Page 45 - BLACK HISTORY IN BERMUDA red

Dame Pamela Gordon • (b. 1955)

Dame Pamela Gordon-Banks was born in 1955, six months after the death of her
father Dr. E. F. “Mazumbo” Gordon who was a prominent civil rights activist
and parliamentarian. Life was difficult growing up without her father, and at 16
she became pregnant and left school. She raised her daughter and, later, a son,
while working as a restaurant manager in St. George’s. She eventually went
back to college and earned a commerce degree.
She then entered Bermudian politics and became a Senator in 1990 at just 35 years courtesy bermuda government, dept of communications
old. In 1992 she was appointed Minister of Youth Development by Premier Sir John
Swan of the UBP. She continued in politics, becoming MP for Southampton West
and then Minister of the Environment, Planning and Recreation. When in 1997
Premier David Saul announced his retirement, Gordon became a clear frontrunner.
In March 1997 she was sworn in as Premier and became the first female leader of
Bermuda, as well as the youngest Premier ever. She served as Premier until the
PLP won the 1998 election, ousting the UBP from power for the first time in its history.
To honour Gordon’s momentous achievements, she was made a Dame Commander
of the Order of the British Empire.

Dame Jennifer Smith • (b. 1947)

Dame Jennifer Smith was the first PLP leader to become Premier of Bermuda,
after leading the party to its first election victory in 1998. Previously, she was
a PLP Senator and MP after repeatedly running in the United Bermuda Party
“stronghold” of St George’s North – eventually wining it in 1989.
She was highly respected in opposition for her management of the Shadow Education
portfolio. She was Premier for five years. During her term in office, she achieved courtesy bermuda government, dept of communications
the party’s goal of single-seat constituencies and introduced the position of
Government Ombudsman. Days after leading the PLP to its second victory in 2003,
she was forced out and replaced by Alex Scott. She remained in the House of Assembly
until 2012, during which time she was Deputy Speaker.

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