Dr. Eustace Adolph Cann
Physician, parliamentarian
Born October 19, 1904.

A beloved physician and progressive political leader, Dr. Eustace Cann worked tirelessly to bring social and political change to Bermuda during the era of segregation.

A man of courage, he fought for the abolition of the property vote, but also broke ranks with fellow black parliamentarians and backed the 1944 women’s suffrage bill, which was crucial to its passage in Parliament. The founders of the Bermuda Workers Association were so grateful for his expertise they wanted him to be president, moving on to Dr. E.F. Gordon only after Cann declined because of work pressures.

He was elected to the House of Assembly and was later appointed to the Upper House. He was also the second black member of the Executive Council (now Cabinet).

Cann was a long-time chairman of Sandys Secondary School, whose library bears his name. His sudden death in 1963 robbed Bermuda of one of the most outstanding leaders of his era.

Opening of the Bermuda Railway
October 31, 1931

Spectators lined Front Street to witness the official opening of the Bermuda Railway. The 150 guests took their seats in four coaches, Governor's wife Lady Cubitt pressed an electric starter, and the train took off outside Number One Shed on its inaugural trip.

The Bermuda Railway ushered in a faster and more comfortable means of transport for locals and tourists, whose only other options were pedal cycles, horse-drawn carriages and boats.

But the system, known as 'Rattle and Shake' was hampered by controversies and delays, even before the trains began running on the tracks. It was plagued by problems, including corrosion and the high cost of fuel, during its 17-year run and never turned a profit.

For more about the Bermuda Railway, visit www.bermudarailway.net