David Derick Symonds was a man with a rich and varied life better known to his many friends as Derick or nickname ‘C J). he was the son of Alma Symonds and Earl Simons. His early education was at Central school Victor Scott) He later graduated from St. George Secondary School,Central Technical Institute  and National Institute of Broadcasting in Toronto Canada. He took several broadcasting, courses which included the London School of Broadcasting. His voice could be heard on both Radio and Television for Capital Broadcasting Company (Z F B) . He took on the gimmick name of “Cousin Juicy.) he joined the public transportation Board where he trained in public relations and became a sightseeing coordinator and instructor. He remained  with them for 19 years. He served  as Master of Ceremonies for the Bermuda Beauty pageant and the Queen of Bermuda and Miss Teen Bermuda. He loved jazz and became a part owner of K J A Z 98.1 FM. He hosted many major Jazz shows on the Island this also included the Ms. Bermuda Pageant  for 19 years. He hosted Bermuda’s first Jazz festival at the National Stadium and festivals held at the Royal Naval Dockyard. Derick became a notable sort after person to emcee several outstanding events including Amnesty International Jazz and Razzmatazz. He never hesitated to volunteer his services with small youth bands. He accompanied the school for the blind on their educational trips abroad and sailed on the Lord Nelson with Donald McIntosh. He promoted and produced stage shows with Champagne Productions. He interviewed great musicians like Freddy  Hubbard, Dave Brubeck,Ahmad Jamal, Joe Sample, Al Jarreau, Herbie Hancock, T.S.Monk, Kenny Garrett and many others. In 1983 Derick realized his love for Baha ‘u’lla’h and became a Baha’i. he became an active member on several committees. Derick was responsible for bringing the Baha’i live radio show to the air waves . He loved to sing and at one point sang with the “Sub -Tropicals” later renamed ‘ The Ebb-Tides’  the group later recorded  with Edmar Records and their records received airplay on radio CHUM Toronto,  Canada and Bermuda. He sang with the Baha’i group Lights of Guidance under the direction of Kingsley Swan. C J received the Bermuda Bravery Award for saving the life of an infant girl who ended up in the ocean off the North Shore. He was the recipient of the Queen’s certificate and badge of honour in 2006 for his contributions  to Jazz in Bermuda. He received honours for the Bermuda National Youth Jazz Ensemble by the rhythm Lab, CMB enterprises and Adley productions.  Derrick ( C.J) had an astounding faith and exhibited this throughout his life. He no doubt made an invaluable contribution to his craft of Jazz music, his church and community.

Researched for Bermudian Heritage Museum. By Joy