History and Politics of Bermuda

Figure 1 Bermuda's Flag Includes the British flag since it is a colony 

and the Bermuda Coat of arms which shows the sinking of the 

Sea Venture which led to the first settlement in Bermuda (Rushe)

Bermuda is considered part of the Caribbean, even though it is far from the Caribbean region and has many differences in its history. Unlike many other Caribbean countries there was no native population before it was colonized. It also was not fought over by European countries. The Island was not very desirable, because of the lack of fresh water and stormy climate. The Spanish, who initially recorded the islands’ location in 1511, considered it to be cursed according to the CIA World Factbook, “Both Spanish and Portuguese ships used the islands as a replenishment spot for fresh meat and water, but legends of spirits and devils, now thought to have stemmed only from the callings of raucous birds (most likely the Bermuda Petrel, or Cahow), and of perpetual, storm-wracked conditions (most early visitors arrived under such conditions), kept them from attempting any permanent settlement on the Isle of Devils” (United States of America Central Intelligence Agency). These storms brought the first settlement to Bermuda when the British ship the Sea Venture wrecked on the coast in 1609 (Rushe).  Bermuda was claimed and remains a British territory.  The islands’ Caribbean connection comes mainly through the Caribbean Natives and African slaves and indentured servants who were brought to Bermuda primarily from the Caribbean region according to “Black History in Bermuda” (Bermuda National Trust).  

Figure 2 Sarah ’Sally’ Bassett 2009 , was a slave accused of 

poisoning her masters and sentenced to burn 

By Carlos Dowling  (Bermuda National Trust)

The stories of the exploitation, revolution and emancipation of enslaved people is a uniting factor in the history and politics of the Caribbean region shared by Bermuda. In the early years of British settlement, from 1612 to 1644, Europeans, Africans and Caribbean natives came to Bermuda as indentured servants, who could work through a contract then become a free Bermuda citizen. These black and Caribbean natives contributed greatly to the survival of Bermuda with their knowledge and skills “Most came from the West Indies or were seized from Portuguese or Spanish ships (hence the fact that many had Spanish names). They worked as divers, or as planters and cultivators of tobacco and sugar cane, and their expert knowledge proved invaluable to the development of agriculture in Bermuda, as they were able to pass on their skills to other indentured servants” (Bermuda National Trust). As the slave trade grew through the Caribbean region Bermuda adapted this inhumane practice. Before the 1834 emancipation in all British colonies there were several failed slave revolts (Bermuda National Trust). Free Black people were bond by discriminatory laws and segregation that restricted their ability to trade, vote and prosper in Bermuda both before and after emancipation. 

Bermuda through many changes has become a self-governing British territory with a parliamentary government  (Rushe). The governor is the elected head of the government and works with the elected members of parliament.  Voting laws have changed throughout the 1900’s from women suffrage and the end of the property requirement to vote, which had prevented many marginalized non-whites from voting. In 1973 the governor, Sir Richard Sharples was assassinated and riots resulted in efforts to end existing discrimination (Rushe). Votes for independence from Britain have never succeed in Bermuda, and Britain gave full citizenship to all Bermudians in 2002 (Rushe).

Bermuda will likely remain a British Territory, but has made great strides to be more inclusive of all the citizens. Progress has been made for working rights and voting rights for people of color and women in Bermuda.  As Bermuda struggles with the modern problems of population growth and strained resources the people must work together to ensure their survival.     

 

Works Cited

Bermuda National Trust. Black History in Bermuda Teacher's Resource Guide. Hamilton, 2016. www.bnt.bm/images/News%20Articles/Black%20History%20Book.pdf. 20 March 2021

Rushe, George. "Bermuda." 10 May 2021. Encyclopaedia Britannica. www.britannica.com/place/Bermuda. 24 March 2021.

United States of America Central Intelligence Agency. "Bermuda." 2020. CIA World Factbook. www.ciaworldfactbook.us/north-america/bermuda.html. 24 March 2021.