AJ Island Bermuda

28/10/2023

People are jealous of your light 💡 not realizing all the darkness you had to go through 💯

08/12/2022

The Bermuda Tourism Authority has launched a new marketing drive inviting visitors to discover the island’s hidden treasures.

The Lost Yet Found campaign highlights Bermudian experiences and entices visitors to dive deeper into the island’s culture.

According to a BTA spokeswoman, the aim of the multimedia campaign is to shed light on the Bermuda way of life, making a holiday on the island a richer and more rewarding journey.

The campaign was built around extensive research and data which showed that potential visitors are seeking authentic experiences in the destinations they visit — and that Bermuda is well positioned to provide those experiences.

Jamari Douglas, the BTA’s vice-president of marketing and communications, said the campaign was “authentic” to the island.

He said: “Lost Yet Found is pure Bermuda. Our agency is led by a Bermudian, our BTA marketing team is mostly Bermudian, the production was shot by Bermudians, and the video talent is all Bermudian.

“With the support of our international partners, we worked to create a campaign that is authentic to the Bermuda experience.

“We want our visitors to enjoy the joy and magic that every Bermudian does — all the things that make us the unique, world-class destination that we are.”

The BTA teamed up with Boston-based agency Proverb for the campaign, which will target key US and Canadian cities New York, Toronto and Miami. A secondary blitz will be aimed at Dallas, Vancouver and Atlanta.

Daren Bascome, of Proverb, said: “Our goal for our work with the BTA was to create a brand for Bermuda that captured the abundant character of our small country.

“As much as it is a travel campaign, we’ve also seen it as a nation-branding exercise. Travellers want the real and authentic, so featuring the unique sights, sounds, smells, tastes and temperaments of the island felt distinctly important.

“Our campaign centres around the promise of discovery and originality, something for everyone who wants to get lost yet found.”

Burnt House Productions, a Bermudian agency, was hired to shoot much of the footage for the campaign.

Nhuri Bashir and Andrew Kirkpatrick said in a joint statement: “As an internationally recognised, Bermudian-built agency, being tapped to lend our creative insight to promote Bermuda has been an honour. It has been a career highlight to work with the star-studded array of local talent on both sides of the screen.

“We could not be prouder of the authentic voice that the collective has delivered through Lost Yet Found.”

Tracy Berkeley, the interim chief executive officer of the BTA, said: “The launch of the campaign is great news for Bermuda’s tourism sector.

“It comes at a crucial point on our strategic recovery journey, providing us with the tools to build awareness, engage the marketplace and attract the right type of visitors to the island during a critical time of year.

“We are proud of the campaign, which offers a stunningly fresh take on Bermuda and exudes authenticity while remaining in alignment with the goals and objectives of the National Tourism Plan.

“We have employed business intelligence from global, regional and local markets as part of our strategic marketing and are confident that our data-driven insights will deliver what is needed to push the destination forward.”

For more information: Bermuda Tourism Authority,

The Bermuda Tourism Authority has launched a new marketing drive inviting visitors to discover the island’s hidden treasures. The Lost Yet Found campaign highlights Bermudian experiences and entices ...

27/05/2022

11/09/2020

via U.S. Consulate Hamilton

Today, the United States honors the memory of those who lost their lives in the 2001 September 11th attacks. As we reflect on that moment in history, we remember and honor the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives as well as the first responders and citizens who stood up to serve our nation.

Consul General Lee Rizzuto joined Saltus Grammar School and Warwick Academy in a wreath laying ceremony this morning, to remember the Americans and Bermudians who lost their lives on this day 19 years ago.

01/07/2020

Moran started this petition to David Burt - Premier of Bermuda and 4 others

Please sign this petition and join me in fighting for the kind of education we know our young people need.

In 2007, my daughter Waverley Moran attended Dellwood Middle School and had the good fortune to have the Ashay: Rites of Passage Programme, created by Mwalimu Melodye Micëre Van Putten. Taught by Mr. Ajala Omodele, Ashay instilled in my daughter important lessons in Black history, values and respect. The lessons of Ashay were continued for her and her younger sister, Katrina Moran at The Berkeley Institute by Ms. Shalane Dill, the drama teacher who was trained by Mwalimu Van Putten. Ms. Dill, also a playwright, wrote a play based on Ashay and Mrs. Van Putten’s poetry that was one of the most impactful performances Katrina participated in. Both of my daughters continue to benefit from the lessons of Ashay as young adults; in fact, Waverley, my oldest daughter, STILL talks about the impact of Ashay classes!

The deletion of Ashay in middle schools in Bermuda was a travesty! I was one of the parents who tried in vain to not only keep the programme in the middle schools, but expand it to all of our public schools, from P1 to S4. The hurtful, racist events of our current times, brought back the despair of losing Ashay front and center to me yet again, even as my daughters are now young women. The fight for Ashay to be reintroduced in our schools is personal for me.

Full disclosure, I am white. The Ashay Programme assisted me in raising two beautiful, well-adjusted, human beings, conscious of unconscious bias and with an understanding of their obligation to make the world better. While Ashay teaches global African and African Diaspora history, including Bermuda’s Black history, the Ashay Objectives provide a foundational lens for living a good, wholesome and productive life.

The Ashay Objectives by Mwalimu Melodye Micëre Van Putten, MA

I am valuable and have genius.
My history and culture are sources of knowledge with lessons to be learned.
I must develop my character in order to have a successful life.
The world is waiting for me to contribute my gifts and talents.
When I told my oldest daughter about my plans to start this petition, this is what she had to say: “I remember being devastated when Ashay was taken away. I also remember the sense of pride I felt in history classes every time Canada or Ireland was mentioned as contributing on a global stage because of my own personal connection to those places… I want that for all young Black Bermudians. So much of their history has been lost because of my ancestors and I want to do what I can to give as much of it back as possible. I want Ashay for my nieces and nephews. I want Ashay for my kids if I have them. I want it for every kid I taught swimming, every teenager I coached on the Spirit of Bermuda.”

If all our young people, black and white, attending public and private schools, learned, understood and internalized the Ashay Objectives, along with the lessons of global Black history, we would realize the change we seek in this moment. I believe the ONLY way we will effectively eradicate the scourge of racism is to teach all of our young people the history so that minds and hearts can be changed; that kind of change cannot be legislated, but must be a seed planted and nurtured through the power of education. All of our children – white and black – need Ashay!

Mwalimu Melodye Micëre Van Putten is uniquely qualified, having not only created the Ashay Programme, but has trained teachers in a number of school districts across the US, Ghana and Bermuda. She has written curriculum for Social Studies and Black History. An Africalogist, Van Putten has her university degrees from Temple University as a Presidential Fellow and was chosen as a “Rising Star” by Time Magazine in 1989 for Black History Workshops for Children, known as Ashay in Bermuda and Ghana. As a motivational speaker, she has given keynotes in churches and universities in the US and Bermuda, was a speaker at the Million Woman March in Philadelphia in 1998 and most recently, opened the Black Lives Matter Bermuda March in Solidarity (2020). Speaking extemporaneously to students at the Atasemanso Primary School in Kumasi, Ghana, led to a month-long educator-in-residence programme and the creation of an Ashay enrichment club with over 175 students (2018).

Van Putten is also the author of a dozen books, including Ashay! Bermuda History Stories for Children – a project born of her frustration in not being able to have Black history properly taught in Bermuda schools. Written for parents and grandparents to enable them to teach their children the history, the book was enthusiastically received and reviewed by educators and parents alike. Like Mwalimu Van Putten herself, Ashay! Bermuda History Stories for Children is seriously underutilized and not available for all teachers and students who need and would benefit from it.

Over the years since Ashay ended, letters have been written to the previous Premiers and Ministers of Education; a variety of meetings have been held with promises and little to no action. It is not for lack of effort on the part of various members of our community! Forging ahead, Mwalimu Van Putten has continued her work privately, but our island is bereft as her work would significantly inspire our young people to a place of purpose, self-esteem, motivation and pride sorely needed. The reintroduction of Ashay will give all of our young people a full accounting of history, devoid of stereotypes, myths and inaccuracies. It will lay a foundation for mutual respect, knitting the bonds of community on this island, improving the quality of life for all of us. We need Mwalimu Melodye Micëre Van Putten for the expertise, talent and passion she brings to our island home. Ashay means it is good; it will be good indeed to have Ashay back in our schools! Please sign this petition and join me in fighting for the kind of education we know our young people need. Your comments or experiences with the Ashay Programme are also welcome!

Teach Global Black history in Bermuda's Schools

11/02/2019

"The Middle Passage monument or Millennial Arch is symbol of a gravestone for the millions of enslaved Black Africans' bones that remained on the ocean floor honoring those who were killed en route to America. Former senator and designer Wayne James is the project's creator. Sculptor Mike Walsh and other Crucian metal sculptors recreated this monument.
The most compelling message of the Memorial is that we are living in a moment of exceptional historical transformation, where the consequences of past, present and potential future injustices are immediately sensationalized. The 16ft tall polished-steel Arcs that constitute the Memorial, represent the past and the future, while the “gap” between the Arcs represents the “present”. The purpose of the Memorial is to crystallize externalized concepts of “space”, “time” and “risk perception” in order to remind the observer that the choices we make in the “moment of decision” today will determine the destiny of our descendants.
The shape of the monument was inspired by both modern and ancient African images found in its sculpture, graphic design, architecture and animal life. It represents the opening between the African world and the American by which people came to the west as slaves and returned as spirits. The idea of this return after death has a long tradition in the American slave societies, exemplified in the Haitian concept of the Island below the Sea, the parallel world below the ocean through which Africa was rejoined.
The original monument has a brace between the two curved pieces. Structurally, it kept the sculpture together for its final journey to the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. Thematically it represents the bridge between past and present.

1999-2019 Bermuda Millennium Arch Committee A Symbol of Remembrance and Hope from the Middle Passage to the Third Emancipation
https://www.facebook.com/notes/andrew-williams-jr/1999-2019-bermuda-millennium-arch-committee-a-symbol-of-remembrance-and-hope-fro/10151656359744436/

24/03/2015

Bermuda is the home of the 2017 America's Cup.

For over three centuries, the mystique that is Bermuda has been slowly evolving, with each generation adding its own tales to the story. Now there’s an exciting new chapter being written as Bermuda becomes Home of the 2017 America’s Cup.

Bermuda is composed of 181 islands, totalling 21 square miles, and has just over 60,000 residents. As you would expect in a place with so many islands, water activities are the life-blood of Bermuda.

Renowned for crystal blue water and beautiful pink sand beaches, Bermuda’s Great Sound will form a natural amphitheatre for the race course while the planned America’s Cup Village at the Royal Naval Dockyard, will be the beating heart of the America’s Cup experience.

Featuring all the team bases, a pit row, food and beverage, entertainment and concerts, the America’s Cup Village will be a perfect destination for hard-core America’s Cup fans and newbies alike.

And the racing conditions are exceptional. Historical wind data indicates there should be racing conditions 90% of the time in June. Conditions are varied, increasing the challenge for designers and sailors.

Bermuda is the home of the 2017 America's Cup.

02/12/2014

Email Dana


Dana Johannsen
Dana Johannsen is a NZ Herald’s chief sports reporter
Bermuda confirmed as 2017 America's Cup venue
9:56 AM Wednesday Dec 3, 2014

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Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton insists the selection of Bermuda to host the next America's Cup will not be a serious setback for the team.

America's Cup organisers confirmed at a press conference in New York this morning that Bermuda will host the next event in June 2017.

Read more - America's Cup: Three key questions.

The announcement the small island in the Atlantic had won out over San Diego, the host of the 1988, 1992 and 1995 regattas, came as little surprise after news of Bermuda's selection was leaked in the US press two weeks ago.

That news was met with raised eye-brows from America's Cup professionals and followers, with the selection of Bermuda appearing a strange move for a sport that is keen to expand its global reach. There was also concern it could be a potential death knell for commercially-funded teams like Team NZ, with the limited market in Bermuda making it difficult to attract sponsorship.

The government, whom Team NZ were reliant on for around 20 per cent of their funding in the last Cup campaign, are also less than enthused about the idea of Bermuda, with economic development minister Steven Joyce admitting over the weekend it will be harder to justify funding of Team New Zealand's next America's Cup bid if Bermuda hosts the regatta.

But in a statement released this morning, Dalton said Bermuda's selection ahead of San Diego, "despite what many pessimists had said", would not be a serious setback for the team.

"As we have made plain, West coast USA looked like a better option for us. It's only 12 hours from New Zealand, and a large market for our sponsors and New Zealand businesses," he said.

"When it became apparent that Bermuda's bid was favoured we stepped up our analysis of Bermuda as a venue both in operational terms and for the opportunities it might provide for our sponsors, suppliers and New Zealand Inc to leverage their involvement with the team.

"We were encouraged by what we learned. Operationally, Bermuda is by far a better place to sail. Unlike San Diego there's usually a good sea breeze, plenty of space for the race course area and more waterfront space is available for teams to set up bases."

America's Cup commercial commissioner Dr Harvey Schiller also revealed at this morning's announcement he had received a "serious proposal" from Team New Zealand to host a major event in the lead-up to the 2017 regatta - likely to be the new qualifying series for the 35th America's Cup.

Dalton confirmed the team had put together a proposal to the America's Cup Events Authority about events in New Zealand and discussions were proceeding favourably.
"Details must remain confidential for now; we hope we can say much more before the end of the year."

Steve Armitage, head of corporate and council relations for Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) said the organisation is aware of the opportunity to host a lead-up event to the 2017 America's Cup, however it had not received any formal request or proposal to consider at this stage.

"We look forward to hearing from ETNZ and understanding the potential role Auckland can play. Any event proposal would be considered against ATEED's Major Events Sponsorship criteria, to ensure it achieved the desired social and economic benefits for Auckland."

This will be the first time a US defender holds the America's Cup outside the United States. It also will be the first time in the regatta's 163-year history that a defender sails the races in foreign waters by choice rather than necessity.

Oracle Team USA skipper Jimmy Spithill said while San Franciso put on a great regatta in 2013, the sport needs to keep building.

"I have nothing but great memories of San Francisco, but the sport goes on and I think this move will be really exciting," said Spithill.

America's Cup commercial commissioner Dr Harvey Schiller said in past events smaller venues, such as Newport Rhode Island and Fremantle, had worked well for the event, with the locals fully embracing the event.

"We wanted a location that shared our vision where all the teams can be located in one place...and we wanted a location that would welcome the America's Cup and what we're about and fully get behind us, " said Dr Schiller.

The Premier of Bermuda, Michael Dunkley, was grilled on the British overseas territory's ability to cope with the influx of sailors, shore crew, sponsors and spectators, with the island said to have just 17 hotels and 2000 beds. Dunkley said he was confident Bermuda could accommodate the event, with the island to embark on building infrastructure to produce an unrivalled venue for teams and fans.

He promised a purpose-built America's Cup village with all the team bases to be housed in one basin area and a "pit row" experience would be provided for the public.

"From the very start, Bermuda's bid was designed around our many strengths, including our near perfect sailing conditions, our temperate year-round climate for team training, our optimal location and time zone for visitors and television viewers alike, the intimate and unmatched setting offered by Bermuda's Great Sound, our maritime legacy and innovation, and the spirit and hospitality of our people.

Two of Bermuda's most famous residents, Hollywood stars Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones, were also at the glitzy announcement in New York.

Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton insists the selection of Bermuda to host the next America's Cup will not be a serious setback for the team. - New Zealand Herald