Former Commissioner of Police, Jonathan Smith, will be launching his new book, "Island Flames" at Brown and Co. on Front Street this evening (Wednesday 21st October) at 6.30pm.

 “Island Flames,” contains extensive information and details of historical records never before published regarding the events leading up to and during the tumultuous times of the 1970's. The book’s description says, “The 1970’s was the closest Bermuda ever came to a revolution. Political murders marred the early years of the decade and in 1977, the Island was on the brink of public order meltdown when US Marines, 250 UK troops and more than 1,500 other Police, Regiment, Reserves, Firemen and others were deployed to restore order. The riots were the most extensive and deadly riots ever experienced on the island. Fire damage to mostly establishment-owned businesses was extensive and three innocent people, two tourists and a Bermudian hotel worker, were killed at the Southampton Princess Hotel fire."

The book is sure to be of great interest to anyone who lived through those years, and especially to our police officers who were then serving in the Bermuda Police.  

This morning's Royal Gazette features an interview with former Premier Alex Scott (CLICK HERE to view the article) in which he says, “I believe anyone and everyone who thought they understood the events that led to the riots here would have to rethink their whole position because Island Flames puts a whole new light on that point of history.” 

Bernews also  published an article (CLICK HERE  to view)  on 10th October about the book launch.

CLICK HERE also for our own preview of Island Flames as published in our Latest News column.