what does the term 40 thieves mean in reference to bermuda?

Question

i know that they have something to do with the rich people that started and now still somewhat control the island but i was wondering exactly who they were, where they came from, and what they did in bermuda?

Answer 1

"The so-called "Forty Thieves" families [were] descendents of the original white settlers...[They] established a system of racial segregation in both government and social life that they perpetuated for over two centuries." Coincidentally, there are forty members in their parliament.

It was also the name of a nightclub in Bermuda. That club is now called the "Magnolia"

Answer 2

try this

http://www.theroyalgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060616/MIDOCEAN/106160117&SearchID=73248163664903

or this

http://www.everyculture.com/A-Bo/Bermuda.html