Bermuda Day Grand Marshal 2016 – A Tapestry of Cultures
Shurnett Yvonne Nathan Caines moved to Bermuda over 47 years ago and quickly established herself as a hard-working woman with a variety of interests. The West Indian Association was created in the basement of her home, dedicated to celebrating the broad connection between Bermuda and the West Indian people. She is a co-founder of the Jamaican Association and has worked tirelessly to advance the protections for Jamaican-Bermudians.
In 2008, Mrs. Caines was the recipient of Her Majesty the Queen’s Certificate of Honor in recognition of valuable services to the community, especially the preservation of West Indian heritage in Bermuda. She has encouraged guest workers and long term residents alike to find a balance between their birth country and adopted homeland of Bermuda. Her work has fostered a sense of pride for Bermudian people with Caribbean heritage, as many Black Bermudians can trace their roots to the Caribbean.
Mrs. Caines was a long-time member of the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade and served on the Treatment of Offenders Board. She has been deeply involved in the Hamilton Seventh Day Adventist Church for many years.
Mrs. Caines’ home has always been a safe haven for those looking for refuge. Many in the Jamaican community have stopped by for good conversation, a hot meal, a shoulder to lean on, or shelter. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, talking on the phone with family, traveling, calling into talk shows, and being with family. We honour her commitment to the integration and recognition of the Caribbean community and connection within Bermuda.
