Part two of Glenn Fubler’s reminiscence of the tumultuous events of February, 1965 – ahead of Monday’s peace march
While response understandably involved the BIU executive members; there was breakthrough involvement by ‘outsiders’. Green shoots of the best of Community was manifested by “Bermudians of Conscience”. This included Hugh ‘Ryo’ Richardson – president of the Devonshire Recreation Club & Chairman of the PLP. When BIU Assist. General Secretary could find no adequate space as a sanctuary for the 200 strikers and supporters, Ryo made the Devonshire Club available.
More importantly, in the face of palpable rumours suggesting that Police would ‘raid’ the Club grounds, ‘Ryo’ – the Statesman that he was – phoned Governor Martonmere regarding the grave circumstances. The Club president and Blakeney both updated the Governor of the gravity of the circumstances and Martonmere, taking concerns on-board, assured the two local leaders that he would intervine to scotch that rumour.
Already, Monday’s Noontime ‘Walk for Peace & Community’ has committed reps of stakeholders; including: former and current trade unionists, former Police & current Police, social activists, faith leaders, reps of families of victims of the Cycle of Violence, and school students. This growing momentum to foster a spirit of reconciliation bodes well for a better Bermuda.
Link to Part 1, and information for the Walk: https://bbc.bm/when-violence-erupted-at-the-gates-of-belco
