Message from the President

Message from our President Bro. Leroy Simmons

In 1969 Hubert Smith, one of our early Presidents and prolific entertainers, initially performed the unofficial Bermuda anthem entitled, ‘Bermuda Is Another World’.  This song speaks of Bermuda’s unique geographical location and culture. Our local entertainment is equally unique, diverse and evolving in its rich culture. As such, the Bermuda Entertainment Union’s mission is, “To promote, protect, prepare, and preserve entertainers, promoters, technicians and support staff as well as those who are legally authorized to visit and execute such duties in Bermuda.” Formerly known as, ‘The Bermuda Federation of Musicians & Variety Artists,’ we have been serving our community since 1968.  Although the name changed in 2013, our goals have always been to protect the rights, preserve the cultural integrity and promote the development of the Bermudian entertainment industry.

The Bermuda Entertainment Union membership welcomes all persons involved in the entertainment industry including musicians, singers, dancers, promoters and event planners, audio & visual technicians, comedians, DJ’s, magicians, actors, artist management and the like. As noted in our constitution, the objectives of this Union shall be, “To unite the professional entertainers, technicians and support staff within its jurisdiction who are eligible for membership without discrimination, regardless of race, creed political orientation, citizenship, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or family status. To organize the unorganized professional entertainers, technicians and support staff in its jurisdiction and to provide such services to such organized professionals. To secure and protect satisfactory wages, hours, working conditions and other economic advantages for professional entertainers, technicians and support staff in membership through collective bargaining and to establish terms and conditions for equitable and fair dealings among its members. To provide development opportunities and information to all professional entertainers, technicians and support staff in membership. To provide public awareness and education to the general public and specific organizations or individuals that are affected by the operations of this Union.”

American businessman and entrepreneur James Cash “J. C. ” Penney Jr., who founded the J. C. Penney stores once stated, “The best teamwork comes from men who are working independently toward one goal in unison.” Therefore, we strive to establish and maintain a wholesome relationship with our industry partners including hotels, pubs, bars & restaurants, promoters & event planners, the Bermuda Government, corporate Bermuda and the entire Bermuda tourism industry. It is imperative that we work together to sustain our industry and its workers while developing the culture of our beautiful island. We also recognize that entertainment is one of the most diverse and successful industries to evolve ambassadors and wholesome entrepreneurial opportunities for Bermudians regardless of ethnicity, age or social economic background. Accordingly, we invite you to join us as we continue to shape the entertainment culture in Bermuda.

Yours in Solidarity,
Bro. Leroy Simmons
President