Johnny Barnes

"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves."

James Barrie

Every day of the week, retired bus driver Johnny Barnes rises before the sun and takes his place on one of Bermuda's busiest thoroughfares - and he has done so for more than a quarter of a century. From around 4 a.m. until 10 a.m., Johnny stands proudly and prominently at the curve of the Crow Lane Roundabout and does his self-assigned job.

Quite simply, Johnny has taken on the role of the island's goodwill ambassador, and he greets motorists, cyclists and pedestrians on their morning commutes. He brightens everyone's day with a smile, a wave and an occasional "good morning!" or "God bless you!" - and he asks nothing in return. Passersby can't help but respond with a friendly beep or a wave and almost always a smile. It's your guess as well as mine how many frowns he has turned into smiles with his simple, heartfelt gestures.
Today, at age 84, Johnny continues to scatter joy on Crow Lane every Monday through Friday. By the way, Johnny has been married to his wife for 57 years. According to him, she has a cheery disposition because he has "covered her with honey" since they married in 1949.

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