If ever Bermuda has had a football legend we can call our own, it has to be Clyde Best , MBE, who made history playing for West Ham United as an explosive striker from 1968-1976, becoming one of the first black footballers in Engish top flight football.  In over 200 appearances  Clyde scored 58 goals paving the way for future generations of black players at a time when racism plagued English football.  

More of Clyde’s tremendous impact on football in a moment but just by coincidence myself and retired Commissioner Clive “Fury” Donald were at the Somerset branch of the Bank of Butterfield last week when we bumped into Clyde and struck up a conversation with him.  Clyde fondly remembered seeing and playing with and against Clive when he was a teenager, and said “Fury” was one of his hero’s when he was playing for Somerset Trojans. 

Clive “Fury” Donald was certainly an outstanding athlete in his own right in several sports, including football when he played regularly for the Police Football team, and represented Bermuda in matches against overseas teams.  In fact, when the first football match was played at what is now the National Stadium at Prospect,  Bermuda’s Over 23’s played against Bermuda Under 23’s, and the first goal on the new pitch was said to have been scored by Clive “Fury” Donald.  

Clive also recalls the day he played against Clyde in a football match in Somerset when there was some hype about which of the two would score the most goals.  Perhaps fortunately, Clive doesn’t remember the outcome!

Clive also excelled as an all-rounder  at cricket where bowling at a “furious”pace earning him the nickname “Fury”. He took up squash  shortly after arriving on Island in 1959, playing on the former military court built during the 1930’s at the Prospect Garrison and he went on to win the Bermuda Club Championship 4 times and our Bermuda Veteran championship no less than 6 years in a row, representing Bermuda at numerous Rosebowl championhips against teams from the West Indies.

Clive had joined the Bermuda Police as a young constable in 1959 and rose through the ranks spending most of his service as an outstanding detective, and he reached the rank of Commissioner of Police before retiring in August 1992 after 33 years service in the BPS.

It’s almost impossible to adequately describe the incredible impact Bermuda’s legendary footballer, Clyde Best, had on football from the day he first arrived in England in 1968, as a 17 year old, to play for West Ham United in the English First Division.  However,  the ‘impossible’ has become ‘possible’ with the production of a superb documentary “Transforming the Beautful Game: The Clyde Best Story” directed by Dan Egan which chronicles the groundbreaking journery Clyde made in becoming one of the very first black superstars in top flight modern British football, who also went on to become a legend of the North American Soccer League.

The documentaty premiered in the UK in April 2026 and focuses on Clyde’s mental toughness and calm dignity as a top class football player while also highlighting the racial abuse thrown at Clyde. The film features interviews with modern football legends such as Ian Wright, Viv Anderson and Les Ferdinand, who credit Clyde Best with breaking the barriers that allowed them to have their own professional careers.

As outlined by Sadlers Wells who premiered the documentary in the UK , “The Clyde Best Story” features never-before-seen archival footage from historic matches involving the Bermuda National Team, West Ham United, and the NASL, paired with in-depth interviews with football legends including Ian Wright, Geoff Hurst, Viv Anderson, Garth Crooks, Rodney Marsh, Howard Gayle, and Harry Redknapp. Additional voices—Randy Horton, Bobby Barnes, Patrick Horne, Carlton Cole, Paul Davis, Ade Coker, Kasey Keller, and Clyde Best himself - add depth, perspective, and authenticity to the story.

I was privileged to see the documentary when it opened here in Bermuda in May 2026 where it drew packed audiences at the Ruth Seaton James auditorium.  This absolutely incredible film far exceeded my expectations as I’m sure it did for anyone and everyone who was fortunate enough to see it here in Bermuda. What made it uniquely special was that Clyde himself attended every showing, warmly greeting members of the audience as we arrived, and personally taking part in discussions with the audiences immediately following each showing.

I attended along with my son-in-law, Martin Wyer, who is one of the top referees on the Island, and my 14 year old grandson, Eddie Wyer who is following in his fathers footsteps, taking referee training courses, refereeing junior matches and officiating as linesman in senior games.  Both were blown away by this fascinating film. On the issue of refereeing,  Clyde earned a reputation  as a tough player which was  entirely due to his strength and agility on the field, not because of rough or illegal play.  During the film he makes specific reference to the one time he received a red card, and he had no hesitation in admitting that he deserved it, or rather he “earned” it.  You will need to see the film for yourself to see if you agree with Clyde that he “earned” it”! The audience sure agreed with him on the evening I saw it -  and gave him an ovation for doing so!  

Both Clyde Best and Clive "Fury" Donald were forces to be reckoned with on the field of play with both giving 100% every time they stepped out on the field, however, they both played football in the true spirit of the game,

Shortly after the showing of “Transforming the Beautful Game: The Clyde Best Story” here on Island we had  the unique distinction of hosting His Majesty, King Charles on a Royal Visit to Bermuda -  the first King to ever visit Bermuda in our 400 year history (he had previosuly visited the Island in 1970 as the young Prince of Wales).  During his visit, a Royal reception was held in the gardens of Government House, and one of the first persons introduced to His Majesty at the reception was our very own Clyde Best.  He was warmly greeted by His Majesty who clearly knew all about  Bermuda’s legendary footballer. 

Editors Note -  This first class film is now being shown at prestigous locations in the U.S. which includes Tampa Bay where Clyde was a key member of the Tampa Bay Rowdies team that captured the 1975 NASL Championship, winning Soccer Bowl ’75 in the club’s inaugural season. His presence is said to have brought international experience, physicality, and professionalism to a young squad that quickly became one of the league’s most exciting teams. The championship run helped cement the Rowdies’ place in American soccer history and introduced a passionate fan base in Tampa Bay for the global game. For Best, the 1975 title represented both a career milestone and a powerful extension of his pioneering legacy beyond English football. Rowdies fans were invited to gather for a screening, discussion, and celebration of all Clyde Best has done for their soccer community.

I would urge anyone who loves "The Beautiful Game" to do whatever you can to witness and experience this incredible film.  It is of the highest quality - and not to be missed.

Bermuda just made history hosting the first ever visit by a reigning King, when His Majesty King Charles 111 arrived on 1st May 2026 for a three day visit to the Island.

The Bermuda Police Service was exceptionally busy during the tour of the Island as King Charles kept to a hectic schedule as detailed in this comprehensive report published by the Royal Gazette, CLICK HERE to read the full report  

Thousands greet the King

From majorettes and gombeys, through a regimental gun salute and dignitaries, to babies, seniors and tourists who travelled to Bermuda solely for the occasion, residents and visitors turned out in droves to welcome King Charles III yesterday.

Throngs of people gathered at locations across the island yesterday to catch a glimpse of the monarch and many were rewarded with warm greetings, handshakes and quips from His Majesty.

Residents could be heard thanking the King for visiting their home country — his first official trip to a British Overseas Territory since his coronation.

Even the monarch seemed taken aback by the scale of the welcome, telling guests at a garden party last night: “It has given me the greatest pleasure to meet so many special people from the islands including, from what I can make out, half the population today.”

The monarch landed in Bermuda on Thursday evening in a British Airways plane bearing the King’s cypher, the Union Flag and the words United Kingdom.

A video recording soon circulated on social media showing a group of majorettes dancing on the roadside as the convoy of vehicles moved away from the airport, with music playing and others looking on.

Smoke rises as the Royal Bermuda Regiment artillerymen fire off

The sovereign’s first official engagement came with all the fanfare the crowds could have hoped for — a parade on King’s Square in St George’s where he was received by the Royal Bermuda Regiment with a 21-gun salute, dignitaries and up to 2,000 excited members of the public.

The King also paid a visit to St Peter’s Church, the oldest Anglican Church outside of the British Isles and the same church he visited in 1970 when he was Prince of Wales on a visit marking the 350th anniversary of Parliament.

The King enjoyed a whirlwind tour across the length of the island, giving him the opportunity to connect with young people and artisans as well as learn about local conservation projects and cultural experiences. 

No trip to Bermuda would be complete without our gombey dancers and the King was treated to a performance by the National Gombey Troupe when he ventured to the Royal Naval Dockyard, at Ireland Island, created in the late 1700s.

Another taste of the island’s cultural heritage came during a visit to City Hall in Hamilton where he met Michael Frith, one of the creators of The Muppet Show and Fraggle Rock, and Eugene O’Connor, a master Bermuda kite maker.

Mayor of Hamilton Charles Gosling said he had had the pleasure of welcoming Queen Elizabeth II in 2009, shortly after he became Mayor, and was now greeting the King just days before he steps down.

“Today’s visit showcased the talent, creativity, and cultural richness of Bermuda, and it was especially meaningful to see our young people and artisans represented at the heart of the occasion,” he said.

While in Dockyard, the King also toured the Queen’s Exhibition Hall at the National Museum of Bermuda.

Elena Strong, the executive director of the museum, said: “The King was very interested in Bermuda’s role in the Atlantic and shipwreck heritage.”

The King’s interest in the environment was also piqued during a visit to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, where he was able to see a live longtail and learn about conservation efforts at the facility.

Jaché Adams, the environment minister, shared: “He was championing us on our continued efforts on the advocacy of the protection of our oceans.”

He later led the monarch to the driveway to make the first cut of BAMZ centennial birthday cake.

His Majesty cuts the BAMZ centennial birthday cake. 

The crowds truly showed up to welcome the King as they cheered, waved Union flags and displayed banners.”

The Royal Visit was covered extensively by local media, especially the Royal Gazette and BERNEWS and we have taken the liberty of including some of their photos and videos here in this article.

Garden Party at Government House

One of the highlights of the Royal Visit for me personally was to be invited to a Garden Party held at the newly renovated Government House on Friday 1st May, along with some 200 guests where the Guest of Honour was His Majesty King Charles who is the first reigning King to ever visit Bermuda. 

However, I well remember his first visit in 1970 - 56 years ago - when I had the honour of driving young Prince Charles around the Island.  

I have to wonder how many of our fellow former police officers recall having to patrol Government House grounds 24 hours per day.

It  was a very pleasant surprise to see another  former Bermuda police officer at the reception, none other than our old friend, Phil Bermingham, who served here in our Scenes of Crime Department where he took up photography.   Since leaving Bermuda in 1979  Phil has established a reputation as a world renowned photographer who has been commissioned to photograph Kings and Queens, Prime Ministers and Presidents, and numerous outstanding world leaders and personalities, CLICK HERE to read our "Then and Now" article on Phil's lifestory and his brilliant career as a photographer.  Phil's iconic photograph of the Late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg was used as the basis of the U.S. Forever stamp honouring Justic Ginsberg. CLICK HERE to view our article on the Ginsberg Forever Stamp.

Roger Sherratt with musicians, daughter Joanna and grandson Eddie,  

Today's Garden Party was also extra special for me personally because my daughter Joanna and grandson Eddie also attended and performed with a group of Philharmonic musicians during the reception. 

Bermuda is ‘a cherished member’ of the British family

The Royal Gazette reported on the remarks given by King Charles to garden party attendees at Government House, after a day of touring the island. The King said: “I need hardly say that Bermuda, like all the Overseas Territories, is a most cherished and important member of the British family with a friendship, as solid as this so-called rock.

“For my family in particular, Bermuda has a distinct fond resonance.

“Sadly, increasingly few of us are old enough to remember that my mother and father, the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, made Bermuda the first stop in their Coronation Tour in 1953.”

The King noted that his family have often visited the island, adding that it meant a great deal to be invited back to the island by David Burt, the Premier.

He added: “I am told to my amazement that it is the first time in Bermuda’s 400 year history that the islands have actually received a reigning king. I am terribly sorry it has taken so long.”

The King recalled his first visit in 1970 as a 21-year-old able to “bound up all 185 steps at Gibbs Hill Lighthouse”.

He said: “Despite the years since, the impression left upon me by this extraordinary archipelago has not faded, and it has given me the greatest pleasure to meet so many special people from the islands including, from what I can make out, half the population today.

“Against the backdrop of such great natural scenery, the young people of Bermuda especially shone brightly today.

“Whether they were showcasing their art, their sport, their commitment to service, their passion for nature or their impressive gombey dance, I am proud to witness that the future of Bermuda can be trusted to such safe hands.”

He thanked Mr Burt, the Cabinet and the members of the parliament, stating that their welcome has been greatly appreciated.

Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, noted the recent completion of work at Government House days before the visit, adding: “While it is an old joke that Royal visits are often accompanied by the smell of wet paint, it is actually quite true in our building.”

He said that while much had changed on the island in the past 56 years, what had not was the warmth of the welcome offered by Bermuda and the pride that Bermudians take in their home.

Mr Murdoch said: “Across sports and science, business and arts, Bermuda’s reputation is recognised around the world. That influence is shaped by strong community ties and close relationships with the environment.

“There is a passionate commitment to protecting biodiversity and I am glad Your Majesty had the opportunity to see that on Trunk Island.”

He said that he hoped the visit highlighted some of the best of Bermuda, promising that the island could fill another programme if the King’s diary permitted.

Mr Murdoch said: “This is a jewel in the Atlantic, a valued member of the British family and it is a very great pleasure to welcome you here."

Royal Visit a Major Challenge for the Bermuda Police Service

This three day visit by King Charles was  major challenge for the Bermuda Police Service and  by all accounts it went off without a hitch due in large measure to the enormous amount of time and effort put into it by the men and women of the BPS.  When asked for a comment on the event, Commissioner Darrin Simons stated, "This was an historic visit, the first by a reigning King to Bermuda, and the Bermuda Police Service was honoured to play its part in making it a success."

"Given the short notice, the number of locations, and the scale of logistics involved, this was no small undertaking. Every officer, every support role, every behind-the-scenes contribution mattered."

Commissioner Darrin Simons and his team who coordinated

"I was particularly moved when the Governor, the Deputy Governor, the Chief Justice And Cabinet Secretary, each took a moment on departure day to personally commend the Service for how exceptionally well we performed. That kind of recognition means a great deal, especially knowing our people gave everything they had.

Bermuda was on the world stage this week. The BPS rose to that moment. I couldn't be prouder of the Service”

King Charles on Bermuda memories that will last a lifetime

At the conclusion of King Charles' historic visit to Bermuda, the Royal Gazette published an article (CLICK HERE to view it)  on his departure as his motorcade arrived at the airport where the King shook hands with Bermudian delegates, including David Burt, the Premier, and Andrew Murdoch, the Governor and posed for a photograph with members of the Bermuda Police Service before waving farewell to the Island.

The sovereign later thanked Bermudians on the Royal Family Instagram Page.  The post read:

"Thank you to the wonderful people of Bermuda for such a wonderful few days and for the fond memories that will last a lifetime.

"I carry your joyful enthusiasm home with me, with my most heartfelt gratitude for your kind support and for that famous island hospitality - until we meet again,"

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Video Highlights of King Charles’ Visit to Bermuda produced and published by BERNEWS

For those of our ExPo website readers who live abroad and may not have seen TV or video coverage of the Royal Visit to Bermuda,  we happened to see a list of 12 lovely videos produced and published by BERNEWS covering many of the highlights of King Charles’ Visit including "participation in ceremonies, meetings, community events, environmental tours, and cultural activities, while also meeting residents, officials, students, and representatives from various organizations. His schedule included appearances at locations such as City Hall, Dockyard, Trunk Island, and other sites connected to Bermuda’s history, environment, and maritime heritage.”  BERNEWS has beautifully captured many of these highlights in their videos.

We have taken the liberty of listing the 12 Highlight Videos below and providing you with the links to them on YouTube so you can view them at your leisure.  Please use the caption below each image  to open the link

 King's Visit to Trunk Island

King’s Visit to City Hall

King’s Visit to Albouy’s Point

King’s Visit to Dockyard

Key Moments from Royal Visit

King’s Speech at Government House

King Charles Opens Great Bay Coast Guard Station 

King Charles at Albouy’s Point

King Charles Meets Bermudian Artists

King Charles Arrives at City Hall

King Charles Arriving in Bermuda 

King Charles Arriving in Bermuda