First, let me sincerely thank Mykie Jones, for her vision and dedication to bringing Bermuda’s first-ever Grief and Loss Awareness Day to life.
Through her tireless work with the Gina Spence Program, she has provided invaluable support to families facing some of life’s most challenging moments. Dr. Spence, your compassion and commitment to healing our community are deeply appreciated.
I also thank The Right Worshipful Mayor Charles R. Gosling for his presence today and his continued service to the people of Hamilton.
Grief touches us all—whether through the loss of a loved one, an unexpected tragedy, or the weight of hardship that life sometimes brings. It is an experience that does not discriminate, yet too often, those who grieve feel isolated, as if they must carry their pain in silence. Today, we stand together to break that silence. We recognise that deeply personal grief should never be endured alone.
For me, grief is not an abstract concept—it is personal. I know the weight of loss. My own son, Malik, was taken from me far too soon during a road traffic accident, and like many of you, I have had to navigate the long, difficult road of healing. It is a journey that never truly ends but one that can be made easier through community, support, and understanding.
Too many families in Bermuda have experienced loss due to violence, and as Minister of National Security, I carry the responsibility of addressing this crisis every day. That is why this Government has taken concrete steps to tackle violence at its root.
The National Violence Reduction Strategy, tabled in Parliament last year, is not just words on paper but a commitment to action.
Through targeted intervention programmes, expanded counselling services, and enhanced youth support initiatives, we are working to give young people alternatives to violence, provide resources for those struggling, and ensure that no family has to endure grief without support.
But beyond policy, today is about awareness, hope, and encouragement. Awareness—that grief deserves to be acknowledged in all its forms. Hope—that healing is possible, even in the face of profound loss. And encouragement—that none of us are alone in this journey.
With that, I now have the honour of reading the official proclamation for Bermuda’s first Grief and Loss Awareness Day.
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