Works and Engineering Minister the Honourable Jache Adams has moved to clarify remarks that sparked widespread discussion across social media regarding royal visits to Bermuda.
Speaking in the House of Assembly on Friday, Minister Adams addressed claims that King Charles III was the first reigning king to visit the island, emphasizing that while His Majesty was the first reigning British king to do so, he was not the first reigning monarch to visit Bermuda.
“That distinction,” Adams stated, “belongs to His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia.”
The Minister noted that Emperor Haile Selassie, one of the most influential African leaders of the 20th century, visited Bermuda twice during his reign — first in 1963 and again in 1967.
Adams provided historical context surrounding the Ethiopian emperor, recalling that Haile Selassie was crowned in Addis Ababa on November 2, 1930, during one of the most globally recognized royal ceremonies of the modern era. During his coronation, Selassie assumed titles including “King of Kings,” “Elect of God,” and the “Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah.”
The Minister also highlighted the emperor’s insistence that Empress Menen be crowned alongside him on the same day, breaking with Ethiopian custom that traditionally separated the ceremonies by 30 days. Adams described the move as a powerful statement of partnership and shared responsibility.
By the time of his first Bermuda visit in October 1963, Haile Selassie had already achieved worldwide recognition for his resistance against fascist Italy in the 1930s and for warning the League of Nations about the dangers of fascism. In 1936, he was named Time magazine’s “Man of the Year.”
Minister Adams pointed out that the emperor arrived in Bermuda immediately after addressing the United Nations General Assembly, where he delivered a now-famous speech condemning racial inequality and injustice.
“Until the philosophy which holds one race superior and another inferior is finally and permanently discredited and abandoned,” Adams quoted, “the dream of lasting peace and world citizenship… will remain but a fleeting illusion.”
During his brief 1963 stopover, Haile Selassie planted a tree at Government House, toured parts of the island including Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, and attended an official dinner with dignitaries before departing the following day.
Adams also revealed that months later, the emperor wrote directly to Bermuda’s Governor expressing gratitude for the warm reception he received, describing the visit as “a vivid memory” that he would “always treasure.”
The emperor returned in 1967 en route to Montreal Expo 67, arriving with an entourage of dignitaries, journalists, musicians, and dancers. His visit drew large crowds and included a full guard of honour by the Bermuda Regiment.
Minister Adams stressed that Haile Selassie’s visits carried significance beyond diplomacy, particularly for Black Bermudians during the 1960s.
“To witness a Black African emperor, a sovereign leader respected across the world, arriving in Bermuda with dignity, prestige, and global influence had a profound psychological and cultural impact,” he said.
Adams concluded by emphasizing that his remarks were not intended to diminish the significance of King Charles III’s visit, but rather to ensure historical accuracy.
“History matters. Facts matter,” the Minister said. “When we speak about firsts, particularly within the context of Black history, African history, and Bermudian history, we have a responsibility to ensure the record is accurate.”
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