The story of bermuda.

byEMusumali

214 followers

5 years ago

From a dear Penpal.

Dear Elijah,

I saw your name in a friendship Book and would be delighted to be your Pal from Bermuda. I write long newsy letters, always on my computer, send birthday cards, clippings and email - ...... She wrote a most informative letter to me. That is how we made friends across the globe in those years, learnt a lot about foreign lands and their culture. It was through connections like the International Youth Club, pen and paper looking at some of the most beautiful handwriting ever.

I liked writing and shared the land where I come from so well that she described it in response as you can read below.

Thanks for your letter and all the enclosures. Indeed your country is very rich and diversified. It is wonderful to read about your magnificent Water falls, the lakes and rivers, rich culture and friendly people.

This is what she shared about the magnificent island Bermuda, where she comes from.

Isle of Devils.

The history of Bermuda is a story of adventure. Here is a secluded group of Islands whose serene beauty came as a surprise to all who braved the tempests and coral reefs to arrive on the shore.

The Islands remained uncharted until 1503, when Juan de Bermuda, a Spanish Mariner, who was credited for their discovery. Although the Spanish never settled there, evidence suggests that there were other 16th century seamen who reached the "Isle of Devils," as some called it then. Most landed there by accident, often by shipwreck. One account of such a wreck was written by Henry May and published in England as early as 1593.

In 1609, the English flagship, "The Sea Venture" carrying admiral Sir George Somers and his company, with much needed supplies for the Virginia Colony, separated from the other vessels in a storm and was wrecked on rocks close to Bermuda's shore. All survived and found much to be thankful for in this haven - Fruits, abundant fish, birds and wild hogs left by the Spanish. They built two ships, the larger one called the "Deliverance" and continued their voyage to Virginia. Admiral Somers planned to start a plantation in Bermuda, a dream he did not live long enough to achieve.

Word of the wreck and Bermuda's attractions reached England. William Shakespeare used the accounts of Somers's voyage as the background for his play, "The Tempest." In 1692 the Virginia Company sent a group of settlers to Bermuda with Master Richard Moore, a carpenter having the commission as Governor. He laid foundations for eight Forts to protect this "Key to the West Indies."

In 1615, a New Charter was granted to 117 British Noblemen who founded the Bermuda company and took over the administration of the Island. Captain Daniel Tucker was appointed Governor. He was a harsh man who enforced labour and paid with 'hog pennies,' brass coins and stamped on one side with the symbol of the Bermuda Hog. The Island was divided into Parishes and named for the Chief Investors in the Bermuda Company. The first Parliament convened in 1620.

The rule of the Bermuda company ended in 1670, when the King took charge of the tobacco trade in Bermuda, which was not as profitable as he had hoped. Bermuda prospered by other means. Today it's population is over 60 000 making it the largest in the remaining British Overseas Possessions.There is virtually no illiteracy, unemployment, or income tax. In 1995 the Island celebrated the 375th anniversary of the Bermuda Parliament, the 'first' in the Western world.

The lesson learned.

I share this here to demonstrate what the resolve and tenacity in each one of us can bring about if we are focused on achieving what seems impossible.

My focus is directed at achieving more on this unprecedented platform of like minded online entrepreneurs. It is the way to go and thanks are due to my friend who shared the story with me in February 2009.