2025 Bermuda Day Grand Marshals Named

The Department of Culture has announced this year’s Bermuda Day Grand Marshals, with Glenn Jones, Eugene O’Connor, McKenzie-Kohl Tuckett, Seldon Woolridge, and Coral Wells all receiving the recognition.

A Government spokesperson said, “Today the Department of Culture formally shared the Grand Marshals of this year’s Bermuda Day Parade. This year’s five [5] Grand Marshals are being celebrated and recognized for their artistic, creative and innovative contributions to our heritage and culture. They are Glenn Jones, Eugene O’Connor, McKenzie-Kohl Tuckett, Seldon Woolridge, and Coral Wells.”

Glenn Jones: A Distinguished Career in Communication and Influence

“Glenn Jones is a seasoned professional with a multifaceted background encompassing 25 years in media, public communications, and tourism marketing across the United States and his beloved homeland, Bermuda. As a trusted evening anchor at NBC Boston since November 2021, Glenn has manifested a commitment to excellence within one of America’s most competitive media markets — Boston, Massachusetts — garnering a prestigious New England Region Emmy Award for his insightful reporting. His exceptional storytelling and journalistic skills also led to recognition and accolades during his tenures in both the Springfield, Massachusetts, and Fort Myers, Florida media markets.

“Prior to his return to television, Glenn’s career spanned an influential 15-year interval in Bermuda’s public sector, including tourism. His strategic acumen came to the fore as press secretary to Bermuda’s Premier, where he orchestrated local and international communications with a masterful touch. He played a pivotal role at the Bermuda Tourism Authority [BTA] for five years, culminating in a 15-month period as its interim CEO. During a transformative time at the BTA, Glenn was instrumental in formulating Bermuda’s multiyear national tourism plan, a blueprint that ambitiously reoriented the island’s aspirations within the hospitality sector.

“Glenn’s leadership extended to Bermuda’s hosting of the America’s Cup in 2017—a month-long sailing spectacle broadcast globally — as well as to the execution of a landmark spectator-attended PGA Tour event amidst the pandemic—a testament to exceptional planning and resilience. His tenure as general manager at MediaHouse further exemplified his flair for navigating diverse media channels, reinforcing his stature as a communications powerhouse.

“In Boston, Glenn’s humanitarian spirit shines. As a tireless volunteer, he has worked with Action for Boston Community Development to help uplift families out of poverty, and supported initiatives aimed at youth literacy, advancement for Black males, and opioid crisis interventions. His contributions to the community were recognized when he was named to GetKonnected’s List of Most Influential Men of Color in Boston in 2023. Glenn’s esteemed career has set him apart, locally and abroad, as a professional of immense accomplishments who balances personal ambition with strengthening communities and the social advancement of others.

“An alumnus of Emerson College, Glenn resides in Boston with his wife Camille, where their love for Bermuda is authentic and infectious.

Eugene O’Connor: Bermuda’s Esteemed Kite Master and Cultural Guardian

“Eugene O’Connor Sr., affectionately known as the Bermuda Kite Master, has significantly contributed to the island’s cultural heritage through traditional kite making for over eight decades. Born with a knack for creativity and innovation, Eugene Sr. began his craft at the tender age of 7, passionately turning it into a legacy synonymous with his name.

“With a meticulous hand and an undying love for his craft, Eugene Sr. has created over a thousand kites every Easter season, becoming a cherished figure within the community and beyond. His dedication to preserving this integral part of Bermudian culture has earned him the esteemed Awareness Award from the Bermuda National Trust. Eugene’s commitment goes beyond craftsmanship; he is a mentor and educator, eager to pass on his knowledge and skills to younger generations. His book, The Art of Kite Making, released in 2018, aimed to immortalize the craft, featuring detailed instructions and a collection of photographs that encapsulate his journey and the beauty of traditional Bermudian kites.

“Eugene Sr.’s journey into the world of kite making began with humble materials and a curious mind, crafting kites from fennel sticks and pond weed, and later, wood from crates and crepe paper wrappers from the fruit shipping boxes that graced our shores, his creativity bound by no limits. His skill and artistry soon caught the attention of the community, turning his hobby into a sought-after commodity.

“Over the years, Eugene Sr. has evolved his process, from hand-making kites for local stores to sharing his craft locally by conducting several workshops at hotels, art galleries and visiting many schools across the Island to international platforms, showcasing the vibrancy of Bermudian culture to the world. Despite choosing a career outside of kite making — working in Bermuda’s once- thriving movie theaters as a chief projectionist for The Island Theatre, The Rosebank Theatre and later in sanitation for the Department of Works and Engineering — Eugene Sr. held fast to his passion for his craft.

“Now, at 90, Eugene O’Connor Sr. continues to create, inspire, educate and maintain the tradition of Bermuda Kite making. Ensuring the kite, a symbol of freedom, creativity, and community, remains a beloved fixture in Bermudian skies. His life work and passion not only celebrates the art of kite making but also embodies the spirit of innovation, tradition, and cultural preservation.

McKenzie-Kohl Tuckett: Championing Change and Empowering the Next Generation

“McKenzie-Kohl Tuckett, 21, is a dynamic leader, advocate, and soon-to-be Bachelor of Laws graduate from the University of Bristol.

“A former Head Girl at Warwick Academy, McKenzie-Kohl is a skilled public speaker and debater, who has represented Bermuda on the international stage since her first overseas competition in 2017. Notably, in 2021, she placed 15th overall in the World Individual Debate and Public Speaking Championships. That same year, she won the University of Bristol Law Society’s First Year Debate Championships.

“While her competitive public speaking career is one to be proud of, she etched her name into Bermuda’s history books as the first Bermudian to deliver an address in the UK House of Commons, in November 2022. Nominated by Bermuda’s Speaker of the House, McKenzie-Kohl’s speech highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for the island’s young people, especially post- tertiary education.

“As a former Youth Premier of Bermuda’s Youth Parliament, and a current member of the National Youth Policy Working Group, this was an example of McKenzie-Kohl’s advocacy for Bermuda’s young people on the global stage. McKenzie-Kohl is also an Assistant Director of Future Leaders Bermuda, an organisation dedicated to equipping young leaders with the skills necessary to make a positive impact in Bermuda and the world.

“McKenzie-Kohl believes in using one’s voice to empower. As a member of the WeSpeak Teen Committee, she contributes to this vision, encouraging young women to use their voices to inspire confidence.

“As a Bermuda Government Scholarship recipient and Walkers Legal Scholarship Award recipient, McKenzie-Kohl’s academic success is matched by real-world experience. Studying at the University of Bristol, ranked in the top 10 in the UK, she has taken advantage of countless opportunities. In addition to serving as a Student Advisor in the university’s Law Clinic, in 2023, she was the recipient of the International Internship Scholar Award for her summer legal internship at leading law firm Global Vietnam Lawyers, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. She was also selected to study abroad for her penultimate year at the University of Hong Kong, ranked #2 in Asia. Upon receiving the highest graded research paper in the LLM course, ‘Equality and Non-Discrimination,’ McKenzie-Kohl was invited to participate in a mini pupillage at Pantheon Chambers in Hong Kong.

“McKenzie-Kohl Tuckett isn’t just preparing for the future, she’s shaping it. She eagerly anticipates returning to the island, where she will begin her legal career with Walkers [Bermuda] Limited. As concluded in her speech in the House of Commons, she aims to support the creation of an opportunity-rich island, ‘to ensure that Bermuda’s youth can call home, home.’

Seldon Woolridge: Fusing Arts, Culture, and Financial Acumen

“Seldon Woolridge has significantly shaped Bermuda’s cultural and arts scene as the co-founder of Troika Bermuda, an organization known for its deep commitment to growing local talent through outstanding theatrical shows. He has been crucial in transforming the island’s performing arts landscape. His dedication to advancing the arts and enhancing community life has made him a prominent champion for using arts as a means for social improvement and unity.

“Since Troika’s inception in 2009, Seldon has played a key role in creating a supportive environment for Bermuda’s youth, providing free arts based programming. Troika, currently under the direction of Seldon and Shoa Wolfe, has produced successful productions like ‘Once On This Island,’ ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ ‘The Color Purple,’ and ‘Sarafina!’. His work has gone beyond entertainment, acting as a vehicle for education, inspiration, and connecting deeply with Bermudian culture.

“In addition to his contributions to the arts, Seldon is currently employed as a Principal in AML/ATF Risk Analytics & Policy at the Bermuda Monetary Authority, applying his financial and compliance expertise to safeguard Bermuda’s financial sector’s stability and integrity. His dual roles highlight a unique combination of creativity and analytical skills, showcasing his holistic approach to contributing to Bermuda’s growth in various sectors.

“As the Director of NOVA Mas, a prominent Bermuda Carnival band, Seldon also excels in blending cultural festivities with strategic financial planning. His efforts support the entertainment industry and celebrate Bermuda’s heritage, aiming to create inclusive experiences for audiences both in Bermuda and beyond.

“Seldon’s journey into the arts began early with his involvement in the charity Parents Resource Institute for Drug Education: Youth to Youth Program, providing him with a creative outlet and a path away from potential adversities. Today, he is acknowledged for his artistic endeavors and his vital role in strengthening Bermuda’s arts, finance, and cultural landscapes.

“Seldon Woolridge’s influential work positions Bermuda at the forefront of innovation and cultural vitality, demonstrating that the future is now, through his considerable financial contributions and his relentless commitment to the island’s prosperity and arts sector.

Coral Wells: Pioneering the Future of Tech in Bermuda

“In an era where ‘The Future is Now,’ Coral Wells emerges as a beacon of innovation and progress within Bermuda’s technology sector. As the founder and CEO of Connectech Coding, her profound influence extends beyond breaking barriers as a leading woman in technology; she’s made significant strides in closing the gender gap within the tech community. Her fervent commitment to nurturing a passion for technology among the youth positions her as a symbol of empowerment and entrepreneurial spirit.

“Hailing from Bermuda, Coral Wells embarked on her professional journey equipped with a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York, and an Interise Streetwise ‘MBA ’from the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation. Her career has been highlighted by a myriad of esteemed roles that underscore her leadership and unwavering dedication to technological progress. As of 2023, Coral serves on the Board of Directors for the Bermuda Monetary Authority, embodying her continued influence in the island’s financial regulatory framework. Additionally, she holds the position of Director for HOME Charity since 2022, showcasing her commitment to philanthropy alongside her tech endeavors.

“Since its founding in 2015, Connectech Coding under Coral’s visionary leadership has stood out as Bermuda’s leading technology training center. The institution is devoted to fostering collaboration, education, and innovation, thereby preparing Bermudian youth for the digital future and imminent career opportunities. Coral’s efforts have inspired numerous young minds, equipping them with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in the fast-paced tech industry.

“Coral’s contributions to the tech industry and wider community have not gone unnoticed. Her list of accolades includes the Trailblazer Award from Bermuda Tech [2023], the Special Recognition Award from the Caribbean Women Inventors & Innovators Network [2022], and being named Bermuda’s International Woman of the Year [2021], among others. Her pivotal role in shaping the technological landscape of Bermuda positions her as a key figure in driving the island’s future towards an era where tech education and equal opportunities are at the forefront.

“As a Grand Marshal for the 2025 Bermuda Day Parade, Coral Wells is not only celebrated for her remarkable achievements but also for her leadership in guiding Bermuda into a future where technology, education, and inclusivity are paramount. Her journey is a testimony to the influence of vision, resilience, and the transformative power of technology in society.”

For extensive coverage of Bermuda Day spanning the past 15 years, visit our website BDADay.com, the island’s most comprehensive resource on the Bermuda Day holiday.

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• Dedicated website: BDADay.com

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