information please visit here or call 236 6483.

View full article

Bernews: BNT Built Heritage Calendar Photo Contest

Are you a talented photographer? If so, the Bermuda National Trust [BNT] invites anyone with an interest in photography to submit entries for its 2024 Built Heritage Calendar Photo Contest, featuring Bermuda’s unique architecture, with the People’s Choice winner set to receive $500.

“The Trust’s annual calendar has often showcased the work of one photographer or artist. For the 2024 calendar we aim to invite all members of the community to contribute,” said Karen Border, Executive Director.

“We would love submissions from amateur photographers of all ages, and professional photographers are also welcome to submit. We invite anyone to use their artistic skills to capture the unique appeal of Bermuda’s architecture in whatever way they are inspired.”

A spokesperson said, “Entries will be judged based on creativity, originality, portrayal of the theme and overall impact. Finalists will be featured in the Bermuda National Trust Calendar 2024. The People’s Choice winner will also receive $500.

“Submissions should be sent to palmetto@bnt.bm along with contact information by February 28th, 2023. To be featured in the calendar, photographs must be submitted in .jpeg, .jpg or .gif format, at least 640 pixels on the short side and no more than 2,000 pixels on the longer side. Images should be no larger than 10 MB.
For more information please visit bnt.bm or call 236-6483.”

View full article

Bernews: Bermuda National Trust Auction & Jumble Sale

The Bermuda National Trust [BNT] Auction & Jumble Sale is back after a two-year hiatus.

A spokesperson said, “After a two-year hiatus, the Bermuda National Trust [BNT] is delighted to host its annual Auction & Jumble Sale at the Jack King Building and Commercial Slat House in the Botanical Gardens again.

“Bermuda’s largest recycling event, the Auction & Jumble sale has long been a popular part of the community calendar, attracting a large and diverse group of customers, from bargain hunters to antique collectors.

“All items are donated and the money raised helps the Bermuda National Trust to fulfill its mission to protect and promote Bermuda’s unique natural and cultural heritage for everyone, forever.

“The BNT Auction & Jumble sale is the perfect reason to start your spring clean-out early and pass on items you no longer need. Donations can be dropped off at the Jack King Building in the Botanical Gardens from Sunday to Tuesday,” said Dr. Dörte Horsfield, Head of Development. “The Trust will recycle it all into funding for its natural and cultural heritage programmes. We invite everyone to come out to the Botanical Gardens next Thursday and Friday to pick up amazing bargains and treasures, and to join us on Saturday 25 February for the auction, which will feature high quality antiques and Bermudiana.”

“BNT is looking for donations of everything but clothing. Good housewares, porcelain, decorative items, ceramics, Bermuda boxes and trays, antique silver items, hurricane shades, maritime items, fine linens, good small furniture and upholstered pieces, oriental rugs and are particularly sought after.

“Donations can be dropped off at the Jack King Building and Commercial Slat House in the Botanical Gardens on Sunday February 19th from 1pm – 4 pm, Monday February 20th from 8:30 am – 6:30 pm and Tuesday from 8:30 am to noon. Please enter the Botanical Garden from South Road across from Peace Lutheran Church and exit on Berry Hill Road.

“The Jumble Sale and Auction Preview is held on Thursday February 23rd from 8:30 am – 6:30 pm and Friday February 24th from 8:30 am – 2:00 pm. The auction will take place on Saturday February 25th from 10:00 am to end. For more information visit bnt.bm or email palmetto@bnt.bm or call the team at Waterville at 236-6483.”

View full article

Built Heritage: The Old Sunday School

BUILT HERITAGE | FEBRUARY 2023

By Linda Abend and Margie Lloyd, Bermuda National Trust

This is part of a series of architectural articles by the Bermuda National Trust that will highlight some of Bermuda’s endangered historic buildings.

Our last article covered the risks of leaving a lifetime interest in a property to a person not the ultimate beneficiary of a will. This one looks for solutions to historic and perhaps listed buildings falling into disrepair and for which no obvious current use exists.

The prime example of this is the old Sunday School at St James’ Church in Sandys. The vestry minutes of April 14, 1865 include “This was the first meeting held in the above named Sunday School Room, a building erected and completed though the exertions of some benevolent ladies of Sandys aided by liberal contributions by gentlemen of the parish and other individuals. Independent of it being used as a Sunday School, all vestry and parish meetings will in future be held therein.”

A handsome little building in the style of the simpler lodges of the period but with arched Gothic windows, it is listed Grade 2. In the southeast corner of the churchyard, it is easily visible from the main road. However, once the new church hall was built in 1964 on the north side of the property its usefulness was in doubt. Access to the toilets was from the exterior, there is no easy wheeled access to the entrance and because of this the building was difficult to rent.

View Full Built Heritage Article on St James Sunday

Royal Gazette: Children fall in love with nature

Children were given the opportunity to fall in love with nature on Valentine’s Day as part of an annual outdoor event organised by the Bermuda National Trust.

About 200 children, parents, grandparents and camp leaders gathered for the Children’s Nature Walk at Spittal Pond where they learnt about the reserve’s different habitats and cultural features from local experts.

Dr Dörte Horsfield of the BNT, who talked to the children about pond life, said: “This annual event is so important as it gets children outside for a couple of hours in a natural space which enhances their learning and their attention span, and connects them with nature so that they might become good stewards of the environment.”

Mahtorrie Wilkinson of Camp Pioneers described the event as “peaceful, very informative and eye opening,” highlighting the hands-on approach to learning. Children used magnifying glasses, binoculars and refractometers – instruments that measure fluid concentrations.

Spittal Pond, a 64-acre reserve, is Bermuda’s largest bird sanctuary and provides a diversity of habitats and variety of birds, especially during the migration seasons. It’s also a cultural heritage site with Portuguese Rock, the oldest evidence of humans on the island, and Jeffrey’s Cave, where an enslaved man was said to have hidden from his enslavers for several weeks.

Dr Alex Amat of the Bermuda Zoological Society talked about the different salt levels in the large and small ponds while Dr Miguel Mejias, and Erich and Janice Hetzel of the Bermuda Audubon Society, talked to children about birds helping them to observe them through scopes and binoculars.

Kim Dismont Robinson, director of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, told the story of Jeffrey’s Cave and Dr Charlotte Andrews talked about the significance of Portuguese Rock.

Dr Robbie Smith, curator of the Natural History Museum at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo explained the geology of the “checkerboard” rock formation and the natural forces that shaped the island.

Spittal Pond is owned by the BNT while the Government owns the surrounding parkland.

Anyone interested in learning more about Spittal Pond or taking part in private tours can do so by contacting education@bnt.bm

View full article and images online

Bernews: BNT Annual Children’s Nature Walk

The Bermuda National Trust’s [BNT] hosted the annual Children’s Nature Walk yesterday [Feb 14] at Spittal Pond.

A spokesperson said, “Valentine’s Day was the perfect day for children to grow their love for nature at the Bermuda National Trust’s [BNT] Children’s Nature Walk at Spittal Pond, sponsored by Arch.

“Around 200 children, parents, grandparents and camp leaders enjoyed the sunshine and fresh air at Spittal Pond on Tuesday 14 February. They were guided in small groups to several different stations in the reserve, where they learned about its different habitats and cultural features from local experts.

“This annual event is so important as it gets children outside for a couple of hours in a natural space, which enhances their learning and their attention span and connects them with nature so that they might become good stewards of the environment,” said Dr. Dörte Horsfield of BNT, who talked to the children about pond life.

“Mahtorrie Wilkinson of ‘Camp Pioneers’ said that her campers had a wonderful time and that the walk was peaceful, very informative and eye opening. She liked the hands-on approach to learning – children were allowed to use magnifying glasses, refractometers and binoculars. They had so many questions and were very much engaged.

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Royal Gazette: Sun Comes out for Plant Sale

A popular annual fixture at the Bermuda National Trust went down a treat at the charity’s Paget headquarters this morning.

Karen Border, executive director of the trust, said the plant and bake sale got “lucky with the weather”.

“We got a good turnout bright and early looking for plants you could not necessarily get at the nurseries – and our baked goods were flying off the shelves,” she said.

“We have our regulars who have been coming for years and know that our best plants and baked goods are there for the early worms. It was a lovely morning at Waterville.”

All funds raised go towards the trust’s mission to protect and promote Bermuda’s unique natural and cultural heritage.

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Royal Gazette: National Trust plant and bake sale takes place today

Gardeners who want to get a jump on spring planting and anyone with a sweet tooth should head to the Bermuda National Trust’s plant and bake sale today.

The event will go ahead between 8.30am and noon at the trust’s Waterville headquarters on Pomander Road, Paget.

Karen Border, the BNT executive director, said: “We invite everyone to Waterville this Saturday to choose from a fabulous selection of plants, from bedding annuals to unusual trees and shrubs, native and endemic species, Bermuda roses, succulents, orchids, palms and much more,” she said.

“There will be plant experts on hand to help you select plants suitable for your needs and explain the best conditions for growing them successfully.”

In addition to plants, there will be fresh vegetables and fruits for sale, donated by local farmers, as well as home-made preserves, local honey and flowers.

There will also be a wide selection of home-made sweet and savoury baked goods, including breads, scones, cakes and cupcakes, cookies, muffins, gluten-free items and Valentine’s Day-themed items.

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Bernews: BNT Plant & Bake Sale To Be Held On Feb 11

The Bermuda National Trust’s [BNT] Plant & Bake Sale is “set to go ahead rain or shine” this Saturday [Feb 11] from 8.30am to noon at BNT headquarters at Waterville on Pomander Road in Paget.

“We invite everyone to Waterville this Saturday to choose from a fabulous selection of plants, from bedding annuals to unusual trees and shrubs, native and endemic species, Bermuda roses, succulents, orchids, palms and much more,” said Karen Border, BNT Executive Director.

“All items are graciously donated by Bermuda’s plant nurseries, private plant growers and landscape companies. There will be plant experts on hand to help you select plants suitable for your needs and explain the best conditions for growing them successfully.”

A spokesperson said, “In addition to plants, there will be fresh vegetables and fruits for sale, donated by local farmers, as well as home-made preserves, local honey and flowers.

“There will also be a wide selection of home-made sweet and savoury baked goods, including breads, scones, cakes and cupcakes, cookies, muffins, gluten free items and Valentine’s Day themed items. You can purchase a coffee or tea and enjoy your treats on site or take them home with you. Don’t forget to be green and bring your own re-usable bag.

“All funds raised by the Plant & Bake Sale help the Bermuda National Trust to fulfill its mission to protect and promote Bermuda’s unique natural and cultural heritage for everyone, forever.”

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Royal Gazette: Judge orders removal of containers blocking church

A pastor locked in a legal battle over his church lease has won a court victory after a judge ordered that “eyesore” shipping containers placed in front of his church should be moved.

Their removal was ordered to allow the pastor, Leroy Bean, to regain use of Hamilton Parish Temperance Hall after his ministry was put out of commission for more than a year.

The Supreme Court heard that a “frustrated” trustee of the building broke with other property administrators and left the “eyesore” containers in front of the church as an obstacle to Mr Bean, preventing him from carrying out services.

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Read full built heritage article on Temperance Hall

Royal Gazette: Spaces available in BNT’s Climate Change Agents Camp

Free spaces are open for the Bermuda National Trust’s “climate change agents” camp over the upcoming half-term break for government schools.

Twelve extra places remain for children aged 11 to 14 from families in financial need, during the break from February 13 to 17.

The camp will be held at the trust’s headquarters, Waterville, on Pomander Road in Paget.

Anna Stevenson, the heritage education co-ordinator, said the offer came thanks to sponsorship from the Garden Club of Bermuda with individual and business donors.

Campers will spend the week exploring the causes and impact of climate change.

Activities include learning about renewable energies from wind farms to solar power, and building and using solar ovens.

Campers will visit Grape Bay to clear up ocean plastics with Keep Bermuda Beautiful and use ocean plastics to create awareness posters.

The children will explore the importance of mangroves and map their location at Waterville.

With a theme of “Grow Your Own”, participants will finish the week learning about seasonal crop growth and planting their own seedlings, as well as making bread by hand.

Application forms can be found on the BNT website.

Applications should be accompanied by a short paragraph from the child saying why they would like to attend the camp, and a letter of recommendation from a teacher.

Applications should be submitted by next Wednesday.

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Bernews: BNT Offers Free Half-Term Camp Spaces

The Bermuda National Trust invites applications for free places on its Climate Change Agents camp over the Government school half term break from 13-17 February.

A spokesperson said, ” The fully sponsored camp for children aged 11-14 will be held at the Trust’s headquarters, Waterville, 2 Pomander Road.”

“We are pleased to offer 12 free places at this camp for children of families in financial need, thanks to sponsorship from the Garden Club of Bermuda and a number of other businesses and individuals,” said Anna Stevenson, Heritage Education Coordinator.

The spokesperson said, “The application process is very simple. The form can be found on the BNT website bnt.bm. It should be accompanied by a short paragraph from the child saying why they would like to attend the camp, and a letter of recommendation from a teacher. Applications should be submitted by 8 February.

“Campers will spend the week exploring the causes and impact of climate change, learn about renewable energies from wind farms to solar power, and they will build and use solar ovens. They will visit Grape Bay to clear up ocean plastics with KBB and use ocean plastics to create awareness posters. The children will explore the importance of mangroves and map their location at Waterville. With a theme of Grow Your Own, children will finish the week learning about seasonal crop growth, planting their own seedlings, and make bread by hand.”

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Royal Gazette: Environmental Groups raise fears over new hotel plans

Environmental groups have raised concerns about plans for a hotel and retail development on Warwick’s South Shore.

The application, submitted by OBM on behalf of applicant George Grundmuellar, seeks in-principal approval for a branded 56-unit residential hotel on the lot immediately east of the Bermudiana Beach Resort, along with a large retail building.

The Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce, the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Audubon Society raised concerns about the project’s use of coastal reserve and proximity to an eroding cliff face.

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Bernews: Guided Walk At Southlands Park

The Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda National Trust will hold a guided walk at Southlands Park in Warwick on Saturday [January 28].

The walk, starting at 8.30 am, is free for members of both groups. Non-members are encouraged to donate.

A flyer for the event reads: “Birds, trees, plants, history and whimsy – all in one place. What could be better than time spent in nature?”

Parking is available at the field by the beach access road at the park’s western end.

To sign up, email info@audubon.bm.

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Built Heritage: Mount Pleasant & Ratteray Homestead

BUILT HERITAGE | JANUARY 2023

This article attempts to highlight the perils of leaving life interests in properties. In most cases the house tends to become neglected or eventually derelict because there is no incentive for the life tenant to maintain the building when it will eventually go to another beneficiary.

Mount Pleasant is one of the oldest and most handsome houses in Pembroke. The main section is an excellent example of traditional 18^th century architecture. There is a long low roofline with a massive chimney at each end. In 1797 the property was 13 acres and extended south to the swamplands at the eastern end of Mill Creek. It belonged to sea captain and sail maker Benjamin White. After passing through several owners it was purchased in 1881 by planter Cato Smith and was inherited by his daughters Serena Alexandrina Smith and Beatrice Mabel Smith Daniels when he died in 1900. The sisters lived in Bermuda until 1910 when they went to New York for employment. Beatrice worked as a domestic servant while Serena was employed as a nursemaid. In 1930, in the middle of the Great Depression, they returned to Bermuda and began to make changes. They added a rear wing and painted the house a striking deep red rust colour, off-set by white buttresses and chimneys. To finance these improvements they sold a number of lots, reducing the property’s acreage. Serena died in New York City in 1949 and Beatrice at her home Mount Pleasant in 1967. She left gave life interests to her foster son Howard Richardson and a great niece. After their deaths the house was to be sold. Mount Pleasant was well maintained until Howard’s death in 2014. Beatrice’s will stipulated that the property should eventually pass to St Paul AME Church and the trustees of the Packwood Home but the executors of her will (including Howard Richardson) who should have implemented the sale have long-since died. What should happen and who should take the initiative? Today, Mount Pleasant appears empty and is in danger of becoming a ruin. It is a Grade 3 listed building and, in view of its age, should probably have been graded higher.

The Ratteray Homestead on Sound View Road in Somerset was built around 1786 by Thomas Tucker, second son of Chief Justice John Tucker. In 1857 the property was sold to shipbuilder and businessman Charles Ratteray. Born in the Bahamas in 1799, Charles and his mother were sent to Bermuda by his white father, who was at the time the Acting Governor of the Bahamas. His mother died shortly after they arrived and he was brought up by three white women, probably the Watson sisters of Watch House on Somerset Road. He became the godson of Captain Roach, adopting the name of Charles Roach Ratteray and was apprenticed to learn ship and house building. It was the former that he was expert at. He built the noted sloop Morning Star and the small schooner Rose of Sharon and raced them successfully. He became easily the richest black man in Somerset. Smooth-roofed wings were added to the house either by Charles who died in 1872 or his descendants. The property was inherited by a grandson who in turn left life interests to two nephews, the children of his sister Mary. After the death of the second of the two it was to go to the African Methodist Episcopal Trustees of Sandys Parish. One nephew died in 1980, the other in 2013. Once again, the executors of the grandson’s will had died before the life tenants and it is not known whether the property is now owned by the church. In any case an exceptionally fine house, both architecturally and historically, has been lost. The Ratteray Homestead was in derelict condition by the 1990s because there was no incentive for the nephews to maintain the house. Today, 30 years later, it is beyond saving.

Perhaps the lesson to be learned from these two cases is that if you intend to leave a life interest in your property you should choose executors, such as a bank or legal firm, who will outlive the beneficiaries and ensure that the property is maintained, thus carrying out your wishes.

View Full Built Heritage on Mount Pleasent and Ratteray Homestead

Royal Gazette: Island’s newest nature reserve will be wild, educational and a place to enjoy

A 10-acre plot of land home to invasive plants and sheep could open as the island’s newest nature reserve in 2024.

Buy Back Bermuda – a collaborative initiative by the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Audubon Society – announced earlier this year it had purchased the land on Alton Hill with the goal of making it the High Point Nature Reserve.

Jennifer Gray, chair of Buy Back Bermuda, recently showed The Royal Gazette the Southampton property as the charity works to raise funds to transform the area into it’s fourth nature reserve.

Royal Gazette: Plan to turn nature reserve into endemic plant stronghold

The Bermuda National Trust wants to make a Warwick nature reserve a stronghold for native and endemic species, according to a Conservation Management Plan.

The voluntary plan, submitted to the Department of Planning this week, is intended to set out a long-term plan to cull invasive species from the Sherwin Nature Reserve, which is located off Middle Road and replace them with native plants.

“It is worth noting that steps have already been taken to increase the number of desirable plants, with juvenile palmetto, cedars and olivewoods having been planted near the parking area and a small ornamental display in the southern woodland,” the plan states.

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Royal Gazette: Buildings that speak: Architecture series brings our history to life

Bermuda’s Architectural Heritage: Southampton

It was more than 30 years ago that a small group of dedicated volunteers at the Bermuda National Trust began to make a list of Bermuda’s old buildings. The task they set themselves was first to identify, then photograph, sketch the roof plan and note the condition of all the surviving structures marked on the island’s first ordinance survey, a six-sheet map by Lieutenant A.J. Savage of the Royal Engineers, published in 1901.

The project, known as the Historic Buildings Survey, provided both the inspiration and the foundation for further research that would result in the steady production of the parish-by-parish series of books, Bermuda’s Architectural Heritage. The final volume in the series, Southampton, was published by the Trust this month.

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Royal Gazette: Environmental groups oppose car park at Southlands

Environmental groups have launched formal objections in an effort to halt the construction of a parking lot and events lawn on a national park.

The Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda National Trust have objected to the proposal’s use of the southeastern corner of the Southlands National Park – which is zoned a woodland reserve — and urged the Development Applications Board reject it.

The plan is intended to support the neighbouring Bermudiana Beach Resort as well as improve public access to Southlands.

The application stated: “Given that the hotel site was originally constructed for residential use only, various hotel function aspects could not be incorporated on the site, and this includes a formal outdoor events venue.

“The proposed events lawn is an integral component of the hotel use, while the parking area will be accessible to the public for accessing Southlands Park and Beach.

“Currently, all park and beachgoers park along South Road, creating safety issues in some instances.”

The Bermuda Audubon Society said it remained strongly opposed to any development in that section of the parkland.

“Bermuda’s iconic and beautiful South Shore ‘golden mile’ starts at the boundary of Bermudiana Beach Resort and the Southlands Park and should not be compromised for the benefit of a commercial development,” the organisation said.

“Effective conservation efforts for the retention of the cliff area along the shoreline dictates no structures within the coastal setback, which was implemented to protect Bermuda’s vulnerable coast.

“The bay grape trees on the top of the site at present are good stabilisers of cliff-top environments and should not be disturbed. Casuarina is known to set roots down into the limestone and are often the reason cliffs are cleaved away in high winds and storms.

“Allowing development in the vicinity of eroding cliffs in the face of sea level rise and increased intensity and frequency of storms is irresponsible.”

While the charity accepted that there was a need for parking to support the park and the beach, it said the southwestern end of the Southlands property would be better suited for amenities.

“This area is already clear of native and endemic plantings, offers a panoramic view of South Shore and has existing concrete pad and utility connections to develop park amenities without disrupting nature,” the charity said.

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Bernews: BNT Christmas Shop Features Local Vendors

The Bermuda National Trust is holding its annual Holiday Pop-Up Shop at the BNT headquarters in Paget, offering a variety of items made and designed by locals, with the shop open until Christmas Eve.

A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda National Trust is holding its annual Holiday Pop-Up Shop at BNT headquarters and historic home, Waterville located on 2 Pomander Road, Paget [across from Aberfeldy Nurseries]. This is the sixth year BNT has held its Pop-Up Shop, which features items made and designed by local vendors. Each item is unique and created by locals, offering Bermuda-centric gifts, some of which are one-of-a-kind exclusive.

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Royal Gazette: Unique works by local artists for sale at BNT’s annual Christmas Pop-up shop

Local artists will have their products on sale at the Bermuda National Trust’s annual Holiday Pop-Up Shop in the run up Christmas.

The sixth annual market features items from almost 20 local vendors and will take place at the BNT headquarters and historic home Waterville, in Paget.

A spokeswoman for BNT said: “Each item is unique and created by locals, offering Bermuda-centric gifts, some of which are one-of-a-kind exclusive.”

Royal Gazette: Campaign launched to transform land into new public nature reserve

A $1.5 million fundraising campaign has been launched to transform 10 acres in Southampton into a new public nature reserve.

Buy Back Bermuda, a collaborative initiative between the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Audubon Society, announced last year that it has purchased the property on Alton Hill.

The site, which would be renamed the High Point Nature Reserve, would become the fourth nature reserve managed by the group after Somerset Long Bay East Nature Reserve in Sandys, the Vesey Nature Reserve in Southampton and Eve’s Pond Nature Reserve in Hamilton Parish.

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Bernews: Campaign to ‘Buy Back’ Southampton Land

Buy Back Bermuda, a collaborative initiative between the Bermuda Audubon Society and the Bermuda National Trust, announces a “$1.5 million campaign to create a public nature reserve at the recently acquired 10 acres in Southampton, and to maintain it and other Buy Back Bermuda nature reserves for the enjoyment of all.”

A spokesperson said, “Buy Back Bermuda strives to acquire land that is threatened by development, to conserve habitats for biodiversity, natural open space for human health and enjoyment, and to mitigate climate change.”

“An exceptional individual gift, and funds from our acquisition account has boosted Buy Back Bermuda into first gear to restore ten pristine rural acres of arable fields, woodland and spectacular coastline at High Point in Southampton,” said Jennifer Gray, Chair of Buy Back Bermuda.

“This site was long at the top of Buy Back Bermuda’s list of prospects to save and was on the market with in-principal approval for development of three detached dwellings and an estate road. It is a dream come true to be able to save this stunning piece of land from development. The property holds incredible value in terms of recreation, agriculture and biodiversity.”

“The $1.5 million campaign is needed to make this beautiful property available for the public to enjoy and to reclaim it from invasive species, restoring this and all Buy Back Bermuda nature reserves. We must have a maintenance fund to ensure the best possible protection for wildlife whilst providing places of beauty, serenity and environmental learning for the whole Bermuda community today and for generations to come.”

“We will be counting on gifts at all levels from across the community and encourage everyone to visit www.buybackbermuda.bm for details on how to donate. For Christmas, give your loved ones the gift that keeps on giving – you can make a donation in their name and get a certificate certifying that they are a supporter of Buy Back Bermuda Campaign Three.”

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