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Retired Commissioner Jonathan Smith
 

Our retired Commissioner of Police, Jonathan Smith, is in the process of releasing his 3rd book following his previous successes writing non-fiction, including Island Flames (2015) which was the top selling book in Bermuda for 2 years and winner of the prestigious Best Non-Fiction – Bermuda Government Literary Award.     

Jonathan’s  latest book, Island Fever, chronicles the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s impact on Bermuda which should be of great interest throughout our community, and particularly the men and women of the Bermuda Police Service  who were responsible for enforcement of the regulations relating to lockdown and curfews as the Island fought against the spread of the virus as it circled the globe.  

Jonathan sums up the immense difficulties the BPS faced with unprecedented demands of dealing with the COVID pandemic.  He says, “Members of the BPS faced increased risk of exposure while enforcing the ever-changing rules and were expected to maintain all other response and service functions while facing their own staff illnesses. The restrictions imposed by statute were more restrictive than during the 1977 disturbances and that added to their burden. Overall, it was a job well done under extraordinary circumstances. When we reflect on the 2020-2022 period, we realize just how surreal it was.” 

Not since the 1977 state of emergency had such stringent conditions
of movement been imposed on the public. During April 2020 in
particular, Royal Bermuda Regiment soldiers were widely deployed. 

 

Island Fever also tells the story of the pandemic’s immense toll on the people, society, systems  and the economy. “This was the most disruptive event to effect Bermuda in arguably, almost one hundred years.” 

 Health care workers were frequently hailed as
Bermuda’s unsung heroes during the pandemic.

 

In addition to comprehensive coverage of the COVID pandemic Jonathan provides an historical perspective on how Bermuda has faced previous pandemics such as the Yellow Fever of the 1800’s, the Spanish Flu of 1918-1919 and the HIV/AIDS scourge from the 1980’s.

The official release of Jonathan’s new book is on Saturday 13th December, with a book signing at the Bookmart in Hamilton between 11am and 2pm. Island Fever will be available from the Bookmart at Brown and Co. and at the Bermuda Book Store, Queen Street, from 13th December.

Previous books published by Jonathan, Island Flames and In the Hour of Victory, are both available at our two book stores in Hamilton.

 

 

 

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