Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States, where it is also known as African-American History Month. It is the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans, and since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Bermuda, Canada, Amsterdam and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating Black History.

With February being dedicated as Black History Month; Commissioner Corbishley has directed that the Bermuda Police Service (BPS) will highlight and honour the triumphs of Trailblazing Black Officers throughout BPS history, including some of their artistic, cultural or work achievements.

To this end starting on Monday,1 February, 2021, the Bermuda Police Service via our Media Relations Office will be emailing (internally) and posting on all of our social medial sites “brief bios” of the highlights and achievements of some of our past and present black officers. This will be by no means be the only contributions of these and/or other significant roles played by black officers over the history of the Bermuda Police Service. We hope you take the opportunity to look and learn as we write about professional and personal  exploits of our colleagues experiences and the efforts they have made within the BPS, and to the history of Bermuda. Our first Trailblazer is;

Superintendent Na’imah Astwood (nee Williams)

Superintendent Na’imah Astwood joined the Bermuda Police Service as a Cadet in 1994. She holds many firsts as a black female officer within Bermuda Police Service. A ceremonial milestone was achieved when she became the first female officer during the November, 2010, Throne Speech to serve as the (Black Rod) Usher for Politicians at the Convening of Parliament. Throughout her career Superintendent Astwood has upheld her faith as a Muslim and in 2009, completed her pilgrimage to Mecca. She is active in her Islamic Community and is proud to represent her faith as the Superintendent of Community Policing Division.