Bermuda Day Grand Marshal 2013 – The Colours, Sights and Sounds of Bermuda
Born on 14 May 1927 Robert Vaughn Barritt, better known as “Bobby” Barritt, was the youngest of five children and grew up on Clarence Avenue – now known as St. John’s Road in Pembroke.
He attended both Mount St. Agnes and Saltus Grammar Schools. It was after he won an island-wide art contest that his talent for painting was encouraged.
In 1943 he went overseas to further his education in Canada, first at Mount Allison Academy and then Mount Allison University. It was during his studies that he further developed his artistic abilities. Bobby graduated from Mount Allison University in 1950 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art. He returned to Bermuda to work in the family soft drink business, John Barritt & Son Ltd.
He also started to paint the Bermuda that he saw around him, not pastel houses and flower-filled lanes, but an island with social problems. He joined with Charles Lloyd Tucker and others to challenge the artistic status quo. This awareness led him into local politics. He was elected to serve as representative for Pembroke East Central. He was appointed a Senator as well as an MP and served in Cabinet as Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs.
Bobby married Grace McIntyre in 1953 and on 14 May 2013 they celebrated their 60th anniversary. Their three children, Bruce, Fred and Christine, joining them to mark the occasion.
While Bobby no longer paints he does continue to support the arts in all forms and despite being off the island for Bermuda Day is honoured to be one of the parade grand marshals.
