Pilot Darrell Celebration

192 years to the day he passed away, Pilot James 'Jemmy' Darrell—skilled and expert mariner who earned his manumission from slavery, one of the island's first black land/home owners, and community activist—was celebrated and remembered in his home town of St. George's on the rainy afternoon of April 12. Though the weather is uncooperative I'm told this event has been 'two years in the making' and that the schedule of various gestures of rememberance will indeed take place, only with small amendmens.

Plans to begin at King's Square and move to Pilot Darrell's Square, the site of his homestead still inhabited by descendents, are scratched and some 200 people fill a strong cedar-scented and dimly lit St. Peter's Church. I'm allowed to film and photograph the event attended by the Premier and other dignitaries, about a dozen uniformed current and retired pilots, Sea Cadets and living descendents of Pilot Darrell, besides the general public. A song by Tony Robinson forgoes a maritime theme to highlight his role as a slave and ordinary person who did great things bfore the Premier and former St. George's Mayor E. Michael Jones deliver words and acknowledgement of the descendents present. The precis historical research, primarily based on archival work, conducted by Cultural Affairs consultant Adrian Kawaley-Lathan in read aloud from the commemorative booklet distributed to guests. Special note is made of the booklet's reproductions of Darrell's 'actual' manumission document from the Bermuda Archives. Hymns and prayers led by the Rev. Dr. Erskine Simmons and Rev. W. David Raths (pictured with headstone) are complimented by a song by retired tug tender pilot Kenneth Todd and a small flag ceremony by Sea Cadets of T.S. Admiral Somers.

The gathering proceeds outside to the segregated slave and free black cemetary for the unveiling of Pilot Darrell's slate headstone, newly restored by Bermuda Maritime Museum. Next we proceed down the steep brick steps of St. Peter's across to Ordnance Island where 'Spirit of Bermuda' is docked. Amidst a sea of umbrellas, one of two new tender boats for the sail training vessel constructed by boatbuilder Danny Greene is christianed the 'Pilot Darrell'. The new fast ferry 'Warbaby Fox' just down the way is the final leg of the commemoration. Sea Cadets stand at respectful attention and Pilots greet guests aboard for refreshments and food. There's acknowledgement of the spearheading and collaboration of the Government Departments of Tourism, Cultural Affairs and Marine & Ports in the event production, alongside the work of St. Peter's Church members and other community parties. I informally interview some of the Darrell descendents and observe a poignant ceremony on the bow in which working pilots alongside politicians and descendents honor Pilot Darrell. Deputy Pilot Warden Edward Welch (pictured) gently tosses a floral wreath to sea as a pilot boat stands by ahead.

This day's collective and public remembering of Pilot Darrell connects the known and imagined history of an individual who transcended the extreme social constraints of his time with the ongoing practice of piloting and the environment in which it continues to survive with the island's wider socio-political concerns and related empowerment, reconciliation and political agendas.