Born this month Victor Fitzgerald Scott
May 16, 1896-June 4, 1977 Victor Scott came to Bermuda from Jamaica in 1931 to teach at West End Primary School. In 1934, he was appointed headmaster of the newly-built Central School in Pembroke. Under his leadership, Central became one of the island’s top black primary schools, with a reputation for academic excellence and innovative extra-curricular activities. Central was renamed Victor Scott School in his honour.
Coming soon ... A full biography of Victor Scott will appear on Bermuda Biographies shortly. More bios are being added all the time so make sure you check back soon! Meanwhile read about the fascinating life stories behind some of Bermuda's other pioneering educators such as Adele Tucker, Millie Neverson, Edith Crawford and Matilda Crawford - people who truly "made a difference". | | This month in history | | |
The May 24 holiday, formerly known as Queen Victoria’s Birthday, Empire Day and Commonwealth Day, was first celebrated as Bermuda Day in 1979. It was seen as a way of bringing black and white Bermudians together—something the Pitt Commission investigating the causes of the 1977 riots said was sorely needed. The groundwork for a day of celebration of Bermudian heritage was already in place—the popular May 24 Marathon Derby had strong participation from blacks and whites. Initially, heritage events were spread throughout the week of May 24. Since then, activities are held throughout May, which is now known as Heritage Month.
|  | One of the many colourful floats that are an integral part of the traditonal Bermuda Day parade on May 24. Photo courtesy of Bermuda Government,
Department of Communication and Information | |  From left, Cultural Affairs Minister Wayne Perinchief and Premier Ewart Brown with Peggy Parfitt, a descendant of Jemmy Darrell. In the News Pilot Darrell honoured
A day of celebration in St. George’s on April 12 marked the 192nd anniversary of the death of pilot James “Jemmy” Darrell. In the late 19th century, Darrell piloted the British naval ship the HMS Resolute, which was under the command of Admiral George Murray, through the reefs to what is now called Murray’s Anchorage. Darrell was a slave, but Murray was so impressed with his skills, he recommended that he should be freed. Darrell obtained his freedom on March 1, 1795 at the age of 47. He became a member of the elite king’s pilots, established by Murray, and was also one of the first blacks to own property in Bermuda. His headstone at St. Peter’s Church was restored as part of the celebration. A new tender for the sail training vessel Spirit of Bermuda now bears his name.
Stamp of approval
A ‘Pioneers of Progress’ stamp issue released on February 15, 2007 pays tribute to six educators: Adele Tucker, cousins Matilda and Edith Crawford, all primary school teachers; high school teachers Millie Neverson and May Francis Smith; and Francis L. Patton, who made his mark in the US as president of Princeton University. Their images now grace 35-cent stamps.
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