Tribute from the Bermuda Regiment

IT IS with great sadness that former and present members of the Bermuda Regiment acknowledge the passing of a lady who adopted and treated all members of the Bermuda Regiment as family for almost 50 years, since 1968.

The businesswoman and philanthropist endeared herself to all who entered her shop – Dalley’s Variety Store on Gloucester Avenue in Montego Bay – unofficially dubbed the ‘Bermuda Embassy’. The Bermuda Flag flew from the balcony of her store and welcomed any Bermudian who stopped by. Lovingly known to all as ‘Miss Hazel’, ‘Auntie’ and ‘Aunt Haze’, she has been a true friend to Bermuda.

Premiers of Bermuda, beginning with Sir John Swan, paid homage to Miss Dalley by visiting her during visits to the Bermuda Regiment’s training camps. She proudly photographed those visits and displayed them in her shop.

She will be most fondly remembered for her attendance at Montego Bay International airport with both the Bermuda and Jamaica flags in hand to greet arriving Bermuda Regiment troops.

She travelled to Bermuda several times – most notably to witness Bermuda Regiment Change of Command parades.

LIFELONG PROJECTS

A Book of Condolence was made at Augustus Funeral Home until (yesterday) Wednesday, January 18, which will be presented to her family. In lieu of flowers – donations were made and will be presented to one of Aunt Haze’s and the Bermuda Regiment’s lifelong community projects in Montego Bay – the St James Infirmary.

A homegoing service is being planned for Saturday, January 21 in her beloved Montego Bay. Several past and present members of the Bermuda Regiment have made arrangements to attend the funeral as a sign of respect for a much-loved friend of Bermuda.