Diced

Want to learn about Bermudian culture? Just pay a visit to one of the Island’s many roundabouts.

At the Crow Lane roundabout we have Johnny Barnes - ambassador of goodwill, wizard of the wave – symbolising Bermudians’ legendary friendliness.

And now at the roundabout near Swing Bridge on the way into St. George’s is a celebration of the local affinity for gambling. What began several months ago when the roundabout’s flower beds were shaped into the suits of a deck of cards has now escalated with the addition of a pair of giant crown and anchor dice by the Department of Parks.

Perhaps someone should have told them that Cup Match isn’t until July.

Comments

[ace on 04.01.05 at 15:46]

I think "Boo" is going to be needing a statue, much like Jonny's by the way. I get a greeting from him every morning as I pass Rance's boatyard.

He is a much better representation of the REAL Bermudian. The coy cool look and subtle nod (all in a very cool stern-faced manner)...much more realistic.

[Tiger Bay on 04.01.05 at 15:53]

I wish he'd get off the wall and start selling newspapers again!

[shipstones on 04.01.05 at 16:06]

How did he lose that job anyway!

[ace on 04.01.05 at 16:13]

I don't think he lost the job, he just got work doing what he does best...fibreglass. There isn't anyone on this island who works with that horrible substance better than him from what I hear.

[The Limey on 06.01.05 at 13:47]

On my way in to work this morning I noticed that the dice have gone. Apparently they've been torn down by vandals.

According to today's Royal Gazette (page 5): "It is understood that the dice, which were intended to add a 'Bermudian flavour' to the roundabout over the Christmas period, were not approved of by certain sections of the local community, although Police currently have no idea who the culprits are. A large metal chain, which was left at the site, was used to haul the dice off their stands."

[Somers on 06.01.05 at 14:18]

I thought they were just as tacky as all those signs that get put up on east broadway every time some fool wants to promote a bake sale, book club, comedy show, dog wash, soca show, cousin's birthday, etc etc...

Anyway - glad to see them down; not that any tourist would have had a clue to what they were anyway...

Oh and another thing... when your ace boy gets killed in a street fight with a machete to the head, or he drives himself into a wall; do you really think it neccessary to paint a bed sheet and hang it up on the side of the road???

[shipstones on 06.01.05 at 22:37]

Somers, Happy New Year!
Those bed sheets at least show these byes have some feelings towards another human being and have not completely dismissed the value of another life.
It may even be a sign to others that this could be my undoing if I keep going down this path of destruction.

I think even the PLP government will concede there are vicious gangs now in Bermuda.
There is in fact an undercurent society in Bermuda that needs to be displaced. Instead of marches on parliament from court street, there should be marches into court street from parliament to disrupt the way of life that openly goes on down there.
The people marched on Belco for a fair right to work and be recognised. Why not march on court street etc. and take back the streets wherever they are. Round the clock vigils to stop drug sales. Picket lines to stop drug sellers getting in or out of trouble areas.
Just to make sure the race baiters don't get the wrong message, I am not talking about whites doing this, but all right minded people in Bermuda that care about the future of this country.