Bermuda

Origin

The Bermudas archipelago, first colony of the British empire, discovered in 1503 by the Spanish sailor Juan Bermudez (who gave it its name),was inhabited in 1609 when a British ship wrecked nearby on the way to America. Since 1612, the territory welcome religious and political dissidents. In 1684, the colony started to be run by the British Crown and the first Parliament was installed. Amidst a majority of African slaves, only the plantation owners elected representatives. Agriculture almost disappeared in the 20 th century substituted by tourism, gambling and the transnational attracted by tributary exceptions. One of the most crowded territories in the world (1000 inhabitants per square kilometer) the inhabitants of this tourist and fiscal paradise, receive little from the great richness that surround the place. During the dry law (1919-1933) dealers settled in Bermuda devoted themselves to introducing rum in the USA. Since 1941, Washington established air and naval bases in the island and since 1957 totally substituted the British military presence. .


Constitution

Constitution: June 8th 1968 Legal system: British legislation vote : 18 years old universal government : chief of state : queen ELIZABETH II of England (since February 6, 1952), represented by the governor John MASEFIELD ( since June 1997) head of the government: Premier Pamela GORDON ( since 25 March,1997); Premier depute Jerome DILL ( since September 1st 1995)Cabinet: appointed by the premier.Elections : None; the queen is the monarch by heritage; governor is appointed by the queen ; the premier appointed by the governor. Legislative power: there are 2 houses. The Parliament consists of a Senate ( a body of 11-members appointed by the governor) and the Assembly (House of Assembly) (40 seats ; members elected by people’s vote to serve for 5 years). Judicial Power: Supreme Court political Parties and leaders: Unity Bermuda Party UBP [Pamela GORDON]; Progressive Labor Party PLP [Jennifer SMITH]; National Liberal Party NLP [Charles JEFFERS] Groups of political influence and leaders : Bermuda Industrial Union BIU [Derrick BURGESS] Participation in International Organizations CARICOM (observer), CCC, ICFTU, Interpol (sub bureau), IOC


Government

In the elections of October 5th 1993, J. Irving Pearman was elected as vice prime minister. The UBP kept the majority in the Assembly with 22 seats while the PLP, led by Frederick Wade, confirmed its growing reaching 18 seats. Political Parties: United Bermuda Party (UBP), official; Progressive Labor Party (PLP), left opposition National Liberal Party (NLP), center Environmental Party. Social organizations : Bermuda Industrial Union; Bermudas Public Server Association.


General History

You are probably wondering why Bermudas' beaches have such a wonderful pinkish color. Will they be blushing? Maybe. Many lovers visit them. During centuries, Bermudas' natural beauty has inspired artists, writers, musicians and poets, as it can be appreciated museums, art galleries and places of interest. Once you have traveled the island's 21 square miles you understand the reasons: policemen directing traffic, the afternoon tea, the distant Gombey dancers' drums. You feel in every tourist destination, the richness and diversity of the British and African inheritance that makes this country. While in Bermudas, you are never beyond a mile reach of the underwater experience. After all, Bermudas has coral reefs, which are hardly found in other places. And in this so-called " capital of shipwrecks", you will find historical sinkings waiting to be explored, some of them only 30 feet deep. With more than 150 feet deep transparent waters, all that you need is a mask, fins and a snorkel to meet the underwater marvels. Do not go far away because some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are located in Bermudas: Horseshoe Bay, Tobacco Bay, Elbow Beach and a dozen more that expect to be visited. No doubt the best way to know this delightful cultural garden is walking its 21 square miles. Come on, don't hesitate. Let's walk...