Johnny Barnes

If he was anywhere else in the world the men in white coats would lock him up and throw away the key. But this is Bermuda, and each weekday morning from 05:00 to 10:00, retired bus driver Johnny Barnes stands in the middle of Crow Lane roundabout and says a cheery ‘Good Morning!’ to Bermuda’s commuters.

Rain or shine he's always there with his radio, backpack and straw hat; providing a glimmer of hope that work won't be as bad as it normally is. In recognition of this, many Bermudians clubbed together and commissioned local sculptor Desmond Fountain to create a bronze statue of Johnny that now stands near the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.

Related Link: Have a Nicer Day, Guardian

Reader Comments and Additional Information

m.louise :

We've been vacationing in Bermuda since 1976 and have seen many changes, some good, some not. However, one thing that remains the same since my first visit to this lovely island: the presence of the all smiling, ever waving Mr. Barnes. We had the pleasure of meeting this special man only once, but always looked forward to seeing him every morning as we make our way to where our mopeds take us. May he always be blessed. He is truly a good will ambassador for Bermuda! God bless him always!

Allegra :

Johnny B was there every day whether it was rainy or not. When we moved to France I always longed to see his loving smile. I can't wait to see him this summer!

alisdair mcgillivray :

The world could use a Jonny Barnes on every street corner.

Diane Poyant :

My husband and I visited Bermuda over 20 years ago. I never forgot the gentleman standing by the roundabout as we drove by. He tipped his hat and said "Good Morning, Love." And to this day I recall that glorious welcome to your beautiful island. He's truly a treasure.

Sharanya :

I have been to Bermuda regarding my work and used to see Johnny every day on my way to office and wondered why he was waving at everyone. Just today my cab driver told me his story and I was so moved. As soon as I reached the office I searched his name on internet and found this site. It's so amazing that just one little thought 'to cheer people every morning and give them hope that it’s not gonna be that bad' and dedicating one's whole life to it, how many can/will do it? No wonder so many people truly adore him from the bottom of their hearts. Hats off to Johnny!

Sheila :

My husband and I were in a rental bike accident on our 25th anniversary in Bermuda August 2003. Johnny was a strength to us every morning at 7:45 AM.

I took a taxi to the hospital for 8 days. I would request for the driver to go by the "happy man" so I could get the joy - strength to walk into the hospital and be that light to my husband as he suffered with a broken pelvis. I wished we could have met Johnny. Maybe someday we will.
He is an angel of light! We are going to celebrate 30 years in 2008. We are doing fine!

Wambui :

Johnny's story is a really remarkable one and greatly moving. I visited Bermuda for a few days in September but did not know about him. As a result I never got up early enough to experience his morning blessings. I feel really bereft for not having done so. I will be back next year to wave back at him.

Jerry :

I am one of the fortunate ones. I ventured off of the cruise ship at 4am and walked to the roundabout to meet Johnny Barnes. To my surprise he was already there at 4:20am greeting the few drivers already on their way to work. Each person smiling and waving back as he called each of them by name!! According to Johnny, he is up having breakfast at 2am and is at his post by 3:40am every day. Why? Because he wants everyone to love each other. He is a true joy to speak with. He happily posed for a few pictures, sold me a few postcards, and prayed for me and my family. All this at 4:30 in the morning!!! If you get the chance, stop by and meet Johnny Barnes. You will know instantly why he is a Bermuda icon.

KAREN O. :

YIKES!!!
Cont .... I just realized my sister Linda and I met Johnny Barns in 1996 not 2002 Sorry for the mistake!!!
Johnny you are my true live angel ...
Thanks for showing me and the world what true love of another looks like!!!

KAREN O. :

My sister (Linda) and I took a cruise to Bermuda in 2002. We fell in love with the painting of him (in a gallery) ... then the gallery owner asked us if we would like to meet him!!! We couldn't believe our good fortune ...she got a hold of him on the phone and he was so very kind to meet both of us in Hamilton. He showed us around to the many sites (while everyone was calling out to say hello to him) and he just smiled and said thank you. But - There was a situation that could have turned into something crummy (there was a man thinking he was funny while saying snide comments to us as we walked the pretty pink beach - but because Johnny is so full of true love and compassion (while verbally telling the man that God loves him and that he loves him also) the situation turned into something beautiful next thing we knew Johnny suggested we pray for healing and as we all stood and held hands to say a few prayers - we could feel God's loving embrace. I have a large poster of Johnny up at home as well as in my art room at the public school I teach at ... Whenever I want to remember that Angels live on this earth ... I just look at Johnny's smile and all is right with the world for at least a moment,
My sister Linda and I consider him an angel and feel so blessed to have met him and to have been able to spend some time with him.
Gog Bless You Johnny ... I hope all is well with you and your family.
Love, Karen

Megan :

My parents lived in Bermuda for years and when we went back we saw he statue and thought the worst. But we went into Hamilton the next day and HE WAS THERE. It made my day!

Editor :

Seb. That's nothing. My wife insists I wear the backpack too.

Seb Mole :

My girlfriend went to Bermuda and fell in love with him and now asks me to dress up in a straw hat and wear a santa-clause type beard!

Adam :

My mom, dad, and little sister just travelled to Bermuda for a week and saw Johnny our last day there. When we told him it was our last day and we were flying out that afternoon. he got us on his corner and prayed for us a safe trip home. He is a wonderful person and I hope i can travel back to Bermuda to see him again.

Loving Daughter :

Mom and Dad traveled to Bermuda 30 times and each time they always came home and spoke of Johnny B. It's nice for him to keep up with his traditions. God bless.

Laura :

I used to live in bermuda and my parents gave Johnny a lift, we went back to his house and looked around his garden. Whenever I feel bad now that I'm back in England, I just think of what an inspiration Johnny is.

Lucy :

I've been to Bermuda three times and saw Johnny each time - really cheered me up! I couldn't be that jolly every day lol.